Virgil E Relyea

Born July 3, 1935 in the town of Tioga, New York, he was the son of the late Claude Elmer Relyea and Ethel May Horton (White). Virgil grew up in Tioga, where he developed the values of hard work, patriotism, and resilience that would guide him forward throughout his life.

At just 17 years old, Virgil answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army in 1952, with a military operations specialty in Supply. His distinguished military career spanned more than two decades, retiring in 1973 as a Staff Sergeant. During his military service, his inconus/outconus assignments included; 10th INF REG, 5th INFANTRY DIV. (IGMR PA), 29th REG COMBAT TEAM (SUKIRAN, OKINAWA), HQ CO RYCOM (SUKIRAN, OKINAWA), 999th SIGNAL CO (FT WADSWORTH, NY), 8th ARMY SIGNAL LONG LINES BN (KOREA), USA PERSONNEL CENTER (FORT DIX NJ), US ARMY GARRISON (CAMP ZAMA JAPAN), 67th ARMOR REG, 2nd AD (FORT HOOD TX), 69th ENG BN (FT HOOD/CAN THO VIETNAM), 66th ARMOR REG, 2nd AD (FORT HOOD TX), 59th FIELD SVC CO (CAM RANH BAY VIETNAM), 47th MED BN, 1st AD (ERLANGEN GERMANY).

His final assignment was Fort Stewart, GA, where he retired. Virgil proudly completed two tours in Vietnam, including service during the Tet Offensive. During his service, Virgil was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), 4 Overseas Service Bars, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device. Virgil also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious action during Tet—an honor reflecting his bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment. Virgil was a true American patriot, citizen, and soldier.

In 1958, while stationed in Seoul, Korea, Virgil married Cho Chung Soon, from Taegu, who adopted the American name “Mona”. They began a marriage that brought him great joy and together they raised two sons, Michael and Ronnie.

Following his military retirement, Virgil owned and operated a lawn care business, continuing his strong work ethic. He later worked at Southern Automotive Specialists, where he remained until retiring again in 2007.

Virgil had a deep love for reading and shooting sports and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He held strong conservative values and believed deeply in personal responsibility, freedom, and service to others. Virgil could be found most mornings sipping coffee with his friends at Abbe’s Donut Nook and the local Burger King, swapping stories and keeping up with the latest news.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mona, and his siblings Claude “Junior” Relyea, Beverly Normite, Harold Relyea, Donald Relyea, Pearl Graham, Richard “Dick” Relyea, and Floyd “Zeke” Relyea. He is survived by his beloved sister, Betty Morris, his only surviving sibling.

Virgil is lovingly remembered by his sons Michael (Vicki) and Ronnie (Katja); his grandchildren Natascha Crabtree (Matt), Michaela Wilson (Jacob), Daniela Mackay (Taylor), Victoria Thorne (Jesse), Corina Dunston (Alphonso), Landon Relyea (Jamie), Michael Relyea (Hondrey), Michelle Relyea; and his twelve great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his cousin, Ruby Sherman, other cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Virgil Eugene Relyea will be remembered as a devoted soldier, a hardworking provider, a man of principle, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His service, strength, and legacy will live-on through the generations he leaves behind.

A visitation for Virgil will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, from 3:00-5:00pm, at Kays-Ponger, Uselton & Lemon Bay Funeral Home (Venice). On Saturday, January 17, 2026, a mass will be held at 10:00am, at the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (Englewood). The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Patriot Guard Riders for guarding and escorting one of their own, as they lead Virgil to his final rest.