WATERTOWN, N.Y. - Earl Eugene Empey, 77, of West Main Street, Watertown passed peacefully on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Hospice of Jefferson County The Ellis Farm in Watertown with his family by his side. Born on July 17, 1940 in Carthage, New York, the son of the late Arthur Charles and Edith Rose (Brow) Empey, he attended Carthage Central Schools. Earl was a Heavy Equipment Operator and worked throughout the North Country for Tug Hill Construction and Barrett Construction. A marriage to Rose Chapman Empey ended in divorce.
Earl is survived by his sisters, Rosemary (Lynn) Hofer, Watertown; Margie Decker, Watertown; Dorothy (Mike) Cook, Rock Hill, SC; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Empey, Theresa; a step-daughter, Bonnie (John) Kovacs, Castorland; a step-grandson, Michael Kovacs, Castorland; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his beloved parents, Earl is predeceased by a brother, Arthur John Empey.
Earl (affectionately known as Gene by his family and friends) loved nature and spending time in the outdoors. He enjoyed watching old western movies, playing his guitar, sitting in the park, and hunting and fishing; especially in the ocean with his nephew David Nolan.
To Honor Earls Request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A private burial will be held by his family. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Online memories and condolences can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are being handled by the Northridge Cremation Chapel owned and operated by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., located on the Townline Road in Philadelphia, NY.