Category Archives: Obituaries

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.

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.