Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Louise Rachel Binns, 93, passed away peacefully, October 7, 2020, at her home with family by her side.

Louise was born February 14, 1927 in Boston, MA to the late Paul and Adele (Pascal) Arnstein.

Music always played a big role in her life.  Louise began playing piano while in elementary school.  In the eighth grade, her father brought home a violin and she immediately fell in love with the sound.  She enrolled as a scholarship student at the Boston Music School and played in the orchestra.  She also played in the Boston City Orchestra and with the Quincy Youth Orchestra.  She went on after high school taking courses at Boston Music School and playing first violin with the Boston Conservatory Orchestra.

On June 12, 1949, Louise married Sheldon Binns.  They shared 66 years of marriage together until his passing on September 12, 2015.

After two years each in Washburn, ME and Norwalk, CT, Sheldon and Louise relocated to the Glens Falls area, eventually settling down in Hudson Falls.  Upon arrival they joined Temple Beth El and Louise joined Temple Beth El Sisterhood.  She organized the Judaica Shop and served as its chairperson for many years.  She also served two terms as the Sisterhood president. She ran the Judaica shop for several years at Temple and kept it well stocked.   Louise also taught comparative religion in the Temple Religious School for over 20 years.  For many years, Louise and her husband were volunteer ushers at the Lake George Opera Festival. She had many dedicated years playing violin in the Music Company Orchestra.  She enjoyed attending many orchestra concerts with family and friends at Tanglewood and SPAC.  She also enjoyed baking cakes.  She baked several types of cakes from weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.  This became a hobby well supported by the locals.  

Additionally, her passion was teaching music.  She taught string instruments and piano to help out with lessons where her husband Sheldon was the music director at the Hartford Central School.  After Sheldon retired and the Hartford Community Band was established she played violin (the oboe part) for over 25 years.

Besides her parents, Louise was predeceased by her son, Ronald, and her brother, Martin Arnstein.

Louise is survived by her two children, Larry Binns (Janine) of San Diego, CA.  and Sandy Gutman (Alan) of Endicott, NY;  her four grandchildren, Steven and Aaron Binns both from Tampa, FL, Seth Gutman of Endicott, NY, and Cruz Binns of San Diego, CA; three great grandchildren, Matthew Binns of Tampa, FL, Rachel and Olivia Binns of Thayne, WY; her brother, Saul Arnstein (Laura) of Lake Winnipesaukee, NH; her sister-n-law Murvet Arnstein, of Scottsdale, AZ as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will be private at the Temple Beth El Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

For information regarding Shiva, please contact Katie at Temple Beth El, (518) 792-4364 or office@glensfallstemple.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Temple Beth El, 3 Marion Ave., Glens Falls, New York 12801

HUDSON FALLS – Robert Henry Pratt, 78, went into the arms of his father, mother and grandparents, Arthur and Matilda Kreppein, on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

Born on November 27, 1941 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Henry and Hildagard (Kreppein) Pratt.

Robert graduated from Hudson Falls High School, where he excelled in sports.  During his high school years, he was the number one quarterback on the football team.  He enjoyed his football, baseball and basketball. 

Robert was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and great uncle.  He looked forward to seeing Lucas and Riley, who would often visit him. Robert had such a smile on his face, every time they came to visit and give him a big hug.

Besides his parents, Henry and Hilda (Kreppein) Pratt,  he was predeceased by his sisters, Diane Salmon and her husband, Charles, Barbara Kilmartin and his brother, Larry and his wife, Deborah (St. Andrew) Pratt.

Survivors included his brother, David Pratt and his wife, Theresa; his sisters, Theresa Ibbotson and her husband, Craig, Martha Pratt, Kay Fischer and her fiancé, Lawrence Blackman and Susan Pecue; his brothers in law, Richard Kilmartin and Michael Pecue; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Grand at Barnwell Rehab Center for the compassion and wonderful care given to Robert during his stay.

Burial at Union Cemetery will be private at a later date.

Robert’s family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza, Suite 505, Albany, NY  12205                     or the William Syndrome Association, 570 Kirts Blvd, Suite 223, Troy, MI  48084-4153.

GLENS FALLS – Patricia Anne Denton, 79, passed away on Monday, September 28th, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital after an extended illness.

She was the daughter of Percival Denton, Sr. and Anna (Chamberlain) Denton. Patty’s mother died at an early age and it was fortunate that her father met and remarried to a lovely lady, Florence (O’Dell) Denton.

Born February 15, 1941, in Glens Falls, Patty grew up in Katskill Bay and attended Lake George Schools. She later lived in Queensbury for many years and finally Glens Falls.

Patty was dearly loved by her brother and sisters. Although she never married or had children of her own, there are multiple generations of nieces and nephews who adored her. She was unique in that each and every one of them thought of her as an immediate family member. A birthday, picnic, holiday or wedding was not complete if “Aunt Pat” was not present. Patty was a confidant to many and when asked, would offer an honest opinion. She never liked the spotlight, Patty was known to be extremely camera shy and loved her coffee, cigarettes and an occasional adult beverage. Patty was a Dallas Cowboys football fan, enjoyed classic country music and loved to play cards with family and friends. She was not only “Aunt Pat” to family members, but to all the children that she cared for and loved over the years.

Patty was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepmother, brother, Percival Denton Jr., and sisters, Gloria Jenkins and Elizabeth Bardin;  Patty was also predeceased by sister in-law, Marjorie Denton, and brothers-in-law, Thomas Jenkins, Erwin Bardin and Ralph Been.

She is survived by her sisters, Winnie Been and Christina Sweet, both of Glens Falls. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews from the Denton, Jenkins, Bardin, Been and Sweet families.

The last thing she said to her sister, Winnie was, “You are going to miss me.” Truer words could not have been said.

Calling hours were on Monday, October 5, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services followed the calling hours, at 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

The Rite of Committal was at Seeley Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

It is with heavy hearts; we are announcing the passing of our beloved Alfred (Bunum) Brunelle. He has moved on to the peaceful waters that are plentiful with fish.

Alfred (Bunum) Brunelle, 72, of Ft. Edward, passed away September 30, 2020, after a battle with cancer with his loving family and his companion, Tina Rivers by his side.

He was born in Glens Falls on March 3, 1948, the son of Alfred F and Anna M. Brunelle.

Al and his wife Kim raised her grandson, Demetrick Rawlins and he continued raising him after her passing. Some of his favorite times was with his grandson, Caleb Rivers who called him Poppa Al. His passion was the great outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. When he wasn’t there, he was doing various jobs. Some which included The Remington Grill, Simiones Bakery, Kubricky Construction, Finch Pruyn and various handyman jobs both indoors and out to list a few.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Al always had a good come back and a great sense of humor right to the end! He could be quite entertaining no matter the situation.

He was predeceased by his wife Kim (Taft) Brunelle, his parents Alfred F and Anna Brunelle, his three brothers, Carter (Joe) Johnson, Clifford Brunelle and John Brunelle, one sister, Mary (Brunelle) Potts.

Left to cherish his memories are his 2 daughters, Sarah Brunelle of Pawling and Irene Gulker of Decatur, Indiana; three step sons, Mark Rawlins, Justin Rawlins and Jeremy Rawlins (deceased); his four brothers, William Brunelle and his wife, Bonnie of Hudson Falls, Timothy Brunelle and his wife, Kim of Gansevoort, Robert Brunelle and his wife, Lisa of Warrensburg and Edward Brunelle and his wife, Cindy of Hartford; his five sisters, Rita Miner and her husband, Dennis of Queensbury, Lynn Wall of Gansevoort, Dorothy Wood and her husband, Dusty of Queensbury, Theresa Troy and her husband, Mike of Hudson Falls and Florida and Pamela Passino and her husband, Carl of South Glens Falls; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Calling hours will be at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, from 4 to 6 pm. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020.

Burial will be at the South Argyle Cemetery- Lohret Rd. Greenwich, NY 12834 at 1pm on Tuesday October 6, 2020. The Rev. Nancy L. Goff will be officiating the graveside services.

Pall Bearers will be his 4 brothers: Edward Brunelle, Bob Brunelle, Tim Brunelle & Bill Brunelle.

A Celebration of Life will be held shortly after at the home of Tim & Kim Brunelle, 421 Puritan Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831

We want to send a special thank you to the staff at the Glens Falls Hospital, C.R. Wood Cancer Center T2 crew for the caring attention that was provided to Alfred during his final battle with cancer. Their love and concern is deeply appreciated. Al made a lot of friends with the staff both times that he was a patient there. Thank you as well to the Hospice Team that attended to Al at the end of his final journey at Glens Falls Hospital.

Please send any donations to The C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park Street, Glens Falls NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Ronald C. Underwood, 70, of Hudson Falls, passed away on September 24, 2020 at Albany Medical Center.

Born September 24, 1950 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Clarence and Nellie (Alexander) Underwood.

Ron was a 1969 graduate of Hudson Falls.

He worked at various hardware stores throughout the area, J. E. Sawyer in Glens Falls and Bruening Bearing in Queensbury.  Ron enjoyed his work there, sometimes bringing his children along to help.  He was an avid hunter in his younger years and enjoyed watching NASCAR and old western movies. Every year he would look forward to his vacation to York Beach, Maine.  Many fond memories were made visiting his Aunt Pepe in Maine.  Anyone who knew Ron, knew of his passion for fireworks.  Every 4th of July you could count on Ron and his brothers fireworks show, where they entertained many family and friends.  Although Ron didn’t always share his feelings, his love for his family, especially his love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren was apparent. 

Besides his parents, Ron was predeceased by his sister, Susan Andrews.

Survivors include his forever love, Diane Underwood of Hudson Falls; his children, Randy Underwood and his fiancé, Laurie, Chad Underwood, Amy Underwood and her fiancé, Doug Mattison, Jr. and Meghan Underwood, all of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren, Jakob, Brianna, Cameron, Isabella, Mason, Alivia and A.J.; his great grandchildren, Marisella and Paige; his brother, Alec Underwood and his wife, Julianne of Hudson Falls; his brother in law, Stephen Andrews of Warrensburg as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Expressions of sympathy may take form of a donation, in loving memory of Ron to the American Diabetes Association, 5 Pine West Plaza, Suite 505, Albany, NY  12205.

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

A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, 11 a.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Andrews, officiating.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

GLENS FALLS – Kathleen A. O’Donnell, 70, passed away on September 22, 2020, at the Glens Falls Center.

Kathleen was born a twin on December 11, 1949 in Glens Falls, New York, the daughter of the late James J. O’Donnell and Anna Mae Corrigan O’Donnell.

Kathleen was a loving daughter, and sister to four siblings. Kathleen graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls, attended State University of New York at Brockport and Adirondack Community College, where she received nursing degrees in 1970 and 1973. Kathleen practiced nursing at Glens Falls Hospital for 30 years, a job which she loved. Kathleen also used her caring skills as a nurse to help many of her family and friends during several illnesses.

Kathleen was a devout Catholic, taking many classes in Bible Studies and Scripture in her Church. She was an active member of the Rosary Altar Society, Counter, Eucharistic Minister, took Communion to nursing home residents and other ill friends and strived to make daily morning mass. She would drive to Hudson Falls every day, and pick up her good friend, Kay. They would go swimming at the YMCA, then to mass, then out to breakfast.

She loved her dogs, Rogue and Sitka, and some of her favorite pastimes included playing her guitar, painting and drawing, riding horses in her younger years, playing miniature golf, and spending time with family, especially her great niece and nephews, who affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Fafe”.  Another favorite of hers was playing “Santa” for the nieces and nephews at our annual family Christmas parties. Every year, Kathleen looked forward to the Balloon Festival and collected Balloon pins from each year. She was very well liked and had a big heart. Once anyone got to know her, they liked her instantly for her kind demeanor and great sense of humor.

Kathleen was grateful for all her sisters who assisted her as she became more and more immobile due to Multiple Sclerosis.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest sister, Patricia O’Donnell Bowyer and her husband, James, an older brother, Thomas J. O’Donnell and her brother in law, Dr. Norman A. Enhorning.

She is survived by her older sister, Mary (O’Donnell) Enhorning; her twin, Katherine (O’Donnell) Frederick and her husband, Warren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her family is very thankful to the staff at The Glens Falls Center, Glens Falls Hospital and the Glens Falls Dialysis Center for their comforting care during her last days.  Also, a special thanks to her landlord, Dan, who was very helpful, going above and beyond throughout the years to make her life easier. 

Friends may call on Tuesday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Michael The Archangel Church, 80 Saratoga Avenue in South Glens Falls, with Rev. Tony Childs, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow the mass, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall St, Hudson Falls or the SPCA, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

MOREAU – Frances (Carner) Van Amerongen, 81, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2020, surrounded by her husband and daughter.

Born on January 25, 1939 to the late Warren and Marjorie (McLaury) Carner.

She lived her younger years in Castleton-on-Hudson. She graduated from Maple Hill High School. She was a homemaker for several years and then for more than 20 years, was partial owner and worked at Mosher Hardware in Corinth, New York and enjoyed forming relationships with many of the customers.

She generally cared about others and always made them feel special. She had a fondness for doing embroidery, taking care of her flower gardens, enjoying nature and she especially enjoyed making special occasion cards for family. Fran never complained even in difficult situations and always put family and others first.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Warren Carner.

Frances is survived by her husband of 62 years, James; and her daughter, Diana (George Ruff); her brother, Kenneth Carner (Annette); her sister in law, Marianne Carner and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours at the request of the family.

A celebration of her life will be planned on a later date.

A special thank you to Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs, Neighbors New York Home Health Aides and in particular, Tonya Joiner and all of the doctors and nurses who cared for her over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

HUDSON FALLS – Martin B. Keller, of Lafayette St., passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 20, 2020, at his home.

Martin was born on June 15, 1929, in Bern, Switzerland, and earned a B.S. degree in Engineering in 1953 from the Institute of Technology in Biel.

Afterwards, Martin worked in the paper industry, advancing to various positions with a paper machinery builder in Germany. He moved to the United States in 1956.

Before joining the Sandy Hill Corp. in Hudson Falls in 1961 as project engineer, he completed a successful assignment as head of the design, construction, startup and initial operation of a carton and box manufacturing plant in Mexico City.

At Sandy Hill, Martin served in positions of increasing responsibility, including Chief Development Engineer, VP Development & Marketing, Senior VP and President of Sandy Hill International.

Martin was responsible for Sandy Hill’s worldwide activities in the Wet Laid Nonwoven Industry and was the recipient of ten U.S. patents.

The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry recognized Martin’s technical contributions to the industry and his work significantly advancing the wet laid process, awarding him its silver medal in 1986.

Martin also directed the design of the Sandy Hill manufactured glass mat machines, which proved to have a fundamental impact on the flooring and roofing industry worldwide.

Martin enjoyed reading, sailing and cooking. He spoke five languages and kept friendships in many countries. He retired from the Sandy Hill Corporation at 61.

Martin was a supportive and caring father, an enthusiastic Opa, and a passionate American citizen.

His survivors are his son Peter B. Keller, Kensington, MD, his daughter in law Deborah Billings and his beloved grandson Daniel Martin Keller. Also his sister Rita Jampen Keller in Switzerland and his close friend and confidante Ann Bergin.

The family would like to recognize the caring professionals at Hospice and  Kim’s Home Care.

Funeral arrangements will be at the pleasure of the family.

HUDSON FALLS – Margaret L. Slater, 73, of Hudson Falls, passed away on September 14, 2020, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on December 5, 1946, in Nashville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Carl Shaw, Sr. and Sunie Marguerite (Walker) Slater.

Margaret graduated high school in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1968, she married Roger Slater in Atlanta.

Margaret loved crafting and sewing until her eyesight wouldn’t allow her to do it anymore.  She was a wonderful cook and her family and friends looked forward to mealtimes. Most of all, Margaret loved her family, she spent most of her life taking care of them, loving them and spending time with them.  She especially loved spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Stephanie Gilbert and her brother, Ralph Shaw.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Roger Slater of Hudson Falls; her daughter, Marguerite Newton and her husband, Robert of Hudson Falls; her grandchildren, Sarah Newton and her fiancé, Joshua Krywy, Robert Newton, Jr. and his companion, Rebecca Clearwater and Nathan Gilbert; her great grandchildren, Wyatt Krywy and Layne Krywy; her brother, Carl Shaw and his wife, Gayle of Atlanta, Georgia; her son in law, William Gilbert; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a private celebration of Margaret’s life at the convenience of her family.

Memorial Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Eleanor Mae Fischer, 90, lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, died on Sunday, September 13, 2020, with her son by her side.

Born on May 28, 1930 in Hudson Falls, Ellie was the daughter of the late James L. and Beatrice (Stalker) Brennan.

On June 10, 1951, she married Raymond C. Fischer at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.  Ellie and Ray spent 26 years together before his sudden passing on November 20, 1977.  She remained in their family home on Third Avenue for 45 years before moving to Earl Towers and later resided at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility.

Throughout her life she worked at various establishments before ending her working career as head cook at Fort Hudson Nursing Home.  She would be quick to boast about her Macaroni and Cheese and let you know it Never Ever tasted as good as when she made it even after becoming a resident herself. Ellie took great pride in her work and established many lifelong friendships with staff and residents before retiring.

 Ellie’s other enjoyments included playing bingo, puzzle books; scratch offs, shopping at the Dollar store and watching the Mets.  She was helpful to those in need and made it a priority to give of herself whatever she could.  It may have been a ride, loan or a meal when she was younger and then in her later years offering her newspaper/flyers and candy or dropping off an ice cream to a fellow resident.   She had a generous way about her but also had a funny/sarcastic side that many enjoyed.  Known for her one liner’s and acronyms, Ellie had her grandchildren always laughing.  These memories will forever remain with them.  Rest in peace you BAB!!

In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sisters, Ruth, Marilyn and Frances and brothers, James and Raymond.

Survivors include her son, Raymond and his wife Darlene; grandchildren, Samantha (Andy), Jared (Marissa) and Derek (Alexa); great grandchildren, Noah, Bryson and Kennedy; sister, Janice; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her beloved grand dog, Harlee.

Services will be private, at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in her memory can be made to C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801 or to Fort Hudson Activity Department, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, New York 12828.

Ellie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility (D Wing) for the loving and compassionate care given to her.  You are all Angels.

HUDSON FALLS – Roy K. McKittrick, 72, of Elizabeth St., passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born February 3, 1948 in Saratoga, he was the son of the late Leon and Mary McKittrick.

Roy enjoyed camping with his wife, Josie at Moffitt Beach campground in Speculator.  He enjoyed working with his hands, fixing automobiles and carpentry, farming, NASCAR, tractor pulls and taking long drives through Vermont.

In addition to his parents, Roy was predeceased by his wife, Josephine McKittrick; his brother, Leon McKittrick, Jr.; his sister, Elizabeth Abare and her husband, Donald; and his nephew, Larry McKittrick.

Survivors include his two daughters, Tressa Tardif and her husband, Joseph of Proctor, VT and Kattie McKittrick and her significant other, Jennie Mattison of Hudson Falls; his five grandchildren, Bain and Kwinlan Tardif of Proctor, VT, Camdon McKittrick, Aiden Cook and Selena Mitchell of Hudson Falls, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Friday, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will follow the calling hour, Friday, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Gansevoort Cemetery in Gansevoort. 

Expressions of sympathy may take form of a donation, in loving memory of Roy, to the American Legion, Post 574, 72 Pearl St., Hudson Falls, New York 12839.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff on Tower 2 at Glens Falls Hospital, for their care and compassion

HUDSON FALLS – Joyce Koktowski, 65, of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, September 10, 2020.

Born October 17, 1954 in Crown Point, she was the daughter of the late Buela (Guyette) and Michael Koktowski.

Joyce lived in the community for almost 50 years and had many friends and coworkers through those years.  She especially loved working with her Walmart family.  A special thank you to the many who made her laugh and kept her company.  She spoke so highly of many of her friends over the years.

Besides her parents, Joyce is predeceased by her nephew, Albert.

Survivors include her son, Bill Koktowski and his wife, Corrinn of Latham; her granddaughters, Ashanya, Sierra, Brianna, Bailey and Jayden; her three sisters, Anna Mosher of Fort Edward, Janice Moulton of Vergennes, VT and Mary Griffin of Sudbury, VT; her brother, Raymond Koktowski of CT; her nieces, Kelly, Heather, Vicki and Cassandra; as well as a nephew, Kevin.

Per Joyce’s request, there will be no services but, her family would like to thank all of you who have them in your prayers.

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