Gerald Burnell

FRYEBURG — Gerald E. “Jerry” Burnell, 79, of Denmark, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at the Fryeburg Health Care Center, in Fryeburg.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1937, in Hiram, a son of Gerald E. Burnell Sr. and Opal (Wilson) Osgood. Jerry attended local schools, graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 1956.

A proud veteran, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school in 1956. He retired after serving our country for 20 years throughout the world including stations in Maryland, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, Maine, Iceland, Spain, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

His military service granted him the opportunity to attend college and he earned an Associate’s Degree from New Hampshire College. During his time in the military he met and married Patricia Hogan on Aug. 19, 1965, in Washington, D.C.

They made their home in Denmark where, in his retirement, Jerry operated Jerry’s Sport Shop, supplying hunting, fishing, and camping supplies. He also worked as a Registered Maine Guide, which was the perfect “gig” for such an avid outdoor enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, of Denmark; a daughter, Tricia “Trish” Burnell of South Paris; other daughters, Jodi Rixford of South Paris and Michelle Nowlin of Arizona brother, Keith Osgood and his wife, Sharon of Gray. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Dale Osgood; and a sister, Virginia “Ginny” Burnell.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Spring interment with military honors will be at the L.A. Berry Cemetery in Denmark. Gifts may be given to the Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St., South Paris.

Online condolences may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.woodfuneralhome.org