Elmer C. Maynard

Maynard, Elmer C. MECHANICVILLE Elmer C. "Smokey" Maynard, 84, of So. Third Ave., entered into eternal life Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy, in the safe and loving company of his family. Born in Hancock, Mass., October 14, 1924, his early childhood fostered a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Smokey proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and later in occupied Japan, earning six medals for valor and exemplary service. After the war, he worked for Western Electric for 42 years, often traveling across the eastern U.S., installing communications equipment. He was especially proud of the work he did for the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, N.Y. A member of the K of C, American Legion Post 1450 of Clifton Park, a longtime member of the Tenandahowa Canoe Club, assisting with the club's annual White Water Derby in Mechanicville and the Telephone Pioneers Club. Since 1963, he lived in Mechanicville with his loving wife of 60 years, Pauline Bisson Maynard. Together they raised six children, Linda (Andy) Kelley, John Maynard and Patricia (Jerry) Brown, all of Mechanicville, Rev. James Maynard of Salem, Mass., Robert (Barbara) Maynard of Gansevoort and Paula (David) Gresen of Delmar; also 11 grandchildren, Shawn and Jillian Kelley, John, Matthew, Jeremy and Michael Maynard, Chad and Todd Brown, Sam, Jacob and Veronica Maynard, and two great-grandchildren, Brian Maynard and Ava Brown; also survived by a brother, Robert Maynard of Md. and sisters Mary Wright of Hancock, Mass. and Sarah Smith of Eagle Bridge; along with nieces and nephews. With Smokey's down-to-earth nature and sense of humor, he has left his family and friends with many happy memories. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Assumption-St. Paul North Main St. Church in Mechanicville. Burial with military honors in St. Paul's Cemetery, Mechanicville. Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, 780 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12203, in memory of Elmer "Smokey" Maynard.