Deuard "Dewey" D. Van Ornum

Deuard “Dewey” D. Van Ornum Sr., age 89, of DePeyster, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. There will be a Celebration of Life held on April 4, 2026 at 12:00pm at the United Helpers Mosaic Building at 100 Ford Street Extension in Ogdensburg, NY to honor Dewey.

Born on January 7, 1937, in Gouverneur, Dewey was the son of the late Lloyd and Jeaneva (Bigelow) Van Ornum. He graduated from Hermon-DeKalb Central School and later married the love of his life, Shirley Hunter, who predeceased him.

Dewey was known by all who met him as a kind, steady, and hard-working man. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to providing for his family. He worked for Red Rock Fuel and faithfully devoted 50 years of service to Losurdo Cheese, while also lending a hand on area farms whenever needed. Even after decades of hard work, he continued working until his retirement in 2020 — a testament to his strong work ethic and determination.

Though he worked tirelessly, Dewey also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed trips to the casino, trying his luck on scratch-off tickets, following OTB horse racing, and attending local auctions. Most of all, he treasured time spent with his family, who were the center of his world.

He is survived by his three sons, Keith (Penny) Van Ornum of Hammond, Robert Van Ornum of DePeyster, and Deuard Van Ornum Jr. of Heuvelton; his daughter, Barbara Sharpe of DePeyster; a sister Jane Shephard of Richville; his cherished grandchildren, Colleen Stark, Lilly, Nathan, and Andrew Van Ornum, Francis, Christopher, Gerald, Mindy, Ashley, Marcia Sharpe and Damien Van Ornum; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Travis Stark II, Marissa and Peayton Stark, Sophia, Saphire, Simone & Avery Sharpe-Newborne Aiden, Carson, Isabella Van Ornum, Tiffany and Kira Webb, and Layton Walrath; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents and his wife Shirley, Dewey was predeceased by his brothers James, Linel, Donald, and Wayne, and his sisters Carol, Fern, Laurel, and Alberta.

Dewey will be remembered for his quiet strength, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering willingness to work hard without complaint. His legacy lives on in the strong family he helped build and the many lives he touched through his kindness and steady presence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences and fond memories may be shared online at www.foxand`murrayfuneralhome.com.