Category Archives: 2020

Charles R. Hunter

June 20, 2020

LaFargeville, NY – Charles R. “Charlie” Hunter, 48, of County Route 2, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday morning at his home.

He was born July 18, 1971 in Watertown, NY, son of Leon and Constance Williams Hunter. He graduated from Alexandria Central High School. He worked as a younger man on the family farm and later as a self- employed contractor. He was an avid outdoorsman.

Marriages to Tara Elk and Jennifer Phillips both ended in divorce.

He is survived by his mother Connie, three sons, Maverick W. Hunter and Hayden L. R. Hunter, both of Redwood, and Cohen M. Hunter, Watertown; a stepson, Robert Hunter and a stepdaughter, Natalie Hunter, both of Watertown; three brothers, Michael Denner, Plessis, David (Angie) Denner, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Richard (Virginia) Denner, Plessis; a sister, Betsey Blount, Redwood; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Leon and a sister Joanne Denner.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Sunday, July 5th, beginning at 1pm at the Alexandria Bay Fire Hall.

Memorial donations may be made in Charlie’s name to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, 110 Walton St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Juanita A. Senecal

June 18, 2020

Alexandria Bay, NY – Juanita A. Senecal, 76, passed away Thursday, June 18th at the Adirondack Medical Center, Lake Placid.

She was born July 4, 1943 in Alexandria Bay, daughter of Alfred and Dorothy Lancto Plantz. She graduated from Alexandria Central High School. She married Loyal “Chip” Senecal on October 10, 1964. Mr. Senecal passed away on January 6, 2005.

Juanita worked for many years as dock manager at Bonnie Castle Yacht Basin.

 She enjoyed baking, knitting and loved the St. Lawrence River.

She is survived by two daughters, Dorothy (Randy) Sowder, Salem, VA and Percilla Senecal, Alexandria Bay. Two grandchildren, Evan and Madison Sowder also survive. Her son Douglas and two brothers, Vernon and Lyle Plantz predeceased her.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 24th at 11am at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Harold W. Arquitt

MEMORIAL SERVICE NOTICE

A memorial service for Harold W. Arquitt, 67, Hammond, will be held Saturday, June 27th at 3 pm, at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. A calling hour will precede the service from 2-3 pm.

Mr. Arquitt passed away on April 6, 2020 in Syracuse.

Anthony J. Excell

Anthony J. Excell, 33, Kring Point Road, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, May 27th.

He was born June 17, 1986 in Utica, NY, son of Thomas and Darsel Excell. He was educated in Whitesboro, NY schools.  He was a very talented athlete and allstar hockey player in high school. He was an avid fisherman and loved the River. Anthony had a huge heart and loved his family more than anything.  He worked in the restaurant business and loved to cook. 

He married Stephanie Antalek on July 17, 2005, in Utica NY. Stephanie passed on December 4, 2014. 

Anthony is survived by his parents Tom and Darsel of Kring Point and Port St. Lucie, FL, his brother who meant the world to him and sister in law, Michael and Kelli Excell of Utica, NY, his grandfathers, Gary Babinec of South Carolina who taught him how to fish, and David Excell Sr. of Utica, NY. Many uncles, aunts and cousins whom he loved very much. Anthony was predeceased by his beloved Grandmothers Cynthia Babinec, Diane Babinec and Judith Excell, as well as his Poppie Paul and Grandma Gen whom he cherished.

Services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made in Anthony’s name to any local humane society. 

Mary Aline C. Decker

April 2, 2020

HAMMOND, NY – Mary Aline Constance Decker, 99, County Route 1, passed away early Thursday morning.

She was born August 30, 1920 in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, daughter of Alfred and Eliza Marion Amyot. She was educated in Hammond Schools. She married Robert Decker on May 16, 1945 at St. Patrick’s Church, Rossie. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on County Route 1, for many years. The home is still owned by her sons to this day.  Mr. Decker passed away on April 28, 2018.

Aline worked for both Pine Tree Point and Cavallario’s Steak House, in Alexandria Bay.

She is survived by five sons, George (Susan) Decker, West Gardner, ME, Fr. Douglas Decker, Tupper Lake, NY, Fr. Robert Decker, Adams, NY,  Lyndon (Judy) Decker, Tully, NY, Steven (Angela) Decker, Adams, NY , a daughter, Sally (Frederick)Paddock, Hammond, NY, two sisters, Juliette Furguson, Redwood, NY and Constance Panunzio, Hammond, NY, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by brothers, Albert, George, Louis, Rosaire, Alexander and Paul Amyot and sisters, Fredeline Amyot, Minnie Sargent, Jeanette Beaudin and Clara Leckinger.

A private mass of Christian burial will be said at St. Peter’s Church in Hammond. Burial will be at Fineview Cemetery, Hammond. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Church or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org.

Dorothy “Jane” Daily

March 29, 2020

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – Dorothy “Jane” Daily, 78, of St. Lawrence Park Road, passed away peacefully, late Sunday evening, March 29th, at her home.

She was born May 18, 1941, in Hillsgrove, PA, daughter of Howard and Lucretia Bryan Stoner. She was one of 16 children. She married Kenneth “John” Daily, on October 24, 1959 in Syracuse, NY. The couple moved to Alexandria Bay in 1973 when they purchased the Alexandria Bay Big M grocery store. The family still owns and operates the store to this day. The couple was always known for their kindness, generosity and dedication to the community. Mr. Daily passed away on January 3, 2013.

Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, at her home on the River.

Jane is survived by her son, Kenneth John (Arlene) Daily, Valrico, FL, her daughter, Diane (Brian) Willix, Theresa, NY, her grandchildren, Maloree, Chelsee, Cierra, Chad, Cassidy, Conner and Rylie, great grandchildren, Lauren, Willow, Addison and Saylor, her siblings, Joyce, Nancy, Ben and Rick, and her close friends Dorothy and Shirley, the three musketeers.

Besides her beloved husband, John, she was predeceased by her son, Rick, her sisters, Shirley, Caroline, Joanne and brothers, John, Roy, Earl, Guy and Bill, as well as three other siblings who died as infants.

Services will be held at a time to be announced in the future, at the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles. Burial will be in Barnes Settlement Cemetery, next to her husband, John.

Shane H. Simpson II

“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

Shane Howard Simpson II, born October 7th, 1982, of Redwood, NY slipped away peacefully on March 30, 2020 at the young age of 37 due to complications from pneumonia.  He fought valiantly to overcome this serious illness to the very end.   He will be missed by many family and friends— all of whom  became family to the Simpsons.

Shane attended school through Indian River Central graduating with an IEP degree as well as being celebrated as an Alexandria Bay Purple Ghost in June, 2004 to a standing ovation.  As a Purple Ghost Shane attended sporting events in support of his father the coach, his mother forever the cheerleader and his brother and sister, the athletes.  He would be seen wrapped tightly in layers on the football field or in the best seat in the house during basketball season.  His life was always at the center of his loving family, whether it be home, school, spring break vacations, camping or any other random event, Shane was along for the ride enjoying all of the many friends that gathered.  Music, bonfires and being in the midst of the little ones playing made Shane glow as seen in that ever-infectious grin he proudly displayed in his happiest times.

Shane leaves behind his parents, Shane and Robin; his brother, Brandon (Chelsea); his sister, Anna Bassett (Tom);  his paternal grandmother, Norma Frazier; his favorite little people (nephews) August, Jasper and Dominick and coming soon Maverick;  numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and adopted family both home and abroad.  He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather August Frazier and maternal grandparents, William (Bill) and Lorna (Betty) Clark.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to the current gathering restrictions.

Lay down your sword… this fight is over.  Come together with love and your sacred memories to celebrate this precious young man who brought so much joy to oh so many.  He lives on in our hearts forever.

DEREK J. LAMB

March 30, 2020

Wellesley Island, NY – Derek J. Lamb, 80, County Route 100, passed away Monday morning at Samaritan Medical Center, in Watertown.

He was born August 16, 1939 in Birmingham, England, son of Henry T. and Mary A. Saunders Lamb. He was educated in England. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corp.

He married Patricia Badham on February 16, 1963, in Birmingham, England.

Derek worked for many years as head caretaker for Clover Boldt Baird, on Wellesley Island, whose properties included Hopewell Hall. He was a longtime member of the Wellesley Island Fire Department.

Besides his wife, Patricia, he is survived by a son, Edward, a daughter, Michelle and her companion, Jeff Hunter, all of Wellesley Island, four sisters, Joan Jones, Betty Lamb, Edna Cooke, and Barbara Hipkiss, and three grandchildren.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Wellesley Island.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wellesley Island Fire Department.

Grace E. Bowles

March 26, 2020

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY – Grace E. Bowles, 90, longtime resident of Alexandria Bay, passed away Thursday morning, March 26th, 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.

Brian K. Fuller

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.