HUDSON FALLS – Michael J. Hermance, Sr., 68, of Hudson Falls, passed away Friday evening, December 29, 2023 at Glens Falls Hospital after a long illness, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 20, 1955 in Glens Falls, he was a life-long area resident and son of the late Robert and Viola Mary (Terry) Bennett. Michael was a graduate of Glens Falls High School. He worked for many years in the paving industry employed by Wells Paving and Coopers Paving, and in his down time would drive a cab.

Michael was a big fan of Wrestling and a die-hard New England Patriots fan. He also enjoyed playing bingo at the local establishments and loved to ride his motorcycle.

In addition to his parents, Michael is predeceased by three sisters, Ann Smith, Mary Foster, and Rebecca Dickinson; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa M. Tougaw.

He is survived by his son, Michael J. Hermance, II. of Hudson Falls; a daughter, Carla Hermance Fish (Robert Cronin) of Hudson Falls; three sisters, Shirley Wysong (Terry), Jackie Woodward, and Elizabeth Bennett Evans; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Friends may call from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the funeral home prior to the services.

KINGSBURY – Randy D. Getty, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, in the comfort of his home.

Born September 10, 1958, in Glens Falls, NY, he was the eldest son of the late Raymond and Carolyn (Reynolds) Getty. 

Randy graduated from Hartford Central School in 1976. Since the impressionable age of twelve, Randy was operating tractors and even planting corn. His passion for land stewardship, equipment, technology and maintenance was cemented when he won the tractor operator contest at the Washington County Fair, and went on to compete at the New York State Fair.

His outgoing personality, and innovative thinking secured him leadership roles in his youth, and long into his adult years with service on several boards, and community leadership positions including Kingsbury Town Planning, Cooperative Extension, and National Milk Producers Federation.

He married Betty Hitchcock on October 16, 1982 at the West Hebron Presbyterian Church where he was a member. During their 41 years together, they operated Main Drag Farm, in Kingsbury. Each success of their business was celebrated and they learned not to be afraid of taking risks knowing that with hard work (and enough kids to help), they would reap the rewards. He was obsessed in finding efficiencies not only in running the business, but in performing everyday tasks ensuring that time and effort were never wasted. As the next generation took over the business, Randy continued to provide unsolicited insights both loudly and proudly, hoping to influence key decisions. Dubbed Ideal Dairy’s Chief of Acquisitions, he never turned down an opportunity to procure a truck or tractor, or spend time with his grandchildren handing down the skills of equipment operation. As Poppy, there was never enough time spent doting on his grandchildren from reading stories on the couch, munching s’mores by the firepit, or finding a quiet moment to make a loud noise from blowing an air horn, ringing the dinner bell, and doing the “screaming goat.”

This year Randy took what was a debilitating diagnosis and created an opportunity to share his love of the harvest season, educating the public on agriculture, all while raising money for two important causes. In three short weeks he raised over $6,500 supporting Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and The Glens Falls Hospital Foundation connecting people back to the land, and their food source. 

He prioritized both business growth and personal enjoyment, finding opportunities for agri-tourism, and personal relaxation exploring 18 countries and many states across the USA. He brought people together to celebrate life, including planning his own “surprise birthday party.” May we all embrace life like Randy; with innovative thinking, grit and determination, bold creativity, and a serious amount of fun. 

In addition to his parents, and his in-laws, Norman and Marion Hitchcock, he was predeceased by his infant brother Kyle Raymond Getty.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty H. Getty; son, Kyle (Rella) Getty, and their children: Ford, Jack, and Neil; daughter, Emily (Nick) Getty-LaFountain and their children: Clay, and Graham; son, Luke (Jessica) Getty and their children: Evelyn, Beau, Grant, and Sutton; son, Tyler (Hillary) Getty and their child: Rory; sister, Diane (Randy) Smith; sister, Sally Getty; sister, Bonnie (Richard) Plue; brother, Terry (Gail) Getty; sister, Rhonda (Gary) Davies; brother, Kevin (Alison) Getty; brother, Brian (Winifred) Getty; sister, Wendy (Jason) Harrington and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregivers: Dr. Darci Gaiotti-Grubbs and her team, the hospice nursing team, countless family, and friends for their supportive care.
Friends may call on the family at The Kingsbury Baptist Church, 1790 Church Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, from 11:00am – 2:00pm and 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, December 28. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday, December 29 at The Kingsbury Baptist Church, 1790 Church Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Randy’s memory can do so to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or The Kingsbury Baptist Church, ℅ Sylvia Weaver, 153 Dean Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839

HUDSON FALLS – It is with profound sadness that I tell you my best friend and mother, Roseleen P. Hogan, has passed away after a long illness at the age of 89. Roseleen P. Hogan, passed quietly at the Washington Center surrounded by family on December 19, 2023.

Born in Albany on May 29, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Chester J. and Evelina (Tougaw) Perkett. In 1939, the family moved from Albany to Hudson Falls. Mrs. Hogan was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls and attended St. Ann’s Church in Fort Ann for many years, serving as a lector and Eucharist Minister.

She attended the former St. Paul’s Parochial School in Hudson Falls and graduated in 1951 from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls.  Mrs. Hogan was employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Glens Falls, retiring in April 1996, after 42 years of service. She was a former member of St. Ann Society and in 1988, she joined the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Mater Mariae in Fort Ann and served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Regent, and Regent, throughout the course of her membership.

Mrs. Hogan was very active in the Bereavement Ministry at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls. Following early retirement in 1996, Roseleen enjoyed activities which included playing with her cat, “Willow”, traveling with Senior Citizens on their group trips, reading articles on the Civil War, watching Robert Redford movies and when the weather was nice, she liked to go “tombstone touring” through the old cemeteries. She really enjoyed going to new places. Especially Vermont. Roseleen was an avid Pinochle and Skip Bo card player.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by four brothers, Chester and Lawrence Perkett who passed away as infants and Paul E., Jack A. Perkett. Mrs. Hogan is survived by her only daughter Peggy (Hogan) and son-in-law, Kimm Vydareny of Queensbury; a couple cousins; and many friends and former co-workers.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

For those wishing to donate in my mother’s honor, you can donate to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association ,1003 New Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047 or to the SPCA of your choosing.

Margaret would like to thank Roseleen’s best friend, Lee York, for remaining best friends throughout this journey with her mom. She would also like to thank two of the best caregiver friends she could ever have, Erin Powell and Elaine Lancette, who showed up no matter what. The family would also like to thank Dr. Anthony Izzo, Dr. David Judkins, and Dr. Mark Hoffman as well as their staff and nurses for the wonderful care provided for Roseleen during this difficult time.

GLENS FALLS – Lindsey Ann Capone, 34, of Glens Falls, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2023, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born in Glens Falls, Lindsey was the daughter of Tammy Whitt (Scott LaRock) and Paul Capone (Renee Rathbun).

Lindsey was a 2009 graduate of Lake George High School. Following graduation, she jumped right into working. Sometimes working 3 jobs at a time.  There were many times Lindsey would work all 3 jobs in one day. Lindsey found her passion while working for WWAARC at the Arburger House on Big Boom Road in Queensbury.

She loved where she worked and enjoyed being with her clients. Lindsey was an avid reader. However, her greatest love was her daughter Harmony. Lindsey truly loved her entire family.  She was well known for always being late to whatever event she was to attend.

Lindsey is predeceased by her grandparents Margaret Whitt, Terence Scally, Shirley Capone, and Daniel Capone. She is also predeceased by her uncle, Daniel Capone; and Chet Bailey, the true love of her life.

Left to cherish Lindsey’s memory is her beautiful daughter, Harmony Capone McKinney; her mother Tammy Whitt (Scott LaRock); father, Paul Capone (Renee Rathbun); her brothers Terence Blanchard and Logan O’Connor; her niece, Kyleigh Blanchard, and nephew Gage Blanchard; her aunt, Mary Dean and husband, Mark; several other aunts, uncles and cousins on the Whitt side of the family; her paternal aunts, Laurie Lee, Michelle Smith, and Verna Delisle; and several very special cousins and extended family members.  Lindsey is also survived by Candy Winslow; Harmony’s father, Clayton McKinney; Lea Winchell (and children); and Molly Bailey who was like a daughter.

A gathering in Lindsay’s memory will be held at a later date to be announced by her family.

Lindsey’s family would like to thank the Glens Falls Police Department for their support and assistance during this difficult time.

FORT EDWARD – William Howard Stemp, 69, of Fort Edward, passed away on Monday morning, December 18, 2023 after a hard battle brought on by a stroke earlier in the year.

Born on December 27, 1953 in Glens Falls, he was a life long area resident and son of the late Jack E. and Ida Eileen (Yount) Stemp. Bill was a United States Marine Corp Veteran, earning the rank of Sergeant. He served his country proudly and continued his service to his community as a Corrections Officer. “Gunny”, as his friends and coworkers like to call him, worked at Great Meadow Correctional Facility for 33 years, retiring in 2016.   

Bill married the love of his life, Nancy, on February 4, 1984 in Kingsbury. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and he had a love for cars, especially Camaros, and was an exceptional cook.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Marlene Shappy; and his close childhood friend, Thomas Tyminski.

He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Nancy L. Stemp of Fort Edward; his son and daughter, Jeffrey W. Stemp of Fort Edward, and Anne (Chad) Casey of Hudson Falls; his beloved grandchildren, Owen, Raelynn, and Madison Casey; his brothers and sisters, Jack (Barbara) Stemp of Troy, Diane Ranson of North Carolina, Linda (Jim) Glick of Arizona, Helen Stemp of Georgia, Edward (Deborah) Stemp of Queensbury, David (Debra) Stemp of Hartford, Harold (Denise) Stemp of Georgia, Deborah Jacques of North Carolina, and Robert (Lynn) Stemp of Verona; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

Friends may call from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to SAIL (Southern Adirondack Independent Living) sailhelps.org.

QUEENSBURY – Shane M. Winchell, 30, of Queensbury, passed away suddenly on Friday evening, December 15, 2023.

Born on March 25, 1993 in Glens Falls, he was a life-long area resident and son of Harold L. and Janie M. (Clark) Winchell. Shane was a 2011 graduate of Queensbury High School. He enjoyed playing basketball, video games, and shooting pool with friends. More than anything, he loved to spend time with his children.

He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Harold Winchell; his maternal grandparents, Thomas W. and Patricia E. Clark; his aunt, Rose Mary Winchell; and his uncle, Joe Winchell.

He is survived by his beloved children, Aaliyah of Glens Falls, Jacob of Hudson Falls, Ariannah and Arabella both of South Glens Falls, and Shane, Jr. and Penelope both of Queensbury; his parents, Harold and Janie Winchell of Queensbury; his girlfriend, Kayla Stimpson of Queensbury; sister and brother, Justina Holcomb and Joseph L. Winchell, both of Queensbury; his grandmother, Virginia L. Winchell; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery on Quaker Road in Queensbury.

Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the funeral home.

HUDSON FALLS – Leon Charles Center, 82, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Friday morning, December 15, 2023 at his home.

Born on November 13, 1941 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Grace (Celeste) and Leon Charles Center, Sr. A proud US Army Veteran, Leon spent time in California in his younger years after serving his country, where he worked for Columbia Records. He later moved back to his hometown and worked at the former Native Textiles where he eventually retired. On August 22, 1992 he married Elsie Loveland in Glens Falls and they have enjoyed many wonderful years together.

He enjoyed hunting and bowling and loved to go dancing with his wife. In his later years he liked the peace of simply watching television and listening to classic country music.

In addition to his parents, Leon is predeceased by three sisters, Pat, Joan, and Debbie; his brother, Tom; and a stepdaughter, Lillian Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Elsie L. Center of Hudson Falls; a sister, Phyllis LaCarte of Hudson Falls; and his stepchildren, Joe Paris of Queensbury, Robert Paris of Fort Ann, Wiliam Doner of Queensbury, and Theresa Carpenter of Hudson Falls; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Dr #100, Albany, NY 12205.

ARGYLE – Ronald Ellsworth Hintz, 87, of Argyle, passed away Thursday morning, December 14, 2023, at Washington Center in Argyle.

Born on September 29, 1936, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, He was the son of the late Ellsworth and Alice Hintz. In the midst of World War II, Ronald and his family moved to Alameda, CA so his father could work in the shipyards. He received a wonderful education from the Oakland High School and soon met his first wife, Shielah.

Ronald went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, where he did pioneering work on the development of Superconducting Magnets. This work led to starting a company, Super Magnetics, who built Superconducting Magnets for the investigation of anti-matter cosmic rays at very high-altitude helium ballons in places like Texas, North Canada, and Argentina. From there, he landed in Albany, NY just in time to develop superconducting magnets for high field whole body magnetic resonance research. Ronald had numerous patens on how to construct these magnets for now Philips. He has been all over the world installing and servicing these MRI Machines. More recently, Ronald worked for Dr. Mike Hennessey on building a high field superconducting magnet energy storage device in Malta, NY.

His life in New York started with the  new year, 1980, when he brought a Maine Coon Kitten, Missy Mouse, with him from California. He was soon married to his second wife, Nellie and they raised and showed many Maine Coon Cats in the years that followed.

Ronald was an avid fisherman and he loved calling Bingo games at Washington Center, where he was president of the Resident Council and kept busy building picnic tables.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie Hintz of Ballston Spa; his daughters, Elizabeth and Sheilah (David Clark) as well as Kateria Hintz- Ellis (Robert); His sisters, Diana and Marilyn of California; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the Round Lake United Methodist Church in Round Lake.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff and doctors at the Washington Center for the exceptional care given to Ronald.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Open Door Mission, 226 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – On December 10, 2023, Mr. Richard Bartholomew Knapp passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center. He was 90 years old.

Born April 30, 1933, Richard was a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls. He was the son of Harry and Bertha Knapp, and had one older sister, Elaine. He was a 3-sport standout athlete in high school, especially in baseball. Following graduation, he married Liane McFarland on September 23, 1950. Together, they raised three sons and two daughters. For 38 years, he worked at Hercules/Ciba-Geigy. Though he never attended college, he rose in the ranks, becoming Supervisor of the Technical Services Lab–an honor usually bestowed on someone with a degree in chemistry.

An avid New York fan, especially a “Miracle Mets” fan, Richard also supported the Giants, the Knicks, and the Rangers. He enjoyed writings by Alex Cross and Edgar Allan Poe, Broadway songs (including “Some Enchanted Evening”), and especially songs by Johnny Cash. He was a down-to-earth man who liked plaid shirts, didn’t like to wear neck ties, had a great sense of humor, and could laugh at himself. One of his secret talents was writing. And every Christmas, he would write his version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” highlighting events in the lives of family members over the past year. No one escaped his version of such recollections, “not even a mouse.”

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his sister, his brother-in-law; and one son, Kevin, who passed away in January 2023. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Liane; 2 sons: Bruce, of Latham; and Keith, of Hudson Falls; and 2 daughters both of Hudson Falls: Pamela Roberge (and husband, Rene’); and his youngest daughter, Tracy; 3 granddaughters: Amy Roberge of Las Vegas; Emily Tomlin of Knoxville, Tenn.; Kristal Knapp of Middlebury, Vermont; 5 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Based on his wishes, Richard will have no public funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the SPCA Animal Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association.

One of Richard’s favorite Cash songs was “I Walk the Line.” The lyrics speak about the integrity of convictions, resisting temptation, remaining faithful and devoted. They speak of bonds that link us together as friends and family. Those who knew Richard know how these simple lyrics honor Richard as a friend, a father, and a husband: “I keep a close watch on this heart of mine, I keep my eyes wide open all the time. I keep the ends out for the tie that binds. Because you’re mine, I walk the line.”

FORT ANN – Leonard R. Porter, 80 of Fort Ann, passed away Wednesday evening, December 6, 2023, at his home.

Born on June 21, 1943, in Glens Falls. He grew up in Fort Ann and was the son of the late Ralph Porter and the late Leon and Ellen (Cady) Brown. Leonard was a 1961 graduate of Fort Ann High School. On December 8, 1961, he married the love of his life, Lucinda Bartlett at the Gospel Light House Church in Hudson Falls.

He worked for many years Ciba-Geigy in Hudson Falls until it closed. He then went to work at Irving tissue where he eventually retired.

Leonard loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, and riding 4 wheelers. He loved to play golf and, in his younger years, loved to bowl. For many years he was a member of the West Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Department where he served as a lieutenant.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter, Candance Porter, his brothers, Ralph, Don, and Roland Porter, and Tommy Brown.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucinda “Cindy” Porter of Fort Ann; his children, Christine Clogston (Jeff) of Florida, Leonard Porter (Karen) of South Carolina, Brett Porter (Jodie) of Fort Ann, and Paige Moses (George) of Glens Falls; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In following Leanord’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the West Fort Ann Rescue Squad, Inc., 11287 NY-149, Fort Ann, NY 12827.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Online remembrances may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net.

NEW JERSEY – Victoria Florence Faggiano, 72, of North Brunswick, NJ passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2023.

Victoria was born at the Mary Immaculate Hospital in Queens, NY on November 14, 1951. She was the daughter of Josephine (Oleskiewicz) and Benedict Faggiano. Victoria and her family lived on Long Island until ultimately moving north to Chestertown in the late 1950’s. Victoria enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family, especially vacationing in CT.

From a young age it was clear Victoria had a determination unmatched by any other! Once she set her sights on something, there was no stopping her. She attended Chestertown School, graduating in 1969 alongside her older brother Ben. It was a year earlier than the rest of her classmates. After graduation, Victoria set off to Syracuse University where she would go on to receive her master’s degree in Speech and Communications as well as a certificate in Social Work. She was recruited shortly after graduating by Syracuse University to work in the Social Work Dept until ultimately being recruited to work on Wall Street in NYC. Victoria had high aspirations to get back to NYC where she was born. Throughout her career she worked as a contracted agent writing various manuals, training materials and programs for major corporations in and around NYC and NJ. Her ability to assess and adapt within any work atmosphere made her a huge asset to any company she worked with.

What kept her sharp was her love of reading! Traditional paperback books, no e-readers! She loved all types of books and could reference anything she’d read at the drop of a hat. She once even got herself out of jury duty, bonding with a court official over a love of romance novels. She also had a special love for cats, particularly ones in need. She would always say she doesn’t need to look for one as one in need will always find her. And they did, always with the most amazing timing!

Victoria loved her family and friends! It gave her such joy to watch her nieces and nephews grow up. She was always there to help however she could and also to spoil as much as possible! From game systems at Christmas time, extravagant birthdays or even football tickets, she really enjoyed being able to give and watch the excitement her gifts brought! She knew how to make you feel truly special and loved!

Victoria is predeceased by her parents Josephine (Oleskiewicz) and Benedict Faggiano as well as her friend Ryan Beckwith.

She is survived by her brother Benedict Faggiano and his wife Deborah, their children Jennifer Beckwith and daughter Alyssa Beckwith; Joseph Faggiano and sons Bradley Faggiano and Cody Faggiano; Benedict Faggiano Jr, Christopher and Kelli Faggiano and son Raymond; Angela Thornton and her son Nolan Thornton and daughter Nora Thornton. She is also survived by close friends Deb and Joe Walker, George Levitsky and kids Gregory and Sarah Levitsky, Nicholas and Abigail Levitsky, Andrew, and Evelyn Levitsky.

A gathering of friends and family is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 1pm at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury where a family friend will share some words and prayer before laying Victoria to rest.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, loved ones and friends please donate to the animal shelter of their choice to continue Victoria’s love of helping animals in need.

A special thank you to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ for their attentive care during Victoria’s short stay.