Category Archives: Obituaries

FORT EDWARD – Astrea G. Natale, 41, of Fort Edward, passed away on June 2, 2021, unexpectedly.

Born February 13, 1980 in Landstuhl, Germany she was the daughter of Vincent Natale and the late Rebecca Reynolds.

She proudly served United States military, in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Astrea’s life revolved around the care and love of her only son, Daniel.  She was an avid gardener, loved the outdoors, swimming with Daniel and family, and loved taking long walks in the outdoors to hunt mushrooms and exercise.   She had a passion for animals, pets, gaming and campfires. 

Survivors include her son, Daniel Potts; her fiancé, Sean Wigley of Fort Edward; her father, Vincent Natale and his wife, Patricia of Lindenhurst and her godparents, Dottie and Gary Tucker of Fort Edward.

Friends may call Tuesday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday, 6 p.m., following the calling hours, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Astrea may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Richard A. “Dic” Lackey, 66, of Hudson Falls, passed away on June 4, 2021.

Born October 5, 1954 in Randolph, VT, he was the son of the late Roland J. Lackey and Joyce A. Warner.

For most of his life, Dic was employed as a truck driver.  He had a passion for driving truck and enjoyed traveling the country while working.  Dic was a hard worker, but always made time for his friends and family.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. 

Besides his parents, Dic was predeceased by his brother, Clinton Lackey.

Survivors include his daughters, Mallory Towne of Pittsfield, NH and Christie Lackey of Hudson Falls; his grandson, Deacon Washburn; his stepfather, Keith Warner; his brother, Philip Lackey of Vermont, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the home of Mark and Michelle Miller, 108 Hendee Rd., in the town of Kingsbury.

The graveside service will be held 1 p.m., July 10, 2021, at Pleasant View Cemetery in Randolph, VT.

Memorial donations in memory of Dic may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

QUEENSBURY – Zachery “Zack” Baird, 26, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, most recently of Queensbury, passed away on May 28, 2021, after a long battle with Prader Willi Syndrome.

Born on June 6, 1994 in Augusta, Maine, he was the son of David Baird and Serena Stagnitta.

He was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School, class of 2012.

Zack enjoyed fishing, playing video games, driving his car, cooking, baking and model car collecting.   He loved watching tv shows on cooking and crime shows.  He treasured the times that he socialized with his family and friends.   Zack never hesitated striking up conversations with whomever was near.  If he ever caught your ear at a party or gathering of any sort, you realized quickly how he loved to talk.   Zack will be most remembered for his smile.   If you see a picture of him, you would see his beautiful a smile. 

Zack is predeceased by his great grandfather, Elger Warner, his great grandmother, Doris “Nanny” Newton, and his grandfather, Joseph Stagnitta.

Survivors include his mother, Serena Stagnitta, of  Saratoga; his father and step-mother, David P. Baird & Courtney Shaler, his sister, Ashley Baird and his brother, Lela Smith, all of Fort Ann; his grandmother, Cynthia Williamson of Malone; his grandparents, David W. & Peggy Baird of Chestertown; his uncles, Scott Baird (Kymberlie McKeen-Bryant) of Livermore, ME, Jason and Darcy Baird of Winthrop, ME,  Joseph Stagnitta of Malone; his cousins, Kendra Newman, Dylan, Mathew & Jacob Stagnitta, all of Malone; Vanessa Baird (Ayush Jain) of Seattle, WA; Jacob Baird (Damaris Martinez) of Queensbury; Benjamin Baird of Rochester, VT; Ryan, Logan & Colton Baird of Winthrop, ME and his girlfriend, Kayla Stehling of East Patchogue.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021, 1 p.m., at New Life Baptist Church, 62 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Memorial donations in memory of Zack may be made to Prader‐Willi Syndrome Association, 8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500, Sarasota, FL 34238 or AIM Services, Inc., 4227 NY-50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

John Calvin Little, of Glens Falls, New York, passed away on March 8, 2021 at the age of 88. He died peacefully in Flagstaff, Arizona after a glorious visit to the Grand Canyon with his nieces Margaret Little and Deborah Little by his side.

John had never married and did not have children of his own, but he was a father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and beloved friend to so many people.

John was born in Glens Falls, New York on August 31, 1932 and was the son of Fannie Carleton Little and William Arthur Little Sr., brother to Mary Margaret Little, Carleton Keim Little, and William Arthur Little, Jr.

John attended Glens Falls High School and graduated from Curtis High School, NY in 1950. He then attended Davis & Elkins College in WV and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1954.

Captain John Little joined the United States Air Force and became a pilot in the Strategic Air Command. After he had completed his active duty, he continued in the US Air Force Reserve until 1972. He continued to fly throughout his life and often took friends and family members on flights with him.

John moved to Los Angeles, California in 1960. After his career in the Air Force, John became a Master Carpenter and oversaw and managed the building of many of the most loved beautiful buildings in Los Angeles including The Getty Center and Nichiren Shoshu Soku Gakkai of America Building (“NSA Building”). He was also a member and very active in The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union for many years. As a Master Craftsman, he built his own home in which he resided until his death in Venice, California.

He was a very passionate, liberal Democrat who was also a loyal member of the National Rifle Association and registered Republican. While he felt very strongly about his views, he was also very tolerant and understanding if others had opposing political or religious views. People who knew him well would learn that he was a great believer in learning from others and trying to resolve differences was very important to him. He was a peacemaker.

In addition to all John’s career achievements, John was an avid camper, fisherman, dirt motorcyclist, marksman, world traveler, cartographer, lexicographer, Gin Rummy player, scuba diver, and could hike up large mountains with his grand nephews and nieces well into his 80s.

John was also a generous philanthropist and gave to so many organizations including Disabled Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, Funds for African Americans and American Indians, and volunteered in the Air Force Civil Air Patrol Auxiliary. He was generous with his intellectual gifts and helped many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews with their chemistry and mathematics.

John has left an indelible mark on this earth and will be painfully missed. He was survived by the following nieces and nephews and their children: Margaret Little (son, Brenden Carleton Smith and daughter, Natalie Rose Smith), Jamie Little Myers (son, David Myers and daughter, Eve Myers), William Arthur Little (“ Billy” deceased), Deborah Little  (daughter, Amanda Walker), Sheila Little Bara (son, Bowen Bara and daughter, Gianna Bara), Michael Little (daughter, Sarah Little), Stephen Little (son, Philip Little and daughter, Michelle Little Nudd), Shawn Little Dietrich (sons, James, Jonathan and Joshua Dietrich and daughter, Jennifer Dietrich) and so many cousins and beloved friends.

May he Rest in Peace.

A graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Please join us.

HUDSON FALLS – Gene F. Kill, Sr., 86, a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, passed away on June 3, 2021, at his home, with his family by his side.

Born on January 17, 1935, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Clyde and Lillian (Devoe) Kill.

Gene was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

In 1952, Gene married Joan Rayno at St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

He started his working career at Sandy Hill Corp., in Hudson Falls as a machinist.  In 1959, he obtained employment at Local 773 in South Glens Falls, as a pipefitter, where he worked for about 40 years until his retirement.

Gene enjoyed deer hunting throughout the Adirondacks, fishing with his family and gardening around the house.  In his younger years, Gene loved riding motorcycles.  There were many memorable moments made at gatherings in the kitchen, where Gene could be found with a coffee cup in hand and a pile of scratch off lottery tickets.   He was always up for a card game and comradery with “the guys”.  Most importantly, Gene treasured spending time with his family. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Clyde, Thomas and Robert Kill and his sisters, Catherine Kill and Sharon Kelleher.

Gene is survived by his four children; Susan Edgerly of Argyle and her children, Ernie, Michael and David Edgerly, Gene Kill, Jr. and his wife, Michelle J. of Georgia and his daughter, Jessica Kill, Tina Malliez and her husband, Andre, of Georgia, and their children, Adam and Aaron Malliez and Brian Kill and his wife, Susan, of Hudson Falls and their children, Elizabeth Groom and her husband, Steve and Mary Kill; 15 great-grandchildren; his sister in law, Phyllis Sanders of South Glens Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, June 10, 2021, 1:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

The Rite of Committal will take place following the funeral service, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Gene’s family suggests that memorial donations in his memory be made to the High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Ocala, FL – Mickey E. Celeste, 61, of Ocala, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 after a short illness.

Born on August 23, 1959 in Glens Falls, NY he was the son of Mary Jane Celeste of Glens Falls and the late Martin Celeste.

Mickey grew up in Queensbury and attended Queensbury High School. Mickey enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1976 and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1983. He was stationed in Europe and achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his time in the Army, he received commendations for expert level for M-16 rifle and hand grenade. In addition, he received Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Professional Development Ribbon.

After his honorable discharge, Mickey resided in Texas for several years before moving back to New York. In 2015, Mickey relocated to Ocala, Florida and started managing Golden Pond Village with his wife, Lisa, where he made several new friends. Prior to relocating to Florida, Mickey was employed at Home Depot in Queensbury.

Mickey is predeceased by his father; Martin Celeste and a brother, Michael Celeste and aunts, uncles and cousins.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lisa Celeste of Ocala, FL; his mother, Mary Jane Celeste of Glens Falls; his daughter, Pamela (Chet) Free of Columbia, SC; his son Danny (Melodie) Wilbur of Otto, NC; his grandsons, Timothy Jacob Free and Nathan Joseph Free, both of Columbia, SC; his brothers, Mark Celeste of Hudson Falls and Martin (Viola) Celeste of Queensbury; his sisters, Misty Celeste of Queensbury and Mindy (Scott) Dudley of Hudson Falls; his mother in law and father in-law, Sandra (Dave) Wilson of South Glens Falls and William (Gloria) Cook of Hudson Falls; his sisters in law, Jeanne Guillery of Fort Ann, Deedra (Earl) Lilton of Glens Falls and Joelle Cook of Mechanicville; several aunts and, uncles; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Mickey loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed creating one-of-kind, Adirondack themed, pieces of art, using various items. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and identified himself as “The Great Hunter” and “Bass Master”. Mickey was filled with confidence, wittiness and humor. He was always meticulousness and attentive to detail, he took great pride in any task he was performing.

A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion Post 574 on 72 Pearl Street, in Hudson Falls on Sunday, June 13, 2021 with military honors at 1:00 pm with a luncheon to follow. 

A special thank you to the American Legion Post 574, the Legion Honor Guard and Carleton Funeral Home, Inc.

The family suggest in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 574, 72 Pearl St, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Veronica J. Hall, 61, of Union Street, went into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at her home.

Born on April 4, 1960 in Ticonderoga, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Juanita Sartwell.

Veronica was a proud graduate of Hudson Falls High School. Throughout her life, she has dealt with disabilities, so her graduation was very special to her and her family.

Her life was a reflection of her love of the Lord.  Veronica’s faith was the center of her life.  She was a faithful member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Hudson Falls.  When she was younger, Veronica loved working in the church nursery.  Her favorite time was attending church Sunday School, where she learned all about the Bible and her savior.  She was a sweet and generous lady who every week, would bring a bag of groceries to the church for the children’s Back-Pack Program.  Veronica did this  even when she might not have enough groceries for herself.

Also on Sundays, she enjoyed listening to “Old Time Gospel” music while dancing around the kitchen, praising the Lord.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Rhonda Varney, Lajuana Hall, Lorraine Taylor and Laura Mae Hulbert and her uncles, Leroy Huestis, Thomas Huestis and Clarence Huestis.

Survivors include her two brothers, Benjamin Hall and Rodney Hall; her cousin and caregiver, Frederick Huestis; her uncles, Chauncey Huestis and Almon Huestis; her aunt, Joan Huestis and several other cousins.

Friends may call on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, following the calling hours at the funeral home.

Veronica will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Fort Edward, after the service.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Gospel Lighthouse Church, Back-Pack Program, 30 LaCrosse Street , Hudson Falls , NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Alan William Ringer, 54, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021, in the presence of his beloved family at Glens Falls Hospital, after a brief illness.

Born on June 13, 1966, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late William A. and Roberta (Cavanaugh) Ringer.

He graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1984.  Alan proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1985-1990.  He was stationed at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, achieving the rank of Sergeant.  During his time in the Air Force, he received the Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Outstanding Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster.

Alan was employed by Fort Miller Corporation.  He later owned and operated his own construction business, AR Building and Remodeling, until his retirement.  Alan enjoyed coin collecting, planes, anything to do with tigers, especially white ones, and spending time with his family.  He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.  He always liked to return to the ocean in New Hampshire.

Alan married the love of his life, Lisa Allen on May 4, 1996 at the Church of Saint Mary/Saint Paul in Hudson Falls.

Alan was predeceased by his parents and  a brother, William Ringer Jr. and his in-laws, Joseph and Irene Allen. 

He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Lisa Ringer; his daughter, Taylor Ringer (Connor Skeels), and his son, Devon Ringer.  Also surviving are his brother, Kevin Ringer, sister-in-law, Karen Anderson (Wayne Pombrio), and brother-in-law, Bruce Allen (Cathy).  Alan also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Saturday, June 5, 2021  from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Saturday, following the calling hours at the funeral home.

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

HUDSON FALLS – James Carlton, 40, of Hudson Falls, died unexpectedly in his home Saturday, May 22, 2021. After struggling with addiction for many years, James is now at peace.

James loved his children, Jacob, Jesse, Jenna, and Kian, tremendously. The last thing he ever

wanted to do was leave them. He loved taking them camping, cliff-jumping, fishing, four-

wheeling, dirt biking, and jet-skiing. He loved adventures and belly laughs. He loved living.

He loved his family and his family loved him.

James was predeceased by his beloved Pops, Stephen Carlton. Pops took a piece of James with him when he left this world, and we can take comfort in knowing that they are together again.

James is survived by his 4 children, Jacob, Jesse, Jenna and Kian, his wife and the love of his

life, Jenny Carlton; his unwavering and dedicated father, Michael Sweenor; his bonus mom and champion Vicki Potter and her husband Daryll Roberts; his heartbroken mother Laurie Reiter and her husband Clarence; his brother and friend Michael Carlton and his children; and his dear, sweet sister, Christina Carlton. James is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. James will be missed.

Friends may call on Friday, June 4, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Services will follow the calling hours on Friday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be sent to Hope Dealers of Gospel Lighthouse Church, 30 La Crosse Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

May his memory be a blessing.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is available 24 hour, 7 days a week,

365 days a year.

1 (800) 662-4357.

If you need help, get it.

Please.

QUEENSBURY – Amber Leigh McQuain, 24, of Queensbury, passed away  on Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Born on July 23, 1996, she was the daughter of Matthew McQuain and Deborah Dalaba.

Amber was a special young lady who loved to read books especially about Vampires, which goes along with her favorite holiday, Halloween.   She also loved walking in the rain and listening to all kinds of music.   Amber’s special times were holding her cats and sharing time with her brother.  She will always be known as a free spirit and a loving, caring person.  Her family and friends will forever cherish their time with Amber and she will always hold a special place in their hearts.

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Glen Dalaba, Sr. and her grandmother, Lillian McQuain.

Those who will always miss her include her parents Matthew (Darby) McQuain of Argyle and Deborah Dalaba of Queensbury; her brother, Coty Dalaba of South Glens Falls; her grandmother, Phyllis Dalaba of South Glens Falls and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from 11 to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial will be private at Southside Cemetery in the town of Moreau.

The family suggests that memorial donations in Amber’s name be made to SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Anthony F. Simione, born November 1, 1923 and passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the age of 97. 

Tony was the first-born son and third born child of twelve to Carmella and Alberico Simione in Pittsfield, MA.  The family moved to Hudson Falls in 1936 and eventually across the bridge to Fenimore. 

In 1942, Tony married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Barbara (Dragon) Simione. They were together 72 wonderful years before her passing.

At the age of 19, Tony joined the United State Army and went to battle in World War II.  When he was asked if he came face to face with an Italian, would he shoot him and he answered, “No.  I would probably go in and have a dish of spaghetti with him.”  In light of his answer, Tony was not sent to Italy.  Instead, Tony was a Sargent leading a group of mean across Europe, dragging a long tom (cannon) under the command of General George Patton, in the Army Artillery Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

When Tony returned home from his service, he worked with his father and brothers in the family bakery, “Hudson View Bakery-Simione Brothers”.  They built their own bakery behind the family house in Fenimore in 1945.  The family bakery started in Pittsfield by his father and continued approximately 100 years, where Tony did the delivering until he was 90.  Tony was a very hard worker and always worked two jobs.  After delivering for the family bakery, he would go and work as a waiter in two well-known restaurants, Damico’s in Hudson Falls, for which he worked for 20 years, then to Massie’s in South Glens Falls for 30 years.  Tony was proud of building his own home and he dug the cellar hole by hand, breaking 3 shovels in the process.

Besides his parents, Tony was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara Simione, who passed on September 7, 2015, a great granddaughter, Abigail Langschultz, who passed on February 26, 2014 and his siblings, Josephine, Dominic, Alfred and Frank.

Together, Tony and Barbara had two children, a son, Anthony L. Simione and a daughter, Rebecca Ann (Simione) Bates. 

Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Anthony and Rebecca; his grandchildren, Todd A. Simione and his wife, Mary Jane, Marc A. Simione and Nanette E. Simione and their mother, Elaine Simione; his remaining siblings, Mary, Edith, Rose, Victoria, Diana, Fanny and Michael; his son in law, Donald Bates and grandchildren, Carrie Lynn (Bates) Langschultz and her husband, Ken, great granddaughter, Natalie Langschultz and great grandson, Anthony Langschultz;, grandchildren, Sarah Bates and her husband, Michael Okon and Antoinette (Bates) Seybolt and her husband, Craig; great granddaughter, Madelyn Seybolt and  great grandsons, Owen Anthony and Blake Henry Seybolt.  Also, a lifelong friend, who was like family and caregiver, Rose Knight.

Friends may call on Tuesday, June 1, from 10:30 am to 1p.m., at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the Park in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will be conducted on Tuesday, following the Mass, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls, with full military honors.   

Following the graveside service, everyone is welcome to the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post #574,  72 Pearl Street in Hudson Falls, to celebrate Anthony’s wonderful life.

Donations in memory of Tony may be made to SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804 or  EB Foundation, 132 East 43rd St, Suite 432, New York, NY 10017 or DEBRA Foundation online at debra.org, by phone at 1-212-868-1573 or by mail at 75 Broad St. Suite 300 New York, New York.

HUDSON FALLS – Joseph Leonard Morrill, 81, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully May 26, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 18, 1939 in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Gilbert and Jessie (Vaughn) Morrill. Joseph was one of 12 children in the family.

On June 10, 1961,  Joseph married Marilyn Sally Ramsey. They have shared 60 wonderful years together before his passing. 

Joseph worked in the capacitor department at General Electric in Fort Edward for many years. Through his years at GE, he met many longtime wonderful friends.

His greatest joy  was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved catching up on their lives and sharing wonderful times with them.  Joseph enjoyed going on trips with his family, especially to Maine, Cape Cod and Disney in Florida.  Joseph also enjoyed spending his summers at his camp at Lake Sunnyside.  He also spent many hours tending to his garden and creating beautiful wood pieces for his family to share.

Besides his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his son, David, six brothers and five sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Marilyn Morrill of Hudson Falls; his children, Scott Morrill of Fort Ann and his daughter, Patricia Richard and her husband, Christopher of Colonie; his grandchildren, Casey (Nicholas) Newell of Hudson Falls, Shannon (Jason Rosick) Morrill and Lucas Richard of Colonie; two great grandsons, Jackson and Benjamin; and several nieces and nephews.  

Friends may call Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be conducted, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of Joseph may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Donald “Don” W. Hesse, Jr. 59, of South Glens Falls, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021, at his home.

Born July 10, 1961, in Astoria, he was the son of the late Donald W. and Alice (Campbell) Hesse, Sr.

Don attended Raritan High School in Hazlet, NJ.

On November 21, 1987, Don married Agnes Babbel in North Creek.

For over 30 years, Don worked construction, excavation and trucking.  He loved every minute of his work and always said he was just playing with the big Tonka trucks. 

Don was always ready to lend a helping hand for anyone that needed it.   He could fix everything and anything and enjoyed the challenge.  When the job was done, he was proud of his accomplishments.  Don also enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, camping and his yearly trip to Daytona Speedway with his brother, Bill, and his best friend, Ira.  He loved taking rides with his beloved dog, Chelsea, who was always ready and willing to go.  Don was a devoted father and husband.  His family was always his number one priority.  Don was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed by all who loved him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Agnes Hesse; his children, Cory Lynn Hesse of South Glens Falls, Donald W. Hesse III and his fiancé, Monica Lescault with his first grandchild, Ciara Elizabeth Bailey Hesse, due in August, of Fort Edward; his faithful fur baby, Chelsea Mae; his siblings, William Hesse of South Glens Falls, Alice Hesse and Thomas Hesse, both of New Jersey; his siblings in law, David and Susan Bailey of Middletown, Maryland, Albert Babbel and Kalaivani (Vernie) Ananthan of East Brunswick, NJ, Michael and Heather Babbel of Branchburg, NJ and Harriet and John Tate of Union Beach, NJ; his uncle, Stephen Bailey of Union Beach, NJ; his nieces and nephews, William Hesse of South Glens Falls, Ashley Hesse of South Glens Falls, Ember Hesse of New Jersey, Joshua and Alissa Babbel of East Brunswick, New Jersey, Jacob Babbel of East Brunswick, New Jersey, Olivia Liu of China, US Army Spec Kayla Ann and US Army Sgt. Shane Smolskis of Aberdeen, MD, Brandon Tate of Union Beach, NJ and Rohan Ananthan of Colorado; his great nieces and nephews, Alexis Babbel of New Jersey and Jase Babbel of New Jersey as well as many cousins of the Newburgh/Poughkeepsie area.

Friends may call Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A service of remembrance will be held at 8 p.m., following the calling hours, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of Don may be made to American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza Suite 505, Albany, NY 12205.