Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Donald G. Paquette, 67, of Hudson Falls, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Glens Falls Hospital, after a long battle with many health problems.

Born September 26, 1954, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late George and Helen (McCotter) Paquette.

Don was a graduate of Fort Edward High School and went on to have a successful career at General Electric, until his retirement.

On December 31, 2007, he married Gail Henderson, who predeceased him earlier this year.

In his younger years Don enjoyed golfing, playing pool, trips to the casino, watching football and hosting parties at his home on Oak St. in Fort Edward.

Besides his parents and wife, Don is predeceased by his brother, Doug Paquette.

Survivors include his brother, David Paquette (Kathy) of Hudson Falls; his sisters, Sandy Byers of Queensbury and Sharon Osier (Fred) of Haines City, FL; his brother-in-law, Sam Henderson, who he was very close to, as well as two nieces, three nephews and other Henderson in-laws.

Services are private.

QUEENSBURY – Leslie Ann Baird, 60, of Queensbury, passed away the evening of Monday, September 19, 2022, surrounded by family. 

Born in Glens Falls on December 12, 1961, she was the daughter of Lester Baird and Loretta Baird.

Leslie was a graduate of Queensbury High School and dedicated her life to the field of medicine working many years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She found happiness spending time with her family.  Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Leslie found out how kind she was and how she loves unconditionally.  Leslie had a great sense of humor and always made it a point to tell those close to her that she loved them.

Leslie was predeceased by her father, Lester Baird.

Survivors include her mother, Loretta Hudson; her daughter, Kadie Fish (Matthew); her sisters, Maryanne McKinley (Dwayne) and Teresa Hanley (Mike); her brother, Michael Baird (Julie); her grandchildren, Madisyn Fish and Orion Fish; her nephews, Christopher Baird (Shelly) and Andrew Baird (Becca); her niece, Andrea Tabor; her great-nephews, Evan Baird and Declan Baird and her great-niece, Emily Baird. 

Per Leslie’s wishes, a private Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

HUDSON FALLS – Barbara Ferne Doty, 69, of Hudson Falls was reunited with her beloved family, on Saturday, September 17, 2022.

Barbara was a life-long resident of Hudson Falls.  She attended Hudson Falls High School.  Barbara was blessed with a beautiful voice and after many solo roles under the direction of Ms. Joyce Irwin in high school, she went on to work professionally in musical venues in NYC and New Jersey before pouring her talents into music education.

Later in life, she returned to school to become a nurse specializing in Long Term Care, spreading her kindness and infectious smile to many.

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

Survivors include her stepbrothers, Michael and Gerry Stickney and his wife, Catherine and their children; her sister’s loving partner, Robert “Chico” Blair; as well as many loving cousins and friends across the country. Special friends include Lois Bessette, Samantha and Donna Howe, who provided friendship and support.

Private services will be planned at the family’s convenience.

Memorial donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Hudson Falls Drama Department, 80 E. LaBarge Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Gwendolyn Ann “Wendy” Mallaney, 64, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at her home, with her family by her side.

Born on October 13, 1957, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late John and Frances Lydecker.

Wendy was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

On January 10, 1976, she married Ross Mallaney in Queensbury.

Wendy started her career in retail at Grand Union and upon closing, she worked for Price Chopper in various locations in upstate New York.

She loved to travel with her husband by her side, together they vacationed in Mexico, Aruba, Las Vegas and the Caribbean, to name a few.  Wendy enjoyed bowling and made many friends in the Women’s Bowling League.  She could be found every Tuesday morning knocking down pins at Broadway Lanes in Fort Edward.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Ross Mallaney, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Ross Mallaney, Sr. of Hudson Falls; her children, Angela Mallaney and Mark Mallaney; her grandchildren, Casey Parker, Alexis Parker, Ryan Parker, Hailey Wright and Sophia Wright; her great grandchildren, Emma and Jaxson Gonzalez; her sister, Daisy Robbins; her brother, Milnor Lydecker and his wife, Barbara; and her nieces, Dawn Robbins and Kristie Fosmire and her husband, Jeff Fosmire.

Per Wendy’s request, there will be no services.

Memorial donations may be sent to the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY, 12804 or High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Elsie C. VanVranken, 94, of Burgoyne Ave., passed away Monday, September 12, 2022, at Glens Falls Hospital, with her family at her side.

Born on February 26, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Knud Christian and Jessie Mae (Hanes) Andersen.

On June 3^rd, 1949, she married Thomas “Tim” VanVranken.

Elsie worked for General Electric in Hudson Falls, Binches Lace Factory in Glens Falls and as a lunch monitor for Hudson Falls Middle School.

She belonged to the Civil Air Patrol.  Elsie and her very good friend Edith McNeal, were the first girls in history of Redford, Michigan to take machine shop.  She belonged to the Cub Scouts as a Den Mother and Den Mother Trainer.  Elsie also filled in as a Girl Scout Leader.  She was a member the National Campers and Hikers Association and was an active member of the Hudson Falls Presbyterian Church for many years, where she served as a Deacon and received the Woman of the Year Award.  She also enjoyed making greeting cards for all occasions for her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her stepmother, Betty (Gibson) Andersen, her husband of 60 years, Thomas “Tim” VanVranken, her son, Jay VanVranken, her sisters, Ella Violet Jones, Edna Andersen and Isobel Mills, her son in law, Charles Graves and her stepbrothers, Roy Gibson, Bob Gibson and Jimmy Gibson.

Elsie is survived by her son, Thomas C. (Bonnie) VanVranken of Hudson Falls; her daughter, Christina Graves of Glen Lake; her step brother, Tom Gibson; her half-brother, Eric Andersen; her grandchildren, Jay (Tabitha) VanVraken, II, Windy (Randy) Clark, Misty VanVranken, Kristy (Patrick) Macey, Bob (Zenaida) Graves, Tammy Snow and Lorie Graves; Elsie had 12 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Peggy Tefft.

Calling hours will be on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Pine View Cemetery on Quaker Road, in the town of Queensbury.

Following the graveside services, there will be a reception at 12 noon, at the Hudson Falls Presbyterian Church, in the fellowship room

Those wishing to remember Elsie in a special way, may make gifts in her memory, buy giving to a charity of their choice.

The family would like to thank all of Elsie’s doctors and care givers, for all the wonderful care and compassion given to her.

GLENS FALLS – Sandra Lynn Harrington, 71, of Glens Falls, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Friday evening, September 9, 2022, after a long illness.

Born on June 23, 1951, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Douglas and Janice (Hamilton) Newcomb.

Sandra grew up in Hudson Falls and graduated from Hudson Falls High School.

Following her graduation, she worked for Glens Falls National Bank for several years, working her way up to Assistant Marketing Director. 

Sandra enjoyed collecting and visiting lighthouses and most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Carol Sutton.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Harrington, Jr. of Glens Falls; her children, Michael (Megan) Paradis and their children, Alessa Paradis, Kiera Paradis of Queensbury and Jennifer Paradis and her children, Ashana Pratt, Dravin Pratt, Karleah Paradis, Silas Paradis and Niko Paradis of Hudson Falls; her great grandchild, Nova Bristol; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 11 am on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Oneida Community Church on Sunnyside Road in Queensbury, with Pastor Mark Bailey, officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Stillwater.

Donations in Sandra’s memory may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1003 New Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047.

HUDSON FALLS – Richard W.  Bacon, 78, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at his home, with his family by his side, on his and his wife’s 49 wedding anniversary.

Born October 21, 1943, in Gloversville, he was the son of the late William and Marian (Pelcher) Bacon.

Richard was a 1961 graduate of Broadalbin Central High School and then attended Plattsburgh University.  After college, Richard proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Vietnam, 1^st Squadron, 1^st Calvary, 1^st Regiment of Dragoons, from 1967-1968 and a recipient of a Purple Heart.

Richard was very active in his military community, he was the past commander of the American Legion, Post 574, in Hudson Falls and past president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 79. He enjoyed a long career at the U.S. Postal Service, working as a clerk in the Glens Falls Post Office.

He enjoyed the great outdoors, including flyfishing, tying flies, hunting and canoeing throughout the Adirondacks.  Richard loved taking in the sights and scenes of the mountains while out for a drive.  He also enjoyed reading in his quiet time, while soaking in the sun on his porch. 

Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother, R. Bruce Bacon (Vina), Roger Bacon; his sisters and brothers in law, Marilyn (Frank) Kravchak, Marjorie (James) Kelly; his sisters in law, Nancie O’Leary (Claude) Pepin and Marion O’Leary (G Daniel) Nichols; brothers in law, Michael F. O’Leary, Patrick O’Leary; his mother and father-in-law, M. Francis and Marjorie (Rivers) O’Leary; and a nephew, Peter John O’Leary.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Marjorie F. Bacon; his son, Sean M. (Sarah) Bacon, and their children, Owen and Willow Greene; his son, Timothy P. (Jocelyn) Bacon and their children, Jack Patrick and Gavin Michael; his brother and sisters in law, William O’Leary (Keitha), Judith A. (Wayne) Chagnon, Bridget M. (William) Davis, Lynn Clark O’Leary and Ann Marie O’Leary; a band of brothers from Vietnam, to numerous to mention and his best friend for over 50 years, Rick Green (Jean); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Wednesday, September 14, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls, where a service will follow at 8 p.m.

A graveside service will be conducted 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, with full military honors.

Memorial donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 79, 1368 Patten Mills Road, Fort Ann, NY, 12827 or the American Legion, Post 574, 72 Pearl St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839

GRANVILLE – Joseph Thomas Rota, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2022, at his home with his loving family by his side.

Joseph was born on June 27, 1933, in Jersey City, NJ. He was the son of the late Joseph C. Rota and Agnes Rota.

Joseph is survived by his loving daughter, Amy Rota-Poulin and her husband, Pierre Poulin; his wife, Priscilla Rota; daughter, Tracy Winch; grandson, Dakota Winch; cousin and blood brother, Donald Pompliano and his wife, Kathy Taylor; Linda Magnusson and family, Jennifer Deus and family, and all of his loving friends that he considered family. He was a wonderful man who loved his family, enjoyed giving of himself, and he was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  

Joseph attended Rutgers University and was one of the founders of Nylock, He sailed the seas on The SS. United States as a Crew Member and the Ship’s Photographer, He also worked for the Bergen County Police Department, was a founding Member of BCPD Water Search and Rescue Team, was a Firearms Instructor and First Aid Instructor at Bergen County Police Academy and The Department. 

Joseph was a civic minded man and loved to give back to his community, serving as Supervisor for The Town of Dresden, NY and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, NY. He also served as Executive Director of the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board, Director of ANCA, Board Member of the SS United States Conservancy, Co-President of the Washington County Children’s Fund, and President of the Huletts Landing Fire Department. Joseph was a committee member at the Mountain Grove Memorial Church and a member of the Lake George Park Commission, and the Putnam Presbyterian Church.

He loved spending time with his family on their farm. He had a special place in his heart for Lake George and the Adirondacks where he enjoyed scuba diving, camping, his love of animals, fishing, snowmobiling, spending time in the woods, ice fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, photography, golfing, cooking, old movies, classical music, and singing in the church choir.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 2:00 pm at The Mountain Grove Memorial Church in Huletts Landing, NY.

Those who wish to remember Joseph in a special way, may make gifts in his memory to The Lake George Land Conservancy, The SS. United States Conservancy and/or The North Country Wild Care Animal Rehabilitation.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Duane “Butch” Pronto, 77, a lifelong resident of South Glens Falls, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Born on May 19, 1945, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Edward and Thelma (Osgood) Pronto.

Butch worked as a mechanic for many years for the late Jim Cardinale.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the Adirondacks.  Butch was a diehard New York Giants fan and in his younger years played football for the Green Jackets.  His dogs were the center of his world.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Linda Potvin and Carol Gazzillo.

He is survived by his son, Robert Pronto and his significant other, Tracy Lovett of Argyle; his sister, Judy Maloney of South Glens Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

As per Butch’s request, there will be no services.

HUDSON FALLS – Gary L. Labruzzo of Hudson Falls, NY and Cape Canaveral, FL passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer.  At the time of his passing, Gary was surrounded by his loving family. 

Gary was born in Glens Falls, and attended Hudson Falls High School class of 1970.  He began his career at Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility.  Wanting to continue his career doing what he loved, he became a dock builder on beautiful Lake George and ultimately a certified bridge builder with the Cianbro, Co. Gary also had a passion for the beach, combining the two, he moved to Cape Canaveral, FL to work for the city as his “retirement job”. 

Gary put so much thought and passion into everything he did. His greatest love in life were his two daughters and five grandchildren.  Known as “Skeeterhead” he was his daughters’ and grandchildren’s biggest cheerleaders on and off the soccer field.   Gary lit up any room with a big smile and his signature mustache.   He loved broom hockey, playing softball, beating everyone at pool, fishing, hunting at the “Rozell” camp, and watching his New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.   He loved living on the beach and if there was a Hurricane coming, he was your every hour on the hour weatherman.  Nicknamed “Gourmet Gary”, he decorated, entertained, and baked like no other.  His mouthwatering brownies and signature dishes will be forever missed.

Gary leaves behind his two daughters Tara McArdle (Ciaran) and Marisa Labruzzo (Joe); five grandchildren, who he absolutely adored, Giada, Luca, Ciaran, Declan McArdle and Francis Futch; brothers, Patrick Labruzzo (Carollee), Salvatore Labruzzo (Diane) and Thomas Labruzzo;  sisters, Bonnie Labruzzo (Jerry) and Patricia Chiaravalle; ex-wife and close friend Elena Crocitto; as well as many close cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  

In addition to his parents Gary was predeceased by his sister, Sally M. Wilson;  brothers, Michael Labruzzo and Anthony Labruzzo; and his uncle, Anthony Rozell. 

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.  Rite of Committal will take place immediately following at Union Cemetery in Ft. Edward.    A time to remember, laugh and share your favorite memories of Gary will take place at the American Legion in Lake George following the graveside ceremony.  Please bring your favorite stories of Gary and join his family.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary’s honor can be made to the Gliobastoma Foundation by visiting glioblastomafoundation.org

GLENS FALLS – Walter R. Smith, 80, passed away peacefully, with his family at his side on August 24, 2022. He was born in Glens Falls on September 11, 1941, the son of Russell J. Smith and Dorothy (Holmquist).

Walt graduated from South Glens Falls, Class of 1959. He went on to Hudson Valley Community College and earned an Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology and worked as a Parts Manager at Pride Motors in Glens Falls.

He married the love of his life, Sandra Parker, on October 7, 1962 in South Glens Falls.

He then went on to work for the NYS Department of Corrections for 35 years. After retirement, Walt embarked on a business venture with his brother, Harold and good friend, Joe Monahan, and started JE Monahan Fabrication. These were some of the most productive years of his life (his words).

Walt had a tireless work ethic and loved to help family and friends with construction projects. He played as hard as he worked, as anyone who knew him could attest. If it had a motor, he would be working on it, testing its top.

Some of his most memorable quotes: “you aren’t having fun until your bleeding” and “never eat on an empty stomach”. He loved spending most of his life on Lake George and could often be seen sitting in his Adirondack chair.

Walt achieved Eagle Scout status and was Past Master Argyle 567 Free and Accepted Masons.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Sven (Elma).

Surviving in addition to his wife Sandra, are; his son, Russell W. Smith and his wife, Sherry of Pilot Knob;his brothers, Harold and his wife, Kelly of Pilot Knob, Herb and his wife, Ann Marie of Colonie; one granddaughter and the light of his life, Jaime E. Smith; two nieces: Lara (Frank) Pollack and their daughter, Emery and Jinel (partner Julieanna); and two nephews, Kyle and Eric Smith.

The family is having a Celebration of Life gathering at the Adirondack Bar and Grill, in Queensbury, on the corner of Route 149 and Ridge Rd. on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Services will be private.

Those who wish to remember Walt in a special way may make gifts in his memory to The Alzheimer’s Association, 1003 New Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047 or the North Queensbury Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 61, Cleverdale, NY 12820.

GLENS FALLS – Rose Mary Winchell, 52, of Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 22, 2022 at her home.

Born on August 26, 1969 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Virginia (McDonald) Winchell and the late Harold Winchell.

Rose love to draw and also create beautiful pictures in her coloring books.  She spent her most favorite times playing bingo, betting on the horses at OTB and going house to house trick or treating on Halloween.  She loved the holidays, especially sharing Christmas with her grandchildren and the entire family. Rose was a very caring person who loved her cats, listening to music and going shopping with just about anyone who would take her.

Besides her father, she was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Winchell and her granddaughter, Stephanie Graceland.

Survivors include her loving companion, Neal Clark of Glens Falls; her mother, Virginia Winchell of Glens Falls; her four children, Joshua Loper (Shandra) of Montrose, Michigan, Crystal Winchell of Glens Falls, Neal Clark, Jr (Rebecca) of Whitehall and Jessica Clark of Glens Falls; her siblings, Margaret Cheney (Michael) of Hudson Falls, Harold Winchell, Jr., (Jane) of Queensbury and Joan Winchell of Queensbury; her grandchildren, Jonathan, Mason and Hunter Winchell and Alexis, Jonathan and Logan Adams; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 10 to 11 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will follow at 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorial donations in Rose’s memory, be made to the charity of one’s choice.