Maynard J. Lonis, 97, of Phoenix, NY, passed away Wednesday surrounded by family. Born in 1919 to New York State Assemblyman Ernest J. Lonis and

wife Gertrude (Countryman) Lonis. Maynard grew up during the great depression working on his father’s

farm in Hannibal, NY. He graduated from Hannibal High School in 1936 and continued on with his education, a value he instilled in his family, with both his Bachelor’s Degree in (1940) and Master’s Degree (1951) from Oswego State. He served in WW II with the U. S. Maritime Service as the ship’s Chief Radio Officer, where he earned the nickname “Sparks” during 3 Theaters, in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean. Maynard had a passion for HAM Radio (W2MXE) and after the war, reveled in his time spent circumnavigating the world on sea-going voyages.

Following his career on the seas, he began teaching Industrial Arts at the Fulton School District. His love for electronics then lead him to a career working

for General Electric and Black Clawson.


He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Betty G. (Neilson) and his sister Bernadette Lonis.

Surviving are two sons, William E. of Phoenix and

Robert M. (Karen) of Murfreesburo, TN; a daughter,

Mary E. Alton of Pennellville; grandsons, Gregory

Alton (Elizabeth), Ryan, Preston and Blake Lonis;

granddaughter, Catherine Alton; great-grandchildren,

Maggie & Jackson Alton.


Services: Calling hours

Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m., and a

funeral on Monday at 10 a.m. at the Allanson-Glan-

ville-Tappan Funeral Home in Phoenix, NY. Spring

burial in Phoenix Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,

the family requests that contributions be made to:

Phoenix Central Schools Dollars for Scholars.