Published: 3/9/05

Peru — Steven John Martinez, 46, of Union Road, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2005, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in Swindon, England, on Sept. 26, 1958, son of Alexander and Winifred (Depeneo) Martinez.

Steven was a graduate of Tucson High School in 1977. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1977 to 1986. Steven was employed by Monaghan Medical Corporation prior to his illness. His hobbies included hunting, riding his ATV, motorcycle and driving his classic Mustang. Steven was a member of the Peru Rod and Gun Club.

Steven is survived by his fiancée and her daughter, Diane M. Masella of Peru and Shauna Masella of Portland, Ore.; a brother and his wife, Alexander and Liz Martinez of Tucson, Ariz.; two sisters and their husbands, Debra and Rick Rixton of Tucson, Ariz., and Gloria and David Childers of Galliano, La.; and several nieces and nephews.

Steven was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Winifred Martinez.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral arrangements will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Steven's memory may be made to the Chelsea's Rainbow Fund, the foundation of CVPH Medical Center, 75 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Arrangements with Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

Hollywood, Fla. — Stuart Robbins, 66, died Feb. 5, 2005, at Hollywood Medical Center due to an auto accident.

Stuart Robbins was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 9, 1938, son of Jack and Etta Robbins. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960 to 1964.

He moved to Plattsburgh in October 1975 and worked at Arpak Plastics and many local country bands as a drummer for many years. He moved to Hollywood, Fla., in 1988, where he retired and continued to play his country music.

He is survived by his parents, Jack and Etta Robbins of Florida; two daughters, Audrey Bodden and son-in-law Kevin Bodden of Boca Raton, Fla., and Mindy Robbins and companion Dale Lavarnway of Cadyville; his sister, Donna Weiss of Queens, N.Y.; two grandsons, Dylan and Devon Bodden of Boca Raton, Fla.; Beverly Robbins of Plattsburgh; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held on Feb. 8, 2005, at Star of David Memorial Chapel, North Lauderdale, Fla.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Make -A- Wish Foundation.

Port Henry — Francis (Lindy) Johnson, 81, of Port Henry, N.Y., passed away Monday, March 7, 2005, at Fletcher Allen Hospital, due to cardiac complications. He was a life long resident of Port Henry.

He was involved in Port Henry life in many different aspects. Growing up, he attended Port Henry High School along with his brothers Lawrence (Jum), Peter, Jerry and sisters Lucille, Mary and Peggy.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served his country for four years during World War II in the South Pacific; he participated in action at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Guam and Iwo Jima. He was an NCO with the rank of sergeant and a sharpshooter in charge of his own squad. He returned to Port Henry, married Louise Bright from Ticonderoga and they had 10 children together.

Lindy left behind a very caring family of children; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Johnson and survived by sons Gerald and wife Doreen, Michael and wife Kathy, Robert and wife Jill, William and wife Maryann, Richard and Scott Johnson, along with daughters Cindy and husband Mel James, Sandy and husband Bernard Beebe and Judy Johnson. Grandchildren include Jeff and Todd Johnson of Massena, N.Y., Robin Johnson of Port Henry, N.Y., Jennifer Moran, Lindsay and Kristen Johnson of Niskayuna, N.Y., Molly Campbell and Hannah Johnson of Syracuse, N.Y., Onja, Ariel and Jalen Beebe of Port Henry, N.Y., and Jared, Jordan and Jacob Johnson of Colonie, N.Y.

Friends are invited to pay respects Thursday, March 10th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harland Funeral Jome in Port Henry.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations to The American Heart Association.

Essex, N.Y. — Gerald E. Benway, 71, of Essex, N.Y., died at the Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown on March 8, 2005. He was born in Jay, N.Y., on June 15, 1933, the son of Kenneth and Angela (Brusso) Benway.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of St. Joseph's Church, Essex. He retired in 1998 from the Town of Essex as a heavy equipment operator.

Mr. Benway is survived by his wife Doreen (Waczkowski) of Essex; his children and spouses, Charlton and Theresa Benway of South Dakota, Norman Benway of Essex, Valerie and Thomas Breyette of Morrisonville, Anna Benway of Beekmantown and Barbara Jo and James Mitchell of Lewis; his brothers and wives, Kenneth and Patricia Benway of Willsboro, Frank of Whallonsburgh and James and Shirley Benway of Clifton Park; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; and three sisters, Roseann Cole, Joan Gill and Joyce Bertch.

Calling hours will be held at Huestis Funeral Home on Saturday, March 12th, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. James Delbel officiating.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

JENNIE E. SPENCE, 89, of Dannemora, died Tuesday, March 8, 2005, at the home of her son-in-law Gary Haines in Williamstown, N.J. Arrangements are with the O’Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

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