Category Archives: Obituaries

GLENS FALLS – Demetrius “Jim” N. Vamvalis, 88, of Glens Falls, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born November 14, 1932 in Goritsa, Greece, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Antonia Vamvalis.

On October 2, 1946 he moved to America to begin a new life with his family.

Jim was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School, class of 1952.

After high school, Jim was drafted in the service and proudly served in the United States Army for two years.  After his service to our country, Jim attended Utica Technical School, the University of Illinois and took courses at Oklahoma University for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), obtaining a bachelor’s degree.  Jim held various jobs throughout his life.  He worked for the NY Telephone Company, the FAA and then went into business for himself.  His last employment was owner and operator of Jim’s Wines and Liquors in Queensbury.

Survivors include his children, Jay Vamvalis, Laurie Vamvalis, Mark Vamvalis (Terry) and Marie Vamvalis; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his sibilings, Katina Yavis, Steven Vamvalis, Pipitsa Vamvalis and Christina Vamvalis-Haley (John), as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim’s family would like to thank the excellent care provided by the nurses and staff of Tower 2 and Tower 6 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Per Jim’s request, all services will be private.

Memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Northeast Kidney Foundation, 22 Colvin Ave., Albany, NY 12206.

GLENS FALLS – John C. Hubinger, 75, formerly of Glens Falls, most recently of the Oaks, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2021 after a long illness.

Born June 11, 1946 in Burlington, VT, he was the son of the late Pauline (Parker) and John C. Hubinger, II.

After high school, John attended Champlain Community College, graduating with an associate degree in business.

 On September 11, 1971, John married Linda Ryan in Bennington, VT.

John was an employee of Continental Insurance, eventually retiring from Glens Falls National Bank at the age of 55. 

He was very energetic and would often be found bicycling to work.  John loved traveling and watching any kind of sports, especially the New York Giants and New York Yankees.  He enjoyed watching car racing and attended the Daytona 500.  John would always root for the underdog.  Later in life, he spent his winters in Myrtle Beach, SC, where he made many good friends while enjoying the warm weather. Music brought great joy to John’s life and could often be found in front of a crowd, during karaoke nights, entertaining his friends and family.  Most of all, family was the center of John’s life and he will be remembered as a dedicated family-man.   He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow. 

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Suzanne Currier.

Survivors include of his wife  of 50 years, Linda Hubinger; his three children, Kelly (Peter) Culhane, Scott Hubinger (Annemarie Murray), Tim (Angel) Hubinger; his grandchildren, Hannah, Liam and Zachary; his siblings, Mark(Annette) of Maryland, Peggy Couture of VT and Andy (Jeanne) of VT; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John’s family would like to specially thank Tim and Hannah for their care and the memories from September to April.  Also, they would like to thank the caretakers, nurses and staff at Slate Valley Center.

Friends may call Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., following the calling hours, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of John may be made to Alzheimer’s Associates, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.

QUEENSBURY – Michael P. Willard, 49, of Queensbury, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2021.

Born on May 17, 1972 in Seldovia, Alaska, he was the son of the Alberta Willard and the late Gerald W. Willard.

Michael proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 1994.

On July 1, 2017 he married Carla Sexton in Glens Falls.

Michael was employed at Arrow Financial for 11 years in the resource recovery department.  He worked hard and enjoyed his time at Glens Falls National and Saratoga National Bank.

Michael loved traveling throughout the Adirondacks listening to live music.  The center of his life was his family. He enjoyed every moment his spent with his family and friends.  His grandchildren gave him a special joy that he carried throughout his life.  Michael also was an avid hockey fan, who especially loved watching the Red Wings.

Besides his father, he was predeceased by his sister, Lynette Willard. 

Survivors include his wife, Carla Willard of Hudson Falls; his children, Jordan, Kameron and her fiancé, CJ, Brandon and Mikenzie; his three grandsons, Karson, Gryffin and Leo; his siblings, Ken, Matt and Kathryn; and many other family members throughout the State of Washington and Alaska.

Friends may call Thursday, August 19, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A memorial service will be conducted 7 p.m., on Thursday, following the calling hours.

All are welcome to a gathering at the American Legion, 72 Pearl St. in Hudson Falls, following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hudson Falls American Legion, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Mary F. Horrigan, 95, of Weston Avenue, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at her home.

Born on March 30, 1926 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Timothy J. and Frances E. (Kelly) Horrigan.

Mary was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School, Class of 1943 and Mildred Elley Business School.

Many years ago, she was employed at Sandy Hill Iron & Brass in Hudson Falls and more recently, she was worked as a bid specialist and treasurer at Sofco, Inc., in South Glens Falls.

Mary was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls where she belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America, was a counselor for the Junior Catholic Daughters of America, was a Eucharistic Minister, belonged to Ella’s Cupboard and the Prayer and Worship Committee.    

She also was on the Flowers to the Living Committee of Hudson Falls/Kingsbury Chamber of Commerce.   Mary was a charter and longtime member of the Queensbury Country Club, where she was the club champion several times.   Her other enjoyments included swimming and traveling the world with her family.   

Mary enjoyed watching sports with her family on TV, especially rooting for the New York Giants, Notre Dame Football, Syracuse Basketball and the New York Yankees.

Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brothers, Edward, John and Thomas Horrigan, her dear friend, Mary Renaud and her sisters in law, Josephine Horrigan and Elizabeth Horrigan.

Survivors include her nieces and nephews, Timothy J. Horrigan and his wife, Anne and their children, Emily and Rebecca, all of California, Joan Camp and her husband, Raymond and their children, John-Kelly, Daniel, Charles and Andrew; Kelly Horrigan, Mary Sexton and her husband, T.R. and their children, Brittany Rozelle and Laura Voorhis; Martha Horrigan, Ann Stangle and her husband, Edward and their children, Thomas and Brendan, Michael Horrigan and his wife, Heidi and their children, Jennifer Seeley and Tara Carpenter; Ellen Horrigan; and Thomas Horrigan and his wife, Beth and their children, Laine and  Reid; and great grandnieces and great grandnephews, Conor, Rosalie, Josephine, Samuel, Morgan, Drew and Hattie.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021 at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

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

The family wishes to thank the Neighbors New York for the wonderful care, compassion and love given to Mary and the Washington County Meals on Wheels Program.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the charity of one’s choice.

Everyone is welcome to the Kingsbury National Golf Club, on Notre Dame Ext. in Hudson Falls to celebrate Mary’s life, following the Rite of Committal.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Keith Hill, Jr., 40, of South Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 8, 2021.

Born on April 2, 1981 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Keith and Sandra (Manney) Hill.

Keith was a proud graduate of South Glens Falls High School.

On November 26, 2005, he married the love of his life, Jennifer (Macey) Hill at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls. They have spent the last 15 years together sharing wonderful memories.

For the past 16 years, Keith was been employed at Hudson Falls Central School in the maintenance department.  He also worked for Frank Shaw Morning Star excavating.

Keith loved riding motorcycles and was a member of the American Legion Riders of Hudson Falls.  He also was a member of the Hudson Falls Fish and Game Club and the Upper Hudson Beagle Club.   Keith was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing in the Adirondacks.  He also loved spending time with his family playing cards, four wheeling  and spending time with his daughter, Kaelyn.   Keith loved people and was known as a people pleaser, always willing to lend a hand.  He was a loving husband, an adoring father and a supportive son, who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Lyle Hill, his grandfather in law, Lawrence Macey and his cousin, Kyle Fisher.

Survivors include his loving wife, Jennifer Hill; his daughter, Kaelyn Hill; his mother and father, Keith and Sandra Hill; his parents in law, Jeff and Diane Macey; his sister, Danielle; his brother in law, Kainin Macey; his grandparents, Virginia Hill, Cathy Manney and William and Donna Manney; his nephew, Alex Warner; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends and family, who will miss him greatly.

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

Keith loved watching scary movies with his aunt Barb, so it is appropriate that his burial will be on Friday the 13^th  at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward at 1 p.m.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at the Fort Edward Fire House, 114 Broadway, Fort Edward, following the graveside service.

The family wishes to thank all the fire personnel, police officers, and volunteers who were there for the family during this difficult time, especially Deputy Dale Quesnel, Jr. of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Make a Wish America, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

HUDSON FALLS – Michael Matthew Murray, 87, passed away on August 7, 2021, at home surrounded by family.

Born in Longwood, County Meath, Ireland, the seventh of nine children, to William and Julia Murray, Mike emigrated to New York in 1956 with his future wife Margaret Rose Murray (née McKenna).

They married on October 19, 1957, and together had five children: Ann Marie Murray Pousatis (Demetrios); Kathleen Murray Mallon (John); Michael Murray (Sharon); Brian Murray (Theresa); and Angela Murray-Gregory (Charlie).   Mike had 11 grandchildren: Brendan Murray (Allison); Sheelagh Pousatis Thompson (Jason); Kathleen Leitch (Chris); Conor Mallon; Alannah Pousatis Schapley (Brett); Seamus Murray (Janelle); Mairead Murray; Rory Murray (Ashley); Liam Mallon; Diarmuid Gregory; Aidan Gregory; and was great-grandfather to James Murray, Declan Leitch, and Saoirse Rose Murray. He will be missed by his surviving siblings Liam Murray, Patricia Murray, Angela Hughes, Fonsie Murray, and his many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.   He is predeceased by his wife Margaret and brothers Tommy, Breen, Wally, and Kevin.

Mike loved his family, celebrating holidays, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, and graduations along with enjoying everyday moments.  Mike and Margaret welcomed Margaret’s brother Michael McKenna into their family, and he became our older brother.

His love of sports began in Ireland where he played hurling and Gaelic football with his brothers. Nothing gave him more pleasure than cheering on his grandchildren in their various sports and activities.  

Mike was a master carpenter.  Much of his work was done at Sandy Hill Foundry but his handiwork can be seen in many of the local buildings and churches and especially at the Creamy Delights ice cream shop. He passed on his skills to his children and nephews, hiring them for summer construction work.  Several of his nephews from Ireland spent a summer in Hudson Falls, working and living with the Murray family and bonding with their American cousins. 

Mike and Margaret were owners of the ice cream shop Creamy Delights for 20 years where they mentored many high school and college students who worked for them.  After retiring, Mike built the current Jack and Jill building during the summer of 2001, with help from his friends. In a sense, it took a village to raise this building.

Mike was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church where he loved being an usher.  He was a member of the Glens Falls chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, promoting Irish culture with festivals, music, and dance.   Mike and Margaret loved waltzing at the Hibernian balls.

The Murray family is grateful to all their friends and family for their support and for the love and care that Donna, Tara, and Joan gave Mike throughout this past year.

Friends may call on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 a.m., on Thursday August 12, 2021, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, in Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in Mike’s memory to the Open Door Missions, 226 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801 or Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany NY 12205.

QUEENSBURY – Emma Raine Wall, infant daughter of Tanner Wall and Makayla Tucker, was born at peace on July 21, 2021 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Although her time here was short, she was loved beyond measure by her parents.

Emma was previously joined in heaven by her infant sister, Amelia Wall; her paternal great grandparents, Carla Gilman and Stanford Gilman and her maternal great grandmother, Gayle Jones.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her  brother, Kaiden Wall; her paternal grandparents, Dorraine Wall and Randy Wall; her maternal grandparents, Autumn Tucker and William Tucker; her maternal Great grandparents, Linda and Alfred Tucker; her aunts and uncles, Meghan Gilman, Adam Wall, Marcus Tucker and Izick Tucker.

There are no services currently planned.

Emma’s parents would like to thank everyone for their care and support, especially the nurses and staff of the Snuggery at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Memorial donations may be sent to The Angel Names Association PO Box 423, Saratoga Springs NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

QUEENSBURY – Thomas Joseph Ross, 72, passed away on July 26, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Tom was born on November 7, 1948 to the late Joseph and Colleen (Burke) Ross of Whitehall. 

After graduating from Whitehall High School in 1966, Tom immediately joined the United States Air Force.  Upon returning home, he attended Adirondack Community College, now SUNY Adirondack, and graduated with honors from the Siena College accounting program with honors.  Tom went on to become a CPA and began his professional career as a CPA in this area.  In 1980 he joined the regional accounting firm, Silverstein and Loftus, as a tax supervisor.  As the firm grew, he earned a series of promotions.  In 1986, partners Saul Silverstein and Gerald Loftus invited Tom to join them as a shareholder and the firm’s name soon became, Silverstein, Loftus and Ross.  In 1999 Tom was named President of the firm and began leading it through an era of steady growth during which the name of the firm evolved to reflect retirements of longtime partners and the addition of new partners.  2012, Tom and his partners sold the firm, then known as Ross Rigby and Patten, to Marvin and Co.

Despite a full-time thriving and demanding career, Tom dedicated countless hours to local charitable organizations. In 2001, Tom was the recipient of the J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award, an award given by the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce to an individual who demonstrates “a fierce commitment to betterment of our local community”.  He had a previously been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Adirondack Community College.

Tom held many volunteer leadership positions across the region.  His service has benefitted the ACC Foundation, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Operation Santa Claus, Queensbury Economic Development Corp., Queensbury Lions Club, Siena College and United Cerebral Palsy Association of the Tri-Counties.

Tom was a prolific fundraiser, leading some of the largest capital campaigns of the time in the region.  As chairman of the Capital Campaign for the Adirondack Community College Foundation in 1990, he led the $4 million campaign for the college, surpassing the stated goal.   In the early 2000’s, he chaired the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation Capital Campaign, which raised $14 million for the hospital to build what is now known as the Northwest Tower.

A lifelong Red Sox fan, Tom also enjoyed following Boston College athletics and playing golf at the Glens Falls Country Club, where he served 6 years on the Board of Governors.  He was a 30+ year member of the Glens Falls National Bank Regional Development Board and a member of the Siena College Board of Associate Trustees and Board of Trustees.  Tom served 8 years on the board, including the leadership position of President of the Prospect School, UCP of the Tri-Counties as well as the Board of Directors of Hudson Headwaters.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Michele Petit Ross; his son, Michael Ross of San Diego, CA; his brothers, Angelo (Marsha) Ross of Whitehall and Joseph (Linda) of Granville; his sister, Kathleen (Elijah) Harvin of Fayetteville, NC along with many cousins, nephews and nieces. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Colleen (Burke) Ross.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Christopher Hoy, whose expert and compassionate care made a difficult illness so much easier.  The staff at Glens Falls Hospital and the DCI Dialysis Center will always be remembered for their dedication and care.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Tom in a special way may donate to the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, 126 South St. Glens Falls, NY 12801, he was always thankful to have such wonderful healthcare so close to home. 

Friends may call Saturday, July 31, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.   

A funeral service will be conducted 5:30 p.m., following the calling hours, at the funeral home, with Rev. Robert Powhida, officiating.  

The family respectfully requests that visitors please wear a mask.

Interment will be private at a later date.

The family respectfully requests that visitors please wear a mask.