Published: 6/26/05

Keeseville — Elizabeth "Betty" Galarneau, 80, of Grove Street, Keeseville, died Friday, June 24, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Schenectady, May 10, 1925, the daughter of Nelson E. and Kitty M. (Winkler) Baldwin.

She graduated from high school in Schenectady.

Elizabeth was a former Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She will be remembered as a giving person, always doing for those in need, especially children. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed bowling and working with crafts.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Clayton V. Galarneau, whom she married August 31, 1945, in Schenectady; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary G. and Karen A. Galarneau of Keeseville and Gerald A. and Marty Galarneau of Phoenix, Ariz.; one daughter and son-in-law, Laurie M. and Douglas J. Rule of Milton, Pa.; three granddaughters, Lynn and Shannon Galarneau and Kristen Mousseau; one grandson, Tyler Rule; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; four brothers; and two sisters.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 1, 2005, at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Church in Keeseville with Monsignor Leeward J. Poissant, pastor, celebrating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

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

Arrangements are by the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville.

Peru — Eva Belli, 91, of Paine Street, Peru, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 25, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Masanti DiParma, Italy, Dec. 29, 1913, the daughter of Giuseppi and Maria Belli.

She retired from The Pierre in New York, where she was employed for 40 years of service.

Eva was a lover of birds, flowers and nature.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Marie Belli of Peru; three grandchildren, Michael Belli of New York, John David Belli of Valencia, Calif., and Jennifer M. Belli of Plattsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Primo Belli; three brothers, Stephane, Leonildo and Giovanni; and two sisters, Adele and Yolanda.

Calling hours will be held Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church in Peru with the Rev. William Reamer, CVPH chaplain, celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Peru.

Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Essex — Charles Ashton Goff, 64, passed away at Fletcher Allen Hospital, Burlington, Vt., on Friday, June 24, 2005, after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. He was born in Syracuse, N.Y., on Sept. 23, 1940, the son of Donald Ashton Goff and Frances Helen (Baker) Goff. Charlie Goff supported, served and loved the community of Essex, N.Y., from 1946 until his death.

After graduating from Willsboro Central School in 1959, and Albany Business College in 1961, he was employed at Cabot Corp. and Interpace Co. (now NYCO) for 10 years. In 1973, Charlie joined his father, Donald, in a partnership at Essex Box & Pallet, Inc. They successfully ran their business for more than 20 years, providing local employment for many. Charlie sold the business and retired in 1996.

Charlie was a longtime and devoted member of the Essex Fire Department, serving as assistant chief and a frequent driver for the Essex Fire and Rescue Squad. He was a member of the Essex Community Church and was well known in the community for his tireless volunteer work. He will be dearly missed for his generous service to the town of Essex: lawn mowing, snow removal, sanding driveways, painting, tree pruning, errands, lifeline assistance and much more.

He had a great love of the forests, back roads and farm fields. He especially loved working in the woods, cutting logs or firewood. He was noted for his knowledge of trees and shrubs, his sharp wit, and determined passion in all tasks. He also enjoyed music, particularly the music of his much loved grandsons.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma (Walker) Goff, whom he married in 1962; their two sons, Charles Allan Goff, wife Rebecca (Savoie) Goff and their four sons (Mitchell, Matthew, Jonathan and Joseph), of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Todd Michael Goff and fiancée Gretel Schueller of Burlington, Vt.; his brother, Donald Douglas Goff and wife Mary Anne of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law Carolyn Walker of Essex, N.Y.; five nephews and two nieces, as well as three great-nieces and two great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

His family wishes to extend their appreciation to the many people in the area who have been so supportive over the last several months and who have provided encouragement and assistance in many ways.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Essex Community Church, the Essex Fire Department or Rescue Squad, or to the following memorial fund set up for future needs in Essex: the Charles Goff Memorial Fund, Essex Community Fund, P.O. Box 101, Essex, NY 12936.

Calling hours will be held at Huestis Funeral Home in Willsboro on Monday, June 27, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A special firemen’s memorial service will take place at 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Essex Community United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 28, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. John Hunn officiating. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery.

Peru — Angela Rhae Bryant Forrence, 68, of Route 22, Peru, died unexpectedly Friday, June 24, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Nichols, S.C., May 25, 1937, the daughter of Col. Woodrow and Mildred (Norton) Bryant.

Angela was raised in a military family. She felt a close connection with the families who lost a loved one, which led to her work with the POW-MIA movement and compassionate articles in the media. She was extraordinarily patriotic, marched in many parades and gave countless inspiring speeches.

She was a proud 1962 graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and had a distinguished career as a psychiatric nurse.

She was deeply spiritual and an active member of the Peru Community Church. Many will remember her notes and cards with quotes of scripture that she would personally select for the individual.

Angela was very involved in the community and served as a board member for many years at Behavioral Health Services North, on the Battle of Plattsburgh Committee, the Riverwalk Committee, and as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a Girl Scout troop leader and "Military Wife of the Year" at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

Other passions included yoga, growing orchids, performing in Langlois-Racine Dance School Tap Dance Recitals and pampering her two famous felines Bambi and Farrah Feline Forrence.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Forrence, whom she married April 14, 1984, in Peru; one daughter and son-in-law, Tamara Angelyn Goodrich Paul and Robert Goodspeed Paul of Florida; two stepdaughters and spouses, Carolyn and Andrew Gonyea of South Carolina and Diane and Edward Grant of North Carolina; two stepsons and spouses, Mason and Joan Forrence and McIntosh Forrence and Hannah Hanford, all of Peru; one granddaughter, Jordan Rhae Paul; eight stepgrandchildren, Chad Robert Paul and Sean Paul, Seth, Erica and Kate Forrence, Jeffrey and Suzanne Grant and McIntosh and Jonathan Forrence; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Vicki Bryant of Florida; one sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Frank Suhoskey of Florida; three sisters-in-law, Jean Pritchard of Newburgh, Rosalind Carpenter of Illinois and Fiona Forrence of Plattsburgh; one brother-in-law and spouse, William and Majorie Forrence of Peru; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church in Peru with the Rev. Dr. Robert Svenson, pastor of the Peru Community Church, officiating.

Donations in her memory may be made to Behavioral Health Services North, 159 Margaret St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, Riverwalk, 41 City Hall Place, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, or the POW-MIA, 1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170, Arlington, VA 22201.

Plattsburgh — Senator Ronald B. Stafford, 69, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., passed away peacefully on June 24 at his home, with his wife and children by his side, after a long, courageous battle with lung cancer. He was the husband of Kay F. Stafford.

Mr. Stafford dedicated his entire life and career to helping others. Through law, legislation, business savvy and simple will of heart, Mr. Stafford enriched the lives of all whom he touched. His professional life spanned over 40 years of private and public service, encompassing a distinguished legal career, a 37-year tenure with the New York State Legislature and most recently, a successful business venture. He was a trusted advisor to five New York state governors, endorsed from all major political parties, protector of the Adirondack Park, a scrupulous advocate of our legal system and a trusted businessman.

Through his own strife of battling two primary cancers in his lifetime, Mr. Stafford found solace in helping others fight cancer. He emotionally abetted those in need by finding the appropriate treatment center and giving steadfast encouragement. As recent as two weeks ago, he readily assisted a family battling cancer.

Mr. Stafford’s altruistic character strengthened his resolve, giving him purpose and grace to accept life’s many challenges. His commitment to helping others face cancer with unbridled courage, good humor and indomitable spirit was recognized by the Gilda’s Club, a world-wide organization created for Gilda Radner. For his exemplary demeanor, Mr. Stafford was presented with the prestigious Gilda Spirit of Hope Award.

Mr. Stafford, born on June 29, 1935, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., rose from humble beginnings in an orphanage until he was adopted by Agnes and Halsey. The family lived in Dannemora, where his father worked at the state prison and mother taught grade school.

Mr. Stafford graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1953 and St. Lawrence University in 1957, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Following service in the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer, he entered Columbia School of Law, graduating in June 1962.

Local Republican leaders tapped Mr. Stafford, then only 29-years-old, to run in a special election for State Senate in 1965. At the time the legislative district encompassed Clinton, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties.

In 1966, he won his first two-year Senate term in a newly redrawn legislative district including six counties of the North Country and Adirondack Park. Mr. Stafford won re-election to the seat in the much expanded district.

Mr. Stafford’s long tenure in the State Legislature, capped by a 10-year term as the State Senate’s powerful Finance Committee Chairman, allowed him to exert great influence over government policy statewide and in the North Country and Adirondack region that he represented.

His attention to constituent services earned him widespread appeal in his legislative district, sometimes earning him the re-election endorsements of all four major political parties. Mr. Stafford ran 19 times for his State Senate seat, most often unopposed. When challenged for re-election, Mr. Stafford usually won with at least 70 percent of the vote.

He was a major force in bringing the 1980 Olympics to Lake Placid, having been named Chairman of the New York State 1980 Olympic Winter Games Commission six years earlier. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and helped create the Olympic Regional Development Authority, which to this day oversees operation of the former Olympic venues.

Following Mr. Stafford’s retirement from the State Senate, Gov. George Pataki in 2003 appointed him to head New York’s efforts to bring a third Winter Olympic Games back to Lake Placid and the North Country.

In 1974, as Chairman of the State Senate’s Higher Education Committee, Mr. Stafford helped craft and create the State’s Tuition Assistance Program. This landmark program opened college doors for thousands of New Yorkers who would otherwise have been unable to afford a higher education. The TAP program continues to afford educational opportunities to college-aged youngsters across New York today.

He was a leader in the fight against acid rain in the Adirondacks. In 1988, he sponsored a bill that mandated restrictions in emissions produced by smokestack industries in Midwestern states. In 2000, Gov. Pataki signed a Stafford-sponsored bill that penalized New York companies that sold federally-authorized pollution allowance credits to Midwest polluters.

Mr. Stafford waged a five-year baffle against the insurance and drug industries — and members of his own Republican Senate majority — to win a victory in 1986 that gave people exposed to toxic chemicals expanded legal protection. Dubbed the "Toxic Torts Bill," this legislation was hailed at the time as the most significant victim’s rights measure in New York history.

In his 45th Senate District, comprising Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington Counties, Mr. Stafford was able to provide tax relief for farmers, establish a system of emergency telephones along the Adirondack Northway and provided millions of dollars in economic relief to the Plattsburgh area when the federal government closed the Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 1995.

When a freak ice storm wreaked havoc across Clinton, Franklin and Essex Counties in January, 1998, toppling trees, powerlines, collapsing roofs and farm buildings and knocking out power to thousands of residents in bitter cold temperatures, Mr. Stafford, with Gov. Pataki’s help, responded with an ambitious public relief program.

Through emergency legislation and program relief, Mr. Stafford and the governor extended tax deadlines, established a herd replacement program for farm animals, accelerated unemployment benefit payments and shipped in emergency housing and building supplies to aid the thousands who were left homeless or without power.

Mr. Stafford’s influence and tenure allowed him to bring untold millions of dollars into his district for municipal water and sewer projects, parks and road improvements, hospitals and other health care facilities, tourism enhancement programs and education aid to local schools and colleges.

During his long career in the Senate, Mr. Stafford served as Deputy Majority Leader for Legislature Operations (1988-92), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee (1987-88), the Committee on Codes (1979-86) and the Senate Higher Education Committee (1966-78). He was named Finance Committee Chairman in 1993.

On Memorial Day in 2002, Mr. Stafford announced he would not seek re-election to the State Senate. He retired at the end of the year. Following his retirement in 2003, Governor Pataki appointed Mr. Stafford to the 16 member Board of Trustees for the State University of New York.

Mr. Stafford was a member of the Board of Directors of KeyCorp, Adirondack Bank and the Ausable Chasm Company and served on the Board of Visitors of Columbia University School of Law, the Board of Trustees of St. Lawrence University, the Trudeau Institute and Paul Smith’s College.

He also served on the Board of Trustees for the College of St. Rose and the College of Paul Smith’s, the Board of Governors of the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, the Advisory Board of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School, the Boards of Directors of the Champlain Valley School of Nursing, the St. Lawrence University Alumni Council, the Adirondack Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the William H. Miner Institute for Man and His Environment.

Mr. Stafford was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Wadhams Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg, N.Y., and the College of St. Rose In Albany. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the State University College at Plattsburgh and the State University College at Potsdam.

Following his distinguished service in New York State Senate, Mr. Stafford became president of CMA Consulting Services in Latham, N.Y., and was a partner with the law firm of Harris-Beach, PLLC.

Besides his wife, Kay, Mr. Stafford is survived by a son, Damian John Stafford of New York City, a daughter, Katherine Brooke Stafford of New York City, a son, Parker Knight Stafford of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; a stepson, George H. McCabe and his wife, Rachel M. Neild, of Takoma Park, Md., a stepdaughter, Michele L. Arcoleo and her husband, Dr. James A. Arcoleo of Conway, Mass.; and four stepgrandchildren, Molly McCabe, Samuel McCabe, James Arcoleo and Grace Arcoleo.

Remembering the twinkle in his eye, the slight wave of the hand and the infamous Stafford Shuffle, we salute you, Mr. Stafford and will forever hold you in our memory and hearts.

Visitation will be at St. Peter’s Church in Plattsburgh on Sunday, June 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Monday, June 27, from noon to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 28, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church. A brief reception will follow at the Church: 114 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 12901.

A procession will then proceed to Evergreen Cemetery in Canton, N.Y., for entombment.

The R.W. Walker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donations in Senator Stafford’s memory may be made to the Ronald Stafford Cancer Support Foundation, Inc., 1 Cumberland Ave., Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Susan K. Thompson Slattery, 54, of Ticonderoga, died Saturday, June 25, 2005, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are under the direction of the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home of Ticonderoga.

A full obituary will appear at a later date.

Mary E. Boule, 55, of LaFayette Street, Plattsburgh, died on Thursday, June 23, 2005, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Plattsburgh on Aug. 23, 1949, daughter of the late Roger and Dorothy (Golden) Boule.

Calling hours will be Monday, June 27, from noon to 1:45 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, June 27, at 2 p.m. from John XXIII Community Newman Center in Plattsburgh.