Shaner Graham Atkinson passed away from natural causes on June 28^th, 2019. He was born in Watertown, NY on April 8^th, 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.

Louis V. Amato, 85, of Mill Street, Theresa, passed away at River Hospital Wednesday morning where he had been a patient.

Louie was born on March 2, 1933, the son of Louis A. and Elsa Amato in Manila, Philippine Islands.  He graduated from Cairo High School, Cairo, NY and then from St. Lawrence University in 1955. He served in the United States Army from 1955-1957.

Louie married JoAnne VanBrocklin on November 24, 1960 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Redwood. He worked for 33 years total as a teacher, coach, and school administrator, retiring as High School Principal of Alexandria Central School.  He enjoyed sports was active as an umpire for softball, baseball, and referee for football, soccer, and basketball. Continue reading →

June 17, 2018

Alexandria Bay, NY

M. Michael “Mike” Quencer, 83, passed away at his home.

He was born May 13, 1935, in Town of Lyme, NY, son of Martin and Helen Wilbur Quencer. He graduated from Lyme Central School in 1953, and attended Oswego State College. He served in the US Army from 1957 until 1960.  He married Mary E. Snyder on October 21, 1961 at the First Baptist Church in Sandy Creek, NY.

Mike worked as a grant administrator for many years for the NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. After retirement, he also worked part time for GK Accounting, Alexandria Bay.

He was a member of the Alexandria Bay Masonic Lodge 297, served on the board of directors and was treasurer for the Macsherry Library, was past president and a founding member of the Alexandria Bay Figure Skating Club, was a former director of the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, and was a former member of Alexandria Bay Rotary. Continue reading →

Alexandria Bay,  NY

Carolyn Garlock Curley, 76,  died in her sleep on June 11, 2018.  Born in Alexandria Bay, NY on May 5, 1942, the daughter of Royal and Mary Wells Garlock, Carolyn was a graduate of St. Lawrence University and she earned her Master’s Degree in Math Ed.  She taught mathematics throughout her career, winning numerous awards for excellence in teaching, and retiring from Erie Community College after 31 years.   One of her favorite accomplishments was a group of highly successful application-based textbooks, titled Mathematics in Action which she wrote and published with a group of math professors from across New York State.

Not only was she committed to her students and her school, Carolyn was involved in non-profit work throughout her life.  She and her husband, Pat, were leaders in envisioning and building the Orchard Park Pavilion.  She was also the founder of the Foundation for Community Betterment’s annual Paddle for Betterment in Alexandria Bay; this July will be the 18^th year of this event and her legacy will live on.

Continue reading →

June 8, 2018

Cape Vincent, NY

Nancy C. Docteur, 76, of State Route 12E, passed away Friday evening at her home.

She was born March 30, 1942 in Rochester, NY, daughter of John F. and Eva McNaney. She was educated in Rochester schools. She married Richard C. Docteur on September 25, 1965 at St. Mary’s Church, in Rochester.

Nancy worked for many years in the operating room of St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester as an anesthesiologist’s assistant. She was an avid bingo player.

Besides her husband Richard, she is survived by a son Dean and his fiancée, Kristina Thaler, of Hilton, NY, a daughter Lori Gilliam, Whitesboro, NY, two sisters, Rosemary(Thomas) Beshara, of Bennington, VT and Gail(Arnold) Dupray, of Champlain, NY, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial mass will be said at the convenience of the family. Burial will be next to her father in Rural Cemetery, Seneca Falls, NY.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Children’s Home of Jefferson County, 1704 State Street, Watertown, NY 13601

June 27, 2017
Watertown, NY

Marion J. Carlisle, 74, of West Mullin St., passed away Monday Evening at Samaritan Medical Center.
Marion was born in Theresa on October 29, 1942, the daughter of Paul and Josephine Tibbles Burns. She attended Redwood and Alexandria Bay schools.
She married Rodney Carlisle on March 5, 1966 in Alexandria Bay. She worked in the laundry department at the House of the Good Samaritan in her early years and then became a homemaker.
Marion is survived by her husband, Rodney, her son Guy Carlisle, Watertown, and two grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, Paul, Howard, and Harry Burns, and Leona Simpson.
Calling hours will be held at Costello Funeral Home, in Alexandria Bay, on Thursday, June 29th from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday at the funeral home at 10:00 am with Rev. Kerri Weldon officiating. Burial will follow at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

June 15, 2017

Alexandria Bay, NY

Robert A. Plantz, 64, of Plantz Road, passed away Thursday morning at Upstate Medical Center, in Syracuse.

He was born April 27, 1953 in Alexandria Bay, son of Arthur and Gladys Crabb Plantz. He graduated from Alexandria Central School. He was co-owner of Northeast Construction for over 30 years. Continue reading →

September 21, 1938- June 6, 2017

Louise Hedden, 78, of Wellesley Island, passed on at her home early Tuesday morning June 6th.

Born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania she was the daughter of late James and Gertrude Reeves Dempsey. She was a graduate of Olyphant High School and Lackawanna Business School and was certified as a LPN. She married at age 22 and devoted her life to the care of her husband, children, family and friends.  Louise and Bob moved to Endicott, NY to raise their family living there 34 years before settling down for their retirement years on Wellesley Island.

Louise was a truly selfless individual. She was a strong advocate for improving the lives of others – always so thoughtful, generous and considerate. She took pride in the being part of the development of Boswell Hill Park, volunteering for many school and community activities; in particular – photographing school district events for which she was awarded special recognition for her talent; her years as a Den Mother for her son’s cub scout pack and as a Continue reading →