Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Jul 1, 1926 - Dec 15, 2024
Lawrence was a true sweetheart. Him and his wife June have been sorely missed here at Springbrook Apartments. RIP Lawrence
Elizabeth Dingman
December 18, 2024 | PULASKI, NY | Friend
He was a man with a great sense of humor and a big heart. I will remember him with fondness always. I am so very sorry for your loss, may God hold each of you close and ease your pain.
Toni Mullin Plemmons
December 18, 2024 | CHIEFLAND, FL, FL | Friend
So sorry for your loss. I got to know Larry while my sister,Martha Dodd and myself were living at the Springbrook apartments. One of my favorite memories is when we were there at the airport when his Honor flight returned. Such a honor to see those heros.
Condolences to June and the family.
Prayers for all
Margaret Alcock
Margaret Alcock
December 18, 2024 | Cedar City, UT | Friend
June and family. Our sincerest sympathy at the loss of Little Mac, as My Father used to call him. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Mary Bettinger
December 18, 2024 | MANNSVILLE, NY
I work with lawrence many years at dept of transportation. He was a very good man and friend . Both him and his wife were hard working honest wonderfull people. He will be missed by family and friends. very sorry for your loss Randy and Gayle Truesdell redwood ny
Randy Truesdell
December 18, 2024 | Redwood, NY | Coworker
Condolences!
I worked with Mac for 12 years at DOT Equipment Management before his retirement. Always willing to lend a helping hand or give teaching tips of the trade that he had learned over the years of his experiences. RIP Mac
Gary Hall
December 18, 2024 | Friend
A lovely man that accepted us in the family, he always had a camera and so many stories to tell. May he rest in peace and his family many heart felt condolences. Tracy Graham and daughters Melissa and Brianna
Tracy Graham
December 18, 2024 | Adams, NY | Family
Dear Macduffie Family
Laurance was a great guy and it was my privilidge to know him. God Bless. Paul n Fiegl
paul fiegl
December 17, 2024 | Pulaski, NY | Friend
I miss u great grandpa u were very sweet and kind to all of us
Connor Hall
December 17, 2024 | Mexico Ny | Family
ELLISBURG, NY - Laurance Robert MacDuffie, age 98, died peacefully on December 15th, 2024, at the Jefferson County Hospice Residence in Watertown, NY.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 12-2 pm at Carpenter-Stoodley Funeral Home, Belleville. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2 pm. Burial will be held in the spring in Ellisburg Cemetery, with ceremonies by the Adams VFW, the Belleville Rising Light Lodge F&AM, Order of the Eastern Star and Army Military honors to be held graveside.
Laurance was born on July 1, 1926, the son of Alfred Lawrence MacDuffie and Mildred Marie Stearman, in Farmington, Ontario County, NY.
He completed 11th grade in Rochester, NY, receiving an honorary high school diploma from Belleville Union Academy/Belleville Central School.
In 1944 he entered the U.S. Army in Rochester, NY, serving during WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater with the 94th Infantry 3rd Army under General Patton. He had many memorable experiences during this time, including serving on the line in Germany to Rhineland, standing guard on one side of the river when across the river there were 5,000 German troops held there. He was also stationed with occupation forces in Germany after the war, guarding displaced persons from Russia, Czechoslovakia, and Poland who lived in concentration camps until his return home. He recalled a polish wedding while on Guard duty and spoke of how the music went on for two days. His awards included a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Citation, ATO, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Following his discharge in 1946, he returned to Rochester and attended the Edison Technical Industries School to become a machinist. He owned and operated an auto repair shop in Rochester, NY. His father was a mechanic and taught him most of what he knew.
In 1949, Laurance moved to Ellisburg, NY and ran his own gas station called the “Big Curve” which also became his home. After that, he went to work as a mechanic for Lunman’s, Gibbs & MacIlvannie, later called Gibb’s & Edwards in Adams, NY. He worked there for 19 years before going on to work for New York State DOT as a mechanic for region 7 in Watertown, NY, repairing trucks for five counties. He retired in October 1991 at the grade of Inspector after 22 years.
His hobbies have included camping, leather, and woodworking. Currently, he enjoyed doing puzzles.
On August 30, 1952, he married June Rose Wheller of Ellisburg, daughter of Iva Rawlings and John Wheller. He is survived by his wife of 72 years and 3 daughters, Julie MacDuffie Hall (Wayne), Kathleen Patchen, and Laurie Jo Dickinson (Danny), nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. He is additionally survived by his brother, Stuart MacDuffie of Oswego and sister, Charlotte Fulkerson (Bill) of Adams.
After coming to the North Country in 1949, he became a founding member of the Adams VFW in Adams, NY. He also joined the Ellisburg Fire Department in the Fire Police section, serving as Chief. He was also a member of the Masonic Rising Light Lodge #506 of Belleville, NY and has served as past Grand Officer. He was a member of the Eastern Star – Belleville Eudora #136 and was Past Patron several times, serving with his wife as she was Grand Matron. He was a member of those organizations for well over sixty years.
Memorial donations in Laurance’s memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown or to the Ellisburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 79, Ellisburg, NY 13636.
Arrangements are with Carpenter Stoodley Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.carpenterstoodley.com.
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