Author Archives: CFH

HUDSON FALLS – On July 26th, 2020, Nicholas “Nick-Peep- Poppy” George Resetar was called home to be with our Lord and Savior and family and friends that preceded him to a heavenly reunion. Born on December 6th, 1939, Nick was the proud son of John and Mary (Dirga) Resetar and was the so-called “middle child” in a family of ten from Granville, NY.

On August 25th, 1963, Nick married the love of his life, Marjorie (Perkins) Resetar. It was their hope, a union forged in love might bridge the infamous Granville-Whitehall divide and inter-town rivalry. Marjorie and Nick shared 57 remarkable, devoted and unwavering years together. Nick is survived by Marjorie and their two children; Nicole (Jeff) Doak and Marc (Camille) Resetar, and his four grandchildren; Nicholas (Julie) LaSarso, Tim LaSarso Jr., Grace and Jack Resetar; sister Ann Corcoran of Fort Ann; brothers Phillip (Susan), and Peter, as well as his brothers’ in-law and sisters’-in-law: (W.W.) Darlene Pearson, Richard (Mary Ann) Perkins and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

At the precocious age of four, Nick started first grade at “Quaker U”, a small two-room school-house on Quaker Street in Granville. Nick’s passion for learning allowed him to maintain a strong academic course load, all while serving in multiple class offices throughout high school. He was a three-sport letterman. He loved to compete under the watchful eye of the legendary coach Sam Epilito, Bill Trainor, and Joe Porter. His fondest memory as an athlete was pitching a no-hitter in a gut- wrenching 1-0 loss.

Upon graduation from high school, Nick enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1958. Following basic training, Nick was assigned to Fort Sill, OK for advanced training and was among the first soldiers of the 2nd Missile Battalion 82 Artillery to be deployed to the tension filled East-West German border. Nick returned to the states several times during his deployment for live fire exercises of the Corporal Missile at the White Sands Proving Grounds in NM. When he finished his time in Germany, he was assigned to West Point, where he spent his remaining days of his service as the NCO in charge of the Cadet Artillery Training Summer Program.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Nick attended Castleton State College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in only 3 years. He accepted his first teaching position at the Hudson Falls Junior High School where he taught science, math, and health all while developing new extracurricular activities for students. Mr. R’s Rocketry Program was a “blast” for his students despite the once ill-fated Saturn 5 multi-stage model rocket that plummeted back to earth when the recovery chute failed to deploy.

Nick continued his postgraduate education at SUNY Plattsburg and Potsdam earning a master’s degree in administration.  

Over his 30 plus years of service as a teacher and administrator, Nick touched the lives of countless students in both the Hudson Falls and Queensbury School Districts with his compassionate heart and his contagious enthusiasm for learning.

After retiring from his educational career, Nick continued to share his faith in God and passion for helping others by completing the two-year formation for ministry program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Upon completion of the program, he served as lector, eucharistic minister, and chair of the finance committee at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Nick’s mother once told him he was a “jack of all trades, master of none”. For those fortunate enough to know Nick, he will be solely missed and remembered as a thoughtful, giving man, whose heart was embedded in his faith, family and was truly a master of kindness, generosity and quite frankly everything.

Nick’s family will be holding a private memorial service on Wednesday July 29^th and he will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hudson Falls. In lieu of flowers, his family asks donations be made to The Church of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

Due to the current pandemic, all services are private.

Rite of Committal will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

On Tuesday, July 21st, 2020, Jaqueline K. Buchanan passed in her home, on Glen Lake, one month shy of her 89^th birthday.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Jackie began her career in New York City before marrying and relocating to Upstate New York where she settled down and began a long career with Continental Insurance retiring as Director of Agent Training & Development.

People development was one of her strengths & joys; when a challenge or question arose, professionally or personally, she got out a legal yellow pad, divided it into 2 columns and helped people grow through the pluses & minuses to the answer. Practical & effective but frequently daunting under her fiercely watchful, yet caring, gaze; business associates, friends & family, rarely doubt where they stood.

While Jackie was a ‘Wear beige & keep your mouth shut’ person, she cared deeply for people fortunate enough to be under her purview. She contributed to several causes and was a fervent supporter of women’s rights long before it became a public movement. She developed the best person for the job with respect to their passions, talents & abilities balanced against the company’s needs.

On November 5^th, 1977, Jackie married her partner, in life & dance, John R. Buchanan; it was a union of equals for 43 years. They traveled together contributing to each other’s careers, built a home & gardens on Glen Lake, as well as a business of rental properties.

In later years Jackie was an avid, if crisp, golfer; a skilled needle pointer, a lover of travel, a gardener and a patron of the arts. She also made a pie crust so light it needed to be held by a string to keep it from floating to the ceiling. Most of all, Jackie was a Lady.

She is survived by her husband John and, through marriage, a son & daughters along with several grandchildren & great grandchildren.

In her own words one’s goal in life is “To do the best you can with what you’ve got” and she did.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that you perform random acts of kindness with Jackie in mind.

Loretta MJ Hall (Robbins), age 81, passed away peacefully on July 19^th 2020, surrounded by her children after losing her struggle with heart disease.

She was born on August 14^th, 1938, to the late Clara Jane Robbins-Bellinger (Warrington) and Edward Robbins.

A resident of the Glens Falls area for more than 50 years, she is best known for her long-lasting friendships, connection with her family, devotion to her faith, love of bingo, a CB’er, and her admiration and passion for music, singing, and dancing.  Loretta’s presence was always known, as her smile and ability to warm the hearts of anyone she encountered could take over the room.  She was especially fond of her family, which extended well past three generations including her great grandchildren.  She will be most remembered for her compassion, sharing of her life story, and her desire to sing and dance the night away.

Loretta is predeceased by her mother, Clara Jane Bellinger (Warrington), her father, Edward Robbins, her step-father Henry Bellinger, loving husband James Alfred Hall, who passed away in 2009, her brothers Henry Robbins and Warren Ballard, and son, Jeffrey Hall.

She is survived by her partner, Tom Neddo; daughter, Deb Stevens and partner John Blaney; son, James Hall; daughter, Jana Shackett; and daughter in law, Toni Hall (Pistoia).  She is also survived by her niece, April Dickinson and husband David; her friend of over 43 years, Nora “Pip” Hale, who were often found together in mischief; and grandchildren, AJ Hall, Dominic Wilson, Annette Smith (Hall) and husband Jason, Justin Wilson, Stacey Brower, Ashley Hall and partner Adam Vosh, Travis Skelton and partner Rudy Gardner, Adam Hall and wife Shalyn Hall, Andy Hall, Maria Pistoia, Tyler Bouyea and partner Kaitlynn Sousis, Samantha Brown and Jonathan Shackett; along with many great grandchildren.

There will be no public services at this time and a celebration of life will be held at a time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to assist with covering the costs of Loretta’s final wishes to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 67, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Peter J. Russo, 64, of Maple Street, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on March 4, 1956, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Mary Jane (Jakeway) Russo.

After graduating from Glens Falls High School, Peter began his career as a Mason. He was an excellent worker who took great pride in his craft. Peter also had a special talent in repairing computers and eventually opened his own computer repair store in Utica. After 15 years of servicing computers however, he was forced to retire due to medical issues.

One of his favorite hobbies was watching sports on TV.  He was an avid Yankees and Giants fan, always cheering them on for the win. Peter also enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Rufus, who never left his side.

Peter was a quiet, laid back man, who loved his friends and family very much. He especially loved all of his children and grandchildren and spoke of them often with pride. He appreciated every moment he had with them, and it showed in his smile while they were around. Peter was sure to even pass his love of sweets, especially peach rings, on to his grandchildren as well. Throughout his illness, he learned the many blessings of a humble life, and he wished for nothing but health and happiness for everyone he loved.

Survivors include his children, Angela (Michael) Moses and Peter Lemery; his loving grandchildren, Alexander Moses, Nicolas Moses, Meadow Lemery, and Aubrey Lemery; his siblings, Patrick Russo,  Fred (Noreen) Russo, Mark (Mary) Russo, and Susan Russo; his nieces and nephews, Katie Russo-MacDougall, Courtney Swan, Joelle Russo, Jessica Russo, Jon-Michael Rehm, Erika Valenti, Patricia Guarino, Melissa Russo-Rosati, Becky Diffee, Edward Russo, Mary Russo, Mike Backus, Matt Backus, and Mike Ross; and many more great nieces and nephews, cousins.  

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mason, Lisa Haase, and the staff from Tower 2 at the CR Wood Cancer Center for taking such wonderful care of Peter during his illness.

Due to the pandemic, a private graveside service,  at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls, will be performed.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital, 101 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY  12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Helen J. (Chambers) Saville Bates, 84, of Feederview Apartments, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

Born on October 20, 1935, in Burlington, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Redrick and Elsie (Doner) Chambers.

Helen was the widow of Robert Bates.

She enjoyed family get togethers, traveling, bingo and knitting. She also loved reading a good book. 

Helen had many jobs throughout her life that she thoroughly enjoyed, her last one being in home healthcare.  In 1979, she was President of Ladies Auxiliary Federal Order of Eagles.

While living at Feederview, she made many dear friends.  Helen also will be missed her by bingo friends. 

She is survived by her children, whom she loved dearly, Paul A. (Noami) Saville  North Dakota, Daniel (Mary) Saville of Kingsbury, Helene B. Rockwood of Bristol, Vermont, Harrison “Bruce” Saville of Kingsbury and Susan J. Bates of South Glens Falls; her step children, who she thought of as her own, Larry (Mary) Bates of Florida, David (Judy) Bates of California and Douglas (Anna) Bates of Granville; her 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Nancy Brownell of South Glens Falls, Blanche Willig of Glenville and Georgia Maniscalco of Clifton Park; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will have a private graveside service at a later date.

QUEENSBURY – Anne K. Blanchard, 79, formerly of Queensbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Bethlehem Commons Care Center in Delmar.
Born on October 27, 1940 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Mary (Smith) Mosher.

Anne graduated from Hudson Falls High School and continued her education at Albany Business College.  After college, she worked for Albany Times Union in the accounting office.   One of her favorite places of employment, was at St. Alphonsus School, where she was secretary to the Principal.  Anne retired from  Continental Insurance. She spent a lifetime volunteering in her community from youth hockey, Girl Scouts, chairing the St. Alphonsus Bazaar for many years and the United Way, up until her “dream” retirement job as the volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels.

After first husband, Joseph Hurley passed away as a young man, she married her second husband, Paul Blanchard in 1968.  They were married for 34 years when he died in 2002.  

Besides her husbands, she was predeceased by her son in law, Michael Bintz.

Anne loved her family and friends and would always jump at the chance to spend time with them talking about favorite memories and making new ones.

Survivors include her three children, Bonnie Blanchard of Glens Falls, Mary Bintz of Delmar and Michael Blanchard and his wife, Carole of Ballston Lake; her loving grandchildren, Sierra Maille, Catera Maille, Jacob Bintz, Joseph Bintz, Ethan Blanchard and Nicole Blanchard; several brothers and sisters in laws; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be private at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, in Queensbury, with Very Rev. Joseph G. Busch, Pastor, officiating. 

The Rite of Committal will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Warren County Meals on Wheels, Office of the Aging, Warren Co Municipal Center, 1340 State Route 9, Lake George, NY  12845.

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

HUDSON FALLS – Leon M. Layden, 90, formerly of 5 North Oak Street, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the Fort Hudson Health Care Center in Fort Edward.

Born on February 22, 1930, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late Leon M. and Helene (Morgan) Layden.

Leon graduated from Whitehall High School, then graduated from The College of the Holy Cross, soon after which he entered the United States Army.   While in the Army, he worked in the Pentagon for the Counter Intelligence Corp (CIC).  Following his service to his country and courtesy of the GI Bill, Leon enrolled in the Georgetown University School of Law.  Upon graduation, he joined the family law firm of Layden & Layden in Whitehall and opened a branch in Hudson Falls.   The Whitehall office was eventually closed in 1990 and Leon retired from the Hudson Falls office in 2013, leaving his son Stephen to carry on the family tradition.

On July 11, 1964, he married Marjorie Ann Behan at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls.  

          Co-parenting for over 50 years with the Love of His Life the Saintly Marjorie Behan, he in ways could not compare.  While she always parented with a song in her heart, and in fairness he shouldered his share, but far too often was heard to swear.  However regardless of venue, athletic or academic, track, park, stadium or field he was always there to cheer not only for at least one MVP,  a couple of starters and multiple scholars, but likewise, and just as hard, for the also rans, the middle of the packers and bench warmers too.

While the infantile and innocent are excused, there are those deeply deluded and foolish few who believe you can walk through this world not showing weakness, never taking a loss nor experiencing pain.  It is a brave man who however knows the Noblest Fights are often the times he takes up his sword (sans shield) in an unwinnable war against an unbeatable foe.  Likewise, a real man knows to Love anything more than oneself is by necessity to fling the door wide to all manner of heartbreak and loss.  So it was late in Life dear old Dad battled Alzheimer’s beside his beautiful Wife.  Though he certainly took some comfort knowing he had five men in reserve, it was he who spent every moment on the front line watching his better half disappear, a touch away more, day after day another shared memory lost, year after unforgiving year.     

Peacefully and with Leon holding her hand, Marjorie passed away on February 15, 2015 (the day after Valentine’s), after 51 years of marriage and some 17 years after her initial diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease.  Though even at 90 we feel he left us too soon, we take comfort in knowing Leon was late for a long overdue date, now walking with the lightest of steps, above the clouds and with the tightest of grips, once again holding the hand of his eternally beautiful bride, the lovely Marjorie Ann.

Leon’s involvement in the church was very important to him.  He was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, where he was a member of the Ushers Association.   Leon was also a Past Grand Knight of the Monsignor Arthur S. Kiffin Knights of Columbus Council 296 of Hudson Falls. 

 His other involvements included The Hudson Falls Rotary , The American Bar Association, The New York State Bar Association and The Washington County Bar Association.

Prior to settling down locally he was an “advance man” for Bobby Kennedy’s successful 1964 run for Senator of New York.  He fondly recalled a phone call from a fellow Holy Cross Alum saying, “We need your help Leon.  We got way too many guys running around here with Boston Accents to ever get Bobby elected in NY.”   Again he was asked to assist on the 1968 Campaign and had it not been for the fact that Leon himself had been busy with 3 little boys and a pregnant Wife still heavy with a fourth, he well may have been there, working on Kennedy’s 1968 Presidential run when poor Bobby was gunned down by the assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, at the Ambassador Hotel in LA on June 5, 1968.      

Leon eventually sought political office for himself, and went as far in Washington County as a Democrat could in the 1960s and 1970s.  He served for five terms, from 1968 to 1978, as the Supervisor of the Town of Kingsbury and was the attorney for the Village of Hudson Falls and the Washington County Department of Social Services.  One of the favorite stories of Layden “political lore” was that of a potential voter asking our oldest Brother what she thought was the all-important question, “Is he a Democrat or Republican?”  In response and with a shrug of his shoulders five year old David replied the wisest answer ever and the only one that ever really mattered, “I don’t know at Home we just call him Daddy.”   

Besides his parents and wife, Leon was predeceased by his one sister, Mary Winn and his two brothers, Edward Layden and Jack Layden.

Survivors include his sons, David Layden and his wife, Joy of Sterling, MA, Dr. Michael Layden and his wife, Marjorie of Glens Falls, Stephen Layden and Mark Layden both of Hudson Falls and Matthew Layden and his wife, Rosina Brooks of Saratoga Springs; his nine grandchildren, Bridgette, Rachael, Brock, Margie, Jacqueline, Sean, Burke, Levi and Brooks; and multiple nieces and nephews.

The Rite of Committal will be 1 p.m. on Saturday August 1, 2020 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.  At the burial all Covid-19 and social distancing restrictions are in effect.

After Covid -19 restrictions are eased, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

There will be no public calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Leon’s wife, the family suggests that memorial donations be made either locally to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad and/or the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern NY Chapter, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY  12205.

In conclusion the entire remaining Layden Family, on behalf of both our parents, would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Fort Hudson Staff and especially to those workers of both A and B Wings for the dedicated, tireless and compassionate care provided by them throughout the years.

GANSEVOORT – George Ernest Dashnaw, III, 44, went into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Albany Medical Center.

Born on December 2, 1975 in Glens Falls, he was the son of George “Ernie” Dashnaw, Jr. and Deborah (Grinnell) Coon.

George graduated from South Glens Falls High School and soon after began his working career.   His first job was at Wilson’s Yamaha in  Queensbury and then he was employed at General Electric until it closed.   George’s last job was at Trius in Fort Edward, where he worked until his health declined.  

He was a proud member of the NRA. George loved riding motorcycles and puttering around his home.  Those around him were fortunate in that he could fix just about anything.   George also was an animal lover.  His shadow was his dog, Oliver.  George was the happiest he had been in years spending time with his dog and his best friend and brother by another mother, Billy Sleezer. 

George was a straight shooter.  He would always tell you the truth, whether you liked it or not.  To the enjoyment of those around him, George had a wicked sense of humor.  He was the glue of his family.  George would text, call or visit everyone each day.  Those around him always felt his love.

He was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his two aunts, Cindy and Sherry and his stepmother, Lori Dashnaw.

Survivors include his two children, Kara Rose Dashnaw and Michael George James Dashnaw; his parents George “Ernie” Dashnaw and  Deborah (Grinnell) Coon; his brother, Benjamin Duane (Kristin) Dashnaw; and two nephews, whom he was very close, Benjamin and Brody.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.  Due to the pandemic, only 35 people are allowed in the funeral home at one time and social distancing and face masks are required.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020 at St. Michael’s Church in South Glens Falls, with Rev. Tony Childs, pastor, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA  22030.

HUDSON FALLS – William C. Sherman, Jr., 70, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020, at his home.

Born on February 14, 1950, in Mineville, he was the son of the late William and Evelyn (Daha) Sherman.

Bill had attended Hudson Falls School.

On May 27, 1989, he married Florence (Ball).

Bill worked as a mechanic in his younger years, he also worked for Chase Bag and helped build submarines in Groton, Connecticut.  Lastly, he worked as a Pipefitter for Hall Construction.

Known fondly as Wild Bill, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and hanging out with several area motorcycle clubs.  Bill loved watching car racing; his favorite driver was Brett Herron.  He also had dreams of racing cars himself, a skill he practiced every time he and his lead foot drove anywhere.  Bill also was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He never let the grass grow under his feet, he was always on the road.

Bill especially cherished family gatherings and cookouts.  He was always willing to help out anyone that was in need.  Bill will be remembered for living out his life on his terms and his uncanny ability to make a good friend in less than five minutes.  In addition to his family, he loved his cats, especially Tiger Lilly Monster.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his nephew, Richard Riley and his aunt, Elma Simone.

He is survived by his wife Florence Sherman; his children, Melissa Reed and her husband, Jay of Connecticut, Regina LaMotte and her husband, Ralph of Glens Falls, William Sherman, III of Hudson Falls, Shawn Sherman, Sr., of Queensbury, Jennifer Sherman Marks and her husband, Robert of Little Rock, AR and Belinda McPhee and her husband, Ronald of Hudson Falls; his step children, Tanya Spofford, Laura Buttino and Christina Gumuka; his grandchildren, Erica, Nicholas, Kristin, Kenny, Keith, Alyssa, Cody, Shawn, Jr., Emily, Hannah, Lily and Oliver; his great grandchildren, Kyleigh and Azalea; his siblings, Bonnie Dickinson and her wife, Gary, Edward Sherman and Julie LaFountain and her husband, Larry; his nieces and nephews, Crystal, Josh and Justin; his lifelong friend, Mark Harvey and his friends, Robert Casey and Trudy LaBlanc.

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

Memorial donations may be sent to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC – 135, Albany, NY 12208.

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

HUDSON FALLS – John F. Hogan, Sr., 74, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, on Saturday, July 18, 2020.

Born October 4, 1945 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late John and Faustina (Hurd) Hogan.

He was a graduate of the class of 1963 Hudson Falls High School and then proudly served with the United States Navy and saw action in the Vietnam Conflict.

On April 19, 1969, John married Kathleen Tetro at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Barrytown, NY

John retired after 30 years from Finch Pruyn in Glens Falls and then worked 15 years at Waste Management.

Active in the community, John served with the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company as a fire fighter in various positions and continued his service as fire police.  John was well known for his “Probie Hooch”.  He also was a past captain of the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc.

His enjoyments included hunting, fishing in Trout Lake at his camp and operating his ham radio.  Johns greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Kathleen “Kathy” Hogan of Hudson Falls; his children, Sue Hogan and her companion, Tom Willard of Abilene, TX, John Hogan, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer of Greenwich, Stefanie Hogan and her companion, Terry Ash of Hudson Falls; his loving grandchildren, Chris, Justin, John III, Lucia, Jenna, Haleigh, Skyler, Gage, Elivia, Jakob and Riley; his two great grandchildren, Donte and Cayde; his sister, Anne Hogan of Whitehall, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Thursday, July 23, 2020, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company, 3715 Burgoyne Ave., in Hudson Falls. Due to the current pandemic, all who attend must practice social distancing and wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of John may be made to the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company, 3715 Burgoyne Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839, Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, New York 12828, or a charity of one’s choice.

John’s family would like to thank the staff of High Peaks Hospice and the C.R. Wood Cancer Center for their love and support during his illness.

HUDSON FALLS – Shirley (Yarter) Johnston, 96, formerly of Feeder St. passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020 at the Saratoga Hospital.

Born on April 25, 1924, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Annabelle (Sheehy) Yarter.

Shirley was a 1942 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.  Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Robert M. Johnston at St. Mary’s Church Rectory in Hudson Falls on November 29, 1942.  He passed away on December 16, 2015, after 73 wonderful years of marriage.

Shirley worked for a number of years at Color Tech Litho, formerly the Post Star Printing Department, in Glens Falls, retiring in 1986.

She was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls and her enjoyments included gardening, traveling and crossword puzzles.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her sister, Virginia Carson and her brother, John “Jack” Yarter.

Survivors include her three children, Thomas H. Johnston and his wife, Cynthia, of Wilton, Marcia E. Bolesh of University Place, WA and Barbara A. Hunt and her husband, Willis, of Bennington, VT; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Because of the current health care crisis, a memorial service will be conducted at a future date.

Rite of Committal will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Memorial contributions, in her memory may be made to BCARC (Berkshire County Down Syndrome), 395 South Street, Pittsfield, MA  01120 or the American Heart Association, 4 Atruim Drive #100, Albany,  NY  12205.

HUDSON FALLS – On Monday, July 13, 2020, our dear mother, Jean Santoro, 90, passed away due to a fall caused by her advanced Alzheimer’s Disease.  Our hearts are broken but we are honored to have shared so many wonderful years with her. 

Jean was born in Glens Falls, NY on September 1, 1929.  She then moved to Brooklyn, NY with her parents, Sarah Deeb Cusato and Michael Cusato, where she was brought up in a loving, crazy family full of laughter and values. Her parents divorced when Jean was twelve, then moving back to Warren St.in Glens Falls, forming friendships that would last a lifetime.  She was proud to be an East Ender, working at Sarah’s grocery store, where people gathered for coffee and conversation.

Jean’s husband, Frank “Che Chee” Santoro, drove past her one day, craning his neck to see his future beautiful bride.  They later met on a train, started dating and were married in May 1953.  They were a handsome couple who truly loved each other.  Unfortunately, Frank’s untimely death left her a widow at 51. 

Out of that marriage they had three loving and devoted children, Juliann, Francis and Sara Jean, who cherished their mother beyond measure.  Her grandchildren, Thomas Sherman, Marissa Santoro and Anthony Santoro, as well as her great-grandchild, Kenny Heath, shared in that love for their Titah. 

Jean was a lover of life and she was so much more.  She was beautiful inside and out. She was a singer, a painter, a writer, a great friend, a confidant, an advisor, a world traveler, a humanitarian, a strong and independent woman, a proud Brooklynite and a fierce and loving mother.  Her family was her life, including her extended family, the family she married into and the family of friends she made throughout the years. 

She made everyone feel as if they were the most important thing in the world. She loved to smile and laugh and appreciated everyone she met.  People liked her because of her spunk and zest for life.  If you were lucky enough to go to a music event or theatre with her, you would witness someone who truly appreciated the talent in front of her, especially her nephew, Tony DeSare. 

She loved all kinds of music, from Frank Sinatra to the Grateful Dead. Meeting the drummer, Mickey Hart, at age 80 was one of her proudest moments.  And could she ever sing!  She relished performing for people.  It was her joy.  She recently said, “Music is my medicine.” 

For many years she organized an event called Global Kids Chalk 4 Peace, which was held in Juckett Park in Hudson Falls.  It was started to help kids express their feelings about September 11^th and peace. One year a boy told her he was the school’s biggest bully. She sat him down, explained what she was doing and the next year he found her and excitingly told her he was no longer a bully and he got it. Her work as a peace provider was established. 

Jean’s love of the east end of Glens Falls was evident because of her annual gathering of friends at the yearly East End Reunion, were East Enders were invited to gather and share stories about their time living in that area.  It was enjoyed by so many, held in honor of her Mom and the wonderful era of the past. 

When not working as a dental receptionist, Jean loved to travel. She visited Mexico, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, various islands and many places in the US and Canada.  She often traveled to NYC’s Roseland Ballroom with her mother and her beloved Syrian cousin, Taudda Najjar.  She was always up for an adventure, a good meal or something to do.

One of her mottos was “I’m gonna live til I die”.  Our mother was a tremendous advocate for things she believed in, a strong woman, a kind and caring soul, a fashionable person, always wanting a good haircut and a mother who loved her children fiercely and unconditionally.    Alzheimer’s may have taken her memory but never her spirit and as she always said, “I’m not from Brooklyn for nothing”. Forever we will miss her and love her for “Sentimental Reasons.”

The Rite of Committal will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2020, St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward. Please wear masks and practice safe social distancing while attending the burial.

In memory of Jean, please consider donating to a children’s charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Samuel R. Packard, 75, of Hudson Falls, passed away on July 14, 2020 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born October 4, 1944 in Hackensack, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Wilmot and Adeline (Cooper) Packard.

Samuel was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.  He served in the United States Navy and Army. 

On September 30, 1972, he married Clara Pratt at the Christ Church in Glens Falls.

For 23 years he worked maintenance for Sandy Hill Corp., and then worked at Advanced Auto for 5 years.

Samuel was a member of the Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls.  He enjoyed camping and bingo calling for the last 30 years at the American Legion, Post 574.  He also loved tinkering around the house, and spending time with his grandchildren.  Some of Samuel’s fondest memories were made traveling with his wife across the United States.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers William Packard and Raymond Packard; his sister, Bernice “Bunny” Robbins; and his brother in law, Charles R. Pratt.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Clara Packard; his daughters, Tammy Packard and her significant other, Ray Periard of Greenwich, Felicia Packard and her fiancé, Jesse Brayton of Hudson Falls; his sister, Beverly “Bev” Donovan and her husband, Mike of Kingsbury; three grandchildren; two step grandchildren; his sister in law, Jean Packard of Hampton; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At the request of Samuel, there will be no calling hours.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family, with full military honors at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.

Donations in memory of Samuel can be made to a charity of one’s choice.