Category Archives: Obituaries

Carol “Derm” Van Aernem

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VanAernemHUDSON FALLS – Carol “Derm” VanAernem, 68, of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at her home.

Born January 7, 1946, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late William and Rita (Murphy) Brady.

She was a graduate of Fort Edward High School, and later attended Adirondack Community College and Castleton State College.

On September 30, 1967, she married George VanAernem at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.

She was employed for Grand Union, a library assistant at Burgoyne Avenue School for many years, and after 16 years of employment, she retired from East Coast Properties in Liverpool, in 2008.

Derm was a communicadent of St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband, and was an avid Syracuse Orangeman fan.  The most important part of her life was spending time with her family, which included attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Derm loved everyone; she was an inspiration and touched everyone’s heart.

Besides her parents, Derm was predeceased by her brothers, William Brady, Thomas “Tucker” Brady, James Brady; and her sister, Sue Ellen Brady.

Survivors include her husband of 46 years, George VanAernem, of Hudson Falls; her children, Kathleen Abare of Hudson Falls, Kimberly VanAernem and her companion, Michael Grover, of Fort Edward, Timothy VanAernem and his wife, Samantha, of South Boston, VA; her grandchildren, Ryan Carpenter, Tyler Carpenter, Nicholas Abare, Landon VanAernem; her sisters, Mary Esperti and her husband, Dave, of Broadalbin, her twin sister, Carolyn Kelly and her husband, John, of Enfield, CT, Colleen Winfield and her husband, Richard, of Phoenix, AZ, Patricia Gregory and her husband, Dave, of New Port Richey, FL; her aunt, Kate Carpenter  of Everett, Washington; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There are no calling hours.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Church, in Fort Edward.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Derm’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls

Henry “Hank” Robbins

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RobbinsHUDSON FALLS – Henry “Hank” Robbins, 77, of Lower Oak St. went home on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at his home, following a twenty year battle with cancer.

Born on June 9, 1936, in Tupper lake, he was the son of the late Clara Warrington and the late Edward Robbins.

Hank graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1955.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1955 to 1959.

On September 30, 1961, he married Bernice “Bunny” Robbins at the Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls.

For 34 years he was employed at the Ciba Geigy Corporation, retiring in 1989.  After his retirement, Hank worked as a lab technician, testing soil and water for Hudson Environment, retiring in 1998.

Hank loved golfing, bowling, traveling with his wife and friends with a favorite destination being Hawaii.  He enjoyed playing the guitar.  Hank will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, which everyone will miss.

He was a member of the Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls, where he was very active.  As a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Hank took communion to shut ins.  He was also a Senior Warden, member of the Vestry on numerous occasions, taught Sunday school for twenty years, and was a licensed Chalice Bearer at the church.  A very devout man, even the simple act of saying Grace was so important to him.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by a daughter, Jennifer Lynn.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 52 years, Bernice “Bunny” Robbins of Hudson Falls;, a daughter, Susan Hurley and her husband, John of Granville; three step-grandsons, Austin Hurley and William and Damon Casey; his aunt Josephine Hill of Glens Falls; his extended family in Arkansas, the Holley family;  and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Zion Episcopal Church Church, 224 Main St., Hudson Falls with the Rev. Richard Chandler, rector, officiating.

Instead of flowers, Hank’s family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Zion Episcopal Church, 232 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

Clifford “Ducky” VanKleeck

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VanKleeckHUDSON FALLS – Clifford “Ducky” VanKleeck, Jr., 61, of Oakwood Drive, and formerly of Kingston, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on April 22, 1952, in Kingston, he was the son of Clifford VanKleeck, Sr. and the late Rhoda (Koeppen) VanKleeck.

Clifford was a graduate of Kingston High School.  After his graduation, he spent the next 18 years driving truck for Greenhouse, Inc. in Albany.  After leaving Greenhouse, Inc., Clifford became an explosives expert, working for Austin Powder Company of Catskill for eight years.  Clifford eventually moved to Green Mountain Explosives in Hartford, where he retired as a Site Manager.

 While in Kingston, Clifford was a Lieutenant in the volunteer fireman for Sawkill Volunteer Fire Department for eight years.  He loved playing  darts, fishing  and hunting  in the Catskills.  He also enjoyed watching the fireworks and feeding the ducks at Lake George.  Clifford was a big animal lover, especially his dogs, Austin and Sock.

 On July 7, 2003, he married Jill Terwilliger on the Saint Luc De Sacrament in Lake George.

 He is survived by his father Clifford VanKleeck, Sr. of Kingston; his living wife, Jill VanKleeck of Hudson Falls; his children, Clifford M. VanKleeck and his wife, Hope of South Cairo, Tricia Freligh and her husband, Gordon of North Carolina and Jeff Terwilliger of Marrietta, Ohio; his grandchildren, Joshua VanKleeck, Damian Markle, Addison Freligh and Jack Freligh; his great grandson, Nathan Markle; his sister, Darlene Reinhardt and her husband, Tom of Kingston; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

 Friends may call on Friday, January 24, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

 Memorial donations may be sent to Make a Wish Foundation of Northeast, NY, One Mustang Drive, Colonie, NY 12047 or the SPCA, PO Box 171, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

 

Thomas J Hewitt & Cecelia Reed Hewitt

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HewittGLENS FALLS – Thomas J. Hewitt, 90, of Glens Falls, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. Cecelia Reed Hewitt, 89, died on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at her home in Glens Falls. After 66 years of marriage, they are together again.

Thomas was born in Hudson Falls on June 18, 1923. He retired from the Hadley Luzerne Central School District after 38 years as a teacher, school business administrator, Interim school superintendent and bowling coach. In 1990, his bowling team won the Class C Sectional Tournament. He retired from the Glens Falls Board of Safety after 25 years serving five mayors. He was a life member of the Eagles of Saratoga Springs, President of the BPOE Elks of Glens Falls in 1981, member of the American Legion in Lake Luzerne, and former president of the Hadley Luzerne Lions Club. He was also very accomplished in the Heimlich Maneuver.

During World War II, he was a Sergeant in the Signal Corps attached to the US Army Air Corps. He was stationed in the French island of Corsica. After leaving Corsica, he was stationed in Florence, Italy, where he lived and worked out of the Swiss Embassy for two years. While on assignment in Rome, he had an audience with Pope Pius XII and treasured the experience of kissing his ring.

Cecelia was born in Hudson Falls on February 3, 1924. As a young woman, she was employed by Stone Photography in Hudson Falls, NY. As a homemaker, she was particularly proud of her two sons and, in her later years, her grandchildren. She always had a very close relationship with all of her grandchildren. When they were together they always found ways of having fun. Some of their best times were playing badminton and croquet, and many lessons were learned while playing store with Gramma Cis. She was extremely generous to all she came in contact with; with her purse in hand, she could be heard asking, “Do you need anything?”.  She looked forward to her daily phone calls from her son Gary, her daily routine with her son Michael and her sister’s visits. Both grandparents enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s field hockey, soccer, basketball, track & field, school concerts and plays.

Thomas and Cecelia were married on June 8, 1948, at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.

They are survived by two sons, Michael Hewitt and his wife Deborah of South Glens Falls and Gary Hewitt and his wife Alice of Rochester, NY. They also leave behind five grandchildren: Danielle (Hewitt) Anderson and her husband Kurt, Carly Hewitt, Dylan Hewitt, Matthew Yurgelun, his fiancé Lori, and Thomas Yurgelun. Cecelia also leaves behind one sister, Margaret Burke and two sister-in-laws, Debbie Reed and Jean Reed.

In addition to their parents, Thomas is predeceased by his two brothers, John (Norma) and William (Joan) Hewitt. Cecelia is predeceased by her two brothers, Edward (Debbie) and Bud (Jean) Reed. They are also survived by many nieces and nephews.

At Thomas and Cecelia’s request, there will be no calling hours.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

Memorial donations may be made to Father Baker’s House of Charity, c/o Our Lady of Victory Elementary School, 2760 S. Park Ave., Lackawanna, NY 14218.

Edmay R. Merrill

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SCHENECTADY – Edmay R. Merrill, 95, died on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at Ellis Hospital, after a brief illness.

She was born on April 1, 1918 in Tupper Lake, the seventh of nine children of John and Josephine (LaFleur) Richer.

Following her high school graduation, she followed her sister, Evelyn to Glens Falls, where she worked for Glens Falls Insurance Company.

After the war, she met and married Ralph Merrill on May 29, 1948, at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls.   They raised two children, Gary and Nancy. Nancy died in 1993.

Mr. Merrill’s employment with American Telephone & Telegraph, took them to Albany, Harrisburg, PA, Allendale, NJ, Omaha, NB and ultimately Leawood, KS, where they resided for 31 years.

Mrs. Merrill enjoyed traveling the world and attending Kiwanis events and Telephone Pioneers of America events, with her husband.  

After Mr. Merrill’s death in 2004, she relocated to Coburg Village in Rexford, where she enjoyed her next several years.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Nancy and eight siblings.

Survivors include her son, Gary Merrill and his family; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Sunday, January 19, 2014, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial will be in the spring at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Patricia “Pat” Blake

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BlakeFORT EDWARD – Patricia “Pat” Blake, 74, of Fort Edward, passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Glens Falls Hospital, following a short illness.

Born March 16, 1939, in Fort Edward, she was the daughter of the late James and Elva (Durkee) Edgerly.

On January 9, 1966, she married Richard R. Blake at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Pat worked as a cosmetologist at Merkel and Gelman formerly in Glens Falls. She left there to raise a family.  She also operated the Corner Shop in Hudson Falls.  Until her retirement, she was the manager at Adventure Racing and Family Fun Center in Queensbury.

She enjoyed helping friends and family, as well as strangers.  Pat  was a fabulous cook and baker and liked vacationing to exotic locations. Most important to her was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Pat is predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Arnold Edgerly, Helene Fairbrother, Alton Edgerly, Ernest Edgerly, Ralph Edgerly, Edward Edgerly, Millicent Graham, and Ella Mae Ross.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Richard R. Blake of Fort Edward; her daughter, Christine Latham and her husband, Michael, of Queensbury; her son, Scott Blake and his wife, Tammi, of South Glens Falls; her grandchildren, Ethan Blake, Emily Latham, Sydney Blake and Blake Latham; her brothers, Kenneth Edgerly and his wife, Marilyn of Fort Edward, Charles Edgerly of Hudson Falls; as well as several special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls with the Rev. Joseph Busch, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will take place in the spring at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward..

Pat’s family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Tower 2 at Glens Falls Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

Donations in memory of Pat can be made to C.R. Wood Cancer Center c/o Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801.

Madge Vaughn (Kerr) Harrington

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HarringtonHUDSON FALLS – Madge Vaughn (Kerr) Harrington, 94, formerly of Oak St., passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

She was born on April 8, 1919, in the town of Fort Edward.

Madge married Ashley S. Harrington on July 3, 1965 in Canton, CT. he passed away on February 3, 2004.

Years ago, she worked in customer relations at the Montgomery Ward store and Braydon and Chapman Music Store, both formerly in Glens Falls and later Warner Pruyn formerly in Queensbury.

She was a member of the Sanford’s Ridge United Methodist Church.  Other affiliations included the Sandy Hill Rebekah Lodge # 288 where she served in various local and district offices.  Madge was also involved in the Cardinal’s Home Bureau of Hudson Falls.

Her favorite pastimes included sewing and cooking.  Delicious cookies were always available at her house.

Survivors include her six children, Leonard Kerr of Gansevoort, Mary Jane Packard and her husband, James of Hudson Falls, Patricia Saville of Canton, NY, Robert Harrington and his wife, Deborah of Nappannee, IN, Betsy Rabida and her husband, Pete of Queensbury and Richard Harrington of Hudson Falls;  10 grandchildren, Ronald Kerr and his wife, Susan, Michael Packard and his wife, Nichole, Robert Harrington, William Harrington and his wife, Lisa, Bonnie Harrington, Michelle Martin and her husband, Jason, Lori McKenzie and her husband, Ryan, Rick Harrington, Kris Rabida and his wife Megan and Kori Rabida; and many great grandchildren.

Friends may call from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sanford’s Ridge United Methodist Church, Sanford’s Ridge Rd. in Kingsbury.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the church with the Rev. John Greenough, pastor, officiating.

Spring Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Instead of flowers, Madge’s family suggests that memorials take the form of donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 100 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801, or the charity of one’s choice.

Madge’s family would like to thank the staff of Pleasant Valley Adult Home, for the excellent care and love given to Madge over her five year stay there.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY.

Ronald Anthony Ross

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Ross, RonaldFORT ANN – Ronald Anthony Ross, 63, of Fort Ann, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on March 8, 1950, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late James and Violet (Parker) Ross.

 For several years, Ronald worked for C.R. Bard in Queensbury.   During this time, he underwent extensive training in the electrical, welding, construction and mechanical fields.  He took his love for welding and started his own welding business in Fort Ann.  Ronald was self employed for many years until he became ill.   He developed and held a patent for a double trailer design.  His design would make a double utility trailer that could be converted into two single utility trailers.   Ronald was always coming up with new ideas to make life easier for others.  He also taught himself how to play the keyboard and guitar.

 Ronald enjoyed the outdoors.  When he was younger, he loved hunt and fish locally.    Health and fitness were also important to him.  He could be seen tooling around on his bicycle, with weights that added resistance.  Ronald also enjoyed walking and rollerblading.  In addition to his outdoor activities, he also worked out with equipment.  Ronald had his own daily workout routine that he stuck to.  He also loved cruising on his motorcycle.

 In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant sister, Donna Jean Ross.

 Ronald is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Sexton and her husband, John of Fort Ann; his granddaughter, Sarah Sexton of Fort Ann; his step sons, Ron Runnalls and his wife, Anna of Glens Falls and Rick Runnalls of Argyle; his step grandchildren, Alisha and Heather Runnalls of Glens Falls; his siblings, James Ross and his wife, Brenda of Hudson Falls and Rosemary Sanders-Fuller and her husband, Albert of Hudson Falls; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and many friends.

 Friends may call on Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

 Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 6 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch, pastor of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church officiating.

 The Rite of Committal will be in the spring at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Middle Granville.

 In lieu of flowers, Ronald’s family has asked that memorial donations be sent to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY  12205.

 

 

Joseph “Joe” F. Marino, Sr.

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Marino ColorHUDSON FALLS – Joseph “Joe” F. Marino, Sr., 96, formerly of Poplar Street, Earl Towers and more recently of Milan, NH, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

Born on May 8, 1917 in Hudson Falls, he was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Battiste) Marino.

Joe served in the U.S. Army, attached to Company L of the 65th Infantry Division, serving in Germany, under General Patton, during World War II.

On June 1, 1943, he was married to Beverly Wright by Father Adrien Bechard at St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  She passed away on December 25, 2005, after 70 wonderful years of marriage.

Joe was active in paper manufacturing all his life, having worked in Fort Edward, Hudson Falls, Pennington, Alabama and Crosset, Arkansas.  He also worked at Brown Paper Company in Berlin, NH, where he was known as a top tissue maker in the paper industry.    In 1982, he retired from Diamond International, a paper manufacturer in Groveton, N.H.

Joe was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.   He also belonged to the Hudson Falls American Legion Post #574.  

He enjoyed gardening, taking care of his lawn and spending time with his sons and their families.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by his daughter, Anna Marie Marino, who passed away in 1970.   Also, two brothers, Thomas Marino and Philip Marino and his sister, Anna Cervone, died before him.

Survivors include his three sons, Michael J. Marino and his wife, Judi of Melvin, Illinois, Joseph F. Marino, Jr. and his wife, Susan and Philip J. Marino and his wife, Claudette, all of Milan, N.H.; his sister, Colette Duggan of Glens Falls; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Hudson Falls American Legion Post #574 will meet at the funeral home for a Legion Service at 4 p.m. on Thursday evening.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls on Friday at 11 a.m.

The Rite of Committal will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, with military honors provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion Post #574.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

Charles “Chuck” William LaJeunesse, Sr.

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HUDSON FALLS – Charles “Chuck” William LaJeunesse, Sr., 78, of Route 4, passed away, unexpectedly at his home, on Friday, January 3, 2014.

 

Born on November 18, 1935, in Cohoes, he was the son of the late Clarence and Eunice (Daniels) LaJeunesse. 

 

As a young man, Chuck attended Sacred Heart School in Cohoes.

 

For many years, he was employed by Millbrook Bread in Queensbury.  Chuck loved his Cadillac’s and bread trucks.  He also enjoyed tinkering  with motors, toasters and fans.  Chuck was a great conversationalist, who loved to talk to anyone, especially about politics.  He enjoyed keeping up with the news and keeping organized.  Chuck was a good natured and fun loving person, but he hated bees and snakes.

 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Clarence LaJeunesse and is sister, Joyce St. John.

 

Chuck is survived by his children, Colleen LaJeunesse and her husband, Dave of Glens Falls, Brian LaJeunesse of Glens Falls and Terry LaJeunesse, Sr., and his wife, Kristi of Fort Ann; his five grandchildren, Terry LaJeunesse, Jr., Kaitlyn LaJeunesse, Hailley LaJeunesse, Savanah LaJeunesse and Caeden LaJeunesse; the mother of his children, Joyce Gilligan; his siblings, Donald LaJeunesse, Paul LaJeunesse, Judith Nahumyk, Karen Yando and Faith LaJeunesse; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

 

Graveside services will be in the spring at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

 

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net

 

Rita M. Farrant

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HUDSON FALLS – Rita M. Farrant, 99, a longtime resident of Catherine Street, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2013, at the Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Born on June 29, 1914, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Emma (Smith) Farrant. Rita graduated from Hudson Falls High School and for several years, worked at Union Bag Company in Fenimore. At the time of her retirement, Rita was an administrative assistant.

For her entire life, she was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls. Rita was an avid gardener, who grew beautiful flowers and vegetables. To the joy of everyone around her, Rita played piano by ear. She was an accomplished pianist who thoroughly enjoyed playing for her friends and family. Rita had a wonderful sense of humor that would put a smile on anyone’s face. She was a loving daughter, sister and aunt and will be remembered with love.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her two sisters, Mary Beatrice Steele and Cecile Williams.

Survivors include her niece, Sally Hopkins and her husband, Thomas of Simpsonville, SC; and her nephew, Dr. A. Dean Steele and his wife, Mary of Temple, TX; and her dear friends, Brian and Pam Legault.

There will be no calling hours.

A mass will be said in her name at a future date.

Burial will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Rita’s friends and family would like to thank the nurses, aides and staff of the Pines for all the love, care and compassion given to Rita.

Arrangements are entrusted with the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Joseph A. Gavita

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GavitaQUEENSBURY – Joseph A. Gavita, 90, of Queensbury, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on December 29, 1922 in Lake George, N.Y. (formerly Caldwell, N.Y), he was the son of Panfilo and Angeline Gavita.

Joe was a World War II veteran serving in the US Navy as a Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class.  He was assigned to the 1st Marine Division.

Joe was the proud owner and operator of Northway Floors and Interiors, originally located in Glens Falls and later in Queensbury for over 30 years.  He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #81 in Queensbury.

Joe was well-known for his superior “Gin” playing back in the day and was an avid NY Yankees fan.  He was quite fond of horse racing and enjoyed spending time at various casinos with friends and family.

Joe was pre-deceased by his wife Gertrude “Gert” Gavita, and brothers Mario Gavita and Panfilo (Pete) Funicello.

Survivors include his brother John (Tina) Funicello of Port Charoltte, FL; step-children Barbara (Ron) DeLabio of St. Augustine, FL; Lee Comeau; Julie C. Sommo of Glens Falls; Virginia (Bob) DeConinck of Windsor, CT and Christopher (Abby) Sommo of Thornton, Co; many beloved grandchildren, a nephew, several nieces, and other family members and friends.  Joe was a special “Papa” to Jenna and Jarod Sampson of Glens Falls and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

To honor Joe’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  A special memorial service will be held in the Spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Saratoga War Horse, P.O. Box 461, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, N.Y.

Ruth M. Brislin

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brislinHUDSON FALLS – Ruth M. Brislin, 80, of Elm Street, passed away on Tuesday December 24, 2013 at the Glens Falls Hospital. 

Born on March 23, 1933, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late William James and Lois (McCuen) Brislin. 

Ruth graduated from Fort Edward High School and Union University School of Nursing at Albany Hospital.   She served as a registered nurse for over 40 years.   Her employment included time in Albany, San Francisco, Manhattan, England and Glens Falls.  Ruth worked for over 20 years in Washington County Public Health. 

She also was director of Blood Services of the Adirondack Chapter of the American Red Cross and an instructor of Aides for Greater Adirondack Home Aides. 

Ruth had a life long interest in music and was an active member of the “Moreau Fun Band”, where her signature song was “The Mouse On The Bar Room Floor”.  She particularly loved classical music. 

Ruth was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  She was a singer in the contemporary choir “The Inspirations” as well as a Eucharistic minister and lector.   Ruth was a volunteer for Fort Hudson Nursing Home, Literacy Volunteer and Meals on Wheels. 

She was an animal lover, with a special fondness for Scottish Terriers, who brought her both joy and exasperation. 

Besides her parents, Ruth was predeceased by a brother, William Joseph Brislin. 

Survivors include a brother, Robert James Brislin and his wife, Barbara, of San Diego, CA; a nephew, Daniel J. Brislin and his wife, Teri, of San Diego, CA; a grandnieces, Laurel Kathleen & Ella Jacquelyn of San Diego, CA; her niece, Susan Kathleen,of Manhattan Beach, CA and very close longtime friends, Audrey & Ted Toolan of Saratoga Springs and Chris Smith of South Glens Falls.

 There are no calling hours.

 A Memorial Mass at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls, will take place at a later date.

 The Rite of Committal will be at a later date in Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward. 

 Ruth’s family suggests the memorial donations be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.