Category Archives: Obituaries

FORT ANN – John C. Butler, Sr., 87, of Fort Ann, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, June 17, 2024 at Elderwood Nursing Home in Ticonderoga.

Born on February 28, 1937 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Harry and Laura (Southard) Butler. John grew up in South Glens Falls and was a 1956 graduate of South Glens Falls High School. In 1958 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country proudly until his honorable discharge in 1961.

John worked for several years at the James River Paper Company in Glens Falls. He started there after high school and worked his way up to superintendent where he eventually retired. He was an avid sports fan and played many sports throughout his time in school and even went on to wrestle and play football in the Army. He coached the local little league teams and was always supporting local sports teams. John was also a long-time member of the local Free and Accepted Masons.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife, Carmen Butler; his second wife, Anne Butler; his brother, Hank Butler; and his brother-in-law and best friend, Hank Rudio.

He is survived by two sons, John C. Butler, Jr. (Cynthia) of Nashua, NH, and Mark Butler (Michele) of Papillion, NE; his step daughters, Lynn Granger (Kenny) of Kingsbury, Kelly Poissant of Fort Ann, Terrie Monahan (Mark Larrow) of Kingsbury, and Katherine Hayes of Webster, NY; his grandchildren, Carmen Butler, Erik Butler, Daniel Butler, Jonathan Butler, Michael Myers, Amanda Novakovic, Brittany Thakkar, Seth Paige, Chelsie Charron, Jeremiah Monahan, and Nathan Monahan; his sisters, Cora Sue and Debbie (Steve); his brother, Gary (Bonnie); and many nieces and nephews.

Friend may call from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will take place immediately following at 12:00 pm.

A committal service will follow first at Fort Ann Cemetery on Ann Street, Fort Ann, and then at Quaker Cemetery on Ridge Road, Queensbury where military honors will be rendered.

Following the services, the family will have a gathering to celebrate John’s life at the Fire Rock at Kingswood Golf Club, 111 County Route 41 in Hudson Falls.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to Fort Ann Little League or any local sports program.

HAMPTON – Guistina Marie McCullen Rathbun, age 34, of Hamton, NY passed away as a result of an automobile accident on June16, 2024. Guistina Marie was born on July 4, 1989 at Glens Falls Hospital. She graduated from Hartford Central School in 2007. She attended the College of St. Rose and graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in biological science. She then went on to attend the University of Castleton where she graduated from the school of nursing in 2015.

In August of 2015, she went to work at the Rutland Regional Medical center as a registered nurse. She loved being a nurse and all of the people she worked with.

Growing up, Guistina was a wonderful little girl and she blossomed into an amazing, caring person, mom and nurse. She then gave birth to a very special little boy, Eli Michael. She truly cherished him and was a perfect loving mother. He loves his mother so. Being autistic, Eli is non-verbal. The only word he has spoken was “Mama”. It made her so happy.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Eli; her husband, Thorn Rathbun; her parents, Wanda and Larry McCullen; and in-laws, Debbie and Alwyn Winkler and many others too numerous to mention here. She was predeceased by her God Son, John Francis.

Guistina leaves a hole that can never be filled. We truly appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts and prayers that have been offered. So many lives will never be the same after her passing. We can only hope that her legacy will be one of love. She will always be the light of our life. May God bless her and comfort her.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A service will follow at 4:00 pm at the funeral home.

GREENWICH – Robert F. Hamblin, 53, of Greenwich passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 16, 2024.

Born on December 10, 1970 in Glens Falls, Rob was the son of Raymond Hamblin and the late Cynthia Hamblin.

Rob was employed by Walmart in Wilton as part of the janitorial crew.  He took pride in his work and loved the camaraderie he had with his co-workers.

Rob was an avid outdoorsman who spent much of his spare time fishing and hunting. 

In addition to his mother, Rob was predeceased by an infant sister, Carol Jean Hamblin; Step-mother, Julia Hamblin; Aunt, Becky VanGuilder; as well as his grandparents.

Rob is survived by his son, Daniel (Hannah) Hamblin; granddaughter, Karmyn Hamblin; siblings, Tina (Jason) Bridge, Chuck (Kate) Hamblin, Heather Goodsell, Billie Ray Hamblin, Amber (Bridget) Putnam, William (Chrissy) Silver, Jennifer (Drew) McDonald, April (Jon) Fasano and Angela (Kris) Freymuth; Grandfather Charles (Debbie) VanGuilder; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.  Rob loved all of his nieces and nephews but had a very special bond with his nephew, Liam Hamblin, who he was the most closest with.  Rob also cherished spending time with his cousin, Lisa Sweet.  Rob is also survived by many life-long friends that are too many to mention.

Friends may call on Saturday, from 4:00-6:00 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow at 6:00 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice. 

Oliver Brunelle, 92, a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls and South Glens Falls, passed away at the Glens Falls Hospital on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Born on May 31, 1932, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Cliff and Harriett Brunelle.

Oliver drove truck for Fort Edward Express for over 20 years and then drove bus for South Glens Falls School for 10 years.

He was a Hudson Falls Volunteer Fireman for 25 years, J.W. Waite Hose and a South Glens Falls Fireman and Fire police for 25 years.  He also was a member of the Fort Edward Rescue Squad.

Oliver proudly served his country during Korea in the US Navy.  He was proud that he was able to serve his community in the fire service.  He also enjoyed country music, dancing, spending time with his children and his cat.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cliff and Harriet Brunelle, his brother James, his sisters, Jeanette and Rose Irene and a daughter Brenda Brice Brunelle.

He is survived by his children, Bonnie Wood (Ron), Claudia Crabbe and Bambi Brunelle, Keith Brunelle (Laura), Clifford Brunelle (Paula), Cherie Brunelle Montgomery, Sharon Ruff (Geoffrey); many grandchildren and great grandchildren; his sisters, Linda Havens (Steve), Nancy Black and Bette Thomas and his cat, Jack; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9a.m. to 12p.m, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Following the calling hours a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 pm at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be at a later date in St. Alphonsus Cemetery in West Glens Falls.

Memorial donations may be sent to the South Glens Fire Department, 7 W Marion Ave, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.

Memorial donations sent in his name welcome to South Glens Falls Fire Company

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Earl Albert Phillips, Jr., 58, of South Glens Falls, went into the arms of the Lord, with his family by his side at the Glens Falls Hospital on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Born on February 16, 1966, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the Anita (Passino) Phillips and the late Earl Albert Phillips, Sr..

Earl worked for David Stewart as a roofer for several years and also East Side Auto.

The outdoors was his passion, he loved fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and just about any activity that kept him outside.  Although he loved the outdoors, on Saturday mornings you could find him at home watching Woody Woodpecker Cartoons.  Most of all, he loved his children.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his grandmother, Jesse Passino, his grandfather, Arthur Passino and his lifelong partner, Jobie Blackmer.

He is survived by his three children, Eric Earl Phillips, Allen Michael Phillips and tori Elizabeth Phillips; his step daughter, Jasmine Blackmer; his grandchildren, Cole Phillips, Quinten Straight, Elizabeth DelRio and Ava Phillips; his mother Anita Phillips; his brother, Wayne Phillips; his sisters, Juanita Phillips, Venita Phillips, Janita Phillips and Lanitajean Reed Phillips; his childhood friend, Jamie Diffee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday, from 10 to noon, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow at noon, at the funeral home.

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

Memorial donations may be sent to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY, 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Jane Marie (Dullahan) Durkee, 88, of Hudson Falls, New York, passed away on February 2, 2024.

There will be a memorial service for Jane at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on July 1, 2024. Jane’s cousin Brian Wilsey will be conducting a short service If you are planning to attend, we will meet at Carleton Funeral Home at 10:00 AM and proceed to the cemetery. There will be a gathering at Kevin’s house, 102 Feeder Dam Road, South Glens Falls following the service. Everyone is welcome to the service and or the gathering. If you can’t attend, please take a moment to think of Jane.

HUDSON FALLS – Patricia A. Haynes, 75 of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, June 3, 2024, at her home surrounded by her beloved family.

Born on September 27, 1948 in Elizabethtown, NY, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Hazel (LaPorte) Christian. Patricia grew up in Willsboro, NY near Lake Champlain. On January 23, 1964 she married Edmund T. Haynes and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage before his passing on October 30, 2018.

Patricia loved to cook and as the matriarch of the family, she would plan the family events. She loved spending time with her family and friends above all, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anyone who knew her knew that she loved to collect owls and she was always ready with a good dirty joke to tell.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by two sons, Leslie and Larry; and a sister and two brothers, Beverly, David, and Bernard.

She is survived by her four children, Sue Ann Brandt of Hudson Falls, Karen Monroe (Steven) of Ocala, FL, Carmen Haynes of Glens Falls, and Michael Haynes (Kari) Of Ocala, FL; two sisters, Anna and Wanda; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.

Services are private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or to the Renal Dialysis Center, 3 Broad Street Plaza, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Matthew Peter LeBlanc, 44 of Hudson Falls, passed away Friday morning, May 31, 2024 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on March 2, 1980 in Brockton, MA, he was the son of Peter and Patricia (Knight) LeBlanc of Hudson Falls. Matt was a graduate of South Glens Falls High School and worked as an Autobody Technician at Dave Ure’s Collision Plus in Glens Falls.

Matt was an avid race fan and loved to work on anything with an engine including go-karts, dirt bikes and snowmobiles, all of which he enjoyed riding as well. Matt loved fireworks, animals, and kids and was a beloved dad, son, brother, companion, and uncle. He exhibited great strength and determination and used that to sponsor those in need. He will always be remembered for his off humor.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Rachel Elizabeth Wade and her husband, Daniel Bruce Wade; a brother, Jason William LeBlanc and his wife, Jessica Elizabeth LeBlance; his nephews, Owen, Jacob and Jaxon; his loving companion, Cheyenne Elizabeth Suddard and her sons, Zachary, Kenny and Odin.

Friends may call on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

HUDSON FALLS – Shirley A. Huff, 90 of Hudson Falls, went into the arms of our Lord Sunday evening, June 2, 2024. She passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family after a long illness.

Born on November 21, 1933 in Fort Edward, she was the daughter of the late Dana and Hazel (Hoskins) Logan. On February 19, 1956, Shirley married the love of her life, Eldon Huff, at the Village Baptist Church in Fort Edward.

Shirley worked as a secretary for the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls and the BPOE Elks Lodge 81in Queensbury. Her enjoyments included spending time with her family, reading, traveling to her favorite vacation spot, Gettysburg, PA, and anything to do with Abraham Lincoln.

During Shirley’s youth, she was an active member of the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Eldon Huff; her son, David C. Huff; her daughter, Dianne H. Combs; and her brothers, Clifford and John (Jack) Logan.

Survivors include her son, Timothy E. Huff and his wife, Christine of Gansevoort; her daughter, Susan E. Huff of Hudson Falls; her special daughter, Tara A. Melrose (Ty); her special son, John D. Passino; her grandchildren, Donna Salvadore (Sandan), Jason Wilcox, Timothy Huff, Jr. (Dani), Logan L. Huff (Jackie), and William Combs; her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Nolan, Ivy, Liam, David, Isabelle, Jaxon, and Charles; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and several fur-babies.

Friends are invited to call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 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.

Burial will be at the Union Cemetery in Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

FORT EDWARD – “Nana” JoAnn (Welch) O’Connell, a beacon of joy and the embodiment of family love, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, and her beloved fur babies, Rocky and Soonner, on May 28, 2024, at the age of 83, after a short but courageous battle with Cancer. Cancer ravaged her body, but it never took her sparkling, unfiltered attitude away, and I’m sure she burst through the Gates of Heaven, with her wit and sense of humor, holding the hands of Jimmy and Timmy as they brought her home. JoAnn was known for constantly cracking jokes ,and her comebacks were quick and witty. The very thought of her brings a smile to your face, everywhere she went , you could rely on her to bring fun and a positive attitude to any situation.  Her spirit was captivating and made her the life of every gathering, warming the hearts of everyone she met.  You never knew what inappropriate thing she would blurt out. That was Nana!

JoAnn was born on April 29, 1941, to Melvin and Katherine Welch. She was a Communicant of Saint Joseph’s Church. She graduated from Fort Edward High School. JoAnn loved to bowl, gamble, play pool, play games on her phone, face time the kids, travel, camping, shopping on TEMU, cook outs, dancing, family parties and an occasional night at Sullys West drinking her Fireball and Miller light.

She was an avid San Fransisco 49ers fan.  JoAnn was a hard worker her whole life, actually four weeks ago she still babysat her great great granddaughter 5 days a week. JoAnn was the heart of the family, a mother whose love had no bounds, and a grandmother whose laughter and playful antics will be deeply missed by all her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless unforgettable moments, JoAnn’s love for life was infectious, and her ability to light up a room was unparalleled. JoAnn always put others before herself, she had the most generous heart and touched many lives with her captivating personality. The family finds solace that her sparkling essence will forever be reflected in the lives of those she cherished. Her laughter, her joy in simple pleasures, her unwavering support will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends. JoAnn’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the purest delight in the company of those she called family. She was adored by her community and friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Katherine Welch, her husband, Willis K O’Connell, her sister, Patricia Faucett, her sons, James and Timothy McDonald and her grandson, Jesse McDonald

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (David ) Maye; her, son, William O’Connell; her sister, Barbara (Richard) Smith; her brother, Thomas (Joan) Welch; JoAnn’s most treasured possessions were her Grandchildren, and she always said, “they are not step, not half, not adopted, they are just family”, grandchildren, Ashley (Darrin) Mulholland, Zachary (Andrea) Mulholland, Andrew Wells, Skylar (Dylan) Sipowicz, Vanessa (Wes) Lyle,  Zoe O’Connell, Tiana (Jason) Tranowicz, Richard (Rebecca) Wells and Diane Stanley, Tyler O’Connell; great grandchildren, Maliyah Moloney,  Kayden and  Rebecca Charland, Lyllei Tranowicz,  Evelyn and Jax Mulholland, Priscilla Wells, Archie Casey,  Atticus, Americus, Zayden and Zola Lyle; great great granddaughter; Onaleigha Moloney;
sister in law Sharon Hall; and several nieces and nephews and cousins

JoAnn’s calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial Services will be at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10 am.

HUDSON FALLS – Marc F. Francato, 81, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on August 23, 1942, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Marc A. and Estelle (Zolnowski) Francato.

Following his high school graduation, Marc continued his education at Albany Business School.

Marc was the proud owner of Angler Custom Products, which was a Fishing Wholesale Company in Hudson Falls.   He was known for being an expert in fly tying and fly fishing.  Marc especially loved to use his fishing masterpieces at Blue Mountain Lake.  He also enjoyed showcasing his talent by doing demonstrations on fly tying.  Fishing was not his only passion, at one time, Mark was an avid coin collector.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Donna Lee Francato; his daughter, Marcia Perrin; and many aunts, uncles and his cousin, Rodney Bobbins.

Marc is survived by his son, Anthony “Tony” (Sheri) Francato; his grandchildren, James Perrin, III, Laurel Perrin, Jacob Francato and Sophia Francato; his sister, Ann Marie Francato; his son in law, Jay (Charmaine) Perrin; many cousins, including several special cousins, Rob (Joyce) Doty and Adam (Liz) Doty; and his close friend, Bobby Hilton.

A Funeral Mass will celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will follow the Funeral Mass on Thursday, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be sent in memory of his daughter, Marcia, to the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group, 245 Woodland Drive, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

HUDSON FALLS – Linda M. (Boothby) Signor, 74, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a short illness, with her loving family by her side.

Born November 7, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Alice (Lindemann) Boothby.

Linda was a graduate of Queensbury High School. After graduating, she enrolled in Glens Falls Hospital’s nursing courses and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Linda spent the following twenty years working at Glens Falls Hospital. Following her nursing career, Linda went on to own and operate numerous businesses in the area prior to working at BARD in Queensbury, where she eventually retired.

She loved camping. Her favorite place to go camping was Lincoln Pond. One of Linda’s passions was taking beautiful photos of the outdoors. She captured truly amazing images of all species of birds. However, hummingbirds were her favorite. Linda was an avid reader of mystery/suspense novels. She was also an animal lover. Long ago, Linda had saved a donkey’s life after it had been hit by a car on Maple Street Ext. (Rt. 196) in Hudson Falls.

Linda also loved traveling, especially trips to Myrtle Beach with her brother, Bob.  She had impeccable taste in music and absolutely loved the Beatles.  Everyone enjoyed spending time with Linda, as she had a wicked sense of humor and was an amazing cook.   Linda’s spaghetti sauce was phenomenal, as well as “Nana’s Macaroni and Cheese. 

Survivors include her children, Tammy Signor of Hebron, CT, Traci (Bill) Cheeney of Fort Edward and Chad Signor of Hudson Falls; Her grandson, Mason Signor; her brother, Robert Boothby of Queensbury; her nieces, Holly, Heather and Jennifer; several great nieces and great nephews; and many cousins.

Per Linda’s wishes, there will be no public services.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to luckypup.org or a local animal shelter.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Anthony J. “Tony” Rossi, Sr., 55, of South Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly at Albany Medical Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, following a short illness. At the time of his passing, Tony was surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 1, 1968, in Proctor Vermont, he was the son of Ann (Baker) Rossi and the late Leo A. Rossi.

Tony was a graduate of South Glens Falls High School. He worked at Irving Tissue for 18 years and most recently was employed at Common Roots in South Glens Falls as a cook and would occasionally lend a hand in the brewery.

He loved his pets and was a New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed cooking, and everyone loved his spaghetti sauce. Tony absolutely loved traveling to Florida with his wife prior to her passing. His favorite place in Florida to visit was Disney. Tony would visit Disney twice a year.

Tony had a very kind heart. He loved family gatherings. Tony was a very proud grandpa to his grandsons.

In addition to his father, Tony was predeceased by his wife, Debbie (Hart) Rossi.

Survivors include his mother, Ann (Fred Combs) Rossi of Waterford, his only son, Anthony J. (Shannon) Rossi, Jr. of Glens Falls; his grandsons, Oliver, and Camden; his brother Dominic (Vicky) Rossi of Hudson Falls; and his fiancé, Elizabeth Carney of South Glens Falls. Tony is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Zoya, Mark, Hailey, and Hope; his special cousin, Nate; several other cousins, aunts, and uncles; and all his friends from Fenimore. Tony also leaves behind his four-legged companions, Muggsy, Babe, Jake, Bella, and “Baby Cat” AJ.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. following the calling hours with Father Tony Childs, officiating.

The burial will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be made in Tony’s name to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.