Vernon H. Gokey

Vernon H. Gokey, 82, of Bradenton, FL, passed away June 8, 2017 at his home.

Vernon was born on April 19, 1935 in Altona, New York to the late Edward and Leta (Guerin) Gokey. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army by serving in Germany for 2 years. After his military service Vernon worked as a teacher and administrator in the Long Island, NY school system for over 35 years before his retirement in 1991. He moved to Bradenton in 1992 and was a member of the Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Sarasota, FL.

Vernon was a very loving husband, father and friend, and was known for his eternal optimism and outgoing personality. His childhood, where he grew up on a farm and was raised to appreciate a simple rural life, was inspiration for many of the fabulous stories he loved to tell. Anyone who knew Vernon also knew that he had a passion and a talent for woodworking. His biggest project was building a vacation home on a small lake in Naples, Maine, although he also built cradles for his grandchildren, and was constantly trying to 'build a better mousetrap'.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Marianne (Neely) Gokey, and is survived by two daughters: Suzanne (Paul) Giroux of Windham, NH, Dianne (Peter) Lidiak of Silver Spring, MD; two sisters: Jean Duquette of Plattsburg, NY, Carolyn (Chris) Belair of Altona, NY; six grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on June 29 at the Church of the Holy Angels, 522 Devils Den Road, Altona, NY.

The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Cancer Research Institute in his memory.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.