Lee A. Averill

Lee A. Averill, age 66, of Edwards, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

There will be calling hours for Lee on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home in Edwards. His funeral service will be on Saturday, April 30th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards. Condolences and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Lee was born on September 18, 1955 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Leo “Toby” E. and Carolyn A. (Boulet) Averill. He graduated from Edwards Central School in 1973, and then entered into the United States Navy, where he served for 18 years until his honorable discharge in 1989.

After retiring from the service, Lee worked at the Dunn Paper Mill as a Fork Lift Operator, retiring in 2016. He was a member of the Exempt Edwards Fire Department, where he was a former secretary. Lee really loved that he belonged to Carr Pond Hunting Club in Fine. He enjoyed spending lots of time there with his family and considered it his “Home away from home”. He enjoyed hunting, golfing and spending time with his family. He thought the world of his nieces and nephews.

Surviving is his sister, Suzanne and Wayne Corbine; three brothers, Roger “Joe” Averill, Chris and Becky Averill and Murray Averill and his companion Becki Butler and several nieces and nephews.

Lee is predeceased by his parents and a brother, Jon “Pete” Averill.

Donations may be made in Lee’s memory to the Edwards Volunteer Fire Department, 115 New St., Edwards, NY 13635.

Jo Josephs

Jo Lynn Chambers Josephs, 63, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022 in Johnson City, NY.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 28th from 5-8 pm at the Gouverneur Community Center. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Jo Lynn was born in Star Lake on February 11, 1959, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (King) Chambers.

She worked in health care down in Florida and more recently lived in Dexter.

Jo enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, shopping, and spending time with family.

She is survived by her children Kole and Lynnette Burgess of Richville, Krystal LaPlante and her companion Gordon Williams of Watertown, her mother Esther Chambers, her grandchildren Zachary, Emily, Tegan, Nayga, Kymoni, Kamara, her step grandchildren Caleb, Katelyn, Kaleigh, and step great grandchildren Grayson, Storm, Delaney, Mason, Briggs, Crue, Cohen, and Taigg. Jo is predeceased by her father, an infant brother, and a great grandchild Jordon Michael.

Richard Charles Kingsbury

Richard Charles Kingsbury, age 90, passed away on April 22, 2022 at Carthage Area Hospital.

As per Richard’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Arrangements are being handled with French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born on August 15, 1931 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Charles Melvin and Fern Luella (Wood) Kingsbury. He attended Gouverneur Central School, was drafted into the United States Airforce and graduated from high school while he served. He served in the Airforce during the Korean War from 1949 until his honorable discharge in 1953. Richard married Ostra Charlene Stevens in 1973. The marriage ended in divorce.

Richard worked as a pull man for the United States Coast Guard and was a member of the Merchant Marine. He was a member of the Sailor’s Pacific Union. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, auto racing and loved the ocean. He also enjoyed gardening, and putting together models, especially military related vehicles.

Surviving is his sister, Marion “Mary” J. Hunter of Cranberry Lake, his sister-in-law, Mazie Kingsbury of Russell Springs, KY and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Robert M. Kingsbury and a special niece, MaryJean Hunter.

Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Cranberry Lake Fire and Rescue.

Carl J. Denecia

Carl J. Denecia, 87, of Rockledge Florida, formerly of Gouverneur and Florence South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 26, 2022 in Cocoa, Florida.

Funeral services will be scheduled and announced later in the spring with the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.

Carl was born in Gouverneur on November 14, 1934, the son of Henry and Evelyn (Palmteer) Denecia. He graduated from Gouverneur High School and served in the United States Army as a sergeant in military intelligence in Herzog Base in Germany in the late 1950’s.

On October 14, 1956, Carl married what would be his lifetime partner, Marlene M. Gollaher.

As a young man, Carl worked as a short order diner cook, milkman, furniture store operator, and household mover before becoming a Gouverneur Police officer and then a Sheriff’s Deputy prior to retiring as Senior Detective Sergeant for the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. He also became trained as an arson investigator for the Department and eventually spent years training other officers in that regard. After that he was a Hotel manager in Florence S.C.

He was a member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, a parish member of St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur and that same Herzog Base Veterans group for which he published a monthly newsletter for many years. Carl also served on the Gouverneur Village Board before serving the community as the village mayor.

Carl enjoyed many hobbies and pursuits over the years including motorcycling, woodworking, golf, crossword puzzles, a love of music, watching old movies and various ventures into writing.

Carl is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene. His daughter Carla J. and her husband John Kitts of Melbourne, Florida as well as his grandchildren Derek Kitts, his wife Michelle and their children (Carl’s great grandchildren) Griffin and Graham. They are joined by Stacy (Kitts) Wolf and her husband Ryan. Also surviving him is his son Clark J. and wife, Kim Denecia of Southern England in the United Kingdom, Clark’s daughter Jessica Denecia (Grandchild) and her son Trystan Denecia (great grandson).

He is predeceased by his parents and a sister Anita Beckstead.

Memorial donations in memory of Carl are encouraged to St. James School, 164 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Cory R. Simmons

Cory R. Simmons, age 49, of Macomb, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 in a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Depeyster.

There will be calling hours for Cory on April 7, 2022 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home. His funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Cory was born on May 27, 1972 in Gouverneur, NY to Earl and Helen (Hays) Simmons Sr. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1991. He had worked for Kinney Drugs as a delivery driver. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

Surviving is a son, Tyler Simmons and his fiancé Jamie Moody; two grandchildren, Finely and Juno Simmons; his parents, Earl and Helen Simmons; two brothers, Earl and Angie Simmons Jr. and John Simmons; a sister, Wendi and Scott McEathron and his nieces and nephews, Maegan and Luke Rubar, Patrick, Abigail, Lucas, Rylee and Colby.

Cory has been reunited with his grandparents, a niece Victoria and his buddies, Robbie and Brad.

Donations may be made in Cory’s memory to Gouverneur Central School FFA Program, 133 E. Barney St., Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Robert Weir

Robert L. Weir, age 85, of Granville, NY, but formerly of Gouverneur, NY, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022 at the Slate Valley Center in Granville, NY, where he had been a resident since August.

Bob was born on December 17, 1936 in Gouverneur to the late Florence M. Weir. He attended the Fullerville One Room School house and Gouverneur High School. In 1953, he entered into the United States Airforce and served stateside during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1956.

Bob married Veronica J. (Pike) Roraback on May 24, 1974 at the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur with Father Norman Poupore officiating. Veronica passed away on December 19, 2006. Bob was a driller for St. Joe Mineral Corp for 17 years and an active participant in the union there. He also worked as a custodian for the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church for 10 years. He also belonged to the Rod & Gun Club Muzzle Loaders Group. After his wife’s death, he moved to the Glens Falls area, where he was a member of American Legion Post 1797 in Queensbury. He also participated in several dance clubs in that area. Throughout his life, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending much time at his uncle’s camp on Black Lake. He will be remembered by all for his love of dancing.

Bob is survived by his longtime companion, Patricia Lange of Whiting, NJ; his step-children, Joan (Kevin) Williams of Fort Edward, NY, James (Anna) Roraback of Syracuse, NY, Susan (Kevin) Keating of Holland Patent, NY, Sharon Roraback (David DeVoe) of Morrisonville, NY, Melissa (Kevin) Perham of West Chazy, NY and Tina (Chris) Halbert of Rome, GA; 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; and cousins who were like sisters to him.

Bob is predeceased by his mother, Florence; his wife, Veronica and a brother, Richard Weir.

Calling hours for Bob will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. His funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards. A celebration of life will then take place at the First United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Watertown Renal Dialysis Center, 22571 Summit Dr., Watertown, NY 13601.

Donald E. Jennings

Donald E. Jennings, 90, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Massena Memorial Hospital.

A graveside service will be scheduled and announced later in the spring with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Donald was born in Hermon on March 9, 1932, the son of Lewis and Venita (St. John) Jennings.

He graduated from Hermon High School in 1950 and served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957.

Donald married Beverly Bullis on October 5, 1952. Beverly passed away on December 13, 1984. Don worked at Mace Motors in Canton for several years and then for UPS as a driver for 25 years until retirement. He was a past member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge and had enjoyed snowmobiling, woodworking, raising pigs and beef cattle. Don also liked spending winters in Crescent City, FL and camping, especially at Higley Flow.

Don is survived by his companion Helen Downey, his sons Ronald and Gloria Jennings of Canton, Clark and Michelle Jennings of Russell, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Robert Jennings of Hermon, sisters Gloria Austin of Binghamton & FL, Roselyn “Rose” Smith of Pennsylvania & FL, nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his parents, his son Donald Jennings Jr., and his sister Louise Shanahan.

Memorial donations in memory of Donald are encouraged to Hermon Vol. Fire Department.

Gerald M. Hewitt, Sr.

Gerald M. Hewitt, Sr., age 81, passed away on March 19, 2022 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

Calling hours will be held at the Gouverneur Community Center on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with his funeral service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium of East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Gerald was born on March 26, 1940 in Antwerp to the late Merton and Gertrude (Hagerer) Hewitt. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School in 1958. Gerald married Connie Putman on August 27, 1961 at the Gouverneur Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley Brown officiating.

Mr. Hewitt was the owner and operator of Empire Northeast in Gouverneur for many years. He previously was a dairy farmer at the Hays Farm, worked for the Newton Falls Paper Mill, and for MPS Roe as a fuel oil distributor. He enjoyed traveling and time spent at Sylvia Lake and in Florida. He was a member of the Gouverneur ELKS Lodge, Gouverneur Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee for many years, and was the former President of Cerebral Palsy of the North Country out of Canton.

His survivors include his wife, Connie Hewitt; four children, Gerald “Joe” Hewitt, Jr., Jeffrey D. Hewitt, Robyn M. and Daniel Estey, Karen A. and Michael Frame. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and has another on the way.

Gerald is predeceased by two brothers, Bernard and Donald Hewitt; and three sisters, Marian Mason, Gladys Reynolds and Helen Murray.

Donations in memory of Gerald may be made to the Judson Street IRA, C/o CP Association of the North Country, 4 Commerce Lane, Canton NY 13617.

Linda Marie Brown

Linda Marie Brown, 73, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 23rd at 3:00 pm at the United Church of Richville with Karen Taylor officiating and burial to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville. A dinner at the church to share memories will follow the committal and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Linda was born in Gouverneur on September 4, 1948, the daughter of Charles and Edith (Crossman) Keyes.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1966 and attended business school in Ogdensburg.

Linda married Alfred Brown on July 29, 1967.

The couple raised their family and operated their farm on the Cole Road near Richville until 2013. Linda also worked as a teachers aide for BOCES for several years.

Linda was a member of the the United Church of Richville and served in several groups including the Prudential Committee, Youth Fellowship, Progressive Club, Friendship Class, and the choir. She enjoyed reading about the Amish and loved stories, crossword puzzles, gardening, baking, cooking, celebrating holidays, especially Christmas, and spending time with family.

Linda is survived by her husband Alfred, her children Russ and Donna Brown of Harrisville, Renee (Brown) Smith and her companion Jason Risley of Gouverneur, her grandchildren RiKayla Brown, Delinda LaRock, Derek Hubbard, and Janay Smith, her great grandchildren Alex, Trey, and Aden, her sister Lois York, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Charles Keyes, her sisters Elizabeth McClatchey and Mary Jean Steinburg.

Memorial donations in honor of Linda are encouraged to the United Church of Richville, PO Box 277, Richville, NY 13681.

Barbara Seavey

Barbara Elaine Seavey, age 90, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 18, 2022 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

Calling hours were on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with her funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. The burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Barbara was born on June 14, 1931 in Fowler, NY to the late Cecil and Nelda (Price) Rice. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1949. She went on and graduated from Watertown School of Commerce in 1950.

Barbara married Roy Earnest Seavey on July 25, 1954 at the Gouverneur Methodist Church with Rev. Wood officiating. Roy passed away on June 24, 2020. She worked as a secretary for Haile-Sprague Real Estate. She also worked for attorney Max Levison and the Fuel Lane Corp. as an office manager and helped her husband on the dairy farm for many years before retiring in 2001.

She lived in Gouverneur all of her life. Barbara enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, crocheting and knitting, she used to show horses, and taught fifth and sixth grade Sunday school for 13 years. She is a member of the Western Saddle, she used to bowl on a co-ed league, she is a former member of the Gouverneur Business Women, she is an animal lover, enjoyed genealogy where she put books together for both families.

Surviving is a daughter and a son-in-law Rochelle and John Pratt of Gouverneur; three granddaughters and their spouses, Morgan and Duane Neaves, Erin and Shawn Hays and Sarah and Justin Fitzgerald; seven great-grandchildren Jillian Neaves, Harley Neaves, Ethan Fitzgerald, Electa Fitzgerald, Elise Fitzgerald, Jayda Hays and Zachary Hays and several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to Friends 4 Pound Paws, P.O. Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642, American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., P.O. Box 7, E. Syracuse, NY 13057 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.

Robert Earl “Butch” Kerwin Jr.

Robert Earl “Butch” Kerwin Jr., 70, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at his home.

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

Robert was born in Gouverneur on April 26, 1951, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Cyrus) Kerwin.

He attended Gouverneur schools and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in Saigon until an honorable medical discharge.

Butch enjoyed fishing and traveling the roads of the north country taking in the scenery.

He married Sunday Windover on January 1, 1990 in Gouverneur.

Butch is survived by his wife Sunday, his children Eli Kerwin, Regina Kerwin, and Robert Kerwin III, his grandkids Amanda, Ashley, Abby, and Austin Martin, and Toni Kerwin, and his great grandson Carter Watson, a sister Kathy Harrington, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, a brother Randy Kerwin, sisters Wilna Nolle and Bonniebell McEathron.

Memorial donations in memory of Robert are encouraged to the Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Stephen J. Smith

Stephen J. Smith, age 71, of Gouverneur, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

There were calling hours for Steve on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and on Thursday, March 17th from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home. His funeral service will immediately follow, at 2:00, at the funeral home with Pastor Rachael Jordan officiating. A private burial will be at a later date. Condolences and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Steve was born on July 31, 1950 in Gouverneur to the late Merlin and Helena (Hurley) Smith. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1969. Steve entered into the United States Naval Reserve in 1969, where he was a Naval Corpsman until his honorable discharge in 1975. He served active duty from 1970-72. He married Joann M. Hall on May 26, 1973 at St. James Church in Gouverneur.

Steve worked as an Industrial Electrician for Gouverneur Talc from 1972 until his retirement in 2013. He was a past member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, was on the Talc Mine Rescue Team, taught first aid classes at St. Joe Mineral Corp and Gouverneur Talc and coached T-ball and softball teams. He loved sports, being outdoors, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Steve is survived by his wife, Joann; three daughters and their husbands, Jaylon and Michael Aloe, Nichole and Mason Grant and Jennifer and Herbert Mitschele; eight grandchildren; a brother and his wife, Joseph and Heidi Smith; a late sister, Laurie, and her husband, Darrell Allen; brothers and sisters in-law; several nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Donations may be made in Stephen’s memory to the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department, 1035 US-11, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or to the Gouverneur Recreational Department, 33 Clinton St., Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Robert James Allen Sr.

Robert James Allen Sr, 76 of Maryville, went to be with the Lord on March 13, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 35 years: Susan Allen, children: Elizabeth Allen, Sheri (David) Pennington, Robert J. (Crystal) Allen Jr, and Scott LaForty, 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 10 grand dogs, siblings: Ronnie Allen of Indiana, Darrell Allen, Bernie Mouck, Billy Mouck, and Sharyl Stevens all of New York, Carol Adams of Arkansas, Ada Harris of Washington, Lynda Miller of North Carolina, Richard Hill, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by father: Clifford R. Allen Sr, mother: Florence Allen Mouck, and brothers: Clifford Allen Jr, Doug Allen both of New York, and Charles Hill of Florida. The family will receive friends 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday March 16, 2022, at Memorial Funeral Home. Military honors will be held at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday followed by a funeral service with Rev. James Swanger officiating. Condolences can be made by visiting www.maryvillememorialfuneralhome.com.

Allen Caswell

On December 4, 2021, Allen Caswell of Churubusco, peacefully passed away at the age of 91 with his daughter, Amy by his side.

Buddy was born on August 20, 1930 to Bertha Olyer and Allen Caswell. He joined his older sister, Betty at the home of his grandfather, Henry Olyer, located at the 82 mines in the hamlet of Lyon Mountain. He grew up in Lyon Mountain and graduated from High School and went to work in the mines. In February 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Hapgood of Merrill. In 2021, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Several months after their marriage, he was drafted into the Army in April 1951 and was honorably discharged in March 1953.

When Republic Steel Mines closed in the 1960s, he stayed on and started a Trash Removal Business, hiring boys and men to help him serve both Lyon Mountain and Standish. At that time Republic Steel sold the village of Lyon Mountain to John Galbraith and family, who in turn sold the houses back to the people.

After some years, Buddy moved his family to Winchester, NH and went to work on the Northfuld Mountain Recreation Project in Massachusetts. While there, the family increased with the birth of identical twin daughters, Heather and Holly who joined brothers, Casey and Frank and sisters, Amy and Linda.

He returned to New York State after six years and located near Gouverneur at Balmat. He began working at another mine, Gouverneur Talc Corp and after twenty-one years, he retired in 1996.

Besides his wife and children, he leaves behind nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth and her husband; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. His parents passed away many years ago as well as a sister, Betty and brother, George.

Our family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and everyone who cared for Buddy during the time of his cancer and treatment. You are very special in the lives of those of us who do not have your Godly gift. We also wish to extend a special thank you to the people of Hospice.

Interment will be held in Independence Cemetery, Saranac on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are with the Chateaugay Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.chateaugayfuneralhome.com.

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.