EARL R. HERNE

AKWESASNE – Mr. Earl R. Herne, 82, formerly of Cook Road, passed away early Monday morning, January 12, 2015 at the Highland Nursing Home, where he had been a resident since 2009.

Earl was born at the family home on September 4, 1932, the son of the late Abraham and Christie Laughing Herne and attended Bombay school. He married Janet Thompson on June 11, 1955 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Francis Arsenault officiating; she survives.

Earl was a painter for 38 years at Alcoa, where he was a member of the Painter's Local. He enjoyed doing carpentry, masonry, and mechanic work. He also enjoyed watching various wildlife animals while sitting on this tractor in his backyard.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Reginald Herne and Josephine Johnson-Herne; Dale and Sherri Herne, Matthew Neil and Lorna Herne, Louis and Audrey Herne, all of Akwesasne; June and Jim Oshkineegish of Massena; and Mose and Ann Herne of Rockville, MD; 21 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

Earl is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Pitts of Palmyra; Marie Casey, Rita Swamp, and Millie Thompson, all of Akwesasne; his brother, Robert Herne of Chandler, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Patrick Dale.

Friends may call at Kateri Hall beginning Wednesday 2:00 PM until 10:00 AM Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 AM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Anthony Osuji celebrating. Burial will be held in the spring in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Akwesasne.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.