Author Archives: CFH

HUDSON FALLS – Diane M. Spirowski, 81, formally of Hudson Falls, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Granville Center with her family by her side.

Born July 12, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Genevieve (Stark) Tucker.

Diane graduated from Hudson Falls High School. Following high school, she obtained her associate’s degree in nursing and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

She married her high school sweetheart, Chester J. Spirowski, Jr. and were together until his passing on December 15, 2015.

Throughout her nursing career, she worked at Eden Park Nursing Home, in Glens Falls, Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga, and Fort Hudson Nursing Home in Fort Edward.

Diane enjoyed reading books and playing games. Her favorite games to play were solitaire and Mahjong.

In addition to her parents and husband, Diane is predeceased by her son, Todd Michael Schaff, her grandson, Johnathan Schaff, and her sister, Delores Darrah.

Diane is survived by her children, Suzanne Norton and her husband Dale of Hartford, Jami Jones of Ballston Spa, John Schaff and his wife Cheryl of Whitehall, and S.G. Johnson of Greenfield Center. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jenna Norton, Alexander Norton, and Tabetha Jones, and her brother Keith Stark.

Following Diane’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of her family.

A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced.

QUEENSBURY – Jeffrey L. Kelley passed away on November 13th, 2024 at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on December 24th, 1944 in Glens Falls New York, Jeff was the son of the late Edwin A. Kelley, Jr. and Lucille (Ellsworth) Weaver. Jeff graduated from Cortland High School, class of 1963. After high school the family moved to Niskayuna, New York where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Construction Technology from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York, class of 1965.  

Jeff became a self-employed carpenter working for Ken Wood and Finch Pruyn, building homes in Queensbury and the local area.

In August 1965, Jeff enlisted in the New York Air National Guard and served his term being honorably discharged in August 1971 as a Staff Sergeant.

On April 22, 1967 Jeff married Nancy L. Dougrey and remained married for 29 years, raising three wonderful children, Andrea Kelley-Putnam, Michael E. Kelley and Kathaleen Kelley Fröhlich.

In 1967 Jeff began working at Northern Homes, Inc. of Hudson Falls, New York. During his 24 years at Northern Homes, he was an estimator, a retail manager and a purchasing agent. In 1991 Jeff purchased Lox of Bagels & Moor and successfully operated the business for 11 years before selling it to its current owners. During this time he met Sally A. Chase, whom he married on September 30, 1998.

Jeff re-entered the lumber business, working for Holbrook Lumber Company, Inc. in Albany, New York, where he remained until his retirement.

Jeff was involved in many community activities. He was a one year member of the North Queensberry Volunteer Fire Company and a five-year member of Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company. Jeff was also a Secretary of the Homebuilders Association of Northern New York and a past President of the Salmon Pond Club of Blue Mountain Lake, New York. In his spare time, he was an active participant in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Warren County program from 1981 to 1986 and then served as the Board Treasurer from 1987- 1989.

Jeff is predeceased by his wife, Sally A Kelley, who passed away on June 23rd, 2012. Jeff is survived by his first wife, Nancy Kelley and their three children, Andrea Kelley-Putnam, her husband James Putnam, Michael Kelley and his husband Tsz Wan (Eric) Cheng and Kathaleen Kelley Fröhlich and her husband William Fröhlich, as well as his grandson, Jack Putnam, son of Andrea and James Putnam. Jeff is also survived by his brother Gregory Weaver, Greg’s wife Roberta (Bobbie) Weaver and their two children, Angela and Daniel Weaver.

Jeff will be remembered most for his love of the outdoors. As an avid hiker, Jeff climbed many of the Adirondack High Peaks. He also loved to canoe and would often take his children on trips deep into the heart of the Adirondacks. Jeff’s love of the outdoors, cannot be underestimated. In the summers, he could often be found on one of his boats, cruising along Lake George with friends and family. He also loved the Winter and would travel to Quebec, Canada to snowmobile for weeks at a time across the open plains. He was an avid bike rider, skier, and in his younger days, a jogging enthusiast. From riding motorcycles as a young adult to the love of his Corvette in later years, Jeff always had a passion for speed. Jeff will be remembered most as a kind man who loved his family very much.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Unit, Fort Hudson Nursing Center, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY, 12828 or online at: https://www.forthudson.com/foundation/

HUDSON FALLS – William Patrick LaVigne “Pat”, 73, of Hudson Falls, went home to his eternal rest on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital with his loving sisters and aunt by his side.

Born at Glens Falls Hospital on May 19,1951, Pat was the son of the late Walter and Jean (Howard) Bohlman.

Pat was born with an eye disease and was completely blind by the age of fourteen. He attended Bativia School for the Blind.

He was an accomplished guitar player and played in a band for many years. When Pat was in his twenty’s, he wrote and recorded two songs, The War in Vietnam and St. Anne with Edwin Mediera. Although blind, it never stopped Pat from enjoying his hobby as an auto mechanic.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his stepsisters, Lee and Georgianna; his stepbrother, Walter Bohlman, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy LaVigne; his son, Walter LaVigne; daughter, Jean Vallencourt and her family; his adopted son, Jonathan; his sisters, Dee Bohlman-Decker and Cindy Carpenter and her husband, Randy, and his aunt, Dawn Doetch. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pat’s family would like to thank the nurses at Glens Falls Hospital on T6 and T2, especially Caitlin and Lilly, for the exceptional care they provided for Pat and his family during this difficult time. They would also like to thank his special friend, Sharon Purdy, for her unconditional love and support.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 12 pm to 2 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will take place at 2 pm following calling hours, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the funeral home.

The burial will be private.

Memorial donations in Pat’s name may be made to Northeastern Association for the Blind at Albany (NABA), 301 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12206.

WARRENSBURG – Martha Hotchkiss, 51, of Warrensburg, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

FORT EDWARD – Robert “Bob” R. Hughes, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Glens Falls Center, following a long battle with cancer.

Born on July 27, 1942, in Granville, he was the son of the late Floyd R. and Marion (Nelson) Hughes.

Bob was a graduate of Granville High School, Class of 1963.

He worked for Norton Company in Granville for 42 years.

On May 5, 1973, he married Elaine (Rabine) Cullen.

Bob was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling with his wife in the local leagues.  He was an excellent bowler with five 300 games.  At the young age of 80, Bob bowled his final 300 game.  Bob and Elaine enjoyed going to car shows with their Shelby GT and won several trophies.  He was also an animal lover.

Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife Elaine Hughes; his step children, Carleen Sawyer and her husband, Donald, Cheryl Kay-Jones and her husband, Chris and Jeffery Cullen and his wife, Sue; his sister, Gayle Frechette and her husband, Roger; his grandchildren, Lindsay Ferrara and her husband, Justin, Ashley Warden and her husband, Scott, Shawn Brown and his wife, Katie, Jamie Brown and her wife, Mary, Billy Kay and his wife, Laura; great-granddaughter, Jennifer Lathrop and her husband, Steven; and several other great-grandchildren including, Anneliese, Lucien, Dylan, Bryson, Gavin and Maddox; one great-great granddaughter “Love”; and several nieces.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial will follow the calling hours on Saturday, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Bob’s family suggests memorial donations be sent to any animal shelter of your choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Rhonda Geertgens Barber, 69, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Slate Valley Nursing and Rehab Facility, after a long illness.

Born on August 16, 1955, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Arletta Geertgens.

Rhonda Graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School where she spent most of her time in the art room. She also wrote for the schools newsletter.  Following high school she furthered her education at Samaritan, earning her degree in nursing.

For over 10 years she served as an addiction counselor in the area and the unit manager for Albany Medical Center in their NICU program. Later in life she attended the New School for Radio and Television. She was employed for a short time as a disk jockey for local radio stations.

After retirement Rhonda spent most of her time cooking and baking, especially for holidays and Birthday parties. She was a kind woman who could find humor in most circumstances, she was best known for her joyous laughter.

She loved to cook and bake, fish and work on arts and crafts.  Rhonda was an avid NY Yankee Fan.  She especially loved her fur babies, her cats, Romeo, Charlie and Jimbo and her puppy Rocky.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Brianna Rhodes.

She is survived by her husband of eight years, Martin Barber, III; her two children, Kyle (Rae) Geertgens and Hannah Rhodes; her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Karter, Matthew and Harper; her stepchildren, Kristin (Juan) Orozco and Martin Barber, IV; her step grandchild, Jackson.

Memorial donations in Rhonda’s memory may be sent to a local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society, 33 Elk St Suite 201, Albany, NY 12207.

FORT EDWARD – Bruce William Tyler, 66 of Burgoyne Avenue, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024 at his home.

Born on September 20, 1958 in Saratoga Springs, he grew up in Saratoga and was the son of the late Augustus Tyler and the late Beverly (Hawkins) Murtlow.

Bruce was an outdoorsman and love to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, but spending time with his children was his favorite thing to do. Bruce liked to work on cars and motorcycles and enjoyed working as a handyman.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his stepfather, James Murtlow; a sister, Laurie Lloyd; and a stepson, Jason Tucker.

He is survived by his children, Brandon McIntosh, Orion Tyler, Braylin Tyler, and Lilith Tyler; his granddaughter, Paisley Sawn; his siblings, Amy Pechette, Neal Tyler, and Mark Tyler; life-long dear friends, Sherry Jay, Terri McIntosh Reyes, and Glenn Wetherby; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Service will be private at the convenience of the family.

HUDSON FALLS – Bernard D. Holz, 80 of Hudson Falls passed away early Friday morning, November 1, 2024, following a short illness.

Born on March 12, 1944 in Hempstead, he was the son of the late Bernard Thomas Holz and the late Grace (Sullivan) Holz of Hempstead.  Bernard was a 1962 graduate of South Glens Falls High School.  In 1962 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an Air Force policeman.  He was honorably discharged in 1966.

Bernard is predeceased by his wife, Bonnie S. Finkle, who he married on May 4, 1968, and enjoyed over 43 years of marriage and companionship.  He worked for Hercules, Ciba-Geigy, and most recently the City of Glens Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Bernard enjoyed tinkering around the house, doing yardwork, home-cooked meals with family (made by someone else), and sitting on his front porch watching the neighborhood with a cup of coffee, the newspaper, listening to the radio with his canine companions throughout the years.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bernard is predeceased by a step-mother Hilda Holz, parents-in-law Horace and Shirley Finkle, and a brother-in-law, Robert Bradway.

He is survived by his daughter, Heidi (Thomas) Cioffi of Fort Edward, son Daniel (Megghan) Holz of Latham,  grandchildren Kevin (Mark) Trapasso and Jessica Hougham, and a great-grandson Memphis Hougham, his half-brothers Jay (Christine) Holz of Amsterdam and Michael (Christine) Holz of San Diego and half-sister Michele (Charles) Barber of Minerva, three sisters-in-law Jane Bradway of Hudson Falls, Sandra (Steven) Sweet of Lake George, and Priscilla (Wayne) Seguin of Massena, NY and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls, Where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Powhida. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road in Schuylerville.

Memorial donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or to The Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dawn Marie LaManda, 60 of Saratoga Springs, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 1, 2024.

Dawn, born on March 6, 1964 was a beloved mother, partner, and friend who touched the lives of many during her time with us. She is predeceased by her father, Joseph LaManda, her uncle John LaManda, and her cherished best friend, Laura, who was like family.

Dawn leaves behind her devoted partner, Philip R. Underwood; her loving daughter, Angelene Dugan; and her son, Jesse Ray Underwood. She was a proud grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren: Giavanna, Angela, Autumn, and Hunter. Dawn is also survived by her mother, Carol Livingston, her sisters Tara Livingston-Beaugy and Catherine Port, as well as several cousins and numerous friends who admired her free spirit.

A true gypsy at heart, Dawn spent most of her life in the Saratoga Springs area, where she will be remembered for her boundless love, creativity, and strength. She was an amazing writer and a passionate lover of music, finding joy in the melodies of Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Prince, and Freddie Mercury from Queen. Despite facing challenges throughout her life, Dawn remained a strong and free-spirited woman.

Dawn’s battle with mental health was a difficult journey, and though she fought valiantly, her struggle has now come to an end. We take solace in knowing that her body, soul, and mind are at peace. 

Her legacy of love, strength, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her. Dawn will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.

A memorial service to celebrate Dawn’s life will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at the American Legion Post 574, 72 Pearl Street in Hudson Falls.

HUDSON FALLS – Rhonda Geertgens Barber, 69, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Slate Valley Nursing Home, after a long illness.

Born on August 16, 1955, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Arletta Geertgens.

Rhonda Graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School.  Following high school she furthered her education at Samaritan, earning her degree in nursing.

For over 10 years she served as an addiction counselor in the area and at Albany Medical Center in their NICU program.

She loved to cook and bake, fish and work on arts and crafts.  Rhonda was an avid NY Yankee Fan.  She especially loved her fur babies, her cats, Romeo, Charlie and Jimbo and her puppy Rocky.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Brianna Rhodes.

She is survived by her husband of eight years, Martin Barber, III; her two children, Kyle (Rae) Geertgens and Hannah Rhodes; her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Karter, Matthew and Harper; her stepchildren, Kristen (Juan) Orozco and Martin Barber, IV; her step grandchild, Jackson.

Memorial donations in Rhonda’s memory may be sent to a local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society, 33 Elk St Suite 201, Albany, NY 12207.

KINGSBURY – William E. Marchese, 84. Our family sadly announces the passing of our husband and father, Bill Marchese, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at home from complications of Parkinson’s and Heart Disease.

Born May 28, 1940, in Fort Edward, Bill was the son of the late Ann (Johnson) and Joe Marchese.

Bill was a member of the Hudson Falls High School class of 1957. He was an honorably discharged Army veteran, having served in Germany during his three-year tour of duty where he visited France, Austria and Switzerland.

He married Pauline Paradis in 1964. Sixty years later they still resided in the home in Kingsbury that he built with his own two hands. It is the home they raised their two children in, and the home where his wife Polly took wonderful care of him 24/7 for the past ten years so he didn’t have to leave it.

Bill was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #83 for many years before retiring in 1998. He earned the rank of Nidan in Juko Kai and taught Karate at his own school in Kingsbury, along with his two children, who are also black belts.

He loved classic cars and was a proud member of the Memories on Wheels Car Club, past President of Sandy Hill Cruisers, owner of a 1952 Mercury, which he restored, and owner of a 1956 Buick hardtop, which, by the way, won two awards at Albany Rods and Customs Car show in Lake George.  Bill and his son Danny also spent ten years restoring Danny’s 1950 Mercury which Danny still owns to this day. Bill and Polly enjoyed many car club dances and Bill won many trophies for doing the “twist” hence his nickname “Mr. Twister”.

Bill worked hard, was kind, loved Lotto, scratch offs, and frequented local diners until his health no longer allowed.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Jim Marchese and his wife Joan, his brother-in-law Jim Paradis and wife Carol, and his beloved pugs, Gus, Sadie and Cruiser.

Bill is survived by his wife, Polly, his daughter, Nicole Marchese, and son, Daniel Marchese. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Connie Chandler and her five daughters, Wendy (Bobby) Chesnut, Becky Reynolds, Terri (Tim) Larson, Amy Chandler, and Abby Chandler.

He was a guy that when asked “What do you want for your Birthday or Christmas?”. He always replied with, “just for my family to be together”.  Sometimes difficult to buy for… but words to live by. He will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be held from 11 am to 1:30 pm on Friday November 1, 2024, at Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A graveside service will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward following calling hours on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm.

GLENS FALLS – Lynn M. (Maturo) Borngesser, 73, of Stewart Avenue, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, October 25, 2024, at Albany Medical Center with her loving family by her side.

Born on January 21, 1951, in Jersey City, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Dominick and Claire (Appel) Maturo.

Lynn graduated from North Bergen High School in North Bergen, New Jersey. She was employed at Pathmark Security in New Jersey for several years prior to their shut down.

She married Robert “Bob” Borngesser on September 21, 1986, at Lady of Fatima Church in North Bergen New Jersey.

Every summer, as a child, Lynn and her family vacationed in the Lake George area. After Lynn and Bob married, they continued the family tradition of vacationing in Lake George. In 2001, Lynn and Bob moved their family to upstate New York so they could be close to Lake George.

Lynn loved watching Hallmark movies, especially when the Christmas movies began. She will be remembered for her enormous heart and the love she had for her family and friends, and her gift of continuous “gabbing”. Lynn loved to talk, make you laugh, and sometimes make you cry. She will also be remembered for her delicious Christmas cookies.

In addition to her parents, Lynn is predeceased by her husband, Robert Borngesser and her brother, Tom Maturo.

Survivors include her daughters, Jillian Gonzalez and her companion, Junior Flores, and Kaitlin Borngesser, her grandsons, Isaiah Borngesser, Hector Gonzalez, and Joseph Gonzalez.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 3 pm to 6 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will take place immediately following calling hours at 6 pm at the funeral home.

A graveside service will take place on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road in the town of Stillwater.

Memorial donations in Lynn’s name may be made to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, PO Box 237, 11287 NY-149, Fort Ann, NY 12827.