Obituary of Richard Ashley

TROUT LAKE – Captain Richard "Dick" Ashley, age 89, of Trout Lake NY, passed away on September 19, 2024 at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. There will be calling hours at French Funeral Home in Edwards on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. His funeral will be on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by interment in the Oswegatchie Memorial Park in Ogdensburg. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Dick was born at home on the kitchen table by Dr. Claxton on April 15, 1935 in Ogdensburg. He was the child of the late Charles and Bernadette (Fortin) Ashley. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1955 and served in the United States Army from 1955 – 1958 and Navy Reserve from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1962. He married Elizabeth Sweetland Ramsey in 1956 at Notre Dame Church in Ogdensburg. Mr. Ashley worked for St. Lawrence County for many years as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. Captain had also operated the Marina on Trout Lake for many years. He loved boating on the lake, working in his woodshop, making fine stained-glass items, taught stained-glass classes at SUNY Canton for many years, and playing cards. Dick is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ashley, two daughters and their husbands, Debra E. and William French and Brenda L. and Brian Merrill, and a sister Diane Stroble. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Shawna, Jason, Michael, Jeffrey, and Christopher, 7 great-grandchildren, Carter Ashley, Noah Allen, Brinkley Elizabeth, Quinley Anne, Lily Louise, Liam Alexander, and Olivia Opal, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his son, Gregory R. Ashley, brother, Willard Ashley, and sisters, Elva Schumann and Theresa Kazmarek. In lieu of flowers donations in Dick's memory may be made to the Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, Edwards Volunteer Fire Department, SUNY Canton or an animal charity of your choice.