Ritchie Bill Would Name Part of NYS Route 37 After Beloved Journalist, North Country Advocate Charles "Chuck" Kelly

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has introduced legislation to name a portion of State Highway 37 in Ogdensburg the “Charles ‘Chuck’ Kelly Memorial Highway.”  The beloved journalist passed away Sunday morning at the age of 83.

“The name Chuck Kelly is synonymous with the City of Ogdensburg. He will forever be remembered for his contributions to the North Country. Our region is a better place because of his tireless efforts on behalf of those who live here,” Senator Ritchie said.

“It is only fitting that we rename a portion of New York State Route 37 in his honor not only as a tribute to his memory, but also so that people never forget his example and are inspired to follow in his footsteps to make the North Country a better place.”

Kelly spent 56 years in the journalism industry in Ogdensburg, working each day of his career for his readers—helping to keep them knowledgeable about issues affecting their lives and serving to keep government accountable. He often did this in the most personal ways possible, including by personally delivering newspapers.

He also used his award-winning skills, and the relationships he cultivated with state and local leaders, to help grow Ogdensburg. He was instrumental in efforts to locate new state correctional facilities in Ogdensburg, as well as successfully helping keep the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility from closing in 2011.  He also fought alongside local leaders to prevent the closure of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in 2013.

“Chuck was a true champion for the city of Ogdensburg.  He worked tirelessly to inform our residents, promote our city and help raise money for dozens of organizations in need.  He loved Ogdensburg and Ogdensburg loved him,” Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley said. “For Senator Ritchie to honor him in this way is both heartwarming and inspiring. It guarantees the legacy he leaves behind will never be forgotten.”

In addition to being a journalist, Kelly served his country as a member of the United States Army and during his service was stationed overseas in both Germany and France.  

Kelly also served on the boards of numerous organizations including the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, the St. Lawrence County Cancer Society, the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, the A. Barton Hepburn Hospital Development Council and Foundation, Ogdensburg Catholic Charities, the Ogdensburg Recreation Commission and the St. Lawrence Eastern Ontario Commission to which he was appointed by then Governor Hugh Carey, among many others.

Under Senator Ritchie’s measure, the portion of roadway from the intersection of New York State Route 37 and New York Avenue in the City of Ogdensburg to the intersection of New York State Route 37 and New York State Route 37-A would be named in Chuck Kelly’s honor.  Senator Ritchie selected this stretch of roadway because it passes by Ogdensburg’s state correctional facilities, as well as the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center; three places Kelly was a tireless advocate for.