John H. Gormel, 78, of North Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, after a long illness at Upstate University Hospital.  John was born in Nunda, NY to the late Henry and Agnes (Pfuntner) Gormel.  He graduated high school from the Aquinas Institute of Rochester and completed his education at the University of Rochester.  John started his career working as a sales representative for the Atlantic Richfield Company throughout upstate NY. In the late 1960s John came to Liverpool with the dream of owning a tavern. In 1972, his dream was realized when he opened The Retreat at 302 Vine St. in the Village of Liverpool.   In 1974, he was united in marriage to Linda J. Zembek, a marriage that spanned 48 years.

With much hard work John grew his business to include the Cobblestone Ale House and the Barking Gull, both also in the Village of Liverpool. Over the years, John was fortunate to have family help and many loyal employees, and he was grateful to them all.

John was a generous member of the community, contributing to many charities, schools and individuals. He was devoted to his family, enjoyed traveling around the world and was an avid reader.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife, Linda Gormel; three sons, Jason Gormel, Adam (Jolene) Gormel and Joshua Gormel; two daughters, Shannon (Walter) Beattie and Tara Gormel; his three adored grandchildren, Drew and Wyatt Beattie and Danica Gormel (who all lovingly referred to him as "Beach Grandpa"); three sisters, Patricia (Bruce) Baker, Mary Goho, Elizabeth Hober; his brother, Edward (Kay) Gormel and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to Upstate Cancer Center and Upstate University Hospital Oncology for taking such good care of John over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 9:00 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 407 S. Main St. North Syracuse, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to St. Rose of Lima Church Renew Campaign, 407 S. Main St. N. Syracuse NY 13212 or Bishop Grimes Athletic Fund.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guest book for John to express your condolences to his family.