Category Archives: 2019

June D. Ward

August 16, 2019

June D. Ward, 92, a lifelong resident of Alexandria Bay, passed away early Friday morning at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 22, 1927 in Alexandria Bay, daughter of Harry and Mable (Joyner) Hartman. She graduated from Alexandria Bay High School in 1944 at the age of sixteen. She married Stanley E. Ward on May 28, 1949 in Alexandria Bay.  The two were married for seventy years and together for seventy-seven.

June was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles.  She enjoyed gardening, hiking the Adirondack peaks, and the St. Lawrence River.  She and Stanley were seasoned travelers of the United States and Canada, taking month-long trips coast to coast and throughout all of the Canadian provinces and territories.

Besides her husband Stanley, June is survived by her son and daughter, Gawaine (Lorraine) Ward and Jackie (Doug) Strough, all of Alexandria Bay.  In addition to her children, she is also survived by five grandchildren:  Jessica (Carlton) Ridsdale, Danielle Ward, Ryan Strough (and partner Andria Turner), Justin Strough, and Genesis (Robert) Scales; and four great-grandchildren:  Alexis Ridsdale, Grady and Henry Scales, and Maren Strough.

She was predeceased by four brothers, George, Gordon, Edward and Walter Hartman, and a sister, Ruth Flynn.

There will be no services or calling hours. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MacSherry Library, 112 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607; the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607; or Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service (TIERS), River Hospital, and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Jill E. Partridge

August 1, 2019

Redwood, NY

Jill E. Partridge, 64, Shannon Road, passed away Thursday evening, August 1st,  at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born February 23, 1955 in Gary, Indiana, daughter of Joseph Rene and Mary Gay Foisy. After her mother’s death, she was raised by her father and his second wife, Elizabeth. She graduated from Salmon River High School. She married Larry Partridge on July 20, 1986 in Alexandria Bay.

Jill worked for 18 years for Wellesley Island Building Supply, where she was known as the “paint lady”. She retired in September of 2017.

She was a member of the Goose Bay Reclamation Corporation. She loved riding her Harley Davidson motor cycle, her dog Lucy and cats, Millie and Molly.

Besides her husband Larry, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Bruce (Kally) Hull, Redwood and Erin Dulmage, Clayton, five brothers, Paul Foisy, Dade City FL, Ken Raimondo, Kewanee, IL, Matthew (Debbie) Foisy, LaFargeville, NY, Eric Foisy, Fountain, CO, and Joseph (Jessica) Foisy, Danville, VA, five sisters, Mrs. Scott (Mary) Sager, Bridgeport, NY, Mrs. Brian (Patty)Kirkby, LaFargeville, NY, Anita Casey, North Bangor, NY, Mrs. Darrell (Beth) Trombley, North Bangor, NY and Mrs. Raymond (Yvette) Byrns, Clayton, NY., six grandchildren, Shawnea Hull, Kai Hull, Quinn Ayen, Aleigha Ely, Hannah Dulmage and Jakob Dulmage.

A celebration of life reception will be held Saturday, August 10th, from 1-4 pm at the Alexandria Bay Fire Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, in Jill’s name at cancer.org.

Frank C. Frost II

Frank C. Frost II, 32, of 1 Margaret Ave., Alexandria Bay, passed away in the emergency room of River Hospital Thursday morning as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in the village of Alexandria Bay.

Frank was born on October 10, 1986 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Frank C. Frost and Rita J. Neal.

He received his GED and then entered the U.S. Army March 2007 serving two tours in Iraq as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and was honorably discharged September 2012.

Frank married Monica Cline on August 8, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was a member of the Alexandria Bay American Legion Post 904.

Besides his wife, Monica, he is survived by his parents, Frank, Auburn, NY, and Rita Frost, Wichita, KS; his brother Tech. Sargent Alexander (Monica) Frost, RAF Mildenhall, UK; his paternal grandparents Grant (Sharlene) Frost, Indianapolis, IN; a niece and two nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, July 31st at Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral service will begin at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/frank–frankie–c-frost-ii?utm_term=E8e3qrj4E to help with funeral and medical expenses.


Rhea A. Thornton

Rhea A. Thornton, 81, died Friday, July 5 at Samaritan Keep Home, Watertown where she had been a resident. 

She was born Oct. 7, 1937 daughter of Homer and Flossie Gordon Reynolds.

She graduated from Alexandria Central School in 1956. She married Howard Thornton Nov. 11, 1958, that later ended in divorce.

Ms. Thornton was a cashier at the Red & White store, Grand Union and retired from Alex Bay Big M in 2013. 

She enjoyed doing circle word puzzles, ceramics and listening to old country music.

Rhea is survived by her son Randy Thornton, Alexandria Bay.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 16 at Barnes Settlement Cemetery at 11 a.m., with Pastor Philip Seybert officiating.

Donations made be made to Alley Cat Rescue of Alexandria Bay.

Gerald A. “Gerry” Chaltain

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – Gerald A. “Gerry” Chaltain, 70, passed away July 2nd, at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.

Gerry was born October 15, 1948 in Alexandria Bay, son of Jacques J. and Pauline Marie Kramer Chaltain.

He graduated from Alexandria Central High School.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1975, stationed in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He was a lifetime member of the Alexandria Bay American Legion.

Although he worked most of his life as a truck driver for various trucking companies, he most recently worked as an industrial x-ray technician on oil rigs in Texas.

He is survived by his brother, Victor Chaltain, Alexandria Bay, three sisters, Marie Tidd, Alexandria Bay, Jacqui Chaltain, Houston, TX and Johannah Chaltain Bullock, Utah. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Jack Chaltain.

There will be no services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or the Alexandria Bay American Legion.

S. Graham Atkinson

Shaner Graham Atkinson passed away from natural causes on June 28th, 2019. He was born in Watertown, NY on April 8th, 1963. He is survived by his three daughters, Elena, Mary Grace, and Kate Elizabeth; his brother Todd; his sisters Gay and Leslie; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends His loving parents, Elizabeth G. Atkinson Roe and John G. Atkinson and his loving stepfather, Thomas B. Roe are predeceased. 

Graham was an ‘81 Trinity Pawling Graduate and then went on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1985.  He worked in Newtown, PA, and then moved his family closer to his hometown to Manlius, NY, in 1991. There he started a Staffing Company with much success, and enjoyed his life in Upstate NY raising his beautiful daughters with his wife Amy VanEenenaam Atkinson.

Graham loved his three daughters, who were the most important part of his life. In the words of his daughters, Graham was “the most doting, dedicated, and compassionate father we ever could have wished for. He taught us how to love with his whole heart as he did with us.”

He will be remembered not only as a great dad but also by his friends for his quick wit and great sense of humor. His greatest gift was bringing laughter and love everywhere he went. He lit up any room with his lighthearted and comforting presence, and will be remembered fondly by those lucky enough to know him.

Graham also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, spending time on Carleton Island with his family, and  skiing ~ he just loved it! He was a passionate Syracuse basketball fan, an avid golfer, and an artist. Most importantly, he was a friend to all. His one-of-a-kind wisdom, exuberance, and kindness will be missed dearly by his family and friends.  Services: 10am Friday, July 5, at First Presbyterian Church, Watertown.   

In lieu of flowers Graham’s family would welcome a charitable contribution to the Carleton Island Swallow-wort program at the Thousand Islands Land Trust.  https://tilandtrust.org/support.

Geneva J. Running

May 11, 2019

REDWOOD, NY – Geneva J. Running, 80, Stine Road, passed away Saturday evening at her home. She had been under the care of her loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

She was born November 4, 1938 in Lake Lure, NC, daughter of Theodore and Mary Skipper Burgess. She was educated in North Carolina schools. She married David E. Running on June 6, 1956, in Spartanburg, SC. Mr. Running passed away on January 23, 2013.

Geneva worked for the Thompson family of Alexandria Bay for over 45 years.

She was a member of the Redwood United Methodist Church, where she taught the “Kids Club” as well as Sunday school. She was a member of the Jefferson County Republican Committee, the Redwood Historical Society. She was instrumental in starting the Redwood “Mission Possible” thrift store, a member of the Redwood Fire Department and Auxiliary, where she served as an EMT on the ambulance squad. In 2015, she received the Tourism and Hospitality Award from the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed gardening and music.

She is survived by two sons, David E. Running, Jr, and his wife Isabella, Watertown, and Daniel L. Running and his wife Cindy, Theresa, two daughters Mrs. Michael (Debra) Montondo, Redwood, and Mrs. Greg (Mary) Wills, Redwood. A daughter in law, Carol A. Running, a brother, Donald Burgess, two sisters, Wilma Clemons and June Ruff, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her. Besides her husband David and her parents, she was also predeceased by a granddaughter, Mary Ann Lindsey Running, her brothers R.L., Calvin, J.C., and A.D. Burgess and her sisters, Minnie Gibbs, Lena McDaniel, and Beulah Wilson.

Calling hours will be Thursday, May 16th, from 4-7 pm, at the Costello Funeral home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral will be at 11 am Friday, May 17th, at the Redwood United Methodist Church, with Rev. Phil Seybert, officiating. Burial will follow at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Redwood Fire Department, or the Redwood United Methodist Church.

John C. “Jay” Meyers IV

Calling hours for Jay will be on Saturday, June 8th, from 2-4 pm at Costello Funeral Home. Memorial service will begin at the funeral home at 4 pm with Reverend Lisa Busby officiating.

CLAYTON, NY – John C. “Jay” Meyers, IV, 31, Robinson Road, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 9th.

He was born August 28, 1987 in Watertown, NY, son of John C. Meyers III, and Jane E. Lamb Meyers.

He graduated from Thousand Islands High School.

Jay was a skilled woodworker and did many projects for private clients. He was currently working as a finish carpenter for Green Structures, Fishers Landing. He had also worked for some time for LP Builders in Clayton.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jay was a talented guitar player, and was well known in local music circles.

He is survived by his parents Jane and John C. III, as well as his sister, Julia Meyers, Alexandria Bay.

Memorial donations may be made in Jay’s name to the following: the National Kidney Foundation for Team Tyler, c/o Yvette Reome, Community Bank, 205 State St., Clayton, NY 13624; TIERS, 885 Graves Street, Clayton, NY 13624; The Disabled Veterans at www.woundedwarriorproject.org; to Ducks Unlimited at www.ducks.org., or to the SPCA  of Jefferson County, 25056 Water St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Elinor W. Ducat

Elinor Walton Ducat, 83, of St. Lawrence Park Rd., Alexandria Bay, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 4th, surrounded by her loving family.

Elinor was born on September 12, 1935 in Watertown, the daughter of Dorothy P. and Lawson G. Walton.  She was a 1953 graduate of Watertown High School, and then received an associate’s degree from Cazenovia College in 1955.

She relocated to Shrewsbury, MA, and subsequently married Jack Ducat on August 8, 1976.

She became office manager for a construction company in Worcester, MA in the late 1970s.  Ultimately, the family moved back to Upstate New York in the 1980s, and established their home in Alexandria Bay. Elinor became business manager for Tannery Island Power Company, Carthage, and later became a sales agent for Christensen Realty in Clayton.

Elinor was the most senior member of the LeRay de Chaumont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.).  She was instrumental in the establishment of the General Jacob Brown Chapter of the C.A.R.  She also belonged to the Albany Chapter of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Jefferson County Historical Society.  She was always proud to be “a farm girl from Upstate NY,” and she was an avid St. Lawrence River fishing gal.

Elinor is survived by her husband, Jack;  children, H. Thomas (Robin) O’Hara Jr., Great Neck, NY; Kathleen O. (Joseph R. Jr.) Falcone, Manlius, NY; John S. (Laurie) Ducat, Dover-Foxcroft, ME; Elizabeth Ducat-Fitzpatrick, Worcester, MA; James I. Ducat, Redlands, CA; her brother, David Walton, Watertown; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and her former spouse H. Thomas O’Hara.

Calling hours will be held at Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay, on Tuesday, May 14th, from 4-7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 15th, at 11 am The Church of the St. Lawrence with Rev. Lisa Busby officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Elinor’s name to Hospice of Jefferson County, the Northern New York Community Foundation or the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Connie Marie Richard

April 15, 2019

HAMMOND, NY – Connie Marie Richard, 75, State Route 37, passed away Monday morning at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, with her loving family by her side.

She was born October 14, 1943 in Gouverneur, NY, daughter of Amy Barrett and Thomas Mutz. She was adopted and raised by Jake & Rella Niles. She worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, as a young woman. She lived in California for much of her adult life, where she owned and operated her own house cleaning business.

She married Robert A. Richard in 1996. They were later remarried in 1997 in the Bahai Faith.

The couple moved back to the North Country in 2007.

Besides her husband Bob, she is survived by a son, Gregory Carrera, Weed, CA, a daughter, Kim Hansen, Newark, NY, four half-sisters, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 18th, at 3pm, at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hammond.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, at action.lung.org