Sylvie Niro, 62
Sylvie Niro passed away on February 8, 2026, at the age of 62, at her home in Moira, N.Y.
At her request, there will be no calling hours. Friends and family are encouraged to join us to share stories and celebrate her life on April 11, 2026 beginning at noon, at the family farm located at 674 Lake Road, Crown Point, N.Y. A graveside service will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Crown Point at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Frary Funeral Home Tupper Lake.
She was born on April 19, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to the late Henri and Sylvie (Viel) Niro.
Henri passed away on January 23, 1966 when she was just shy of three years old. Her mother remarried and Sylvie moved to Crown Point, N.Y. in 1967 when two families became one. Sylvie was the youngest girl in a family of 16 children that grew up on a dairy farm in Crown Point.
Sylvie was an outgoing person that brought life to others with her smile and her presence. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels at the Brushton Adult Center. She would hand out candy to children at Trunk or Treats, would help stuff eggs for the community Eggstravaganza, where they would use 10,000 eggs, and would help ring the bell for the annual kettle drive for the Salvation Army. Sylvie loved to dance, bowl, and sing, especially her two favorite songs: The Rose and God Bless the USA.
Sylvie is survived by her siblings Mitch (Gail) St. Pierre of Crown Point; Joanne (Andrus) Gadway of Schroon Lake; Marie Pendell of Corinth; Lucie (Gary) Bobbie of Crown Point, Norbert (Debbie) St. Pierre of Tenn.; Helene Carr and her friend John of Colonie; Jeanette (Mark) Peters of Crown Point; Louise (Ron) Dean of Texas; Lisa Apgar of Crown Point and her friend Harold of Virginia.; Celine Niro of Tupper Lake; John Niro of Saratoga Springs; Florence (Stephen) Sears of Crown Point; Mario (Marina) of Calif. and Eugene (Traci) St. Pierre of Minn.; 31 nieces and nephews; 30 great nieces & nephew
She was predeceased by her father, Henri Niro in 1966; her step father, Roch St. Pierre in 2001; her mother Sylvie St. Pierre in 2010; her brother Luc Niro in 2013; 3 nieces and one nephew. She will be greatly missed by all whose life she touched and changed forever.
Donations in her memory can be made to the American Diabetes Foundation at www.diabetes.org
Online condolences in memory of Sylvie can be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
Maria LoFurno, 90
Maria Auxiliadora LoFurno, 90, of Malone, N.Y. died Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at The Alice Center in Malone.
Born on May 24, 1935, in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, she was the daughter of Efigenia B. Viera.
Her first marriage was to Medhi Ghodssee (Ghodsee) from 1967 to 1969. Her second marriage was to George LoFurno from 1985 to 2014 when he predeceased her.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Matthew Webster as well as three grandchildren, Madeleine, William and Samuel Webster.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Donations in her memory may be made to The Alice Center, 45 Sixth St., Malone, N.Y. 12953.
Arrangements are with St. Mary-Murphy-Wilcox Funeral Home. Online condolences maybe offered at www.chateaugayfuneralhome.
Joel Counter, 41
Joel Counter, age 41, of Tupper Lake passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Albany Medical Center. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring.
He is survived by his children, Rory James and Lauren Maria Counter; their mother, Kara Willette and her children Alexa and Philip Lindsay; his sisters, Rebecca (David) Dewyea and Laura (Robert Baker) Counter; his mother, Carolee Counter; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his close friends.
Joel was predeceased by his brother, Marc E. Counter and his father, Marc R. Counter
Joel, the youngest of four, was born on March 2, 1984 in Saranac Lake, the son of Marc R. and Carolee Garrett Counter. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 2003 (thank you Linda Sexton).
Joel started working under his father at a young age as a mechanic and tow truck operator and eventually started his own garage, Joel Counter Auto.
Joel was well known for his fantastic sense of humor and quick wit. He also had a love for anything with an engine. Joel enjoyed motorcycles, snowmobiling and riding his side by side with his girls who were the love of his life. Those who knew him in his younger days remember him racing snowmobiles, dirt bikes and trucks. He also enjoyed camping, golfing with his brother and friends and piloting his drone.
Joel was well loved among the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed by all. Condolences can be made online at www.fraryfuneralhome.com
Shirley J. Bailey, 83
Shirley J. Bailey, 83, of Wheeling Avenue and formerly of Tupper Lake, passed away, January 25, 2026.
She was born May 21, 1942, daughter of Victor and Viola (Oshier) Drew.
Shirley married Joseph Bailey on July 29, 1961 in Tupper Lake. Together they raised their three children in Tupper Lake and moved to Plattsburgh for their latter years. Shirley was very active throughout her lifetime and enjoyed planting flowers, crocheting, archery, and playing cards. She was a wonderful day care provider, and volunteering at the food pantry. Shirley loved to entertain family and friends. Shirley enjoyed taking trips to Florida, and no matter when you saw her, she was elegant and stylish.
Survivors include her loving husband, Joseph Bailey; sons, Alan Bailey and his wife Michele and Steven Bailey; daughter, Donna Demers and companion Joe; brother Gordon Drew and companion Kim; sisters, Gloria Demars and husband Clifford and Linda Rolley; grandchildren, Carrie (Doug) Day, Jason Bailey, Michael Bailey, and Andrew Demers; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents; brother, Robert Drew; and brother-in-law, Curtis Rolley.
Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Third Age Adult Day Center in Plattsburgh, or the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center.
Those wishing to share a photo, story, or condolence with the family are invited to visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Cynthia Facteau, 67
Cynthia Facteau, age 67, passed away on February 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, dedication, and deep love for her family and community.
She is survived by her son, William Facteau of Stormville, N.Y., and her daughter Elizabeth Trombley and son-in-law Ryan Trombley of Tupper Lake. Cynthia was a devoted and proud grandmother to her grandson, Aiden Trombley, who was the light of her life.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Barbara Jean Ringrose.
A graduate of Tupper Lake High School, Class of 1977, Cynthia went on to attend a Florida trade school for floral design, where she developed the skills that became both her career and her passion. She had a lifelong love of arts and crafts, with floral design holding a special place in her heart.
Cynthia shared her creativity and talent with the community through her work at Gillis Florist in Tupper Lake, where she was known for her artistic eye, attention to detail, and dedication to her craft.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 3p.m. to 5p.m. at Frary Funeral Home, 24 Cliff Avenue, Tupper Lake.
Cynthia will be remembered for her creativity, her love of flowers, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Glen Theriault, 71
Glen Roger Theriault, age 71, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love for his family.
Born February 17, 1954, he was the son of Samuel Theriault and Nora Loretta Miner Theriault.
Glen proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 24 years, achieving the rank of E-8 First Sergeant. His military career was marked by leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to those he served alongside. Following his retirement from the Army, Glen continued his strong work ethic during his career with Boeing.
Above all else, Glen was a devoted family man. He cherished time spent with his loved ones and found great joy in simple pleasures such as playing cards and following horse racing. His warmth, loyalty, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Theriault and Nora Loretta Theriault; and siblings, Joanne, Linda, Charlotte, Jeanne, and John.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Maranda Barnett Theriault of Fayetteville, TN; children, Glenda, Darcy, Kasie, and Payton; grandchildren, Tori, Zachary, Austin, Mikaylah, and Layne; great grandchildren, Lachlan and Symphoni; siblings, Nancy, Sally (Mike), Sam, James (Tina), and Rock (Barb); along with several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life honoring Glen was held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. www.nhfh.net.
Alice Baker
Alice Irene Baker, of Tupper Lake, NY passed away on January 25, 2026, peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Calling hours will be on February 12, 2026 from 3p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake followed by a service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Spring at St. Alphonsus Cemetery with a service at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake at noon.
Alice was born on February 13, 1937, in Saranac Lake, the daughter of Albert E. and Alice E. White Dukett. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School and in 1956, she married Charles Baker from Tupper Lake and they had three children.
She was a homemaker and helped her husband around the many camps he took care of, doing housecleaning and other things. She was very active in the Women of the Moose in Tupper Lake having held many offices and reached the level of Star Recorder. She enjoyed, reading, making puzzles, knitting, socializing and playing Bingo at the Adult Center.
Alice is survived her son, Charles J. Baker Sr. of Medina, N.Y.; daughter, Linda Tyo of Canton, N.Y.; brother Ed Dukett of Saranac Lake; sister Mary Besaw of Plattsburgh along with 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Her Death was predeceased by her husband Charles Baker, daughter Alice Baker, and brothers Albert Dukett and John Dukett.
Donations in Alice’s memory may be made to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad, PO Box 901, Tupper Lake, NY 12986.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
John Davis
John was born in Tupper Lake NY, a place he loved deeply and spoke of often. John was a lifelong learner whose curiosity and passion for history was unmatched. John was widely known as a historian of Tupper Lake and a dedicated war historian with a vast collection of books on such topics. Honoring Soldiers was very important to John; he volunteered with the cards for Soldiers Program and sent care packages. John’s love for Tupper Lake and the Adirondacks was not just its history but its community, John spent much of his time volunteering to a variety of causes. Faithfully donating school supplies, organizing donations for Ukraine, collecting bottles for Tri-Lakes Humane Society, and delivering Meals on Wheels to name a few of his favorites. John worked at Nickles Redemption and the Hot House in Saranac Lake. He was also a member of the Moose Club and Rod and Gun Club. An avid outdoorsman, John loved hiking, fishing, camping and photography. A historian at heart documenting his adventures through photography was important to him. Johns love for Tupper Lake and The Adirondacks shaped his life through research and service. His memory lives on in the many people and places he touched. He was predeceased by his parents, Alex Davis (Daskevech) and Mary T Rodgers (Radzevicus); and his siblings, Anna Davis, Alexander Davis, Thelma Davis, Mildred Davis, Jack Davis. He is survived by his has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.
Richard “Dick” Dougherty, 74
Richard "Dick" Dougherty, 74, passed away on January 16, 2026, in Bristol, Tennessee. Born on October 20, 1951, in Hyde Park, NY, Dick lived a life rooted in hard work, family bonds, and a profound love for the outdoors.
A 1969 graduate of Tupper Lake High School, Dick went on to earn his BS degree from the Syracuse University College of Forestry in 1973. His education laid the foundation for a lifelong connection to nature and craftsmanship that would define both his career and personal passions.
For over three decades, Dick operated his own general contracting business in Middleburgh, N.Y. Known for his dedication and skill, he built not only homes and structures but also lasting relationships within his community. His leadership extended beyond his profession—he was a past president and longtime active member of the Middleburgh Rotary Club, where he contributed generously to civic life and was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship award.
Dick’s love for nature was evident in every season of his life. An avid fisherman and hunter, he cherished summers spent on Tupper Lake and embraced all that the Adirondacks had to offer. A skilled woodworker, he found joy in creating with his hands and sharing that passion with others. In retirement, he and his wife Judy traveled extensively across the country in their fifth-wheel camper with their loyal dogs by their side. Their adventures took them from the deserts of Arizona—where they lived for five years—to the mountains of Bristol, Tennessee before returning each summer to his forever home in Tupper Lake.
He was a lifelong member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, reflecting his enduring commitment to wildlife conservation and outdoor heritage.
Dick was a loving husband to Judy and a father to Nicole Dougherty Barmen of Stuyvesant, NY; Erica Brown (Michael) of Casper, WY; Kimberly Dougherty (Adam Stone) of Durham, NC; as well as his step children Sonia Sullivan (Patrick) of Bovina Center, N.Y.; Luke Janiszewski (Melissa) of Delhi, N.Y., and son in-law Jay Conlin of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by his beloved sister Karen Dougherty of Summerville, S.C. He was the proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren. He held close the memories of Kristin Conlin (Jay) and Jill Janus, who predeceased him. He was the son of Clarence "Ink" Dougherty and Helen Dougherty Pfisterer of Tupper Lake.
Those who knew Dick will remember him as a man who lived fully—through family, work, service, and nature. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire lives rooted in love and purpose.
Robert Leonard Belleville, 87
Robert Leonard Belleville, 87, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. A man of deep faith, he was a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Belleville.
He is survived by his siblings, Ronald (Pam) Belleville and Janet (Richard) Rose; his daughters, Margery (Christopher) Hoff and Carol (John) Mottes; and six grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 2–5 PM at Jarmusz-Cotton Funeral Home (Victor, N.Y.), followed by a celebration of life at Fire on Main on Main Street, Victor beginning at 5:30 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Victor, with a repast to follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or online at www.heart.org.
Althea M. D’Avignon, 93
Althea M. D’Avignon, 93, of Queensbury, N.Y. passed away peacefully at the Pines of Glens Falls December 25, 2025, shortly after her great niece Rebecca (Shawn) Wall told her it was okay to go.
Althea was born on July 29, 1932 in Saranac Lake, the daughter of Elysium and Margaret (Bombard) Yando. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Herbert D’Avignon, with whom she shared nearly 75 wonderful years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her unborn son, her brothers Kenneth and Robert, her granddaughter Althea Wilson, her grandson Nicholas Farina and her granddaughter in-law Sheila D’Avignon.
Althea is survived by her sister, Sandra Pickering of Vero Beach; her children, Barton (Deborah) D’Avignon, Vicki (William) Wilson, Lori Stone, Kari (Rodney) Russo, Kathy (David) Waite and Linda (John) Steinberg; her grandchildren Mathohn, William, Cody, Steven, Colby, Ridge, Isabelle, Elliott Granger III; her great-grandchildren Dylan, Annalysse, William, Frederick, Robert, Chloe, Connor, Daniel; many more nieces and nephews, great and great-great, especially loving memories by all in Florida whose support and love brought her great comfort.
Althea attended Tupper Lake High School, where she and Herbert were both members of the ski team. In 1965, the family moved from the Tupper Lake area to Lake George and then Queensbury NY. Their home was well known for its open door and magical kitchen that never seemed to run out of food. Althea and Herbert throughout the years have for a short time adopted many as immediate family. Many family members and friends fondly credit the D’Avignon’s family for their compassion, hospitality and generosity, as a reason they are where they are today.
She worked for some time as a waitress at W.T. Grant’s, followed by many decades behind the counter at Howard Johnson’s in Queensbury. Althea and Herb shared a love of snowmobiling with family and friends throughout the Adirondacks, often riding 50-mile loops even in the coldest weather, starting right from their backyard on Easy Street.
In later years, they enjoyed traveling together, cruising with family and friends throughout the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii and spending winter months in Vero Beach, FL surrounded by loved ones.
Althea will be remembered for her strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion to her family, her home, her kitchen, and her heart that was always open.
Althea loved children, in lieu of flowers a suggestion is to donate to Saint Jude Children Hospital in her name.
A mass will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 11am at St Michaels, 80 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls, NY with a reception to follow.
Arrangements under the care of Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. For those who wish online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.
Stephen C. Wilson, 61
Stephen C. Wilson, 61, of Ogdensburg passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Graveside services for Stephen will be held on June 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake.
Stephen C. Wilson was born on June 4, 1964, in Tupper Lake, the son of the late Richard E. and Theresa (DeCare) Wilson. He was a graduate of Tupper Lake Central School, 1982. Stephen worked as a logger in Tupper Lake for several years before joining the New York State Department of Corrections in 1988. He retired in 2015 from Ogdensburg Correctional Facility.
Stephen is survived by his companion, Renea Brabant; his daughter Ashley Wilson and her companion Brion Brothers of Massena, and prior spouse Michele Baker, of Louisville; his brothers, Timothy Wilson of North Carolina and Michael Yerdon and his companion Kaye Facey, of Ogdensburg; his niece, Dawn Yerdon and two nephews, Kenneth and James Yerdon; Renea’s children, Colin and Avery Brabant of Ogdensburg; and Renea’s two step children, Venessa Brabant and her husband, Russell Brown and Alecia Brabant of Albany.
He was a member of the Moosehead Outing Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, hiking in the Adirondacks, woodworking, puttering, and spending time in the great outdoors. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ogdensburg.
Donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Ogdensburg Rescue Squad, 1223 Pickering Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.
Michael L. LaValley
Michael L. LaValley, age 54, passed away on Monday morning, December 29, 2025 at Adirondack Medical Center after a long illness. A burial at St. Alphonsus Cemetery along with a funeral service and celebration of life will be held in the Spring at the convenience of the family.
He is survived by his father and mother, Lyndon Sr. and Barbara LaValley, of Fine; his siblings, Melissa Plansker and Steve, of Ballston Lake, Lyndon LaValley and Jessica, of Tupper Lake, Tonya Sullivan and Zachary, of Star Lake, Todd LaValley, of St. Regis Falls, and Chris White, of Wassaic; his nieces and nephews, Austin Locke, Jaden LaValley, Sierah LaValley, Lucas LaValley, Garrett LaValley, Gauge LaValley, Jimmy Plansker, Stephanie Plansker, Faith Frenyea-White, and Christina Frenyea-White; and aunts and uncles, Rosalie (Buddy) Taney, Sylvia (George) Pfahl and George Bobbi Frenyea; Gary LaValley, and Gerri LaValley.
He is predeceased by his mother, Carla Frenyea; his brother, Carl Frenyea in-infancy; and his aunt, Beulah Albanesi.
Michael was born November 25, 1971, in Sharon, Connecticut, the son of Lyndon Allen LaValley Sr. and Carla Frenyea. He attended local schools in Tupper Lake. He worked construction and was very talented at his trade.
Mike was a man of the outdoors and a master of the simple life. From the quiet of a fishing hole to the crackle of a campfire, he found joy where others often missed it.
Everything Mike did, he did with an intensity that earned him the name “Uncle Mike” and “The Storm.” To him, fire wasn't just a necessity—it was a way of life.
He always lived in the moment and he lived more in a single day than most do in a lifetime. He did everything on his own terms and on another level entirely. He will be remembered for his wild spirit and his ability to find beauty in the basics and his selflessness.
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a results, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should win them.
Leona M. Kavanagh
A Funeral Mass for Leona M. Kavanagh, age 86, of 43 Lindsay Ave, was held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at noon at St. Alphonsus Church. Calling hours were held on Thursday, from 9:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. at Frary Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Spring at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Mrs. Kavanagh passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Adirondack Medical Center surrounded by her children and brother Steve
She is survived by her children, Susan (Sebold) Torno, Kim Burnham, Deborah Lizotte, Frank (Jamie) Burnham, Amy Barton, Vincent (Ellen) Kavanagh, Marykay (Roger) Amell, Phil (Tina) Kavanagh, Michael Kavanagh, Jackie McTeran, JP (Jeanne) Kavanagh; her brother Steve Godin; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Gerald Kavanagh; her parents; her daughter, Audrey; her son, Charles; her siblings, Theresa, Fred, Ronald, Raymond, David, and son-in-law Danny Barton.
Leona was born on August 7, 1939, in Lyon Mountain, NY, the daughter of Thomas and Helen Vevia Godin. Leona worked at Sunmount DDSO until her retirement, she later worked for the recreation department at Mercy Living Center until she became a foster grandparent. She married Gerald Kavanagh in September 1984 at her home in Tupper Lake, he predeceased her on November 5, 2010.
She found great joy in the simple pleasures of knitting and bingo, and she cherished every moment spent traveling and cruising with her family. Among her many passions, she was perhaps most dedicated to her time at the adult center and her role as a foster grandparent at LPQ—a position she held incredibly dear to her heart.
Ann Marie Cocomazzi
Ann Marie Cocomazzi, age 83, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Wynn Hospital, with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Tupper Lake on March 9, 1942, a daughter of the late Thomas and Reva Villnave Gagnier.
Ann Marie graduated from Tupper Lake schools and would go on to marry John A. Cocomazzi on July 20, 1963, a blessed union of 22 years until his passing on December 14, 1985. She held several positions throughout her career in food service but was mostly noted as the favorite “lunch lady” at St. Agnes School until her retirement.
Ann Marie is survived by her loving children, Christie (David) Kozyra, David Cocomazzi, Nicole Cocomazzi and John T. (Shelia Stubbs) Cocomazzi (whom Ann Marie had the hope of reconciliation in her heart); her cherished granddaughter, Madison Ann Kozyra; her brother, David (Sue) Gagnier; her sister, Loyce Jean Chiasson; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Joseph Trombetta; her best friend of over 50 years, Joanne Yacco, and as well as several nieces and nephews with special mention of her flower girl, Sherry Hough and family. She was predeceased by her in-laws and her nieces and nephews.
Private interment took place in St. Agnes Cemetery.
Georgia Fredericks
Georgia Delair Fredericks passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Born on May 6, 1938, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob Fredericks; her parents, Lionel and Beulah Delair; her brother, Allen Delair; and her sister, Carol Kope.
A loving mother, Georgia cherished her four children: sons Jim, John, and Joe Fredericks, and her daughter, Tracy Burke. She shared a deep and special bond with her sister, Theresa Lafave of Tupper Lake, who was not only her family but also her best friend. Georgia was also a proud and adored grandmother to eight grandchildren, who loved her dearly. In addition, she cherished her many nieces, who held a special place in her heart.
Georgia spent most of her adult life in Oswego County, N.Y., dedicating herself to the care of the aging and handicapped through in-home care. Her compassion and selflessness touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on those she served.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Georgia’s memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and cared for.
Judith Ellen Mercurio
Judith Ellen Mercurio (nee Hawkins) passed away after a long illness on November 17, 2025. Judy was born in Greensburg, PA, in the winter of 1942 to Dale and Mary Jane Hawkins, and attended nursing school at the University of Buffalo.
She married Tony Mercurio of Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks of Northern New York, and raised three children, who were her pride and joy: John (Michelle) of Schwenksville, PA, Gina of Missoula, MT and Erica (Brad) of Missoula, MT. Her beautiful and amazing granddaughter, Aria (Jaye) of New Canaan, CT, held a special place in her heart.
Affectionately called “The Jude,” her heart always embraced the great outdoors. She thrived in the mountain air, finding joy in gardening, skiing at Big Tupper with her kids and friends, and visiting beautiful beaches.
Her adventurous spirit was never more evident than when she raced as a member of the fierce Tupper Lake woman’s war canoe team. Judy found great delight in paddling quiet, pristine lakes and admiring the splendid colors on a clear autumn day.
Her move to Montana only deepened her love for nature, as she fell for the “Griz” of the University of Montana and proudly shared her Griz paws tattoos, engraved on her arm forever.
Mom will be remembered for her infectious personality and her unique way of spreading joy. She had a knack for making everyone smile, often saying, “Always smile, it makes others wonder what you’re up to,” and “I need some more wine.” Her sense of humor and her ability to bring a smile to everyone's face will be greatly missed. Her delicious chicken and dumplings were “to die for and yummy” as well as her homemade cherry pie but only if she remembered to “add the juice that you have saved.”
Please raise a beverage of your choice to toast Mom on a life well lived. Mom will be cremated and her ashes spread at her favorite places. Thank you to the staff at The Living Centre for their care and concern for our mom.
Steven Howard Voldman
It is with great sorrow to share the sad news of the death of Steven Howard Voldman, on November 24, 2025 in Lake Placid from renal failure following a five year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Arrangements are under the care of Frary Funeral Home Tupper Lake.
A pre-eminent expert in the field of Electrostatic Discharge and a brilliant inventor, Steve held 256 U.S. patents and authored 11 textbooks on electrical stress overload, the main reason why electronic devices fail.
His textbooks were translated into multiple languages. A guest lecturer to electrical engineering students throughout Asia, Steve connected and mentored numerous aspiring students.
He taught for a semester in Khon Kaen, Thailand where he played an advisory role to doctoral students at university.
After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Master’s Degree in electrical engineering and an EE (Engineer) degree, Steven worked from 1982 to 2007 in IBM’s microelectronics. Through IBM’s Resident Study Program, he completed a M.S. in Engineering Physics (1986) and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (1991) from the University of Vermont while working at IBM. After IBM, he later worked for Samsung, Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor, and as an expert witness regarding electrostatic discharge.
While in Vermont, Steve helped resettle Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union, attended gatherings at the Tibetan Association of Vermont and played hockey for years on the IBM team.
Steve, the son of Holocaust survivor Carl Voldman, was a religious and proud Jew. Steve took his father on a journey back to Staszów and several nearby Holocaust sites in Poland to help his father heal from the wounds of a devastating childhood. As he struggled with his own Parkinson’s Disease, Steve undertook the task of writing a book chronicling his father’s story of struggle and survival during the war.
In his later years, Steve joined his wife Betsy, a career USAID employee, on trips throughout Africa and to Haiti.
Steve is survived by his wife, Betsy Hulnick Brown, his two children Aaron/Mia Voldman and Rachel Voldman, his step children Danielle/Todd King and Michael Brown/Renee Slajda. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life.
Steve and Betsy were members of two Temples: Beth Joseph Synagogue in Tupper Lake and Lake Placid Synagogue (where he regularly blew the shofar at High Holiday services). I
n lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons, the Tibetan Association of Vermont, and/or the Lake Placid Synagogue, where Steve had served on the Board.
A graveside burial and memorial service was held at the Jewish Cemetery in Lake Placid on Old Military Road at noon on November 25, 2025.
Online condolences can be made to the Voldman family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com
Bruce Facteau
Calling hours for Bruce “Pops” Facteau will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Frary Funeral Home, Tupper Lake from 11a.m. to 1p.m.. Burial will take place in the Spring at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
Mr. Facteau passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.
He is survived by his sons; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Joyce Facteau; his parents; and his brother, Gary Facteau.
Bruce was born on September 20, 1943, in Tupper Lake, NY, the son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Mere Facteau. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1960. Bruce worked as a plumber for many years in Tupper Lake.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Tri-Lakes Human Society in honor of Bruce’s love for animals.
Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.
David T. Garrison, 83
David T. Garrison, 83, of North Point Rd., passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, at Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake.
Born on February 26, 1942, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of the late Kendal and Jean (Cole) Garrison. He moved to Long Lake when he was in the fourth grade and was a graduate of Long Lake Central School.
He was a self-employed carpenter, photographer, and musician.
David married Judith Farr on December 30, 1999, in Long Lake.
He loved fishing, photographing wildlife, trips to Yellowstone, Maine, and Canada.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Garrison; one son, Eric (Christine) Garrison of Gloversville; two steps sons Allen (Kelly Stroh) of Oregon and David (Tracey) of Honeoye Falls, NY, eleven grandchildren: Stefan, Susu, Shelby, Nicholas, Gianna, Kyle, Margaret, Rosemary, Samuel, Page, and 3 great grandchildren; three sisters: Virginia (Jim) Jennings of Long Lake, Maryann (Rick partner of 27 years) Mancuso of Rochester, Jeannie (Tuck) Lowe of Park City, UT; several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller Funeral Home, 6357 State Route 30, Indian Lake.
To express online condolences, please visit www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.