Donald Kenneth Locke

Donald K. Locke passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025 at the age of 105. His body failed him, but his mind was still sharp as a tack. He was born on July 10, 1919 to Nelson Walter and Grace (Martin) Locke. He graduated from Brasher-Stockholm High School in 1938. He attended Ithaca College prior to enlisting in the US Navy during WWII when he was stationed in the Pacific on the USS Seminole. After being discharged from the military, he began working at ALCOA from which he retired in 1983.

He married Jane Murray on July 7, 1941. He took special care of Jane during her final years until her passing on June 6, 2006.

Surviving are his children Barbara (Ronald) Paradis, Susan Murphy and Murray (Linda) Locke, and son-in-law, Glen Sova. He was pre-deceased by his daughter, Donna Sova on Dec. 25, 2022, his son-in-law, Robert Murphy in 2004 and his loving pet and companion, Tucker in 2022. He was also pre-deceased by his brothers Stanley and Walter Locke, and sisters Maxidora Riggs, Wealthia Griffith Solter, Frances Ramsdell and Gladys Andrews. He was loved and greatly respected by his grandchildren Krista (Murphy) Burns, Joel Murphy, Andre, Jean Paul and Gregory Paradis and Elizabeth (Locke) Boudette and Christine (Locke) Ducar, as well as great-grandchildren, Jaine, Cole, Cohen and Degaregegn Paradis, Susie Stanchuk, Charley Murphy and Reilly Boudette. He is also survived by many, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He was a member and past Commander of the American Legion Post 514 in Winthrop. He was caretaker and Trustee of the Fairview Cemetery Assoc. in Brasher for many years. He was one of the original members of the Meadowbrook Golf Club with a lifetime membership. He was a member of the St. Lawrence Central School Board, as well as past president of the St. Lawrence Co. School Board Assoc. He was inducted into the St. Lawrence Central Hall-of-Fame.

Although he loved to play golf, his sport of choice was baseball playing for a semi-pro baseball team in Brasher Falls while he was still in high school. He later became the catcher for the local Brasher team. After his playing days came to an end, he continued being involved in the sport by umpiring high school and college baseball for 42 years. He also umpired while spending the winters in Florida. Anyone who knew Don knew of his complete devotion to the Boston Red Sox. (In fact, he wanted to name his son Ted William Locke.) He attended many Red Sox games at various stadiums over the years.

He was known to many as "Uncle Don" although they were not even blood-related. He will be missed by all who knew him. He had a long and fulfilling life.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop and there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Brasher Falls in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 514, Tri-Town Rescue Squad or the Brasher-Winthrop Volunteer Fire Dept.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.hammillfh.com.