HUDSON FALLS – Jeffrey L. Benson, 62, our beloved brother, went into the arms of the Lord on November 24, 2020.

Born on December 28, 1957 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Leonard and Mary (Bacon) Benson.

Jeff had a special gift for music.  He never had a lesson but could play anything by ear with his guitar!  He played in a successful band called “Bandit”.  Jeff taught his nephew, Todd how to play guitar. Growing up in our home, it was always filled with musicians jamming with Benny “Jeff”.

Jeff worked at G.E. in Fort Edward until he succumbed to mental illness in his early 20’s.

Many thanks to Glens Falls Hospital and Riverside Rehabilitation Center in Castleton, N.Y.  Jeff died from cancer at the facility. Also, a special thank you to his niece, Anita, for being her uncle’s loving legal guardian.

Jeff loved his family.  He left behind two sisters, Joanne and Kiki and several aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also left behind a daughter, Jene’ and his grandchildren.

We will all miss him deeply. He is at peace with his loving parents.

He has requested no services.

Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.

FORT ANN – Terry R. Bennett, 67, of Fort Ann, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a brief illness.

Born on October 22, 1953, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Herbert J. Bennett and the late Mary A. (Polunci) Bennett.

Terry attended Fort Ann School.

On November 11, 1972, he married Anita Harriman at the Kingsbury Baptist Church.  They went on to have four children, Terrielynn, Kiff, Zebulon and Fawn. Throughout his life he worked various jobs in the area, but he most enjoyed working at Fort Edward Supply.  In his younger years, Terry enjoyed camping and hiking on the mountain with his family and teaching his children how to hunt and fish.  He cherished the time he spent out at night, on Champlain, with his children and grandchildren, catfishing. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Kiff Bennett, his sister, Sheila Sherwood and his brother, Herbert Bennett.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Anita Bennett of Fort Ann; his children, Terrielynn Bennett and her partner, Joseph Passino, Zebulon Bennett and Fawn Smith and her husband, Chuck; his grandsons, Joseph, Jacob, Joshua, Isiah, Noah, Gavin and Sawyer and his siblings, Gary Bennett and his wife, Cathy, Michelle LaBrake, Tim Bennett and his wife, Kim, Penny LaCross and her husband Ron, Colleen Bennett and her partner, Steven Reynolds, Nancy Logan and her husband, Fred.

Calling hours will be on Friday, December 4, 2020, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

HUDSON FALLS – Margaret “Peggy” (Passineau) Leombruno, 85, of Hudson Falls, passed away on November 21, 2020, at her home in Hudson Falls.

Born on September 23. 1935, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Ross and Margaret (Fraser) Passineau.

Margaret was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School and on December 29, 1956, she married the love of her life, Daniel Leombruno, at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.  They were married for 63 wonderful years when he passed away on November 6, 2019.

After working many years, she retired from Union Camp. Peggy also worked for Penders in Hudson Falls.   She was an active member and worked many hours on the Sandy Hill Day’s Committee, The Fort Hudson Foundation, the Red Hats Society and the Rosary Alter Society.  Alongside her husband, faith was the centerfold of Peggy’s life.  They were very active as members of the St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Bereavement Ministry and a Eucharistic Minister.  Peggy made many great friends while serving the Lord and her community.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Helen Schneller.

Survivors include her brothers, Ross Passineau of Albany and John Passineau of Fishkill; several nieces and nephews; and her special friends who included, Bob and Jane Durkee of Hudson Falls and Valerie Twiss of West Fort Ann.

The Rite of Committal will be conducted Friday, 11 a.m., at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. 

Memorial donations may be sent to St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, New York 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Mr. Alvin Peachman of Hudson Falls passed into the Lord’s arms on November 17, 2020. He was 98 3/4 years old.

Alvin was born on March 25, 1922 in Portage, PA. to Alvin and Pauline (Erzal) Peachman.

Alvin was raised by his grandmother on a small farm in coal mining country during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Navy to become a Radioman aboard the USS Whitter among other assignments in the Pacific Arena. His experiences during all those years provided rich colorful memories of which Alvin would often recount. Some of his experiences in WWII are documented in The Things our Fathers Saw by Matt Rozell.

From battle into a classroom in one day, Alvin enrolled in NYU in 1945. There, he earned his undergraduate and later his Master’s Degrees. He soon fell in love and married Gerda “Gretchen” Peachman on June 12, 1949. Tolerating too many subway rides in NYC, Alvin soon decided city life was not for him. In 1951 he traveled to Hudson Falls and knew he had found his new home. Alvin taught History in Hudson Falls Schools, retiring in 1983. To make ends meet in the early years of teaching, he worked at various other jobs including driving school bus. In addition, he directed the Adult Education Program based out of Hudson Falls Schools, and particularly enjoyed teaching citizenship where he often developed strong friendships with adult students.

The family will forever have fond memories of many camping trips, ranging as far as Canada and to the Smokey Mountains of Kentucky. He was an avid hunter and tended a huge garden. As a Ham Radio Operator, he reached out to people all over the globe. With his love for photography, he captured hundreds of pictures of his family and travels. He also very much enjoyed dabbling in the stock market. A devoted Lutheran and served in his church as a Sunday School Superintendent and Church Council Member.

After retiring, Alvin and Gretchen traveled many places including Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Alaska. Alvin loved Hawaii and eventually lived there half time for 28 years. After 65 years of marriage, he lost Gretchen in 2014. He was privileged to create a new chapter in life with Judy Patten of whom he affectionately referred to as his “better half.” For the past several years they enjoyed traveling all over the US, often in a motorhome. The family is deeply grateful to Judy for her devotion to their father, and her compassionate care of Alvin during the past several months.

Alvin was known and loved by many. He loved to connect with anyone, especially enjoying an opportunity to practice his German, to tell a story from his past or to expound on history of most any era or location – complete with specific details of wars, generals and dates!

He was extremely proud of his family left behind: Dr. Fred Peachman (Jean), Richard Peachman (Joan); Jane Pepin (Mark); 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

A private in-person service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, November 25 at 2:00 PM. Extended family, friends and members of the congregation can view the livestream on our church Facebook page www.facebook.com/glensfallslutheran.

A Graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Alvin’s name may be made to “The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd,” 543 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

FORT EDWARD – Marion A. Dickinson, 92, of Fort Edward and Savannah, Georgia, went to be with her husband, Fred, on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

Born on April 25, 1928, a native of Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Irene (Spellburg) Ashe.

On January 1, 1945 she married her closest companion and soulmate, Frederick J. Dickinson. They enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage together before he passed away on June 9, 2008 at the home they shared together since, 2004 in Savannah, Georgia.

Marion and Fred moved to Paramus, NJ in 1956 where they raised their six children.  She was a wonderful mother and wife, always by her husband’s  side, supporting him in his successful lace business in NJ and his partnership in “Wet Willies” of Savannah.  Following his retirement,  travelling the world with Fred, brought her great joy.  Although she had been to many countries and experienced different cultures, her favorite place, was her home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  In her down time, Marion always enjoyed relaxing with a good book. She was a warm, generous, kind lady, who carried herself with a gentleness that touched her family and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Norman Ashe and her sister, Shirley Bordeau.

Survivors include her children, Jack Dickinson, Dr. Bill Dickinson and his wife, Dr. Joe Ann Brandt,  Bob Dickinson and his wife, Angela, Joe Dickinson and his wife, Nancy, Mike Dickinson and his wife, Melanie and Darlene Bandazian and her husband, Rick; her brother, Paul Ashe and his wife, Julie;her thirteen grandchildren, Pax (Kelly), Casey (Megan), Ricky (Andrea), Corey, Jessie, Ashley (Al), Sean (Jenn), Trevor, Ryann (Ibraham), Emily (Dallas), Katlyn, Sara and Michael (Kailey); as well as her nine great grandchildren, Sage, Darien, Leo, Colton, Silas, Cece, Clare, Luca and Eesa.

The family expresses immeasurable gratitude to her caregivers, Gina, Judy and Melanie.  Marion loved you all.

Services will be private.

Marion’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service in the spring.

Donations are welcome in Marion’s name to the American Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany,  NY  12205.

GLENS FALLS – Garret T. Ball, 26, son of John and Marie (Miller) Ball, of Glens Falls, passed away on November 11, 2020, at his home with his family by his side.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, from 3 to 4:30 -p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.  All Covid-19 restrictions must be followed.

Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Donations may be sent to the ASPCA, 588 Queensbury, Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

HUDSON FALLS – Don G. Hassett, 90, a longtime resident of Notre Dame St., passes away Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, Inc. in Fort Edward.

Born on April 11, 1930, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Arthur and Alta (Guertin) Hassett.

He was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School as well as Norwich University.

During the Korean War, he served in the Army at the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Signal Corps.

On January 24, 1953, he married Patricia Winters in West Chester, PA.

Don worked as an engineer for 36 years the General Electric Company and worked at both the Hudson Falls and Fort Edward plants.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hudson Falls and a past member of the Kiwanis Club and The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elk in Glens Falls. Don served for 33 years on the Hudson Falls School Board.  He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and camping.  Everyone looked forward to Don and Pat’s Memorial Day picnic, a tradition they kept up for 60 years. Most important to him, was the time he spent with family.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Robert Hassett.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Patricia W. Hassett of Hudson Falls; his children, Debra Cirino and her husband, Bill of Hartford, Linda Muller and her husband, Mark of Ravena, Dale Hassett and his wife, Jeanne of Delmar and Sandra Peters and her husband, John of Orlando, FL; his grandchildren, Bethany (Dan) Camp, Patricia (Shawn) Davis,  Molly (Tony) Vargas, Morgan (Robbie) Decker, Christopher (Heather) Rees, Jared Milano, Kurt (Katie) Peters and Kyle (Rachel) Peters; seven great grandchildren; his niece and nephews, Janet, Gary and Neil.

Due to the current pandemic, interment will be private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery, with full military honors, on Duell Road in the town of Stillwater.

Don’s family would like to thank the Fort Hudson Nursing Center, Inc., for all the care and compassion they have given to Don and his family during his stay there.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Fort Hudson Nursing Center, Inc., 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Arthur H. Boucher, 79, of South Glens passed away on November 10, 2020., at his home.

Per Arthurs’ request, services will be private.

KINGSBURY – Deborah Ann Baker, 69, went to be with her people, October 27, 2020, at the home she shared with her husband, surrounded her loving family and all her animals that never left her side.

Born January 30, 1951 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Shirley Campney.

On July 20, 1984, Deborah married Thomas Baker.  Together they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage. 

Deborah was a graduate of Hudson Falls Central School and after attended BOCES, where she studied nursing.  In her career as an L.P.N., Deborah was employed by Fort Hudson Nursing Home and Irongate Family Practice, with Dr. Coppens and Dr. Bannon.

Survivors include her husband, Thomas Baker; her sons, John Hack and Timothy Hack and his significant other, Darleen McCane; her daughter, Rachel Foster; her brothers, Charles Campney and wife Karin and Dwight Campney and his wife, Kim; her grandsons, Tyler, John Patrick and his wife, Amy, Jarid, Seth and Alden, as well as nieces and nephews that she loved.

A special thanks to High Peaks Hospice for all their support in moms’ final days.  Also, her youngest grandson, Alden Gregory (9), for being so diligent in caring for his Nan in her final days.   Most children would not have done this, and he took great pride in doing so.   

Memorial donations in memory of Deborah may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Per Deborah’s request, services will be private.

FORT EDWARD – Ellen M. Usher, 93, a long-time resident of Queensbury, passed away November 5, 2020, at Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward.

Born on August 14, 1927 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Philip Mastrangelo and the late Ella (Kingsley) Mastrangelo Waldron.

Ellen was a 1946 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

She and her husband, Kenneth A. Usher lived in Glens Falls for all their 53 years of marriage.  Kenneth passed away on June 25, 1998.

For 26 years, Ellen was a floral designer at Binley Florist, Inc. in Glens Falls.

She was an avid bowler and a past president of the Glens Falls Women’s Bowling Association, a former director of the Adirondack Bowling Council and of YABA. Ellen took great pride in being the only woman inducted into the Glens Falls Men’s Association Hall of Fame.  She also was inducted into the Glens Falls Women’s Association Hall of Fame.  Other pastimes included traveling, listening and dancing to Big Band music, as well as watching her New York Mets play baseball.

In addition to her parents and husband, her stepfather, Francis Waldron, all died before her.

Survivors include her two daughters, Dale Maturski and her husband, Howard of Pownal, VT and Jeanne Cirino and her husband, John of Queensbury; her two sons, Kenneth P. Usher and his wife, Susan of Glens Falls and Daniel Usher; eight grandchildren, Scott Maturski of VT, Ryan Maturski of FL, Christine Fowler of Hudson Falls, Stephanie Shea of VA, Adam Usher of MO, Ayme Duvernell of WS, Stephen Usher of NY and Megan Usher of NY; 14 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson.

Friends may call Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.

Funeral service will follow the calling hours, 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, following the funeral service.

Ellen’s family would like to specially thank the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Center for the loving care they provided to their mom.

Memorials in Ellen’s memory may be in the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.