Gerald R. Regetz

Boonville- Gerald R. Regetz, 90, husband of Winifred M., longtime resident of Hurlbut St., more recently of Sunset Nursing Home, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford, after a lengthy illness. Gerald was born on December 3, 1924 in Boonville, a son of William and Fannie Dean Regetz. Following his education Gerald enlisted in the United States Navy on February 23, 1943. Gerald faithfully served his country in the Pacific Theater of WWII, aboard the USS Monterey. Gerald was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 10 Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Stars, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Ribbon. Gerald was honorably discharged from duty on February 2, 1946 with the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman, Third Class. Upon his return home, Gerald began work hauling logs from Newfoundland, Canada to Upstate New York. He eventually settled back in his hometown of Boonville, where he served as an apprentice carpenter under Clarence Leichty, before becoming employed as a carpenter for Jim Capron. On August 30, 1952, Gerald was united in marriage with Winifred Millard at the Lowville United Methodist Church. For several years following their marriage Gerald owned and operated his own contracting business, Gerald Regetz Custom Built Homes, which he operated from his home in Boonville. He was a very diversified man, and after retiring in 1978 he had many hobbies and interests to keep him busy. An interest of Gerald's was antique automobiles. He collected cars representative of every decade of the 20th Century, one of which was his 1907 Buick, a very rare car. Following a vacation to Switzerland with his son, Gerald built a home for his car collection in Woodgate. This building was modeled after the Swiss chalets of the Alps. Gerald also enjoyed trapping in his younger years, and stamp collecting. Mr. Regetz was a member of the Charles J. Love Post #406, American Legion, and the Harland J. Hennessey Post #5538 VFW, Boonville. Besides his wife, Winifred, Gerald is survived by his daughters: Yvonne (Mark) Emery, and Linda (Daryl) Henry, both of Boonville, and Sherry (Wesley) Clark, of Rome; his sons: James (Darlene) Regetz, and David Regetz, both of Boonville; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and his sisters-in-law: Marian Potocki, Ernestine Regetz, and Eva Millard. Gerald was predeceased by his brother Donald Regetz. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, at 12:00 Noon, at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Pastor Pat Whalen of the New Beginnings Community Church, Rome, will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, and on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309, Attn: Resident Activities Fund, or to the Boonville Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box #164 Boonville, NY 13309. Mr. Regetz's family would like to thank the staff of the Sunset Nursing Home, the Boonville Ambulance and the Critical Care Unit of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, for the exceptional care given to Gerald.