All Obituaries

James I. Monroe, former mayor of Canton and physics professor at SUNY Canton, passed away in Annapolis, MD, on April 12, 2024, at the home of his daughter Katherine Boettrich.  He was 91 and was suffering from amyloidosis.     Throughout his life, Jim showed a spirit of intellectual curiosity and diverse talent. He was a Chinese codebreaker at the Pentagon during the Korean...

Phyllis D. Cunningham, 102, formerly of Canton died on Tuesday, April 10, 2024 at the Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Massena where she was in the company of family.  Phyllis was born December 1, 1921 in Canton, a daughter of the late Rex and Eva Belle (Stevenson) Dunkelberg. She was a graduate of Canton Central High School where she was a member of the band. Phyllis married John W. Cunningham on June 20, 1942 at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Hannah, officiating. John...

Synthia A. Carroll, 59, of Canton died on Thursday, April 4, 2024, surrounded by family at the Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse where she had been a patient for a few weeks following a stroke. Synthia received an “Honor Walk” as she gave the gift of life as an organ donor.  Synthia was born November 21, 1964 in Canton, a daughter of the late Sterling and Ordetta (Klock) Sharpe. She graduated from Madrid-Waddington Central School and later...

Brenda C. (Raven) Sanderson, 82, of Canton and formerly of Hermon died on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she was surrounded by family. Brenda was born August 4, 1941 in Gouverneur, a daughter of the late Lloyd and Maraline (Forsythe) Raven. Brenda graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959 and attended Strong Memorial School of Radiation in Rochester.  After receiving her certificate in X-Ray Technology she worked for Syracuse and Gouverneur...

Jonathan Christian “Chris” Oakes, 21, of Canton passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital as a result of respiratory failure due to Covid 19. He was in the company of family. Chris as he was known to most, was born May 3, 2002 in Potsdam, a son of Joy Thompson and the late Todd Oakes. He was a 2020 graduate Canton High School and later graduated from SUNY Canton where he was proud to be on the Presidents List for each semester. Chris was...

We celebrate the life of Dean Leonard Woodward, dearly loved by family and friends. Dean passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 23, 2024 and went to be with his beloved Lord and savior Jesus Christ. The world was blessed with his birth on September 24, 1962, and was a son of the late Arthur and Marilyn “Joan” (Morgan) Woodward. He graduated from Kendall Central High School in 1980 and joined the Marine Corp to serve his country and be a member of the United States Marine...

Richard Nestor Cassara, 82, died peacefully at his beloved home on Stillman Drive in Canton, NY on March 19, 2024.  Rick was born in the Bronx, NY on Aug 1st, 1941, son of the late Alfred and Evelyn (Mors) Cassara.  He graduated high school from Eldred Central School, Eldred NY and attended St. Bonaventure University, Olean NY graduating with a BS degree in 1963.  Rick “Coach” began teaching and coaching in Wappinger Falls, NY. He moved to Canton, NY in 1967 as a...

Becky S. Trombley, 54, of Gouverneur and formerly of DeKalb, died on Monday, March 18, 2024 at her home where she had unexpectedly taken ill. Becky was born August 30, 1969 in Canton, the daughter of Paul Trombley Sr. and the late Gloria (Hendrick) Trombley. She was a graduate of Hermon-DeKalb Central School. Becky enjoyed spending time with family and friends, her pets and bowling. She volunteered for Gouverneur Meals on Wheels and the Gouverneur Nutrition Center. Becky is survived by her...

John R. Nesbitt, 40, of Colton died at his home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.  John was born February 9, 1984 in Massena, a son of Micki and Shirley (Leitz) Nesbitt. He graduated from Massena High School, attended SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton and graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He spent awhile working in sales and marketing in North Carolina before returning to the North Country.  John enjoyed graphic design and working on webpages, he was very...

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our dear sweet mother, Rita M. Chartier, 56, who passed away at home under the care of Hospice and surrounded by an army of loved ones, after losing her battle with cancer. Rita was born December 19, 1967 to Barry and Joyce “Juicy” (Clement) Horne at the EJ Noble Hospital in Gouverneur. She attended both Gouverneur and Salmon River Central Schools, and later obtained her GED.  Early in life, Rita worked a variety of...