Gay E. Blakeslee, age 70, of West Street in Ilion, passed away on March 11, 2023 at the MVHS St. Elizabeth Campus. Born on July 15, 1952 in Amsterdam, NY, Gay was the son of the late George and Henrietta Blakeslee. He grew up in Caroga Lake, New York and attended Fort Plain High School, graduating in 1971. He was married to the former Donna L. Coffin who predeceased Gay on November 9, 2022. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and the United States Army Reserves. He worked for twenty years at Burrows Paper Mill in Little Falls, New York. Gay was an avid basketball player and he loved cheering for the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. He also enjoyed John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. Nothing made him happier than his family and he enjoyed watching his three sons play sports throughout the years. He is survived by his three sons, Jeremy Blakeslee of Amsterdam, NY, Steve Blakeslee and Rhea Schultz of Florida and John and Heather Blakeslee of Theresa, NY; along with several grandchildren; one sister, Lorraine Falk; two brothers, Jeffrey Blakeslee and Greg Blakeslee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In keeping with Gay’s wishes there will be no formal funeral services at this time. The Blakeslee family has entrusted final arrangements to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-2424. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.