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.

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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.

August 1, 2019

Redwood, NY

Jill E. Partridge, 64, Shannon Road, passed away Thursday evening, August 1^st,  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 10^th, 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.

August 2, 2018

Alexandria Bay

Madelyn L. “Wagoner” Hartman, 91, lifetime resident of Alexandria Bay, NY, passed away late Thursday night at Riverledge Nursing Home in Ogdensburg, NY.

Madelyn was born on October 27, 1926 in Leraysville, NY, the daughter of S. Eugene and Mary E. Colleary Wagoner. She graduated from Alexandria Bay High School in 1944. She married H, Miller Hartman on April 22, 1950 at the Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church with Rev. Lisle Caldwell officiating. Mr. Hartman passed away on June 14, 2013.

Madelyn worked as a bookkeeper at H. Chalk & Son in Fisher’s Landing from 1970-1982.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church, financial secretary for the church for many years, and past president of the United Methodist Women’s Guild (?).  She was an avid New York Yankee fan. Continue reading →

Cecelia R. Tidd, 64, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2017, at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, VA.  Ceil was born on June 13, 1953, in Syracuse, NY, to Allen and Pauline Tidd.  Our sister grew up in Alexandria Bay, NY, where her love for the St. Lawrence River began.  She graduated from Alexandria Central School in 1971 and from the nursing program at Jefferson Community College in 1981.  Ceil moved to Richmond, VA, and worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for 35 years until she recently retired.

Ceil will be missed by her two loving cats, Buster and Grayson; her mom Pauline at Samaritan Keep Home, her four brothers from Alexandria Bay and her three sisters: Joe and (Linda) Tidd, Greg and (Cindy) Tidd, Adrian Tidd, Rod and (Lisa) Tidd, Harriet and (Ed) Madden, Watertown, NY,  Angela Bascou, Encinitas, CA, Monica and (Jerry) Fulton, Rodman, NY.

She will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her friends both in the Thousand Islands and Virginia.

We will remember her generosity, kindness, sense of humor and annual summer trip to the Thousand Islands.  Her worldwide travels over the years continued her love for adventure and having a fun time.  Ceil always enjoyed a good glass of wine wherever she went.

Ceil was predeceased by her dad, Allen.  Memorial donations may be made to any local animal shelter or charity of one’s choice.

In keeping with Ceil’s loving and generous spirit, she gave the gift of life through organ donation.

A memorial service will be held at St. Cyril’s Church in Alexandria Bay on September 30 at

11:00 a.m.  Immediately following the mass, a reception will be held in the downstairs church hall.