Stephen D. Kelly

Stephen D. Kelly, age 68. of Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Upstate University in Syracuse.

Stephen was born on October 28, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late Charles and Madeline L. (Backus) Kelly. He attended Gouverneur Central School and then entered into the United States Marine Corp in 1971 and served until his honorable discharge in 1980. While in the Marine Corp, he also attended school at Canton ATC. He joined the Army Reserve and in 1984, Stephen got dual status and worked full time at Fort Drum as a diesel mechanic and then a supply clerk at ECS#1 until his retirement in 2010.

Stephen married Debra Moore on January 23, 1985 in Gouverneur. He loved being with his family, drinking coffee, doing yard work and watching football.

Surviving is his wife, Debra; a son, Shawn (Lisa) Kirby; three daughters, Shannon Kelly (Jamie Bonanno), Sonya (Chris) Baker and Heather Kirby (Kalii Correa); two brothers, Robert Kelly and Charles Kelly; a sister, Mavis Pyle; eight grandchildren, Michael, Ethan, Dalton, Kiara, Paige, Chloe, Peyton and Saige and two great grandsons, Caleb and Cian.

Stephen is predeceased by his dad, Charles Kelly; his mother, Madeline Closs; a brother, Leroy Kelly and two step brothers, Ed Closs and Carl Closs.

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

Joyce Shoff

Joyce Shoff, age 85, of Ogdensburg, passed away on September 28, 2021 at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to LaPoint Adult Home, Claxton Hepburn ICU staff and Dr. Manosvi Jaitly.

There will be a private graveside service held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Joyce was born on April 14, 1936 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Elton and Florence (Weaver) Dodds. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1953. After graduation, she started her work career as a telephone operator, and went on to work as a car saleswoman, food service provider at local restaurants and SLU. She worked for McAdam Cheese and Corning Glass. But most notably, she graduated from Reisch College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa in 1970. She went on to be called Joyce Hamilton, the Lady Auctioneer, being the first and only lady auctioneer in the north country at that time. She enjoyed many types of auctions, her favorite being a good antique household auction. She was a collector of antiques and her most prized was her collection of carnival glass.

A first marriage ended in divorce. In 1978, she met and married the love of her life, Eddie I. Shoff. They moved to Marysville, Washington, where she sold real estate. After their retirement they returned to the north country, first living in Gouverneur, then Ogdensburg, NY.

Surviving are her five children, Christine (Newell) Helvie of Castle Rock, CO, Jody Hamilton and his companion Sharlene Wells, Martha (Peter) Burt and Janet Hamilton all of Old Dekalb, NY and Elaine (Harry) Duprey of Keeseville, NY and a step son, Steven Shoff of Vermont. Nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Janice Dodds and many nieces, nephews and cousins, and Boda Shoff her beloved feline companion.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Eddie, her brother Roger Dodds and nephew David Dodds.

Gregory Peck

Gregory M. Peck, age 69, of Gouverneur, passed away on September 30, 2021 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

There will be calling hours held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Burial will be private. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Greg was born on March 1, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late Kenneth D. and Ruth (Crary) Peck. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1971 and earned his Certificate in Electrical Services from Canton ATC.

Marriages to Susan Moore and Mary Lou Simmons ended in divorce.

Greg worked for several places including Grants, Ames, Bestway Lumber Yard, and for appliance repair shops in Harrisville and Gouverneur. He worked for 18 years as a bus monitor for First Student.

In his free time Greg enjoyed fishing and boating.

His survivors include his girlfriend, Patricia “Patty” Wilson, brother, Gary Peck, daughter, Robin Saveno Nickel, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

Greg is predeceased by his brother, Jerry W. Peck.

Donations in memory of Greg may be made to the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund.

David Desormeaux

David Desormeaux, 77, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021 in the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, NY.

David was born in Gouverneur, NY on July 12, 1944, the son of Rene and Alice Fuller Desormeaux.

In 1950, at six years old, David contracted polio. After twenty-eight months of rehabilitation at the Ithaca Reconstruction Home, he returned to work at his father’s dairy farm in Antwerp, NY.

He graduated from Indian River Central School and attended college at Oswego, Canton, and Jefferson Community College.

On September 11, 1971 he married Judith Ann Narrow at what would become their home in Antwerp, NY. Judy was the love of his life. Judy remained in his thoughts and heart after her passing.

David enjoyed adventuring around the north country via various modes of travel. Whether it was a Chrysler Road Runner with a Hemi, a Ski Doo snowmobile, a boat, or a four-wheel drive truck, they all had two things in common. They were all fast and Paul Johnson was there. Uncle Paul was Dave’s best friend for over seventy years. The pair were well known for their hijinks and good-natured fun.

David worked as a draftsman, estimator, purchaser, and project manager at Bagley and Sewell, Cives Steel, and Riverside Iron Works until Sept 2021. He was full-time employed his entire life.

He enjoyed jokes, laughing, and being with friends and family above all. His brother Albert and sisters Marie and Sue Anne were dear to him and always there for each other.

Special thanks to his sweetheart Michelle, his girl Deb, his neighbors Stan and Diane Simmons, Eric and the Riverside Iron team, and all his industry friends he so enjoyed working with.

David was predeceased by his wife Judy and daughters Millette Desormeaux and Trina Holmes.

David is survived by his son Joseph and wife Tara, granddaughters Saree and Reagan Desormeaux, grandson Zachery Holmes, brother Albert Desormeaux, sisters Marie Brownell and Sue Ann Haffke and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held on Sunday, October 3 from 2PM to 4PM at Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur followed by a mass on Monday October 4th, 2021 at 10AM with Father Seymour at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gouverneur Hospital at https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/donate .

Paul W. Corey

Paul W. Corey, 86, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021 at his home.

There are no funeral services and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Paul was born in Potsdam on May 5, 1935, the son of Samuel and Evangeline (Streeter) Corey.

He spent much of his life working with cattle, working several years at Empire Livestock in Gouverneur. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his nieces, nephew Walter, niece's husband Kris, and great nieces who held a special place in his heart.

Paul married Deborah Christman on August 14, 1982 in Ogdensburg.

He is survived by his wife Deborah, his half brothers Fred, Raymond, Carl, and Robert Ritchie, a half sister Shirley Ritchie, nieces and a nephew. Paul is predeceased by his parents, a brother Walter and Donna Corey, a sister Ruby Kanyon, and a great niece Kristine Hudson.

June Marie McIntyre

June Marie McIntyre of Simpsonville, SC, formerly of Gouverneur, NY, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2021 at the age of 91.

June Marie Parisian was born on June 6, 1930 in Potsdam, NY, the daughter of Bernard and Alice (Dunkelberg) Parisian. She attended school in Potsdam and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from State University Teachers College in Potsdam in 1952. June was co-valedictorian of her class.

June married Richard Lynn McIntyre, her childhood sweetheart, on September 13, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church rectory in Potsdam, NY. June taught music in the rural elementary schools of the Gouverneur school district before starting her family. She taught third grade at East Side Elementary School from 1967 until her retirement in 1987.

During those years she and Dad built a camp (1965) at Trout Lake which is still a special gathering place for her family.

Mom had a great appreciation for the arts, literature, and nature. She was an avid knitter and maker of braided rugs.

She and Dad enjoyed many years of building a collection of antique furniture and clocks in our home.

June is survived by her children Bruce and Sabrina McIntyre, Sarah and Cecil Gaffney, Roberta and Scot Brown, and Maureen and Pete Garner. She took great pride in her ten grandchildren Trevor, Tony, Jim, Leah, Liam, Ceili, Andrew, Emily, Cecily, and Marissa. She was fortunate to have three great grandchildren Remy, Miles, and Macie. June was predeceased by her son Robert (1958) and her husband Richard (2008).

Per Mom’s wishes, there will be no services. The family will gather at a later date for a private graveside service. June’s children are grateful for the care she received over the past year from the kind staff of The Gables Skilled Nursing Home and Interim Healthcare Hospice Care, both of Greenville, SC. In Mom’s memory, please consider a donation to a Hospice care facility.

James B. Jones

James B. “Jimmy” Jones, age 74, of Florida and formerly of Gouverneur, NY, was called home on Friday, September 17, 2021, in Melbourne, Florida, where he had been battling Alzheimer's and passed away peacefully. A private family memorial will be held at a later date in the Gouverneur area. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Jim was born on November 6, 1946, in Gouverneur, New York, the fourth of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents, Earl Byron and Marjorie Jones, his son, Donald Wayne Jones, and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Jones. Jim is survived by his son, James A. Jones and wife, Lisa, beloved granddaughters, Jaimie, Juliana, and Jemma, and his ex-wife, Jane M. Jones, all of Syracuse, New York. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Jones of Gouverneur, New York, William Jones and his wife, Mary Constance, of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jones and his wife, Joy, of Nevada, John Jones and his wife, Judy, of New Hampshire, Jennifer Jones of Georgia, and Liz-Ann Collins and her husband, James, of California; an aunt, Betty Jane Lee of Florida; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim entered the United States Air Force after high school and was honorably discharged in 1970. He worked as a diesel mechanic for many years in both Syracuse, New York and West Palm Beach, Florida before retiring in 2007. Jim was a longtime member of the American Legion, Eagles and Loyal Order of the Moose. He loved to golf, travel with friends to NASCAR and Las Vegas. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a huge heart and was loyal to his family and friends. Jim donated generously to many charities. Jim will be missed terribly by his loving family and all who knew and loved him.

Donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to St. Judes 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.

Richard D. Washburn

Richard D. Washburn, age 79, of Macomb, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center.

There will be a graveside service at the Washburn Family Memorial at 439 Hurst Road, Gouverneur, NY on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James Warrington officiating. The family requests that everyone wear a mask. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born on January 14, 1942 at the family farm homestead in Macomb to the late Alvin and Bertha (Dane) Washburn. Richard was one of sixteen children. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1960. On December 19, 1981, he married Elizabeth Gates.

Richard started out work setting up mobile homes, then went to work for Harron’s Electric in Gouverneur, the Psychiatric Center, was a janitor at Morristown Central School and then worked for Farley Equipment in Gouverneur. Richard was a member of the Grace Community Church in Theresa, NY. He was an avid trapper since he was 12 years old. He loved hunting and was a beautiful artist of colored pictures and scripture, making picture frames and giving them away. He loved watching his birds, turkeys and wildlife, and even a crow family. He had a favorite car, which was a Ford Mustang. Richard loved cutting wood and was most at home when he was outdoors. He enjoyed picking black caps and long blackberries. He took great interest in flowers, trees and wildlife. He thought the world of his family and was very proud of their accomplishments. He was a man of few words, but there was a lot of love in his heart for Jesus and his family. He loved animals, especially a little pug named Kobe. He loved country western music and the Grand Ole Opry. His favorite hymn was “Blessed Assurance”. Richard was also an avid reader and was an adult Sunday School teacher.

Surviving is his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Washburn; a step daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Patrick Noone; a granddaughter and her husband, Khylee and Derek Habermas; a great grandson, Finley James Habermas; two brothers, Arthur Washburn and Charles and Donna Washburn; six sisters, Sarah and Ford Reynolds, Ada and Donald Bayne, Mary and Harold Bresett, Anna Washburn, Bettie Rook and Leona “Skipper” Jones. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is predeceased by two brothers, James and Sylvester Washburn and five sisters, Nilah Sias, Joyce Stammer, June LaVack, Joanne Washburn and Eleanor Solar.

Service Notice: Terry L. Nichols

A celebration of life for Terry L. Nichols will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 12:00 noon at the Gouverneur VFW. A burial will be held at 11 a.m. that morning at Hailesboro Cemetery for Terry who passed away on January 22, 2021.

Alexander Robert “Bob” Manson

Alexander Robert "Bob" Manson, 81, died Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Gouverneur Hospital. Mr. Manson is a retired New York State Trooper. He is also a veteran of the Army and the Navy having served four years in each branch of service. He was a 1958 graduate of Hammond Central School. He and his wife, Kay Clemmons were married at the Methodist Church in Gouverneur in 1970.

Survivors include his wife, Kay J. Manson of Gouverneur, daughters Pam Weaver (Mike Hebert) of Gouverneur and Penny Snow (Pete Towles)of Henderson, sons Robbie Manson and Gordon Ayen (Kelly) both of Gouverneur; brothers Arnold (Donna)Conklin, and Joe Seery; sisters Mary Hyde, Yvonne Mattice, and Diane Manson. Mr. Manson also has 9 grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as Poppy and Poppa Wussy because he always called them wussies, and 11 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Helen Cunningham Manson, a brother John Manson, and sisters Hazel Seery, and Ardis Reynolds, his Mother in Law, Jane Bresett, and Son in Law, Shawn Snow.

Bob was an expert handyman who could often be found spending time at the Donut Shop. He was an excellent fisherman, enjoying fishing with his friends Jimmy Card and Joe Seery. He was also an avid fan of car racing.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or Friends 4 Pound Paws, P.O. Box 394 Gouverneur, NY 13648.

Funeral Services will be held at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur, Wednesday, September 15 at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home Tuesday evening, 6:30 until 9:00 PM.

Jeanette Nuffer Erdman

Jeanette Nuffer Erdman died at home from complications of a long difficult battle with Parkinson’s Disease on September 3rd.

She was the youngest of six children born to Roy W. Nuffer and his wife Esther. Born and raised on a dairy farm near Beaver Falls, New York she attended a one-room schoolhouse and other rural schools, graduating in 1946. She went on to continue her education at the State University of New York, Albany, earning both bachelor and master degrees, concentrating in English and French. She began a teaching career in Cherry Valley, NY, then moved to Ellenburg, NY, and eventually to Gouverneur Central Schools, NY. She had a reputation as a solid teacher who ran a well-disciplined class.

While in Gouverneur she went on a blind date arranged by mutual friends and met and married her husband George Erdman. They were married on April 17, 1958 in Upstate New York and honeymooned in Boston. She then left her teaching career to raise the couple’s four children George, Jennie, Sarah (Moser) and Dan. She was a kind, loving, and devoted mother to her family, and she and George also welcomed Geneva Garvin Drakeford into their home, fostering her through her high school and early college years through a church program. George and Jeanette were members of both Gouverneur, NY and Brevard, NC First United Methodist Churches. They moved to Brevard, North Carolina in 1990.

Jeanette enjoyed traveling with her husband, and in later life joined him on the golf course where she experienced the thrill of a hole in one. As a mother, Jeanette made family game nights a regular event, as well as delicious home-cooked meals, hand-made clothes, and many other loving touches. In addition to her family life she loved to garden, play bridge, read, and travel. She was extremely talented as a seamstress and with fine needlework, creating beautiful quilts, pillows, and wall hangings. Hers was a life well-lived and full of love. She will be greatly missed by her loving and fiercely devoted husband George of 63 years, her 4 lucky children, her sister Joan Dando, and her 10 grand-children, who she adored. Special thanks to the staff of Four Seasons Hospice, and her kind and loving caregivers. A service to celebrate Jeanette’s life will take place at Brevard First United Methodist Church on Friday, October 1st at 1pm. A private graveside service will be held in Beaver Falls, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, with information at www.parkinson.org.

Robert F. House, Jr.

Robert F. "Bob" House Jr., 96, formerly of Fowler, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown.

There are no calling hours and a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 11:00 am in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur with pastor Ruth Helmer officiating. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Robert was born on April 25, 1925 in Clayton, the son of Robert and Leta (Ingerson) House.

He spent many years working as a truck driver, more recently for Anchor Motor Freight Company in Watertown.

Bob married Mary (Jobin) Black in 1986 and the couple lived several years amongst the pines near the Oswegatchie River. Two prior marriages ended in divorce.

Besides enjoying Mary's company, he enjoyed wood working and restoring old tractors.

Bob is survived by his wife Mary, a son James House of LaFargeville, step sons Thomas Black of Gouverneur and Lyle Jobin of St. Augustine, FL, a sister Joan Brown, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and an adopted son Joseph House.

Virginia R. O’Hearn

Virginia R. “Ginny” O’Hearn, age 84, of Gouverneur, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 at the Gouverneur Hospital.

There will be a graveside service for Ginny on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Virginia was born on April 10, 1937 in Russell, NY to the late Warren and Madeline (Kleingartner) Davenport. She attended Knox Memorial School in Russell. On June 25, 1955, she married John W. (Jack) O’Hearn at the Gouverneur Methodist Church with Rev. Woods officiating. Jack passed away on August 5, 1990.

Ginny worked in Chaney Hall at SUNY Canton as a food service worker for many years. She loved couponing and going to the grocery store, watching the news and cooking and taking care of her family. Ginny took real pride in taking care of her home and her family.

Surviving are two sons, John O’Hearn of Gouverneur and Timothy O’Hearn of Waverly; a brother, Kenneth Davenport of Gouverneur; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Jacque, Wade, Craig, Amber, Rylie and Connor and eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia is predeceased by her husband, John “Jack”; her parents; three brothers, Warren, Charles and Donald Davenport and two sisters, Marion St. Andrews and Ester Hutchenson.

Brian J. Taylor

Brian J. Taylor, 78, passed away on Saturday, May 2021 at McLeod Hospital in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Brian was born on June 2, 1942, son of Kenneth and Laura Taylor. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959 and joined the Marine Corps in 1960. After returning home, he worked at Gouverneur Talc Mine for six years, then joined the Gouverneur Police Department from which he retired and moved to Sunset Beach, N.C. with his wife, Donna Hawn-Hicks, in 1992. He was manager of a ABC Store in Calabash, N.C. and earned another retirement. Brian enjoyed walking on the beach and loved to sketch. He loved telling his puns also.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, son William K. Taylor and wife Mary, granddaughter Shelbie Taylor. A step-son Darin Hicks, a step-daughter Robin Hicks-Liscum, many nieces, and one nephew. A brother Kenneth Brent Taylor predeceased him in 2010.

A celebration of life will be held at the Gouverneur Community Center on September 12, 2021, 1 to 4 p.m.

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.