Wendell VanDuzee

Wendell VanDuzee, 75, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Massena Memorial Hospital.

There will be no funeral services and burial will be private in Fairview Cemetery in Edwards.

Wendell was born in Gouverneur on June 18, 1944, the son of Claude and Cora (Spicer) VanDuzee.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1963 and was employed in the printing industry for over 40 years. Wendell enjoyed reading, was interested in the railroad, and collected steel pedal carts. He lived at Cambray Terrace until recently moving to Massena.

Wendell married Annett Arnold on March 7, 1977, and she predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his parents, a brother Douglas VanDuzee, and 5 sisters Shirley Souve, Agnes Snyder, Cora Snyder, Ruth McAdam, Wanda VanDuzee, and Eleanor Merritt. Wendell is survived by his sister Connie Watson of North Carolina, several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in memory of Wendell are suggested to your local Boy Scouts of America.

William A. “Willie” Cooper

William A. “Willie” Cooper, 87, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown.

Funeral services are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and burial will be in Pleasant Lake Cemetery, Brasie Corners. Public services honoring Willie will be scheduled and announced later in the spring.

William was born in Gouverneur on February 1, 1933, the son of Paul and Alma Freeman Cooper.

He grew up in Macomb where he attended school and worked on the family farms. Willie married Carrie Addie McCrea on May 20, 1954 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church parsonage with Rev. William Wood officiating.

The couple owned and operated farms on the Lashure Road in Macomb and on the Carpenter Road in Antwerp. Willie also was employed at the Borden Milk Plant until 1969 and then General Crushed Stone of Watertown until retiring in 1996.

Willie was a member of the Dads of the VFW, accepted the Good Citizenship Award at the VFW, and was a member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge since 1963 where he received numerous awards and held several offices. He served as Exalted Ruler, was Elk of the Year, and was given the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Awards among other accolades. For many, Willie was simply known as Santa. Before the nursing home was added to E.J. Noble Hospital, he began playing the role of Santa Claus to people of all ages. He wore the outfit for the hospital, the nursing home, Elks Lodge functions, the Kiwanis Club, firemen

parades, and at the local post office to name just a few.

Besides spending time with the family, the couple enjoyed giving back to their community, traveling, gardening, and bowling.

Willie is survived by his wife Addie, his children David and Rosi Wells of Germany, Dennis and Charlene Wells of Georgia, William Cooper of Antwerp, Julia and Larry Zimbal of Antwerp, Jane Oliva of Texas, Jannette and John Heisler of Baldwinsville, Walter and Bonnie Cooper of Antwerp, 12 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, a son Wayne Cooper, 2 sisters Julia Cooper, and Norma Cooper.

In honor of Willie’s memory, memorial donations are suggested to Grace Food Pantry, 52 Church Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Richard Crawn Sr.

Richard “Dick” S. Crawn, Sr., age 92, of Gouverneur, passed away at home on March 12, 2020.

Arrangements with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur are private. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Dick was born on March 27, 1927 in Branchville, NJ to the late Elmer and Vernie (Lawson) Crawn. He was the last survivor of 15 children.

He married Ellen Spangenburg in New Jersey. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on the McAllister Road in Gouverneur for about 50 years. Ellen passed away on December 23, 2011.

Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time at his camp on the Perch River.

His survivors include three children, Patricia and Calvin Walrath of Gouverneur, Jeffrey Allan Crawn of Gouverneur, and Vernie Arquitt of Hermon. He is also survived by 11grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dick is predeceased by his wife, Ellen, his son, Richard “Farmer” Crawn Jr., all of his siblings, and a grandson, Thomas Crawn.

Harlow R. Wood

Harlow R. Wood, 81, of Antwerp, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown.

Funeral services will be scheduled later in the spring and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Harlow was born in Watertown on March 6, 1939, the son of Curtis and Mertice (Shaw) Wood and attended school in the Evans Mills area.

He married Frances Marcellus on November 23, 1957 at Antwerp Episcopal Church.

The couple were involved with dairy farming since 1957 and have been on the Teall Road since 1967. Harlow also worked several years at Deferiet paper mill and then Rushmore paper mill in Natural Dam.

Harlow enjoyed the outdoors, hunting on the farm, tending to the cattle, or riding his four wheeler. He also enjoyed spending time with family, especially visits from his sister Sharon and niece Melissa Woods Edwards, and he was a life member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

Harlow is survived by his daughter Catherine and Marvin French of Alexandria Bay, his son David Wood and his companion Sherri Jo Petrie of Antwerp, his two grandchildren Eric and his wife Chrystal, Alyse and her companion Antwan, four great grandchildren Jada, Harrison, Tiana, and Trevon.

He is also survived by his sisters Sharon and Kevin Hall, Beverly Roux, Madeline Sepko, several nieces and nephews. Harlow is predeceased by his wife Frances, two sons Vincent Wood and infant son Curtis Wood, a sister Helen Collet, 2 brothers Harley and Hollis Wood, and a niece Mandy.

Steven Carl Weldon

Mr. Steven Carl Weldon, age 67, of Dallas, Georgia passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital (Marietta, Georgia).

Mr. Weldon was born on August 9, 1952 in Gouverneur, New York to Mr. Douglas Weldon and Mrs. Alice (Youngs) Weldon.

He was married to Mrs. Jane (Morrill) Weldon for 44 years. Prior to his passing, he worked as a talc mill worker for Gouverneur Talc Company.

Mr. Weldon is survived by loving wife, Mrs. Jane Weldon; his children, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua (Lindsay) Weldon, Mr. and Mrs. Luke (Courtney) Weldon and Hillary Weldon; his grandchildren, Ayden Weldon, Chandler Weldon, Mattis Weldon, Lily Kate Weldon, Elijah Curington, Finnegan Weldon, Elizabeth Curington, Holland Weldon and Thomas Curington; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas (Alice) Weldon; his brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Larry (Lisa) Weldon and Mr. and Mrs. Danny (Gina) Weldon; his sisters, Diane Weldon Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Scott (Teresa) Gillen; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Mr. Weldon was held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. at Benson Funeral Home. He was cremated following the visitation.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society in Mr. Weldon's memory.

John Ambrose Ayen

John Ambrose Ayen, 72, passed away on March 2, 2020, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.

John was born in Alexandria Bay, N.Y. on September 29, 1948, the son of Ambrose and Pearl (Tibbles) Ayen.

He married Sharon Rumble on April 15, 1967, in Gouverneur.

He served in the U.S. Army as an Air Defense Artillery radar technician.

While in the military he did three tours in Germany, El Paso, Texas and Key West, Florida. He was awarded the Army Commendation, Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals, the NCO Professional Development and Overseas Service ribbons and the Marksman Badge.

While in the military, John enjoyed building and racing cars (along with Sharon). He was a member of the German/American Race Club. His hobbies included woodworking in his workshop aka "Pa's Workshop", tinkering on his grandsons' snowmobiles and 4-wheelers, so they were all ready and running for their weekend visits and he could Ayenize anything.

He was employed by Lockheed Martin working at the Moscow Radar Site in Moscow, Maine before transferring to Lockheed Martin in Ocala, Florida, where he worked for thirteen years until his retirement. John and Sharon returned to Maine in 2011.

He was a member of the Disabled America Veteran's Association and the Albion Lion's Club.

John is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, John D. Ayen; and daughter, Amanda Ayen Atwood and her husband, Ben Atwood; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister, Sheila Finley of Florida and Jean Merritt of California.

He is predeceased by his parents and six brothers and sisters.

There will be a graveside service scheduled at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

Laura L. Crawley

Laura Lee Crawley, age 54, of Gouverneur, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 9, 2020 at her home.

There will be calling hours for Laura on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Laura was born on March 6, 1966 in Watertown, NY to the late Michael and Juanita (Savage) Griffin. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1984 and then entered into the United States Navy and served until her honorable discharge in 1989.

Laura worked as a Direct Support Professional for ARC for both St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties. She had previously worked as a CNA at Samaritan Keep Home. Laura was a very independent person, but a natural caretaker. She made sure everyone who came into her home was well-fed. She enjoyed reading, gardening and fishing.

Surviving is her long-time companion, Richard Clement Jr. and his daughters, Megan Clement and Melinda and Jeffrey Bender; her three daughters, Crystal and Kyle Clancy, Heather Crawley and Amanda Green; five grandchildren, Rhyslyn, Grace, Kaden, Bryce and Lukas.

She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Brenda Griffin and her companion Lee, Linda and Tod Hilts, Michelle LeJeune, Patrick Griffin, Gina Griffin, Kathy and John Worthen, Lenora Dick and her companion Pat and Micky and Jason Fulton; and several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made in Laura’s memory to the ARC St. Lawrence & Jefferson County Foundation.

Lucretia “Sis” Vondilee Besaw

Lucretia “Sis” Vondilee Besaw, age 65, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 10, 2020 at her home.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, March 15, 2020 starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Sis was born on April 25, 1954 in Gouverneur to the late Paul and Vivian (Fields) Matice. She attended Gouverneur Central School and was previously married to Harry Besaw Jr. Sis had previously worked at McDonalds, Jumbo’s Diner and Fort Drum. She also had co-owned Harry’s Quick Lube for a while, but she mostly was a homemaker.

She enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, playing cards, fishing, going on car rides, looking for deer. She also loved going to hunting camp, going to the river camp and going for boat rides. She had a big family and loved spending time with all of them.

She is survived by a daughter, Sherry and Mickey Donaldson; three sons, John and Karen Besaw, Darren and Raeann Cooper and Joshua Cooper; eight brothers, Gene and Beth Matice, Merton Matice, Donald and Mary Matice, Timothy “Tike” and Lynn Matice, Mitchell “Frog” and Carol Matice, David Matice, Michael “Buck” Matice and Lawrence “Jack” and Pamela Matice; six grandchildren, Trei, Lane and Kaymin Besaw, Hunter and Jake Donaldson and Aubrey Cooper.

Sis is predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Terry and Wayne Matice Sr. and a sister, who died in infancy.

In making a donation in Sis’s memory, the family asks that you bring a non-perishable food item to her celebration of life and they family will be donating it to a local food pantry in her memory.

William C. “Bill” Davis

William C. “Bill” Davis, 72, a resident of Brownville, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020.

A celebration of life will be held for Bill on Saturday, May 2nd from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Rotary Pavillion at Thompson Park in Watertown. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

William was born in Gouverneur on August 28, 1947, the son of Raymond and Marion (Stacy) Davis.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and worked construction much of his life. Bill was employed at Kenneth Graham Construction and retired from St. Joe Mineral Company.

He married Rita (Reich) Fleming on June 29, 1984.

Bill lived most of his life in the north country and recently moved back north after living in North Carolina. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping.

Bill is survived by his wife Rita, 2 stepdaughters Laurie Fleming of Brownville, Emily French Cash of North Carolina, and his step grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Barbara and Randy Besaw, Robert and Peggy Davis, Victor and Lorraine Davis, Charles and Vergie Davis, Lawrence Davis and Ida Leigh. Bill is predeceased by his parents and a stepson Michael Fleming, Jr.

Gary Alan Mott

Gary Alan Mott, 80, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital after a battle with A.L.S.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 2nd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur with Rev. Gregory Bailey, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will take place in the spring with military honors.

Gary was born in Massena on October 25, 1939, the son of Robert and Sarah “Sadie” Mott.

He attended school and then served in the United States Air Force for 4 years.

Upon honorable discharge from the service, Gary married Ellen Peck on March 3, 1962.

He worked many years for Lockheed-Martin before moving to Gouverneur where he retired from E.J. Noble Hospital.

Gary was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Gouverneur, the Gouverneur American Legion, and the Moose Lodge in Massena.

Known by his buddies as “the Finisher”, Gary was an avid fisherman and deer hunter, who enjoyed the Adirondacks, especially near Tupper Lake. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends including his extended family at the Casablanca.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years Ellen, his children Jason and Tami of Cicero, Joseph of Atlanta, GA, Kimberly and her companion Randy of Gouverneur, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Lawrence and Donald, both of Oneida, Reginald of Massena, his sisters Betty Billingsley of California, Faye Yakely of Albany, Barbara Anable of Connecticut, many nieces and nephews. Gary is predeceased by his parents, a brother Robert, sisters Sharlene Bruce, Rowena Allen, and Beulah Pierce.

Memorial donations in Gary’s memory are encouraged to the A.L.S. Foundation.

Gordon A. LaFaver

Gordon A. LaFaver, age 81, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with burial to take place at a later date at Hermon Cemetery.

Gordon was born in Russell on October 22, 1938, the son of George and Arloine (Eggleston) LaFaver.

He attended Canton School and was drafted into the United States Army where he served for 3 years.

Gordon worked at Diamond International Paper Company in Ogdensburg and began dairy farming in 1958 which he did until retiring in 1992. He then drove school bus for Gouverneur Central Schools, drove tractor trailer for Anderson Trucking Service, and drove bus for St. Lawrence NYSARC.

He married Diane Louise Fowler on October 9, 1965, and the marriage ended in divorce.

Gordon is survived by his children Steven LaFaver of Wisconsin, Susan and Vern Braunschweig of Kansas, Scott LaFaver and Stacey Downing of Richville, his grandchildren Alexandreia, Alyssa, Alana, Elijah, and Garcia LaFaver, Jordan Simpson and Abigael LaFaver, Olivia and Charles Braunschweig, and great grandchildren Giovanna, and Nova. He is survived by his sister Geraldine Robinson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Genevieve Carver, and Gertude LaFaver.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Lawrence NYSARC, 6 Commerce Lane, Canton, NY 13617.

Keith Earl Frawley, Sr.

Keith Earl Frawley, Sr., 83, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2020 in Utica where he passed on from complications of a surgery.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, January 28th from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a funeral service at 12:30 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and burial with military honors following in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Keith was born on November 20, 1936, the son of Anna A. Frawley.

He served 10 years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis and toured on the USS Intrepid, Independence, and Kitty Hawk.

Keith had been employed at New York Air Brake and enjoyed riding motorcycles and the companionship of his dogs.

Keith is survived by his two sons, Keith Earl Frawley Jr. of Ashland City, TN and Kent A. Frawley of Adams Center, N.Y., his four grandchildren- Justin, Evan, Michael, and Morgan, and his three great grandchildren Lyla, Leo, and Julia.

He is predeceased by his mother Anna.

Michael L. Bartgis

Michael L. Bartgis, 57, formerly of Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at his home in Gouverneur, NY.

Funeral arrangements are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Michael was born on September 10, 1962 in Frederick, MD, the son of Charles and Sarah (Kent) Bartgis.

He lived most of his life in Maryland where he graduated from high school, met and married his wife, and started a family.

Michael worked on a farm in Maryland before he and his family purchased and operated their own farm near Gouverneur almost a dozen years ago. He enjoyed his time working the land, the animals, and working with his family.

Michael married June Droneburg on August 4, 1984.

Michael is survived by his wife June and their two sons James Bartgis and Jonathan Bartgis. He is also survived by his siblings David Bartgis, Jenny Himes, and Debbie Bartgis, his mother-in-law Alice Droneburg, sister-in-law Donna Rice, all of Maryland, nieces and nephews.

Patricia A. Anderson

Patricia A. Anderson, age 78, of Cape Coral, FL, Parishville, N.Y. and formerly of Gouverneur, died January 21, 2020 at the Hope Hospice Facility, Cape Coral, after a brief illness. The illness was later identified as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

Born February 3, 1941 in Glens Falls, N.Y., the daughter of Albert and Agnes Feisthamel, she graduated in 1958 from Gouverneur High School. She went on to attend Cortland State and graduated from Potsdam State with a bachelor’s degree in teaching.

She married Robert E. Anderson July 16th, 1960 at the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur. She was a substitute teacher in the Gouverneur School District for many years.

In 1986 the couple moved to Allen Falls Flow in Parishville. She was a substitute teacher at PHCS and later became the full-time library assistant until retirement in 2006.

She spent her later years wintering in Cape Coral. Pat absolutely loved Florida, zipping around in her Mazda Miata, and visiting various beaches.

Pat was a very active and social person. She was an avid and accomplished bridge player, playing up to twice a week. She loved to read and to spend her days in the sunshine. She had an active group of life-long friends who were with her until the end. She also enjoyed swimming and kayaking on the flow.

Survived by her husband Bob of nearly 60 years, five sons; Robert Ben Anderson (Janette) of Sylvia Lake, Mark (Cindy) of Gouverneur, Kris (Gretchen) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Patrick Andy (Marybeth) of St. Johnsbury VT, Sean (Jennifer) of Corning, N.Y., nine grandchildren: Tess, Kayla, Ryan, Annika, Troy, Maggie, Owen, Charlotte, and Cecilia; and sister-in-law Sally Anderson Viele. She was predeceased by her infant daughter of three months Britt Lane, her parents, and a brother John Feisthamel.

Pat will be mostly remembered for her fun-loving spirit, kindness and ability to hold a conversation. She loved nothing more than being around “her boys” and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The burial will be at the New Catholic Cemetery, Gouverneur, in the spring.

Donations can be made in her name to Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, FL or the Parishville Volunteer Fire Department.

Sally Lou Swarthout

Sally Lou Swarthout went home on January 16, 2020 to live in the mansion that Jesus has prepared for her in heaven.

Sally was born April 27, 1932 in Gouverneur, daughter of Charles and Rena Tuttle Orford.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in June 1950.

She was a follower of Jesus Christ and enjoyed being in His presence and telling others about God’s love for them. She enjoyed being outdoors- hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, kayaking and gardening. After her husband retired in 1990, they traveled extensively, camping in a tent.

She married Anthony (Andy) Swarthout on June 30, 1954 at the First Presbyterian Church chapel in Watertown.

Surviving are: one daughter, Amy Lou Bach, Ithaca; two sons, Jay Anthony Swarthout, Amherst, N.Y. and Brent Alan Swarthout, Chantilly, VA and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Stanley Orford and two sisters, Vivian Tessmer and Dorothy Orford, all of Gouverneur.

She is predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers, Emerson (Doc) Orford and Vern Orford and one sister, Bethany Orford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: First Baptist Church, 118 Church Street, PO Box 208, Hermon, NY 13652 or Chosen Farm (Mission in Zambia), PO Box 28302, Spokane, WA 99228.

Sally will be dearly missed by her family and all that had the blessing of meeting her. There will be a family graveside service in the spring.

Andrew Porter

Andrew “Andy” L. Porter, age 12, of Fowler, passed away on January 14, 2020 at home.

There will be a memorial service held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be near his father in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Clare. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Andy was born on December 17, 2007 in Springfield, MA to Cynthia L. (Warriner) Porter and the late Wesley Roland Porter. He was educated through the ADA program through BOCES in Potsdam.

Andy was a kid who loved everybody and was very friendly and cheerful. He enjoyed watching videos and snuggling. Andy is survived by his mother, Cynthia Porter, sister, Elisabeth A. Porter, and his grandfather, C. Lee Warriner. He is predeceased by his father, Wesley R. Porter, uncle Todd R. Warriner, and grandmother, Sharon I. Warriner.

Donations in memory of Andy may be made to the National Autism Awareness Society at https://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/.

Sharon T. Durham

Sharon T. Durham, 69, of Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Calling hours were held on Saturday, January 11 from 10 to 11 am, followed by a funeral service at 11am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Keith Taylor, brother of Sharon, officiating and burial in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur.

Sharon was born in Binghamton on August 12, 1950, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Mann) Taylor.

She graduated from Massena High School in 1969 and married Ronald E. "Huck" Durham on December 23, 1972 at Hermon Baptist Church with her father and brother officiating.

Sharon worked as a home health care aide and a nurse’s aide at Highland Nursing Home and Kinney Nursing Home. Sharon, Huck, and their children also operated a food trailer business as R&S Family Concession.

Sharon enjoyed going to church, reading from the bible, watching the birds, camping, especially at Coles Creek, and spending time with family, often watching her grandkids playing sports.

Sharon is survived by her husband Ron, her children Marilyn J. Durham of Gouverneur and grandchildren Stallone, Savannah, and Willow, Becki Jo Durham and Jon Lalone of Mannsville and grandchildren Alana, Jalynne, Cain, and Rayden, Ronald J. "RJ" Durham and Danielle Mitchell of Heuvelton, and grandchildren Rylee and Lanie.

She is also survived by her siblings Robert and Tedi Taylor, Keith and Kathy Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, Priscilla and Jim Jenne, Phillip and Mary Taylor, Paul and Laura Taylor, John and Kari Taylor, Bethany and Doug Main, many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in Sharon's memory are encouraged to the Hermon Baptist Church.

Paula Towne

On Sunday December 29, Paula Towne passed away at her home in Gouverneur surrounded by loved ones. Over the past three months, the outpouring of support from the community helped give her strength as she battled cancer. Born in Rochester on July 18th, 1948, Paula is survived by her four children and their partners, Jessie Bishop and Bart Bishop (Gouverneur), Mason Wolak and Melissa Perreria and their daughter Avery (Alexandria, VA), Clinton Langevin and Amy Norris and their son Jasper (Toronto, ON), and Daniel and Jessalyn Langevin (Denver, CO).

For over forty-five years she called the North Country home and embodied the independent spirit of the area, with a consummate work ethic as an artist and creative soul. Paula’s home gallery, Trinkets, showcased her diverse artistic talents that included acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, pen and ink drawing, portraiture, logo/typesetting, woodburning, and rug making. She drew inspiration from the beauty of upstate New York, winning multiple awards at area art shows for her nature-based woodburnings. Over a twenty-year period, Paula completed portraits of every member of each senior class at Gouverneur High School. In addition to her numerous artistic achievements, Paula was also an active teacher, giving independent art lessons to hundreds of students in the area.

She was born the fourth child of five to Kay and Charlie Rysewyk (Rochester). Her surviving siblings are brothers Jim and Doug Rysewyk, and sisters Carol Lynch and Barb Thompson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paula’s name to either the Cancer Research Institute at cancerresearch.org or the St. Lawrence Arts Council at slcartscouncil.org.

Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 3 – 5 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. Her family hosted a get-together at her home following the service. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Harry Salisbury

Harry R. Salisbury, age 76, of Gouverneur, passed away on December 29, 2019 at Van Duyn Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse.

His funeral and burial will be private with Elder Richard Youngs, his long- time friend officiating. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Harry was born on July 4, 1943 in Gouverneur to the late Donald and Jacqueline (Vert) Salisbury. He attended the Gouverneur High School and married Mary Alice Rotundo on January 16, 1971 at the Gouverneur Baptist parsonage officiated by Rev. Perry.

Harry started working right out of high school as a mechanic for the Central Garage in Gouverneur. He also worked for Rotundo Chrysler-Plymouth before opening up his own business, Harry’s Auto Repair. Harry operated his own business for 13 ½ years before becoming an underground mechanic for ZCA where he worked until it closed. Always enjoying mechanical work, Harry loved going to work.

Harry loved racing and playing golf. He watched NASCAR, was a Dale Earnhardt fan, and even owned his own race car. Harry was also a longtime member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

His survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Salisbury; two daughters, Wendy and Penny and their families; several nieces and nephews; and also, his precious cat, Rufus.

Harry is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dean Salisbury and his in-laws, Henry and Doreen Rotundo.

Donations in memory of Harry may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Phillip John McKinney

Phillip John McKinney, age 36, formerly of Gouverneur, died on December 27, 2019.

There was a visitation held at French Funeral Home, 16 Barnes Street, Gouverneur NY 13642 on Monday, December 30, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. There was no funeral service. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Phillip was born on December 27, 1983 in Gouverneur to Michael McKinney and Karen (June) McKinney. He attended Gouverneur Central School and Jefferson Community College.

Phillip married Phyl Barbara on August 6, 2005. The couple have three girls who were their father’s world. Phillip was a fantastic father who was fiercely loyal and patient with everyone.

Phillip started working as an autobody repairman at the age of 16 for Mike Parker of S&M auto and has worked the trade for 20 years ending his career at Hamilton’s Body Shop in Adams Center. He was a hard worker and was very good at his job and loved helping his family when he could. He played guitar and had a beautiful voice. He loved his girls. He loved 4-wheelers and mud pits. He was the glue that held his family together.

He is survived by his wife, Phyl McKinney, his daughters, Kyara Concha, Alyson McKinney, Toryann McKinney, his mother, Karen McKinney, his father, Michael McKinney, brothers, Tony McKinney and his fiancé Kelly Edwards, Jeremy McKinney and his wife, Nicole, and his mother-in-law, Michelle Bridge.

Donations in memory of Phillip may be made at https://www.facebook.com/1024160409/posts/10218128218690002/?d=n.

His family wants to be sure everyone knows the phone number for Suicide Prevention. Call 1-800-273-8255. Available 24 hours every day.