John C. Gaylord

Boonville- John C. Gaylord, 78, of James St., husband of Brenda, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Upstate Community Hospital, Syracuse, while surrounded by the loving care of his wife and family.

John was born in Lowville, on August 15, 1945, a son of Cecil and Florence Brill Gaylord. He grew up on Laura St. Lyons Falls, and graduated from Lyons Falls Central School, with the Class of 1963. While in high school, John excelled at and greatly enjoyed playing Football, Basketball and Baseball. After high school, he furthered his education at Utica College. He was first employed at Law Bros. Construction Co. of Lyons Falls.

In 1968, Mr. Gaylord entered the New York State Trooper Academy and upon graduation he joined the State Police, stationed at Remsen, Lowville and other locations in Troop D. He retired from the State Police in 1988.

On October 3, 1970, John was united in marriage with the love of his life, Brenda J. Dale, at St. Joseph’s Church, Boonville. Later the couple moved to their present home on James St.

On January 1, 1996, John and Brenda purchased Slims Restaurant, in downtown Boonville. They operated this popular restaurant for over eleven years.

In 2010, Mr. Gaylord was elected to the office of Boonville Town Supervisor, serving in this office through 2015.

In his youth, he attended St. John’s Church, Lyons Falls and after moving to Boonville, he attended St. Joseph’s Church. He was also a member a hunting club in Brantingham.

Throughout his life, John greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and bowling, watching baseball and Syracuse Basketball. For many years, John was a fixture at local ball parks and high schools, where he greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in all kinds of sports. John will be fondly remembered for his willing attitude to help others, his strong work ethic, sharp wit and sense of humor.

In addition to his wife, Brenda, of 53 years, he is survived by two sons and daughters in law, Michael & Jenifer Gaylord, Boonville, Brian and Cynda Gaylord, Naples, FL; two grandsons, Major and his wife, Morgan, Alex (Taylor) and one granddaughter, Payton. John was predeceased by brothers, Tom and Herbert, his step father, Vern Sweeney and by his parents.

John is also survived by his best canine friend, “Cocoa.” They loved going for truck and four wheeler rides and walks along the canal.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at St. John’s Church, Lyons Falls, where Rev. Daniel Chapin, will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Lyons Falls. Calling hours are Friday, May 31, from 10:00 A.M. until noon at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to The Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box 682, Lowville, NY 13367, or to The American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.