Harter Funeral Home, Inc.

11/22/2025

In Loving Memory
M. Kathleen "Kitty" Kotowski
July 8, 1929 - November 20, 2025

CARLEY MILLS, NY - M. Kathleen “Kitty” Kotowski, 96 of Carly Mills, NY; passed away on Thursday November 20, 2025, at Sunnyside Care Center East Syracuse, NY.

She was a member of the Parish United Methodist Church. She was an intermediate accountant in the financial department for Carrier Corp.

She was predeceased by her husband, Henry passed away in 1999.

Kathleen is survived by her nieces, nephews, close community friends and her church family.

Funeral Service Information will be as follows:

Family and Friends are invited to Calling Hours from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, from the Parish United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at the church, following Calling Hours. Burial will take place in Pleasant Lawn Cemetery, Parish NY. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home Parish, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/M-Kathleen-Kotowski?obId=46475661

11/22/2025

In Loving Memory
Donna M. Simko
April 29, 1948 - November 20, 2025

PALERMO, NY - Donna M. Simko, 78, of Palermo, NY; passed away Thursday November 20, 2025 at her home.

She was a quality control Supervisor for SSAC of Syracuse for many years. She loved her family and grandchildren.

She loved going to camp at Black Lake, it was her happy place.

Donna is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert E. Simko; her two sons Scott (Emily), a Flight Captain for United Airlines 737s, and Jeff (Tara) a retired State Trooper; her five grandchildren, Liam, Sean, Ethan, Will and Paige; her beloved Dog-Snuggles and Cat-Butch and her sister, Judy (Herm) Harold.

Funeral Service Information will be as follows:

Funeral Services will be celebrated at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Ave. Mexico, NY. Relatives and Friends are invited to Calling Hours from 4 – 6 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donna-M-Simko?obId=46475708

11/22/2025

In Loving Memory
Linda G. (Vedder) Lindfield
November 4, 1948 – November 19, 2025

HASTINGS, NY – Linda G. (Vedder) Lindfield, 77, of Hastings, NY; passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at her home. She was born in Utica, NY, on November 4, 1948.

Linda worked as a Bakery Manager for Price Chopper in Oswego and Syracuse, NY. She was an avid classic car enthusiast and loved to shop.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Earl W. Lindfield, Jr. and her daughter, Carrie Fuller.

Linda is survived by her son, Earl W. Lindfield, III; her son in law, John Fuller and two twin grandchildren, Tyler and Emma.

Graveside Services will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Calvary Cemetery, Utica, NY. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 2983 W. Main Street, Parish, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Linda-G-Lindfield?obId=46475583

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

In Loving Memory
Dawn M. LaFlamm
January 26, 1948 - November 8, 2025

MEXICO, NY - Dawn M. LaFlamm, 77, of Mexico, NY; passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, NY. She was born on January 16, 1948 in Syracuse, NY; to the late Percy and Beulah Rose.

Dawn founded the RoseVilla Library in Ghana, Africa, and over the past 19 years was dedicated to bringing literacy to the children to the children of Ghana.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Clifford "Louie" LaFlamm and her brother, Donald Rose.

Dawn is survived by her two sons, Steven (MJ) LaFlamm and Sy (Noelle) LaFlamm; her companion, Randall Peterson; along with her grandchildren, Chelsea, Tyler, Amy, Logan, Sage and Allison, and two great-grandchildren, Piper and Phoebe.

A Celebration of Dawn's Life will be held from 4 -8 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Mexico VFW Edick - Hamlink Post #369 5930 Scenic Avenue, Mexico, NY. Burial will be in Mexico Village Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dawn-M-Laflamm?obId=46349869

11/10/2025

In Loving Memory
Barbara May Bresnahan Lescenski
March 30, 1944 - November 5, 2025

WEST AMBOY, NY - Barbara, a beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and loving friend, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 30, 1944, to Robert and Evelyn Bresnahan. She is predeceased by her parents, loving husband Edmund Lescenski and their daughter Jenny Lynn. She leaves the following relatives to cherish her memories, sons Ray (Kelly), Clifford (Nancy), Andrew, and Alexander Lescenski. As well as her 31 foster children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Her hands were rarely still as she touched the lives of many. She spent her time painting, writing, and cooking. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where recipes and meals became memories, and her generosity and love filled many bellies. Barbara worked at Muench-Kreuzer Candle Factory for many years. She worked side by side with Ed catering too many dinners to count in West Amboy and the surrounding area. She was also active in her community, serving as Town Clerk for 12 years and was in the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a faithful member of the West Amboy Church, helping with dinners there as well. She was best known for her delicious pies, cakes, and cookies. She also sang during church plays and was a cherished member of the parish.

A Graveside Ceremony and burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the West Amboy Cemetery. Family and friends will gather to honor her life, share memories, and celebrate the impact she had on all who were blessed to know her. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. Parish, NY.

“We ask that God will be with us, and comfort those who grieve. So many hearts have been broken. So many tears will be shed.” – Barbara Lescenski (9/12/2001)

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Barbara-M-Lescenski?obId=46341701

11/09/2025

In Loving Memory
Murdock M. Mackenzie
June 16, 1931 – November 6, 2025

OSWEGO, NY - Murdock M. Mackenzie, 94 of Oswego New York passed away on November 6, 2025. Murdock was born on June 16, 1931, in Niagara Falls New York to Angus and Catherine (McKay) Mackenzie. Murdock was a graduate of Wilson Central High School. Murdock then enlisted in the US Army from 1951-1953. He then attended Cornell University where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in landscape architecture.

Murdock married Carol Goodnight on August 2, 1958.

Murdock began working for the NYS Department of Conservation in 1957. He worked on North-South Lake, Lincoln Pond and many other sites, roads, paths, caretaker cabins, public facilities and boat launches. He later would issue permits to hydroelectric power plants and was an environmental analyst on state projects for Econ. He then retired in the late 1980’s.

Murdock loved renovation projects, bred and raised Gordon Setters, and took flying lessons. Murdock loved fishing and hunting in New York State. He was a member of NYSOWA and wrote articles for the New York Sportsman Magazine when it was in publication.

He moved to the Oswego City Area in 2000, where he was the owner of a boat called the “Wobbler” and spent many hours salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. He was a member of ELOSTA. He enjoyed raising vegetables and canning many of them. He also enjoyed deer hunting and cooking gourmet style. He was also known as a handyman.

Murdock is survived by his wife Carol (Goodnight) Mackenzie; his children, Bruce, Mackenzie, Brian (Debbye) Mackenzie, Kevin (Tamara) Mackenzie, Bonnie Lipari and Andrew Mackenzie; his sister, Agnes (Arthur) Licht; his grandchildren, Scott, Sarah, Melissa, John, Brianne, Kyle, Cameron, Kasey, Christy and Nicholas; and his great-grandchildren, Paisley, Ellie, Reagan, Gavin, Sadie, Dax, Lola, Duke, Cole, Luca and Vel.

Funeral services will be celebrated at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. Mexico, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Murdock-M-Mackenzie?obId=46332080

11/09/2025

In Loving Memory
Jack Murphy
March 31, 1945 - November 5, 2025

FULTON, NY - Jack E. Murphy, 80 of Fulton NY passed away Wednesday November 5, 2025. He was born in Potsdam, NY son of the late Francis Murphy and Esther Harmon Murphy. He was a graduate of North Syracuse High School and a proud retiree of Teamsters Local 317.

Jack is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen Clark Murphy; his son, Sean D. Murphy; his daughter, Michelle Murphy Chambers and his three grandchildren Kaitlynn Chambers, Trevor Chambers and Trenton Reitz.

A graveside service will be held with immediate family. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. Mexico, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jack-Murphy?obId=46332058

11/06/2025

In Loving Memory
Grovene Ann (Canell) Mantle
March 15, 1940 - October 31, 2025

Grovene Ann (Canell) Mantle went to be with the Lord surrounded by her loved ones on October 31, 2025.

She was born in Carthage, NY, on March 15, 1940. She was the daughter of Marguerite (Carpenter) and Daniel Canell and sister to Ina (Canell) LaClair,

Barbara (Canell) Monroe, Daniel Dean Canell and Harry Mathew Canell. Grovene was married on September 12, 1962 to Navy Chief, Neil F. Mantle. They spent 15 years traveling to various parts of the world and growing their family. Together they had three children, Danette (Frank) Kielb of Oswego, Sue Ellen (Theron ‘Stan’) Lucas of New Haven, and Neil (Nicole) Mantle II of Maryland.

Grovene enjoyed her flower gardens, watching the birds, crocheting, sewing, cooking, camping, fishing and spending time with her beloved family.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Neil, her children, her sister Ina (Karen Graber), grandchildren, Theron Mathew Lucas, Joshua (Brianne) Lucas, Samantha (Aaron) Nipper, Nicholas (Molly) Regan, Hannah Kielb, Spencer Kielb, Alex Kielb, Neil Mantle III, Addeson Mantle, seven great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Grovene-Ann-Mantle?obId=46291745

10/31/2025

In Loving Memory
Connie R. (Hoyt )Taber
October 17, 1946 - October 29, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, NY - Connie R. (Hoyt )Taber, 79, of Williamstown, NY; passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by her son and daughter, after a long battle with stage 4 breast cancer.

Connie was predeceased by her husband Richard L Taber; her grandmother Ida Mae ReVoir; her mother Betty Fay Hoyt; her father Charles Hoyt, brothers John and Charles (Chuck) Hoyt, a sister Patty Hoyt (Adsit) and a granddaughter Cheyenne J Taber.

She is survived by her son Charles F Taber and daughter in law Lou Ellen (Dibble) Taber; her daughter Leigh A Taber and son in law Thomas Smith; grandchildren, Brittany Taber and Johnathan Taber, and one great-granddaughter Madison C Taber.

Funeral Service Information will be as follows:

Graveside Services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in Hastings Cemetery, 1750 US RT 11, Hastings NY.

A Celebration of Connie's Life will be held from 4 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from the Williamstown American Legion, 8 Vida Dr. Williamstown, NY, where there will be a small service at 4:30 p.m. followed by food and a gathering for family and friends.

Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 2983 W. Main Street, Parish, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Connie-R-Taber?obId=46258380

10/30/2025

In Loving Memory
Edwin H. Lighthall, Jr.
February 6, 1930 - October 27, 2025

MEXICO, NY - Edwin H Lighthall, Jr. 95, of Mexico NY passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Edwin was born on February 6, 1930, to Edwin H and Helen S. Lighthall in Somerville, MA. He graduated from Fulton High School and worked on his father’s farm in Palermo.

He married Barbara J Kelly of Fulton on August 24, 1952, at State Street United Methodist Church in Fulton. In May 1961, with 7 children in tow, they moved to Chapman Rd in Mexico to continue dairy farming. In 1970, Ed and Barbara started Flatrock Campsites on July 4th weekend, soon to become Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park when they purchased the franchise, which they continued to operate until their retirement in 2015. He drove school bus for the Mexico Academy & Central School District from 1972 - 1992. He was inducted into the Mexico Alumni Hall of Fame in 2024.

Edwin was involved in many organizations including DeMolay, Masons, McFee Ambulance, Palermo Volunteer Fire Department and Farm Bureau. He served as president of Campground Owners of NY (CONY) from 1984-1986 and was inducted into the CONY Hall of Fame in 1995 along with Barbara. He represented NY on the National Board of Campground Owners. He was a member of the Oswego County Tourism advisory board and a recipient of the Oswego County Tourism Advisory award.

Edwin was predeceased by his parents, his sister Edna Lighthall, his sons Donald Edwin and Edwin Howard III.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Barbara; his daughters, Dianne Gallenberger of Baldwinsville, Susan (David) Buske of Oswego, Marcia (Jeff) Albrecht, of Mexico and his sons William (Christine D) of Mexico, Robert (Christine W) of Oswego and his daughter-in-law, Lorraine (w. Edwin III) of New Haven. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service Information will be as follows:

Family and Friends are invited to Calling Hours from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico, NY.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church of Mexico, NY, 4372 Church St. Mexico, NY, with Burial to follow in Mexico Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Edwin’s memory to Mexico Volunteer Fire Dept PO Box 27, Mexico, NY, 13114 or Camp Good Days and Special Times PO Box, 665 Mendon, NY, 14506.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Edwin-H-Lighthall-Jr?obId=46241429