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.