Category Archives: 2019

MARY F. SPIES

December 28, 2019

Redwood, NY – Mary F. Spies, 75, Stine Road, passed away Saturday afternoon at her home.

She was born in Geneva, NY, daughter of Charles Sr. and Lolieta O’Donnell Folsom. She graduated from Indian River Central High School and then received her nursing degree from Canton ATC. She married Lewis E. Spies on June 29, 1963. Mr. Spies passed away in 2002.

Mary worked for many years as a Licensed Registered Nurse for Gouverneur Hospital. She was passionate about breeding and raising Barbet water dogs.

She is survived by her son Edward (Cindy) Spies, of Millis, MA, and her daughter Sherilyn (Scott) Smith, Redwood, two brothers, Charles, Jr. (Patricia) Folsom, Theresa and Robert (Sandy) Folsom, Queensbury, NY, and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Eric, in 2012, and her half brother, Gil Stritar.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at a time to be announced, in the spring of 2020.

Memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Redwood Fire Department or to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Redwood.

Ernestine M. Beebe

December 9, 2019

Alexandria Bay, NY – Ernestine M. Beebe, 85, Gordon Court Apartments, passed away Monday morning, December 9th at her home.

Ernestine was born in Clayton on January 9, 1934, daughter of Earnest and Eva Youngs Bender. She was educated in Clayton schools. She and her husband, Theodore D. Beebe owned and operated Beebe’s Wrecker Service on Barnes Settlement road where the couple resided for many years. Mr. Beebe passed away on June 27, 2009. Mrs. Beebe also sold Avon, Tupperware, Stanley Home Products and Blair Products. She was a member of the Clayton American Legion Auxiliary, an avid stock car and NASCAR fan and drove a race car in local powder puff races.

She is survived by two sons, Edward (Lillian) Beebe of Watertown and Timothy (Bobbi) Beebe of Collins Center, NY, two daughters, Jackie Morley of Alexandria Bay and Cynthia Stevens of Marcellus, NY, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Besides her husband Theodore, she was predeceased by an infant son Theodore Robert, a sister, Erma Bender and four brothers, Earl, Billy, Charles and Robert Bender.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at a future time to be announced. Burial will be in Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jefferson County SPCA or the Alexandria Bay Fire Department.

Pauline M. Hofferberth

December 10, 2019

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – Pauline M, “Polly” Hofferberth, 80, Bolton Avenue, passed away Tuesday, December 10th at Samaritan Medical Center, in Watertown.

She was born August 29, 1939 in Pompey, NY, daughter of Charles and Gladys Welch Reynolds. She graduated from Cazenovia High School in 1958. She married Solan Hofferberth on September 20, 1958 at the Zion Methodist Church in Manlius, NY. Mr. Hofferberth passed away on April 13, 2008.

Polly worked as a cook for the Argonne Restaurant and also worked as a clerk for Pearl’s Department Store, both in Alexandria Bay. She was active in the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by four sons, Howard (Kathy), Winthrop, ME, Phillip, Theresa, NY, Tracy, Watertown and Terry, with whom she resided, Alexandria Bay, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles and O’Dell Reynolds and a sister, Vietta Hotaling.

A memorial gathering will be planned in the summer of 2020, at a time to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alexandria Bay Rescue Squad.

Dolores E. Maeder

November 25, 2019

Dolores E. Maeder, 82, formerly of Bryant Road, Kring Point, passed away in San Benito, TX.

Dolores was born on December 18, 1936 in Auburn, NY, the daughter of Katrina and Karl Bocheneck.  After graduating from high school, she attended Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY for two years.

She married Ronald H. Maeder on July 12, 1958 in Auburn, NY and became a homemaker.

Dolores was a member of St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Alexandria Bay, singing in the choir.  She was also a Ham Radio Operator, holding the record for the greatest number of “check-ins” on the Rooster Roster.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald, San Benito, TX, and daughters:  Katrina Grossberg, Gwynn Oak, MD; and Margaret          Maeder, San Diego, Ca.          

 Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 14th from 4-6:30 at Costello Funeral Home.  A funeral service with Fr. Douglas Comstock officiating will follow at 6:30, also at Costello Funeral Home. The burial at Barnes Settlement Cemetery will be private and at the family’s convenience.

Alden F. Russell

Alden F. Russell, 100, longtime resident of St. Lawrence Park Road, Alexandria Bay, passed away at Samaritan Summit Village, where he had resided since 2014.

Alden was born in Alexandria Bay on September 5th, 1919, the son of Earl Grover and Pearl Catherine Gibbons Russell.  He worked on the family farm in his youth and as a teenager on Great Lakes ships.  He graduated from Alexandria Central School and Canton ATC.

Alden was drafted into the U.S. Army in his early 20’s after the start of WWII.  After basic training, he was recommended for officer candidate school and received his Officer’s commission.  While serving as an infantry platoon leader, he was wounded in action in France shortly after D Day.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star as a result of his actions in France.  After his recovery he was discharged from active duty and continued his service in the Army Reserves, retiring after more than 20 years with the rank of Major.  It was during WWII that he met his future wife, Margaret Underwood, who was a 1st Lieutenant, serving as a nurse in the U.S. Army.  They were married in Winchester VA on May 21st, 1946.  Margie passed away on March 2nd, 2011.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Alden returned to work on the family farm in Alexandria Bay but was unable due to his war injuries.  He became a partner in the farm assisting his father with the business operations. He then continued his education to become a teacher, earning his Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Georgia.  He returned home to be an Agriculture and Earth Science teacher at Alexandria Central School, retiring in 1977.

After his retirement he continued to be active in the American Legion and also the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, patrolling the St.  Lawrence River on safety patrols and teaching Safe Boating courses for many years. Upon his death, he was the oldest member of the John B. Lyman American Legion Post in Alexandria Bay – a member for 73 years.  He held many offices over the years including commander, chairman of the Boys State committee, and member of the Good Will committee. He enjoyed reading and playing poker and playing bingo while he was a resident at Summit Village. Alden and Margie enjoyed wintering together for 35 years in Florida and Arizona. 

Alden is survived by his sons:  Jack (Janet), Casa Grande, AZ;  Jim (Brenda), Theresa, NY; Jay, Alexandria Bay; and Joe (Robin), Alexandria Bay.  Also his grandchildren: Ian Russell, Mountain View, CA; Brian Russell, Casa Grande, AZ; Shawn Russell, Bonners Ferry ID; Christopher Russell, Denver, CO; Caitlin Russell, Los Angeles, CA; and Molly Russell, Alexandria Bay. A brother, Donald Russell pre-deceased him.

Services will be held in the Spring of 2020.

Memorial donations may be made to River Hospital, 4 Fuller St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or online at riverhospital.org .

Joan Price Gosier

Joan Rosalie Price Gosier, 81, Cape Vincent, NY, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, November 24th with her children by her side and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County at Ellis Farm, Watertown. She had been a resident there since November 15th, 2019

Joan was born in Loraine, Ohio, on March 1, 1938, the ninth of eleven children of Joseph William and Genevieve Fraley Price. Her family moved back to Cape Vincent, where her parents originally resided, when she was eight years old. 

Joan graduated from Cape Vincent High School in 1957.  She married James G. Johnson, February 13, 1960 in Cape Vincent.  Jim passed away February 10, 1964.

She married Robert Gosier on May 22, 1971 at St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church in Cape Vincent, with Fr. Kennedy officiating. Bob passed away in July of 2017.

Joan and Bob were well known in the community that they loved, volunteering in many ways.  Joan was simply proud of being a mom, not only to her own children, but to so many families in the neighborhood. She spent 40 years as a childcare provider, caring for over 140 “Joanie’s kids” in those years.  She retired in June 2003.

Joan was also a consistent collector of Heritage Collection (Dicken’s Village) buildings and figurines. By the time she finished collecting she had 50 buildings along with characters, lights, and trees, bringing the “Village” to life for a Christmastime decoration that people from all over the North Country would come to their home to admire.

 She was a charter member of the Cape Vincent Volunteer Fire Dept Auxiliary, the John C. Londraville American Legion Auxiliary, the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce, and the Lighthouse Society. She was an avid New York Yankee and New York Giant fan, a requirement when living in the Gosier household!

Joan is survived by her children, Joyce (James) Green, Fort Mill, SC; Joanne Sabin, Alexandria Bay; Jeffrey (Dr. Kimberly) Johnson, York, SC; Jacqualine “Bopper” (James) Costello, Alexandria Bay; and Julie (Richard) Wilkinson, Indian Land, SC; her grandchildren, Lucas and Sean Mason; Vincent and Jacob Sabin; Richie and Lexis Wilkinson; Robert, Elizabeth, and River Costello; sisters-in-law, Alma Price, Elaine Price, Mary Price; brothers-in-law Michael Allen and Allan Rothoff; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and best friend from childhood, Ann LaPatra King, Mesa, Arizona.  She is predeceased by her brothers, Francis, Richard, George, Thomas and David Price, and sisters, Beatrice Branche, Margaret Mannigan, Dorothy Hinckley, Catherine Allen, and Carol Rothoff.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 29th from 5-8 pm at the Cleveland Funeral Home, 188 Broadway Street, Cape Vincent.    

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 11 am at St. Vincent of Paul Catholic Church, with Father Ray officiating.

The family would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and the medical professional partners of the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad who cared for Joan many times over the past few years.  In addition, words cannot express the appreciation felt for staff at Hospice.  The comfort care our beloved mother received in her final days was amazing.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad, PO Box 835, Cape Vincent, NY 13618, or Hospice of Jefferson County at jeffersonhospice.org.

Gwendolyn “Peanut” Holder

October 18, 2019

LaFargeville, NY – Gwendolyn F. “Peanut” Holder, 78, longtime resident of LaFargeville, passed away Friday evening in Syracuse.

She was born July 16, 1941 in Carthage, NY, daughter of Glenn and Vivian Newvine Beerman. She graduated from LaFargeville Central High School. She married Miles Holder on June 30, 1962. Mr. Holder predeceased her.

She enjoyed knitting, playing bingo and was an avid NASCAR fan.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Holley) Holder, Redwood, a sister Vivian (John) Robbins, LaFargeville, two brothers, Edward (Tammy) Beerman, Clayton and Glenn “Buck” (Joyce) Beerman, LaFargeville, two grandchildren and one great grandson. Her cat Gidget was her buddy and best friend.

She was predeceased by her son, Paul, in 1992 and her sister, Frances Strader.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, November 3rd, at the LaFargeville American Legion, from noon until 4 pm.  Burial will be in Grove Cemetery, LaFargeville, in the spring.

Memorial donations can be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, at www.helpfightra.org

Richard S. Garlock

October 9, 2019

Alexandria Bay, NY – Richard S. “Dick” Garlock, 88, lifelong resident of Alexandria Bay, died Wednesday morning at his home.

He was born August 27, 1931 in Alexandria Bay, son of Sterling and Kathryn Campbell Garlock. He graduated from Alexandria Bay High School and then from St. Lawrence University. A marriage to Doreen “Dody” Ruderman, ended in divorce.

Dick was co-owner of Garlock Lumber and Building Supply, in Alexandria Bay.

He loved bluegrass music and played the banjo for many years. Dick was passionate about fishing and tournament bass fished until he was 87 years old. He was an avid duck hunter and a world class trap and skeet shooter, in his younger days.

He is survived by two sons, David and Matthew (Amiee) and three daughters, Jennifer Hebert and Marcia Slocum, all of Alexandria Bay and Deirdre (William)Beers- Morales of, Rock Hill , SC, a sister, Cynthia Kozlowski Pittsford NY, and eleven grandchildren. Also, Carol Parker his longtime companion.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, October 19, from 1-4 pm at Bonnie Castle Resort, Alexandria Bay.

Donations can be made in Dick’s name to American Brain Tumor Association.

Robert E. Stromwall

Alexandria Bay, NY – Rob Stromwall, 85, passed peacefully on September 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 7, 1934 in Brockton, Massachusetts, son of Alton and Fannie Flood Stromwall. He was raised by his mother and step father, Rev. Francis Berry, for whom he had much love and respect. He graduated from Madison High School, in Madison, Maine and served in the U.S. Navy from October 1952-September 1956. Following his service, he graduated from the University of Maine, with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

He married Sally Sawyer on December 19, 1954. The couple moved to the Rochester, NY area to raise their family while Rob worked for many years as an engineering manager for Eastman Kodak. Mrs. Stromwall passed away on April 3, 1983.

He married Margaret “Margie” Herbert Beadling on January 28, 1984, in Poland, ME with Rob’s stepfather Rev. Francis Berry, officiating.

Following retirement from Kodak in 1989, the couple purchased a lot off Dingman Point Road and built their home on the St. Lawrence River.

Rob was a man of uncompromising character and faith. He served our God, his family, community and country in any capacity where he found need.

Besides his loving wife Margaret, he is survived by his daughter, Karen (David) Arnold, Macedon, NY, three sons, Bruce (Lynn) Stromwall, Cumming, GA, Brian (Cindy) Stromwall, Greenville, SC and Brent (LeAnne) Stromwall, Sugar Hill, GA, three stepdaughters, Anne (Doug) Canham, Fairport, NY, Sharon(Mark) Renfer, and Sarah Beadling, both of Brockport, NY, two stepsons, Peter (Jennifer) Beadling, Spencerport, NY and Mike (April) Beadling, Brockport, NY.  He also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and beloved companion, Simon.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at 2pm at Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, with Pastor Jeff McIlrath officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

Local arrangements are with Costello Funeral Service, Alexandria Bay, NY.

Michael S. Bridenbaker

September 5, 2019 

TULLY, NY – Michael S. Bridenbaker, Sr, 62, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday evening, while traveling in Seattle, Washington. 

He was born December 20, 1956 in Syracuse, NY, son of Charles and Mary Ann Kranock Bridenbaker. He was educated at Cicero/North Syracuse Schools and Onondaga Community College. 

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from January 1974-August,1976, achieving the rank of Fireman, and saw service in the Mediterranean during the Cyprus Conflict aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9), receiving an honorable discharge. 

He was a member of the North Syracuse Fire Department from 1978-1981 and NAVAC Ambulance from 1981-2003, serving as Deputy Director for three years. 

Mike became a nationally registered paramedic, working for Eastern Ambulance for ten years from 1976-1986.  When Onondaga County Sheriffs’ Department initiated the Air-One Emergency Helicopter program, Mike was recruited as one of the elite seven first flight paramedics, providing over 7,500 hours of direct service to Onondaga County. 

Mike worked as a police officer for the City of Syracuse from 1986-2006, earning the Medal of Valor in 1992.  In addition, he received bureau, department and division commendations.  He worked with the Emergency Services Unit, the SWAT Team, and the Airport Division. 

Following his retirement from the police department, Mike served as Airport Security Coordinator at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for three years. 

Mike was currently serving as a Fire Commissioner for the Tully Fire District, and was Chairman of the Board for two years.  He secured significant grant funding to benefit the community. 

He is survived by his lifetime companion of 35 years, Marley Barduhn of Tully, two daughters, Hope Messer of Solvay, and Brittany Woolshlager (Matthew) of Fairmount, one son, Michael Bridenbaker, Jr. (Jessica) of North Syracuse, his mother, Mary Ann Bridenbaker, brothers Edward and Patrick ( Robin ), and six grandchildren, including Crystal, Brandon, Evan, Michael, Elizabeth, and Molly of the Syracuse area, as well as other extended family.  Mike was predeceased by his father, Charles Bridenbaker and an infant son, Steven. 

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, rock music, and spending time with his family and friends, at home in Tully and in Alexandria Bay and Florida.  He especially enjoyed his volunteer EMS activities at Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 12th, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, at the Kruger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd, Mattydale.  A calling hour will also be held Friday, September 13th, from 1- 2pm at the Costello Funeral Home, 113 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY. The funeral service will begin at 2pm, with the Rev. Richard G. Reed officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, Alexandria Bay. 

Memorial donations may be made to Tully Fire District, 1 Railroad St, Tully, NY 13159, Attn: Cheryl Wayne, Secretary/Treasurer in lieu of flowers.