Tear-filled eyes say goodbye to hero

ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - This Veterans Day comes with deep sorrow in Alden, where a local soldier is being laid to rest. There were many tear-filled eyes Monday morning, at the funeral service for Sgt. Brett Gornewicz at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.

  PHOTO GALLERY | Community honors Sgt. Gornewicz

Soldiers stood at attention as others brought the casket inside the church. The sanctuary was overflowing with people Monday. The 27-year-old hometown hero died on November 3rd, when his unit in Afghanistan was hit by an IED.

Sgt. Brett Gornewicz reflected in his life and his sacrifice all what is right about our hometown and our community, said Pastor Katherine Evans, of the Alden Presbyterian Church, Brett’s home church. The funeral was held at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church to accommodate hundreds of mourners. The church was filled beyond its capacity of 400 people.

    PHOTO GALLERY | Remembering Sgt. Gornewicz

Brett believed in God, family and nation, said Pastor Evans. He grew up in a family where he knew how much he was loved.  Evans said, “The friends of his childhood are his friends today.”

Gornewicz was described as having easy smile that could warm a stranger’s face, and a listening ear that was appreciated by everyone. The events of 9/11 deeply impact Brett Gornewicz. He was deployed as an Army Reservist to Iraq and Afghanistan, and was proud to serve his country said Pastor Evans. She said he fought for the political and religious freedoms we have as Americans.

Brett’s sister Cassandra Cranston said he was “a selfless person who always put other’s needs in front of his.”

Friend Robert Jasmusz said he loved to laugh, and make others laugh. He had an awesome smile and an infectious laugh. Jasmusz thanked Brett for his friendship, sacrifice and service.

Another close friend Joe Weisbeck spoke of Brett’s humility and genuine nature. “Welcome home, Brett. We love you.”

Gornewicz’s godmother said the loss was tough on everyone because he was expected to return home in just two months. Due to the nature of his death, his family was not able to view his body.

The family says it’s special they get to say goodbye to the fallen soldier on Veterans Day. Linda Jagusiak said, “The family is very blessed, to feel we have a veteran amongst us in our family. He followed the footsteps of his grandfather who also served our country, was very proud of that and was very close with his grandfather. That’s one of the things that inspired him. ”