Author Archives: CFH

Elaine Alice Keays

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KeaysGANSEVOORT – Elaine Alice Keays, 89, a longtime Gansevoort resident, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility in Fort Edward.

Our much beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Elaine Alicia Keays (Garnsey) of Gansevoort, passed away peacefully Tuesday February 10th at the age of 89.

Elaine was born on February 25th 1925, to the late Benjamin Garnsey and Delta Garnsey (Champoux). Her mother passed away nearly a year after her birth so she was taken in by family and raised  on a small dairy farm in Northumberland . She flourished on “The Farm” and had many fond memories that her stories could attest to.

In her early years, Elaine loved to dance. She would attend many “Barn” dances held throughout Northumberland and the Washington County area. At one of those fateful dances she met the love of her life, John “Skipper” Keays. World War Two broke out not too long after they met. Elaine spent these years caring for her “Ma and Pa” on the farm and working at the Watervliet Arsenal, but always waiting to be reunited with her beloved Skipper. John and Elaine were married April 28th, 1946.

She had many loves throughout her life but none as important as her family. She thrived raising and caring for her four children, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. She wouldn’t stop with just immediate family though. Friends and friends of her family were always welcomed with an open heart and usually left with a full belly. In her later years she enjoyed going for rides with Skipper, garage sale-ing, and putting around the yard.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John J. Keays and sister Donna Leonard.

She is survived by her sister Doris Ross, her beloved children, David Keays and his wife, Joyce of Gansevoort, John “Jack” Keays of Deerefield Beach Fl., Donna Keays of South Glens Falls, and Paul Keays and his wife, Deborah of Hudson Falls; her loving grandchildren Christian Keays and his wife, Becci, Meaghan Smith and her husband, Chris, Terry Keays and his partner, Andrea Leombruno, Kimberlee Keays-Loffler and her fiancé, Rob Phelps, Wesley Keays and his wife, Erica, Joelle Russo, Jeffery Keays, and Pauly Keays. She is also survived by her fourteen great grandchildren and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Calling hours will be held from 10-11:30am at Carleton Funeral home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

A prayer will be said for Elaine at 11:30 on Tuesday, following the calling hours, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch, officiating.

This will be followed by a burial at 2 p.m.  at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. A small celebration of her life will follow.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing home for their compassionate care over the last few months. We would also like to give heartfelt thanks to her immediate family that made it possible for her to remain home for as long as possible.

Olivia Irene Crosse

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CrosseCORINTH – Olivia Irene Crosse, infant daughter of Adam and Lea (Thompson) Crosse, went into the arms of the Lord while entering this world on Friday, February 6, 2015, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

“Dearest Olivia, please know that our greatest blessing was having you.”

Heaven’s gain was our loss when our angel was called by our Lord.

Olivia was a miracle two and a half years in the making.  She will be remembered by all that saw her for her breathtaking beauty.

Olivia was welcomed into heaven by her maternal great grandfather, LeRoy Elman, great grandparents, Harold and Frances Thompson, and her paternal great great grandparents, Claude and Velma Everts.

In addition to her parents, Adam and Lea Crosse of Porters Corners, she is survived by her half sister, Juliannah Crosse; her maternal grandparents, Brenda and Larry Thompson of Schuylerville; her paternal grandparents, Jeff Crosse of Greenwich and Daniel and Chris Cromwell of Selkirk; her maternal great grandmother, Shirley Elman of Middletown; and her paternal great grandparents, Brian and Val McKinney of Queensbury; her cousin Lexi Sue and aunt Heather Thompson of South Glens Falls, uncle Kyle Thompson of Schuylerville and aunt Ashley (Crosse) Masten and her husband Andrew of Fort Edward

Friends may call on Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Graveside services will be private in the spring at Southside Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

Memorial donations may be sent to charity of ones choice in memory of Olivia.

Jack V. Guerrera

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GuerreraHUDSON FALLS – Jack V. Guerrera, 84, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at Glens Falls Hospital, in Glens Falls, after a long illness.

Born October 23, 1930 in Middletown, he was the son of the late Frank and Josephine (Carretto) Guerrera.

Jack attended Middletown School’s.  He served our country in the United States Army from 1948 to 1952, where he was stationed in Germany.

On June 10, 1965, Jack married Marilyn Bazinet in Hudson Falls.

Jack worked for Prudential Life Insurance Company in Middletown.  After moving to Hudson Falls, he worked for the Sandy Hill Corp, and then became a self employed antique dealer. Antiques were his whole life and his Melville find was the pinnacle of his career.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Guerrera of Hudson Falls; his brother, Philip Guerrera and his wife, Sandy of Sellersville, PA; his three children, Lynn Lentino and his wife, Donna of Westminster, MD, Frank Lentino and Timothy Guerrera, both of Middletown; his five grandchildren, Daniel, Michael, Andrea, Jonathan and Nicholas; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no service at this time.

Burial will take place at a date to be announced in the spring, at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

Memorial donations in memory of Jack may be made to ASPCA, PO Box 171, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or Adirondack Save A Stray, 4880 New York 9N, Corinth, NY 12822.

Jerry W. Caruso, Sr.

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CarusoHUDSON FALLS – Jerry W. Caruso, Sr., 86, of Hudson Falls passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at his home.

Born on August 12, 1928, in Fort Edward, he was the son the late Charles W. and Susie (Cimo) Caruso

Jerry attended Fort Edward High School.

He was a veteran of the US Navy having served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Chehalis during World War II.

On July 17, 1949, he married Joan Bardin in St. Joseph’s Church, Fort Edward.

He was a restaurateur for nearly 30 years, having owned and operated Julie’s Delicatessen, Jerry’s Restaurant and Delicatessen and the Hawkeye Restaurant, all of Lake George. From 1968 to 2001 he owned and operated  Caruso Enterprises Inc., a building contracting firm in Hudson Falls. At one time, he was a Special Deputy of the Washington County Sheriff Department.

Jerry was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Hudson Falls. He also was a former member of the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company. As a former Boy Scout leader in Kingsbury, he was president and a lifetime honorary member.    He also belonged to the Hotel Restaurant Liquor Dealers Association, the American Legion Post 374 of Lake George since 1948, a lifetime member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 6196, Queensbury, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Glen Lake and a member of the 40 and 8 Voiture Locale # 1186 of New York. Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and especially time spent with his family.

One brother, Anthony Caruso, died in 1980.

Besides his wife of 65 years, Joan (Bardin) Caruso of Hudson Falls,survivors include,three sons, Jerry W. Caruso, Jr. and his wife Jolene of Kingsbury, Andrew J. Caruso and his wife Linda of Lake George and Michael S. Caruso and Maureen Jones of Saratoga Springs; one daughter, Bernice Waterston and her husband, Jason of Queensbury; his grandchildren, Milo Caruso and his wife, Sarah, Michael Yole and his wife Allyssa, Ashley Yole and  Bo Brummagyn and Arielle Maille; his great grandchildren, Audrie Caruso, Zachary Caruso, Alivia Brummagyn and Owen Yole; two brothers, Charles W. Caruso and Robert A. Caruso and his wife Linda,  one sister, Carol Cicero; 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 Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Catholic Church, on the park, in Hudson Falls with the Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Edward, in the spring.

Instead of flowers, Jerry’s family suggests memorial donations be made to the Leatherstocking Honor Flight, P.O. Box 621, Cobleskill, NY 12043 or the charity of one’s choice.

Pauline G. “Peanie” Bourdeau

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BourdeauHUDSON FALLS – Pauline C. “Peanie” Bourdeau, 85, a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, passed away following a long illness on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Fort Hudson Nursing Home in Fort Edward.

Born February 10, 1930, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Felxia (Coveleski) Vitouski.

Pauline worked for many years as a collector and seamstress for Pender -Towly, formerly in Hudson Falls.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Pauline loved sewing and most importantly, spending time with her family.  In her many years of sewing she created over 15 wedding gowns and assorted other gowns and formal clothing for her beloved family.

Besides her parents, Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Treffley Bourdeau, who passed away in 2000, her step son, Vincent Bourdeau, and her grandchildren, Robert and Wayne Speenburg.

Survivors include her two sons, Joseph Bourdeau and his wife, Kathy of Hudson Falls, Noel Bourdeau and his wife, Cathy of Fort Edward; her grandchildren, Jason Bourdeau of Hudson Falls, Jared Bourdeau and his wife, Pam of Lake Luzerne;  her step grandchildren, Corrina Parnapy and her husband, Jeremy of New York, Joshua Higgins of Fort Edward; her great grandchildren, Emily, Lynette, Vincent, Rebecca and Micheala; her sister, Jenny Brodt and her husband, John of Hudson Falls; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the spring, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls, at a time to be announced.

The Rite of Committal will be conducted at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, in the spring.

Memorial donations in memory of Pauline may be made to a charity of one’s choice

Phyllis M. Collins

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Collins, PMOREAU – Phyllis M. Collins, 76, of the town of Moreau, passed away February 5, 2015, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born November 30, 1938, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Ernestine Hoag.

Phyllis graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1956.

On June 21, 1959, Phyllis married Paul H. Collins, Sr. at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.  He passed away July 9, 2014.

In Phyllis’ earlier years she waitressed at several locations, but her favorite job was as a business owner of Smoke Rise Campgrounds in Pottersville, in which she and her husband previously owned.

Phyllis enjoyed knitting, crocheting, going camping, water skiing, bowling, cooking and playing cards.  Most of all, Phyllis enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Phyllis was predeceased by her brother in law, Sanford A. “Skip” Collins, her sister in law, Jean Collins and her brother in law, Ronald Rich

Survivors include her children, Lori Collins-Strassburg and her husband, Walt, Paul H. Collins, Jr., and his wife, Laurie, Brian D. Collins and his partner, Kara Moak, all of Moreau; six granchildren, Walter P. Strassburg and his wife, Jennifer of Rochester, Robert Strassburg, Courtney Collins, Cari Collins, Emily Collins and Alyssa Collins, all of Moreau; her great grandson, Walter S. Strassburg of Rochester; her sister, Sharlene Rich of Moreau; her brother in law, Ted Collins and his wife, Joanne of Moreau; one aunt, Jeanette Hoag of Hudson Falls as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at a later date, in the spring, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Donations in memory of Phyllis may be to the Moreau Emergency Squad Inc., 1583 Rte. 9, Moreau, New York, 12828.

Lillian A. Valyer

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GANSEVOORT – Lillian A. Valyer, 84, of Brownville Rd passed away February 4, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 27, 1930, in Argyle, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Gertrude (Clark) Desourdy.

On August 7, 1948, she married Lester Valyer in Hudson Falls.

Lillian enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crafts, was a great cook and was well known at the local farmer’s market where she sold her fresh vegetables, fruits and homemade jams.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by two sisters, Harriet McDonnell and Clara Plantey and one brother, John Desourdy.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Lester Valyer of Gansevoort; her eight children, Lillian O’Hanlon and her husband, Bill of FL, Linda Gifford and her husband, Bill of Gansevoort, Lester Valyer, Jr. and his wife, Sue of NC, Laura Morse of Gansevoort, Lorraine Burton and her husband, Bill of Gansevoort, Lizbeth Benhart and her husband, Mike of NC, Lois Shoots and her husband, Mike of TN and Lisa Valyer of Gansevoort; 19 grandchildren; 34+ great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; her brothers, Frank Desourdy and Marvin Desourdy and his wife, Margie of Hudson Falls;  many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A service will be conducted at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m., following the calling hours, with the Rev. Flossie Bates, officiating.

Lillian’s family suggests that memorials in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 4 Pine West Plaza 405, Albany, NY 12205.

Arthur E. Waters

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Waters2Waters3HUDSON FALLS – Arthur E. Waters, 72, of Brook Road, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 3, 2015.

Born on November 4, 1942, in Green Island, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Lorraine (VanNess) Waters.

After high school, Art served with the US Marine Corps as a member of the landing team, whose purpose was to make Marines ready for action and to provide good will to the people on the islands, they protected.  He was honorably discharged on March of 1964 as a Corporal.

In 1963, he married Charlene LaMere at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls.

He retired from Norlite in Cohoes.

He was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  Art also was a founding member of Hudson Falls Girls Softball, serving as board member for many years.  He coached Tri-County Middle League Softball League, Hudson Falls Little League and assisted his daughter, Kim as Varsity Softball coach.  Art worked for the Hudson Falls recreation program.  When the Hudson Falls Sports budget failed, he organized a softball tournament to raise funds for the Hudson Falls athletes.  He was an avid softball player and was known as the “The Arc of Derby Park”.  He also umpired softball at Jenkinsville Field and Derby Park. He enjoyed playing broom ball on Glen Lake as well as ice hockey at Derby Park.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers in law, Ovid LaMere and Cletus LaMere and his sisters in law, Eunice Clark and Elva Daniels.

He is survived by his sweetheart since the age of 15, Charlene (LaMere) Waters of Hudson Falls; his two daughters, Kelly Leclaire and her significant other, Jeff Dunn of Hudson Falls and Kimberley Waters-White and her husband, Anthony of Hudson Falls; four grandchildren, Kieran Waters White, Korey Anthony White, Kerry Patrick White and Hayley Pamela Leclaire; one brother, John “Jack” Waters of Hudson Falls; his sister, Kathleen Paige and her husband, James of Fort Ann; his sister in law, Sandra Backus and her husband Robert of Gansevoort and his brothers in law, Russell LaMere and his wife, Keeta of Queensbury,  Keith LaMere and his wife, Michele of Florida, Chuck Clark of Gansevoort; his sister in law Donna LaMere of Queensbury. He is also survived by a nephew, whom he and Charlene raised from the age of 12,  Bret LaMere; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Friday, February 6, 2015, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9 a.m. on Saturday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

Pall Bearers will be Matt Backus, Mike Backus, Nate Mattison, Rolland Schenk, Roger Ovitt and Kurt Schaffer.

Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to a charity for the elderly.

Florence F. Weber

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WeberGRANVILLE – Florence F. Weber, 82, of Holbrook Adult Home, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2015 at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a long illness.

Born on February 25, 1932 in Fort Edward, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Delia Catalfamo.

Although she was born in Fort Edward, Florence lived the majority of her life in California with her husband, Robert Weber.   He passed away in July of 2012, after many wonderful years of marriage.

Florence enjoyed spending time walking with her friends every morning.  She loved listening to music and delighted in nature.   Florence watched the birds flock to her window and created all sorts of beautiful crafts. 

After the loss of her husband, she moved back to Hudson Falls to be with her nephew and his wife, Lawrence and Ilene Moak.  They cared for her until she moved to the caring community of Holbrook Adult Home in Granville.  Florence loved living there, where she was loved and treated like family.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Frances Bonnoyer, James Catalfamo, Anthony Catalfamo, Mary Schenk, Louis Catalfamo, Phyllis Moak, Candaloro Catalfamo and Carmella Catalfamo.

Survivors include her brother, John Catalfamo of Hudson Falls; her nephew, Lawrence Moak and his wife, Ilene, also of Hudson Falls; and many special nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Saturday from 11 to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Thomas Babiuch, pastor of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church of Hudson Falls, officiating.

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

The family wishes to thank Holbrook Adult Home and the Glens Falls Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion given to Florence and her family.

Memorial donations in Florence’s memory may be sent to the SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY  12804 or Holbrook Adult Home, 73 North St., Granville, NY  12832.

John H. (Abare) Bezio

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bezio2BezioFORT EDWARD – John H. (Abare) Bezio, 84, of Seminary Street, passed away peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital on Sunday, February 1, 2015.

Born on January 18, 1931, in Ticonderoga, he was the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bezio.

At age 17, John served his country in the United States Army, where he was wounded during  the Korean War.  After serving our country, John started driving truck for Northeastern Products in Warrensburg.  He was a hard working man who loved his job.

In 1972, John married Patricia Borden.  She passed away in 1985 after spending many wonderful years together.

John enjoyed fishing on Lake Champlain.  Every weekend you could find him throwing a line in, whatever the season. He made many cherished memories camping on Lake Champlain with his family.   He also enjoyed hunting in his younger years.  John was a master of everything, he could build anything.  He was a skilled mechanic and carpenter.  Most of all, John was a great father and provider.  He always made sure his family was taken care of and put their needs above his own.  His most precious times were with his daughter, Tammy, who made sure that he was cared for and comforted every day.   John also loved his dogs, Hercules and Midget.

Besides his father and wife, John was predeceased by his two brothers, Vernal and Ronnie Bezio, and his two sisters, Doris Trainor and Raydeen Jenkins.

Survivors include his four children, Connie Colvin and her husband, Frank,  Robert Abare and his fiancée, Janet Ives, William Abare, and his fiancée, Becky Harrington, all of Fort Edward and Tammy Wright and her husband, Eric of Glens Falls; his two grandchildren, Jonathan Wright and Nicholas Abare; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

A Funeral Service will follow the calling hours, at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, at the funeral home, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch, pastor of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls, officiating.

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

Memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project, 7020 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL  32256 or the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

Robert “Bob” Gleason

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GleasonHUDSON FALLS – Robert “Bob” Gleason, 86, of William Street, died peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2015, at the Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his children.

Born October 22, 1928 in Auburn, NY, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Warter) Gleason.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On June 3, 1950, he married Beverly Knobel at St. Paul’s Church, formerly in Hudson Falls.   They were married 50 years when she died on July 21, 2000.

Bob worked for over 40 years for the General Electric Company in the Hudson Falls and Fort Edward plants, retiring in 1987 as a Unit Manager.

Bob’s faith was important to him as a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.      He enjoyed stamp collecting and watching the New York Yankees and the NY Giants.   For the past 20 years, he researched the family genealogy.    Bob loved technology, and had one of the first personal computers.   He also enjoyed woodworking.  Bob made beautiful furniture and toys for his family and friends.  He was also an avid reader and a student of history.  Bob always enjoyed getting into a good political debate.

Survivors include four children, Michael D. Gleason and his husband, J. Timothy Breen of Queensbury, Elaine K. Gleason and her husband, Colin Dermody, of Loudonville, Nancy Groenwegen and her husband, Paul, of Glenmont and Linda G. Michaud and her husband, Paul, of Hudson Falls; two grandsons, Tylor Michaud of Hudson Falls and Philip Groenwegen of New Haven, CT; his step granddaughter, Erin Dermody of Boston, MA; his brother, Daniel Gleason and his wife, Virginia, of South Glens Falls; and one niece and four nephews.

At Bob’s emphatic request, there will be no calling hours.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls, with the Rev. Thomas Babiuch, pastor, officiating.

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

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Upstate New York/Vermont, 5 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205.

The family wishes to thank the Cardiac Care Unit staff at the Glens Falls Hospital for the competent and compassionate care given to Bob and his family during the last four days of his life.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.