Obituary of Joel M. Silvernail

Mr. Joel M. Silvernail, 60, of County Highway 106, Amsterdam, died peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2009 following a long illness. Born on October 23, 1948 he was the son of the late Stanley and Wilhelmina Phillips Silvernail. A lifelong area resident, Joel graduated in 1966 from Broadalbin High School. He later went on to attend Hudson Valley Community College and graduated in 1968 with a degree in civil engineering. He was employed with the NYS Department of Transportation for 35 years, retiring in 2003 as the Principle Engineering Technician. He also served with the NYS Air National Guard at Stratton Air Force Base for 32 years, retiring in 2000 at the rank of First Sergeant. Joel was also very active with his community serving in many capacities. He was Chairman of the Liberty ARC Membership Committee, and a member of both the Liberty ARC Board of Directors and the New Dimensions in Health Care Board. He also volunteered with the Broadalbin Ecumenical Food Pantry. Joel in his free time enjoyed bowling, golfing and home improvement projects. His family includes his wife of 38 years, the former Joan Brennan, whom he married on May 1, 1971; his children, Kristin J. Silvernail of Amsterdam, NY and Kyle J. Silvernail of New York, NY; and one brother, Rev. Jeffrey D. Silvernail and his wife Linda of Scotia, NY. Several nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 11 o'clock at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev. William T. Hodgetts presiding. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4 until 7 Wednesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Liberty Foundation, PO Box 515, Amsterdam, NY 12010.