March 26, 2020

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – Grace E. Bowles, 90, longtime resident of Alexandria Bay, passed away Thursday morning, March 26^th, at the Samaritan Keep Home, in Watertown, where she had been a resident since December of 2014.

She was born October 15, 1929 in Pierrepont, NY, daughter of Jay Claude and Ethel Crary Aldous. She graduated from Herman High School and attended JCC. She married Jack Bowles in 1956.  Mr. Bowles passed away in May of 1992.

Grace worked for many years for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority at Boldt Castle, retiring in 2012. She had also work at Edgewood Resort.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, loved blue grass music and square dancing, and was an adamant patriot of the United States of America.

She is survived by her son Jay C. Bowles, Panama City, FL, a daughter, Linda Flinn, Alexandria Bay, a sister, Muriel Patton, Herman, NY, six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by a daughter, Sharry Murray, in 2019, a brother, Melbern Aldous, and three grandsons, Johnathan Murray, Luke Bowles, and Logan Flinn.

She will be buried in Barnes Settlement Cemetery, next to her husband, Jack. Services will be announced in the spring of 2020.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church.

MARCH 15, 2020

Hammond, NY — Brian K. Fuller, 46, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 15th.

He was born February 26th, 1974, in Carthage, the son of Arthur and Nancy Fuller. He was educated in Carthage schools. He loved dogs, snowmobiling, cliff diving, and driving fast.

He was a career truck driver, most recently working for Maple Lane Transport out of Philadelphia, NY.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Kylee Fuller of Boaz, AL; his son, Keith Fuller of Craigsville, WV; two grandchildren; his mother, Nancy Fuller; his brothers, Randy Fuller and his wife, Cathy; Bruce Fuller; Art Fuller and his wife, Tracy; Todd Fuller and his wife, Cindy; his sister, Carmelita Bowman and her husband, Albert; and many, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Arthur; his grandparents, Herb and Lulu Fuller, and Dick and Ethel Croyle; and his sister, Cindy.

Brian also had a second family, whom he loved, that played a major role in his life. Kathy and Carl Cook of Evans Mills (whom he called mom and dad); their son, Brian Cook and his wife, Kaye; their daughter, Amanda and her children; their son, the late Carl (CJ) Cook; and Gail Downling.

There will be no services.

Memorial donations may be made to his daughter, Kylee Fuller, 7219 Leeth Gap Road, Boaz, AL 35956.

Redwood, NY – Eugene A. Catlin, 88, passed away early Sunday morning in Bartow, Florida under the care of his daughter, Margo, and Hospice.

He was born December 9, 1931 in Chateaugay, NY, son of Floyd and Mary Martin Catlin. He graduated from Alexandria Bay High School and then volunteered to serve his country as a Marine in the Korean War. After returning home he continued his education at Syracuse University.  While there he was also a member of the university’s boxing team.

He married Jacqueline Pierce on April 1, 1956 in Alexandria Bay. They spent many wonderful years together, until her death on April 12, 2018. Eugene was an Art Teacher for the Geneva City School District.  Later he and Jackie owned and operated both the Dreamland Motel in Malone, NY and the Comether Motel in West Webster, NY. He also owned and instructed at the Franklin County Boxing Club, in Malone, NY. He spent many summers as a tour boat captain on the Saint Lawrence River.   He loved spending time on the water and painting many of his favorite river scenes.

Eugene is survived by four children, Debra Heroux and husband Michael of Woodway, TX, Margo Elaine Carter and husband Daniel of Bartow, FL, Kenneth Catlin of LaFargeville, NY, Blake Catlin and wife Amy of Brewerton, NY.  Also three siblings; Brothers Roger, Joe and his sister Eileen Carson and husband Bob.  He also has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Gene will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and impassioned stubbornness.

Memorial Services will be held in the summer of 2020.  Donations in Eugene’s name could be made to the Redwood Fire Station in appreciation of their great service to the community.

Redwood, NY —

Robert H. Wills, 85, Olney Road, passed away Friday evening March 13^th at home under the care of his family and Hospice.

Robert was born on December 7, 1934 in the town of Orleans, the son of Jack and Edna Crouch Wills.  He graduated from LaFargeville Central High School . He married Beverly E. Denner on February 13, 1954 in Angola, Indiana. They enjoyed 57 happy years of marriage. Mrs. Wills passed away on November 17, 2011.

Robert was co-owner with his wife Beverly, of the Sir Robert Peel Motel in Alexandria Bay for over 30 years.  He also worked as a welder for Frink America in Clayton. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball and basketball.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Streeter (Steve), Redwood; his sons, Thomas (Nancy), Redwood, Greg (Mary) Wills, Redwood, Randy Wills and his companion (Kim), Omar, 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Kenneth (Ilda) Dwyer, Theresa. He was pre-deceased by two sons, Robert and Phillip, brothers, Earl, Gordon and Paul Wills, and three sisters, Esther Shaw, Frances Schrodt and Marjorie Doxtater.

A private graveside service will be held at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to Hospice of Jefferson County or the Alexandria Bay Fire Department.

March 12, 2020

LaFargeville, NY — Dora J. Tufo Wills Berkman, 97, longtime resident of LaFargeville, passed away late Thursday evening at Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown, where she had been a resident.

She was born November 30, 1922, in Watertown, daughter of Samuel and Louisa Esposedo Tufo. She graduated from Clayton High School. She worked for many years as a teller for the Jefferson  National Bank, in LaFargeville. She married Earl A. Wills on May 21, 1941. The couple founded and operated Will’s Wrecker Service, in LaFargeville. Mr. Wills passed away in 1965. She married Harold Berkman on February 23, 1968. Mr. Berkman passed away in July of 2000.

Dora is survived by her son David and his wife Vivian Wills, Middle Grove, NY, two daughters, Mrs. Randy (Julie Wills) Sliter, Val Rico, FL, and Mrs. David(Christine) Shortt, Redwood, a brother, Sam Tufo, Watertown and a sister, Joanne Jones, Georgia, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by two sons, Larry and Michael Wills, two brothers, Jerry and Benny Tufo, and three sisters, Veronica LaFontaine, Mary Neuroth and Edith Seymour.

Calling hours will be Monday, March 16^th, from 7-9pm at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral mass will be Tuesday, March 17^th at 11am, at St. John’s Church, LaFargeville. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, LaFargeville.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Church, LaFargeville.

March 8, 2020

Redwood, NY – Isabelle “Belle” Elaine Bearden Otakie, formerly of Redwood, passed away Sunday March 8^th at Samaritan Medical Center, in Watertown. She had been a resident of the Samaritan Keep since May of 2016.

She was born June 22, 1928 in Watertown, daughter of Frederick and Mary Langouer Bearden. She attended Watertown High School.

She married Alexander “Alex” Otakie on January 26, 1947 at the Trinity Episcopal Church. The couple resided in Watertown, until moving to Redwood in 1955. Mr. Otakie passed away in 2007 at the age of 84.

Belle and her husband Alex owned and operated the Wayside Restaurant in Theresa. She had previously worked at the Tea Room in Cape Vincent, Pine Tree Point in Alexandria Bay, and both Faichney’s and the A&P in Watertown.

In her later years, she spent time gardening, refinishing antique furniture, spending time with her basset hounds and her dachshund, Abby.

She is survived by her two sons, Daniel Alexander Otakie, Baltimore, MD and Gary Frederick and his wife, Patricia Otakie, Pooler, GA, five grandchildren, Shannon Otakie Bray, Daniel Kent, Bridget Renee, David Matthew, and Kristine Otakie Deryder, four great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Alex, she was predeceased by two sisters, Virginia M. Guinn, in 2010 at 86 and Constance A. Sayyeau in 2014 at 87, and a brother, Daniel Bearden.

Calling hours, funeral and graveside services in Redwood Cemetery, will be held at a time to be announced in the Spring.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 43668 Lake St, Redwood, NY 13679.

Stuart, Florida & Alexandria Bay, NY

Patrick Joseph Chavoustie, known as “Pat”, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2019, in Stuart, Florida where he retired with his wife, Clorinda after they married in 2003. He was 85 years old.

Pat was born to Elmer and Mary (O’Neil) Chavoustie, on June 15, 1933, in Watertown, New York. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 with the majority of his time stationed in Germany.

He leaves as his legacy, 9 children. From his first wife Carol (Ruff): Christopher Chavoustie, Richard (Lisa) Chavoustie, Webster, NY, Michael (Julie) Chavoustie, Alexandria Bay, Carol Ann (Rick) Ward, Alexandria Bay,  Paul (Paige) Chavoustie, Granby, CO. From his second wife Cheryl (Batchelor): Shelly (Shawn) Bemis, Patrick (Cynthia) Chavoustie II, Erin Chavoustie, Ryan (Natsuko) Chavoustie.

He also leaves to cherish his memory 21 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, his sister Theresa Terry and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his infant son Christopher, his brothers John and Eugene and sisters Coletta and Dorthey.

Pat served as the maintenance superintendent at Anheuser Busch in Baldwinsville, NY until he retired in 1994.  As a young businessman, Pat was well known for running establishments in Alexandria Bay and Watertown, NY including the Pirates Roost, The Gaslight and Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours. After 2003, in sunny southern Florida, Pat and Clorinda enjoyed times together at the beach, talking to each other, playing trivia and dancing the night away like two young love birds.

“To make a long story short” is a phrase that will always bring a smile to those who knew Pat well. Pat’s storytelling was cherished by many and he always had a captive audience when sharing exciting experiences from his 85 years of life. He traveled all over Europe during his military service and tour on the US Army boxing team that served to boost morale for the troops. 

He loved the company of people more than anything else and could make anyone feel comfortable in his presence. His hobbies included fishing, painting, discussing politics and current events, exploring history, and playing the guitar.

A celebration for Pat will be held June 15, 2019, for family and close friends in Alexandria Bay, NY where Pat enjoyed his summers as a child and several times these last few years. He will be missed.

Carol Joanne Chavoustie passed away suddenly on March 21, 2019 in Alexandria Bay. She was 83 years old.

Carol was born on August 20, 1935 in Detroit, MI. She was the only child of Richard J. Ruff and Janith (Reed) Ruff. She was born deaf and attended St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind. She went on to graduate from the University of Miami. Incredibly, Carol taught herself to read lips and speak so clearly that people rarely knew she could not hear. She never let her disability stop her from anything.

She married Patrick Joseph Chavoustie on September 15, 1956 at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Alexandria Bay, NY. Their marriage ended in divorce. Surviving are her four children: Richard (Lisa) Chavoustie, Webster, NY;  Michael (Julie) Chavoustie, Alexandria Bay; Carol Ann (Rick) Ward, Alexandria Bay; and Paul (Paige) Chavoustie, Granby, CO. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She sadly was preceded in death by her infant son Christopher, Richard’s twin brother.

Carol worked at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center in Watertown, NY. She made a life changing impact on deaf students’ lives. Always the adventurer, in 1977 she moved to San Jose, CA where she worked as a programmer for IBM for 10 years. She also taught night school at Gilroy College. As a deaf instructor, she amazingly taught hearing students American Sign Language. She later transferred with IBM to Kingston, NY so she could be closer to her children. She retired from IBM in 1994.

Carol was extremely artistic. To her everything was beautiful. She loved to oil paint, create ceramics, and garden. She was also always a very competitive board game player. She loved her dogs and especially Jesus. Her adventurous spirit led her to buy a 34’ boat, cruise it from the St. Lawrence River to Jupiter, FL, where she lived on her boat named “High Spirit”, which describes her so well–living life to the fullest, fearless, with her loving spirit, forever the overachiever and an overcomer. She will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held at a time to be announced.

Service Notice

Calling hours for “Suzie” Keeler, 63, will be Friday, May 24^th, from 6-9 pm, at the Costello Funeral Home.

A memorial service will not be held as was originally posted, but memorial gathering will be held Saturday, May 25^th from noon till 2pm at the upstairs room of Skiffs Pub, downtown Alexandria Bay.

Suzanne “Suzie” Louise Keeler, 63, Alexandria Bay, passed away on Monday, March 18^th at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital in Syracuse.

Suzanne was born on November 29, 1955 in Alexandria Bay, the daughter of M. Wilmot and Louise Stott Keeler.  She was the step-daughter of Harold “Van” VanNorman.  She graduated from Alexandria Central School in 1973 and then from Canton ATC in 1975.  She, along with her brother Steve, co-owned Van’s Motor Marine Inc. in Alexandria Bay for 45 years, selling the business in 2015.

Suzanne served the community of Alexandria Bay in many ways including being an active board member of the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce and a member/secretary for the Alexandria Historical Society at Cornwall Bros. Store.

She is survived by her brothers Walter (Johanna) Keeler, Canandaigua, NY, and Steve Keeler, with whom she resided; Her nieces, Jana (Jonathan) Keeler Rundle, Stanton Harcourt, UK and Lauren (Jason) Keeler Gundlach, Lancaster, NY; great nephews, Jamie & Iver Rundle, and Tanner Gundlach; and cousins, Wilmot & Judy Keeler, Redwood, NY, and Bethany (Michael) Keeler Leung, CA.

Calling hours on Friday, May 24th from 6-9 and a memorial service on Saturday, May 25^th at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Rev. Freddie Webb, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alexandria Township Historical Society, PO Box 695, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or the Alexandria Bay Ambulance Squad, 110 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

March 11, 2019

Alexandria Bay – Kathleen Marie DePuy, 72, ended her battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Monday, March 11 at United Helper’s Riverledge Campus in Ogdensburg, where she was a resident since August of 2017.

She was born December 21, 1946 in Ellenville, NY, daughter of William (Bill) and Winifred (Winnie) LaMont Coombs. She graduated from Ellenville High School in 1966. She moved to Alexandria Bay in 1979.

Kathy was a longtime employee of the Thousand Islands Tourism Council, Collins Landing. She enjoyed gardening, hiking, crafting, woodworking and listening to music. Although she was not an animal lover, Kathy was a founding and active member of Alley Cat Rescue. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Robert DePuy and his wife Dionne, their children Saraya, Gillian and Kenyon, Marathon, NY, her daughter, Heather Parrow and husband Jarrett, Plessis, NY, who share five children, Samantha Olsen and husband Skyler, Brianna Prashaw and her husband Dustin with their son Lane, Bailey Rogers, Lucas and Jerica Parrow. A sister, Carol Coombs, Alexandria Bay, also survives.

The family will receive friends on Thursday March 14, from 5-7pm, at the home of Jarrett and Heather Parrow, 25808 Route 26, Plessis.