Aldea Jesmer

Aldea M. Jesmer, age 96, of Gouverneur, passed away on February 27, 2019 at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. with funeral immediately following at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Directly after the funeral service, family received friends and family at the Gouverneur VFW. Burial will be in the Hailesboro Cemetery in the spring.

Aldea was born on July 20, 1922 in Malone to the late Frederick G. and Blanche (Ouimet) Barton. She attended the Malone Catholic School and married Lloyd Jesmer on December 24, 1940 at the St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Malone. The couple moved to Gouverneur in 1952. Lloyd passed away on May 6, 1993.

Aldea loved to crochet, sew and read. She also loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the ELKS Lodge and the Moose Lodge in Malone. She had worked in the Langdon Farms spinach fields, for Poupore Farm in Malone, was a cleaning lady at Nina’s in Gouverneur, and also had worked for the Gouverneur Lace Mill and Paper Mill.

Her survivors include her son, Emile Jesmer of Gouverneur; daughter, Tamara McEathron of Gouverneur; a sister, Bertha Jesmer of Malone; and 2 granddaughters, Andrea and Todd Brasie and Teresa and Brian Loveless; and 5 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents, Frederick “Pépère” and Blanche “Mémère”, and her step-mother, Jane Barton.

Donations in memory of Aldea may be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur NY 13642 or Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur NY 13642. Condolences may be made online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Brent S. "Chuck" Smith

Brent S. "Chuck" Smith, 77, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at his home in Lindale, Texas.

Funeral services will be announced in the spring and burial will be held in New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur with military honors. Local arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Brent was born in Gouverneur on February 6, 1942, the son of the late Sherman and Margaret (LaRose) Smith.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1960 and served in the United States Army.

On April 18, 1964, Brent married Nancy J. Laverghetta at St. James Church with Fr. Paul Oehler officiating.

Brent was employed at Whalen Wholesale, International Talc, and retired from Corning Glass Corp. in 1993 after 27 years of employment.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the family camp on Black Lake for 42 years. Brent had been a member of Poker Flats Hunting Club, the chief financial officer of the American Legion Post 15 of Lindale, Holy Family Catholic Church of Lindale, and the Knights of Columbus.

Brent is survived by his wife of 54 years Nancy, 3 daughters Cherie Benjamin and her companion Mike Guzzey of Binghamton, Amy and Robert Lamneck of Suffolk, VA, Lisa and Douglas Box of Huntsville, TX, three grandchildren Jessica Benjamin, Kiernan Box and his wife Courtney, and Sean Lamneck, a great grandchild Cooper Box, several nieces and nephews . He is predeceased by his son Steven Smith, his parents, a brother Maitland Smith, a sister Beverly Pike, and a nephew Michael Pike.

Memorial donations in Brent's memory are encouraged to St. James Church, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or the American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15 of Lindale.

Randy William “Gab” Gadbaw

Randy was a resident of St. Jospeh’s Home Ogdensburg, NY since January 1, 2019.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease eight years ago, he has slowly been leaving us. His spirit has finally joined his mind and left this world on February 19, 2019.

Born in Carthage, NY December 15, 1954 to William Henry Gadbaw and Rachel Jane Koster Gadbaw, he grew up in Gouverneur NY, attended St. James Parochial school, and graduated from GHS in 1973. After high school, he traveled with friends and worked in Florida and Texas.

When he returned to Gouverneur, he worked for WIGS radio as a DJ, where he got to express his love of music and share it with the North Country. Randy attended Canton College, receiving a Criminal Justice degree and then SUNY Potsdam where he graduated with his bachelor's degree. His education landed him a job as a probation officer with the St Lawrence County Probation Department, where he worked for 26 years before retiring. He was well respected and went above and beyond to treat his clients fairly.

Gab married Cindy Reilly on December 26, 1982 at her family’s home in Gouverneur. They raised their children in Norwood NY, where they lived for 30 years.

He had a lifelong love of Sylvia Lake, where the family has a camp on the North Shore. Gab enjoyed his years of participation in men’s basketball in Norwood and Potsdam. He hiked, hunted (or read poetry in the woods,) and was a triathlete. Gab was an avid reader and a founding member of the Sylvia Lake Bookclub. He enjoyed these meetings over the past 20 years with the dearest of friends. Gab was a storyteller extraordinaire.

Surviving are his wife, Cindy Reilly Gadbaw, son, Ian Gadbaw, daughter, Katie Gadbaw and husband Alex Carpenter and granddaughter, Anna Carpenter, all of Canton NY, as well as his brother, Phil Sprague of Watertown, his two stepbrothers, and a step sister. He loved his nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Predeceasing Randy are his father, William Gadbaw, his mother, Rachel Koster Sprague, his sister, Elaine Gadbaw Marcellus, niece Tammy Marcellus, his stepfather, Donald Sprague, and a stepsister.

The Gadbaw family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to friends, family, and caregivers who generously gave their time and energy to support Randy over the last 8 years. Your kind efforts improved the quality of his, and all of our lives.

Randy's family would also like to invite all to attend a celebration of life to honor Randy at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on Saturday, February 23rd from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association of Central New York, 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.

Myrissa Lauren Murray

Myrissa Lauren Murray, age 27, of Carthage, but formerly of Fine, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019 in Upstate Medical University.

There will be a graveside service for Myrissa at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Clare, NY later in the spring. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Star Lake. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Myrissa was born on April 10, 1991 in Watertown, NY to George and Tracey (Scott) Murray. She was homeschooled through high school, and graduated in 2008. She did her senior year of high school and first year of SUNY Canton dual, then attended JCC. She worked as a teacher’s assistant at BOCES until becoming ill in 2015. She loved fostering cats for Friends 4 Pound Paws before she became too ill to continue that passion. She loved showing halter appaloosa horses as a teen and was invited to the World Show in Fort Worth with her gelding appaloosa Clear Distinction. She loved camping at her family’s camp, playing cards, and anything to do with her beloved cats and dog. She was deeply loved by many for her infectious laugh, sense of humor and sparkling blue eyes.

She is survived by her parents George and Tracey Murray of Fine; a brother, Ethan who is currently working in Afghanistan; her grandmother, Geneva Blackburn of Star Lake; grandparents, Gary and Linda Scott of Sylvia Lake and Myrtle Beach; many aunts, uncles and cousins. And, most of all, her loves and center of her world, her fur babies…Jack, Pippa and Fester.

Myrissa is predeceased by her grandparents George and Margaret Murray; great grandparents, Art and Geneva Austin, Paul and Barbara Scott and Doris Pearson.

Donations may be made in Myrissa’s memory to Friends 4 Pound Paws, P.O. Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Ernest J. Hutt

Ernest J. Hutt, known to everyone in Gouverneur as Ernie, passed away on January 13, 2019, three days before he would have turned 95 years old.

He was married to Marylou Trerise for 47 years who predeceased him (in 1994). He leaves behind and will be remembered by his three children, Susan Hutt Norton (husband Ed), Brian R. Hutt (wife Kathy), Valerie H. Wells, 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He also will be missed by nieces Faye Lockwood, Linda Syrek (husband David), Betty Whalen, and their families.

Ernie was born in Gouverneur and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force since WWII had been declared. After his honorable discharge, he attended Syracuse University and received a B.S. in 1948. He then was in sales for various companies until he went to work for Gouverneur Central School System as business manager and eventually Business Administrator from 1961-1976. During these years, he decided to go back to college to earn his masters in education and also received his certification in School Administration from New York University in 1979. This gave him the opportunity to be appointed Assistant Superintendent of Gouverneur Central Schools, 1977, and also in Gloversville, New York from 1978-1982. He retired in 1982 but continued to teach part time as a professor in a military program through USC and taught classes at military bases in Germany from 1983-1986.

In the years that Ernie resided in Gouverneur, he was active in the First Presbyterian Church, The Rotary Club (he was president – 1951) and the Gouverneur Golf and Country Club.

He was a member of Syracuse University, St. Lawrence University Alumni and Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Associations.

Memorial services are being planned for July 27, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur and burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Ryan's Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, any breast or ovarian cancer foundation, or the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

Janice A. Wall

Janice A. Wall, age 77, passed away on February 18, 2019.

There will be a burial to be announced at the family’s request this spring.

Janice was born on March 13, 1941 in Gouverneur. She was the daughter of the late Robert D. Hayden and Mildred (Washburn) Hayden. Janice graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959, received her Registered Nursing License from the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing in Schenectady, attended Syracuse University and received her teaching certificate in nursing from SUNY Oswego.

She started her nursing career in 1962 at the House of the Good Shepherd in Syracuse before touring Europe for four months. Janice has worked for the VA hospital in Syracuse and for Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital in the Memorial Unit. After her marriage she taught nursing for BOCES while working at E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur for ten years. She worked for the North Country Transitional Living Services in Gouverneur for ten years and retired from the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program for home health care in 2006 after 17 years of service.

Janice married Deryck “Dex” Arthur Wall on April 13, 1977 officiated by Rev. Stanley Brown. Mr. Wall passed away on August 20, 2009.

She is survived by her daughter, Emily Carella of Richfield, NC; her grandson, Zachary Robert Carella of Richfield; and her brother and his wife, Stephen R and Jayne Hayden of Leland, NC. She is also survived by her nephew Josh Hayden of Gouverneur and his children Avery and Rory Hayden; her niece and her husband Shelley and Shane Everts of Stanfield, NC and their children Tyler and Hayden Everts, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mrs. Wall enjoyed golfing, swimming, playing cards and working on crosswords. She was a volunteer at the Gouverneur Museum and loved music and her animals.

Donations in Janice’s memory may be made to the Gouverneur Museum, 30 Church Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com

Susan Kinney Baker Foster

A creative force for the betterment of lives and powerhouse for social justice has died. Susan Kinney Baker Foster, a long time resident of the Upper Valley, died 17 January 2019, after months of illness. Susan was born in Gouverneur, NY in 1935, the only child of Harold and Mary (Kaley) Kinney. Her grandfather, Burt Orrin Kinney, founded the chain of Kinney Drugs and Susan and her father were both involved with the company for many years. She was instrumental in turning over the three generation company to its employees as well as establishing the Kinney Drugs Charitable Foundation.

To list her endeavors and enterprise would take a book. In her early days in Vermont Susan was a co-founder of The Learning School in Norwich, and an indefatigable participant in The Box Project, whose mission is to help people living in rural poverty. She was active in Democratic politics, both locally and at the state level. She served as one of only two women with now Senator Patrick Leahy on the State's first Criminal Justice Committee. Once arguing fiercely her point, Leahy whispered to her, "Stop talking, Susan! You've already convinced them." For years, she was on the Board of the Vermont ACLU and on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the ACLU presented its David W. Curtis Civil Liberties Award to Susan "for her vision and courage in standing as one of its founding members". Susan was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the dramatic arts (producing the New York City premier of Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge adapted to tell the story of a Syrian Muslim immigrant family, serving on the Board of Shaker Theatre as well as donating grab bars for people with disabilities in the bathrooms of Northern Stage's theatre, a collector of art and an avid visitor to art museums, large and small. In 2009 in honor of her late husband Chas, Susan donated a 212 acre sugarbush to the Upper Valley Land Trust, thus protecting it from development for the foreseeable future. She was a founder of Emerge, a guardian ad litem, and foster mother to many local children. Susan was an unofficial mother for many of Dartmouth's international students, who sent condolences from around the world, and one of whom named his child after her.

She read voraciously and had an extensive library. Many believed she was self-educated, but Susan was actually a graduate of Dana Hall School, Class of '52, followed by a raucous freshman year at Cornell and was invited by the college to take a year off. Forty four years later, Susan went back to college, graduating magna cum laude from Trinity College of Vermont with a B.A. in Psychology. In her cooking days she was famous for her Yankee pot roast and yeast rolls. She ran a quixotic and losing race for the select board in White River Junction, handing out practical bookmarks designed by a student at The Cartoon School depicting an open book with the slogan "You never have to guess what Susan is thinking!" Susan's colorful dresses were as bold as she was. She struggled with health problems in her later years but didn't let that keep her from believing in the grace and wisdom of doing all she could to make the world a little bit better.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Charles "Chas" Baker, a former math teacher at Gouverneur High School, and their son, David Charles Baker. Mourning her loss is her husband, Don Foster and his son Joaquin Foster-Gross, daughter Sarah Namazi, son-in-law Saum Namazi, daughters-in-law, Carolyn Uhle and Kelli Lynn Baker, cousin Linda Sibson, sister-in-law Jean Zorn and brother-in-law Stephen Zorn and their families. There is a far flung and extensive group of friends and acquaintances, including her caring circle from the First Universalist Society of Hartland, her dear friend and birthday twin Grace Harde, her "sister" Patty Talbot.

As is the family tradition, there will be a dinner held in early autumn at a local inn family members can gather from around the world. Contributions in Susan's memory may be made to Kinney Drugs Foundation, 29 East Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642,

Kenneth C. Filiatrault

Kenneth C. Filiatrault, age 91, of Gouverneur, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019 at his home under the care of his family and hospice.

Kenneth was born on September 13, 1927 in DeKalb to the late Cyril and Gladys (Dashnaw) Filiatrault. He went to the Antwerp School and the Transmission School in Potsdam. He served in the United States Navy from 1945 until 1946.

Kenneth married Beatrice M. Jefferson on June 28, 1947 at her parents’ home in North Gouverneur. The couple was married for over 66 years when Beatrice passed away on February 12, 2014. Mr. Filiatrault was part-owner of the DEK Feed and Farm Supply for 33 years. He had also worked for City Service in Gouverneur for 10 years, worked for the Deferiet Papermill, was a mechanic in the Oldsmobile garage in Antwerp, and farmed for Jean Goodnough and the Ridgedale Farm in Antwerp. Kenneth was a Ford Model A enthusiast and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

His survivors include two sons and their wives, Percy and Karen Filiatrault of Gouverneur, Jeffrey and Deborah of Morrisonville; a daughter and her husband, Jessie and Steven Alguire of Mexico, NY; a son-in-law, Ronald Sherman of Gouverneur; and brother, Ivan of Antwerp. Kenneth is also survived by 26 grandchildren and their spouses, 34 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Beatrice, Kenneth is predeceased by a daughter, Linda Sherman; brothers, Cyril and Wallace Filiatrault; and sisters, Genevieve Mitchell, Vida Aldrich Doherty, Ruth Johnson and Vivian Culbertson Cook.

There will be a memorial gathering at the family home at 2B Scotch Settlement Road in Gouverneur on March 2, 2019 from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Harriet F. Rayburn

Funeral services for Harriet F. Rayburn, age 94 formerly of CR 4 Ogdensburg, and Wilson Street in Heuvelton were held at 1:00pm on Tuesday (February 12, 2019) at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home with Rev. Rob Schirmer officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Foxwood Memorial Park.

Calling hours will be held on Monday (February 11, 2019) from 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Funeral Home. Mrs. Rayburn passed away on Friday (Feb 8, 2019) at Riverledge Healthcare Facility surrounded by her loving family.

Surviving is her son William Rayburn of Rensselaer Falls; a daughter Joyce Rayburn of Heuvelton; five grandchildren Alton Rayburn & his fiancée Ashley Peggs of Morley, Ashley (Randall) Lawton of Morley, Alysse (Rick) Wright of Rensselaer Falls, Kevin (Nichole) Rayburn of Newburgh NY and Katherine Lord of Rochester; twelve great-grandchildren and one unborn great-granddaughter Emma Harriet due in the spring; along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

Harriet was predeceased by her husband William Rayburn in 2000; sisters Mary Couglar, Grace Peck and Gladys Cole; two brothers John & George Gilbert and a daughter-in-law Marianne Rayburn.

She was born on June 1, 1924 in N. Gouverneur, a daughter of the late John & Elizabeth (Gibson) Gilbert. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1943, and later married William H. Rayburn on June 1, 1951.

Harriet owned and operated a dairy farm on County Route 4 with her husband until 1988 when they retired. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, spending time with her family and working on the farm.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, American Heart Association, or the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department/First Responders. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.

Welby N. Reynolds

Welby N. Reynolds, 95, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at home under the care of his family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, February 12th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur in the spring.

Welby was born in Gouverneur on May 12, 1923, the son of William and Bernice Williams Reynolds.

He graduated from high school in 1940 and attended Clarkson University.

Welby married Ruth Peck on June 16, 1951 in Gouverneur.

He worked for New York Central Railroad from 1940 until 1943 when he entered the United States Army, serving in Company C 712th Railway Battalion until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. Welby returned to the Railroad until 1951 when he purchased his family farm just outside of Gouverneur on Old Route 58 North. He and his wife Ruth raised their family on the farm which he sold to his son Matthew in 1987.

The couple enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking their children downhill skiing. He also enjoyed studying maps and had a brilliant math mind and unbelievable recall. Welby loved to cut wood and often explained how it provided heat multiple times as you cut, split, stacked and finally burned it. He believed this made wood a superior energy source.

Welby is survived by his wife of 67 years Ruth, his six children Scott Reynolds of Gulfport, FL, Joel Welby and Kay Reynolds of Williston, VT, Susan Sorrell of Columbia, SC, Randy and Beth Reynolds of Sheldon, VT, Gregg and Nancy (Tovey) Reynolds of Williston, VT, Matthew Reynolds of Gouverneur, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Bill Reynolds of Bigelow, Elaine Gruneisen of Gouverneur, Jean Reynolds of Fowler, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and a sister Margaret Clark.

Memorial donations in Welby’s memory are encouraged to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 U.S. Hwy. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Service change: William “Junior” Williams, 49

The funeral service for William “Junior” Williams,  49, has been relocated from the Gouverneur Fire Dept. to the Gouverneur Community Center.  The celebration of life for Junior will be held Sunday, Feb. 17, 2-4 pm at the Gouverneur Community Center.

Albert Melisko

Albert ‘Al’ Joseph Melisko, 90, of Chester, Maryland, formerly of Gouverneur, New York, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at home, under the care of his family and Hospice.

Al was born on January 11, 1929, in Deferiet, NY where he attended school and lived in Gouverneur and Wanakena most of his life.

Al was a Korean War Veteran with the U.S. Army and served 13 months proudly in the 179th Infantry Regiment, Company K where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1952. Al was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and UN Service Medal.

Al worked in the mines for 36 years at Balmat, retiring from Zinc Corporation of America in 1992.

Al enjoyed building home projects, bowling, and keeping his mind sharp. He spent time at the VFW and American Legion. Al was rarely seen without his Korean War Veteran ball cap. He was an avid collector of bi-centennial ‘drummer boy’ quarters and no advertising ink pen was safe if left unattended. Al was a connoisseur of cheap beer and a master of completing 1,000-piece puzzles.

Al was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6338 and the America Legion Post 0065 in Gouverneur. He was greatly honored to participate in military honors at the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.

Al is predeceased by his wife Betty of 33 years, father Stephen Melisko, mother Helen Gurgus Melisko, sisters Helen and Agnes, and brothers Stephen, Jr., Robert, and Donald. He is survived by his brother Edward, five children, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the East Riverside Cemetery in the Spring. Arrangements are with Green’s Funeral Home.

Richard W. Moore

Richard W. Moore, age 79, of Gouverneur, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2019 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Monday, February 11, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star services at 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be on Tuesday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the Gouverneur Methodist Church Brown’s Chapel with Rev. Beth Quick officiating. Burial will follow in the Hailesboro Cemetery.

Richard was born on April 25, 1939 in Gouverneur to the late William F. and Dora A. (Bowhall) Moore. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School in 1958 and worked as the Senior Stores Clerk II for the New York State Department of Transportation in Watertown from 1974 until his retirement on April 26, 2001.

Richard was a member of the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church where he was a Lay Leader and certified Lay Speaker. He was an active member of the Masons, serving many different positions including Grand Patriarch, and a member of the Oddfellows and Kendrew Grange.

Richard is survived by many cousins and his cats, enjoyed family history, and seemed to be related or connected to everyone. His is predeceased by his parents and his step-mother, Evelyn Moore, who he was very close to.

Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Gouverneur Methodist Church, PO Box 157, Gouverneur NY 13642 the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7, East Syracuse NY 13057 or Camp Good Days and Special Times, 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Road, Mendon, New York 14506. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

William Williams Jr.

William Williams Jr. aka Junior aka Thumper passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at his home.

A celebration of life will be hosted in Junior's honor at the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department on Sunday, February 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Funeral arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Junior was born on June 10, 1969 in Sharon, CT, the son of William and Ruth Ellen Conlin Williams.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and worked at CIVES Steel Corporation for nearly 30 years.

Thumper had served in the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department and Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad for several years. He enjoyed working on old cars, watching local stock car racing, and attending car shows, never missing the Syracuse Nationals. Thumper also enjoyed time spent in the woods hunting, hitting the dance floor, and spending time with his family, especially his mother and son.

Junior is survived by his son Cody Williams of Hailesboro, his mother Ruth Williams of Gouverneur, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father William.

Memorial donations in Thumper's memory may be made to the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or to afsp.org (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention).

Jane Fuller

Jane Denesha Fuller passed away at her home on January 24, 2019 from pancreatic cancer surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Kindred Hospice.

There was a Celebration of Life at their home on January 30 at 1:30.

Jane was born on June 6, 1942 to Earl Denesha and Geraldine LaRose Denesha. She married Charles H. Fuller on September 3, 1960.

She had been an addressographer at the Tribune Press, a caregiver to many children and sold Avon for several years. She was a Lifetime member to the VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary in Gouverneur, N.Y.

Jane is survived by her husband of 58 years Charles, her 3 children Michael and Donald both of Florida and Brenda Stone of Syracuse, her grandchildren; Mrs. Brad (Jamie) Fleming, Tad Fuller, Mallorie Stone, Andrew Stone, Kevin Fuller, Schuyler Thompson, Jordan Dusharm, and Jacob Fuller. Also surviving are 4 great grandchildren, Lillyanna Thompson, Ella Pritchard, Julian Masi, and Aiden Kenner. She was predeceased by her parents.

Donations in Jane’s memory may be made to Kindred Hospice Foundation, 3350 Riverwood Parkway; Suite 1400, Atlanta, Ga. 30339 and online at www.kindredhospicefoundation.org or to VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary, 100 W. Main Street, Gouverneur, N.Y. 13642.

Martin "Corky" Donald Hogue

Martin "Corky" Donald Hogue, age 79, of Inverness, FL passed away at Bayonet Point Medical Center in Hudson, FL on December 28, 2018. Corky was born to Charles and Wilma (Crandall) Hogue on November 9, 1939 in Gouverneur, N.Y. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, the Navy Reserves and later the Army Reserves for 25 years. Following his military service, he worked for the Gouverneur Talc Company and later the Corning Glass Company as an electrician.

Corky was married to Diane (Edwards) for 57 years until her passing on April 12, 2018. He and Diane were Florida "Snowbirds" for a few years until finally becoming permanent Citrus County, FL residents in 2000.

He attended worship services at the United Methodist Church of Inverness. Corky was a volunteer for God's Kitchen in both New York and Florida, a volunteer at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, FL and the Mended Hearts organization. He was also a Volunteer Firefighter in Gouverneur, N.Y. for over 30 years. In his spare time he enjoyed making knives out of deer antlers and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and being outdoors.

Those left to mourn Corky's passing include his daughters Natalie Kelley and her husband Jonathan of Fowler, Denise Kingsley of Gouverneur, and his son Jon of Jacksonville, Fla.; brothers: Charles Hogue and his wife Patti of Gouverneur, N.Y., Kevin Hogue and his wife Sarah of Cicero, N.Y.; sister, Brenda Sipher and her husband Paul of Watertown, N.Y.; grandchildren: Dustin and Kristopher Kelley; and great grandchild, Morgin Kelley. Corky was preceded in death by brother, Brian Hogue; sister, DeAnne Jungkind; and son in law, David Kingsley.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held Monday, January 7, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with the Reverend Donald Pratt of the First United Methodist Church of Inverness officiating. Military honors were rendered by Inverness VFW #4337 Honor Guard. There will be a service in Gouverneur at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to Gouverneur Volunteer Exempt Firemen, C/O Charles Halpin, 110 Rowley Street, Gouverneur, N.Y. 13642 or to God's Kitchen, Inverness First United Methodist Church, 1140 Turner Camp Road, Inverness, FL 34453.

Nilah W. Sias

Funeral services for Nilah W. Sias, age 82 of Ogdensburg will be held on Tuesday (Jan 29, 2019) at 11:00am at the United Methodist Church in Ogdensburg with Rev. Donna Fitchette officiating. Entombment will follow services at Foxwood Memorial Park.

Calling hours will be held on Monday (Jan 28th) from 12:00pm-2:00pm & 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home. Mrs. Sias passed away at her home on Friday (Jan 25, 2019) surrounded by her loving family.

Surviving are two sons Joseph (Carol) Sias and Michael Sias and his companion Stephanie Frisina of Ogdensburg; daughters Cheryl (Doug) Abar of Ogdensburg, Sandra Languein of Oswego, Bonnie Dewey of Ogdensburg and Jo Anne Hart & her companion Daniel Hazen of Lake Placid; 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; three brothers Richard (Liz) Washburn of Gouverneur, Charles (Donna) Washburn of Macomb & Arthur Washburn of Macomb; seven sisters Joyce Stammer of Gouverneur, Betty Rook of Lowville, Sarah (Ford) Reynolds of Richville, Anna Washburn of Gouverneur, Mary (Harold) Bressett of Hammond, Ada (Donald) Bayne of DePeyster and Leona “Skipper” Jones of Indian Town FL.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert Sias; two brothers James & Sylvester Washburn; three sisters June LaVac, Eleanor Solar, Jo Anne Washburn and a grandson Thomas Sharpe.

Nilah was born on July 11, 1936 in the town of Macomb, a daughter of the late Alvin & Bertha (Dane) Washburn. She graduated from Gouverneur High School and continued her education at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric School of Nursing where she earned her nursing degree. She later married Robert Sias on July 14, 1958.

During her career she worked at the Canton Hospital for 5 years, and transferred to the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg in 1964 where she worked until her retirement in 1991. She enjoyed flower gardening, watching birds and wildlife, playing bingo, reading, and playing cards.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Macomb Wesleyan Church Fund 12 County Rd 7, Hammond, NY 13646. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.

William H. Pink

William H. Pink II, 77, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Loretto Nursing Home in Syracuse.

There are no funeral services and private burial will take place in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

William was born in New London, CT on February 19, 1941, the son of William H. and Pearl Layden Pink.

Upon graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army.

William worked several years in construction, most of the time self employed in Connecticut.

He lived many years on Pleasant Lake where he enjoyed fishing and just being on the water. He was also a proud member of the N.R.A.

William is survived by his 6 children including William III, Heather, Hattie, and Jennifer, 8 grandchildren, 2 sisters Delight Peretti and Heidi Stock, an uncle and aunt Patricia and Ellingsworth Whiting, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and several siblings.

Memorial donations in William's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Richard Arnold Lea

Richard Arnold Lea, Parker, Colorado and formerly of Edwards, was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada on December 2, 1954. He was the only son born to Edgar R. Lea and Shirley Arnold Lea. His four sisters, Laura, Pamela, Diane and Daphne and their families, survive him. His family immigrated to the U.S.A. northeast in his childhood. He graduated from Princeton, NJ. In his late teens and early twenties, Richard did underground mining work at the St. Joseph Minerals Company in Balmat, NY.

Most of his adult life, Richard worked as a large mining equipment mechanic. He traveled to countries in South America and to China, India and Thailand for his work. Before the days of GPS, Richard could find his way quickly around any city – even such cities as Bangkok and Shanghai with a good city map.

He had very interesting stories to tell about his experiences in these countries. His description of Chinese rural culture was particularly perceptive and astute. He had friends in all walks of life and could always find subjects of conversation that engaged almost everyone. He had a soft-spoken and gentle nature. He was always willing to help friends out with small engine repair, cars, snowplowing and the like. He was never happier than when he had a specific project to keep himself occupied.

He a longstanding interest in the NRA and was quite the gun collector through the years. He was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiasts and enjoyed an uninterrupted cup of coffee with the daily paper early every morning.

The members of his Saturday morning breakfast club were important to him. He was a man who chose to live simply. He had very few “wants” in his life and was very humble and the diverse experiences and observations he was privileged to have and make. His sisters and their families will surely remember him fondly for the many kindnesses that were shown to them over the years. His friends will remember him fondly as well.

Linda A. Merritt

Linda A. Merritt, age 78, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.

Linda was born on October 5,1940 in Gouverneur, NY, a daughter of Howard and Gladys Whittaker. She was a 1958 graduate of Gouverneur High School, attended Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam for 1 year and served in the United States Navy from 1959 until her honorable discharge in 1962. After her discharge from the Navy she worked for Gouverneur Iron Works.

On April 20, 1963, Linda married Richard E. Merritt in the Spragueville United Methodist Church with Rev. Louis Hewitt officiating. Mr. Merritt passed away in August of 2000.

Mrs. Merritt is survived by her 4 children: Colleen Crogan and husband, Donald of Painted Post, NY; Martin Merritt and wife, Aimee of Stafford Springs, CT; Ellen Kinney and husband, David of Chateauguay, NY; Gary Merritt of Laurel, MT; 6 grandchildren: Nathan Kinney and wife, Christina, Hannah Armstrong and husband, Sam, Isaac Kinney, Logan Merritt, Michaela Merritt, and Molly Merritt.

She is also survived by 7 brothers and sisters: James Whittaker, Christine Ozburn, Connie Kramer, Kathryn Church, Nora Geer, Philip Whittaker, and Paul Whittaker.

Calling hours will be held at the Christian Life Fellowship in Gouverneur on January 19, 2019 from 11:00am-1:00pm with her funeral immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donations in memory of Linda may be made to the Christian Life Fellowship, 52 Church Street, Gouverneur NY 13642 or to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam NY 13676.