Jean Miner, 75 of Lacona NY passed peacefully at Van Duyn Rehab Center on May 27th. She was born in Watertown attending IHC and General Brown. She is survived by her sons Thomas and Kevin; granddaughter Morgan Jean Miner living in Colorado, Nieces and Nephews Tim Miner from Camden, NY, Teresa Miner from Charleston NC, and Tina Miner Leathers in Jacksonville Fla, and Niece Patti Wood Cash of Mt. Home Id and Jim Wood of Boise Id., as well as a Loving Friend and Sister-in Law Marianne Miner. Her mother Eileen Beattie, father John Briggs, husband Edwin and sister Carol predeceased her.

She worked as a waitress and bookkeeper, Secretary for the Oswego County Fair and a Sales Person for the Local Paper Frazier-Holstein before beginning an outstanding sales career in 1976 with Brown and Bigelow, a promotional products company. She served the company as an Area Training Manager before joining Leshore Calgift and then Lee Wayne Corporation.

She was considered the consummate professional being a help mate to every client she serviced.

Calling Hours will be held June 8, 2017 from 2-4pm, with a Memorial Service at 4pm at the Summerville Funeral Home, Sandy Creek.

Contributions in her name can be made to the Lacona Volunteer Fire Department who came to her aid so many times.

Andy (Gump) LaFirst, 76, passed away on Thursday, May 25th at the Jefferson County Hospice at Ellis Farm in Watertown, NY.

Andy was born on June 23, 1940 in Alexandria Bay, the son of Andrew and Susan LaFirst. He graduated from Alexandria Central School.

He married his best friend and love of his life, Sandra Hogan, on December 30, 1959 in Watertown.

Andy worked as a painter in his early married life for the late James Parker. He operated the Flat Rock Inn in Plessis while working at the Air Brake for years until retirement.

His love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren never went without notice. He ate breakfast with them at the North Star almost every morning. He was an avid golfer and played with the Alexandria Bay Golf League and the Wednesday night Theresa Golf League. He also loved his daily trip to the Big M to get his lottery tickets.

Andy is survived by two sons, Randy LaFirst and his companion Linda Buchanan, Potsdam, John and April LaFirst, Theresa. Two daughter and their husbands, Kimberly and David Blount, and Michelle (Shelly) and Russell Monica, Alexandria Bay. Two sisters and their husbands, Teresa and Gary Hogan and Sadie and Al Garlock, Alexandria Bay. One brother, Leonard (Butch) LaFirst, Syracuse. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 3 starting at 2:00 pm at the Alexandria Bay American Legion. Memorial donations may be named to Hospice of Jefferson County, Alex Bay Volunteer Fire Department, or Alex Bay American Legion.

Arrangements are with Costello Funeral Service, Alexandria Bay.

Doris D. Walters, 95 formerly of Sackets Harbor, NY passed away May 10th, 2017 in Portland Oregon where she has resided for the past several years.

Doris was born January 23, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of Ceylon and Mabel Shaver Daine. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1939.

Doris was a Telephone Technician working for a Telephone Company in Connecticut and NY Telephone in Watertown, NY. She was also Village of Sackets Harbor Librarian and a Jefferson County Tax Collector.

Doris married Harold N. Walters in September 1951 in Connecticut. The couple lived on Pillar Point and in 1990 moved to Sackets Harbor where she resided until 2010.

Doris is survived by two daughters and a son: Carol A. Jimenez of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Nancy (Nicholas) Coppola of Mountain Lakes, NJ and Clayton, NY and James D. Walters of Walla Walla, Washington. She has six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at a time to be announced at Lakeside Cemetery, Sackets Harbor. Donations may be made to First United Presbyterian Church of Sackets Harbor or the Hay Memorial Library in Sackets Harbor. Online condolences may be made to Johnson Funeral Home at dexterfuneralhome.com

Owen P. Snow, 78, of 336 W. Main St., Watertown died at his home Monday morning. Funeral arrangements are private with the Piddock Funeral Home, Inc., Adams.

Mr. Snow is survived by two sons, Todd (Cristina) Snow, Adams, Mark Snow and his companion Delores, Watertown; three daughters, Mikki Snow and her companion Herb Hughes, Ogdensburg, Carrie Snow, Adams Center, Jennifer (Gus) Richardson, Adams; 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Ann Harriston, Maine, and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased two brothers and a sister.

Mr. Snow was born December 23, 1938 in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, son of Payson and Miriam Nesbit Snow. He attended school in Dover- Foxcroft where he joined the National Guard, later moving to New York. He worked on the construction of Rt. 81, for the NY State DOT and the New York Air Brake. He then became a self employed roofer and sider.

He married the former Bonnie Barrett of Adams in 1959. The marriage ended in divorce.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Walker Cancer Treatment Center, 830 Washington St., Watertown, NY 1360l.

Condolences may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com

Madeline Ethel (Mahar) Oravec, 88, of Cairo, NY passed away peacefully at CMH on Thursday, May 25th surrounded by her family & friends. Born in Broadalbin, NY on February 27, 1929, the daughter of Ray L. & Ruth Mahar. She moved to Stottville, NY at age 11 where she resided for 58 years before moving to Cairo, NY in 1998.

Madeline was once the subject of “Kramer’s Corner” a neighborhood profile section of the Register Star in the early 1970s. This article asked the local community “Who’s your favorite neighbor?” This was absolutely perfect to describe Madeline. Her front door was never locked to make it easier for anyone who needed to talk, laugh, share a meal, or seek advice. She always had room at her table or a bed to call your own for as long as you needed, whether as a boarder or a foster child, no one felt unloved.

Madeline held many jobs that brought her joy throughout her life. From her early work at the Cedar Park Cemetery, The Canada Dry soda factory, and the Pocketbook factory to being a teacher’s aide at the Stottville Union Free School, Madeline was always smiling. She performed many times in various productions to support the local community. Her performing nature and love of life and laughter was never more evident than when she adopted her beloved persona—TICKLE the Clown. Tickle could be seen performing at her local church’s VBS and at many birthday parties or at local nursing homes. She brought joy to anyone she encountered.

Madeline’s love of her Lord was also a large part of her life. She was integral in starting Faith Christian Academy, a private Christian school run by her church at the time Calvary Assembly of God. It was through this that Madeline also received the moniker “Mrs. O”. As an active member of both Calvary Assembly and her most recent church home, where she became an Elder, New Day Fellowship in Cairo, NY, Madeline was often the first to volunteer to serve her community whenever the need arose.

Madeline’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Terry (Patti) Oravec, Catskill, NY; Lou Anne (George) Fleury, Cairo, NY; Tim Oravec, Catskill, NY; and Marty (Karen) Oravec, Rio Rancho, NM; Her 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Her sister Carolyn and numerous nieces and nephews. There are also so many more that fall into this category, simply because if she knew you, she loved you and you became her family. She is predeceased by her husband John; both her parents; her sister Virginia and her brothers, Charles, Ken, Ray (Jack), Terry and Larry.

A Celebration of her life will be held for Madeline on June 3rd, 2017 at Calvary Assembly of God in Hudson (Stottville), NY. A time of fellowship and sharing will begin at 2:00 pm with a formal service led by her pastor, Anthony Saturnini of New Day Fellowship at 4:00 pm. An additional time of fellowship and sharing will continue following the service. At the request of family, there will not be a viewing and a private interment will be held at a later date.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Geraldine H. “Gerry” Amo, 95, of Ogdensburg will be celebrated on Thursday June 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Church with Rev. F. James Shurtleff as celebrant. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday May 31, 2017 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the LaRue & Pitcher Funeral Home. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass in Notre Dame Cemetery.

Mrs. Amo died on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg.

Arrangements are under the direction of LaRue & Pitcher Funeral Home.

Geraldine H. Amo was born on December 27, 1921 in Ogdensburg, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Celia (Mashaw) O’Marah. She was a graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy, the class of 1939. Her first marriage to Norman Gascon ended in divorce. On March 20, 1976 she married Edward Amo. Edward died on March 24th, 1992. Gerry worked as a Machine Operator at Standard Shade Roller and retired after 27 years of service. She was a parishioner of Notre Dame Church, a member of the VFW Auxillary Post 2936, Military Order of Cooties Auxillary. She loved wintering in Florida, going for rides in the car, reading, doing puzzles, shopping but most of all she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurel West of Ogdensburg and her son Garry Gascon and his wife Cindy of Ogdensburg. She is survived by her grandchildren April Bingel and her husband Stephen of Plattsburgh, Eric West and his wife Andee of Ogdensburg, Aleesha Crobar and her husband Michael of Heuvelton and Aaron Gascon and his wife Jaqueline of Heuvelton and Adam Gascon and his companion Virginia of Ogdensburg. Six great grandchildren also survive her; Zachary Bingel, Jada Lyn West, Samuel Bingel, Madden West, Gage Crobar, Grant Gascon, Beau Gascon and Leah Rae Crobar.

She was predeceased by her husband Edward Amo and her brothers; Raymond, Normond, Harold and Stanley O’Marah and her sister Marie Clute.

Donations in Geraldine’s memory may be made to the Notre Dame Heritage Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.LaRuePitcher.com.

Massena: Phoebe Catanzarite Treers, 92, of Massena, peacefully passed away on Friday May 26, 2017 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital after a brief illness. Family and friends may be received on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church in Massena. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Phoebe was born on May 24, 1925 in Massena, NY, the daughter of the late Antonio and Anna (Jermano) Catanzarite. She attended and graduated from Massena High School in 1942. Phoebe worked at Warner Brothers in Massena before her marriage to Frederick John Treers in September of 1952. Some of her favorite times were spent vacationing with her family at Lake Ozonia where they would fish, swim, go boating, water-skiing, hiking and get everyone together for sing-alongs. Phoebe was a gifted musician who played the accordion, piano and organ and was a long time member of the St. Mary’s Parish Choir. Besides singing, she also served as the choir organist for many years. She would also play for weddings, funerals and Sunday Masses. Phoebe enjoyed gardening, sewing and playing cards with her friends and family.

Phoebe is survived by her children, Wayne and wife Julie Treers of Las Cruces, NM; Joanne Treers of Massena, Phillip and wife Lynn Treers of Daytona Beach, FL; a brother, Frank Catanzarite and a sister, Beatrice Hurley, both of Massena.

Also surviving her are three grand-daughters, Kristen, Kira and Abby Treers; a great-grandson, Kaydn Delgado and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Frederick; a brother John and a sister Mary and her beloved cat, Gidget.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Memorial Fund, Massena Humane Society or Alzheimer’s Association, 120 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.PhillipsMemorial.com

Bruce Thomas Hicks Knill, 84, of Clayton passed away Tuesday morning, May 30, 2017, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Bruce was born in Malawi, Africa on March 25, 1933. He attended Highgate School in England where he excelled in cricket and rugby. He trained as an accountant and married Janet (Jane) Farmer in 1955. With Joanna and Fiona, their two eldest daughters, they emigrated to Canada in 1958.

Bruce began his accounting career at Coopers & Lybrand in Montreal as an auditor. Bruce and Jane welcomed John to the family in 1960 and moved to Toronto to work in industry. Michael, Sarah and Mark were born in Tor Bruce Thomas Hicks Knill onto where Bruce continued his career as a Vice President of Finance and Operations with a Canadian holding company.

Bruce retired as Vice President, Finance at Clarkson University. He spent 10 years leading operations, major fund raising initiatives and capital campaigns. He spent his retirement with Jane in Clayton, New York where he was active with St. Mary’s Parish and the Diocese of Ogdensburg and the Clayton Yacht Club.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jane, his son, Michael Francis, and his sister Sheila Lucy Stickells. He is survived by Joanna Grossi (Daniel, Michelle and Abigail Grossi and Andrew Grossi), Fiona Davis (Steven, Nicole and Erin Shed, Jessica and Jay Clark, Harper and Samuel), John Knill (Sue, Colleen and Ben Ijalana, Jack Knill, Mary Kate Knill, Sarah Jane Knill), Michael’s children, Alexandra, Bruce and Claire and their mother Kim, Sarah Knill McParland (Tim McParland, Emily, Janet, and Megan) and Mark (Sara, Diana, Thomas)

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 11am, at St. Mary’s Church, Clayton with Rev. Arthur LaBaff, pastor, presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours and arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in his name to St. Mary’s Church, 521 James St., Clayton, NY 13624. Online condolences to his family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

James Dawson “Poppy” died peacefully on May 27, 2917 at the age of 97 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, MA .

Jim was a lifelong resident of Hillsdale. He was a machine gunner in World War II and was decorated with the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He worked as a dairy farmer on the family farm, as a truck driver and at the Taconic State Parkway and the Hillsdale Solid Waste Transfer Station.

Poppy had a passion for his family, his cattle and for hunting

Survivors include his beloved wife, Carolyn A. (Lossow) Dawson of Hillsdale; a daughter, Bonnie Garrett of San Diego, CA and two sons, James Dawson of Sugar Land, TX and John Dawson of Hillsdale. He also leaves four grandchildren, Shawn Dawson, Ashley Fitting, Shane Dawson and James Dawson along with five great grandchildren, Shawn Dawson, Hunter Dawson, Drew Fitting, Abby Fitting and Alexander Dawson.

Friends are invited and may call on Thursday June 1, 2017 from 5 – 8 PM at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Copake, NY.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 11 AM from the Hillsdale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mary Langley officiating.

Private interment will be in the North Hillsdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Community Rescue Squad, PO Box 327, Copake NY 12516.

To send an online condolence please visit www.peckandpeck.net.

Nancy J. Schofield, 81, passed May 28, 2017 at the Samaritan Summit Village where she had been a resident.

There will be no calling hours or funeral service. The body will be cremated and burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

John F. Stephens, 82, Watertown passed away on Sunday, May 28th at the Samaritan Keep Home.

Mr. Stephens was born on January 12, 1935, in Deer River, NY a son of Nester and Eleanor Corrigan Stephens.

He is survived by his two sisters, Helen Stephens, Donna Whaley and several nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes there will be no services.

Condolences may be made at www.carpenterstoodley.com.

Frederick W. Parrow, 81, of Russell passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, May 26, 2017. Services will be held privately.

Mass of Christian Burial for William F. Beauvais, 82, of Canton will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Bill died suddenly on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. Due to allergies, contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Mary’s School, 2 Powers Street; Canton, New York 13617.

Bill is survived by his wife Eleanor “Ellie” Beauvais; four children, Maryellen (Mark) Cooke of Akwesasne; W. Joseph (Connie) Beauvais of Liberty, SC; Maryann (Hung) Tran of Attleboro, MA; Marybeth (Kris) Fletcher of Idaho Falls, ID; grandchildren, Patrick Kelly; W. Beau Kelly, Lauren Tran; Lindsay Walton and Sierra Jillson; and five step-grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter, Makenna Kelly. Also surviving are a sister, Phyllis Graham of Berwick, ME and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is predeceased by brothers, Alfred and Martin Beauvais and by sisters, Agnes Shepard and Catherine Kirwan.

Bill was born, October 5, 1934 in Burlington, Vt., the son of the late Alfred J. and Lillian (Rowley) Beauvais. He attended rural schools in Northern Vermont and graduated from Simsbury High School in Simsbury, CT. Bill enlisted with the US Air Force on December 7, 1953. Following his first enlistment Bill attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering, returning home before earning his degree to help support his family. Later, Bill again enlisted with the Air Force, where he was stationed at the Westover Air Force Base, which is part of the Strategic Air Command. Following his second enlistment, Bill married Eleanor Mary Sheehan at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Harvard, MA on July 15, 1961. Bill worked for Kaman Aircraft as a helicopter mechanic and then at Ensign-Bickford Explosives in Simsbury, testing explosives.

However, Bill’s true passion was farming. From 1968 to 1975 he managed a large dairy farm in Long Valley, New Jersey. While there, he was very active within the community, serving as Chairperson of Our Lady of the Mountain Parish Council, he was Chairman of the Morris County 4-H program and served as President of the Morris County Board of Agriculture. In 1975, he and Ellie along with the family moved to Canton where he became the manager of the SUNY Canton farm. Upon his retirement, Bill and family moved to their current residence in Morley. In his retirement Bill worked at Coakley Hardware all the while he operated “Beau Farm”, his Hobby Farm, where he continued to garden and raise a few animals. Here in Canton, Bill became an active member of the community. He was a member of the New England Immigrants Club, a leader of the Morley Grasshopper’s 4-H club, a member of the American Legion, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton where he served as Lector, assisted with the Buildings and Grounds Committee as well as with the electronics in the church and school.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. The O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton is serving the family of William F. Beauvais.

ALDOUS- COLTON—Graveside services for 52 year old Robert D. Aldous will be held Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the Church Hill Cemetery at 1 p.m. A gathering will follow the service at the Community Center in Crary Mills. Mr. Aldous passed away on April 15, 2017. Arrangements are with the Buck Funeral Home in Colton.

PLESKACH- Glenfield – The Committal service for Shirley A. Pleskach will be on Thursday, June 1st, at 11:00 A.M. at Old Glendale Cemetery, with Rev. Christopher Carrara officiating.

BURNS- Fineview, Wellesley Island: There will be a memorial service for Mrs. Louise M. Burns, 86, who died March 1st, 2017, on Saturday, June 3rd, at Fineview Methodist Church with Reverend Freddy Webb Pastor Officiating, at 1pm. Arrangements are with the T.R.Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.

Condolences can be made at trjetty.com

CALVANI – The spring burial for Dianne Calvani, 56, of Gouverneur, will be on Saturday, June 3 at 2 pm in Old St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Dianne passed away on February 27. Arrangements with Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Mr. Rodger F. James Sr. of Parishville, NY passed away on Sunday, May 28th at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena, NY. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5th at 3pm at the Garner Funeral Home with Rev. Lee Sweeney celebrant. Burial will follow the service at Southville Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday the 5th from 1-3 pm. On line condolences can be sent @www.garnerfh.com. A full obituary is to follow.

Funeral services for Norbert F. Mundt, Sr., age 82, of Harrisville, NY, will be held at the American Legion on 5 Wright Street in Holley, NY on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 11:00AM. Arrangements are entrusted to Frary Funeral Home, Harrisville. Mr. Mundt passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at his home in Harrisville, NY, under the care of his daughter, Betsy and Hospice.

Norbert is survived by five children, Betsy Meisenzahl and her husband, Joseph, of Kent, NY, Edward Mundt and his wife, Cindy, of Hamlin, NY, Debbie Mundt of Webster, NY, Billy Mundt and his wife, Lisa, of Hamlin, NY and Norbert Mundt, Jr. of Hamlin, NY; sibilings, Kenny Mundt and his wife, Dorothy of Bloomfield, NY, Gordon Mundt of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Gloria Earl of Rochester, NY, Karen Powe and her husband, Earl, of Fairview Heights, IL, Sandy Chapman of Geneva, NY, Eileen Dobles and her husband, Donald, of Spencerport, NY; thirteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and many niece and nephews. Predeceased by three brothers, Bill, Jerry and Ronald Mundt and a sister, Marilyn Armstrong.

Norbert was born on June 28, 1934, in Rochester, NY, the son of William and Harriett Pearl Mundt. He attended local schools. Norbert entered the United States Navy in March of 1954. He was honorably discharged in April of 1963. Norbert married Edna Smith on August 9, 1957. She predeceased him on July 8th, 2010. He worked for Monroe County Water Authority in Maintenance for twenty-five years until his retirement in July of 1989.

Norbert was a member of the American Legion in Brockport, NY. He was an avid golfer. Norbert also enjoyed his time spent outdoors, especially feeding the deer and his hummingbirds.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department, 14226 Church Street, Harrisville, NY 13648 or the Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center, 5 Lyon Place, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com/obituaries.

FINEVIEW

Marilyn W. Thomas, 84, of Co. Rt. 100, passed peacefully Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Samaritan in Watertown, NY.

Born on January 28, 1933 in Syracuse, NY, she was a daughter of Lloyd and Irene Whitford Withers. After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1951, she went on to graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Physical Education.

She married Thomas A. Thomas on November 6, 1954. He died in 1996.

Mrs. Thomas was a Physical Education instructor at Northside Elementary School in Fairport, NY from 1969-1992. She was a swim coach at Fairport High School for Women’s Varsity and Men’s JV Swimming. Crediting her teams, she received numerous coaching awards and recognitions culminating with a 2004 induction into the Rochester Walk of Fame at Frontier Field.

On Wellesley Island, known as Marnie, she served as Recreation Director and Chair for the Tabernacle Committee in Thousand Island Park for many years. A strong advocate for children, she also spear-headed many important projects and was on the Town of Orleans Board of Assessment Review.

With the “River” at the center of her life, she most enjoyed spending time with family and friends and felt very lucky, that in retirement, she was able to make many new friends through her work with Thousand Island Park Rentals.

Survivors include three children; J. Jeffrey Thomas and his companion, Mary Millow, Fairport, NY, Pamela Burton and husband David, Hammond, NY, Steven Thomas and wife Terry, Lincoln, NE; a sister-in-law, Roche Withers, Syracuse, NY; and the extended families of the children of her younger brother, the late John Withers.

A Memorial Service will begin at 1:30pm, on Saturday June 17, 2017 at the TIPark Tabernacle, Wellesley Island, NY. Following the service, the immediate family will go to Riverside Cemetery for burial.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Wellesley Island Fire Department, 45767 Co. Rt. 100A, Wellesley Island, NY 13640 or the TIPark Tabernacle Community Association, 42822 St. Lawrence Ave. Unit # 75, Thousand Island Park, NY 13692.

Arrangements are with Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY and condolences may be made online at www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com.

LOWVILLE - Gretchen L. Percoski Larson, 43, died on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at her home.

Gretchen was born on August 5, 1973 in Watertown and was adopted on September 10, 1973 by her parents Richard C. and Maren Ann (Tyrrell) Percoski. She graduated from Lowville Academy and Central School and then from Jefferson County B.O.C.E.S. with her Licensed Practical Nursing certificate. Gretchen worked at Mercy of Northern New York, Samaritan Medical Center, and Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility. Two marriages ended in divorce to, Tim McEwen and Tracy Larson.

Gretchen loved being with her children, going to concerts, traveling and spending time with her friends. Her heart was genuine and she would always go out of her way to help anyone.

She is survived by her parents, Richard and Maren Ann; her three children, Andrew Percoski of Hudson Falls; Mallory McEwen of Bozeman, MT and Stephanie Larson of Minneapolis, MN; her brother, Martin and Christine Percoski of Manlius; and two nieces; aunts and uncles.

Calling hours will be Thursday, June 1 from 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. at Sundquist Funeral Home.

Her funeral will follow at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 1st at the funeral home with Rev. Christopher Carrara, officiating. Burial will be in Lowville Rural Cemetery.

Memorials in her name may be made to: Lewis County Search & Rescue, P.O. Box 247, Lowville, NY 13367

You may leave words of condolence at www.sundquistfh.com

HAMMILL- Graveside service for Carl A. Hammill, age 86 of Rensselaer Falls will be held on Friday June 2, 2017 at Calvary Cemetery in Massena with Rev. Tojo Chacko officiating. Mr. Hammill passed away on Jan 22, 2017. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

PARKS- Graveside service for Lisa A. Parks, age 55 of Ogdensburg will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday June 1, 2017 at Ogdensburg Cemetery with Rev. F. James Shurtleff officiating. Mrs. Parks died on Jan 31, 2017. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Bernard Cleveland Diekman, Jr., was born on April 15, 1920 in Hackensack, New Jersey, the first of three sons born to Bernard, Sr. and Helen Marie Smith Diekman. He passed away from natural causes on May 4, 2017 at his son’s home in Watertown, New York. he is survived by his daughter, Leilah D. Schou of Tuscon, Arizona, a son and daughter-in-law Bernard III and Daryl Dunn Diekman of Watertown, NY and daughter Diane Diekman Mitchell and her husband Kelly Mitchell of Fayetteville, NC. Also survived and much loved by 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several cousins. Our mom passed away three years ago.

Dad was an exceptional man in many ways- a no-nonsense word who always had our backs. One word describes him and that is loyal. He was all about family. He could fix anything, was a fabulous fisherman, and he and mom spent many happy months at the family cottage on the Saint Lawrence River. They spent hours searching for antiques in the Northeast for their shop, Lime Rock Farms Antiques. He was most devoted to Mom and has missed her very much.

But Dad’s passion was always flying and fly he did- from the time he was a youngster and his mother made him a “flying suit”. His missions were as a B-25 pilot and later a squadron leader in the European and African theaters of operation where he had over 70 combat missions and was awarded the D.F.C. and oak leaf cluster. He participated in providing close air support at Anzio Beech, one of the most important battles of the war. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation”, with over 30 years with the National Guard. He was a true hero to all of us. Dad was a leader of the 488th Squad-340th Bomber Group and a proud part of the “Catch 22” group. He had so many incredible stories to tell- including tales of storing his 2011 Harley Davidson in the belly of his plane so he could travel on land when he wasn’t flying. His visit to The Vatican was a highlight. In all, he was a courageous leader and a skillful pilot. Story goes he was born wearing a coat of caul which according to legend, would protect him throughout life and evidently it did.

Dad was a career employee of Ma Bell and President of the New York Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, and a volunteer with the Lions Club. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1942 and was a member of the Kapp Sigma Fraternity. He and our mom met there and were smitten with each other from the start. They attended all the fraternity dances and danced through life together, totally devoted to each other. The family grew up in Bedford Hills, New York. He and mom moved to New Milford, Conn and later to Southbury, Conn after he retired. Dad’s past years have been spent with his son, Bernard III and daughter-in-law Daryl who have attended to him in the very best way. A special thanks to his dedicated aids that cared for him.

So many qualities sum up his life- intelligent, devoted, generous, fabulous gardener, lover of life and he will be missed so very much. Fly on Dad and we wish you peace on the other side.