obituaries - Allen-Denesha Funeral Home

Donald R. Hand 10/08/2026

Donald Robert Hand

Donald (Donnie) Robert Hand, Age 91, passed away in the early morning of Thursday October 8th, 2026

at Samaritan Keep Home Hospice after a brief illness

Arrangements are under the care of Allen-Denesha Funeral Home, 4330 US Highway 11, Dekalb

Junction, NY. Calling hours are Friday, October 16th, 2026 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Funeral Service at

12:00pm followed by burial at the Hermon Cemetery, Route 17, Hermon, NY (New Side of Street).

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Friday, October 16th, 2026 after the burial starting at 6:00pm at the

Kendrew Grange, 693 Stevenson Road, Rensselaer Falls, NY.

Donnie was born Saturday, May 11th, 1935 in Ogdensburg, NY. He was the son of Gerald and Dorothy

(Stevenson) Hand

He is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Barbara (Murdock) Hand, son, Robert Hand and his wife,

Tammy (Voorhes) Hand, brothers, sister-in-law and sister: Hubert & Jean (McMartin), Richard Hand, Betty

(Hand) Harmon, Infant Sibling and his parents.

Brother & Sister-ln Law’s-Stewart & Dorothy (Howcroft) Murdock, Robert & Dorris Nell (Stiles) Murdock,

Emest & Mary (Bresette) Murdock, Lyle Murdock, Perry & Ruby (Murdock) Sterling, William

Murdock, Garth & Luella (Murdock) Robinson

He attended Dekalb Central School where he was a good student, especially in Mathematics. A trait he

passed on to all three of his children. His dream at that time was to become a Pilot. He had to drop out of

school in the 9th Grade to help out on the Family Dairy Farm when his older brother, Hubert, was drafted

into the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

Donnie married Barbara Murdock on June 14th, 1957 at the Heuvelton Methodist Church. They met at

the Kendrew Grange Dances in Rensselaer Falls, NY.

Donnie was an Entrepreneur at heart. He loved hardwork, freedom and the satisfaction that they both

gave him. He purchased his own 200 acres Dairy Farm bordering Beaver Creek at a young age and also

created his own Trucking Business. He hauled milk for Farmers to local Cheese Factories. Both Donnie

and his wife, Barb, worked side by side waking daily before dawn to do the milking and laying down to

rest well after the sun was down. Both Donnie & Barb had amazing work ethics that they had learned

from their parents and passed down to their children as well.

In the mid to late 1960’s, Donnie changed careers. He became a Semi-Truck Driver working for various

Trucking Companies and became a proud member Of the Teamsters Union. The Family Dairy Farm

became a hobby farm where he harvested hay to sell to local Farmers and Oats for his kid’s Horses.

His work caused him to be away from home often all week. When he came home usually on Friday

Nights, Barb would have a nice meal waiting for him. He would tell tales of his adventures on the road as

well as the interesting people he met delivering in the big cities.

His kids would beg him to choose the “Cookie Run” from Whittaker’s Trucking Company Dispatch

choices that would take him to New England delivering Drake Cakes that included Devil Dogs, Ring A

Dings and Yodels. The reason was that he would always bring home cases of Drake Cakes for his kids to

enjoy and purge on. He said that the Warehouse Supervisor would ask him if he had kids at home, then

kick a box or two and tell him to load in his truck cab to take home.

Donnie sold his 200 acres Hobby Farm and again followed his Entrepreneur Spirit and became an

Owner/Operator Trucker. Barb resigned from her job at St. Lawrence University as a Baker to

accompany him as a Cc-Driver/Owner.

He retired from Trucking and became very bored after a career of being on the road and on the move. He

then came out of retirement and drove school bus for Freeman Bus Lines (IRCS) as well as working at

Martin’s Pretzel Factory

His hobbies were fishing, camping, air shows, watching “Two and a Half Men” and Westerns. In younger

years, he was a CB enthusiast. He belonged to a CB Club and talked on his CB Set to people all over the

world on “skip”. His handle was “Red Cadillac” which was a nickname for his much-loved red and white

Cheyenne Chevy Pickup Truck. He involved the whole family with this hobby. They all had handles and

attended Club Meetings with him. Yes, the “Pumpkin Lady”, “Little Red” and “The Shy One” all

participated. His call sign KPZ3593. Curiously, his family also discovered a hidden talent, country singing,

when participating in Karaoke at Family Events.

Donnie is survived by his two daughters and son-in-laws, Ronald & Donna (Hand) Wiley (Lafargeville,

NY), Julie (Hand) Brooks (Las Vegas, NV) and Bobby Brooks (Los Angeles, CA). Grandsons,

Granddaughter and Great-Grandaughter, Ryan Brooks (Palmdale, CA), Anthony Wiley (Maiden, NC),

Logan Hand (Antwerp, NY), Olivia Brooks (Fulton, NY) and Eleonor Wiley, (Maiden, NC)

Sister In Laws, Carol Berkley (Peck, ID) and Beatrice Murdock (Rensselaer Falls, NY)

He also has many nieces and nephews in Canada, upstate NY and NC.

Donnie was a lifelong animal lover. His family found a baby fox and took it in as a pet on the Farm. He

talked fondly of the fox called “Foxy’. During the time when he was a Dairy Farmer, he cared for many

animals as well.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA 315-393-5191 , PO Box 594,

Ogdensburg, NY 13669 in remembrance of Donald Robert Hand.

Terry E. Wilson, 55, of Rensselaer Falls, died on October 8, 2026. Services will be at a later date. Terry is survived by his mother, Nancy Wilson, Rensselaer Falls, son, Andrew (Morgan) Wilson of Norwood, daughter, Amanda (Anthony) Foster of Gouverneur, sisters, Julie (Matthew) Colmorgen of Parrish, Fl, Patty Jo (Steve) Cook of Nottingham, NH, grandsons, Wyatt Hooper and Arthur Wilson, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father John Wilson and brother, Michael Wilson. He was born on February 13, 1971 in Ogdensburg. He worked at St. Lawrence University as a custodian for many years. Terry loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Indian Creek Nature Center, 770 CR 14, Rensselear Falls, NY, 13680 or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties, 431 State Street Unit 306, Ogdensburg, NY.

Christina “Tina” A. Hewlett 08/30/2026

Christina “Tina” A. Hewlett

Christina Hewlett, 61, of Canton, died on August 30, 2026, at Canton Potsdam Hospital. Services will be private. Christina is survived by her husband Francis Hewlett Jr., son, Brian Bellinger and his fiancée Cynthia Michaelson of Canton, daughter Cassie Lucas of Canton, grandchildren, Josiah Lucas, Jayden Lucas, brothers, Francis and husband Fred Lucas of Syracuse, Frank and Michelle Lucas of Parishville, sister, Lucille Harris of DeKalb Junction, mother-in-law Jane Hewlett of Hermon, sister-in-law, Tina and husband Darren Carr of Bronson, MI, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, James Lucas, Marvin Lucas, Gary Lucas, Robert Lucas, Lawrence Lucas, Randy Lucas, Gerald Lucas, Norma Lottie, Geraldine Lucas and Suzann Flanigan. She was born on May 5, 1965 in Canton to the late Robert and Mary Vancore Lucas. Tina married Francis Hewlett on March 14, 1998 at the Presbyterian Church in Canton. She worked at the Cascade Inn as a waitress and housekeeper for many years. Tina was devoted to her family; her grandchildren were her world.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Joachim “Jochen” Sieckmann 05/30/2026

Joachim Sieckmann

Known to his friends and family by the nickname for Joachim, Jochen, died peacefully in his sleep on May 30, 2026. A celebration of life will take place later this summer.

Born in Berlin, Germany on January 25, 1945, Jochen grew up in post, World War II Germany. He often spoke of memories of his childhood playing in the rubble left by the war’s destruction.

He left school at age 15, as funds were too tight in his family to pay the nominal tuition to pay for Gymnasium, the equivalent of American high school and first 2 years of college. Once he was in America, he was able to earn a BA degree from Suny Potsdam in French and Philosophy.

Jochen’s passion in life was books. He loved to read, he collected and sold used books on the ABE internet site for over 30 years. In addition to selling books, he also enjoyed publishing and designing books for young avant-garde artists. He also printed and designed a magazine, edited by Dieter Schwartz, featuring such artists as Dieter Rot, Jan Foss, Dorothy Iannone and Robert Filliou. From his Press, Edition AM Mehringdam in West Berlin.

His excellent sense of design and his courageous taste in art, led him to undertake the makeover of the oldest house in DeKalb, N.Y. He moved rocks from a deserted barn and paved a floor and built a wall with rocks as well to house an antique Home Comfort wood cook stove. He loved making breakfast fires in winter for cozy coffee drinking.

Jochen enjoyed being a grandfather to his wife’s son, Eamon McCallion and her daughter -in-law Mona Villacorta McCallion’s two children: Henry McCallion and Jason McCallion. They spent many wonderful hours playing together and horsing around.

He is dearly remembered by their nickname for him: Yo Yo

Jochen is survived by his wife of 41 years, the artist Mary Harding. (AKA Mary McCallion) Together they enjoyed attending library book sales. They especially loved The Friends of Thompkins Library book sale in Ithaca New York. They looked forward to it each fall and spring for many years.

During the years he pursued his B A degree from Potsdam state College, he was an individual aide in the BOCES Special Education program at Lawrence Avenue School His joyful spirit and commitment to his student made him a much-appreciated asset to the program.

Jochen will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends who enjoyed his sense of humor and his concern for the welfare of others.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be given in his name to ACLU, 125 BROAD STREET, 18^th FLOOR, NEW YORK, N.Y.10004-2400.

Julie Gray Miller Crotty 03/18/2026

Julie A. Gray Miller Crotty

Julie Gray Miller Crotty, 67, of DeKalb Junction, died at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, on March 18, 2026. There will be a calling hour on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10 am -11 am, at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, funeral service to follow, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. She is survived by her son, Adam Miller, brothers, Robert and his wife Janice Gray, of Heuvelton, Fred Gray of Hermon, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Phillip Gray, Andrew Gray, and Timothy Gray. Julie was born on September 14, 1958 in Gouverneur, to the late Leland and Mary Anne Elsey Gray. She was a supply clerk at the Gouverneur Correctional Facility and she also was a self-employed painter. Julie was a past member of the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church. She loved animals, being outdoors, camping and kayaking. Julie gave the ultimate gift of life to three people, by being an organ donor. In lieu of flowers (please no flowers due to family allergies) donations can be made to the Rensselaer Falls Volunteer Rescue Squad (424 Rensselaer St, Rensselaer Falls, NY 13680) or the Ogdensburg SPCA.

Neil J. Noble 06/04/2026

Neil J. Noble

Neil J. Noble, 91, of DeKalb Junction, died at United Helpers Nursing Home, on June 4, 2026. There will be no services, as was Neil’s wish. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Merle and Dancy Noble of DeKalb Junction, a sister Janice Sibbits of Canton, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Weldon Noble, Morley Noble, Harold Noble, Keith Noble (Popeye), Glenn Noble, Viola Noble, Lucy Murdie, and Noreen Noble. Neil was born on December 8, 1934 in the Town of Canton, to the late Loys and Jessie Culbertson Noble. He attended Canton Central school and joined the Army to serve his country. He was honorable discharged in 1959. He was a farm hand for the Merle Whitmore Farm and was a mill hand for Wight and Patterson Feed in Canton. Neil loved spending time with his family, fishing and hunting. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Darlene D. Knapp 03/27/2026

Darlene D. Knapp

Darlene D. Knapp, 63, of Amsterdam, formerly of DeKalb Junction, died at Albany Medical Center, on March 27, 2026. There will be calling hours on June 9, 2026, 12 -2 PM at the funeral home, graveside service in Union Cemetery, DeKalb following calling hours at 2:30 PM, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. Darlene is survived by her husband Jeffrey of Utica, 1 niece and 1 nephew. She was predeceased by her sister Delight Tallman. She was born on September 20, 1962 in Canton, to the late Walter and Maryette Maracle Goodale. She graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central School in 1980. On September 6, 2003 she married Jeffrey Knapp in Maine. She was a certified nurse’s aide at United Helpers Nursing Home, Canton. Darlene was a past member of the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, she enjoyed crafting, playing games on her computer, collecting Coca Cola memorabilia, cooking and baking. She loved spending time with her husband. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ogdensburg SPCA.

Penny A. Cornell 03/06/2026

Penny A. Cornell

Penny A. Cornell, 65, of Hermon, died on March 6, 2026, at Canton Potsdam Hospital. There will be no services. Penny is survived by her daughter, Melissa Brown (Wayne Young) of Tupper Lake, brothers, Kenneth Davis of Hermon, Robert Davis of Hermon, a sister Melody Davis of Hermon a granddaughter Brianna (Kyle) Ashley of Ogdensburg, great grandchildren, Grayson Ashley, Paisley Ashley, a niece Jessica Bessette, and a nephew Cody Cardinell. She was born on July 29, 1960 in Niagara Falls, to the late Morris and Joan (Davis) Davis. A marriage to Randy Cornell ended in divorce. She worked at McDonalds in Canton. Penny loved to play bingo, poker, buying purses and knickknacks. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

John E. Wilson 03/02/2026

John E. Wilson

John E. Wilson, 84, of DeKalb, died at his home, on March 2, 2026. There will be a celebration of life on June 27th, 2026 at the Old DeKalb Hotel, 12 -4 PM. John is survived by his wife Nancy, son, Terry Wilson of Ogdensburg, daughters, Julie (Matthew) Colmorgen of Parrish, FL, Patty Jo Cook (Steve Wallace) of Nottingham, NH, brothers, Larry Wilson of Hermon, Gary Wilson of Syracuse, Lyle Wilson of Syracuse, 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Michael Wilson, siblings, Neil Wilson, Delbert Wilson, Elma Stiles-Poole and Barbara Walrath. He was born on December 1, 1941 in the town of DeKalb, to the late Jacob and Bertha Pelkey Wilson. On June 28, 1969 he married Nancy Youngs in Heuvelton, Justice of the Peace Arlington Walker, officiating. He worked on the family farm, was a cheese maker at Aiello in Heuvelton, Redrock, Dekalb and lastly as a forklift operator at Kraft Foods in Canton until his retirement in 2000. John enjoyed hunting, outside work, mowing the lawn, listening to country music, dancing, watching RFD on tv, playing cards, going to the diner and visiting with friends, and going to auctions. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Kendrew Global Methodist Church,707 Stevenson Road, Rensselaer Falls, NY, 13680.

Francis E. Hewlett 03/01/2026

Francis E. Hewlett

Francis E. Hewlett, 74, of Hermon, died at Canton Potsdam Hospital, on March 1, 2026. There will a graveside service, March 16, 11 am, at Hermon Cemetery, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Skunks Nest in Hermon. Francis is survived by his wife Jane, son Francis (Christina) Hewlett Jr. of Canton, daughter, Tina (Darren) Carr of Bronson, MI, brother, Eugene (Laura) Hewlett of CA, sister, Rita Roy, of Hermon, his best friend Harold Blandin, 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was born on January, 29, 1952 in Gouverneur, to the late Elmer Otis and Nina Roberts Hewlett. He graduated from Hermon DeKalb Central High School in 1970. On January 31, 1970 he married Jane Roy at the St. Henry’s Church, Father Gosier officiating. Francis worked at Gouverneur Talc from 1970 until his retirement in 2008. He was an honorary member of the Grasse Pond Hunting Club, Rainbow Brook Club and the Hermon Volunteer Fire Department. Francis enjoyed life and loved socializing with his friends at the Skunk’s Nest. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Category: obituaries