Nelson S. Dailey, Jr.

Nelson S. Dailey, Jr., age 86, of Gouverneur, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg.

Nelson was born on March 22, 1935 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Nelson S. “Pop” and Helen M. (Hayden) Dailey, Sr. Nelson graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1953. He entered into the United States Army in 1958 and served until his honorable discharge in 1960.

Nelson married Susan Jones on December 10, 1966 in Fulton, NY. Susan passed away on April 2, 2006. Nelson worked as a plumber and steam fitter for various construction companies. He was a member of the Plumber and Steam Fitters Union Local 73 for 35 years.

Surviving is a son, David Mark Dailey of Hailesboro and a brother, Bernard M. Dailey of Long Island, NY.

Nelson is predeceased by his wife, Susan; his parents, Nelson and Helen Dailey; and two sisters, Betty Lewis and Shirley Hurley.

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

Donald O. Ensign

Donald Owen Ensign, age 75, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on August 24, 2021 with his wife by his side.

Donald was born on February 11, 1946 in Orange, CA and was raised in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA. Donald served in the US Army at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Later, he resided in New York, Oregon, and his adventurous nature took him to New South Wales, Australia before returning to Long Island, NY and eventually settling in Gouverneur, NY.

Donald is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean (Schilpp) Ensign; sisters, Peri Young, Dana Meadows, Heidi Bohlen and brothers, Hardy Ensign and Fred Ensign, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Donald Irvin Ensign and Jean (King) Ensign, and a brother Edward King Ensign.

Donald worked in irrigation most of his life, designing and installing systems for farms, golf courses, commercial and residential properties.

Donald was an avid duck collector. He enjoyed outdoor activities and especially enjoyed coaching young people in basketball and softball both in the US and Australia.

A celebration of Donald’s life will be planned in the future. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Thomas C. Threadgill

Thomas C. Threadgill, 90, of Old State Rd., Allegany passed away Tuesday (August 24, 2021) at the Olean General Hospital, after a long illness.

Born July 10, 1931 in Anson County, Burnsville Township in North Carolina, he was the son of the late Van and Clara Beachum Threadgill. On June 4, 1955 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married Barbara Reddy of Olean with whom he was married for 64 years. She passed away October 22, 2018.

Mr. Threadgill was a graduate of Burnsville High School, class of 1950. Upon graduation in July 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and remained in the service for twenty-three years, retiring in July 1973. He was awarded numerous service medals including the U.S. and Korean Presidential Unit citations, the Good Conduct Medal (on ten occasions), the Air Force Accommodation Medal, United States, Korean and Taiwan Defense Medals and the Elite Badge of Honor Organization Medal of Taiwan Veterans and the NYS Conspicuous Star Medal. He also received three Presidential Certificates of Appreciation from President Nixon, and from the President of Taiwan and Korea. Mr. Threadgill graduated from twenty-seven technical schools and was awarded the Master Instructors Badge.

His stateside assignments included Texas (three times), Alabama, South Carolina, New York, Colorado and Florida. His overseas assignments were Japan, Korea, Alaska (before statehood), Libya, Uruguay and Taiwan. Mr. Threadgill had many temporary duty assignments which gave him the opportunity to travel to numerous foreign countries and forty-nine states. During his last 6 years in the military, he was assigned to and performed duties as was required by the Central Intelligence Agency.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1973, he and his family moved to Allegany where he was employed as club manager of the Allegany American Legion as well as a part time school bus driver for the Allegany School District. In 1978 Mr. Threadgill became employed as a truck driver for Nabisco in Olean, retiring in June 1992.

He was a life member and past commander of the Allegany American Legion Post #892. He helped organize the Legion’s ritual team and he served several years with them. He was also the past County American Legion Commander. Mr. Threadgill had served on many local, county, district and state committees and was named the American Legion outstanding member in 1986. He was also a charter member of the Air Force Memorial and a member of the Korean War Memorial, both in Washington, D.C.

In the past he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling and had coached Little League and Legion baseball.

Surviving are four children Thomas E. (Rebecca) Threadgill of Allegany, Cynthia J. Threadgill of Allegany, Tracy L. (companion David) Threadgill of Allegany and Dale C. (Rebecca) Threadgill of Shinglehouse, PA; seven grandchildren Melissa (Patrick), Kristina (Jesse), Susan, Kathleen, Thomas, Zachary (Abby) and Isaac; seven great grandchildren Paige, James, Ian, John, Lillian, Beau and Jenny; one brother Charles Threadgill, of Asheboro, NC and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by three brothers John Threadgill, Edwin Threadgill and Kirby Threadgill.

Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Friday (August 27, 2021) from 3-6pm. Funeral services will begin at 6pm in the funeral home. Fr. James Vacco, OFM, will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the scholarship fund of the American Legion Post #892, 4350 Route 417, Allegany, NY 14706 or to the Pink Pumpkin Project, C/O Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.

Sgt. Ryan P. Shelly

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sergeant Ryan P. Shelly, 45, a lifelong resident of Crestview Heights in Hannawa Falls, NY will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam with Rev. Joseph Giroux officiating. Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Garner Funeral Service in Potsdam. Burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam. After a courageous battle with cancer, Ryan passed away at Canton-Potsdam Hospital on Thursday evening (August 19, 2021) with his loving family by his side.

Ryan is survived by his wife of over 16 years, Joey, sons Ethan and Graham, daughters Nora and Marianna, his parents Patricia Shelly and Peter (Denise) Shelly, a brother Jared (Martina) Baker, of Horseheads, NY, sisters Sarah (Douglas) Krueger of Tampa, FL and Renée (Jeremy) Summerell of Savannah, GA, uncles Robert Shelly of Hannawa Falls, and William (Sue) Shelly of Palm Coast, FL, an Aunt Phyllis Ondek of Hannawa Falls, a great uncle Wayne Dennicort of Potsdam, a special cousin Philip Dennicort of Colton, sister in laws Bridgette (Joel) LaPierre and Clara (Shawn) Cummings, both of Gouverneur, nieces and nephews Melanie, Patrick and Michael Krueger, Mackenzie, Tessa and Ty Baker, Finn and Tradd Summerell, Cassidy, Corinne, and Frances LaPierre, Grace, Joseph and Mae Cummings, a mother in law Carolyn Pistolesi of Gouverneur, and several cousins.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Harold and Dorothy Clark, paternal grandparents Hildegard and Felix Shelly, aunts and uncles, and his father in law Joseph Pistolesi in February 2021.

Ryan was born on May 18, 1976 to Peter and Patricia (Clark) Shelly in Potsdam, NY. He graduated from Potsdam Central School in 1994 where he excelled at playing football and lacrosse. He continued his education at Norwich University, where he was recruited for football, yet ultimately playing on their lacrosse team. While at Norwich he was a member of the Corps of Cadets progressive leadership and service model, and ultimately graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1999.

After graduation, he began his career with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, which he was very passionate about the work and his fellow coworkers. He married Joey Pistolesi on April 23, 2005 at St. James Church in Gouverneur, NY with Rev. Daniel Chapin officiating.

Sergeant Shelly shared his love of the sport with his four children and the community by coaching lacrosse for Potsdam Youth Lacrosse, and as an assistant coach for the ADK Northmen and the Akwesasne Thunder. He also spent much of his free time enjoying the outside hunting, fishing, boating, and hiking in the Adirondacks and passed on his respect and enjoyment of the outdoors to his children who love to be in the woods or on the water.

He had a great sense of humor and shared many shenanigans with his childhood, neighborhood and work friends. Sergeant Shelly was dedicated to his community at large, neighbors of Crestview Heights, career and family. Ryan was a man of integrity who was generous, loyal, service oriented, honorable, humble, and will be missed by the many people who knew him. Memorial contributions in Sergeant Shelly’s memory may be made to the Potsdam Youth Lacrosse Association, 29 Leroy Street; Potsdam, NY 13676 or a college fund for the Shelly children will be setup and donations to that may be made to Joey Shelly, PO Box 287, Hannawa Falls, NY 13647 with “college fund” noted in memo. Condolences, thoughts, fond memories and prayers can be shared online for the Shelly family at www.GarnerFH.com.

Michael D. “Sparky” Kane

Michael D. “Sparky” Kane, 67, passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at his home, in Gouverneur, NY. Michael was born on August 31, 1953 in Gouverneur, NY, the son of Charles and Fern (Mallette) Kane.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1971 and joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1979. He received an Associates degree from Canton ATC and was married to Barbara J Maloy of Gouverneur, NY on April 3, 1977.

Mike worked most of his life in construction including owning and operating Kane Drywall, starting in 1986. He loved his trade and was hard working and meticulous, taking great pride in his work. Up until he got sick, he could still be found with a drywall bucket and trowel, covered in dust, honing his craft. When Mike wasn't on a job site, he could be found holding court at a card table, yelling "fore" on a golf course, kicking back at the American Legion or VFW with his friends and companion Micki, or spending precious time with his 5 adored grandchildren. He was known for his charm, his warm smile, his heart. He rejoiced in the simple pleasures of life, often preferring the simple, like a hot cup of coffee, a big porch to tell stories, or a marathon game of pitch. He was a lover of Christmas, a champion for the underdog, and a giver of the shirt off his back.

He is survived by his children Ryan C. (Nicole) Kane of Clarence Center, NY, Kelly Kane of Williamsville, NY, and Stacie (Marcus) Eriksson of Marcellus, NY and his grandchildren Anna, Ellie, and Charlotte Eriksson, Quinn and Elijah Kane, and his ex-wife, Barbara Kane of Cicero, NY. Mike is also survived by his companion Micki Aiken Allyn of Gouverneur, NY, his sister Katherine Blackburn of Oswego, NY, brothers Charles Kane (Judy Dzikowski) of Tully, NY and James Kane of Gouverneur, NY, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Charlie and Fern Kane, a brother Wilson “Butch” Mallette, sisters Carol Kane, Lorraine Weldon, and Fern “Lou” Kane.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 22nd from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur, NY with a brief reflection of his life to be held at 3:00pm. Following the calling hours, a celebration of life will be held at the Gouverneur American Legion. Memorial donations to honor Mike are encouraged to American Legion Post 365, 163 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Murray Lee Andrews

Murray Lee Andrews, age 82, of Gouverneur, passed away at home on August 18, 2021.

There will be calling hours held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by his funeral service with military honors at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Patricia Beauharnois officiating. There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Elks Lodge after the funeral service. Condolences, photos, and memories may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Murray was born on May 28, 1939 at home in Fowler to the late John M. and Marion D. (Spicer) Andrews. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1956. Mr. Andrews served in the United States Air Force from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1960 and then earned his A.A.S. degree in Electrical Technology from Canton A.T.I.

He worked as a Telecommunications Specialist on Fort Drum for 25 years, including 16 years in the United States Army Reserves, until his retirement in 2001. After the September 11th attack Murray was called back to work for the government and then did contract work for the Army Corp of Engineers until 2011.

Murray married Lynda H. Wells, daughter of Lynn A. and Mabel M. (Roe) Wells, on March 10, 1962 at the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Stanley Brown. The couple loved to travel and have been in every state, every province (except the North West Territories) as well as East and West Caribbean, Ireland, Barbados, Cancun, Bahamas, China, England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Panama. Murray was an outdoorsman who enjoyed working the land and hunting, and was a member of the California Club, American Legion, and a lifetime member of the Elks and the Rod and Gun Club. He was a man with a strong work ethic who enjoyed telling stories to his grandchildren, always leaving them laughing and asking for repeats. One of his favorite words of wisdom was, “No news is good news”.

His survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Lynda, four children, Arthur Andrews Sr. and his wife, Denise, Amy Potter and her husband, James, Alan “A.J.” Andrews and his fiancé, Janice Weidler, and Audrey Haynes and her husband, Randy, a sister, Marjorie Cole, a sister-in-law, Sharon Andrews, 9 grandchildren, Arthur (Jillian) Andrews Jr., Morgan (Cody) McCrea, Michelle (Aaron) Windsor, Danielle Potter and her fiancé, Micah Beltz, Nicholas (Katherine) Potter, Kaley and Alyssa Andrews, Kyle and Kassidy Myers, and 4 great-grandchildren, Arthur III and Benjamin Andrews, Jonathan and Hannah Windsor, and has one more on the way.

He is predeceased by brothers, John and William Andrews, sisters, June and Howard Kammerer and Helen and William Knowlton, and a brother-in-law, Lawrence Cole.

Donations in memory of Murray may be made to a charity of your choice.

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.