Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS- Julie A. Cronin “Mimi”, 77, of Hudson Falls, passed away January 28, 2021.

Born June 6, 1943 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Fran Cole.

On August 17, 1963, Julie married Robert J. Cronin, Sr. at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.  Together they enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing on October 20, 2008.

Mimi enjoyed her many years working in real estate.  The light of her life was her family.  She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even her 4 grand pups.  Mimi will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her children, Wendy Diamond and her husband, Randy, Mary Legault and her husband, David, Stephanie Lemery, Robert Cronin Jr., and Jessica Cronin; her eight grandchildren: Tara Legault, Michael Legault, Kelsey Walker, Myranda Lynch, Kayleigh Porter, Caitlyn Lemery, Victoria Moon and Robert Cronin III; her great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lilly, Jack, Alanna; her 4 beloved grand pups;  her brother, Patrick Cole and his wife, Janet, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will take place in the spring, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in memory of Mimi may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza Suite 505, Albany, NY 12205 or the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

KINGSBURY – Katherine “Kathy” Amy Loveland, 57, of Kingsbury, passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.

Born on November 7, 1963 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Louise (Stevenson) Bean and  the late Francis Loveland.

Kathy attended educational programs through Saratoga Bridges. She loved listening to upbeat music and enjoyed participating in singalongs.  Kathy was a happy go lucky girl, always laughing and such a joy  to be around.  Her favorite food was all flavors of ice cream and to work it off, Kathy practiced yoga.   With help, she enjoyed creating ceramic gifts for her family.  She had the innocence and purity of a child and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Besides her father, Katherine was predeceased by her stepfather, Raymond Bean.

Survivors include her mother, Louise Bean of Ballston Spa; her brother, Dennis Loveland and his wife, Linda of Newport, TN; her sister, Doraine Miller and her husband, Patrick of Ballston Spa; her stepmother, Regina Loveland of Hadley;  her step-siblings, Richard Bean and his wife, April of Fort Plains and Terry Drake and his wife, Jennifer of Hadley; and her nephews, Daniel Miller and Aaron Miller, both of Ballston Spa.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in memory of Kathy may be made to Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12203.

MOREAU – Ruth M. Chandler, 89, of the town of Moreau, passed away from COVID -19  on January 22, 2021, at the Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Born on March 21, 1931, at Lake Luzerne, she was the daughter of the late William and Mamie (Scoville) Rooney.

Ruth worked as a waitress for many years at Howard Johnson’s in South Glens Falls, Dunkin’ Donuts in Queensbury and at Little Acres in Moreau. She then joined the staff of Housekeeping at Glens Falls Hospital, where she worked for 17 years, retiring in 2002.

In her free time, Ruth loved going to garage sales and tending her beautiful flower gardens.  She loved fishing in the Adirondacks with her son, Robert and watching “Wheel of Fortune” with her sister, Alice also watching the series,” In The Heat Of The Night”.   Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her beloved cat, Midnight.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two sisters, Alice Rooney and Barbara Bosley; her two grandchildren, Ian Alkire and Ashley Chandler, her special nephew, George Gebo and niece, Kelly Gebo and several aunts and  uncles.

Survivors include her children, Robyn Chandler Brown of Moreau, Richard Chandler and his wife, Erica of Fort Ann, Rochelle Maestas and her husband, John of Kent, Washington, and Robert Chandler and his wife, Kathie of Queensbury; her grandchildren, Courtney Converse, Wesley Converse, Andrew Powers, Stephen Powers, Ricky Chandler, Kristina Finlayson, Tosha James, Tonee James, Gabby Chandler, Angelique Parker, Cheyenne Maestas, Jeffery Hermance, Casey Russell, Corey Russell, Robynne Helm and Calib Chandler; several great grandchildren; one niece; one nephew; many family and friends.  Ruth had many loved ones that she held dear to her heart, including Linda Sue and Ed Wood.

Ruth’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her friends and neighbors who through the years have taken such wonderful care, have given a helping hand and much love to Ruth.

Graveside Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Lake Luzerne Cemetery.

Donations in Ruth’s name may be made to the SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave. Queensbury, NY  12804.

HUDSON FALLS – B. Jane Edgerly, 89, of River Street passed away on January 19, 2021.

Jane was born March 27, 1931, in Lake George, the daughter of Clifford and Althea Hart.  After the passing of her mother, Jane and her brother Stanley were adopted by her grandparents, Charles and Jennie Ross.

In 1950, she married Eddie Edgerly. Jane owned and operated Jane’s Sewing Shoppe in her home for over 50 years, where she made lifelong friends.  Jane enjoyed camping, crosswords and coffee with her friends at Stewarts.

Beside her parents and grandparents, she is predeceased by her husband, Eddie; brother, Stanley and grandson, Jarrod Fenton; very special aunts and uncles, Ed and Mid Benway and Charles and Gladys Ross, as well as several in-laws.

Survivors include her children; Lynn Havens of Glens Falls, Clifford Edgerly and wife, Donna, of Greenfield, Alton Edgerly and his wife, Bonnie, of Hudson Falls, Lori Harrington and her husband, Jay, of Fort Edward, Patti White and her husband, Chas, of Hudson Falls, and James Edgerly and his wife, Annalee, of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren: David Havens, Mark Havens, Sarah Havens, Jason Havens, Stan Edgerly, Jamie Moynihan, Joe Fenton, Jessica Burnham, Jackie Harrington, Charlee Anne Martin, Ethan White, Leon Carney and Matthew Washburn; several great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Marilyn); sisters-in-law, Thelma Edgerly and Mary Edgerly; and a very special friend, Joanna Marine; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid19, there will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Jane’s family expresses their special thanks to the Washington Center.

BALLSTON SPA – Jacquelyn Anne Royal, 73 of Ballston Spa, passed away January 16, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness.

Born February 1, 1947 in Morristown, NJ, she was the daughter of Thomas J. and Louise Anne (Yaccarino) Royal.

Jacquelyn held multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees in both the arts and sciences. She was a world-renowned textile artist, concert quality organist and pianist, published author, college professor, über existentialist and consummate eccentric. Her work in textiles has been exhibited and published internationally.

Survivors include her children: John Szot, Robert Szot each of Brooklyn, NY, Simon Moody of St. Simons, GA and one granddaughter as well as her sister Jeanne Royal and brother Pate Royal each of Pensacola, FL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church 167 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, New York 12020.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc, 68 Main St in Hudson Falls, NY.

FENIMORE – Elaine M. Bortell, 70, of Fenimore, passed away into the arms of the Lord, Sunday, January 17, 2021, at her home with her loving companion by her side.

Born October 17, 1950 in Plattsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Mary (Norton) Bushey.

Elaine graduated from college in Plattsburgh

She enjoyed playing bingo, crocheting, knitting, camping and reading.  Elaine was a member of the Ace Car Club.  She was a good-hearted woman.

Besides her parents, Elaine was met in heaven by her son, who passed away at the age of 3 from Reye’s Syndrome.

Survivors include her companion 36 years, Leon Ure and his family; and her sister, Betty of Texas.

Friends may call Tuesday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Following the calling hour, a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of Elaine may be made to the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

HUDSON FALLS – John E.”Baracuda Jack”  Armstrong, 86, of North Street, passed away on January 13, 2021, with his family by his side, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.

He was born on June 20, 1934, the first born of the late John and Marie (Baldwin) Armstrong.

On July 29, 1956, he married Patricia Stephenson.  They shared 24 years of marriage, before her passing on August 9, 1980. 

Jack was a record-breaking big game hunter and a trophy winning deep sea fisherman.  He loved wildlife and always had a treat on hand for his four-legged friends.  Jack’s favorite things were Myers Rum, Cossayuna Lake and the Florida Keys.  He will long be remembered for his love of life, friends and a good day of fishing. 

Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert “Bud” and his sisters, Jane Webster and Kathy Packer.

Survivors include his companion of 40 years, Patricia Laclair, who never swayed when it came to Jack’s needs; his daughters, Jill Collette and her husband, Tom of Cape Canaveral, Florida and Julie Stroughton and her companion, Don Welch of Hudson Falls; one son, John III and his wife, Carla of Queensbury; his four legged princess, Penny; his grandchildren Tricia (Matt), Todd (Karen), Carla (Russ), Eric (Jessica) and Jill (Anthony); and eight great grandchildren, who called him Great Pa. Jack’s words of wisdom to his grandchildren were, “Change is bad and poverty sucks”.  He also is survived by his four brothers, Jerry, George, Pete and Tom; his four sisters, Carol, Marie, Sharon and Helen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thanks to his buddies, Eddie Lapan, Bill West, Carey and Dennis Whitney.

The family also wishes to thank Glens Falls Hospital ICU Unit, especially, Kristen Canini.

Dad, enjoy fishing in heaven with Bill and Lester.  PEACE

A graveside  ceremony will be conducted at Moss Street Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, followed by a celebration of Jack’s life at the Cossayuna Lake Association.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Parkinson Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York NY  10018 or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 200 Bessey Street, 28^th floor, New York, NY10281.

QUEENSBURY – Reverend Dr. Gurney O. Gutekunst, Jr., 96, of Queensbury, NY passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital, from Covid-19.

Beloved and devoted husband of Dorothy; son of Gurney and Clara Gutekunst; father of Ann Valanzuolo of Longview, WA, David Gutekunst of Marina Del Rey, CA, and Claire Perlman Gutekunst and her husband Arthur Perlman of Yonkers, NY; grandfather of Kristin and Devon Gutekunst, Brian Valanzuolo and Jason and Jeremy Gutekunst Perlman; brother of Erath Matheson; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and friend and companion to his devoted dog, Pal. 

Gurney was born in Buffalo, New York, on October 27, 1924 and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from high school in 1942, he enlisted in the Army and undertook an accelerated program of study in chemistry at the University of Michigan, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in two and a half years. He then was assigned to a team of chemists working on atomic energy for the Manhattan Project, rising to the position of Team Leader in Dayton, Ohio.   

Though his interest in science continued throughout his life, Gurney’s greatest passions were of the spirit. After receiving an M.A. in humanities at the University of Michigan, he enrolled in Union Theological Seminary in New York, where he received an M.A. in Theology.  He continued his studies in theology at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge, writing his Ph.D. thesis on John Milton. 

In 1959, Gurney became pastor of the United Methodist Church in Rowayton, CT, before moving to Amityville, NY in 1964. He then became the Senior Pastor at Christ Church in Glens Falls in 1967.  

After leaving Christ Church in 1976, he taught creative writing at North Country Community College. He returned to the ministry in 1983, serving as pastor at the Hartford Yoked Parish and North Granville Congregational Church for 18 years. After his retirement, Gurney was honored to be called upon as a guest preacher throughout the North Country, from Hudson Falls to Warrensburg.

While known for his illuminating and inspiring Sunday messages, for Gurney, faith was never confined to a book or a building. He found great joy and meaning in nature and music, passions that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. In high school and college, he played piano in dance bands and throughout his life enjoyed performing jazz standards with an enthusiastic band of family members.

Family was central to Gurney’s life. With Dottie, his beloved wife of sixty-four years, he organized frequent family times. These included hikes in the Adirondacks, fishing and boating on Lake Chautauqua, skiing at Whiteface, canoe camping in Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada, and reading aloud books ranging from Winnie the Pooh to The Odyssey. The family bond continued throughout the years, with regular reunions at the family farmhouse in Western New York. 

Gurney’s curiosity and zest for life remained boundless until the end. Even in later years, he found joy and contentment in reading spiritual, literary, and scientific texts and listening to and playing music. Those fingers at the keyboard are now stilled, but Gurney’s passion and joyful music will live on in parishioners, students, friends and, of course, his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Inurnment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Friends may make contributions in memory of Gurney to The Nature Conservancy (online at https://www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/ or by mail to 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Attn: Treasury, Arlington, VA 22203) or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (online at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/donate-now or by mail to 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Il 60611).

HUDSON FALLS –  Shirley Louise Bristol McKernon, 100, formerly of Union Street, died on January 13, 2021, at Granville Center.

Born on May 29, 1920, in Great Barrington, MA, she was the daughter of the late Rev. George Fairbanks and Grace Faith (Peck) Bristol.

Shirley was a 1938 graduate of Hartford Central School.  She then attended Oneonta State Teachers College and graduated in 1941 from Mildred Elly Business School in Albany.

On July 10, 1942, she married Kenneth W. McKernon in Pawlet, VT.  They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing on December 13, 1985. They worked together as a team.   She enjoyed a good, comfortable and loving life with her soulmate.  As a couple, they not only shared their life, but also all jobs in running a smooth household.

Shirley was employed at the Post Star, in the printing department, for 10 years as an estimator and proofreader. After her husband returned from the war, they both began their career at Hollister’s Plumbing and Heating Corp. in Hudson Falls. She worked diligently as a secretary and estimator for 15 years.

Her faith was a central part of who she was. Along with her husband, Shirley was a member of the Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls, where they both taught Sunday school and helped organize the Christ Church Nursery program in the early 1950’s.  She also was a member of the Glen Star Chapter #95 Order of the Eastern Star.

Being a wife to Kenneth and mother to Kendall was her first priority.  She allowed her son to be creative, gave him a firm moral compass and instilled in him a strong work ethic.   Shirley was very happy to live the life she had.  She was kind to all those she met and always willing to give of herself in a gentle way to those in need.

Survivors include her devoted son, Kendall Fairbanks McKernon and his wife, Cindy;  her loving granddaughter, Kathleen Kendall McKernon; David Putnam, whom she thought of as her second son; her former daughter in law, Mary Putnam; her good friend, whom she shared many wonderful experiences, Romayne Gilliland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At a later date, she will be laid to rest, next to her husband, at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

Memorial donations in memory of Shirley may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205

MOREAU – George Henry Lemery, 91, of Moreau, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born January 7, 1930 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Anthime and Clara (Payant)

Lemery.

George was a 1949 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls.

On October 15, 1950, he married Jeannine Thompson at St. Alphonsus Church in Glens Falls, NY. They shared 41 years of marriage before her passing on May 29, 1991.

George retired in 1991, after 30 years of service, from Finch Pruyn & Company.

In his early years, George enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed watching sports on television, especially his favorite teams the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Football, and the New York Giants. He also took pride in his yard and vegetable gardens. George was a communicant of St. Michael The Archangel Church in South Glens Falls. He wintered in Fort Myers, Florida for over 20 years. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  In his later years he enjoyed taking trips with the seniors at the Moreau Community Center.

Besides his parents, George was predeceased by his wife Jeannine, and young son Phillip J. Lemery, five brothers: Raymond, John, Armand, Lawrence, and Andre, and one sister, Estelle Lindsey.

Survivors include his son Paul Lemery and his wife Linda of Orange City, Florida, son David Lemery and his wife Vanessa of South Glens Falls, NY, daughter Janice Thoreson of Valparaiso, Indiana, and daughter Donna Bramer and her husband Lloyd of Franklin Falls, NY. Eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law Barbara Lemery of Hudson Falls, NY.

The Rite of Committal will take place Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11 a.m., in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

Donations in memory of George may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Romona M. “Mona” Clements, 90, formerly of Speakman Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

Born on May 7, 1930 in East Hardwick, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Elwin P. and Eula (Ashe) Waterman.

Following high school, Romona moved to Maine with her first husband, Virgil Curtis. She loved living in Maine as she could be near the ocean.  In 1962, she married Richard J. Clements in Bolton Landing. He passed away on January 25, 2007, after 45 years of marriage.

For many years, Romona was employed at C. R. Bard, Inc., in Queensbury, retiring in 1989. After her retirement, she began working part-time at Price Chopper in Queensbury and Glens Falls. It was a job she loved because Romona was a people person and it gave her the opportunity to be around many people.

When she was younger, Romona was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls.

One of her favorite pastimes was going shopping and cooking. Romona was known to have baked wonderful cheesecakes and delicious mashed potatoes.   In her younger years, she was on a bowling team, where she made many friends and memories.  Romona loved camping with her family.  On one memorable trip they all ended up camping in a parking lot in New York City.   One great Romona story was her bragging that she never was picked up while driving, only to be pulled over with two grandchildren in the car.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Neild Waterman, Sylvia Carter, Theodore Waterman, Ethel Moss and Doris Wilson. 

Survivors include her children, Larry Curtis and his wife, Sharon of Havelock, North Carolina, Doris Anne Coon and her husband, Timothy of Bolton Landing, Linwood Curtis of South Glens Falls and Garald Curtis and his wife, Becky of Lake City, Florida; her grandchildren, Shawn Curtis, Gregory Curtis and his wife, Ashley, Matthew Curtis, Kimberly Rabideau and her husband, Ammar, Cachelle Curtis, Adrienne Mansmith and her husband, Josh and Ashley Curtis; many great grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Due to the pandemic, 35 people are allowed in the funeral home and everyone must wear masks.

Burial will be in the spring at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree Street, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA  30309.

GLENS FALLS & SARATOGA SPRINGS – Second Lieutenant Carl Anthony Christopher Cappiello, 63, completed his life’s journey, and began his eternal life with our Lord on January 9th, 2021.  A reprieve from the long chronic health issues stemming from his service in Desert Storm, which was further complicated by his diagnosis of COVID-19.

Born March 3,1957 in Schenectady, Carl attended St. Helen’s Catholic School and Bishop Gibbons, where the Nun’s at St. Helens and the Brothers at Bishop Gibbons always referred to him as the ringleader of chaos, which he certainly was.  He graduated in 1976 Linton High School and was extremely proud of his football accomplishments, where he was offensive guard.  He further went on to graduate from Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Saratoga BOCES LPN program in 1989.  From there, he achieved his dream and received his A.S. degree as a registered nurse. For most of his youth, Carl worked for the family cheese factory, Virginia Foods, which was part of the Cappiello Cheese Company. He then put in 10 years at the Teresian House as an R.N., prior to his deployment to Asia.

Carl’s military career spanned almost nineteen years and he was one of only 10 soldiers to be deployed out of the 364th General Hospital in Albany for his tour of Asia.  As a veteran of the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia, he served with the 47th Washington MASH Combat Support Hospital, which was first to respond to the frontline casualties.  Unfortunately, he was also a victim of Gulf War Syndrome, following an attack that was a mix of Seron and VX nerve gas.

Carl was extremely proud of his service to his country and was the recipient of several well- deserved medals prior to his honorable discharge. Those medals included: The Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Expert M16 Rifle Medal, Cold War Era Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Desert Storm/Gulf War Service Medal, Southwest Asia Gulf Storm Service Medal, Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Liberation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and last but not least, the Honorable Discharge Medal.

Married December 6th 1990, to his loving wife, Yvonne Duval, (the long lasting marriage that spanned 30 years that took place 2 days before his deployment).  Carl is also survived by their daughter, Kyra (Zach) Bennett; two grandsons, Owen and Todd of Glens Falls; brother-in-law, Raymond Duval of Queensbury; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Roberts of Fort Edward; and various nieces and nephews.

Carl is predeceased by his parents, Dante and Virginia (Fleres) Cappiello, and his beloved brother, Frankie Cappiello, his in-laws, Raymond Sr. and Adelaide Duval, sister-in-law, Barbara (Johnston) Duval, and brother-in-law, Clifford Roberts.

Carl’s interests included, weather, photography, history, dinosaurs, footballs, cars, riding his motorcycle, lawn care as well as snow blowing for his neighborhood, writing texts ALL IN CAPITALS, nursing, camouflage, tropical fish, and a newly discovered love of cats in the early 90’s.

Carl will be laid to rest in Honor, at his family’s convenience in General B. Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In remembrance of Carl, donations may be made to his favorite charities which include: Fisher House, 113 Avenue Albany, NY, 12208 or The Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis Tennessee, 38105 or the Community Animal Action Project, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY, 12871.

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