Vincent Edward Jay

There will be a private funeral Mass on Friday, July 10 at 2 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Holy Name Church in Tupper Lake. A burial will take place at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake immediately following the service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary-Stuart Funeral Home, Tupper Lake.

Vincent was born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Auburn, son of Harry and Nellie Austin Jay. They moved to Tupper Lake in 1931. Vincent graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1948. During high school, Vincent was a star athlete and lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track, and was chosen captain of the High School All-State Team.

Vincent enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 and served four years until he retired in 1954. During his time in the Navy, Vincent traveled to Camp Harn and served two tours of duty in Korea.

He married Betty Johnson on July 1, 1953, and together they had three boys: Vincent, Martin and John. He went on to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from SUNY Potsdam. Vincent would use his degrees to teach eighth and sixth grade, was elementary principal and director of special programs. He was on the school board for five-and-a-half years. He would also attend Syracuse University, Clarkson University and West Virginia University. He started his teaching career in 1958 and retired from teaching in 1985 as director of special programs in Tupper Lake.

Vincent was an active member in the Knights of Columbus and the New York State Retired Teachers Association and a life member of the Lions Club, VFW and American Legion. He was Lion of the year from 1978 to 1980, chairman of the Franklin County Elementary Council Association and a third-degree Knight of Columbus.

His wife Betty passed away on March 30, 2008, after 54 years of marriage. Vincent remarried in March 8, 2009, to Rena Watras, who passed away on Feb. 16, 2016.

Vincent is survived by his sons: Vincent, of Lowville; Martin, of Johnson City; and John, of Tupper Lake.

He is predeceased by his wives, Betty and Lorena.

Vincent enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf, but above all, he liked to work in his wood shop. He was a family man and enjoyed many wonderful moments with his children.

Donations in Vincent’s memory can be made out to High Peaks Hospice, 309 County Route 47, Suite 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983; or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Online condolences can be made at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.