Marjorie McCullouch

Marjorie Ann McCullouch, age 90, of Rossie, passed away on June 28, 2022, at her home.

Marjorie was born on January 11, 1932, to the late William F. and Helen (Fleming) Campbell. She graduated from Hammond Central School and went on to graduate from Potsdam State College.

Marjorie married Malcolm “Corky” Irvine McCullouch on September 28, 1957, at St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur, NY. They raised their three sons, Mark, Malcolm, and Michael, on their family farm in Hammond, NY. Malcolm “Corky” McCullouch passed away on December 14, 2011.

Marjorie was very involved in her community and had a passion for teaching. She worked as a teacher at Gouverneur’s West Side School, was the Head Teacher at the Brasie Corners School, and served on the Hammond School Board for over 41 years. Her passion for education and the community didn’t stop there; she was also on the North West Tech BOCES School Board for over 19 years, Rossie Planning Board, Office of the Aging Board, and Rossie Community Center Board. She was also actively involved in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Parish and served on the Rural Education Advisee Committee. Marjorie enjoyed traveling, the company of her friends, and going out to eat. Her beloved dogs, Jose and Chi-Chi, were her favorite companions.

Marjorie is survived by her three sons, Mark, Malcolm, and Michael. Mark and his wife, Marie, have two children, Matthew and Mallory. Malcolm has two children, Zachary and Emma, and Michael and his wife, Kathy, have one son, Joseph. Grandson Matthew and his wife, Frances, have two children, Owen and Lincoln.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Her funeral will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rossie on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. The family welcomes you to join them at the Rossie Community Center following the burial in remembrance of Corky and Marjorie McCullouch.

You may share condolences, memories, and photos online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Rossie Community Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Garnet F. Weaver

Garnet F. Weaver, 68, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at his home with his family at his side.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Gouverneur Community Center. Funeral arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.

Garnet was born in Gouverneur on October 15, 1953, the son of Lawrence and Monica “Joyce” (Alguire) Weaver.

He attended Gouverneur schools and lived most of his life in the area.

Garnet worked most of his life on a farm and as a truck driver. He had been a member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, enjoyed watching NASCAR, sharing cups of coffee and stories at the local diners and convenient stores, and especially spending time with his children and grand kids.

Garnet is survived by his children Scott Cardinell of Russell, Tara Cardinell-Smolen and her husband Chad of Richmond Hill, Georgia, his grandchildren Gavin, Garrison, Chance, and Gracee. He is also survived by his brothers Wayne, Charles “Mugsy”, Rich, Brad, and Doug, several nieces and nephews. Garnet is predeceased by his parents and his sister Shirley Ann Weaver.

Memorial donations in memory of Garnet are suggested to the Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 State Hwy. 58, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Florence Besaw

Florence L. “Sis” Besaw, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at United Helpers in Canton.

Calling hours will be on Friday, July 1st from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, prior to a funeral service at 2:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Nichole Fullerton officiating and burial to follow in Hailesboro Cemetery.

Florence was born on July 10, 1935 in Fowler, the daughter of Charles and Rachel (May) Besaw.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1955 and assisted her parents on the family dairy farm and in raising her siblings on the Shantyville Road in Fowler where she lived most of her life.

Sis enjoyed spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens, tending to her animals, donating time to animal rescue groups, and feeding the birds.

She is survived by her siblings Charles Besaw of Fowler, John Besaw and his husband Scott Henni of Massachusetts, Linda Farley and her husband Frank of New Mexico, Gloria Goodman of Ogdensburg, Sandra Baker of Edwards, her nieces and nephews Trevor, Justin, Mark, Veronica, Sarah, Katherine, and Joshua. Sis is predeceased by her parents Charles and Rachel and her nephew Jason Youngs.

Memorial donations in honor of Florence are encouraged to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Dr. Jeffrey Paul Bonner

Dr. Jeffrey Paul Bonner, 64, passed away on December 18, 2021 in Panama where he resided.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 7th at 1:00 pm at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur with Pastor Jeffrey McIlmath of the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles.

Jeffrey was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio on October 10, 1957, the son of William and Sandra (Burte) Bonner.

He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and attended Case-Western University from 1976-1978 studying Pre-pharmacy and the Ohio State University from 1978-1982 graduating with a BS in Pharmacology. He then attended Kansas University, carrying a 4.0 GPA and graduating with a doctoral degree in Pharmacology. The following year, he was selected to attend an American Society of Health Systems Pharmacist Fellowship at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Jeff had 3 publications in various journals and served as a Peer Reviewer for the Hospital Pharmacy Journal. He was also an adjunct professor at Albany College of Pharmacy. In addition, he served in the role as Preceptor for hospital rotations for students from Howard University College of Pharmacy.

Jeff served as a Chemical Specialist in the United States Army as well as being called back to active duty at the Walter Reed Hospital in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was awarded the following during his service; National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with hand grenade bar.

He worked locally as the Director of Pharmacy at E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur and as a Clinical Pharmacist at Canton-Potsdam Hospital while living in Gouverneur and eventually residing at Sylvia Lake.

Jeff married Denise Evans on June 19, 2004, at Sylvia Lake with Rev. Jennifer Santer officiating.

The couple moved to St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands in 2009 where he worked at Schneider Regional Medical Center as the Director of Pharmacy. In 2015, they relocated to Reno, NV where Jeff worked as a Clinical Pharmacist at Renown Medical Center for a couple years. They eventually returned to the Caribbean in which Jeff continued working as a Clinical Pharmacist at Juan Luis Hospital in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. After his retirement in September 2021 as a Clinical Pharmacist, he and Denise decided to move to Chiriqui, Panama for a new adventure.

Jeff was a member of the NRA, the ASHP and the Ohio State University.

He enjoyed rock and ice climbing, hiking, disc golf and bocce ball. He was also a certified scuba diver and enjoyed snorkeling. Jeff was an avid photographer and enjoyed cameras, and he especially cherished spending time with his wife and their dogs.

Jeff is survived by his wife Denise, his sister Jacqueline Hastings and her husband Richard, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and an infant sister Kristy Jean.

A celebration of life will be held immediately following the graveside service at the VFW in Gouverneur. Everyone is invited to attend and will be given an opportunity to share a story or memory of their relationship with Jeff.

Memorial donations are encouraged to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Service Notice: Catherine Shettleton

Catherine "Cathy" May Shettleton, 91, of the Old State Road died peacefully on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. located at 500 State Street Carthage, NY 13619. A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 pm in the chapel of the funeral home with the Reverend Canon Samuel P. Lundy, officiating. Burial will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 11:00 am in the Riverbank Sunnyside Cemetery in Naumburg, New York. A full obituary will be published tomorrow. Online condolences in her memory can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com

Service Notice: 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. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 2:00 pm at New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur and a celebration of life to follow the burial at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur.

Robert R. “Bobby” LaRock, Jr.

Robert R. “Bobby” LaRock, Jr., 38, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 in Poughkeepsie from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident earlier in the year.

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

Robert was born in Potsdam on January 13, 1984, the son of Robert and Jennifer (Jenks) LaRock.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2002 and lived in the area most of his life.

Bobby worked as a mechanic and enjoyed the outdoors, especially snowmobiling and fishing.

He is survived by his parents Robert and Jennifer of Fowler, a brother Matthew LaRock of Fowler, his grandmother Beatrice Castle of Massena, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends including his good friend Jennifer Hay. Bobby is predeceased by his grandparents Fay and Lorena Jenks, Richard and Linda LaRock, and his aunt Cindy Gleeson.

Peggy (Llewelyn) Alderdice

Peggy Llewelyn Alderdice of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Bay Village, Ohio passed away on May 9, 2022. Peggy was born on February 27, 1945 in Richville, New York to the late Brinley and Margaret Llewelyn. Peggy was a 1963 graduate of Easton Area High School and a 1967 graduate of University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Peggy was the beloved wife of the late George F. Alderdice III, loving mother to Michael Bliss Alderdice (deceased), George F. Alderdice IV (Denise), and Erica Alderdice Birkner (David); cherished grandmother to Christian, Alex, Brianna, Chandra, Grayson, and Nathaniel. Adored great-grandmother to Lilly and Anthony; dear sister of Thomas Llewelyn (Susanne); sister in-law to Deborah Randolph; and is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15224) in memory of Michael Bliss Alderdice or the Bedford County Humane Society. (BCHS: 182 Bohn Road, Bedford Pa, 15522, bchs@bchsnline.org or 814-623-8968). Peggy loved animals and was a longtime supporter of shelters and rescues. She volunteered for 13 years at the Bedford County Humane Society where she fostered many dogs and was a midwife to expecting dogs. She also followed in her father’s footsteps and became a Master Gardener in which she won numerous awards for both her flower and vegetable gardens. Finally, Peggy was an accomplished bowler (200 average), racquetball player, and an avid card player.

Services will be held at Homewood Cemetery located at 1599 South Dallas Avenue, Pittsburgh PA, 15217 on June 4th at 12:30 pm and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Ironwood Café (Front Room) located at 680 Dover Center Rd, Westlake, OH 44145 on May 28th, from 12:30pm-4:00.

Arrangements by King Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingfuneralhome.com.

Eldon B. Conklin

Eldon B. Conklin passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2022 at 3:45 PM, surrounded by friends, family, and community.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 15th from 11 am to 2 pm with a funeral service at 2 pm at the Gouverneur Community Center with Henry Leader officiating. The committal will follow at Hailesboro Cemetery and a celebration of life reception will be held at the community center to follow. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Eldon was born November 21, 1929 in the town of DeKalb, the son of farmer Lee F. and Vera (Cole) Conklin. He attended Osborneville Country School on Rock Island Road.

In 1947, at the age of 18, he was employed as a truck driver for John Austin Trucking in Richville, NY, until he joined the U.S. Marines in 1951. After serving with honorable discharge, he returned to trucking for several companies hauling freight, milk, heavy equipment, race horses, and more.

On April 17, 1969 he married Eloise Tibbits, the love of his life, at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley E. Brown officiating. They lived together in their home at 133 Depot St.

In 1972, he purchased Van Ornum Furniture on Main Street in Gouverneur, which he owned and operated with his wife until it was sold in 1998. Eldon continued to manage this business for three more years.

In 1985, he became interested in local government, serving various positions such as village trustee, mayor, and finally town councilman from 2003, which he maintained until his passing. Eldon also served as chairman of the local Republican committee for many years, receiving the Betsy Kaplan Award in 2017 for his service to the north country.

In 1989, Eldon took a 6 week leave of absence and headed to California to drive truck for the Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corp. He toured the continental United States as their head driver and chef, pulling a 48 foot trailer converted to a kitchen to prepare food for 180+ people on tour. This passion continued every summer until 2007.

Throughout his lifetime, Eldon also owned and co-owned many other businesses in Gouverneur including the Gralyn Theater, Gouverneur Bowl, and Antique Emporium. In 1992, he joined the Greater Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, for 25 years until 2017 as director, becoming an honorary lifetime director.

Eldon was very dedicated to the Gouverneur community and involved in a lifetime of projects, almost too many to mention. One of his recent achievements was his involvement in establishing a decades-long vision, the Gouverneur Community Center.

Eldon is survived by his stepsons Stephen and Michael Boprey, grandchildren Michele Boprey, Sean Boprey, Chelsea Boprey, Marshall Boprey, and Shannon Boprey, great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his brother Richard Conklin and wife Nancy.

He is predeceased by his wife, Eloise, of 50 years, his parents, sister Emma Conklin Wells, brothers Francis “Joe” Conklin, Robert Conklin, and Howard Conklin.

The effects of his love and commitment will continue onward with the hope of inspiring others to dedicate themselves, too.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chamber of Commerce, 53 Herm Towne Road, Gouverneur, NY 13642 in Eldon’s honor, where a fund will be established to encourage and reward local entrepreneurship.

Chris Wiggins

Our Chris Wiggins, born 08/1941, deceased 05/06/2022.

He was born in New York, NY to Kenneth Wiggins and Janice Parkin.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 24 years Lisa (Miller) Wiggins, daughters Illya and Nell, their spouses and children, and two brothers Kenneth and Bruce.

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Adrienne, and his sister Kate.

Chris lived two lives. His early years were fraught with addiction that caused him and those around him, much pain. He studied Italian in Italy for two years, was a partner in Salters Book Store in Manhattan, and a farmer in Dekalb. In his fifties he graduated from Mater Dei College and SUNY Potsdam to start a new life where he was committed to helping others. He worked for St. Lawrence County for twenty years as a dedicated drug and alcohol counselor.

He loved overcast rainy days, time in the woods, art and literature, antiques...and bourbon. He waved to dogs and loved deeply.

There will be a graveside service for anyone wishing to attend at Fairview Cemetery, 190 Miner Street Rd, Canton, on May 13, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. Any contributions can be made to St. Lawrence Valley Hospice, who made his journey bearable and helped him rest in peace.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org

Luther K. Cole

Luther K. Cole, 80, of Lebanon, PA and long time resident of Goshen, NY, passed away on Tuesday May 3, 2022 at Spang Crest Manor. He was the loving husband of Sandra J. “Sandy” (Byrns) Cole, with whom he celebrated 58 years in marriage.

Luther was born in Gouverneur, NY on June 29, 1941 to the late Ralph A. and Gladys (Gilbert) Cole. He was a 1959 graduate from Gouverneur High School and a 1963 graduate from Cornell University, where he was in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He was a vocational agriculture teacher in Lisbon, NY for 6 years and Claims Specialist for State Farm Insurance for over 35 years. He was known for his hard work and integrity during his time with State Farm. Luther was an avid fan of his New York sports teams - Giants, Rangers, and Yankees. He loved all sports, especially bowling and golf. Luther also had a strong interest in meteorology, gardening and supporting the many pets – be they horses, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits or cats that made their home with his family. His most recent cat roomies Pretty Kitty, Melody and Tigger were quite fond of him.

Surviving in addition to his beloved wife are his children, Todd and Malissa Cole of Jacksonville, FL, Scott and Colleen Cole of Palmyra, PA, Shari and Lance Ronas of Antwerp, NY, Darren and Minta Cole of Herndon, VA, eight grandchildren, Kiana, Katrina, Alyssa, Tyler, Zachary, Kayleigh, Evan and Wesley, and his siblings, John and Janet Cole of Clearwater, FL, Janet and William Premo of Gouverneur, NY, and a sister-in-law, Helen Cole of Hull, GA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Leslie Cole. He was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren and spent many years in leadership / coaching roles for his children’s activities. He loved to attend the countless shows, games, and events to support his children and grandchildren and encouraged their pursuits no matter what path each decided to take.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday May 14 at French Funeral Home, 12 Barnes Street, Gouverneur, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws Rescue of 55 Owl Rd PO Box 394 Gouverneur, NY www.friends4poundpaws.org or Lebanon County Christian Ministries 250 South 7th St. Lebanon, Pa 17042, www.lccm.us.

Elsie J. Griffith

Elsie J. Griffith, age 93, of Elmdale, passed away at her home on the family farm on April 27, 2022. She had lived there for 72 years.

Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Elsie was born on September 21, 1928, the daughter of Robert and Jenny (Campbell) Wilson. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1945 and Watertown School of Commerce in 1946. She was employed as a secretary at International Talc Co. until her marriage.

Elsie married William V. Griffith on July 31, 1950 at the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church officiated by Rev. Schofield. She and William operated a dairy farm in Elmdale for many years. After the sale of the dairy, they continued to raise dairy replacement heifers and hay. Elsie loved working with figures and always kept a perfect set of books for the business. Elsie enjoyed travelling with William throughout the United States and Europe and touring on their Indian motorcycle. She was an active blue-birder and kept meticulous records of their nests. She was an accomplished genealogist.

After Williams’s death on October 28, 2002 Elsie continued work on the farm by preparing and planning meals for the many boys who worked there putting the hay crop in during the summers. She continued to do this until her eyesight failed. She continued to enjoy summers on the porch and visits from her neighbor, Robbie Welch.

Elsie is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Claire and Ken Wolf who continue to manage the farm and a daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Welby Reynolds of Williston, VT. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jared Reynolds and his wife, Kat, and Lizzie Jane Reynolds, all of Williston, VT.

Elsie will be greatly missed for her kind nature, sound judgement and independent spirit. She believed in the teachings of the Bible and the importance of feeding the needy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Food Pantry, 52 Church Street, Gouverneur NY 13642.

The family would like to thank Dr. Reason and Joy Markwick’s staff, Dr. Alka and the staff of the Richard Winter Cancer Center for the many years of compassionate care they provided Elsie.

Harry N. Nordberg, Jr.

Harry N. Nordberg, Jr. 90, of Gouverneur, died March 29, 2022 at Samaritan Keep Home after a brief illness.

Harry was born July 30, 1931 in Mansfield, MA, a son of Harry N. and Anne Gloria Nordberg, Sr. He graduated from Monsignor James Coyle Catholic High School and later attended the University of Hartford, CT. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1949 and transferred to the United States Marines in 1951. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1954 after fighting in the Korean War. Harry married Vera Jean Alberry on April 14, 1956. He was employed as a Process Planner at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT. for 32 years. After Harry and Vera retired to Gouverneur, NY, Harry became a member of the American Legion Post 0065 and Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club. He has always been a gun enthusiast and was an excellent shooter winning many trophies with the Metropolitan District shooting club of Connecticut. He had a zest for life and loved to converse with all.

Harry leaves behind his wife, Vera of 66 years. Surviving besides his wife; is a son Harry N Nordberg, III and wife, Kathy Nordberg, a daughter Norma Jean, and husband, Scott Busey, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Burial will be May 14 at 10 am with military honors in Spragueville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be sent to www.dlcalarco.com

Ivan C. Gordon, Jr.

Ivan C. Gordon, Jr., age 57, of Richville, NY passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg.

There will be calling hours for Ivan on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. His funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Ivan was born on March 16, 1965 in Tacoma, Washington at Fort Lewis Army Hospital to Ivan C. and Lillian Elaine (Weatherup) Gordon, Sr. He attended Hermon-Dekalb Central School and then entered into the United States Army, where he received his GED. He married Debra Dean on April 26, 1986, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1987.

Ivan worked for several construction companies and had also worked as a mechanic for St. Lawrence Zinc for a brief time. Ivan enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and working on cars and 4-wheelers.

Surviving is his mother, Lillian Elaine Lewis and her companion Edwin Lancto of Heuvelton; his father, Ivan C Gordon, Sr. and his wife Ilene of Ogdensburg; two daughters, Ann Dean and her fiancé Josh Tyo of Jacksonville, NC and Heather and Jason Colton of Jacksonville, NC; a son, Noah Way of Massena; a sister Karen and Gordon Stevens, Jr. of Gouverneur; a step sister, Laurie and Robert Hamilton of Gouverneur; a step brother, Phillip and Lisa Lewis of Harrisville and eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Ivan is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Lula and Roland Weatherup; paternal grandparents, Marjorie and Alfred Gordon and his nephew, Brennan Stevens.

Service notice: David White, Sr.

A celebration of life will be held for David White Sr. on Saturday, May 14th at 11:30 am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with burial to follow in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours are prior from 10-11:30 am and a celebration of life reception will follow the burial at 1:30 pm at Mullin's Restaurant, Gouverneur.

Mr. White passed away on December 21, 2020.