Berton M. Hance, 81, Canton

CANTON -- Berton M. Hance, 81, of Canton died peacefully at home where he was in the company of family and under the care of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice.

Berton was born July 15, 1942 in West Pierrepont, a son of the late Benjamin and Rose (Davis) Hance.

He attended country schools.

On March 26, 1967, Berton married Stella “Marie” Simmons. Marie predeceased him on March 31, 2007.

Berton worked farming in his younger days, later for Baildon’s Manufacturing and Supply in Flackville, NY and lastly for Super Duper.

Berton loved to go dancing, watch wrestling, scratch lottery tickets, getting caught up on gossip via Facebook and was an all-around great guy.

He is survived by five children, James (Leann) Hance, Leona Hance, Benjamin (Denyell) Hance, Richard (Buffy) Hance and Donna Hance, a grandson, Matthew Hance that he raised as his own, grandchildren, Robert and David Hance, Tommy and Michelle Demeter, Nicholas French, Dameika Cornwell and Carole Hance, Michael and Damian Hance and Tyler and Amber Eaton, and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Barbara Planty and Roselda LaDeuc, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Benjamin and Rose and his beloved wife, Marie, he was predeceased by a grandson, Zachary Eaton and by nine siblings, Merton Hance his twin, Silas and James Hance, Emily Bercume, Judy Chenail, Agnes Savage, Elsie Tessier, Pauline McMartin and Maribelle Locke.

Berton loved animals, and contributions in his memory may be made to the Potsdam Animal Shelter, 17 Madrid Avenue; Potsdam, New York 13676.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at St. Henry’s Cemetery in DeKalb where he will be buried alongside his beloved Marie at a time and date to be announced.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements for Berton M. Hance are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.