Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Larry G. Gray, 82 of Hudson Falls, passed away January 12, 2024, at the Washington Center in Argyle following a brief illness.

Born July 15, 1941, at his family home in Kingsbury, Larry was the son of the late George and Florence (Smith) Gray.

Larry was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

Following high school, Larry went right to work. His last job was working as a roofer and driving trucks for Monahan & Loughlin LLC in Hudson Falls.

Larry loved to sit on a bench in Juckett Park working on his search and find puzzles while listening to music. His all-time favorite song was Mustang Sally. He was a great bowler and a was a proud member of the 701 Bowling Club. One of Larry’s favorite hang outs was Broadway Lanes in Fort Edward.

He was a huge fan of local high school basketball teams. At the end of basketball season, some of the teams would sign a card thanking him for being their biggest fan. Larry was a very sentimental man. He saved every thank you card he received from the basketball teams. In addition to the thank you cards, Larry also saved every greeting card, letter or short note his daughter Sara ever gave him.  

In addition to his parents and brothers and sisters, Larry is predeceased by his infant granddaughter, Serenity Elyza Cook.

Larry is survived by his daughter Sara Gray and her fiancé Robert Cook of Glens Falls; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; his good friend Rick Corrigan; and numerous other close friends.

Calling hours will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. following calling hours.

GLENS FALLS – Janet Marie Cook, 79 of Glens Falls, passed away Tuesday morning, January 16, 2024. Born on January 11, 1945 in Glens Falls, she was a long-time area resident and loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend.

Janet had several jobs over the years but most recently worked in housekeeping at Glens Falls Hospital. She loved to fish and enjoyed playing bingo and card games with her family.

Janet is predeceased by a son, Barry Celeste; as well as four brothers and sisters, Larry and Ralph Cook, Alice Hall, Shirley Sweet, and Joyce Schaff.

She is survived by her son, Gerald Celeste, Jr. “JR”; a daughter, Jessica Knight; sisters, Carol Frances, and Marge LeBrun; her grandchildren, Courtney and Brittney Celeste, Barry Celeste, Jr., Joshua Celeste, Jennica Knight, and Timothy Knight, Jr.

A graveside ceremony will be held in the spring at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

HUDSON FALLS – Cathy Lillian (O’leary) Kestner, 74, passed away on January 10, 2024 after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia. Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home, surrounded by family and close friends.

Cathy was the daughter of George O’leary Jr. and Beatrice (Constantineau) O’leary of Hudson Falls.  She was a long-time member of The Church of St. Mary/St. Paul in Hudson Falls.  

Cathy was a graduate of Hudson Falls School class of 1968.  She married her husband of 52 years, Terry Kestner, on April 3, 1972.  During their marriage, they had two children.  Cathy spent many working years at C.R. Bard and Angiodynamics.  She is fondly remembered by many of her former coworkers.  Cathy also loved being part of organizing and attending her high school class reunions.   

Known for her love of being with her family and friends as well as her collection of gnomes and precious moments, Cathy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Cathy also enjoyed scrapbooking special family moments and sharing them with all that she knew.  Cathy’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Terry Kestner of Hudson Falls, her son Mike Kestner (Patti), son Matt Kestner (Vanessa) of Bolton Landing, her grandchildren Kirstie Fidler, Patrick Kestner (Wendy), Kristian Kestner, sister Joyce Cease (Thomas Wayne) of Palmetto GA, and sister Maureen Rossi (Thomas) of Hudson Falls, and sister-in-law Sharon Jensen of South Glens Falls.  She is predeceased by her parents, George and Beatrice O’leary as well as her sister Lynn Burlett and husband Ray Burlett Sr.  There are also several nieces, nephews, and other family members that were truly loved by Cathy during her time here on the earth.  We thank all her family and friends that visited and cared for her in her final days.

The family would like to thank her caregiver Heather, High Peaks Hospice and William Tedesco M.D., Albany Medical Center Neurology Group Eric Molho M.D., and Irongate Family Practice Paul Filion M.D., for their outstanding care and guidance provided to Cathy and the family.

Calling hours will be held at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and the family invites all friends to attend at that time. A small funeral service will follow the calling hours, and all are invited to attend. Those who wish to attend remotely may log into a google meet at meet.google.com/pbt-ijaa-vuq.

A private burial service will be conducted in the spring at St. Mary’s cemetery in Fort Edward. 

Flowers and memorial gifts are welcome but not necessary. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 , Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street
Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, or Shriner’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. 

HUDSON FALLS – Doreen P. Fischer, 63, of Hudson Falls passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness.

Born September 20, 1960, in Connecticut, Doreen was the daughter of Vincent Fischer and the late Judith (Simon) Fischer.

Doreen graduated from Mark T. Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Connecticut.

After vacationing for many years in the Lake George area, in 2003 Doreen made the decision to move to the Glens Falls area from Wallingford, CT. Many of Doreen’s fond memories were made while vacationing in Upstate New York.

Doreen loved the times she spent with her son, Christopher. They would spend countless hours playing board games and card games, but their most favorite games to play were Boggle and Mickey Mouse Yahtzee.

She was predeceased by her mom, Judith (Simon) Fischer.

She is survived by her father and step-mother, Vincent and Theresa Fischer; her son, Christopher Fischer, his wife Laura and their children, Gavin, and Ava of Hudson Falls; and her brother Vincent “Vinnie” Fisher and his wife Lisa of Warrensburg.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

HUDSON FALLS – Peggy Kay (Day) Simpson, 91, slipped softly away, in the comfort of her home in the early hours of December 30, 2023.

Born in Glens Falls on July 13, 1932, the only offspring of Ernest and Helene (Clark) Day. Peggy had an idyllic childhood filled with love, skating, dancing, and playing with cousins Marshall and Jay (Skip) Stone. Surrogate brothers to her, the three remained close, until she was predeceased by each.

Love was not the only thing in abundance in Peggy’s childhood heart and home. She also enjoyed, and soon adopted her mother’s passion and efficiency in filling their house with the smells and tastes of delicious home baked goods. That passion, combined with her work ethic led from school days to a job at a candy store, and later behind the counter in her mother and father’s business in West Glens Falls. They leased Crannell’s Dairy Bar, which featured food cooked by her mother, and ice cream made by her father. Affable and accommodating, Peggy helped make it a place to which customers returned, and she enjoyed the demanding pace of breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.

In the early 50’s, a chance meeting with friends introduced her to Fred Simpson. Two years her junior, and charming, they shared a birthday, and soon the dream of a life together, raising their own family. Fred and Peggy married on June 20, 1954. She continued working at the Dairy Bar until the birth of their third child, at which point all her energies were devoted to providing and caring for her family. Following the death of her father in 1969, Peggy’s care was extended to include her mother. By 1971, all were living in their new home at 32 Elm Street in Hudson Falls where Peggy’s loving care kept her mother, until her passing in 1996.     

By all accounts, Peggy could work circles around most people. So, through losses of beloved friends and relatives, the constant in her life was her work ethic. When Peggy wasn’t cleaning, baking, nursing someone’s physical or emotional wounds, or feeding someone, she did crosswords and cryptograms to keep her mind sharp.

A consummate multi-tasker, her hours spent watching TV found her hands in constant motion crocheting beautifully intricate freehand blankets, which were then gifted to family, friends, and children she’d never meet, yet to whom she could provide comfort.

Over the years, Peggy donated a few shy of 200 child-sized lap blankets to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield MA. Children were welcomed to their temporary rooms by her love in the form of blankets, which they could take home after their stay. In 2017, an article written by Kathy Dede about Peggy’s blanket donations was published in the Glens Falls Chronicle newspaper. This proved to be a great source of pride for Peggy. However, love, not pride, was the force motivating her hands.

Love freely given has a way of returning. In Peggy’s later years, the love she extended in caring for her own mother was returned to her by her son Ernie, along with the help of her daughter Linda, and long-distance support from daughter Susan. A stroke in Peggy’s 90th year forced her work ethic to shift, as strokes have a way of making things once taken for granted, suddenly impossible, without the help of others.

Peggy’s work while in the hospital, and during her rehab stay, was focused on regaining as much independence as possible. Ernie provided selfless air cover, and muscular support in her battle to get back to and remain in her own home. More than anything else in the world, that was where Peggy wanted to be. She planned to get back to crocheting, cooking, doing dishes and housework. Unfortunately, time had other plans, but her grace and sense of humor remained intact. In between apologizing for her inability, while Ernie and Linda helped her get ready for bed one night, she said “It’s a good thing I never beat you…”. Laughter helped the three of them through the day-to-day changes, as her end eased closer. Ernie worked patiently on little sleep, until Peggy’s hands finally rested, as he completed the circle she’d once begun, in caring for her own mother.

The family is eternally grateful to Ernie for the personal sacrifices and 24/7 care given to Peggy which extended the years everyone was able to have with her.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Fred; her sisters in law, Constance (Charles Robinson) and Dorothy Burch; her beloved cousins Marshall, Jay, and Ronald Stone; and many other relatives, friends, and neighbors, all of whom Peggy missed dearly, and spoke of often.

Peggy is survived by her three children, Susan (Myron) Klos of Wevertown, Linda Abare and grandson Cody of Fort Edward, and Ernest Simpson of Hudson Falls. She is also survived by her cousin Mary (Bob) Hunsdon of Colorado; several nieces, nephews, and many supportive friends she loved as her own and would have happily adopted, if possible, including Jim Alden, Donna Bourgault, Nancy McDermott, and Tom Ellis.

Near the end of Peggy’s life, the family feels blessed to have had visiting nurses from HCR who were very helpful and comforting. At the end, it was Hilary and Aimee from Hudson Headwaters Homeward Bound Program that made it possible for her to be completely free from pain and anxiety so she could get the rest she deserved and eventually pass away in peace in her own home. Near the end that was all she wanted, and the family is truly grateful to them for making that possible.

Peggy’s family would like to thank the staff of Glens Falls Hospital and aides Frank, Tony, Alyssa, Shay, and Irma at Slate Valley Center for their tender care. Peggy missed and spoke of each of them, right to the end.

Her family also wishes to thank the following special people, Al and Donna (Bourgault) Nielson, Kim (Preston) Kirby, Nancy McDermott and her children; Kim Skol, Tom Ellis and Tom Robinson for their love, generosity, day and night lift assists, home repairs, medical supplies and prescriptions, and special treats like warm donuts retrieved and delivered, and to the special “Egg Fairies” Kim Skol and Kim Kirby.

A special thanks to Peggy’s wonderful neighbors, Ray and Kathy Filipek, Alex Ramos, Benjamin Byrne, and Elizabeth (Krom) Ramos for their love over the years and taking it upon themselves to do the yard work, and snow shoveling so there would be access for ambulances. All of this was a huge relief to Ernie, as he cared for our mom.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held in the spring.    

In lieu of flowers, Peggy’s family asks that you donate to a local soup kitchen or simply feed someone you love. Their mom lived for that.

HUDSON FALLS – Michael J. Hermance, Sr., 68, of Hudson Falls, passed away Friday evening, December 29, 2023 at Glens Falls Hospital after a long illness, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 20, 1955 in Glens Falls, he was a life-long area resident and son of the late Robert and Viola Mary (Terry) Bennett. Michael was a graduate of Glens Falls High School. He worked for many years in the paving industry employed by Wells Paving and Coopers Paving, and in his down time would drive a cab.

Michael was a big fan of Wrestling and a die-hard New England Patriots fan. He also enjoyed playing bingo at the local establishments and loved to ride his motorcycle.

In addition to his parents, Michael is predeceased by three sisters, Ann Smith, Mary Foster, and Rebecca Dickinson; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa M. Tougaw.

He is survived by his son, Michael J. Hermance, II. of Hudson Falls; a daughter, Carla Hermance Fish (Robert Cronin) of Hudson Falls; three sisters, Shirley Wysong (Terry), Jackie Woodward, and Elizabeth Bennett Evans; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Friends may call from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the funeral home prior to the services.

KINGSBURY – Randy D. Getty, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, in the comfort of his home.

Born September 10, 1958, in Glens Falls, NY, he was the eldest son of the late Raymond and Carolyn (Reynolds) Getty. 

Randy graduated from Hartford Central School in 1976. Since the impressionable age of twelve, Randy was operating tractors and even planting corn. His passion for land stewardship, equipment, technology and maintenance was cemented when he won the tractor operator contest at the Washington County Fair, and went on to compete at the New York State Fair.

His outgoing personality, and innovative thinking secured him leadership roles in his youth, and long into his adult years with service on several boards, and community leadership positions including Kingsbury Town Planning, Cooperative Extension, and National Milk Producers Federation.

He married Betty Hitchcock on October 16, 1982 at the West Hebron Presbyterian Church where he was a member. During their 41 years together, they operated Main Drag Farm, in Kingsbury. Each success of their business was celebrated and they learned not to be afraid of taking risks knowing that with hard work (and enough kids to help), they would reap the rewards. He was obsessed in finding efficiencies not only in running the business, but in performing everyday tasks ensuring that time and effort were never wasted. As the next generation took over the business, Randy continued to provide unsolicited insights both loudly and proudly, hoping to influence key decisions. Dubbed Ideal Dairy’s Chief of Acquisitions, he never turned down an opportunity to procure a truck or tractor, or spend time with his grandchildren handing down the skills of equipment operation. As Poppy, there was never enough time spent doting on his grandchildren from reading stories on the couch, munching s’mores by the firepit, or finding a quiet moment to make a loud noise from blowing an air horn, ringing the dinner bell, and doing the “screaming goat.”

This year Randy took what was a debilitating diagnosis and created an opportunity to share his love of the harvest season, educating the public on agriculture, all while raising money for two important causes. In three short weeks he raised over $6,500 supporting Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and The Glens Falls Hospital Foundation connecting people back to the land, and their food source. 

He prioritized both business growth and personal enjoyment, finding opportunities for agri-tourism, and personal relaxation exploring 18 countries and many states across the USA. He brought people together to celebrate life, including planning his own “surprise birthday party.” May we all embrace life like Randy; with innovative thinking, grit and determination, bold creativity, and a serious amount of fun. 

In addition to his parents, and his in-laws, Norman and Marion Hitchcock, he was predeceased by his infant brother Kyle Raymond Getty.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty H. Getty; son, Kyle (Rella) Getty, and their children: Ford, Jack, and Neil; daughter, Emily (Nick) Getty-LaFountain and their children: Clay, and Graham; son, Luke (Jessica) Getty and their children: Evelyn, Beau, Grant, and Sutton; son, Tyler (Hillary) Getty and their child: Rory; sister, Diane (Randy) Smith; sister, Sally Getty; sister, Bonnie (Richard) Plue; brother, Terry (Gail) Getty; sister, Rhonda (Gary) Davies; brother, Kevin (Alison) Getty; brother, Brian (Winifred) Getty; sister, Wendy (Jason) Harrington and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregivers: Dr. Darci Gaiotti-Grubbs and her team, the hospice nursing team, countless family, and friends for their supportive care.
Friends may call on the family at The Kingsbury Baptist Church, 1790 Church Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, from 11:00am – 2:00pm and 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, December 28. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday, December 29 at The Kingsbury Baptist Church, 1790 Church Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Randy’s memory can do so to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or The Kingsbury Baptist Church, ℅ Sylvia Weaver, 153 Dean Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839

HUDSON FALLS – It is with profound sadness that I tell you my best friend and mother, Roseleen P. Hogan, has passed away after a long illness at the age of 89. Roseleen P. Hogan, passed quietly at the Washington Center surrounded by family on December 19, 2023.

Born in Albany on May 29, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Chester J. and Evelina (Tougaw) Perkett. In 1939, the family moved from Albany to Hudson Falls. Mrs. Hogan was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls and attended St. Ann’s Church in Fort Ann for many years, serving as a lector and Eucharist Minister.

She attended the former St. Paul’s Parochial School in Hudson Falls and graduated in 1951 from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls.  Mrs. Hogan was employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Glens Falls, retiring in April 1996, after 42 years of service. She was a former member of St. Ann Society and in 1988, she joined the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Mater Mariae in Fort Ann and served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Regent, and Regent, throughout the course of her membership.

Mrs. Hogan was very active in the Bereavement Ministry at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls. Following early retirement in 1996, Roseleen enjoyed activities which included playing with her cat, “Willow”, traveling with Senior Citizens on their group trips, reading articles on the Civil War, watching Robert Redford movies and when the weather was nice, she liked to go “tombstone touring” through the old cemeteries. She really enjoyed going to new places. Especially Vermont. Roseleen was an avid Pinochle and Skip Bo card player.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by four brothers, Chester and Lawrence Perkett who passed away as infants and Paul E., Jack A. Perkett. Mrs. Hogan is survived by her only daughter Peggy (Hogan) and son-in-law, Kimm Vydareny of Queensbury; a couple cousins; and many friends and former co-workers.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

For those wishing to donate in my mother’s honor, you can donate to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association ,1003 New Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047 or to the SPCA of your choosing.

Margaret would like to thank Roseleen’s best friend, Lee York, for remaining best friends throughout this journey with her mom. She would also like to thank two of the best caregiver friends she could ever have, Erin Powell and Elaine Lancette, who showed up no matter what. The family would also like to thank Dr. Anthony Izzo, Dr. David Judkins, and Dr. Mark Hoffman as well as their staff and nurses for the wonderful care provided for Roseleen during this difficult time.

GLENS FALLS – Lindsey Ann Capone, 34, of Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2023, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born in Glens Falls, Lindsey was the daughter of Tammy Whitt (Scott LaRock) and Paul Capone (Renee Rathbun).

Lindsey was a 2009 graduate of Lake George High School. Following graduation, she jumped right into working. Sometimes working 3 jobs at a time.  There were many times Lindsey would work all 3 jobs in one day. Lindsey found her passion while working for WWAARC at the Arburger House on Big Boom Road in Queensbury.

She loved where she worked and enjoyed being with her clients. Lindsey was an avid reader. However, her greatest love was her daughter Harmony. Lindsey truly loved her entire family.  She was well known for always being late to whatever event she was to attend.

Lindsey is predeceased by her grandparents Margaret Whitt, Terence Scally, Shirley Capone, and Daniel Capone. She is also predeceased by her uncle, Daniel Capone; and Chet Bailey, the true love of her life.

Left to cherish Lindsey’s memory is her beautiful daughter, Harmony Capone McKinney; her mother Tammy Whitt (Scott LaRock); father, Paul Capone (Renee Rathbun); her brothers Terence Blanchard and Logan O’Connor; her niece, Kyleigh Blanchard, and nephew Gage Blanchard; her aunt, Mary Dean and husband, Mark; several other aunts, uncles and cousins on the Whitt side of the family; her paternal aunts, Laurie Lee, Michelle Smith, and Verna Delisle; and several very special cousins and extended family members.  Lindsey is also survived by Candy Winslow; Harmony’s father, Clayton McKinney; Lea Winchell (and children); and Molly Bailey who was like a daughter.

A gathering in Lindsay’s memory will be held at a later date to be announced by her family.

Lindsey’s family would like to thank the Glens Falls Police Department for their support and assistance during this difficult time.

FORT EDWARD – William Howard Stemp, 69, of Fort Edward, passed away on Monday morning, December 18, 2023 after a hard battle brought on by a stroke earlier in the year.

Born on December 27, 1953 in Glens Falls, he was a life long area resident and son of the late Jack E. and Ida Eileen (Yount) Stemp. Bill was a United States Marine Corp Veteran, earning the rank of Sergeant. He served his country proudly and continued his service to his community as a Corrections Officer. “Gunny”, as his friends and coworkers like to call him, worked at Great Meadow Correctional Facility for 33 years, retiring in 2016.   

Bill married the love of his life, Nancy, on February 4, 1984 in Kingsbury. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and he had a love for cars, especially Camaros, and was an exceptional cook.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Marlene Shappy; and his close childhood friend, Thomas Tyminski.

He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Nancy L. Stemp of Fort Edward; his son and daughter, Jeffrey W. Stemp of Fort Edward, and Anne (Chad) Casey of Hudson Falls; his beloved grandchildren, Owen, Raelynn, and Madison Casey; his brothers and sisters, Jack (Barbara) Stemp of Troy, Diane Ranson of North Carolina, Linda (Jim) Glick of Arizona, Helen Stemp of Georgia, Edward (Deborah) Stemp of Queensbury, David (Debra) Stemp of Hartford, Harold (Denise) Stemp of Georgia, Deborah Jacques of North Carolina, and Robert (Lynn) Stemp of Verona; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

Friends may call from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to SAIL (Southern Adirondack Independent Living) sailhelps.org.