M B Clark Inc Funeral Home - Lake Placid Obituaries

Obituary Preview: OBITUARYEdward "Scott" Bissonette, 55, passed away on May 19, 2024.Scott was born on March 5, 1969 the son of Douglas and Deborah (Cobane) Bissonette, Scott was a native of Lake Placid, NY.Although he moved around frequently, living and working in different places, he always considered Lake Placid his home. At the time of his death Scott lived in Jacksonville, Florida, and was most recently working as an Uber driver.Scott had a passion for baking and cooking. He was very artistic and loved woodworking. He always had some projects going, such as carving Christmas ornaments, working with small burls, and creating unique furniture pieces. When he wasn't in the kitchen or woodshop, you could find him working on his latest Jeep or truck.Scott enjoyed traveling and for several years worked as an over-the-road truck driver, visiting the country from coast to coast.He is survived by his mother, Debbie, and his brothers, Timothy, Paul, and Todd. Scott was predeceased by his father.A short prayer service will be held on June 1 at 11:00 am at the M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY. Rev. Jim Koenig, pastor of the Lake Placid Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at the North Elba Cemetery, Old Military Rd., Lake Placid, NY.In Lieu of Flowers the family would like you to direct donations to: North Country Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk, P.O. Box 486, East Greenbush, NY 12061. Please make checks out to AFSP with "North Country in memo.Please Visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photo, or leave condolences.

Obituary Preview: Margaret (Peggy) Murphy – Malone June 7, 1940 – May 16, 2024 On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Peggy Murphy-Malone, of Lake Placid, NY passed awayserenely at home surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Peggy was the beloved daughter of the late Francis and Margaret Meredith (nee McCluskey). Born on June 7, 1940, in New York City, it is only fitting that we celebrate her lifeon her birthday, June 7, 2024. Always ready for an adventure, Peggy met the love of her life, Timothy J Murphy, Jr. on a blind date at a jazz club in Manhattan. They danced the night away and into a happy future together. Peg and Tim were married on September 8, 1962, at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church in Park Ridge, NJ. Peggy and Tim were the proud and loving parents toTimothy, Mary, Kathleen and Kevin. After a long illness, Tim died on May 3, 1986. On May 26, 1990, in Lake Placid, Peggy married Donald Malone. Tim and Don were work buddies. As widowers a surprising love story emerged between Peg and Don. Peggy loved life from her home overlooking Lake Placid. Her family visited frequently with everyoneenjoying time with Nana & Pop Pop and many Adirondack adventures. The best years of Peggy's life were spent as Nana to her grandchildren Keira, Benjamin (Abigail), Taylor (Evan), Stephanie (Guido), Timothy, Eric, Margaret, Madailein, Abigail, Patrick, Caroline and Aileen and great-grandchildren Eloise, Sloane and Lucy. Nana loved every moment with her "grands" and especially enjoyed one on one time with them - without their parents. Nana was famous for her pancakes and her "grands" all learned to flip pancakes,standing on the stool next to her at her kitchen counter. Peggy lived life to the fullest and her home was full of love. We snuggled up for bedtime stories, swam for hours in the pool, and had the merriest of Christmas mornings. Peggy had long lasting friendships with the Flatbush Friends and the Monday Lunch Club, fondly called the Golden Girls at the local diner. Her life was enriched by the Gourmet Club, the Irish MafiaTrivia Team and the extraordinary bridge players. For a woman that traveled the world, Peggy thought there was no more beautiful place to be then in the Adirondacks. Peg and Don loved floating around Lower Saranac Lake on theirpontoon boat and shared the experience whenever they could. Peggy was predeceased by her parents Frank and Marge Meredith, her husbands, Timothy Murphy and Donald Malone, cherished aunts and uncles, and her best friend and sisterKathleen Meredith Rattazzi. Peggy is survived by her children Timothy J. Murphy, III and his wife Corinne (Smithtown, NY), Mary Murphy Alex and her husband Steve (Paul Smiths, NY), Kathleen Murphy and her partner Frank (Lake Placid, NY) and Kevin Murphy and his wife Erin (Troy, NY), her 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, sister Mary Birkmeyer and husband Arthur (Longview, WA), brother Francis Meredith and his wife Linda (Woodcliff Lake, NJ), aunt Joan McCluskey, nieces Diana Rattazzi and Meredith, Kimberly, Elizabeth and Theresa Birkmeyer, nephews Richard Rattazzi and Michael Birkmeyer, cousins Dennis Flannery, Roberta Flannery, Michael and Francis McCluskey Barbara Jagrowski and Maureen McCluskey Jennings, extended familymembers and dear friends William and Maureen Pritchett. A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, June 7, 2024,at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Lake Placid, NY. Memorial donations may be sent to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Ave, Hudson Falls,NY 12839.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photograph or leave condolences to be included in the online memory book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: Stuart "Tooie" Martin Cheyne, 71, of Lake Placid, passed away on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at Adirondack Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Tooie had been receiving loving care from friend and longtime love, Darlene Stanton.Born in Nyack, New York on June 16th, 1952. His parents were James A. Cheyne and Betty M. Dyer both of Pennsylvania. Tooie's younger years of life were spent at the family's camp in Old Forge, New York and surrounding area. Tooie landed in Lake Placid in his teenage years attending Lake Placid High and Northwood School.In the late 70's, on his way traveling west, Tooie found himself in a small town in Northern New Mexico, called Las Vegas, where he took up residence for a short time. After many years of living and exploring New Mexico, he moved to Lake Tahoe (Tahoe City), California in 1993. Tooie retired in 2014. After over 30 years of being away from his home state of New York, Tooie moved back to Lake Placid in 2014 where he remained until his final days.Throughout his life, he had a great passion for the outdoors - hiking, skiing, taking long walks and exploring.Surviving family includes longtime love and partner, Darlene Stanton of Lake Placid, NY. His daughter, Sara Ashton and husband, Hunter of Portland, Oregon. Daughter, Melissa Christensen of Lake Placid. Brother Jim Cheyne and wife, Arlene of Utica, New York. Sister, Carol "Charlie" Cheyne of Tampa, Florida. Stepdaughters, Jessica Estes and Tiffany Stanton. Many family members including grandchildren - London, Avery, Jared, Molly and Maggie, Secilley, Tess and Hallie. Nephew, Jimmy Cheyne and niece, Courtney Cheyne plus many family members around New York and across the states.He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Barbara "Punky" Cheyne. Wife and mother of his second daughter (Sara), Julia Cheyne and stepson, Dennis Estes.A loving and wonderful partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Tooie will be greatly missed and continued to be loved and remembered.Cremation has taken place. No services are planned.

Obituary Preview: Daniel Thomas Harry, 56, of Lake Placid, New York, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024, as a result of a catastrophic injury sustained in a fall.Dan was born in Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, in 1967, to Robert and Jean Harry of Plymouth, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Plymouth, graduating from Wyoming Valley West High School in 1985. He furthered his education at West Chester University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, and pursued graduate studies at Michigan State University, where he obtained a Master's Degree in Labor and Industrial Human Relations. Professionally, Dan excelled in the field of labor relations, serving with distinction at General Dynamics and SAP Software. His career took him to various locations, including Chicago, where he resided for many years with his beloved wife, Susan Grohne Harry of Elmhurst, Illinois. Together, they forged enduring friendships and explored the world through their shared passions for triathlons, marathons, cycling, and mountain climbing. Dan's adventurous spirit led him to climb formidable peaks such as Mount Ranier and Mount Aconcagua, the highest summit in South America. In pursuit oftheir active lifestyle, Dan and Susan settled in the beautiful village of Lake Placid, New York. They embraced the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, engaged in hiking and snowshoeing, and conquered the renowned "46'ers", the 46 peaks exceeding 4,000 feet in the region.Dan was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent his entire life working to master the game of golf. Dan's obsession with golf led him to own an insane amount of golf clubs, to try every conceivable training device known to humanity, and to visit golf courses around the world. Dan had a particular gift for building friendships in every era of his life, and for maintaining these friendships over decades. Dan was blessed with a myriad of friends who we celebrate and who Dan's family will always cherish. Dan and Susan filled their homes with beautiful golden retrievers throughout their years together and are currently the parents of two goldens, Bleier (10) and Winnie (3), who he fondly referred to as "his beautiful little family."Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean Harry, and his brother, Robert John Harry. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his siblings: John Robert Harry, wife Melanie and children Charles and Kortney; James Harold Harry, wife Robin and children Tyler and Ellen Grace; and Deborah Ruth Harry, daughter Samantha; and Susan's siblings: Paul Thomas Grohne; and Deborah Grohne Poss, husband Charles and children Jack and Samuel. He leaves behind his close friends David Milton Graham and JoAnn Ruth Graham and too many other cherished friends and family to count. The family wants to thank all of Dan's friends around the United States who made his life richer.

Obituary Preview: Ruth Paine Hart died peacefully at home on April 25th, 2024, surrounded by family and one week shy of her 105th birthday. She was the widow of Dr. George Gremple Hart.Mrs. Hart was born on May 3, 1919, in Kenogami (now Saguenay), Quebec, the daughter of Jennie Hayes Paine and Nathan Deane Paine.She graduated from McGill University in 1940 and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity. After graduation she was an economist for the Sun Life Assurance Company and then for the International Labour Organization, both in Montreal. She married Dr. George Gremple Hart on June 18, 1946, at Erskine and American United Church in Montreal, Quebec. The couple immediately settled in Dr. Hart’s hometown of Lake Placid where they would raise their four wonderful girls and Mrs. Hart would become a pillar of the community, engaged in virtually every aspect of local life over the next seventy-plus years. Enjoying community activities, Mrs. Hart served as President of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, The Garden Club of Lake Placid and the Women of St. Eustace. She was also a board member of the St. Francis Academy and Mountain Lake Public Television. During the 1980 Olympic Winter Games she headed the Dignitary Host Services division of the Protocol Department and brought her personal touch to all of the Games’ floral requirements. She was inducted into the Lake Placid Hall of Fame in 1992 and in 2018 was named Lake Placid-North Elba Distinguished Adult Volunteer of the YearActive in the planning and zoning process in Lake Placid, Mrs. Hart was a member of the first zoning and planning commission, which established one of the first land use master plans in the Adirondacks in the mid-1960s. Subsequently, she served as chairman of both the Town and Village Zoning Boards, at separate times, for a number of years. More recently, she served on the Joint North Elba-Lake Placid Planning Commission as well as on several committees that were formed to implement the community’s Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Hart credited the early planners with decisions that have helped to preserve the character of Lake Placid: limiting the height of buildings to less than forty feet (below tree level); mandating the minimum width of lots on Lake Placid to 150 feet instead of the requested 50 feet; and restricting the East side of Mirror Lake to residential development.Politically conscious her whole life, Mrs. Hart remained keenly interested in current events on both sides of the border, staying up to watch the CBC national news every night and always keen to discuss the goings on in the world with friends and family.Mrs. Hart was an enthusiastic and accomplished gardener. Her garden on Victor Herbert Road was developed within the restored foundation of St. Eustace-by-the-Lake Episcopal Church, built in 1899. The restored garden is documented in the Archives of American Gardens, part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Horticulture Services Division. In recognition of her beautiful church garden, she was recently awarded The Annual Adirondack Architectural Heritage Preservation Award (AARCH) for community revitalization and stewardship. She was a very active member of the Essex County Adirondack Garden Club.Mrs. Hart was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Dr. George Gremple Hart. She is survived by her four daughters, Marilyn MacIvor (Rod, and the late Drew Shouldice) of Ottawa, Nancy Beattie (John Christopher) of Lake Placid, Ruth Mary Ortloff (Chris) of Plattsburgh, and Elizabeth Barrett of Dallas. Her son, George Edward Hart, died shortly after birth. Surviving grandchildren are Dr. Elizabeth Shouldice (Jordan Clark) of Ottawa, Hart Shouldice (Sarah Fitzpatrick) of Ottawa, Sarah Galvin (Marc) of Lake Placid, Chris Ortloff (Julia Gage) of Buffalo, Jonathan Ortloff (Clayton McClesky) of Boston, Scott Pyzik (Natalie) and George Pyzik (Mary), Sarah Barrett (Dominic DeLany) and Hannah Gee (Alex) all of Dallas. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren, Norah Galvin (Lake Placid), Cody Pyzik (Dallas), Sam and Noah Clark (Ottawa), Drew and Muir Shouldice (Ottawa) and Holly Pyzik (Dallas). She was predeceased by her two brothers, Deane Hayes Paine of Kingston, Ontario, and Edward Earl Paine of Williamsburg, Virginia.As a perennial hostess, Mrs. Hart was sustained in her final years by the numerous visits, community relationships and cups of tea at her home. Her family is eternally grateful for the care and companionship provided by her team of loving and compassionate caregivers who allowed her to stay in her beloved home near her garden and birds these last years. Special thanks as well to Dr. Karen Cooper and Dr. John Decker.Calling hours are on Friday, May 3rd - which would have been Mrs. Hart’s 105th birthday - from 5-7 P.M. at M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4th at St. Eustace Episcopal Church. Rev. Kenneth Hitch will officiate. Friends are asked to wear colorful clothes to reflect Mrs. Hart’s love of flowers and birds. Interment to follow at the North Elba cemetery, after which all are invited to a reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photograph, sign the online guest book, or leave condolences to be added to the memorial tribute book for the family to cherish.Donations in Mrs. Hart’s memory may be made to St. Eustace Episcopal Church and the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.

Obituary Preview: Thomas Duff O'Leary passed away on March 27, 2024 in Lake Placid, NY. He lived and worked in Painted Post, NY for 35 years prior to retiring to Lake Placid, NY in 2005. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia, and their daughters and their families: Michele and John Morell of Victor, NY and their daughters Nicolette and Lillian; Katie and Evan Connolly of Macedon, NY and their sons Seamus and Ronan and daughter Kerrigan. Per Tom's wishes there will be no calling hours or services. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please Visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, sign the virtual guest register, upload a photograph or leave condolences to be used in the memorial tribute book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: After 92 beautiful years, our Mother, Janet Carol Jacques Clark passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on March 16, 2024. It is only fitting that Mom was called home to our Lord on March 16th, as John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."She was born in Lake Placid, November 11, 1931 and was the second of 7 children to Donald and Charlotte Jacques. Mom married the love of her life, our father, Matthew B. Clark, Jr. January 1, 1956.Graduating from Lake Placid Central School in 1949, she went on to attend Albany Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1953. Mom returned to Lake Placid and began her nursing career at Placid Memorial Hospital where she worked for 38 years, taking time off at different intervals to raise her family. Following the closure of In-patient beds at Placid Memorial Hospital, she worked for an additional 4 years at Adirondack Medical Center retiring in 1995.At the time of mom's passing, she was mourning the untimely death of her daughter, our sister, Gisele (Gigi) on February 21, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband, Matthew on November 23, 2012. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Connie, Betty and June and her brothers, Don and Ellis, as well as several extended family members.Mom's many survivors include her children; Cora, Abbie (John Breen), Bea, Matthew III (Kim), Polly-Jo, Zachary, and Willis (Kristen). Also survived by her dearly loved grandchildren; Emily, Marjorie, Molly, John, Jacob, Amy, MaryKate, Caroline, Hillary, Emma, Madelyn, Nolan, McKenzie, Natalie; and her great grandchildren, Matthew and Henry. She is also survived by her Sister, Virginia Jacques Warrington, Sisters-in-law, Joyce Jacques and Barbara Clark: brother-in-law, Fred Reid, as well as several nieces and nephews and very special friends.She was a member of the WSCS (Women's Society of Christian Service) at The Adirondack Community Church. She was also a member of the Lake Placid Pee Wee (LPYAA) Association, The Ladies of the Elks, and a life-long member of The Lake Placid High School Alumni Association and Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association.She volunteered for countless community events, including taking blood pressures at the Senior Citizen Lunch, and was actively involved in the lives of her children baking for and attending school, church and sporting events. Mom was "on call" as the nurse consultant for family and many members of the community. She was also a "bonus mom" to many before the term bonus mom became popular.Everyone was welcome in her kitchen and no one left hungry. She became known for her sugar cookies with jam in the center, whipping up a batch in between the demands of a family whom she was so proud of and never too busy for. She took great pride in her home, something she and Dad worked very hard for in times where nothing was expected and hard work was the best promise for a bright future.From her humble beginnings to the very end, Mom was a fun and loving person who gave of herself with boundless energy, insightful in ways she has left us here on earth still pondering...how did she know that? Mom's life concluded in her home which she loved so much, in the care of hospice with all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren spending time and sharing memories in her presence. She left this world on her own terms when she was ready. A finer Mom there never was.The M. B. Clark, Inc, Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. A combined funeral service for Mom and Gigi will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid, NY. Rev. Derek Hanson, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at North Elba Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: William L. Brewster, 88, of Taunton, MA, passed away March 13, 2024 at Morton Hospital, Taunton, MA.William was born in Utica, NY and was a resident of New Hartford, NY. He graduated from Clarkson University in 1957 as a Civil Engineer. He later joined the U.S. Naval Civil Engineer Corps and served tours of duty in Vietnam, Japan, Quantico, VA and Newport, RI serving over 10 years active-duty period after which he joined the Naval Reserve in which he attained the rank of Captain with a total of 26 years of service.While stationed at Quantico, VA William was selected to work with the Secret Service of the Kennedy administration in 1963 to coordinate facility security matters at the family residence at nearby Fredericksburg, Virginia where Jackie Kennedy, along with children Caroline and John spent weekends often riding their favorite horses. He often recalled instances such as chasing and retrieving Caroline's dog for her after he had escaped from his leash. He noted how grateful she was for such a small effort. If having an issue with local Massachusetts Politian's he would repeat this story with "Don't make me call Caroline".Bill loved the Lake Placid area and was very proud of those Brewsters who helped settle the area. His family are all buried at North Elba Cemetery. He would often recall that his grandfather Myron T Brewster was a local builder who built many cottages on Lake Placid as well as building this original church in 1888 for $1500. It was so well constructed that in 1925 the structure was relocated several blocks away to serve various purposes and is currently the Wise Guys Restaurant. He often vacationed here with his parents at age 12 and subsequently later with his wife Carol. Mr. Brewster was employed by the Johnson & Johnson Company in Massachusetts for 22 years as Manager, Facility Engineering, retiring in 1997. He held a number of consulting positions after retirement including positions with Fidelity Investments at Smithfield, RIIn later years he loved tent camping for several days each summer enjoying the great outdoor life afforded by the Adirondacks. He often camped with his brother Myke together with their wives. Summer concerts, hiking and swimming in Mirror Lake were his favorite pastimes.Bill loved his family and spending time with sons Jeff and Kevin and their loved ones as well as his wife Carol's boys. His grandsons Jay, Matty and Nate were his pride and joy watching them play sports, attaining good grades in school and just growing up was a great pleasure for him. He considered himself very fortunate to have a great family.William is survived by his wife Carol Ann (Baldwin) his wife of 33 years, his sons Jeffrey and Kevin, three grandsons Jason, Matthew and Nathan Brewster and three stepsons John, Scott and Brian Sensabaugh. He was loved by many who knew him.Services will be held April 10th at 11:00 AM at the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid, NY. Burial will be in North Elba Cemetery in Lake Placid, NY. Rev. Derek H. Hansen, Pastor, will officiate.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book, upload a photograph, or leave condolences to be added to the memorial tribute book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: PAUL JACOB REISSPaul J. Reiss died on February 28th at age 93 in Lake Placid with two sons by his side. He was an accomplished educator, administrator, and generous community leader and volunteer. He was a humble intellectual with a gentle manner, and a model husband and father of nine. A man of deep Christian faith, Paul was disciplined, thoughtful, and generous to people of diverse ages and backgrounds with his time, guidance, and attention. He was especially devoted to Rosemary, his best friend and late wife of 67 years and a hands-on partner in raising their large family.Paul was born on Hillcrest Avenue, the third of Daisy ("Peggy") and Julian Reiss's six children. He attended St Bernard's School in Saranac Lake, was a Boy Scout, and took his first job as paper boy for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. After graduating from LaSalle Military Academy on Long Island, he attended St Michael's College, spent a year in seminary, and then transferred to Holy Cross College where he earned his BA. He earned his Master's in Sociology at Fordham University and went on to Harvard to work on his PhD. It was there he met Rosemary Agnes Donohue a student at Emmanuel College, and they married in 1955. Taking a job teaching sociology at Marquette University in 1957, Paul moved his family to Wisconsin.In 1959, Paul took over the hosting of a new summer camp in Lake Placid for inner-city NYC middle school boys. For the next 50+ years, honoring his father's request, he sustained and administered all aspects of the program, and added a girls' program in 1993. The summer camp, together with the Nativity Mission Center in Manhattan, served as the model for the development of a nationwide network of over 50 Nativity Miguel schools. The Reiss Foundation camps now include a St. Agnes Day Camp and continue to run under the leadership of family members of the next two generations. In 1963, Dr. Reiss was appointed to the faculty of Fordham and became Chairman of the Sociology Dept., and Dean of the College at Lincoln Center, and then Academic VP in the early 1970s. For over a decade, he served as Executive Vice President of Fordham University, attending to all aspects of a diverse university with multiple campuses. In the late 1970s and early 80s, he commuted weekly every summer between the Bronx and Lake Placid and joked, "One third of my life was spent in each of those two places, and the other third on the Northway and Taconic Parkway."A lover of the outdoors, Paul taught his kids to ski at Fawn Ridge, Easy Acres, and Mt. Whitney and he enjoyed XC skiing through his mid-80s. He taught all his children to play tennis, paddle a canoe, hike a mountain, and sail a sunfish. He also never stopped giving his children and grandchildren encouragement, wise counsel, and support for all their athletic, academic, and professional endeavors.Paul played piano amazingly well by ear, often delighting friends, family, and strangers. He sang with gusto, including in the St. Agnes Choir. He served as a lay reader and Eucharistic minister at St. Agnes Church.Paul became President of St. Michael's College in Vermont in 1985, started teaching again, and committed to getting close to the students in part by building a President's home on campus and donating it to the college. He oversaw the renovation or new construction of 80% of St. Mike's buildings and facilities, including the library and office computers, and led the faculty in recommitting to its mission and Catholic identity.Dr. Reiss was a representative to the 1989 Vatican consultation that refined the role of religion in Catholic higher education. He was honored to meet Pope John Paul II and invite him to "come skiing in Vermont." Named 1996 Vermont Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Paul was awarded honorary degrees from Middlebury College and Showa University of Japan. His published works in sociology address family issues, higher education, and moral values in Catholic education.When Paul retired from St. Michael's College in 1996, he and Rosemary kept an apartment in VT where they could "winter" away from the ADKs and remain active at St. Mike's and the larger Burlington community.Paul published his book Dad about the life of his beloved father, Julian J. Reiss, which covered both youthful adventures and Julian's pioneering work in profit sharing, social justice, and civil rights. Paul co-founded Mercy Care for the Adirondacks in 2007 and was its first president, and then was board chairperson. He was a friendship volunteer for over 10 years, providing personal transportation to local elders. As president of the Lake Placid Sinfonietta and board member for many years, he and Rosemary almost never missed a Wednesday evening concert in the park with grandchildren or a Sunday concert at the Arts Center. Paul eagerly pursued landscaping, gardening, tree work, and the constant hands-on upkeep of camp facilities in addition to a decades long battle against beavers damming the outlet brook and flooding the property.Paul is survived by three daughters, Cathy (C.C.) Sloan, Julia (Jeff) DeSantis, and Martha (Ted) Acworth, six sons, Paul (Joanne), Greg (Liza), Mark, David (Pam), Steve (Shannon) and John (Marybeth), 30 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his brother Peter Reiss and sister Patricia (Patti) Brooks. Paul was predeceased by brothers Thomas and Robert Reiss and sister Mary Watson.Donations in Paul's memory may be made to Mercy Care for the Adirondacks or St. Michael's College/Nativity scholarship Fund.Calling Hours will be held Friday March 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home, Saranac Ave., Lake Placid, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 16th at 10:00 AM at Saint Agnes Church, Hillcrest Ave., Lake Placid, NY. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate.Visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photograph, sign the online guest book, or leave condolences to be added to the memorial tribute book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: Beverley Pratt Reid, 91, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tues. Feb. 27, 2024. Born on Jan. 16, 1933, in Lake Placid, NY, she was a proud native and the daughter of Audrey and Gordon Pratt. Beverley graduated from Lake Placid Central School in 1950 and continued her education at Albany Business College in the Executive Secretary class of 1951, with high honors. She worked at Prudential Insurance Co. in 1952 in Albany, NY and transferred to the Long Beach CA. branch in 1953. She moved back to Lake Placid and worked at the Law Offices of Harold R. Solden. She married James E. "Bugo" Reid on Nov. 17, 1956. They built a family of seven children and Beverley continued to run a personal secretarial business while raising their family. When the youngest was in school Beverley began her twenty year plus career at Tri Lakes Electric. In 2001 Beverley was appointed the Lake Placid/Town of North Elba Historian where she helped answer questions for people from researchers, to helping someone put names to faces on their personal photographs. She retired from the Historian position in 2021, yet was answering historical questions up until last week!Family was everything to Beverley and she volunteered many hours at her children's sporting events for the Lake Placid Pee Wee Association. She was an active member of the Adirondack Community Church, serving as financial secretary for years. She was involved with numerous groups, from volunteer to serving on boards including the Lake Placid Memorial Hospital, LP Pee Wee Assoc., LP Alumni Assoc., LP Public Library, LP North Elba Historical Society, LP Beautification, LPCS Parent Teacher Assoc., and The Canadian Speedskating Club. She had many fond memories and was very proud of the volunteer work she did during the 1980 Winter Olympics.She was predeceased by her husband James E. "Bugo" Reid, her parents Audrey and Gordon Pratt, brother Gordon Pratt, half-brother Stanley Benham, half-sister Catherine Connor, son Bryan James Reid, and grandson Joshua Michael Reid. She is survived by children Brent Reid, Brenda (Stephen) Abbott, Bonny Reid, Brock (Jennifer) Reid, Bambi (Jason) Pedu, and Babs (Gordon) James. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren Amanda (Mike) Webb, Shannon (Weston) Wheeler, Taylor Reid, Austin Preston, Brooke Reid, James "Jaybird" Reid, Reid Pedu, and Braylin James. And her latest favorites, her great grandchildren Aiden, Asher, and Avery Webb and Lochlan and Remi Wheeler. And don't forget all of the "adopted" children.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 5th at 2:00pm at the Adirondack Community Church, Main Street, Lake Placid, NY. Rev. Derek H. Hansen, Pastor, will officiate. The M.B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory upload a photograph or leave condolences to be used in the memorial tribute book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: Charles Evans Haselton, 95, died on Feb. 25, 2024Born on July 2, 1928, at his parents' family farm in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Willard Haselton and Laura Emogene (Lawrence).Growing up during the Great Depression shaped Charles's formative years and resulted in him being a lifelong "miser and keeper of things." Indeed, to this day, he has the fountain pen that he used in high school on his desk. Charles's early education was a one-room schoolhouse, two miles from home, on a dirt road, no running water, no electricity, wood stove in the middle of the room for heat, and stinking chemical toilets that were inside the building, which he says was better than some who had to go to the outside "privy."Born third of seven children, Charles has fond memories of life growing up on the homestead. Watching his parents work as hard as they did to make a comfortable and loving home for him and his siblings taught Charles the value of hard work and doing the "right thing" for the common good. It also instilled in him a fascination and sentimentality for "all things old." Charles has always had a love of antiques, collecting many old tools, old clocks, old engines, and old cars through the years. He is intrigued by the ingenuity his ancestors had to survive. He and Erma enjoyed many years traveling in the old car circuit and showing their beautiful antique cars.With a large family growing up and money being tight, Charles learned to be proactive and industrious at an early age. Wanting a bicycle as a kid and not having two nickels to rub together, Charles would take catalogs to price out the parts to make a bike for himself. During World War II when bicycles were scarce, a family friend told him of a place 150 miles away that had some bikes available. Not short on moxie, and having saved enough money from working odd jobs, young Charles hopped on a train by himself and traveled from Lake Placid to Utica to buy himself a new bicycle. He then got on a train back to Lake Placid, with his bike, and rode the bicycle home (about 15 miles). His senior year of high school, Charles stayed at the Marcy Hotel in Lake Placid over the Christmas holiday to work as a busboy to earn enough money to attend his senior trip to New York City. Charles is proof that where there is a will, there is a way.Charles's parents "dragged" him and his siblings to services at the Wilmington Church of the Nazarene each Sunday morning and evening, and Wednesday evenings. As a result, Charles claims he didn't have much time to get into trouble growing up. Fortunately for him, his parents' dedication to the church helped secure him a spot at Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, Massachusetts, where one fateful afternoon he would meet the love of his life, Erma Jean (Leasure). Chapel services at E.N.C. were mandatory and the seating was arranged alphabetically. With Charles an "H" and Erma an "L" their paths may never have crossed, except one day Erma was late to chapel and with all other seats taken, had to take a seat in the "H" section, right next to Charles. Erma may have never taken a second glance at Charles, except for the fact that she was an enthusiastic participant in the hymn singing, and Charles never uttered a note. This perplexed Erma so much that she just had to know what was the matter with him. That was it. They were inseparable from then on and enjoyed over 70 years of wedded bliss before Erma was called home to be with her Lord in April 2020.A strong believer in the "Protestant Ethic" and the "spirit of Capitalism," Charles did any odd job he could find to work his way through college, allowing him to graduate debt free in 1952 with bachelor's degree in business administration from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Charles says the secret to his success is being thorough, accurate, prompt, and neat, and always trying to do a little bit extra, rather than "just enough." This philosophy of hard work has served him well through the years.After graduating from college, Charles was sent a telegram from his father asking him to come home to Wilmington and help run the family business, Haselton Lumber Company. The business advice his father gave him then was simply to, "be fair to the other fellow" and to follow the motto, "A greedy man loses in the end," words of wisdom Charles has always strived to live by. Starting at $80 a week, Charles stayed with the lumber company for 38 years. He handed over the reins to his children Sam and Pam upon his retirement as president in 1990.Charles was active in the community of his birth for many years. He participated in the Chamber of Commerce and was a member and treasurer for the Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department for a time. Charles was a member of the Rotary Club in AuSable Forks for 29 years, 11 months and two weeks, boasting 28 years of perfect attendance, and has been a member of the Elks for 37 years. He says he was going to continue to pay his dues to the Elks so he could be the oldest member of the Saranac Lake BPOE 1508. Charles has been a resident of Vero Beach, Florida for almost 30 years and resided at Indian Oaks, where he was continuously impressed by the staff and enormously grateful for the friends and camaraderie he had there.Charles is survived by his son Daniel (Carolyn) Haselton of Lebanon, New Hampshire; daughter Pamela (Robert) Gray of Wilmington, New York; son Samuel (Pamela) Haselton of Wilmington, New York; daughter Beth (Fred) Adames of Orlando, Florida; grandchildren Erin, Kathryn, Ryan, James, Matthew, Sarah, Alison, Emily, Danielle, Daniel, David, and Laura; great-grandchildren Lakota, River, William, Alexander, Olivia, Grace, Hope, Evan, Ava, Gavin, Shelby, Lola, Rylee, Bella, Logan, T.J., Bowie, and Gabriel. Charles hoped that he convinced at least one of them to "drive the damn bus and don't be a passenger." He is also survived by his brother Frank Haselton of Virginia; brother Timothy Haselton of New York; sister Shirley (George) Krause of New Jersey; sister Esther Eppler of Kansas; and brother Stephen Haselton of Alabama.Besides his beloved wife Erma, Charles is predeceased by his brother Walter Haselton of New York.Charles will be interred next to his wife in Haselton Cemetery in Wilmington. It states on his gravestone, "He tried" — but we think he did much better than that. His is a life well lived, measured not by the material "things" that he has collected over the years, but by the love he shares with his family and friends, and most importantly his best friend, wife and lover, Erma Jean, for over 70 years. Charles lived his life intentionally, not on autopilot, taking advantage of every day, creating cherished memories, and grateful for each day he remains "vertical." A life well lived, indeed.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of local arrangements.Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book, share a story, upload a photograph or leave condolences to be added to the Memorial Tribute Book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: Worth Shampeny was born May 25, 1949 in Randolph, VT. He had three older sisters and two younger brothers. The family moved to Newcomb, NY in 1954, where his father owned and operated a sawmill. Selected as the winner of a baseball scholarship, Worth graduated from Buffalo State University in 1974, originally planning to become a teacher. During an exchange semester in Bozeman, he fell in love with Montana. Although he never moved there permanently, he returned often and was perhaps happiest when hunting, skiing, and fishing in that breath-taking mountainscape. But his home was upstate New York. He worked in construction in the Saratoga area and moved to Lake Placid in 1992, where he met his wife Christine and soon started his own company: Shampeny Contracting. His work was his passion. He loved building and selling houses in remote settings and on lakes. Reliability, precision, and honest, old-fashioned hard work characterized him. Friends, co-workers, and clients quickly warmed to Worthy and admired his shy, polite manner.Painfully soon after retirement, he contracted leukemia and endured half a year of intensive and difficult treatment; Christine was there for him in good days and bad. He passed on February 22, 2024 in his home, with his wife by his side.He is survived by Christine, his sisters Gloria and Pam, his brothers John and Gary, his daughter Brittany, and many nephews and nieces. There will be a Funeral service at St. Agnes Church on March 9 at 10 a.m. The M. B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please Visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.

Obituary Preview: Due to multiple health complications, Gisele G. Clark (Gigi) was unexpectedly called home to our Lord Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Gigi was born in Lake Placid on April 5, 1959 and is the daughter of the (late) Matthew B. Clark, Jr and Janet Jacques Clark. While born and raised in Lake Placid, Gigi's journey took her to Astoria, Queens where she made her life for the past 40 plus years.Graduating from Lake Placid High School as Salutatorian of her class in 1977, Gigi found herself following her love of music, first at Hartwick College and then at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY where she graduated with a degree in Music Therapy.She eventually made her way to Long Island through friends she met while working in the figure skating world at the Olympic Arena during her high school days. It was there through her friends at church that she eventually found her way into the fashion industry in New York City. She first began working for Carolina Herrera and ultimately ended up working as a manager for Larry Geller at Vogue Too, in Manhattan for the past 25 plus years. Larry taught Gigi the ins and outs and from there, Gigi ran with it working with many high-end designers, including Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. She had earned much respect from all those she worked with in the industry. It's because of this, that we, as family, were able to enjoy a backstage tour of Wicked and The Lion King on our trips to the city. Gigi also genuinely cared for and looked out for "her" ladies and gents working the machines, often seeing them through difficult times. As per Larry and Barbara from Vogue Too, Gigi's passing is a significant loss for the fashion industry.After moving from Long Island to Queens, her search for the right church led her to meeting up with her longtime dear friend, Pastor James Klockau at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church. As with many churches today, Augustana found itself in a merger with the Grace Lutheran Church. Gigi supported the merger and continued service at Grace with Pastor James. Gigi served on the executive committee at both congregations. She was a member of the choir, and also played the piano for the service in the absence of the organist. Gigi was the Sunday School Director at Grace for many years, spending much of her free time planning just the right lesson for every Sunday session. Of course, this free time was usually into the wee hours of Sunday morning, allowing for a brief nap prior to church. Pastor James shared with us that Gigi would be at the church sewing costumes for the Christmas Pageant well into midnight hour. In true Gigi fashion, she wanted to make sure everything was just right and ready for the service.Her love of music found her auditioning for and ultimately earning her spot in The Cecilia Chorus of New York, with performances twice a year at Carnegie Hall. We again were privileged to have been able to attend a couple of concerts and be educated in the world of opera. Mom, however, fell asleep at one such performance…we did tell Gigi, and she wasn't at all surprised. Gigi was very proud of her work and life in the city, and we were the beneficiaries when we made a trip to visit.She also very much loved her family as was evident when she returned home for visits. Much time was spent around the kitchen table engaging in conversation. Gigi always made sure mom had someone to talk with into the wee hours of the morning after the rest of us had long since gone to bed. Gigi was very proud of her family and shared with her friends in the city stories and pictures of us northerners. Her friend and work associate, Barbara, shared that she felt she knew each and every one of us because of these stories and pictures that Gigi would share with her during their many conversations.Gigi was predeceased by her father, Matt, as well as her grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her mother, Janet, sisters, Cora, Abigail (John Breen), Beatrice, and Polly-Jo, as well as brothers, Matthew III (Kim), Zachary and Willis (Kristen). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored and didn't get to see often enough; Emily, Marjorie, Molly, John Henry, Jacob (Julie) and Amy (Frank), MaryKate, Caroline, Hillary, Emma, Madelyn, Nolan, McKenzie and Natalie, along with great nephews Matthew and Henry. Gigi is also survived by her aunts, Virginia, Joyce, and Barb; her uncle, Fred, as well as several cousins, extended family and their families.Donations in Gigi's memory may be made to the church of your choice. Grace Lutheran Church, 31-20 21st Avenue, Astoria, New York 11105; or the Adirondack Community Church, 2583 Main Street, Lake Placid, New York 12946.There will be a memorial service at the Grace Lutheran Church in Astoria on April 7, 2024 during the 10:00 AM service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and can be accessed by going to their website, gracearoundthecorner.org.

Obituary Preview: Evelyn June Jacques Preston, 85, died peacefully at home after a short illness surrounded by her children on Sunday February 18, 2024. She was the daughter of Donald W. and Charlotte (Wilson) Jacques.June is survived by her son Andrew (Dorothy), daughter Stacey (Ray Tempestilli), daughter Kerri, son Bradley (Sheila), daughter-in-law Tricia (partner Keith Clark). Grandchildren Chelsea (Harry Erickson), Connor, Rylee, Alexander, and Grace. Her sisters Janet Clark and Virginia Warrington and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.She is predeceased by her son Bobby Preston and husband Robert C. Preston Sr., sisters Constance (Connie) Preston, and Elizabeth (Betty) Reid, and brothers Donald C. Jacques and Ellis Jacques. June was born in Lake Placid on May 27, 1938, and is a 1956 graduate of Lake Placid Central School. She went on to graduate from Albany Memorial School of Nursing in 1959 having a long career beginning at Lake Placid Memorial Hospital, and transitioning to Uihlein Mercy Center until her retirement. In her retirement June’s passion became her grandchildren, attending numerous sporting events and school activities, as well as her weekly “coffee klatch” with her sisters after Church on Sunday’s. She enjoyed her monthly lunches with her work companions and attending herweekly knitting group.Calling hours will be at the M. B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home on Thursday February 22, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm with a service to follow. Rev. Derek Hansen, Pastor of the Adirondack Community Church will officiate.

Obituary Preview: Lorraine Beatrice Izzo, 88, entered eternal life peacefully at her son's home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Lorraine was born July 16, 1935 in New Haven, CT, the daughter of Susan (Manzi) and Anthony Mignone of East Haven, CT. Lorraine married her beloved husband, William A. Izzo, Sr., May 25, 1957. Together they enjoyed 66 years of marriage and spent most of their lives in Trumbull, CT. Her husband William predeceased her on July 25, 2023.Lorraine was a loving mother and grandmother who passed her Catholic faith to her family. She placed her only son, William A. Izzo, Jr., known as Bill, and her entire family first. Her famous Italian meatballs will go down in family history. Lorraine and her husband thoroughly enjoyed their ‘one-on-one’ vacation times with each of the grandchildren throughout their childhood years.Lorraine is survived by her son William A. Izzo, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Lake Placid, NY, four grandchildren Elizabeth Izzo, Joseph Izzo (Mary Catherine), Anna Izzo and her fiancé Mike, Jesse Izzo, and three great grandchildren Mary Elizabeth Izzo, Joseph Izzo and John Paul Izzo, all of Lake Placid. In addition, Lorraine is survived by her brother Anthony Mignone and his wife Mary Ann and her brother-in-law Lenny Hottin, all of East Haven, CT; She is predeceased by her closest friend and sister Sheila Hottin. Lorraine’s surviving niece Roxane Dogolo and nephew Lenny Hottin (Phyllis), from East Haven, CT, were like siblings to Lorraine’s son Bill throughout childhood. Lastly, Lorraine also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews and 2 great-great nieces.A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Father Paul Kelly, will be held at the Reiss Memorial Chapel at Elderwood of Uihlein in Lake Placid on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. Interment will be held in the spring at Saint Agnes Cemetery in Lake Placid.The M. B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences for the Izzo family.

Obituary Preview: Pamela Ann Davies passed away Thursday, February 1, at Adirondack Medical Center after a brief illness.She was born March 19, 1955, in Binghamton, New York, to Doris and William Folejewski.Pam was an accomplished flutist at Binghamton Central High School, graduating in 1973. She attended SUNY Albany and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She met her husband John in college and married in 1977 after completing her studies.During her nursing career she held various staff and management positions at facilities in the Bronx New York, Indianapolis Indiana, and St. Louis Missouri. Pam and John moved to the North Country in 1994, with Pam employed at Adirondack Medical Center for sixteen years. She retired in 2010 as Nurse Manager of the Kidney Dialysis Unit.Pam was a breeder of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, with her dogs having success competing in confirmation dog shows across the US. She and John enjoyed traveling, especially their annual visits to the UK countryside. Recently she was studying the Welsh language with the hopes of speaking it during future trips.She is survived by her husband John; sister Suzanne; sister-in-law Joanne; nieces Debbie (Andrew), Becky and Jennifer; nephews David (Rebecca), Aaron (Irene), Joshua and Daniel (Shea); and several grand nieces and nephews.A graveside service will be held May 18th at 1:00 PM at North Elba Cemetery, Lake Placid, NY.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a story or upload a photograph to be included in the pages of the Tribute Book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: Carolyn Marie Borden, 69, of Old Military Rd, Lake Placid, NY passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid. She was born in Lake Placid, NY February 19, 1954 the daughter of Arthur Asa Chrisman and Bernice Mildred Hill. A Celebration of Life will be held February 10th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at New Hope Church, Station Street, Lake Placid, NY. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a story or upload a photograph to be included in the pages of the Tribute Book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: James William Robert Beaney 37, of Mill Pond Drive, Lake Placid, NY passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY. He was born on March 6th, 1986 to Julie (Gonyea) and James T. Beaney. Their blond blue-eyed son was soft spoken and sweet. He treasured his TMNT & WWF figures and a collection of wrestling tapes.As Jimmy got older he explored interests in baseball, basketball, and the culinary arts. An LPHS graduate of 2004, he went to Paul Smiths College to hone his craft. After working as a chef for many years he changed roles and became a Citizen Advocates job coach. He had enjoyed preparing volunteers for jobs in the workforce.Jimmy always remembered fondly the family trips, camping, pranks, and time spent with his sister Tara. In 2010 she gave birth to a son, Julius, who would become Jimmy’s best friend and partner in crime. He taught the young man about hip hop, 80s movies, a love for the NBA (go Celtics!) and collecting jerseys, they constantly shared memes and videos with each other.Jimmy shared nearly 16 years with his wife Whitney (Ratliff). They enjoyed relaxing at Camp, Christmas parties, family vacations, and many trips to the Palace Theater. He was a thoughtful and caring husband, and their time spent together in the ICU before his passing was particularly meaningful.His parents raised him to keep an eye out for anyone who may need help. Auctions, flea markets and antique shops with Julie and Jim taught him a love of both local history and bargains. He loved cooking for holidays and visiting Santa’s Workshop with his mom; and taking long-talk rides around town & drinking Stewart’s coffee with his late father.James was predeceased by his beloved father Jim, aunt Linda, grandparents, and far too many friends and family.Calling hours Will be held March 2nd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the M. B. Clark, Inc,. Funeral Home in Lake Placid with a prayer service to follow at 12:00 PM Justice Martin will officiate. A reception will be held at the Crowne Plaza following the service. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a story or upload a photograph to be included in the pages of the Tribute Book for the family to cherish.

Obituary Preview: Mark Albert Bellos, 75, of Lake Placid, New York, passed away January 19th at home with his wife and son by his side. He was born and raised in Glens Falls NY, went to St. Mary's School and then Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, studying architecture. After college, he went out west to work and ski at several resorts in Colorado. Returning East, he worked in carpentry & construction in the Lake George area before coming to Lake Placid as a union carpenter to be a supervisor for the bobsled run construction for the 1980 Olympics. While in Lake Placid in 1979, he met Pam, the love of his life, and married in 1987. He built their home in 1990 with his carpentry and architecture expertise, and in 1994, welcomed the birth of his son Billy, who would be his best friend on many lifelong adventures, passing down his wisdom of building and his love of the outdoors. Mark loved fishing, canoeing, boating, hiking, cross country skiing, trail cams, and his Springer Spaniels, sharing his knowledge and passions with Billy and Pam. He helped Billy in Troop 10 of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, encouraging his son to achieve Eagle Scout and helping lead part of the Cub Scouts for several years. He continued doing carpentry in the area, caretaking a few camps on Lake Placid and helping his many friends with any projects they needed. Mark spent a few years in partial retirement.He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Pam, his son Billy, his brother Al Bellos (Joan), sister Christine, nieces Alesandra Bellos, Sarah Bellos, Katherine Bellos, Stephani Piccolo, Ryka Lovis (Will), nephews Brent Lagerman (Teresa), Nils Lagerman, Kresten Lagerman, his dog Moose, and many dear friends.

Obituary Preview: Helen Marie (Favro) Sawyer, 97, of McIntyre Way, Lake Placid, NY passed away Janurary 15, 2024 at her home. Helen was born in Peru, NY August 6, 1926 the daughter of Oliver and Delia (Levitt) Favro. She was the wife of Vernon Sawyer, Sr. Vernon died May 29, 2009. A Funeral Service will be held at M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid at a later date to be announced. Burial will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in spring. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.

Obituary Preview: Ronald C. Reid, 68, of Lake Placid, New York, passed away on January 11th, 2024. Ron fought a lengthy battle with ALS and died from complications of pneumonia. Ron, as a child, was given the nickname “Rope.” Ron was a stellar athlete excelling in hockey, baseball and football. Ron graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1975.As an adult Ron found his passion working and playing on the golf course. Ron was employed at the Lake Placid Club Golf Course for over 20 years. Ron then went on to work at the Whiteface Club and Resort Golf Course for another 23 years until his retirement.Ron’s first son Corey was born in 1981. Ron was a devoted father who coached his son in hockey and baseball. The two had a special relationship while living on endless dinners of Mr. Mike’s Pizza, “tuna nuna casserole – as Corey called it” and English muffin pizzas. Ron, while coaching, developed many long-term relationships with numerous hockey families and kids that he coached over the years. Ron also forged lasting friendships while working for Can Am Hockey. The bonds continued and he was blessed with many great friends.In 1993, Ron met the love of his life, Melissa. Together they started a family. Their son, Ron Jacob (RJ) was born in 1995. Their daughter, Morgan Billie, followed in 1998. Again, Ron was an exceptional father coaching his son RJ in hockey and baseball and cheering on his daughter Morgan in soccer and softball. His devotion to his family was unsurpassed. Ron looked forward every year to vacationing with his family in Myrtle Beach. Ron had an infectious laugh and would always greet you with a smile. If you were at a party and the music started Ron would be the first one on the dance floor. 38 Special and AC/DC were two of his favorites.Ron is survived by his wife of 29 years, Melissa, his son Corey Reid (April), his son RJ Reid (Shelby), his daughter Morgan Terrell (Robert), his father, Frederick Reid “Fred Ted”, his mother-in-law Cheryl Strack, his grandchildren Hannah Reid, Logan Lavallee, Ayden Gonyo and his granddaughter that is on the way.Ron is also survived by his brothers, David Reid, Mark Reid (Diane), his sister Beth Quinn, his brothers-in-law, Adrian Strack (Tracey), Paul Strack (Judy), Tony Strack (Kristin) and many nieces and nephews.Ron is predeceased by his mother Betty (Jacques) Reid, his father-in-law Billy Strack, his sister-in-law Cindie Reid, his niece Stephanie Reid and his brother-in-law Michael Quinn.Caling Hours will be held March 9th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM at the M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home, Lake Placid. Relatives and friends are encouraged to share a story about Rope at this time. Rev. Derek Hansen, Pastor of the Adirondack Community Church will offociate. Burial will be at the convienience of the family. A special thank you to friends and family and community for their love and support.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photo or leave condolences.

Obituary Preview: (The following tribute to Dmitry Feld is published here courtesy of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News.) Lake Placid mourns loss of community leader Dmitry Feld SYDNEY EMERSON, OLIVER REIL and PARKER O’BRIEN Staff Writer and Sports EditorLAKE PLACID — USA Luge Marketing Manager and Ukraine expatriate Dmitry Feld ended many of his emails “Big Hug” or simply “D.” As a community leader, D had big hugs for everyone ... until Wednesday, Jan. 10, when he died at a Burlington hospital at the age of 68.Having grown up in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv, he was a relentless supporter of his home country since Russia invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014 and invaded the rest of the country on Feb. 24, 2022. He spent countless hours sourcing supplies for Ukraine’s army and citizens and shipping them across the Atlantic for almost two years. He even traveled to Ukraine in October 2022 with Saranac Lake veterinarian Dr. John Cogar, bringing much-needed drones for the army and pet supplies for dogs and cats in the capital region.When Feld was named the village of Lake Placid and town of North Elba Adult Distinguished Volunteer of the Year on April 27 at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, then North Elba town Supervisor Roby Politi addressed the crowd. “I was talking to Dmitry earlier, and he said what a beautiful day this was,” Politi said. “‘In Russia, they’d call this summer.’ I’m know you’re glad to be here, Dmitry, rather than there, and we’re glad to have you.”Feld is being remembered by his friends and colleagues as a loving husband and father, tireless humanitarian and friend to all. “We are all shocked at this time,” USA Luge CEO Jim Leahy wrote in an email. “May this wonderful man rest in peace. Please keep his wife Linda and son Dima in your thoughts and prayers.”Feld was the president of the Shipman Youth Center board and co-organizer of the annual I Love BBQ and Music Festival. Feld, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine who moved to Lake Placid in 1984, also became the local face of humanitarian efforts to aid Ukraine after Russia invaded in 2022, tirelessly organizing fundraisers and supply drives. “He was a miracle man,” said Jason Hooker, director of the Shipman Youth Center. “Most of the community already knows all the work he’s done for Ukraine and everything with the humanitarian efforts for that, but for here at the Youth Center, from my perspective, he put so much on his back.”“The work he did with the Shipman Youth Center and the luge will be greatly missed in the community,” Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin said.Leahy said in an email Wednesday that Feld, who had previously been treated for cancer, took ill during the Christmas holidays. “The leukemia that had been in remission for a couple of years reared it heads again,” Leahy wrote. “He was really struggling during this time with his breathing. In the last couple of days he developed RSV and pneumonia. He was intubated last night with the hope of improving his breathing.”Feld’s coworker Gordy Sheer said he was admitted to the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake before being transported to the UVM Medical Center in Burlington. “Go-getter” Butch Martin, the former park district manager for the town of North Elba who worked closely with Feld on the I Love BBQ and Music Festival, said Feld was a “go-getter.” “You couldn’t say no to him,” Martin said. “He’d come up and ask a thing that you just probably couldn’t do but because it was him, you went out and did it. And his heart was in it for everybody and everything. He just worked for the community, worked for everything he did, and he did it with a smile on. He’ll be missed a lot.” Saranac Lake’s village manager and Feld’s close family friend, Bachana Tsiklauri, wrote in a text message that Feld’s passing was a “great loss to the community” and remembered fondly Feld’s signature signoff: “Big hug.”Feld was an enthusiastic volunteer who lent his time and attention to a variety of causes around the community. He was named Volunteer of the Year by the Enterprise and Lake Placid News in 2010 and received the Liberty Bell Award, an award for being an outstanding citizen, from the Essex County Bar Association that same year. Feld was also involved with charities such Haiti Direct Relief International and the Adirondack Arc. He raised tens of thousands of dollars for his native Ukraine. From Ukraine to Lake Placid by sledFeld was born in 1955 in Kamchatka, Russia — at the time, the Soviet Union. When he was about 3 years old, his family moved to Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, for a couple of years before moving to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.Growing up, Feld played soccer, which he said he was not very fond of because he was small, and got stepped on often. He discovered luge at 15 when he saw pictures of the sport in a newspaper and figured that he might like it, telling the Lake Placid News in 2009 it was because it involved only one man with nobody else to blame if one failed. He called a newspaper to get the name of the venue to pursue: “Zenit.” He liked it so much that he bought his own sled. His mother was a worrier, so instead of telling her the truth about his new venture, he told her that he would be away playing table tennis.When Feld was 16, he began sliding with the Ukrainian luge team. When he was 18, he joined the Soviet Army as part of his compulsory military service, spending two years in the far east, not far away from Kamchatka, near the Chinese border.In 1979, Feld moved to America, arriving in New York City first before heading north to the Adirondacks. He first visited Lake Placid to watch the Soviet luge team, returning in 1982 as a volunteer training young sliders at Mount Van Hoevenberg. It was in Lake Placid that he met his wife, Linda, whom he married in 1989. He became a U.S. citizen in Plattsburgh in 2001. “He made me feel special”Feld was hired as a full-time coach by USA Luge in 1984.He coached dozens of young athletes including 1998 Olympic silver medalist Gordy Sheer, who is now USA Luge’s marketing director. The two have worked together since 2005. “The first person I met was Dmitry,” Sheer said. “He made me feel welcomed, he made me feel special and did all of those things that Dmitry does.”Sheer admits that he and Feld would often bicker at work. And about once every other year, Feld would quit. “By quit, I mean he’d quit for about a minute,” Sheer said. “What I’ve really come to value about those fights is that at least we got to tell each other that we loved one another after those fights.”Feld has worked toward the promotion and development of luge, bobsled and skeleton in marketing, communications and sponsorship roles. His work has taken him to the last six Olympic Winter Games.“Dmitry’s contribution to USA Luge is almost immeasurable. It’s been said that he was the heart and soul of USA Luge,” Sheer said. “If you look through our list of supporters and friends, Dmitry is the root of a tremendous number of partnerships. It was never about anything other than Dmitry being a great guy and making people feel a part of what was going on and making them feel like they were important because they were important to Dmitry. It wasn’t an act. He truly cared about anyone and everyone,” he said. “The proof was that he remembered anything and everything about anyone he ever met. He really genuinely cared.”Leahy, who knew Feld for almost 11 years, said he was more than a colleague, he became part of his family.“My boys actually called him Uncle Dmitry after spending almost a week with him on an Alaskan Fishing trip. He was one of a kind,” he said.He was fun traveling to an airport with, because he’d see people that he knew over the years just walking to the airport. “I’d be like, ‘Dmitry, we need to get to the terminal over here, you’re talking to all of these people. How do you know all of these people?’” Leahy said. “Not many of us could meet somebody from 30 years ago and remember their names and where they met him. It was amazing that he could meet somebody and remember you and 30 years later, he’d remember exactly where he met you and what your name was. He had that rare quality.”His office at USA Luge always looked like “a bomb had hit it,” Leahy said. But he always knew where everything was. “He was a traditional type of guy that still used his Rolodex,” Leahy said. “When it came to new technology, (he’d ask) the people in our office, whether it was Gordy or Lizzy, ‘How do you work this new phone,’ or ‘How do you work this new computer.’ But he was a joy to be around. He loved luge and he loved this organization.”Leahy remembers his first time meeting Feld. He had just come over from the hockey world where he typically wore a suit and tie. “I had a blazer on and an open-collared shirt, with wingtips and a pair of slacks,” he said. “When I walked in, he said, ‘Pretty soon, we’ll have you address Adirondack style.’”Leahy admitted he never got to the point of wearing shorts in the middle of February.“But he broke me of that jacket and tie pretty quickly,” Leahy said.Leahy attempted to make Feld “dress up” for a Luge Congress event in Innsbruck, Austria. Something Feld didn’t care to do.“I said to him that ‘if we’re going to represent the U.S. at this meeting you need to have a coat and tie on,’” Leahy said.Feld had borrowed a jacket from a friend and wore a tie that went back to the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. “When he walked into that Congress and people that had known him for years were blown away that he had a jacket and a tie on,” Leahy said. “He said, ‘My boss made me do this.’”Leahy said Feld “was the fabric” of USA Luge.“Nobody is alone in their grief with Dmitry,” Sheer said. Ukraine aidFeld was known for his extensive charitable work not only in Lake Placid, but also internationally. Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Feld organized the donation of hundreds of thousands of pounds of equipment and supplies to the frontlines, hospitals and schools. Leahy said that Feld single-handedly raised over $100,000 for the Ukraine effort.“The Ukrainians were just here for the World Cup in December, he made sure that he worked with me to get the visas,” Leahy said. “While they were here, he did everything he possibly could to make them comfortable. “Probably his last act with them was when we had a big party with all of the sponsors and there were probably over 200 people that showed up and he made sure that there was a table for the Ukrainian athletes to sit at. When we introduced them to the crowd, they got a standing ovation. He took a great of pride in doing the little things.”Feld, with the help of the village of Lake Placid, organized the purchase of 20 Ukrainian flags that were hung on light poles along on Main Street in March 2022. At the time, Feld said he told Mayor Devlin that he’d personally pay for the flags, but Feld’s friend, village Electrical Superintendent Kimball Daby, fronted the $1,850 bill. Feld offered to reimburse Daby, but Sheer suggested they fundraise the flags through USA Luge. Feld raised enough donations in a single day. “He was certainly a person that got things done, and I don’t know anyone that didn’t like him,” Daby said. “I just know no one else could do the barbecue fest like Dmitry did. And Dmitry would do anything for anybody.”In August 2023, Feld hosted two Kyiv teachers, Svitlana Shevchenko and Natalia Oshzova, and showed them around Lake Placid. He had organized an annual school-supply drive for their school. A month later, Feld and a group of friends packed a minivan full of used sneakers to be shipped (van and all) to Ukraine. Feld said sneakers were a huge request from the Ukranian Army, as they went through them quickly. He collected around 150 pairs.Feld also traveled to Ukraine to administer aid. In October 2022, he and longtime friend John Cogar, a veterinarian in Saranac Lake, traveled overseas. Feld assisted Cogar as a translator while Cogar worked with a nonprofit agency that helped abandoned cats and dogs in war-torn parts of Ukraine.Cogar said that Feld was immediately popular with the locals. “He hadn’t been to Ukraine in 40 years, he told me, and we were in this little region of Ukraine. We were there for two days, and I’d be walking up and down the street ... all these Ukrainian people would say, ‘Where’s Dmitry?’ In other words, they knew Dmitry after being there for two days.”Cogar added that Feld was an example to his community. “He was just the opposite of what’s going on in our world today,” he said. “He did not cause conflict. He brought people together. I think all of our goals should be to help him carry on the mission of peace and victory for Ukraine.” VolunteerismThe annual I Love BBQ Festival, of which Feld was the volunteer general manager, accounted for nearly a third of the center’s budget.Feld was involved with Haiti Direct Relief International, which helps to provide medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster and civil unrest.He served on the board of the Adirondack Arc, an organization whose mission is to provide opportunities to people with developmental disabilities.When named the Volunteer of the Year in 2017, the Lake Placid-North Elba National Volunteer Week Committee said they awarded Feld for his volunteer service with numerous nonprofit groups and boards, which displayed an outstanding commitment to the community and beyond, working to improve the lives of others.“If everybody could be more like Feld, this world would be a better place,” Sheer said. (Lake Placid News Editor/Publisher Andy Flynn contributed to this report.)

Obituary Preview: The Devitt Family sadly announces and mourns the loss of their father, Jack, who passed away on Wednesday, December 13 in Kingston, NY. He was just shy of his 92nd birthday.John Joseph Devitt was born on January 18, 1932, in Philadelphia where he grew up with his parents Michael and Catherine, his older sister Jane, and his younger sister Ellen. He graduated from St. Joseph's Prep School in 1950 and went on to study fine art, specializing in metalwork, at the Philadelphia College of Art. After earning his diploma, he joined Willet's Stained Glass Studio, creating designs for church and synagogue windows, decorative gold-leafed reliefs for doors, and exquisite altar pieces in silver. His designs are still found today at houses of worship in Chicago, Philadelphia, Virginia and New York city.Also a gifted painter, Jack worked for many years as a freelance artist, developing renderings in gouache from architectural plans. The finished paintings provided clients with tangible images of the structures that were to be built. This method of creating architectural renderings has since been replaced by digital production; fortunately, some of Jack's original artworks remain in the care of his family.When Jack was a small boy his dad, a sportswriter, was assigned to cover a hockey game for the Philly paper and brought him along. After the game, one of the players from the winning team picked him up and treated him to a spin around the ice. It was a delightful ride that sparked Jack's interest in learning to skate ( lessons soon ensued, and what was to become his lifelong passion for skating took off.As a teenager, Jack's favorite coach was Cliff Thaell, who taught with his wife Edwina at several Philly area rinks and spent summers with her in Lake Placid. An important mentor and friend, Mr. Thaell eventually guided Jack in his pursuit of becoming a coach himself.One day while demonstrating how to use arms in spinning, Jack accidentally whacked another skater in the face, breaking her tooth. Not such a pleasant introduction, but it was destiny: that young skater was Joan LaCasse, who soon became his ice dancing partner and ultimately his partner in life. The pair spent a few summers training in Lake Placid in the late 40sa and early 50s and competed together at the national level. They married in 1956 and settled in Malvern, PA.In the late 1950s, Jack began managing a rink and teaching full-time with the Thaells while he and Joan started their family. Then in 1969 the Devitts learned that a coaching position at the Skating Club of Lake Placid had opened. For them, this was a dream job that they just couldn't pass up. In a brave move, they decided to go for it; they packed up their four kids in their red VW bus and drove north. The family landed in Placid on August 19th and never looked back.Jack and Joan (a.k.a. Mr. D. and Mrs. D. or sometimes, in Jack's case, "Mr. Devil") ran the SCLP for 15 years, accomplishing many "firsts" for the Club along the way. They coached the first local skaters through their US Figure Skating Association Gold tests and brought Lake Placid's first competitors, Leanne and Jeff Labrake, to the US Nationals in Junior and Senior Pairs.During their tenure, Jack and Joan choreographed and produced 14 Club shows with an extended family of dedicated volunteers, who helped design and build scenery and props, and make costumes. Jack spent many hours at home by his record player, selecting music for group numbers and matching just the right piece to each of his students for their solos. He had a unique knack for "seeing the music" that fit a skater's style and personality.After stepping down from the Club in 1984, Jack and Joan continued to teach and choreograph in Lake Placid, taking a one-year break to manage the Hershey Figure Skating Club in Pennsylvania. They taught well into their 80s and were founding members of the "Skating 80s," who convened every week for Coffee Club sessions, which usually included at least a few laps around the rink.In addition to coaching and choreography, Jack honed the crafts of skate sharpening, fitting boots, and setting blades to meet the individual needs of his skaters. He also created a line of skating-themed jewelry designs in silver and gold, which he continued to make over the decades. Other special accomplishments included earning his Masters Ratings from the Professional Skaters Guild of America, serving two terms on the PSGA Board, and induction with Joan into the Lake Placid Hall of Fame in 2012. He even designed a blade for figures ( the "Coronation Comet" ( which was manufactured by the John Wilson Company in England and sold worldwide for many years.When Jack's beloved wife Joan passed away in March 2017, his daughters brought him to Kingston to be near them. Although he never stopped missing his home and friends in the Adirondacks, he found joy in the beauty of the Hudson Valley and seeing Mary and Ruthie every day.Jack is survived by his children Jack Devitt Jr. and wife Lori Brock Devitt of Weaverville, NC; Mary Devitt and husband Joe Braby of Kingston; Ruth Ann Devitt-Frank and husband Kevin Frank also of Kingston; and Nancy Harpel and husband Bill Harpel of Eagle River, Alaska. He is also survived by his sister Ellen Kenny of Willow Grove, PA; 17 nieces and nephews; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren ( and scores of former students whose lives he touched with his nurturing instruction, goofy sense of humor, and inspiring love of figure skating.His was a rich, colorful, and beautiful life well-lived ( Bravo, Mr. D.! ( you'll be deeply missed by us all.Visitation for Jack will take place at St. Agnes Church on Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Lake Placid.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.

Obituary Preview: Sister Catherine Mary Cummings died December 11, 2023, at Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake, N.Y.Sister was born Shirley Ann Cummings in Ogdensburg, N.Y. on August 29, 1937, the daughter of Katherine and Myron Cummings.Sister entered the Sisters of Mercy in Tarrytown, N.Y. on September 8, 1955 and along the way received a Doctorate in Nursing Education. She began her ministry of teaching Nursing at Mercy Hospitals in Watertown and Port Jervis, N.Y. Sister continued that ministry in New York City, Syracuse, and Hartford, Ct., Worcester, Ma. And Hartsdale, N.Y.In 2006 she started a new ministry at Mercy Care for the Adirondacks as Director of Mercy Care's Parish Nurse and Mission Integration Programs. She recently retired from that position.In addition to the Sisters of Mercy, she is survived by her brother Thomas (Beverly Wernet) of Liverpool, N.Y. and many beloved nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert, and her sister Mary Gertrude.Calling hours will be held Friday, December 15th from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm and Saturday, December 16th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 am at Reiss Family Memorial Chapel at Elderwood of Uihlein, Lake Placid, NY. Rev. John Yonkovig and Rev. Paul Kelly will officiate.Burial will be in the Spring in St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Tupper Lake, NY.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.

Obituary Preview: Lynn H.Southmayd, Jr. (He always insisted on the junior), 75, died suddenly at his residence in Lake Placid, NY on December 7, 2023. He was born in Lake Placid, NY on July 25, 1948 (in the old hospital on Mirror Lake Drive). He lived in Lake Placid for most of his life, except for a time working in Connecticut. Returning to Lake Placid he worked at a series of odd jobs at various places: The Thousand Acres, McDonald's, the Lake Placid Club and,finally, at the Crowne Plaza. He liked Pepsi and potato chips, popcorn, and peanut butter. (He really liked PB.). Lynn retired in 2010 and spent his remaining years living a quiet life. He enjoyed watching The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Young & the Restless and General Hospital. His mother,Mattie, His father Lynn Sr, and his brother Harry predeceased him. His sister Alma and a slew of cousins survived him. There will be no calling hours or services. Burial will be in the spring at Central Cemetery in Jay, NY. To share a memory, or leave condolences please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements.