Author Archives: costello

Zada J. Moot

May 5, 2021

Fineview, Wellesley Island, NY

Zada J. Moot, 62, of County Rte 191, passed away Wednesday at Carthage Center Nursing Facility.

Zada was born on October 26, 1958 in Rome, NY, the daughter of Theodore and Sarah Alder Rebe.  She graduated from Adirondack Centeral High School. She was an Enrolled Agent and Partner in Monaghan & Moot in New Hartford, NY, and also worked for the Rome Teacher’s Federal Credit Union in Rome, NY, retiring in 2006.

A previous marriage to Kenneth Furman ended in Divorce.

Zada married Peter V. Moot, Jr. in Wilson, NY on August 13, 1983.

Zada loved boating, gardening, and spending time with friends and family on the St. Lawrence River.

She is survived by her mother Sarah Rebe, Boonville, NY, her husband, Peter, Fineview; her son, Peter V. Moot III and his wife, Sabrina, and their son Peter, of Clinton, NY; two daughters, Stacy D’Aquisto, and her daughters Zada and Abby, of Coldbrook, NY and Melissa and her husband Kevin Bronk, and their children Sarah, Ricky and Robert, of Stittville, NY; her sister Otilla (Norm) Fey, West Lyden, NY; brothers, Theodore Jr. (Shirley) Rebe, PA, and Paul (Karen) Rebe, Lee Center, NY; and one great-granddaughter, Jane; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 10th from 3-6pm at Trainor Funeral Home in Boonville. Additionally, calling hours will be held at Costello Funeral Home in Alexandria Bay on Tuesday, May 11, from noon until 2 pm.  A memorial service, with Reverend Lisa Busby, will be held at 2 pm at the funeral home with burial following at Riverside Cemetery on Wellesley Island.

Memorial donations may be made in Zada’s name to the Alzheimers Association at alz.org.

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Janet M. Handschuh-Amyot

April 25, 2021

Chippewa Bay, NY – Janet M. Handschuh- Amyot, 57, passed away at her home, early Sunday morning.

She was born August 31, 1963, in Alexandria Bay, daughter of Herschel and Helen Gibson Handschuh. She grew up on their family farm in Redwood, NY where she enjoyed taking care of calves and exploring nature.

Janet graduated from Alexandria Central High School in 1981, then from Canton ATC in 1983 with her Associate’s Degree in 1983 and from Clarkson University in 1985 with her Bachelor’s Degree.

In 1999, Janet’s dream of owning her own real estate company was realized and Heart Homes was born. Through Heart Homes Real Estate, Janet has touched so many lives and helped families fulfill their own dreams of owning their own home. Her passion and zest for life truly helped her bond with and serve her community.

Janet served a life-long membership and held many leadership positions for the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors, which included President and Director. She was a member of the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors for almost a decade. She was a proud member of the Women’s Council of Realtors Tri-County Network, since 2001, where she played a large part in the annual golf tournament committee and served as president for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016.

In 2004, Janet was presented with the honor of Realtor of the Year, by the JLBOR, and received the “Top Producer Award” from 2009 through the end of her career in 2020.

For a very long time, Janet lived a full, busy, accomplished life of a successful businesswoman.  She built a beautiful life full of friends, family, gardening, and golf, but something was missing.

On January 1st, 2000, Dave and Janet began their life journey together with their first date to kick off the new year.  From that point on they seamlessly combined their beautiful lives and built a home full of love and memories. Dave and Janet were married on September 15, 2001 in the Lutheran Church in Redwood, NY.

Janet lived to love on her grand-kids.  She would get all of the “sugar” she could and lit up every time her family was around .She most enjoyed quiet family dinners in the tree house, taking a stroll around her amazing gardens, and a nice sunset boat ride on Butterfield Lake.

Janet was a member of the Hammond Area Garden Club, the L.A. Golf League, and the first woman member of the Watertown Lion’s Club.

She is survived by her husband of almost 20 years, David Amyot, Chippewa Bay; daughter, Amber Kendall and her husband Kevin Kendall and their children (Janet and Dave’s grandchildren), Kendall Honeywell and Kayden Kendall, all of Ogdensburg; and daughter, Vicki L’Abbe and her husband Mike L’Abbe of Hammond, and their children (Janet and Dave’s grandchildren) Maddi L’Abbe, Tyler L’Abbe, and Raleigh L’Abbe.  Also, her father Herschel Handschuh of Redwood, and brothers Alan Handschuh, Plessis, and Leon Handschuh and significant other, Della Endico, Pompano Beach, FL. She was predeceased by her mother, Helen Gibson Handschuh, in 2005.

A celebration of life reception will be at a time and place to be announced in the summer of 2021.

Memorial donations may be made to the Redwood Food Pantry, 28209 #6 Road, Redwood, NY 13679.

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Gary V. Hoover

Gary V. Hoover of Cape Vincent, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 10, 2021.

“Hoov” was born in Theresa, NY to Donald and Avis Muiter Hoover. He was a lifelong resident of the Thousand Islands Region.

Gary married the love of his life, Lynne James on August 15, 1998 on Wau Winett Island in Alexandria Bay.

Gary was an expert carpenter and custom home builder for over 50 years. His craftsmanship can be seen along the St. Lawrence River and throughout the Thousand Islands Region. He enjoyed summers on The River, boating, golfing with his son, drinking a stiff rum and coke, spending time with family and friends, and watching his children grow.

Gary said, “the greatest thing I ever built…is my family”.

Gary was a very loving and devoted husband and father.

Gary was predeceased by his father and mother, Donald and Avis Hoover. He is survived by his wife, Lynne Hoover of Cape Vincent; children, Vincent (Samantha) Hoover of Arizona, Anna, and Alana Hoover of Cape Vincent; grandchild, Everett Hoover of Arizona, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings; three brothers, Thomas (Faith) Hoover, Theresa, NY, James (Sue) Hoover, Theresa, NY, and Alan (Carole) Hoover, Plessis, NY; two twin sisters, Jane Leahy of Clayton, NY and Joan Kilcer of Philadelphia, NY.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 14th from 4-7 pm at Costello Funeral Home, 113 Church Street, Alexandria Bay, NY. A graveside service, will be at 11am on Thursday, April 15th at Oakwood Cemetery in Theresa with Deacon Joel Walentuk officiating. All are welcome to attend Gary’s celebration of life luncheon on Thursday beginning at 12:30 pm at Obrien’s Restaurant & Bar, 226 Webb Street, Clayton, NY.

The family would like to thank Dr. Khalid Sindhu and especially Gary’s sister, Jane, for all their medical care. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13607, or jeffersonhospice.org.

Ya know what I mean…..

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Daniel L. “Dan” Langill

Daniel L. “Dan” Langill, 46, Alexandria Bay, NY, died Friday April 2nd as a result of an accident.

Dan was born on June 9, 1974 in Portland, Maine, the son of Catherine McMullen and David Langill. He graduated from Gray-New Glouster High School in Gray, Maine.

Dan enlisted in the United States Army in 1997, retiring in 2019 as a Chief Warrant Officer. He was an Apache Longbow Helicopter Pilot, serving tours of duty in Korea, Iraq (twice) and Afghanistan. He was currently employed as a Training Instructor (Flight Simulator), additionally, Longbow Crew Trainer Instructor at Fort Drum, NY.

A marriage to Cynthia Greer ended in divorce, after 22 years.

He was an avid boater, enjoyed all outdoor activities, classic cars and doing home improvements.

Dan is survived by his mother, Catherine and step-father, Hazen McMullen, New Portland ME; his father, David, and step-mother, Pauline Langill, Sebastian, FL; his daughter, Brittany (Danny) Stark, Topeka, KS; his fiancée, Terri Adams, Alexandria Bay. He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Dorothy Verrill, and great-grandparents, Catherine and Charles Ladeau.

There will be private, family services in Gorham, ME. A public memorial service will be held at a time to be announced, in July of 2021, on Fort Drum.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dan’s name to Tunnel to Towers at tunnel2towers.org.

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Leon “Dean” Senecal

Leon “Dean” Senecal, a longtime fishing guide and lifelong resident of Alexandria Bay, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Born March 15, 1934 in Watertown, he was the son of the late Leon and Hazel Senecal and graduated from Alexandria Bay High School before serving in the United States Navy from 1952-56. He continued to serve as a member of the reserve until retiring from the Navy in 1974.

He married JoAnn Darlene Hicklin on September 15, 1956 in San Rafael, California. His wife predeceased him in 2015.

Well known as a true “River Man,” he worked as a fishing guide with the Alexandria Bay Fishing Guides Association for over 50 years before retiring. An avid outdoorsman, he spent a great deal of time hunting, fishing and trapping and seemingly never forgot a hunting story along the way. He was also a longtime minor hockey coach in Alexandria Bay and was inducted into the Alexandria Bay Minor Hockey Association’s Hall of Fame. Dean was also a member of the Alexandria Bay American Legion post 904 and a former member of the Alexandria Bay Fire Department.

He is survived by his son, Len (Barbara) Senecal, Cato, NY and daughters Susan (Chris) Weber, West Palm, FL, Darlene (Gerardo) Lopez, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Deana (Bryan) Honeywell of Cicero, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren Greyson Lowe, Mariah Senecal-Reilly, Sebastien and Sean Honeywell and his nephews David and Lloyd Alker and nieces Valerie Cooper and Marcie Hicklin as well as his faithful springer spaniel Bruce. A sister, Gloria Dawn Maxam and a nephew, Shawn Alker, predeceased him.

There will be no service, but a celebration of life will take place in the summer.

Donations may be made in Dean’s name to the Volunteer Transportation Center 24685 State Route 37, Watertown NY 13601 (volunteertransportation.org) or the Alexandria Bay Fire Department.

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Caroline V. Kernehan

March 7, 2021

PLESSIS, NY – Caroline V. Kernehan, 88, of State Route 26, passed away Sunday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.

She was born July 1, 1932, in Watertown, NY, daughter of William and Leah Shoulette Pfister. She graduated from Alexandria Central High School. She married Robert C. Kernehan on October 23, 1954, at St. Cyril’s Church, in Alexandria Bay. Mr. Kernehan passed away on June 30, 2016.

Caroline worked as young woman, as a telephone operator for N.Y. Telephone, in Alexandria Bay. She also worked part time for Pearl’s Department Store, in Alexandria Bay. She and her husband, Robert owned and operated Bob & C’s Store in Plessis, where Caroline also had a retail yarn shop. She loved bowling, knitting, crafting, reading, playing bingo, and connecting with the girls from the telephone company.

She is survived by her son, Robert C. (Kelly) Kernehan, Alexandria Bay, her daughter, Kimberly A. Kernehan, Plessis, her brother Russell (Sue) and her sister Arlene Pfister, all of Alexandria Bay, six granddaughters and 14 great-grandchildren. Besides her husband Bob, she was predeceased by a son, David W. Kernehan, a brother, Donald Pfister, and three sisters, Mary Rowland, Elizabeth Lockwood, and Sharon Senecal.

Calling hours will be Saturday, March 13th, from 11 am till 1pm at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. A memorial service will begin at 1pm at the funeral home. Spring burial will be at St. Cyril’s Cemetery, Alexandria Bay.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or the Alexandria Bay Food Pantry.

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Betty J. Lanterman

February 13, 2021


Alexandria Bay, NY – Betty J. Lanterman, 88, or formerly of Carnegie Bay Road, passed away early Saturday morning in Lyons, NY.
She was born October 7, 1932 in Syracuse, NY, daughter of Frank and Irene Orton Houghton. She graduated from Alexandria Bay High School.


She married W. Gerald Lanterman on February 23, 1962, in Hendrick’s Chapel at Syracuse University. She and her husband “Jerry” owned and operated Lanterman’s Channel View Cottages, on Carnegie Bay Road, for many years. Mr. Lanterman passed away on November 5, 2003.

Betty also worked as an assembler in the heavy military division of General Electric, in Syracuse and later as the ac]vi]es director for E.J. Noble Hospital, in Alexandria Bay.


She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Alexandria Bay Baptist Church and the E.J. Noble Hospital Auxiliary. After moving to Canandaigua, NY, she became an active member of the Manchester United Methodist Church in Manchester NY.


She is survived by three sons, Thomas R., of Windsor Locks, CT, Timothy H., of DeWitt, NY and William G. III, of Clifton Springs, NY, Timothy, Maya, Jade and Sunny, grandchildren, Josephine Castle, Jackson Castle and Lillian Tarala, great-grandchildren.


Due to current restrictions and an interest in the safety of loved ones, a decision has been made to postpone a memorial gathering until conditions improve.

Duane Money

Duane Money, 78, High Street, Alexandria Bay, passed away Tuesday, February 2nd at River Hospital.

Duane was born on December 21, 1942 in Syracuse, NY, the son of Donald and Charlotte Johnson Money.  He graduated from Central Tech High School in Syracuse and attended Jefferson Community College.

Duane served in the United States Coast Guard from 1961 until 1976.  He married Paula Estes on May 23, 1969 at the Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church.  After retiring from the Coast Guard, he worked for 23 years for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring as Postmaster from the Morristown NY post office, in 2002.  He was a member of the Alexandria Bay American Legion post 904.

Besides his wife Paula, Alexandria Bay, Duane is survived by his son, Steven (Christine) Money, Highland, IL and his daughter Tanya (Kevin) Tracy, Watertown, NY, five grandchildren, and a brother, Dale (Aneata) Money, Kissimmee, FL.  A sister, Norma Smith predeceased him.

There will be no services.

Memorial donations may be made in Duane’s name to the Alexandria Bay Rescue Squad, 110 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

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Ronald F. Kocher

January 30, 2021

Ronald F. Kocher 72 formerly of Vestal, NY passed away on Saturday January 30, 2021 at Grand Strand Hospital in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. 

Born November 7, 1948 in Ithaca, NY the oldest son of J. Fred and Arlene (Hood) Kocher, he graduated from Vestal Central High School in Vestal, NY in 1966.

After high school Ronald graduated from Utah State University in Logan, UT as an Electrical Engineer.   He went to work for various companies on the East Coast until he finally settled back to his home town and worked for IBM in Endicott, NY.  Ron also spent many summers in the Thousand Islands with his family and after selling his 42 foot cruiser purchased a cottage in Clayton, NY for weekends and vacations.  Ronald also owned his own business that he started after retirement renting out many storage buildings in Apalachin, NY.  He finally settled down year round in Myrtle Beach and then Conway, SC.

Ronald fell in a parking lot on October 30, 2021 at Conway SC and suffered a severe head injury and never recovered, he was entered into an Adult Care Unit at Myrtle Beach until January 29th when he was sent to Grand Strand Hospital at Myrtle Beach with COVID Symptoms after having received his COVID vaccination a week before.

He is survived by his father J. Fred Kocher of Alexandria Bay, sisters Lynn (Bill) Cucci of Vestal, Donna (Gary) Gressler of Watertown, NY, twin brothers Gary Kocher of Alexandria Bay, and Barry Kocher of Watertown, NY.  Ronald is also survived by his nephews and nieces Jason (Lauren) Cucci of Apalachin, NY, Justin (Angela) Cucci of Binghamton, NY, Chris (Kimmy) Cucci of Hollywood, CA, Amber (Jeff) Adams of Corning, NY, Zachary (Asia) Gressler of Walton,NY, and Wyatt (Gabby) Gressler of Rome, NY.  Ron also had some great nieces and nephews, Ben & Evan Cucci of Apalachin, NY and Lucas, Samantha, and Owen Adams of Corning, NY, and Tatum Gressler of Walton, NY.

Ron is predeceased by his wife Diane (2016), his mother Arlene Kocher (2017), and great nephew Nathan Cucci (2016) of Apalachin.            

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Marilyn B. Jones

Services Planned

Alexandria Bay – A funeral service for Marilyn B. Jones, 86, widow of Harvey “Ted” Jones, will be Saturday, May 15th at 11 am at the Church of the St. Lawrence, Alexandria Bay. Pastors’ Jack Andersen and Lisa Busby will be officiating. Masks and social distancing are required.  Burial will follow at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

January 29, 2021 — Alexandria Bay, NY – Marilyn B. Jones, 86, of Alexandria Bay was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus and her beloved husband, Ted Jones, the morning of Friday, January 29th. She passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Elizabeth, in Haymarket, VA.

She was born March 9, 1934 in Watertown, NY, daughter of the late John and Dorothy Tallon Brownell. She graduated from Alexandria Bay High School and then from the University of Rochester, with her RN degree. She worked in medical offices throughout her career, ultimately retiring from Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC in 1996.

She married Harvey “Ted” Jones on June 15, 1957 at the Church of the St. Lawrence, in Alexandria Bay with Rev. David Talbot officiating. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007 with a dinner with close friends and family at Pine Tree Point, where they had their wedding reception so many years earlier. Mr. Jones passed away on April 6, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Troy Jones and his wife, Sue, of Charlotte, NC, her daughter, Elizabeth Amy Wheeler and her husband Edward Jr., of Haymarket, VA and her grandchildren, Evan (Kristin) and Ryan Jones, Trei and Victoria Wheeler.

Marilyn was her kids’ biggest fan in whatever they were involved in and was a team mom to various baseball teams, Cub Scout and Brownie leader, and the coach of the Belvedere Youth Football Cheerleaders. Once she retired to Alexandria Bay she very much enjoyed being team mom to Ted’s teams which he coached and she also became a member of the E.J. Noble Hospital Auxiliary, Church of the St. Lawrence Vestry, the local Garden Club, a volunteer at the community Thrift Store and was also named Citizen of the Year 2011.

Funeral services will be announced in the spring of 2021. Burial will be in Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

The family would especially like to thank the very special caregivers who showed so much love and compassion: Rachel Wiseman, Paige Guns, Sonya Turner and Ann Javins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Church of the St. Lawrence, P.O. Box 211, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or The River Hospital, P.O. Box 567, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, Attn: Development Dept.

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