SOUTH GLENS FALLS

George Oliver Gonyea, 72, of Chestnut Street, passed away on Tuesday, December15, 2009 at the Berkshire Medical Center, following a long illness.

Born in Glens Falls on March 25, 1937, he was the son of George and Alice (Moses) Gonyea. At the untimely death of his mother when he was 18 months old, he was taken in by his grandparents, Oliver and Nettie Moses who raised him at their home in South Glens Falls.

George graduated from South Glens Falls High School and entered the military, joining the Army. On April 6, 1956 he married Grace I. (Nelson) and they settled in South Glens Falls to raise their family.

George worked for many years at the South Glens Falls Department of Public Works as a Water Superintendent. He was an avid fan of the Giants football team and a fan of the Mets, but only when they were winning. In the summer he spent many happy hours tending his flower gardens and in the winter many will remember his Christmas Village. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and their families and friends.

George was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

Survivors besides his wife Grace include his children: Sherry Pratt and her husband Peter of So. Glens Falls; Kathy Ely and her husband Frank of Fort Edward and Stanley ”Craig” Gonyea and his wife Jo-Ann of Arkansas, his grandchildren: Jennifer Abare and her boyfriend Chris Rich of So. Glens Falls; Julie Oliver and her husband Rick of Saratoga Springs; Stephen Provost of Vermont; Lisa Olvera and her husband Chris of California; Jeffrey Gonyea and his wife Ashley of Arkansas, his great granddaughter Torre Olvera of California; his step grandchildren Jaime, Dalton and Riley Oliver, his half brother Warren Gonyea and his wife Marilyn of Queensbury and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends and family may call from 2-5pm on Sunday December 20, 2009 at M. B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, So. Glens Falls, NY. For on-line-condolences and the Book of Memories please go to www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 21, 2009, 11 am at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Dufford, pastor of Fortsville United Methodist Church, officiating.

Burial will immediately follow at Pine View Cemetery, Queensbury, NY.

Donations may be made in George’s name to the Moreau Community Center, 144 Main Street, So. Glens Falls, NY 12803.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Oliver Gonyea, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.