Andy LaFirst

Andy (Gump) LaFirst passed away on Thursday, May 25th at the Jefferson County Hospice at Ellis Farm in Watertown. Andy was born on June 23rd, 1940 in Alexandria Bay, the son of Andrew and Susan Bishop LaFirst. He graduated from Alexandria Central School. He married his best friend and love of his life, Sandra Hogan, on December 30, 1959 in Watertown. Andy worked as a painter, in his early married life, for the late James Parker. He operated the Flat Rock Cafe in Plessis while also working at New York Air Brake for years until his retirement. His love for his children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren never went without notice. He ate breakfast with them at the Northstar almost every morning. He was an avid golfer and played with the Alexandria Bay Golf League and the Wednesday night Theresa Golf League. He bowled for many years. He also loved his daily trip to the Big M to get his lottery tickets. Andy is survived by two sons and their wives, Randy and Linda LaFirst, Potsdam, NY, and John and April LaFirst, of Theresa, NY, two daughters, Kimberly and David Blount, and Michelle (Shelley) & Russell Monica and two sisters and their husbands Teresa & Gary Hogan and Sadie & Al Garlock all of Alexandria Bay, one brother and his wife Leonard (Butch) and Joanne LaFirst, Syracuse, 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 3rd starting at 2:00 pm at the Alexandria Bay American Legion. Memorial donations may be name to Hospice of Jefferson County, the Alexandria Bay Volunteer Fire Department or the Alexandria Bay American Legion.