Winship E. Gurney's Obituary
Winship E. Gurney, 90, of Syracuse, passed away Monday at St. Camillus. He was born in Leominster, MA, son of the late Clarence and Mabel (Bailey) Gurney. Winship was a US Army veteran serving in WWII in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign. He was honorably discharged and received the Purple Heart in 1945. Winship was a 1952 graduate of Syracuse University after which he began a long career in the automobile industry culminating with opening his own dealership, Win Gurney Pontiac.
Win enjoyed spending many years on the St. Lawrence River where he made many life-long friends. His pride and joy was Winlee Lodge on Cherry Island. All who passed by admired the meticulous grounds and thousands of flowers he planted each year.
Win spent his winters in Ormond Beach, Florida for over 30 years, enjoying the company of the McLellan family who always included him in all of their family gatherings.
He was predeceased by his wife, Shirlee (Illingworth) Gurney.
Winship is survived by four daughters, Wendy L. Gurney of Syracuse, Kristen (Robert) Hartnett of Syracuse, Victoria Macro of Camillus, and Laurie (Timothy) Kessel of Warners; five grandchildren, Ashlee (Christopher) Updike, Conor Macro, Hailee Kessel, Sean Hartnett, and Scott Kessel; one great-granddaughter, Lilah; his sister, Clarice Godfrey of Marathon, FL, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Win’s daughters want to send a very special thank you to Carol Cooper and Ashley Davis. We appreciated their care and friendship. In addition, we are grateful to the staff at St. Camillus, especially those on the second floor.
A private funeral service in celebration of Winship’s life will be held at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Clear Path For Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037.
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