Willard McDonnell

Breakabeen: Willard F. McDonnell, 77, of Walhalla Road, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at the Samuel Stratton V.A. Medical Center in Albany with his family by his side.

Willy was born in Port Jervis, NY on October 15, 1936 to the late Esther (Goodrich) and Francis McDonnell.

After graduating high school, Willy eagerly enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served his country from 1954, seeing tours of duty through Korea and Vietnam, until his honorable discharge in 1974.

Following his military career, Willy worked for General Electric, Middleburgh Central School, the Postal Service and Flynn's Auto Parts.

Willy was a fierce advocate for a bus service for Schoharie County Veterans. That success eventually lead to what is today the Schoharie County Public Transportation system.

Willy was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 2161 in Middleburgh and the former American Legion Post in Schoharie. He served as Commander of the VFW Post for many years as well as the Schoharie and Schenectady County Councils.

A proud and generous man, Willy was highly respected, loved and will be forever remembered by his family, friends and his community.

He is survived by his daughters: Kim McDonnell (Brian Cushman) of Norwich, Michelle (John) Pickett of Central Bridge; son: Frank (Samantha) McDonnell of Breakabeen; sister: Esther Westbrook of Sanford, NC.; brother: William McDonnell of Honesdale, PA.; grandchildren: Allen, Katie and Marion Trombley, Cara and Megan Kaskaski, Michael, Nicholas, Joshua and Jacob McDonnell, Carlie and Amanda Putorti, Ryan Pickett; great-grandchildren: Anais Trombley, Namine Archer, Teelana Henderson, Giovanni and Jullian McDonnell, Katiri Ellis, Lucas Galesky.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, September 22, 2014 at Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home, 134 River St., Middleburgh where a calling hour will precede the service from 10:30 to 11:30. Officiating will be Rev. Carol Coltrain of the Huntersland United Methodist Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post # 2161, 168 Prospect St., Middleburgh, NY 12122

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