Category Archives: Obituaries

GREENWICH – Edward “Crazy Ed” Staats, 91, of Pleasant Villa Trailer Park, passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021.

Born on July 30, 1930, in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Augustus and Sophia (Ryder) Staats.

On September 21, 1957, Ed married Eleanor Peterson in Queens.

He worked on Wall Street for almost 19 years.  Upon moving to this area, he became employed at the Glens Falls Hospital, where he worked for 8 ½ years before retiring.

Ed is predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Eleanor (Peterson) Staats of

Greenwich, he is survived by a brother, Donald Staats and his wife, Marjorie, and several nieces and nephews

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Glens Falls Cemetery on Bay St. in Glens Falls.

Ed’s family suggests that memorial donations in his memory be made to the charity of one’s choice.

GLENS FALLS – Danielle J. Harrington, 60, went into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

Born on May 4, 1961 in Glens Falls she was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Joyce (Gardner) Harrington.

Danielle had an impact on everyone that she came in contact with.   She was a wonderful cook.  Spending time in her kitchen and whipping up something that tasted wonderful was her gift.   Anyone that visited her, could always count on eating something that was delicious.    She also loved to tend to her gardens and going shopping.

Danielle was never seen without her makeup and always wore multiple rings and other jewelry. She took great pride in how she looked.

Her family was her center.   She was the heart and soul of her family.   Danielle was fiercely protective of her kids and grandchildren and she would do anything for them.   She would always help anyone in need and was always taking people into her home.   Danielle loved listening to all kinds of music and watching her ID TV shows.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Sandra Murray and Andrea Hawron and her brother, Paul ”Butch” Harrington.  

She was survived by her siblings, David Harrington, Linda Schroll, Denise Smith, Sue Wescott, Larraine Lapinsky and Cindy Riley; her children, Nate Harrington and his daughter, Meadow Harrington, Sean Doherty and his wife, Ritsuko Doherty and their son, Logan Doherty, Meagan Doherty and her sons, Brenden Doherty and Liam Holmes, and her son, Nicholas Lanza; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services for Danielle were private.

HUDSON FALLS – Georgette Morin, 94, of Washburn Drive, passed away at her home on Monday, August 30, 2021

Born May 27, 1927 in St. George, Quebec, she was the daughter of the late Jean and Rose Anna (Poulin) Gagnon.

On September 11, 1954, she married Gerard C. Morin in St. George, Quebec.  Gerard passed away on January 14, 2019 after 64 wonderful years of marriage

A communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls, in her younger years, she was active in the St. Anne’s Sodality.

Georgette worked as a cafeteria worker for the Hudson Falls Central School for 20 years.  Her faith and family were very important to her. Georgette was a doting grandmother, a kind and loving neighbor and friend.

Her enjoyments included her grandchildren, great grandchildren, needlepoint, music and flowers, especially roses.

In addition to her parents and husband, five sisters and five brothers died before her.

She is survived by her daughter, Lina Palmer and her husband, Jon of Hudson Falls, her two grandchildren, Brian Palmer (Kacie) of Brookline, Mass. and Amy Catalfamo (Anthony) of Burnt Hills, her great grandchildren, Anthony, Alexander and Amelia Catalfamo; her sister, Miss Cordelia Gagnon of Maine; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park, in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery, in the town of Kingsbury.

Pall bearers will be Jonathan Palmer, Brian Palmer, Anthony Catalfamo, Rick Jarvis, Dan Giroux and Mike Matriccino..

The family would like to thank, Mary Stein, ANP, the nurses and aides from High Peaks Hospice, her caregiver Crystal, JoAnn and her team for being with her during the nights for the past month and her friends Evie and Corlie, for all the care and compassion given to Georgette.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials in Georgette’s memory, be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.

GLENS FALLS – Patrick Robert Nolan, 49, of Glens Falls died unexpectedly on August 25, 2021, after courageously battling different illnesses, for the last few years.

Born on November 2, 1971 in New York City, he was the son of Michael and Rosemary (Hart) Nolan.

Pat attended Hudson Falls High School.  During this time, he developed a love of music.  As a talented bass player, Pat gigged with numerous musicians and local bands throughout the North Country and in Mississippi for a number of years.  He had a passion for playing rock and jazz music.  If there was a bar, Pat probably played there.  He was well known for his music and for always having a cup of coffee in his hand.  Those he met, loved him for his beaming personality.  To meet Pat, was to forever carry him in your heart.  He was always ready with a sharp wit and a funny comeback.  In a nutshell, he was a card.  According to him, as the first born, he was the favorite and most attractive son to his mother.   He was always willing to listen and care for his friends and fellow musicians. Besides his music and friends, his family was his life.  Pat was the doting uncle to his nieces and a wonderful son and the best brother.  His memory will be carved into the lives of his family and held tightly in their hearts. 

He was predeceased by his sister, Colleen Nolan, who passed away at birth.

Survivors include his parents, Michael and Rosemary Nolan; his brother, Andrew Nolan and his wife, Beth; his sister, Moira Nolan; his nieces, Hannah Nolan, Fiona Ficarrotta and Freya Ficarrotta; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Sunday, August 29, 2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made in Pat’s name to The Strand Theatre, 210 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839

FORT EDWARD – Sheila Ann Durham, 70, of Fort Edward, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born May 23, 1951 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Augustus and Lillian (Sexton) Stevens.

Sheila was married to her loving husband, Calvin H. Durham for 53 years.

She was a homemaker and loved taking care of her seven children and grandchildren.  Sheila had a deep passion for her flowers, hummingbirds and her loved ones.  She was the most selfless, strong, caring loving mother and wife that anyone could have the pleasure to know.   Sheila was the heart and soul of this family.

Besides her parents, Sheila was predeceased by her son, Glen Durham.

Survivors include her husband, Calvin H. Durham of Fort Edward; her children, Calvin Durham and his wife, Barb and Dean Durham and his wife, Tammy, Bill Durham, Danny Durham, Sheila Eggleston and her husband Richard, II, Nina Durham  and Chris Ringer; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Sheila’s life at 6:30 p.m. at Saluto’s Pub, 186 Main Street in Hudson Falls.  

A graveside service will be conducted 10 a.m., Monday, August 30, 2021, for close family and friends at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in memory of Sheila may be made to the SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804

HUDSON FALLS – Christina (Scicchitano) Putnam, 69, of Ferry St., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Born November 17, 1951 in West New York, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Frances (Gaida) Scicchitano.

Christina was a 1971 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.  Following high school, she enlisted in the United States Navy, where she proudly served her country.  She loved her job working as a clerk while being stationed In Pearl Harbor.  Upon returning home, Christina obtained her Associates Degree in Computer Science from Adirondack Community College and also met the love of her life.  

On February 24, 1979, Christina married Ronald A. Putnam, in Hudson Falls.   They shared 41 wonderful years together.

She held various jobs throughout her life, working for her parents, Textile Outlet in Hudson Falls, then moved to AMES primarily in Kingsbury, and more recently, at Lewis Grocery Store in Hudson Falls, retiring in 2005.  After her retirement, Christina had the job that she loved most, taking care of the family’s children. 

Christina was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  She loved crocheting and making crafts for her family and friends.  She was a talented painter, painting many different landscape scenes.  She treasured her time spent with family and gave lessons to her family on how to do all crafts, crocheting, macramé, and painting. Christina left a legacy that will be passed on to future generations.

Survivors include her loving husband, Ronald Putnam; her children, Maria (Nate) Putnam, Laura (Robert) Putnam and Michelle (Ken) Putnam; her grandchildren, Christopher McKinney, Louis McKinney and Frances Neumann; her siblings, Frank (Zvia) Scicchitano, Louis (Marion) Scicchitano and Theresa (Donald Scicchitano-Sitterly; her nieces and nephews, Eric Baurle, Danielle Baurle, Lisa Baurle, Jacob Baurle, Rachel Scicchitano, Dean Scicchitgano and Gabrielle Scicchitano; and several cousins.

Memorial services will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the family home, 16 Ferry Street in Hudson Falls.

Memorial donations in Christina’s name, may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Laura Tougas, 96, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2021.

Born June 2, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ruth (Prosser) Wemmitt.

Besides her parents, Laura was predeceased by her husband, Edgar Tougas and her siblings, Evelyn (George) Holcomb, Lillian (William) Noonan), Harriet (Robert) Mansfield, Blanche (John) Clarke and Frank Wemmitt, Jr.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Ann) Tougas, Patricia (Victor) Shampo, Nancy (Serge) Gauthier and John (Sherry) Tougas and twelve grandchildren.

A graveside will be conducted, 1 p.m., on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

QUEENSBURY – Cynthia “Cyndy” Cook, 68, of Queensbury,  was met in Heaven by her parents and grandson, Matthew Blake, on Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Born on May 24, 1953 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late George and Gladys Williams. 

Cyndy was a graduate of Lake George School then continued her education at Adirondack Community College.  She took great pride in her work as a bookkeeper, where she worked for various companies throughout the area. 

Cyndy was a wonderful baker, often selling her cakes, jams and jellies.  Her preferred pastime was creating her own homemade liquors including apple pie smooth moonshine, Kahlua, amaretto, limoncello and her favorite, toasted almond drink.  Needless to say, everyone wanted to be Cyndy’s friend and she enjoyed making memories, as well as the drinks.  She was a talented seamstress and could fix any clothing her friends and family needed.  Cyndy took great pleasure in crocheting items for her family and friends, even with her rheumatoid arthritis.  She was a bright light in the lives of her loved ones and will be missed.

Besides her parents, Cyndy was predeceased by her grandson, Matthew Blake and her brother in law, Drew Echols.

Survivors include her daughter, Rachel Benson; her grandson, Tyler Blake and Kyle Russo-Lashway; her sister, Susan Echols; her niece, Leigh Belair-Yole and her grandnieces and grandnephew, Briehana, Danelle Murphy and Jacob Yole.

Cyndy’s family would like to thank the medical staff on T3 at Glens Falls Hospital and the staff at Albany Medical Center for the wonderful care, compassion and love given to Cyndy and her family.

Services will be private, at a later date.

Memorial donations in memory of Cyndy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 2 Pine West Plaza #202, Albany, NY 12205 or Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Help Fight RA, 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd. Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835.

GLENS FALLS – Dorothy M. Hickey, 97, formerly of LaRose Gardens, went into the arms of the Lord on Friday, August 20, 2021.

Born May 7, 1924 in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Stark) Ladde.

She was a 1943 graduate of Hudson Falls High School and then attended John A. Davis Bible School in Johnson City, NY for two years.

Dorothy worked for the Glens Falls Insurance Company and then started her career at Sears Roebuck in Queensbury, where she was a saleslady for many years.   Dorothy then moved to the catalog department at Sears, before her retirement in 1989.  She was very proud to have been involved with the American Cancer Society in their Glens Falls office until 2004.   While at the Cancer Society, she assisted in the Green Thumb Program.

Dorothy’s faith was very important to her.  While a member of the Kingsbury Wesleyan Church she loved singing as a soloist in the church choir.   

Her enjoyments included tending to her flower gardens and visiting with her friends.  The center of her life was her family.  Dorothy could be found cheating while playing cards with her grandchildren and taking long delightful rides in the country with her family.   She was known to have a sweet tooth, always having cookies in the jar, ready to give out and a bowl of  ice cream ready to devour. 

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her ex-husband, Joseph Hickey, her infant son, Philip Joseph Hickey and a brother, George Ladde, her niece, Melissa McCane and her nephew, Daniel Ladd, Sr.

She is survived by one daughter, Valerie Maille of Queensbury; four granddaughters, Joal Duffin and her husband, Larry of NC, Diane Maille and her partner, James DeLoatch of South Glens Falls, Isabella Kennedy of Queensbury and Marjorie Maille of Glens Falls; her great grandchildren, Michael A. Myers, Jr.,  Ashleigh Mason, Derrik Mason, Jeremiah Thomas, Brianna Brooks, Trinity Brooks, Eli Maille-Cook, Grace Payton and Riley Mattison; two great, great grandchildren, Jamison and Rosalie; two nieces, Sue Wilder and her husband, Ernie and  Melody White and her husband, John; and many great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Service will follow the calling hour at 1 p.m.  on Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Loren Gage, officiating.

Burial will follow at Moss Street Cemetery in the Town of Kingsbury.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’ Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

HUDSON FALLS – Robert Douglas Steele, Sr., 95, of Brenda Drive, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the Glens Falls Hospital on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Born on June 25, 1926 at the Glens Falls Hospital, he was the son of the late Thomas W. and Gladys May (Colson) Steele.

In 1943, Robert graduated from the Hudson Falls High School.  The following year, 1944, he enlisted in the US Army.  Robert was proud of his service to his country, having spent two years in Japan after World War II.

On May 2, 1948, he married the love of his life, Josephine W. MacEwan.

For many years, Robert worked as a diesel mechanic for Dorns Transportation in Queensbury.

He was a longtime faithful member of the Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church.

He also was the Chairman of the Washington County Conservative Party for ten years.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Paul A. Steele.

Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Josephine Steele of Hudson Falls; his children, Robert D. Steele, Jr, Larry K. Steele,  JoAnn M. Steele,  Diane L. Skinner  and Peter B. Steele; 17 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Graveside Service will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury. 

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

FORT EDWARD – Elwyn “Whit” Whitford, 90, of Burgoyne Avenue, went into the arms of the Lord on August 17, 2021 at The Pines in Glens Falls.

Born on August 23, 1930, he was the son of the late Wallace and Mabel Whitford.

Following high school, Whit enlisted in the US Navy.  He proudly served his country as a 2^nd class Petty Officer on the USS Macon, where he was known as a shellback, for crossing the Equator.   Whit was highly decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Ribbon.  For his service in the Arctic Circle, he received a Blue Nose Certificate. 

On January 8, 1955, he married the love of his live, Mary Bain in Putnam.   She passed away on September 6, 2015, after 61 wonderful years.

For over 35 years, Whit was employed at General Electric Company in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward.

He was a servant of the Lord, faithfully attending the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Whit was also a proud member of the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574.

His life was defined by his faith, his love of country and especially his love of family.  Whit cherished the memories he made with his wife and his granddaughters.

Survivors include his two granddaughters, Crystal Whitford-Thompson and her husband, Dan of Fort Edward and Laura Whitford of Hudson Falls; his cousin, Bud Whitford; his brother in law, Charlie Bain and his wife, Donna; and several other wonderful family members and friends.

Friends may call on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday, at 11:00 a.m., following the calling hour, with Rev. Kevin Gebo of the Truthville Baptist Church, officiating.

Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27 at Union Cemetery, 42 Hummingbird Way, Port Henry, NY.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Legion Post 575, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY  12839.

KINGSBURY – Lou “Grumpy” LaValley, 68, of Kingsbury, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at the Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 30, 1953, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Perley and Katherine (Forcier) LaValley.

Following school, Lou proudly served in the United States Navy.

He spent many years working for area farms, landscaping at King Phillips Campground and he also worked at Grasshopper Gardens.

Grumpy enjoyed fishing, tinkering on small engines and doing any kind of mechanical work.  He was known for his contagious laugh and not being able to keep it together, to get through to the punchline of a joke. Grumpy had a big heart and would give the shirt off his back and help anyone out who needed it, no matter who you were. Lou could be found many times with his two lifelong best friends and partners in crime, Roland “Ralo” Wade and Bill “Woody” Woodard.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, John LaValley, Linda Tougaw, Rose Jordan and Perley LaValley and his father in law, Kenneth Dickinson.

Survivors include his wife and companion of over 43 years, Rose (Dickinson) LaValley; his children, Crystal Wheeler and her husband, Mike of Fort Ann and Jeremy LaValley and his wife, Krystal of South Carolina; his children from a previous relationship, Terry LaValley and his wife,  Melody of Fort Ann and Louis LaValley, Jr. of Hudson Falls; his six grandchildren, Emily and Taylor Wheeler, Cameron and Caleb “Lebby” LaValley, Kayla and Savannah LaValley; his great granddaughter, Aubrey LaValley; his sister, Beverly LaCross and her husband, Eugene of Gansevoort; his mother in law, Loretta Dickinson; his brother in law, Robert Tougaw; several brother and sisters in law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special thanks to all of the Nurses and the PCA’s on Tower 5 who cared for him.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will follow the calling hours on Tuesday at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Loren Gage, officiating.

Memorial donations may be sent to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park Street in Glens Falls, New York.