Published: 7/22/05

Rouses Point — N. John Racine II of Smith Street, Rouses Point, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2005.

He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on May 2, 1977, the son of Norman and Patricia (Bombardier) Racine.

He graduated from NCCS in Champlain. He obtained an associate’s degree from Paul Smith’s College in Paul Smiths, N.Y., and a bachelor of arts from Portland State University in Portland, Ore. At the time of his death, he had very successfully completed the first year of the nursing program at Plattsburgh State.

His father, Norman J. Racine, predeceased him; as did his grandparents, Allyre and Annette Racine and George O. Bombardier.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Racine; a loving friend, Amy Favro; a sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Scott Wilson and a sister and brother-in law, Danielle and James Melanson; and two nephews, Wesley Wilson and Larry Nichols; and one niece, Whitney Wilson. He is also survived by his grandmother, Lena Bombardier; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

John enjoyed many activities, including gardening, fishing and hunting.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Clark's Funeral Home in Rouses Point. A funeral service will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Rouses Point at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus in Champlain, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations to St. Patrick's Church in Rouses Point.

Essex — Donald Joseph Deso, 78, died at his home in Essex, Tuesday, July 19, 2005. He was born in Rouses Point, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1926, the son of Harold and Irene (Bailey) Deso.

He was a graduate of Crown Point School, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and a member and past post commander of the Essex American Legion. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church where he served as treasurer for 30 years. For 56 years, he was involved with fire service in the town of Essex. He served as a commissioner, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and fire chief. Until his death, he was the primary groundskeeper at the Essex Fire Station.

He is survived by nephews Harold Deso of Elizabethtown and Lawrence Deso of Essex; a niece, Mildred Bills of Warrensburg; two brothers, Dean and Gertrude Deso and children Bev, Bill and Mary of Ticonderoga, William and Teresa Deso and children Ann, Matt, Donna, Mike and Cindy of Texas; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Vernon.

Calling hours will be held at the Huestis Funeral Home in Willsboro, Sunday, July 24, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A firemen’s service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Essex, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 25, with Rev. Scott Seymour officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lakeshore Road, Willsboro.

A reception will follow burial at the Essex Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be made to the Essex Fire Department.

Helen M. LeBoeuf, 90, of Saranac Lake, N.Y., died July 20, 2005, at her home.

Born in Lowville, N.Y., on Dec. 14, 1914, she was the daughter of William and Romana (Herperger) Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake with Pastor John Matern of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity officiating.

Arrangements are with the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

Michele Rende, 80, of Rensselaer Falls, N.Y., died July 18, 2005, at Claxton-Hepburn Hospital, Ogdensburg, N.Y.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 17, 1925.

Calling hours will be on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. with a service a 2 p.m. at the Forturne-Keough-Rennell Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. Burial will be at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.