FORT LEONARD WOOD,MO-US Army Specialist Christopher S. Brockway age 24, formerly of Ilion passed away after a short illness on Saturday July 9, 2011 at Fort Leonard Wood. He was born on June 1, 1987 in Utica, beloved son of Scott and Roberta Atkinson Brockway. Chris was raised in Ilion and graduated from Ilion High School with the class of 2005. He furthered his education at Herkimer County Community College where he received an Associates Degree in Arts. In June of 2005 he enlisted in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in August of 2006. In December of 2008 he joined the US Army. He had served overseas in South Korea and more recently at Fort Leonard Wood where he was a Patient Admissions Specialist at the base hospital. Chris had a strong belief in God and was a member of Annunciation Church in Ilion. He was also a member of AMVETS. In his leisure time he enjoyed poetry, both writing and publishing much of his work. He also enjoyed music, video games and reading. He was a keen history buff, particularly military history. To all who knew him they will never forget a quiet, intelligent and unassuming young man who loved his family and his country. He had the gift of making friends easily and was well thought of no matter where he was. He will be greatly missed by many especially his loving family. He is survived by his parents Scott and Roberta Brockway of Ilion, a sister Alison Bowman and her husband Matthew of Ithaca, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Jesse and Mary Atkinson and Elgin and Helen Brockway. His family will be present to receive relatives and friends in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer on Sunday July 17 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Annunciation Church, Ilion on Monday July 18 at 10:00am. The Reverend Anthony Barrett, Pastor will officiate with assistance of Deacon James Bower. Reverend John Bassett, Rector of Saint Augustines Episcopal Church, Ilion will also be present. Interment with full military honors will follow in Maple Avenue Cemetery, Fultonville, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association or the USO. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.