Deacon Garry N. Burnell

Deacon Garry N. Burnell, 88, of Westville, New York, went home to God on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home with his loving wife and family by his side and aided by Hospice of the North Country. Born on October 11, 1935, in Bombay, New York, he was the son of John Norman and Lorraine (Jarvis) Burnell. He was married to Arletha A. LaValley on July 6, 1955, in St. Mary’s Church, Brushton, by Reverend J. Albert O’Brien. Deacon Garry graduated from Bombay High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1977. He was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations; served 22 years in the US Army Security Agency Department during the Vietnam War; was an ROTC instructor at Bowden College in Brunswick, Maine, for four years; served with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department; and was employed at Alcoa in Massena, New York, as well as the NYS Department of Labor for 13 years. He was ordained October 6, 1990, and served his community for 33 years. Being a Deacon was very rewarding to Garry. He served the communities of Constable, Westville and Trout River, as well as assisting during several winters in Florida and at St. James’ Church, Lake Placid, Florida. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Marriage Preparation Team, Spiritual Life Committee, RCIA, and Treasurer of Pastoral Outreach, and he interviewed Confirmation candidates. He was the founder of the Adirondack Foothills Chapter of Compassionate friends and brought the marriage encounter group to the North Country. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 182, Malone, and the American Legion. Deacon Garry enjoyed playing golf, reading and spending time with family, friends and parishioners. Deacon Garry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Arletha; three children, Walter and Patricia Burnell of Ohio, Geri and John Vanier of Malone, Lynn and Robert Gadway of Brushton; eight grandchildren, Christina Papagolas, Daniel and Timothy Burnell, Angela King, Danielle Cloutier, Jennifer Vanier, Amanda Mallette and Kaylee Landry; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and two sons, Timothy in 1981 and Richard in 2015. Calling hours will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Constable, on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following calling hours at 11 a.m. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Brushton immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in Deacon Garry’s memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country, the Catholic Community of Constable, Westville and Trout River, or the Westville Fire Department.

Deacon Garry N. Burnell

October 11, 1935 - November 12, 2023