August 24, 2021

Gerald H. “Tony” Robbins of State Route 26, Plessis, passed away at Samaritan Medical Center Tuesday morning. 

Tony was born on February 5, 1940, in the town of Clayton, to Lewis “Cy” and Ruby Fitchette Robbins.  He graduated from LaFargeville Central School and became a Heavy Equipment Operator for Adorn & Booth for many years and later for Barrett Paving.

He married Audrey Shultz on April 21, 1961 in Plessis, NY.  Mrs. Robbins passed away November 23, 2018.

Tony enjoyed golfing, softball, NASCAR races, and was an avid NY Giants fan.

He is survived by his sons, Russell “Rusty” (Tina) Shultz, Theresa, NY; Todd (Mary Cook) Robbins, Theresa, NY; Bret (Sherry) Robbins, LaFargeville, NY, Edward “Zeb” (Dawn) Robbins, LaFargeville, NY, and T.J. (Julie) Robbins, Cape Vincent; his daughters, Colleen (Renae) Robbins, Wellesley Island, NY; and Carmon (Jim Buley) Robbins, Plessis, NY; brothers, James (Diane) Robbins LaFargeville, NY; and John (Vivian) Robbins, LaFargeville, NY; sister Caroline Robbins, Lafargeville, NY, 11 grandchildren and  nine great-grandchildren.  Besides his wife, Audrey, he is predeceased by his brother Larry Robbins.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 1^st at 5:00 pm at Brookside Cemetery in Plessis with Rev. Jeff McIlrath officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Tony’s name to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org, or American Diabetes

Alexandria Bay, NY

J. Frederick “Fred” Kocher, 97, of Seaway Avenue, Alexandria Bay passed away Tuesday, August 17 at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, NY.

Fred was born in Endicott on March 15, 1924, the youngest son of Clyde and Freda (Ide) Kocher.

He graduated from Union Endicott in 1942 and attended Ithaca College for Music until he left to serve in the Navy during World War II. He married Arlene Hood on June 7^th, 1947 in Endicott, NY. He returned to Ithaca College and graduated with a degree in physical education.

Fred worked at IBM Endicott in many different positions before retiring in 1983 and moving permanently to their summer home on the St. Lawrence River.p lol

Fred served as the president of the Alexandria Bay Senior Citizens Club as well as the Alexandria Bay Senior Travel Club. He played golf on the Alexandria Bay Twilight Men’s Golf League for several years. He also enjoyed boating, ship watching and anything to do with the river.

He is survived by sons Gary, Alexandria Bay, NY, Barry, Watertown, NY, daughters Lynn Cucci, Vestal, NY, and Donna (Gary) Gressler, Watertown, NY; grandchildren Jason (Lauren) Cucci, Appalachin, NY, Justin (companion Angela), Binghamton, NY, Christopher (Kimmy) Cucci, Hollywood, CA, Amber (Jeff) Adams, Corning, NY, Zachary (Asia) Gressler, Walton, NY, and Wyatt Gressler, Rome, NY. Great grandchildren Ben and Evan Cucci, Lucas, Samantha and Owen Adams, and Tatum Gressler.

He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years Arlene, brothers Quentin and Lester Kocher, son Ronald, daughter-in-law Dianne Kocher, son-in-law William Cucci and great grandson Nathan Cucci.

Calling hours will be at the Costello Funeral Home from 6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday, August 26th. Entombment will take place Friday, August 27th at 2:00pm in Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal, NY, with visitation prior from 12:30-2:00pm.

August 4, 2021

Alexandria Bay, NY – Evelyn B. Bedford, 91 formerly of High Street, passed away early Wednesday morning at St. Joseph’s Home in Ogdensburg, where she had been a resident since September of 2017.

She was born on February 9, 1930 in Minisink, NY, daughter of Floyd and Dorothy Mae Brundage Gould. She was educated in Middletown, NY schools. She married Harrison “Hairdy” Bedford on April 17, 1949 in Slate Hill, NY. For most of their married life, the couple resided in Ogdensburg, NJ. Mr. Bedford passed away June 24, 1995.

Evelyn worked as a seamstress for many years for Morley’s Custom Shirt Factory, in Franklin, NJ, retiring in 1990.

She enjoyed word search books, watching NASCAR and was a NY Yankees fan.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law Loraine and Russell Schroh, with whom she resided during her time in Alexandria Bay, and a grandson, Michael Klein, Melbourne, FL.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Ina Hayes and Mary Eason.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery, Otisville, NY.

Memorial donations may be made in Evelyn’s name to St. Joseph’s Home, 950 Linden St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

August 30, 2020

Alexandria Bay, NY – Mary T. Hawley, 14 Avery Ave, passed away Sunday afternoon, August 30^th, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.

She was born October 10, 1925 in Alexandria Bay, daughter of John and Maria Hubbard Hartman. She graduated from Alexandria Bay High School and then from Binghamton School of Nursing, in 1949.  She worked for many years as a registered nurse for E.J. Noble Hospital in Alexandria Bay. She was a member of the Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church.

She married Anson Hawley on April 18, 1948 in Binghamton, NY. Mr. Hawley passed away on November 16, 1999.

She is survived by her son John (Stacy) Hawley, Mallette, SD, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Besides her husband Anson, she was predeceased by her daughter, Gail Edwards, two brothers, John and Miller Hartman and a sister, Sally Johnson.

Burial in Barnes Settlement Cemetery will be at the family’s convenience.

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

August 28, 2020

Wellesley Island, NY – Peter B. Mellon, 62, passed away unexpectedly, early Friday morning, August 28th, at his home on Tennis Island near Alexandria Bay, New York in the Thousand Islands.

Peter was born March 14, 1958, the son of Jefferson and Marie Therese Mellon. His love and passion for the Thousand Islands started with his parents from the age of eight where they would summer at Pine Tree Point in Alexandria Bay. It was here on the River where he built a wide and deep network of close friends and business associates. It was also where he brought the love of his life, Helene, to marry at Boldt Castle on June 28, 2002. It was here, looking at Boldt Castle every morning and every evening that they built a wonderful life together. It later included their companion Golden Retrievers: Coach and Argo. Toby, their first rescue dog, predeceased Peter a few years ago.

Peter was founder and owner of the brokerage, Antique Boat America, and founder of the charitable organization, the Mellon Foundation. Peter was a voice for the antique and classic boat hobby and his passion was unmatched. He was often the “go-to” expert for antique boats on the TV show, American Pickers. He also served on the Antique Boat Museum International Advisory Council and managed the auction fundraiser at the museum’s annual boat show for almost 15 years.

A close second to his love for all things business and antique boats was his love for hockey! He played the sport all throughout his life and was an avid fan.

A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a time to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Wellesley Island Volunteer Fire Department, Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service, or Golden Retriever Rescue (www.goldenrescue.ca).

August 21, 2020

LaFargeville, NY–Penny J. Pledger, 62, County Route 3, passed away peacefully early Friday morning at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.

Penny was born September 22, 1957 in Alexandria Bay, daughter of the late Leon and S. Jean Ely Paige. She was educated at Alexandria Central School. Penny married Darrell Pledger on May 11, 1974 at the Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church.  Mr. Pledger passed away on June 10, 1993.

Penny volunteered at many events hosted by the Alexandria Bay Fire Department. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, making memory bears and being with family.

She is survived by her companion of 24 years, Steven Charles, two daughters, Miranda (Mark) Welch, Evans Mills, NY and Brooke (Simo) Lazizi, Philadelphia, PA, two sisters, Pamela (Terry) Robb, Pennellville, NY,  Robin (Mike) Shannon, Redwood, NY and a brother Timothy  (Tammy) Paige, Rochester, NY. She is also survived by two granddaughters, A’Darra and Addison, a great grandson, Ryker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Friday, August 28^th at 1pm, at Barnes Settlement Cemetery, with Pastor Jeff McIlrath of the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, officiating.

A celebration of life reception will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alexandria Bay Rescue Squad, 110 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

August 12, 2020

Redwood, NY – Alice M. Millett, 88, of County Route 1, passed away at Wednesday at her home.

She was born February 7, 1932 in Alexandria Bay, daughter of Leonard and Sarah Lee Moore. She graduated from Alexandria Central High School in 1950. A marriage to Harold “Mush” Millett ended in divorce.

Alice worked as a lithotype operator the Thousand Islands Sun, a bookkeeper and payroll clerk for Hutchinson’s Boat Works, for many years as a bookkeeper for Frink America in Clayton. She retired April 20, 1995.

She enjoyed word puzzles, knitting, gardening, playing solitaire and listening to classic Country & Western music.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Millett and her sister Ellen Cooper, both of Alexandria Bay, a sister in law Donna Millett, Alexandria Bay, a brother-in-law, Duane Chalk, Fishers Landing, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Chalk and Virginia Simpson.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to her wonderful caregivers, Susan, Amanda, Kelly and Molly B.

Burial will be private in Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, 110 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Redwood – Lawrence F. “Larry” McCauley, 79, passed away Friday morning, August 30th at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg, NY.

Larry was born on April 3, 1940, in Watertown, NY, the son of Frederick L. and Mary E. Carty McCauley. He graduated from Alexandria Central School and then became a Technical Engineer for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 545, Syracuse.  After retirement he worked in the seasonal landscaping department for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, Collins Landing.

He married Judy Miller in Alexandria Bay on September 26, 1959.  Judy passed away on March 4, 1997.

Larry was involved in the Alexandria Bay community, serving on the school board as well as a past president of the Chamber of Commerce.

His true passion was the sport of hockey. He was the president for 10 years for the Northern Zone Board of Directors of the New York State Amateur Hockey Assoc. and president for the NYS Amateur Hockey Assoc. for four years.  He was elected Director Emeritus in 2000, and earned awards because of his dedication.  He was the recipient of the Peter Rush Award, which is the highest award given in the New York State Amateur Hockey Association; the Douglas McCarther Award, for promoting youth locally and throughout New York State; in 2005 he received the Thayer Tutt Award, the highest award given by USA Hockey, which was presented in Colorado Springs, CO; and he was elected to the NYS hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

Larry is survived by his son Frederick (Jennifer) McCauley, Alexandria Bay and his daughter, Kelly Downey, Redwood; four grandchildren; and his brother Francis, Alexandria Bay.  He was predeceased by his son Todd, and his sister Muriel Edgar.

Memorial donations are asked to be made in his name to the Alexandria Bay Minor [JC1] Hockey Association or Hearts for Youth.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7^th starting at 1:00 pm at the Alexandria Bay Fire Hall.

 [JC1]Inoe;

Shirley Ann Simpson, 80, Redwood, NY, passed away late Tuesday night at Samaritan Keep Home where she had been a resident since July 3, 2019.

Shirley was born on November 20, 1938 in Rossie, NY.  She was the daughter of Delose and Lena Hunter Dingman. She was educated in Rossie schools. She was a caregiver for many years at the T.I. Home in Alexandria Bay, NY and also owned The Treasure Hunt Shop in Redwood, NY. 

She married Joseph Parker and they had five sons together, one who passed away at birth. Joseph passed away on October 29, 1965.

A marriage to Morris Amyot,  that ended in divorce. 

Shirley married Andrew Harold “Bart” Simpson on May 30, 1981 in Johnstown, NY.  Bart passed away on April 15, 2018.

She is survived by her children: Tamara (Dwayne) Streeter, Redwood; Glenn (Shawna) Parker, Hammond; Joseph Parker, Pope Mills; Dale (Kathy) Parker, Dekalb Junction; and Robert Parker, Redwood; 10 Grandchildren and 11 Great-Grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Darcey Dingman, Gloversville, NY. Siblings Leona Gushlaw and Nat Denner pre-deceased before her. 

Shirley enjoyed dealing in antiques and crocheted avidly. 

There are no services planned. 

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.