Lyndon John Fuller, Sr.

Lyndon John Fuller, Sr., 84, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 23 at 2:00 pm in Hailesboro Cemetery with Rev. Howard Maxson officiating. Please wear the color yellow if you attend as that was Lyndon’s favorite color. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Lyndon was born in Gouverneur on June 13, 1939, the son of John A. and Ruth (Stevens) Fuller.

He married Sally Jean Hayden on July 30, 1960.

Lyndon worked at the Gouverneur Coop from 1960 to 1968 when he started working at the paper mill in Natural Dam where he was employed until retirement in 2001.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, working in his flowerbeds, and spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, including riding his bicycle with them.

Lyndon is survived by his wife Sally, his children Lyndon Jr. and Roni Fuller, Jeffrey
Fuller, Christine and Gregory Carr, Tracey and Robert Hutton, Aaron and Tracy Fuller, 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Lyle Fuller, Ralph and Kathy Fuller, Donald “Bim” and Christine Fuller, John and Kathie Fuller, Phyllis Tripp, Janice and Roger Refici, and Glenda Bickford, several nieces and nephews. Lyndon is predeceased by his parents, his siblings Vernon and Linda Fuller, Charlotte and Claude Livingston, his in-laws Wilson Bickford, Robert Tripp Sr., and Charlotte Fuller.

Memorial donations in honor of Lyndon are encouraged to St. Jude’s Hospital or Friends 4 Pound Paws.

William Bodah

William “Bill” Leo Bodah, age 73, of Gouverneur, passed away on August 10, 2023 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

His funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur. At his request, there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Bill was born on June 22, 1950 in Potsdam to the late Howard and Palmyra (Bennett) Bodah. He graduated from Massena Central School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Niagara University.

Bill married Linda M. (Markwick) Lashbrooks on August 11, 1989 at the United Church of Richville. Mr. Bodah retired as the Business Manager for Gouverneur Central School in 2007.

Bill was a true outdoorsman. He loved to hunt deer, bear and turkey, enjoyed fishing, and built his own hunting camp “Camp Leo”, named after his grandfather. Bill was an avid competition shooter at the Sarasota Shooting Club. He was a member of Forsythe Rifles Re-enacting with his grandson, Joshua, a member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, and enjoyed gunsmithing and reloading ammunition. He was a member of Palmer Hunting Club for many years and always looked forward to going there. Bill and Linda also loved spending time in their home in Florida during the winter months.

Mr. Bodah was thoughtful and frugal with money and was known to his friends as Dollar Bill. He was a member of the Gouverneur Foundation, Gouverneur-St. Lawrence County Fair Board, and the Moose Lodge in Florida.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda Bodah, his son, Michael Bodah, step-children, Reneé Lashbrooks and Paul Lashbrooks, sisters, Mary Heading and her fiancé, Ron Fleury, and Jackie Premo and her husband, David. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Joshua Bennett, Zachary Bogdanich, and Josie Bodah.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Gouverneur Foundation, 133 East Barney Street, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Charles Harrison Fuller

Charles Harrison Fuller, age 82, of Silver Springs, Florida, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 22, 2023, in Ocala, Florida.

Charles was born on October 17, 1940 to his parents, Zana and Dorothy (White) Fuller in Macomb, NY. Charles married Helena Jane (Denesha) Fuller on September 3, 1960 at St. Raphael’s Church in Heuvelton, NY. Charles worked at St. Joe’s and later name ZCA, zinc mine for many years. He was a social, active man who was a member of the Gouverneur Fire Department for the majority of his life. He enjoyed dancing, karaoke, spending time with his family, and vacationing.

Charles is survived by his three children, Michael Fuller of The Villages, Florida, Brenda (Fuller) Stone of Syracuse, NY and Donald Fuller of Florida; 8 grandchildren, Tad Fuller, Jamie (Fuller) Fleming, Mallorie Stone, Andrew Stone, Kevin Fuller, Schuyler Thompson, Jordan Durham and Jacob Fuller along with great grandchildren.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Helena Jane of 58 years and his three sisters; Marie McDonald, Bernice MacKay, and Doris Morrison. The family would like to thank Marion County Fire and Rescue, Ocala Regional Hospital, The Lodge Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hospice of Marion County along with his personalized care for assisting their father. Donations can be sent to Hospice of Marion County 3231 SW 34th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474.

David LaVack

David “Dave” F. LaVack, age 67, passed away at home on August 10, 2023 under the care of his family, home health aides, and hospice.

His funeral service will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Orville Eacker officiating. A celebration of life will follow at the Christian Fellowship Church, 1800 US Hwy 11, Gouverneur NY 13642, where everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to pass. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Dave was born on February 7, 1956 in Gouverneur to the late Frederic F. and June E. (Washburn) LaVack. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School and worked as a dairy farmer on LaVack Farms in Spragueville.

Dave was a very active man. While working the farm he was an avid bike rider, having ridden from coast to coast as well as a trip to Alaska. He could be seen riding his “Red Tomato” enclosed bicycle or hauling his young family members on his two-seater tandem bike or even calves on his homemade cattle hauling trailer towed behind his bike. Dave also enjoyed cross country ski racing, bike racing and gardening. He put months of effort into yearly Christmas decorations around the farm that got so large that people would drive from all over to admire them. Eventually he achieved his goal of 10,000 Christmas lights. He truly was an intelligent, creative, and artistic man and could fix anything with duct tape or baling twine! Above all, he loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by a sister, Susan Narog, and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He is predeceased by his parents and three siblings, Alton LaVack, Mary Ritter, and Judy LaVack, and his beloved dog, Cocoa.

Donations in memory of Dave may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws or the Gouverneur Rescue Squad.

Amy Turner

Amy L. Turner, age 54, of Spragueville, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023 in Syracuse.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Gouverneur Community Center. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Amy was born on September 9, 1968 in Watertown to Elaine M. (Willmert) Cole and the late Rodger R. Cole. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1986 and from Canton ATC with an Associate degree as a Dairy Lab Technician.

Amy married the love of her life, Barry Turner on August 20, 1988 at the Antwerp Methodist Church. She started work on Fort Drum before working as a lab technician for Converse Labs in Watertown, Losurdo’s cheese plant in Heuvelton, and Kraft Foods in Canton. Amy then worked as a teacher’s aid for Indian River Central School, then as a teacher’s assistant for Edwards-Knox Central School and later as a teacher’s assistant for Indian River Central School and Jefferson-Lewis BOCES.

Amy enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She was always up for a game of cards, dice, and Yahtzee, or making a trip to the casino. Amy also loved her cruises and vacations, listening to music, and dancing. She helped coach AYSO soccer, was a Boy Scout Mom, helped out at St. James’ bingo nights, and was a former member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

She is survived by her loving husband, Barry Turner, her mother, Elaine Cole, two children and their spouses, Lesley and Ben Riley, Trent and Kaylen Turner, and her grandchildren, Walker and Weston Turner.

In lieu of flowers, Donations in memory of Amy may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws of Gouverneur.

Linda Anne Blazek

On Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, Linda Anne Blazek, age 72, gained her angel wings in the home of her daughter, Tanya Brown (Gouverneur, NY), who cared for her alongside hospice during her battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Linda was surrounded by her family, whom she loved more than anything. 

Linda was born on April 14th, 1951, to George Wood (predeceased) and Doris LaFountain (predeceased) in Syracuse, NY and was raised by her grandparents, Antwine LaFountain and Mary Timmons-LaFountain. She was a proud mother to Dale LaMay Jr., Debbie Jones, Roy LaMay, and Tanya Brown, grandmother to 15 grandchildren, and great grandmother to 28 great grandchildren. Linda has many siblings including Debbie Smith, Robert Gable, Shelly House, Brenda Thurston, Donald Greene, Mary Greene, Doris Bubis, JJ Deyo, Ed Greene (predeceased), and Billy Gable (predeceased).

To know Linda was to love her. She had a beautiful voice and an enormous heart. She loved to sing along to Patsy Cline and adored her dog, Ernie. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. She was self-less. Even nearing the end of her life, she was comforting others, telling us that we would be okay. In the words of Patsy Cline: “Days may not be fair, always That's when I'll be there, always Not for just an hour Not for just a day And, not for just a year, but always.” We love you so much! Fly high like the angel you are.

A celebration of Linda’s beautiful life will be held on Saturday, August 12th, 2023, at 5pm, at Jumbos (1 East Main St. Gouverneur, NY 13642) for friends and family. In memory of Linda, please consider donating to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley (PO Box 510, Potsdam, NY 13676) for the care and compassion they provide to their patients and their families. If you would like to donate flowers, please have them sent to Jumbos in honor of Linda.

Richard A. Wood

The family of Richard A. Wood mourn his passing at age 70. He died on Monday August 7, 2023, of a heart attack brought on by being stung by bees that he was tending to. He died surrounded by his family.

The family will be holding calling hours for Rick on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. His funeral service will be on Saturday, August 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Pastor Ben Lalka officiating. Condolences and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Rick was born on September 28, 1952 to the late Richard H. and Nelta M. (Whitton) Wood. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1970. On July 18, 1970, he married Judy Briggs at the Gouverneur Methodist Church. Rick was employed at P & C and Pete’s Big M prior to being employed as an electrician at Gouverneur Talc, where he retired in 2008. Later in life, Rick received his Real Estate License.

Throughout his life Rick was an active member of the Gouverneur Community. Rick was an exempt fireman. He continued his support of the community’s youth by serving on the Gouverneur School Board for 21 years. He was approached in the mid 80’s to run for the Village and Town Justice. He was a former member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge and most recently was a member of the Gouverneur Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. Through the 1970s and early 80s, he was a member and drummer of the Antwerp Drum and Bugle Corps. His biggest contribution to the community was being a lifelong supporter of Gouverneur Little League, which he ran for many years. He enjoyed beekeeping, woodworking, and classic cars. Ultimately, his greatest passion was being with his family.

Surviving is his wife, Judy; their seven children and their spouses, Richard and Lisa Wood, Cory and Sarah Wood, Brady and Tracey Wood, Kennedy and Chris Mussaw, Colby and Kimberly Wood, Anthony and Raisha Wood and Matthew and Natalie Wood; 20 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren with one on the way; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Brenda (Harley) Simmons, a brother Robert (Susan) Wood; six sisters, Gail Taulman, Terry (James) Young, Robin (Peter) Wranesh, Diana (Roger) Smithers, Donna (Tim) Tyler and Tracy (Jim) Douglas.

Rick is predeceased by his parents and a granddaughter, Bailey Rebecca Wood.

Donations may be made in Rick’s memory to the Gouverneur Baseball/Softball League, c/o Northern Credit Union, 145 East Main Street Gouverneur, NY 13642 or St. Jude’s, 505 No. Parkway, Box 3704, Memphis, TN 38103.

Alvin Teddy Lamar

Alvin Teddy Lamar, 81, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 9th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon with a funeral service at noon at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Martha Helmer, lay pastor officiating and burial in Oxbow Cemetery.

Ted was born in Gouverneur on May 19, 1942, the son of Joseph and Mary (Hance) Lamar. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1961. Ted worked at St. Joe/ZCA as a draftsman and carpenter and his side hustle was building houses, including two of his family homes. He had been a member of the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department and enjoyed golf, bowling, softball, and loved the Yankees. Ted also enjoyed poker, going to the casino, visiting Las Vegas, and spending time with his friends and family.

He was previously married to Beverly Hawn.

Ted is survived by his children Lynette and Thomas Piche of Chaumont, Joseph Lamar of Gouverneur, his grandchildren Matthew, Lauren, Nicole, and Michael, and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Trudy, Connie, Betty, and David, several nieces and nephews. Ted is predeceased by his parents, his siblings Bill, Bob, June, Inabelle, Jane, Roger, and Richard.

Memorial donations in memory of Ted are encouraged to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Ute M. Gonio

Ute M. Gonio, 72, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023 at her home.

There are no funeral services per her request and the family will have a private celebration of life. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Ute was born in Grevesmuhlen, East Germany, the daughter of Wilhelm and Eva Reinberger. The family defected to West Germany where Ute graduated from business school.

She married Charles “Chuck” Gonio in 1971 in Lockport, NY after meeting him in Germany as he served in the United State Army. The couple moved to Gouverneur where they have lived most of their lives.

Ute was employed most of her life as a bookkeeper, working for Rotundo Auto Sales, Dave Hampton Chrysler, and retired from Riverside Iron Works in Gouverneur after nearly 25 years.

She enjoyed reading and the outdoors/wildlife, whether feeding the birds, going for walks near their home, or going for rides in the countryside.

Ute had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago.

Ute is survived by her husband Chuck, her son Matthew and Mandy Gonio of Auburn, her granddaughter Sloane Charles Gonio, and her sister of Germany. She is predeceased by her parents.

Memorial donations in honor of Ute are encouraged to the Alzheimer’s Association Central NY Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Drive, Suite 102, E. Syracuse, NY 13057.

Anne Marie Roy

Anne Marie Roy, 83, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 20, 2023 in Massena.

There will be calling hours on Saturday, August 26 from 10:00-11:00 am with a memorial service at 11:00 am at the Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.

Anne was born on February 3, 1940 in Richville, the daughter of Albert and Jessie (Jenkins) Walker.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1958 and Watertown School of Commerce in 1959.

Anne retired from Community Bank in Gouverneur as a loan officer after 25 years of employment. She had been a member of the United Church of Richville and enjoyed sewing, gardening, sailing, and traveling the country in the couple’s RV.

She had lived in Richville for many years before moving to Massena.

Anne married Ronald J. Roy on September 2, 1994 at Barnhart Marina in Massena.

She was previously married to Kenneth Thayer.

Anne is survived by her husband Ron, her children Jeffrey Thayer and his spouse Philippe Roques of Randolph, VT, Cassandra and Carlos Candelaria of Biscayne Park, FL, her stepchildren Dan Roy of Auburndale, FL, Kristine Roy of Lancaster, NH, Gabrielle Roy of Colebrook, NH. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sam and Ariel Thayer, Emily Thayer and her companion Andrew Langhans, her step grandchild Crystal Dawson, her sister Roxie Smith of Gastonia, NC, several nieces and nephews. Anne is predeceased by her parents Albert and Jessie, her brothers Donald Walker and Rodney Walker.

Memorial donations in memory of Anne are encouraged to the United Church of Richville or the Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad.

Sally Porter

Sally Porter, 84, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023 at Gouverneur Hospital.

There are no funeral services and a celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.

Sally was born in Gouverneur on May 23, 1939, the daughter of Paul and Helena (Fuller) Countryman and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1957.

She worked for the Gouverneur Tribune Press for over 30 years.

Sally enjoyed playing games on her tablet, scratch off tickets, knitting, and crocheting.

A marriage to Leland Towne ended in divorce. Sally married Mohan Porter, and he predeceased her.

She is survived by her children Jodi and Jason Bigarel, Kendra Travis, and Craig Porter, all of Gouverneur, Brett Towne of Theresa, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sally is also survived by her brother Michael Countryman of Texas, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Mohan, her son Damon Towne, a brother Gary Countryman, and a sister Lynda Bilby.

Memorial donations in honor of Sally are encouraged to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, PO Box 510, Potsdam, NY 13676 or Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Milton L. “Milt” Storie

Milton L. “Milt” Storie, 73, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 30 from 1-4 pm at the Gouverneur VFW. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Milton was born in Gouverneur on August 22, 1949, the son of Prentice and Bertha (Wallace) Storie.

He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1967 and attended Brockport State College.

Milt served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1971.

He married Linda Hughes on June 23, 1973.

Milt worked for P&C Foods as a meat cutter and meat manager for 20 years before leaving to open his own meat cutting shop. In 1992 Milt changed careers and was employed by New York State Department of Corrections for 20 years until his retirement.

He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was camping, cutting wood, watching the animals, or building fires on the lake. Milt and Linda lived in Gouverneur most of their lives before moving to Black Lake a few years ago. Milt also enjoyed watching sports, especially local wrestling and football, shooting pool with family and friends, volunteering for whatever was needed for the animals at Gracious Friends, and most of all, spending time with his wife, his sons, and their families.

Milt is survived by his wife Linda, his sons Derek and Stacy Storie of Wilmington, NC, Jason Storie and his companion Brittany Petrie of Gouverneur, Michael Storie and his companion Brandie Matott of Richville, Timothy and Katelyn Storie of Wilmington, NC, his grandchildren Jullien, Izick, Daniel, Dillon, Vanessa, Isabel and Nolan, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, a son Joshua Storie, a grandson Nicholas Storie, and his siblings Dorothy Robinson, Lauris Coffey and Donald Storie.

Memorial donations in honor of Milt are encouraged to Gracious Friends Animal Sanctuary, 8201 State Highway 58, Heuvelton, NY 13654.

Ute M. Gonio

Ute M. Gonio, 72, passed away on Monday at her home.

There are no funeral services per her request and the family will have a private celebration of life. Arrangements with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Harry S. Phelps

Harry S. Phelps, 81, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at his home.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 18th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur and a private burial in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. A celebration of life will follow at 1:30 pm at the Gouverneur American Legion.

Harry was born on June 20, 1942 in Gouverneur, the son of Harry S. And Carol (Storie) Phelps.

At age 11, he went to work on a farm. At age 20, he went to work at Groveton Paper in Natural Dam. Harry later worked at Gouverneur Talc, and in 1969, he joined the Carpenters & Millwrights Union #278, retiring in 2004.

Harry liked to deer hunt and ice fish, was a 30 year member of Moldy Pond Hunting Club in Harrisville and was an honorary member of Clare Fish & Game Club in Degrasse. He also liked building projects such as houses, garages, and camps with friends and family.

He is survived by a daughter Annette and Jeff Smith of Baldwinsville, a son Paul and Julie Phelps of Richmond, VA, a daughter-in-law Lynn Phelps of Clear Lake, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Harry is also survived by his 2 sisters Nancy White of Atlanta, GA, Betty and Mike Stark of Berlin, NJ, several nieces and nephews. A marriage to Diane Marcellus ended in divorce. He is predeceased by his parents, a son Robert Phelps, a grand son Jeremy Smith, and a brother-in-law David White.

Memorial donations in honor of Harry are encouraged to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, PO Box 510, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Service Notice: Beulah Walrath

Beulah Walrath, 88, passed away on June 24, 2023.

Calling hours are on Friday, July 7 from 1:30-3:30 and 5:30-8:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 11 am at St. James Church, Gouverneur and a celebration of life will follow the burial at Oxbow Fire Hall at 1 pm.

Marjory E. Tyler

Marjory E. Tyler, age 95, of Hailesboro, passed away on July 4, 2023 at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Nursing in Canton.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Her funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Ben Lalka officiating. Burial will be in Hailesboro Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Marjory was born on June 26, 1928 in Theresa to the late Loyde and Lenore (Grieve) Seavey. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1945 and from Watertown School of Commerce in 1946.

Marjory married Richard J. Tyler on November 15, 1947 at the Gouverneur Methodist Parsonage with Rev. Harold Thomas officiating. The couple operated their family dairy farm in North Gouverneur for many years. Marjory also worked as secretary at Adirondack Fire Insurance Company in Gouverneur. Richard passed away on August 19, 2007.

Mrs. Tyler enjoyed spending time at their Black Lake Camp, being with her family. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was a member of the North Gouverneur Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School.

Her survivors include a daughter, Marilyn and Sheldon Maine, a son, Richard “Rick” and Kathleen “Kasey” Tyler, 8 grandchildren, Bridgette P. LaPierre, Clara P. Cummings, Joey P. Shelly, Richard E. Tyler, Robert J. Tyler, Marcie L. Koch, Ryan F. Maine, and Erika L. Plumpton; a sister-in-law, Ginger Tyler and her special nieces and nephews.

Marjory is predeceased by her parents, her husband, a daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Joseph Pistolesi, her sister, Aleta Billings, and a grandson, Ryan Shelly.

Donations in her memory may be made to the North Gouverneur Methodist Church or St. James School.

Death Notice: Sally Porter

Sally Porter, 84, passed away on Monday at Gouverneur Hospital.

There are no funeral services and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.