Published: 2/4/04

Mooers — Leo "Francis" Phaneuf Jr., 52, of Mooers, N.Y., ended his journey through life on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, at CVPH in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

He was born in Champlain, N.Y., on Nov. 21, 1951, the son of Leo Francis Phaneuf Sr. and Marie (St. Andrew) Phaneuf.

Francis is the loving husband of Joan (Joanne) Rugar-Willette Phaneuf, whom he married on June 23, 1984. He is the loving father of Chris Willette, Jauna Phaneuf and Erik R. Phaneuf. He loved them each as individuals, spending a lot of time doing special things with each of them, they will feel a great void without him. He is also survived by his mother, Marie Phaneuf of Champlain; a brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Tina Phaneuf of West Chazy; and a sister, Linda Phaneuf of Champlain; and very special friends, Stacey LeClair and Jeannie LaFountain.

Francis graduated from NCCS and went to BOCES and achieved certificates for auto body and wood working. He worked for DeCato Brothers as a diesel mechanic and Bennett Fleet International, because of kidney dialysis, he retired from U.S. Customs at Champlain, N.Y.

Francis has many older nieces and nephews, although he loved them all, he had a very special bond with the four youngest, Jordan Phaneuf, Sierra LeClair, Jennifer Phaneuf and Dakota LeClair, who affectionately called him Uncle Lu-Lu. Because of the special bond they had together, it has already eased their sadness. There are many memories and smiles that will always stay in their hearts.

Francis was a man of few words, what he said was important. He was a person with a positive attitude. He worked hard and would never complain. When he started something, he never gave up, that is how he lived his life. Although the stars won’t seem to shine as bright for us now, the memories of his humor and smiles will get us through this dark time.

Please join us Wednesday for a celebration of his life, at Drown Funeral Home, 2444 Route 11, Mooers from 3 to 6 p.m. Pastor Hal Johnson will say a few words and a prayer. His uncle, Aurel Phaneuf will be singing a few of his favorite songs. Following his celebration of life we would like you to join us at Knights of Columbus next door, for a light meal.

Anyone wishing to make donations may do so in his memory at the H.K. Freedman Renal Center or to his children. At his request, instead of sending flowers, send a children’s book to your special little friend. Francis was anxiously awaiting a kidney transplant. He fully believed in organ donations, his wish was for a new beginning and his goal was to work again. Please consider the gift of life through organ donations. Please bring a memory and a smile!

PLATTSBURGH — Ada Holmes died on Jan. 30, 2004. Six weeks’ shy of 90, she had been midway through a re-reading of Jane Austen’s "Mansfield Park."

She was born to Ada (Murray), an immigrant from the English midlands, and Edwin Holmes, a bookkeeper of Scottish origins. A grandfather and an older brother, Clark, rounded out the Holmes family of Kingston, Pennsylvania.

From among many wonderful childhood experiences, Ada Holmes liked to recount the tale of her first sojourn to the public library, across a bridge to Wilkes-Barre, taken despite her parents’ displeasure. Previously her literary escapes had been curtailed to the Holmes’s collection of Victorian authors; afterward, she knew no limits, garnering a much-relished reputation as a bookworm. At the suggestion of a high-school English teacher, she studied elocution until, as a polished orator, she earned fees for public speaking; as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, she won recognition from peers and distinction from teachers.

This trio of accomplishments inspired in Ada a quest for higher learning— for a child of working-class parents, a difficult quest at any time, but more so during the Depression. In 1934, she accepted Bethany College’s offer of scholarship and board in exchange for housekeeping, and thrived in a collegiate climate until severe family hardship forced her home. She then taught English wherever and whenever a job became available; for a year, she was a governess for a Pennsylvanian industrialist’s son, living among the Boca Raton swells but below stairs.

Afterwards, Ada Holmes moved to Philadelphia and reveled in its culture—completing a bachelor’s degree at Temple and dividing spare moments between lyceums and dances. A most cherished memory of this period concerns a summer job in Atlantic City: after a day’s waitressing, she would saunter along the steel pier to the tunes of that evening’s big band—Tommy Dorsey’s being her favorite. Supported by assistantships, she earned a master’s degree in 1947 from the University of Pennsylvania and entered its doctoral program, concentrating in Eighteenth-Century English literature.

In 1950, with all but a dissertation, Holmes accepted a position at Plattsburgh State College, where its fledgling English Department was growing in response to post-war demands for liberal-arts education. Literature and English-education majors alike, most of whom were young women, found in this consummate teacher a model of humanity—smart, witty, compassionate.

Outside the classroom, she edited the college’s catalogue and fought the good fight to maintain educational standards; moreover, she prized company among the faculty and their families, many of whom became beloved friends. Alas, the rigors of teaching, combined with familial responsibilities, afforded little time or resources to complete her dissertation on Jonathan Swift.

After retiring in 1977, Ada Holmes tried Florida living, settling instead on Cumberland Head: her days were devoted to enticing wildlife onto her deck and her nights to reading. As blindness encroached, she reluctantly allowed good friends to coax her into taking up residence, in 1999, at Lake Forest. There she surprised herself by thriving anew in community’s camaraderie. Over four years, her circle of friends enlarged until it encompassed all who knew her.

Friends are invited to gather at 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, at Lake Forest Retirement Community; contributions in her memory may be sent to its Good Samaritan Fund (8 Lake Forest, Plattsburgh, NY 12901).

"A teacher affects eternity."

CLARKSVILLE — William C. VanNatten Sr., 71, of Clarksville died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at his home.

Mr. VanNatten was born in Clarksville on Dec. 30, 1932, the son of the late Charles S. and Christina (Beck) VanNatten.

He had worked as a school-bus driver for the Bethlehem Central School District for 33 years retiring in 1992.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. For many years, he was a proud member of the Golden Horseshoe Riding Club.

He had a love for all animals, especially the goats he raised and wild turkeys.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia D. (Snyder) VanNatten; children, Lauri Cutting and her husband Richard of Elizabethtown, N.Y., William C. VanNatten Jr. and his wife Elena of Florida, Barbara Pielo and her husband Marty of West Sand Lake, James D. Daine of Salmon, Idaho, Melanie Pate and her husband Ben of Middletown, N.J., and John M. VanNatten and his wife Lisa of Plattsburgh; an uncle, Roy Beck of Dormansville; eight grandchildren; and many cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Onesquethaw Cemetery in the spring.

Those who wish may send a remembrance in his name to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.

TICONDEROGA — Richard H. Witherbee, 59, of St. Cloud, Fla., passed away at his home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004.

He was born on Nov. 10, 1944, the son of the late Richard B. and Elizabeth M. Witherbee (Allen).

Mr. Witherbee was a lifelong resident of Ticonderoga before moving to Florida in 1994.

He was predeceased by one brother, Walter Witherbee; and one sister, Mary Webster.

Survivors include three sons, Richard B. Witherbee and his wife Deborah of Colonie, Shawn D. Witherbee and his wife Judith of Ticonderoga and Darren M. Witherbee and his wife Jacqueline of Ticonderoga; one daughter, Lindsey R. Witherbee of Cambridge. Survivors also include five grandchildren, Caleb B. Witherbee, Aaron M. Witherbee and Noah A. Witherbee of Colonie, Samantha L. Witherbee and Karlee J. Witherbee of Ticonderoga; one brother; three sisters; several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday at the Chilson Fire Department Community Building.

Ticonderoga — Michael Robert Ledger, 51, of Ticonderoga, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at his residence.

He was born in Rome, N.Y., April 6, 1952, the son of Robert T. Ledger of Witherbee and Lois (Woods) Ledger of Ticonderoga.

Michael was a graduate of Ticonderoga High School and attended Adirondack Community College. He was employed by the Heidelburg-Harris Machine Manufacturing Company in Dover, N.H., for many years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Michael was a motorcycle enthusiast.

His love for his children was by far the most important part of Michael’s life.

He was predeceased by his brother, Brian D. Ledger in 1987.

Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Lorie A. (Brown) Ledger; one daughter, Ashley E. Ledger; one son, Brian M. Ledger; and one sister, Diane E. LaFrance and her husband Derek, all of Ticonderoga. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin Street, Ticonderoga.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Ticonderoga. The Reverend William G. Muench, pastor, will officiate.

ALBANY — Gladys M. Gimlick, 86, a lifelong resident of South Bethlehem passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at St. Peter’s Hospital.

She was born in Bethlehem on Oct. 20, 1917, the daughter of the late William and Anna (Wiltsie) Gimlick.

Miss Gimlick was a 1935 graduate of Coeymans High School and graduated from Mildred Elly Secretarial School in Albany in 1936. She retired as a vice president of the former Banker’s Trust In Albany in 1983.

Miss Ginilick was a lifelong member of the South Bethlehem United Methodist Church. She loved to read, spend time with her family and travel.

Miss Gimlick is survived by her brother, Russell Gimlick and his wife Katherine; a niece, Marcia Wagner and her husband George, all of Plattsburgh; a nephew, Gregory Gimlick and his wife Katherine of Holly Springs, N.C.; her grandnephews, Russell Wagner and Adam Gimlick; and several dear friends.

She was predeceased by her sister, Hilda Gimlick.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial service which will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the South Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 65 Willowbrook Ave., South Bethlehem. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the South Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 65 Willowbrook Ave., South Bethlehem, NY 12161 or the Bethlehem Volunteer Ambulance Service, 1121 Route 9W, Selkirk, NY 12158.

Arrangements are by the Applebee Funeral Home, Delmar, NY.

MASSENA — Mr. Donald E. Brothers, 64, of Brothers Road, Massena died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 31, 2004, at University Community Hospital, Tampa, Fla., where he had been a patient since Jan. 24, 2004.

He was born July 12, 1939, in Stockholm, N.Y., the son of the late Vaughn and Mildred M. (Beamis) Brothers.

He graduated from St. Lawrence Central School.

He married Linda L. Nephew on June 2, 1973, at St. Edmund’s Church, Ellenburg Depot, N.Y., with Reverend Father Weir, celebrating.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a maintenance supervisor at Reynold’s Metals for 37 years retiring in 1996.

He enjoyed auto racing, hunting and camping. He was also a very good handyman.

He and his wife enjoyed the past 7 years in Florida. He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Massena.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; a son, Brian Brothers of Detroit, Mich.; a daughter and son-in-law, Christina and Wade Northrup of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; a grandson, Ryan Northrup of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Leo Gene Brothers.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday 11 a.m. with Reverend Jack L. Downs, celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Norwood, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

MALONE — Michael A. Gainer III, 50, of Malone, died Jan. 30, 2004, at Alice Hyde Hospital.

He was born April 1, 1953, in Orlando, Fla.

He resided in Malone, N.Y., for most of his life.

He was a field technician for Verizon and retired on Sept. 21, 2002.

Surviving are his three children, Jesse Gainer, Travis Gainer, and Zachary Gainer of Massachusetts.

MALONE — Harold T. Maneeley, 86, of County Route 25, Malone, N.Y., died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone. He had been a patient there since Jan. 20, 2004.

He was born in Malone, Jan. 21, 1918, the son of the late J. Hugh and Ella Foote Maneeley.

He graduated from Franklin Academy in Malone in 1937.

Mr. Maneeley served in the U.S. Army from 1940 until 1945, stationed in Greenland, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged.

On Nov. 5, 1947, he was united in marriage to the former Laura Breen at St. Lucy’s Church in Syracuse, N.Y. She survives.

He was employed by New York Telephone Company for over 32 years, retiring in 1977.

He was a member of the Malone American Legion Post 219 and the Telephone Pioneers Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening and woodworking.

Along with his wife, Laura, he is survived by two sons, James Maneeley of Potsdam, N.Y., and Gary Maneeley of Rochester, N.Y.; one daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and John Dancoes of Peru, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Laura and David Dancoes of Peru and Katie Maneeley of Fairport, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and Carl Maneeley; and two sisters, Ann Proper and Marion Maneeley.

Calling hours were held Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Malone. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery on the Lake Titus Road in Malone in the spring.

Donations may be made in his memory to either the Malone Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department or to the Malone American Legion Post 219.

Mark Burton Strack, 39, of Miami Lakes, Fla., died on Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at his home of natural causes.

He was born in Plattsburgh on May 7, 1964, son of John J. and Martha Pauline (Woodell) Strack.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

A full obituary will appear in the Press-Republican later this week.

Percival "Percy" C. Lyons, 89, of Fort Covington Street, Malone, N.Y., died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone. He had been a patient there since Jan. 27, 2004.

He was born in Malone, June 2, 1914, the son of the late Richard and Clara Allen Lyons.

Calling hours will be Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Malone. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery on the Lake Titus Road in Malone in the spring.

Rose Bradshaw Sucato, 68, of Sagegrove Road, Midlothian, Va., died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at her temporary home in Chateaugay, N.Y., following a lengthy illness.

She was born in Chateaugay, N.Y., on June 4, 1935, the daughter of Patrick Joseph and Henrietta (Cassidy) Bradshaw.

Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, Chateaugay with Reverend John Demo, officiating.

Eugene J. Lefebvre, 88, of the General LeRoy Manor Road, Morrisonville, died Monday, Feb. 3, 2004, at CVPH Medical Center.

He was born in Union City, N.J., on Oct. 15, 1915, the son of Severen and Martha (Gadway) Lefebvre.

As of Monday evening, calling hours and funeral arrangements were incomplete at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home.

WAYNE R. RICHARDS, 54, of the Blake Road, Schuyler Falls, died on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Plattsburgh on March 23, 1949, the son of Frank and Doris (Giroux) Richards.

Arrangements are incomplete with the R.W. Walker Funeral Home

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