Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
OGDENSBURG - Preston C. Carlisle, son of Richard W. and Margaret B. Carlisle, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on October 3, 2026.
Preston lived his life with determination, dedication, and a strong will to succeed despite the odds. He attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York; Fordham University in New York City; and Iona College in New Rochelle, New York.
He served four years in the US Army, stationed in Washington DC, during which time he attended law school. In 1958, he graduated from The American University, Washington College of Law, and was admitted to practice law in Washington, D.C.
In 1961, Preston was admitted to the New York State Bar, and in 1962, he established his law firm in the historic Preston King Building in Ogdensburg, New York. There, he began a distinguished legal career that would span nearly 60 years and built one of the most prominent
law firms in the North Country. While continuing his private practice, Preston became Corporation Counsel for the City of Ogdensburg in 1963. From 1967 to 1975, he also served as First Assistant District Attorney of St. Lawrence County.
Preston was a prominent, generous, and devoted member of his community. He served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Ogdensburg, as a Board Member of the Canton College Foundation, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Ogdensburg. In 2017, his lifetime of devotion was recognized with his induction into the SUNY Canton Hall of Fame. His legacy also lives on through the Preston C. Carlisle Youth Athletic Center, dedicated in his honor at the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club in June 2022.
Preston enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, bridge, and basketball. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he entertained with captivating stories and unforgettable songs.
Preston is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan (Goodson); his three children, Rick (Donna) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bill (Monica) of Nicholville, New York, and Kari (Tom) McCarty, also of Nicholville, New York; 19 loving grandchildren: Abby Carlisle; Fr. James Carlisle, Mary (Molliné), Therese (Moats), Fr. John Carlisle, Lilly (Jemison), Joe, Mike, Rose (Rigi), Christie, David, Megan, Theo, Anthony, and Kiera Carlisle; Victoria (Gereny), Sister Myriam Sophie, Therese (Ryan), and Claire McCarty; and 24 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard S. Carlisle, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard W. and Margaret B. Carlisle, and his sister, Elizabeth C. Rogers.
Preston left a lasting impression on everyone he met and will be deeply missed. In the words of his favorite song, “so long it's been good to know you, but I've got to be moving along.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Ogdensburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley or the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club.
