Jeffrey Gonyea

Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Gonyea, 59, formerly of the Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Plattsburgh, September 24, 1965, the son of the late Gerald and Sally (Brown) Gonyea. He grew up in Morrisonville and graduated from Saranac High School in 1984.

Jeff had a 34 year career with the NYS Dept. of Corrections and retired in 2022.

He recently became a very proud member of the Moose Lodge 2374 in Lake Placid, Florida.

Jeff enjoyed his life to the fullest. He ensured to remind anyone who crossed his path that tomorrow is not always promised and do what makes you the happiest. He enjoyed spending his time with his wife, family, and friends and making memories to last forever.

He was known for his sense of humor and for being the life of the party. His retirement was cut way too short but he and April made the most of it. They were very fortunate to be able to check off traveling out west off of their bucket list together. They also were able to experience this amazing memory with two people who meant the world to them, Mel and Brian. Who aren't only friends; they're family, therapists, and best of all partners in crime. Every time together was full of laughs, reminiscing, and planning adventures with a beer or two and always, "just one more". True story.

He also randomly found a second home in Lake Placid, Florida, where they were welcomed into "The Hood" with open arms. They had the best winter and made some amazing friends, however the most important and cherished times were with his family, especially the latest addition, Theodore Jeffrey. That little man with his sparkling blue eyes and infectious smiles stole Jeffrey's heart every time. Jeffrey felt truly blessed with his family and so many special friends.

Left to cherish the memory of Jeff are, his loving wife of 38 years, April (Favaro) Gonyea, whom he married September 12th, 1987 at St. Alexander's Church; two children, Corey Gonyea, and Samantha Gonyea (Makenzie Boice); beloved grandson, Theodore Jeffrey Boice; siblings, Beth (Robert) Smith, Ricky (Laurie) Gonyea, and Chris Gonyea.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Harold and Ruth Brown, and Helen and Victor Gonyea.

Calling hours will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 from Noon to 2 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A prayer service and the NYS flag presentation ceremony will follow at 2 PM in the Hamilton Funeral Home chapel. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 1619, 219 Rand Hill Road, Morrisonville, NY 12962.

Donations in his memory may be made to his family to be utilized to create an education fund for his grandson.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.