Author Archives: CFH

Scott A. Foro of Greenfield Center, NY, passed away on August 14, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital after a brave 8 month battle with cancer.  He was 63 years old.

Scott was born in Glens Falls, NY on November 28, 1960, to Louis Foro Sr. (d. 2001) and Joan Prins (d. 2022) and lived much of his early life in Hudson Falls, NY.  He graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1979 and went on to study Fire Science at Cape Cod Community College.

Scott would serve in the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department from 1980  to 1991. He was incredibly proud of his service in the fire department, frequently saying “once a firefighter, always a firefighter” long after he left it.  His time in the fire department was so important to him that he purchased Engine 82, a Mack CF pumper, from the Hudson Falls Fire Department in 2013, the year after it was taken out of service.  He would spend hours talking about the history of the truck to anyone who would listen, being sure to recall how he “rode the back bumper on her first call.”

In March of 1983, he met Kimberly Austin on a blind date that was arranged by mutual friends. They married on September 20, 1986. 

He worked various jobs including snow making at West Mountain, night desk clerk at the Queensbury Hotel, maintenance for Frederick Garden Apartments in Saratoga, and the Building Superintendent for the Hudson Falls Village Hall. 

In 1996, Scott and his wife Kimberly opened Whispering Pines Campsites & RV Park in Greenfield Center, NY.  Having been avid campers for many years, Scott would detail their stay at every park, noting how he would do things differently. The park had been closed for 5 years when they found it and it became his opportunity to run a campground the way he had always envisioned. With the help of family and friends, Scott revitalized the property working 18 hour days, transforming it from a run down 70-site campground into a thriving, 112-site RV park. It’s a place that thousands of campers have been able to enjoy for the last 29 years.  Scott’s legacy will continue to be felt in the campground for years to come. Although he can never be replaced, the campground will continue to operate to honor his hard work, dedication, and his vision for the future. 

As much as he loved his life “in the pines,” Scott truly enjoyed spending time at his home in Lehigh Acres, Florida.  Whether it was taking a siesta on the lanai, driving around town in his Mustang convertible, taking his wife to her favorite beach on Sanibel Island, or sipping a cocktail at his favorite tiki bar, it was here that Scott was happiest and the most relaxed.

Scott is survived by his wife of 37 years Kimberly (Austin) Foro of Greenfield Center, NY, his son Jared Foro of Saratoga Springs, NY, his daughter Caroline Foro of Syracuse, NY, a brother-in-law Donald Austin, Jr of San Diego, CA and his wife, Patti, his mother-in-law, Patricia Austin of Saratoga Springs, NY and a very special cousin Kerri Reilly of Queensbury, NY, and her husband, Mike. 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Scott’s honor at Whispering Pines Campsites & RV Park in Greenfield Center, NY. sometime in September. His family hopes that his friends, his Whispering Pines family and brothers from the fire service will take part in honoring him. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Scott’s name to the American Cancer Society, the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation, or your local volunteer fire department.

FORT ANN- Our beloved, Michael Patrick Hamblin, known as Mike, passed away at his home in Fort Ann, surrounded by those most dear to him, the evening of Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Born in Little Falls, NY on November 19th, 1949, to his late parents Francis Harland Hamblin and Catherine Mary (Monahan) Hamblin.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls, NY. Following high school, he chose to fulfill his American duty and joined the US Army and went on to serve his time in Germany. After serving for three and half years he came back and completed his degree in Applied Science at Adirondack Community College. Kickstarting his 38-year career Mike was owner/operator at Environmental Comfort Systems prior to his employment at Kamyr Industries. And subsequently, with the NYS DOCCS, as a plant superintendent B where he retired from Great Meadow Correctional Facility, after 17 years.

In 1973 Mike first met Carol at ACC. He loved to tell the story of when he first laid eyes on her. As she was coming down the stairs into the student center, in his words  “she was incredibly beautiful in her pink hat” and thought “how wonderful of a girl she must be”. They were married two years later, on August 17th, 1975. Mike was completely devoted to his best friend, Carol Hamblin for the past 49 years during which they welcomed four children and nine grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carol E. Hamblin [Owens]; siblings, Francis W. Hamblin (Celia), John V. Hamblin (Patti) and Karen C. Barrett; his four children, Elizabeth C. (Michael) Dean, Francis H. Hamblin, Shanna L. (Mario) Nicoletti, Christine M. (Cody) McNorton and nine grandchildren, Heath L. Dean, Carolyn R. Dean, Lorenzo Nicoletti, Bradley J. Dean, Troy A. LaValley-McNorton, Charlotte E. Dean, Giada G. Nicoletti, Carrington A. McNorton, Adeline M. McNorton as well as their adored fur-daughter English Shepherd, Sally Hamblin.

In addition to his parents, Catherine M. (Monahan) and Francis H. Hamblin, Mike was predeceased by his brother Brian J. Hamblin as well as infant sister.

Mike enjoyed many things such as playing his guitar, both solo and in bands, sharing his love for folk, bluegrass and an array of other genres with any and all other music enthusiasts at Grumbellies (Fort Ann). He participated in several local pool leagues such as at Mernies (Fort Ann) and the American Legion (Hudson Falls). The company with which he shared these interests was the most valued to him.

Mike was a great man who was deeply devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was most often described as funny, passionate, clever, patriotic, witty, light-hearted and easy-going. Just an all-around great guy who had such an immense zest for life. He led by example and was a supportive role model and mentor to many. His legacy will forever live on through the countless lives he touched and the lessons he taught us.

Mike/Dad/Uncle Mike/Grandpa/Papa, we will mourn you but, because of the life you chose to live we can celebrate every minute we were able to enjoy with you. Thank you for being the best man any of us could have asked for.

We will see you again.

The Hamblin family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the many physicians, nurses and staff from the different offices that helped take care of Mike through this journey, as well as a few other specific businesses that went above and beyond with their prayers and overall kindness.

-Oncologist, Dr. Gillani, and team, at C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital;

-Dr. Aarons, Laurie Dennison, and Marissa Chaffee providers with Irongate Family Practice, Glens Falls;

-Orthopaedic Oncologist, Dr. DiCaprio and team, Albany Medical Center, Albany;

-Thoracic Surgeon, Dr Hosanah and team, Albany Medical Center, Albany;

-All members of the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, Fort Ann;

-Nurses, LPNs, social workers with High Peaks Hospice Inc, Glens Falls;

-Carleton Funeral Home Inc, Hudson Falls;

-Employees of Toadflax Nursery LLC, South Glens Falls;

-M. Rahal Jewelers, South Glens Falls;

Friends may call on Sunday, August 25^th 2024 from 1:00-3:00pm at Carleton Funeral Home Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, with funeral services to follow the calling hours

Details regarding a gathering to celebrate Mike will be given at that time.

A tree will be planted at the Fort Ann Rescue Squad in honor of Mike. He specifically asked that any memorial donations be made to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad because of the immense impact all the members had on our family.

WHITEHALL – Walter William Lascar, Jr. of Whitehall, passed away at home Saturday evening, August 10, 2024. He was 66.

Born on March 30, 1958 in Ridgewood, NJ, he was the son of the late Walter W. Lascar, Sr. and Carol Beidinger Lascar. Walter grew up in New Jersey and was a graduate of Ridgewood High School. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country from 1977 to 1982 as a military policeman stationed in Germany. Walter eventually settled in Oakland and became an active community member. He donated a lot of his time to the Oakland Elks, eventually spending time leading the club. Walter started, owned and managed his locksmith company for over 20 years. He married Astrid Bednarzik on September 28, 2003 and they moved to the Lake George area where Walter was employed as a corrections officer for Washington County. He worked for Washington County for several years and was a member of their SERT Team

Walter was a member of the Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Lake George and sang in the choir there. He loved food and the outdoors and enjoyed kayaking and spending time in the Adirondacks. He and Astrid would often go for motorcycle rides and they loved spending time with their animals which included horses, pygmy goats, and of course their Great Danes. Most of all, he LOVED spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his father, Walter is predeceased by a brother-in-law, Bill Ace.

He is survived by his wife of almost 21 years, Astrid Bednarzik of Whitehall; his children, Robert Lascar (Shannon) of Oakland, NJ, Tammy Lascar (Katy Mills) of Toms River, NJ, Richie Lascar of Oakland, NJ, and Rachael Musial (Brynen Sosa) of Vernon, NJ; his grandchildren, Lorelai, Morrigan, and Ryder; his sisters and brother, Cindy Ace, Jeff Lascar (Reba), and Tiffany Marfoglia (Arnold); and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 6:15 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A service will follow at 6:15 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 71 Montcalm St, Lake George, NY 12845 for their Mission efforts or an animal shelter of your choosing.

Queensbury – Robert Hogan, 87, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, at The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, NY, following a brief illness.

Born February 7, 1937, in Fort Edward, NY, he was the son of the late John J. and Catherine (Cruickshank) Hogan. Raised on Hogan’s Dairy Farm in Hudson Falls, he was lucky #12 of a baker’s dozen. Bobby was the youngest of eight consecutive boys and had the privilege of not only being raised by a mother, but also three older, strong-willed, and ‘opinionated’ sisters. The youngest of the Hogan’s Dairy boys, Bob learned the value of hard work at a young age, as well as the advantages of being the ‘baby’.

Bob graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1954 where he was affectionately known as ‘the kid from the creek,’ and demonstrated his leadership skills early as the president of the student council. Frustrated with Bob’s college selection, a local priest drove him to Villanova University for same-day admission, which resulted in a degree in mechanical engineering. He earned excellent grades while at Villanova by his hard work in the classroom, or possibly by putting his farm muscles to work cutting firewood on the weekends for his professors.

Upon graduation, Bob began work at Philadelphia Gas & Electric. He started his illustrious career with International Paper in Corinth, NY in 1963. After a long and loyal career filled with multiple relocations across the Northeast and ending in Lewisburg, PA in 1997, Bob and Colleen returned ‘home’ to Queensbury to be close to extended family, as well as their friends. Never one to sit still or actually ‘retire,’ Bob devoted years of service to the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, and was recognized as Kiwanian of the Year in 1999.

After his beloved Colleen passed away in 1999, Bob continued to take pride in hosting his children and grandchildren for the holidays with hand-sewn stockings for each grandchild adorning the mantle, homemade pies and coffee cake, lottery tickets for all, and late-night poker games, patiently teaching his grandchildren how to play. In addition to his impressive baking skills, he was very adept at repairing things and remodeling the several homes in which he and his family lived. Bob was able to utilize his talents to help others and to pass along those skills to his children.

In addition to his parents and in-laws, Bob was predeceased by his loving wife, Colleen (O’Neil) Hogan on March 4, 1999, and his siblings, Dalton, Catherine, Christian, Mary Jean, Frank, James (Jim), John (Jack), Richard (Dick), Leonard, Maxwell Patrick (Pat), and Judith.

Bob is survived by his daughter Christine (Bob) LeMoine of Rochester, NY; son Stephen (Karen) Hogan of Wilmington, DE; son Bruce (Mary) Hogan of Turner, ME; son Joseph (Julie) Hogan of Herndon, VA; and daughter Megan (Andy) Lustig of Great Falls, VA. He is also survived by many grandchildren: Brian, Rachel, and Patrick LeMoine; Katy and Steven Hogan; Brianna (Sam) Hogan Medvene, Kaila, Jenna, and Colin Hogan; Luke, Haley, and Faith Lustig; as well as his brother Roger Hogan of Hudson Falls; sister-in laws Betty Hogan of Hudson Falls, Joan Hogan of Auburn, NY, Eloise O’Neil of Queensbury; brother-in-law Jim Kane of Fort Edward; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, including his friend Myrna Tabor.

The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful nurses, doctors, aides, and therapists who took excellent care of Bob at Glens Falls Hospital 2nd floor, The Wesley Community Hathorn 2, and St. Peter’s Hospice. They also extend their deepest appreciation to their extended family and friends for all the love, kindness, and care given to their father over these past few months.

Throughout his life, Bob was a devout Catholic and faithful parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glens Falls, where he and Colleen were married. Bob was an avid supporter of Saint Mary’s-St. Alphonsus Regional Catholic School in Glens Falls, NY. Memorial donations, in Bob’s name, may be made to the school located at 10-12 Church St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 23rd, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, August 24th, at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 62 Warren St., Glens Falls.

The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

FORT ANN – Merrilee F. (Shaw) Howard, 75, of Fort Ann, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Albany Medical Center with her loving family at her side.

Born January 19, 1949, Merrilee was the daughter of the late Edward Shaw and Dorothy Deihl.

Merrilee was a graduate of Glens Falls High School. During her senior year of high school, she was employed at Glens Falls Hospital, working in the finance department.

After leaving Glens Falls Hospital, she began working at NAMIC in Glens Falls. Merrilee stayed with the company as the business changed over to Pfizer, Boston Scientific, Navilyst Medical, and finally Angio Dynamics. She retired in 2014 after 38 years of dedicated service.

Merrilee married Frank Howard at the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls on April 17, 1998, and spent the next 26 years together.

She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls. She enjoyed managing the thrift store at the church. Merrilee took great pride in giving back to the community.

Merrilee was a die-hard BINGO participant. She knew where all the great places were in Washington and Warren Counties to play BINGO. Merrilee loved the ocean. Every second weekend in September, she could be found in York, Maine. She also loved taking trips to Florida so she could spend time with her family who reside in the Sunshine State.

When she wasn’t always on the go driving fifty miles a day in her car, Merrilee would spend time cooking and baking. She loved reading books written by Nora Roberts and Catherine Coulter. She also enjoyed reading the Percy Jackson series. At times Merrilee could be found competing in a game of Connect Four.

Most of all, family and GOD were her world. The worst day for Merrilee’s family was the greatest of all days for her.

 In addition to her parents, Merrilee was predeceased by her sisters, Janice Jacobson, Margaret Madison, and Kathy Bosley.

Merrilee is survived by her husband of 26 years, Frank Howard; her children, Lester Wood, Jr., Lori (Jefferson) Zapete, and Kim (Aaron) Harrington; Frank’s son’s, Frank (Rachel) Howard, Jr., Andrew (Candice) Howard, Mike Howard, and John Woodard. She is also survived by her grandchildren LJ, Salena, Julianna, Brenden, Hollie, Henry, Abram, Elijah, Fiona, Emma, and Natalie; her great grandchildren, Edward and Lola; and several nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial will take place at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11 a.m., 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville.

Memorial Donations in Merrilee’s name may be made to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, Inc., 11287 NY-149, Fort Ann, New York 12827 or the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

QUEENSBURY – Chelsey O. Dilorenzo-Hudson, 29, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at her home in Queensbury.

Born June 2, 1995, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Edith M. Hudson and John Ellis. At the time of Chelsey’s passing, she was a self-employed housekeeper.

Her greatest passion was raising her four-year-old twin boys, Marvin and Tajhan Grant (they were her everything). Chelsey had faced many challenges in her short life and worked very hard to better herself. She had a strong-willed soul and vibrant personality. Her smile would light up the room. She will be deeply missed by so many.

Chelsey was predeceased by her grandfather, William S. Hudson.

She was survived by her parents Edith M. Hudson and John Ellis; her children, Marvin and Tajhan Grant and their father Marvin Grant; her brothers, Nathaniel Flewelling (Shannon Varnum), Derek Ellis (Julia Jameson); her sisters, Brittany Ellis (fiancé Mike Pisapia), and Paige (Nicolas) Gazetos; her nephews, Brayden, Conrad, and Thomas, and niece Anna. Chelsey is also survived by her grandmothers, Sandra Sawtell and Lorretta Hudson; her uncles, Tim (Jane) Hudson, Stephen (Phyllis) Hudson; her aunts Sabrina Hudson (Edie Gardner), Samantha (Doyle) Williams, Amanda (Paul) Scharmer, and Valerie Hudson, and her cousins Jason, Joel, Justin, Alexis, Maegan, Tyler, Joshua, and Zachery. Chelsey also leaves behind her best friend, William (Bill) McGovern.

Calling hours will be held Friday August 16, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

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

A GoFundMe page will be posted via Facebook after the funeral for those who have shown interest in assisting with funeral expenses.

NEW MILFORD, NJ AND BOLTON LANDING, NY – Thomas Chapman Dietrich, 72, a long-time resident of New Milford, NJ, passed away, much too soon, on Thursday, the 8^th of August, at his beloved vacation home in Bolton Landing, NY. Cause of death was glioblastoma, a devastating brain cancer.

The son of George Thomas and Virginia May (Chapman) Dietrich, Thomas grew up in Ridgefield, NJ, where he followed his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousin into the Ridgefield Fire Department.   As a firefighter, in 1975, he led his eldest daughter’s kindergarten class on a tour of RFD Company #3.

A life-long member and councilmember of Morsemere Community Church, UCC (Ridgefield), Thomas met his wife, Lauren (Laurie) Maehrlein, there, in Sunday School. They married in July 1974, and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary at Morsemere, by renewing their vows, just 12 days before his death.

A diesel mechanic by trade, Tom worked for Ryder Truck Rental for 44 years before his retirement. He attended evening classes at Bergen Community College and Montclair State University, working towards a degree in history. As a constant learner, immersing himself in history, science, and religious studies, he was particularly good at trivia competitions.

Tom donated blood and platelets regularly for decades, until medications he needed made him an unsuitable donor. He participated nearly every year in New Milford’s Clean Community Day, often in a kayak, pulling trash out of the Hackensack River. His philosophy was that everyone needed to do whatever they could to make the world a better place.

He loved to travel and fell three states short of visiting all 50. He and Laurie made several trips to Europe, visiting the hometowns of many of their immigrant ancestors, often meeting, and even staying with, several distant cousins in Germany. His ancestry included Mayflower passengers, and he was proudly, if distantly, related to Susan B. Anthony.

At the age of 14, Tom bought his first boat, with a 10 HP outboard motor, while vacationing with his family in Rhode Island. His passion for boating and fishing, especially on beautiful Lake George, was well known by anyone who would listen to one of his fish tales. A family joke was that he would give up everything else in his life before giving up his little fishing boat!

He had a wry sense of humor, that often took people by surprise, and he never met a dog who didn’t love him. “Mr. Fix-It” endlessly tinkered in his workshop, and reluctantly left behind several unfinished projects. Tom and his son-in-law, Danny, loved finding good craft beers when they were supposed to be running errands.

He was an amiable, caring, and loving husband and an exceptionally devoted Dad to his children, Amy (Daniel Hernandez), Emily, and Jack. He was an indulgent, patient, hands-on PopPop to his six grandchildren: Brett (Bretski), Charles (Charlie Mon), and Evan (Meems) Hernandez; and Sutter (Sutter Boy), Cole (Little PopPop), and Quinn (Little Cutie) Totaro. He was his granddogger, Luna’s, favorite person.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Tom is survived by his beloved brother Cliff, of Ridgefield, who worked side by side with him at Ryder. Additional survivors include several much-loved cousins, and his sisters- and brothers-in-law, who loved him dearly.

Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Morsemere Community Church, United Church of Christ, 930 Linden Avenue in Ridgefield, NJ.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the church. Burial will follow at Ridgefield Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses, aides (especially Eunice, Eileen, Precious, and  Berilla), and therapists at Regent Care Center, Hackensack, NJ, who took excellent, loving care of him for almost three months; High Peaks Hospice; CNA Heidi Laramie; and dear, life-long, family friend, Sue Wittmann, for making his last days as easy as possible. Thanks, also, to the many family members and friends who visited, called, prayed for, or sent cards to Tom. He very much appreciated the love and kindnesses.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Morsemere Community Church, Hackensack Riverkeeper, the Lake George Association, and/or the ARC of Bergen & Passaic Counties, will be greatly appreciated.

HUDSON FALLS – Cindy W. McKernon, 66, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, passed away Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024 at Granville Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Born on October 9, 1957 in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of Guy and June Woodruff.

Cindy was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School where she was a standout scholastically, being inducted into the National Honor Society and graduating in the top 10 of her class.

Musically, she was a very talented choralier, appearing as Leisl in The Sound of Music and as lead role of Laurie in Oklahoma.

After graduating from high school, she attended Crane School of Music at Potsdam, eventually graduating with a degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Cindy first taught sixth grade at Kensington Road School in Glens Falls. However, when the school system cut back and her job was eliminated, she took a different career path. She worked at several jobs before she began work in Customer Service at Genpak Corporation. She remained at Genpak until she became sick, eventually being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992.

At the same time, her daughter was in first grade at Hudson Falls with teacher Emma Homenick. Emma became a wonderful friend to her and so, as she recovered from her illness associated with the onset of MS, she became a volunteer in Emma’s first grade class. This continued until Emma retired, at which point she went on to volunteer in multiple Hudson Falls elementary school classes. She loved the children and ironically, the illness that took her out of the workforce, helped to give back to her the opportunity to teach again.

In the Arts community, she appeared with the Schuylerville Community Theater, the Glens Falls Community Theater and the Lake George Opera. She also sang, and was a soloist, with the Master Singers (now Adirondack Voices) in Glens Falls. She was a choir member and soloist at First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls since she was 12.

Cindy is predeceased by her father, Guy Woodruff. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Kendall McKernon of Hudson Falls; her daughter, Kathleen McKernon of Latham; a sister, Wendy O’Leary and her husband, Tom of Húdson Falls; a nephew, Guy Chaklis; and a niece, Keara O’Leary. Other than family, the most important person in Cindy’s life was Joyce Irwin, affectionately referred to as “Auntie Joyce”.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the future.

A graveside service for Dorothy V. Hughes of Hudson Falls, who passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Pine View Cemetery in the Town of Queensbury.

FORT EDWARD – Monica M. (Casey) Eastman, 86, of Fort Edward, passed away peacefully, Sunday August 4, 2024, at her home following a long illness.

Born August12, 1937 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Helen (Burke) Casey.

Monica graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1955. Following high school, she attended Saint Mary’s School of Nursing where she received a degree in nursing.

On May 12, 1962, Monica married Neil Eastman at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls. The two began their forty-year adventure and moved to Buffalo New York.

While in Buffalo, Monica took on her first nursing position at the local veterinarian hospital. In 1964, Monica and Neil returned to the area and bought a farm in Hartford, where she spent the next 40 years. She was an incredibly hard worker, getting up at 4 a.m., feeding and milking the cows before returning to the house to feed the family and work hands and repeating it again in the evening.

Monica began her decades long nursing career at Glens Falls Hospital as an operating room nurse. In 1987, Monica began working at the Hallmark Nursing Home (currently known as the Granville Center) in Granville as a Nursing Supervisor. She spent countless hours providing residents with the utmost care and compassion they deserved.

Monica made sure there were three meals a day on the table and plenty for the many visitors that would stop by. She loved cooking and baking for others, and everyone was welcomed at her dinner table. No one was a stranger to Monica. She was also an avid canner. Monica would spend hours canning the vegetables she grew in the gardens she worked so hard in.

Monica’s faith and love in God was strong throughout her entire life. She was a faithful and dedicated communicate of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church of Hudson Falls. However, most of all, Monica loved her family and cherished every waking moment she was able to spend with them.

In addition to Monica’s parents, and her ex-husband Neil, she is predeceased by her sisters, Anne (Sam) DePalo, Helen (Robert) McCauley, Mary (Joe) LeGault, Patricia (Gus) Brummagyn, and Bernadette (David) Mulcahy; her brothers Tommy Casey and Patrick “Bubby” (Kathy) Casey.

Monica is survived by her greatest loves, her son, Kevin (Tammy) Eastman; her daughter Suzanne (Dave) Rowe; grandchildren, Kyle, Kristina (Scott) Bounds, Emily, and Lily. She is also survived by her great grandson, Liam, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall Street in Hudson Falls.

Rite of Committal will take place Friday, August 9, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the Town of Fort Edward, immediately following the mass.

A gathering in honor of Monica will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial donations in Monica’s name be made to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Ave., Hudson Falls, New York 12839.

GALWAY AND TUPPER LAKE – Joseph J. Smith, Jr., 50, of Tupper Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT.

Joe was born on March 3, 1974 in Amsterdam to Joseph J. Smith, Sr. and the late Christina Walker. He was raised in Galway by Joseph and Tracy Smith. As a teenager, he moved to Tupper Lake where he graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1993. Joe had a long career as a Corrections Officer, working in many New York State Prisons including Clinton County Correctional Facility in Dannemora and Adirondack Correctional Facility in Ray Brook.

He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and riding his side-by-side. Joe was an excellent cook and enjoyed making meals for his family and friends. He also enjoyed snuggling with his pets, Blaze and Freddy.  But none of this compares to the love and admiration he had for his daughter, Kearstan.  He regularly bragged to anyone that would listen about how amazing she was, and often expressed that she was his true inspiration in life.

In addition to his birth mother, Joe is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Alfred and Jane Smith and his maternal grandparents, Roger and Marlene Sherman.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kearstan Smith (Tyler Chiasson) of Tupper Lake; his father, Joseph J. Smith, Sr. of Galway; His step-mother, Tracy Smith of Galway; his love, Paula Canell, and her son Cole Canell of Greenfield Center; his brothers and sisters, Michael Smith (Lexie) of Middle Grove, Brandon Smith of Galway, Dustin Smith (Kayla) of Galway, Kaitlin Smith and Karli Smith also both of Galway; His grandchildren, Leah Strader, Matthew Chiasson, and Sadie Chiasson; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation at www.cpof.org.

FORT ANN – S. Wayne Nichols, 88, of Fort Ann, died early Tuesday morning, July 30, 2024. Wayne passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

Born on September 11, 1935, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late William G. and Edith (Morris) Nichols. Wayne attended Saratoga Springs High School, and in his junior year, he joined the Naval Reserve in Glens Falls. Upon completing high school, Wayne entered active duty with the Navy and manned the destroyer the U.S.S. Corry. While in the Navy, he served as an electrician’s Mate until his honorable discharge in 1956. This experience led to his career as an industrial electrician for the better part of his life.

In 1988, Wayne obtained the position of electrical maintenance supervisor at Wilton Developmental Center. While employed there, he met the love of his life, Linda, and the two spent many happy years together as husband and wife.

Wayne was also an accomplished musician as a drummer and played in many top area bands. His proudest moment was the opportunity to back the Amos Sisters from Nashville, TN. Wayne never turned down the opportunity to play a benefit to help those.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Nichols of Fort Ann; his son, Ronald Wayne Nichols (Tammy) of Wilton; his daughter, Tammy Simmons (Mark) of Ballston Spa; his step children, Kimberly Hartwell of Gansevoort, Tracey Gonyea (Joe) of Hudson Falls, Christopher Hartwell (Carmen) of Crocker, MO, and Thomas John Hartwell of Gansevoort; He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren and his cousin, Ray Nichols (Sara) of Saratoga Springs.

Friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Wayne will be laid to rest with military honors at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 1:30 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Virginia Freebern, 75, of Hudson Falls passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Washington Center in Argyle.

Born June 25,1969 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Norma (Ferrel) Ball.

Virginia attended South Glens Falls High School. She was employed at J&J Lingerie in Glens Falls for twenty years until they closed their doors.

She loved watching old movies. Her favorites were “Godfather” and “Gone with The Wind”. In Virginia’s downtime, she enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and reading books. She was the biggest New York Yankees fan.

Virginia was a loving single mom to her three wonderful children. She was also a mother figure to her nephew. Everyone in Virginia’s neighborhood called her the “neighborhood mom”.  They all loved and respected her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Norma (Ferrel) Ball.

Survivors include her three children, Jesse Freebern of Corinth, Stephen Freebern of Glens Falls, and Rich Rathbun of Hudson Falls; her grandsons, Ricky Rathbun of Hudson Falls, Taylor Freebern of Glens Falls, and Marshall Freeburn of Glens Falls; and her brothers and sisters, Ralph Ball, Jane Ball, Rita Ball, Marty Ball, Henry Ball, and John Ball. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in Virginia’s name to a charity of one’s choice.