Category Archives: Obituaries

GLENS FALLS – Matthew “Matt” R. Salem, 34, of Glens Falls, passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

Born December 23, 1987, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Ralph Salem, Jr. and Barbara M. Salem.

Matt was a graduate of Glens Falls High School, class of 2006.  While in high school, Matthew developed his passion for sports.  He played football, wrestling, basketball and baseball, receiving several letters in each.   After high school, he continued his education at Plattsburgh State University, where in 2011, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, graduating cum laude.

On September 18, 2019, Matt married Samantha Issacs.  She passed away on September 4, 2020.

At one time, Matt worked in security and admissions for Urgent Care in Malta.   More recently, he was employed at Target Warehouse in Wilton, where he was responsible for training new employees.  Matt took great pride in his job.    He enjoyed his work and was well liked by his fellow co-workers and bosses.

Matt was an avid fan of the Syracuse University football and basketball teams, where he attended many games at the Carrier Dome with his father.  He was also into taking care of himself, often working out at Anytime Fitness.  Along with his dad, Matt was a volunteer driver for professional tennis tournaments.  They drove professional players to and from their tennis matches.   He also enjoyed playing video games.  While playing, he met many fellow gamers throughout the country and world.  May summer days, Matt could be found at Crandall Park, playing basketball with his friends. Family was so important to Matt.  He loved conversations, watching movies and sports with his mom.  They made many memories filled with fun and laughter.

Besides his wife, Matt was predeceased by an infant son, Cameron Salem and his grandparents, Lawrence and Shirley Kelliher and Ralph Salem, Sr.

Survivors include his parents, Ralph G. Salem, Jr. of Liverpool, NY and Barbara M. Salem of Hudson Falls; his siblings, Tammy (Duwayne Lindsey) Phipps of Glens Falls, Kerry (Matthew) Stevens of Rensselaer, IN and Thomas Ryan of Rensselaer, IN; five nieces and nephews, Megan, Nathan, Landan, Keegan and Aidan; his grandmother, Beatrice J. Salem of Hudson Falls; his aunts, Mary (Kevin) Godfrey and Karen (Frank) Nassivera; his stepchildren, Austin Issacs and Caitlyn Hall; as well as several cousins.

Due to Covid-19 percautions, services will be private.

Donations in memory of Matt may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Rose M. Harrington, 70 of New Swamp Road, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, January 13, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.

Born on October 4, 1951 in Jackson, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Joan (Wilson) Cielen. Rose grew up in Michigan and moved to New York in 1974 where she roomed with her two friends Tonna and Roseann. They spent their 20’s together having the time of their lives, bowling, playing softball, and making new and firm friendships with Dougan, Karen and Chuck.

In 1979 Rose met and started dating Thomas B. Harrington. The friends would continue to spend many fond years together highlighted by numerous gatherings on Lake Nebo.

Rose and Tom were married in Michigan on June 30, 1984 in true Polish fashion including their ever famous next day Mock Wedding.

Rose worked for over 30 years at Green Mountain Electric, previously Glens Falls Electric. She loved her job and especially the relationships she formed with coworkers and customers.  These relationships meant a lot to her and continue to mean a great deal to her family.

Rose enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and reading books in her spare time.  She always looked forward to dinners with dear friends on those girls’ nights out. She was proud of her Polish heritage and greatly enjoyed polka music.  She especially loved time spent with her granddaughter Lilah, who fondly referred to her as Bachi. Cooking, baking, and feeding people was her passion, especially those occasional Saturdays with family preparing pierogies and many Christmas Eve dinners. She was “Mom” to many throughout the years, taking care of her daughter’s friends and holding a special bond with her niece.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her mother-in-law Louise and father-in-law Harold.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Thomas B. Harrington of Hudson Falls; her daughter Stephanie (Charles) Greenough of Hudson Falls; her beloved granddaughter, Lilah Greenough; her brothers Alfred (Julie) Cielen and Michael (Cathy) Cielen all of Michigan. Also surviving Rose are her brother-in-law John (Sarah) Harrington of Hudson Falls; and sister-in-law JoAnn (Robert) Fowler of Argyle along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held in late spring or summer.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK  73123.

HUDSON FALLS – Roger D. Measeck, 90, of Hudson Falls, joined his wife in Heaven on January 18, 2022.

Born on January 12, 1932, in Hudson Falls, he was the son of the late Kenneth A. and Lillian (Hart) Measeck.

Roger was a proud graduate of Hudson Falls High School.  Four years later, he married the love of his life.  On July 25, 1954, he exchanged vows with Elaine Garling at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.   They began their married life in Pittsfield, MA, while he was completing a General Electric Drafting Apprenticeship.  Roger worked for GE for over 43 years, first in Hudson Falls and then moving to the Fort Edward Plant, retiring in 1995.  Roger was a proud member of the GE Quarter Century Club.  Through the years at GE, he made many wonderful friends.

Roger was a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

He enjoyed watching baseball on TV, especially rooting for any team to beat the Yankees.   Roger was a very talented man.  He designed and built his own home.   Roger spent many hours working around his home and taking care of his beautiful lawn.  After his retirement, he was always looking for the perfect bread and doughnut recipes to eat and share with his family and friends.  Always tweaking the recipe, to reach perfection.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Elaine, after 57 wonderful years and his brother, Kenneth Measeck and his wife, Peggy.

Survivors include his daughters, Donna Measeck of Queensbury, Diane Lawrence and her husband, Jeffrey of Corinth and Debra Darfler and her husband, Thomas of Hudson Falls; her grandchildren, Andrea Marcotte and her husband, Jon, Jeffrey Lawrence, Kaylee Darfler, Ryan Darfler, Layne Darfler and Matthew Lawrence; nine great grandchildren; his brother, Leonard Measeck and his wife, Shirley of Fort Edward; his sister in law, Nancy Wilson of Rochester; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be in the spring at St. Paul’s Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial donation be made to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY  12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Richard M. Conley, 69, a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, at his home, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, with his family by his side.

Born February 28, 1952, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Ernest and Barbara (Carlisle) Conley.

Rick was a 1971 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.  After high school he attended Adirondack Community College then Plattsburgh State, graduating in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree.

In August of 1976, Rick married the love of his life, Joyce Crenshaw, at the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church.

Rick spent his 32-year career at Hudson Falls High School, teaching American History, Economics and Government.  He also was active as a boys and girls high school and college level basketball official for 43 years.  He refereed for various teams throughout the community, including boys soccer and coached girls JV basketball and boys freshman basketball.  Rick ran the Summer Youth Program at Derby Park for many years.  He also worked as an inspector for the Washington County Board of Elections for many years.

Rick had a passion for traveling, history and restoration work.  Throughout his life he visited many historical locations and volunteered at Gettysburg for 21 years, restoring cannons.  He was always active in his community and continually looking for ways to give.  He was proud to have solely manned the efforts to restore items throughout the community including the local Civil War Cannon, on display in Juckett Park, the birdcage brass elevator at the Masonic Temple and the antique firehose cart at the Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Co.

Upon retirement, he focused his time restoring the Strand Theater, with his dog, Hooper, by his side.  Rick enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, boating, hiking, biking and walking.  He was always up for good conversation with anyone who would listen.  You could often find Rick in his quiet time building model railroads, dioramas of the canal and canal boat, the 5 Combines, the Griffin Lumber Yard and Fort George.

Besides his parents, Rick was predeceased by his in laws, Charlotte and Dale Crenshaw and his brother-in-law, Dennis Crenshaw.  He also dearly missed his dog, Boomer.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 45 years, Joyce Conley of Hudson Falls; his children, Jill Conley (Anthony Rodriguez) of St. Petersburg, FL, Brian Conley (Nicole Weakley) of Schenectady; his brother, Andrew Conley (Patricia) of Hudson Falls; his sister-in-law, Diane Crenshaw of Hudson Falls; several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Hooper.

Friends may call Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Service will be conducted 11 a.m., on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, April 15, 2022 at Southside Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

A Celebration of Life will follow from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Strand Theatre on Main Street in Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rick may be made to The Strand Theater, 210 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839

QUEENSBURY – Tammy Marie Vallone, 55, passed away January 13, 2022, at Glens Falls Hospital. Tammy battled lung cancer nine years ago and achieved unexpected remission. Sadly, her cancer returned this winter and would not be beaten this time.

She was born at Glen Falls Hospital on July 29, 1966, to Judy A. Bacon and Joseph P. Bruce.

Tammy was a warrior her entire life, she fought and won many difficult battles.  She loved her family and close friends and would do anything she could for them. Her greatest joy was seeing her grandchildren grow up. Tammy loved nature and gardening and spent countless hours of her retirement tending her yard. She was a nostalgic person, loved old movies and television programs and was a history buff. She enjoyed adventure and travel as a young woman and made it all the way to California and the Pacific Coast at one point. She lived for a while in St. Augustine, Florida but her heart was with family, and she returned to the Adirondacks. She also enjoyed visiting Gettysburg, PA, Lancaster, Pa, and New York City. Tammy was proud to have obtained her GED and she attended Mildred Ellie Business School as well. Prior to her retirement Tammy worked for The Landmark Motel as the housekeeping supervisor and she also worked for Native Textiles prior to its closure.

Tammy was preceded in death by her father Joseph, her beloved grandmother Sadie Bacon, and her uncles Joseph and Ronald Bacon. She was looking forward to being reunited with them when her time came.

She is survived by her mother Judy, her stepmother Diane Bruce, her two sons Charles (Chuck) M. Allen and Larry A. Allen, her siblings Joseph P. Bruce II, Kevin Bruce, Kelly (LeRoy) Reed, Sarah Clarke, Melissa (Eugene) Burch, and Frederick Rivers Jr. as well as her grandchildren Alexander, Aaliyah, Ary, Connor and Serenity, and one great grandchild Cyree, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by her “KittyCat”.

Per Tammy’s request, A memorial will be planned at a later date.

HUDSON FALLS – Raymond Lafferty, 59, went into the arms of the Lord on the morning of Sunday, January 9th, 2022.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on December 4th, 1962, he was raised in a big family of two brothers and six sisters by their loving mom and dad. He was known as the baby of the family and spent his childhood years growing up in Brooklyn and Port Jefferson, Long Island. He married the love of his life Patricia in Selden, New York and moved his family up state where they settled in Hudson Falls, New York with their children.

Raymond was a glacier by trade and his hobbies included working on cars, fishing, playing his guitar, taking road trips with family and spending time with his loved ones. He had a big heart and was always there to offer a helping hand to his friends and his family.    

Raymond was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Kaetzel) Lafferty; his father, Harry Lafferty; his mother Concetta (Dado) Lafferty; his brother, Harry Lafferty Jr. and his grandson, Jordan James Clark.

Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Christopher Kaetzel (Stacy), Patrick Kaetzel (Elizabeth) and Patricia Lafferty; his sisters, Phyllis Whalen, Christina Kowalcyzk (Tony), Ava Zrinzo (Pete), Roseann Nuzzi, Patricia Bibby (Paul), Loretta Lafferty; his big brother, Thomas Lafferty (Grace) and his grandchildren, Brody, Malia and Zayn. He is also survived by lots of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may call on Monday, January 17th, 2022, from 1:30pm to 4pm, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. 

The burial will take place in the spring at the Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donation in memory of Raymond may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116.

HUDSON FALLS – Raymond A. Austin, 74, of Pearl Street, joined his parents and brother in Heaven on Friday, January 7, 2022.

Born May 9, 1947 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late George and Virginia (Forte) Austin.

Ray was a 1965 Hudson Falls High School graduate.  He then continued his education at SUNY Albany, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in English.   After college, he moved to Boston and eventually settled down in San Francisco.  In San Francisco, Ray met the love of his life, Fernando Roman.  They were together for 40 years, sharing a lifetime of memories and travels throughout the world. 

While in San Francisco, Ray was employed as a bilingual San Francisco Police Officer for over 20 years, retiring in 2002.  After his and Fernando’s retirement, they moved to Hudson Falls and made their home on Pearl Street.  Ray was so proud of his home and all the work both he and Fernando dedicated to restoring the Bronk House, also known as the Blue Garden.  

Upon moving to Hudson Falls, Ray was involved with ESL, teaching English as a Second Language.  He also taught adults how to read through the Tri-County Literacy Program.  Ray loved his community and was always looking for ways to give.  He was a selfless and generous man, continuously doing for his community.  He actively delivered for Meals on Wheels and drove seniors to their appointments. 

Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by his brother, Bill Austin.

Survivors include his loving husband of 40 years, Fernando Roman of Hudson Falls; his brother, Donald Austin and his wife, Gail of Glens Falls; his nephew, Bill Austin and his wife, Liz of South Glens Falls; his mother in law, Maria Roman of FL; his brothers in law, Victor Roman and his wife, Alba; Ricky Roman, and Roberto Roman and wife; nieces and nephews, Raquel Lavoy and her husband, Eddie, Robertito Roman, Andres Gonzalez and his wife, Lindsay, Anthony Roman and his wife, Erica, Natalie Wasykoski and her husband, Ben, Pamela Kramer and her husband, Gabe, Robert Roman, Jr. and his fiancé, Melissa, Ashley Roman; great nieces, nephews and cousins; and many wonderful friends that have stood by Ray and Fernando through the years.

His husband, Fernando will be receiving family and friends on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A Celebration of his life will be in the late spring or summer, at his home, where everyone can share memories of Ray and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Burial will take place at a later date, in Union Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his parents and brother.

Donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Albany Damien Center, 728 Madison Ave., #100, Albany, NY  12208.

QUEENSBURY – Wanda Hermance, 59, a longtime resident of Queensbury, gained her angel wings on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Washington Center in Argyle.

Born August 6, 1962, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Elizabeth, Hermance Sr.

Wanda was a graduate of Queensbury High School.

She was an avid fan of Day’s of Our Lives and never missed an episode.   Wanda loved completing crossword puzzles and enjoyed adult coloring books. Most importantly, Wanda lived for her family. 

Survivors include her children, Edward Hill, III, Crystal Cole and her husband, Michael and Sarah Condon; her grandchildren, Ethan, Alexandra, Evan, Willy, Austin, Khloe, Jakob and Anthony; her great grandchildren, Xavior and Charlotte; several brothers and sisters as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

HUDSON FALLS – Barbara J. Lemery, 91, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at her daughter’s home in North Carolina.

Born on April 1, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Jennie (Stewart) LaPoint.

Barbara married the love of her life, John Lemery, Sr. on August 28, 1949, together they shared 61 years, until his passing, on July 9, 2010.

Through the years she work occasionally outside of the home, but caring for her family was her main priority.

For many years, she enjoyed her trips to St. Anne de Beaupre in Montreal.  Barbara took great happiness in making quilts for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and for her many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a faithful communicate of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Barbara lived for her family.  She took wonderful care of her husband and children. They all came first to her.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two children, John Lemery, Jr., and Lydia J. Lemery, her four sisters, Adelaide Duval, Hazel Trackey, June Traver and Nathalie Hammond.

She is survived by her loving children, Arlene Lansburg and her husband, Charles, Timothy Lemery and his wife, Deborah, Bruce Lemery and his wife, Patricia; her daughter in law, Roseanne Lemery, her grandchildren, Lisa, John III, Rodney, Michelle, April, Andrea, Steven, Sarah, Brittany, Ariel, Jacob, Zachary, Gabriel and Elijah; 11 great grandchildren, Breanna, Braedon, Wyatt, Ethan, Autumn, Lilyana, Alex, Ryan Hunter, Cole and Ava; her sister, Lois King; her brother, Edward LaPointe, Jr.; and several nieces nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated 10 a.m. on Friday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

QUEENSBURY – Jack Eugene Close passed away at home and was welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior on Friday, January 7, 2022, after complications of CHF at the age of 77.

Jack was born on January 25, 1944 to the late Marjorie (Brown) and Harold Close in Glens Falls.

Jack graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1964. On November 21,1964, he married the love of his life, Marie Armstrong, in Glens Falls, and together they raised three daughters and a son. He would jokingly refer to his only wife of 57 years as his “favorite” wife – which is a glimpse into his sense of humor.

Jack valued time with family and friends, and he would go out of his way to be at a grandchild’s birthday or attend a family reunion. He was a hard worker and often worked extra jobs to allow his family to take vacations and have summers at Cossayuna Lake. Jack was very sociable with an outgoing personality. He would often start conversations with complete strangers with genuine interest. He was fun-loving and enjoyed games, joking with his friends, and a good laugh over stories retold in a way that only Jack could provide. He enjoyed Classic Cars, car shows, and looking for collectible automobiles in any condition. Over the years he bought, repaired, drove, and sold many unique vehicles. He enjoyed finding deals at garage sales, auctions, and flea markets. Jack was skilled at repairing, refurbishing, and reselling his “finds” and using the gains to hunt for the next deal. He was a faithful member of Faith Bible Church for 44 years and volunteered to help in any way he could be useful in the service of the Lord. Jack spent many years maintaining the facilities, assisting with snow removal, and mowing the grass as a loving service for the church. He was open about his relationship with Jesus Christ and would share his faith of God’s free gift of eternal life in Heaven with others.

To those who knew him well: In the spirit of Jack’s sense of humor, his family hopes that rather than mourn his passing, you take the opportunity soon to share a funny story that you experienced with or heard from Jack. In this way he might continue to evoke a smile, pass on some joy, and have the memories of him always be echoed with laughter.

Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Peter St. John, and his brother, Mark Close.

Those left to cherish his memory, include his wife, Marie Close; his daughters, Stacey (Todd) Eckert of Auburn, NY, Gina Crivelli (companion George Branchaud) of Glens Falls, Anne-Marie (Thomas) Moroney of Easley, SC; his son, Jason (Lauren) Close of Marlborough, CT; his loving grandchildren, Alisha (Jamie) Northrup, Alexaundria (Eric) Cornell, Brandon Eckert, Kaleb Eckert, Kayleigh (Colin) Murray, Benjamin Crivelli, Noah Crivelli, Ryan Moroney, Jonathan (Barbara) Moroney, Matthew Moroney, Seth Moroney, SarahAnna Moroney, James Moroney, Emerson Close and Harper Close; great-grandchildren, Kaiden Cornell, Kooper Cornell, Emmalynn Cornell, Jace Northrup, Brynlee Cornell and Carter Northrup; his brother, Richard (Beverly) Close of South Glens Falls; his twin sister, Jill St. John of Fort Edward; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack’s family would like to send their deep appreciation to Pastor Richard Yancy of Faith Bible Baptist Church for his years of service, dedication, and loving ministry to Jack and his family over many years and especially during Jack’s last few months.

A special thanks to the medical teams that provided for Jack’s care, Dr. Paul Filion and staff, Dr. Scott Munro and staff, and the staff and nurses (Lisa) of High Peaks Hospice.

 The family requests that those wishing to make donations in Jack’s memory do so to Faith Bible Baptist Church, PO Box 955, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Plans for a memorial in the spring to be announced by the family.

GRANVILLE – Paul A. LaCross, 74, of Granville, died from complications due to pneumonia, on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Paul was born on August 14, 1947, in Glens Falls.

he held various jobs throughout his life.  For 17 ½ years he was employed at J-Mar Beer Distributor as a sales supervisor and later, retired from Anchor Beverage in Queensbury.

Paul was a great father, a good man and a wonderful husband, who will be missed.  He was a character with a snarky sense of humor. Paul loved to garden inside and outside his home.  He had a green thumb always able to grow beautiful flowers, vegetables and houseplants.   He also was a lover of animals.  Paul had many “fur babies” throughout his years, but his family captured his heart.  Paul’s favorite moments were spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his adoptive parents, Anna and Charles LaCross, his birth mother, Virginia Mitchell; and his sisters, Bonnie Burckard and Kathy Mitchell.

Survivors include his companion and loving wife, Kathleen Kelly-LaCross of 35 years; his son, Anthony LaCross of Granville; his brothers, Terry Morrison and his wife, Sharon of Warrensburg, John Mitchell and his wife, Theresa of Gansevoort, Robert Mitchell and his wife, Helen of Glens Falls and Mark Mitchell and his wife, Joan of Glens Falls; his stepchildren, Gary, Kerry and Shari Piskothy and her husband, Lawrence Havens; several nieces, nephews and three grandchildren.

A Celebration of Paul’s life will be announced at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.

HUDSON FALLS – The family of Michael Charles Graham is deeply saddened to announce the enormous loss of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. Michael passed into the arms of our Lord the afternoon of January 6th, 2022 following a long and bravely fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Michael was the son of Charles and Marion Graham, born on June 15th, 1945 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Manhattan, NY. He was born the 5th of 7 children, joining his older brothers Edward, Charles, James, and Francis, and followed by his younger siblings Patrick and Marianne, all of whom were very special to Michael. Always close, Mike and his brother remained tightly bonded through Fran’s battle with cancer. Although family was already a cornerstone value for the Graham family, after Fran’s passing this left Michael, Pat, and Marianne especially tight in recent years.

Michael’s childhood was spent on Woodycrest Avenue in the Bronx, going to Catholic School where he shared many stories of how the Brothers attempted to keep him in line. Although he did not remain in the Bronx past his teenage years, Michael’s roots remained deep. Through time and distance, he preserved connections and traditions from his life in New York, fondly sharing memories throughout his lifetime. At the age of 16, he was recruited to Poultney High School in Vermont due to his legendary skills on the basketball court. Having vacationed at Lake St. Catherine growing up, he was drawn to the area and became a Poultney Blue Devil. He fell in love with the hometown feel in Poultney and forged many dear connections. He had the best of both worlds, maintaining meaningful and close relationships from his childhood and youth through the years and across the miles.

Michael loved his years on the basketball court and set many records during his Blue Devil days. His experiences and accolades on the court impacted the course of Michael’s life. He not only carried the values and work ethic with him, but also deeply treasured the friendships and bonds with teammates for years to come.

Following his graduation from Poultney High School in 1965, Mike started his journey at Castleton State College, but was called on a different path. After a short stint back in New York on Wall Street, he ultimately decided to enlist in the Air Force in 1968. He was a member of the Military Police, guarding air crafts overseas when there were threats. Following his service, Michael returned home, eventually finding his way back to Poultney.

Mike’s move and time spent in Poultney ultimately led him to meet his future wife and daughter on St. Patrick’s Day in 1974 through mutual friends. He always considered this his very own “Irish Blessing.” He and his beautiful bride, Donna, knew very quickly they were meant for each other and were married on September 28th, 1974. With Mike’s marriage to Donna, he adopted her whole family as if they were his own, and their love for Mike was whole-heartedly given right back to him. Mike, Donna, and their daughter Danielle established their family life in Hudson Falls and welcomed their second daughter Lisa, on January 11th, 1979. Throughout their 47-year marriage, they built a life together based on love, forged with hard work, and defined by generosity, creating a haven for family and friends, sharing much joy and laughter through their entire marriage with each other and those around them. Mike considered the gift of his grandchildren, Ella, Juliana, Alex, Anna, Marion, and Rose, to be one of his most cherished blessings. Not only did he take pride in each of his grandchildren’s accomplishments, but he often spoke of his pride in watching his two daughters build beautiful lives with their husbands, Bill and Dave, along with their children.

With his family life settled in Hudson Falls, Mike began his long-term career initially at Glens Falls National Bank in credit. Over the years, he pursued his college-level education and began his 31-year-long career in 1978 at what was then known as Glens Falls Cement Company (Lehigh Hanson Cement Company.) He began working at the cement company as a laborer, and through hard work and education was given the opportunity to become the credit manager. In this position, Michael certainly used his professional and educational knowledge, but most importantly his gift of making personal and meaningful connections to develop relationships with his customers. All who knew Mike understood that his title of credit manager was not just a job or career, but another place for him to personally connect with people and forge friendships to last a lifetime.

Mike’s life gift of connecting with people and his desire to live in a “big” way reached all aspects of his life from family, to work, to friendships. There is not a person who met him who did not have a “Big-Mike” story, all of them heartfelt, and most of them hysterical. Each connection was uniquely special to Michael and his family, and every memory is cherished. Mike’s heart was big enough to hold special compartments for all of the people he loved and there is a special place for the core friendships (many of them golf buddies) that developed and supported him later in his life, particularly through his journey battling cancer.

Michael is predeceased by his parents Charles and Marion Graham, as well as his brothers Edward, Charles, James, and Francis. He is also being reunited in Heaven and eating jelly donuts with his son-in-law, William Kuba.

Michael leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Donna Graham; his loving daughters, Danielle Kuba and Lisa Winter; his son “in-law” David Winter; and 6 grandchildren, all of whom were the sparkle in his eyes: Gabriella (Tyler) Hoag, Juliana and Alexander Kuba, and Anna, Marion, and Rose Winter. Left behind to mourn him are his brother and sister, Patrick Graham and Marianne Graham. Also carrying on his memory are sisters- and brothers-in-law and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mike and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Darci Grubbs, Nikole Slowick, PA, nurses Sara and Susan, and all the angels at the C.R Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. Their love and care of Michael on his journey “restored our faith in humanity.”

Arrangements will be private and arranged at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, he would prefer nothing more than prayers for everyone. For those who have asked what more they can do, Mike’s heart was tied to Randi’s Patient Assistance Fund through C.R Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. Randi’s Patient Assistance Fund through C.R Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, c/o Vickie Yattaw, RN, OCN.