Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

HARTFORD – Martha C. McGee, 75, of Hartford, passed away peacefully at her home, on Saturday, August 20, 2022, after a battle with cancer.

Born on February 4^, 1947, in Armenia, Colombia, she was the daughter of the late Lisimaco Garcia and Maruja Betancur.

At the age of 16, Martha moved to the United States from Colombia and started working towards a better life.  She put herself through high school and continued her education, receiving a master’s in psychology.  Martha worked for New York state as a therapist, for many years, retiring in 2001.

She was a determined, strong-willed lady with a wonderful sense of humor.  She was a worldly woman who appreciated the arts, musicals, beauty in simple things, but enjoyed the finer things in life.  She was smart and never stopped learning.   Martha loved discovering the different cultures throughout the world, traveling to many different countries, making many friendships along the way.  Her travels were not limited to the world, as a member of senior citizen group, Martha went on day trips, where she met and made many wonderful friends.  Martha enjoyed everything the world had to offer which included her love of animals, especially her dogs. She left a lasting impression on those she met, always there to listen and offer advice to those in need.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Luis Fernando Garcia Betancur.

Survivors include her brothers, Cesar Tulio Garcia Betancur and Luis Orlando Garcia Betancur; her sister-in-law, Ethel Cespedes; her nieces and nephews, Cesar Orlando Garcia Valcarcel, Jaime Garcia Valcarcel, Ivan David Garcia Triana, Carolina Garcia Triana, Willian Fernando Garcia Cespedes and Angela Maria Garcia Cespedes.

Friends may call on Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Friday at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

GLENS FALLS – George L. Missita, III, 65, of Glens Falls passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022.

Born on November 29, 1956, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Anthony Missita, Sr. and Leona Renaud-Missita.

On July 15, 1978, he married Gayle Wright in Lake George. Together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage.

George was mechanically inclined and a certified welder through Modern Welding School. 

He was raised by Henry Chabot, who taught George the love of working with his hands.  George was able to fix anything, but it was never quite square or straight.  He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, shooting the breeze with his loved ones, but loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren.  George never met a stranger he didn’t like.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather and mentor, Henry Chabot, his nephew, Richard Schenk and his brothers in law, Robert Willette and Terry LaMay.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Missita; he was a proud father of three, Jeremiah Missita and his wife, Jessica, April Briggs and her husband, Richard, and Sheena Missita; he was grandfather to 18; and  great grandfather to 7; he is also survived by his siblings, Bonnie Willette, Antoinette Missita (Rick), Anthony Missita, Jr. (JoAnn), Dorothea Clifford, Bernadette Missita, Jane Bertrand (Frank), Hazel Palmer (Clement) and Angela LaMay; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

Memorial donations in George’s memory may be sent to the Open Door Mission, 226 Warren Street

Glens Falls, NY 12801.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1953 – AUGUST 18, 2022

After a short illness, Andre’ Marcel Roberge, 68, passed away in Florida.
Andy grew up in Hudson Falls, NY. At age 10, his family and he moved to
Syracuse. After high school, he joined the Army and then returned to work in Syracuse before moving his family permanently to Florida in 1978, settling eventually in the beautiful Ozello/Crystal River area. He earned a living as a fisherman and then as a cook. In his career, Chef Andre’ was recognized as the “Best of the Best in Citrus County, Florida” for several award-winning recipes.
Andy was predeceased by his father, Joseph. He is survived by his devoted
daughters, Jennifer(husband Ray) and Jessica; his mother, Josephine; his
brothers William(wife Nola) and Rene'(wife Pamela); his grandchildren
Michaela, Seth, & Piper; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Before his
passing, Andy had asked his “Earth Family” especially be recognized –those
Residents and Special Caregivers of the Ozello/Crystal River Community,
including ALL His Backwater Fins Waterfront Restaurant Friends.
Based on Andy’s wishes, no funeral arrangements have been made.
However, A “Celebration of Life” for Andy is planned in the near future.
For now, his family and friends want everyone who ever knew Andy to know how a simple poem—The Fisherman’s Prayer— epitomized the man they knew as son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. “I pray that I may live to fish/Until My dying day. And when it comes to my last cast,/I then most humbly pray:

When in the Lord’s great landing net/And peacefully asleep
That in His mercy I be judged/Big enough to keep.”

HUDSON FALLS – Theresa “Terri” E. Cleavland, 63, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, August 17, 2022, with her family by her side, after a long illness.

Born on January 12, 1959, in Spokane, Washington, she was the daughter of the late George Leon Smith and Julia Charlene Hales-Lamon Smith.

In September of 1981, she married Edward Cleavland in Wichita, Kansas.

Terri had a green thumb and loved spending her time digging in her gardens.  She was so proud of her beautiful flowers.  When she wasn’t tending to her gardens, Terri was sharing her life with her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy.  She was a warm, loving grandmother with a wonderful sense of humor.  It was always fun to be around Terri, not knowing what funny thing she would do or say next.   Her favorite time of year was Christmas. This showed when one looked at her beautiful decorations inside and outside her home.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Ida Lister, Judy Freidenberger, Albert “Dave” Smith, Sadie Arlene Whitman and also her son, Robert L. Smith.

Those who will always feel her loss, include her husband, Edward Cleavland, Sr. of Hudson Falls; her children, Sadie Smith Szucs and her husband, Wayne of Oxford, NJ, Diana Cleavland and her partner, Thomas Staunton of Hudson Falls and Edward Cleavland, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer of Scotia; her grandchildren, Shyanne, Lucas, Connor, Logan, Aaron, Shane, Adelei, Gage, Emelia, Megan, Courtney, Mackenzie, Aubrey, Abigail, Robert, Austin, Tyler and Destiny; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the funeral service on Monday at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

GLENS FALLS – Farrell Thomas Clark, 91, of East Sanford Street, passed away Tuesday evening, August 16, 2022, at his home.

Born on May 9, 1931 in Argyle, he was the son of the late Gordon and Gladys (Roberts) Clark.

Farrell graduated from Fort Edward High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served aboard the USS Chloris for his entire tour during the Korean Conflict.

On August 11, 1957, he married Patricia Carroll at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until her passing on March 4, 2013. For over 48 years, Farrell was a meat cutter for Grand Union, working at the Hudson Falls store and many area grocery stores, retiring in 1993. Upon his retirement, he worked part-time at the Cleverdale Country Store and Sokol’s Market in Queensbury.

Farrell was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls. He was an amateur numismatist and a member of the Tokens and Medal Society and the Civil War Token Society.  

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by wife, Patricia Clark; his sisters, Shirley Lee and Jean Harris; and his four brothers, Gordon Clark, Sherwood Clark, Karl Clark and Clyde Clark.

He is survived by his daughter, Susanne Reagan and her husband, Michael of Lake George; and several nieces and nephews.

The Rite of Committal will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804

ALBANY – John Joseph Carota, 51, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, most recently of Albany, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, at St. Peter’s Hospital.

A graveside service will be conducted 1 p.m., on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

QUEENSBURY – Leroy J. Cottrell, Jr., 84, a longtime resident of Hudson Falls, most recently of Queensbury, went into the arms of the Lord, Monday, August 8, 2022, at Albany Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

Born August 16, 1937, in Burlington, VT, he was the son of the late Leroy J. And Edna (Diamond) Cottrell, Sr.

To close family and friends, he was lovingly known as Sonny.  Upon graduation from the Hudson falls Central High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and was proud to serve his country which included a one-year hardship tour of duty in Iceland.  Sonny gave selflessly of himself and dedicated his life to service his country, his community, and his family.  His many years of service included volunteering for the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, being a paid firefighter for the Hudson Falls Fire Department, an Arson Investigator for Washington County, and a Deputy Sheriff for Washington County.

Sonny married the love of his life, Sue, on July 16, 1960 at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.  Together, they raised their children, Scott, Laurie and Kelly.  In his retirement years, Sonny enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and making cherished memories.  He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling, including going to Myrtle Beach, SC every year for 20 years and a cross country road trip with his wife, Sue.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Parsons and his brother, Willard “Red” Cottrell.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Susan J. (Trombley) Cottrell of Queensbury; his children, Scott Cottrell of Queensbury, Laurie Cottrell of Queensbury,  and Kelly Risner and her husband, Keith of Myrtle Beach, SC; his ten grandchildren, Austin, Jessica, Scott, Jr., Joshua, Nicholas and Jasmine Cottrell, Matthew and Mikayla Orsini and Jacob and Alyssa Risner; 10 great grandchildren; his siblings, Michael Cottrell of Crystal River, FL, Elizabeth Burke of Nampa, ID, Kenneth Cottrell of Glens Falls; his sisters in law, Linda Dashnaw and her husband, Alfred of South Glens Falls and Anna Cottrell of Queensbury; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m., following the calling hours, at the funeral home.

A graveside service will be held 9:30 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2022, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, with full military honors.

Following the service, a celebration of Sonny’s life will be held at the Benevolent Protection of Elk’s Lodge #81, Cronin Rd., in Queensbury from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.