Our Staff
Our Dedicated Staff
Nicole M. LaRue
Owner
Nicole M. LaRue is a lifelong North Country resident with a deep-rooted passion for serving her community, especially during life’s most challenging moments. A 2001 graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy and a 2004 alumna of SUNY Canton’s Mortuary Science Program, Nicole began her journey in funeral service with a warm heart and a commitment to care. She started her career at Allen-Nichols Funeral Home while completing her studies, laying the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to helping families with dignity and compassion. In 2004, Nicole joined Lundy Funeral Home in Carthage, where she completed her residency and provided over two decades of exceptional service as a Funeral Director.
Her approachable demeanor and genuine empathy quickly made her a trusted source of comfort for countless families. In November 2014, she partnered with Cullen Lundy to open Northridge Cremation Chapel in Philadelphia, NY, expanding her ability to offer personalized, heartfelt services. In 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole and Cullen relocated the operation to Carthage, ensuring their community continued to receive the support they needed.
In April 2016, Nicole, alongside business partner Christopher C. Pitcher, acquired Allen-Nichols Funeral Home, renaming it LaRue & Pitcher Funeral Home. She played a key role in its operation until January 1, 2024, when the business merged with Frary Funeral Homes under Ryan Frary’s ownership.
Transitioning to a new chapter, Nicole became the proud owner of Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage, NY. She believes every family deserves a meaningful farewell that honors their loved one’s life, and she’s committed to making that process as comforting and stress-free as possible. Nicole specializes in creating personalized tributes for both people and pets, offering pet cremation services as a devoted animal lover herself. Her two dogs, Coco and Lily, who mutually adore each other, inspire her to bring extra care to every family—human or furry—ensuring they feel supported during their time of loss.
A past member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (2006–2024), Nicole has contributed to numerous committees and graduated from the Leadership Academy in 2016, reflecting her commitment to excellence in her field. She has also served her community as a former board member of the Carthage Area Hospital Foundation and Carthage Pop Warner Football Association, and she remains an active member of the Copenhagen Pee Wee Wrestling Club. Nicole resides in Copenhagen with her husband, Steven C. LaRue, and their two sons, Zakkary and Alexander. When she’s not lending a helping hand to families in need, you’ll find her cheering on her boys at their sports events or cherishing quality time with her loved ones, including Coco and Lily. Nicole is here to listen and help—reach out anytime to discuss how she can support you and your loved ones.
Nicole M. LaRue
Owner
Nicole M. LaRue is a lifelong North Country resident with a deep-rooted passion for serving her community, especially during life’s most challenging moments. A 2001 graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy and a 2004 alumna of SUNY Canton’s Mortuary Science Program, Nicole began her journey in funeral service with a warm heart and a commitment to care. She started her career at Allen-Nichols Funeral Home while completing her studies, laying the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to helping families with dignity and compassion. In 2004, Nicole joined Lundy Funeral Home in Carthage, where she completed her residency and provided over two decades of exceptional service as a Funeral Director.
Her approachable demeanor and genuine empathy quickly made her a trusted source of comfort for countless families. In November 2014, she partnered with Cullen Lundy to open Northridge Cremation Chapel in Philadelphia, NY, expanding her ability to offer personalized, heartfelt services. In 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole and Cullen relocated the operation to Carthage, ensuring their community continued to receive the support they needed.
In April 2016, Nicole, alongside business partner Christopher C. Pitcher, acquired Allen-Nichols Funeral Home, renaming it LaRue & Pitcher Funeral Home. She played a key role in its operation until January 1, 2024, when the business merged with Frary Funeral Homes under Ryan Frary’s ownership.
Transitioning to a new chapter, Nicole became the proud owner of Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage, NY. She believes every family deserves a meaningful farewell that honors their loved one’s life, and she’s committed to making that process as comforting and stress-free as possible. Nicole specializes in creating personalized tributes for both people and pets, offering pet cremation services as a devoted animal lover herself. Her two dogs, Coco and Lily, who mutually adore each other, inspire her to bring extra care to every family—human or furry—ensuring they feel supported during their time of loss.
A past member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association (2006–2024), Nicole has contributed to numerous committees and graduated from the Leadership Academy in 2016, reflecting her commitment to excellence in her field. She has also served her community as a former board member of the Carthage Area Hospital Foundation and Carthage Pop Warner Football Association, and she remains an active member of the Copenhagen Pee Wee Wrestling Club. Nicole resides in Copenhagen with her husband, Steven C. LaRue, and their two sons, Zakkary and Alexander. When she’s not lending a helping hand to families in need, you’ll find her cheering on her boys at their sports events or cherishing quality time with her loved ones, including Coco and Lily. Nicole is here to listen and help—reach out anytime to discuss how she can support you and your loved ones.
Bruce Bezanilla
Manager
Bruce M. Bezanilla, owner and manager, has been a licensed funeral director since May of 1978. He is a 1977 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Canton ATC where he attended after his graduation from Carthage Central High School in 1975. He, together with his wife, the former Rhonda L. Rockwood, purchased the funeral home in June of 1980. They have two daughters, Leanne Shang and Kathryn Bezanilla. Bruce has been involved in all aspects of the Carthage Community. Some of his memberships include St. James Church and St. Vincent of Paul’s Church of Cape Vincent, Knights of Columbus Council # 291, Sacred Heart Foundation, Watertown, B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge # 1762, Carthage Federal Savings and Loan Director, Former Treasurer and 20 member of the Carthage Fire Department, Former president and trustee of the Branaugh Memorial Boys Club, Former president and current member of the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, Former president and 13 year member of the Carthage Area Hospital Board of Directors, Founding director of the Carthage Area Hospital Foundation, Former Carthage Bears Pop Warner Football Coach, Former board member of the Carlowden Country Club and former president of the Carthage Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
His hobbies include golfing, fishing, hunting and motorcycling.
Bruce Bezanilla
Manager
Bruce M. Bezanilla, owner and manager, has been a licensed funeral director since May of 1978. He is a 1977 graduate of the Mortuary Science program at Canton ATC where he attended after his graduation from Carthage Central High School in 1975. He, together with his wife, the former Rhonda L. Rockwood, purchased the funeral home in June of 1980. They have two daughters, Leanne Shang and Kathryn Bezanilla. Bruce has been involved in all aspects of the Carthage Community. Some of his memberships include St. James Church and St. Vincent of Paul’s Church of Cape Vincent, Knights of Columbus Council # 291, Sacred Heart Foundation, Watertown, B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge # 1762, Carthage Federal Savings and Loan Director, Former Treasurer and 20 member of the Carthage Fire Department, Former president and trustee of the Branaugh Memorial Boys Club, Former president and current member of the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, Former president and 13 year member of the Carthage Area Hospital Board of Directors, Founding director of the Carthage Area Hospital Foundation, Former Carthage Bears Pop Warner Football Coach, Former board member of the Carlowden Country Club and former president of the Carthage Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
His hobbies include golfing, fishing, hunting and motorcycling.
