Deacon Lawrence C. “Larry” Morse

Deacon Lawrence C. “Larry” Morse, 76, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Gouverneur Hospital.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 11:00 am at St. James Church, Gouverneur with burial to follow at New St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours are on Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Lawrence was born in Gouverneur on August 3, 1946, the son of Lawrence S. and Genevieve M. (Liscum) Morse.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School and attended Mohawk Community College.

Lawrence married Diane Lynde on September 4, 1965 at St. James Church, Gouverneur.

After completing school, Lawrence was a typesetter for the Gouverneur Tribune Press. While setting type for an ad for an opening for Sherwin Williams, he decided to apply for the opening and won the position. As a result, he was initially transferred with Sherwin Williams to Saratoga Springs and later to Pittsfield, Massachusetts. While making a life in Berkshire County, Mass., he was able to take courses in firefighter essentials allowing him a volunteer position with the Lenox Fire Department in 1969 which eventually ended in 2007 at the rank of assistant chief. He was also involved in the Local Lion’s Club, Masonic Lodge, and the Shriner’s.

After 26 years with Sherwin Williams, he worked for Hillcrest Educational Center. In 2007, he returned to Gouverneur for retirement and became interested in theology, taking courses, and being ordained in October 2017. Larry became prison chaplain at Adirondack Correctional Facility as well as the ones in Ogdensburg and Gouverneur, resigning his position in 2022, due to illness.

Larry also volunteered to play Santa Claus during the holiday season for a variety of charitable organizations including the Food Pantry at Gouverneur Neighborhood Center and as a fireman with Richville Vol. Fire Department. He was nearing 20 gallons as a blood donor, enjoyed camping, photography, and teaching his grandson Paine how to cook inside the house and outside on the grill.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years Diane, his 4 children, 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 3 sisters, a brother, nieces and nephews. Larry is predeceased by his parents and his grandparents Charles and Irene Liscum, George and Elekta (Planty) Morse.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Shriner’s Hospital.

Diane M. Phelps

Diane M. Phelps of Gouverneur, formerly of Oxbow, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2022 at Hospice of Jefferson County in Watertown.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Diane was born in Gouverneur, NY to the late Ross and Ruby (Storie) Marcellus. She attended the Oxbow Elementary School and Antwerp School. She furthered her education through the L.P.N. program in Ogdensburg and then completed the R.N. program at Jefferson Community College

Diane began her career in nursing as an L.P.N. at E.J. Noble Hospital then went on to work as an R.N. in the emergency room at Samaritan Medical Center. Later, Diane worked as an R.N. for the Public Health Department; working there for many years until retiring on August 10, 2010. Her career cut short due to injuries received in a head-on collision while traveling to visit a client.

Over the years, Diane gave back much more than she took. She was a caring, social butterfly who spent lots of time with her family and friends. Diane, a former Sunday School Teacher at Oxbow Presbyterian church, was always quick to lend a hand, mend a knee or give a hug. She loved to bake, sew, make quilts, and travel. One of her favorite pastimes was playing golf at the Gouverneur Country Club.

She is survived by 2 children, Annette (Jeffrey) Smith and Paul (Julie) Phelps, her companion of 32 years, Gilbert “Gib” Gerber and his loving family; Lisa Gerber, Chris (Beth) Gerber, Bryant (Tosh) Gerber, Shawn Gerber, Addison Gerber, Emery Gerber, and Beck Gerber; a sister, Elma Hall; grandchildren, Ryan Smith, Cory (Megan) Smith, Kevin Phelps, Katelyn Phelps, Scott (Kristin) Phelps, Danielle (Joe) Todisco and great grandchildren, Lanie Phelps, Corbin Phelps, Rylee Todisco, Carter Todisco, and Jolene Smith.

Diane is predeceased by a son, Robert “Bob” Phelps, sisters, Nancy Griffith and Frances Wood, and grandsons, Jeremy Smith and Bryan Gerber.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Diane to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St, Watertown NY 13601. They were exceptional in caring for both Diane and her family during Diane’s last days.

Jayson J. “Jay” Lowery

Jayson J. “Jay” Lowery, 29, passed away unexpectedly due to a brain condition.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 16th from 11 am to 1 pm followed by a funeral service at 1 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with David Hart officiating and burial to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville.

Jayson was born in Brockport on March 13, 1993, the son of John and Virginia (Stonebreaker) Lowery.

He has recently been employed by Next Generation Solar as a solar panel installer.

Jay married Desiree Clark on April 5, 2020.

He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiles, atvs, and demolition derbies.

Jay volunteered for Oxbow and Richville as an interior firefighter and served Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad as an EMT.

Jayson is survived by his wife Desiree, his daughters Lilliana, Jessica, and Cindylou, his mother Virginia Lennox, a brother Dakota Marsh, his aunt and uncle Jim and Jackie Henry and their 4 children. He is also survived by grandparents Joyce Gray, Roger Graham, and other extended family members. Jay is predeceased by his father, grandparents, and an uncle Frank Lowery.

Memorial donations are encouraged to assist the family.

Joan Louise Clark

Joan Louise Clark , 83, passed away on December 28, 2021 following a brief illness in Leesburg, Florida.

Joan was born on August 13, 1938 to Harold and Irene (Smithers) Schofell in Ogdensburg, NY.

She resided with her family in Spragueville, NY, spending summers at the family camp on Sylvia Lake until her marriage to John Clark in 1956.

Joan and John traveled for 20 years throughout John’s career in the Air Force. Places that they lived during that time included: Rantoul, IL; Casa Blanca, Morocco; Portsmouth, NH; Bunker Hill, IN; Guam, East Meadow, NY and Austin, TX. After John’s retirement from the Air Force in 1976, they built a home in Spragueville, NY. Joan began a career at Fort Drum near Watertown. She retired as a financial accountant. After retirement, they spent the winter months in New Smyrna Beach, FL.

John passed in 1997 and Joan continued the “snowbird” lifestyle and traveled extensively, enjoying trips to Europe, cruises and exploring many destinations around the United States.

Joan spent her remaining years with her partner and friend, Robert Huot making Leesburg, FL their home. There, they cultivated many wonderful friendships and were very involved in the Coachwood Community.

Joan loved traveling, reading, socializing, her grandchildren and great “grands”. She was a member of the Methodist Church, Military Comptrollers, and homeowners board in Leesburg, FL.

Joan is survived by her son David Clark, daughter in law Patricia Clark, grandchildren Cameron and Corissa Clark, Sarah and Brendan Beglin, Michael Clark, great - grandchildren Harper, Bailey and Lowell Clark, partner Robert Huot and nephew Stanly Schofell and niece Kris Tonks.

A memorial service is planned on July 23, 2022 at the Spragueville United Methodist Church at 11:00 am.

Patricia R. Hilts

Patricia R. Hilts, 76, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at her home.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 14th at 11:00 am at St. James Church, Gouverneur with Fr. Jay Seymour officiating and burial to follow in Old St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Calling hours are on Wednesday, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Patricia was born on April 25, 1946, the daughter of Kenneth and Doris (Shinnock) Rumble.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School and married Peter Hilts on July 17, 1965 at St. James Church, Gouverneur.

The couple owned and operated Pete’s Big M Market in Gouverneur for many years.

Pat had been a member of the Gouverneur Country Club and local knitting club, enjoyed playing bridge, hunting, golf, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters Heather and Clark Burdick of Sunnyvale, CA, Hedy and Terry Collins of Knoxville, TN, Holly Hilts and Mike Donaldson of Gouverneur, her 5 grandsons Kegan, Michael, Maxwell, Connor, and Evan, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pat is predeceased by her husband Pete, her parents, a brother Michael Rumble, and a sister Catherine “Kitty” Mashaw.

Pat requested memorial donations to St. James School, 20 South Gordon Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 in lieu of flowers.

Roy Young

Roy "Shades" Young, 82, left this world on 6.23.2022. He peacefully passed away of natural causes at the place he enjoyed most, his home, located in Calabash, North Carolina.

Roy was born on July 6th, 1939, in Maxton, NC. After graduating from Maxton High School, he obtained a bachelor's degree in education and began his teaching career at Hoke County High School in Raeford, N.C. He continued his career as a teacher in Gouverneur, New York.

Shortly after pursuing this move, he also obtained his master's degree in education from SUNY Potsdam. During this time, he was the recipient of a Fulbright Grant from the US Dept. of Education and traveled throughout India taking the opportunity to teach the English language while there.

While educating was his first passion, Roy was also a passionately successful small business owner (Tarheel Paving and Sealing), craftsman, and hunter. Upon retiring from his career in Education in 1994, he returned to North Carolina and took root in a town he loved, Calabash.

In his retirement, he pursued his love of writing, authoring the book "The Governor's Prisoner." He was also a frequent writer of editorials that were often featured in the local newspaper, The Sun News. His final publication was a collection of short stories about growing up in Maxton, NC titled "Carolina Whispers."

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Jesse Young and Roxie Sommersett Young. In addition to his parents, he will be joining his brother J.C. Young and sister Lettie Frances Cook. He leaves behind two children, Nathan Young and wife Shelly, and Erin Young; two sisters, Betty Rose Wright and husband Ronnie, and Mary Elizabeth Rodriguez; one brother, Charles Young; eight grandchildren, Brianna, Emmalee, Michaela, Grayson, Beckham, Arden, Caitlyn and Caden. He will be missed dearly. Per Roy's wishes, he will be cremated and there will be a memorial gathering for friends and family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in the form of donations to Martha's House, PO Box 434, Georgetown, SC 29442 or online at MarthasHouseinc.com/Donations/ On-line condolences may be sent to www.brunswickfuneralservice.com

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.