Obituaries: 2/24/06

Ethel Henrietta Ferris

AUSABLE FORKS -- Ethel Henrietta Ferris, 84, formerly of AuSable Forks, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. She resided at Valehaven Home for adults in Peru for nine years and at Meadowbrook Health Care since July 2005.

She was born in Clintonville, N.Y., Aug. 6, 1921, to Samuel J. and Goldia (Carpenter) Beardsley. She married David E. Ferris Dec. 6, 1921, and he died Jan. 16, 1996.

She worked for AuSable Valley Telephone Co. and AuSable Forks School and did cleaning for people. She attended AuSable Forks High School and got her GED in 1962. She was a member of Post 504 American Legion Auxiliary for 36 years. She was a member of the Senior Citizens Club in AuSable Forks for many years.

She is survived by six daughters and their husbands, Barbara and (Albert) Stickle of Peru, N.Y., Goldia Harrad of Keeseville, Rita and (Alfred) Rougeau of AuSable Forks, Agnes "Angie" and (Alan) Polyhlank of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., Ruth and (Brian) Yourdon of Keeseville, N.Y., Jean and (Dale) Yourdon of Goosecreek, S.C.; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; one sister and her husband, Agnes (Ralph) Jarvis of Ocala, Fla.; one brother, Victor and (Mary Lou) Beardsley of Pahoa, Hawaii, and Oxford, N.Y.; one sister-in-law, Jean Beardsley of AuSable Forks; and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; husband; a sister, Hilda Beardsley, who died in 1951; a brother, Loyal Beardsley, who died in 1992; a sister-in-law, Rita (Whisher) Beardsley, who died in 1985.

Calling hours will be Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home in AuSable Forks. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. at the AuSable Forks United Methodist Church with the Rev Joyce Bruce officiating. Burial will be in the spring in Fairview Cemetery in AuSable Forks.

Memorials may be made to AuSable Volunteer Ambulance service or a charity of one's choice.

Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frederick Stephen Luther

PLATTSBURGH -- Frederick Stephen Luther passed away on Feb. 21 at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y., after fighting off esophageal cancer. Frederick, sometimes known to some as "Fred" and to others "Steve," was born on Dec. 1, 1922, in Stapleton, Staten Island, N.Y. He was the son of a German immigrant and his mother was Jessie Luther (Lockwood) of Staten Island.

Steve's mother passed away at an early age. Steve led a difficult childhood, but always persevered. At age 15 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. On the 27th of June 1941, Steve joined the U.S. Coast Guard as a Sonar operator. He served on the U.S.S. Wakefield, the largest ship ever manned by the USCG. It was a troop transport ship. After disembarking troops in Singapore, a squadron of Japanese Zero's bombed his ship and Steve lost five of his shipmates.

After that cruise and while recovering in a Naval Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., he met his wonderful wife -- Marion V. Luther (Craig), a local girl from Saranac, N.Y., who went down to the cities to help with the World War II effort. Marion and Steve were married on March 20, 1942. Steve returned to Sea Duty and served on six more ships throughout World War II.

On July 10, 1944, Marion and Steve had their first daughter, Susan D. Varnell (Luther), who was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Shortly thereafter, Marion and Steve were blessed with their second daughter, Cheryl A. Luther, who was born on Sept. 15, 1945, in Boston, Mass. Shortly after the war ended, Marion and Steve had their third daughter, Leilani Vanschulyenburch (Luther), who was born on Jan. 3, 1947, in Hollywood, Fla.

After a brief separation from the Armed Forces, Steve reenlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and performed radar maintenance and installation. He served in the U.S. Army until his retirement after 22.5 years of total service.

His wife Marion passed away on July 29, 1979. His three daughters survive Steve: Diane, Cheryl and Lelani; and his grandsons, Victor Varnell and Vaughn "Eric" Varnell. In addition, Steve was a great-grandfather due to Victor's marriage to Shirley Varnell (Liberty) and is survived by Victor's family, including Shirley and his great-grandson, Alexander D. Varnell.

To his family, Steve will always be known as a wonderful father and grandfather. Also, to many friends and his family, he will always be known as a person to help out in any circumstance and a man who served his country.

Steve will be laid to rest next to Marion at the Craig family plot in Saranac, N.Y., with an honor guard.

Medals, ribbons, citations, and badges awarded to SoM2c/Platoon Sgt. Frederick Stephen Luther: Good Conduct Medal - Second Award; American Defense Service Medal-with "A" Clasp; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic - Pacific Campaign Medal; European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal - with the "Germany" Clasp; National Defense Service Medal; NCO Leadership Ribbon; Philippine Defense Medal; Presidential Unit Citation - with "Oak Leaf;" Expert Carbine Badge.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 3 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring in Independence Cemetery in Saranac.

Paul R. Kelly

SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. -- Paul Robert Kelly, 94, of Sun City Center, passed away Dec. 30, 2005, at Tampa General Hospital from injuries suffered in an auto accident Dec. 23, 2005.

He was born May 1, 1911, in Clinton, Iowa, to Harold A. Kelly and Eleanor Huston Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion; brother, John; and sister, Betty Raymond.

He is survived by five children, Carolyn Harding (Lee) of Chazy, N.Y., David Kelly (Kathy), Nancy Perelman (Stanley), Nora DeJohn (Kurt) and Kathy Kelly; and a beloved niece, Linda Cottreau (Dick), who was like a daughter to him. He has 13 grandchildren, including Elizabeth H. Church (Tom) of Cadyville and Catherine H. Green (Jeff) of Chazy; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was a graduate of Clinton High School, where he excelled in sports. He went on to the University of Wisconsin and was a member of Phi Psi fraternity. He had to leave college in 1931 because of the Depression and the only job he could get was in sales. He was married to Marion Schneider in 1935. His career at Electrolux Corp. took him and his family to cities in Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut and New York. He retired as vice president of Electrolux in 1973 and came to Sun City Center.

He was an avid fly fisherman, golfer, trap shooter and bridge player. He was a pilot and flew his own plane for both business and pleasure to places like Alaska to fish (he sold two vacuum cleaners on that trip). Another passion

was investments. He worked on investments several hours a day and read everything he could get on the subject from many sources. His mind was very sharp, he had a wonderful sense of humor and he said many times: "I never

met a person I didn't like."

Calling hours were held Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at Lewers Funeral Home, Ruskin. A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2006, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City Center, followed immediately by a

lunch at the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc., 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221, (941) 729-5665, or the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, Sun City Center, Fla.

Patrick M. O'Connell

CADYVILLE -- Patrick M. O'Connell, left our world and was called home to God and his many family members Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, after a difficult battle with lung cancer. He died at home surrounded by his family and the loving touch of his wife, Joan and son, Kurt.

He was born Sept. 3, 1937, the son of Donald and Marjorie (Howard) O'Connell.

Patrick served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959. Patrick operated a dairy farm for many years and was employed by New York state, retiring from the Department of Corrections. Patrick was predeceased by his son, Patrick Michael; his father, Donald; his brothers, Donald, Rance and Dennis; a sister, Cassie; and a nephew, Jared Provost.

Survivors include his wife, Rita (Joan) O'Connell of Cadyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Kurt and Tonya O'Connell of Cadyville; five grandchildren, Kevin, Kasey, Mike, Kayla and Skye; his mother, Marjorie O'Connell of Plattsburgh; a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Deanna O'Connell of Cadyville; a sister, Johanna Adams of Plattsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.

Patrick was loved and respected by everyone in the family and many friends as well. He and Joan made their home the "hub" of family get-togethers for many years, making everyone feel welcome, a good meal was always on the table and plenty of laughter to go with it. Pat taught his sons, their friends and nieces and nephews the reality of hard work by his example. He would gather us together on summer's hottest days to throw hay and work the farm. No one complained as it was fun as well as work. His many grandchildren were his pride and joy and the gleam in his eye was always brighter when they were near. Being a loving "Pop" was second nature to him. Pat will be sorrowfully missed as he touched so many lives. However, his memory will always live on as we share the many stories we have about him, time and time again.

At Patrick's request, there will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. from St. James Church in Cadyville. A reception will follow in the parish center. Burial will be later in the year in St. James Cemetery in Cadyville.

Donations in Pat's memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country, North Country Center for Independence or to the Shriners.

Arrangements are with Brown Funeral Home in Cadyville.

Evelyn D. Signor

KEESEVILLE -- Evelyn D. (Lang) Santor Signor, 91, formerly of Church Street, Keeseville, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at the Evergreen Valley Nursing Home in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Colebrook, N.H., Sept. 3, 1914, the daughter of Karl E. and Louisa E. (Ramsey) Lang.

She was raised in Beecher Falls by her paternal grandparents. She graduated from Keeseville High School in 1931. She had several jobs in Keeseville including Taylor's General Store, Francis Callanan's Fuel, Keeseville National Bank, Telephone Company and finally for Sherman Willet's Lumber and Pulp Wood.

She was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church where she sang in the choir and was a lector several years. Evelyn enjoyed raising Morgan horses, playing the organ, painting, gardening, golf, square dancing, and cross country skiing. Evelyn should be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. She could remember a humorous event or joke and retell either to the pleasure and laughter of those around her. She would have a good laugh, too. She always carried a positive and optimistic outlook.

Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Philip E. Signor of Plattsburgh, whom she married May 22, 1982, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Keeseville; one sister, Virginia Lang Mussen Serra of Connecticut; one step-daughter and her spouse, Mary Ellen and Edward Nadeau of North Andover, Mass.; their children and spouses, Scott and Lisa Nadeau of Concord, N.H., and David and Susie Nadeau and their baby daughter, Sydney, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a special niece and nephew, Dick and Terry Santor of Saranac Lake, formerly of Keeseville; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Anthony Santor, who died April 11, 1980.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Keeseville. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Keeseville with Monsignor Leeward J. Poissant, pastor, celebrating.

Burial will be in the spring in the parish cemetery.

Donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Deaths:

CATHERINE KELLY CHERNICHEK, 95, of Wolfe Way, Plattsburgh, died Feb. 22, 2006, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Ireland on June 6, 1910, daughter of Laurence and Mary Kelly.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burial will be later in the year in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Colonie, N.Y.

Arrangements with Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

ALAN J. SAVAGE, 29, of North Lawrence, N.Y., died Feb. 23, 2006, at his home.

He was born in Malone on Aug. 9, 1976, the son of Jeremiah and Rita (Bennor) Savage of Bombay.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Cappiello-McKenzie and Cosgrove Funeral Home in Fort Covington. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church in Bombay, with the Rev. Stephen Rocker, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in the spring.

DOLORES P. MALLETTE, 73, of Malone, died Feb. 22, 2006, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone.

She was born in Moville, Iowa, on Aug. 16, 1932, the daughter of the late Avery and Gracia (Long) Stapelton.

There are no calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are through the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Service of Malone.