Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
GOUVERNEUR - George Emery Erdman VI, 67, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on October 10, 2026, at Gouverneur Hospital under the care of Hospice, with his family by his side.
A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Beaver Falls, NY on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1PM with John Youngblood officiating. French Funeral Homes will be handling the service arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 12PM at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur, NY.
Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
George was born in Gouverneur, NY to George and Jeannette (Nuffer) Erdman on May 27, 1959. He attended Gouverneur Central School, graduating in 1977, and went on to study Agricultural Engineering/Technology at Canton ATC.
In his younger years, George bartended at the Casablanca Restaurant and shared many memories of his time working there throughout his life.
He worked at Kinney Drugs as a truck driver for over a decade. After leaving Kinney’s, George started his own excavating business, Erdman Bros. Excavating, while also working to establish his beloved farm, Island Branch Cattle Co., which later transitioned into his full-time career and fulfilled his lifelong dream. George retired from farming in 2025.
George’s love for farming started as a young man on his family’s farm. Starting his own farm in the early 1990s brought him pure fulfillment. He was once asked if he had a bucket list, to which he responded he had already completed it – having a farm of his own. He took pride in raising quality cattle and put much thought into the genetics of each animal raised. He was very active in the beef community, and attended beef meetings through Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Aside from cattle, George was an enthusiast for tractors and equipment, especially all things Allis-Chalmers.
George cherished his time spent with his family, especially his children. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments and supported whatever it was that made them happy and healthy.
He took great interest in learning about his family history and sharing what he had learned with others. For George, one of his biggest accomplishments was raising his children on the farm and teaching them the importance of hard work and doing what you love regardless of the challenges. George was a truly honorable man, known for his constant willingness to help others in need, however big or small the task.
George is survived by his son, George Erdman VII of Gouverneur, NY, Merissa Erdman (Robert Woodrow) of De Kalb Junction, NY, Chelsea Erdman (David LeBeau) of Gouverneur, NY, a brother, Daniel Erdman (Andrea) of Gouvernuer, NY, sisters Jennie Erdman of Saint Helen, MI, and Sarah Erdman of Missoula, MT, a granddaughter, Zoe Dobbelaer of Bedford Heights, OH, an aunt, Carol Ann of NC, several nieces and nephews, and special to the family, Geneva Drakeford of Tega Cay, SC. George also enjoyed his extended family, the children and grandchildren of Robert Woodrow and David LeBeau. He is predeceased by his father, George Erdman V, his mother, Jeannette Erdman, his grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.
George was very passionate about raising awareness and contributing to research on Corticobasal Degeneration and related diseases, with the hopes of helping others find relief during similar battles. Memorial donations may be made to CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013 ( https://www.psp.org/ways-to-give ).
The family would like to send their gratitude to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, as well as the support from his caring aides throughout his journey, Melinda, Rose, and Amanda.
