PITCAIRN – Jane J. Scott Aldous, age 93, formerly of Pitcairn and Gouverneur, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11:00 am – 1:00 p.m. with her funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery in Fine.
NORWOOD - Mr. Don J. Moniere, Sr. of Maple Street, unexpectedly passed away Tuesday afternoon, October 24, 2017 at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Arrangements are incomplete with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.comP.
CARTHAGE- Richard Lee Lefler, 71, affectionately known as “Poppy”, fell asleep on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the Ellis Farm, under the loving care of his family and Jefferson County Hospice.
Richard was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on September 2, 1946, a son of the late Albert & Emily (Mabry) Lefler. He graduated from High School in Chesnee, South Carolina. Richard married Ruth Manchester on October 18, 1969 in Great Bend, New York.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth (Manchester) Lefler, Carthage; two daughters, Johnna (Kent) Burto, Carthage; Jolynne (George) Brinkley, Denmark; two sons, Sam (Carole) Wormwood, Croghan; Pete (Diane) Wormwood, Orwell, NY; and eight grandchildren, Mariah, Kyle, Darby, Jessy, Samantha, Ben, Shannon, Carrie, and Erin; and many great-grandchildren.
Richard is also survived by two brothers, John S. Lefler, Lexington, South Carolina; Roy Lefler, Chesnee, South Carolina; a sister Karen R. Taylor, Fitzgerald, Georgia; as well as two nieces and three nephews.
He is predeceased by a son, Mason Lee Lefler, who was formerly of Chesnee, South Carolina, and died in 1972.
Richard served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1970. As a young man, he worked as a projectionist at a theater in Bishopville, South Carolina. Poppy was employed at the St. Regis Paper Mill until its closing and at the Carthage Fiber Drum until his retirement. He had a gunsmith business that he ran out of his home for 10 years. Richard was also a computer technician. He was very involved in the West Carthage Fire Department and served as the Fire Chief for 11 years.
Richard’s hobbies and interests included hunting, golfing, and reading the Bible. What truly made a profound and happy change in his life was becoming a Jehovah’s Witness in 2009. He remained positive and optimistic during his entire illness and was an inspiration to many. He believed in the Bible’s promise of everlasting life on a paradise earth.
Revelation 21:4- “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more...”
Visitation will be held from 3-4 PM on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 28345 State Route 342 Black River, New York. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 4 PM.
Arrangements are being handled by the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., located at 500 State Street, Carthage. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Black River congregation or Hospice of Jefferson County.
Online condolences can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com
THERESA, NY – Shawn A. Mathous, Sr., 56, passed away Tuesday morning, October 24, 2017 at his home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, a subsidiary of Cleveland Funeral Home.
Shawn was born September 14, 1961 in Alexandria Bay, NY to Roger and Aileen Staie Mathous. He graduated from Madrid-Waddington Central School and was well known for being a “jack of all trades.” Mr. Mathous wore many hats in his life but was especially proud of his time spent cutting meat, driving truck and working in construction. He loved spending time with his dog Obi, riding motorcycle, mowing the lawn and watching sci-fi movies. In 1980, Shawn took a two-year, 900-hour course from the Seaway Career and Technical Center in the field of conservation; where upon completion he was highly recommended for employment.
Mr. Mathous is survived by his loving companion, Judy Wilms of Theresa, NY. Also surviving are his mother, Aileen Mathous, Theresa, NY; his children: Erica (Jakob) Peterson, Burke, NY; Shawn Mathous, Jr., Massena, NY; and Joshua Mathous, Burke, NY. His step-children: Kelly (Jonathan) Purtell, Plessis, NY; and Casey (Kristopher) Denicola, LaFargeville, NY. Seven siblings: Colleen Papin, LaFargeville, NY; Dawn (Pat) Bartlett, Watertown, NY; Rene (Cy) Jones, Norfolk, NY; Randy (Theresa) Mathous, Waddington, NY; Jeffrey (Tammy) Mathous, Redwood, NY; Shane Mathous, Theresa, NY; and Holley (Mark) Holder, Redwood, NY; 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Shawn was preceded in death by his father, Roger Mathous; step-father, Emery Allen; brother, Brian Mathous; brother-in-law, John Papin, nephew, Bobby Bartlett, and niece, Freedom Sessions, and his grandparents.
Calling hours will be from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at the Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown with a funeral service to immediately follow. Donations in Shawn’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be shared at www.northcountrycremationservice.com.
PARISHVILLE – Kenneth Alva “Bud” Hollinger, 90, a long time resident of Pumpkin Hill Road, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening, October 24, 2017, at United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born May 27, 1927 in Pyrites, son of the late Alvin S. and Della Giroux Hollinger. He attended Potsdam Schools and honorably served in the US Army from August 1945 to July 1946. He married Barbara Adair Bryant on July 14, 1949 in Potsdam, with Rev. Orin Hess officiating. They had their marriage blessed in May 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Potsdam with Rev. Fred Brockway officiating. Barbara predeceased him on February 26, 2016.
Bud was a member of Teamsters Local 687, and worked for Putnam Hawley, Wikstom on the Seaway, Associated Transport, was a paver operator for Barrett Paving and retired from Green Island Construction in 1989. He was a past member of the Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department, honorary member of the Stag Club, and member of the Wolf Pack Snowmobile Club.
Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Lou Hollinger Barker and her husband, John Barker of Cortland, NY; his grandson, Lance Richard Barker of Marathon, NY; two great grandsons, Loyd Kenneth and Garen Fae Barker; and two great granddaughters, Chloe Mae and Kaydence Jane Barker; his sister, Betty Barkley of Madrid; and several nieces and nephews.
esides his wife, Barbara, Bud was predeceased by his father Alva on August 7, 1956; his mother Della on September 14, 1937; his sisters, Kathryn Hooper and Mildred Cameron; and his brother William S. Hollinger.
Friends may call at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam, Monday, 12 noon – 2:00 PM where a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Stephen Rocker officiating. Burial will follow at Bayside Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Kenneth’s memory to Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonseymour.com
Bruce E. Tooly, 55, of 521 West St., died Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY after being stricken while returning from his daughter’s home in Kentucky.
Bruce was born on October 3, 1962 in Star Lake, the son of the late John R. and Ellen R. (Jarvis) Tooly. He was a 1981 graduate of Carthage Central High School. He married the former Dana S. Rounds on October 22, 1994 in Deferiet. Bruce was a truck driver for most of his entire life. He worked for various trucking companies in the north country and was currently driving for Gaetano Transportation of Watertown. Bruce loved hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife: Dana S. Tooly of Carthage and his three daughters: Marissa Tooly of Elizabethtown, KY and Miranda and Skyler Tooly, both of Carthage, three sisters: Deloris McNamara of Potsdam, Karen Canell of Tupper Lake and Margaret Valler of Key West, FL, two brothers: Gareth Tooly of Potsdam and Phillip Tooly of Jacksonville, TX and several nieces and nephews.
A daughter, Shauna Lynn Tooly died on November 14, 2002.
Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be on Sunday, October 29 from 1-3pm. Immediately following there will be a “Celebration of Life” held at the VFW Post # 7227 in Carthage.
To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.
PARISHVILLE – Kenneth Alva “Bud” Hollinger, 90, a long time resident of Pumpkin Hill Road, peacefully passed away Tuesday evening, October 24, 2017, at United Helpers Maplewood Campus in Canton, surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born May 27, 1927 in Pyrites, son of the late Alvin S. and Della Giroux Hollinger. He attended Potsdam Schools and honorably served in the US Army from August 1945 to July 1946. He married Barbara Adair Bryant on July 14, 1949 in Potsdam, with Rev. Orin Hess officiating. They had their marriage blessed in May 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Potsdam with Rev. Fred Brockway officiating. Barbara predeceased him on February 26, 2016.
Bud was a member of Teamsters Local 687, and worked for Putnam Hawley, Wikstom on the Seaway, Associated Transport, was a paver operator for Barrett Paving and retired from Green Island Construction in 1989. He was a past member of the Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department, honorary member of the Stag Club, and member of the Wolf Pack Snowmobile Club.
Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Lou Hollinger Barker and her husband, John Barker of Cortland, NY; his grandson, Lance Richard Barker of Marathon, NY; two great grandsons, Loyd Kenneth and Garen Fae Barker; and two great granddaughters, Chloe Mae and Kaydence Jane Barker; his sister, Betty Barkley of Madrid; and several nieces and nephews.
esides his wife, Barbara, Bud was predeceased by his father Alva on August 7, 1956; his mother Della on September 14, 1937; his sisters, Kathryn Hooper and Mildred Cameron; and his brother William S. Hollinger.
Friends may call at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam, Monday, 12 noon – 2:00 PM where a funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Stephen Rocker officiating. Burial will follow at Bayside Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Kenneth’s memory to Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonseymour.com
Joseph C. Bartholomew, 82, passed October 23, 2017 at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home, where he had been a resident since May.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, October 27 at Glenwood Cemetery with Military Honors.
He was born on May 6, 1935, in Watertown, son of Charles R. and Grace B. Willard Bartholomew. He graduated from IHA in 1953 where he was a standout basketball player and athlete.
Following school he entered the US Marine Corp in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1956. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Joseph then returned to Watertown where he worked for Carhart Photography located in the Kinney Drugs Store in the Seaway Plaza for many years. He moved to Syracuse and was a Machinist at O.M. Edwards for over 20 years, and drove school bus for special needs children before retiring. In 2003 he moved to Country View Apartments in Adams.
He enjoyed playing golf and was a scratch golfer, darts, bowling and playing pool. He loved watching old classic movies and was an avid Syracuse University fan.
He is survived by a sister in law, Betty Bartholomew, NC, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Raymond Bartholomew, four sisters, Betty O’Neill, Alice Doane, Anita Gardner and Grace Bartholomew, and his niece and caregiver, Judith L. Morgia.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com
PITCAIRN – Jane J. Scott Aldous, age 93, formerly of Pitcairn and Gouverneur, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 11:00 am – 1:00 p.m. with her funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery in Fine. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Jane was born on August 30, 1924 in Fine to the late Frank and Mary Leta (Phillips) Scott. She graduated from the Oswegatchie High School in 1941 and from Potsdam State Teachers College in 1958 earning her BA in Elementary Education.
Jane married Wilfred C. Scott on October 2, 1943 at Scott’s Bridge in the Town of Fine at her parents’ home officiated by Rev. Myron French. Mr. Scott passed away on July 25, 1992. Jane married Larry Aldous on March 26, 1994. Larry passed away in November of 2000. Mrs. Aldous worked as a teacher in Fort Covington from 1945 – 1955 and for the Harrisville Central School from 1955 until her retirement in 1979. She lived in East Pitcairn from 1948 until moving to Gouverneur in 1990.
Jane was a charter member of the East Pitcairn Wesleyan Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher for many years and held several offices. She was a member of the NYS Retired Teachers Association, AARP, and the Gouverneur Senior Citizens.
Her survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Herbert Snider; Cheryl and Steven Maraffio; 5 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her sisters, Jennie Rose and Janet Hamilton; and a grandchild, Louis Scott Sacckette.
Donations in memory of Jane may be made to the Gouverneur Historical Association, 30 Church Street, Gouverneur NY 13642 or the Harrisville Historical Association, 2 Depot, Harrisville NY 13648.
LAKE BONAPARTE – F. Edward Greiner, Jr., age 75, of Lake Bonaparte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side and under the care of Lewis County Hospice.
Ed was born in Utica, NY to Francis and Mildred (Ellis) Greiner on December 6, 1941. Ed married Roxanne Clement on December 31, 1988 in Whitesboro. His first marriage ended in divorce.
Ed worked for TriState Industrial Laundries for forty years, retiring in 2001. Upon his retirement, Ed and Roxanne moved to their summer home on Lake Bonaparte.
Ed leaves behind his wife, Roxanne; and three children, Mark Greiner (Trisha), Lisa Nagy (David), Joe Greiner (Sue); three stepchildren he considered his own, Shelly Demmon (Andrea), Bert Demmon (Rosa), Craig Demmon; and a sister, Shirley Donohue. He is also survived by several grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He is predeceased by a brother, Robert Greiner and two sisters, Gail Weaver and Marylou Holbrook.
As per Ed’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. Donations in his memory may be made to Lewis County Hospice, PO Box 266, Lowville NY 13367. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Mrs Shirley Ann Trainham age 82, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away on October 23, 2017 surrounded by her loving family after an extended illness. Mrs. Trainham was born in Carthage, New York on August 14, 1935 to the late William and Mary (Tehonica) Shampine. She spent the majority of her childhood in Buffalo, New York, and her married life in Black River, New York and Port Orange, Florida. Shirley was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Black River, New York. She was a devoted wife, a loving, caring mother, sister and grandmother, who was very family oriented. She loved her holidays with family and taking care of her grandchildren. Shirley was the Assistant to the General at Fort Drum, New York for 35 years. Mrs. Trainham is proceeded in death by her late husband of 54 years, David A. Trainham and sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Joe Vacanti. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Lori and Randy Madden of Young Harris, Ga; son Patrick Trainham of Port Orange, Florida; sister and brother-in-law Diane and Ralph Virchau of East Aurora, New York; brother-in-law and wife Robert and Marsha Trainham of Richland, New York; grandchildren: Jonathan Trainham, Kaitlyn Trainham, Sam Trainham, Amberlee Madden and Monica Madden and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/.
Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Christina A. Rumrill, age 80 of Potsdam, NY passed away on October 26, 2017 at the United Helpers Riverledge Home in Ogdensburg, NY. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service. A full obituary will follow on Saturday. On line condolences can be shared @garnerfh.com.
Mrs. Christina A. Rumrill, age 80 of Potsdam, NY passed away on October 26, 2017 at the United Helpers Riverledge Home in Ogdensburg, NY. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service. A full obituary will follow on Saturday. On line condolences can be shared @garnerfh.com.
Mr. Roy T. LaBaff, age 73 of Potsdam, NY passed away suddenly at his home on October 25, 2017 in the town of Potsdam. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam, NY at a later date. On line condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service.
Roy is survived by his wife Shirley LaBaff; son Thomas LaBaff,; daughters Angeline Hoyt and Liane (JP) Bordeaux; brother Ernest LaBaff Jr.; sisters Arletha Ford, Dora Ann Trimm and Janet McCargar; grandchildren Brielle Frary, Evan Hoyt, Aiden LaBaff and Kirstie Bordeaux; step grandchildren Jess Murray and Tyler Jock and was predeceased by a stepson Corey Jock .
Roy T. LaBaff was born February 3, 1944 in Massena, NY to the late Ernest LaBaff sr. and Dora Perry. He was a 1961 graduate of Potsdam Central High School. On January 21, 1967 at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam, NY he was married to Shirley Ramsey. Roy worked for Snell’s TV and Appliance for many years and then was the owner operator of Video Express in Canton. He was a very talented musician and artist.
Mr. Roy T. LaBaff, age 73 of Potsdam, NY passed away suddenly at his home on October 25, 2017 in the town of Potsdam. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam, NY at a later date. On line condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service.
Roy is survived by his wife Shirley LaBaff; son Thomas LaBaff,; daughters Angeline Hoyt and Liane (JP) Bordeaux; brother Ernest LaBaff Jr.; sisters Arletha Ford, Dora Ann Trimm and Janet McCargar; grandchildren Brielle Frary, Evan Hoyt, Aiden LaBaff and Kirstie Bordeaux; step grandchildren Jess Murray and Tyler Jock and was predeceased by a stepson Corey Jock .
Roy T. LaBaff was born February 3, 1944 in Massena, NY to the late Ernest LaBaff sr. and Dora Perry. He was a 1961 graduate of Potsdam Central High School. On January 21, 1967 at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam, NY he was married to Shirley Ramsey. Roy worked for Snell’s TV and Appliance for many years and then was the owner operator of Video Express in Canton. He was a very talented musician and artist.
CHAMPION -- Marian Clifford, 103, died early Thursday morning, October 26, 2017 at the Samaritan Keep Home, Watertown. Arrangements are pending with the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage.
Theodore R. “Ted” Cornell, 82, formerly of Watertown passed away Tuesday afternoon, October 24, 2017, at Unity Living Center, Rochester where he and his wife, Mary, have lived since November 15, 2014.
A graveside service will be at Brookside Cemetery, Watertown on Tuesday, October 31, at 11AM with Rev. Toby Schilling presiding. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.
Ted was born in Watertown on August 8, 1935, son of Henry and Grace Newton Cornell. On May 11, 1954 he entered the US Army. He received the Occupation Medal, Germany, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 27, 1956.
On September 1, 1956 he married Mary Patterson in Watertown.
He worked as a tool maker for General Motors, Rochester for over fifteen years. Ted was a Christian and donated to overseas projects throughout his life. He was a member of International Union of Auto Workers. He enjoyed photography, reading, puzzles, and refinishing furniture. He was a collector, had restored a 1957 Cadillac, and authored a book, “In God’s Hands”.
Along with his wife, Mary, Ted is survived by his two children and their spouses, Theodore L. and Ellyn S. Cornell, Rochester, NY and Tammy L. and William Cook, Clayton, NC ; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two brothers and their wives, Harry A. and Jean Cornell, Stamford and Robert C. and Sharon Cornell, Adams; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Lindberg.
Donations in his name may be made to the Salvation Army, 723 State St., Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences to his family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
Sidney Henry LaFayette, 97, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Sid and Linda LaFayette, in Zephyrhills, Florida. Born on July 26, 1920 in Constable, New York, the third child of Henry Francis and Julia Ethel (Bova) LaFayette, Sidney is survived by sons Grant (Gracie) of Sahuarita, Arizona, and Sid (Linda) of Zephyrhills, Florida, grandsons Scott, Shawn and Grant LaFayette of Arizona, and Dana LaFayette of Florida. He is predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Becky (Gokey) LaFayette, his brother Jim, his sister Pearl McFadden and a grandson, Leif LaFayette.
Sid lived a long and interesting life. He was a “people person” and was happiest when he was spending time with family or friends. He was a wonderful story-teller and could keep listeners fascinated for hours, never leaving out any details of his stories. Sid grew up on a farm, doing all the chores that farm boys do. He attended school in District #3, Covey Town Road, and Constable Free School in Constable, New York and graduated from Malone, New York’s Franklin Academy in 1937.College was desired, but not to be.
He married the love of his life, Rebecca (Becky) Gokey on October 21, 1941. They had two sons, Grant and Sid. Sidney worked for Guy Wylie’s garage in Constable, then at G.L.F in Malone in Malone and Fort Covington, NY. In 1942, Sid and Becky purchased the “Lynch Farm” in Constable, working the farm as a couple. Eventually they purchased the “Wiley Farm.” Sid was still helping at his father’s farm, as well. Sid and Becky operated a sugar shack during the season. By the time they purchased a third farm, Sid and Becky were milking 100 cows.
In 1954, Sid started driving bus for Malone School District. He hired some help to tend the farm. From 1960 to 1964 Sid worked for the NYC Railroad. In 1965, Sid and Becky sold the farms and moved to Massena, N.Y. They didn’t care much for living in the village, so bought land in the Town of Norfolk and began to build a new home. Sid worked for a year at Norwood Norfolk Central School, then at Massena Central School, where he was Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds and Transportation. Upon his retirement from the school, Sid and Becky moved to Arizona, where he worked as a Millwright during the construction of nuclear power plants.
Sid and Becky were long-time members of St. Raymond’s Parish in Raymondville. Sid served for many years on the Parish Council. Sid was an excellent carpenter and skillful in many ways and Fr. Everett Denesha often called on him for help and advice. Sid’s wife, Becky, died at the home a family friend, Shirley Smith, in Lakeland, Florida on December 19, 2010. Shirley was a long-time friend and care-giver of both Becky and Sid, and loved them both dearly.
Services for friends and family will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Donaldson’s Funeral Home, North Main Street, Massena, with visiting hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Francis Cemetery in Constable, New York on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Lawrence Valley Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676
Sidney Henry LaFayette, 97, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Sid and Linda LaFayette, in Zephyrhills, Florida. Born on July 26, 1920 in Constable, New York, the third child of Henry Francis and Julia Ethel (Bova) LaFayette, Sidney is survived by sons Grant (Gracie) of Sahuarita, Arizona, and Sid (Linda) of Zephyrhills, Florida, grandsons Scott, Shawn and Grant LaFayette of Arizona, and Dana LaFayette of Florida. He is predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Becky (Gokey) LaFayette, his brother Jim, his sister Pearl McFadden and a grandson, Leif LaFayette.
Sid lived a long and interesting life. He was a “people person” and was happiest when he was spending time with family or friends. He was a wonderful story-teller and could keep listeners fascinated for hours, never leaving out any details of his stories. Sid grew up on a farm, doing all the chores that farm boys do. He attended school in District #3, Covey Town Road, and Constable Free School in Constable, New York and graduated from Malone, New York’s Franklin Academy in 1937.College was desired, but not to be.
He married the love of his life, Rebecca (Becky) Gokey on October 21, 1941. They had two sons, Grant and Sid. Sidney worked for Guy Wylie’s garage in Constable, then at G.L.F in Malone in Malone and Fort Covington, NY. In 1942, Sid and Becky purchased the “Lynch Farm” in Constable, working the farm as a couple. Eventually they purchased the “Wiley Farm.” Sid was still helping at his father’s farm, as well. Sid and Becky operated a sugar shack during the season. By the time they purchased a third farm, Sid and Becky were milking 100 cows.
In 1954, Sid started driving bus for Malone School District. He hired some help to tend the farm. From 1960 to 1964 Sid worked for the NYC Railroad. In 1965, Sid and Becky sold the farms and moved to Massena, N.Y. They didn’t care much for living in the village, so bought land in the Town of Norfolk and began to build a new home. Sid worked for a year at Norwood Norfolk Central School, then at Massena Central School, where he was Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds and Transportation. Upon his retirement from the school, Sid and Becky moved to Arizona, where he worked as a Millwright during the construction of nuclear power plants.
Sid and Becky were long-time members of St. Raymond’s Parish in Raymondville. Sid served for many years on the Parish Council. Sid was an excellent carpenter and skillful in many ways and Fr. Everett Denesha often called on him for help and advice. Sid’s wife, Becky, died at the home a family friend, Shirley Smith, in Lakeland, Florida on December 19, 2010. Shirley was a long-time friend and care-giver of both Becky and Sid, and loved them both dearly.
Services for friends and family will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Donaldson’s Funeral Home, North Main Street, Massena, with visiting hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Francis Cemetery in Constable, New York on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Lawrence Valley Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676
Arthur W. Ploof Jr., age 79 and formerly of Columbian Road, Cranberry Lake, NY, passed away on the morning of Thursday, October 26th, 2017. Arrangements are with the Hawley Funeral Home in Star Lake and are incomplete at this time.