Chris N. LaForty

Chris N. LaForty, 74, of Brownville passed away at his home on Monday, May 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.

He was born on June 17, 1948, in Watertown, NY, the son of Charles and Marion (Sibley) LaForty.

Chris graduated from General Brown High School in 1966. Following school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged after completing a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Chris entered the New York State Police Academy in 1972 and started his distinguished 20-year career as a New York State Trooper.  He was one of the first people in the State Police to obtain a certification in Traffic Science. Chris also obtained a degree in Criminal Justice from Jefferson Community College while working full-time for the State Police. He retired from Division Service in 1992.

Chris was also the Commander of the Brownville American Legion Post 588 from 1996 – 1998 and continued to serve as the Business Manager for many years before retiring in 2021.  In 2003, Chris was elected the Mayor of Brownville and served two terms. 

Chris enjoyed traveling, as long as it was to a casino. He also enjoyed playing golf, and usually got his money’s worth. After buying the same house three times in Brownville, he and Diane built their forever house just up the street. He only teased the people he liked, and that’s how you knew you were considered a friend. Being a friend meant you had better not leave the lights on in an empty room or try to serve him a drink on a coaster. He was recognizable in his flannel shirt and driving his red pickup. Anyone that really knew him, knew there was a huge heart under all that flannel.

Chris is survived by his wife Diane; a son and his wife, Charles (Bonnie) LaForty, Glen Park; a stepdaughter and her husband, Tracy (James) Meola, Brownville; a sister, Carol Pacella, Colorado; four grandchildren, Colton LaForty, Christa LaForty, Alex McCreadie and Kallie McDermott; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by a son Carl who passed away March 2023; his parents; two brothers, Charles and Carl; a sister Constance Stevens and her husband Jerome; and a brother-in-law, Ralph Pacella.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Brownville American Legion Post 588 starting at 5PM.

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County at 1398 Gotham St. Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made to www.dexterfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chris N. LaForty, please visit our floral store.