Jeanne A. Durling

DurlingQUEENSBURY – Jeanne A. Durling, 87, formerly of Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, passed away saying her rosary, on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at the Stanton Health Care Facility.

Born on April 18, 1926, in Boston, Mass, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Mabel (O’Connor) Bracken.

After high school, Jeanne graduated from Boston University.  She worked as a physical education teacher at St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls until she met her husband, Edward Durling.

Jeanne and Edward were married on January 21, 1950 in Boston, Mass.

Together with her husband, she operated Durling Studio in Hudson Falls, for 30 years.  Jeanne was a member of the Glens Fall s Hospital Guild.  Some of her favorite times in life were sitting by the pool in Florida talking to her friends.  Most important to her was being with her family.  She also thoroughly enjoyed wheeling and dealing at Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her three brothers, Francis, Sonny and Paul Bracken and also her sisters in law, Peggy Bracken, Frances Renaud, and Lorretta Bracken.

She is survived by her four children,  Peter Durling and his wife, Daria of Vermont, Sue Anne Mayette and her husband, David of Vermont, Joanne Watkins and her husband, Peter of Queensbury, Gerry Durling of Florida; her grandchildren, Molly, Michael, Matthew, Jana and her husband, Shaun, Valerie and her husband, Adam, Cara and her fiancé, Liam, Tom; her brand new great granddaughter, Isla; several nieces, nephews,  cousins; her brother in law, Richard Durling and his wife, Margaret of Florida; and her sister in law, Mary Anne Whiting and her husband, Robert of Florida.

Friends may call on Friday, December 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

Jeanne will be laid to rest with her husband in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

Donations in Jeanne’s memory can be made to Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia Association, 5327 West Pointe Plaza Drive, # 113, Columbus, Ohio, 43228.

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

Irving F. Jenkins

ARGYLE – Irving F. Jenkins, 90, formerly of McEachron Hill Rd., passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at the Glens Falls Hospital

Born July 18, 1923 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Sam and Edna (Carpenter) Jenkins.

Mr. Jenkins attended Glens Falls public schools.

During World War II, Irving saw action in N. Africa, Italy and France while serving with the United States Army.

He married Rita Allen, in February of 1951, in Cannan, Conn. Following their marriage they lived in Fort Edward and Salem. Mrs. Jenkins died November 23, 1985.

For several years, he was employed at Ciba-Geigy formerly in Queensbury. Mr. Jenkins had been a member of the Argyle Senior Citizens and enjoyed traveling and flower gardening. In his younger years, Mr. Jenkins served with the Civilian Conservation Corps, and was on the crew that built Rogers Rock Camp Grounds

Another member of his family who died before him was a brother, Morgan Jenkins, his step-son, Gary LaRoe and a grandson, Kevin Jenkins.

Survivors include three sons, Larry Jenkins and his wife, Roxanne, of Argyle, Roger Jenkins and his wife, Mary, of Hudson Falls and Len Jenkins and his wife Sharron, of Hebron; his sister, Jessie George of Hudson Falls; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Saturday (Today) from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 4 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Flower, pastor of the South Granville Congregational Church, officiating.

Burial will be on Monday at 10 a.m.in Union Cemetery in the Town of Ft. Edward. Full military honors will be provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574 Color Guard.

The family suggests that memorials take the form of donations to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., PO Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

Wesley K. Steves

HUDSON FALLS – Wesley K. Steves, passed away December 1, 2013, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, 11 a.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

Shirley I. Kaiser

Kaiser

GALWAY – Shirley I. Kaiser, 90 , passed away Sunday, December 1, 2013, at the home of her daughter, Bonnie Trevett, surrounded by her family. 

She was born Shirley Warner in Amsterdam, New York on April 6, 1923.  She graduated from Amsterdam High School with honors and attended the Mildred Ellie Business School.

Shirley began working in the St. Mary’s Hospital laboratory as a phlebotomist, and also worked in the medical records departments of the Nathan Littaur Hospital in Gloversville and Johnstown Hospital.  At the time of her retirement she was the Patient Care Coordinator for Johnstown Hospital.

She enjoyed 61 years of marriage to the love of her life, Spencer Kaiser, who predeceased her in 2005.  They spent many happy years together, hiking, fishing, camping, dancing, and showing their children how to live and love.

Shirley was a long time member of the Presbyterian Church in Gloversville.  She had many hobbies and enjoyed knitting items for her family.  She was an accomplished musician who played the piano and had a lovely singing voice.  She taught piano to some of her children and grandchildren.  She was known for her computer and technology skills, keeping in touch with many people through Facebook.

Besides her husband, Spencer Kaiser, Shirley was predeceased by a grandson, James Trevett, in 1986. 

She is survived by her three daughters; Bonnie (David) Trevett of Hudson Falls, Judy (Rick) Vaughan of Ithaca, and Marcie (Tom) Page of Amsterdam; 15 grandchildren, Kristine (Chris) Trevett-Jones, Renee (Terence) Murphy, Marie (Mike) Mercure, Rebekah (Chad) LaBombarde, Kyle (Kelsi) Trevett, Jacob (Tatianna) Eletto, Colin (Anthia) Eletto, Audra Eletto, Kara Eletto, Nate (Ashley) Page, Carly Page, Emily Page, Brian Vaughan, and Kevin Vaughan; as well as 12 great grandchildren.

She will be missed for her determined spirit and her zest for life.

Family and friends may call 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. December 4th , at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc, 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow calling hours at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will be Hagaman Mills Cemetery in Hagaman, New York.

If you wish to donate in Shirley’s memory, please consider your local hospice organization.

Irene A. Aurelia

Aurelia, IreneFORT EDWARD – Irene A. Aurelia, 92, of Orsola Ave, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, on Saturday, November 30, 2013, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.

Born on August 20, 1921, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Philomena (Bascillica) Michelucci.

Irene was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

On July 21, 1921, she married Carl J. Aurelia in Hudson Falls.  He passed away in 1978.

Irene worked for the Joy Store for many years until it closed.  She then managed Midtown Shopping Center for several years.  Irene loved spending time with her family and playing bingo.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Rose Pepe and Mary Marcantonio, her brothers, Alvin, Henry, Joseph, James, Carl, John and her twin brother, who died at six weeks old and her great granddaughter, Bailey Lynn Greene.

 She is survived by her daughter, Michele Miner and her husband, Keith of Fort Edward; her grandchildren, Ryan Miner and Ashley Greene and her husband, Michael; two great grandchildren, Katie Miner and Morgan Greene; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rite of committal will be 1 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility, especially B Wing, for all their love, care and compassion given to Irene and her family.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., PO Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility, Activities Fund, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

Shirley M. Varney

varneyHUDSON FALLS   – Shirley M. Varney, 83, of Lower Allen Street, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2013, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.

Born August 21, 1930, in Plattsburgh, New York, she was the daughter of the Late Louis and Anna (Benway) Phiilips.

On April 22, 1956, she married Nelson “Ed” Varney at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.

Shirley was a cafeteria worker for Hudson Falls Schools and then worked 29 years at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility as a nurse’s aide.

Shirley was a communicant of St Joseph’s Church.  She enjoyed their summer camp at Lake Hadlock with friends and relatives and car rides around the Adirondacks.  She also was a member of Fort Edward/Kingsbury Senior Citizens and enjoyed many years of friendship and lunches there.

Besides her parents, Shirley is predeceased by her three brothers; Ernest Jones, Louis Phillips, Jr., William Phillips and her sister, Ruth E. Jones.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Nelson “Ed” Varney of Hudson Falls; her son, N. David Varney and his wife, Lola, of Angier, North Carolina; her daughter, Linda A. Walzer and her husband, Edward, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; three grandsons, Brian Varney, Scott Varney, and Ryan Walzer; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call Sunday, December 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, December 2,  at 10a.m., at the funeral home, with the Rev. Thomas Babiuch, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at Union Cemetery in Fort Edward.

In memory of Shirley, her family request donations be made to Fort Edward/Kingsbury Seniors Citizens, 72 Oak Street, Hudson Falls, New York 12839 or Fort Hudson Patient Activity Department,  Upper Broadway , Fort Edward, New York 12828.

Shirley’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff on G Wing and A Wing at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility. Their kindness and care will always be remembered.

Eugene George “Bud” Wagar

QUEENSBURY – Eugene George “Bud” Wagar, 87, of Queensbury passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at the Gens Falls Hospital, following a long
illness.

Born on May 28, 1926, in Ballston Lake, he was the son of the late Herman and
Reba (Dingman) Wagar.

Bud was a graduate of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Central School and Oneonta
State College. Throughout his life he continued his education by attending
lasses relating to his career with the telephone company.

At the age of 17, Bud enlisted in the United States Navy.  At the age of
18 he became active duty and served during World War II as a gunner with the
rank of coxswain  He fought in many battles and was very proud of his
service to his country.

He married Helen David in 1955 at the Ballston Spa Presbyterian Church. They
settled in Ballston Lake for 38 years, moved to Minerva for several years and
currently resided in Queensbury.

Bud was employed by The New York Telephone Company (Verizon) for 38
years.  He started as a lineman and worked his way up to the position of
manager.  At the time of his retirement, he worked out of the Albany and
Schenectady offices, traveling all over the state as an instructor.

He was a member of Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls as well as
Jonesville United Methodist Church and Minerva Baptist Church.  He was a
member of the American Legion, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) the Sampson Sailors and the Telephone Retirees Association.  He was am EMT and served with Ski Patrols for not only West Mountain Ski Center but also Gore Mountain Ski Center.

Bud was a very talented craftsman with stained glass manufacturing many
different things including windows, lamps, break fronts and jewelry
boxes.  A testimony to his work can be seen in the windows he created for
the Minerva Baptist Church.  He also in his later years created wonderful
pictures using watercolors.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Audrey Bradley.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen (David) Wagar of Queensbury; his
son Scot David Wagar of Houston, Texas; his daughter Julie G. Lauritzen and her husband, Steve of Novato, Cal; and his granddaughter Zoey Lauritzen of Novato, Cal.

There are no calling hours scheduled.

A memorial service will take place on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls with the Rev. Meredith VanDerminden, officiating.

Following services, all are welcome to a reception at the church hall.

Burial at a later date, will take place at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Veteran’s Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.

Donations in Bud’s memory may be made to the National Ski Patrol, at West Mountain, 59 West mountain RD., Queensbury, NY 12804 or Christ Church United Methodist, 54 Bay St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Patricia J. “Pat” McKinney

McKinney, Pat

FORT EDWARD – Patricia J. “Pat” McKinney, 75, of Campbell Drive, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November, 24, 2013, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on July 10, 1938, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Walter B. and Agnes (Hall) Lewis.

Pat was a 1956 graduate of Fort Edward Union Free School.  During her high school years, she met her future husband, Richard A. McKinney, at a roller skating rink.  On July 1, 1956, they were married. 

Although, Pat herself was not a veteran, she was very proud that five of her nine children served their country.  Pat held various jobs helping people in the community.  She worked with handicap children and was a teacher’s aide for Hudson Falls School District.  Pat was one of the first drivers for the 60 Plus Senior Citizens Center and one of the original members of Operation Santa Claus.  She was known for knitting hats and mittens for the Christmas tree at St. Mary’s Church and C.R. Wood Cancer Center.  Her family and friends cherished and looked forward to receiving homemade baby sweaters.    Pat had a big heart, if you didn’t have a place to spend the holidays, she didn’t care who you were, you were always welcome.  Family and friends knew that her door was always open all year round.  Pat also met many dear friends playing bingo.

In addition to her parents, she was welcomed to heaven by her brother, John Lewis, her sister, Mary-Ellen Crevison and her uncle, Richard Houghton.

Pat is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Richard A. McKinney; nine children, Gary (Toni-Jean) McKinney, Richard “Andy” (Cindy) McKinney,Steve McKinney, Tim McKinney, Laurie McKinney, Tom (Heidi) McKinney, Tony(Christy) McKinney, Cathy (Ron)Tessier and George (Angie) McKinney; her grandchildren, Gary, Brian, Eric, Ricky, John, Sean, Heather, Michelle, Jenny, Christina, Ryan, Erin, Emily, Ashlee, Hope,  Cortney,  Jarrid, Alyssa and Ian; 20 great grandchildren; her brothers, Jim (Heidi) Lewis, Joe Lewis and Jeff (Chris) Lewis; her aunt, Eleanor “Lou” Houghton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Sunday, December 1, 2013, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 5 p.m. on Sunday, at the funeral home, with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will be on Monday, December 2, 2013, at 1 p.m.  in Southside Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Marc, Joelle and the nurses and staff on 3 West at the Glens Falls Hospital, for the wonderful care given to Pat during her hospital stay.

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

Muriel F. Buerkley

BuerkleyHUDSON FALLS – Muriel F. Buerkley, 89, formerly of East Syracuse and more recently of Hudson Falls, went to heaven to meet her husband and daughter, on Monday, November 25, 2013, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on December 16, 1923, in Falmouth, MA, she was the daughter of the late Alva A. and Alice M. (Robbins) Carl.

Muriel met her future husband, Samuel J. Buerkley, at a dance.  Samuel at the time was in the Army, serving his country.  It was love at first sight.  They were married a year later, just before he was deployed.  They shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, before his death.  Muriel and her husband spent most of their life in Syracuse, where they had many friends.  Muriel worked for 36 years at Wegman’s in Liverpool.  She loved her job and all the friends that she made, during her working career.  After her health started to fail, Muriel moved to Hudson Falls to live with her daughter, Linda. While living in Hudson Falls, Muriel became a member of the Fort Edward-Kingsbury 60 Plus Senior Center.  She loved all the activities and her friends at the Senior Center.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Susan Bressette, her sister, Elva Tyler, her brother in law, Herb and her niece, Karleen Craig.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Buerkley of Hudson Falls; her sister, Janet Bowman of Miramar, Florida; four grandchildren, Laura (Thomas) Lane of Queensbury, Peter (Rebecca) Prince of Brookline, NH, Debra (Thomas) Strong of Cicero, David Perrigo of Las Vegas, NV; her eight great grandchildren, Kaycie, Benjamin, Rachel, Ryan, Matthew, Eben, Cara and Grace; her two nieces, Barbara (David) Eberly and Nancy Bonesteel; and her nephew, Herb Tyler.

Burial will be at a later date in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.

The family suggests that memorial donations may be sent to the Fort Edward-Kingsbury, 60 Plus Senior Center, 78 Oak Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

George F. Reger, Jr.

Reger

QUEENSBURY – George F. Reger, Jr., 85, formerly of Kattskill Bay and most recently of Willow Road, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, November 24, 2013, at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility.

Born on June 25, 1928, in Schenectady, he was the son of the late George F. and Rose (Paglia) Reger, Sr. 

He was the husband of Jean (Cruden) Reger.  Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.

George graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and then furthered his education at Queens College in New York City.  After Queens College,  he  served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army.  Upon his return from service, he began his banking career.  George took many banking classes at First National Bank of Glens Falls, completed the Dale Carnegie Course,  and graduated from  Williams College.  During his career, he served on the Board of Directors at Evergreen Bank, in Plattsburgh and was an officer of the Robert Morris Association.  After 48 years of service to First National Bank of Glens Falls, (later known as Evergreen Bank, TD Bank North and now known as TD Bank), he retired  in 1990 as a Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer.  He loved the world of banking.

George spent many years at Lake George, building his family’s summer home in Kattskill Bay, later becoming his retirement residence.  He enjoyed time spent on or around the lake, particularly boating and fishing.  He was an officer of both the Pilot Knob Association and the Lake George Association.

George was a friendly and outgoing man, who had the knack of remembering names.  This gift made people feel special.  He loved having fun and telling jokes.  He was a well respected man in his daily life and in his banking career.  Most of all, George was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Reger.

George is survived by his loving wife,  Jean Reger of Queensbury; his children, James M. Reger of Columbus, Ohio, Barbara R. Paradis of Queensbury, Thomas G. Reger of Seattle, Washington and Mary A. (Gene) Fortino  of Martinez, Georgia; his grandchildren, Alyssa Wetmore, Gregory Wetmore, James Benes, Kerry Benes, Joanne  Scott, Christina Fortino and Michael Fortino; his three great grandchildren; his sisters-in- law, Joan Hart, Jacquelyn (Carleton) Dunn and Sharon (Pete) McCormick ;  and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Friday, November 29, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

The family would like to thank the staff of G Wing and S Wing at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility, for the loving care given to George and his family.  They will be forever grateful for the kindness and support give to him throughout his stay at Fort Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in George’s memory may be made to the local charity of your choice.

Mildred L. White

HUDSON FALLS – Mildred L. White, 96, of Jones Avenue, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2013, at her home.

Born on September 13, 1917 in Fort Edward, she was the daughter of the late William and Eunice Sherman.

Mildred was a graduate of Fort Ann School and in 1936, at the age of 18,  she eloped with George White.

For many years, Mildred worked for J & J Lingerie in Granville and then moved with the company to Glens Falls.  She retired at the age of 65.

Mildred was a very self reliant and independent woman.  She lived on her own up until her death.  Mildred loved to collect porcelain dolls, music boxes and lighthouses.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her infant son, Teddy, her daughter, Myrna Sherman and all her brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her children, Joan Churchill and her husband, Glenn of Hudson Falls and Ronald White and his wife, Ruth, also of Hudson Falls; her grandchildren, Robin (White) Fanning, Ronald White II, Hope (White) Barber and Beth (Churchill) Cafferty; her great grandchildren, Mark, Ethan, Ronald, Raymond, Jeremy, Nichole, Adam, Aaron, Kayla, Conor and Caitlin Cafferty; one great great granddaughter, Kayleigh; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Monday, November 25th , from 11 to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

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

The family suggests that memorial donations be given to The American Cancer society, 959 Route 9, Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804.

David Abner Gonyo

DgonyoHUDSON FALLS – David Abner Gonyo, 83, a long time Pearl St. resident, went into the arms of our Lord on Saturday, October 26, 2013, in Virginia Beach, VA, where he resided with his granddaughter.

Born on March 5, 1930, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Abner D. and Glenis (Drown)Gonyo.

A true patriot, he completed ninth grade and the joined the Air Force, serving from 1947 – 1951 and then the Army from 1951 – 1953, serving in the Korean War where he cooked for our troops.  Forced to leave the military for a disability, he was awarded a 100% disabled status in June of 1974.

He married the late Marion (Potter) Gonyo on August 24, 1968, and were together until her passing in 1998.  He then moved to Virginia to be with his family.

A true horticulturist and avid bible reader, he was a true blessing to everyone he met.  He and his family were members of the Greater Glens Falls bible Baptist Church in Hudson Falls and London Bridge Bible Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA.

Besides his parents and wife, two sisters, Mildred French and Cora Moses and one brother, Michael F. Gonyo along with Patricia A. Slavin all passed before him.

Survivors include his granddaughter, Deborah Lind and her husband, Stephen J. Lind and their son Stephen R. Lind, all of Virginia Beach, VA; and a sister in law, Kathleen Gonyo of Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church on West St. in Hudson Falls with the Rev. Guy Goodell, pastor officiating.

Burial, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 574 of Hudson Falls, will follow at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

Memorial donations in David’s Memory may be made to the Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church 1 ½ West St., Hudson Falls.

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

Thomas Nelson Gray

GrayHUDSON FALLS – Thomas Nelson Gray, 76, of Hudson Falls, went home to his eternal father on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at Pleasant Valley Infirmary in Argyle.

Born February 5, 1937 in Stanley, Virginia, he was the eldest son of the late William Otis Gray and the late Winnie Lohr Gray.

Upon his marriage to Alice Schooley Gray on April 22, 1958, he moved to Hudson Falls and raised his family here.  Although he lived most of his adult life in Hudson Falls, his home state of Virginia always held a special place in his heart.

Thomas will be lovingly remembered as a hardworking, humble servant of the Lord.  He was the pastor and caretaker of the Church of Gospel in Hudson Falls until his health failed.  Thomas was employed by Glens Falls Electric Supply Co. until his retirement.  True to his character, he was a dependable, loyal, and hardworking employee, husband, and father.  In his final years at Pleasant Valley Infirmary, he did his best to be a bright and shining light for the Lord.  He would speak of spiritual things and shared the gospel whenever there was an opportunity to do so with patients and staff.  He particularly enjoyed discussing the Bible, answering biblical questions, and singing hymns in the activities room at the nursing home.  Although he was never a man of many words, in his later years, in spite of his Parkinson’s disease, God blessed him with the ability to open his heart and engage in more conversation than ever before.  Thomas was a wonderful example of a humble Christian walking with the Lord.  He always wanted to be ready for heaven. Thomas was preceded in death his beloved wife, Alice, whom he was infinitely devoted, and by his parents.

He is survived by his three daughters, Allison (Alice) Paulzak and her husband, Michael of Navarre, Florida, Marion Leombruno and her husband, Robert of Lake George, Kelly Mckeown and  her husband, Jason of Hudson Falls; grandchildren Elsie Paulzak, Rachel and Robert Leombruno, Tiffani and Kortni Tougas, Konnor and Landon Mckeown; great granddaughter, Layla Rosenblum;  his brothers David, Samuel, Robert, John, Benjamin, Joseph, Rufus, and sister Lois, all of Virginia; his brother-in-law, Herbert Schooley of Hudson Falls, many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family and friends may call at from 4p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2013 Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Gray officiating.

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

Thomas’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Pleasant Valley for all their care and support through his final years and to the Church of Gospel and Pastor Robert Gray for their faithful support and prayers. Memorial donations may be made in Thomas Gray’s name to Parkinson’s Research Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, New York 10018, or to the Church of the Gospel, c/o Miriam Gray, 185 Gray Drive, Stanley, VA, 22851.