Author Archives: CFH

HUDSON FALLS – Debra L. Ford, 63, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 8, 2022 at Glens Falls Hospital after a long illness.

Born on November 2, 1958 in Glens Falls, she was a life-long Hudson Falls resident and daughter of the Judith (Oliver) Shaw and the late Thomas H. Sellingham, Sr.

Debra attended Hudson Falls High School. She enjoyed bowling and playing pool as well as racing cars on some of the local racetracks.

In addition to her father, she is predeceased by her husband, Gerald Ford; and her long-time companion, Bill Smurphat.

Debra is survived by her mother, Judi Shaw of Quartzsite, AZ; her daughters, Laura, Jen and Cheryl; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Thomas, Jon, Daniel and Timothy Sellingham; and a sister, Diana Peltier.

In accordance with Debra’s wishes there are no services scheduled.

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

FORT EDWARD – John Bereza, 96, of Fort Edward, NY and formerly of Queensbury, NY and Vero Beach, FL, died on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

John was born on November 13, 1925 in Herkimer, NY, where he was also brought up, being the son of the late Walter and Michelina (Drapolski) Bereza.

A graduate of Herkimer High School and of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY,  he was a Merchant Marine Veteran of World War II, seeing service in the Pacific Theatre of operations, as a cadet midshipman aboard a tanker running fuel for the Navy from the Caribbean to Australia and New Guinea.

After graduating from the USMMA in 1945, John returned to sea for a year in the employ of the Keystone Tankship Corporation, and then found work ashore with the NY State Department of Public Works (later renamed  Department of Transportation).  During a long career with the DOT, he sought and obtained a series of engineering certifications, accompanied by appropriate job promotions, in the field of highway design,  construction and maintenance.   After a start in the Albany and Utica regional offices, John was Resident Engineer in charge of state highway maintenance in Fulton County from 1962 to 1968, and later served as an Associate Civil Engineer in the Highway Maintenance Division at Albany.   He retired from the NYS DOT in 1983, after 36 years of service.

In 1948, John married Stella Grzeszczuk of Mohawk, NY, his wife for 73 years, at St. Joseph’s Church in Herkimer.

As his career advanced, John settled in Gloversville, NY, where he and Stella lived for a quarter century and also raised their young family.  Several years after his retirement, he relocated to Queensbury, with a winter home in Vero Beach.  John maintained those residences until 2015, when he moved to the Fort Hudson Campus in Fort Edward, first to an apartment at The Oaks and subsequently into the nursing center.

John was a hands-on home improver. Adept at the use of hammer and saw, he added or upgraded facilities in the homes he owned and took satisfaction in his handiwork, as did his family.  He also enjoyed golf, fishing, billiards, symphonic pops, country music and good biography literature.  He was a member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and the American Legion.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Johanna “Jennie” Haley and his brother, Walter Bereza, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Stella; a son, Michael; two daughters, Linda Serfis (David) and Sandra McDermott (Brian); four grandchildren, Amy Gascoigne, Shana McDermott, Ryan McDermott and Devin McDermott; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Church of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s  in Hudson Falls, NY, at a future date, still to be determined, with the Rite of Committal at St. Joseph’s Cemetery , Fort Edward.  

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

In keeping  with John’s wishes, there are no scheduled calling hours.  Condolences, memories of John, and other contributions to his online memorial, may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net

John’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Fort Hudson Nursing Center for their excellent care of and compassion toward John during his residency.

HUDSON FALLS – Joseph A. “Joe” Alway, 85, a longtime resident of Lake George and Hudson Falls, died on Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.  Joe is at peace, being reunited with the love of his life, Arlene Alway.

Born on January 4, 1937 in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Alway.

Following his graduation from High School, Joe proudly served in the US Navy.

He worked at Pinch Pruyn in Glens Falls for many years, where he made many wonderful friends.

Joe was a proud member of the Lake George American Legion Post #374, for over 40 years.

He had quick sense of humor that could light up a room.  It was always fun to be around Joe with his jokes and sharing a cocktail or two with the family, while smoking a cigarette.  In his quiet moments, he enjoyed working on New York Post puzzle.   Joe never missed a day without his puzzles. 

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, George Alway.

Survivors included his children, Regina Jabot of Hudson Falls, Johnny Alway and Joseph Alway, both of Long Island; his grandson, Norman Himes of Hudson Falls; and many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no public services.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Lake George American Legion Post 374, 3932 NY-9L, Lake George, NY 12845.

HUDSON FALLS – Earl F. Barber, Jr., 61, of Boulevard Street, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Born on November 21, 1960, in Ticonderoga, he was the son of Earl F. and Loretta (Rock) Barber, Sr.

Earl graduated from Ticonderoga High School, where he lettered in both football and baseball.  After graduation, he continued his education at ACC, where he played tennis and eventually received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

Using his Finance Degree, Earl spent his career of over 30 years in banking.  Most recently, he was Director of Sales and Service at TCT Federal Credit Union in Queensbury. Earl loved his job and felt very fortunate to have met wonderful people and made countless friends. During his banking career, he coached a softball team, and loved almost every minute of it.   For him, people made the job.

On June 29, 2013, he married his soulmate, Nancy.  They have been together since August 28, 2010 and enjoyed many amazing years together fishing in the Adirondacks and, sharing beautiful memories. He was always loving and kind to his family, his friends and his pups, Lucy, Chloe, Cece and Barley.

Earl was a man of many talents, one of which was cooking.  He could take only what he had at the time and craft beautiful meal.  As the saying goes, “He could create something, from nothing”.  He also loved listening to Blues music, especially Joe Bonamassa and Warren Haynes and camping with his family at Rogers Rock, near where he grew up.

Earl will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Nancy Barber; his parents, Earl F. and Loretta Barber, Sr.; his two sons, Justin Barber and his wife, Kayla and Dylan Barber; his stepchildren, Haley Martino and Alex Distasio; his sister, Theresa Goff and her husband, Richard; his two grandchildren, Emma-Rae and Kanaan Barber; his niece, Abigal Goff; his nephew, Christopher Goff and his wife, Carolyn; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday, March 10^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Earl F. Barber, Jr. Memorial Fund, C/O TCT Federal Credit Union, 4 Hunter Brook Lane, Queensbury.

Lake George, NY – Troy B. Stevenson crossed over on Thursday, January 19^th at Albany Medical Center of natural causes.

Born in Glens Falls Hospital on Nov 9^th, 1961, the son of Charles and Shirley (Jenkins) Stevenson of Lake George.

Troy was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, his words were sincere and heartfelt. He enjoyed hanging out with friends doing what he was passionate about, shooting pool! He has an extended pool family that are truly moved by the loss of Troy, “another pool family member gone but not forgotten”. Troy was a giving kindhearted soul who would give anything within his ability, most importantly a lending hand and a listening ear.  Rest in Peace Troy, you will be greatly missed, Love, your Family and Friends😊.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles and brother, Terry Stevenson.

Troy left behind his son, Dean (Jessica) and five grandchildren, three boys, Aiden, Mason and Finley and two granddaughters, Brooke and Arianna, as well as their grandmother, Darcy.  He is also survived by his mother, Shirley (Ralph), his brothers, Tracy (Michaela), Taylor (Lisa), and Todd Stevenson, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Please come join us, Sat March 5^th, 2022 @ 2pm; for a Pool Tournament and Spaghetti Dinner (Donations) Fund Raiser to Celebrate Troy’s Life!  Location is Time Served, 11750 NY-22, Comstock, NY 12821.

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

HUDSON FALLS – Natalie Garnsey Guay, 63 of Coleman Avenue, passed away peacefully, after a courageous fight with cancer, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family, where she was safe, warm and loved.

Born on December 20, 1958 in Saratoga Springs, she was a life-long area resident and daughter of the late Robert C. and Marjorie E. (Munger) Garnsey.

Natalie grew up in Gansevoort and was involved in the 4 Leaf Clover Girls 4H club in Gansevoort. Natalie was a 1978 graduate of South High. Her love of horses lead her to work for several years at the Saratoga Harness Track as a groom, handling and caring for the horses, which gave her an opportunity to travel the east coast for the harness races every year. Natalie worked for 33 years at Pregis in Glens Falls, but she was most dedicated to her work as a wife, mother, and all-around family matriarch. On June 27, 1987 she married her soul mate, William R. Guay at Pine Knolls Alliance Church in South Glens Falls. The two of them have resided in Hudson Falls together for over 30 years, raising their family and making many friends.

Natalie was a lover of life and cats, having many full life pets over the years. She enjoyed baking and decorating cakes, putting puzzles together and cherished any time with family. Her kind, loving nature was a wonderful example to everyone who crossed her path.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brothers, Gary, Samuel and Kevin Garnsey.

She is survived by her earthly mother, Shirley A. Guay, 92, of Glens Falls; her husband of almost 35 years, William R. Guay of Hudson Falls; her children, Devon W. Guay of South Glens Falls, Nathan S. Guay of Hudson Falls, Michael J. Guay and his wife, Amanda of Fort Edward, Jonathan A. Guay and his wife, Jessica of Fort Edward, and Jessica L. Percetti of Hudson Falls; her sister, Penny Cummings of Fort Edward; her brothers, Robert Garnsey and his wife, Michelle of Texas, Karry Garnsey and his wife, Elizabeth of Gansevoort and Jeffrey Garnsey and his wife, Gloria of Fort Edward; She was Memere to Allie Morgan, Aidan Michael, Lucas Reid, Annika Rose, Julianna Alexis and Riley Alexander; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Natalie and Bill were one in life and one day, they will be laid to rest together at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801

HUDSON FALLS – George Moss, 61, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2022, with his family by his side.

Born on December 17, 1960, in Glens Falls New York, he was the son of Frederick and Shirley Moss.

After high school, George went on to work at various mill jobs in the area. For several years, George worked at The Thoroughbred Motel in Saratoga, where he met his two great friends, Satish and Rick. Before becoming Ill, George most recently worked at The Summit of Saratoga, which he loved.

George was always busy and sometimes that got him into trouble. He never knew his limitations and always enjoyed pushing everyone’s buttons. George was always known to pick on the children of the family, but for some odd reason, they all sort of liked Uncle George.

George was predeceased by his parents, Shirley and Frederick Moss; his brothers Frederick Moss Jr. and Keith Moss; sisters Tamela Moss and Candy Morehouse; and a brother-in-law, Gary Morehouse Sr.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Danita Winchell and husband Ken of Hudson Falls, Audreyonia Moss of Lewisburg, TN, and Camaya Santerre and husband Michael of Queensbury; most importantly left, his pride and joy, his 5 grandchildren, Brielle and Lucas, Kayleighonia and Nova, and Alexander; His siblings, Pamela (Derrick) Dowd, Paul (Irene) Moss, Tanya Moss and Melanie (Don) Liles; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Friends may call on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls,

In lieu of flowers, in George’s memory enjoy a drink with your friends, have a cookout with your family, or sit around a fire when the weather is good, a few of George’s favorite things.

The family requests donations be made in his memory to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801

A special thank you to High Peaks Hospice for their care and support.

HUDSON FALLS – John Clyde Sweet “John Boy”, 68, of Saluto’s in Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 28, 2022.

Born May 20, 1953, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Casper and Dorothy Sweet.

Early in life, John worked for General Electric in Hudson Falls for over 20 years.  His home became Saluto’s, where he worked for over the last 30 years, never taking a day off. 

John was an avid Yankees and Giants fan.  He enjoyed going to the racetrack and trips with The Nurses.  John loved riding his bike anywhere and everywhere, especially to get chocolate ice cream.  Everybody who John ever met, instantly became a lifelong friend.  He could walk in the room not knowing anyone, and by the time he left, everyone knew him.  John was loved by all who knew him and will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his bird call and his bright light he leaves behind.

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his family, Salvatore, Laura and Sal Roccasecca.

Survivors include his family, Tom and Janet Sweet of South Glens Falls, Sally Buswell of Troy, Janel Sweet, Erica Sweet, Melanie and Vance Cohen, Jeffrey and Maureen Roccasecca and many friends from Saluto’s, as well as his special friends, Nancy Jones and Dr. Roo Morgan.

The Celebration of John Boys life will be held this Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Saluto’s, 186 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of John Boy may be made by simply buying a drink for a friend.

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

GANSEVOORT – Brian S. Munger, 58, of Leonard Street, passed away on February 28, 2022 at his home.

Born on October 18, 1963 in Glens Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Robert R. Munger and Joan M. Newell.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Jeffrey R. Munger; and his niece, Erica Mae Hamblin.

Brian is survived by his sisters and brother, Shelley Gregorio (Joseph) of Fort Ann, Darryl Munger (Leslie) of Gansevoort, and Jody Reynolds (Scott) of Alabama; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Brian will be laid to rest in the family plot at the Gansevoort Cemetery in the spring.

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

QUEENSBURY – Doris Mornhinweg Webster, 96, passed away at her home in Queensbury with her family at her side, on February 27.

Born in Glens Falls in 1925, to Henry and Nellie Matilda (Brown) Mornhinweg, she was one of four sisters. Ruth, Phyllis, and Lois who predeceased her.

Doris graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1944 and began working at the Glens Falls Insurance Co. as a stenographer.

She married John Webster in 1948 and continued working until the birth of her daughter in 1956.

She was a member of the Mohican Grange, where she first met John, as well as the Sanford’s Ridge United Methodist Church.

After raising her two children she was employed by the Queensbury School District, starting in the cafeteria and finishing her career as secretary in the transportation department. Doris was a conscientious and meticulous worker and a valued employee wherever she worked. She made many lifelong friends during her years working at the school and those friendships continued long after her retirement in 1988.

Doris was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John, in 2015.

She is survived by her daughter, Katharine (Peter) Ciarelli; her son, John (Sheryl) Webster; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Jennifer; a great grandson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. They will miss her generosity and her sense of humor.

The family would like to thank Doris’s cousin Margaret and her devoted team of caregivers who loved and cared for her in her home for the past five years.

Calling hours will be on Monday, March 7, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Services will follow the calling hours on Monday at 4 p.m., with the Reverend Patricia Girard, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice in Doris’s memory.

HUDSON FALLS – Etta June (Harriman) Barber, 81, a long-time resident of Kingsbury, was reunited with her husband in Heaven, on Friday, February 25, 2022.

Born May 26, 1940, at Glens Falls Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Marjorie Mae (Spear) and Clifton William Harriman. 

Etta was the eldest of eight children and grew up on Vaughn Road in Kingsbury.  She attended Hudson Falls High School and graduated in 1957.

On September 20, 1959, Etta married her best friend, Otis Barber, at the First Baptist Church in Hudson Falls.  They shared over 50 years of marriage together until his passing on April 17, 2010.

Etta was very proud to have lived in Hudson Falls her whole life, creating a wonderful family alongside her husband, Otis. She worked for Bentley Insurance Company, and other agencies for over 30 years, with her good friend, Eleanor Duell.

She was a devout Christian as well as a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Hudson Falls. The church was the foundation of her life, and she was always giving of herself to everyone. She shared many years with her church family and friends making lasting memories along the way.

As well as her faith, Etta treasured her family.  She raised six children, creating lasting memories during family vacations to York Beach, Maine and family outings at Lake St. Catherine. Etta loved watching the birds, especially the cardinals, and found solace in the peacefulness of the ocean.

Not a Christmas would go by without celebrating with the Harriman family at First Baptist Church.  Etta cherished the moments with all her family, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Besides her parents and husband, Etta was predeceased by her siblings, Charles Harriman, Robert Harriman, Dianne Graham; and her brother-in-law, Terry Bennett.

Survivors include her children, Valerie Barber of Glens Falls, Todd Barber of Salem, Scott Barber of Hudson Falls, Melanie Legault (Matthew) of Granville, Timothy Barber (Shelly) of Queensbury and Andrew Barber (Donna) of Saco, Maine; Her siblings, Cliftene Pettit, Clif Harriman, Rose McGowan and Anita Bennett; her brother-in-law, Bernard Graham; 16 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

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

A funeral service will be held, Saturday, 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church, 118 Main St., in Hudson Falls. A celebration of her life will be held at Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Co., 3715 Burgoyne Road in Hudson Falls, immediately following the services.

Burial will take place in the spring, at Moss Street Cemetery in Kingsbury.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

QUEENSBURY –Robert D. “Bob” Sawyer, Sr., 82, a long-time resident of River Street, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility in Fort Edward.

Born on December 21, 1939, in Hartford, he was the son of the late Alfred and Alverta (Woodell) Sawyer.

He served his country in the United States Marine Corps, where Bob met and fell in love with his future wife, Christine Doroghazy, in Quantico, VA. On March 3, 1961, they were married in Washington, D.C.  Christine passed away on October 8, 2006, after 46 years of marriage.

With his wife, Christine, they owned and operated the Coldbrook Bar on River Street in Hudson Falls, for many years.

Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his half-sister Jeanne Ryther Smith; his half-brother Donald Sawyer; his sister Patricia Sawyer; his brother Gary Sawyer; and his infant sister Phyllis Sawyer.

Survivors include his son, Robert D. Sawyer and his wife, Dolwinya of Queensbury; his granddaughter, Ashley Lynn Sawyer (Todd Stanley) of Queensbury; his brother, Richard Sawyer of Queensbury; his brother, Kenneth Sawyer (Christine) of Queensbury; his brother, David Sawyer (Cathy) of Seymour, Texas; his brother, Ricky Sawyer (Carol) of Queensbury; his sister, Debbie Lemery (David Hoffman) of Booneville; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his dog, Miguel.

Bob will always be remembered for his generosity, quick wit and sense of humor.

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

There will be no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

HUDSON FALLS – Gail A. (Henderson) Paquette, 66, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2022 at the Haynes House of Hope in Granville, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on May 13,1955 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late James and Shirley (LaRich) Henderson.

Gail attended Glens Falls High School and later obtained her GED.

On December 31, 2012, she married Donald Paquette at the Glens Falls City Hall.

Gail was an outdoor person, who loved camping and fishing with her husband.  She also treasured the memories of her travels to Hawaii and Lake Placid.   Gail enjoyed life, always finding a reason to throw a party.  She loved being around people and her beloved cats.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Norma Henderson and her brother, Joseph Henderson.

Survivors include her husband, Donald Paquette of Hudson Falls, her daughter, Audrey Hamilton of Longs, SC; her granddaughter, Gemma; her siblings, Sam Henderson, Jim Henderson and Diane Persons; and several nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in the spring at Union Cemetery.

The family suggests the memorial donations in memory of Gail be made to Haynes House of Hope, 7187 NY-149, Granville, NY  12832.