Andrew Johnston Sr.

Andrew “Andy” D. Johnston Sr., 39, a former Averill Park resident, more recently of Gouverneur, died suddenly on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Andrew was born in Troy, New York on August 17th 1982. He is survived by his children Taylor Johnston, Andrew Johnston Jr., Robert Johnston and their mother Danylle Gerstel all of Averill Park, NY; his parents Linda (Jeff) Dahl of Phoenix, Arizona & Andy Johnston of Brunswick, NY; brothers Jeffrey (Tabitha) Dahl & Chris (Sarah) Dahl of Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters Katie Dahl of Phoenix, Arizona and Brenda Johnston of Brunswick, NY; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews. Andrew is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Shirley & Charles Mousaw; paternal grandparents Ted and Anne Johnston; & his cousin TJ.

Andrew grew up and attended schools in Brunswick, NY. He was into wrestling as a child & competed in many championships. He worked in construction & was a member of the Local 157 Laborers Union. In Gouverneur, he worked at the local Price Chopper supermarket where he had just been promoted to manager. Andrew loved spending time with his kids; they were his pride and joy. He also loved hunting, fishing, horses & anything with wheels.

While living in Gouverneur he was able to reconnect with his mom & her family and make lasting memories. He enjoyed helping his Uncle Tom at his hunting cabin on the lake, going ice fishing with his cousin Kaleb, and spending quality time with his mom, Linda; aunts Debra & TJ; and cousins Hannah & Emily. He only lived there a short time, but built many meaningful relationships. His presence will be greatly missed by people he only knew for a short time & that tells what a good person he was. He believed in second chances & would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

“He’ll always be remembered as a man both strong and good. Who gave his best to others, and who did the best he could. He’ll always be remembered for all the joy he brought. As a man who made a difference, and a man who meant a lot.”

Andrew “Andy” Johnston, 1982-2022, Too well loved to ever be forgotten.

Albert Kaplan

April 20, 1932 – 
February 9. 2022

Albert Kaplan, discoverer of the daguerreotype of Abraham Lincoln, is dead. He was 89 years old, the youngest child of Esther Chodosh and Sol Kaplan of Gouverneur, New York. He was active in the animal liberation movement.

In 1977 while browsing in a New York art gallery, he came upon the daguerreotype. He told friends, “As I held it in my hand, I wondered about this handsome, beautifully groomed, aristocratic young man. I thought that he was Abraham Lincoln.”

In Paris, France in late 1986, after attending a lecture by Dr. Claude N. Frechette of the American Hospital in Paris, Kaplan believed that Dr. Frechette might be the ideal man to examine the data he had assembled over years, with a view to determining, scientifically, whether or not the young man of the daguerreotype was Abraham Lincoln.

After his six-year study, Dr. Frechette’s authentication, “A New Lincoln Image,” was published in the 1994 Summer Edition of the “Journal of Forensic Identification,” the official publication of the International Association For Identification. A first of forensic medicine, Dr. Frechette’s analysis can be viewed at www.lincolnportrait.com.

Albert is survived by his wife, Vreni. He has been buried near the grave of his brother, Jacob, in Ogdensburg, New York.

Ronald H. Monica

Ronald H. (Ron) Monica, 77, passed away very unexpectedly on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 8:04 am in the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, NY.

He was born April 23, 1944 in the Mercy Hospital in Watertown, NY, a son of Howard L. and Evelyn M. (Jones) Monica.

Ron graduated from Indian River Central School, Philadelphia, NY, in 1963. While in school, he played football and was on the wrestling team.

After school, he worked on the family farm and at the New York Air Brake. At the New York Air Brake, he was very proud of working on parts for the first space vehicles. The casting had to be “just so”.

On August 15th, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Marion E. Flood, daughter of Doug and Millie Flood of Philadelphia, NY, at the Philadelphia United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Kenneth Reynolds.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, during the Vietnam Conflict. He was awarded a Sharpshooter Medal. After mustering out of the Marines in April, 1968, he and his family returned to Northern New York. He returned to the New York Air Brake, briefly.

On December 8, 1968, he, Marion and their two older children moved to their “Aurora Acres” farm on the Stammer Rd., in the town of Rossie. In 2013, the dairy was sold. Soon after the farm was sold to the Eli Zook family from Pennsylvania. Ronnie continued to bale and market hay until his death.

He loved his family above all else, the outdoors and his farm- planting and harvesting. He loved his animals and worked hard to have the best milkers possible. Hunting and fishing were his “fun” things to do, (he always told his children that it was one shot, one kill!). He was very good in the woods cutting trees for firewood, (he always believed that wood was the only thing that warmed you twice, once when you cut it and then when you burned it). He bowled at the Theresa Bowling Center until the pandemic. He really enjoyed his weekly “card game with the guys”. He cheered for the Syracuse University sports and the NFL Giants and Bills.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marion; his children, son, Garth Monica and his companion, Debbie Woods, Gouverneur, NY, daughter, Michelle Farrell and husband, Robert, Oswego, NY, son, Andrew Monica and his wife, Sarah, Gouverneur, NY; his grandchildren, Jessica Rose (Robert Scott), Gouverneur, NY, Kelsey Rose (Ryan Hunter), Oswego, NY, Matthew and Grayson Monica, Gouverneur, NY; one great-granddaughter, Audrie Hunter and one great-grandson, Hudson Scott, Gouverneur, NY; his sister, Detra Delles, Philadelphia, NY; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Evelyn Monica, his grandparents, John and Julia Monica and Henry and Grace Jones, his brother, Robert Monica, his nephews, Russell Monica and Robin Monica, a niece, Penny DeCarr and a cousin, James Jones was killed in Vietnam.

Funeral Services will be 1 pm, Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY, with Pastor Connie Gushlaw, officiating. Military Honors will be in the spring.

Calling hours will be 11-1 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

To leave condolences go to www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com and access the obituary. Click on the Tribute Wall located on the top left.

Nancy Roberts

Nancy L. Roberts, age 73, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on March 3, 2022 at Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital in Plattsburgh.

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

Nancy was born on June 22, 1948 in Watertown to the late William “Bill” and Ethel (George) Zeller. She graduated high school and worked as a cook for the Watertown Hospital on State Street until her marriage to Gary Roberts on May 30, 1970. Nancy enjoyed going for walks and being with her friends.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Roberts, three children, Brad and Jennifer Roberts, Avery Roberts, and Wendy and Jerry King, her sister, Cathy Dunn, brother, Gary Zeller, and two grandchildren, Jeffery and Larry.

Charles Minckler

Charles P. Minckler, age 87, of Edwards, NY passed away on February 21, 2022 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

His burial will be private. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Edwards. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Charles was born on December 24, 1934 in Lyon Mountain, NY to the late William and Myrtle (Atkinson) Minckler. He was married to Regina “Jean” Carter. She passed away on June 21, 2012.

Charles was a life-long miner. He began his career mining iron ore in Lyon Mountain and then was employed by Gouverneur Talc Company from 1960 until becoming disabled in 1989. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter and loved fishing for bass and trout. He was the President of the 10-High Hunting Club in Cranberry Lake. He played and coached fast pitch softball with great success and enjoyed watching sports. Charlie was affectionally known as “Uncle Charlie” by all his friends.

Charles is survived by his children, Debra (Rickey) Bearor, Allen “Bum” Minckler, Gary Minckler, and Cathy (Alton) Bishop. He is also survived by a sister, Anne Hatfield, a brother in-law Dale J. Carter. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Charles is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Jean, and siblings, Howard Minckler, Eleanor Stanton, Harold Minckler, Warren Minckler, Margie Stanton, William Minckler, Ronald Minckler, Donald Minckler, and Ross Minckler.

Richard A. Pulver

Richard A. Pulver, 75, passed away at home on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

As Richard requested, there will be no calling hours or funeral services.

Richard was born in Rhinebeck, NY on October 18, 1946, the son of Martin and Ethel (Zitz) Pulver Jr.

A man of many trades, Richard worked various jobs including as an iron worker, a butcher, carpenter, and cattle farmer.

He married Linda Cooney in Rhinebeck on August 19, 1972. The couple lived in the Rhinebeck area until moving to the north country in 1990.

Richard was a rugged outdoorsman, enjoyed working in the fields, hunting, ice fishing, restoring old tractors, and spending time with friends especially his dogs.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his niece Sheri Cooney, and his nephew Thomas Cooney. Richard is predeceased by his parents, his stepfather Alvin Brooks, brother Martin “Bill” Pulver III, and sister Sharan Pulver.

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

John “Jack” Bell

John R. “Jack” Bell, age 81, of Spragueville, NY, passed away on February 13, 2022 at Canton Potsdam Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born on March 33, 1940 in Gouverneur to the late John and Helen (Stevenson) Bell. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959, where he enjoyed being an active member of the local FFA chapter.

With his wife, he was a member of the St. Lawrence Valley Ayrshire Club, NY State Ayrshire Club and US Ayrshire Breeders Association. Jack, with his family, took great pride in breeding and showing quality Ayrshire cattle at the local, state and national levels. He was a director in the Gouverneur Co-op, as well as a lifetime director of the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Board. He always was invested into passing his passion for the dairy industry and Ayrshire cattle onto the next generation. Throughout his life’s journey in the cattle business, he touched many lives and made many friends. Cows and family were his life and his life’s work.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Melody Hoffman and his son, Robert Bell. Six grandchildren, Ben Hoffman, Cody and Alecia Hoffman, Robert and Keirsten Bell, Remington and Shelby Bell, Emma Bell and Ross Bell; 12 great grandchildren, Grayson, Delaney, Laila and Jack Hoffman, Carter Whitmarsh, Lucy and Sadie Hoffman, Robert III, Oaklynn and Reign Bell, and Gunner and Grayden Bell and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his wife Lorraine, his parents, John and Helen; a brother, Harold Bell; a sister, Flora Jean Bell-Conklin and two daughters, Robin and Kimberly Bell.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. His funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Hart officiating. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Michael G. Wicks

Michael George Wicks, 72, of Gouverneur, NY died on Sunday, February 13, 2022. He was born on November 30, 1949 in Watertown, NY, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Flavin) Wicks. He attended Clayton Central Schools and grew up in Clayton Center. Michael served in the United States Navy briefly before receiving a medical discharge.

Mike spent 30 years delivering fuel oil in the North Country; he worked for Agway, later Suburban, and retired from Tripp Fuels. He made many connections and friendships along the way and took pride in taking care of his customers.

Mike was an outstanding musician, playing in bands from his teenage years, and was excited to be celebrating 50 years with Feather. His Fender bass, Priscilla, was his pride and joy. He was part of many bands over the years, including Marshall Street Band, Second Hand Band, Messenger, Rewind, and most recently reunited with Feather to record an album of favorites. He loved sharing music with others and leaves a beautiful legacy in the countless musicians with

whom he has worked over the years.

Mike’s other passions included fishing and feeding the many birds and other creatures who made their home in his backyard. Coffee was his main sustenance and he loved a good diner. He was a loyal supporter of everything his kids and grandkids did, never missing a moment or a chance to show his love. He had a great sense of humor and loved playing pranks on family and friends.

Michael is survived by his children, Christopher and Jenn of Chester, VA, Ryan of Gouverneur, Brianne and Benjamin of Madrid, NY, and Breyden of SUNY Canton; and his beloved grandchildren, Jessica, Zachary, and Avalyn. He is also survived by his partner, Barb; ex-wife Jennifer; sister Faye and her husband Todd; brother-in-law Wayne; many nieces and nephews; and so many bandmates, in-laws, and friends. Michael was predeceased by his parents, sisters Gail and Roberta, and ex-wife Jeanne.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. There will be no formal service.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in memory of Michael may be made to the Ronald McDonald House at https://rmhcny.org/general-donation-form/ or to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Catherine Phippins

Catherine Marie Phippins, 72, of Cary, North Carolina formerly of Gouverneur, NY passed away on January 29, 2022. Catherine was born on June 16, 1949 in Gouverneur, NY to Doris and Ivan Donaldson. She was married to Jim C. Phippins on November 20, 1965, that marriage ended in divorce.

Catherine had 4 girls Deborah Ann, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Valarie Lynn, of Cary, North Carolina, Wendy Sue (and husband Tim) of Gouverneur, New York, and Amanda Leigh of Erwin, North Carolina. She also has 7 grandsons who were the light of her life, Joshua, Cameron, Curt, Andrew, Samuel, Kendan, & Avery. She also had one great grandbaby, Brycen.

Cathy was a night auditor at Quality Inn & Suites. She loved trips to the ocean with her family, her beloved hunting camp, Beaver Lake, singing a fine tune and all the little diddies to her grandbabies and animals, but most of all she loved just spending time with her family.

Catherine was pre-deceased by both parents and her brothers, Raymond and Tom. She is survived by all 4 of her girls, grandchildren, a brother Stanley and several nephews and a niece.

There will be no public services per her request. Her immediate family will be holding a small service at a later date.

She will be missed and loved always, beyond measure.

Ellen Jane Mott

Ellen Jane Mott, 80, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay.

Calling hours were on Saturday, February 5th from 12:00 to 1:00 pm with a memorial service at 1:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. Gregory Bailey, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, Gouverneur, officiating.

Ellen was born on May 27, 1941, the daughter of Ernest and Vivian (Robar) Peck.

She married Gary A. Mott on March 3, 1962 in Massena.

Ellen had worked as a waitress in New Jersey and Syracuse when the couple lived in those areas. She had also worked at a clothing store, a pharmacy, Byrne Dairy, and retired from Kinney Drugs.

She enjoyed reading, shopping especially at Macy’s, collecting owls, but most of all, spending time with family.

Ellen is survived by her children Jason and Tami Mott of Cicero, Joseph Mott of Atlanta, GA, Kimberly Mott and her companion Randy Slate of Gouverneur, 6 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Ronald Peck, Joyce Witherell, Connie Vrooman, Ruth Hindshaw, Linda Lashua, and Kathy Fisher, several nieces and nephews. Ellen is predeceased by her parents, her husband Gary, her 4 brothers Roger, Robert “Bob”, Richard “Rick”, and Randy Peck.

Memorial donations in memory of Ellen are encouraged to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

Martha Lumley

Martha Langdon Lumley, 79, Passed away today February 4, 2022 in the presence of her family at home.

She is preceded in death by her dad, Courtney Langdon and mother Hope Langdon and her daughter Heather McAlevey and her favorite dog Goober.

She is survived and remembered lovingly by her husband Ethan Allen of 45 years, two sisters Elizabeth “Biffie “Ossip (Boca Raton, FL) and Sheila Garrett (Brunswick, ME) and three children Jennifer DiRocco (Portland, ME), Dorna and Robert Hathaway Jr (Edwards, NY) and Rev. Matthew and Stacy Drake (Richlands, NC). She has 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a cat Mithril who will miss her greatly.

Martha was a longtime member of the Edwards United Methodist Church, Edwards and Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Departments a previous employee NYSARC, former owner of Lumley’s Eyeball Drywall and former proprietor of Lumley’s Hardware in Edwards.

She was a Den Mother of Edwards Boy Scouts Troop, an Advanced Level Two NYS EMT and a longtime member of the Edwards Bowling League.

Martha was a member of the Council for the Edwards Opera House and remained actively involved for many years. She loved reading, painting, spending time with family and friends, advocating for great causes in the community and enjoyed gardening and camping. She will be greatly missed by the many people who loved her dearly.

A Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 19th at 1:00PM at Christian Life Center, 15 Edwards Road, Pitcairn, NY officiated by Pastor Terry Eakins of CLC Pitcairn and Pastor Matthew Drake of Richlands UPC in NC.

A Celebration of Life will follow at Edwards Volunteer Fire Department at 115 New Street, Edwards, NY at 2:30PM. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Edwards. Condolences and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Flowers or donations may be made in her honor to Edwards Ladies Auxiliary and Edwards Opera House.

Mavis Hendrick

Mavis Hendrick, 91, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at her home.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 1st from 12:00 to 1:00 pm with a funeral service at 1:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Martha Helmer, pastor of DeKalb Jct. United Methodist Church, officiating. The burial will be held in the spring in Hermon Cemetery.

Mavis was born in Hermon on July 28, 1930, the daughter of Clyde and Elsie (McCarthy) Hendrick.

She attended school in Hermon and lived on the family farm in West Hermon until the family moved to Gouverneur in 1953. Mavis remained in Gouverneur until moving to Hermon in 1995, and she joined her ARC family. She was very happy to return to living in Hermon.

Mavis enjoyed cooking, gardening, listening to country music, making crafts and hook rugs, and playing cards. She also liked to visit McCarthy’s Restaurant and the Silver Leaf Diner for dinner and pie.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law Arlene Hendrick of Gouverneur, Shirley Hendrick of Florida, Ann Hendrick of Baldwinsville, several nieces and nephews, and her family at the ARC home. Mavis is predeceased by her parents and her siblings Robert and Ruth, Reginald and Helen, Russell, Roger, Leland and Margaret, Thomas and Ione, and James Hendrick, Patricia and Richard Roe, Virginia and Harold Aldrich.

Memorial donations to honor Mavis are encouraged to The ARC Jefferson - St. Lawrence.

Thomas E. Hentz

Thomas E. Hentz, 73, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Gouverneur Hospital.

There are no services at this time. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Thomas was born in Potsdam on August 27, 1948, the son of Erwin and Thelma (Notell) Hentz.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1968 and from Canton ATC, and Tom served in the United States Air Force.

Tom married Joan Baker on April 12, 1969.

He worked at McAdam Cheese in Heuvelton for 20 years and had also worked for Indian River School District and Kinney Drugs.

Tom was a life member of the Gouverneur VFW, enjoyed riding his four wheeler, playing in dart league, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Joan, his children Marcie and Corey Allen of Fowler, Brian and Irma Hentz of Maryland, his grandchildren Zachary, PJ, and Taylor, and his great grandchildren Kamden and Khloe. Tom is also survived by his siblings David Hentz of Gouverneur, Bert Boclair of California, June Camidge of DeKalb, Jean Legacy of Rochester, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Ronald Hentz, and his sister Sandra Clark.

Memorial donations are encouraged to Friends 4 Pound Paws or Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department.

Mark Allen Gazin

Mark Allen Gazin, 81, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Jefferson County Hospice Residence in Watertown.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 4th at 3:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Gouverneur with Rev. Gregory Bailey officiating and a spring burial will be held in Indian River Cemetery near Croghan. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Mark was born on December 9, 1940 in Lowville, the son of Donovan and Doris (Foote) Gazin.

He graduated from Lowville Free Academy, attended Cornell before graduating with degrees from Canton ATC and Potsdam State.

Mark married Marcia Sedgwick Bruce on August 20, 1966 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Gouverneur.

He worked at Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for 40 years in Gouverneur, Ogdensburg, and Watertown.

Mark was active in the community as President of both the management board and the I.C.F. board of United Helpers for 25 years, member of both the St. Lawrence County Planning Board and the Gouverneur Area Development Corporation, President of the Kiwanis Club, member of the Elks Lodge, and he also chaired the Mother’s March for years. Spending time with his family was most important to him, including traveling with them throughout the U.S. and abroad; and he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, skiing, fishing, and walking his dog.

Mark is survived by his wife Marcia, his son Eric Gazin and daughter-in-law Ann, his two grandsons Jackson and Eric Gazin, a sister Jean Beagle, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Donovan and Doris, and a sister Alice M. Saul.

Memorial donations in honor of Mark are encouraged to Jefferson County Hospice, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Robin J. Patton

Robin J. Patton, 58, passed away on Saturday evening, January 1, 2022, at her home under the care of Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.

Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Masks will be required. Calling hours will be Saturday, January 8th, from 10:00 to 11:30 with a service immediately following with Martha Helmer, pastor of Dekalb United Methodist Church officiating. A private graveside service will be held after the service at East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. A celebration of life will be held at Nina’s at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to the Gouverneur Friends 4 Pound Paws at PO Box 394 Gouverneur, NY.

Born May 26th, 1963 in Gouverneur, Robin was a daughter of the late Loretta (Tharrett) Patton and James Patton. Her father died on May 26th, 1990 and her mother on July 20th, 2020. Robin graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1982.

Robin worked as a bus driver for First Student at Gouverneur Schools for the past 10 years. Previously, Robin had been employed at P&C Foods and Price Chopper for nearly 20 years. She also worked as a part time bartender at Nina’s and as a substitute cleaner for Gouverneur Central Schools.

She is survived by her loving siblings, Patricia “Squally” and Junior Towne, Penny Patton, Richard “Mouse” and Lyn Patton, Debbie Rider, Kelley and Michael Liscum, all of Gouverneur, her nieces and nephews that she cared for as her own, Lisa Hadfield, Bobby Cardinell, Jerrilyn Patton, Tonya Patton, Michael Liscum Jr., James Liscum, and Rachel Phillips, and several great nieces and nephews. Robin remained close to family cousins as well.

In addition to her parents, Robin is predeceased by her sister Phyllis, and a nephew Brandon.

Robin always had a dog as her constant companion, most recently MoJo, who remained at her side. She enjoyed bowling, listening to music, playing cards, bingo, and an occasional visit to the casino. She was happiest spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews.