PLATTSBURGH — Merrill J. Gonyea, 96, formerly of Plattsburgh, died on Feb 2, 2013, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center, with his family by his side.
He was born in Plattsburgh on Nov. 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 World War II and during the war served in the Army/Air Corps, spending time in the China-Burma-India theater.
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 a 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, Conn., Gary and Mary Gonyea of Ithaca, Michael Gonyea of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Kathleen Gonyea of Massena, and William and Kelli Gonyea of Buckeye, Ariz. Also surviving are six 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 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1 p.m. at St. John's Church in Plattsburgh. 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.brownfuneralhome inc.com
