John C. Poirier, 89, Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG -- A Funeral Mass for John C. Poirier, age 89, of Ogdensburg, NY formerly of Helena, NY, will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 12:00PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg, with Rev. Joseph Morgan officiating.

Burial will be privately held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Brasher Falls, NY with military honors.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Mr. Poirier passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

John is survived by his four children, Michael Poirier and his wife, Rose Anne, of Spencerport, NY, Anne Frary and her husband, Michael, of Ogdensburg, NY, David Poirier and his wife, Lynne, of Springfield, VA, and Paul Poirier of Ogdensburg, NY; twelve grandchildren, Marissa Allen and her husband, Tyler, Jessica Feor and her husband, David, Megan Poirier and her fiance, Michael Spoto, Jonathan Frary and his wife, Emily, Chris Frary and his companion, Jillian Havens, Leanne Bouffard and her husband, Ryan, Michael Frary, Ryan Frary and his fiance, Amanda Johnston, Andy Poirier and his fiance, Andriana Nazarian, Ryan Poirier, Tyler Poirier, and his fiance, Carleigh Johnson, and Samantha Poirier; thirteen great grandchildren, Grace and Mason Allen, Marco Feor, Colin, Clayton, and Cooper Frary, Vera, Ellie, Beau, and Livy Bouffard, Jace Havens, Felix and Fallon Frary; a sister, Shirley Rochon, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by the love of his life, Margaret Poirier in April 2019; his son, Brent Poirier in April 2023; eight siblings, Euclide Poirier, Oscar Poirier, Rene Poirier, Isabel Gardner, Eleanor Racine, Beatrice Montroy, Roger Poirier, and Simone Moss.

John was born on May 9, 1934, in Cornwall, ON, the son of Mederic and Cecile (Major) Poirier.

He attended local schools. He relocated to Massena to embark on the St. Lawrence Seaway project, specifically contributing to the construction of the Iroquois and Snell locks.

Just before John began his tenure in the US Army, he wed Margaret Jane Foley on September 16, 1957, at St. Patrick’s Church in Hogansburg, NY, officiated by Msgr. Walter Funke.

They then moved to Texas, where John served as a corporal from 1957 to 1959 and where they began to grow their family.

Following his military service, John became the proprietor of a farm in Brasher Falls.

Subsequently, he expanded his ventures by establishing Poirier Farm Machinery and snowmobile sales.

John and his wife, Margaret, later owned and operated the Helena House for 25 years until his retirement in 1995.

His love for family and friends was without bounds.

His generosity was endless and he leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and encouragement.

He loved entertaining by playing the piano.

He so enjoyed the card games with his very good friends, and visiting the casino always made him smile.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to ALSAC/ St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.