Category Archives: Obituaries

QUEENSBURY – Chelsey O. Dilorenzo-Hudson, 29, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at her home in Queensbury.

Born June 2, 1995, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Edith M. Hudson and John Ellis. At the time of Chelsey’s passing, she was a self-employed housekeeper.

Her greatest passion was raising her four-year-old twin boys, Marvin and Tajhan Grant (they were her everything). Chelsey had faced many challenges in her short life and worked very hard to better herself. She had a strong-willed soul and vibrant personality. Her smile would light up the room. She will be deeply missed by so many.

Chelsey was predeceased by her grandfather, William S. Hudson.

She was survived by her parents Edith M. Hudson and John Ellis; her children, Marvin and Tajhan Grant and their father Marvin Grant; her brothers, Nathaniel Flewelling (Shannon Varnum), Derek Ellis (Julia Jameson); her sisters, Brittany Ellis (fiancé Mike Pisapia), and Paige (Nicolas) Gazetos; her nephews, Brayden, Conrad, and Thomas, and niece Anna. Chelsey is also survived by her grandmothers, Sandra Sawtell and Lorretta Hudson; her uncles, Tim (Jane) Hudson, Stephen (Phyllis) Hudson; her aunts Sabrina Hudson (Edie Gardner), Samantha (Doyle) Williams, Amanda (Paul) Scharmer, and Valerie Hudson, and her cousins Jason, Joel, Justin, Alexis, Maegan, Tyler, Joshua, and Zachery. Chelsey also leaves behind her best friend, William (Bill) McGovern.

Calling hours will be held Friday August 16, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will take place at 6 p.m. immediately following calling hours at the funeral home.

A GoFundMe page will be posted via Facebook after the funeral for those who have shown interest in assisting with funeral expenses.

NEW MILFORD, NJ AND BOLTON LANDING, NY – Thomas Chapman Dietrich, 72, a long-time resident of New Milford, NJ, passed away, much too soon, on Thursday, the 8^th of August, at his beloved vacation home in Bolton Landing, NY. Cause of death was glioblastoma, a devastating brain cancer.

The son of George Thomas and Virginia May (Chapman) Dietrich, Thomas grew up in Ridgefield, NJ, where he followed his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousin into the Ridgefield Fire Department.   As a firefighter, in 1975, he led his eldest daughter’s kindergarten class on a tour of RFD Company #3.

A life-long member and councilmember of Morsemere Community Church, UCC (Ridgefield), Thomas met his wife, Lauren (Laurie) Maehrlein, there, in Sunday School. They married in July 1974, and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary at Morsemere, by renewing their vows, just 12 days before his death.

A diesel mechanic by trade, Tom worked for Ryder Truck Rental for 44 years before his retirement. He attended evening classes at Bergen Community College and Montclair State University, working towards a degree in history. As a constant learner, immersing himself in history, science, and religious studies, he was particularly good at trivia competitions.

Tom donated blood and platelets regularly for decades, until medications he needed made him an unsuitable donor. He participated nearly every year in New Milford’s Clean Community Day, often in a kayak, pulling trash out of the Hackensack River. His philosophy was that everyone needed to do whatever they could to make the world a better place.

He loved to travel and fell three states short of visiting all 50. He and Laurie made several trips to Europe, visiting the hometowns of many of their immigrant ancestors, often meeting, and even staying with, several distant cousins in Germany. His ancestry included Mayflower passengers, and he was proudly, if distantly, related to Susan B. Anthony.

At the age of 14, Tom bought his first boat, with a 10 HP outboard motor, while vacationing with his family in Rhode Island. His passion for boating and fishing, especially on beautiful Lake George, was well known by anyone who would listen to one of his fish tales. A family joke was that he would give up everything else in his life before giving up his little fishing boat!

He had a wry sense of humor, that often took people by surprise, and he never met a dog who didn’t love him. “Mr. Fix-It” endlessly tinkered in his workshop, and reluctantly left behind several unfinished projects. Tom and his son-in-law, Danny, loved finding good craft beers when they were supposed to be running errands.

He was an amiable, caring, and loving husband and an exceptionally devoted Dad to his children, Amy (Daniel Hernandez), Emily, and Jack. He was an indulgent, patient, hands-on PopPop to his six grandchildren: Brett (Bretski), Charles (Charlie Mon), and Evan (Meems) Hernandez; and Sutter (Sutter Boy), Cole (Little PopPop), and Quinn (Little Cutie) Totaro. He was his granddogger, Luna’s, favorite person.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Tom is survived by his beloved brother Cliff, of Ridgefield, who worked side by side with him at Ryder. Additional survivors include several much-loved cousins, and his sisters- and brothers-in-law, who loved him dearly.

Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Morsemere Community Church, United Church of Christ, 930 Linden Avenue in Ridgefield, NJ.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the church. Burial will follow at Ridgefield Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses, aides (especially Eunice, Eileen, Precious, and  Berilla), and therapists at Regent Care Center, Hackensack, NJ, who took excellent, loving care of him for almost three months; High Peaks Hospice; CNA Heidi Laramie; and dear, life-long, family friend, Sue Wittmann, for making his last days as easy as possible. Thanks, also, to the many family members and friends who visited, called, prayed for, or sent cards to Tom. He very much appreciated the love and kindnesses.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Morsemere Community Church, Hackensack Riverkeeper, the Lake George Association, and/or the ARC of Bergen & Passaic Counties, will be greatly appreciated.

HUDSON FALLS – Cindy W. McKernon, 66, a long-time resident of Hudson Falls, passed away Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024 at Granville Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Born on October 9, 1957 in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of Guy and June Woodruff.

Cindy was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School where she was a standout scholastically, being inducted into the National Honor Society and graduating in the top 10 of her class.

Musically, she was a very talented choralier, appearing as Leisl in The Sound of Music and as lead role of Laurie in Oklahoma.

After graduating from high school, she attended Crane School of Music at Potsdam, eventually graduating with a degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Cindy first taught sixth grade at Kensington Road School in Glens Falls. However, when the school system cut back and her job was eliminated, she took a different career path. She worked at several jobs before she began work in Customer Service at Genpak Corporation. She remained at Genpak until she became sick, eventually being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992.

At the same time, her daughter was in first grade at Hudson Falls with teacher Emma Homenick. Emma became a wonderful friend to her and so, as she recovered from her illness associated with the onset of MS, she became a volunteer in Emma’s first grade class. This continued until Emma retired, at which point she went on to volunteer in multiple Hudson Falls elementary school classes. She loved the children and ironically, the illness that took her out of the workforce, helped to give back to her the opportunity to teach again.

In the Arts community, she appeared with the Schuylerville Community Theater, the Glens Falls Community Theater and the Lake George Opera. She also sang, and was a soloist, with the Master Singers (now Adirondack Voices) in Glens Falls. She was a choir member and soloist at First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Falls since she was 12.

Cindy is predeceased by her father, Guy Woodruff. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Kendall McKernon of Hudson Falls; her daughter, Kathleen McKernon of Latham; a sister, Wendy O’Leary and her husband, Tom of Húdson Falls; a nephew, Guy Chaklis; and a niece, Keara O’Leary. Other than family, the most important person in Cindy’s life was Joyce Irwin, affectionately referred to as “Auntie Joyce”.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the future.

A graveside service for Dorothy V. Hughes of Hudson Falls, who passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Pine View Cemetery in the Town of Queensbury.

FORT EDWARD – Monica M. (Casey) Eastman, 86, of Fort Edward, passed away peacefully, Sunday August 4, 2024, at her home following a long illness.

Born August12, 1937 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Helen (Burke) Casey.

Monica graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1955. Following high school, she attended Saint Mary’s School of Nursing where she received a degree in nursing.

On May 12, 1962, Monica married Neil Eastman at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls. The two began their forty-year adventure and moved to Buffalo New York.

While in Buffalo, Monica took on her first nursing position at the local veterinarian hospital. In 1964, Monica and Neil returned to the area and bought a farm in Hartford, where she spent the next 40 years. She was an incredibly hard worker, getting up at 4 a.m., feeding and milking the cows before returning to the house to feed the family and work hands and repeating it again in the evening.

Monica began her decades long nursing career at Glens Falls Hospital as an operating room nurse. In 1987, Monica began working at the Hallmark Nursing Home (currently known as the Granville Center) in Granville as a Nursing Supervisor. She spent countless hours providing residents with the utmost care and compassion they deserved.

Monica made sure there were three meals a day on the table and plenty for the many visitors that would stop by. She loved cooking and baking for others, and everyone was welcomed at her dinner table. No one was a stranger to Monica. She was also an avid canner. Monica would spend hours canning the vegetables she grew in the gardens she worked so hard in.

Monica’s faith and love in God was strong throughout her entire life. She was a faithful and dedicated communicate of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church of Hudson Falls. However, most of all, Monica loved her family and cherished every waking moment she was able to spend with them.

In addition to Monica’s parents, and her ex-husband Neil, she is predeceased by her sisters, Anne (Sam) DePalo, Helen (Robert) McCauley, Mary (Joe) LeGault, Patricia (Gus) Brummagyn, and Bernadette (David) Mulcahy; her brothers Tommy Casey and Patrick “Bubby” (Kathy) Casey.

Monica is survived by her greatest loves, her son, Kevin (Tammy) Eastman; her daughter Suzanne (Dave) Rowe; grandchildren, Kyle, Kristina (Scott) Bounds, Emily, and Lily. She is also survived by her great grandson, Liam, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall Street in Hudson Falls.

Rite of Committal will take place Friday, August 9, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the Town of Fort Edward, immediately following the mass.

A gathering in honor of Monica will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial donations in Monica’s name be made to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Ave., Hudson Falls, New York 12839.

GALWAY AND TUPPER LAKE – Joseph J. Smith, Jr., 50, of Tupper Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT.

Joe was born on March 3, 1974 in Amsterdam to Joseph J. Smith, Sr. and the late Christina Walker. He was raised in Galway by Joseph and Tracy Smith. As a teenager, he moved to Tupper Lake where he graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1993. Joe had a long career as a Corrections Officer, working in many New York State Prisons including Clinton County Correctional Facility in Dannemora and Adirondack Correctional Facility in Ray Brook.

He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and riding his side-by-side. Joe was an excellent cook and enjoyed making meals for his family and friends. He also enjoyed snuggling with his pets, Blaze and Freddy.  But none of this compares to the love and admiration he had for his daughter, Kearstan.  He regularly bragged to anyone that would listen about how amazing she was, and often expressed that she was his true inspiration in life.

In addition to his birth mother, Joe is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Alfred and Jane Smith and his maternal grandparents, Roger and Marlene Sherman.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kearstan Smith (Tyler Chiasson) of Tupper Lake; his father, Joseph J. Smith, Sr. of Galway; His step-mother, Tracy Smith of Galway; his love, Paula Canell, and her son Cole Canell of Greenfield Center; his brothers and sisters, Michael Smith (Lexie) of Middle Grove, Brandon Smith of Galway, Dustin Smith (Kayla) of Galway, Kaitlin Smith and Karli Smith also both of Galway; His grandchildren, Leah Strader, Matthew Chiasson, and Sadie Chiasson; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation at www.cpof.org.

FORT ANN – S. Wayne Nichols, 88, of Fort Ann, died early Tuesday morning, July 30, 2024. Wayne passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

Born on September 11, 1935, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late William G. and Edith (Morris) Nichols. Wayne attended Saratoga Springs High School, and in his junior year, he joined the Naval Reserve in Glens Falls. Upon completing high school, Wayne entered active duty with the Navy and manned the destroyer the U.S.S. Corry. While in the Navy, he served as an electrician’s Mate until his honorable discharge in 1956. This experience led to his career as an industrial electrician for the better part of his life.

In 1988, Wayne obtained the position of electrical maintenance supervisor at Wilton Developmental Center. While employed there, he met the love of his life, Linda, and the two spent many happy years together as husband and wife.

Wayne was also an accomplished musician as a drummer and played in many top area bands. His proudest moment was the opportunity to back the Amos Sisters from Nashville, TN. Wayne never turned down the opportunity to play a benefit to help those.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Nichols of Fort Ann; his son, Ronald Wayne Nichols (Tammy) of Wilton; his daughter, Tammy Simmons (Mark) of Ballston Spa; his step children, Kimberly Hartwell of Gansevoort, Tracey Gonyea (Joe) of Hudson Falls, Christopher Hartwell (Carmen) of Crocker, MO, and Thomas John Hartwell of Gansevoort; He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren and his cousin, Ray Nichols (Sara) of Saratoga Springs.

Friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Wayne will be laid to rest with military honors at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 1:30 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Virginia Freebern, 75, of Hudson Falls passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Washington Center in Argyle.

Born June 25,1969 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Norma (Ferrel) Ball.

Virginia attended South Glens Falls High School. She was employed at J&J Lingerie in Glens Falls for twenty years until they closed their doors.

She loved watching old movies. Her favorites were “Godfather” and “Gone with The Wind”. In Virginia’s downtime, she enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and reading books. She was the biggest New York Yankees fan.

Virginia was a loving single mom to her three wonderful children. She was also a mother figure to her nephew. Everyone in Virginia’s neighborhood called her the “neighborhood mom”.  They all loved and respected her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Norma (Ferrel) Ball.

Survivors include her three children, Jesse Freebern of Corinth, Stephen Freebern of Glens Falls, and Rich Rathbun of Hudson Falls; her grandsons, Ricky Rathbun of Hudson Falls, Taylor Freebern of Glens Falls, and Marshall Freeburn of Glens Falls; and her brothers and sisters, Ralph Ball, Jane Ball, Rita Ball, Marty Ball, Henry Ball, and John Ball. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in Virginia’s name to a charity of one’s choice.

WADING RIVER, NY – Richard T. Hansult, 65 of Wading River, went on to a better place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the Glens Falls Center in Queensbury. Richard was born on May 20, 1959 to Marilyn DeLaunay and the late Robert Hansult.

Richard was a local chef for many years. He enjoyed the time he spent at the ocean and fishing.

He is survived by his mother, Marilyn DeLaunay; his siblings, Robert Hansult and Doroty Hansult; and his nieces, Lindsey Smith and Michelle Bovee.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to any local AA chapter.

GANSEVOORT – Robert “Dobber” M. Mulcahy, 54 of Gansevoort, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on August 19, 1969, in Glens Falls, he was son of the late Timothy and Darlene (Holmes) Mulcahy. Dobber grew up in Gansevoort and attended South High.

He worked for many local contractors and was a long-time employee of Snyder’s Drywall working as a drywall finisher and was master at his trade. To Dobber it wasn’t just a job, but a passion of his. He was hardworking and had a unique charm that everyone gravitated to. Dobber was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He had an affinity for lions, and black panthers, which reflected the resilience and strength he carried through this life. In his earlier years, he had a passion for boxing. He had earned golden gloves and competed in the junior Olympics. His hobbies consisted of enjoying a good puff with Tom the turkey, and watching football, cheering on his favorite team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

He was a rock music connoisseur, always testing and sharing the knowledge with those around him. But most of all, he loved to spend his free time with his grandchildren, they brought a special kind of light to his life. Although Dobber had five children of his own, many people viewed him as father. He instilled life lessons and always gave advice to the people he loved. He was a man of many jokes, the humor he brought to others was one of a kind, as was he. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Timothy Mulcahy; and his mentor and boxing coach, Temer Lazure.

He is survived by the love of his life and mother of his children, Kathy Powers of Corinth; His children, Jessica Mulcahy, and Samantha Mulcahy-Ross of Corinth, Rebecca Mulcahy (Robinson Perez) of Schuylerville, Kyle Mulcahy (Theresa Turcotte), and Tyler Mulcahy of Corinth; his grandchildren, Zoey, Quentin, Madeline, Lylah, Amelia, Reymon, Sebastian, and Simon; his brother, Michael Mulcahy (Iris), and his nephew, Brett Mulcahy of Ohio. Along with an extended family made up of loyal friends.

Dobber will be laid to rest privately at the convenience of the family.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at his daughter, Rebecca’s home. In true Dobber fashion, his celebration will be a 420 friendly occasion. Share some joint memories!

Our Beloved mother Denise D Rudenko, 58, lost her courageous battle against cancer on July 19th, 2024, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Denise was born in New Milford, CT on May 17th, 1966, and was the only daughter of the late David and Mary Arno. Our mother was a jack of all trades, but she was most passionate about her grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Throughout her life she worked in the health care field and in 2008 she opened her produce business Bull Hill Farm. In her spare time, you could find her in the kitchen, tending to her perennial gardens, or last-minute adventures and trips with her children and grandchildren.

Denise is survived by her husband of 25 years William M Rudenko, her brother John M Arno, her children Melissa (Ben), Nathan, Melanie (Steven), Mary, Natasha and her seven grandchildren Rauri, Autumn, Ruth, Brooks, Cullen, Charlotte, and Emma. Denise was predeceased by her parents David and Mary Arno, her brothers David D Arno, Dennis M Arno, and James M Arno.

Our mother will be remembered for always welcoming people into her home, her unconditional love and support to everyone, her passion for cooking and gardening, as well as her love for her family.

Our mother faced her battle against cancer with bravery and strength. Throughout her battle she remained positive and courageous, focusing on the things that brought her joy. Her fight against cancer was not only met with courage but showed an unforgettable strength and determination she had for her family and will never be forgotten. We will love you forever and always mom.

Services will be private for immediate family only.

HUDSON FALLS – Louis X Mumblo, age 68, passed away at 7:33pm on July 18, 2024, in his home with his loving family by his side.

Born on September 8, 1955, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Marjorie and Archie Mumblo.

On June 16, 1979, Louis joined Helen M. McClure in marriage.  The two spent their lives in Hudson Falls raising their family.  Louis and Helen were well known for their Post-Star paper route, having delivered for over 40+ years. In May 2021, Helen, the love of his life, passed away.  Louis’s family is at peace knowing they have been reunited.

In his later years he became known as the door man, aka The Garage Knome, for Memory Lane Towing. He would “greet” the customers as they came to drop off their vehicles for repair.

Louis leaves behind his dear daughter, Rosanna Mumblo, her companion Mike; his beloved sons, Louis Mumblo and his partner Jamie, Matthew Mumblo, John Mumblo and his wife

Pam; Grandchildren, Matthew, Dakota, Jacob, Kaylee, McKenzie, Brady, Preston, Riley, Jessiah, and Katherine “Kat”; Great grandchildren, Journey and Ava; Many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; His sister, Pauline Cornell, will miss the old ogre.

He also leaves behind his loving dogs, Ford, and Cinnamon.

A memorial gathering in his honor is being planned on his birthday, September 8^th at Memory Lane Towing.   

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to a go fund me to help cover final expenses. https://gofund.me/1865a377

GLENS FALLS – Gloria J. LaFountian, 82, of Glens Falls, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on May 23, 1942, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Pasquline and Dorothy (Bissell) Volpe.

Gloria was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School. 

On December 30, 1962, she married Reginald E. LaFountain at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, before he passed away on April 20, 2016

Gloria worked as a crossing guard for Glens Falls School for several years.

She was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  Gloria loved bingo, going to the casino and most of all, she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Monty Volpe, and her son, Reginald Steven LaFountian.

She is survived by her four children, Ricky LaFountian and his fiancé, Misty George of Glens Falls, Regina Wells and her fiancé, Dave Almy of Glens Falls, Robbie LaFountian and his fiancé, Amanda Koliada of Glens Falls and Robin LaFountian and her significant other, Angel Gonzalez of Glens Falls; her grandchildren and significant others, Jacob Wells, Alicia LaFountian, Rachel Wells, Jessica Smith, Jeremy Wells, Dominic LaFountian, Robbie LaFountian and Cecilia Gonzalez; her great grandchildren, Kole Wells, Brayden Vaughn, Marlee Warren, Jaiden Smith and Dallas Warren; her sister, Marie Luedeke; her brothers in law, Chuck LaFountian and John LaFountian; and several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved dog, Rocky and cat, Uggs.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the Park in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Albany Ronald McDonald House, 139 S Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12208.