Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Douglas A. French, 77, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021, following a short illness.  Doug was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who will be immeasurably missed by those who loved him.

Doug was born on July 25, 1943 to Everett and Mabel (White) French.  He graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1961 and subsequently attended Norwich University in Vermont.

On January 8, 1966, Doug married the love of his life, Donna Edgerly at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Doug enjoyed an accomplished career at Glens Falls Hospital.  His engineering acumen and keen knowledge of mechanical systems were crucial to the “behind the scenes” operation of the hospital during his tenure.   As Director of Facilities, Doug oversaw the design and construction of Pruyn Pavilion and was instrumental in executing the rigorous building requirements needed for the installation of the facility’s then state-of-the-art linear accelerator.  Doug’s contributions at the hospital, led to his promotion as Vice President for Environmental Services, a position he held until his retirement.

Doug was a master carpenter and could expertly build a house as easily as he could make a stunning piece of custom furniture.  With his two sons, he started DA2B (Dad and 2Boys) Builders in his retirement and quickly found that the quality of his craftmanship and his integrity created a high demand for his services.

One of Doug’s greatest pleasures in retirement was going to the “flying field” to pilot his model aircraft with fellow enthusiasts and when he could, sharing the experience with is grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Doug  was predeceased by his loving wife, Donna, who passed away in 2003.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Matthew (Jennifer) French, his daughter, Mechelle (Chris) Barden and his son, Joshua (Melissa) French.  Doug was also adored by his grandchildren, Erica (Trevor) Jensen, Nathan French, Nicholas Barden, Natalie Barden, Isabella French, Austin French, Shawn Lunt and Alexis Peterson.  Doug appreciated the kindness and care over the years, from his sister in law, Deb Palmer and Colleen Russell and particularly treasured his 75-year friendship with Bill Larmon.

Sincere gratitude for the kindness, compassion and competence of the Tower 3 and Tower 2 nurses and caregivers at the Glens Falls Hospital -you are a remarkable group of people.

As per Doug’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and a graveside service will be private.

Memorial donations in memory of Doug may be made to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS & SALEM – Douglas S. “Doug” Barber, 62, of Hudson Falls and formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully in his wife, Erin’s arms at home, on Thursday, April 15, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer.    

Born on October 16, 1958 in Cambridge, he was the son of Barbara Barber and the late John Barber.

Doug spent his childhood in Salem and graduated from Washington Academy, where he enjoyed playing sports.  Following high school, for several years, he worked with his mentor and friend, the late Edward Shaler, in the trucking industry.  Doug later was in the wholesale car business.

He spent his whole life learning the ins and outs of playing golf.   Doug loved being on the course, where he made many friends and where he enjoyed swinging the clubs almost every weekend.  If he wasn’t playing his favorite sport, Doug was with his favorite people.  He loved his family and his friends.  Doug was a great friend with a keen sense of humor and sharp wit. 

Doug was blessed to have found his soulmate and friend in Erin.  They were a wonderful team that lived, knowing unconditional love.  Doug carried himself with effortless kindness and a gentle walk through life.  He will be forever missed and loved by Erin, his family and his friends.  Those closest to him will always be thankful and appreciative to everyone that cared for him and for his family. 

Besides his mother, Doug leaves behind his beloved wife, Erin; his brother, Mitchell (Lisa) Barber; two nieces, Dr. Lindsay (Sherman) Barber and Laurel (Brittany) Teixeiras; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services for Doug will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 225, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

GANSEVOORT – Nina Mary Nichols-DeHues, 59 years young, and a longtime resident of Fort Edward has passed peacefully on Sunday, April 11, 2021, following a long illness.

Born in Glen Falls, on July 6, 1961, to the late Carl and Shirley (Bates) Nichols.

Nina attended Queensbury High School, following high school she went to medical school and served in the U.S. Navy.

In 1997, she married Bernie DeHues, III.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Keara.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Aubree Bannister, Moriah (Bill) Hoffer, Hillary Bannister, Adam Bannister; her grandchildren, Keana, Kali and Mason.

A viewing for Nina will be on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the Town of Stillwater.

HUDSON FALLS – Venita M. Duffany, 88, a longtime resident of Vaughn Road, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2021, at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, Inc., in Fort Edward.

Born on February 7, 1933 in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Rose (Jessey) Mumblo.

Venita was a 1951 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

On May 25, 1958, she married Nelson E. Duffany, Jr. at St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.  They shared 58 loving years of marriage together until his passing on March 25, 2017.

She worked at the Imperial Chemical, formerly in Queensbury, where she was a private secretary.

Venita was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and picture taking.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by a sister, Vida Dashnaw and her brothers, Archie, Reginald and Donald Mumblo.

Survivors include her two sons, Mark Duffany and his wife, Pam of Hudson Falls and David Duffany, and her daughter in law, Lynn of South Glens Falls; five grandchildren, Patrick Duffany and his late wife, Sara, Jonathan Duffany, David Duffany, Jr., Michael Duffany and Alyssa Duffany; her beloved caregiver and niece, Paulette Foote, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Due to the current pandemic, services will be private

The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery, on Vaughn Rd, in the town of Kingsbury.

Memorial donations in her memory of Venita may be made to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Venita’s family wishes to extend a special thank you for the love and care provided by the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, Inc.

LITTLETON, CO – June D. Angrisani passed away surrounded by her family on December 10, 2020 in Littleton, CO. June was born on June 2, 1928 in West Reading, PA, to Stuart Henry Hubler and Edna Faye Hubler nee Goldman. Her only sibling, younger brother Stuart Denman “Denny” Hubler, died from fatal injuries incurred during a car accident at 21 years of age in 1953. He is forever missed.

June is a graduate of Reading Senior High School, Class of 1946, and Montgomery Hospital School of Nursing in Norristown, PA, in November 1949. After receiving her RN License, June worked at Community General Hospital in Reading, PA, until she joined the staff at the VA Hospital in Lebanon, PA in 1953. After her marriage, June transferred to the VA Hospital in East Orange, NJ, and then worked as a registered nurse in Glens Falls.

June married Arthur G. Angrisani on January 29, 1955, in Nutley, NJ. They treasured every day of their 59 years and 8 months together until his death on August 26, 2014. Her family was fortunate to be able to enjoy her time as a stay at home mom from 1956-1974. June and Arthur split their time between Hudson Falls, and Melbourne, FL, for several years until they sold their NY house in 2005 to live year-round in FL. Both enjoyed returning to NY for the Saratoga racing season.

For ten years, while Arthur pursued his career as a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer, June owned Village Wines & Liquors in Hudson Falls. June was an active member of both the Hudson Falls-Kingsbury Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson Falls Business & Professional Women’s Club. She was elected president of the Chamber in 1992 and received the BPW Club’s Woman of the Year Award in 1993.

June was a communicant of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Hudson Falls, for more than 40 years and was also a parishioner of Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, FL, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton, CO. After retiring, she enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels as well as being a greeter at Sunday Mass, a member of the Bereavement Ministry, a member of the Glens Falls Hospital Guild, and a helper with The Hole in the Woods Camp. June also enjoyed attending a variety of classes at Seniors Adventures in Learning in Melbourne, FL, which led her and Arthur to publish their memoirs in bound books for the family.

June enjoyed many interests such as reading, volunteering, orchestral music, ballet and the theatre. She excelled at keeping in touch with friends and family by letters, emails and personalized cards made by her for special occasions.

June is survived by her sons: Dennis and his partner Diane in NY, David and his wife Vanessa in MD, and Joseph and his wife Rebecca in CO; her granddaughters: Jacquelyn and Jessica in GA; grandson Matthew and his wife Adria in MO; granddaughter Julie in NC; her great granddaughters: Olivia in GA and Addeline in MO; her beloved sisters-in-law: Josephine and Mary Ann in NJ; and treasured nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews in NY and NJ.

Arthur and June will be interred at the Gerald Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, after a Memorial Mass in late Spring 2021. The specific date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a cause that was close to June’s heart: The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation.

KINGSBURY – Raymond G. Neumann, 82, a long-time resident of Kingsbury, passed away peacefully, March 25, 2021, after a short illness.

Born May 12, 1938 in Glendale, Queens, New York, he was the son of the late Olga (Olsen) and Fred Neumann, Sr.

Ray attended South Glens Falls High School. 

On September 10, 1960, Ray married the love of his life, Barbara Brayton, at the Presbyterian Church in Queensbury. 

For 20 years he worked as powerplant operator for Finch Pruyn in Glens Falls.

Ray had a passion for old classic cars, owning over 60 in his lifetime. He enjoyed working in the garage, fixing up the cars for resale.  Ray loved to garden, often trying to feed his daughters the tomatoes, which they politely refused.  He was an accomplished wood worker and made many items for his family, including furniture, toy furniture and doll houses.  Ray had a great sense of humor and always managed to put a smile on his family’s face.  Most of all, Ray’s family was the center of his life.   He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Besides his parent, Ray was predeceased by his brother, Fred Neumann, Jr.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Neumann of Kingsbury; his daughters, Brenda Barlow and her significant other, Randy Klena of Greenfield Center, Kerry Carlisle and her husband, Greg of Kingsbury, Kelly Savasta and her husband, Frank of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren, Heather Baker and her husband, Bradd, and their children, Jayden and Taytum, Stanley Barlow and his significant other, Katie, and their child, Avery, Codee Carlisle, Taylor Carlisle, Frank Savasta and his fiancé, Amber Marshall, and his daughter, Brynlie, and Asia Savasta; several nieces nephews and cousins, as well as his beloved dog, Barney.

Due to the current pandemic, services are private and at the convenience of the family.

Ray’s family wishes to extend a special thank you for the care provided from the staff at Glens Falls Hospital ICU.

Memorial donations in memory of Ray may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 2 Pine West Plaza #202, Albany, NY 12205.

HUDSON FALLS – Lawrence “Larry” Keith Bartlett, 80, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2021, after a short illness.

Born December 7, 1940 in Hague, he was the son of the late Clayton H. and Margaret (Penders) Bartlett.  Larry was one of 16 devoted siblings.

Larry served proudly and honorably in the United States Army.  After several career paths, he worked and retired from the Queensbury School System.  Larry’s kindness, wit and sense of humor endeared him to friends, staff, students and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  He was lovingly referred to as “Larry the Legend”.

In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Patricia (Neal) Foster, Margaret (Don) Prevost, Lois (Clarence “Tink”) Kelley, Lona (Larry) Jennings; his brothers, John Bartlett, Gillette (Patricia) Bartlett, Richard (Anne) Bartlett, Dennis (Barbara) Bartlett; his sisters in law, both named Linda Bartlett; his brothers in law, Henry Kelley and Joe Hutchins; also a special aunt, Lona.

Survivors include his sisters, Anne Hutchins, Marilla (Gerald) Washburn, Cindy (Leonard) Porter, Michelle Kelley; his brothers, David (Virginia) Bartlett, Leigh Bartlett and Clayton Bartlett.  He will be dearly missed by his close nephews, David Foster, “DJ” (Paige) Foster and Lawrence (Nikia) Foster and Steven (Kara) Charlton, whom he loved as sons.  He was loved and will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, numerous friends and his two dogs, Blackie and Ginger.

The Bartlett family would like to extend a thank you to his nephew, John Foster and his wife, Katie, for always being there for Larry and to his nieces, Kelly Jennings and Tammy Washburn for their special care provided in his final days.  Also, thank you to the staff at Slate Valley Nursing Center for the care and compassion they gave to Larry throughout his time there.

Go Dodgers!

Friends may call, Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Hudson Falls – Robert E. “Bob” Risser 86, formerly of Elkhart, passed from his earthly home into eternity on March 15, 2021.

Robert was the son of the late Herbert and Ethel Risser and was born at home on December 27, 1934.

He attended Wakarusa High School and was a member of Bethel Missionary Church in Goshen, IN.

On June 27, 1953, he married Phyllis J. Cripe at Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren. Their surviving children are Bradley Risser (Lucinda Russell) of Elkhart, Brenda Ummel (Devon Miller) of Nappanee and Kimberly (Raymond) Petit of Elkhart, IN. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Phillip (Jenny) Ummel of Nappanee, IN, Tracy Ummel of Chicago, IL, Allison Risser of Elkhart, IN, Trenton Risser of Elkhart, IN, Nicholas Petit of Elkhart, IN, and Tricia Petit of Bloomington, IN; three great-grandchildren, Isaac, Asher and Adalyn Ummel; and two brothers, Donald (Louise) Risser of Naples, FL, and Edward (Sonja) Risser of South Bend, IN.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents a son-in-law, Ted Ummel, stepdaughters Pamela Lawhorn and Jennifer Drake and grandson, Devon Bradly Drake. 

Bob enjoyed bowling in leagues and also golfing, where he won a plaque for getting a hole in one! He also enjoyed fishing and spending time in Northern Wisconsin at his parents’ resort. The family spent summer vacations at Risser’s Pine Shore Resort where they enjoyed boating and eating perch lovingly prepared by Grandma Ethel Risser. Bob is also remembered for his hearty laughter.

Bob and Phyllis were married for 27 years before her passing from glioblastoma on June 19, 1980. He then met Phyllis G. Staton, and they married in Buena Vista, VA, on October 10, 1981.

Bob worked as a driver for NIBCO for 35 years as an over the road truck driver and later in Quality Control. In 1998, he relocated to Glen Falls, where he continued working at NIBCO until his retirement.

Bob and Phyllis shared 39 years of marriage before her passing on June 11, 2020.  Bob is also survived by Phyllis’ son, Jeffrey (Missy) Staton and her grandchildren, Craig (Brooke) Lawhorn and Shane Lawhorn of Buena Vista, VA, Cassandra Drake (Mark Stockwell), Dakota Drake; and grand-daughter, Peyson Drake of Hudson Falls.   After Phyllis’ daughter, Jennifer passed away, Bob and Phyllis lovingly cared for their grandchildren, Cassandra and Dakota.  When Bob and Phyllis could no longer care for themselves, Cassandra and Dakota lovingly cared for them until their passing. 

While living in Hudson Falls, Robert and Phyllis attended Hudson Falls Methodist Church, where Bob was baptized in 2016. They enjoyed the sports and activities their grandchildren were involved in, especially football. Bob still enjoyed fishing, even taking his great-granddaughter, Peyson Drake, this past summer. 

As per Robert’s request, cremation has been entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. in Hudson Falls.

Private family services will take place at a later date and interment will be at Yellow Creek Cemetery.

The family wishes memorials be directed to Bethel Missionary Church 63473 County Road 7, Goshen, Indiana, 4652 or the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 Co Rd 19, Bristol, IN 46507 IN or in Glen Falls, SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

Town of Moreau – Frank J. Murray, Jr, 66, of Lamplighter Acres, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Granville Center.

Born on May 20, 1954 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Frank and Edna (Coleman) Murray.

Frank attended Hudson Falls High School and then began working for the village of Hudson Falls Highway Department.  Then he started his own lawn care business, because he wanted to be the boss.  After running his business for several years, he started driving bus for Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corp.  This gave Frank the opportunity to see the country.  He traveled from NY to Florida on many trips.  Following the desire to drive bus, Frank began working for the Glens Falls Transit, at its inception.  He enjoyed driving the bus and meeting new people in the Glens Falls area for over 20 years.

Frank was a camera bug.  He always had his camera with him so at the drop of a hat, he could take the perfect picture.  

Frank was a proud member of the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by several aunts and an uncle.

Frank is survived by his step-brother, Bernard Coffey of Town of Moreau.

Bernard would like to thank the Moreau Rescue Squad, Inc., and the South Glens Falls Fire Department for their assistance in taking care of Frank.

Services will be private.

Burial will be at a later date at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – John E. Pearson, 79, of South Glens Falls, was called home, after a brief illness, on March 17, 2021, at the Glens Falls Hospital. 

Born on January 15, 1942 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Emil and Garnet (Morgan) Pearson. 

John attended Hudson Falls High School and soon after, became an Army soldier for his country, serving from 1959 to 1975.  While in the service, John was proud to have fought in the Korean Conflict.  Upon his discharge, he transferred to the National Guard and completed his service record at the Civil Air Patrol, retiring at the rank of Sergeant.

John had a great love for his country and protecting its citizens.  He was a part time police officer in South Glens Falls, while working his regular job as a machinist as a tool and die maker. As a life-long NRA Member, gun safety was a priority to John.  He spent many hours teaching the NYS Hunter Safety Course.

On May 26, 2014, he married Fawn Howe in South Glens Falls.  They have spent the  last few years enjoying their time together.

John loved having fun on his motorcycle and at one time was a Road Captain with the Adirondack Riders Motorcycle Club.   If he was not riding a motorcycle, he was zipping about in his DeLorean.  When his son, Tom was young, John enjoyed coaching his son’s Little League team, this gave him the opportunity to be close and share time with his son.  John spent many hours building model railroad displays as well as studying real trains. 

Survivors include his wife, Fawn Howe-Pearson of South Glens Falls; his sister, Sandra Wood of Hudson Falls; his children, Tom Pearson of Hudson Falls and “The daughter he never had” Rae Butler of Queensbury; and several cousins.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Everyone must wear a mask and social distance while at the funeral home.

Burial will be at a later date at Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery in Stillwater.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Moreau Community Center, Attn: Gloria, 144 Main St, South Glens Falls, NY 12803 or the Moreau Emergency Squad, 1583 U.S. 9, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

FORT ANN – Michael “Mike” Raymond Celeste, 66, of Fort Ann, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 unexpectedly at Glens Falls Hospital with his family by his side.

Born on October 10, 1954 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Mary Jane Celeste and the late Martin B. Celeste. 

He attended Queensbury school before enlisting in the United States Army. Mike proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in November 1973. 

Mike worked as a self-employed contractor/equipment operator for many years. He also worked as a foreman for Croisier Management Inc., Sparrow Construction, DJ Contractors, Inc. and Rick McGuire Excavating.

Mike was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. He had many hobbies including participating in rodeo’s, driving stock cars, horticulture and connecting with family and friends on Facebook. Mike had a love for animals and took care of several strays.  He will be most remembered for his legendary sense of humor and practical jokes.

In addition to his father, Martin Celeste, Mike was predeceased by his grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins, Mike was also predeceased by two special cousins, Edward Fisher of Fort Edward, they were like brothers, and Tina Straut of Kingsbury.  

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life for 15 years, Jeanne Guillery of Fort Ann; his mother, Mary Jane Celeste of Glens Falls; his children, Michael Celeste Jr. of Queensbury, Lisa (Stephen) Friday of South Glens Falls; his stepson, Art Guillery of Auburn; his brothers, Mark Celeste of Hudson Falls, Martin (Viola) Celeste of Queensbury,  Mickey (Lisa) Celeste of Belleview, FL., Misty Celeste of Queensbury and Mindy (Scott) Dudley of Hudson Falls; his goddaughter, Kaelin Phillips; close friends, Gordon Labarge, Bubba Potter and Rick McGuire; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Friends and family may call Friday, March 19, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home. Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial will be 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in the town of Stillwater. 

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to F.A.C.T. (animal rescue) P.O. Box 4045, Queensbury, NY 12804 or Operation Adopt a Soldier, 891 Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831.