Published: 4/20/05

Peru — Edwin L. McGrath Sr., 81, of the Lapham Mills Road, Peru, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Athens, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1923, the son of Aaron and Bertha Mae (Emory) McGrath.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1964 having served during World War I, Korea and Vietnam.

Ed was a truck driver for many years with the Clinton County Highway Department.

He was a member life member of the Peru Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 309 and the West Plattsburgh American Legion Post 1619. He was one of the originators of the Peru VFW and the first commander. He was also a County Commander.

Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards.

Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Tresah McGrath of Peru and Janet and Richard Calkins of Schuyler Falls; one son, Edwin L. McGrath Jr. of West Chazy; a daughter-in-law, Karen McGrath of Chazy; six grandchildren, Melissa, Jeremy and Christina Calkins, Edwin III, Madeline and Kallie McGrath; two sisters, Louise Cline and Gladys Norris, both of Ohio.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Henry and Harold; and a sister, Gedna Martin.

Calling hours for he and his wife, Wilma M. McGrath will be held Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Parker, officiating. Burial will follow in God's Acre Cemetery in Peru where full military honors will be accorded by the Vermont Air National Guard Honor Guard.

Donations in Mr. and Mrs. McGrath's memory may be made to the Salvation Army Food Shelf or the Clinton County Nursing Home Activities Fund.

Princetown, NY — Violet Christiansen, 86, died Monday, April 18, 2005, at her home in Princetown.

She worked at Ellis Hospital as a nurse's aide for over 10 years.

She was a member of the Princetown Senior Citizens and of the former Princetown Reformed Church.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband, William H. Christiansen in 1993.

She is survived by a son, Mark A. Christiansen of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; a daughter, Margaret A. St. Amour of Princetown; three grandchildren, Karyn and Leigh Christiansen of Plattsburgh and Madeline St. Amour of Princetown; one sister, Margaret Liang of Pound Ridge, N.Y.

Those who wish may make contributions in Violet's name to the Pine Grove Fire Department, 144 Dunnsville Road, Schenectady, NY 12306.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Fredendall Funeral Home, Inc., 199 Main Street, Altamont, N.Y., is in charge of arrangements.

John W. Rigsbee, 76, of Route 22, West Chazy, died Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center.

He was born in Whitney Point, N.Y., on Feb. 24, 1929, the son of Wilbern Monroe and Mary Jane (Cox) Rigsbee.

Calling hours are Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Wesleyan Church in West Chazy.

To contact the Press-Republican, Phone: (518) 561-2300 or send mail to:
Press-Republican, 170 Margaret St., P.O. Box 459, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

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