IN MEMORIAM: Wayne Brownell, 66;

Machinist, Contractor Worked In Pa.

EDMESTON – Wayne Brownell, 66, a machinist and contractor who ended his career working for a fracking company in Pennsylvania, passed away on Sept. 11, 2018, at his home in Edmeston.

Wayne was born on May 11, 1952, in New Berlin,  the son of Max JR and Bernice Brownell. He spent most of his childhood in the New Berlin area. Wayne attended New Berlin and South New Berlin schools.

He married Joan Larrabee on Dec. 12, 1981, at Bob and Diane Randall’s home in New Berlin. They had two children, Brooke and Kasey, along with two step-children.

Wayne was a jack of all trades. He worked as a machinist at Simmonds Precision in Norwich and at Remington Arms in Ilion, making barrels for guns. He worked as a contractor for many years, which he loved. Later in life, he moved to Pennsylvania to work for a water fracking company out of Springville, Pa., which is where he retired from. He also drove Taxi for AAA in Norwich for a hobby after he retired.

Wayne is survived by his mother Bernice Brownell of New Berlin, Wife at heart and mother of his children Joan Brownell aka “Darlin” of Pittsfield. Brother Dale Brownell, sister Donna Gulley, Connie Holt and Nancy (David) Coleman of New Berlin, brother Terry (Sue) Brownell of Edmeston. Children Brooke (Jason) Geywits of New Berlin, Kasey (Joe) Gasparek of Hartwick, Olivia Hess of Norwich and Chris (Colleen) Hess of New Berlin. His grandchildren Koral, Jacob, Zachary, Noah (JUGHEAD), Dalton, Laquoia, and Joseph III (Woodchuck). Several nieces and nephews and a great grandchild on the way. A very special cousin and close friend Steve Brownell.

Wayne was predeceased by his father Max Eugene Brownell Jr, sister, Deborah Ann Grant, Grandson Dawson Christopher Hoagland, and a niece Jessica Lynn Langstaff.

There will be a graveside memorial service at 11 a.m. Sept. 29, at the Gazlay Cemetery in South Edmeston for friends and family with a luncheon to follow across the street. There will be no calling hours.

Wayne was an avid hunter who enjoyed the outdoors and riding his four-wheeler. He was happiest spending time with his children, grandchildren family and close friends. Wayne was a perfectionist at wood working. Every piece of work he made was with love. He enjoyed making tables, hutches, cabinets and shelving units along with being a subcontractor building homes, garages and more. He loved playing cards, dice and family get-togethers and made a mean spaghetti dinner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to the family to help with the funeral expenses c/o Kasey Gasparek, 942 Billy Schwerd Rd. Hartwick, NY. 13348.