Merrill J Gonyea

Merrill J. Gonyea, 96, formerly of Plattsburgh, NY passed away at the Alice Hyde Medical Center on February 2, 2013 with his family by his side. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY on November 25, 1916, the son of Rose and Irving Gonyea. Merrill graduated from St. John's High School and Albany Business College. He worked for the War Assets Administration in Washington, D.C. before the war and during World War II served in the Army/Air Corps, spending time in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II. On July 23, 1946 he married Patricia Parrotte at Our Lady of Victory Church in Plattsburgh. She survives. After returning to Plattsburgh from Washington, D.C. Merrill worked at National Commercial Bank and Trust (now Key Bank) for 34 years, retiring as Vice President. Mr. Gonyea was commanding officer of the Air Force Reserve in Northern New York retiring from the Reserves as Lt Colonel. He was a communicant of St. John's Church in Plattsburgh, serving on the Finance and Athletic Committees. Merrill was particularly devoted to the Holy Family. Merrill was also involved in many community agencies serving as auditor for United Way and was a lifetime member of the Plattsburgh Lodge of Elks. Besides his wife of 66 years he is survived by his six children: Sherry and Bob Gaspar of Malone, Maureen Spisinski of North Branford, CT , Gary and Mary Gonyea of Ithaca, NY; Michael Gonyea of Mechanicsburg, PA; Kathleen Gonyea of Massena, NY; and William and Kelli Gonyea of Buckeye, Arizona. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren: Scott Storrs, Craig and Jeffrey Spisinski and Stephanie, Elizabeth and Matthew Gonyea. Mr. Gonyea was predeceased by his parents, as well as a brother, Harris (Maxine) Gonyea, and a sister Mary Foster Dragon. Calling hours will be held Monday, February 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St, Plattsburgh, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St. John's Church in Plattsburgh, NY, burial will be later in the year in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. (518)-561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles maybe offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.