Allen-Denesha Funeral Home

Elaine R. Matthews

Elaine R. Matthews, 67, of Hermon, died on October 19, 2020, at the Albany Medical Center.  There will be a graveside service October 24, 2020 12:15 PM at the Hermon Cemetery, Pastor John Frary officiating.  Elaine is survived by her husband Dennis “Denny” Matthews, sons, Dustin and his wife Karen Matthews of Constable, Casey Matthews of Hermon, a daughter, Kristie Hare of Hazel Green, Alabama, brothers Gilbert and Clair Peck of DeKalb, Roger and his wife Janet Peck, Norfolk, Virginia, a sister, Elizabeth and her husband Charles Holland of Watertown, grandchildren, Emma Matthews, Everly Matthews, Ellie Matthews, Karighan and her husband Dylan Gibbs, Kestian Hare, Drake Matthews, Paige Hamilton, Porter Hamilton, Parker Hamilton, Peyton Hamilton, former daughter in law Kelly Hamilton, several nieces and nephews. She  was born on December 19, 1952 in the Gouverneur, to the late James and Grace Gilbert Peck. She graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1971. Elaine married Dennis Matthews on November 14, 1970 at the Hermon United Methodist Church. She worked at the Community Bank in Hermon till her retirement in 2018.  Elaine was a board member and treasurer for the Hermon Library and the Hermon United Methodist Church.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, reading, and gardening. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hermon Library or the Hermon United Methodist Church.

Alexander W. Hamilton

Alexander W. Hamilton, 64, of Harrisville, died unexpectedly on October 3, 2020.  There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony at his brother’s home, October 17, 2020 from 1 – 5 PM, 676 CR 19, Hermon, New York 13652.  Alex is survived by his mother Genevieve Hamilton, Edwards, his son Brandon Shrewsberry of Marcy, brothers, Richard and wife Jean Hamilton of Hermon, Alan Hamilton of Heuvelton, Asa Hamilton of Hermon, a sister, Kay Cornell of Edwards, several nieces and nephews. He was born on October 13, 1955 in the Gouverneur, to the late Herbert Hamilton and Genevieve Paro Hamilton. He graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1974.  He was a laborer with Union Local 322, Massena. Alex was a member of the Sons of the American Legion 317.  He enjoyed dancing, playing golf, hunting in Fire Falls, traveling, the outdoors, being with people and making them laugh. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Skaneateles Falls American Legion Post 317, 4572 Jordan Road, P.O. Box 136, Skaneateles Falls, New York 13153.

Anna F. Grant

Anna F. Grant, 92, formerly of DeKalb Junction, died on October 4, 2020, at Canton Potsdam Hospital.  There will be a graveside service on, October 10^th, 2:00 PM at Hermon Cemetery, Pastor Joe Weidler officiating.  Anna is survived by her husband of 72 years, Clarridge “Don” Grant, sons, Thomas and Emily Grant, Lisbon, Bruce and Bonnie Grant, DeKalb Junction, a daughter, Kitty and Steven Cook, Massena, brothers, Orin and Bonnie Thomas, Colton, Bing and Betsy Thomas, Louisville, a sister, Kay and Robert O’Brian, Lowville, 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Steven Grant, brothers Allen, Joseph, Glenn and Francis Thomas, and a great grandson Grant Woodrow.  Anna was born on July 2, 1928 in the Town of Pierrepont, to the late Roy and Katherine Dorothy Thomas. After graduating from high school she graduated from the Wallace Business School in Ogdensburg. She married Don on July 21, 1948 at the United Methodist Church in Colton.  Anna was the secretary to the director of the ARC of Canton until the late 70’s.  She was a past member of the United Methodist Church in Colton and loved being a homemaker, reading and knitting. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maplewood Nursing Home or the charity of one’s choice.

           Nancy L. Brown

Nancy L. Brown, 78, of Canton, died on October 4, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  There will be calling hours, Thursday, October 8^th, 10 am – 1 PM, at the funeral home, COVID guidelines will be followed, masks and social distancing required. A graveside ceremony will be, October 8^th, 1:30 PM at Hermon Cemetery.  Nancy is survived by her sons, Michael and Tammy Brown of Canton, Donald “Duck” and Colleen Brown, DeKalb Junction, Mark and Cathy Brown of Canton, daughters, Patti and Jeffery Klock of Philadelphia, Peggy Cardinell (Daniel Clarke) of DeKalb Junction, Penny and Robert Locke of Morley, sisters, Joanne McIntrye of Hailesboro, Tammy and Jerrilee “Peaky” Hartle of Croghan, 19 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Buddy. She was predeceased by her siblings, Donald Ward Jr., and Elaine McCracken.  Nancy was born on December 12, 1941 to the late Donald and Ina Johnson Ward Sr.. She married Weldon “Butch” Brown at his sister’s home in Oxbow on February 15, 1958, he died on April 11, 2008.  Nancy worked for St. Lawrence University in the housekeeping department till her retirement in 1997.  She volunteered at the St. Mary’s Thrift Store from 2013 -2018.  She loved spending time with her family, cooking, baking (her donuts were everyone’s favorite), sewing, playing cards, going to the thrift store and feeding people (no one ever left her home hungry). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Thrift Store c/o St. Mary’s Church, 66 Court St., Canton, NY 13617.

      Timothy R. Kelley

Timothy R. Kelley, 56, of DePeyster, died on October 2, 2020, at his home .  There will be calling hours, Wednesday, October 7^th, 5-7 PM, at the funeral home, COVID guidelines will be followed, masks and social distancing required. A graveside ceremony will be on Friday, October 9^th, 4 PM at White Church Cemetery, Lisbon. Tim is survived by his daughter, Mikayla Kelley and her companion, Arthur Berry of Adams, a son, James A. Willis of Ballston Spa, brothers, Thomas and Sherry Kelley of DeGrasse, Joseph and Cindy Kelley of DeKalb, Mark Kelley of Heuvelton, Keith and Colleen Kelley of DePeyster, sisters, Jane Bogardus of Heuvelton, Mary Ann Kelley of Heuvelton, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Ann Marie Kelley. Timothy was born on August 5, 1964, in Ogdensburg, to the Francis and June Dawley Kelley. He graduated from Heuvelton Central School in 19, 1982.   After graduation, Tim stared his business, Tim Kelley Hoof Trimming until he retired in 2013.  He currently was a school bus driver at Hermon DeKalb Central School. Timothy was a member of CSEA and enjoyed, cutting wood, farm work, hunting and fishing.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hermon DeKalb Central School.

          David A. Rickett

David A. Rickett, 69, of Hermon, died on September 7, 2020, at his home.  There will be calling hours, Saturday, September 12^th, 2 – 4 PM, at the funeral home, COVID guidelines will be followed, masks and social distancing required. He is survived by his daughters, Jessie and her husband Rob Wentzel of Hermon, Amanda Rickett of Saranac Lake, grandchildren, Kasey Wentzel who helped as his Grandpa’s care giver during the past few months, Courtney Holt of Hermon, Kodi Wentzel of Rensselaer Falls, a great grandson, Cohen Marin of Hermon, and his best fur friend Willow. David was born on December 25, 1950, in Ogdensburg, to the Byron J. and Marion J. Hayes Rickett. He graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1969 and earned a Business Administration Degree from SUNY Canton. A marriage to Barbara Perrin Creazzo ended in divorce.  David worked with his father Byron at the family business Rickett’s Plumbing and Heating and continued the business after his father’s retirement. He was also employed by RJM Construction, Gouverneur, and the Blevins Family of Dealerships, in later years.  David was a 50 year member of the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department, where he held every position at one time or another, throughout his many years of service. He was also on the Fire Commissioners Board and was a DeKalb Junction Town Councilman.  David was an avid sports fan, as well as, participating and coaching.  He coached boy’s youth basketball for many years at Hermon DeKalb Central School and served as timekeeper for high school games.  His love for sports carried over to girls’ softball as he assisted and then coached the girls for several years, until his health began to slow him down.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department, Hermon Volunteer Fire Department or the charity of one’s choice.

     Nancy J. Johnson

Nancy J. Johnson, 82, of Canton, died on July 4, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  There will be a private graveside service at Hermon Cemetery. She is survived her son, James Sayer and his husband John Keese of Norfolk ,MA, daughters, Kim Sayer of Baker, FL, Barbara “Bobbie” Butler and her companion Peter Foster of Massena, a sister Phyllis Edwards of  The Villages, FL, grandchildren, James and his wife Karin (Juell) Blackburn of Rensselaer Falls, Tonya Blackburn and companion Jason Premo of Winthrop, great grandchildren, Courtney Piatt, Peyton Blackburn, Natasha Barnhart , Devin Barnhart, and a great great granddaughter Hadley, several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings, John and Charles Johnson, Harriet Jenne and Eleanor Johnson. Nancy was born on August 9, 1937, in Ogdensburg, to the late John and Ora Chase Johnson.  She graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1955 and continued her education at the Watertown School of Commerce graduating in 1957.  Nancy was a court stenographer, for the St. Lawrence County District Attorney for 20 years, then she was the office manager at the Florida State Probation and Parole Office for 13 years retiring in 2002.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Hermon since 1957.  Nancy enjoyed bowling, knitting, crossword puzzles, ceramics and playing cards.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to charity of one’s choice.

      Marie T. Fitzgerald Jones

Marie T. Fitzgerald Jones, 73, formerly of Richville, died on June 25, 2020, at Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.  There will be no services. She is survived her son, Brian Jones, brothers, Gerald and his wife Donna Fitzgerald of Star Lake, Richard Fitzgerald of DeKalb, Paul Fitzgerald of Richville, several nieces and nephews. Marie was born on November 18, 1946, in Ogdensburg, to the late Leo and Cecile Lebel Fitzgerald and graduated from the Knox Memorial School.  She married Thomas C. Jones on December 31, 1965 and he predeceased her on February 25, 2004.  She retired as a clerk for the Department of Social Services after 20 years, she then worked as a residential assistant at Jefferson St. Lawrence ARC.  Marie was an Avon representative and won the ALBI award 4 years in a row. She enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and canning.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association.

Jeffery L. Peters         

Jeffery L. Peters, 53, of DeKalb Junction, died on June 11, 2020.  There will be private services for his family due to COVID 19. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, sons, Adam Peters of DeKalb, Jon Peters of Canton, his father Joseph Peters, DeKalb, his brothers, Michael Peters of Canton, Steven and his wife Karen Peters of Denver, CO, several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother in 2017, Donna Powell Peters.  Jeff was born on July 6, 1966, in El Paso, Texas. He graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1984. He married Lisa Struzzi on August 30, 1986 at St. Henry’s Church in DeKalb Junction. Jeffery worked at St. Lawrence University on the custodial crew since 1986. Jeff spent many hours in the driveway working with Jon on his basketball skills and spent hours with Adam sharing their love of hunting.  He was thrilled that his boys shared the same interests as him and that he could pass on his knowledge to them.  He loved his boys and was so proud of the men they have become.   He never missed an opportunity to tell them “be careful” and “I love you” every time they walked out the door. Jeff enjoyed being in the woods and was an avid hunter.  He loved to scout deer during the summer months, and would work on honing his skills as the season approached.  Bow hunting was his favorite as he loved sitting in his tree stands within the quiet of the woods and watch all of the other wildlife around him.  He was always a successful deer hunter and in 2019, was thrilled beyond words that he was able to fill his bear tag.  Jeff was also well known as “the bird man”.   From a very young age you could always find him raising water fowl and chickens.  As a child, he took great pride in entering his chickens into the poultry contest at the Gouverneur fair and bringing home blue ribbons.  Years later, his boys followed in his footsteps making Jeff very proud.  Jeff was never without some type of feathered friend in his life and was sought out by people who had found an injured bird and brought it to him to rehabilitate.   He was a member of the St. Lawrence County Poultry Fanciers.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehab Center, 977 Springfield Road, Wilmington, New York, 12997.

Dale A. Thornton        

Dale A. Thornton, 68, of DeKalb Junction, died on April 7, 2020, at his home.  There will be a Celebration of Life at a time to be determined by his family. He is survived by his wife, Karen Thornton, sons, Richard Thornton of N.Y., Bradley and his wife Kristy Thornton of Canton, daughters, Gina Dafoe of Chesapeake, Virginia, Brandi and her husband Chris Harris of DeKalb, a brother, Floyd and his wife Ann Thornton of Edwards, a sister Debbie and her husband Gerald Phillips of Fowler, 8 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 1 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Gerald Thornton and Michael Thornton.  Dale was born on October 30, 1951, in Gouverneur, to the late, Gerald and Leota Hazelton Thornton. He married Karen Walrath on July 8, 1972 at the Methodist Church in Gouverneur. He and Karen owned and operated Dale’s Grocery in DeKalb Junction for twenty five years selling the store in 2009. Prior to that he worked as a miner for Zinc Corp. He was a past member of the Canton Kiwanis Club, Hermon DeKalb Pee Wee Association, and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.  He was a big supporter of his community.  He LOVED his family before all else. He enjoyed farming, being in the woods, hunting, fishing, going to camp, dealing with the Amish and riding in his Kubota with Karen and LilBit.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hermon Rescue Squad or the Canton Rescue Squad.