James Brian Robarge

James Brian Robarge, 57, a resident of La Porte, TX, passed away on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in San Antonio, TX.

James – or, “Jim” – was born in Oceanside, NY, on Oct. 23, 1963, the son of Thomas Robarge Sr. and Joan Starr. His family eventually moved to the Hermon, NY, area, where Jim was often found sledding, building tree forts, or getting into mischief around town with his siblings and friends. He graduated from Middletown High School South in Middletown, NJ, in 1981.

Following graduation, Jim served in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1985 and received training as an aviation electronics technician. He would go on to pursue a career in engineering at cogeneration power plants, and recently observed his 20-year anniversary as an employee of Calpine Corporation as a Turbine Engineer Specialist III.

Jim pursued his hobbies and interests with incredible enthusiasm, from playing soccer, golf and basketball, to spending time outdoors. He loved riding his motorcycle, and even explored places like Cambodia and Thailand by bike. Jim also enjoyed camping and relaxing with the family dog, and was known to have the occasional cigar or glass of scotch alongside a James Bond or John Wayne movie. Most of all, Jim was best known for his sense of humor, sharp wit and for how much he enjoyed spending time with his friends. No matter where he went, Jim brought laughter to all those who knew him.

But undoubtedly, Jim’s greatest joy in life were his two daughters, Briana and Nicole, whom he loved watching grow up. As a family, they shared countless family dinner nights, road trips and hours spent watching cartoons together (especially Bugs Bunny).

Jim is survived by his two daughters Briana Robarge and Nicole Robarge of La Porte, TX, his father Thomas Robarge Sr. of Potsdam, NY, and his mother Joan Starr of Lehigh Acres, FL. He is also survived by his siblings Suzanne Desimone of Virginia Beach, VA, Thomas Robarge Jr. of Ogdensburg, NY, Jacqueline Robarge of Baltimore, MD, and Danielle Rusk of Atlanta, GA, three nieces and nephews, and his uncles and aunts Dan, Kathy, Terry and Pat, and several cousins.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Church in Gouverneur, NY, with a burial to follow in Hermon Cemetery, Hermon, NY. Funeral services are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

George Alfred Lamica

Mr. George Alfred Lamica, age 83, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021. He was born March 7, 1938 in De Peyster, New York to George H. Lamica and Martha M. Kelly Lamica.

Mr. Lamica was a resident of Portland, Florida. He was Christian by Faith. He was a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces, serving his country in the United States Air Force and the United States Air Force Reserves. He graduated in 1956 from Gouverneur High School in Gouverneur, New York. He worked as a Field Engineer in water desalination for twenty years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and he especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters.

Mr. Lamica is preceded in death by his father George H. Lamica and his mother Martha M. Kelly Lamica.

Mr. Lamica is survived by his two sons Ken Lamica of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Tim Lamica of Bruce, Florida; one brother Donnie Lamica and his wife Pat; and his five granddaughters Eryn Lamica, Tannyr Lamica Bush and her husband Alex, Karsyn Parker and her husband Caleb, Blayke Lamica and Liberty Lamica.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 13 with Military Honors by the United States Air Force at Hatcher Cemetery; Freeport, Florida.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, August 28, 11 a.m., at the North Gouverneur United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow.

Judy Geer

Judy Geer, 74, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.

A burial in Spragueville Cemetery will be private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur, and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 21st at 1:00 pm at Mullin's Restaurant in Gouverneur.

Judy was born in Gouverneur on September 28,1946, the daughter of Carl and Mable (Blackburn) Link.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1964 and attended CCBI in Syracuse.

Judy married James H. Geer on May 13, 1967 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley E. Brown officiating.

She had worked at General Electric in Syracuse and then turned her attention toward homemaking and raising her family.

Judy enjoyed playing various games and puzzles, bowling as she helped start the Coffee Cup Bowling League, feeding the birds, especially hummingbirds, and was an avid N.Y. Yankee fan. The couple also enjoyed spending winters in Texas and more recently Florida, camping at various sites such as Hyde Lake and the Adirondacks, and loved to host family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving. Judy had served as a Brownie leader as her girls grew up.

She is survived by her husband Jim, her children Timothy Geer and his fiancé Boneta of Erie, PA, Amy and Charles Patton of Manlius, Tina and David Fuller of Gouverneur, Alicia and Shawn Mead of Gouverneur, her grandchildren Meggan and Eddie Anson, Brandon Geer, Carter Patton, and Jorden Mead, her great grandchildren Noah Anson, Hank Anson, Taya Anson, Reese Anson, and Nolan Everard. Judy is also survived by her sister-in-law Diana Link, several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother James Link, a nephew Jason Link, and a niece Mandy Jo Thayer.

Memorial donations in memory of Judy are encouraged to the American Lung Assoc. at Lung.org.

Mark Warren Taylor

Mark Warren Taylor, age 67, of Greensboro, passed away Sunday, August 1 , 2021 at home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on September 25, 1953 in Gouverneur, NY. He is the son of Norton Warren Taylor and of the late Joan Brickey Taylor. Mark graduated high school in 1971 from Gouverneur Senior High in Gouverneur, NY. He studied and graduated from SUNY Jefferson in 1974 and State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 1976. He moved to Greensboro shortly after and met and married the love of his life, Rita, in 1980.

Mark had a passion for creativity and owned his own sign and neon company, Sign Management, for nearly thirty years. After retirement, he took his sign business knowledge and skill and began a sailboat logo company. He enjoyed this because it mixed his passion for the business; plus, the love of sailing. You would find Mark volunteering in his children’s schools and teaching science lessons about his love for neon and electricity. He also came to many career days at his daughter’s school when she was teaching. He was a natural teacher and loved helping children. For several years, Mark helped fifth graders learn about sailing in the Virginia area. He would charter a boat with students; showing and teaching them how to sail. For some of the kids, it was their first time on the water and on a boat.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Joan Brickey Taylor.

He is survived by his father, Norton Warren Taylor of Gouverneur, NY, who just celebrated his 99th birthday. Mark is survived by his wife Marguerite “Rita” Taylor, his son, Christopher Warren Taylor and wife Lauren of Cary, NC; daughter, Ashley Taylor Moritz and husband Adrian of Charlotte, NC; his sisters, Patricia Hunt and husband Mark of Ohio, Lisa Joseph and husband Phil of Vermont; grandchildren, Anna Henderson Taylor, David Warren Taylor, and Lillian Taylor Moritz.

This past year, Mark and Rita celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows. They were able to write and read their own vows in front of friends and family. It was a beautiful day of celebrating love and the life they had built.

Mark had a passion for skiing, a love for sailing and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He wore many hats, but the one that made him the proudest, was being a “Gramps,” to his three grandchildren. Gramps’ house was always full of laughter and lots of baking treats for the grandchildren. Mark never met a stranger and loved meeting people. He had this ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room when talking with him.

You could always see Mark enjoying the little things in life and spending time with his beloved wife, Rita. They spent almost every night sitting on their front porch, talking and enjoying one another. This was their spot; and it brought both of them so much joy. They also enjoyed spending many weekends at their condo at Smith Mountain Lake. Mark began the love of the lake from his early childhood. He learned how to sail at a very young age and developed this passion from his beloved mother. His passion led to Mark owning many sailboats throughout his life. He loved sleeping under the stars, exploring the lake and spending time with his lake family and Rita. Mark was a long-standing member of the VISA Yacht Club at Smith Mountain Lake. This is where he met his lifelong lake friends that became family.

Mark will be remembered for his amazing heart, for the way he saw life, for the way he lived in each moment; taking nothing for granted. But most importantly how he loved. He found humor is almost everything and knowing him, was loving him. He fought a courageous battle with illness and was given precious time to spend his last year, months and weeks knowing how many people loved him. During his illness, his children surprised him with a video of personal messages, songs and pictures sent in from family and friends. The video ended up being over two and a half hours long. It was a true testament of how much everyone adored Mark. He sat and enjoyed the video, laughing and crying and being able to witness the love people had for him. Mark will be greatly missed by so many, but his family is so thankful that he had a personal relationship with the Lord and feels at peace knowing he is in the arms of Jesus.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mark will be held on Saturday, September 25th at the Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home Sedgefield Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am. The Celebration of Life service will take place at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mark’s memory to the following foundations that were very close to his heart:

Ryan’s Wish Foundation was set up by a childhood friend of Mark’s, who lost his young son to cancer. This foundation provides financial support that assists individuals of all ages with expenses incurred during treatment of hospitalization for cancer or other serious illnesses.

Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to:

Ryan’s Wish Foundation

P.O. Box 326

181 East Main St.

Gouverneur, NY 13642

Red Dog Farm is a local rescue for animals that helps with finding animals forever homes by using foster families and helping with expenses. Mark had a love for rescuing animals and it made him so happy adopting and supporting local rescues.

Donations in Mark’s memory can be made to:

Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network

8653 NC Highway 65

Stokesdale, NC 27357

https://reddogfarm.com/

online condolences can be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com

Paul R. Desnoyers

Paul R. Desnoyers, 76, whose growing up years were in Gouverneur, passed away August 7, 2021 in Olean. He moved to another area of New York, principally Rochester, before high school graduation but was always a welcomed member of Gouverneur High School, class of 1963.

Paul became a mechanical engineer and worked in his field of expertise his whole career. For well over the past 35 years he had resided in the Allegany area and worked in Olean until his retirement in 2005.

He always kept busy, most often helping others with his generous ways. His longest years of service to others was with the scouting program in Allegany and with the Allegheny Highlands Council at large. With his knowledge of history, trains, music, everything outdoors, especially camping, he made an excellent program camp leader for all Scout outings.

It was Paul’s love of family that kept him happiest. With his 1998 marriage to Esther Scott Barrett, the Desnoyers yearly family reunions, and his very close relationship with his son Michael and his wife Steph, he helped everyone thrive in the blended family relationships.

He leaves behind his loving wife Esther; a son Michael R. (Stephanie) Desnoyers of San Francisco, CA; stepchildren Patrick (Jan) Barrett of Fort Wayne, IN, Paul (Tammy) Barrett of Peckville, PA, Phillip (Kelly Chafee) Barrett of Hinsdale, Peter (Angela) Barrett of Amherst and Jackline (Steve Aloi) Barrett Whitus of Allegany; 9 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; his mother-in-law Ruth Penensick of Florida; 1 sister Cheryl Woloszyn of Fayetteville, NC; 2 brothers Mark Desnoyers of Plattsburgh, PA and Peter Desnoyers of Center Barnstead, NY; 4 sisters-in-law; 1 brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife Harriet Penensick and other close family members.

Family and friends are welcome to join for a celebration of Paul’s life being held picnic style, in Sizerville (PA) State Park (Pavilion 2) located in Portage Township in Cameron County, from 10-5pm on Saturday (September 11, 2021). Burial will be in nearby Portage Township Cemetery.

A special potluck dinner will also take place September 4th at Elklick Scout Camp.

To view Paul’s complete obituary, leave a condolence, and to see a list of where memorials may be made, please visit the funeral home website at oleanfuneralhome.com.

Stella Ann Hunkins Garitz

Stella Ann Hunkins Garitz, 87, a longtime resident of Watertown, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, July 26, 2021, at Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community in Kansas City, Missouri where she recently moved to be closer to her family.

Stella was born March 2, 1934, in the Village of Gouverneur, NY to the late Ernest and Lucille (Wells) Hunkins. Stella graduated from Gouverneur High School as the Class President in 1951, with her bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and her master’s degree in Library Science in 1955 from Syracuse University.

She began her teaching career as a librarian in September 1955 in North Creek, NY. She also taught at the Liverpool School District from 1957 until moving to Watertown with her family in 1965. Stella began her career as the elementary schools librarian with the Watertown City School District in 1971 and achieved tenure in September 1975. After retirement from her 36 year librarian career in 1997, she remained active in the Delta Kappa Gamma education society and held many leadership positions. She created her chapter’s newsletter, Chi Chatter, and traveled around the North Country for their regular meetings.

Stella felt her greatest accomplishment was her family. Her greatest blessing was her only child, John Michael Garitz. Her daughter-in-law, Teri Jo Wallace Garitz joined the family in 1993 and quickly became the daughter she always wanted. She was a dedicated and proud Grandma to her two grandchildren, Marisa Johanna Wallace Garitz and Michael John Wallace Garitz. Even from afar, she was involved in their lives, frequently traveling cross country for visits to Oregon and more recently Missouri. She would show pictures and share their achievements with anyone who would listen to her “One Happy Grandma” stories.

She was a dedicated and faithful member of Asbury United Methodist Church for over 55 years. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and honored as a Trustee Emeritus in 2011 when she retired from the board. Stella was influential in the creation of New Day Children’s Center and retired from their board after 30 years. She was honored as a Director Emerita in 2017 and the center’s library was dedicated as the Stella Garitz Resource Room. Stella also was the founding member of the Ashbury United Methodist Book Club and remained active for over 25 years. She led each book club meeting into 2021 creating book summaries and author’s bibliography and notes compiled in mini scrapbooks for each member.

Stella greatest passion was her lifelong love of reading. She was an avid collector of author/illustrator autographed books. She traveled to many author presentations and American Library Association conferences. Stella had great pride in her complete collections of the Newbery and Caldecott Book Award winners.

Her other passions included researching her family history, scrapbooking, trips with the Jefferson County Historical Society, counted cross stitch, decorating her home, being a judge for the Public Television Whiz Quiz competition, and planning reunions and biannual lunches for the Class of 1951.

Stella is survived by her son John and daughter-in-law Teri Jo Wallace Garitz (Parkville, MO); her granddaughter Marisa (Omaha, NE); grandson Michael (Parkville, MO) and sister-in-law Elsa Poole (Boerne, TX). She also leaves behind many cherished friends and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her father Ernest; mother Lucille (Wells), a brother Robert; and former husband Joseph Garitz.

Calling hours will be at Cleveland Funeral Home, 404 Sherman Street, Watertown, NY on Sunday, August 8th from 1-4 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, August 9th, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 200 Parker Street, Watertown, NY. A private family burial will take place at Hermon Cemetery, Hermon, NY on Monday, August 9th.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Day Children’s Center or Asbury United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

Barbara Van Slyke Anderson

Barbara Van Slyke Anderson died June 13, 2021, in Albuquerque, NM, the daughter of former Gouverneur NY Mayor, William M. Van Slyke and Gertrude Slice Van Slyke. She graduated from Gouverneur High School as salutatorian of the Class of 1940. She then graduated from Cornell University in 1944.

She went to Poston, AZ during WWII to teach English at the Japanese relocation camp and then taught at Ganao, AZ Presbyterian Mission School.

In 1948, she married Douglas Brownell Anderson, the trader at Roundtop Trading Post adjacent to Ganado Mission and together they raised three children in Ganado. There until 1985, she learned the names of plants, tracked migrant birds and the paths of the stars, moon and sun, taught piano, loved music, learned enough about how the Navajo language worked to be helpful when she went back to teach junior high at Ganado Public School, earned her master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University, and hosted many a visitor and family gathering. She was organized to a T, which is how she could get supper ready for a dozen guests even though the nearest grocery store (besides Roundtop) was 56 miles away. For almost 40 years, she threaded her way between two cultures, imperfectly for sure, but with thought and attention, and by the grace of good friends.

She was a reader and a writer. She wrote about every little thing and kept notes and letters in yearly folders – for 60 plus years! In 1963, she and Doug collaborated on a book about Canyon de Chelly – her writing and his photograph, and in 1972 they produced another about Chaco Canyon. After retirement in 1985, when they moved from Ganado to Cochiti Lake, NM, she wrote her memoirs.

In 2010, she published a book “That’s The Way It Used To Be,” about the Ganado Presbyterian Mission and her life there. There is a copy of her book in the Gouverneur, NY Public Library.

After 11 more years of retirement in Glendale, AZ, she moved to Albuquerque, NM. In her last year, shut in with COVID, and no longer hearing or seeing well, she would say, “I’m glad my windows face west,” knowing they looked out over the valley to three volcanoes and the broad space beyond, knowing it was filled with many things.

Barbara is survived by her brother, W. Barton Van Slyke, M.D. and his wife, Anna, their three sons David (Sue), Steve (Sharon), and Marty (Cindy), and her daughters Cecelia (Jeff) and Kathryn; grandchildren: Emily, Matt, Claire, and Mariel. Great-grandchildren are Anderson and Hayes. Preceding her in death were her husband Douglas, son Douglas (Brownie), Jr., and Anderson in-laws, Seymour and Rosalie, Alan and Ruth, and Lowell and Barbara. She will be missed by many, including nieces and nephews, dear friends – all those people who filled her life over the span of years. Contributions can be made in her name to the Northern Arizona University Foundation, Office of Native American Funds Initiatives, P.O. Box 4094, Flagstaff, AZ 86011.

Jerry R. McDonald

Jerry R. McDonald, 84, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Funeral services and burial in Hailesboro Cemetery are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Jerry was born in Gouverneur on August 12, 1936, the son of Robert and Violet (Baker) McDonald.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1956.

Jerry married Frances Aldrich in August of 1963. The couple eventually divorced.

He worked near Gouverneur, more recently at Fort Drum and ZCA.

Jerry enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and hunting, especially deer and turkeys, and was a member of the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his children Jeffrey McDonald, Laura and Joshua Link, his grandchildren, his sister Connie and Edwin White, several nieces and nephews. Jerry is predeceased by his parents and his sister Joan Blance.

Memorial donations in memory of Jerry are encouraged to the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

Death Notice: Michael J. Bonk

Michael J. Bonk, 69, a native of Richville, passed away on Friday, August 6 at his home in Snohomish, WA. There are no local services at his time and a celebration of life may be announced in the future.

Jack Cornell

Jack Cornell, 87, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 1:00 pm at Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville.

Jack was born on October 22, 1933 in Canton to Lewis and Flossie (Richards) Cornell.

He moved to the Gouverneur area in 1943 and attended school in Canton and Gouverneur. Jack enlisted in the United States Army in 1951, serving in Korea from July 1952 through August 1953 with 223 Infantry Regiment 40th Division.

After discharge from service, he worked for Rushmore Paper Company in Natural Dam a short time before going to work for St. Joe Lead Company in June of 1954 where he was employed for 30 years until he became disabled.

Jack married Loretta Boprey at the Baptist Church of Richville on October 23, 1954.

Loretta passed away on on September 8, 2020.

Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a member of S&B Hunting Club.

He is survived by two sons Steven and Randy, his daughter-in-law Christine, 3 granddaughters, 2 great grandchildren, a great, great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Jack is predeceased by his parents, his wife Loretta, his son Jerry, his brothers Lawrence, George “Duke”, Hollis, and Richard, his sisters Audrey and Amy.

Timothy Arlie Hall

Timothy Arlie Hall, 61, passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services and burial in Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Timothy was born in Gouverneur on August 2, 1959, the son of Arlie and Marguerite (Felt) Hall. He worked for various lumber yards and building supply companies in Gouverneur, Heuvelton, and he last worked at Wellsley Island Building Supply.

Tim enjoyed playing golf, spending time at the Clare Hunting Club, searching for information and technology on his phone or tablet, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the SONS of the American Legion in Antwerp.

A marriage to Carolee Matthews ended in divorce.

Tim is survived by his sons Curtis Hall, Jacob Hall and his wife Felicia, his grandchildren Laynee and Leif, Liberty and Colten, and his mother Marguerite Hall. He is also survived by his siblings Steve and Tina Hall, Mike and Joani Hall, Bill and Linda Hall, Laurie and Joe Weekes, several nieces and nephews. Tim is predeceased by his father Arlie, his grandparents Robert and Doris Hall, Raymond and Edna Felt.

Memorial donations to honor Tim are encouraged to the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Bonnie J. Claflin

Bonnie J. Claflin, 74, of North Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30th. She was born in Gouverneur, NY to the late Helen and Stanley Smith. She worked as a seamstress for several years for Learbury Clothes and then went onto to work at MS Kennedy.

She was predeceased by her husband, Walter G. Claflin.

Bonnie is survived by her three daughters, Mary (Ted) LaFave, Shelley Ringler and Christine Claflin; grandchildren, Thomas and Steven LaFave and Matthew and Emily Ringler; brother, Gary Smith; step-sister, Carol Andre and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 6th 4-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 7th 11am at the funeral home with burial to follow in Pine Plains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY.

Service Notice: William “Willie” Cooper

A celebration of life for William "Willie" Cooper will be held on Saturday, August 14th from 11 am to 3 pm at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. A lodge service will be held at 1 pm and a memorial service at 2 pm. Willie, 87, passed away on March 23, 2020 and services were delayed due to the health situation.

Marlene Hitchman

Marlene M. Hitchman, age 67, of Gouverneur, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021 at home under the loving care of her family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Marlene was born on April 19, 1954 in Gouverneur, to the late Preston and Elaine (Backus) Morrissiey. She attended Gouverneur Central School. She married William J. Hitchman on May 5, 1995 at the Gouverneur Methodist Church. A marriage to David Jenkins ended in divorce.

Marlene had worked as a CNA at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg; was a bus monitor for the Gouverneur Central School District and then worked as a secretary for Global Industrial Services. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, playing games on the computer and in her younger years she enjoyed hunting.

Surviving is her husband, William; two sons, John and Christina Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins and his fiancé Kamie Trimm; a brother, Michael and Mary Morrissiey; a sister, Karen and Bobbie Garceau; five grandchildren, Dawson, Chloe, Tiffany, Katie and Emily Jenkins and several nieces and nephews.

Marlene is predeceased by a daughter, Tanya Jenkins and a brother, John Morrissiey.

In keeping with Marlene’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Service Notice: Tammy Sue (Fairbanks) Goodale

A graveside service for Tammy Sue (Fairbanks) Goodale will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 11 am at Fairview Cemetery, Edwards and a celebration of life to follow at her daughter's house at 115 Gore Road, Richville, NY 13681. Tammy passed away on February 13, 2021.

Roberta Scales

Roberta “Bobbie” Scales, 85, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the CVPH Medical Center, with her daughter at her side. She was born April 16, 1936 in Keene, daughter of Calvin and Isabelle (Jacquish) Marble.

Bobbie was well known in the Plattsburgh area for so many reasons. She was a nurse at both ends of life, working pediatrics for Dr. Peter Pulrang and Rainbow Pediatrics and geriatrics at the Clinton County Nursing Home. She was the “Avon lady of Champlain Park” for over 30 years. Bobbie was also a tireless volunteer in the community for many different organizations. She will be greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched.

Her hobbies included crossword puzzles, reading, walking and bowling. She was proud to be able to say she threw a bowling ball on her 85th birthday!

Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Lynnette Nicholl and her partner Bradley Conklin of Gouverneur, 2 grandsons, Tyler (Becky) of Gouverneur and Trevor of Denver, CO, a great grandson, Wyatt and a sister, Beverly O’Connor of Keene. A marriage to David Scales ended in divorce.

Donations in Bobbie’s name may be made to the Elmore SPCA, 556 Telegraph Road, Peru, NY 12972.

At Bobbie’s request there will be no calling hours and no service. Burial will be at the Norton Cemetery in Keene.

Richard L. Fuller

Richard “Rich” L. Fuller, age 74, of Gouverneur, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Gouverneur Hospital.

There will be a graveside service for Rich in the Hailesboro Cemetery on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Zachary Bristol officiating. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born on April 24, 1947 in Gouverneur to the late Harold H. and Audrey (Weaver) Fuller. He attended the Gouverneur High School and married Diane Susan Bigarel on November 22, 1972. Mr. Fuller worked for the Gouverneur Co-op, Ritchie Brothers, and in the mill at Gouverneur Talc, retiring as the Assistant to the Foreman in 2009.

Rich enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club and also raised dairy replacement cattle for 36 years with his wife, Diane. Rich enjoyed his camp on the Shantyville Road and his vegetable garden where he grew all kinds of vegetables including potatoes and corn.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Fuller; three sons, Forrest Fuller of Gouverneur, Ashley and his wife, Wendy Fuller of Central Square, Brandon Fuller of Colton; two granddaughters, Morgan and Abigail Fuller; and a step granddaughter, Ashley Miller. He is also survived by three brothers, Herb Fuller of Gouverneur, Philip Fuller of Plattsburgh, and Van Fuller of Gouverneur.

He is predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Roy Porter.

Donations in memory of Rich may be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Service Notice: Albert “Tick” Henderson Gardner, Ph.D.

Albert “Tick” Henderson Gardner, Ph.D. was born January 8, 1932 in Gouverneur, NY. and passed on January 12, 2021 in Miami, FL. with his wife Ginny and daughter Emily by his side. Interment will be Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur.

Barry Gregory French

Barry Gregory French, age 82 of Conway, SC passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Conway Medical Center.

Born February 24, 1939 in Shamokin, PA, he was the son of the late Leon and Olive French.  Mr. French was a 1956 graduate of Edwards Central High School and received his BS Degree from St. Lawrence University and a MS Degree from SUNY, Potsdam.  He taught math in Russell, NY then moved to Gouverneur, NY, where he taught until his retirement in 1997.  He coached girls’ JV soccer for eight years and JV girls’ basketball for eleven years. He, along with Rick Mace, were responsible for starting the successful girls program at Gouverneur.  Over the years, he was known as “Pa French”.   Barry and his wife Lynne lived at Sylvia Lake, NY before moving to Conway, SC.

Barry was an avid hunter and a member of the Doe Haven Hunting Club. He also restored several old cars, his favorite was a 1936 Ford.  In his spare time, you would find him building decks, garages, cradles, and sharing carpentry knowledge learned from his Dad.  He was an avid reader of westerns. 

Barry was a Life Member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, participating with Chapter J of Myrtle Beach.  He and Lynne, along with good friends, traveled the lower 48 states and three Canadian Provinces by motorcycle.  His last trip was at the age of 76 to Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.

Left to cherish Barry’s memory is his wife of 62 years, Lynne; his children, Julie Mullaney and her partner, Bob Shufelt, Martha Alhouse, Gregory (Kelley) French; grandchildren, Jenna (William) Decker, Michelle (Dale) Meekins, Matthew (Lyndsi Jo) Mullaney, Danielle (Tyler) Bleau, Christopher Alhouse, Craig (Nia) Alhouse and Edisto French; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Karl (Rosemary), Ray (Lauren), Glenn, Junie (Shirley), Dick (Dawn), Bill (Debbie) and sister Margie (Fred) LaPoint; many nieces and nephews and exchange student, Evelyn Jansson from Brazil.

Barry is reunited in passing with his beloved granddaughter, Cassady Rose.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to: The Cassady Jones French Scholarship at Socastee High School, 4900 Socastee Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC  29588. Condolences may be shared to www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Evyeline M. Minckler

Evyeline May Boyden Minckler, age 92, of Gouverneur, passed away on July 9, 2021at St. Joseph’s Home in Ogdensburg surrounded by her daughter Jane and family friend Liz Steele.

Evyeline was born on August 1, 1928, Gouverneur, NY to Kenneth and Edith (Congdon) Boyden. She married Lyle Warren (Pet) Minckler from Lyon Mt., NY on February 15, 1947 in Chateaugay, NY. They lived for the first five years of their married life in the area of Malone, NY. In 1958 the family moved to Gouverneur where her husband found work in the talc mines. Evyeline became a bus driver in 1966. She enjoyed being a bus driver and drove bus for 42 years.

Evyeline had 6 children: Linda, Diane, Susan, Paul, James, and Jane. She had 15 grandchildren, Tina, Vernon, Jennifer, Brian, Kara, Holly, Donna, Jim, Aimee, Kristi, John, Sarah, Daniel, Tieliey, and Lyle; 43 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren-soon to be 18 arriving in September, along with numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Evyeline enjoyed many hobbies and embraced each one fully. She loved and used her talent in quilting, knitting, crocheting, and crafts, particularly tole painting and ceramics. Everyone in her family has one or more of the beautiful quilts she has made. Over the years, she exhibited many of her quilts and crocheted items at the Gouverneur Fair. Bowling was also something she enjoyed, especially keeping score for teams. There was a time she camped with family, cross country skied and 4-wheeled with friends. She particularly enjoyed dressing up in costumes during the holidays for the children. Evyeline was a lifetime member of the Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary. While at St. Joseph’s these past few years, she could be found working on a jigsaw puzzle, adult coloring book or word search and getting her hair and nails done. She always had to keep her hands busy.

Evyeline was predeceased by her husband Warren “Pet” Minckler, son Paul Minckler, a daughter Linda Fuller, a brother Marvel Boyden, a son-in-law, Vernon Fuller, Sr, daughter-in-law, Colleen (Burke) Minckler, a grandson, Vernon “Brother” Fuller, and a great-grandson, Christopher Fuller.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane Minckler of Lake Havasu, AZ, Susan Hawker of Kenai, AK, Jane Minckler and a son, James Minckler, both of Gouverneur.

Evyeline will be cremated. Services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville where she will be buried alongside her husband and mother. Everyone is invited to gather at Tieliey Hood’s home after the service at 74 E. Barney Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donations may be made in Evyeline’s memory to St. Joseph’s Home, 950 Linden Street, Ogdensburg NY 13669.