Lawrence C. Barone
Lawrence C. “Larry” Barone devoted his life to art, teaching, and the communities he loved. A Batavia native who earned degrees from SUNY Buffalo and UMass Amherst, he inspired generations of students as an art educator in New York and Massachusetts. His belief in young people was profound as he helped hundreds of students find their path. When he and his wife, Constance, settled in Sackets Harbor in 2002, Larry continued to share his gifts. He opened The Gallery-Fine Art, taught at Jefferson Community College, and remained an active, thoughtful voice. His service as a village trustee, historian, and volunteer reflected a deep sense of responsibility to place. A celebrated printmaker and pastel artist, Larry’s work appeared in exhibitions across the country. Memorial gifts to the Brennan-Barone Fund at the Community Foundation will help ensure that Larry and Connie’s passion for community and the causes they value most continue to leave an imprint on the people and places of our region and beyond.
Lee D. Berry
Lee Donald Berry leaves a legacy grounded in family, service, and a deep commitment to the North Country’s forests and rural communities. An Adams Center native and South Jefferson graduate, Lee built his life around stewardship — shaped at the New York State Ranger School and strengthened during his Vietnam War service. With his brother, Gary, he helped lead Berry Brothers Lumber, reflecting both his entrepreneurial drive and respect for the land. He and his wife of 55 years, Sue, raised two children and rooted their family in generosity and community spirit. Lee shared his expertise widely. For more than 20 years, he served on the Ranger School Board and championed responsible forestry and land use. He also gave back locally as a member of the Lorraine Town Board. To honor his memory, Lee’s family directed gifts to the Community Foundation to grow the Berry Brothers Lumber FFA Award, a scholarship he and Sue established in 2021 to support students pursuing agricultural studies. We extend our sympathy to Lee’s family as we celebrate his enduring legacy of stewardship and service.
Peter L. Clough
Peter L. Clough lived a life rooted in service, compassion, and a deep love for family, faith, and community. A proud Massena native and 1965 graduate of Massena High School, he served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army military intelligence during the Vietnam War before dedicating his career to the New York State Department of Corrections. A devoted resident of Watertown’s North Side, Peter poured his energy into public service, serving 12 years on the Watertown City Council and in leadership roles with the North Side Improvement League and other local organizations. Together with his wife of 53 years, Susan, they raised two sons and two daughters. Peter’s humor, generosity, and steadfast commitment to others left an enduring mark on all who knew him. When he passed away in July at age 77, his family chose to celebrate his life through the Community Foundation’s North Side Legacy Fund, ensuring his lifelong spirit of service continues to strengthen the community he loved.
Theresa Ann Constance Desormeaux
Theresa Ann Constance Desormeaux spent 93 years living her values of faith, family, hard work, and service to others. A Cape Vincent native and Watertown School of Commerce graduate, she built an early career at Knowlton Brothers before beginning the chapter that defined her life: raising a son and six daughters while operating a successful Gouverneur dairy farm with her husband, Albert. Theresa’s commitment to community ran just as deep. She volunteered generously, supporting local nonprofits, her church, and neighbors who knew they could always count on her steady presence and practical kindness. Giving back was a shared priority for Theresa and Albert. Together they supported the Community Foundation and its Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Fund, later establishing family funds to lift the causes they cared about most, both now and in the future. When she passed in October, her family chose to honor her by directing memorial gifts to the Foundation, an enduring reflection of her belief in helping others. Theresa’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the community she strengthened, and the charitable impact she set in motion. We are grateful to honor her life, her generosity, and her example.
William P. Doyle II
William P. “Bill” Doyle II built a life defined by warmth, humor, and generosity. A Potsdam native and 1968 Immaculate Heart Central graduate, he cultivated friendships everywhere he went — from his early days at Century Housewares, where he rose to district manager, to his later career in sales at WWTI TV 50. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve and remained deeply engaged in his community. He valued family above all. Together with his first wife, he shared two daughters. Bill later married Debra Platko, building a family that included a son and daughter. When he passed away in September, his family chose a tribute that reflects his enduring connection to service and the place that shaped him. Memorial gifts helped establish the William P. Doyle Memorial Golf Scholarship at the Community Foundation, supporting graduating seniors from Immaculate Heart Central. In this special way, Bill’s legacy will continue to lift young people forward, just as he lifted others throughout his life.
Daniel G. Fay
For more than five decades, Daniel G. “Danno” Fay shaped the lives of thousands of students at SUNY Canton. As a beloved professor of accounting and business, he inspired generations to think critically, work hard, and give back; lessons that reached far beyond the classroom. Born in Massena in 1944, Dan graduated from Massena High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Clarkson University. He and his wife, Linda, settled in Canton, where they raised a daughter and two sons and built a life grounded in faith, friendship, and service. A tireless advocate for his community, Dan gave generously of his time, serving on numerous boards and supporting causes close to his heart. As longtime Friends of the Community Foundation, he and Linda established family funds at the Foundation to benefit the people and places of St. Lawrence County. Dan’s legacy endures in the students he mentored, the community he strengthened, and the love he shared with all who knew him.
Cathleen Freeman
Cathleen Freeman shaped the lives of hundreds of young people, mentoring them with skill, patience, and heart. A Watertown native and Copenhagen Central School graduate, she built her life around family, community, and a deep love for her craft. After studying cosmetology at Howard G. Sackett Technical Center and later earning a technical education degree from SUNY Oswego, Cathleen found her purpose in the classroom. For more than 25 years at the Sackett Technical Center and Jeff-Lewis BOCES, she prepared students for meaningful careers, instilling confidence that stayed with them long after graduation. Cathleen shared 48 years of marriage with her husband, Gerald, and together they raised a daughter and a son. She also nurtured community through her home salon for more than 30 years. In August, colleagues and friends established the Cathleen Freeman Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation, ensuring her impact continues for future cosmetology students. We are honored to be part of the enduring way she will be remembered.
Ellen A. Hayes
Ellen A. Hayes built a life grounded in kindness, learning, and family, values she passed to her children, grandchildren, and the many people she quietly lifted along the way. Born in Rochester in 1950, Ellen pursued education with purpose, graduating from Penfield High School, earning a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, and completing a master’s in teaching at SUNY Potsdam. She and her husband, Daniel, shared 50 years of marriage and raised a daughter and three sons. Ellen taught reading at Norwood-Norfolk Elementary School, nurturing a love of learning in countless young students. While raising her family, she devoted herself to community service, giving time and heart to organizations that strengthened the places she called home. Together with Dan, her long-standing leadership with the Sandstoner Foundation (and partnership with the Community Foundation), that generations of Potsdam High School students will be inspired to pursue their own educational dreams. Ellen’s legacy of generosity endures in every life she touched. We honor her memory and extend our deepest sympathy to Dan and their family.
Mary M. McDonald Mascott
Mary M. McDonald Mascott cared deeply for her family, community, and the North Country. An accomplished attorney who spent most of her career with Merck & Co., Inc., she never forgot her roots in Northern New York. Mary supported many local and regional causes while sharing her leadership with a wide range of organizations throughout her life of 80 years, including the Community Foundation. She served on the Foundation’s Board from 2002 to 2009 and was instrumental in its growth and development as a steadfast advocate for its important role. She brought insight and wisdom in extraordinary ways. A Watertown native, Mary was born in 1944, a daughter to Anna M. (Murrock) and J. Donald McDonald. She graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1962 and earned a bachelor’s degree from D’Youville College, Buffalo, and a Juris Doctor from the Fordham University School of Law. She married G. Theodore “Ted” Mascott in 1983. Mary began her career practicing public service law in New York City for five years with the Legal Aid Society and the City Bar Association. Mary concluded her career at Merck as General Counsel, the first woman to hold that position in a major American corporation. We share our heartfelt sympathy as we mourn her loss and celebrate her life and legacy. We are grateful that, together with Ted, she established numerous funds at the Community Foundation that will touch the lives of many in our region for generations to come.
John J. O’Brien
John J. O’Brien poured pride and purpose into serving students, teachers, and staff as a special patrol officer with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department at Camden Central Schools. His calm presence and easy rapport made him a trusted part of school life. Born at Fort Sill in 1964, John grew up in Watertown, graduated from Immaculate Heart Central in 1982, and attended Buffalo State University, where he played football. He continued his love of the game with the Watertown Red and Black and went on to a 29-year career with the New York State Department of Corrections, retiring as a lieutenant. John married Colleen Bennett in 1991, and together they raised two sons. After his unexpected passing in August, his family directed memorial gifts to the Community Foundation to strengthen the Terry O’Brien Memorial Scholarship, honoring both John and his late brother. In this special way, John’s legacy will help support IHC students for years to come.
William D. O’Brien
William D. O’Brien built a life anchored in faith, family, and community service. Born in Rhode Island in 1940, he grew up in Providence before serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Drum. He married Katherine “Kay” Lortie in 1961 and raised a daughter and four sons together. After his honorable discharge in 1966, they made their home in Watertown. William worked for Seaway Motor Express, co-owned the Elbow Room, and later retired from Fort Drum, where he spent many years as a skilled mechanic. When William passed away in September at age 85, his family directed memorial gifts to the Community Foundation to help build the Terry O’Brien Memorial Scholarship. The fund honors his late son while supporting Immaculate Heart Central graduates. We are saddened by William’s loss as we celebrate his life and legacy of generosity.