Thomas Daniel Chenel, Sr.

RICHFIELD SPRINGS -Thomas Daniel Chenel , Sr., age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning July 24, 2020 at his home.  A lifelong Richfield Springs resident he was a graduate of Richfield Springs High School. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Army where he served with the Military Police at Fort Hood, TX.  He was honorably discharged on March 2 nd 1973, attaining the rank of Private First Class.  He then furthered his education, graduating from Herkimer County Community College. On November 29, 1997 he was united in marriage to Mary Jo Huxtable in Richfield Springs.

Mr. Chenel worked as a heavy equipment operator with various construction companies as well as seven years with the Town of Richfield Highway Department and ten years with the New York State Department of Transportation in Richfield Springs.  He retired in 2013.

Tom was a member of the Richfield Springs American Legion Post # 616 and the Richfield Springs Fireman's Benevolent Association.  In his leisure time he was a real outdoorsman, from the time he was a young boy he loved to hunt, fish, trap and play golf.  When he was at home, he was an avid crossword puzzle solver.  To all of us who knew him, he was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his cherished grandchildren.  He will be sadly missed.

Tom was predeceased by his father, Roland A. Chenel , Jr., his mother, Elizabeth (Sharpe) Bingham and his step-father Howard Bingham. Surviving are his devoted wife of 22 years Mary Jo, three sons and their wives, Thomas and Leslie Chenel of Richfield Springs, Tyler and Lauren Chenel , Michael and Karen Chenel all of Voorheesville, two stepsons, Donald Bruce Jr. and his wife Lisa of Syracuse,  William Bruce and his wife Laurie of Orlando, two step-daughters, Bridget Roy and her husband John of Brookline, NH, Molly Johnson of Mohawk, a sister, Jeanne Goldsmith of Watervliet , fourteen grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and his most cherished canine companion Bailey.

Due to COVID - 19 restrictions we will postpone a Celebration of Life until further notice.   Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Hugick Purcell, Shepardson American Legion Post # 616, PO Box 547, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.   Arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.