Ava- Gary Carl Traxel, 74, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Gary was born in Boonville, on April 8, 1948, a son of Gordon and Margaret Kappler Traxel. He grew up on the homestead near Ava hamlet and received his education at West Leyden Central School, graduating with The Class of 1966.
In October, 1966, Gary began his long career of serving his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army, first in Battery A, 5th Nike Hercules, (missile) Fire Control, at Schoenberg, Germany and was honorably discharged on October 15, 1969. Thereafter, Mr. Traxel continued his service, serving in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. J.F.K. as an F-14 Electronics Technician and afterwards he continued his service in the Air National Guard and North East Air Defense Sector (NEADS), at Rome, NY, for a military career which spanned a period of forty years.
In 1971, Gary attended the Riverside School of Aeronautics, Marcy, where he studied Airplane Mechanics, later receiving his pilot’s license at Oneida County Airport. Thereafter, Gary greatly enjoyed flying planes recreationally over Central New York and the Adirondack Mountains.
Gary is survived by two brothers and a sister; Lynn (Sheila), Bruce (Gayle), Donna (Dave) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Margaret Traxel.
Graveside services with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 am in Ava Cemetery.
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