Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Gene F. Bigelow, 91, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday September 15, 2016, at his home.

Born August 29, 1925, in Ferrisburg, VT, he was the son of the Late Dorothy Dragon.

Gene served with the US Army during World War II. After returning from service, he hosted a show on the “new” radio station, WWSC.

In 1947, Gene joined the Glens Falls Operetta Club appearing in many shows including “Carousel”, “Most Happy Fella” and “Guys and Dolls”.

At one time, Gene hosted his own talk/variety show on TV, while in Palm Beach, FL.

He was a singer and performer on Broadway.

Gene was a communicant of St Mary’s/St Paul Church in Hudson Falls. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his mother, Gene was predeceased by his sister, Charlotte Hart.

Survivors include his sister Shirley Austin of South Glens Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday from 11 A.M. to 12 noon the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will immediately follow calling hours at 12 noon Thursday at the funeral home with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch officiating.

The Rite of Committal,  with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 574 of Hudson Falls, will follow at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

Donations in Gene’s name may be made out to the Glens Falls Operetta Club, 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls, NY 12801 or the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

FENIMORE – Darl R. DIFFEE, 69, of Fenimore, passed away on Thursday September 15, 2016, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born March 13, 1947, in Granville, he was the son of the late Jack and Velva (Richards) Diffee.

Darl worked at Simiones Bakery most of his life, and Rock Hill Bakery before his retirement.He loved being with with friends and family, and spending time in the yard. Darl especially enjoyed camping with family and friends at Blue Ridge Falls.

In addition to his parents, Darl was predeceased by his sister Jacquelyn Woodard; his brother John Diffee; his sister Darleen Holmes; three nephews: Mark Diffee, Audie Diffee, Jr., and Justin Diffee; and his niece Deborah Rossi and his brothers in law, Albert Hart and Robert Lance.

He is survived by his siblings: Gwendolyn Hayes and her husband, Paul of Granville, Clark Diffee and his wife, Anne of Granville, Vonda Lance of Hudson Falls, Lauren Hart of Massachusetts, Audie Diffee and his wife, Patricia of Hudson Falls, Darcy LaPlant and her husband, Robert of Hudson Falls, Ronald Diffee and his wife, Jacqueline of Glens Falls, Joreen VanLint and her husband, Gordon of Hartford, Doreen Benard and her companion, Gurney Bennett of Hudson Falls; several nieces and nephews, and a very special niece and nephew: Jennifer and Jamie Diffee of the Fenimore.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Graveside services will take place on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Mettowee Valley Cemetery in Granville.

Darl’s family suggests that memorial donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.

One of Darl’s favorite saying was” DI double F, double E and Don’t you ever forget it!”

QUEENSBURY – Eleanor “Ellie” (Hall) Houghton, 90, of Queensbury, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on January 5, 1926, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Agnes (Gappner) Hall.
Ellie started her career as a professional registered nurse who’s first nursing job was in the obstetrical department at the Glens Falls Hospital. She loved being involved with her community, so she accepted an opportunity from the State of New York and enrolled in a college program at Syracuse University, earning a certificate in the public service area. Ellie accepted a job with the Onondaga County Health Department and continued her studies at Syracuse University while working. She graduated with a B.S. Degree in 1957. Ellie then was awarded a federal scholarship to receive a master’s degree and enrolled in the master’s program at Columbia University, graduating with a degree in Community Health with a minor in Mental Health.
Following her graduation from Columbia, she took a position teaching at SUNY Buffalo. Soon after, Ellie was offered a position as a consultant to HMO, which was a new concept in home care. Finally, she ended her health related career as an administrator at the New York State Health Department in Rochester.
Ellie was blessed with an angelic voice, and had been singing since the age of four. She furthered her gift by studying voice part time at Eastman School of Music. Ellie was honored to have performed for audiences in England at the London Opera Company. She felt very blessed to have been able to sing very well into her 80’s and 90’s.
Ellie met her husband Richard, while working in Rochester. She had a wonderful life with him, the “man of her dreams”. After their marriage, they moved to the small town of Deerfield, NH. While she lived there, Ellie was president of the Woman’s Club and volunteered at the food pantry at church. Later in their lives, Ellie and Richard returned to this area to be near her family.
Ellie loved to learn and loved her church. She was a member of the Queensbury United Methodist Church, where she was active in church choir and gave a singing class. During her life, she even tried her hand at acting and painting. She was a member of senior groups and the CR Wood Community Theatre in Glens Falls. Ellie continued her love of theatre and music throughout her life. Although in later years, she had to give up some of her favorite things to do, like drawing and golf. She never let age or illness interfere with her love of life.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Francis Hall and his wife, Gertrude, her sister, Agnes Lewis and her husband, Walter, her nephews, John F. Lewis, Joseph Lewis, and Michael F. Hall; her nieces, Mary Ellen Crevison and Patricia McKinney.
Survivors include her nephews, James Lewis and his wife, Heidemarie of Kingsbury and Jeffrey Lewis and his wife, Chris, formerly of South Glens Falls and Timothy Hall and his wife, Sharon of Saratoga Springs; her nieces, Cathy Weed and her husband, James of Schuylerville and Cathy Hall of Saratoga Springs; and several grand nieces and grand nephews.
All are welcome to Ellie’s Memorial Service at 11 am on Saturday, at the Queensbury United Methodist Church on Aviation Road in Queensbury.
Burial will be at a later date at Riverview Cemetery in Groveland, MA.
Ellie was thankful to her family for the love and kindness given to her on a daily basis in her elder years, when she was unable to do for herself. A special thanks to Cathy Tessier who took are of Aunt Lou and made sure that she was loved and cared for. Also, sincere thanks to the Cathy Hall and her late husband, Michael for their visits and especially for Cathy’s wonderful cooking.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Queensbury United Methodist Church, 460 Aviation Road, Queensbury, NY 12804 or the Charles R. Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Josephine “Jo” (DeLorenzo) LaVine, 85, of South Glens Falls, passed away Saturday September 3, 2016, unexpectedly at Glens Falls Hospital.

She was born January 1, 1931, in Brooklyn, the daughter of the late Frank and Carmela (Arrigo) DeLorenzo.

As a young woman, Jo worked at Dolans Drugstore. She once made a banana split for a customer and forgot to put in the banana. That customer, Ernest LaVine, became her husband. After Ernie’s retirement he and “Josie,” as he would call her, became inseparable. They liked to go out for breakfast, enjoyed scenic drives to Vermont, and grocery shopping together. Ernie passed away in 2011 after 62 years of marriage to “Josie.”

Josephine and her family resided on Numan Street in Glens Falls.

Jo attended St. Michael the Archangel Church in South Glens Falls. Her family was very important. The best day of the week was Sunday, with Mass in the morning, and later serving pasta with her well-loved homemade sauce and meatballs for dinner. Ernie and “the boys” always said there was no one who could outdo Mom’s Sunday dinners.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was predeceased by her son Larry LaVine, and her brother Jack DeLoenzo.

She is survived by her children: Ernie LaVine and his wife, Karen of Queensbury, Garry LaVine of Cohoes, Jody LaVine of South Glens Falls, Jeff LaVine and his wife, Mindy of Glens Falls; her grandchildren: Shelly Marcantonio and her husband, John, Heather LaVine and her husband, Vic Christopher, Christopher LaVine, Courtney LaVine, Ashley LaVine, Samuel LaVine, Ava LaVine; her great-grandson Christopher Marcantonio; her sister Eleanor Simione and her husband, Alfred of South Glens Falls; her brother and sister in law, Micheal and Joyce Massiano of Queensbury; her brother in law Robert Merwin of South Glens Falls; her sisters in law: Shirley DeLorenzo of South Glens Falls, and Bertha LaVigne of Warrensburg; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her good friend of 58 years, Louisa Cirelli of South Glens Falls.

Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church in South Glens Falls with the Rev. Tony Childs, pastor, officiating.

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

Donations in Josephine’s name may be made to Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

HUDSON FALLS – Lawrence “Larry” Phillips, 83, formerly of Lower Oak Street, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016, at the Washington Center in Argyle.

Born on July 23, 1933 in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Glen and Nina (Busch) Phillips.

Larry enlisted in the United States Navy and felt honored to have protected our country aboard the USS Monterey and the USS Pawcatuck.  Following his discharge from the service, he was very proud to have gone back to school and received his GED.

For many years, Larry worked in the shipping department of HENSSGENHardware in Queensbury.   He enjoyed going to work and was fortunate to have met many friends, during his career.

Larry was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Giants.  He was very talented in understanding electronics and how they worked.  Larry could hook up anything.  He was a quiet man who had many friends.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Glen Wallace Phillips, Jr. and John Phillips.

Survivors include his brother, Robert Phillips and his wife, Marilyn of Fort Edward; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, from 2 to 4 p.m.  at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Larry will be laid to rest, with full military honors, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY  12205-5512.

Larry’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Washington Center for the loving care Larry received during his time there

HUDSON FALLS – John W. Doyle, Jr, 56, of Hudson Falls, died peacefully at the Glens Falls Hospital on Sunday, September 4, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.  

Born November 18, 1959, in Glens Falls, he was the son of John W. Doyle, Sr. of Hudson Falls and the late Shirley (Duell) Doyle. 

John graduated in 1977 from Hudson Falls High School. 

He served in the U.S. Air Force. 

On February 12, 1983, John married Earlene MacDuff at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

He worked as a tractor trailer driver for 26 years, mostly with the Red Star Express. 

John was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St Paul’s church. John cherished his four grand kids. He had a great sense of humor and never said a bad word about anyone. To John family, friends and home were very important. 

In addition to his mother, John was predeceased by his mother in law, Rose Marie MacDuff. 

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Earlene (MacDuff) Doyle of Hudson Falls; his father, John W. Doyle, Sr. of Hudson Falls; his three children: Shawn Michael Doyle of Hudson Falls, Erica Leigh Doyle Mason of Hudson Falls, John Walter Doyle, III of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren: Troy David Stevens, Savannah Rayne Stevens, John Walter Doyle, IV, and Jacob Matthew Doyle; his sister Diane Doyle and her fiancé, Dana Hyde of Hudson Falls; his brother Richard J. Doyle and his wife, Stephanie of Hudson Falls; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.

 The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward with full military honors provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574. 

Donation’s in John’s name may be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.