WATERTOWN, NY —Â Richard J. Garnsey, 68, formerly of Watertown, passed away Sept. 2, 2020, in Gainesville, FL.
Richard was born Aug. 26, 1952, in Watertown, a son to Earl and Helen Heise Garnsey. Richard was raised by his aunt and uncle, Jim and Phyllis Garnsey after the death of his mother when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Thousand Island High School and served with the US Navy from 1971 to 1975.
Following his military service, Richard lived in New Mexico and Arizona, settling in Gainesville. He volunteered at the VA hospital in Gainesville. Richard married Christy Ann Chilak on Sept. 16, 2016.
He is survived by his wife Christy; his brothers, Earl Garnsey, Schenectady, Fred (Kathy) Garnsey, Watertown, Timothy (Amy) Garnsey, West Carthage; his sisters Judy Garnsey, Cindy Garnsey and step-sister Debbie Garnsey, all of Watertown; an adopted sister Sherry; several nieces and nephews, aunts and an uncle.
He was predeceased by a brother, Dale Garnsey, a sister, Kristen MacDonald, and an Uncle Jim Garnsey.
Local arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com.