Lee Gonyea, 66

Lee Joseph Gonyea, 66, of 18 Pleasant Ave, Tupper Lake passed away at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake early Friday morning, November 9, 2018 with his wife and family by his side.

Born on March 22, 1952 in Tupper Lake, he was the son of William Francis and Beulah (Boudreau) Gonyea.

Lee grew up in Tupper Lake and attended Tupper Lake High School, graduating in 1971. He attended North Country Community College.

Lee was an outstanding drummer despite having only one arm. He played in numerous bands starting out in the Penthouse Suite. He then went on to play in the original Hammerlok band along with his brother Jeff. He also played in Silver Road, Banditt, Midnight Riders, Precious Metal, Frontier, 50/50 and C.R.B. bands. He played in several different bands with his brother Jeff and sister Terry, and his cousin Rick Gonyea.

Lee was over a 20-year veteran of North Country Bands playing in colleges, schools, clubs throughout New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Lee's rock solid beat and powerful voice was an integral part of the bands he played in.

Lee loved music, and to talk about his family and enjoyed telling stories of when he was growing up.

He worked at Big Tupper Ski Slope as a chair lift operator, North Star in Saranac Lake and then as a foster Grandparent at Head Start.

Lee married Carrie Beausoliel, and together they had three children Michelle, Glen, and Renee. The marriage ended in divorce.

On February 25, 1995 he married Vickie (Blair) and the couple made their home on Pleasant Ave.

Lee is survived by his wife, Vickie, his mother Beulah Gonyea, son Glen Gonyea and his wife Jimmie Lou of Warrensburg; two daughters Michelle and son-in-law Denis Ryan of Virginia; and Renee Gonyea of Florida; two step-daughters, Traci and her husband Derrick Kennedy of Tupper Lake; Darcy and her companion Burton of Keeseville; five sisters, Carol Beaudette, Tina and her husband Daniel Baldwin; Judy and her husband Dan McClelland, Jane and her husband Edward Whitman, Terry and her husband Richard Whitman all of Tupper Lake; one brother Jeff Gonyea of Saranac Lake; his grandchildren Shawn LaDue and Ashley LaDue, of Tupper Lake; Jacob Duffy of Florida; Charlie Gonyea of Warrensburg; Monica and Desiree Kennedy of Tupper Lake and Travis LaDue of Norwood. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lee was predeceased by his father, William; a step-father Leonard Gonyea; two brothers, Glenwood and William (Billy) and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 8 at the VFW Post 3120 from noon to 3p.m.

Memorial donations in Lee's memory can be made to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, PO Box 901, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.