Obituary
Penn Yan- Marshall Lawrence Gurnee passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, just days before his 87th birthday.
Born on September 25, 1938, to Lawrence Edward and Dora Gurnee, Marshall grew up alongside his beloved sister, Margaret Paradise. He went on to live a remarkable life defined by strength, determination, generosity, and adventure.
Marshall proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1959. After completing active duty, he embraced his adventurous spirit, sailing the seas, panning for gold in Alaska, and later opening a jewelry store and gold mining experience in Charlotte, NY, called *The Prospector*.
His journey then took him to Penn Yan, where he built a homestead, planted grapes, and constructed a round barn that became home to horses, burros, and miniature horses. He was an active leader in 4H, a supporter of Camp Good Days and Special Times, and gave his time and talents to many families in our martial arts community for many years!
A true Renaissance man, Marshall was both artistic and technical. He poured his creativity into restoring grandfather clocks, painting signs for county fairs, restoring horse-drawn coaches, revitalizing long forgotten and abandon cemeteries and countless other projects. His skills and passions touched many lives.
Above all, Marshall was a devoted father. He deeply cared for and sacrificed for all of his sons. He was present at every game, every event, and every milestone—always giving more than he ever asked in return not just to his family but those he considered family.
Marshall is survived by his sons, Shane Gurnee, Brian Shares and John Gurnee; and his sister, Margaret Paradise. He is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence Edward and Dora Gurnee.
Marshall was predeceased by his parents and a son, Kenneth Shares.
He will be remembered as a strong-willed man of many talents, a loyal friend, and a loving father whose memory will live on through all those he inspired.
A special thank you to MM Ewing Continuing Care Gardens Avenue staff for their amazing care and attention they provided my father with for 6 years they truly adored this man and always treated him with dignity and respect.
Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Marshall’s Family.
Condolences
Cheryl Youngs from Penn Yan, NY on Sep. 25, 2025
Shane, sorry for your lose. I enjoyed the time I spent with your dad at the corner store. He also helped me restore a family cemetery. He was a great man and so proud of you.
Karen Shares Murray from Rochester, NY on Sep. 26, 2025
My deepest sympathies Shane. I know how dedicated you were to him, especially the last several years making sure he was safe and cared for. I am so happy you came into our lives and send you all my love and hugs as you navigate this tremendous loss.
Kevin Fingar from Branchport, NY on Sep. 30, 2025
We’re very sorry for your loss. Our sincerest sympathy is with all of the family and friends!
Jim Moon from Penn Yan, NY on Oct. 3, 2025
When Marshall first came to town it took a little time to know him. He later got voted into the Bluff Point Mafia and then he was all set. We are all going to miss him. We liked that unique round barn.
Charley 'Buddy' Caswell from Mansfield PA / Wayne NY on Oct. 20, 2025
There's a lot of great family memories with Cousin Marsh. I remember how excited Dad, Terry and I were when Marsh called and gave us the good news that he had bought back the Old Morehouse Homestead on Bluff Point! Inside the farmhouse on one of the walls they had painted a family tree. It started at the root with Herrick/Morehouse and grew to the top with all the branches and leaves with all the family names on it. Everyone was a star even though they may not know it.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit." - John 15:5