Walter "Joe" Brainerd, Jr., 85, passed away Tuesday, June 12 at St. Joseph's hospital. He was born in Syracuse, NY to Walter J. Sr. and Elsie Adams Brainerd and was a resident of Baldwinsville since 1964. Walter was a NYS Trooper for 21 years and retired in 1979. He continued his career as the Director of Loss Prevention at P&C Foods and finished his career as a Court Security Officer at the Federal Building. Walter was an active communicant of St. Mary's Church in Baldwinsville where he also served as a Eucharistic minister and a long time volunteer at St. Joseph's hospital. Joe was also an active member of Rotary International. Joe was an avid golfer and runner. He completed 28 marathons and most recently ran a ½ marathon at the age of 80.

Walter is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Brainerd; children Walter J. III (Cynthia), Mary Susan Bennett, and Karen (Andrew) Loveless; grandchildren, Kaylin Brainerd, Walter J. IV, Elizabeth (Robert) Watson, Matthew (Jennifer) Loveless, and Molly Bennett; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Joshua Watson and Lucy and Hunter Loveless; and sister, Mary Ellen Hanselman.

Calling hours are 4-7 pm Thursday, June 14 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St, Baldwinsville. Funeral Mass is 8 am Friday, June 15 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 47 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Law Enforcement United Inc. P.O. Box 14097, Chesapeake, VA 23325. www.leunited.org