Obituary of Gary J. LaVarnway

Gary J. LaVarnway, 77, of Saranac, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2022, at CVPH in Plattsburgh, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Plattsburgh on July 25, 1945, the son of Donald and Rose Marie (Ryan) LaVarnway. Gary graduated from Saranac Central School in 1963 where he was a champion wrestler. Upon graduation, he entered the navy and served on the USS Hunley in Charleston, S.C. until 1967. He also served in the reserves for another 20 plus years. Gary began his career with NYS Corrections at Green Haven Facility. He was promoted to Sergeant at Clinton Correctional Facility and retired as a Lieutenant at Chateaugay Correctional Facility in 1995. Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed telling stories about his hunting excursions to Cold River and to the Sturgis Bike Rally. He loved camping and spending time with family. He is survived by his companion, Shirley Jost; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael LaVarnway and former companion Lisa Dumais, Daniel and Karen LaVarnway; three brothers and two sister-in-laws, Donald M. and Susan LaVarnway, Dale and Helen LaVarnway, Greg LaVarnway; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Gerd Kinert, Sharon Defayette; a brother-in-law, William Cox; three grandsons, Brandon LaVarnway and companion Rachael Christiana, Jacob LaVarnway, Jesse LaVarnway; great-grandson, Sawyer LaVarnway; two step-grandchildren, Kelly Drollette, Kyle Drollette; his companion’s children and grandchildren, William Jost, Eric and Liz Jost, DJ, Abby; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Deanna Cox. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, September 2, 2022 from 4 to 7 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 11 AM at Saranac Methodist Church, 8 UMC Road, Saranac, with Rev. Philip Richards and Sandy Davidson, presiding. Burial will follow with Military Honors and presentation of the NYSDOC Flag in the Church of the Assumption Cemetery, 78 Clinton Street, Redford, NY. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.