Obituaries - Allen-Denesha Funeral Home

Devin M. Lough 02/01/2026

Devin M. Lough

Devin M. Lough, 32, of Hammond, died on February 1, 2026, at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center. There will a celebration of life at a later date. Devin is survived by his partner, Naazia Thomas, mother, Bonnie (Steve) Lough-Sobotka of Hammond, siblings, Merlin Lough of Pennellville, NY, Danyaile (Jeff) Sushereba of Oswego, Bonita Stern of Liverpool, Amber (Anthony) Lough of North Carolina, Kordelia Lough of Pennellville, NY, Brandi Lough of Alabama, Julie (Brandon) Robertson of Oswego, Jazmyn Lough of Pennellville, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Myrl Lough and his nephew Killian Rehm. He was born on September 2, 1994 in Syracuse, New York. He graduated from John C. Birdlebough High School, Phoenix, in 2012. He was a web designer for a company in New York City. Devin loved riding motorcycles, eating, watching television, Oreo cookies, the outdoors, anime, hiking to waterfalls, designing tattoos, and photography. His four dogs and two cats were his children. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Shelly J. Reed 01/29/2026

Shelly J. Reed

Shelly J. Reed, 68, of DeKalb Junction, died at her home with her devoted husband, on January 29, 2026. There will a funeral mass at St. Raphael’s Church in Heuvelton, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:00 am, with Father Kevin O’Brien officiating and burial will be in the summer at St. Hubert’s Cemetery, Star Lake. Shelly is survived by her husband Richard “Rick”, sons, Timothy Reed, DeKalb Junction; Eric (Angie) Reed of Canton; Adam (Kristie) Reed of Pittsburgh, PA; siblings, Kenneth Price of Great Bend; Thomas (Becky) Price of Columbia, TN; Sharron (John) Caputo of Newburg, OR; Sally Davidson of Black Lake; Sue (Charles) Kennedy of Pacific City, OR; Lisa (James) Morris of Friendswood, TX; grandchildren, Emma, Anthony, Tyson, several nieces and nephews. She was born on August 14, 1957 in Star Lake to the late Chester and Carol (Hunziker) Price. She graduated from Clifton Fine High School in 1975 and would go on to travel throughout Europe with American Youth in Concert, before studying music at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. On September 16, 1978, she married Richard Reed at St. Hubert’s Church in Star Lake, with Monsignor John Waterhouse officiating. Shelly adored her family and cherished her time raising her boys, while also providing childcare for dear friends in the community. Once her boys began school, she would start her career as a short-order cook at SUNY Canton, later becoming a secretary at St. Mary’s School and St. Mary’s Parish. She then went on to work at the St. Lawrence County Probation Department for over 20 years, retiring in 2020. Shelly was a parishioner and choir director at St. Raphael’s Church. She had also previously been the choir director at St. Hubert’s Church, St. Mary’s Church, and St. Henry’s Church, and further served as the president of the Home School Association at St. Mary’s School. Shelly loved baking, quilting, singing, and spending time outdoors. She was gifted musically and could play numerous instruments, frequently providing lessons for others. Shelly was known for her beautiful voice and often sang at church and for various events. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Raphael’s Church, 5 Clinton Street, Heuvelton, NY 13654, or the ALS Association.

Perley “Sanford” Bacon 01/24/2026

Perley “Sanford” Bacon

Perley Sanford Bacon, 90, of DeKalb Junction, died at his home surrounded by his loving wife and daughter, on January 24, 2026. There will calling hours, Saturday, February 7, 10 – 11 am, followed by a funeral service, at the funeral home, at 11:00 am, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Hermon Cemetery. Sanford is survived by his wife Patricia, son Wesley Bacon of Canton, daughters, Sally Curtin of Beacon Falls, CT, Sophie Pomerville of Oswego, NY, Bethany Bacon of Waterbury, CT, a half-brother, Lonnie Peters of Trion, GA, grandchildren, Stephanie (Shawn) Haywood of Mexico, NY, Steven Pomerville of Marion, NY, Collin Miller of Oswego, great grandchildren, Victoria Chriss, Avery Haywood, Nathan Pomerville, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Beverly Daniels, Joyce Coller and his half-brother Larry Peters. Perley was born on June 13, 1935, in the Town of Antwerp to the late Elwyn and Zela Lancto Bacon. He graduated from DeKalb Junction High School in 1953. Sanford married Patricia Elsey on August 18, 1956, at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, Pastor R. Waters officiating. Sanford was a farmer all his life, a bus driver for Hermon DeKalb Central School from 1961– 2009, he was the Town of DeKalb highway supervisor from 1987 – 1997 and was a funeral home assistant at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home. He was a member of the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, a Commissioner for the DeKalb Junction Fire Department, a member of the DeKalb Oddfellows, and the DeKalb Historical Association. Sanford enjoyed the outdoors, playing cards, reading Westerns, riding horses and he ALWAYS helped the people of his community. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Potsdam Humane Society or the Town of De Kalb Historical Association, PO Box 111, De Kalb Junction, NY 13630.

Mary L. Snow 01/20/2026

Mary L. Snow

Mary L. Snow, 83, of Hermon, died at Upstate Medical Center, on January 20, 2026. There will calling hours, Sunday, January 25, 2-5 PM, a funeral service, at the funeral home, Monday, January 26, 10 am, Pastor Kirk Delaney officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Hermon Cemetery. Mary is survived by her husband Lawrence, sons, Jeffery and his wife Lisa Snelling of Ohio, Craig Snow of Michigan, a daughter, Suzanne Fisher of Auburn, NY, a brother William and his wife Marion Hamilton of Michigan, a sister, Pamela and her husband Terry Macom of Michigan, grandchildren, Kady Squires, Shannon Fuhrman, Teresca Milam, Alexandria Hickman, great grandchildren Jack, Lola, Kayla, Know, Katelynn, several nieces and nephews. Mary was born on August 14,1942 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Ralph and Maxine Fadden Hamilton. She graduated from Lake Orion High School in Michigan, in 1960, Genessee Community College and Wayne State University in Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Mary married Lawrence Snow on June 24,1977 in Michigan. Mary worked for the New York State Department of Social Services in Watertown until her retirement in 2005. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church in Gouverneur. She enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and crocheting. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Volunteer Transportation Center Inc. in St. Lawrence County.

Cyril “Randy” B. Spicer III 11/27/2025

Cyril B. Spicer III

“Randy”

Cyril B. Spicer III “Randy”, 77, of Massena, died at his home, with the loving care of his family, on November 27, 2025. There will a memorial service at a later date. Randy is survived by his wife Tanya, daughter, Julia (Kha) Vo of Raleigh, NC, stepsons. Nicholas (Megan) Perkins of Louisville, Jason “Sam” Perkins of Ogdensburg, siblings, Daniel (Anne) Spicer of Charlotte, NC, Pam Francis of North Wilkesboro, NC, grandchildren, Sophia, Ryder, Micah, several nieces and nephews. Cyril was born on March 27, 1948 in Regensburg, Germany, the son of the late Cyril B. and Lee Anderson Spicer Jr. He attended trade school in Denver, Colorado earning a HVAC certification. He fought for his country in the Vietnam War, while in the Army. He married Tanya Baxter on April 19, 2008 at the Northside Community Church in Massena. Randy had many interesting careers in his life. He was a lobster fisherman off the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, a crab fisherman off Long Island, shrimp fishing and finally was a building maintenance worker at AGPRO LTD in Massena. He was a past member of the VFW Post 1143 in Massena, and he attended the Northside Community Church. He was an artist who painted with acrylics, and watercolor frescoes. He designed and built model boats and trains. He enjoyed gardening and cooking. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warrier Project.

Michael D. Smith 11/15/2025

Michael D. Smith

Michael D. Smith, 63, of Canton, died at Canton Potsdam Hospital on November 15, 2025. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Michael is survived by his wife Mildred (Milly), son Jordon (Erica) Smith of Canton, a daughter, Amber (Richard) Smith of Canton, sisters, Donna Roach of Heuvelton, Betty Smith of Lisbon, grandchildren, Harlow MacMartin, Richard Reese, Rhett Smith, and Riley Smith, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Clifford (Kippy) Smith, David Smith, Shirley Swinyer and Naomi Stevens. Mike was born on January 1,1962 in Potsdam, the son of the late Clifford and Irene Sharlow Smith. Mike married Mildred Gamer on January 1, 1990 in DeKalb Junction. Michael was best known for his work as an Autobody Technician at Stan’s Auto Body. He enjoyed restoring and drag racing cars, and his favorite car was an Oldsmobile 442. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Ronald L. Bovay 11/01/2025

Ronald L. Bovay

Ronald Lee Bovay, 88, of DeKalb Junction, NY, died on November 1, 2o25, with family at his side. He was born on April 25, 1937, to Gerald and Ida (O’Neil) Bovay. Ron graduated from Hermon High School in 1955 and attended classes at Canton ATC. He married his high school sweetheart Gail Aldridge on July 2, 1955. They welcomed three children, Robert, Cheryl, and Derek. He married Ann Adams on September 15, 2013. Ron was the owner of Richville Furniture for many years, closing in 2025. His many activities over the years included the Hermon-DeKalb Central School Board of Education, the United Helpers Board, Masonic Lodge, Elks Club, Goldenaires, Richville Library Board, President of the Hermon Cemetery Association, and he coached Pee Wee Baseball. Ron is survived by his wife, Ann Adams, his son Robert (Nancy), 8 grandchildren; Nick (Beth) Bovay, Matt (Chelsea) Bovay, Andy (Kelli) Bovay, Tony (Bree) Bovay, Jacob (Deb) Kraft, Seth Kraft, Hannah Kraft, and Hilary (Ryan) Boxall. He is also survived by 13 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Ida, his wife, Gail, his brother, Larry and his children Cheryl Kraft and Derek Bovay. Donations in Ron’s honor may be made to North Country Public Radio, 80 East Main Street, Canton, NY, 13617 or Northern NY Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY, 13601. At Ron’s request, there will be no funeral services. Burial services will be held at the convenience of the family in the spring.

John F. Shepard 11/01/2025

John F. Shepard

John F. Shepard, 89, of Norfolk, died at Canton United Helpers on November 1, 2025. There will be no services. John is survived by his wife Margaret, son John Shepard (Barbara Zalar) of Rochester, a sister Sharon Shepard of Ohio, grandchildren, Ashley (Evan) Wexler of Greece, NY, Christopher Shepard of Michigan, a great granddaughter, Avery Wexler, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Donald Shepard, Lloyd Shepard, James Shepard, David Shepard, Shirley Liebfred, and Gertrude Earl. John was born on May 10, 1936 in Norfolk, the son of the late Francis and Florence LaComb Shepard. He graduated from Norwood Norfolk Central School. John worked for his father’s company, Shepard Paving until going into the Army to serve his country. He married Margaret O’Hara on August 22, 1959, at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. John worked as a laborer for Laborer Union #1322 in Massena working on many projects in the north country. He was a member of the American Legion Post 925, Laborers Local #1322 and a parishioner of the Visitation Church in Norfolk. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, outdoor sports, and going to the casino. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Visitation Church, 3 Morris Street, Norfolk, New York 13667.

Mark Edward Laubscher 09/30/2025

Mark Edward Laubscher

February 5, 1955 – September 30, 2025

Mark Edward Laubscher, 70, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 30, 2025, at UVM Health-Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital. Born and raised in Syracuse, Mark found his true home with Diana, the love of his life and soulmate. Together, they built a beautiful life living off the land, surrounded by the peace and beauty of the North Country. Their favorite time of day was sitting together on their deck after a long day’s work, watching the birds and wildlife that shared their little piece of paradise.

Mark was an inventor through and through, with an endless curiosity and the ability to build just about anything he could dream up. A true jack of all trades and entrepreneur at heart, he brought energy, ingenuity, and his natural salesmanship to everything he did. His hands were always moving, always rough and dirty from a hard day’s work- whether he was tinkering with a new invention, tending his garden, or living off the land the way he loved. That’s when he was happiest.

Mark was one of a kind. He had a sharp wit and a sarcastic sense of humor that could catch you off guard. He was always ready with a joke and that signature grin that let you know he was just messing with you. He showed his love through laughter and keeping everyone on their toes.

Mark loved the simple things: hunting in the North Country woods, a good movie, and time spent in the deer blind with Diana. He was a simple man who embraced a good hard day’s work and lived life on his own terms and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Diana, his daughters Jen Laubscher, Kari Hoppel (John), Lindsay Burriss (Roger), and Miki Marshall (Joseph); his son, Jerred Laubscher (Lauren) and Melissa White; his grandchildren Skyler Farney (Emily), Shyanne Laubscher, Alex Laubscher, Taz Francisco, Nate Vivlemore, Ryah Jo Marshall, Lane, August, and Laurilai Laubscher,Alize White; and his great-grandchildren, Denali and Sierra Farney and Lennex Rangel. He was preceded in death by his mother Sharlene, his father Edward, his sister Lauri, and his great-granddaughter, Harley Rose Farney and stepdaughter Jeanette Elliot.

Mark is also survived by his stepchildren Billy and Daniel Granger, Krystal and David Racey, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There won’t be a formal service — that wasn’t Mark’s style. Instead, a celebration of life will be on October 11, 2025 at 12:oo PM at his home in DeKalb, where everyone can gather to share stories and remember a man who truly built his own unique way of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love to hear your memories and stories of Mark at the celebration of life.

Kathy Jean (Yerdon) Robarge 09/24/2025

Kathy Jean (Yerdon) Robarge

Kathy Jean (Yerdon) Robarge passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 24, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York.

Kathy was born on August 28, 1950, in Gouverneur, New York to Carlton A. Yerdon and Mary Doreen (Tiernan) Yerdon. She was proudly one of eleven children.

Kathy was a graduate of CCBI College in Syracuse, NY as a medical secretary. She married Daniel J. Robarge on January 30, 1971 and they had four children together. Throughout the years, the family moved to several states. Kathy always created a solid home foundation for her family regardless of location, proving no matter where they were; together is all that mattered.

She enjoyed gardening, bird watching in the backyard and keeping tabs on the many rabbits who kept her company. She actively participated in home improvement projects and family work weekends at camp. Kathy enjoyed watching college sports, especially SU. On game days you could always find her in the kitchen in front of the TV sporting her SU shirt and cheering on the team. She also enjoyed watching her favorite football team, Kansas City Chiefs, and doing word searches. Kathy was also an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish in Cicero, New York where she regularly volunteered and donated to their food pantry.

Kathy loved having BBQs on the charcoal grill, cooking big family meals and baking. She taught and shared her cooking skills with everyone and anyone who wanted to learn. And she would always write out her recipe for you, if you asked.

Kathy took special pride in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her home. She was actively involved in all their activities and was always eager to hear the latest update on how everyone was doing. Kathy was fiercely independent, humble and spiritual and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Surviving are her husband of 54 years, 9 months, Daniel J. Robarge; her four children; Anne (Randy) Kerr, Ellen Carr, Daniel Robarge II and Nanette Cobb; six grandsons; Craig Robarge, Randy Kerr Jr, Brandon Kerr, Seth Carr, Lucas Carr, Cameron Cobb and one granddaughter, Alexandra Cobb, Bryson DJ Robarge, great grandson and Aubri and Iris Kerr, great granddaughters.

She was predeceased by her parents, as well as, siblings Patricia (Yerdon) Whitton, Michael Yerdon and Barbara (Yerdon) Catone.

She is survived by her siblings Mary Caratsole, Nancy (Rob) Bovay, Sue (Nunzie) Doldo, Deborah (Jim) Waugh, Joe Yerdon, Rich (Sue) Yerdon, Julie (Pat) Canavan, Karen Yerdon, many nieces and nephews and close friend Julie Goodison.

Our family wishes to thank the incredible doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion during these last few months. Your tireless efforts, gentle words and heartfelt support made an immeasurable difference in Kathy’s journey and in our lives.

Calling hours will be 10 am – 12 PM on Friday, October 3^rd at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home in DeKalb Junction, NY. The funeral service will follow calling hours at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Bayside Cemetery, Potsdam, NY. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.