Garry J. Grethel

Garry J. Grethel
February 16, 2014

Garry J. Grethel, 52 of Cicero, passed away Sunday quietly in his home after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer surrounded by his family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Leonard (2009) and Josephine (2006); brother David (1982) and brother-in-law Bernard Palumbo (2001).

Garry retired from the Syracuse Fire Department in 2008 after 21 years of service. He was recently employed at Cazenovia College for five years. He was popular and helpful to the entire college campus. He was always the "go to guy" for anyone who needed assistance with repairs or guidance. Garry was loved by everyone who met him. He will be greatly missed. Garry enjoyed his camp in Alexandria Bay where he fished, rode his scooter and cruised the St. Lawrence on his 4-seater Sea-Doo. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Garry is survived by his wife of almost 25 years, the former Kathleen Molanare; three daughters, Kimberley, Rebecca and Stephanie; sisters, Nanci Grethel-Palumbo of N. Syracuse, Melanie Piraino (Martin) of St Louis; brothers Ronald (Darlene) of Brewerton, Lenny of Syracuse , Alan (Richard Marx) of Canandaigua, several nieces, nephews, a great nephew and great nieces.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday at 10AM in St. Margaret's Church, Mattydale where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Family and friends may call from 2-6PM on Tuesday at New Comer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St., N. Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Griffith Family Foundation for pancreatic cancer in honor of Garry.