GLENS FALLS – Herbert E. “Herbie” LaPorte, 88, of Glens Falls, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility in Fort Edward.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015, at 11 a.m., at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.
Arrangements are under the care of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.
THURMAN – Mary Blossom (Duell) Euber, 78, of Thurman, passed away peacefully at home, on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.
Born December 4, 1937, in Brant Lake, she was the daughter of the late William and Lillian (Wilcox) Duell.
Mary enjoyed being around her children and loved listening to music, especially Elvis Presley. She was so happy to be loved by all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her children, Victor Euber, John Euber, Eugene Euber, Becky Carson, Jim Euber and Steve Euber and her siblings, Helen Inglee, Patricia Carpenter, Leon Duell, Caleb Duell and Bill Duell.
Survivors include her children, Rebecca Bygd and her companion William Reese, Randy Prescott, Robin Alden and her husband, Eric, Mary Ann Euber, Emma James and her husband, Vern, Cheryl Ross and her husband, Tony, Patti Pond and her husband, Craig and Loretta Lynn Murray; her sister, Daisy Duell; her brother, John Duell; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and her companion, Roger Murray.
Mary’s family would like to thank county nurses, Kathy McGowan and Meg Haskell and county aide, Shanna Clark and the many people who cared for Mary.
Friends may call on Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.
Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.
Memorial donations in memory of Mary may be made to an elderly person or a child in need.
FORT EDWARD – Robert L. “Bob” Bacon, Jr., 66, of Hudson Street, passed away peacefully, at his home on Sunday, June, 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle against cancer.
Born on November 7, 1948, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Robert L. and Mary (Merritt) Bacon Sr.
Bob attended Hudson Falls High School and then was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and in honor of service to his country, he received several medals.
Prior to serving in Vietnam, Bob married his sweetheart, Shirley Shaw. They have been together for 46 wonderful years.
Following his military service, Bob was employed at Native Textile and Ciba Geigy. He loved driving truck cross country and did this until his retirement.
Bob loved to fish with his sons, Shawn and Bobby in the Adirondacks. He also enjoyed hunting deer, watching the New York Giants, New York Yankees and watching NASCAR. Bob was the kind of guy who was easy to get along with and had many friends over the years. He could talk your ear off. His most treasured moments were with his wife, children and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he has predeceased by two infant children.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Bacon of Fort Edward; his two sons, Shawn Bacon and his significant other, Stacey Potvin of Fort Edward and Robert W. Bacon and his significant other, Natalie of Hudson Falls; his three grandchildren, Bryana Bacon, Brandon Bacon and Kaylee Bacon; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Rite of Committal, with full military honors will be 11 am on Friday, June 12, 2015, at the Gerald BH Solomon- Saratoga National Cemetery, in the town of Stillwater.
Memorial donations in Bob’s memory, may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
HUDSON FALLS – Thomas E. “Tom” Beahan, a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2015, at Indian River Rehabilitation Center in Granville.
Born on August 30, 1943, in Glens Falls he was the son of the late Allen and Dorothy (Gaulin) Beahan.
Tom was a 1962 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.
On October 8, 1982, he married Deborah Diskin in Glens Falls.
Tom had worked for Sandy Hill Iron and Brass for several years and then worked as a car salesman for various car dealers in the area.
He was an avid golfer and bowler. Tom coached girls softball for the Hudson Falls Summer League. He enjoyed wintering in Florida with his wife, Deborah, and spending summers in Lake George “people watching”. Tom was a great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, whose funny and unpredictable personality will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Frederick Beahan.
Tom is survived by his wife of 32 years, Deborah Beahan of Hudson Falls; his children, Beth Cowles of Hudson Falls and Stephanie Rivette and her fiancé, Scott Jarvis of Lake Luzerne; his step children, Rachel Rich-Zabar and her husband, Jason of Winter Garden, Florida and Brian Rich of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren, Matthew Cowles of NC, Anthony Cowles of Hudson Falls, Morgan Rivette of Lake Luzerne, Isabella Zabar and Aidan Zabar, both of Florida; his great grandchildren, Sonny Cowles, Scarlett Cowles, both of NC and Ethan Cowles of Hudson Falls; his sister, Linda Clum and her husband, Peter of Gansevoort; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch, officiating.
The Rite of Committal will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., PO Box 226, Fort Edward, New York 12828 or the Granville Rescue Squad, Inc., 64 E Potter Ave, Granville, NY 12832.
HUDSON FALLS – Mary Rose (Casey) Legault, 84, formerly of Pearl Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility in Fort Edward.
Born on May 9, 1931 in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Helen (Burke) Casey.
Mary Rose graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1950 and continued her education at SUNY at Plattsburgh. She received her Registered Nursing Degree in 1953 and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1954. For 35 years, Mary Rose was the School Nurse and Health Education teacher at Lake George Central School, retiring in June 1985.
She was ahead of her time in her dedication to the pursuit of her career, serving as a role model to young women of future generations.
On June 22, 1968, she married Joseph J. Legault at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls, and became mother to his children, Jeri, Jan and Joey. He passed away on February 8, 2009, after 40 years of marriage.
Mary Rose was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls and a member of the New York State Teacher’s Association.
Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Tom Casey, and her sisters, Patricia Brummagyn, Helen McCauley, Ann Depalo and Bernadette Mulcahy.
Survivors include her children, Jeri Hasell and her husband, Dave of Wynantskill, Jan Lapoint of Glens Falls, Joseph Legault and his wife, Zenaida of Oklahoma City, OK and Elizabeth Legault of Lincoln,RI; her six grandchildren, Melissa Mueller, Erin and Sam Lapoint, Vicki Villa and Jenna Helling; her brother, Patrick “Bub” Casey of Granville; her sister, Monica Eastman of Fort Edward; her sisters in law, Julia Casey of Kingsbury, Joy Legault of Queensbury, Beverly Legault of Hudson Falls and Mel Daly of Queensbury; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mary Rose loved her time with Joe, from packing up for their winter home in Florida to springing back to open up their summer haven, the Legault Chateau, on Hadlock Pond. She also loved following Lizzy’s athletic and professional career, as well as enjoying a weekly “date night” with Lizzy for the past two years. Most of all, she treasured being at camp, surrounded by the laughter of family and friends.
Mary Rose’s family would like to express a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the multiple care-givers who helped make the last years of Mary Rose’s life as safe and comfortable as possible, and to the wonderful and caring staff at Fort Hudson.
Friends may call on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Operation Santa Claus, P.O. Box 707, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
HUDSON FALLS – Hope M. Fleury, passed away quietly, Thursday, June 4, 2015, in her residence at Wynwood of Brookdale Assisted Living in Niskayuna, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 22, 1921, in Plattsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Robert J. and Johanna (Jackstadt) Hewitt of Whitehall.
In 1939, Hope graduated from Whitehall High School. Following graduation, she worked at Champlain Silk Mill in Whitehall. Hope began her long career at General Electric Company in Schenectady and later in Fort Edward. In 1984, she retired from General Electric after 29 years of service and making many friends. After her retirement, she and her husband, Augustus, spent many years traveling from Maine to Florida. They loved visiting Maine and also enjoyed the many years they wintered in Florida.
Hope enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, camping, watching old movies and embroidery. She was a giving person who loved being around people, especially her family. One of her favorite times was playing board games with her family. They were the center of her life. Hope also was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW and American Legion Auxiliary of Hudson Falls.
Hope was predeceased by her husband of 24 years, Frank DiPhillips and her husband of 28 years, Augustus Fleury, her four brothers, Donald Hewitt, Robert Hewitt, Thomas Hewitt and John Hewitt and one sister, Marena McLaughlin.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol Agostino and her husband Fred; her granddaughters, Jaclyn (Agostino) Mancini and Jessica (Agostino) Lee; her sister, Daune Martell; her brother, J. Drake Hewitt and his wife, Sandra; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Friends may call on Monday, June 8, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Hope’s Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the Park in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Wynwood-Brookdale Assisted Living for their constant support and compassion, The Community Hospice for their wealth of information, as well as their compassion and Home Instead for the respectful care they provided.
It would be the family wish that any memorial donations for Hope be made in memory of her niece, Heidi, to the ALS Association Northern New England Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 309, Concord, NH 03301.
LAKE GEORGE – Florence Marie Palazzo, 38, of Lake George, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2015, at Glens Falls Hospital.
Born December 10, 1976 in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of Vincent and Barbara (Comellas) Palazzo.
Florence attended Lake George High School and then later attended Hudson Valley Community College.
She was employed by Extra Mart in Lake George. She was an avid supporter of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Florence was a loving and caring mom who always wanted to do for her children. She had a kind soul and a big heart.
Florence was predeceased by her children, Hope and Mackenzie Palazzo-Smith, and her grandparents, Albert E. Palazzo and John and Florence Comellas.
Survivors include her parents, Barbara and Vincent Palazzo of Bolton Landing; her siblings, Vicki Palazzo of Lake George and Albert Palazzo and his wife, Maureen of Queens; her children, Tiara Palazzo and Samantha Palazzo; her fiancé, Stephen Bentley; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 noon on Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Church in Lake George.
Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Evergreen Cemetery in Lake George.
Memorial donations in memory of Florence may be made to the Hope and Mackenzie Foundation, Trustco Bank, 100 Glen Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801.
Donald “Corny” Rabine, CPO, USN, Ret.
On the afternoon of June 2, 2015 our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away at the Glens Falls Hospital after a three year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Donald “Corny” Rabine was 89.
Corny was born on December 4, 1925 in Fort Edward, NY and grew up on “the point” in little Canada. He was the son of Delmar and Pauline (LaPointe) Rabine and was one of twelve boisterous and loving children.
Corny attended Fort Edward Union High School but dropped out his senior year to join the United States Navy to fight in World War ll. Dad found his “calling” in the navy and continued his navy career retiring as Master Chief Petty Officer and recruiter in Albany, NY. Corny was incredibly proud to have served his country and once told us he had circled the globe at least 8 times. As a gifted athlete growing up, he continued his love for sports during his navy tenure as both a boxer for the navy and a quarterback for a semipro football team on Long Island, NY.
Although Corny was away for many months on tour, he managed to catch the eye of Lila Ingraham during a leave and they married on January 16, 1956 in Salisbury, CT. They shared 57 years together before her passing in 2012.
After retiring from the Navy, Corny began his second career at Scott Paper Company in Fort Edward, NY. Typical of Corny, he devoted another 20 years of outstanding service and was especially proud of his work as a shop steward.
Corny enjoyed many activities including reading, playing and watching sports, trips to the Racino, travel with his in-laws, and Sunday morning breakfast with Lila, Frank and Jackie Ingraham and Mike and Mary Murdock. He was an avid (obsessive) NY Giants fan. We could always tell what kind of mood dad would be in based on how well the Giants played on Sunday. He also enjoyed the Adirondack Red Wings. In fact, he and Lila travelled to many away games, even venturing into Canada to root for his beloved Red Wings.
Dad’s greatest joy however, came from spending time with his family. Vacations to exotic places were his top priority as well as travelling the country to visit family. The pride he took in his children and grandchildren was evident through his collection of cards, drawings, photos, crafts and concert programs found hidden in an old shoe box in the closet, The man never threw anything away!
Corny has joined many of his family in heaven including his mother and father; his wife Lila; infant daughters Paula and Debra; sons Matthew and Ronald; brothers Leo, Randolph, Robert, and Paul; sisters Betty Hayward, Marie Haley, and Geraldine Field; and grandson Matthew Mellon.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, grandchildren, and siblings. His surviving daughters include Donna (Michael) Swan of Queensbury, NY; Missy Rabine of Glens Falls, NY; Lisa (Eric) Morris of Ponte Vedra, FL; Leigh (Michael) Toomey of Queensbury, NY. His surviving sons include James (Grace) Gitto of Lake George, NY; Robert (James) Rabine of Clinton CT, and Michael Rabine of Gilbert, AZ.
Corny is also survived by many grandchildren including Julie Bonn; Alexander and Daniel Rabine; Robert and Abigail Morris, Raegan and Sean Toomey; Daniel Mellon; James Mellon; Julia Scarincio; Laura-Ann Martin; Kathleen Gillis; Meghan Howard; Christopher, Jeffrey and Jason Rabine; and Tia and Nicole Rabine. He also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Special siblings left to remember dad are his sisters Jeanette and Lorraine, and his brothers Tom and Sylvester.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Landings Memory Care Unit. Corny suffered from dementia but our family knew he was in good hands and well cared for at The Landings.
Friends may call on Corny’s family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 5 at Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY.
The Rite of Committal will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 6 at The Church of St Mary’s-St Paul’s on Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY with burial at St Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward, NY immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Corny’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.
FORT EDWARD – Michael David “Heilsey” Heil, 61, of Fort Edward Commons, passed away peacefully, following a massive heart attack, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 29, 2015, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on May 26, 1954, in Glens Falls, Mike was the son of Elaine and Anthony Pagana of Fort Edward and Carl Edward Heil of Cicero.
He attended Hudson Falls High School and then worked hard to receive his GED.
Mike worked at Scott Paper in Fort Edward, Bocchi Brother’s garage, formerly in Hudson Falls and then, following a tragic accident that left him a quadriplegic, Mike charged full steam ahead by taking courses at Adirondack Community College where he also counseled others who had suffered disabling injuries. He owned and operated Mike’s Motorcycle and Small Engine Repair and then partnered with Michael Putney to operate Double M Small Engine Repair. Forever busy, he then did computer research for friends and family.
He liked playing chess, fishing, shooting his pistols, enjoyed music and concerts, especially trips to see RUSH at SPAC with John Pagano. Prior to his accident, he loved motocross racing. He was sponsored by Hodaka and Waite’s in Queensbury. He was very proud to have been ranked the #1 motocross racer in New York State for a period of time!
Most of all, Mike loved the time he spent with family and friends and was honored to be an Honorary Member of the Adirondack Riders.
He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Homer and Julia Jarvis and his paternal grandparents, Daniel and Julia Heil.
In addition to his parents, Mike is survived by his sisters, Pamela Heil Casey of Queensbury, Diane Heil Barrett and her husband, James of Wilton, Laurie Heil Wieland and her husband, Peter of Queensbury, his brothers Christopher Heil and his wife, Pamela of Queensbury, Mark Heil of Fort Edward; his sisters, Tammy Pagana (Michael Kokoletsos) of Queensbury and Carmela Pagana-Saville and her husband, Weylin of South Glens Falls; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
A graveside Rite of Committal will take place at 9 a.m. on Thursday at St. Paul’s Cemetery on Vaughn Road in the town of Kingsbury, with the Rev. Thomas Konopka officiating.
In lieu of flowers, mike’s family requests that contributions in his memory be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., PO Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Richard “Dick” Kenneally, 75, of South Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, May 27, 2015.
Born in Glens Falls on May 20, 1940, he was the son of the late Daniel and Agnes (Keech) Kenneally.
He was a 1958 graduate of South Glens Falls High School.
On August 28, 1960, he married Grace Fenton at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hudson Falls. Grace passed away on December 11, 2013, following 53 years of marriage. On January 18, 2015, he married Kay Ely at their residence in South Glens Falls.
Dick began his career as a part-time police officer in South Glens Falls. He later worked many years at NIBCO, Hercules/Ciba Giegy and at BASF in Rensselaer. After he retired, he drove bus for South Glens Falls School and the Greater Glens Falls Transit.
Dick was an avid and competitive bowler throughout his life. He was a member of The Glens Falls Bowling Association Hall of Fame, a 25 year attendee of the USBC Bowling Nationals (with his wife Grace at his side). Most recently, he was bowling in several leagues with his wife Kay. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in South Glens Falls, and a past member of both the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Glens Falls and the Glens Falls/Queensbury B.P.O.E.
Family was always Dick’s priority. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty or to lend a helping hand. He also enjoyed playing the guitar, dancing, working around the home and displaying his quick wit. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents and his wife Grace, he is predeceased by a brother, Ronald Kenneally.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Kenneally of South Glens Falls; his daughter, Colleen Ross of Glens Falls; his son, Dan Kenneally of Virginia Beach, VA; his grandsons, Mark Ross, Jr. of Hudson Falls, Jake Kenneally of Charlottesville, VA and Chad Kenneally of Virginia Beach, VA; a step-daughter, Denise Petteys and her husband, Brian, of Hartford; his step-granddaughters, Jaclyn and Christina Petteys of Hartford; his sister-in-laws, Daunne Saunders of Hudson Falls and Carol King of Mechanicville; his brother-in-laws, Richard Ely and Barbara Caiazza of Granville, Donald Ely and Marilyn Kletter of Saratoga Springs; his beloved dog and dancing partner, “Buddy” and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Monday, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home with Deacon Bill Bazinet, officiating.
The Rite of Committal will immediately follow the funeral service, in Union Cemetery, in the town of Fort Edward.
Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Adirondack Save a Stray, 4880 Route 9N, Corinth, NY, 12822.
FORT ANN – Price E. Gibbs, Sr., 59, of Catherine Street, left to be with the Lord he loved, on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.
Born on September 10, 1955 in Glens Falls, Price was the son of the late Everett E. and Norma Jean Gibbs.
He attended Schuylerville High School and was a disabled factory worker.
Price was a collector of things broken and unwanted. He could turn a stray piece of lumber and shattered mirror into an inspiring cross. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of American movies and vast collections of VCR’s and DVD’s, which were his pride and joy. Price particularly loved fishing with his sons and took delight in making “cowboy coffee,” a vile concoction of coffee grounds and campfire smoke that would keep the whole crew awake for days.
Price was loved deeply and his passing leaves a large hole in the hearts of many.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela Gibbs of Fort Ann; his sons, Price E. Gibbs, Jr and his wife, Crystal of Queensbury, Brock E. Gibbs and his partner, Rachael Hall of Glens Falls and Frank Labaddie of Saratoga Springs; his step daughter, Gia Futch and her husband, Damein of Orlando, Fl.; his loving grandchildren, Isabella, Boston, Ryan, Blair, Brayden and Landon Gibbs, Bailey Russell, all of Queensbury, Brooke and Kayden Gibbs and Christopher Persons, all of Glens Falls, Logan and Caleb Futch, both of Orlando, FL; and his beloved niece, Barbara Fasulo of Cromwell, CT.
Friends may call on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those attending the calling hours bring a large jar of peanut butter, which will be donated in Price’s name to a local food pantry.
HUDSON FALLS – Scott Thomas Ritchie, one of God’s very special people, passed away peacefully at his Alma Avenue group home in Hudson Falls, NY on May 19, 2015 after a long battle with congestive heart failure.
Born on July 18, 1951 in Gouverneur, NY to Gretchen and Howard Ritchie, he was a long-time resident of Hudson Falls with his parents and later at nearby group homes. Born with cerebral palsy, Scott was happy and child-like his whole life, forever smiling and always looking forward to the next fun thing to be part of.
And what fun he had–camping on Lake George with family and friends, Saturday bowling with his housemates, winter trips (Scott’s “vacation”) to Florida where Mom and Dad took him to Disney to be photographed with Mickey, Lake George boat rides with Tom and Kathleen, Yankee and local hockey games where cheering and a souvenir were the highlights, winning ribbons at Special Olympics, countless outings organized by the great staff at his group home, going to local restaurants (“eat out”), talking on the phone, listening to music and watching movies–especially musicals–Annie and Sound of Music being his all-time sing-along favorites. During the last couple of years at Alma house, he was so excited to be “retired” as he called it, where the staff gave him extra attention and made every day a new adventure.
Scott’s special ability was his extraordinary memory for songs and lyrics, and while he couldn’t sing every word (usually only the last word in each line), his enthusiasm was infectious. He amazed us all by knowing lyrics by heart which we had to look up.
Each and every year there were two major holidays that Scott looked forward to, talked about for months beforehand, and certainly reminded family and many others of — Christmas (“Santa coming”) and his birthday. Visits by the Easter bunny were fun, too.
Scott made hundreds of friends over the years. It was a rare occurrence when taking him to stores or restaurants that people didn’t walk up to say hi – often explaining to the rest of us that they had met him years, sometimes decades earlier.
It is impossible to personally thank all of the extended family, friends and caregivers (WWAARC house staff and Hospice) for the heartfelt love and care that Scott received. We sincerely thank all of you– especially the caregivers at Alma house–for providing Scott such a happy, fulfilled life during the last few years.
A paraphrase of one of Scott’s favorite songs, which we sang together so many times, reflects how we will remember him – you were our sunshine and you made us all happy.
Scott is predeceased by his father Howard. He is survived by his mother Gretchen, a brother Brad and his wife Sally, Aunt Ann Real, ‘brother’ Thomas Mitchell and wife Kathleen, cousins Jane Wilson and husband Andrew Real and many other cousins.
Scott’s family will receive friends at the Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY on Thursday, May 28th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, immediately followed by the memorial service on-site. Burial in the family plot in Richville, NY will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Scott may be remembered by sending a contribution in his name to WWAARC at 436 Quaker Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.
HUDSON FALLS – Claire Ruth Carleton Fraser, 88, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.
Born on December 9, 1926, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of Will and Ida (Laraway) Carleton.
Claire was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School in 1944 and a 1948 graduate of Mount Holyoke College.
In 1949 she wed James Fraser and dedicated her early adult years to care for and raise her six children, Judith, Scott, Bruce, Andrew, Peter and James, Jr. Claire possessed a strong sense of social responsibility and her lifelong pursuit of performing volunteer work included head start of Albany, Meals on Wheels, the Chapman Historical Museum, Fort Hudson Healthcare Auxiliary, Mt. Holyoke Alumni Association and numerous others. She was a volunteer foster mother and hosted foreign students in her home. She welcomed children from the fresh air fund to her camp at Echo Bay for several summers and she would gladly lend a helping hand to a group or individual in need, often at a moment’s notice. She was also very proud to be a part of the Carleton family, who operated the Carleton Funeral home, Inc. in Hudson Falls for many years.
In 1978, inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit, Claire acquired the Cleverdale County Store and operated it for many years, growing the business, and content to serve the lakeside community of which, she enjoyed being a part.
In her later years, Claire spent her time adoring her 11 grandchildren, travelling as much as she could, and presiding over frequent gatherings of family and friends at Echo Bay as she had done for over 50 years.
She was predeceased by two sisters, Marion Wilson Storey and Jean C. Taylor and her parents.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years, James Fraser of Hudson Falls; her children, Judith, of Longmeadow, MA, Scott, and his fiancé, Christine Burke, of Queensbury, Bruce and his wife, Kathleen, of Queensbury, Andrew and his wife, Suzanne, of Boxford, MA, Peter and his wife, Cheryl, of Queensbury, James, Jr., and his wife, Jessica, of Weston, FL; her grandchildren, Justin, Heath, Dean, Mackenzie, Heather, Brittany, Rory, Meredith, James, III, Luke and Benjamin; several nieces, nephews and a cousin, John Little.
Friends may call on Friday, May 29, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.
A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the Hudson Falls Fisrst Baptist Church, 118 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Fort Hudson Foundation, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the First Baptist Church in Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839