Author Archives: costello

John Stewart “Jack” Ducat

October 17, 2021

Alexandria Bay, NY

John Stewart “Jack” Ducat, 92, passed away at his home on St. Lawrence Park Rd. early Sunday morning, surrounded by his family.

Jack was born on December 10, 1928, in Worcester, MA, the son of George and Helen Wallace Ducat.  He graduated as a three-sport athlete from Major Beal High School, Shrewsbury, MA, and then went on to graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston with a degree in metallurgy.

Jack served in the United States Army during WWII, stationed in the Aleutian Islands.

After his service, Jack worked in his earlier years for Heald Machine Company, Worcester. He then began his 45-year career for Kennametal Inc. in Latrobe PA, retiring in 2001 as a consulting engineer.

Jack married Elinor Walton O’Hara on August 8, 1976, in Shrewsbury, MA. They moved to the St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay, NY in the 1980s. Elinor passed away on May 4, 2019.

Jack gave back to the community. He was active in state and local politics, including time as Boylston Town Moderator; he was also Director of the Worcester Crisis Center in the late 1970s.

Jack also had many hobbies: he was a member of the Worcester Area Sports Car Club (WASCC), and the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA); he enjoyed boating the Thousand lslands, both in the US and Canada, and attained his USCG Master Captain License; he expressed his musicality as a member of the Worcester Kiltie Band in the 50s and 60s, with the David McKay Chorale, The Worcester Players Club, and in a barbershop quartet. Many family members and friends will remember the joy of sharing a song with him.

Jack’s further passion for life could be seen when he broke out his skates after Barker’s Bay, in front of the house, froze over, and he would zip around the ice; when he started his family skiing on Snake Hill in Berlin; and when he was riding his John Deere tractor on his “South 40.”

Jack is survived by his sons, John S. (Laurie) Ducat, Jr., Dover Foxcroft, ME; Henry Thomas (Robin) O’Hara Jr., Great Neck, NY; and James I. (Gillian Friedman MD) Ducat, Redlands, CA; daughters, Elizabeth Ducat-Fitzpatrick (Charles Raphaelson), Worcester, MA; and Kathleen O. (Joe) Falcone, Manlius, NY; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and former spouse Joyce Ireland Hokans.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021, 4-6 p.m., at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021,at 3:30 p.m., at The Church of the St. Lawrence, Alexandria Bay, with Rev. Lisa Busby officiating.  Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Riverside Cemetery on Wellesley Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to go to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/

Jo-Ann A. “Pete” Ritner

October 11, 2021

Alexandria Bay, NY – Jo-Ann A.”Pete” Ritner, 89, passed away early Monday morning at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center, in Ogdensburg, New York.

 She was born September 14, 1932 in Morristown, NJ, daughter of Theodore J. and Edna Kennedy Antony. She married John R. “Jay” Ritner on May 22, 1954, at the Morris Plains Presbyterian Church, Morris Plains, New Jersey, the Rev. Joseph E. Walsh, officiated. Mr. Ritner passed away on June 23, 1984.

Mrs. Ritner graduated from Morristown High School Morristown, New Jersey in 1950. After secretarial school, JoAnn worked as a secretary for the Mennen Corporation. She also worked as a teacher’s aide in New Jersey, when her children were of school age.

Jo-Ann has been a summer resident of Chippewa Bay since 1946 and moved to Alexandria Bay permanently in 1985 with her daughter Jo-Ann. She was active in the community as a member of the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, the E.J. Noble Hospital Auxiliary, the Red Hatters, the Homemakers, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Ritner is survived by three daughters: Linda (James) Frangos, Clarks Summit, PA, Gail Sudkamp, Sterling, VA, and Jo Ann N. Ritner, Alexandria Bay; four granddaughters, Kathryn Frangos, Sarah (Jonathan) Frangos Lawrence, Karen Sudkamp and Julia (Jason) Ludy; and two great granddaughters Lucy James Lawrence and Elliot Elizabeth Lawrence. Besides her husband, Mrs. Ritner was predeceased by son-inlaw, Stephen Sudkamp and grandson, Gregory Sudkamp.

Calling hours will be Thursday, October 28th from 9:30-11:00 am, at the Costello Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 11am at the funeral home, with Rev. Jeff McIlrath, officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Morristown, NJ, on Friday October 29th, at 11:30 am.

Memorial donations may be made to the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, 110 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

James E. Tucker

October 5, 2021

Redwood, NY

Redwood, NY- James E. Tucker, 77, Van Tuck Lane, passed away Tuesday afternoon at his home.

He was born February 8, 1944, in Watertown, NY, son of Orville and Jane Mack Tucker. He graduated from Indian River High School. He married Clara Wimmer on November 6, 1964, in Antwerp, NY.

Jim was Owner of Sazet Corporation, Antwerp and Great Northern Construction, Evans Mills. He was a member of the Watertown Elks Club and several hunting clubs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and racing but he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends the most.

Besides his wife Clara, he is survived by two sons, Charles (Sharon) Tucker Denver, NC, and James “Ben” (Becky) Tucker, Arcade, NY, a daughter, Trisha (Louis) Amato, Theresa, NY, a sister Judy Ridsdale, Antwerp, NY, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Heidi Tucker and a brother, Thomas Tucker.

Family and friends are invited to join in a graveside service that will be held on October 22, 2021, at 1:00, at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Antwerp. A reception will follow the cemetery services at the American Legion in Antwerp located on Main Street.

Memorial donations may be made to Indian River Ambulance Service, 6 ½ Sand Street, Philadelphia, NY 13673.

James T. Constance

October 5, 2021

Cape Vincent – James T. Constance, 86, Route 12 E, passed away Tuesday afternoon at his home.

He was born January 31, 1935 in the town of Cape Vincent, son of Lionel and Anna “Connie” Constantine Constance. He graduated from Cape Vincent High School. He served in the US Marines from 1954-1957.

He married Donna Chatterton on February 17, 1962 at St. Vincent of Paul’s Church in Cape Vincent.

Jim owned and operated the family dairy farm at the family homestead on Route 12 E for many years. He then went to work as a rural carrier for the US Postal Service for over 20 years, retiring in 2000.

He was a member of the Cape Vincent American Legion.

Besides his wife, Donna, he is survived by two sons, Theodore (Genevieve) Constance, Watertown, NY and Matthew Constance, Hobe Sound, FL, a daughter, Mary Ann (Vernon) Davis, Ovid, NY a brother, John (Barbara) Constance, Chaumont, NY, a sister Theresa (Albert) Desormeaux, Gouverneur, NY and three grandchildren, Anthony and Allison Constance and Alexander Davis.

He was predeceased by a brother, William Constance and three sisters, Elizabeth Reff, Natalie Macelli and Sarah Docteur.

Services will be planned at a future time to be announced.

The family would like to thank Dr. Khalid Sindhu’s office and staff and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad, PO Box 835, Cape Vincent, NY 13618, or to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 .

Carol A. Reed

Carol A. (Frazier) Reed, 74, of Clayton, New York, passed away October 3, 2021 at her home.

Carol was born in Gloversville, NY to Eloise C. and John S Frazier in April 1947. She grew up and attended high school in Little Falls, NY graduating in 1965. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree (’69) in Psychology and a Master’s Degree (’71) in School Psychology from Alfred University. She began her career as a School Psychologist with OC-M BOCES and enjoyed working in a variety of school settings with many excellent professionals. In 1985, Carol earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from SUNY Oswego and in 1987 discovered her true calling when she was hired as the principal to re-open Mott Road Elementary School in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District. For the next 20 years her leadership, compassion and understanding created a school environment where teachers and support staff proudly worked, where all children enthusiastically learned and achieved, and where parents knew their child was safe and cared for every day. Carol retired in 2007 approaching it with the same enthusiasm, joy and energy she brought to every endeavor. In 2009, she and Bill moved to Clayton, The River, where Carol enjoyed boating, kayaking, swimming and the wonderful River Community. She was a voracious reader, loved working in the perennial beds around their home, and took up golf enjoying its combination of activity and social interaction.

Carol is survived by her life partner of 33 years, Bill Moth; his daughters Shannon (Tom) Bundle and Brittany (Mike) Halligan; two granddaughters Ava and Baylea Halligan; sister Jo (Ed) Hood of Wilmington, NY; brother John S. Frazier Jr., Ewing, NJ; sister Ann L. Frazier (Iris Meisetschlaeger) Houston, TX; and brother-in-law Tim Preddice of Gloversville, NY;  nieces Wendi (Todd) Coleman and their daughters Molly and Ellie of Walworth, NY,  Kirsten Bulich and family Matthew, Jordan & Kassadi of Catskill, NY; nephews Gregg (Carolina) Preddice and family Valentina, Benjiman and Nicholas of Fort Mill, S.C.; Bryan Preddice of Gloversville, NY; Shawn (Candace) Frazier and sons Cade & Mason of Yukon, OK; John S. (Catherine) Frazier III and daughter Petra of Wilton, NY; Eric (Rebecca) Frazier and family Harper and Callan of Pittsford, NY; and Victor (Robynn) Frazier and son Emerson of New London, NH. Great nieces Alexandra and Courtney (Thomas) Strong and son Jaxson of Estes Park, CO. Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Pat, father John, and mother Eloise.

Memorial donations may be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute (www.urmc.rochester.edu), the IslandWalk ACS Relay For Life Team (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=team&fr_id=101682&team_id=2591003)  or Hospice of Jefferson County (https://jeffersonhospice.org/charitable-donations)

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to HOSPICE of Jefferson County for their support and care. 

“Bring In The Light”

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held on June 12, 2022 at The Tailwater Lodge, Altmar, NY.

Denise M. Aznoe

Denise M. Aznoe, 69, Redwood, NY, passed away at Carthage Center, Carthage, NY, on Thursday, September 30, 2021.   

Denise was born in Alexandria Bay on March 29, 1952, the daughter of Prosper and Cecile Charlebois. She graduated from Alexandria Bay High School and BOCES of Jefferson County, earning a Certification in Cosmetology.  She married Douglas Aznoe on May 6, 1973 in Redwood, NY. 

Denise worked for many years as a cashier for Kinney Drugs, Alexandria Bay.  She enjoyed riding motorcycles and playing board games.                                        

Denise is survived by her husband, Douglas, Redwood; sons, Richard (Heather) Aznoe, Redwood, and Paul Aznoe, Redwood; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings, Bernadette (James) Sherman, Norwood, NY, Lillian (Willard) Farr, Black River, NY, Dr. Andre (Helen) Charlebois, Watertown, NY, John (Nancy) Charlebois, Watertown, NY, Alfred Charlebois, Rossie, NY, and Ann Marie (Peter) Remington, Redwood. She is predeceased by her sister, Diane Charlebois.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

A graveside service will be private and at the convenience of the family at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Redwood.

Blanche Hiscock

Clayton, NY — Blanche Hiscock, 99, passed away on September 25, 2021 in the Eastern Star Home, Oriskany, where she had resided since September, 2020.  Mrs. Hiscock was born on the family farm in the Town of Orleans on September 24, 1922, a daughter of the late Merrick and Lottie Wiley Shaw. 

Blanche graduated from Clayton High School in June, 1939 as Salutatorian. She married George Yazell shortly after her 18th birthday on October 5, 1940. For the next ten years, George and Blanche were mostly self-employed as well as working various jobs while spending winters fishing in Florida.

In 1950, George and Blanche built a house and restaurant on land purchased from her parents and opened Yazell’s Dairy Bar, featuring ice cream they made on site. Mr. Yazell passed away in 1965, and Blanche continued to own and operate the business until selling the house and restaurant, retiring in 1976. 

That same year she married Edward Hiscock of Alexandria Bay and, in addition to a new husband, she acquired three more sons and a daughter. Blanche and Ed enjoyed a 30-year retirement, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada, spending summers in the Thousand Islands and winters in Florida. Mr. Hiscock passed away in 2006.

Blanche is survived by a brother, Bruce Shaw, cousin and lifelong friend Dorothy Gray, children Merrill (Lynn Chapieski) Hiscock, LoLo, Montana; Ann (Fred) Wolpert, Saratoga Springs, NY; Ronald (Carol) Hiscock, Dallas, Texas; Steven (Beth) Yazell, Clayton, NY; and Todd (Rose) Hiscock, Rochester, NY. 

She was also grandmother to Brett, John, Laura, Kevin, Ryan, Stefan, Sarah, Ian, Elle, Natalie, Aidan, Cassandra, and great grandmother to Bart, Alexandra, Zaine, Mary Beth, Paul, Kennedy, Morgan, Gabriella, Justin, Elena, Jameson, Kiernan, Alfred, Earnest, Isabella, Andrew, and Trey. She was Aunt Blanche to many, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was predeceased by siblings Raymond, Mertice, Clarence, Aulden, Austin, Leanna, Adrian, Marjorie, Ivan, and great-granddaughter Isabella Peterson.

Above all things, Blanche loved her brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and every baby she ever met. A contribution to any charity benefiting children as well as not taking life too seriously would be a fitting tribute to her.

A graveside committal and celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Hans H. Herrmann

September 17, 2021

Hans H. Herrmann, 90, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Clayton, N.Y., where he co-owned the 1000 Islands Campground for twenty years, passed away at home, surrounded by family on September 17, 2021.

Hans earned B.S. Degrees in both architecture and interior design, as well as a Master’s Degree in Architecture. His career encompassed a variety of positions throughout the world, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabia, St. Thomas, V.I., and ultimately retiring in 2000 from BCA Architects and Engineers of Watertown, NY.

Hans was a member of the Society of Interior Architects of Germany and the German Architects & Engineers Society. He enjoyed traveling, cars, cameras and photography, and both country and jazz music.

Hans is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ursula, and six children, Claus, Monica, Dirk, Curt, Mona, and Susan, as well as their respective families, including fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, with another on the way.

Hans was a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose wealth of stories will be greatly missed. Machs gut, Opa!

Visiting hours and a service will be at a time to announced, in the spring of 2022.

Thomas J. Bradley

September 9, 2021

Alexandria Bay, NY – Thomas J. Bradley, 77, Cooper Lane, passed away peacefully Thursday night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.  He had been a patient there since September 1, 2021.  Tom was born on January 20, 1944 in Albany, NY, the son of John T. and Louise Kuon Bradley.  He graduated from Vincentian Institute in Albany and received his Master’s Degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1969.  Tom married Barbara J. Bouchey on December 4, 1965 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Ogdensburg, NY.  

He first worked as a pharmacist for Kinney Drugs in Gouverneur, NY.  A few short years later, he was hired by E.J. Noble Hospital to set up pharmacies for all their local hospitals.  In 1972, he joined the staff at the Corner Pharmacy in Alexandria Bay and a year later, he purchased the business.  In 1978, he relocated the Corner Pharmacy from one corner of Church & James to the other.  He owned and operated the Corner Pharmacy until 1989 when he sold the business to Fay’s Drugs.  Also, in 1989, Albany College of Pharmacy recognized him as Outstanding Alumni of the Year.  Tom continued working as a pharmacist for Fay’s and later Kinney Drugs and the Cape Vincent Correctional Center from where he retired.  Always the business man, Tom purchased O’Briens Boat Works and later converted the former pharmacy building into the Korner Pizzeria.  

Community involvement was very important to Tom.  He was a member of the Alexandria Central School Board of Education until he ran for and was elected as the Town of Alexandria Supervisor, a position that he held for eight years.  He also was a member of the Redwood National Bank Board of Directors.  Tom was a committed Rotarian for many years, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, his daughters, Mary-Ellen (John) Hynes, Alexandria Bay, NY, and Lynne Bradley, Alexandria Bay; his sons, T.J. (Kimberley) Bradley, Alexandria Bay, and Michael (Lorelee) Bradley, Cicero, NY; his grandchildren, Bryant, Lindsey, Emily, Colin, Brayton, Nick, and Madison; his sister, Kathleen (James) Pautler, Albany, NY; and his brothers, Fr. John Bradley, Albany, NY, and Joseph Bradley, Albany, NY.  Tom is predeceased by his brother, Robert Bradley, and his parents, John and Louise.

Tom loved spending his free time on “The River”.  One of his biggest accomplishments was restoring his cherished wooden boat, “The Star”.  He truly enjoyed the moments when he could sneak away and be on the River heading to camp.  He was an avid collector of wooden decoys and trains.  His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  In his retirement years, he cherished any and all moments that he could spend with them and his beloved wife, Barbara.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 16th, from 2-4 and 7-9 at Costello Funeral Home.  A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 17th, at 11:00 am at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Alexandria Bay with Father Douglas Comstock and Father John Bradley officiating. The family is requesting that masks be worn.  Burial will follow at St. Cyril’s Cemetery, Alexandria Bay.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to be made to the Alexandria Bay Rotary Club Scholarship Program, PO Box 186, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 .

Kenneth G. McDonald

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY

Kenneth George McDonald, 91, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2021 at his Reynolds Road home surrounded by loved ones. He had been in failing health and was under the care of Hospice and his loving family and caregivers.

Ken was born May 19, 1930 in Albany NY to Kenneth Thomas and Mildred (Peg) Deugaw McDonald. He spent his childhood in Parish and the Potsdam/Canton area. He graduated in 1949 from Norwood High School and went to work for the Parish Oil Company where he met the love of his life, Helen, the manager’s daughter. She was the daughter of Karl M. and Helen Finney Bunce. They were united in marriage on August 22, 1953 at Emmanuel Congregational Church in Watertown NY.

Ken enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and proudly served aboard the Sierra AD-18 during the Korean conflict. He was discharged as a Machinist Repairman 2nd class in 1954. Using the GI bill he obtained his B.S. in Industrial Arts and Mechanical Drawing from Oswego State University. Upon his graduation in 1957 he began his teaching career at Alexandria Central School retiring in 1985. He was also a permanent part-time Immigration Inspector (after school and summers) at the Thousand Islands Bridge and Heart Island from 1962 to 1990.

He was always willing to lend a hand in a variety of school and community projects. Ken was a member of F. A. & M Masonic Lodge 297, American Legion Post 904 and the Veterans Association USS Sierra AD-18. He was active in the Boys Scouts serving on the committee for 26 years and an active volunteer with Amy with Special Olympics .

Ken was an avid deer hunter and was happiest in the woods or when building something especially with his boys. He and Helen enjoyed camping with their family and traveling in their motorhome after retirement. Dad was always ready with a joke, story or practical joke and some of them were really good at least the first time.

He is survived by his daughter Beth (David Beyel) and her daughter Sarah Liuwen in North Syracuse, son Steven (Nancy) and sons Joshua (Jen) and Kyle (Brita) in Florida and son Michael (Leslie) and sons P.J. and Jon (Rachel) in Baldwinsville and Stan’s sons Benjamin (Mariah) and Gregory (Brianne) as well as six great-grandchildren. Ken is also survived by his sister Joyce Ulrich and sisters- in-law Carole Dingman and Vicki Deal and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helen, son Stanley and daughter Amy as well as his parents and sister Shirley Harris and four brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank his long term caregivers Pam, Maria, Hanna, Melinda and others who allowed both he and Helen to remain comfortably at home. We are also thankful for his many friends and former students who came to visit especially Bud Thomas.

Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Adams Center, NY at the family’s convenience. Donations can be made to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or a charity of your choice. At Ken’s request there will be a Celebration of Life at the Alexandria Bay Fire Hall on September 11, 2021 from1:00 to 4:00. Masks are appreciated. Please join us with a story or a joke.