Author Archives: CFH

BALLSTON SPA – Jacquelyn Anne Royal, 73 of Ballston Spa, passed away January 16, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness.

Born February 1, 1947 in Morristown, NJ, she was the daughter of Thomas J. and Louise Anne (Yaccarino) Royal.

Jacquelyn held multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees in both the arts and sciences. She was a world-renowned textile artist, concert quality organist and pianist, published author, college professor, über existentialist and consummate eccentric. Her work in textiles has been exhibited and published internationally.

Survivors include her children: John Szot, Robert Szot each of Brooklyn, NY, Simon Moody of St. Simons, GA and one granddaughter as well as her sister Jeanne Royal and brother Pate Royal each of Pensacola, FL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church 167 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, New York 12020.

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

FENIMORE – Elaine M. Bortell, 70, of Fenimore, passed away into the arms of the Lord, Sunday, January 17, 2021, at her home with her loving companion by her side.

Born October 17, 1950 in Plattsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Mary (Norton) Bushey.

Elaine graduated from college in Plattsburgh

She enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, knitting, camping and reading.  Elaine was a member of the Ace Car Club.  She was a good-hearted woman.

Besides her parents, Elaine was met in heaven by her son, who passed away at the age of 3 from Reye’s Syndrome.

Survivors include her companion 36 years, Leon Ure and his family; and her sister, Betty of Texas.

Friends may call Tuesday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Following the calling hour, a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

HUDSON FALLS – John E.”Baracuda Jack”  Armstrong, 86, of North Street, passed away on January 13, 2021, with his family by his side, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.

He was born on June 20, 1934, the first born of the late John and Marie (Baldwin) Armstrong.

On July 29, 1956, he married Patricia Stephenson.  They shared 24 years of marriage, before her passing on August 9, 1980. 

Jack was a record-breaking big game hunter and a trophy winning deep sea fisherman.  He loved wildlife and always had a treat on hand for his four-legged friends.  Jack’s favorite things were Myers Rum, Cossayuna Lake and the Florida Keys.  He will long be remembered for his love of life, friends and a good day of fishing. 

Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert “Bud” and his sisters, Jane Webster and Kathy Packer.

Survivors include his companion of 40 years, Patricia Laclair, who never swayed when it came to Jack’s needs; his daughters, Jill Collette and her husband, Tom of Cape Canaveral, Florida and Julie Stroughton and her companion, Don Welch of Hudson Falls; one son, John III and his wife, Carla of Queensbury; his four legged princess, Penny; his grandchildren Tricia (Matt), Todd (Karen), Carla (Russ), Eric (Jessica) and Jill (Anthony); and eight great grandchildren, who called him Great Pa. Jack’s words of wisdom to his grandchildren were, “Change is bad and poverty sucks”.  He also is survived by his four brothers, Jerry, George, Pete and Tom; his four sisters, Carol, Marie, Sharon and Helen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thanks to his buddies, Eddie Lapan, Bill West, Carey and Dennis Whitney.

The family also wishes to thank Glens Falls Hospital ICU Unit, especially, Kristen Canini.

Dad, enjoy fishing in heaven with Bill and Lester.  PEACE

A graveside  ceremony will be conducted at Moss Street Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, followed by a celebration of Jack’s life at the Cossayuna Lake Association.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Parkinson Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York NY  10018 or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 200 Bessey Street, 28^th floor, New York, NY10281.

QUEENSBURY – Reverend Dr. Gurney O. Gutekunst, Jr., 96, of Queensbury, NY passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital, from Covid-19.

Beloved and devoted husband of Dorothy; son of Gurney and Clara Gutekunst; father of Ann Valanzuolo of Longview, WA, David Gutekunst of Marina Del Rey, CA, and Claire Perlman Gutekunst and her husband Arthur Perlman of Yonkers, NY; grandfather of Kristin and Devon Gutekunst, Brian Valanzuolo and Jason and Jeremy Gutekunst Perlman; brother of Erath Matheson; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and friend and companion to his devoted dog, Pal. 

Gurney was born in Buffalo, New York, on October 27, 1924 and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from high school in 1942, he enlisted in the Army and undertook an accelerated program of study in chemistry at the University of Michigan, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in two and a half years. He then was assigned to a team of chemists working on atomic energy for the Manhattan Project, rising to the position of Team Leader in Dayton, Ohio.   

Though his interest in science continued throughout his life, Gurney’s greatest passions were of the spirit. After receiving an M.A. in humanities at the University of Michigan, he enrolled in Union Theological Seminary in New York, where he received an M.A. in Theology.  He continued his studies in theology at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge, writing his Ph.D. thesis on John Milton. 

In 1959, Gurney became pastor of the United Methodist Church in Rowayton, CT, before moving to Amityville, NY in 1964. He then became the Senior Pastor at Christ Church in Glens Falls in 1967.  

After leaving Christ Church in 1976, he taught creative writing at North Country Community College. He returned to the ministry in 1983, serving as pastor at the Hartford Yoked Parish and North Granville Congregational Church for 18 years. After his retirement, Gurney was honored to be called upon as a guest preacher throughout the North Country, from Hudson Falls to Warrensburg.

While known for his illuminating and inspiring Sunday messages, for Gurney, faith was never confined to a book or a building. He found great joy and meaning in nature and music, passions that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In high school and college, he played piano in dance bands and throughout his life enjoyed performing jazz standards with an enthusiastic band of family members.

Family was central to Gurney’s life. With Dottie, his beloved wife of sixty-four years, he organized frequent family times. These included hikes in the Adirondacks, fishing and boating on Lake Chautauqua, skiing at Whiteface, canoe camping in Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada, and reading aloud books ranging from Winnie the Pooh to The Odyssey. The family bond continued throughout the years, with regular reunions at the family farmhouse in Western New York. 

Gurney’s curiosity and zest for life remained boundless until the end. Even in later years, he found joy and contentment in reading spiritual, literary, and scientific texts and listening to and playing music. Those fingers at the keyboard are now stilled, but Gurney’s passion and joyful music will live on in parishioners, students, friends and, of course, his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Inurnment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Friends may make contributions in memory of Gurney to The Nature Conservancy (online at https://www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/ or by mail to 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Attn: Treasury, Arlington, VA 22203) or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (online at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/donate-now or by mail to 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Il 60611).

HUDSON FALLS –  Shirley Louise Bristol McKernon, 100, formerly of Union Street, died on January 13, 2021, at Granville Center.

Born on May 29, 1920, in Great Barrington, MA, she was the daughter of the late Rev. George Fairbanks and Grace Faith (Peck) Bristol.

Shirley was a 1938 graduate of Hartford Central School.  She then attended Oneonta State Teachers College and graduated in 1941 from Mildred Elly Business School in Albany.

On July 10, 1942, she married Kenneth W. McKernon in Pawlet, VT.  They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing on December 13, 1985. They worked together as a team.   She enjoyed a good, comfortable and loving life with her soulmate.  As a couple, they not only shared their life, but also all jobs in running a smooth household.

Shirley was employed at the Post Star, in the printing department, for 10 years as an estimator and proofreader. After her husband returned from the war, they both began their career at Hollister’s Plumbing and Heating Corp. in Hudson Falls. She worked diligently as a secretary and estimator for 15 years.

Her faith was a central part of who she was. Along with her husband, Shirley was a member of the Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls, where they both taught Sunday school and helped organize the Christ Church Nursery program in the early 1950’s.  She also was a member of the Glen Star Chapter #95 Order of the Eastern Star.

Being a wife to Kenneth and mother to Kendall was her first priority.  She allowed her son to be creative, gave him a firm moral compass and instilled in him a strong work ethic.   Shirley was very happy to live the life she had.  She was kind to all those she met and always willing to give of herself in a gentle way to those in need.

Survivors include her devoted son, Kendall Fairbanks McKernon and his wife, Cindy;  her loving granddaughter, Kathleen Kendall McKernon; David Putnam, whom she thought of as her second son; her former daughter in law, Mary Putnam; her good friend, whom she shared many wonderful experiences, Romayne Gilliland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At a later date, she will be laid to rest, next to her husband, at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

Memorial donations in memory of Shirley may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205

MOREAU – George Henry Lemery, 91, of Moreau, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born January 7, 1930 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Anthime and Clara (Payant)

Lemery.

George was a 1949 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls.

On October 15, 1950, he married Jeannine Thompson at St. Alphonsus Church in Glens Falls, NY. They shared 41 years of marriage before her passing on May 29, 1991.

George retired in 1991, after 30 years of service, from Finch Pruyn & Company.

In his early years, George enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed watching sports on television, especially his favorite teams the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Football, and the New York Giants. He also took pride in his yard and vegetable gardens. George was a communicant of St. Michael The Archangel Church in South Glens Falls. He wintered in Fort Myers, Florida for over 20 years. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  In his later years he enjoyed taking trips with the seniors at the Moreau Community Center.

Besides his parents, George was predeceased by his wife Jeannine, and young son Phillip J. Lemery, five brothers: Raymond, John, Armand, Lawrence, and Andre, and one sister, Estelle Lindsey.

Survivors include his son Paul Lemery and his wife Linda of Orange City, Florida, son David Lemery and his wife Vanessa of South Glens Falls, NY, daughter Janice Thoreson of Valparaiso, Indiana, and daughter Donna Bramer and her husband Lloyd of Franklin Falls, NY. Eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law Barbara Lemery of Hudson Falls, NY.

The Rite of Committal will take place Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11 a.m., in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

Donations in memory of George may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Romona M. “Mona” Clements, 90, formerly of Speakman Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

Born on May 7, 1930 in East Hardwick, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Elwin P. and Eula (Ashe) Waterman.

Following high school, Romona moved to Maine with her first husband, Virgil Curtis. She loved living in Maine as she could be near the ocean.  In 1962, she married Richard J. Clements in Bolton Landing. He passed away on January 25, 2007, after 45 years of marriage.

For many years, Romona was employed at C. R. Bard, Inc., in Queensbury, retiring in 1989. After her retirement, she began working part-time at Price Chopper in Queensbury and Glens Falls. It was a job she loved because Romona was a people person and it gave her the opportunity to be around many people.

When she was younger, Romona was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls.

One of her favorite pastimes was going shopping and cooking. Romona was known to have baked wonderful cheesecakes and delicious mashed potatoes.   In her younger years, she was on a bowling team, where she made many friends and memories.  Romona loved camping with her family.  On one memorable trip they all ended up camping in a parking lot in New York City.   One great Romona story was her bragging that she never was picked up while driving, only to be pulled over with two grandchildren in the car.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Neild Waterman, Sylvia Carter, Theodore Waterman, Ethel Moss and Doris Wilson. 

Survivors include her children, Larry Curtis and his wife, Sharon of Havelock, North Carolina, Doris Anne Coon and her husband, Timothy of Bolton Landing, Linwood Curtis of South Glens Falls and Garald Curtis and his wife, Becky of Lake City, Florida; her grandchildren, Shawn Curtis, Gregory Curtis and his wife, Ashley, Matthew Curtis, Kimberly Rabideau and her husband, Ammar, Cachelle Curtis, Adrienne Mansmith and her husband, Josh and Ashley Curtis; many great grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Due to the pandemic, 35 people are allowed in the funeral home and everyone must wear masks.

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

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree Street, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA  30309.

GLENS FALLS & SARATOGA SPRINGS – Second Lieutenant Carl Anthony Christopher Cappiello, 63, completed his life’s journey, and began his eternal life with our Lord on January 9th, 2021.  A reprieve from the long chronic health issues stemming from his service in Desert Storm, which was further complicated by his diagnosis of COVID-19.

Born March 3,1957 in Schenectady, Carl attended St. Helen’s Catholic School and Bishop Gibbons, where the Nun’s at St. Helens and the Brothers at Bishop Gibbons always referred to him as the ringleader of chaos, which he certainly was.  He graduated in 1976 Linton High School and was extremely proud of his football accomplishments, where he was offensive guard.  He further went on to graduate from Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Saratoga BOCES LPN program in 1989.  From there, he achieved his dream and received his A.S. degree as a registered nurse. For most of his youth, Carl worked for the family cheese factory, Virginia Foods, which was part of the Cappiello Cheese Company. He then put in 10 years at the Teresian House as an R.N., prior to his deployment to Asia.

Carl’s military career spanned almost nineteen years and he was one of only 10 soldiers to be deployed out of the 364th General Hospital in Albany for his tour of Asia.  As a veteran of the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia, he served with the 47th Washington MASH Combat Support Hospital, which was first to respond to the frontline casualties.  Unfortunately, he was also a victim of Gulf War Syndrome, following an attack that was a mix of Seron and VX nerve gas.

Carl was extremely proud of his service to his country and was the recipient of several well- deserved medals prior to his honorable discharge. Those medals included: The Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Expert M16 Rifle Medal, Cold War Era Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Desert Storm/Gulf War Service Medal, Southwest Asia Gulf Storm Service Medal, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Liberation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and last but not least, the Honorable Discharge Medal.

Married December 6th 1990, to his loving wife, Yvonne Duval, (the long lasting marriage that spanned 30 years that took place 2 days before his deployment).  Carl is also survived by their daughter, Kyra (Zach) Bennett; two grandsons, Owen and Todd of Glens Falls; brother-in-law, Raymond Duval of Queensbury; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Roberts of Fort Edward; and various nieces and nephews.

Carl is predeceased by his parents, Dante and Virginia (Fleres) Cappiello, and his beloved brother, Frankie Cappiello, his in-laws, Raymond Sr. and Adelaide Duval, sister-in-law, Barbara (Johnston) Duval, and brother-in-law, Clifford Roberts.

Carl’s interests included, weather, photography, history, dinosaurs, footballs, cars, riding his motorcycle, lawn care as well as snow blowing for his neighborhood, writing texts ALL IN CAPITALS, nursing, camouflage, tropical fish, and a newly discovered love of cats in the early 90’s.

Carl will be laid to rest in Honor, at his family’s convenience in General B. Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In remembrance of Carl, donations may be made to his favorite charities which include: Fisher House, 113 Avenue Albany, NY, 12208 or The Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis Tennessee, 38105 or the Community Animal Action Project, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY, 12871.

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

Fort Edward – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Virginia R. Smith, 101 and a half, on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on July 30, 1919 in Bolton, she was the daughter of the late Leon C. and Martha (Duell) Roberts.

Virginia (Ginnie, Aunt Ginnie) grew up in Bolton Landing and was a 1936 graduate of Bolton Central School.  After graduation she attended Adirondack Business school in Glens Falls and graduated from that program in March 1942.  While there, she boarded with the Sexton family in South Glens Falls who became lifelong friends. Ginnie was employed at the Glens Falls Insurance Company for forty years from March 1942, retiring in April, 1982 as an executive secretary. 

On June 25, 1950, she married Claude Smith from Fort Edward at the home of her parents in Bolton Landing.  They enjoyed 34 years together until his death in 1984.

The main priority in her life was family and friends.  She never put herself first. She was always there to lend a hand, to give a place to stay, to make a baked treat, to give a ride, to go shopping and so many more things.

She loved spending time with her husband and family and friends at the camp they built on Goodnow Flow in Newcomb. 

She was a voracious reader, loved doing crossword puzzles, enjoyed knitting, loved cooking, canning vegetables, and making jams, jelly and pickles.  She learned to cake decorate with her niece and decorated many cakes for family and friends. She made the most delicious finger rolls and was always willing to share her recipes. She made many delicious home cooked meals for the family!

But most notable were the Christmas cookie trays where she made over 4000 cookies each year. She wrapped each cookie individually, made candy, fudge, and popcorn balls and placed them carefully on the trays each tied with a bow. These were given to all her family and friends. Oh and let’s not forget the cereal Chex Mix that she made for the family as well.

Following her retirement, she travelled with her niece, Shirley and her husband Jack as they toured the country on their camping trips.  She loved Wells, Maine and Myrtle Beach.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Duell and her husband, Ernest and Marjorie Burns and her husband, Francis; her nieces, Shirley Doyle and her husband John, Janet Geroux and her husband, Robert, and Ellen Abrahamson; her niece’s husband William Selfridge and great nephews John Doyle Jr., John Walsh and Barry Burns.

Left to cherish her memory are her nephews Robert Burns, Garland (Lucy)Walsh II; her nieces Sharon (Frank) Fitzgerald, Joan (Pete) Hartzog, Ruth (Daryl) Fish, Mary Jane (Lynn) Manz, Shirley Selfridge, and Gail (Larry) Varney. She had many great nieces and nephews and two more generations below them.  Please know that she loved and cherished you all.

Due to COVID restrictions viewing hours were private and held for the immediate family.  A memorial service and burial at Union Cemetery will be announced and held later in the spring. 

The family would like to thank Dawn White, her friend and aide over the past two years.  Thank you for all your crafts, helping her to cook, taking her on rides, the visits from the bunny, kitten and dogs, and the rides to visit the horses.  Thank you to Mike Fields for your kindness and sharing your horses Sawyer and Liberty with Aunt Gin.  Thank you to Earlene for the Sunday rides to get meals.  Thank you to Ashley for you nursing assistance over the last few weeks. Thank you to Emma and Ashley for doing her nails. Thank you to the other caregivers who were in her life over the last few years James, Denise and Diane and to the staff of Fort Hudson Home Health.

Donations in Virginia’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

GLENS FALLS – Frances G. Speowski, 92, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, passed away December 30, 2020 at The Pines in Glens Falls.

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

LAKE GEORGE – Larry D. Newvine, 77, of Lake George passed away after a long illness, on December 29, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital, with his daughter by his side.

Born July 17, 1943 in Massena, he was the son of the late Francis and Jessie (Arguitt) Newvine.

In his younger years, Larry enjoyed roller skating.  He passed on his knowledge at a local roller rink in Long Island, where he lived for many years.  Larry held a few jobs throughout the course of his life from security guard, to factory manager, to owning his own small painting company.

Religion was a very important part of Larry’s life.  He was a devoted and active member of the Mount Zion Church in Gansevoort, forming many friendships throughout the church community. 

Larry could be best described as a socialite, frequenting diners in the area to meet up with his friends for a cup of coffee and conversation.  He was always there to offer a good joke and ready to entertain with his great sense of humor.  Most importantly, Larry loved his family.  He enjoyed spending time with them, especially playing card games.  Although he was good at the game of solitaire, he played many rounds of 500 rummy with his daughter and grandkids.  

Besides his parents, Larry was predeceased in death by his older brother, Dean Newvine and older sister, Jean Kelllison.

Survivors include his daughter, Diane Sarrazin of Feeding Hills, MA; his grandchildren, Sage and Zachary Sarrazin, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted, 6 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Mount Zion Church, 207 Redmond Rd, in Gansevoort.

Memorial donations in memory of Larry may be made to Mount Zion Church, 207 Redmond Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831.

QUEENSBURY – Christine Elsie Doty born on March 11, 1959, left this earth to live with our Lord on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a long illness.

Christine always was a kind, giving, gentle and loving person.  Her artistic talent was outstanding as an art teacher.  Her students benefited greatly through her creativity and devotion to their self-expression and growth.

Christine also was a proficient gardener and loved picking daisies along the road or any other wildflowers she might discover.  Even as a child, her favorite foods were lobster and clam chowder.  Christine had a very sophisticated palate for a three-year-old!   The ocean and the beach were her favorite summer destinations with her life and love partner, Robert Blair.

Christine is predeceased by her parents, Donald H. Doty and Marillyn Doty Stickney and Commander Harold Stickney.

Christine is survived by her sister, Barbara Ferne Doty; her brothers, Michael and Gerry Stickney and his wife, Cathy and their children, Tim and Mary Elizabeth; her beloved partner, Robert “Chico” Blair and his family; as well as many cousin and close friends.  She bestowed joy on so many.  Her kitties, Kailey and Masika will truly miss her.

Due to Covid-19, there will be no calling hours.

Graveside services will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

May you sleep with the Angels as you walked with them in life.