Neil Willmart Jr

Neil T. Willmart, Jr., 50, of River Road Potsdam passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, July 17, 2015. Calling hours will be Friday, July 24th from 1pm – 3 pm with a Memorial service at 3pm at the Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam with Father Howard Venette officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Colton NY.

Neil, (known by many as “Tuffy,” or as he and his Dad called each other: “Jimmy”) was born on July 4, 1965 to Linda Walrath and Neil, Sr. (Tom) Willmart.

He is survived by his two children, son, Cody, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, of Nashville, TN, and his daughter, Samantha, of Hermon. His parents of Colton; his brother, Randy, and sister-in-law, Christine, of Queensbury; his two sisters, Amy Clark, of Hannawa Falls, and Mary Willmart, of South Colton; his maternal grandmother, Betty Stevens, of Gouverneur; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and his niece. He also leaves behind many friends, many of whom he considered family.

Neil was predeceased by his sister, Lori; his paternal grandparents, Francis and Elmer (Joe) Willmart; and his maternal grandfather, Gordon Stevens.

Neil was raised in Colton, NY, graduating from Colton-Pierrepont Central School and then SUNY Canton. He worked for many years at the New York Power Authority in Massena, as a Senior Operator, and then later as a Journeyman Electrician at local Union 910, of Watertown, NY. Neil was also an excellent cook, and did the cooking for many different parties, events and charities (and if you had some of the smoked meat that he cooked, then you know he definitely knew his way around the grill). Neil also worked alongside his Dad for many years, cutting deer during hunting season– no one could skin and cut a deer faster than Neil.

Neil was a member of the Elks Lodge #2074 and the Moose Lodge #2397 of Potsdam.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, cooking, and hunting. Neil was always joking, and he could find the humor in all kinds of situations (even if you didn’t). He was also a great story teller, and card player. Earlier this month, Neil joined his parents and nephew, on a fishing trip to Lake Erie. He caught the biggest walleye the first day they fished, and had a great time reeling in many more. Neil will be greatly missed by many, but his memory will live on, always.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tuffys’ honor to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Online Condolences can be made at www.garnerfh.com