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Obituaries

Gwenllian Ann Taylor 12/12/2021

Gwenllian Ann Taylor

Gwenllian Ann Taylor, 88, of Rensselaer Falls, died, December 12, 2021. A graveside service will be December 22, 2021, 11:00 am at Jerusalem Cemetery, Canton, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating.  Gwen is survived by her brother, William Taylor, DeKalb Junction, nieces, Sandra and her husband Andrew Morrison of DeKalb Junction, Suzanne Kane of Orlando, FL, great nieces, Stacy and her husband Josh Morrison, Andrea Morrison, Kristin and Robert Allender, a great nephew, Devon and his wife Melissa Kane, 4 great great nieces and 1 great great nephew.  She was predeceased by her brother Daniel Taylor and a niece Mary Ellen Taylor.   Gwenllian was born October 18, 1933, in Ogdensburg, the daughter of the late Donald and Luella Lobdell Taylor.  Gwen was a mail sorter at the ARC in Canton, NY. Gwen loved her cats. She enjoyed washing dishes and shopping. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Levi C. Kio 11/16/2021

Levi C. Kio

Levi C. Kio, 90, formerly of Hermon, died on November 16, 2021, .  Calling hours will be November 21, 2021, 12 – 2:30 pm, a funeral service will follow at 2: 30 PM, Reverend Thomas Nichols officiating,  due to COVID, masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Hermon Cemetery.  Levi  is survived by a son Alan  and his wife Mary Kio, Liverpool, a daughter in law, Cheryl Walrath, Hermon, grandsons, Michael John and his wife Sabrina Kio, Fort Ann, Alan James and his wife Jennifer Kio, Camillus, 5 steprandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 12 step great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, a niece and nephew, Dale and Donna Thomas, Depeyster, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Ella Kio, a son Robert Kio, sisters, Lula Cyrus, Hazel Sibley, and his dog, Buffy.  Levi was born on November 9, 1931 in the Town of DeKalb to the late Leon and Lucy Paro Kio.  He graduated from Hermon High School and took some classes at ATC. He married Ella Carr on October 18, 1952 at the Richville United Methodist Church. He was a die setter at GMC Powertrain in Massena for 28.5 years until his retirement in 1987. Prior to that he owned and operated Kio’s Heating and Plumbing for 30 years, and he also worked as a miner for St. Joseph’s Lead and Zinc Mines in Edwards.  He was a past member, chief and assistant chief of the Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, was a N.Y. State Snowmobile Safety Instructor, a member of the St. Lawrence County Senior Patrol, a St. Lawrence County Special Deputy, a member of the United Auto Workers Union and the Town Supervisor of Hermon in the 1970’s.  Levi loved to hunt, fish and travel. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Galilee United Methodist Church. 

Donald J. Ward IV “DJ” 11/12/2021

Donald James Ward IV

“DJ”

Donald J. Ward IV,” DJ”, 31, of DeKalb, died on November 12, 2021, at Claxton Hepburn Hospital.  Calling hours will be November 16, 2021, 3 – 7 pm, a funeral service will be on November 17, 2021, 11 am at the Russell United Methodist Church,  due to COVID, masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home and church.  DJ is survived by his wife, Brooke, parents, Donald J. and Robin Ward III of Clare, grandparents, James and Betty Whitmarsh of Clare, sisters, Katelyn and her husband Timothy Smith of Star Lake, Kassidy Ward, Russell, Heavyn Ward, Clare, a niece, Gracie Smith, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Donald J. Ward Jr. and Diane Brown. DJ was born on November 8, 1990 in Gouverneur.  He graduated in 2009 from Edwards- Knox Central School. He married Brooke Trombly on November 8, 2021 in Ogdensburg. He was a laborer for Ward Excavating and Paving in Hannawa Falls. DJ’s love for Brooke and his family was his heart and soul.  He loved to raise hell with his niece Gracie.  He loved gardening, going fast, riding side by sides, hunting, fishing, cars, working on mechanical things, staying busy and having people around him.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Richard Winter Cancer Treatment Center or the Claxton Hepburn Hospital. 

Virginia Ruth Alberta Woodward-Gamer 10/25/2021

Virginia R.A. Woodward-Gamer

Virginia Ruth Alberta Woodward- Gamer, 82, formerly of DeKalb, died on October 25, 2021, at Kindered Hospital in Dover, New Jersey. Calling hours will be November 14, 2021, 2-3 PM, at the funeral home, due to COVID, masks and social distancing are required . A reception will follow at the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department. Virginia is survived by a son, Albert Edward Gamer, Hackettstown, NJ, daughters, Mildred and her husband Michael Smith of Canton, Suzan Gamer of DeKalb Junction and Naomi and her husband Robert Drake of DeKalb Junction, stepdaughters, Vickie Brice of Gouverneur, Betty Jo Peck of Gouverneur, Marjorie Hosmer and her partner Cindy Parker of Canastota, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by a stepson David Peck Jr, siblings, Charles Woodward and Jean Magnacca and her step father Nicholas Pavoloi. Virginia was born on May 19, 1939 in Springfield, Mass., to the late, Charles and Virginia Thurber Woodward.   She married Albert Edward Gamer on February 21, 1964 in Springfield, Mass., he predeceased her on January 13, 1974. Her lifelong companion Mort Peck predeceased her on March 8, 2017.  Virginia was a health aide for the Community Development Program in Canton, NY, until her retirement. When she was younger she picked tobacco in the Massachusetts tobacco fields. After her retirement she was a volunteer at Mercy Hospital in the laundry.  She was a member of the Women of The Moose Chapter 2352, American Legion 164 Auxiliary, the Highland Presbyterian Church, the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary,  she was a Sunshine Volunteer.  Virginia loved any and all crafts, including, beading, quilting, embroidering and making her own Christmas cards.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 164, Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840 or the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Dept., 4323 USH 11, DeKalb Junction, NY 13630. 

Donald E. Wells 07/25/2021

Donald E. Wells

Donald E. Wells, 71, formerly of DeKalb, died on July 25, 2021, at his home in Tombstone, Arizona. There will be a graveside service on October 9, 2021, 11 am at the Crary Mills Cemetery, Crary Mills for Donald and his wife Amity. Donald is survived by his brother, James and his wife Donna Wells of Gouverneur, his sisters, Grace Wells of Ogdensburg, Virginia Watson of Gouverneur, several nephews and nieces. Donald was born on November 23, 1949 in the Town of DeKalb, to the late, Donald and Virginia Piercy Wells.   He graduated from Heuvelton Central High School and served in the Marine Corps.  Donald married Lucy Wells and Johanna Wells both ended in divorce, he married Amity Ruth Gramento on November 23, 1984 in Johnson City, and she predeceased him on April 18, 2018.  Donald was currently a janitor at the Tombstone School.  Donald loved to exercise and go for car rides. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Daun A. Martin-Poole 09/12/2021

Daun A. Martin-Poole

Daun A. Martin-Poole, 74, of DeKalb Junction, died on September 12, 2021, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11 am, at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church, Pastor Martha Helmer officiating. Due to COVID masks and social distancing are required. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery, DeKalb.  Daun is survived her husband Gordon Poole, a sister Kay Martin and her husband Dennis Keating of Cleveland Heights, OH, several nephews and nieces. Daun was born on April 22, 1947 in St. Paul, MN, to the late, Wilbert W. and Gertrude Ruth McManigal Martin Jr.  She graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego, CA in 1965, received a Bachelor’s of Science degree at San Diego State University, and received her Ed at Washington State University in Pullman Washington in 1998.  Daun married Gordon Poole on November 20, 2011 at their home, the Reverend William Hart officiating. She was a member of the St Lawrence Valley Kennel Club, was a past secretary, a 34 year member of AA, the secretary of the DeKalb Historical Association, a member of the Masters Gardener’s Club, she volunteered at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church and the Cornell Cooperative Extension. She loved baking, gardening, was an avid reader, loved dogs and preformed with her canine friends at dog shows.  Contributions can be made to the St. Lawrence Valley Dog Club, SLVDC, P.O. Box 165, Canton, NY, 13630.

Randy A. St. Denny 09/14/2021

Randy A. St. Denny

Randy A. St. Denny, 50, of Rensselaer Falls, died on September 14, 2021. There will be calling hours on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 2-4 PM, at the funeral home. Due to COVID masks and social distancing are required.  Randy is survived by his parents, Carl and Bonnie (Storie) St.  Denny, brothers, Michael and his wife Barbara St. Denny of Waddington, Scott St. Denny and his partner Jesse Purtz of Rochester, his sister, Sally and her husband Darron Markel of Crary Mills, several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Randy was born on December 30, 1970 in Potsdam.   He graduated Canton Central School in 1989. After high school he worked for Minerich of Lexington, KY as a foreman erecting cell towers. He loved the traveling and the places his job took him.  As of late he was a corrections officer for the Gouverneur Correctional Facility. Randy loved woodworking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and being outdoors. His passion was his family and farming In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the food bank of one’s choice.

Daniel R. Creazzo 09/03/2021

Daniel R. Creazzo

Daniel R Creazzo, 68, of DeKalb Junction, died on September 3, 2021, at Canton Potsdam Hospital. There will be calling hours on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 1-3 PM, at the funeral home. Due to COVID masks and social distancing are required.  Dan is survived by his wife Barbara, daughters, Jessie and her husband Robert Wentzel of Hermon, Amanda Rickett of Saranac Lake, a brother, Michael and his wife Cathy Creazzo of Massena, sisters, Christy and husband Norm Lazore of Massena, Julie O’Brien of Massena, Moreen and her husband Brian Biers of Massena, grandchildren, Courtney Holt and fiancée Alex Bush, Kodi Wentzel and his partner Kristi Donnelly, Kasey Wentzel, great grandson, Cohen Bush, several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brother, Andrew Creazzo, sisters, Roxann Montgomery, Catherine Creazzo and Ann Creazzo. Daniel was born on February 14, 1953 in Massena, to the late, Rock and Patricia Mitchell Creazzo.   He graduated from Holy Family High School in 1971, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, from Sienna College in 1977.  Dan married Wendy Walker in December 1975, she predeceased him in 1993, and he then married Barbara Perrin on August 20, 1994. Dan was currently a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor for Seaway Valley Prevention Council in Ogdensburg, prior to that he was a case manager for the Transitional Living Service, Ogdensburg, a program director at the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, Watertown and an administrator at United Helpers, Ogdensburg.  Dan was a DeKalb Richville Fire Commissioner, a member of the DeKalb Hermon Senior Citizen Club and a past member of Massena Moose Lodge 1110.  He loved his dog Stella and his cat Tommy.  He played guitar was a rabid reader, a music fanatic and did family genealogy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA, Potsdam Humane Association or charity of ones choice.

Diane Ruth Brown 07/ 18/2021

Diane Ruth Brown 76, of Cousintown Road. died peacefully Sunday, July 18, 2021 at the Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, NY with her family at her side. Diane was born on June 9, 1945 to the late Albert & Edith Beverly Wheeler in Ogdensburg.  

She graduated from Knox Memorial Central School in 1963. She married Donnie Ward Jr. on April 3, 1965. Mr. Ward died on September 17, 1983.  She then married David Brown on September 5, 1987 in DeKalb Jct. 

She worked at the Standard Shade Roller Company in Ogdensburg and St. Lawrence University. The jobs she enjoyed most were being a mother, grandmother and homemaker.  Diane enjoyed spending time with her family, camping, old western movies and she loved birdwatching and her flowers. 

She is survived by her husband David Brown; four children, Lori (John) Kingrey, Donnie (Robin) Ward III., Richie (Nicky) Ward, Jason Brown; two sisters; Patricia Rickett and Karen (Charlie) Bjork; ten grandchildren, Crystal (Sean) Sterling, John (Vicky) Kingrey II., Thomas Kingrey, Jacob (Amber) Kingrey, D.J. (Brooke) Ward IV., Katelyn (Tim) Smith, Kassidy Ward, Heavyn Ward, Marissa Bacon and Camryn Ward and ten great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.  Diane is also survived by five step-children; Kevin Brown, Danny Brown, Debbie Weller, Lisa Brown, David (Barb) Brown Jr. and sixteen step-grandchildren.  

She was predeceased by a brother Wayne Wheeler; a sister, Beverly Jean Grant and a step-daughter Karen Carr.


Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home in Dekalb Junction located at 4330 USH 11, Dekalb Junction, New York 13630.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00am at the Funeral Home with Pastor, John Frary officiating.  Burial will follow in the Hermon Cemetery. 

Donations in her memory can be made to: Richard E. Winter Cancer Treatment Center 5 Lyon Pl, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

Ella M. Kio 06/29/2021

Ella M. Kio

Ella M. Kio, 90, of Black Lake and formerly Hermon, died on June 29, 2021, at her home. There will be calling hours on Friday, July 2, 2021 from 12-2 PM, at the funeral home, the funeral service will be at 2 PM, Reverend Thomas Nichols officiating, burial will follow at Hermon Cemetery, Hermon, NY.  Ella is survived by her husband of 69 years, Levi, a son, Alan and wife Mary Kio of Liverpool, a daughter in law, Cheryl Walrath of Hermon, nephew and niece, Dale and Donna Thomas of DePeyster, grandsons, Michael and his wife Sabrina Kio of Fort Ann, Alan James and wife Jennifer Kio of Camillus, 5 step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 12 step great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her son Robert Kio, siblings, Erwin, Edwin, Wayne and Eric Carr, Orlean Laware, Helen Harmon, Eva Sherman and Betty Ledger. She was born on March 25, 1931 in Norfolk, to the late, Floyd and Myrtle Barkley Carr. Ella married Levi C. Kio on October 18, 1952 at the Richville United Methodist Church. Ella was previously the town clerk of Hermon. She was a past member of the Hermon Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Madrid Methodist Church and Madrid Youth Fellowship.  Ella loved spending time with her family, camping, fishing, reading and hunting. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Galilee United Methodist Church, 5129 CR 6, Ogdensburg, New York 13669.