Published: 5/17/05

WESTPORT — Reginald James Mero lost his battle with lung cancer on Sunday, May 15, 2005, at his home in Westport, N.Y., surrounded by his family.

Reginald was born in Willsboro, N.Y., on Jan. 15, 1928, to Jay Raymond and Leita (Shepard) Mero.

Reggie attended Willsboro Central School. He served in the United States Navy.

Reginald wore many hats in his lifetime. His early careers included owning and operating a snack bar in Willsboro, N.Y., and cutting meat at various Grand Union stores in the area.

In 1958, Reg and his family moved to Westport where he opened a store on Main Street which he operated through the early 60’s. In 1968, Reg partnered with Keeton Lobdell of Wadhams and Clyde Mason of Reber to form the MLM Insurance Agency in Westport. Keeton and Reg also worked together organizing the Essex County Fair of which Reg served as manager for approximately 15 years. After retirement from the insurance business, Reg found enjoyment helping others. This culminated in his 1998 election to the position of supervisor for the Town of Westport. Reg served in this capacity until December of 2001.

Reginald will now be reunited with his wife of 42 years, Alice Lee Mero, who died Dec. 7, 1994; a daughter, Annette Wisehart, who died Jan. 21, 2001; a son-in-law, John Wisehart and grandson, Ethan Wisehart, who both died Oct. 18, 2001; and two brothers, Walton and Wendall Mero.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Janette and Ron Muttillo of Rome, N.Y.; his son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Kerry Mero of Westport. Reg was a loving grandfather to Benjamin Wisehart of Jericho, Vt., Thomas and Abigail Mero of Westport, N.Y., and Mary, Brandon and Matt Muttillo of Rome, N.Y. Reg is also survived by three sisters, Arlene Macaulay of Clifton Park, N.Y., Ione Carey and Brenda Mero, both of Albany, N.Y.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends whom Reginald leaves behind include James and Lorraine Decker of Westport and John and Robin Crandall and family of Wadhams, N.Y., and Karen (Sweetie) Keech of Westport.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Westport. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 12 noon at the Westport Federated Church with Rev. Arthur Goyette, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Cemetery in Willsboro.

The family wishes to thank the many people who were supportive during Reg's illness, including Doctors Duus, Cordaro, Kabeli, Vacaro, Moisan and the staffs of the FitzPatrick Cancer Center, the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, the Elizabethtown Community Hospital and High Peaks Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Celebrate Annette, American Cancer Society Relay For Life Team and sent to Bradley Rascoe, 5 Meadow Way, Westport, NY 12993.

Plattsburgh — William L. VanValkenburg, 76, of the Abenaki Road, Plattsburgh, died unexpectedly, Sunday, May 15, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Albany, June 18, 1928, the son of Herman and Inez (Nelson) VanValkenburg.

He was employed with A. Mason and Sons in Peru for many years.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his true love was spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Hilda D. (Blair) VanValkenburg of Plattsburgh; his children, Carolyn Betters of Schenectady, Katherine Hall and companion Roger Green of Plattsburgh, William Jr. and Mary VanValkenburg of Plattsburgh, Elizabeth Rivers of Ellenburg Depot, David and Tammy VanValkenburg of Peru, Sharron and Gary Hemingway of Plattsburgh, John and Mary VanValkenburg of Peru, Bonnie and Stanley Kusalonis of Schuyler Falls and Connie Baker of Plattsburgh; 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister; three brothers; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a son, James VanValkenburg, June 14, 1987.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Keeseville with Mr. Rodger White, officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Keeseville.

Donations in his memory may be made to the family.

Westport — Esther L. DePew, 94, of the Mountain Spring Road, Westport, died Wednesday, May 11, 2005, at her home under the care of her family and High Peaks Hospice.

She was born in Eureka, N.Y., Oct. 3, 1910, the daughter of Charles and Nina (Cross) TerBush and grew up in Sundown.

Esther is remembered, as the perfect mother and affectionate steadfast grandmother with abundant giving, love of birds, nature and family nurturing. She loved her farm, the Christmas trees and endearingly shared her world with everyone.

Survivors include a daughter, Judy D. Howell of Westport; a daughter-in-law, Mary DePew of Mineville; six grandchildren and spouses, Tim W. Howell of Westport, Krisy Holland and husband Wayne of Seminole, Fla., Robert L. DePew and wife Penny of Mineville and Terri L. Eoff and husband Reuben, Tina L. Dorsch and Michael DePew, all of Castle Rock, Colo.; and seven great-grandchildren, Preston and Parker Holland, Christine and Adam Cook, Justin and Matthew Eoff and Anthony Dorsch.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Ralph DePew; son, Robert Ralph DePew; and two sisters, Mabel Lowe and Eleanor Sheley; and one brother, Roger TurBush.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 20, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. at the Grahamsville Cemetery in Grahamsville, N.Y., with Rev. Renzi officiating. A reception will follow morning worship at the Westport Federated Church, Sunday, May 22, 2005, at 10:15 a.m. for celebrating the life and resurrection of Esther DePew.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Westport Federated Church or High Peaks Hospice of Essex County.

Arrangements are by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Westport.

Port Henry, NY — Arnold Ralph King of Jackson Street, Port Henry died peacefully Sunday, May 15, 2005, at Moses Ludington Hospital in Ticonderoga, N.Y.

He was born June 18, 1920, in Cheever, N.Y., the son of John and Frieda (Kimball) King.

He worked at International Paper Co. from 1946 to 1961 where he spent many years as head time keeper.

He was a veteran of World War II.

He enjoyed his many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joyce King of Port Henry; his children, Beverly and Duane Mattison of Ticonderoga, Arnold Jr. and Hope King of Mineville, Ralph King of Port Henry, Theresa and Frank Horton of Port Henry, Susan and Terry McCloskey of Plattsburgh, Debra King and George Smith of Port Henry and Joseph and Amy King of Port Henry; 18 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his grandson, Wally Edwards Jr.

At his request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Port Henry. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Moriah.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad or to the Port Henry Fire Department Cold Water Rescue.

PERU, NY — Eva Soliwoda, 83, of Peru, N.Y., and formerly of Saranac Lake, N.Y., died Monday, May 16, 2005, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Riverview, N.Y., on April 7, 1922, the daughter of Frank and Helen (Macy) Mose.

She married Peter J. Soliwoda on April 4, 1946, in Redford, N.Y. He predeceased her on Sept. 13, 2003.

Eva worked at the Shoe Factory in Saranac Lake. She owned and operated the Broadway Luncheonette for a little while and later worked for the Airport Snack Bar for two years. She also worked at the Red Mill Restaurant as a cook. She loved cooking, knitting and crochet and also being with our whole family.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Eileen and Gary Tedford of Saranac, N.Y.; one brother, James Mose of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Hope Goble and Amy Tedford; great-granddaughter, Rebecca Goble; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Assumption of Mary Church in Redford, N.Y., with Rev. Fancis Coyer, officiating. Burial will follow at Assumption of Mary Cemetery in Redford.

Friends wishing to remember Eva Soliwoda may make memorial contributions to a charity of their choice in care of the funeral home.

NISKAYUNA, NY — Jared F. LaGoy, 65, of Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna, N.Y., passed away on Friday, May 13, 2005, in Niskayuna, N.Y., as a result of an accident.

He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

He graduated from Plattsburgh High School and received a bachelors degree from Plattsburgh State University and obtained three masters degrees from Albany State University at Albany in social science and administration.

Jared taught social science at Niskayuna High School for 32 years and retired seven years ago.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Niskayuna Teachers Association, was Niskayuna fire commissioner for over 20 years and a member of Good Now Flow Association of Newcomb, N.Y.

Survivors include his wife, Bernadette Patnode LaGoy; two sons, Christopher D. LaGoy (Carol) of New Paltz, N.Y., and Michael F. LaGoy (Sue) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two daughters, Jeanne Marie Mirchandani (Rajesh) of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and Ann Margaret LaGoy Polhemus (Ed) of Fishkill, N.Y.; two sisters, Janice Campbell (Richard) and Mary Ellen Rielly (Michael); one brother, Stephen LaGoy; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, State Street, on Thursday. May 19, at 9 a.m. to which friends are invited to attend.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. May 18th at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 Mcclellan Street, Schenectady. Burial will take place in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services, 40N Main Street, Albany, NY 12203.

Wimett — A graveside service for Betty Jean (Lytle) Wimett, 63, of Route 9, Lewis, who died Friday, April 1, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh following a valiant battle with cancer will be held Saturday, May 21, 2005, at 10 a.m. at the Deerhead Cemetery in Lewis with Rev. James A. Delbel, officiating.

Arrangements are by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru.

LaMora — A graveside service for Ricky G. LaMora, 45, of Route 3, Saranac, who died peacefully Saturday, March 26, 2005, at the home of his parents surrounded by his loving family and friends following a courageous battle with cancer, will be held Friday, May 20, 2005, at the Church of the Assumption Cemetery in Redford following a 9 a.m. memorial Mass celebrated at the Church of the Assumption with Rev. Francis J. Coryer, pastor celebrating.

Arrangements are by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru.

Dickinson — A graveside service for Barbara C. Dickinson of Ticonderoga, who passed away Feb. 24, 2005, will take place on Friday, May 20, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the family plot of the Valley View Cemetery of Ticonderoga. The Rev. Prudence Bertolino will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home of Ticonderoga.

Huestis — A graveside service for John A. (Jack) Huestis, of Ticonderoga, who passed away Feb. 16, 2005, will take place on Thursday, May 19, 2005, at 10 a.m. at the family plot of the Valley View Cemetery of Ticonderoga. The Rev. William G. Muench will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home of Ticonderoga.

Strong — A graveside service for Dorothy E. Strong, of Ticonderoga, who died April 1, 2005, will be held Thursday, May 19, 2005, 11 a.m. at South Moriah Cemetery in Moriah.

Arrangements are with Harland Funeral Home, Port Henry, NY.

Burgey — A graveside service for James E. Burgey of Crown Point, who died Dec. 23, 2004, will be held Sat. May 21, 2005, at 11 a.m. at White Church Cemetery in Crown Point.

Arrangements are with Harland Funeral Home, Port Henry, N.Y.

DUPREY — Funeral Mass for Eola M. "Lee" Duprey, who passed away on Dec. 29, 2004, will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2005, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Black Brook, N.Y. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Matthew's Cemetery in Black Brook, N.Y.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls and Zaumetzer Sprague Funeral Home in AuSable Forks, N.Y.

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