SALEM – Donald Jerry McKittrick, Sr., 79, of Salem, passed away Friday morning, February 21, 2025 at Glens Falls Hospital.
A full obituary will be posted online in the near future pending the scheduling of funeral services.
HUDSON FALLS – On February 19th, 2025, Marjorie “Meem, Mimi, Gigi” Ann Resetar was called home for a heavenly reunion with our Lord and Savior, as well as her loved ones that preceded her. Born May 10,1942 in Whitehall, NY, Marjorie is the proud daughter of Stanton and Catherine Perkins, and adored sister to Darlene (Doc) Pearson, Richard (Mary Ann) Perkins, Jim (Karen) Perkins.
Marjorie graduated from Whitehall Central School in 1960 and, on August 25, 1963, married the love of her life, Nicholas Resetar of Granville, New York. Marge and Nick shared 57 inseparable years together until Nick’s passing in 2020. They called Hudson Falls home for more than half a century.
Marjorie’s early years were committed to working at First National, Evergreen Bank, and the Town of Kingsbury. While many throughout the community will remember Marjorie for her warm smile that often came with quick wit and sarcasm, she will be remembered most as a loving mother to her children and grandmother/ great grandmother to her grandchildren.
Marjorie is survived by her children Nicole (Jeff) Doak and Marc (Camille) Resetar; her four grandchildren and three great grandchildren; Nicholas (Julie, Crew & Ellie, Beau) LaSarso, Tim (Julie) LaSarso Jr., Grace Resetar and Jack Resetar; sister Darlene (Doc) Pearson and brother Richard Perkins, and many other nieces and nephews.
Outside of spending time with her loved-ones and her beloved dogs over the years, Marjorie enjoyed collecting novelties such as Hummels & Dept. 56 Christmas collectables, reading books and having a love hate relationship with her Kindle. Marjorie also enjoyed watching her tv shows and re-runs of NCIS & Blue Bloods in between her stints of watching the news. Most notably, Marjorie’s sweet tooth led her to be one the best bakers her children and grandchildren could ask for. In her later years, Marjorie could not say no to two things: vanilla ice cream and bingo. While she enjoyed playing bingo with friends, she never lost her fierce competitiveness to bring home the jackpot for herself and Fifi.
Her family will hold a private memorial service, and she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Nick, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hudson Falls.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Marjorie, the family requests donations be made either to the Pancreatic Cancer Society and/or the Alzheimer’s Association. These are two organizations that Marjorie held dear to her heart and that impacted her loved ones.
QUEENSBURY – Warren E. Dunham, 88, passed away peacefully at The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, on February 15, 2025.
Warren was born on July 1, 1936, in Johnsonville, NY. He attended Lansingburgh High School and Albany State Teachers College. While there, he met Barbara Ryan, and they married in 1959.
Warren initially taught business and coached men’s soccer at Seaford High School on Long Island. As the family grew, they moved to Hudson Falls in 1965 where he joined the business department at Hudson Falls High School and served as Chair. He coached the boys’ soccer team to many league championships and later coached both the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams.
Warren enjoyed playing tennis and traveling. After his retirement, he and Barbara moved to Queensbury.
He was predeceased by his wife Barbara and his siblings Eleanor, Howard, Harold, Ruth and Walter.
He leaves behind his second wife Maureen Shaughnessy, and four children, Amy (Myles) McHale, Bruce (Deborah) Dunham, Christopher (Melissa Travis) Dunham, and David (Nancy) Dunham; and six grandchildren, Myles McHale, Meghan McHale, Bradley Dunham, Brendan Dunham, Connor Dunham, and Avery Dunham.
A memorial service will be held at a later time.
Donations in Warren’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.
GLENS FALLS – Daniel R. “Rick” Barry, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Glens Falls Hospital following a short illness.
Born February 11, 1947, in Potsdam, he was the son of the late Daniel R. and Eleanor (LaPoint) Barry, Sr.
Rick was a 1965 graduate of Hudson Falls High School. He graduated from Adirondack Community College with his associates and completed his bachelor’s degree at SUNY Potsdam.
He was employed with Community Workshop for many years and then went on to work for Unlimited Potential in Saratoga as the Executive Director. Rick loved what he did and took great pride in assisting others.
Since childhood, Rick loved taking road trips. During childhood he would travel to LaCrosse, Washington from New York with his parents and brother, stopping at many scenic points like Yellowstone. He’d travel down the east coast with his son, Steven, and to the Grand Canyon with his nephew, but his favorite place above all had been the Rocky Mountains.
Rick was a proud father to his sons Steven and Raymond. He helped organize and played pick-up basketball with his son Steven joining him after high school. Rick and Steven often bicycled to Lake George and enjoyed watching sports together. With Raymond he shared his love of science-fiction, history, and music. Rick was also very close with his brother, Scott, and while he no longer took annual trips to Virginia, they would still call each other each month on the day that coincided with their birthdays. They would always keep each other updated with their lives and recent events, and shared stories about their children and grandchildren. Rick was the honored grandfather of Ariana. They would spend countless hours talking about their lives, opinions, passions, similarities, and ideas. Once a week they would dine at a local restaurant and then drive around Warren County to sight-see and talk about whatever came to mind. His time with Ariana was precious to him, he was looking forward to moving in with her right before his passing.
He loved his classic rock music, especially Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven.” As a lover of science-fiction, Rick was a fan of the Twilight Zone, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and Frank Herbert, as well as many others. He was intrigued by the works of Steven Hawking and Carl Sagan. One thing about Rick is that he loved his sports, especially college basketball. He always knew about the players and which teams were going to be on. He had a habit of rooting for the national teams that he felt were the closest to home, like the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics. His favorite player of all-time was Bill Russell.
Rick was a man who was polite and kind above anything else. He would always aim to put a smile on someone’s face, whether it be a silly quip or lending a hand. In his final years, his family worked hard to keep him company daily and keep his health in check. In his final weeks, the nurses would speak to his family about how sweet and considerate he was, which was a quality he possessed his whole life. On his final day, he was surrounded by family and went in peace knowing that his love for everyone was returned wholeheartedly.
Rick is predeceased by his parents Daniel R. and Eleanor (LaPoint) Barry, Sr.
Those left to cherish his memories, carry on his passions, and spread his good humor are his sons, Steven Barry of Gansevoort and Raymond Barry of Highland Falls; his loving granddaughter, Ariana Barry of Glens Falls; his brother, Scott Barry and his wife Lynn of Virginia; eleven nieces and nephews.
Calling hours for Rick will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A memorial service will follow calling hours at 6pm.
Burial will be held at the convenience of Rick’s family at a later date.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Franklin R. Murray, 86, of South Glens Falls, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 8, 2025 at Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on December 1, 1938 in Glens Falls, he was a life-long area resident and son of the late Daniel and Eileen (Greenfield) Murray, Jr. Upon graduating from South Glens Falls High School, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served honorably. Frank worked for several years at Ciba-Geigy in Hudson Falls where he eventually retired and was a talented builder and owned and operated Murray General Contracting for many years. Frank volunteered his time with several area police and fire companies and was an active member and volunteer for the Crown Point Fire Department.
Frank loved spending time with his grandson, Ayden. He also enjoyed reading and cooking and was a communicant of the Putnam United Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Carole Murray; a daughter, Bonnie Keene; and a brother, Walter Murray.
He is survived by his son, Aaron M. Murray of Rotterdam; a daughter, Tara Murray of Glens Falls; daughters, Karen Wieczorek, and Kathleen Heal; his grandson, Ayden Murray; his close friend and caregiver, Shelby Allgeir; his brothers and sister, Daniel Murray, Eileen Palmer, Stephen Murray, and David Murray; and many people that thought of him as a grandfather to them.
Friends may call from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.
QUEENSBURY – William J. Hunt, 71, of Meadowbrook Road, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, February 9, 2025.
Born on July 3, 1953 in Glens Falls, he grew up in Glens Falls and was a graduate of Glens Falls High School. Bill worked as a tile setter for Tile By Description in Queensbury, a company he and his long time companion ran together. He loved working with his hands and always managed to stay busy, but he also found time to build with Legos with his best friend, who he treated like a son, Leo.
Bill was predeceased by a sister, Kathy Rither, and a brother, Steven Hunt.
He is survived by his beloved companion and partner for 30 years, Ellen Twiss of Queensbury; his step daughter, Victoria Anderson (Alex Kowalik) of Wilton; his best friend, like a son, Leo Kamburelis of Queensbury; a brother, Ed Hunt (Patty) of Troy; and his sisters, Cindy Hunt Kelly of Louisiana, Linda Burch (John) of South Carolina, and Vicki Goodspeed (Aaron) of South Glens Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 23. 2025 at Saluto’s Pub, 186 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Open Door Mission, 226 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
HUDSON FALLS – Rolland A. Rock, born April 8, 1949, in Granville, passed away on February 7, 2025, at Glens Falls Hospital at the age of 75.
Rolland honorably served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1973. Following his military service, he worked at General Electric in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward from 1973 until his retirement in 2011.
He found joy in many passions throughout his life. He loved spending time in his workshop and was an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Eagles. Rolland also enjoyed watching NASCAR, cheering for Rusty Wallace and Cale Yarborough. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, he created lasting memories camping with his family. He had a fondness for his Chevy Ranchero and relished trips to hunting camp with family and friends. His love of bowling in the late 70’s into the mid 90’s with his wife Mary, formed the foundation of his love for bowling that his family continues to share to this day. After retirement, Rolland treasured time with his loved ones and took pleasure in watching “Gunsmoke” and other old westerns. Occasional visits to the Racino added to his enjoyment.
In addition to his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth “Betty” (Gibson) Rock, Rolland was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa Rock, his brother, Stanley Rock, and his sister, Lucille (Rock) Schultz.
He was married to Mary (Delsignore) Rock for 53 years, and together they built a loving family. Rolland was the devoted father of Mark Rock (Jennifer), Christopher Rock, Scott Rock (Cricket), Steven Rock, and Todd Rock (Rena). He was a cherished grandfather to Philip Rock, Tiffany Rock, Elizabeth Rock, Evan Rock, Haleigh Akins-Rock (Madison), and Landon Rock. Rolland was also the proud great grandfather of Avery May and Emerson May. He also leaves behind his sister, Virginia (Rock) Lambert.
Following Rolland’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will take place in the spring at multiple locations to be announced.
Rolland will be laid to rest with his daughter, Melissa in the spring.
HUDSON FALLS – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Margaret Altare, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who peacefully passed away in her sleep on the morning of February 6, 2025.
Born on November 29, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, Mary was the daughter of the late Patrick and Anita Hickey. One of twelve children, she grew up surrounded by the love of a big family. She attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and graduated from Clara Barton High School in Brooklyn.
On April 20, 1969, Mary married the love of her life, Gaetano “Guy” Altare, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn. The two shared 33 wonderful years together until Guy’s passing in 2002. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their two children in Queensbury, NY.
Mary had a heart for helping others. She began her career as a candy striper and later became a nurse while living in Brooklyn. After moving upstate, she worked for Namic (Boston Scientific) in the international shipping department for several years before retiring. Never one to sit still, Mary continued to work part-time at Market 32 in Fort Edward, always keeping herself busy.
Family was the center of her world. She and Guy cherished time spent with their children, whether traveling back to Brooklyn, camping at Lake Sacandaga, fishing, or hosting backyard barbecues with loved ones. She adored her grandchildren and was always their biggest supporter, attending wrestling, football, and softball games, dance recitals, fishing trips, and family gatherings. Mary also devoted time to volunteering at Camp Wakpominee alongside her daughter and grandson.
Mary’s warm and nurturing nature extended beyond her immediate family—she was a “mom” to everyone, always offering care and kindness to those around her. She found joy in spending time with her daughter’s family at their camp, becoming part of their camp community, and making lasting memories.
For the past five years, Mary and her family faced the heartbreaking journey of dementia together. Despite the challenges, she continued to show love and care for her family in every way she could. In July 2024, she moved to Fort Hudson Nursing Home, where she was known for her kindness, social spirit, and caring heart.
Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Guy; her parents, Patrick and Anita Hickey; her sister, Anita Hickey; and her brothers, Teddy and Gerard Hickey.
She is survived by her children, Mary Catherine Collier, her husband Jim Collier of Fort Edward, and their two children, Alexander and Gillian, Michael Altare, his partner Cathy Hennessey of Queensbury, and their three children, Guy, Jessica, and Kaitlyn.
She is also survived by her “second daughter,” Amanda Cottone, and her husband, Frank Cottone of Fort Edward, and their children, Frankie and Vivianna; as well as several siblings, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In the early morning of February 6, 2025, Mary said her final goodnight with the same bedtime words she had told her children for years: “Dream of the angels. I love you.” She then peacefully drifted off into her eternal sleep, where she was reunited with the love of her life, Guy.
Mary’s love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 6 pm at the funeral home.
Burial will be at a later date in Union Cemetery in Fort Edward.
Bonnie Marie Keays, known affectionately as Marie, embarked peacefully upon her final journey on January 31st, 2025, surrounded by her family that she treasured above all else. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, gentleness, and unconditional love; an unforgettable impression on everyone who had the privilege to know her.
Marie is survived by her loving husband Robert, their three daughters Patti Corbin (Jack), Christine Barker (David), and Rene McGuire (Rick), and four granddaughters Jenna Barker (Robert Brisbin), Jessica Corbin (Kyle McMahon), Erika Taylor (Corey), and Justine Taylor(Ryan DeSantis), whom she loved “to the moon and back.” She is also survived by her beloved sisters and brother, Madlyn Sanders, Patricia Harrington and Billy Cenate (Leigh). She was preceded in her journey by her mother, father, and brothers, Marvin McCabe, John, Joseph and Michael Cenate, whose memories she carried like precious keepsakes.
Marie was born on September 5th, 1942, in Fair Haven, Vermont, to the late Joseph and Mary Mae Cenate, whom she adored. She spent the early part of her childhood running and playing on her family’s farm in Bacon Hill with her brothers and sisters, before moving to Hudson Falls, New York where she attended Hudson Falls High School and more importantly, the weekly Durkeetown Barn dances, her favorite hangout.
Marie enjoyed 30 years at NAMIC/Boston Scientific, where she made long-lasting friendships and was valued for her kind nature and devoted work ethic, even returning part-time after her retirement. However, her biggest passion and pride in life was her family, and her favorite job was being “Mama.”
At the age of 13, she met her soulmate, Robert Keays, who unsurprisingly fell in love with her at first sight. They married on September 11th, 1960 and spent 70 years together completely inseparable; their lives a dance of mutual respect, devotion and unwavering support. Together, they built a family that fulfilled their shared dream, and a home where warmth and affection were abundant.
At Mama’s house, the door was always open, and everyone was welcome. Her dining room table was a place where her family and friends could always find her to catch up, share stories, and most likely, be fed. She found joy in family gatherings and celebrations, preparing meals, tending to her garden (especially cucumbers), and the simple pleasures of watching her favorite soaps, knitting, or watching the birds. She shared a love for music with her husband, filling their home with melodies that played in the background of Marie’s life.
The unbreakable bonds she cultivated with her daughters and granddaughters provided a forever home throughout all seasons of their lives, never straying too far for too long from their loving Mama, a title that embodied the depth of her nurturing soul.
She had an adventurous spirit, traveling to places such as Hampton Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, Ocean City, MD, Boston, Ithaca, and many other places where memories with loved ones were made.
To know Marie was to know love in its purest form. She was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her ability to make each person in her life feel special and shine a light on their best selves set her apart as a beacon of comfort and warmth. She treated everyone in her life like a unique flower, nurtured endlessly by her gentle care, and all left here on Earth to keep her beautiful memory alive and carry on her legacy.
Let her life be a reminder that every day is an opportunity to dance, to laugh, to embrace our loved ones, and to find beauty in the simplest of things. In her honor, may we all strive to be the most loving version of ourselves, to create a legacy as rich and as meaningful as the one she leaves behind.
At Marie’s request, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held in the spring, when the lilacs are blooming.
FORT EDWARD – Frederick Stevens, 85, it is with great sadness that we announce that Fred Stevens, went into the arms of our Lord on February 2, 2025. He was born on April 10, 1939, in Schenevus, he was the son of the late John and Minnie (Groves) Stevens.
Fred lived on a small farm for many years with the horses he loved, along with gardening and planting flowers. Fred enjoyed people in general, church, camping, fishing, shopping, watching balloons and going on long rides.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by several of his brothers and sisters.
Fred was survived by his two sisters, Helen Mykel and Marjorie Dodson; as well as many nieces and nephews. He also left behind Bea Saddlemire, her children and family, where he lived for many years. They took him into their family and community and made him one of their own.
Viewing will be on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 12 noon to 1 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Immediately following, at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Deb Peacock will officiate a small funeral service.
Burial will be in his family plot at Schenevus Cemetery in Schenevus, New York at a later date.
Karl H. Pagel, born on May 9, 1938 in Greifswald, Germany passed away on January 31, 2025 in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Karl arrived in the United States from Germany at the young age of 14 and served in the United States Army as Expert Marksman, 2nd Class Gunman after the Korean War. He later became a United States Citizen.
Karl enjoyed spending time with his family and doting on his grandchildren. He moved from Massachusetts to New York where he spent the last three years enjoying life with his love Linda.
Karl is survived by his wife of five years, Linda (Mistretta) and their blended family: (predeceased by) Paul Duquette and his wife, Dawn of Plymouth, MA; Joseph Pagel and his wife Patricia of Holbrook, MA; Michael Pagel and his wife Victoria of Wareham, MA; Brian Pagel and his wife Maria of Taunton, MA; Kathleen Battles of Plymouth, MA; Heidi Wing and her husband, Michael of Lakeville, MA; (predeceased by) Laurie Rogers of Hudson Falls, NY; Holly Fadoul and her husband Pierre of New Hyde Park, NY; John Mistretta and his wife Yvette of Hadley, NY; Salvatore Mistretta and his wife Nancy of Chandler, AZ and Andrea Mistretta-Corlew and her husband Sean of Hudson Falls, NY.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian, Brandon, William, Zachary, Christian, David and his wife Hannah, Arianna, Leah, Aaron, Emma, Katie, Peter, Paul, Cole, Kendra, Ashley, (predeceased by) Stephanie, and his great-grandson, Harrison.
Karl is predeceased by his father Hermann Pagel and Mother Elizabeth Pogorzelski as well as his brother Horst Pagel. He is survived by his siblings Gunther Pagel and his wife Ellie, Stanley Pogorzelski and his wife Iris, Herbert Strautz, Monika Sick, her husband Jeffrey and her daughter Erika and brother-in-law, George Harris. He also leaves behind many other nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Monday, February 10 ,2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Prayers will follow the calling hours at 4 p.m., on February 10, 2025, at funeral home with military honors provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574 Color Guard.
HUDSON FALLS – Marie-Paule “Marie” Jacqueline Moore, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully into the arms of our heavenly father on February 3, 2025, with her loving family by her side.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Kevin (Lynne), Jonelle McCoy (Robert), Keith (Holly), Julie, and Aimee Smith (Paul); grandchildren: Darcy, Justin, Ashley (Kiera), Lynsey (Thomas), Marcus, Elizabeth (Aaron), Tyler, Travis, and Baiya; great grandchildren: Braxon, Adleigh, Levi, Ellie, Madde, Beckett, Abraham and Elijiah; and brother, John.
Marie is predeceased by her husband, Philip; her parents; her sister, Carol and brothers, Joseph, Roland and Kenneth; and her granddaughter, Jessica.
Marie was born on September 7, 1931, in Hudson Falls to parents Eli and Clara (Toupin) Oligny and lived there most of her life. She spoke French fluently in her youth and spent time in boarding school in Quebec, Canada. She later attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, where she was active on the cheerleading squad. A beautiful and charming young woman, she met her future husband, Philip Thomas Moore, on a blind date in 1951 and loved him faithfully for 69 years until his death in 2020.
Marie worked for several years for Glens Falls Insurance Company before devoting herself full time to raising her five children. She returned to work for the Hudson Falls School District until she retired in 1993.
As devout Catholics, Marie and Philip were longtime communicates of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church. They served as counselors for marriage preparation and founded the contemporary music group in 1972. Marie was a Eucharistic minister and served on the bereavement committee. She was a lover of music and continued to sing with the Joyful Noise music group until shortly before her passing. Marie enjoyed several hobbies including baking, playing cards and quilting. She was a long-time member of the Wing Falls Quilters Guild. Known as a lifelong avid walker, she became a certified Osteobusters instructor when she was 90.
She will be remembered for her dedication to family & faith, and for her generosity, delectable Christmas cookies, and prize-winning handmade quilts.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.
A Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, February 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s/ St. Paul’s Church on the Circle in Hudson Falls with the Reverand Robert Powhida, officiating.
She will be interred at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Hudson Falls at a later date.
Memorial gifts in Marie’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall St, Hudson Falls, New York 12839.
HUDSON FALLS – Ronald James Baker, also known as Ron, Ronnie, Bomber, Dad, Uncle Ron, and Papa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of February 1, 2025, at the Washington Center in Argyle.
Born on July 13, 1951, Ron was the second son of the late Donald and Ruth Baker. Ron grew up in Fort Ann, NY. He loved all things sports related and was a three sport athlete while attending Fort Ann Central School. He played 8-man football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. He got his nickname Bomber from Coach Sheridan while playing sports, and many from Fort Ann continued calling him that for the remainder of his life.
After graduating from Fort Ann in 1969, Ron went to college at Alfred State University, earning a certificate for electrical work, and HVAC. He returned to the area in 1971, and started working with his father for Washington County DPW, where he would work until retiring in 2007. He could be found plowing the roads in the winter and even conducted Plow Safety at the Washington County Fair. Upon retiring, Ron started his own business, Baker’s Electric. He loved helping people hook up generators and would often take his girls along to help.
In 1972, Ron was set up on a blind date with Arlene Wood. Mutual friend Arlene Greene, a fellow Fort Anner and teacher, set them up to go for a snowmobile ride. Arlene hopped on the back and the rest is history. She couldn’t help but fall in love with those crystal blue eyes and kind heart. And let’s not forget- that epic mustache!
Ron and Arlene were married on August 6, 1976, in Tupper Lake, NY. They settled in Hudson Falls, NY, eventually buying a house. They welcomed their first daughter, Janet in 1983, and their second daughter Sara in 1986. Ron’s girls were his world. He loved being involved with them in all aspects of their lives. Between piano recitals, softball games, plays, award ceremonies, musicals, concerts, and more- he was there.
Ron loved sports, and continued to be involved with sports in a number of different ways. For years, he bowled on different leagues. He was a season ticket holder for the Adirondack Red Wings, and later on with the Adirondack Thunder with his daughter Janet. He coached softball teams with Hudson Falls Girls Softball and was instrumental in building the fields that are now used. He attended every state basketball tournament, often with his nephew Jim, and went to all kinds of high school games- his favorite being his daughter Sara’s volleyball games that she played in and later coached. Ron loved being with his family, and loved to attend NASCAR events and attempt to canoe on trips. Ron drove a van during the girls’ childhood- and that van was often filled with people attending one thing or going on vacation with his girls- including his sister Sue and “sister” Linda. It was affectionately known as the Bakermobile!
In his later years, Ron became very involved with the Kingsbury Fire Department. He loved Monday night Bingo- and could be found calling games there. He enjoyed helping set up and take down and bringing home the leftover hot dogs at the end of the night. He also loved hanging out with his late friends Red and Don. However, Ron’s biggest joy at the end of his life was his three granddaughters. There was no one else who could light up a room for him like Amy, Anna, and Ella. He would just sit and watch them play, and smile from ear to ear.
Besides his parents, Ron is predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Jeanette and Arthur Wood, his sister-in-law, Carol Benson, sister-in-law Deborah Baker, his sister by choice, Linda Beaudette, his nephew, Gregory Benson, and his dear friends Red, Duck, and Buddy.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 48 years Arlene Baker, his daughter Janet Pratt (Michael), and his daughter Sara Baker (Chad); granddaughters Amy Pratt, Anna and Ella LaFountain; brother Tom Baker, sister Susan (Gary) Allen, sister Nancy Carpenter (Craig), and sister Beverly (Mike) Bruster and nephews Rick, Charlie, Jim, Scott, Brett, Kevin, and nieces Beth, Katie and Jenny, along with several great nieces and nephews, and friends he considered family- especially Brian Hesseltine.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10 to 12 noon at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 12 noon on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or the Kingsbury Hose Company, 3715 Burgoyne Avenue, Hudson Falls NY 12839
The family would like to send a very special thanks to Ron’s ladies at Washington Center: Star, Cassandra, Jessica, Marina, Shelly, Tanya and many others. You made his last days better and helped us too.