Wayne E. Truesdell, 86, of Watertown, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on May 24, 2026.

He was born on October 17, 1939, in Burrville, New York, son of Ernest and Vivian (Fuller) Truesdell. Wayne graduated from Watertown High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army before continuing his service for several years with the National Guard.

Wayne married the love of his life, Patricia A. Barney, on June 1, 1963, at the Burrville Congregational Church. Together they made their home in Watertown and shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Wayne began his career selling Cadillac automobiles at Quick Motors. He later worked as manager at Hawks Mobile Homes until the business closed. In 1974, Wayne fulfilled his dream of owning his own business when he opened Truesdell’s Mobile Homes, which over the years transitioned into Truesdell’s Furniture Store. Wayne remained dedicated to his work and continued working right up until the Saturday before his passing. Patricia faithfully worked alongside him throughout many of those years.

Wayne enjoyed a full and active life. He loved gardening and planting vegetable gardens, and in his younger years enjoyed motorcycle riding, snowmobile racing, camping, hunting, woodworking, and building projects. He and Patricia owned a cottage on South Shore Road at Lake Bonaparte, which Wayne built. The couple also enjoyed traveling, cruising, and spending time in the Caribbean. Wayne was also a member of the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 496.

Among his survivors are his beloved wife, Patricia A. Truesdell of Watertown, NY; two daughters and sons-in-law, Tina and Scott Evans of Florida, and Wendy and Robert Tennies of Pillar Point, NY; three grandchildren, Nicholas Frederick, Conor O’Brien, and Bethany O’Brien; a brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Nellie Truesdell of Burville, NY; and two sisters and a brother-in-law, Eileen and Thomas Adderley of Cape Vincent, NY, and Nanette Pullus of Adams, NY.

Besides his parents, Wayne was predeceased by a sister, Doris Monroe.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Sanford Corners Cemetery.

Donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org, and online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com