Henry F. Earle, 76, of Verona

VERONA >> Henry F. Earle, age 76, of Spring Road passed away peacefully Monday evening March 27, 2017 in Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on May 24, 1940 in Jamestown, N.Y. a son of the late Gerald R. and Mildred (Fenton) Earle and was a graduate of Cassadaga Central High School, Alfred State College and Georgia University.

Henry was a retired Navy Chief who spent two years active duty from 1966-1968 aboard the USS Boxer and the USS Guadalcanal as a supply officer. He then spent 24 years in the Navy Reserves, retiring in 1992. He loved his country and was a proud Navy man.

On Aug. 17, 1974 Henry and Kay J. Cardinal were united in marriage in Watertown’s Asbury United Methodist Church, in Watertown N.Y. and have shared this loving union of over 42 years together. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. Anyone would have been honored to call him Dad.

Prior to his retirement Henry was a loan specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture for over 35 years. He was a loved and respected leader and co-worker and in turn he loved his job.

He was an active volunteer of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Oneida and a member of its Men’s Club. In his spare time he enjoyed playing card games with his wife and friends, mowing his lawn, playing with his grandchildren and walking his beloved dogs.

Surviving are his wife, Kay J. Earle of Verona; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Kevin and Sarah Earle of Summerville, S.C., Keith and Tammy Earle of Clay; one daughter and sonin-law, Christina and Clay Freeman of Verona; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandson; one sister, Geraldine Felton of Jamestown; one brother-in-law, Roger Witt of Cassadaga; several nieces and nephews and many special friends with whom Henry shared many good times. He was predeceased by his parents, one sister Nora Jane Witt and one grandson, Sawyer Edward Freeman.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 1, from 1- 4 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, N.Y. Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles St., Oneida, N.Y. There will be a wake at church immediately following services. Burial with military honors will be in Bath National Cemetery, Bath, N.Y. Donations in memory of Henry may be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Alzheimer’s Association or Ava Dorfman Senior Center in Rome, N.Y. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com.