Dorothy Marie Bedore

The family of Dorothy Marie Bedore are very sad to announce her passing on January 19, 2023.  Dorothy, age 88, was a lifelong resident of Tupper Lake.

She is survived by her siblings: Donna Kentile (Bucky), Donald Dechene (Shirley), David Rob Dechene, Petesy Harris (Lloyd) and Dennis Dechene (Beulah).

She is survived by her children: Terry Satterfield (Keith), Kate Malerba (Louie), Kim Weinheimer (Jake), Glen Jed Bedore (June) and Randy Bedore (Patty).  Dorothy also had 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Dorothy was an avid reader, loved auctions and loved Tupper Lake. 

No services will be held at the request of the family.

Sarah Jane Miller, 93

Sarah Jane Miller (Southmayd) passed away in Elizabethtown Hospital on January 9th, 2023 at the age of 93, after a battle with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Sarah was born on December 15, 1929 in Jay, NY. She is one of eight siblings of John Southmayd and Frances Pelkey.

Sarah married John C. Miller, son of John Miller and Dora Reil.

She went to work for General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., at Roswell Park Cancer Research Center until 1968 when they adopted their only son, John D. Miller.

Sarah also worked at Wassaic State School, and later retired to become a homemaker and raise her son, as she followed her husband's career in the NYS OPWDD safety department.

Sarah took pride in her flower beds, her cross-stitch embroidery projects, and keeping a tidy house. In the summer she loved to go to garage sales. She was a hard worker, and would mow the lawn and stack firewood, and could maintain and operate a wood stove with the best of them.

Sarah is predeceased by her brother, Charles Southmayd; sisters Joan Craig, June Hart, Charlotte Granish, Janet Southmayd, Martha Bowen, and Bertha Bola.

Sarah was also predeceased by her husband, John C. Miller, who passed in 2005.

She is survived by her son John and his wife Debi Miller (Kennedy), niece Crystal Martin (Bruno), and several other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 1p.m. at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks. Burial will take place in the Spring at Holy Name Cemetery.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, Au Sable Forks.

Gregory Kentile, 55

Gregory Kentile, 55, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at his home in Winter Haven, FL.

Born on June 28, 1967, in Syracuse, he was the son of Robert and Helen Kentile (Sylvester).

He was a 1986 graduate of Long Lake Central School and SUNY Morrisville. Greg was involved in all sports in high school. An avid skier, he spent several years on the ski patrol at Whiteface Mountain and Killington, VT.

He was a skilled tradesman, having remodeled several homes in the Syracuse area. He was also a licensed building inspector.

He was a graduate of NTTS (National Tractor Trailer School). He drove long-distance for several years before moving to Florida where he was semi-retired.

He loved the Adirondacks and standing around a campfire with family and friends.

We loved him and he is missed.

He is survived by his parents: Robert and Helen Kentile of Long Lake; two brothers: Mark Kentile of Richfield Springs and Daniel (Shelléy) Kentile of Ilion; nephews, Adam, Evan and Nathan Kentile and niece, Megan Kentile.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a date and time to be announced in the spring.

Burial will be in Long Lake Cemetery.

Donations may be directed to the Long Lake Rescue Squad, PO Box 415, Long Lake, NY 12847.

To express online condolences, please visit BrewerMillerFuneralhomes.com

Rita M. LaFrance

Rita M. LaFrance passed away peacefully with family surrounding her on January 15, 2023.

She was a hardworking and loving mother, raising three children on her own after her beloved husband, Andy, passed away.

Over the years she took in family and friends and provided a loving home for many, not just her children. She also cared for her mom, Agnes, until she passed away on September 10, 1986. She will always be remembered for her big heart and open arms.

Rita was born on November 14, 1936, in Tupper Lake. She went to nursing school and after graduation, on September 10, 1960, she married the love of her life Andrew LaFrance. Together, they raised their three children until Andy’s untimely death on May 17, 1976.

Rita is survived by her son, Anthony LaFrance and daughter Andrea O'Neill (Mike) of Tupper Lake, and Gregory LaFrance (Tina) of Plattsburgh, N.Y. She also has four grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Jacqueline Barber (Shawn) of Balston Spa, NY, Austin O’Neill of San Diego, CA, Andrew LaFrance (Krystin) of Danemora and Katelynne McKinstry (Mark) of Stockbridge, VT. Rita is also survived by one sister, Beulah Dechene as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Andy, she was predeceased by her parents Wilfrid and Agnes Montion, her brother Maurice Montion and her sister Jane Gehrelein.

Arrangements are with the Frary Funeral Home on 24 Cliff Avenue, Tupper Lake. Calling hours will on Friday, January 20 from 4 to 6p.m. with a service at St. Alphonsus Parish on Saturday, January 21st at 1p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Tupper Lake Voluntary Ambulance in care of the funeral home. Rita’s family members say they were so kind and attentive to Mom over the past few years, which they greatly appreciated.

L. Thomas Fortune

On January 5, 2023, Leon Thomas (Tom) Fortune embarked on a new adventure, departing from us and forging a new trail into the wilderness, to parts unknown. Tom was a lifelong resident of Tupper Lake. Tom was born on June 26, 1930 to Louis Thomas Fortune of Standish, NY and Vera I. Carleton McBride of Tupper Lake, NY. The McBride family was one of the earliest settlers in the area, arriving in the 1850’s.

Tom grew up in Faust (downtown) and attended the HGA and TLCS. He completed a year at Crane Music School in Potsdam before entering the army and serving as a Supply Sergeant 1st Class in the Korean War. Upon his return to Tupper Lake, he joined the family business, started by his father after WW I in 1920 as a variety store, which evolved into Fortune’s Hardware. The business has been serving the community for over 100 years. In 1956 he married his beautiful bride, Denise Marie Claire Toupin of Montreal, Canada and during their amazing 67 years together, raised four children.

Active in the community, he served on the TL Rescue Squad, Big Tupper Ski Patrol for 17 and 25 years respectively and was a Trustee on the Board of the Tupper Lake National Bank. He loved music and was a member of the Fire Dept. Band as well as several community bands, playing both the clarinet and saxophone in parades and other local events. An avid outdoorsman, he climbed the ADK’s 46er twice, the second round during the winter months. Besides hiking, he hunted, snowshoed, x-country and alpine skied, canoed, kayaked, and waterskied (sometimes on his hydrofoil). Over the years he garnered many medals, plaques and ribbons in X-Country ski events and mentored Maurice and Gisele to do the same. Canoe races with Andre were also a favorite challenge at which they both excelled. In his early years, he learned to fly and owned a yellow Piper Cub before he got his first car. He relished taking his unsuspecting family and friends on 20-mile epic journeys on Sunday, his one day off. He knew every mountain, trail and waterway for miles around. His knowledge of the area extended to all families in Tupper, knowing names, family history, faces and dates that no one else knew. (Ancestry.com had nothing on him)! People used to bring in photos of people and places for him to help identify.

Tom purchased the store from his father and ran it for many years, later bringing in his sons, Andre and Maurice as partners and expanding it in 1996, doubling the original footprint. At age 75, he claimed to have retired, but continued to frequent the store to visit with customers and friends and be on hand to troubleshoot and share good hunting stories, pranks and jokes. His customer service was second to none and he never gave a second thought about helping someone in need, delivering water heaters on his one day off or at some early morning hour. During his free time, he could be found outdoors chopping wood, clearing trails and maintaining his property. He worked hard and played hard. He was generous of spirit and loved his family and friends and customers, many becoming life-long friends.

Tom was pre-deceased by his sister, Catherine Beaudet and grandson, Ryan Murdock.  He is survived by his wife, Denise Fortune, his sister, Vera A. Fortune Concilio, his four children: Helene Murdock (Alan), Andre Fortune (Cheryl), Maurice Fortune (Fran) and Gisele Fortune as well as 7 grandchildren, Lyndsay and Alicia Murdock, Benjamin and Olivia Fortune and Jessica, Caitlyn and Stephanie Fortune. He is also survived by his nephew, Steven Beaudet and nieces Julianne and Lisa Beaudet.

Calling hours will be held at Frary Funeral Home, Tupper Lake, NY on Friday, January 13, 2023 between 11 and 1 p.m., followed by Mass at St. Alphonsus Church at 1:30 p.m. Friends and Family are welcome to a reception following Mass at 30 Lake Simond Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the TL Rescue Squad and Fire Department. A spring internment will follow in May, the date to be determined.

Lawrence "Larry" Willett, 87

Lawrence "Larry" Willett, 87, died on December 31, 2022, from complications of the flu. He was born in Tupper Lake, New York, on May 17, 1935, to Violet Laramie and Henry Willett.

Due to unforeseen circumstances during the Great Depression, Larry and his four siblings went into foster care. They were all placed on Layhon's Farm in Constable, New York. He attended a one room schoolhouse from grades 1-8, but he was able to return to Tupper Lake to attend high school.
After graduation in 1953, he and four friends joined the Marine Corps. He was stationed in Korea and Japan. He was a Staff Sergeant and loved his time in the military. This "county kid" wanted to see the world. He found he had great aptitude for typing, bookkeeping, numbers, and organization. This led to his career as an accountant.

Shortly after leaving the Marine Corps, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Savard, and they eventually settled in Tupper Lake. They had four children. Evelyn passed away in 2001 after 43 years of marriage. Larry had fulfilling jobs throughout his life. He worked for the US Forest Service, Sunmount, The Altamont, Litchfield Park, Rockwell International, The Wawbeek Inn, the 1980 Winter Olympics, and Bailey Motors. He and Evelyn even opened a pizza restaurant in Tupper Lake and ran it for many years.

He was able to find love again and later married Bonnie Miner Thomas, from Malone, and they were married for 20 years before his death.
Larry loved to read and was a history buff. He devoured any non-fiction texts. He loved reading about military leaders, and presidents. He enjoyed current events, global issues, and politics. He was a man with strong political opinions. He enjoyed discussing these issues (if they aligned with his). He also loved golf. He loved to play, to be at the clubhouse, and to watch "the greats" play. A storyteller by nature, he loved talking about his childhood on the farm and we loved listening. He also loved food. The last year of his life he looked forward to a cheeseburger or milkshake that his children would bring him each visit.
His legacy of humor, love of the little things in life, appreciation of nature and his gift for spinning a tale will live in all who survive him: including his wife, Bonnie, his four children—James (Susie), Trudy (Stephen), Jodi (Lyndon), Lorri (John). His nine grandchildren: Michael, Max, Cynara, Caleb, Wyatt, Gabriel, Logan, and Evan will carry his stories to their children, Ryder, Evelyn, Ethel, Cooper, Zoey, Bella, Serenity, Trudy, and Sophia. Larry also leaves behind his five stepchildren: Chris, Darlene, Deena, Dawn, and Eric. Surviving him, as well, are his sisters, Beverly Luther and Colleen Willett, and two brothers, Charles, and William Mozdzier. Larry is pre-deceased by his parents, his first wife, his brother, Steve Willett, and his sister Suzanne Soulier.

As per his request, a graveside service will be performed in the spring. Donations can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association.

Mateele S. Kall, 81

Mateele S. Kall, 81, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday.

Born on March 23, 1941 in Tupper Lake to Joseph and Anecy Shaheen she had been a resident of Syracuse for more than 65 years.

She was a graduate of the Syracuse University School of Business. She earned her CPA licens in 1986 and practiced her profession in Syracuse with her partner and husband Sheldon for more than 40 years. She was the managing partner. Mateele had been an adjunct instructor of Accounting at Cazenovia College.

She was a member of the board of the Jewish Community Center, volunteered with the senior meal program at the JCC, and delivered for Kosher Meals on Wheels. Mateele was a passionate bridge player and especially proud to have the status of a life master.

Mateele and her husband Sheldon were the founding trustees of the Pomeranz, Shankman, Martin Charitable Trust. The trust under their capable guidance has funded Central New York Jewish Agencies for the past 20 years and will continue to do so. Mateele and Sheldon were honored with the Kovod Gadol award from the JCC in recognition of their dedication to the Jewish Community. Mateele and Sheldon were the first people to be awarded the President’s Award by Temple Concord. Mateele was also very proud to be a Lion of Judah.
Mateele was the youngest of 6 children, and the only daughter.
Her family includes her husband Sheldon of 57 years, their children
Deborah (Joseph) Schaal, Jacquelyn (Steven) Miron, and Matthew (Naomi);
Grandchildren Jimmy, Rachel, Danny, Sophie, Abby, Hannah, and Lucy; and her brother Ayupe Shaheen; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on Monday at Temple Concord. Burial will be in the Temple Concord section 30 of Woodlawn Cemetery.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to a Jewish Agency in the spirit of Tikun Olam, or to The Wild Center of Tupper Lake, NY.

Sisskind Funeral Services website is www.sisskindfuneral service.com

Roland LaVenture

Roland LaVenture (formerly of Tupper Lake) left his family and went to be with our Father in Heaven on November 28, 2022 after his hard fought battle with lung cancer. He said he would fight the horrible disease, which he did and many time’s we thought he was going to win the battle against cancer.

Born to Robert LaVenture & Georgette Gauvreau, Roland was born 19 August 1947 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Roland is survived by his mother Georgette Gauvreau, his wife and Jr. High sweetheart, Nina Lynn Benware, his two children David (Angie) and Michele (Joey), grandsons Jordan (Hope) and Justin (Ariana), along with great grandsons Phoenix, Kayden, Archer and great granddaughter Adelaide, his brother Robert (Nathalie), sisters Rolande, Jinette (Gilles), and brother Leo (Diana), along with several nieces and nephews.

The US Army drafted Roland and sent him to Vietnam, where during his tour he received the Purple Heart, two “V”s for Valor with his Bronze Star Medal and the Commendation Medal for acts of heroism. He LOVED the U.S. and was a proud patriot.

He was a lumberjack and loved being outdoors in the woods. He was a Tupper Lake hockey coach who was instrumental in establishing the first ice hockey rink & coached for many years. He was also part of the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. After he moved to Texas, he continued to coach his son and daughter in their sports. He was a very hard worker and instilled his work ethic in his children.

He was a giving man and would do anything to help anyone. He loved his family and friends dearly; yet, would LOVE to “stir the pot” and sit back and watch his family and friends reactions. He was the person anyone could go to for unbiased advice, especially his family. He would tell you the positive and negative aspects of the situation and then leave it up to you. If you wanted to know how he would handle the situation, he would tell you, if you asked.

His life was full and his impact on people was immense and far reaching, beyond what he would imagine. From the words by one of his hockey players, Pierre St. Pierre:

“Mr. LaVenture was a man who helped mold many young boy’s lives as a Hockey Coach here in Tupper Lake. He helped create teamwork, determination, and loyalty in the young boys he coached which helped their parents turn them into respectable young men, but most of all he helped create friendships and some of the best and most fondest memories of my childhood that I will take to my grave. May he rest in peace until we meet again…”

And final words from one Veteran: “Rest in Peace Mr. L. we will take the watch from here”.

Robert Earl Ashton

Robert Earl Ashton passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his wife on December 24 at the age of 68.

Bob was born in Tupper Lake, on June 22, 1954 to William and Phyllis (Cote) Ashton.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Marlene, their son Kyle of Evansville, IN, mother Phyllis and stepdad Carl Baxter of Rensselaer Falls, N.Y., sister Nancy (Gerald) York of Parshville, N.Y. and brother Ricky (Winnie) of Whitney, TX.

He also leaves behind two very special little boys that he loved dearly, Tanner and Nolan Marconi. Bob also leaves behind aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his father William Ashton, grandparents William and Maude Ashton, Romeo and Mildred Cote and aunt Colleen Cory.

He graduated Canton High School in 1974. He moved to Piercefield and went to work as a lumberjack. He worked for many local companies including North’s, Landry, Tim O’Neil, and Paul Mitchell.

On June 15, 1980 he married Marlene Lanthier, his wife of 42 years, and the love of his life. He would say he was lucky to have such a caring, devoted and loving wife in his life. He loved her dearly.

Bob was an active volunteer fireman for the Piercefield Fire Dept for over 40 years and held the position of treasurer. He was town assessor and on the town board in Piercefield for many years.

Bob enjoyed taking trips with his wife, especially out west. He loved to be outdoors, in the woods, camping, and snowmobiling. His real passion was deer hunting and being at camp he built with his friends and family. He built many things. His last project was cabinets for his son’s house.

Bob was an inspiration to all that knew him; his smile would light up a room. He always had a smile on his face. Bob lived life to the fullest.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, January 7, 2022 from noon to 2p.m. at Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Hospice, Christopher Reeve Foundation or the Piercefield Fire Dept.

Craig William Bowman, 75

Craig William Bowman, 75, of Tupper Lake, passed away on December 26, 2022 at his home with his family and his dog, Buddy. 

He was born on July 24, 1947 to William and Thelma (LaBounty) Bowman. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School In 1965. In January 1966, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served as a 0311-Corporal during the Vietnam War.

He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Purple Heart with one star, Vietnamese Service Medal with one star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and National Defense Service Medal.

In 1968, he was an Orientation Instructor at Camp Pendleton, California for the US Marine Corps before being honorably discharged. In 1970, he married Lorraine (LaCroix) Bowman and worked many years as a foreman with Lane Construction and then began his career with Adirondack Correctional Facility in Raybrook, retiring after 25 years of service.

Craig is survived by his two sons- Brent Bowman and his wife, Christi, of Farmington, N.Y. and Shawn Bowman and his wife, Karen, of South Lake, Texas; a daughter, Shelley Gagnon; a sister, Cindy Sarkisian and her husband, George, of Newcomb; a brother, Scott Bowman, of Tupper Lake; eight beloved grandchildren: Corrin, Michael, Connor, Ashlyn, Anderson, Aubrey, Jay, and Jordan; as well as nieces and a nephew, Bridget Bowman, Shannon (Fournier) Rolley, Michelle (Bowman) Cavallerano, and Jason Bowman.

Craig loved a good handshake, a good beer, and a good fight. More than anything, he LOVED the U.S. Marine Corps.

A mass for Craig will be held on January 3, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Church at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow at the VFW Post of Tupper Lake.

Harriet Adams, 96

Harriet Adams, 96, passed away on December 9, 2022 from complications of a fall on Thanksgiving Day.

Born in Salida, CO on April 28, 1926, Harriet was the daughter of Paul and Rutha Ingledew.

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, she enjoyed all things outdoors. In 1944, she met Don Adams, while skiing in Colorado’s Monarch Basin. On September 7, 1946 they married in Santa Fe, NM and moved east. Side-by-side, they built a life and legacy.

Don and Harriet were instrumental in the post-World War II birth of the ski industry in the U.S. They formed a ski club to build and operate a small municipal ski slope in Tupper Lake, during the 1950s. By the 1960s, they realized a dream with the development of Big Tupper Ski Area, which they designed and managed. There was no better life than earning a living doing what they loved together.

In the late 1960s, Harriet and family moved to Wilmington, N.Y., home of Whiteface Mountain. Skiing became her avocation. She worked as the administrative assistant in the main office of Lake Placid Central School until her retirement.

Harriet was an avid reader and crossword puzzle buff, who later in life refused all calls during Jeopardy. In addition to skiing, she enjoyed hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks, spring skiing on Mt. Marcy, canoeing, primitive camping, yard work and feeding squirrels who came to visit.

Besides her husband, Harriet was predeceased by her son, Kent Adams, and her cairn terrier MacDuff, who was always by her side.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Beth (Michael) McKenna, daughter-in-law Sarah Adams, grandchildren Scott (Kim) McKenna, Shawn (Keri) McKenna, Holly (Josh) Sidebottom, Phoebe (Drue) Stapleton, Elizabeth (Steve) Johnson and Sam Adams, as well as several great grandchildren.

Honoring her request, there will be no calling hours. Arrangements are in the care of the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wilmington Rescue Squad. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.

Richard Lee Kelly, 74

Richard Lee Kelly, 74, of Lake Placid, New York, peacefully passed away at home on December 24, 2022, with his niece, Johanna Kelly, by his side, after a long battle with cancer.

Richard was born on August 21, 1948, to Emard and Eileen Kelly in Tupper Lake.

Richard received his G.E.D. and was then employed as a housekeeper by Mercy Hospital for 20 years. He then went on to work as a houseman for High Peaks Resort for 22 years.

Working at High Peaks Resort was his passion. In his free time, he enjoyed listening to country music, taking car rides, buying the newest and flashiest sneakers, watches, and jewelry. He also enjoyed spending time listening to his scanner.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Emard and Eileen Kelly, and his brother, Robert Kelly.

He is survived by his two nieces Johanna Kelly of Vermontville, N.Y., and Dawn Kelly of Ticonderoga, N.Y. as well as a nephew, Brian Kelly of Plattsburgh. He is also survived by six great nieces and nephews, Hanna Courcelle and Tanner Courcelle, Schuyler Stuart, McKenna Kelly, Grace Kelly and Parker Kelly.

The family would like to acknowledge the employees at Blueline Insurance Agency, Engel and Volkers Realty, and Nancy Butler from High Peaks Resort for all their kindness and compassion towards Richard over the years.

No services will be held at this time, however, a graveside service will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in Richard’s name.

Muriel Laramie Beaudette

Mrs. Muriel Laramie Beaudette passed away peacefully on December 10, 2022 at Mercy Living Center. Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 11a.m. to 1p.m. at Frary Funeral Home Tupper Lake. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:30p.m. at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home.

Muriel was born on March 5, 1924 in Tupper Lake the daughter of Charles and Bertha Laramie. She was married to Leo Beaudette from 1943 until his passing in 1999.

Muriel led a very interesting and fulfilling life and to know her was to love her.

She was a Rosie Riveter during World War II. She loved working with children for the Foster Grandparent Program at the HGA and LP Quinn.

Muriel had a beautiful singing voice and shared it with everyone. She sang in the choir at Holy Name Church and would often belt out “God Bless America.” She loved her country.

Her favorite motto was "Always stay in touch with your childlike side and don't take life too seriously, you'll live a long and happy life."

Muriel is survived by her children Cynthia Whitmore and her husband Donald of Cranberry Lake, her daughter Nancy Conte and her husband Steven of Palm Coast, FL, Gary Beaudette of Tupper Lake, Andrew Beaudette of San Diego CA, and Erin Klossner and her husband Chris of Tupper Lake, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Muriel was a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. 

Muriel was predeceased by her sons, James and Neal Beaudette, and her daughter Joan Beaudette.

Muriel's family would like to thank the amazing staff at Mercy Living Center, and the many people that made her life the wonderful journey it was.

Jody Ann Smith, 66

Jody Ann (Arsenault) Smith, 66, of Tupper Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 8, 2022.

Jody was born on April 9, 1956. She was a graduate of Tupper Lake High School and spent the majority of her life in Tupper Lake.

She was married to Ronald Jones in 1979 and shared a daughter Kari Ann Jones. She was employed as a Development Assistant Two at Sunmount DDSO when she retired with 25 years of service.

She relocated to Corsicana, Texas in 2003 and later married Terry Smith. Jody returned home in March of 2020 to visit her daughter and her siblings. She received medical attention while here and was planning to return to her home in Texas at the end of December.

Jody has touched the lives of so many people, as evidenced in the recent outpouring of calls and visits from friends and family members. She valued friendship and family above all things. She will always be remembered for providing family dinners and get-togethers, her compassion for the developmentally disabled and her love for all animals and pets. She will be forever cherished by those she loved.

Jody is survived by her husband - Terry Smith of Eureka, Texas; her daughter, Kari Ann Jones of Tupper Lake; her three brothers - Mark Arsenault of Tupper Lake, Michael and Phyllis Harris of Schenectady N.Y. and Matthew Harris and Tracy Beaudette of Tupper Lake; and her one sister, Jackie and Michael Sovey of Tupper Lake.

Jody is also survived by nieces and nephews: Pamela (Arsenault) Griffin, Joseph Arsenault, Katelyn (King) Drasye, James King, Elijah Sovey, Morgan Sovey, Jenifer Harris, Ashley Harris, Shae Arsenault, Noel Arsenault, Vivian Allen and Millie Drasye; her ex-husband Ronald Jones of Tupper Lake and stepson - Terry Jones of Fayetteville, NC.

Jody was predeceased by her mother, Lois Harris; her father Joseph Arsenault and stepsons Todd Jones and Troy Jones.

Calling Hours and Service: Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake on Friday, December 16, 2022 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following at the VFW - Tupper Lake.

Diana P. Savard

Diana P. Savard passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022 peacefully in her sleep at home, with her loving daughter Victoria by her side.

Diana was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, James J. Savard and leaves behind three children: Stephen Savard of New York City, Victoria Savard of Tupper Lake and Jason Savard of Wisconsin.

Diana has five grandchildren: Lisa Savard, Kathrine Savard, Vivian Savard, Matthew Larabie, and Joseph Larabie and three great grandchildren- Joshua Patterson, Emma Larabie and Mason Larabie.

Diana’s joy in life was caring and worrying about her loved ones. She not only gave them her heart, but she shared all the love she had with them. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She will always be in our hearts.

Cheryl Lynn Ross, 74

Cheryl Lynn Ross, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born in Tupper Lake on August 7, 1948 to the late Oscar and Rita Gaff.

Cheryl was a social butterfly and always did what she could to help others. She was always very active in her community whether it was being a village trustee or fund raising for others in need. Cheryl loved spending time with her family which she valued the most. She was also a huge animal lover. She enjoyed getting up every morning rain or shine to go out and feed the squirrels and birds while enjoying her morning coffee. Cheryl always made sure everyone had a full belly whether it was her family or the animals she loved so much. She was always so generous to others. Cheryl was a very special person and will be missed dearly.

During her time in Tupper Lake Cheryl served as trustee on the village board.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl is preceded in death by her son, Ronald E. Bujold Jr.; her first husband, Ronald E. Bujold Sr.; her sister, Gail Gaff; and her father in law, Ralph W. Ross Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Ross; daughters, Kimberly and Gina Bujold; grandchildren, Hope, Charlie and Derek Bujold; one great grandson, Jeremy J. McDaniel III; two siblings, Mike (Margaret) Gaff and Cindy Gaff; her mother in law; Carolyn E. Ross; and her brother in law, Ralph W. Ross Jr.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Scott Funeral Home, 2515 Veterans Parkway, Jeffersonville, IN with her memorial service at 12 noon in the chapel of the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Memories of Cheryl and messages of support for the family can be shared at www.ScottFuneralHome.com.

Tom Sciacca, 71

Thomas Sciacca, 71 of Tupper Lake, N.Y. passed away on November 17, 2022 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Funeral service and visitation will be on Monday, November 28 from noon to 3p.m. at the Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake, which is handling the funeral arrangements.

Calling hours will be followed by a celebration of life at the VFW in Tupper Lake, where Tom had many friends.

Tom was born on February 11, 1951 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to parents Buffano and Christine

Sciacca.

He worked as a physical therapist in the area- both for the state and in private practice.

Tom was an active volunteer here over the years, selflessly donating his time and talents to many organizations.

He was a member of the Tupper Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad for a number of years doing its important work here for the people of the community.

Tom was also a member of the Big Tupper and Whiteface ski patrols. When Big Tupper re-opened for a half dozen years under the direction of ARISE and its many volunteers, Tom stepped forward and reorganized the ski patrol unit there.

He was an enthusiastic member of Spring Hill hunting club, enjoying the fellowship of his hunting buddies many evenings in camp over the years.

Tom always enjoyed playing host to many friends in recent summers at Tom’s Bar (his garage) on Raquette River Drive where Blue Sapphire was a favorite.

He was incredibly well read and very knowledgeable on myriad subjects. He also had a kind way about him and a listening ear.

Tom was a big part of the Mountaineer Rugby Club, and was known as the “Godfather.” He played, coached, and helped develop the team and the very successful CAN-AM tournament.

He also spent time working with the Tupper Lake Lions Club and always enjoyed the times he spent in the club’s cook trailer, preparing those club staples- delicious hamburgers and hot dogs, smothered with Lions onions. Tom loved to cook.

Above all he was a great father to his twin sons.

Tom is survived by his brother Joe Sciacca of Smithtown, N.Y. and his “boys,” Chris and Mike

Sciacca of Oak Creek, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents Buffano and Christine Sciacca.

Tommy was a great man and will be missed by all, his many friends and family members say.

Candace “Candy” Weaver

Candace Mary Weaver (Candy) passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 68. She

was the daughter of Evelyn (LaVasseur) and Joseph C. Weaver.

Candy is survived by her daughter, Cara Mathers, and her partner Nicholas Taylor; her grandchildren Ian and Eve Taylor; her brother-in-law of 43 years Thomas Snye; her beloved nephew Neilson Snye, his partner, Melissa Milano, his children Claire and Timmy Snye; and Melina Mathers and Robert S. Mathers for whom she cared deeply.

She was predeceased by her parents, cherished sister Carrie A. Snye and her beloved Uncle Doc, and Uncle Pit.

Candy was a person who genuinely cared for anyone she encountered. The unconditional love that she offered this world is something so rare that all who knew Candy remember her with warmth and reverence.

Dedicating nearly her entire career to serving people with developmental disabilities at various agencies around the country, she spent almost three decades at the Citizens Advocates Inc. During her tenure there she worked tirelessly to create a fun, nature-based environment for the individuals that she served. Her team was instrumental in the creation of a multi-use nature trail on the center’s property.

Her love of the monarch butterflies is noted through her team’s work to fill thousands of informational mailers containing milkweed seeds to help a butterfly in need.

Doing her part to help the monarch is just one of the many ways that Candy lived her life to show love to others and teach others how to love life. From rescuing stranded puppies and a mother dog while seven months pregnant, to happily feeding any neighborhood kid that came along; from tug of war competitions at Tupper Lake Woodsmen’s Days, to driving her father’s log truck or team of horses, from cutting mazes through blackberry patches, to make a fun summer playground, to rescuing and nursing a wounded race horse back to health, from reviving any plant that she touched, to ensuring that her house glowed on any holiday, that was Candy.

Candy’s strength, perseverance, and kindheartedness was exemplary to the very end.

Her compassionate nature is one that is fondly looked upon by anyone that knew her. She is

someone who can truly be remembered for her love and devotion to serving everything she encountered with nothing but empathy.

Calling hours for Candance M. Weaver will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 from

5p.m. to 7p.m. at the Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to High Peaks Hospice.

Fred R. Gadway

Fred R. Gadway, passed away unexpectedly in his home on November 17, 2022. Fred was born to Harold and Freda (Sutton) Gadway on May 28, 1961 in Tupper Lake.

Fred always called Tupper Lake his home and worked at the Oval Wood Dish Corp. for many years, as well as Sunmount and the Tupper Lake Hardwoods sawmill.

Fred was loved by many, and known for his heart of gold and bear hugs. Some even called him a big teddy bear.

He loved his daughters immensely, and they were the light of his life. He would do anything for anyone who needed help, and it wasn’t unheard of that he’d stop to help anyone in need.

He loved hunting and fishing with his best friend, Terry Hurteau, tinkering with small engines, enjoying games on his computer and spending time with his family. He loved to make jokes and had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He loved cracking jokes and making others laugh. It was no surprise that he loved Larry the Cable Guy and many other comedians.

Fred was predeceased by his parents Harold and Freda (Sutton) Gadway.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Rivers) Gadway of Tupper Lake and Plattsburgh, NY; daughters, Billie Jean Gadway of Plattsburgh, and Melinda “Mindy” (Tyler) of Tupper Lake; stepsons David (April) Alrdo of Tupper Lake, Brandon Aldro of Florida; a brother, Joe (Amy) Gadway of Piercefield; sisters Gladys (Tommy) Scott of Florida and Betty (Joe) Keniston of Tupper Lake; grandsons William and Gabriel Bell and step grandsons Uthred and Xavier Aldro.

Fred had a heart of gold and was loved dearly by his family and wife. Fred will be missed dearly by all, especially by his wife, Evelyn.

There will be no funeral services at this time. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association. P.O. BOX 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Kevin Rovito

On Monday November 14, 2022, Kevin Anthony Rovito, loving husband, father, friend, and “Coach”, passed after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Kevin was born on February 3, 1954 in Tupper Lake, the son of Tony and Greta Rovito.

The breadth and depth of Kevin's passions, skills, relationships, responsibilities, achievements, and hobbies are inordinate. A tenacious worker since his early days, Kevin spent much of his youth working with his father at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake and skiing at Big Tupper.

He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1973 where he participated in many athletic disciplines. Later, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his outstanding football performance. He continued his football and education at St. Lawrence University where he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

His teaching career began at Stockbridge Valley Central School District and then Mayfield Central School District in 1980, where he met his wife, Eileen.

They team-taught physical education and coached athletics together for 26 years.

Over his 29 years of teaching and coaching, Kevin coached nearly every sport the school had to offer, whether he had a background in the sport or not. He led his teams to 12 New York State Titles. His many regional, sectional, division, and independent accolades led to the dedication of the “Rovito Gymnasium” by the school and community in 2021.

Beyond these prestigious honors were the lives he impacted. Kevin's caring for his students, athletes, peers, and family was untenable. Kevin lived life with fervor in all he did, never taking no for an answer, pushing all those around him to new limits beyond our own understanding, loving people in highs and lows with a supernatural depth, and sharing a propensity for activity that inspired everyone around him.

In his personal life, Kevin was a passionate outdoors and renaissance man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, waterskiing, downhill skiing, serving at his church, and carpentry (among many others). His closest friends, his most cherished memories, and everyone’s favorite stories are with the people he shared these experiences with.

Kevin leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Eileen, their sons, Ryan (Kasey) and Mitchell (Brielle), their chosen daughter Nicki (Jimmy) Eschler, their grandchildren, Alice Rovito and Malachi Eschler and a sister Connie (Mitch) Robillard.

A close-knit extended family comprised of his mother-in-law Karen Buehler, brother and sister- in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were like family, were all a source of great pride for Kevin.

An intimate, private memorial service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 with a live-stream option for the public. Please visit the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church’s website for access to the live stream. A Celebration of Life will occur in the summer of 2023. Those who are compelled may support the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405 Albany, NY 12205 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 in Kevin’s honor.

The staff of Walrath & Stewart funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Rovito family.

Online condolences for Kevin’s loved ones may be left at www.brbsfuneral.com