North Country Cremation Service

03/16/2022

WATERTOWN, NY- Carole A. Foster, 79, of US Route 11, passed away at home surrounded by family on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, owned and operated by Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown.

Carole was born on June 19, 1942 in Watertown, NY to the late Glenn and Eleanor Keet-Nicol. She established Northgate Properties.

She married Dave Foster on October 21st 1962.

Carole loved to tend to her flowers and rock garden and also enjoyed bird watching. Another hobby of hers was going to the casino. Carole was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

She is survived by her daughter; Karen Granger, Watertown, NY, a grandson; Jeffrey (Heather) Granger, Watertown, NY, great-granddaughters; Ashlynn, Abigail John, Addalyn, her closest friend; Pat Truesdell, and several nieces and nephews.

Carole is predeceased by her husband, Dave Foster, and brother-in-law, Dean Foster.

Donations can be made to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 61 138 Sterling St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be shared at www.northcountrycremationservice.com.

North Country Cremation Service is proud to provide affordable funeral options

11/17/2021

Christina Mary Connors, 73
South Colton, New York

“And who shall bind the infinite with an eternal band?
To compass it with swaddling bands? and who shall cherish it
With milk and honey?
I see it smile, & I roll inward, & my voice is past.”

-- William Blake

Christina Mary Connors, age 73, formerly of Detroit, Michigan and Spring Hill, Tennessee, passed away on 17 September, 2021 at Highland Nursing Home in Massena, New York. She was a devoted, supportive, and caring daughter, sister, mother, aunty, and friend.

Christina was born on 8 January, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Thomas Harold Connors of Paul Smiths, New York and the late Dana Lucille Connors of Nashville, Tennessee. She grew up in a loving and nurturing home and became a proud graduate of Fitzgerald High School in Warren, Michigan. She attended Western Michigan University after high school, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University (MI) in 1994 when she was 46 years old. Christina was a lifelong advocate of education, and her example deeply inspired her family in similar pursuits.

Among her many achievements, Christina was the most fulfilled by her two decades of work with the Saturn car company. She was hired soon after the founding of the company in Detroit, and moved to Spring Hill, Tennessee in 1990 to work at the newly-built factory there. She loved creating and contributing to the innovative corporate culture and benefitted greatly from the company’s ethos of continuing education for their team members. She counted her work with Saturn as some of the best years of her life.

A deep love of travel was instilled in Christina from an early age, and she had visited most of the United States with her family by the time she was a teenager. She passed her love of travel on to her own family, and she continued to visit new and exciting places throughout her life. She toured her ancestral homelands in the British Isles in 2009, and she was so charmed by a cruise to Alaska that she decided to return there the following year to work at Denali National Park. Christina also loved to travel for the food; but no matter where in the world she was, she loved chocolate and ice cream above all other foods!

For Christina, photography was both an inherent part of travel and a reason to travel. She was an accomplished amateur photographer with a painter’s eye for the colors, contrasts, and complexities of nature. She loved photographing the forbidding yet delicate desert landscape of the Southwestern United States as much as the exotic botanical curiosities and pleasure gardens at Chatsworth House in England. Christina also delighted in taking photos of family and friends at holidays and special occasions, the memories of which invigorated and supported her throughout her life.

Christina was intelligent, enthusiastic, bright, funny, and brave. She will be remembered affectionately by everyone whose life she touched. She is survived by her two sons, Michael Amrozowicz and Mathew Amrozowicz; and her sister, Dana Paullus. She also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews and their families as well as cherished friends. She was predeceased by her father Harold, her mother Lucille, and her sister Virginia Haiser. Christina will be greatly missed.

Online condolences may be made at NorthCountryCremationService.com.

08/04/2021

WATERTOWN- Gary E. Powell, 77, of Gotham St. passed away on Monday August 2nd, 2021. Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, Chaumont.

Gary was born on April 21st, 1944 to Edward and Blanche (Brady) Powell. After attending local schools he Enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1963 to 1967. He retired from Fort Drum.

Gary is the former American Legion Commander Post 61 and Jefferson County Commander, Watertown, NY. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Elks Club, and the Knights of Columbus.

He loved his music, computer games, and old movies. He enjoyed his longtime friendships with Steve Smith and Kevin Clark.

Gary is survived by his brother Gregory (Jeanine) Powell, Three Mile Bay; his sister in laws: Donna Powell and Patricia Powell; along with several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Gary is predeceased by his parents, his brothers: Jack Powell, Robert Powell, William Powell and his sister Norine Powell Monte.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 11am on Thursday August 12th, 2021 at Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown.

Online condolences may be made at NorthCountryCremationService.com.

06/15/2021

CHAUMONT- William Eber Barton, only child of William Edward Barton and Marion Myers Barton, was born on October 5th, 1936. He passed away peacefully at his home on Cheever Road Chaumont, NY surrounded by his loving family on June 13th, 2021.

Arrangements are entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, Chaumont.

He grew up in Lafargeville and attended Lafargeville school.
He married Marsh Schmitte on June 13, 1974 in Limerick, NY. His first marriage to Carol Jobson ended in divorce.

Surviving besides his wife are four sons: William, Kenneth (Vicki), John (Candy), and Edward (Amy) all of Chaumont; five daughters: Lisa, Chaumont, Teresa (Dan) Davenport, Liverpool, Trina Rust, Chaumont, Sherri (Brett) Middlestate, Chaumont, Kristin Henderson, Chaumont. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

At age 17 he operated the family farm in Lafargeville along with hauling milk for local farmers. With a partner he also cut and hauled pulp wood.

In his early years he worked on various farms, worked on Fort Drum, and at Knowlton Specialty Products.

In 1969 he and his wife moved to Point Peninsula and rented the former Harley Dingman Farm. They purchased the farm and operated it for 17 years. They moved to Millens Bay Rd. and then to Cheever Rd., where they raised dairy heifers.

He operated his own trash hauling business and hauled stone for the Glen Park Hydro Project.

He worked for 10 ½ years for the City of Watertown as a custodian at the Flower Memorial Library, retiring in 1996.

One of his favorite pass times was attending dairy and farm equipment auctions. He also loved getting a bargain on old equipment and trucks and refurbishing them.

His love of the land and farm animals was evident throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to Hospice of Jefferson County: 1398 Gotham St. Watertown, NY 13601. The family would like to thank Hospice for their wonderful care.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held Sunday June 20th, 2021 at 2:00pm at the family farm, located at 10674 Cheever Road Chaumont, NY 13622.

Online condolences may be made at NorthCountryCremationService.com.

05/14/2021

CLAYTON- Gerald D. Spears, 82, passed away Sunday evening, May 9th, 2021 at River Hospital. His memorial service will be held Sunday May 23rd, 2021 at River Community Church, Clayton. Calling hours at 2:00 with services to follow at 3:00 with Pastors Sara Flack and Thomas Augliano officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, Chaumont.
Jerry was born August 11, 1938 in Chicago Illinois. He was the son of Morgan Spears and Florence Parker. He served 11 years of active duty in the US Navy and was honorably discharged on April 16th 1996 with the rank of E-5 Boiler Tender. He served 11 years reserve duty with construction battalion “Seabee” Unit RNMCB 25, Detachment 02 out of Rock Island, IL from 1982 to 1993. He was a Vietnam War Veteran.
Jerry was hard working and industrious. After his tenure with the Navy, he worked on the assembly line at Chrysler in Belvedere, IL and was a police officer in Coal Valley, IL He then joined Laborer’s Union Local 309 out of Rock Island, IL. Jerry also enjoyed construction work and owned a doughnut shop and restaurant in East Moline, IL. As a child, he was a shoe shine boy in Chicago. With the earnings, he would provide food for his brother and sister; this was as early as age 6. He attended Black Hawk College in Moline, IL majoring in Engineering Robotics.
Jerry retired on October 30th, 1988 and oved to Clayton the day before Thanksgiving the same year. He married Lynne Poth on November 20th, 1999 at their home in Greenizen Road, Clayton. He was an excellent husband and best friend.
Jerry was well received by the Clayton Community. He volunteered at the Paynter Senior Center and Hawn Library. He was an active member of River Community Church participating in vacation bible school and AWANA. Jerry was a member of River Chorus. He came to be well known and loved for his humor and positive, happy personality, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in their time of need. He was loving and caring and was never one to hold a grudge. He cared not who you were, where you came from, nor the color of your skin. Only that you were an equal created by God doing the best you know how to navigate this world and find your way back home to God.
Jerry enjoyed dancing, outdoor activities, maintenance repair, wood working, westerns and traveling. He was appreciative of everything, especially home cooked meals as well as going out to dinner.
He is survived by his wife Lynne, a sister Juanita (Les) Lenkowski, Batavia, IL, a son Gerald (Lisa) and a daughter Tonia Both of Portage, WI, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by a son Jeffery, brothers Richard, Walter, Donald, Thomas< and Joseph and a sister Rose Ella.
Online condolences may be made at NorthCountryCremationService.com.

03/01/2021

It is with deep sadness that we announce our dear family member Joseph Carmen Coppola, 58, has gone to be with the Lord. He rests in peace with his father, Joseph A. Coppola, Teresa (Dasno) Coppola, and his sister, Christine Coppola, who all went before him. He leaves behind his sister, Diane (Coppola) Gondek and her husband Michael along with 3 nieces and 3 nephews, 5 great nieces and 6 great nephews and many many cousins. He was a wonderful and kind person who loved his family very much. He loved sports, especially football. His favorite team was Notre Dame and he watched every single game with a passion “Go Fighting Irish”. Joseph will no longer suffer the perils of this world and will look down from heaven watching over all his loved ones left behind. We love you Joe!!! A private service will be held. Joseph prayed daily for his 3 year old great niece to be healed of Leukemia. He would have wanted donations to be made to the Children’s Miracle Network of NNY as his great niece, Natalie the Brave (Natalie Gondek), is the 2021 CMN Champion. https://samaritanhealth.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/

Arrangments have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, owned and operated by Cleveland Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.northcountrycremationservice.com.

North Country Cremation Service is proud to provide affordable funeral options

07/18/2019

SACKETS HARBOR- Dale Bishop, 70, of Monroe St, passed away on Tuesday July 16th, 2019. Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Services, Chaumont.

Dale was born May 5th, 1949 to the late Floyd and Betty Bishop. He attended local schools and did flooring installation before being the caretaker of the Sackets Harbor Cemeteries.

If you knew Dale you will remember his opinionated and stubborn nature, his generosity and his sense of humor. He loved to play cards and shoot pool. He was a fan of the New York Yankees, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially at barbeques.

Dale is survived by his ex-wife and close friend Sharon Bishop, Watertown, his children: Jeff (Suzanne) Bishop, Chaumont, and Chad Bishop, Watertown. He is also survived by his sisters: Margaret Bockus, Sackets Harbor, and Kerry Lucas of SC. along with his grandson Jacob Waite, step-grandchildren Christopher Baughman, and Todd (Randi) Baughman, a step great-granddaughter Abigail Baughman, and many nieces and nephews.

Dale is predeceased by his siblings: Floyd Bishop Jr., Keith Bishop, and Sharon Groff.

Online Condolences can be made at NorthCountryCremationService.com.

07/18/2019

WATERTOWN – Sandra M. Gagniere,75, of Admiral Walk passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday July 16th, 2019, under the care of Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Services, Chaumont.

Sandra was born on May 7th, 1944 to the late Sam Mancino-Lewis and Nettie Fenlong. She attended local schools before going to beauty school, where she became a beautician.

On September 9th, 1960 Sandra married James Gagniere, who passed away May 6th, 2015.

Sandra was a member of Holy Family Church, and was a devout Catholic her entire life.

Sandra will be remembered for her loving and caring nature, and going out of her way to help and care for her family and friends.

She is survived by her son James Gagniere Jr, Watertown, her daughters; Lori Gokey, Barnes Corners, and Erin (Robert) Decker, Watertown. She is survived by her seven grandchildren Michelle and Julia Gagniere, children of James, Alyse (Marty) Salmons and Johnny Gokey, children of Lori and Adam, Rachel and Benjamin Decker; children of Erin, along with three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Madge Campbell, Utica, her brother John (Linda) Lewis, Watertown, sister-in-laws; Marge (Michael) Chiappone, and Yvonne (Gary) Morgia, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister Mary Taylor, her beloved daughter-in-law Melissa Petrie Gagniere, and her brother-in-law John Campbell.

A Memorial Mass for Sandra will be held Saturday July 20th at 2:00 pm, at Holy Family Church 129 Winthrop St. Watertown, with a burial following at Brookside Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.northcountrycremationservice.com.

05/06/2019

ADAMS, NY- Harmond “Dick” R. Dingman, 74, of Ikeys Crossing Road, passed away Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 at Syracuse VA Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Dick was born on December 6th, 1944 in Syracuse, NY to the late Erwin and Bernice Fairfield Dingman. After graduating High School, Dick joined the Army in January of 1964 and was honorably discharged in December of 1966.

Dick owned Carthage Redemption in Carthage, NY after a career as a welder and project manager.

Community service was a passion and was very active in the Lions Club, VFW and Elks.

Survivors include 2 brothers Murel Dingman (Liverpool) and William Dingman (Rochester), companion Janet Cooper of Adams, son David (Tracy) Dingman of Fulton, son Michael (Michele) Dingman of Chander, AZ and grandchildren Kayla, Nicholas and Jonathan Dingman.

A graveside service at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at

North Country Cremation Service is proud to provide affordable funeral options

07/06/2018

Fortunato “Ben” Scordo, 98 years young, passed away peacefully on July 4th at the home of his loving daughter Juli Hovey and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County. Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, Chaumont.

Ben was born in Watertown March 25, 1920 to Vincenzo and Marianna Agnesina Scordo. After graduating from Watertown High School in 1938, Ben proceeded to work at New York Air Brake. He then enlisted in the United States Army in October, 1943. Ben served in World War II as a combat engineer. During his time in the Army he fought in England and Germany. He was a squad leader and earned the European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal along with a Good Conduct Medal. Ben directed a squad of 12 men in constructing bridges and roadblocks, as well as demolishing enemy roadblocks while under enemy fire at the time of the Rhine Crossing. He also was a Rifleman Squad leader who defended bridges against enemy attacks. Ben was honorably discharged in September of 1945. After his discharge he returned to New York Airbrake where he built airplane and tank parts.

Ben married Virginia Pryor on August 8th, 1948 .Charles Aiesi was the best man and Mary Navarra was the maid of honor. Their wedding took place at St. Anthony’s Church in Watertown and was officiated by Reverend Julian P. O’Brien.
Ben and Virginia moved to Lowville, NY in 1954 where they operated an Atlantic Gas Station on State Street until 1957 . When they moved back to Watertown in 1957 they operated an Arco Service Station on the corner of Mill and Main streets until his retirement in 1983. At this time he also served as a U-Haul and Hertz rental dealer. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or repair. His favorite tool being Duct Tape.

Ben was an honorary lifetime member of the Italian American Club and served on the Board of Directors. He was also an avid bocce player, champion wrestler, and enjoyed hunting with his sons, grandsons, and friends in Canisteo, NY. Ben especially enjoyed goose and turkey hunting. He enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean with his wife, Woody and Midge Cook, Ruth and Tim Halmos, and Joe and Pat Castro.
Ben is predeceased by his parents, his wife, brothers and sisters: Joseph P. Scordo, Sebastian Scordo, Jack Scordo, Fran Scordo, Mary Scordo, Sister Grace Scordo, and Millie Scordo.

Ben is survived by his children James (Brenda) Scordo Sackets Harbor, NY, Jerry (Robin) Scordo Watertown, NY, Juli (Mark Miller) Hovey Watertown, NY, Joseph (Donna) Scordo Dexter, NY. His sisters Antoinette [Toni] Scordo, Lucia Scordo, Kay (Fred) Benedetto all of Watertown. He is also survived by grandchildren: Judge Jennifer Scordo (Dan Goodfriend) Lowville, NY. Marianna Scordo Jensen, Bocca Raton, FL, Eric (Beth Cavalario) Scordo Watertown, NY, Jeffrey (Ali) Hovey, Bloomingdale, NY, Christopher (Laura) Hovey, North Borough, MA. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. And eight great grandchildren. Also survived by many good friends including: former employee Russ (Bonnie) Deline, , Charley (Shirley) Malara, Roz Mothersell, Tammy Hanson and all his friends at the Italian American Club and his neighbors on Floral Drive.

There will be a funeral mass at St. Anthony’s church at 11: 00 A.M. on Monday July 9. As per Ben’s request there will be no calling hours.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham Street Watertown, NY 13601. Donations may also be made to St. Anthony’s Church 850 arsenal street Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences may be made at www.ClevelandFuneralHomeInc.com.

04/09/2018

Sachiko ‘Cecelia’ Weeks, age 87, passed away Saturday, April 7th 2018, at her home and surrounded by her family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service, owned and operated by Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.

Sachiko was born on August 11th, 1930 in Tokyo, Japan to Toranosuke and Yaeko Matsuda. She graduated from Rikkyo High School in 1948. She married Harvey Weeks on August 4th 1951 in Tokyo, Japan. Harvey passed away on August 2nd 2011.

Sachiko worked for several years in Watertown at both Model Homes and Bomax. She enjoyed playing classical music on the piano. She also enjoyed painting, drawing, and origami. She tended an extensive garden for many years with her husband. Her church and relationship with the Lord were a passion for her. Over the years she taught Sunday School, attended Bible studies, and was a faithful member of Faith Fellowship Church.

Sachiko is survived by her two daughters, Joyce Martin (husband Kevin Martin), and Connie Bartholomew (husband Michael Bartholomew); two grandchildren, Jonathan Bartholomew (wife Adriana Bartholomew), and Nicole Smith (husband James Smith); great-grandchild Lucas Bartholomew; and one brother, Takeshi Matsuda.

Sachiko was pre-deceased by her husband Harvey Weeks, her daughter Phyllis Monica Weeks, two grandchildren Erik Martin and Lance Martin, two brothers and one sister.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Fellowship Church in Watertown, NY on Saturday April 14th at 1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St. Watertown, NY, 13601.

Online condolences may be made at www.northcountrycremationservice.com.