Elmer C. Gleason, 86, of NYS Rt. 26, passed away Thursday evening, November 16, 2017 at Hospice of Jefferson County at Ellis farm, Watertown, NY, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 11, 1931 in Antwerp, NY, he was a son of Earl and Bertha Worden Gleason and graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1948.

He entered the US Army on March 11, 1952, serving time in Korea and was awarded a Purple Heart with an honorable discharge on February 24, 1954.

Elmer married Rose Henderson at the Philadelphia United Methodist Church on June 6, 1954.

He was a 56 year member and Past Commander of the Philadelphia American Legion, a 57 year member and Past Master of the Philadelphia Masonic Lodge, a 50 year member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge, a 62 year member of the Philadelphia United Methodist Church and Past President of CSEA.

Elmer was a farmer and bus driver for many years. He started working for the Thousand Island’s Park Commission in 1971 as a truck driver for the Wellesley Island State Park and later as their golf course superintendent. A few years later he was promoted to manager of the TI River Parks until his retirement in 1992.

He had a love for horses, music, playing cards, dancing, going to the casino to play slot machines, traveling, spending winters in Florida, camping at Chase Lake and he especially enjoyed mowing his lawn and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rose; three daughters and three sons-in-law, Marie and Jeffrey Ambrose, Pulaski, NY, Gloria and William Ditter, Gainesville, FL, Susan and Alan Hughes, Canton, NY; 6 grandchildren, Danielle Holden, Jacob Ambrose, Alyssa Hughes, Ryan Hughes, Allie Wilkerson and Makenzie Wilkerson; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Ruth Hoover, Philadelphia, NY, Edith and Ivan Filiatrault, Antwerp, NY; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Delos and Patricia Gleason, Philadelphia, NY, Roy Gleason and companion, Faye Morris, NC; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, a son, George E. Gleason, two brothers, Wesley Gleason and Harry Gleason, three sisters, Mary Hall, twins Jean Aldrich and Joanne Preston all died before him.

Funeral Services will be 1 pm Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Philadelphia United Methodist Church with Rev. Chilton McPheeters and Rev. Jane Wagner, officiating. Burial will be in Sanford Corners Cemetery, Calcium, NY. Family and friends will gather at the Philadelphia American Legion following services.

Calling hours will be 2-5 pm Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY with a Masonic Service at 2 pm.

Donations may be made to the Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 19 Main Street, Philadelphia, NY 13673 or to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Condolences may be made online at www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com.

Edmond Carney Pelkey, 72, of Black River, passed November 17, 2017 after struggling with cancer for the past six months. He passed at his home where he was under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, November 20 at the Bruce Funeral Home 131 Maple St., Black River.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 21 at St. Rita’s of Carcia Catholic Church in DeFeriet with Rev. Robert Decker, Pastor officiating. The family will also receive friends 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday at the church.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in Black River Cemetrey.

He was born on January 1, 1945, in Watertown, son of Francis G. (Hank) and Sarah A. (Sally) Carney Pelkey. He was raised in Black River and graduated from Carthage High School in 1964. After working a short time at St. Regis Paper Co. in DeFeriet, he was drafted to serve in the Army Airborne Infantry in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart. He then was stationed in Germany, where he was a member of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit. In 1970, he left active duty service and began training in data processing, which prepared him for a long career in computer programming. He worked in NYC for CBS Television, Sterling Winthrop Pharmaceutical and Computer Horizon Corporation. During that period, he completed a Bachelor of Professional Studies/Business Degree from Pace University, and concurrently served in the Army Reserves from 1972 to 1993.

In 2001 , Ed was deployed with the NY Guard to serve as a supply sergeant in response to 9-11 attack at the World Trade Center. He then pursued a different career path at the United States Military Academy, West Point, from which he retired in 2006. In 2007 he returned to the Watertown area, and built a home near Black River.

His first marriage to Lena Otterbeck ended in her death in 1978. He later married Mona Fisher, who survives. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mikael (Dawn) Pelkey, Black River; stepson and his wife, James M. (Daria) Fisher, White Plains, NY; stepdaughter, Libby Fisher, Fort Montgomery, NY; stepson, Christopher A. Fisher, Beacon, NY; stepdaughter and her husband, Katherine(Casey) Wardynski, Cape Canaveral, FL, five grandchildren, Brynn and Bryce Marks, Colin and Peter Fisher, Jack Wardynski and one on the way. His brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Carol, Bowie, MD; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Novemebr 20 at the Bruce Funeral Home 131 Maple St., Black River.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesfay, November 21 at the St. Rita’s of Cascia Catholic Church in DeFeriet with Rev. Robert Decker Pastor officiating. The family will also receive friends at the church from 10 until 11 am.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in Black River Cemetrey.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be at www.brucefh.com

WATERTOWN, NY- Richard “Ricky” L. Wood, 60, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 15th. Richard had been a resident of Samaritan Summit and Mercy/Madonna for eleven years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.

Ricky was born on April 25, 1957 in Niagara Falls, NY to Bruce and Mae Beerman-Wood.

He graduated from Watertown High-School. Afterwards he became a realtor for United National Real Estate in Watertown, he worked for Grants Drug Store and was in management at Radio Shack. He was in the Army from 1981-88 where he was honorably discharged.

Ricky was a wonderful guy. Everybody loved him, he made friends with everyone he met. Ricky enthusiastically collected rocks and seashells with his loving wife, Sharon. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ricky and Susan traveled extensively together.

Along with Sharon, Ricky is survived by his step-children; Mary (Wil) Ridley, Panama City, FL, Melinda Parow, Watertown, NY, and Michael (Sue) Parow, Hammond, NY, his siblings; Louise Crawford, Lakeland, FL, Doris (Ron) Newton, Zephyr Hills, FL, Sheila Dimock, Stone Mills, NY, and Melody Travis, Phoenix, AZ, Lloyd Wood, Wellesley Island, NY, Lewis Wood, Taney Town, MD, and Marjorie Crawford, Cape Vincent, NY. Eight Step-Grandchildren, seven Great Step-Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ricky is predeceased by his parents and his brothers; Robert Wood, Paul Wood, Gary Wood, James Wood and sister, Mary Strader.

A memorial service and burial will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jefferson Community College to help with nursing scholarships. Please fill out a donation form found on their website and mail to JCC Foundation at 1220 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made to www.clevelandfuneralhomeinc.com.

Clarence J. Eckhoff, Jr., 84, Sackets Harbor, passed away Friday afternoon on November 17th at his home with his family at his side.

The funeral mass will be 11 am Tuesday, November 21st at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Sackets Harbor, with Rev. Michael Gaffney and Rev. Douglas Comstock concelebrating. Burial with Navy honors will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, Sackets Harbor. Calling hours are Monday, November 20th from 4 pm – 7 pm at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.

Mr. Eckhoff is survived by his wife Christine; two daughters and their husbands Deborah and Craig Chapman, Virginia Beach, Va., Brenda and Robert Lazusky, Sackets Harbor; a son Charles and his wife Nylda, San Clemente, CA; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; two brothers and a sister in law, Ted Eckhoff, Sackets Harbor, Burt and Janet Eckhoff, Watertown; three sisters and their husbands, Edith Ann and Robert Heslip, Tucson, AZ, Rosemary and William Gulliver, Allentown, PA and Mary and Gary Naumann, Virginia Beach, VA; nieces and nephews.

Clarence was born in Watertown, October 12, 1933, a son to Clarence and Edith Washer Eckhoff. He attended local schools and graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1952. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Navy.

Clarence married Christine Boulton of Sackets Harbor on December 30th, 1959.

In September of 1963 while serving aboard the USS Fred T. Berry (DD-858) he was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer. One year later he was commissioned an Ensign under the Navy’s Limited Duty Officer Program. He continued to serve on several major Atlantic Fleet commands, retiring in 1983 as a Commander after nearly 31 years of Service. His awards included the Legion of Merit w/2 gold stars in lieu of the 2nd and 3rd awards, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct medal w/ 3 bronze stars.

Following his retirement, he was employed by the Delex Corp, SYSCON Corp and SAIC as a Senior Military Analyst.

Clarence was a member of St. Andrews Church, the VFW Post 15033, the American Legion Post 1757 and the Sackets Harbor Masonic Lodge #135. As a Mason, he served as Master of the lodge from 1994-1995 and as secretary of the lodge. In 1997 he was presented the Masonic Dedicated Service Award and was appointed Deputy Grand Master from 1998-2000. In 2000, he was appointed State Chairman of the Masonic Child ID program, a position he held until 2007. For his service as program chairman he was awarded the Chancellor Livingston Medal in 2005 and the Charles Henry Johnson Medal in 2007.

The family would like to thank their caregivers Sandy and Linda for their love and support along with Sue from Hospice of Jefferson County who without these angels the family would not have been able to keep Clarence at home with Christine.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sackets Harbor Ambulance fund or to the St. Andrews Food Pantry, Sackets Harbor.

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

ALBANY — Alaric “Jim” Jackson Jr., 87, passed away November 16, 2016 at his home.

Born in Utica, NY he was the son of the late Alaric J. and Bonnie Belle (Betts) Jackson, Sr. Jim was a graduate of Carthage High School and the Albany College of Pharmacy. He was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War having served as a Lab Tech on the hospital ship, USS Consolation. Jim worked for Bender Hygienic Laboratory in Albany for more than 37 years, retiring as a supervisor in the Chemistry Department.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and held a professional membership in the American Association of Clinical Pathologists. An avid bowler and a member of the American Bowling Congress “700 Club”, Jim was involved with multiple leagues including the Albany City League. At the age of 86, he still bowled with the Sunset Lanes Senior League. He loved golf, sailing, crossword puzzles and card games. He also played piano, organ and the accordion.

Jim enjoyed a lifetime of summers at Lake Bonaparte in Lewis County, especially the times spent around the campfire with music and stories.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan D. (Fox) Jackson in 2014. Survivors include his daughter, C.J. Jackson and her fiancé Ron Casler of Watertown, NY; his son, Mark T. Jackson and his wife Tracey of E. Berne, NY; grandchildren Megan, Travis, Tyler and Timothy Jackson; siblings, Robert (Cathie) Jackson of Naperville, IL., Travis (Marcia) Jackson of Akron, NY and Bonnie (David) Detwiler of Chaumont, NY; several nieces and nephews..

A Memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Albany, followed by inurnment in the columbarium niche at the Church. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with Jim’s family on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany.

A Celebration of Life at Lake Bonaparte will take place summer 2018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 10 N. Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or to Lake Bonaparte Conservation Club, PO Box 273 Harrisville, NY 13648.

For on line condolences, please visit www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.

James Joseph Garofalo (Sonny) 69, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania passed away October 24, 2017.

He was employed by IBM Corporation for 25 years and Sutliff Cheverolet in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Jim loved baseball and the New York Yankees as well as football and the Dallas Cowboys.

He graduated from Massena Central High School in 1966 and from

the State University of New York at Canton in 1968.

Jim was the son of the late James Bruno Garofalo and Theresa Lamanna Garofalo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl and children, Anthony Garofalo, Emily Garofalo, Mandy Lehman and Derek Jung.

He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and his sister, Marylyn Garofalo of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

Bernard C. Felio, Sr., 72, of Pulaski, passed away on Friday. Bernard was born in Hartness, NY to the late Clifton and Dorothy Felio. He moved to Pulaski in the early 1970s and has been there ever since.

Bernard was predeceased by his brothers, Roger, Roland and Larry Felio and a son, Scott Felio.

He is survived by 2 sons, Bernard (Lisa) Felio, Jr. and Shane (Karen) Felio; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Penn; brother, Norman Felio and several nieces and nephews.

A family service will be held at a later date.

To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerSyracuse.com

William E. Hutchins, 72, of Boonville on November 15, 2017. Funeral service will be Sunday at 3 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St., Boonville. Calling hours will be held 1-3 p.m. prior the service.

Gloria (Thompson) Harding, 93, of Baldwinsville, passed away peacefully Wednesday surrounded by her family. She was born in Troy to the late Herbert and Gwendolyn (Clark) Thompson in 1924. Gloria and her husband co-owned Harding Industrial Tool Corporation in Eastwood for many years. She was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Samuel in 1995, a son, Thomas A. Harding in 2014, 3 brothers, George, James and Sidney Thompson and a sister, Sylvia Moody.

She is survived by 3 sons; George C. (Elizabeth) Harding, of Richland and Richard “Dick” D. (Janet) Harding, of Fayetteville, Glenn A. (Kathleen) Harding, of Radisson, daughter; Gail Harding Taylor, of Magadore, OH, 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law; Wilma Thompson, of Auburn, ME, aunt; Jacqueline (Clark) Bartlett, of Moreno Valley, CA, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private services and burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Maine, at a later date. There are no calling hours.

BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay has care of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St, Liverpool, NY 13090 or Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208.

Please offer online tributes at www.bagozzitwins.com.

HAILESBORO — Donald A. Backus, 88, formerly of Island Branch Rd., and a resident at Samaritan Keep Home, Watertown, NY, died Friday morning November 17, 2017 at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, NY.

Born on October 9, 1929 in the Town of Fowler, he was the son of the late John H. and Louetta Lacy Backus. He was educated in local schools.

He joined the United States Army January 9, 1947, served in Korea and was honorably discharged November 4, 1949.

He married Joyce Barton of LaFargeville on October 11, 1951 at the Methodist parsonage in LaFargeville with Rev. Robert Mallabar officiating. The marriage ended in divorce. A marriage to Rose Smith also ended in divorce.

Mr. Backus was employed as a tractor trailer driver by John Austin, Richville and Groveton Paper Company, Natural Dam, was a self employed salesman, selling nuts, bolts and tools to farmers for 15 years and at the same time was a part time bus driver for LaForty Bus Lines, Oxbow, for 8 years. He then worked for Gouverneur Central School working in grounds and maintenance and as a bus driver until his retirement in the early 1990’s.

He enjoyed playing the mandolin, guitar and banjo and was a life member of the Black River Fiddlers Association, Thousand Island Blue Grass Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gouverneur.

Survivors include his companion of 30+ years, Alice Phelps; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Brian and Nanette Backus, Theresa, Douglas Backus, LaFargeville; three daughters and a son-in-law, Brenda Wainwright, Gouverneur, Judy Tubolino, LaFargeville, Tammy and Jamie McEatheron, Gouverneur; twelve grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; two sisters, Marlene Quarry and Mavis Cole, both of Gouverneur.

His parents, grandson Scott Backus, three brothers, Roland, Douglas and John Backus, Jr., three sisters, Elaine Morrisey, Thelma Chapin and Madeline Closs and a son-in-law, Larry Tubolino all died before him.

A gathering in memory of Donald will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY and condolences may be made online at www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com.

Lesley J. Utter, 88, of North Fort Meyers, FL, and formerly of Watertown, NY, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2017. She was born in Detroit, MI, on September 6, 1929, the daughter of the late Arnold and Vera Walters. She was 1946 graduate of Morrisville-Eaton High School and a 1948 graduate of SUNY Morrisville. On February 5, 1949, she married Robert P. Utter. He passed away on July 13, 2007.

Lesley had a 25 year career as a respiratory therapist and worked at several hospitals, including the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

She was a member of St. Francis Church in Fort Meyers.

Lesley is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lesley and Wayne Smithers of North Fort Meyers, FL; a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Christa Utter of North Fort Meyers, FL; Four grandchildren, Heather Cleveland, Katie Smithers, Mary Utter, and Robert Utter; and two great-grandchildren, Madison and Paul Cleveland. She was predeceased by two sons, Paul and John Utter.

Graveside services will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Rome, NY, next spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY.

Paul E. Earle, 87, of Hannawa Falls, NY passed away peacefully on November 16, 2017 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital with family at his side.

Born on February 27, 1930 in Malone, NY to E. Purdy Earle and Laurel Hosmer Earle, Paul graduated from Franklin Academy High School. He joined the US Navy, proudly serving for five years aboard the USS Leary as an electrician’s mate in the Mediterranean.

He married Dorothy Perham in May 1953 in Malone. Initially, the couple settled in Burke, NY before moving to Hannawa Falls, in July 1957.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by five children: Donna Earle Seymour (Glenn), Potsdam, NY, Susan Earle Dragan (Bob), Albuquerque, NM, Paul F. (Skip) Earle (Carole), Key West, FL, James A. Earle (Charlene), Salt Lake City, UT, and Robert F. Earle (Angela), Syracuse, 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his “adopted” son, Mike Goliber of Hannawa Falls.

Paul was predeceased by his only sibling, Richard A. Earle, and a grandson, Joseph P. Earle.

He began his post-naval work career at the Eldridge and Mason Auto Dealership in Malone. He then worked as a heavy equipment operator on the St. Lawrence Seaway. He was employed by Niagara Mohawk in 1956, retiring as Chief Mechanic after a 30-year career.

Paul E. Earle was a very proud man. His word meant everything to him and he respected honest, hard-working individuals who loved and cared for their family, community and country, just as he did.

He was a charter member of the Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department. From the initial discussions in 1960 to the building of firehouses, he marched proudly in uniform with his Dalmatian, “Hanna – the Hannawa Hound,” who became the department’s mascot. He served as Chief in 1964 and in various other roles during his tenure.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam, NY. After a private burial, the family will hold a celebration of life at their convenience at a later date.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 39, Hannawa Falls, NY 13647, to the Advanced Illness Management (AIM) Program of Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Highway 11, Potsdam, NY 13676, or Meals on Wheels, St. Lawrence County Office of the Aging, 80 State Highway 310, Canton, New York, NY 13617.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.donaldsonseymour.com.

The Earle family wishes to thank the doctors and medical staff of Canton-Potsdam Hospital for their excellent care during his last few months when he was a patient on several occasions. They also wish to thank Missy Heylen and the staff of AIM of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice for their treatment and care of him.

Funeral services for Nancy A. Merkley, FNP, age 63 of Heuvelton, will be held on Wednesday (Nov 22, 2017) at 11:00am at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Lahue officiating. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Heuvelton.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday (Nov 21st) from 2-4 & 6-8pm at the funeral home. Nancy passed away on Friday November 17, 2017 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Surviving is her husband Donald; four children Heather Tamburello & her husband John of Latham, NY, Adam Merkley & his wife Rene of Heuvelton, Ryan Merkley of Washington DC and Benjamin Merkley & his wife Lucy of Heuvelton; two brothers David O’Brian & his wife Elaine of Tupper Lake, Christopher O’Brian & his wife Rebecca of Lisbon; three sisters Cheri Rogers & her husband Dean of Hammond, Rebecca Dishaw of Tupper Lake and Suzanne O’Brian & her companion John Lacombe of Lisbon; two grandchildren Regina Tamburello and Grant Merkley along with many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

Nancy was born on December 20, 1953 in Ogdensburg NY, a daughter of the late Theodore & Lodene (Speer) O’Brian. She graduated from Lisbon High School and continued her education at Canton ATC and SUNY Upstate where she received her nurse practitioner’s license. On August 15, 1975 she married Donald Merkley at the White Church in Lisbon with Rev. Walter Smith officiating the couple’s marriage.

During her career she was employed as a nurse at Moongate Nursing Home, United Helpers Nursing Home, CDP (Community Development Program), St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, Hepburn Hospital and later as a nurse practitioner for the Massena VA Clinic and the Heuvelton Clinic. In 1999 Nancy opened Upstate Family Healthcare is Lisbon, and was awarded the “rural entrepreneur of the year” by the NYS Small Business Development Center. She operated the clinic and cared for numerous patients until 2017 when she was forced to close the business due to declining health. Nancy was a member of the Nurse Practitioner Association, Canton ATC Advisory Board and the First Congregational Church of Lisbon.

She enjoyed going to the casino, shopping, watching QVC, going on vacations, gardening, caring for others and spending time with her wonderful family. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department or the Claxton Hepburn Ladies Auxiliary. Condolences can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.

Our family would like express a heartfelt thank you to Claxton Hepburn Medical Center CCU, Dr. Manasvi Jaitly and all those that were part of her care.

WATERTOWN, NY- Richard “Ricky” L. Wood, 60, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 15th. Richard had been a resident of Samaritan Summit and Mercy/Madonna for eleven years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.

Ricky was born on April 25, 1957 in Niagara Falls, NY to Bruce and Mae Beerman-Wood.

He graduated from Watertown High-School. Afterwards he became a realtor for United National Real Estate in Watertown, he worked for Grants Drug Store and was in management at Radio Shack. He was in the Army from 1981-88 where he was honorably discharged.

Ricky was a wonderful guy. Everybody loved him, he made friends with everyone he met. Ricky enthusiastically collected rocks and seashells with his loving wife, Sharon. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ricky and Susan traveled extensively together.

Along with Sharon, Ricky is survived by his step-children; Mary (Wil) Ridley, Panama City, FL, Melinda Parow, Watertown, NY, and Michael (Sue) Parow, Hammond, NY, his siblings; Louise Crawford, Lakeland, FL, Doris (Ron) Newton, Zephyr Hills, FL, Sheila Dimock, Stone Mills, NY, and Melody Travis, Phoenix, AZ, Lloyd Wood, Wellesley Island, NY, Lewis Wood, Taney Town, MD, and Marjorie Crawford, Cape Vincent, NY. Eight Step-Grandchildren, seven Great Step-Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ricky is predeceased by his parents and his brothers; Robert Wood, Paul Wood, Gary Wood, James Wood and sister, Mary Strader.

A memorial service and burial will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jefferson Community College to help with nursing scholarships. Please fill out a donation form found on their website and mail to JCC Foundation at 1220 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made to www.clevelandfuneralhomeinc.com.

Carl W. Coller, 91, of Canton passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the United Helpers Maplewood Nursing Home. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public calling hours or funeral. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.

ALBANY — Alaric “Jim” Jackson Jr., 87, passed away November 16, 2016 at his home.

Born in Utica, NY he was the son of the late Alaric J. and Bonnie Belle (Betts) Jackson, Sr. Jim was a graduate of Carthage High School and the Albany College of Pharmacy. He was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War having served as a Lab Tech on the hospital ship, USS Consolation. Jim worked for Bender Hygienic Laboratory in Albany for more than 37 years, retiring as a supervisor in the Chemistry Department.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and held a professional membership in the American Association of Clinical Pathologists. An avid bowler and a member of the American Bowling Congress “700 Club”, Jim was involved with multiple leagues including the Albany City League. At the age of 86, he still bowled with the Sunset Lanes Senior League. He loved golf, sailing, crossword puzzles and card games. He also played piano, organ and the accordion.

Jim enjoyed a lifetime of summers at Lake Bonaparte in Lewis County, especially the times spent around the campfire with music and stories.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan D. (Fox) Jackson in 2014. Survivors include his daughter, C.J. Jackson and her fiancé Ron Casler of Watertown, NY; his son, Mark T. Jackson and his wife Tracey of E. Berne, NY; grandchildren Megan, Travis, Tyler and Timothy Jackson; siblings, Robert (Cathie) Jackson of Naperville, IL., Travis (Marcia) Jackson of Akron, NY and Bonnie (David) Detwiler of Chaumont, NY; several nieces and nephews..

A Memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Albany, followed by inurnment in the columbarium niche at the Church. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with Jim’s family on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany.

A Celebration of Life at Lake Bonaparte will take place summer 2018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 10 N. Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or to Lake Bonaparte Conservation Club, PO Box 273 Harrisville, NY 13648.

For on line condolences, please visit www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.

WATERTOWN, NY- Beatrice M. Wheeler, 96, of Hunt Street, passed away Friday, November 17, 2017 under the care of Hospice at her daughter’s home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home Inc., Watertown, NY.

Beatrice was born on October 18, 1921 in Huntingtonville, NY, to George and Lily Bell Gray-Docteur. She was the first person of her family to graduate from High School. After school she worked at Model Homes in Watertown as a supervisor and later a custodian at Fort Drum.

She met the love of her life, Harry Wheeler, on the public square during WWII. It was love at first sight and they were wed two months later. Harry ended up getting deployed, it took four years for them to start their family. Beatrice cared for Harry at home until his passing away in 2003.

Beatrice loved her family, gardening, sewing, and she was an avid genealogist. She was able to find out that her family were among the first pioneers in the 1800’s.

Beatrice is survived by her daughters; Deania Walker, Colorado, Donna Trumbo, Watertown, NY, and her son; Harry Jr. “Skip” Wheeler, Oklahoma, her grandchildren; Chad Jeffers, Deanne Lavigne, Roger Walker 2nd, several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, Beatrice is predeceased by her siblings; Elizabeth Woodruff, Lily Bell Foster, Clarence Docteur, Louise Davis, and George Jr. Docteur, her grandchildren; Reed Trumbo, Rand Trumbo, and Angelica Walker.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 22, at 10 AM at the Brookside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, bring a toy to the cemetery service or Donna’s home. In memory of Beatrice, the toys will be put under two trees for the Festival of Trees where all proceeds go to charity.

Online condolences may be made to www.clevelandfuneralhomeinc.com.

Steven Allen Helmer, 66, of Gainesville, MO passed away on November 15, 2017 at his residence. He was born September 14, 1951 in Watertown, NY the son of Elson Edward and Mary (Pringle) Helmer.

Mr. Helmer worked at New York Air Brake Company for twenty years. He was also a maintenance man for several apartments. On September 22, 1998 he was united in marriage to Linda Wilcox in Watertown, NY.

He is survived by his wife Linda Helma; three children: Mary Lang and husband Matthew, Steven Helmer Jr., and Barbara Helmer; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother Jim Helmer of Lakeland, FL; one sister Debra Aimonetti of Florence, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter Caitland; and three brothers: Elson Helmer 3rd, Elson Helmer III, and Phillip Helmer.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Gainesville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, U.S. Hwy 160, three miles west of Gainesville, MO. All flowers and donations may be sent to the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.

Somerville – Elizabeth “Lib” Swem, 95, passed away on Monday at Carthage Area Hospital.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 27th at 1 pm at St. James Church, Gouverneur. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 1-3 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Lowville - Lou Ann Derouin, 63, of 9664 East Road, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017 at her residence.

Lou was born February 17, 1954 in Carthage, the daughter of the late David P. and Bette J. (Hoch) Tooker. She attended Beaver River Central School and graduated from South Lewis Central in 1972. After graduation, she was employed at Grants in Lowville, Lloyds of Lowville, the former Crown Zellerbach Corp. in Carthage and later Nice and Easy and Dunkin Donuts until her retirement in 2016. Lou and Jack Derouin resided together for 13 years before being married on March 9, 2005 in Watertown.

She is survived by her husband: Jack Derouin of Lowville, one daughter and her husband: Christy and Darrin Cole of Lowville; four grandchildren; Chelsea, Haley, Peyton and Dawson Cole all of Lowville; three sisters: Debbie Owens of Watertown and Peggy Tooker and Mary (David)Traylor all of Carthage; one brother: Dennis (Julie) Tooker of Castorland and several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her brother, David P. Tooker II died on March 19, 2014.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 25th from 12-1pm at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage where a prayer service will be held at 1pm. Immediately following the prayer service there will be a “Celebration of Life” service at the American Legion Post # 789 of Carthage where all are invited.

To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.