LeRoy F. Gonyea
LeRoy F. Gonyea, 82, of Malone, passed away Wednesday evening, April 23, 2014, at The Dawn Adult Home, in Malone with his daughter and grandchildren at his side, along with Hospice of the North Country. He had been a resident there since Nov. 30, 2013.
Born in Onchiota on Feb. 14, 1932, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Theresa Soucy Gonyea, Sr.
On Oct. 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to the former, Rita M. Johnson at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake, NY. She predeceased him on Dec. 19, 2009.
LeRoy had served in the National Guard for several years. He was employed in the custodial department of the New York State Police Troop B in Malone and later in Ray Brook, from June 15, 1972, until his retirement on Feb. 13, 1994. He also enjoyed tending bar at the Hotel Saranac, Malone Lodge of Elks, Malone American Legion and Seven’s Bar in Malone.
He was a communicant of Notre Dame Church in Malone, and a Life Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus in Saranac Lake and later in Malone. He was also a member of the Everton Hunting Club and the Adirondack Chapter of the Association of Former New York State Troopers and Civilian Employees. He enjoyed spending winters in Zephyrhills, Fla., hunting, fishing and spending time at his camp at High Falls in Chateaugay. His most precious moments were spent with his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Marshall of Owls Head, and her children: Jennifer Hanna and her husband, John of Malone and Eric Marshall and his wife Erika of Malone; four great-grandchildren: Sydney Marshall, and Carson, Nolan and Porter Hanna; one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Joy Gonyea of Vermontville; and his children Bethany Hogan and her husband Josh and Brandon and Danielle Gonyea; one brother, Albert Gonyea of Tupper Lake; one sister, Helen Rock of Lake Placid; and several nieces and nephews. He was awaiting the birth of his fifth great-grandchild.
Along with his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by one son-in law, Tim E. Marshall on Feb. 25, 2007; four brothers: Wilbur, Jr., Gerald “Thomas,” Hayden and Clarence Gonyea; four sisters: Elizabeth Revette, Arlene Coffin, Kathleen Gonyea and Jenny Murphy.
Calling hours will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 at Notre Dame Church in Malone, with the Rev. Thomas Higman officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, on the Lake Titus Road in Malone.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Alice Ballard Greater Malone Community Fund of Hospice of the North Country, Inc.
Arrangements are through the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Service, Inc. of Malone.