Walter M. Debus, Jr.

Town of Danube - Walter M. (Marty) Debus, Jr., 84, of the Town of Danube and formerly of Grand Gorge, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday December 31, 2018 with his loving family by his side.

He was born March 3, 1934 in Stanford, NY the son of the late Walter M. and Mary (Lafferty) Debus, Sr. He was educated in several school districts, most notably Salesian High and completed his undergraduate from Oneonta State College.

His marriage to Jessie E. Moyer Congdon took place on June 12, 1983 at the Little Falls United Methodist Church.

Mr. Debus was a United States Navy veteran, enlisting on November 30, 1955 and was honorably discharged on October 23, 1957 with the rank of Seaman. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Boston throughout his time served.

Marty had numerous professions through the years, most notably as an Elementary Teacher for St. Johnsville School district. He later became a substitute teacher for various schools throughout the valley, ending his tenure substituting almost daily, at Proctor High School in Utica, NY. Other occupations included the working at A&P, selling Kirby Vacuums and at the former LaSalle labs in Little Falls.

As the patriarch of his family, he was a devoted husband to Jessie and always put the needs and concerns of his children and grandchildren first. He was an avid sports fan, with his favorite teams the New York Mets,  New York Giants and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In his leisure he enjoyed telling stories of the past, reading and watching television.

Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Jessie; two daughters, Jean L. Congdon and her significant other Rick Scalice of Little Falls, and Jacqueline (Jackie) Congdon of Palatine Bridge; two sons, Terry L. Congdon and wife Lori of Little Falls and Barry L. Congdon and fiancée Melissa Souvannason of St. Johnsville; 9 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by a long time friend, Jerry Englebardt and his canine companion, Willy.

He was pre-deceased by a son, Larry A. Congdon, Jr., in 1979 and his wonderful second mother, Alice E. (Minor) Debus in 1993.

Funeral services with full military honors accorded will be held on Sunday January 6, 2019 at 3:00 pm from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 East Albany Street, Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.  Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, South Glens Falls, NY. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday January 6, 2019 from 1:00 pm until the time of the services at 3:00 pm. All memorial contributions may be made to the Herkimer Humane Society, Po Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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