OGDENSBURG -- Two politicians who represent Ogdensburg in the state Assembly and Senate are expressing sorrow at the passing of longtime North Country editor and publisher, Charles “Chuck” Kelly.

Kelly was also one of St. Lawrence County’s most prominent community leaders. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award for his efforts in getting state officials to approve construction Ogdensburg and Riverview Correctional Facility in 1983. More recently, he led successful efforts to keep the Ogdensburg’s prisons and the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center from closing.

"The people of the North Country and I have lost a great leader and a friend,” said Republican Sen. Patty Ritchie of Heuvelton, who represents the Senate’s 48th District.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, a Democrat from Theresa representing the 116th Assembly District, said Kelly was a leader in the fight to bring jobs to St. Lawrence County.

Kelly died Sunday morning at the St. Joseph’s Home in Ogdensburg. He was 83.

He spent a life in journalism based in Ogdensburg, his home town, championing many causes to advance the city and St. Lawrence County.

“Chuck Kelly spent his career fighting for the people of St. Lawrence County as if each of them were a member of his family,” said Ritchie in a prepared statement.

“I had the privilege of working with him over the years on a host of projects and looked to him for advice and counsel. My sincerest sympathy to Therese, the children and the grandchildren during this difficult time."

“Chuck Kelly will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his commitment, caring and passion for his fellow man,” Jenne said. “He loved Ogdensburg deeply, second only to his family.”

“He led the charge on so many community initiatives that have ensured there were jobs and quality of life events for many in the community,” Jenne said in a prepared statement Monday morning.

“He has served his community with distinction, always guided by his deep faith. He will be missed, but for most of us, he will never be far away and always be with us when there is a reason to rally together to make Ogdensburg and the North Country stronger.”

Following the death of editor and publisher Frank R. Little in 1974, Kelly was named the editor of The Ogdensburg Journal and general manager of St. Lawrence County Newspapers in 1975. The publications included the Journal, Advance News, Daily Courier-Observer, Malone Telegram, St. Lawrence Plaindealer in Canton and the Rural News.

He was responsible for supervision of all St. Lawrence County Newspaper properties including editorial, financial, production, distribution, and general supervision of all publications. In 2010 at age 75, Kelly retired after 56 years of service.

Upon returning to Ogdensburg after serving with the U.S. Army 1958 he was named general assignment reporter and assistant sports editor of the Journal. He was named assistant managing editor and later acting editor of the Advance News, in 1961 and 1962, respectively.

Kelly was also a dedicated public servant including leadership positions with Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, Mater Dei College Board of Trustees, Ogdensburg Housing Authority, county and city Democratic committees, St. Lawrence County Cancer Society Board of Directors, Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Advisory Board, Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Community Advisory Board for the Ogdensburg and Riverview Correctional Facilities, A. Barton Hepburn Hospital Development Council, Ogdensburg Catholic Schools Board of Education Wadhams Hall Seminary College Board of Trustees, Ogdensburg Recreation Commission and the St. Lawrence Eastern Ontario Commission.

Among his survivors is his wife of 57 years, Marie, and three children.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley, Bishop of Ogdensburg officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery following the funeral.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Frary Funeral Home

Donations in his memory can be made to the Ogdensburg Boy’s and Girls Club, 610 Paterson St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 and St. Joseph’s Foundation, 950 Linden St., Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.