Gifford Race Salisbury, Jr., 77, of Vero Beach and Buffalo, N.Y., passed away at his home with his loving wife by his side, on Feb. 3, 2016.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; his three children and their spouses: Meg (Thomas) of Yorktown, N.Y., Charlie (Marissa) of Keene, N.H., and Gifford, Jr. (Samara) of Doylestown, Penn.; seven grandchildren (who affectionately called him “Grumpa”), Abigail and Walton Burdick, Harrison, Reilly and Reese Salisbury and Asher and Evelyn Salisbury; his sister Midge (Salisbury) Streeter (William Streeter) of Austin, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends from both Buffalo and Vero Beach.
Salisbury was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 4, 1938 to Charles and Evelyn Salisbury and lived in Blasdell for his childhood and Eden, N.Y. with his own family. He was a graduate of the Nichols School and Hobart College where he met his wife Barbara of 53 years.
He was an innovative business professional and entrepreneur, starting up successful businesses throughout his career. In his early years he was President of Serv-O-Matic Vending Inc. and Refreshment Services Unlimited, Inc. Later in his career he was the Founder and CEO of Commercial Archives, Inc., and GRS Enterprises, Inc. and served as National President of The Institute of Certified Records Managers.
He was also active in many local business and community organizations. He served as President of the Boards of Directors of Buffalo Columbus Hospital and Downtown Nursing Home, Inc. He was President of Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives, a member of the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce and Niagara Business Associates.
Salisbury had a gregarious personality and would command the room whenever he was present. He was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter and enjoyed these activities with friends and family alike. He was a longtime member of Wanakah Country Club and the Hamburg Rod and Gun Club. Upon retiring, Salisbury and his wife spent time in Hancock Point, Maine and moved to Juno Beach and then to Vero Beach.
Memorial gifts in Salisbury’s memory can be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Treasure Coast (www.vnatc.com). A private memorial service will be held this spring in Buffalo, N.Y.
Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements.
