All Obituaries

Katherine Graffi, 99, formerly of Watertown, New York, passed away on March 28, 2024, at the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, New York.  She was born on February 21, 1925, in Gross Schogen, Romania, to the late Michael and Maria (Thot) Schneider. Katherine immigrated from Romania to Austria with her family in 1944, eventually settling in Watertown in 1951. She worked diligently throughout her life, starting with cleaning homes upon her arrival in Watertown, working in the...

Sheila M. Kane, of Watertown, New York, passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 2024, at her home.  Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home.  A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. She was born on November 10, 1963, in Watertown, New York, daughter of Gerald and Ann (DeRosia) Corbett.  Sheila graduated from Watertown...

Lorinda Dawn Soluri-Doane, the beloved infant daughter of Shawn R. Doane and Donna M. Soluri, peacefully passed away on March 27, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown. Besides her parents she is survived by her siblings, Callie Mayson Owen, and Emmett Soluri-Earl, and Dakota, Shylianna, and Kristyana Doane; her maternal grandparents, April and Shawn Secor of Watertown,  her maternal grandfather, Jason Williams and his companion, Heather Potter of Watertown; several aunts,...

Lester J. Gill, 52, formerly of Carthage, NY, passed away on March 25, 2024 at the Crossroads Hospice House in Batavia, NY.  Born on September 25, 1971, in Carthage, New York, he was the son of John B. Gill and Norma A. West. Lester graduated from Watertown High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy , achieving the rank of third-class petty officer. Following his honorable discharge, Lester settled in Watertown before eventually relocating to Batavia, where he...

Gage M. Regg, 42, of Watertown, New York, passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 2024, at his home.  He was born on February 4, 1982, to John M. and Annie M. (White) Smith, in Norwich, New York.  Gage graduated from New Berlin Central School and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Empire State. Over the years he held various jobs in the community and had a passion for drawing, diamond art, crafts, hunting and fishing.  He is survived by his mother...

Steven J. Whitford, 62, of Watertown, New York, passed away on March 19, 2024, at his home.  He was born on November 8, 1961, in Watertown, New York, the son of William and Betty (Reynolds) Whitford, Sr.  Steven attended Watertown High School and began his career in construction, working alongside his father and later for various other companies, showcasing his skills in masonry, welding, roofing, and construction. Additionally, he pursued his passion for mechanics and worked in...

Orville M. Bilby, 86, formerly of Black River, NY, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024 at his home in Zephyrhills, Florida.  Our Dad and Grandpa is now reunited with his wife, our mom and grandma.  He was born on November 17, 1937, in Batavia, Ohio, son of Orville and Mildred (Shannon) Bilby. A dedicated individual, Orville entered the United States Army Reserves at 17, completing his high school education while in service. His commitment extended to 32 years as an...

Margaret A. "Peggy" Bracken, 79, of Morgia's Beach, Sackets Harbor, NY, peacefully passed away on March 5, 2024, in Murrells Inlet, SC.  She was born on February 5, 1945, in Watertown, NY,  the daughter of Dominic and Julee (Malara) Gorri. Peggy moved to California where she graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1963.  Following her graduation she returned to Watertown and married Ronald J. Girard on September 11, 1965. Together the couple had a...

Pamala V. Decillis, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.  She was born on September 4, 1953, to Glenn and Barbara (Pellicella) Goodfriend. Pamala graduated from General Brown High School and married Lyle J. Decillis on March 10, 1973, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Brownville. She began her career as a nurse’s aide at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home before...

It is with broken hearts that we must announce the passing of our beautiful Mother, Shirley Jean Jewett Coleman a few days before her 91st birthday. Mom passed peacefully at Samaritan Summit Village on March 1st, 2024 where she had been a resident for 6 years. She lived in Brownville for several years before moving into Assisted Living.  Mom was born in Samaritan Hospital in Watertown, NY on March 5th, 1933, the daughter of the late Laurence W. and Bernice McClure Jewett. Mom resided...