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Edward Bova, 74, of Cottonwood Way, Lake Placid, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his home, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. Born in Saranac Lake on June 12,1933, he was the son of Elmer and Clara (Sheene) Bova. Ed had been a resident of Saranac Lake for most of his life. He attended Vermontville grade school and later Saranac Lake High School. As he attended high school, he did farm work locally. After his schooling, he worked for River Street School in Saranac Lake as a custodian until he started his engineering career at GM. He then worked for NASA at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he worked on the X-15 Project. He went back to work for GM in West Springfield, Mass. Then, he and his brother Johnny went into business for themselves, owning two gas stations. Ed then came back to Saranac Lake and went to work for Pyrofax Gas in 1969, at which time he met Judy and they were together for 39 years. He was transferred to Canton/Potsdam as district manager for Pyrofax Gas. After that he came back to Saranac Lake and spent some extended time working various different jobs helping people fix a wide variety of machinery and wood work, during this time and all through his life he did all the numerous family projects. His hobbies include tinkering in his shop, woodworking, and above all, fishing. He so loved fishing with his family. Edward Bova was a loving husband, father and an adoring grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Judy Bova, of Lake Placid; a daughter, Linda Collins of California; a son, Mike Bova, and his wife Emma of California; a daughter, Laurie Bova, of Saranac Lake; a daughter, Kelly Bova, of Florida; a daughter, Robin Centerbar, and her husband Don of Argyle; a son, Michael Valenze, and his wife Vicki of McMinnville, Tenn.; a daughter, Candace Miller, and her husband Reed J Miller III of Ausable Forks; a son, Alan Valenze, of Lake Placid; a daughter, Becky Valenze of Lake Placid; a son, Peter Valenze, and his wife Sherie of New Hampshire; a daughter, Erika Sexton, and her husband Jon of Ray Brook; 26 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Bova, and his wife Dom of Lake Placid; a sister, Viola Shumway, and her husband Charles of Saranac Lake; a sister, Joyce Euber, and her husband Chris of Vermontville; a brother, Roy Bova and his wife Mona of Lake Placid; a brother, Bernard Bova and his wife Carol of Vermontville; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his very first daughter, Deborah Carol Bova; his mother and father; a brother, Johnny Bova; and a brother, Jimmy Bova. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be a funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Nazarene Church in Lake Placid, officiated by the Rev. Kenneth Mihill. There will be a gathering of family and friends afterward. A burial will be held at a later date in the spring in the Vermontville Cemetery. Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.

 

Christine A. Ponder, 90, of Saranac Lake, died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born in Mineville on Aug. 4, 1917, she was the daughter of William and Mary (Kimball) Mazinsky. She married Reid Ponder on Dec. 1, 1941 in New York City. Mrs. Ponder was a resident of Lake Placid, Fla. for 17 years until 1999. She had been a summer resident of Tupper Lake and Westport for many years. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Norvis of Saranac Lake; her son, Donald Ponder of Brookline, Mass.; her son, Richard Ponder and his wife Donna of Clewiston, Fla.; her son, Malcolm Ponder and his wife Katherine of Bolinas, Calif.; her sister, Louise Bryant of Saranac Lake; her brother, Marshall Mazinsky of Howell, N.J.; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Reid, on Sept. 18, 1999; her father and mother; her sister, Helen Mazinsky; her sister, Ruth Mazinsky; and her brother, Alvin Mazinsky. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:15 a.m. today at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake, with the Rev. Jeffery Hubbard officiating. Burial will take place in the spring in the St. Bernard Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Christine A. Ponder may make memorial contributions to the Community Lunch Box Program in Saranac Lake in care of the funeral home.

 

Clarence L. Wagner, 98, of Bloomingdale, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008. He was the son of Albert P. and Martha C. (Mallon) Wagner, born on Jan. 18, 1910 in Buffalo. He was a 1932 graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa. and a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduation, he worked at DuPont in Wilmington, Del. In 1937, he contracted tuberculosis and went to the Saranac Lake Sanitarium for six years until his lungs recovered. He met Eleanor Colby, who was the superintendent of Prescott House, a small Sanitoria (25 to 30 patients) at Saranac Lake, in January of 1943. They married Aug. 1, 1943 as it was “love at first sight” for them. They were together for 57 years until her death on Dec. 17, 2000. He returned briefly to his work at DuPont for a year but then accepted a position in Saranac Lake as registrar of the Saranac Lake Study and Craft Guild, which helped patients keep their hands and minds busy. He also taught business classes to the patients. He then became the controller for the Trudeau Sanitarium, which was in business until 1954 when modern medicine had closed most TB sanitariums. He then became controller/assistant secretary of the Trudeau Foundation, later known as Trudeau Institute, which is a renowned, private, research facility on lower Saranac Lake. He retired from Trudeau Institute on Jan. 31, 1972, concluding more than 26 years of service with the institute. It was Clarence’s nature to extend loving care to family and friends. Accounting was a passion of his, and he loved working with his own financial records and helping businesses, family and friends with theirs. He was the Boy Scout master for Troop 19 during the early 1950s. He was an avid reader and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. He enjoyed all kinds of sports and ran track as a high school and college student. He and his family enjoyed traveling, having covered most states throughout the country. He was a member of the Bloomingdale United Methodist Church. Clarence is survived by his son, Paul C. Wagner of Conesus; his daughter, Sally C. Dickerson and her husband Michael of Henrietta; three grandchildren: Kelly A. Dickerson of Henrietta, David E. Dickerson of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Katrina L. Dickerson of Hamburg; and many wonderful and loving friends in the Tri-Lakes area. He had many friends in the “90’s club” in Bloomingdale. Many friends and neighbors helped him daily with his living routines on a faithful basis in his latter years. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. The Fortune-Keough Funeral Home is in charge of the private arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the High Peaks Hospice, Inc. or the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

 

Mary Alice Burns, 85, of Racquette River Drive, Tupper Lake, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 at her home. Born on Dec. 15, 1922 in Hartford, Conn., she was the daughter of John and Leona (McCormick) Burns. She attended Laurenton Hall, a private school for girls in Hartford, Conn. She spent her summers as a young girl in Old Forge at their family camp. Mary Alice worked as a civilian in the Rome Air Force Base as a supervisor of women making parachutes for the soldiers and curtains for VIP planes. After the war, she went to work for Rome State School. Because of her experience working with people with disabilities, she was asked to transfer to Tupper Lake to train the staff at Sunmount DDSO in 1965. Loving the area, she gladly accepted the position. After 40 years of state employment, she retired in 1983. Among her many enjoyments of life after retirement were grooming dogs, boating, traveling, dining out and her view of the Racquette River and all the wildlife and birds around her home. Surviving are a sister-in-law, Judy Burns of Phoenix, Ariz; and three nephews: Mark of White Heath, Ill., Mike of Scarsdale, Ariz. and Stewart and his wife Trista of Phoenix, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and a brother, John. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in St. Alphonsus Cemetery in May. Arrangements are with the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake.

 

Nancy H. Phillips, 87, died peacefully surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 at her home, located at 102 Edward St., Saranac Lake. She was born Oct. 8, 1920, near the village of Wyoming in the town of Middlebury, the daughter of Frank Strong and Mabel Matthews Hayden. She attended Warsaw School from kindergarten through high school, followed by Vassar College (1938-1942) followed by one year as Junior Professional Business Economist for the office of Price Administration in Washington, D.C. She married Ansel Young, a Naval Air Pilot, in June 1943. After the war, the family lived in Rochester. Nancy worked for Delco Appliance Div. of General Motors. In 1952, she became Postmaster in Wyoming for a year. Nancy and Ansel divorced in 1954 and she received an offer from Link Aviation in Binghamton to be a house magazine editor and public relations assistant. From January 1955 to March 1983, Nancy worked for IBM, first in Poughkeepsie, then in Raleigh, and finally, (for IBM Canada) in Toronto for 13 years. She started at IBM as a technical editor and retired from Toronto as IBM Canada Manager of Technical Information Development. In 1963, she married William Phillips, a college science teacher at Dutchess Community College. After Nancy’s retirement in 1983, she and her husband moved to Saranac Lake, closer to his lifelong favorite fishing river, the Ausable. In retirement, Nancy’s main activities were: painting, publicity for the Women’s College Scholarship Club and “societal” endeavors such as setting up Saranac Lake’s Perot headquarters in 1992, supporting Bob Schulz’ statewide reforms such as his efforts for a Constitutional Convention, and locally, working for the Saranac Lake Area Taxpayers’ Association, the Essex County Taxpayers’ Association and election of worthy North Elba candidates as well as being on the Board of ComLinks, preceded by being on the Board of Tri-Lakes Community Center. She was a founding member of Unitarian Universalist in Saranac Lake and Rising Light Sangha meditation group. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Emily Scales of Cicero; son-in-law, Richard Scales, of Plattsburgh; son, Hayden Young of Saranac Lake; two grandchildren: Kevin Scales of Albuquerque, N.M. and Jennifer Scales of Philadelphia, Pa. and her husband Steve Staneruck; and great-granddaughter, Lillian Staneruck. Her husband Bill predeceased her in March 1994. Arrangements are with the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 with a Unitarian Universalist memorial service starting at 8 p.m. Donations in memory of Nancy Phillips may be made to High Peaks Hospice in Saranac Lake.

 

Troy Roger Jones, 42, of Tupper Lake, died at home Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. He was born Jan. 23, 1966 at Mercy General Hospital in Tupper Lake, the son of Roxanne “St Louis” Soucy of Tupper Lake and Ronald E. Jones of Sherburne. Troy was a 1984 graduate of Tupper Lake High School. Upon completion of high school, Troy entered the United States Air Force. He was married to the former Corrennia Papineau of Tupper Lake, with whom he had a daughter, Chelsea Renee Jones, born July 16, 1991. He later married Amy Jo Denis, also of Tupper Lake. Troy will be remembered for his ability to make people laugh, his thoughtfulness, kindness, love of life and of Nascar, especially Dale Earnhardt, and his generosity. He always had genuine care and concern for his family and friends. Troy is survived by his loving daughter, Chelsea; his mother and step-father Joel and Roxanne Soucy; his father Ronald Jones; his paternal grandmother Pauline Mulvana; his brothers: Todd of Tupper Lake and Terry and his wife Bridgetta of Sherburne; his half-sister Kari Jones of Texas; his step-sister Theresa Soucy of Tupper Lake; his two nephews: Josh Jones and Cody LaPierre; his two nieces: Alyssa and Felicia Jones; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. In consideration for Troy’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Val Nadeau’s new business “The Pet House” or The American Cancer Society

 

Germaine Therese Hurteau, 87, of Tupper Lake, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born on Oct. 22, 1920 in Cazaville, Quebec, she was the daughter of Alfred and Rosea (Quesnel) Hurteau. On Sept. 23, 1943, she married Roland Hurteau in Ste. Anices, Quebec. They moved to Tupper Lake in 1948. Mrs. Hurteau was employed for a time at the Dress Factory, Mercy General Hospital and retired from Sunmount DDSO in 1983. She was a member of the Ste. Anne Society, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting and playing bingo at the Adult Center. For several years, they wintered in Florida.
She is survived by two sons: Real and his wife Lyn Hurteau of Tupper Lake and Guy Hurteau of Tupper Lake; five grandchildren: Todd of Goose Creek, S.C., Scott of Glens Falls, Kristy and her husband David Dominy of West Chazy, Adam of Tupper Lake and Andrea and her husband Gary Hernigle of Fonda; great-grandchildren: William and Jake Hernigle; two sisters: Adrienne Carriere and Gilberte and her husband Victor Quesnel. She was pre-deceased by her husband on June 30, 2006; one brother, Armand; and two sisters: Aline Besner and Cecile LeCavaillar. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18 at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Adirondack Adult Center in care of the funeral home.

 

Donald Manley, 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008, while a Sister of Lourdes, Noreen McKeen, sweetly sang Amazing Grace to guide his journey. Don was born on May 2, 1931 in Lawrence, Mass. and was the son of Frank and Anna Manley. Don Manley was an outstanding athlete during his high school days and was a member of the Saranac Lake High School Class of 1950. He was elected in his senior year of high school to be the king of the Winter Carnival and received a walking stick from the legendary “Adirondack Hermit” who came down from the mountains for the Winter Carnival. Don was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and served his country in the Korean Conflict (War). Don married Leora E. Curry, also of Saranac Lake, on June 19, 1954. Don was a retired NYS correctional officer. He was a devoted New York Yankees and New York Giants Fan who never tired of watching his teams. Don could be seen at local grocery stores buying a bag of dog and cat food to bring to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, to help feed the animals he prayed would find happy homes. A very special remembrance of Donald Manley would be a donation to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in his name. Don will be deeply missed by his wife Leora of 53 years; his daughter Nancy Lee; his granddaughter Laurel; his great-granddaughter, Jasmine; and all of his loving family and many friends. Calling hours will take place from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18 at the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake with the Rev. Maggie McCarey officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake

 

Mary E. Cote, 26, formerly of Tupper Lake, died unexpectedly, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 in Gulfport, Miss., where she had been stationed with the U.S. Navy NMCB7 for the past two years. Born on June 26, 1981 in Saranac Lake, she was the daughter of Glenda Reandeau and Edward and Diane Cote. Mary was a graduate of Tupper High Class of 1999. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 2004. Her most recent assignment was participating in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise, providing humanitarian construction support and building schools and clinics throughout the Pacific region in support of the global war on terrorism. On her latest deployment, she served on the maintenance staff at Camp Shields in Okinawa, Japan. Mary loved the Adirondacks and she enjoyed spending time at Bog River Falls on her visits home. She had the ability to put a smile on everyone’s face she came in contact with. She loved to help people and spend time with family and friends. She is survived by her parents; maternal grandmother, Joan Reandeau; one brother, Jessie; one sister, Jennifer; three nephews: Dennis, Devon and Dylan; one niece, Kali; uncles: Bill Cote and Mike Reandeau; aunts: Anne Morris, Kate Bencze and Julie Reandeau; and several cousins. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the V.F.W. Post 3120, where the funds will be used to assist the families of local veterans

 

Michael James Collins, 44, of 109 Edward St., Saranac Lake, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008 after a long illness. Michael had a deep appreciation of the Adirondacks that started in 1965 when he moved with his family from Australia to Saranac Lake, where he attended the village schools. He received a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree from Syracuse University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin. He lived in New Hampshire for a number of years where he lectured, published works about film history, and received awards in filmmaking. His desire was to return to the North Country, and in 2004 he relocated back to Saranac Lake to continue writing and lived there until his passing. Michael will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his mother, Lorna Collins of Silver Spring, Md.; one brother, William Mark Collins of Atlanta, Ga.; a son, David; and a daughter, Madeleine, both of Milton, Mass. A memorial service will be held for Michael at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Michael Collins may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Free Library in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Church St., Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983.

 

Katherine Milbrandt, 80, of 54 Trudeau Rd., Saranac Lake, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.Born in New York City on Oct. 12, 1927, she was the daughter of Maurice and Marie (Toager) Milbrandt. She was preceded in death by her father and mother. Calling hours will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, Inc. Burial will take place in the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Katherine Milbrandt may make memorial contributions to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or in care of the funeral home.

 

Paul A. Skerritt, 86, formerly of Saranac Lake, died at Adirondack Medical Center on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 after a short illness. He was born in Utica on May 1, 1921, the son of Paul Skerritt and Barbara Cheney Skerritt. He married Barbara Clark of Waverly on Dec. 22, 1945. They moved to Saranac Lake in 1980. They had no children. Paul was a retired school teacher having taught English for many years in the South Colonie school system. Paul was a delightful gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor. He had been a resident at Neighborhood House in Keene Valley for almost two years prior to his death. Paul was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, on May 24, 2001 and his brother, David Skerritt, who was his only sibling. Calling hours will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 8 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will immediately follow at noon with the Rev. Maggie McCarey, of the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake, officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Paul may make memorial contributions to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or High Peaks Hospice in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.

 

 

Elizabeth Maraschino, 90, of Lake Clear, died Sunday, Jan. 6 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born at the Women and Children’s Hospital in New York City on Nov. 8, 1917, she was the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Bohne) Schmidt. She married Mario Maraschino on Oct. 29, 1939 in Valley Stream on Long Island. Maraschino had been a home owner in Lake Clear for the past 25 years and a permanent resident there for the past nine years, having come from New York City. She moved to Valley Stream at two years of age, where she attended and graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 1935. She later started working at Woolworths in Valley Stream as a sales representative. She moved to Jackson Heights in New York City in 1939, and moved to Whitestone in 1953. She enjoyed mushroom hunting, deer hunting, camping, canoeing and cooking outdoors over open fire, all with Mario. She also was an accomplished Italian-style cook and enjoyed sewing. She is survived by one son, Mario Maraschino of Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Mario, on April 7, 2007. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Calling hours will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Lawthers officiating. Friends wishing to remember Elizabeth Maraschino may make memorial contributions to the High Peaks Hospice or the Saranac Lake Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

 

“Betty” Whalen, 90, of Mt. Pisgah Lane in Saranac Lake, died Monday, Jan. 8 at the Meadow Brook Nursing Home in Plattsburgh. Elizabeth Hyde Whalen was born July 24, 1917 in Grand Rapids, Mich., the daughter of George Hamlin Hyde and Estelle Magdeline Elizabeth Ann Jercki (Estelle Wenzel). Her career with the telephone company lasted 35 years, taking her to Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh, Syracuse and Ithaca until her retirement in 1976. She remained active with the retired telephone company employees “Pioneers” organization, and through this was a volunteer during the 1980 Olympics. Following retirement, Betty and her mother, Estelle, moved to Saranac Lake to join her family. Betty enjoyed active community involvement including volunteer work at the Saranac Lake Free Library. For more than 25 years, she helped with both the Adirondack Medical Center Auxiliary fundraising group and as an AMC Volunteer at the hospital. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Barbara Tousley Hyde; a nephew, Tom Hyde; two nieces: Ann Weller and Patricia Carnell, all of Saranac Lake; a nephew, George Hyde of Winter Springs, Fla.; two great nephews: Tousley Hyde and Gregory Weller; and great niece, Rebecca Weller. She was predeceased by her husband, John Whalen and brother, Phil Hyde. Betty will be missed by family and friends as well as by her cat, Timmy. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11 at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake with the Rev. Thomas Kornmeyer officiating. Friends wishing to remember Whalen may make memorial donations to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad or the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.

 

Darwin K. “Tony” Gensel, Sr. passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008 at the James A. Peters Veterans Hospital in the Bronx. His wife of 60 years, Lucienne M. “Lou” Gensel was at his side. Born May 24, 1926 at his family’s home in Conifer, he was the seventh child of William Isaac and Carrie (Peasley) Gensel. He graduated from the Conifer schools. At the age of 17, his high school career was cut short on July 14, 1943, when he joined the United States Navy with his mother, Carrie’s permission. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Fair (PC 1135) in the Pacific as a petty officer radar M2C. His destroyer escort vessel traveled throughout the Pacific corridor during the war from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Guam in the South Pacific. On Feb. 4, 1944, they joined the USS Charrette which was pursuing the Japanese submarine I-21. Coached into an attack position by Charrette, the Fair let go a hedgehog pattern at 0040 hrs., which resulted in a series of detonations and explosions. They returned to Pearl Harbor on Feb. 17, 1944 to a heroes welcome by the South Pacific Fleet. During the war they received five battle stars. Tony was discharged from the navy on April 15, 1946. He retuned home to his hometown, Conifer, and enrolled at Tupper Lake High School where he completed his senior year and graduated in 1947. He met his wife Lou after returning home and they were married May 11, 1947, at St. Alphonsus Church by Rev. Monsignor Hervieux. Tony attended Canton, ATC as an electrical and refrigeration major. He graduated in 1950. Tony and Lou moved back to Tupper Lake where he went to work for Kings Electric. In July 1953, he founded Tip Top Electric with Robert J. Lewis. They spent nearly 30 successful years in partnership until Mr. Lewis’s death in 1982. He retired in July 1986. Mr. Gensel enjoyed being a member of the board of directors of the Tupper Lake National Bank for many years until 1997. In the 1970s, he played a key role in the establishment of Piercefield Conservators, Limited, a land-holding company in St. Lawrence County. He was a member and past president of the Mt. Arab Preserve Association for more than 40 years. Tony enjoyed the outdoors and was active in many conservation and hunting organizations including Dead Creek and No-Mis hunting clubs. In his later years he was instrumental in helping establish the Friends of Mt. Arab and served as their president until 2007. He was a Master Mason of Mount Arab Lodge No. 847 with 50 years of dedicated service. He belonged to the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Moose Lodge. Tony was a dedicated husband and father who enjoy spending time at his family’s “camp” on Mt. Arab Lake. He is survived by his wife; his five children: Gail M. Carmichael of Blue Mountain Lake, Mrs. Richard (Cindy) LaBarge of Tupper Lake, Darwin K. Gensel, Jr. of Syracuse, Daniel M. Gensel of Burlington, Vt. and Robert J. Gensel of Queens; five grandchildren: Geoffrey P. Carmichael of Tupper Lake, Carolyn and Kyle LaBarge of Tupper Lake and Katherine and Jennifer Gensel of Syracuse; one great-granddaughter, Genna J. Carmichael of Tupper Lake; and one brother Garnet “Gump” Gensel of Conifer. He was predeceased by his brothers: Glenn and Harry; and sisters: Mrs. Evo (Mildred) Dorguzzi, Pauline Richmond and Helen Gregory. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan 8 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Gale cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Friends of Mt. Arab or the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home.

 

James F. McCormick, 94, died Jan. 2, 2008 at St. Claire’s Hospital in Schenectady. Born on Feb. 1, 1913 in Tupper Lake, he was the son of Frank and Katherine (Welch) McCormick. On April 18, 1942 he married the former Hazel Jebo at St. Henry’s Church in Piercefield. McCormick was a graduate of Tupper Lake High School and attended the University of Alabama. He was a veteran of WWII serving with the Army Air Force. After his military service, he operated his fathers photographic supply store and studio in Tupper Lake, which his father started in 1903. McCormick went on to work as a medical photographer for Sunmount VA and later Sunmount DDSO, retiring in 1978. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 220 and the AARP. He was also a member of the senior bowling league and a former member of the Tupper Lake Country Club. McCormick is survived by one son, Michael and his wife Kathy of Rotterdam; six granddaughters: Sarah and her husband Eric Bachorik of Rotterdam, Stacey and Kristen McCormick of Albany, Kim and her husband Carmen Agosta of Rotterdam, Lisa and her husband Matthew Haskin of Glenville and Mary and her husband Nicholas Andreoli of Rexford; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Katherine and her husband Winfred Benoit of Tupper Lake; several nieces and nephews; and two special caregivers: Leslie D’Aloia and Jessica Mitchell, both of Schenectady. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Hazel; a daughter, Susan Garcia; and a brother, Paul. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at the St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider High Peaks Hospice in care of the funeral home.

 

William Allendorf, 79, of Tupper Lake, was called home to the Lord on Jan. 1, 2008 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born on Jan. 23, 1928 in Southington, Conn., he was the son of Irving and Ruth (Swenberg) Allendorf. He married Betty Keel on April 5, 1952, and they had two children, Karen and Mark. Bill graduated from Meridian High School and attended Hartford University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1946, served in the Panama Canal Region and was discharged in December 1954. Bill and Betty moved to Tupper Lake in 1968, when he was transferred by Adirondack Plywood. When Adirondack Plywood moved, Bill and Betty stayed in Tupper Lake and he was employed by the American Management Association in Saranac Lake. Betty passed away on Feb. 3, 1980. Bill married Roberta Mandigo on Oct. 23, 1982. He retired from AMA after 20 years of service. Bill and Roberta moved to Easley, S.C. for several years and returned to Tupper Lake in 2000. Allendorf is survived by his wife, Roberta, of Tupper Lake; daughter, Karen St. Onge and her husband Bernard of Morrisville; a son, Mark and his wife Janice of Woodruff, S.C.; a step-son, Gregory Mandigo and his wife Christine of Conifer; two brothers: Irving (Skip) and his wife Bernice (Penny) Allendorf of Wallingford, Conn., and Robert Allendorf of Meridian, Conn.; seven grandchildren: Rebecca and Rachelle St. Onge, Brandon, Tucker and Sutton Allendorf, Merrin and Mariah Mandigo; and a great-grandaughter Melissa Padgett. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Tupper Lake Baptist Chapel. Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad.

 

Chad Robert Thomas Martin, 34, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2007 at Albany Medical Center with his grandmother and mother at his side following a courageous battle with an aggressive adrenal cancer (Cushing’s Syndrome). Born Feb. 10, 1973 in Bennington, Vt., he was the son of George L. Martin and Carol L. (Boyer) Martin Conover. He was a 1991 graduate of Tupper Lake High School. He attended SUNY Canton, where he served as president of the Mortuary Science Club. He later attended North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, where he earned an associate’s degree in business administration. In 1995, he graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in Syracuse with a degree in mortuary science. He became board certified in May 1997. In 1998, Chad earned his real estate sales license through Brenner Real Estate in Burnt Hills. He taught New York State Real Estate sales and broker classes at North Country Community College. He worked as a salesman for Hearth & Home Real Estate in Glens Falls. He also had worked as a salesman for Adirondack Memorials in Lake Luzerne and in the funeral industry for Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home in Queensbury. In addition, he worked as a substitute teacher in Tupper Lake and Granville Central School. He also owned and operated Martin Memorials. He was presently serving as a village trustee on the Tupper Lake Village Board as well as serving as the village’s police commissioner. Chad was dedicated to serving his community and was very active in many local community service organizations. He co-founded “Out of the Ashes,” assisting those who have lost everything due to fire. He was a member of the Warren County/Glens Falls City Republican Committees from 2001-2003, a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Glens Falls Council #194, a Scottish Rite Free and Accepted Mason with the Mt. Arab Lodge #847, a member of the North Country Community College Alumni Council, part of the St. Alphonsus Church Annual Auction and Flea Market, a bereavement counselor for High Peaks Hospice and a certified EMT for the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad. He was appointed by the county legislature to the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board and was a member of the Tupper Lake Rod and Gun Club. Chad had also been a professional Santa Clause since the age of 15. Survivors include his mother, Carol Conover and her husband Robert of Tupper Lake; his father, George L. Martin of Bennington, Vt.; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Lorraine Daggett of Tupper Lake, with whom Chad lived; several cousins; other extended family; and his many, many friends. Chad’s family would like to thank the medical staff at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake and Albany Medical Center for their loving care, the staff at Hilton Gardens at Albany Medical Center and the members of the community for their thoughts and prayers as well as the staff of Maynard Baker Funeral Home in Queensbury and Miller Funeral Home in Indian Lake for their assistance in carrying out Chad’s final wishes. Calling hours will be held from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30 at the St. Alphonsus Church, 48 Wawbeek Ave., Tupper Lake. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31 at the St. Alphonsus Church. Friends and family are invited to gather at the K of C Hall, 36 High St., Tupper Lake, immediately following the funeral service. Chad’s final words to his community: “It was a true privilege to serve as your village trustee and police commissioner. I would like you all to love one another and work together for the betterment of our community. I’ll be watching over all of you my friends. Love, Chad.” Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 959 state Route 9, Queensbury, NY 12804.

 

Scott A. McDuff, 30, of 30 Cortez Lane, Saranac Lake, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007 following a snowmobile accident. Born in Holy Oak, Mass. on July 15, 1977, he was the son of Debra (Tallman) McDuff. Scott had been a resident of Saranac Lake since 1993 and attended Saranac Lake High School. Scott was employed by various area businesses including Advanced Auto Parts, Riveredge Restaurant, the Hotel Saranac and Rice Furniture. He loved fishing, cars, video games and snowmobiling and spending time with his children. He is survived by his fiance and companion of 13 years, Cissy Taylor of Saranac Lake; two daughters: Ushuaia McDuff-Taylor and Kiah McDuff-Taylor of Saranac Lake; one son, Cody McDuff-Taylor of Saranac Lake; his mother, Debra McDuff of Lake Clear; two brothers: Ronald McDuff Jr. of West Springfield, Mass. and Jeff McDuff of Thomasville, N.C.; one sister, Kristy McDuff-Durant and her husband Nick Durant of North Bangor; Aunt Tissy; many other aunts, uncles and cousins; his in-laws, Julia and Gene Taylor of Saranac Lake; and his best friends: Zach Cayea of Saranac Lake, Jimbo Johnson of Saranac Lake, Patrick Keyes of Saranac Lake, Corey and Kimberly Taylor of Lake Clear and Casey Taylor and Amber Dezell of Saranac Lake. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A Bible Vigil service will take place at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21 at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake. Burial will take place in the St. Bernard Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Scott A. McDuff may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad or Tri-Lakes Humane Society in care of the funeral home.

 

Gordon “Cun” Lavigne, 83, of 49 Water St. in Tupper Lake, died Saturday Dec. 15 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born May 23, 1924 in Tupper Lake, he was the son of Thomas and Wilhemina (Annette) Lavigne. Gordon served in the military during World War II. He was a medical/surgical technician for the 45th portable surgical hospital in the China/India/Burma Theatre. He began his military career in February of 1943 and was honorably discharged in January 1946. During that time he was recognized with many prestigious medals, including the bronze star. Gordon was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served as a past commander. Following his discharge from the service, Mr. Lavigne worked for various logging and heavy equipment operations. He went on to work for the Veterans Association in 1963, then went to work at Sunmount DDSO in the maintenance department and retired in 1986. After being discharged from the Armed Services, he married Theresa Brunet in November of 1947, and they raised five children together. They were married 32 years. Following the death of his first wife, he married Margaret Clark-Hollenbeck in May of 1982. Gordon loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In his younger years, Gordon participated in very successful fast-pitch softball teams as the starting shortstop for the VFW and OWD. Gordon was an avid New York Yankees fan. He even had the opportunity to travel to Tampa Bay, Fla. with his two sons to watch a Yankees game. Gordon is survived by his wife of 25 years, Margaret, of Tupper Lake; two sons: Denny and his wife Dawn of Malone and Larry of Tupper Lake; three daughters: Janice and her husband Bruce Gonyea of Tupper Lake, Jean and her husband Steve Lanthier of Malone and Julie and her husband Mickey Kentile of Tupper Lake; nine grandchildren: Kirk, Todd, Travis, Sarah, Kylee, Heidi, Lindsay, Larry and Brock; and two great-granddaughters: Paytin and Korryn. Gordon was predeceased by three brothers: Arthur, George and Guy; and three sisters: Leah LeFebvre, Priscilla Vezeau and Annette Brunet. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 18 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Holy Name Church in Tupper Lake. Burial with full military honors will follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to High Peaks Hospice and the Tupper Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad.

 

Kenneth “Bucky” LaVair Jr., 39, of Tupper Lake, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at Fletcher Allen Healthcare in Burlington, Vt. Born May 9, 1968 in Saranac Lake, he was the son of Kenneth Sr. and Doris (Benware) LaVair. Bucky attended local schools and then drove buses for North Star industries, and later Tupper Lake Central School. In 2005, he attended truck driving school and drove for Mills Transfer. For the past year he has driven trucks for Richards Logging. Bucky was a past member of the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department. He is survived by his fiance, Tena Lanthier; one son, Kenneth III; a stepson, Joey; his father, Kenneth, Sr.; one brother, James; and one sister, Tina Tarbox. He was predeceased by his mother, Doris, on Sept. 5, 2004. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13 at the funeral home with Deacon Gerald Savage officiating. Burial will be in the Gale Cemetery in May. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Bucky’s memory are asked to consider the American Heart Association.

 

Peggy Nation Baker, 84, of Lake Placid, died Dec. 1, 2007 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. She was born in Niagara Falls on March 8, 1923, the daughter of George and Elsie (Westcot) Nation. Her love of shopping will be remembered by all. Baker is survived by her husband, Charles L. Baker of Lake Placid; two daughters: Jacqueline Baker and Kimberly Baker of Sunnyvale, Calif.; one son, Michael Baker and his wife, Mary Pat Baker, of Lake Placid; five grandchildren: Danny and Megan Baker of Lake Placid, and Niki, Elizabeth and Seth Baker of Sunnyvale, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Dennis Nation, whose wife, Isobel, lives in Florida. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A Bible Vigil service will be held at 5:45 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Lake Placid with the Rev. Joseph Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. The family suggests friends wishing to remember Peggy make donations to the Salvation Army in her memory.

 

Dennis S. Hall, 42, of Dogwood Way, Lake Placid, passed away peacefulIy at his home Monday, Dec. 3, 2007. Born on Feb. 15, 1965 in Bennington, Vt., he was the son of David Hall and Thelma (McFaul). He was owner and operator of Classic Auto Resurrection in Lake Placid, and also worked for Alpine Auto Body Shop in Lake Placid. Dennis was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 326 in Lake Placid. Dennis is survived by his mother and stepfather, Thelma and Charles Gillingham of St. Regis Falls; his father and stepmother, David and Mona Hall if Schuylerville; his maternal grandmother, Harriet Philpott of Bennington, Vt.; three sisters: Terry Brown and her husband Daniel of Greenwich, Trisha Orologio of Greenfield Center and Michele Temple of St. Regis Falls; his fiance, Deborah (Debbie) Sears of Lake Placid; his loving and faithful dog Zeek; four nieces; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake PIacid. A funeral service will follow at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Mark Demers, pastor of the Adirondack Community Church, will officiate. Cremation will follow. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family suggests those wishing to remember Dennis make memorial donations to High Peaks Hospice in his memory.

 

Bernadette S. Durett, 90, of 60 Church St., Saranac Lake, died Dec. 2, 2007 at the Adirondack Medical Center after a brief illness. Bernadette was born on Sept. 27, 1917 in Standish, the daughter of Frank and Victoria (Charland) Seymour. She worked at Saranac Lake Glove Factory before the war and married George E. Durett on June 25, 1945. She worked from her home while raising her two daughters. Many might remember Bernadette as supervisor of the Baldwin Park on Lake Flower Avenue for many summers. Many to this day still call her “Aunt” Bernadette. She later worked for the Saranac Lake School system as a cafeteria cook, first at Broadway Elementary School and later at Saranac Lake Central High School, retiring in 1978. In her later years, she worked at North Country Home Services as a Home Health Aide. She worked for many years as a volunteer in the gift shop at Adirondack Medical Center. She was a member of St. Bernard’s Church, served as an Ecumenical Minister and also volunteered as a server at St. Luke’s Community Lunchbox. She loved to travel and spent many winters in Florida with her husband. She was an avid knitter and cross-country skier, and loved to walk. She is survived by her two daughters: Ruth (Henry) Douglass of Saranac Lake and Mary (Robert) Duffy of Lake Clear; three grandchildren: Marc (Cathy) Douglass of Cadyville, Brian (Leigh) Douglass of Concord, N.H. and Sara Douglass of Auburn; one great-granddaughter, Renee Emma Douglass of Cadyville; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband in 1983; her parents; and four brothers: Clifton, Ralph, Kenneth and Francis. Calling hours will be held from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral mass will be held at St. Bernard’s Church at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or the Ecumenical Council Food Pantry in care of the Funeral Home. Burial will be at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.

 

Melvina A. Salls, 97, of Old Lake Colby Road, Saranac Lake, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 at her home. Born April 6, 1910 in Saranac Lake, she was the daughter of Alfred and Clara (Lester) Bordeau. She married Harold Salls on Sept. 2, 1929.  Mrs. Salls worked for several years in the 1950s and ‘60s for the Trotty Veck Messengers. She also picked potatoes and strawberries. She enjoyed knitting, crochet, sewing, ceramics, working with driftwood, gardening and bowling. She lived on Lake Colby for more than 60 years.She is survived by four sons: Theodore Salls and his wife Cora of Lake Clear, Gerald Salls and his wife Mary Ellen of Gabriels, Dennis Salls and his wife Donna of Franklin Falls and Steven Salls of Saranac Lake; one daughter, Mary Gladd and her husband H. Lee “Pete” of Saranac Lake; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband on Nov. 9, 1976; one son, Hal Robert Salls; one brother, Marshall Bordeau; one sister, Hilda Bordeau; and a daughter-in-law, Martha Salls. Calling hours will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Robert Lawthers officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Melvina A. Salls may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice or the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

 

Terry “Snake” Robert Duso, 58, of 131 county Route 14, Duane, St. Regis Falls, and formerly of Saranac Lake, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2007 at the Stanton VA Medical Center in Albany. Born in Saranac Lake on July 21, 1949, he is the son of Robert and Peggy (Rushlow) Duso. Terry attended and graduated from Saranac Lake High School, where he was well known as a great basketball player for the high school team and had earned his nickname “Snake.” Terry had been a resident of St. Regis Falls for the past 10 years, coming from Saratoga, where he had been employed as a printer for various printing businesses, including Coneco Laser Graphics in Glens Falls. Prior to that, he lived in Saranac Lake, where he had worked at AMA in the Printing Department. He is a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. Terry was an avid Yankees fan. Terry’s favorite past time was spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by three children: Robin Duso of Saratoga, Nathan Duso of Saranac Lake, and Bethany Duso Begor of St. Regis Falls; five brothers and sisters: Patricia Tucker of Wisconsin, Bill Duso of Cato, Sally Mosher of Vermontville, Queenie O'Neil of Niceville, Fla., and Michael Duso and Tracey Duso, both of Indiana; two step-brothers: Danny Tucker of Saranac Lake and Sherman Tucker of Wisconsin; a step-father, Albert Tucker of Tennessee; his former wife, Deborah (Williams) Duso of Mechanicville; nine grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his parents. Calling hours will take place from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A committal service with military honors will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30 at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Friends wishing to remember Terry Robert Duso may make memorial contributions to a favorite charity in care of the funeral home.

 

Beverly Marie Berry died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at AMC-Uihlein in Lake Placid. She was born July 31, 1923, the daughter of Wilfred and Justine Bogart in St. Charles, Ill. She married James Berry in 1943. Bev was raised on farms in both St. Charles and Virgil, Ill. After marrying, she settled in St. Charles, where she was a housewife and raised her two children. She and her husband moved to Saranac Lake in 1974. She worked for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise for more than 25 years, and loved to follow her grandchildren’s high school and collegiate sports careers in football and hockey. She also loved tending to her flower garden and yard. She is survived by a son, Roger (Chris) Berry of Geneva, Ill.; a daughter, Phyliss (Jack) Ellsworth Drury of Saranac Lake; grandchildren: Cyrus (Vicki), Will (Bridget) and Ben Ellsworth, Dustin and Eli Drury, all of Saranac Lake, and Alicia (James) Washburn, of Yorkville, Ill. and Jamie (Nada) Berry, of Springfield, Ill.; five great-grandchildren: Katie, Jenna and Steven Washburn and Zach and Mitchell Ellsworth; a niece, Pat (Bob) Hammortree; and a nephew, Bernie Bruggman. She was predeceased by her parents; her stepfather, Alphonse DeReadt; her husband, James Berry; a sister, Kathleen Bruggman; and son-in-law, Jay Ellsworth. There will be a gathering of family and friends at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 at the Presbyterian Great Hall in Saranac Lake. Donations may be made in her memory to High Peaks Hospice, Saranac Lake Fifth Quarter Club or the Saranac Lake Center Ice Boosters. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

 

Margaret Mary Malakie, born Aug. 25, 1911, of Piercefield, daughter of James and Elizabeth Carroll Malakie, died Nov. 21, 2007 at Bethany Gardens, Rome, N.Y. She resided in Tupper Lake until July 2002, when she moved to 106 W. Locust St., Rome, N.Y. She spent the past five summers at the family camp in Inlet. She especially enjoyed boating on Sixth and Seventh Lake with her many new friends. Her family moved to Tupper Lake among the pioneer settlers of the village in 1891. Margaret graduated with the Class of 1929 from Holy Ghost Academy. She received a bachelor of science degree from the College of Saint Rose in Albany in 1933. For four summers while in college, Margaret worked for the Garvin family at Kamp Kil Kare, Raquette Lake with her aunt, Mary Carroll. Margaret began her teaching career in the Tupper Lake school district in 1933. She taught in the grammar school and later the high school, teaching American history until her retirement in 1972. The 1956 Tupper Lake High School yearbook was dedicated to Margaret noting her patience, humor and guidance for greatly aiding the graduates to achieve their goals. In her teaching, there were never any obstacles great enough to obstruct the path of learning. She was very active in the Legion of Mary and St. Alphonsus Church. For many years, she was the church sacristan. She also volunteered for years at Mercy Healthcare Facility and taught religious education after her retirement. Margaret loved skiing and ice skating and all outdoor activities. In later years, she cross-country skied and kept a journal of dates, temperature, location, etc. She logged 75 days of skiing in 1975-76. Walking the four-mile was also one of her favorite activities for many years. She traveled quite a bit after retirement to the Holy Land, Rome and made two trips to Ireland, where she visited her grandmothers’ place of birth. Margaret was the primary caregiver for her mother and aunts Mary and Susie Carroll. Two of her brothers, Dan from Oregon and Charlie from Buffalo, also came home to live with Margaret in their final years. She is survived by several nieces and nephews: Joan and Michael Torpey of New Providence, N.J., Charles and Beverly Malakie of Fair Oaks, Calif., Mary and Joseph Simons of Rome, with whom she resided, James and Diane Malakie of Rome, Douglas and Debborah Malakie of Rome and Daniel and Viki Malakie of Kailua Kona, Hawaii; and 28 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and three brothers and sisters-in-law: Daniel and Grace, James and Gertrude and Charles and Dorothy Malakie. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at the St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. in the parish cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake in care of the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.

 

Claire (Saumier) Skeels, 84, of Saranac Lake, died at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake Nov. 20, 2007, following a short illness. Born Jan. 17, 1923 in Lancaster, Ontario, she was the daughter of Gertrude and Medric Saumier.
Mrs. Skeels had lived at her McClelland Street home for 48 years. She married Myron “Rube” Skeels on Dec. 4, 1942 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Rochester. Claire graduated from Saranac Lake High School. She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker, who enjoyed her garden and flowers, spending time with her children and traveling to warm vacation spots. Claire is survived by five children: Brian Skeels and his wife Debbie, of Houston, Texas, Bob Skeels and his wife Darlene, of Simsbury, Conn., Dick Skeels and his wife Trisha, of Amsterdam, N.Y., Helen Skeels and her friend Lucie Denkewicz, of Clifton Park and Kathy (Skeels) and her husband Mike Hahn, of Ballentine, S.C.; seven grandchildren: Kelli Skeels Anderson, Kristina Skeels O’Brien, Jason Mills, Jonathon Skeels, Jennifer Skeels, Christina Skeels and Karen Skeels; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, who died on Christmas Day, 2006. Calling hours and a bible vigil service were held Friday, November 23. A Mass of Christian burial took place at 11:15 a.m. Saturday November 24 at St. Bernard’s Church, with Rev. Thomas Kornmeyer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Claire may make a memorial donation to High Peaks Hospice

 

Beatrice Denenfield, 93, a resident of New York City for almost her entire life, died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Delmar, N.Y. Born in Chicago, Ill. on April 22, 1914, she was the daughter of Edward and Fannie (Egre) Denenfeld. Beatrice had been employed by the City of New York for most of her career, working for the mayor’s office, and as a supervisor for the Department of Social Services until her retirement. She is survived by a niece, Joan (Costerg) Healey of Delmar; a grandnephew, Gregory Healey, of Brooklyn; a grandniece, Andrea (Healey) Warnick; and a great-grandnephew, Mason Warnick, both of Westminster, Md. She was predeceased by her sister, Edna (Denenfield) Costerg. Mrs. Denenfield enjoyed traveling and non-fiction reading. She had a life-long passion for learning. She delighted in being an “Aunt B” to three generations. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26 in the Harrietstown Cemetery in Saranac Lake with Rabbi Alec Friedmann officiating. Friends wishing to remember Beatrice may make memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

 

Mildred P. “Millie” Kelly, 82, of Cascade Road, Lake Placid, passed away Nov. 22, 2007 at her home. Born on Dec. 29, 1924, she was the daughter of Norman and Florence (Coolidge) Pelkey. She married Bill Kelly in 1954 at the Lake Placid Club, where they met. Millie worked as a telephone operator and went on to attend North Country Community College and received a degree in criminal justice and worked at the Lake Placid Police Department. She attended Plattsburgh State University earning a degree in liberal arts. She later earned a master’s degree from Godard College in Plainfield, Vt., after which she taught criminal justice and sociology at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh for 15 years. Millie was a a member of the Eastern Star and the Keene Valley Congregational Church. She is survived by her husband; her aunt Ardella (Pelkey) Mullaney, of California; her first cousin, Lola Porter, of Keene Valley, as well as several other cousins; and friends in Keene Valley and Lake Placid. There are no calling hours. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Keene Valley Congregational Church in Keene Valley with the Rev. Milton Dudley officiating. Burial will take place in Norton Cemetery in Keene Valley at the convenience of the family. The Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Donations in Millie’s memory may be made to the Keene Valley Congregational Church.

 

Audrey R. Patnode, 85, died Nov. 17, 2007 at Uihlein Nursing Home in Lake Placid. Born Aug. 15, 1922, in Butte, Mont., she was the daughter of Earl and Irene Roe. She married James J. Patnode on Oct. 10, 1944. After graduating from high school in Helena, Mont., she moved to Washington, D.C. to work during World War II. She later returned to Montana, where she worked at U.S. Army Camp Remni, near Helena. She returned to Lake Placid with her husband after the war, and then moved to Holly, Mich., where Audrey began working as a secretary at the General Motors Proving Ground. In 1980, she returned to Montana, where she enrolled as a student at Caroll College. She briefly came to Lake Placid to work at the 1980 Olympics, and then returned in 1984 to spend the rest of her life here. Audrey traveled extensively, making trips to Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, the Middle East, Poland, Jamaica, Belgium and France. Audrey approached life with gusto. She was an avid horseback rider, gardener and cross-country skier. She was active in the Democratic Party and the Lake Placid Garden Club. A lifelong word lover, she read voraciously, exercised her skills at crosswords and enjoyed beating her children at Scrabble. She set an example for her children and grandchildren, teaching them to live life fully, to embrace adventure, to never stop learning and to live with style and grace. She is survived by a daughter, Karen Dunmire and her husband Danny; a daughter, Susan Patnode and her partner Julie Davis; a son, James Patnode and his wife Lynne Skeirik; granddaughters: Erika and Courtney Dunmire; and her beloved sister, Ruth Wescott and her husband, Guy Wescott. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid. Burial will follow in Hazelton Cemetary in Wilmington. Donations in Audrey’s memory may be made to the AMC/Uihlein Mercy Nursing Home, 3rd Wing.

 

Barbara H. McKillip, 69, of 236 Algonquin Drive, Lake Placid, passed away Sunday evening, Nov. 11, 2007 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake following a lengthy illness. Her family was at her side at the time of death. Born on July 28, 1960 in Saranac Lake, Barbara was the daughter of Harry and Gertrude Hubber of Saranac Lake. She was was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School and was a long-time educator, with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree from the State University of New York in Albany. She married Daniel C. McKillip in 1960. She was the librarian at Northside Elementary in the Peru School District in the 1960s. She substituted in many schools in the area and also served as an adjunct professor at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, where she taught English in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In her later years, she assisted her husband as an officer in the firm, North Country Labor Relations Associates, Inc, in Lake Placid. Barbara was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed spending time reading to her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going out to lunch with her former high school classmates and colleagues from NCCC. Barbara was considered an expert cook and loved experimenting with a variety of specialized dishes. As part of a close family, Barbara and her husband Dan particularly enjoyed going on annual vacations to Vermont at Thanksgiving with their son David, his wife Becky and their grandchildren. Eight years ago, Barbara and her husband Dan renewed their marriage vows at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake. The Mass was officiated by the Rev. Harry Giroux, the priest who had also officiated at their son’s marriage to his wife. She is survived by her husband; her son and daughter-in-law; three grandchildren: Kaleigh, Sara and Kelsey, all of Lake Placid; a sister-in-law Elizabeth and her husband Pat Murphy of Las Vegas, Nev.; six nieces: Kathryn and Bridget McKillip and Brenda Goulette of Lake Placid, Mary McKillip of Brockton, Mass., Kelley Keith of New London, N.H., and Susan Hubbard of Colorado; and three nephews: Johnny Fagan of Yonkers, Dan Cassese of San Diego, Calif. and Ben Cassese of Las Vegas, Nev.
 She was predeceased by her parents and two children: Daniel T. and Michael C. McKillip. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A Bible Vigil will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, with a Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid. Contributions may be made to High Peaks Hospice in Saranac Lake or the American Cancer Society.

 

James Walter Kordziel, 51, of Springfield Road in Wilmington, died unexpectedly of a heart attack at Lake Placid Memorial Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. Born in Ticonderoga on Aug. 12, 1956, Jim was the son of Frank and Lorraine (Cook) Kordziel, of Mineville. Jim was known to his friends as “Deacon” and was a 1974 graduate of Moriah Central School. He earned an Associate’s Degree from SUNY Canton, a Bachelor’s Degree from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master’s Degree and a certificate in School Business Administration from SUNY Plattsburgh. He was employed for the last 20 years as the School Business Administrator for Lake Placid Central School. He was previously employed as District Treasurer at Westport Central School for eight years. On Aug. 25, 1990, Jim married Joanne Firlik. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who was well-known for being dedicated to his family, his friends and his community. He was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Port Henry Council #384. For many years, he served as an official at high school basketball games and coached youth teams in baseball, basketball and soccer. He was a scout leader and served as Cubmaster of Lake Placid Pack 110. He also served on the Wilmington Library Board, the St. Margaret’s Parish Council in Wilmington and the board of directors of the Lake Placid Outing Club. He is survived by his wife; three sons: James, 16, Anthony, 14, and Christopher, 11; his mother; two sisters: Barbara (Robert) Goodspeed, of Schuylerville and Laurie Crossman and her husband David of Corinth; a brother, Frank Kordziel and his wife Susan of Chittenango; and several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Jim was predeceased by his father in 1966. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A Bible vigil prayer service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Phillip Allen, Pastor of Holy Name Church in Ausable Forks, officiating. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Lake Placid. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Kordziel Memorial Scholarship Fund at Lake Placid Cental School, Cummings Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946 or the Wilmington Rescue Squad, Haselton Road, Wilmington NY 12997.

 

Joan E. Russell, 75, of Tupper Lake, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007 at CVPH hospital in Plattsburgh. Born on Dec. 18, 1931 in Saranac Lake, she was the daughter of Robert and Helen (Baker) Pratt. In 1950 she married Conrad Joseph LaLonde. He died in 1973. On March 12, 1977 she married Robert “Budd” Russell. Mrs. Russell was employed at the Tupper Lake Central School as a bus monitor and cafeteria worker. She was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal church, a member of the Piercefield Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Ladies of the Moose and honored with the College of Regents. Mrs. Russell enjoyed crafts, knitting and sewing and loved to dance with her husband Budd, and together they won many dance competitions. She is survived by her husband; two daughters: Glenda Hollingsworth and her husband Armon of Piercefield and Connie Roberts and her husband Lee of New City, N.Y.; five step-children: John and Sandi Russell of New Jersey, Timothy and Barbara Russell of Amherst, Ohio, Katherine Lanthier and her husband Keith of Albany, Angela Butler and her husband Shawn of Rome, N.Y. and Spencer and Audrey Russell of Paris, Ill.; two grandchildren: Traci Sanford of Tupper Lake and Benjamin Roberts of Miami, Fla.; one great- granddaughter, Eastynn Sanford; 12 step-grandchildren; her brother Kenneth Seymour Jr. of Lake Placid; and one sister Jacqueline McClatchie of Lake Placid. She was predeceased by her first husband Conrad and a brother Clarence Pratt. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Tupper Lake. Burial will follow in the Gale cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider St. Thomas Episcopal Church in care of the funeral home

 

Paul William Mace II, 52, of 33 7th St., Brimfield, Mass., died Monday, Nov. 5, 2007 in West Brookfield, Mass. Born in Saranac Lake on Oct. 30, 1955, he was the son of Paul W. and B. Jean (Stanley) Mace. Paul grew up in Saranac Lake and graduated from Saranac Lake High School. While in Saranac Lake, he was employed by the American Management Association, the Adirondack Railroad and was a bartender at the Boathouse Lounge at the Hotel Saranac. He moved to Massachusetts in 1987, where he worked for Pipp Printing, in Worcester, and Priority Press in South Meadows. He worked as a cashier and assistant manager at the Sturbridge Isle Mobil in Sturbridge and was a cashier at Cumberland Farms. He also worked as a pool installer. Paul enjoyed his art and was very creative with his sketching and painting. He enjoyed chess, motorcycling, was a ham radio operator and loved talking on his CB. He also enjoyed his bicycle, cross-country skiing and especially enjoyed his cat. He is survived by his father, Paul Mace of Lake Clear; his sister, Terry Fountain of Lake Clear; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Fountain of Lake Clear; two nieces: Sherry Moser and Becky Fountain; a great nephew; and his long time companion, Anne Manning. He was predeceased by his mother, B. Jean Stanley Mace; and his brother, Robert O. Mace. Calling hours will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Andrea Sears officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Paul may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice in care of the funeral home.

 

Carter M. Reandeau, 71, of Tupper Lake, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007 at the Kingston Hospital. Born on Dec. 24, 1935, in Tupper Lake, he was one of Alexander and Mary Jane (LaFave) Reandeau’s 16 children. Carter graduated from Tupper Lake High School, and served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. After his service, he was employed at Ampersand Mountain in the fire tower. He was also a caretaker for the Goodman’s estate at Bog River for many years. He eventually retired from his job as a boiler room assistant at Sunmount DDSO in 1999. Carter played and sang worship songs and prayers on the local Christian TV program, “The Word Goes Forth,” starting in 1981. He was also a member of the Tupper Lake Christian Center for several years, and played guitar in their worship group. Carter is survived by his wife, Mildred; one son, David and his wife Joanne; his only grandchild, Sarah Emily; two sisters, Ruth LaPierre and Rita St. Pierre; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider High Peaks Hospice.

 

Bernard Mullen, 95, of 99 Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007 at the Uihlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid. Born in Saranac Lake on Aug. 31, 1912, he was the son of William and Isabel Layhee Mullen. Bernard married Helen Duba Nov. 28, 1950 at the First Methodist Church in Saranac Lake. Mullen attended Saranac Lake High School, the Irving Prep School in Tarrytown and the University of Vermont. Along with brother, Richard, he owned and operated Saranac Lake Supply Grocery Store, retiring in 1974. Four generations of the Mullen family operated the Supply Store for 75 years. He was a 50-year member of the Saranac Lake Rotary Club and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award. Bernard was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #789 F&AM and was a member of the First United Methodist Church Board, and a member of the church for more than 70 years. He was a four-year veteran of the Navy, serving in WWII. He enjoyed gardening, skiing and golf and was well-known for his gregarious nature. He is survived by several nieces and nephews: Kathleen Schneck of Saranac Lake, Patrice Keet of Santa Cruz, Calif., Susan Ramsey of Sharps, Va., Liz Roberts of Sharps, Va. and William Mahan of Woodbridge, Va. He was predeceased by his his wife, Helen, on Sept. 16, 2000; his parents; his twin brother, Bertrand Mullen; his brother, Richard Mullen; and one sister, Mildred Mahan. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake, with the Rev. Maggie McCarey officiating. Burial will take place in Harrietstown Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Bernard Mullen may make memorial contributions to Favorite Charity or in care of the funeral home.

 

Robert “Bob” L. Malerba, 57, died unexpectedly Oct. 29, 2007. Born on March 8, 1950 in Tupper Lake, he was the son of Louis E. and Mary E. (Amoriell) Malerba. He was a graduate of Tupper Lake High School Class of 1969 and was married to Lynn (King) Malerba on May 23, 1981. During his lifetime, he worked primarily as a logger and enjoyed anything outdoors. He loved sports of every kind, was a lifelong Yankees fan and enjoyed walking and hunting. Bobby was loved by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his humor, his love of life and his heart, which he shared with all his friends and family. Bobby is survived by his wife; his parents; his brother, Louie and wife, Kate Malerba; his in-laws, Doug and Judy King; several aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2 at the St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad and the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in Saranac Lake

 

Patricia S. Mitchell, 92, of Tupper Lake, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007 at her home surrounded by family. Born March 17, 1915 in Swanton, Vt., she was the daughter of Henry and Ellen (Campbell) Young. At the age of 13, she and her family moved to Tupper Lake. On Oct. 14, 1934, she married Armand Mitchell at the St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake. Being true pioneers, together they built their own home on Underwood Road, which they enjoyed for 53 years. Mrs. Mitchell loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading, crocheting and watching game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She was a home maker all of her life and raised five children. She is survived by five children: Shirley LaVassaur and her husband Gerald of Youngston, Ohio, Charles “Jim” Mitchell of Tupper Lake, Judith Deshaw and her husband Darwin of Plano, Texas, Marian Cournyea and her husband James of Niagara Falls and Irene “Nene” Schaniel of Tupper Lake; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Armand, in 1987; one son, Donald; seven brothers: Patrick, Irving, Leo, Fred, George “Pete,” Leonard and James; and three sisters: Marian, Mary and Irene. Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 2 p.m. at the Holy Name Church in Tupper Lake. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider High Peaks Hospice or the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home.

 

Patricia Mitchell Valette, 83, passed away Sunday, Oct. 28 at Uihlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid. Born March 17, 1924 in Lake Placid, she was the daughter of Harklas and Beatrice Mitchell. Valette graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1942, and graduated North Country Community College with a degree in nursing. She worked as a legal secretary for Valette Law Firm in Fulton. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Fulton, a former president of the Fulton Skating Club and a member of the Fulton Garden Club. She is survived by one son, Mark, and his wife Kate of Niskayuna; one daughter, Cara, and her husband Chris of Lake Placid; three granddaughters: Kelly Valette of Niskayuna and Carissa and Mia Kennedy of Lake Placid; one aunt, Blanche McCasland of Lake Placid; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Timothy Mitchell, and her sister, Joan Fezett. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday and internment will follow at the North Elba Cemetery.

 

Frank Sears Sr., 86, of Jersey Drive, Lake Placid, died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2007 at home with his family. He was born in Lake Placid on Oct. 25, 1921 to Dexter and Agnes Colby Sears. Frank married Betty Alford on Jan. 7, 1941 in Lake Placid. Frank was best known for working his sled dogs on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, giving rides to Jackie, John and Caroline Kennedy, Kurt Douglas and family, and Arthur Godfrey. He appeared in many commercials on TV and in many magazines. A true Adirondacker, as a foreman, he lead workers in the construction of the Adirondack Norhway as well as the ski trails on Whiteface and Gore mountains. During the 50s, he raced his sled dogs throughout the North Country and Canada, and won many trophies and awards. He also owned and operated Sears Landscaping for many years. He was an avid hunter. His greatest joy was to spend time in the woods, hunting, fishing and guiding. Frank is survived by two daughters: Natalie Clark and her husband Allan, of Moriah Center, and Betsy Richards and her husband Roger, of Lake Placid; two sons: Frank and wife Anita, of Lake Placid, and Don and wife Beverly of Beekmantown; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Frank was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Betty; daughter, Nancy Marmion; granddaughter, Becky Ladue; sister, Betty Smith; and two brothers: Dexter and Robert. Calling hours will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. Funeral Services will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Kenneth Mihill officiating. Cremation will follow. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.Friends wishing to remember Frank many make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice in care of the Funeral Home. High Peaks Hospice was so helpful to the family over the past two months.

 

Gerald A. Beeman, 93, beloved husband and father, passed away Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt. with his loving family by his side. Born Feb. 14, 1914 in Granville, Vt., he was the son of George and Pearl (Clark) Beeman. He was a graduate of Lake Placid High School, class of 1933. After graduation he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked at ALCOA, in Massena. Beeman later worked at the Lake Placid Club and at A&P Tea Co. until his retirement. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed many hunting trips with his wife Bernice and son David, who shared his love of hunting. He also enjoyed playing golf. He and his wife were long time members of the “Jet Setters” at Craig Wood Golf and Country Club in Lake Placid. Beeman was a kind, gentle man who will be greatly missed by all of Lake Placid. He is survived by his wife of 71 years; his son, David Beeman and his wife Sandy of Jacksonville, Fla; his grandson, Greg Beeman and his wife Patricia of Jacksonville, Fla; his granddaughter, SSG Jennifer Fear and her husband Mike of RAF Alconbury in England; two sisters-in law: Alma Beeman, a resident of Keene Valley Neighborhood House, and Mary Wheeler of Saranac Lake; four nieces: Rita Beeman of Saranac Lake, Geraldine Chapman of Green, S.C., Joanne LaTort of Kempner, Texas and Connie Beeman of New Castle, Del.; four great-grandchildren: Kristie Beeman, Matthew Beeman, Eric Beeman and Tony Brock; and several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers: Loyal, Clayton and Carlyle; one sister, Gladys; a nephew, Chester Beeman; a niece, Jean Jesmer; two brothers-in-law: Don Wheeler and Bernard Wheeler and his wife Helen; and one nephew, Bill Beeman. Calling hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Andrea Sears will officiate. Cremation will follow. Burial will be in the North Elba Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

 

Edmond “Ace” W. LaVoy, 80, of Tupper Lake, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007 at Adirondack Mercy Center in Tupper Lake, where he had resided for the past month. Born on Jan. 16, 1927 in St. Regis Falls, he was the only child of Walter and Anna (Dufrane) LaVoy. He attended schools in St. Regis Falls and Conifer and enlisted in the Navy for WWII on the day he turned 17 years old. He served aboard the USS St. Paul and was proud to say that his ship was the second ship into Tokyo Harbor — escorting the Mighty Mo. At war’s end, he married Anna Bracy of Chateaugay Lake, then attended the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning school in Troy. Mr. LaVoy supported the mission of the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad from its inception. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served many years in the Honor Guard. He was a member of the Dead Creek and the No-Mis Hunting clubs. After his retirement, he and his wife would disappear into the woods for several days at a time — to the consternation of his family — fishing, mushroom hunting or berry picking. He was known for living out of canning jars, preserved from his large garden and the fruits of the forest. Ace worked on the Grasse River Rail Road, in the Conifer Saw Mill, at Sunmount V.A. hospital and retired as a refrigeration mechanic from Sunmount OMRDD. He is survived by two sons: Bruce and his wife Jane and Walter, all of Tupper Lake; one daughter, Rosann LaVoy of Bolenas, Calif.; four grandsons: Christopher, Benjamin, Todd and Loren and his wife Karen; one brother-in-law, Walter Bracy, and his wife of the Glens Fall area; and two nieces. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m. on Monday Holy Name Church in Tupper Lake. Burial will follow in St. Alphonsus Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad.

 

Frank J. Politi, 93, of Indian Rock Trail in Saranac Lake, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007 at Uihlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid. He was born in the Bronx in 1914 and graduated from Stuyvesant High School and Cornell University. He and his partner and wife, Joanne Otis Politi, owned and operated Adirondack Gardens, Inc. and were florists in Lake Placid for some 25 years. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in April 1941 and served four years with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division (which included Audie Murphy) throughout Germany and France and the Battle of the Bulge. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the first Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star for gallantry in action and meritorious service. He was discharged from the Army in 1945 with the rank of Major. He was a gentle man, a great guy and an avid sports bettor. He is survived by three sons: Roby, Terry and Tom, all of Lake Placid; three daughters-in-law: Niki, Paula and Liz Politi, all of Lake Placid; one brother, George Politi of Southbury, Conn.; two sisters: Elenor Hans of Forest Hills and Alice Gary of Manhattan; and five grandchildren: Nicholas, Maggie, Travis, Jena and Joanna. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. There will be an American Legion Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home followed by a Bible vigil prayer service. The funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, and burial will follow at the St. Agnes Church Cemetery in Lake Placid. Friends may make a memorial donations to either the Uihlein Mercy Center or the Keene Valley Neighborhood House.

 

John Michael McCormick, 59, of 391 state Rt. 186, Saranac Lake, died Friday Oct. 19, 2007, at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born in New Haven, Conn. on Dec. 2, 1947, he was the son of Clarence and Catherine (O’Reilly) McCormick. John was a graduate of St. Pius X High School and Hudson Valley Community College. He worked for the Mount Van Hoevenberg Bobrun and later as a lab technician at Trudeau Institute. He later worked in corrections, first with the state at Camp Adirondack in Ray Brook, and later at the Federal Corrections Institute in Ray Brook, where he worked as a quality assurance manager. At that time he wrote a quality procedures manual for UNICOR Federal Prison Industries used for Quality and Productions Departments of the federal prison, which is still in use today. Additionally, John was a licensed real estate agent for Wilkins Century 21. He retired in 2001 and started working for the Saranac Lake Central School District as a bus driver. John was a member of the National Guard. He formed a local group known as Families for Lower Property Taxes. John enjoyed camping, canoeing, kayaking and skiing. He is survived by his wife, the former Deborah Moeller, whom he married Aug. 5, 1989; four children: Sean McCormick and his wife Anne of Wayland, Mass., Eric McCormick and his fiancee Sarah Kolbe of San Diego, Calif., Jessica King of Summit, N.J. and Conor McCormick of Saranac Lake; three brothers: Clarence McCormick of Saranac Lake, Edward McCormick and his wife Kay of Schenectady and James McCormick and his wife Denise of Saranac Lake; his twin sister, Maureen Corbin and her husband Charles of Oldsmar, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents. Calling hours will take place from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A Bible Vigil Service will take place at 8:45 p.m. today. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake with the Rev. Jeffrey Hubbard officiating. Interment of cremated remains will take place in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake at a later date.Friends wishing to remember John may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice in care of the funeral home.

 

Richard E. Whitman, Sr., 73, of Tupper Lake, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in Colton. Born on July 3, 1934 in Waybridge, Vt., he was the son of Archie and Nellie (Beashaw) Whitman. Mr. Whitman was a decorated veteran of the Korean conflict, serving with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954. After his service, he came to Tupper Lake and was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Sunmount VA and later Sunmount DDSO until retiring in 1973. On Aug. 14, 1954 he married the former Beatrice Dukette at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 3120, Past Commander of the American Legion, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Whitman was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time with family and helping friends. He is survived by his wife Beatrice; one daughter, Susan Whitman and her husband Ronald Robertson of Worcester, Mass.; three sons: Richard Jr. and his companion Terry Gonyea of Tupper Lake, Roy and his wife Karen of Tupper Lake, and Robert and his wife Lisa of Greenwich; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home.

 

Jerry C. Lines, 74, of Tupper Lake died at his home at 45 Sunset Ave. on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 . Born June 19, 1933 in Tupper Lake J.C. was the son of Robert and Janet (Collins) Lines. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1951. He married Carol Kucipeck on Oct. 23, 1955 in Tupper Lake. Jerry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of Corporal. For 50 years, J.C. owned and operated his own trucking business. When he was in semi-retirement, he was known to do some trucking for Leroy’s Auto Sales. Carol and Jerry enjoyed traveling in recent years and most enjoyed their journeys on the American Orient Express. A proud member of the community, Jerry was a member of the American Legion Post 220, the Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Board of the Big Tupper Ski Area and an active member of St. Alphonsus Church, as well as being a volunteer at many community events. He is survived by his loving wife; their six children: Jerry M. and his wife Lisa of Horsham, England;,Jefferey A. and his wife Leanne of Tupper Lake, Jennifer A. Thibodeau and her husband William of Tupper Lake, John C. and his wife Margaret of Queensbury, Jeanne E. King and her husband Christopher of Holden, Mass. and James R. of San Diego, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; a brother, Robert James Lines of Enid, Okla.; and his mother-in-law, Gladys Kucipeck of Tupper Lake. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Lois. A service was held on Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake with the Rev. Kris Lauzon officiating. Burial will take place at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the St. Alphonsus Cemetery with full military honors. Friends wishing to remember Jerry may make memorial contributions to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, The Tupper Lake Heritage Museum, the Wild Center or the Heart Association in care of Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.

 

Joan Alice Wilson, 71, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at her home in East Greenbush. Joyce was born in 1936 in Gravesend, England, the daughter of Herbert William and Doris Grace Brown Barton. She moved to Albany in 1979, and was appointed executive assistant at the R.T. Blass Advertising Agency in Chatham. She was vice president of sales at the Lake Placid Club Resort. She also spent some time working at the United Nations in New York City, at the International Labor Office in Geneva, Switzerland, and in London, England. In 1977, she became the first female president of the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce. She was also a member of the Daughters of the British Empire. She also did a lot of volunteer work. She was office manager for the Henry Hudson Halfmoon, and she volunteered in the Read-Discover Program and the Reach to Recovery program for the American Cancer Society. She is survived by her brother, Peter Barton, of Barrow-in-Furness, England; and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Frank Herbert Barton; and a sister, Mary Barton Newins. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany, and at 11:30 a.m. will move to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may visit the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Those wishing to remember Joan are asked to contribute to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.

 

Fern H. Bailey, 97, of 60 Church St., Saranac Lake, formerly of 93 Broadway, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born in Saranac Lake on Sept. 1, 1910, she was the daughter of George and Edna (Bordeau) Bailey. Fern had been a resident of Newark, N.J. for 37 years. She was employed by Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company in Newark, N.J., retiring in 1975 after 25 years of service. She moved back to Saranac Lake in 1975. She was a volunteer at the Saranac Lake Adult Center and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Livewires. She is survived by five nieces and nephews: Kenneth D. Bailey of Saranac Lake, Sharol Bailey of Doylestown, Pa., Perry Dewitt, Patricia Dewitt and Clinton Dewitt Jr., all of Bradenton, Fla.; and a brother-in-law, Clinton Dewitt Sr. of Bradenton, Fla. She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers: Kenneth Bailey and Donald Bailey; a sister, Marcia Dewitt; and a sister-in-law, Eleanor Bailey. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake with the Rev. Maggie McCarey officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Friends wishing to remember Fern may make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church or the Saranac Lake Adult Center in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.

 

Elizabeth Anne (Demars) Jessie, 75, of Tupper Lake, passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2007 peacefully with her family by her side at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. She was born in Tupper Lake on Feb. 20, 1932 to Malvina (LaBarge) Demars and Benjamin Demars, and lived her entire life in that community. She graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1948 and went on to acquire a business degree from the Ogdensburg Business School. On Dec. 1, 1951, she married Robert Jessie at the Holy Name Church. She began her career at the Tupper Lake National Bank in 1951 as a bookkeeper and became the first female executive officer, retiring as vice president and cashier in 1994. Jessie is survived by two daughters: Angela and her husband Loren Miller of Edwards, and Vicki and her husband Robert Meconi of Ausable Forks; one brother, Benjamin Demars of Tupper Lake; and four grandchildren: Ross Putman of Dekalb Junction, Renee Miller of SUNY Cortland, William Meconi of Boston, Mass., and Susan Meconi of Greensboro, N.C. She was predeceased by her husband in 2001. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. at Holy Name Church in Tupper Lake. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Holy Name School, P.O. Box 658, Ausable Forks, NY 12912. Arrangements are with the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake.