Committal Service
Nancy Young Oliver
Interment services for Nancy Young Oliver who passed away on December 30, 2016, will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 12:00 p.m., Hailesboro Cemetery, Hailesboro, N.Y.
William J. Andrews
William J. Andrews
William Jay Andrews, 64, passed away at his home in Fowler on Thursday, April 13, 2017.
He was born December 28, 1952 in Gouverneur and was the youngest son of the late John and Marion Spicer Andrews.
He is survived by sisters, Helen Knowlton and Marjorie (Larry) Cole, a brother, Murray (Lynda) Andrews, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Andrews. He is also survived by two sons, Victor and Trevor Andrews, 24 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. A marriage to Debra Jenson ended in divorce.
He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Nicholas Andrews, a sister and brother-in-law, June and Howard Kammerer, a brother, John Andrews, a brother-in-law, William Knowlton and two nephews, Arthur and Ralph Kammerer.
He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1971, served in the Marines for 10 years and graduated from SUNY College of Technology at Canton in 1983 with a degree in Electrical Construction and Maintenance. He worked in electrical construction and enjoyed catching shrimp when he lived in South Carolina.
He returned to New York in 2002 and enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing.
Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home.
Geraldine Grace Ashley
Geraldine “Gerry” Grace Ashley, age 74, of Fowler, passed away on April 10, 2017 at home under the care of her family and hospice.
Geraldine was born on June 29, 1942 in Watertown to the late George and Greeta (Denner) McIntyre. She married Richard K. Ashley, Sr. on August 12, 1961 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church. They have been married for 55 years.
Gerry worked at the Gouverneur Tribune Press for many years, retiring as a paste-up and production technician. She loved to bowl and spent many years in league bowling. She and her husband also enjoyed making trips to the casino. Gerry was also an avid fan of NASCAR and Jimmy Johnson.
Gerry is survived by her husband, Richard K. Ashley, Sr. of Fowler; a son, Richard Ashley, Jr. and his companion, Amy Kirker, of Richville, two daughters, Laura Dennee and her husband, Howard, of Virginia, Lisa Kay Colburn and her companion, Brad Clement of Hailesboro; a step-daughter, Roxanne Cousino and her husband, Tony, of Gouverneur; two brothers, George McIntyre, Gary and Tammy McIntyre; and her sister, Grace and Kim Turnbull. She is also survived by brothers-in-law, Tom Hadfield, Brent Sharpe; seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and several great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Ashley is predeceased by her parents; sisters, Gail Hadfield and Greeta Sharpe and a sister-in-law, Peggy McIntyre.
There will be no funeral services. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Shirley A. (Collins) Stowell
Shirley A. (Collins) Stowell, 81, formerly of Gouverneur, wife of the late Roscoe Stowell Jr., passed away on Thursday, April 6 at Parkhouse Providence Pointe Nursing Home, Royersford, PA.
Born in North Bangor, N.Y., she was the daughter of the Bernard and Francis (Phillips) Collins.
Shirley was one of nine children. Shirley enjoyed playing bingo and taking care of her family. She loved spending time with her family and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Surviving are her children Sue Brownell, Dale Stowell, Bonnie Woodard, Tammy Stowelland Connie Stowell; grandchildren Mandy, Jason and Shawn Woodard, Seth Stowell, Kimberly and Cristina Brownell, Melinda Stowell, Brian Johnston and Amara and Sierra Howard; and great grandchildren Brandon, Selena, Kalyn, and Emma. Along with her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her daughter Sandra Johnston.
A graveside service will be on July 15 at Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. A celebration of her life will be held at 2p.m. July 15 at the VFW in Gouverneur.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011
Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., Royersford, PA is in charge of arrangements.
View obituaries or send condolences at www.catagnusufuneralhomes.com
Eric “Rick” Reed
Eric “Rick” Davis Reed, age 72, of Trout Lake, passed away on March 30, 2017.
Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home, 16 Barnes Street, Gouverneur NY, on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 2p.m. to4p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. His funeral service was held at the United Church of Richville on Tuesday at 1p.m. with Rev. Karen Taylor and Pastor David Hart officiating.
Rick was born on October 14, 1944 in Liverpool, N.Y. to the late Erie John and Helen (Davis) Reed. He attended the Richville School and graduated from the Gouverneur Central School in 1963. After graduation, Rick served in the United States Army from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1966.
Rick had worked for the New York State Department of Transportation before becoming a New York State Trooper. He joined the Troopers on his birthday in 1968 and retired in 1992.
Mr. Reed married Patti (Porter) Ormsby on July 8, 1989. A previous marriage to Diane Bresett ended in divorce.
Rick loved time spent with family and friends at Reed’s Retreat on Trout Lake. He liked to hunt, kayak on the Grasse River, and fish. He enjoyed tinkering on anything that needed to be fixed, thought the older an engine was, the better it was, and would help out anybody and everybody. Like his parents before, Rick donated most of his time and created a secondary career in service of his community by assisting family, friends and those in need. Rick was the one person to call when you needed assistance with your biggest challenges in life. He and Patti liked to travel each year and have been to Europe, Hawaii and Alaska.
Every year on his birthday, the family would celebrate by jumping into Trout Lake together (yes, during October). He would often bet his customary one dollar on NASCAR races, and be sure to turn the TV off if his driver was losing. Rick was a former member of the Spruce Mountain Hunting Club, the Richville Fire Department, the Elks Lodge in Gouverneur, and the Gouverneur Rescue Squad.
His survivors include his wife, Patti of Trout Lake; four children, Kimberly and Scott Gerhart of Florida, Karole Elthorp of Gouverneur, David Reed and Linda Torres-Reed of Florida, and Kory Reed of Harrisville; sisters, Helen Mary McCumber of Loudonville, Janet and Robert Fields of Lorraine, and Carol and James Henderson of Mississippi. He is also survived by his step-children, Gary and Laurie Ormsby of Texas, Tricia and Joe Devito of Russell; his cousin, Paul Reed who was like a brother to him; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is predeceased by his parents; a brother, Phillip John Reed, who died in infancy; and a brother-in-law, Clifford McCumber.
Donations in memory of Rick may be made to the United Church of Richville, PO Box 277, Richville NY 13681 or the Maple Grove Cemetery Association, 19 Phelps Road, Gouverneur N.Y. 13642. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Phyllis Foeppel
Phyllis Foeppel
Phyllis Foeppel, 78, Edwards, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at her home.
Calling hours were held on Sunday, April 2 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. A burial in South Edwards Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Phyllis was born in Gouverneur on September 17, 1938, one of 14 children of Joseph and Hattie House Dashnaw.
She graduated from Gouverneur High School and spent most of her life in Gouverneur and Edwards.
Phyllis married Wayne C. Foeppel on October 15, 1977. Mr. Foeppel passed away on March 24, 2000. Phyllis was previously married to Richard M. Thayer.
Phyllis worked with her husband Wayne at their butcher shop, Foeppel’s Meatland, in Gouverneur. She had also worked as a waitress and provided house cleaning services.
She enjoyed singing karaoke, dancing, listening to country music especially Dolly Parton and old country/western tunes. Phyllis also collected dolls and jewelry, attended her share of auctions and garage sales, spent time visiting with her grandchildren, and made sure things were clean and in their place. She was strong in her faith and enjoyed her pets, especially her dog Joe.
Phyllis is survived by her rock and companion, Horace “Pete” Fayette, her daughter Laurie Page of Florida, her son Richard and Diana Thayer of Jones Pond, her grandchildren Stacy Roberts, Nia Travis, Katelyn Thayer, Timothy Geer, Tommy Hentz, and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister Jean Smith of Edwards, several nieces and nephews.
Phyllis is predeceased by her two husbands, her parents, a granddaughter Mandy Jo Thayer, and 12 siblings Philip, Robert Sr., and Frank Dashnaw, Margaret Ruport, Keitha House Retha Peacock, Doreen House, Isabelle Metzler, Mary Lucas, Betty Hemmingway, Dorothy Dashnaw, and Marion Dashnaw.
Memorial donations in Phyllis’s memory can be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws.
Patricia Ann Patton
Patricia Ann Patton
Patricia Ann Patton, age 82, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on April 2, 2017 at the United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, N.Y.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, April 8 from 10a.m. to 11a.m. with a celebration of her life immediately following at 11a.m. with Rev. Beth Quick officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville NY.
Patricia was born on July 13, 1935 at the family farm on Battle Hill Road in Gouverneur to the late Alwin Harley Patton and Evelyn Belva Jones. She graduated from the Gouverneur High School in 1953; the same year she married Clarence John McAdam. The marriage ended in divorce in 1971.
In 1970 Patricia graduated from Potsdam State University with a B.A. in history. She worked for many years as a sales representative for Green Mountain Studios and for Prudential Insurance Co.
She was an EMT driver and past president of the Southern Oswego Volunteer Ambulance Corps, a member of the St. Lawrence County Genealogical Association and the St. Lawrence County Historical Association. She received the accolade of Volunteer of the Year from the Historical Association in 2001.
Patricia enjoyed many interests, including bird watching, playing scrabble and pinochle, studying genealogy, quilting, knitting, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching old movies, musicals and Broadway shows. She traveled to Italy, Portugal, Alaska and toured the United States, as well as spending time at the family cottage at Sylvia Lake. Pat played the piano and was active in the Methodist choir.
Her survivors include her six children: John Alwin McAdam, Matthew Lee McAdam, Peggy Ann McAdam, Robin Charles McAdam, Mark Kelly McAdam, and Sherri Lynn McAdam; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Sally Chapin, Caroline Swanson, and Cynthia Paul.
She is predeceased by her brothers, Dennis and Harley Patton and a sister, Phyllis Skeldon.
Donations in memory of Patricia may be made to Maplewood Health & Rehabilitation Center, 205 Canton-Madrid Rd, Canton N.Y. 13617 or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US 11, Potsdam, N.Y. 13676.
Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Memorial Service: Valerie and Bill Pulver
A memorial service for Valerie and Bill Pulver will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 4 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Calling hours are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., prior to the service.
Valerie passed away on March 28 and Bill passed away Jan. 3.
Rachel I. Royce
Rachel I. Royce, 49, Fowler, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 1st at 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur, with Rev. James Warrington, pastor of Macomb Community Wesleyan Church, officiating. Arrangements with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
Rachel was born in Gouverneur on February 8, 1968, the daughter of Alton and Jane Adamo Royce.
She graduated from the Rome School for the Deaf and had lived in the Gouverneur area most of her life.
Rachel was a homemaker and a loving mother, spending much of her time raising her daughter. She also enjoyed being outdoors and taking long walks.
She is survived by her daughter Shyanne Hutton, her siblings Dolores and Randy House of Balmat, Roger and Christine Royce of Edwards, Frederick Royce of Fowler, Benjamin and Donna Royce of Ogdensburg, John Royce of Gouverneur, several nieces, nephews, and one aunt of Oneida, Sally (Alan) Hall.
Rachel is predeceased by her parents and two brothers Michael Royce and baby Darrell Royce.
Memorial donations in Rachel’s memory may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws.
Valerie Anne Pulver
Valerie Anne Pulver
Canton - Valerie Anne Pulver, 66, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Oswego Hospital.
Calling hours for Valerie and her husband Bill will be held on Saturday, April 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. A pass-a-dish reception will follow the service at a location to be announced.
Valerie was born on March 1, 1951, the daughter of Allen and Ardis Holland Bigelow.
She graduated from Gouverneur High School and received a master's degree in education at SUNY Potsdam.
Valerie worked at Carthage Central School as a music teacher before devoting 15 years to raising her children. She returned to teaching as a 6th grade teacher at St. James School in Gouverneur, served as a general equivalency teacher for St. Lawrence County Probation Department, and worked at Little River Community School in Canton. Valerie and her husband, Farmer Bill, grew and sold vegetables at their stand, on the outskirts of Canton where they had lived the past dozen years.
Valerie was a former member of the St. Lawrence Chorus Chapter of Sweet Adelines. She enjoyed music, playing guitar, sewing, making crafts, and working with children.
She married Alexander Karczewski in 1974 and the marriage ended in divorce. Valerie married Martin William "Bill" Pulver III on November 28, 1998 at the United Church of Richville. Bill passed away on January 3rd.
Valerie is survived by her daughter Amanda Karczewski Reynolds and her husband Ethan of Fulton, her son Alexander Karczewski of Buffalo, her 2 grandchildren Ethan Reynolds and Gabriella Reynolds, 2 brothers Gaylord Bigelow of Massachusetts, Kevin Bigelow of Gouverneur, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her 2 husbands, a son Christopher John Karczewski, and a brother Adrian Biglow.
Memorial donations in Valerie's memory may be made to St. James School, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.
Louise S. Miles
Louise S. Miles, 70, Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.
Calling hours were on Monday, March 13 from 10a.m. to 11a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11a.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur, with Rev. Todd Thibault, parochial vicar of St. Mary's Church, Canton officiating and burial in St. Henry's Cemetery, DeKalb Jct.
Louise was born in New York City on July 10, 1946.
She graduated from high school and received licensed practical nurse certification.
Louise worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Watertown and provided home healthcare aide to the elderly in the Gouverneur area.
Louise married William D. "Bill" Miles on July 8, 1967 at St. Joseph's Church in Malone. Mr. Miles, a retired employee of Viking in Harrisville, passed away on September 9, 2011.
She enjoyed playing bingo and cards, was a member of the St. James Church and had served as a eucharistic minister in the past.
Louise is survived by her son, Christopher Miles of Roanoke, VA, her daughter, Michelle Sanger of Gouverneur, her granddaughter Sarah Sanger, and a sister Alice Barcombe of Indiana.
She is predeceased by her husband Bill and her adoptive parents Fred and Betty Salzer.
Memorial donations in Louise's memory may be made to the Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.
Allen Karl Brown
Allen Karl Brown
Allen Karl Brown, age 23, Ogdensburg, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 20, 2017 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from noonto 3p.m. His funeral service will immediately follow at 3p.m., with Dr. Donald Schuessler officiating.
Allen was born on July 14, 1993 in Gouverneur to Kerry and Laurie (McIntosh) Brown. He graduated from the Heuvelton Central School in 2011. Allen worked as an installer and repairman for Dish Network and as a skidder operator for Seaway Timber. He enjoyed playing video games, fishing, target shooting and four-wheeling.
His survivors include his parents, Kerry and Laurie Brown; his daughter, Amelia Brown; a brother and sister-in-law, Lance Brown and Colleen Overdorf; paternal grandmother, Barbara Brown; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Esther McIntosh.
He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Ernest Brown.
Donations in memory of Allen may be made to Reachout of St. Lawrence County, Inc., P.O. Box 5051, Potsdam, NY 13676. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Mary Barnes Aldridge
Mary Barnes Aldridge
Mary Barnes Aldridge, 78, passed peacefully, with family and caregivers by her side on Wednesday morning.
After a long illness Mary has moved on to a better place to be with loved ones who have gone before her. Aruba was her "heaven on earth", but now she joins her husband of 30 years in heaven above, where the suffering can no longer follow them.
Mary leaves behind her daughter Deborah Yackel and her husband Richard and their three children, Rick, Ben, and Lyndsey. As well, her son, Rodger L. Aldridge Jr. and his wife Jennifer and their five daughters, Erin, Amanda, Brooke, Hunter, and Carley. Especially fond she was of her four great grandsons, Sawyer, Hudson, Levi, and Beckett. Also left behind were many special in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Mary is predeceased by her parents, Robert and Violet (Fuller) Barnesand her brother, Robert (Bud) Barnes and her husband , Rodger Lindon Aldridge Sr. Mary was also predeceased by in-laws, nieces, and nephews of whom she was very fond of.
Mary was born in Fullerville, NY on September 27, 1938 and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1955 and SUNY Potsdam in 1959 with a teaching degree. She spent her entire teaching career in the Schuylerville Central School system. It is here that she married her husband, Rodger on September 1st, 1961 and raised their two children, Rodger Aldridge(Tupper Lake, NY) and Deborah Yackel(Williamson, NY). Mary and Rodger were dedicated residents of Schuylerville where they served their school, church, and community.
During her 38 years of teaching Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade in Schuylerville, she touched thousands of children's lives. She volunteered in her community as a member of the United Methodist Church, Garden Club, Dollars for Scholars, Meals on Wheels and The Red Hat Society. She also enjoyed being a MaryKay consultant.
After she retired from teaching, she spent several years traveling the world with friends. She loved the adventure of seeing new places, and returning home with videos and pictures to share with her family. She loved to garden and paint. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed reading and doing special activities with all of them. She was always a teacher at heart. She will be greatly missed.
Friends can call on the family at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville between 2-4pm on Saturday, March 25, 2017 with a memorial service to follow at 4pm. There will be a reception at the United Methodist Church after the service.
Spring burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Schuylerville.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, The Schuylerville Garden Club or a charity of your choosing in her memory.
Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
Clyde W. Butz
Clyde W. Butz
Clyde W. Butz, age 89, of Gouverneur, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Gouverneur Hospital.
Clyde was born on June 12, 1927 in Massillon, Ohio to the late William and Wilhelmena Butz. He graduated from Washington High School in Massillan, OH and then joined the United States Navy in 1945. After his honorable discharge, Clyde went on to Ohio State University, where he graduated in 1952 with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy. He then went on to the University of Nebraska, where he received a M.S. in Psychiatric Occupational Therapy.
Clyde has worked numerous places in his life. From 1952-63 he worked at Norwich State Hospital, as the staff occupational therapist, senior occupational therapist and assistant occupational therapist director; from 1963-66 he worked at Nebraska Psychiatric Institute as the O.T Community M.H. Consultant /Co-Director NIMH Grant; 1966-69 he worked at Illinois State Psychiatric Institute as the Director of the Occupational Therapy Department; 1969-83 he worked for the New York State Office of Mental Health as the Director Bureau of Accreditation; from 1983-1990 he worked for the Central New York Psychiatric Hospital as the Director of Quality Assurance.
Clyde has been a member of the American Occupational Association since 1952, where he was a former vice president/secretary/and speaker of the House of Delegates. He has been honored by the association twice, in 1966- being named a Fellow and in 1982- he received the Award of Merit, which was the highest Association Award.
Clyde has contributed his time to numerous organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association, Gouverneur Rotary Club, St. Lawrence Community Service Board, St. Lawrence Mental Health Sub-Committee, Masons, Elks and St. Lawrence Association for the Mentally Retarded. Clyde loved to travel and has visited 49 States and over 50 Countries. He also enjoyed needlepoint.
Surviving are his wife, Judith; his three children, Jeff and Jane Butz, Linda and Peter Shea and Anita Hay; a step son, Joel Mattimore and two grandchildren, Becky Shea and Mark Hay. He is predeceased by a brother, Thomas Butz.
Calling hours for Clyde were on Sunday, March 19 from noon to 2 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur with a remembrance service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with his son-in-law, Peter Shea officiating. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Donations may be made in Clyde’s memory to the St. Lawrence NYSARC or to the Occupational Therapy Foundation.
James J. "Jim" Cseledy
James J. "Jim" Cseledy
James J. "Jim" Cseledy, 80, Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at his home under the loving care of his wife and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.
A mass was held on Tuesday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, Gouverneur with Fr. Shane Lynch officiating and spring burial will be in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours were on Monday from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
James was born on January 17, 1937 in Norfolk, the son of Steve and Catherine Almasy Cseledy.
He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy and Mohawk Valley Community College.
Jim served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959, during the Korean conflict and in the Phillipines.
Upon finishing college, Jim worked at Standard Shade Roller in Ogdensburg until he moved to Gouverneur where he worked as a purchasing agent and draftsman for CIVES many years. He eventually retired as an inspector at Fort Drum.
Jim married Anita Corrow on October 27, 1962 in Canajoharie, N.Y., with Rev. Joseph L. Halloran officiating, and the couple enjoyed 54 years of marriage.
His greatest joy was family, especially his sons and grandsons, watching them progress in sports. He had coached basketball at St. James School, and he worked with Gerald Rose to establish the t-ball program in Gouverneur. Jim was a member of St. James Church, often serving as an usher and taking up collection. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Jim is survived by his wife Anita, his three sons- David and Kathy of Lexington, KY, Tom and Sherry of Waynesville, N.C., Tim and Leslie of Endicott, N.Y., his four grandsons- Tabor, Cade, Hunter, and Theo, his sister Rose and Richard Tulip of Florida. He is predeceased by an infant daughter Nancy Virginia Cseledy and his parents.
Memorial donations in Jim's memory may be made to St. James Church, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.
Mercuria Mary Centofanti
Mercuria Mary Centofanti, age 78, Gouverneur, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017 at home under the loving care of her family and hospice.
Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 2p.m. to4p.m. and 7p.m. to9 p.m. Her funeral mass will be held at the St. James Catholic Church on Friday (today) at 11a.m. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Mercuria was born on November 20, 1938 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. to Belisena M. (LaFalce) Scrufari and the late Peter Scrufari. She graduated from the Niagara Falls High School and received her Bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State Teachers’ College.
Mercuria married Dominic G. Centofanti on April 8, 1961 in Niagara Falls. She taught in the Niagara Street Elementary School and retired from Gouverneur Central School after teaching a total of 30 years.
Mercuria was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, NYSUT, Gouverneur Kiwanis, Gouverneur Arts Club, Gouverneur Les Beaux Arts, and Northern New York Quilters. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, jet skiing, fishing, cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her mother, Belisena M. Scrufari; her husband, Dominic G. Centofanti; sons and their wives, David Michael and Gina Centofanti, Dominic Ronald and Melissa Centofanti; daughter and her husband, Betty Lucia and John Hall; a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Tuttle; brother, Santo Scrufari; and sisters, Alice Destino and Anita DeFrancesca.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren- Francesca Maria Smalling, Dominic Peter Centofanti, Bridget (Bridgeta) Mercuria Hall, Belisena Elaine Hall, Daniel John Hall, Savina Ann Centofanti, Clara Lynn Centofanti, Erica Jane Centofanti and Patrick Dwayne Miller; and a great-grandson, Dominic Norbert Smalling.
Mercuria is predeceased by her father, Peter Scrufari; a daughter, Ann Marie Centofanti; and a granddaughter, Elena Esther Centofanti.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mercuria may be sent to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam NY 13676 or the St. James Church, 164 East Main Street, Gouverneur N.Y. 13642.
Archiel G. "Archie" White
Archiel G. "Archie" White, 59, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, Massachusetts.
Calling hours were held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur. A Celebration of Life at Gentry's Clam Cove Restaurant was held after the calling hours.
Archiel was born on November 29, 1957 in Gouverneur, the son of Edward White and Beverly Strate.
He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1975. He completed a one-year Retail Selling Course at Southwest Tech in 1975, and a two-year Auto-Body Repair course at Northwest Tech in Ogdensburg in 1980. He was employed as an electrician at NYSDOC Gouverneur Correctional Facility.
Archie enteredthe United States Army in November of 1980 and proudly served his country until being honorably discharged in November of 1984. He also served in the N.Y. Army National Guard from November 1984 until November of 1986.
He married Sandra Thompson in Gouverneur on November 11, 1977.
Archie is survived by his parents, Ed and Beverly, his three children: Benjamin White, Mackenzie Polniak and Aaron White. He is also survived by a companion Amy Thomas and her two sons, Justin and Robbie Kane, three grandchildren, Gabrielle Brown, Shea Polniak, and Arora White, two sisters, Kimberly Drake and Jamie White, three brothers Ed, Gary and Brennan.
He was an avid golfer and bowler. He enjoyed spending his time at the Emerald Greens Golf Course and loved spending time with his family.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Ryan's Wish Foundation.
Arrangements are being handled by the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
John Burton Peters
John Burton Peters, 94, of Sierra Vista AZ. passed away peacefully on February 4, 2017 at the Life Care Center under the caring hands of Valor Hospice Care.
John was born June 5, 1922 in DeKalb Junction N.Y., the son of the late Leon Burton and Beatrice (Bovay) Peters. He worked on his parents' farm until he left for Baltimore, Maryland to work building airplanes for the war effort.
On one of his visits home, he met Rosemary Carroll from Gouverneurand they were married on November 11, 1943. They were married almost 70 years before Rosemary passed away on August 26, 2013.
After moving back to DeKalb Junction, John ran the Gulf Gas Station, joined the volunteer fire department and was the Town of DeKalb assessor.
He went to work for Electrolux Corporation in sales and then later in management and remained with them for many years until he retired.
During his early years he raised his family in DeKalb Junctionand then moved to Watertown from there to Cape Coral, Florida into their beautiful new retirement home and finally to Sierra Vista, Arizona where he was a communicant of St Andrew’s Catholic Church.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters Susan Green (friend Dale Cook) of Sierra Vista, Katherine (Joseph) D'Addario of Morrisville N.Y., son Thomas (Diane) Peters of Dexter N.Y., brothers Joseph (Donna) Peters of DeKalb Junction, Larry (Becky} Peters of PCB Florida, Lonnie (Sherrie) Peters of Trion ,Georgia, seven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and several close nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Rosemary, his sisters Margaret Carvel of Canton N.Y., Betty Hundley of Canton N.Y., Marylou Peters of Ogdensburgand brother Donald Peters of Magnolia, Texas.
Anyone who knew John knew how he loved to tell his jokes and stories. Even if you told him you had already heard them, he would tell you them again anyway. He enjoyed traveling, golf and bowling in his younger years. He was the most loving and kind dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He cherished his family and made sure they never wanted for anything. His loving family will miss him dearly!
John and Rosemary's remains will be transported from Arizona to Gouverneurto St. James Catholic Church for a funeral mass on June 5, 2017 at 11a.m. with interment in the Carroll family plot at St. James Catholic Cemetery following mass.
Mathilda "Tillie" Williams
Calling hours for Mathilda "Tillie" Williams, Gouverneur, will be held on Saturday, March 25 from noon to 2p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with a private graveside service to follow.
Tillie passed away January 29, 2017 in Waldorf, MD.
Born December 1, 1928, she had lived in Gouverneur where she was a longtime member of the auxiliaries of the VFW and American Legion. Tillie enjoyed traveling and could often be found playing bingo with her friends.
Tillie is survived by her sons Blas Watimer and his wife, Joan, of Mifflinburg, PA, Donald Lewis and his wife, Meriam, of Fort Worth, TX, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Robert "Bob" Williams and her daughter Dale.
Wilbur Scott Yerdon
Wilbur Scott Yerdon, age 78, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 3, 2017 at his daughter, Kim’s home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
There was a funeral for Scott on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Fowler Baptist Church, where he was a member, with Pastor Howard Maxson officiating. Burial followed in the East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur.
Scott was born on November 11, 1938 in Boylston, N.Y. to the late Wilbur and Helen Kastler Yerdon. He graduated from Sandy Creek High School in 1956, received his B.S. in Industrial Arts from SUNY Oswego on June 6, 1965, and his Masters degree in School Administration from St. Lawrence University on May 7, 1977.
Mr. Yerdon began his career teaching Industrial Arts at Gouverneur High School and later became the Supervisor of Transportation for the Gouverneur Central School District. His career continued as an Occupational Planner for St Lawrence-Lewis BOCES.
Scott later became a Supervisor of Education for the New York State Department of Corrections, concluding his career in this capacity at the Gouverneur Correctional Facility, where he retired on June 22, 1998.
Scott married Loretta J. Bartholomew on August 13, 1960 in Lacona, N.Y. and enjoyed 45 years of marriage.
Loretta passed away on March 19, 2006. Scott loved his family, good food and great friends. Over the years he enjoyed operating his tractors, riding his Harley, boating on the St. Lawrence River, building and flying his ultralight airplane, target shooting, and driving his BMW convertible.
Scott served on the Mars Hill Good News Translator Committee for WMHR Gouverneur Christian Radio, in a technical and advisory capacity for many years.
Scott is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law; Kimberly and Hal Hall of Antwerp, Lisa and Jeff Kirker of Philadelphia; a brother and sister-in-law, Jamie and Bonnie Yerdon; five grandchildren, Megan Hubbard, Kaitlin Hall, Lizabeth Hall, Benjamin Derrigo and Tessa Derrigo; three great-grandchildren, Lyla Grega, Paxton Hanno, and Maverick Hanno; and nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Loretta; and his sister, Sherry Balcom
Donations in memory of Scott may be made to the Mars Hill Christian Radio Network at www.marshillnetwork.org. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.