Roy Jelen Obituary
Roy was the beloved husband of Patricia for 44 years and the proud father of Sean Jelen, Alana Witherow (Charles), and Scott Jelen. He was a cherished grandfather to Madison Jelen, Cara Witherow, and McKenna Witherow.
A proud Navy veteran, Roy served his country during the Vietnam War with honor and courage. Following his service, he built a meaningful career with DEP. Beyond work, he found his greatest joy in the outdoors. Hunting was his favorite time of year with his son Scott.
Roy was known for his quirky sense of humor, love for his granddaughters, and his adoration for his 1985 Dodge Ramcharger. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the laughter he brought, the stories he shared, and the love he gave to those around him.
His passing leaves a profound emptiness, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.
A memorial visiting will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 1 PM to 3 PM at TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville, New York. A service will be held at 3 PM at the funeral home, followed by military honors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Sean Jelen
November 6, 2025
God speed to you, Dad. Always an outspoken, tenacious and loyal man, very firm in his positions and principles; `you called it as you saw it´ with your own blend of fascination that only a true Brooklyn-boy could understand. I suppose that the solace we can all take from your profound loss is that you are with Grandma and PopPop again. May you rest in eternal peace and, know that you lived a very fulfilling life; you´re now at peace and out of Earthly pain. You´ll be remembered by every person whom you ever encountered. Your indomitable personality with everyone you encountered will be missed, your wisdom will be missed; and your cooking. But, your granddaughters may have to do without you and will sorely miss you and, your loving humor with them. I am certain that the best, Mom, will miss your presence and your steadfast presence for most of her life, your cooking and, I will miss your intense but resounding wisdom in dealing with people. I´m also certain that the NYS deer population will be the only group whom are resting a bit more peacefully now.
Thank you for all the laughs, the lessons you taught me and your insightful wisdom on (as anyone who knew you) everything which touched every on virtually every topic any human being could possibly think of. You held an opinion on virtually everything, and was never afraid to share it, at length. And your outspoken, Brooklyn-esque manner, you spoke your mind without hesitation,but you always put your family first throughout my entire life with you; whether good or bad. You `called it as you saw it´; and it´s a quality that you have certainly passed on to your children and grandchildren. It´s a quality every person should possess and you held to it firmly.
With an everlasting love and many, many happy memories; may perpetual light shine upon you. Thank you for everything. And, from a grateful nation for your service. Sleep well, until we meet again. Please continue to watch over, and protect us all.
From your son, Sean and your adoring granddaughter, and of course; your pal Coco with everlasting love and priceless memories. (I´m sure Coco will miss his snacks with you...). I know your granddaughter misses your wit.
PS: You were right about your long-held judgment of certain individuals. You know what I mean....
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Mike Cooney
August 25, 2025
Roy redid his mother in law's basement into a nice studio when she couldn't take the stairs anymore. He know how to tinker, he showed me how he refurbished the refrigerator to perfect working condition.
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71 N. Central Hwy., Garnerville, NY 10923
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