Published 10/14/00

Essex — Kenneth Richter died at his home in Essex, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, after several years of failing health.

He was born on April 3, 1921, at Randolph, Mass., the second son of Herman W. and Winifred (Boothby) Richter.

He attended Thayer Academy and Harvard College. On July 8, 1947, he married Shirley (Perry) Richter, who survives him. Also surviving are his older brother, William Richter and his wife Marjorie; Jean Richter, the widow of his younger brother Robert; and several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Kenneth Richter early became absorbed in astronomy and at the age of 11 ground the lenses for and built his first telescope. Several home-built telescopes later, he was awarded a scholarship in astronomy at Harvard. A keen interest that developed parallel to astronomy was photography, which became his life's work. After three years working on Hollywood studio camera crews, he started a career of half a century producing educational, documentary, commercial and lecture films in a hundred countries around the world, usually as a two-person crew with his wife Shirley.

Ken Richter documented their drive across the Sahara in a Ford "woodie" station wagon from Algiers to the Congo and back to Tangier via Timbuktu; he was the first filmmaker into Yugoslavia after the break with the Soviet Union and filmed rare interviews of Tito with his Cabinet and then with his General Staff. An expert pilot, he flew a light plane through the Australian Outback and deep into Southern Africa to film wild animals in their most natural state.

He documented Germany from the lean, gray days of Konrad Adenauer after World War II to the glowing prosperity of the 90’s and the reunification of East and West Germany. He filmed scores of "family" stories: of an English ballet dancer; a nomadic Berber tribe of Morocco; a high country sheep station family of New Zealand. In all this, his chief purpose was to document the beauties, both natural and man-made, of the world and, even more important, to improve understanding among all the peoples of the world we share.

Ken Richter pushed motion picture quality, particularly sharp focus, to the ultimate throughout his career. This led him to design and build the Richter Reflex Auto-Collimator system to control lens quality and performance. The Richter Collimators are standard lens-testing equipment used around the world and are still being produced in the Richter facility on his Essex farm, as are visual approach landing aids for airplanes.

About half of a typical Richter year was spent in film production, generally abroad and another four months was devoted to a film lecture tour throughout the United States and often across Canada. With all their travels, the Richters called an Essex farmhouse, with one of the world's great views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont, their home for more than 50 years.

Ken Richter received many prizes and awards during his long career. He enjoyed all of them, but was proudest of his Academy Award given him at a gala celebration in Hollywood in March 1985 for "The Design and Engineering of the R-2 Auto-Collimator for Examining Image Quality at the Focal Plane of Motion Picture Camera Lenses."

There will be no calling hours or funeral. A memorial service will be held at Essex Community United Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 15th, at 2:30 p.m.

Friends who wish to make contributions to the memory of Kenneth Richter are asked to make them to the Whallonsburg Fire Department or the Essex Rescue Service, both of which have done much for the Richters in the many years they have lived in Essex.

Hague — Virginia C. Fitzgerald, 84, formerly of Overbrook Drive in Hague, passed away Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at the Horace Nye Nursing Home of Elizabethtown.

She was born in Hague on Aug. 24, 1916, the daughter of the late Hanford and Bertha (Duell) Bolton.

Mrs. Fitzgerald was a lifetime Hague resident. She was a member of the Ladies Aid of the Hague Baptist Church and was involved with the Hague Girl Scouts for many years.

Her husband, Eric Fitzgerald, passed away in 1990.

She is survived by one daughter, JoAnn Johnston of Wilmington, N.C.; one brother, Jack Bolton of Hague; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 33 Algonkin Street in Ticonderoga. A funeral service will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Russell Bissell, pastor of the Hague Wesleyan Church, will officiate.

Interment will follow at the family plot of the May Memorial Cemetery of Hague

Donations in her memory may be made to the Horace Nye Nursing Home, Elizabethtown, NY 12932.

Westport — Verna Mae Lydamore, 91, of North Main Street, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at her home.

She was born in Westport on March 25, 1909, the daughter of Vernon and Amy (Still) Gough.

She is survived by one son-in-law, Ross Carson of Kentucky; four grandsons, Terry Lydamore of Lewis, Craig Carson of Colorado, Gregory Carson of Virginia and Rupert Carson of Kentucky; one granddaughter, Cheryl Griffith of Arizona; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Lydamore; one son, Marshall Lydamore; and a daughter, June Carson.

She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a very active member of the Westport Federated Church and later of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. She was well known for her bright and friendly spirit as well as her beautiful hand crocheted afghans.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, Oct. 16th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at W.M. Marvins Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 17th, at 4 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Westport. Burial will follow at the North Elba Cemetery in Lake Placid.

Willsboro — Evelyn F. Morgan, 84, of West Road in Willsboro, passed away Oct. 12, 2000, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children.

She was born in Willsboro on June 29, 1916, the daughter of Walter and Bessie Beekman.

She was a member of the Willsboro Congregational United Church of Christ and an active member of the church choir for over 70 years. Her greatest love in life was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and singing in the church choir.

She is survived by 12 children, 29 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Barbara and son-in-law Lloyd Brockney of Willsboro, Beverly and son-in-law Dale Lashway of Willsboro, Frederick Morgan and daughter-in-law Lalopua of San Diego, Calif., and American Samoa, Joan and son-in-law Lawrence Martin of Willsboro, Joanne and son-in-law Robert McShane of Willsboro, Walter Morgan of Willsboro, James Morgan Jr. and daughter-in-law Pauline of Essex, Stephen Morgan and daughter-in-law Judi of Duluth, Minn., Dora and son-in-law Randall Atwell of Westport, LouAnne Morgan of Willsboro, Richard Morgan and daughter-in-law Mona of Willsboro and Russell Morgan of Willsboro.

Those that preceded her in death were her husband of 45 years, James Z. Morgan Sr. and a son, Arthur C. Morgan.

Calling hours will be held at the Willsboro Congregational United Church of Christ on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral services will follow at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made in her memory to the Willsboro Rescue Squad, High Peaks Hospice, or the Willsboro Congregational United Church of Christ.

The Huestis Funeral Home in Willsboro is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph R. Arnold, 90, of Franklin Falls, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at his home.

He was born Nov. 2, 1909, in the Town of Chestertown.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15th, at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A time of remembrance will be shared at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Joseph E. Robinson, 88, of Mill Street and formerly of Branch Street in Malone, died unexpectedly on Oct. 13, 2000, at his apartment.

He was born in Constable on May 3, 1912, the son of the late Louis and Vitaline (Lefebvre) Robinson.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church in Malone. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.

Published 10/13/00

Champlain — David Mills, 65, of the Castine Road, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000 at his home.

He was born in Sanford on Jan. 23, 1935, the son of Wesley and Mary (Sterling) Mills.

David was a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957 and retired from the Army Reserves in 1993. He had been employed by New York State Department of Transportation for 28 years, retiring in 1991.

David was a member of the American Legion Post 767 in Champlain, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1418 in Champlain and was a member of St. Mary's Church in Champlain.

He enjoyed hunting, gardening and the outdoors.

David is survived by his wife of 39 years, the former Betty Barker of Champlain. They were married in St. Mary's Church in Champlain on June 10, 1961. He is also survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cynthia Mills of Ellenburg Depot; two daughters and companions, Karen Poserow and Christopher Norton of New Milford, Conn., and Nancy Mills and Scott Dube of Rouses Point; six grandchildren, Maranda Mills, Carrie Mills, Brandon Mills, Christopher Mills, Dale Poserow and Parker Favreau; two brothers and a sister-in-law, James and Janice Mills of Walton and Robert Mills of Walton; seven sisters and six brothers-in-law, Helen and Donald Weidhaas of Gainsville, Fla., Lois and Ted Harris of Paso Robles, Calif., Jean Decker of Summerfield, Fla., Martha and Bob Wetzel of Hudson, Fla., Ruth and Harry Helmer of Summerfield, Fla., Joan and Marty Whelan of Norfolk, Va., and Lila and Al Rossomando of Tucson, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will meet Friday evening at 8 p.m. for services. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 11 a.m. from St. Mary's Church in Champlain. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery in Chazy.

Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country.

The family will be receiving friends and relatives at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Champlain following the cemetery services on Saturday.

Flanders, N.Y. — Eileen Mary Hennessy, 83, of Flanders, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at the Vermont Respite House in Williston, Vt.

She was born in Bronx, N.Y., on April 21, 1917, the daughter of Lawrence and Nora (Havens) Hennessy.

Eileen, an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, was among the first group of women in that branch of the service.

A graduate of Hunter College, Eileen had a long and successful career as an administrator for Suffolk County. In recent years, following her retirement, she wintered in Fountain Hills, Ariz., where she was an active member of the Church of the Ascension.

Eileen was a kind and caring lady who was dearly loved by her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her devoted family, her nephew Lawrence Hennessy and wife Joanna of Ft. Collins, Colo., and their daughters, Nicole, Danielle and Josephine; her niece Nora Lanigan and her husband John of Saranac Lake and their son, Sean; her niece Lisa Italiano and husband Anthony of Waitsfield, Vt., and her niece Susie Staples of Winooski, Vt., and her sons, Andrew and Michael.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Hennessy and his wife Dorothy of Plattsburgh, Hubert and Lawrence Hennessy of Bronx, N.Y., and William Winfield of New York City.

Visiting hours are on Sunday, Oct. 15th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Reginald Tuthill Funeral Home, 406 East Main Street, Riverhead, N.Y. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 16, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Riverhead, with burial to follow in St. John Evangelist Cemetery.

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

Willsboro — Evelyn F. Morgan, 84, of West Road in Willsboro, passed away Oct. 12, 2000, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children.

She was born in Willsboro on June 29, 1916, the daughter of Walter and Bessie Beekman.

She was a member of the Willsboro Congregational United Church of Christ and an active member of the church choir for over 70 years. Her greatest love in life was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and singing in the church choir.

She is survived by 12 children, 29 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Barbara and son-in-law Lloyd Brockney of Willsboro, Beverly and son-in-law Dale Lashway of Willsboro, Frederick Morgan and daughter-in-law Lalopua of San Diego, Calif., and American Samoa, Joan and son-in-law Lawrence Martin of Willsboro, Joanne and son-in-law Robert McShane of Willsboro, Walter Morgan of Willsboro, James Morgan Jr. and daughter-in-law Pauline of Essex, Stephen Morgan and daughter-in-law Judi of Duluth, Minn., Dora and son-in-law Randall Atwell of Westport, LouAnne Morgan of Willsboro, Richard Morgan and daughter-in-law Mona of Willsboro and Russell Morgan of Willsboro.

Those that preceded her in death were her husband of 45 years, James Z. Morgan Sr. and a son, Arthur C. Morgan.

Calling hours will be held at the Willsboro Congregational United Church of Christ on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral services will follow at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made in her memory to the Willsboro Rescue Squad, High Peaks Hospice, or the Willsboro Congregational United Church of Christ.

The Huestis Funeral Home in Willsboro is in charge of arrangements.

Plattsburgh — Arletta M. Speth, 100, formerly of Chenango Road, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at the Clinton County Nursing Home.

She was born in Buffalo on May 13, 1900, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schnitter.

Arletta married Francis C. Speth in Buffalo. Mr. Speth died in 1966.

She was a member of St. Mary's of the Lake Church.

Mrs. Speth was an avid bowler and was a member of the Women's Bowling Association.

Survivors include three daughters and one son-in-law, Doris and Ed McKinstry of Plattsburgh, Frances Lavelle of Bayonne, N.J., and Joan Williams of Corpus Christi, Texas; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours and funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Adirondack Humane Society, 1815 Idaho Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Arrangements are by the R.W. Walker Funeral Home.

Marion Griebsch, 82, of Woodycrest Road in Saranac Lake, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at the Adirondack Medical Center at Saranac Lake.

She was born Dec. 28, 1917, in Saranac Lake.

Calling hours wil be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Harrietstown Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

Arthur A. Rushlaw, 93, of Duprey Street in Saranac Lake, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at the Adirondack Medical Center at Saranac Lake.

He was born on Feb. 5, 1907, in Ft. Covington.

Calling hours will be held Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery.

Published 10/12/00

Malone — Janet R. (Gray) Basiliere, 71, of Burke, died this morning, Oct. 11, 2000, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center, after being stricken at her home in Burke.

She was born on May 6, 1929, in Churubusco, the daughter of Thomas A. and Caroline B. (Lagree) Gray.

She was a graduate of Chateaugay High School and the Plattsburgh School of Business.

On March 25, 1950, she married Noel C. Basiliere in the Burke Center Presbyterian Church. He predeceased her on March 5, 1993.

For several years, she was employed by Metropolitan Life insurance Company and later she and her husband owned and operated Basiliere Welding in Malone and Northern Adirondack Stone Quarries in Burke.

Janet was a loving mother, devoted to her family, friends and to her community. She was a member of the Chateaugay United Methodist Church, the Burke Fire and Rescue Auxiliary, several bowling leagues, Malone Lodge of Elks, past mayor and trustee of several terms for the Village of Burke and Town of Burke tax assessor.

In May of 1989, she was appointed to the Alice Hyde Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and was appointed to the executive board in 1992, where she remained until her demise. Mrs. Basiliere was very committed to her role as a board member, serving on the Public Relations Committee, Planning Committee and was instrumental on the Development Council Health Care 2000 from 1995 - 2000.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Lynn and Jamie Basiliere of Chateaugay Lake; one brother and sister-in-law, William and Sally Gray of Bel Air, Md.; one grandson, Andy of Chateaugay Lake; and six nephews and one niece.

She was predeceased by her husband Noel on March 5, 1993; her father, Thomas Gray, on April 23, 1983 and her mother, Caroline (Lagree) Gray, on July 13, 2000; and her sister, Jean Palmer, on Nov. 2, 1967.

There are no calling hours. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Chateaugay United Methodist Church, with Rev. Eleanor Bellows officiating. Interment will follow in the Morningside Cemetery in Malone.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Burke Fire and Rescue, Chateaugay United Methodist Church, or the Alice Hyde Medical Center Foundation.

Arrangements are by the Spaulding Funeral Home of Malone.

Sanborn, N.Y. — Philip L. Healy, 85, of Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, died on Sept. 29, 2000, at home, while under Niagara Hospice care.

He was born on March 9, 1915, in Dannemora, the son of Timothy and Mable (Lyon) Healy.

A World War II veteran, Mr. Healy was a U.S. Army infantry rifleman with the 6th Armored Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Bronze Star for crossing a bridge under enemy fire to get medical help for a badly burned soldier.

Mr. Healy attended the University of Alabama. He received a lifetime teacher's certificate from the Plattsburgh Normal School, now known as Plattsburgh State.

He came to Niagara Falls in 1940, moving to Sanborn in 1951.

He was an instrument technician for 31 years at E.I. DuPont deNemours in Niagara Falls, retiring in 1974.

Mr. Healy was a member of American Legion Wheatfield Post 1451, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9011, the 6th Armored Division Association, Hope United Methodist Church, the Retired Men’s Service Club and the Sanborn Historical Society.

He was a 4-H project leader for Sanbria Hicks and enjoyed world traveling, current events, golf, bowling and caring for his home.

Mr. Healy is survived by his wife, Martha R. "Penny" (Pennington) Healy; a son, John P. Healy of Bonita Springs, Fla.; a daughter, Patricia F. Pynn of Gasport; a sister, Irma Ryan of Plattsburgh; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Vera Hannon of New York City.

Ticonderoga — Barbara J. Huntington, 48, of Hall Road, Chilson Hill in the Town of Ticonderoga, died unexpectedly on Oct. 10, 2000, at Moses Ludington Hospital in Ticonderoga.

She was born in Ticonderoga on April 16, 1952, the daughter of Alfred and Jean (Willey) Bevilacqua.

Barbara was a 1970 graduate of Ticonderoga High School and in 1993 she received a RN degree from North Country Community College. Until 1995, she was employed with the Glens Falls Hospital and she currently was employed by the Essex County Public Health Home Nursing Service.

Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband, Patrick Huntington of Ticonderoga; one daughter, Jamie Huntington of Ticonderoga; two sons, Patrick and Zack, both of Ticonderoga; three brothers, Joseph Bevilacqua of Ticonderoga, Lawrence Bevilacqua of Rome, N.Y., and Stephen Bevilacqua of Burlington, Vt.; one sister, Vicky Bevilacqua of Vergennes. Vt.; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and uncles and aunts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Connery & Gunning Funeral Home in Ticonderoga. A traditional Catholic Wake Service will be held Thursday evening at the funeral home at 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at St. Mary's Church in Ticonderoga, with the Rev. Richard Huber officiating. He will be assisted by Deacon Elliot Shaw. Burial will follow in the family plot in Valley View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to the St. Joseph's Rehabilitation Center in Ticonderoga or Ticonderoga's St. Mary's School.

Jay — Kenneth Fowler Madden, 81, of Elmwood Street, died at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000.

He was born on June 28, 1919, in Jamaica, N. Y., the son of Louis and Frances (Hoff) Madden.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the field artillery. In World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and he also served with the navy in the Korean Conflict. During peacetime, he entered the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve as Petty Officer 1st Class in aviation ordnance.

Ken was Acting Superintendent of Cars and Shops for 28 years for the N.Y.C. Transit Authority. He and his family moved to the AuSable Acres in 1971. He was employed as a blacksmith at the North Pole for ten years.

He was a member of the Shriners Scottish Rite and the Tahawus Lodge 790 of AuSable Forks. Ken also was deputy constable for the Town of Jay for five years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 504, AuSable Forks.

He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Keith C. and Joan G. Madden of South Hempstead, Long Island; two daughters and sons-in-law, Arlene and Larry Gumlaw of AuSable Forks and Aleta M. and Lemuel "Bucky" Baker of Keeseville; five grandchildren, Lori Ann Dewitt, Scott H. Madden, Heath C. Baker, Lance K. Baker and Amanda Baker; and three great-grandchildren, Michael Anthony, Brandon M. Dewitt and Dustyn Charles Baker.

His wife, Edith Madden, and a sister, Louise Appleby, died before him.

Visitation hours will be Friday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Zaumetzer-Sprague Funeral Home in AuSable Forks. Members of Tahawus Lodge 790 will hold services at 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home and burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in AuSable Forks.

Memorials to him may be made to the AuSable Forks Free Library, P.O. Box 179, AuSable Forks, NY 12912.

PLATTSBURGH — Ann M. Thompson, 87, of Oak Street, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at Evergreen Valley Nursing Home.

She was born in AuSable Forks on March 30, 1913, the daughter of Daniel and Bridget (Williams) Coughlin.

Mrs. Thompson was a member of St. Peter's Church. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Key Bank in Plattsburgh for 15 years, retiring in 1979.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, James and Kathie Thompson of Peru, Gerald and Patricia Thompson Jr. of Troy and Robert and Dolores Thompson of Plattsburgh; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Kathleen and Danny Phebus of Plattsburgh, Patricia Poissant of Plattsburgh and Loretta and Raymond Cash of Chazy Landing; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three nieces.

Her husband, Gerald Thompson, died at the age of 36 in December of 1947. Mrs. Thompson was also predeceased by four brothers and one sister, Dave Coughlin, Bernard Coughlin, Tom Coughlin, Danny Coughlin and Elizabeth Myers.

Calling hours will be held Thursday 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 on Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner Children’s Hospital in Montreal.

Ellenburg Depot — Mr. Samuel L. Demarais, 78, of the Plank Road, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000.

He was born in Plattsburgh on Oct. 10, 1922, the son of the late John and Grace (Taylor) Demarais.

He retired from Republic Steel after 20 years of service and Plattsburgh State University College in 1987.

Samuel was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting. He was a member of St. Edmund’s Church in Ellenburg Depot.

He is survived by his wife, whom he married May 30, 1949, Rita (DeCoste) Demarais, of Ellenburg Depot; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Rev. Garvin Demarais, pastor of the Catholic Community of Keeseville and Daniel and Rita Demarais of Ellenburg Depot; four daughters and four sons-in-law, Joanne and Dale Boulrice of Ellenburg Depot, Arlene and Bill Loughan of Champlain, Sally and Alvin Canning of Lyon Mountain and Annette and Randy Manor of Ellenburg Depot; a brother, Raymond Demarais of Plattsburgh; nine grandchildren, Jared, Jessica, Justin, Danielle, Melissa, Cortney, Ashley, Adam and Jordan; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Roy Demarais.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Edmund’s Church in Ellenburg Depot, with his son, Rev. Garvin Demarais, celebrating. Interment will follow in St. Edmund’s Cemetery.

Friends wishing may have Masses said in his memory.

Plattsburgh — Leona M. Sottong, 87, of Beekman Towers, returned to the arms of God on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

She was born in Ellenburg on Sept. 5, 1913, the daughter of Henry and Lillian (Rock) Valley.

Leona had been employed by the New York State Department of Mental Health for 22 years, retiring in 1974. She was a member of St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh.

Leona is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Phylis Keddy of Port Orange, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Roger King of Altona; four sisters, Velma Swaitowicz and Marie LaFrenier of Plattsburgh and Teresa Supernaw and Viola Dashnaw of Holyoke, Mass.; six grandchildren, Valerie Thompson, Walter Arvisais, Dawn Perkins, Eric Keddy, Shane Keddy and Brian Keddy; seven great-grandchildren, Heather LaPoint, Charles, Walter and Jill Arvisais, Scott Colman and Michelle and Shawn Perkins; two great-great-granddaughters, Kendall Romat and Kelsey LaPoint; and several nieces and nephews.

Leona was predeceased by two brothers, Wesley Valley and Homer Valley; and three sisters, Pauline Blaise, Merilda Paul and Grace Peterson.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at 2 p.m. from St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will follow in St. Edmond's Cemetery in Ellenburg.

Donations in her memory may be made to the St. Peter’s Building Fund.

Arrangements by the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

Louis Clancy, 83, of Will Rogers Drive in Saranac Lake, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at Uihlein Mercy Center at Lake Placid.

He was born Aug. 12, 1917, in Brooklyn.

A Memorial Mass was held Wednesday at noon at Uihlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid.

The Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake was in charge of arrangements.

Arletta M. Speth, 100, of the Clinton County Nursing Home, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000.

She was born in Buffalo on May 13, 1900.

Arrangements are incomplete with the R.W. Walker Funeral Home.

Dorothy Supernaw, 89, of the Pocket Hill Road in Schyuyler Falls, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at the CVPH Medical Center.

She was born in Plattsburgh on May 9, 1911, the daughter of the late William and Lucy (Premore) Macey.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the Brown Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Msgr. Morris L. Dwyer officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot in the Schuyler Falls Cemetery.

Walter Becker, 82, of Long Lake, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at his home.

He was born in Schroon Lake on Jan. 29, 1918, the son of Joseph and Christina Becker.

Calling hours will be held at St. Henry’s Church in Long Lake on Thursday, Oct. 12th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at the church on Friday, Oct. 13th, at 10 a.m., with Fr. Thomas Kornmeyer officiating.

Arrangements are with the Richer Funeral Home in Tupper Lake.

Published 10/11/00

Marjorie L. Black

Colchester, Vt. — Marjorie Lee Black, 80, of Colchester, Vt., died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.

She was born in Brooklyn on May 31, 1920, the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Cook) Lee.

After moving to Vermont in 1965 with her husband, Malcolm Douglas Black, who predeceased her in 1987, she worked at St. Michael's College and the Fanny Allen Hospital. Prior to 1965 she lived in Mt. Tremper, N.Y., and Roosevelt, Long Island.

She is survived by her twin brother, Robert E. Lee of Brooklyn; two sons, Gordon D. Black of Vancouver, Wash., and Roger M. Black and daughter-in-law Bonnie-Leigh Black of Plattsburgh; four grandchildren, Douglas, Tighe, Kimberly and Darcie; and one great-grandchild, Noah.

A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Richard Hibbert at the Williston Federated Church on Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are by Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, in Burlington.

Daniel L. Bracy

Chateaugay — Daniel L. Bracy, 22, of Milk Street in Chateaugay, formerly of West Chazy, was pronounced dead at Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, following an automobile accident in the town of Bellmont.

He was born in Malone on Sept. 14, 1978, the son of Reginald and Deborah (Castine) Bracy.

Daniel is survived by his parents of West Chazy; a brother and sister-in-law and nephew, Randy and Carole Bracy and Tyler Bracy of West Chazy; his fiancee, Nicole Nason and their expected child of Chateaugay; and his paternal grandparents, Robert and Ada Bracy of Chateaugay.

Those that preceded in death were a maternal grandmother, Gertrude Manning Castine; paternal great-grandparents, Leonard and Edna Porter and Maude and George Bracy; and maternal great-grandparents, Richard and Goldie Manning Sr.

Daniel graduated from Beekmantown High School and was employed by Green Island Construction Company in Glenmont, N.Y. During his school years, he was active in the sports of wrestling and football. He enjoyed outdoor sports, including snowmobiling and spending time with his family.

Calling hours will be held at Chateaugay Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 11th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12th, in the Chateaugay Funeral Home, with Rev. Eleanor Bellows of the Chateaugay United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will take place at Eastside Cemetery in Chateaugay.

Donations may be made for Nicole and Daniel's expected child.

Michael W. Facteau

Plattsburgh — Michael W. Facteau, 51, of Wallace Hill Road, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at his home.

He was born in Malone on Feb. 16, 1949, the son of Donald and Jane (Tyler) Facteau.

Mr. Facteau was a Vietnam War Veteran, receiving the Purple Heart.

He was a cross country tractor-trailer driver for many years, a meat cutter at the Alco Meat Plant in Champlain and Sam's Club in Plattsburgh and also a workshop supervisor for the ARC.

Mr. Facteau was a member of the North Country Vietnam Veterans, the Marine Corps League and the VFW Post 125. He coached girl’s basketball at MAI in the 1980's and he was also an avid golfer and a member of the Barracks Golf Club.

Survivors include his wife, the former Susan Ladd of Plattsburgh; two daughters, Emily Facteau of Plattsburgh and Tammy Facteau-Debiec and her companion Joseph Braun of Chazy; one stepdaughter and her husband, Mrs. (Keva) Ray Timpson of Bedminster, N.J.; his parents, Donald and Jane Facteau of Plattsburgh; one brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Linda Facteau of Boca Raton, Fla; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Mrs. Donna Sturges of Boca Raton, Fla., and Mrs. Joseph (Mary) Blair of Plattsburgh; and two grandchildren, Patrick Timpson and Charlotte Timpson of Bedminster, N.J.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the United Methodist Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center or Hospice Care of the North Country.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Michael's life will immediately follow at the May Currier Recreational Building on the Tom Miller Road.

Florence M. Carson

MINEVILLE — Florence M. Carson, 73, of Broad Street in Mineville, died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, at the home of her daughter Lisa in Crown Point.

She was born on Dec. 18, 1926, in Mineville, the daughter of William and Helena (Jordon) Suprise.

She is survived by her son, Edward Carson of Mineville; four daughters, Jo Anne Trombley of Mineville, Chrystal Rabideau of Mineville, Lisa Demar of Crown Point and Sharon Sexton of Glens Falls; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at the Harland Funeral Home in Port Henry. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the High Peaks Hospice, P.O. Box 194, Mineville, NY 12956.

Antoinette Lyon, 78, of Bloomingdale, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at the Adirondack Medical Center at Saranac Lake.

She was born on Feb. 10, 1922, in Carle Place, Long Island.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at St. Paul’s Church in Bloomingdale.

The Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake is in charge of arrangements.

Published 10/10/00

Westport— Ruth O. Keefer, 93, died on Saturday Oct. 7, 2000, at her daughter’s residence in Avon Lake, Ohio.

She was born on Aug. 20, 1907, to Clarence and Edith (Strung) Osbourne.

She graduated from Physician’s Hospital in Plattsburgh as a Registerd Nurse in 1928. Ruth worked for the Elizabethtown Community Hospital for 17 years, and was a very active member of the Westport Federated Church.

She is survived by one daughter, Janet Lease of Avon Lake, Ohio; one son, Edward Keefer of Pittsburg, Pa.; one sister, Stella Morris of Elizabethtown; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Stephen Glen Keefer and one sister, Harriet Clark.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at W.M. Marvins Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Evelyn Meredith at the Westport Federated Church in Westport, Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Village Cemetery in Westport. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Westport Federated Church or to a charity of your choice.

MINEVILLE — Florence M. Carson, 73, of Broad Street, Mineville died Sunday Oct. 8, 2000, at the home of her daughter Lisa in Crown Point.

She was born on Dec. 18, 1926, in Mineville, the daughter of William and Helena (Jordon) Suprise.

She is survived by her son, George Carson of Mineville; four daughters, Joanne Tromblee of Mineville, Crystal Rabideau of Mineville, Lisa Demar of Crown Point, Sharon Sexton of Glens Falls. Also surving are 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday Oct. 10, 2000, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harland Funeral Home, Port Henry.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Rev. Alice Hobbs officiating. Memorial donations may be made to, High Peaks Hospice, P.O. Box 194 Mineville, NY 12956

CHAMPLAIN — Lawrence F. Gamelin, 85, of 27 Mason Rd., died Monday Oct. 9, 2000, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

Lawrence was born on Aug. 6, 1915, in Plattsburgh, the son of Ernest and Margaret Gamelin.

He was married to the former Marion Grimshaw. Lawrence worked at Sheridan Iron Works and served in the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of World War II. Lawrence was a member of the American Legion Post 767.

Survivors include his wife Marion of Plattsburgh; two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Patsy Gamelin of Arizona and Bruce and Lisa Gamelin of Coopersville; one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Gary Babbie of Rouses Point; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; also a close friend, Mildred Morrison.

There will be no calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family. M.B. Clark Funeral Home In Champlain is in charge of arrangements.

ELIZABETHTOWN — William D. Denton, 92, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at the Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown. He was the founder of Denton Publications.

He was born Jan. 4, 1908, the son of Albert and Jennie (Otis) Denton of New Russia.

A graduate of Elizabethtown High School, he attended Clarkson University, class of 1929. Bill worked for the New York State Dept. of Highways as a civil engineer until 1936. In 1934, he married the former Gertrude E. Bacon of Utica who predeceased him in 1985.

From 1936 to 1941 he owned and operated a food market, first in Lewis and then with his brother, Albert, in Elizabethtown as Denton Brothers. The Denton brothers also built two business blocks in Elizabethtown containing eight apartments and several commercial businesses.

Unable to join the U.S. Armed Forces because of poor eyesight, he worked as a mining engineer with Republic Steel in Mineville throughout most of World War II. In 1945 he worked as a survey party chief for the A. W. White Surveys Co., Rockville, Md.

He returned to Elizabethtown where he started his own commercial printing business and founded the weekly newspaper, "The Valley News" in 1948.

Bill’s son joined him in the printing and publishing business in 1958, and daughter, Cheryl, in 1962. Both parts of the business grew and prospered. The one newspaper became nine, one of the largest weekly newspaper groups in the State at that time. This group, which has won numerous State and National awards, became Denton Publications, Inc.

A community minded man, Bill founded "The Valley News" because he believed Elizabethtown and its neighboring towns needed a newspaper they could call their own, thus the slogan "More Than A Newspaper, A Community Service" was born.

Over the years he was active in many community organizations including the Adirondack Lodge # 602, F. & A.M.; Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club (Charter Member and past President); Elizabethtown Chamber of Comerce; Elizabethtown Volunteer Fire Company; Elizabethtown Fish & Game; Essex County Historical Association; and Elizabethtown Episcopal Church. He was Trustee of the Village of Elizabethtown from 1944 to 1950 and was Mayor of the Village for six years.

Over the years, Bill enjoyed many hobbies including coin and stamp collecting, reading, crossword puzzles, and most of all his genealogy where he built a national reputation as a prominent Denton Family Genealogist.

For the past six years he has been a resident of the Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown where he was very happy and has been lovingly cared for by the staff.

Survivors include a son William and daughter-in-law, Anne Marie of Elizabethtown; a daughter, Cheryl Allen and Al Gordon of Elizabethtown; a brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Therese Denton of New Russia; three granddaughters, Tammy Allen and Mike O’Leary of Ulster Park, NY, Barbara Denton Hersey of San Ramon, Calif; Susan M. Denton of Schuyler Falls; a great-granddaughter, Lauren Hersey of San Ramon, Calif; step-grandchildren, Roger E. Sherman II of Ogdensburg, Gary S. Sherman of Willsboro, Michael T. Sherman of New Port Riche Fla., Rebecca Loveless of Plattsburgh.

Calling hours will be at Marvins Funeral Home on Wenesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Elizabethtown at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the William D. Denton Scholarship Fund, PO Box 612, Elizabethtown, New York 12932.

Robert (Bob) Mero died Thursday Oct. 5, 2000, in Enfield, Conn. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Philip’s of Jeasus Church in Willsboro on Saturday Oct. 14, 2000 at 10 a.m.

Donald Bracey, 22, of Chateaugay, and formerly of Plattsburgh, was pronouced dead at Alice Hyde Medical Center on Oct. 8, 2000, following a car accident in the town of Bellmont.

Calling hours will be Wednesday Oct. 11, 2000, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Chateaugay Funeral Home.

A full obittutary will be published in tommorow’s paper.

Robert G. Strack, 68, of 23 Lawndale Ave., Schenectady and formally of 95 Sentinel Road, Lake Placid died at his home Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000. He was born in Lake Placid August 29, 1932, the son of Leon and Lena (Smith) Strack.

Friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 2 - 4 and 7- 9 p.m. There be an American Legion prayer service Wed. evening at 8 p.m. followed by a bible vigil service t 8:30.Funeral services will be hed Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the Saint Agnes Church, Lake Placid. Rev. Michael Gaffney, pastor will officiate. Full military honors will be provided at the graveside at St. Agnes Cemetery by the 10th Mtn Divison Fort Drum.

Michael W. Facteau, 51, of Wallace Hill Rd., died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at his home.

He was born in Malone, on Feb. 16, 1949, the son of Donald and Jane (Tyler) Facteau.

Arrangements for calling hours and funeral services are incomplete, as of Monday evening, at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home.

JESSIE SOTTILE, 87, of Lake clear, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at the Adirondack Medical Center at Saranac Lake. She was born Nov. 27, 1912, in Greenvale, LI, NY.

Calling hours will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Fortune0Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake, Interment will be in Long Island.

Published 10/09/00

SARANAC — Dale K. Miller, 46, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000 at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Plattsburgh on Feb. 2, 1954, the son of Kenneth G. and Helen C. (Devan) Miller.

He was employed as a firefighter for the City of Plattsburgh for 21 years until he retired in 1996 and later was employed by Morrisonville Construction. He enjoyed hunting and horseback riding and was known to his friends as "fearless".

He is survived by his wife Diane (King) Miller of Saranac, a son Jared Miller of Saranac, his mother Helen Miller of Cadyville, a sister Dawn (Peek) Landry of Enfield, New Hampshire, 4 nephews, 2 nieces, 2 great nephews, a great niece and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

His father, Kenneth G. Miller, died in 1993.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the O’Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday from St. Joseph’s Church in Dannemora.

John J. Pelkey, 61, of Rouses Point, died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000 at the CVPH Medical Center. There will be no calling hours. Serivces will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rouses Point Rescue Squad.  Arrangements are with the M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Champlain.

Published 10/08/00

Ruth O. Keefer, 93, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, in Avon Lake, Ohio.

Arrangements are incomplete with W.M. Marvins Sons Funeral Home in Elizabethtown.

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