Hal Jeffrey Fraser

St. Regis Falls / Massena - It is with a heartfelt feeling of peace that we announce the passing of Hal Jeffrey "Jeff" Fraser, 79, who peacefully departed this life on April 27, 2026, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. Born on May 16, 1946, in Potsdam, Jeff was the son of the late Harold and Mildred (Woodward) Fraser. He graduated from St. Regis Falls High School and led a life filled with love, laughter, and service to his community. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyn M. Mosher, on March 18, 1967, at Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Regis Falls.

A proud veteran, Jeff enlisted in the Army and served his country with honor for almost eight years, until his discharge on February 7, 1972, achieving the rank of Specialist 5. After his military service, he worked at ALCOA in Massena until his retirement, and later dedicated himself to the law and order of his community as a magistrate for the Town of Waverly, NY, for 32 years, where he touched countless lives.

Hal was not just a magistrate; he was a man of the people, known for his unwavering support, generosity, and genuine love for those around him. He was a member of the American Legion Post #322 and the St. Regis Falls Fire Department. Whether he was driving his cherished 1939 John Deere, spending weekends hunting with his brother‑in‑law Donnie, his father‑in‑law Varick, and his close friend Francis, or offering a helping hand to anyone in need, Jeff's zest for life was contagious.

One of Jeff's greatest joys was being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren-bringing them snacks, picking them up from school, and proudly winning them toys from every claw machine he encountered. He delighted in taking them, along with many local children and town residents, on hay rides behind his tractor, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. His presence made childhood magical and community life richer.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Gwendolyn; his children, Lisa and Billy LaBounty and Larry and Cyndi Fraser, all of St. Regis Falls; his siblings and their spouses, Harold "Jack" and Kathy Fraser, Haven "Jerry/Pete" and Deborah Fraser, Hugh "John" and Amy Fraser, all of St. Regis Falls, and Jennifer DeRochie of Dickinson Center; as well as his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Steven Shantie and Kendall Marshall, Calista and Nathan Work, Macy Fraser and Demba Ba, Brady and Vanessa Shantie, great-grandson Kahlib Jevon Price, great-granddaughter Gianna Rae Shantie, and great-grandson Bentley Hazen. He was predeceased by an infant son, Hal Jeffrey Fraser, Jr.; two sisters, Joanne Jolin and Jeannie Moncrief; and a brother, Howard "Jim" Fraser.

In celebration of Jeff's remarkable life, visitation will be held at Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls on May 4, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM, with a second visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM. His family invites all who knew Hal to come share memories and pay their respects. He will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Dickinson Center beside his son.

Let us remember Hal not only for his achievements, but for the joy, kindness, and warmth he brought into the lives of everyone who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the local organizations Jeff loved: St. Regis Falls Fire Department, American Legion Post #322, or Trinity United Methodist Church.