HUDSON FALLS – John F. Hoffman, 51 of Hudson Falls passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, December 1, 2024 at his home.

Born September 13, 1973 in North Tarrytown, NY, he grew up in Ossining, NY and was a graduate of Ossining High School. While in school he was an exceptional athlete and excelled in football, earning a college scholarship to attend Marist College. He finished his college career at New Haven College in Connecticut.

On May 3, 2014 he married his longtime love and companion, Lauren Saracino, in Peekskill, NY.

John’s love of sports and football never faded, and he faithfully watched all of the college football and NFL games he could. He loved to cook meals for his family and his time with them was his most precious time.

He is predeceased by his father-in-law, Raymond Saracino; and his great-aunt, who had a huge part in raising him, Marion Miller.

John is survived by his loving wife, Lauren Hoffman; his 6 daughters, Victoria Alessi, Brianna Hoffman, Arianna Hoffman, Lena Hoffman, Georgia Hoffman, and Scarlet Hoffman; his parents, John Hoffman, Jr. and Janice Hoffman; his brothers, Dustin Hoffman, and Aaron Hoffman; his sisters, Jacqueline Hoffman, and Noelle Waffenschmidt; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Monday, December 9, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

HUDSON FALLS – Edward “Pop” L. Clark, Jr., 96, formerly of Feeder Street, passed away Friday morning, November 29, 2024 at the Holbrook Adult Home in Granville.

Born on April 18, 1928 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Edward L. Clark, Sr. and Ida (Oliver) Clark. Ed was a proud US Navy veteran, serving in World War II in the South Pacific. He served aboard the USS Cooner and the USS Ulysses and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Ed was hired by Glens Falls Hospital as an apprentice chef, graduating in 1948. He became the head chef until 1951 when he left to continue his culinary career at Skidmore College. Ed went to work at Finch Pruyn in Glens Falls in 1952 as an electrician and retired in 1990.

In 1999, Ed became a New York State Ombudsman and enjoyed being an advocate for nursing home patients around the state.

On January 11, 1949, Ed married the love of his life, the former Elizabeth Jenkins, at Christ United Methodist Church in Glens Falls. They enjoyed 62 years together before she passed away on March 17, 2011.

Ed’s faith was very important to him. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, and more recently was a member of Kingsbury Baptist Church.

He was very proud to be ordained as a Chaplain in 2016 where he was able to share God’s word to people in nursing homes and shut-ins. In his last years, he held church services and had sing-a-longs at Holbrook Adult Home.
Friends and family were always greeted with a “How ya doing” and a few jokes and his goodbyes were “Bye for now”.

He enjoyed singing and listening to music and always looked at the bright side of things.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Ed was predeceased by his son, Eric Clark; his grandson, Andrew Howard; and son in law, Thomas Howard.

He is survived by his daughter, Cherri Howard of Brazoria, TX; his grandchildren, Megan Woodling (Steve), and Emily Howard; along with his great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kory, Karly and their families, Kinly and Andrea.

Friends may call from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

Ed’s family would like to give a special thanks to Deb Pauquette and staff at Holbrook Adult Home where he received excellent care and was treated like family.

Memorial donations may be made to Kingsbury Baptist Church, 3861 State Route 4, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Robert W. Hartung, 84, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving evening, Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Born on February 15, 1940 in Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Hans and Charlotte (Radzuhn) Hartung. Robert grew up on the family farm in Hartford, NY where he ran the dairy and orchard with his brother and father. He attended Hudson Falls Schools, graduating from Hudson Falls High School in 1960 and attended classes at Hudson Valley Community College. Robert then went to work as an inventory control specialist for Albany Engineered Systems in Queensbury where he eventually retired.

In April of 1962, he married the love of his life, Ilene (MacFarran) Hartung. The couple enjoyed 50 years together until she passed away September 13, 2012. Robert was a member of the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church and attended Sunday services regularly.

Robert loved the outdoors. He and his family would spend many days during the summer on their camp on Schroon Lake, swimming, fishing and relaxing. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacation at the beach in Ocean City, NJ. He liked to work with his hands and was a model train enthusiast, but mostly just liked fixing things. Robert and his wife loved the Washington County Fair and enjoyed the exhibits, especially the antique tractors. They spent many hours there volunteering, including overseeing the rabbit barn. He was affectionately known as the “Tool Man” and was often recruited to make small repairs at the fairgrounds and at the BOCES campus on Dix Avenue. Robert listened to Country, Bluegrass and Polka music, and he could often be found in the mornings at any of the local diners having breakfast and socializing with friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Robert is predeceased by a brother, Hansi Hartung.

He is survived by his two children, Scott Hartung (Margaret) of Hudson Falls, and Lisa Doster (David) of Lake George; his grandchildren, Jennifer Hunt (Peter) of Hudson Falls, Andrew Hartung (Elizabeth McAndrew) of Queensbury, Jackson Doster, and Jayden Doster; a sister, Heidi Platt of Pennsylvania; his brother, Theodore Hartung of Granville; three great-grandchildren, Oliver, Alice, and Austin Hunt; his beloved cousin, who was more like a sister, Linda Schneider of Texas; and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home. Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church, 227 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Colleen M. Conley, 70, of Hudson Falls, passed away on November 21, 2024, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on July 16, 1954, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late George and Joyce (Hall) Bacon.

Colleen was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School. 

For many years she worked for C.R. Bard as a line worker.

She enjoyed attending craft fairs.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her nephew, Casey Cottrell, her brother, Terry Bacon and her great nephew Gavin Washburn.

She is survived by her daughter, Jamie Kessler and her husband, Christopher of Florida; her grandson, Maximus Kessler; her brother-in-law, Dan and Judy Conley; and her niece, Amy Washburn.

In keeping with Colleen’s wishes, burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  

Memorial donations may be made to the Cornerstone Soup Kitchen, 1767 NY-196, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the ASPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

HUDSON FALLS – Elijah “Buffy” Tripp passed away unexpectedly  at the young age of 32 on Monday, November 11, 2024 in Utica, New York.

Born on December 30, 1991 in Elmira, NY, he was the youngest son of 21 children and son of the late Chester and Jeanne Tripp of Hudson Falls.

Growing up, Elijah was always beside his father in many aspects, from working on things or just long rides together. He enjoyed these times no matter the circumstances.

Buffy had loved working on bicycles and cars and dreamed of owning his own shop and car business one day. His goal was to help anyone, even if it meant taking the shirt off his own back.  His heart was larger than life and his good deeds do not go unnoticed.

Elijah is survived by many brothers and sisters, Jeremy McCarthy (Kaitlyn) of Kingsbury, Jeanne Tripp (Shane) of Hudson Falls, Arthur Tripp and his children of Hudson Falls, Jack Tripp of Queensbury, Barbara McCarthy of Hudson Falls, Kimberly Yagle of Hudson Falls, Levi Tripp of Glens Falls, Thomas Tripp (Kasey Euber) of Glens Falls, Chester Tripp, III (Barbara Whiting) of Albany, Autumn Baskerville and her children of Asbury Park, NJ, and Helen Evans of Newburgh, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

HUDSON FALLS – Diane M. Spirowski, 81, formally of Hudson Falls, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Granville Center with her family by her side.

Born July 12, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Genevieve (Stark) Tucker.

Diane graduated from Hudson Falls High School. Following high school, she obtained her associate’s degree in nursing and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

She married her high school sweetheart, Chester J. Spirowski, Jr. and were together until his passing on December 15, 2015.

Throughout her nursing career, she worked at Eden Park Nursing Home, in Glens Falls, Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga, and Fort Hudson Nursing Home in Fort Edward.

Diane enjoyed reading books and playing games. Her favorite games to play were solitaire and Mahjong.

In addition to her parents and husband, Diane is predeceased by her son, Todd Michael Schaff, her grandson, Johnathan Schaff, and her sister, Delores Darrah.

Diane is survived by her children, Suzanne Norton and her husband Dale of Hartford, Jami Jones of Ballston Spa, John Schaff and his wife Cheryl of Whitehall, and S.G. Johnson of Greenfield Center. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jenna Norton, Alexander Norton, and Tabetha Jones, and her brother Keith Stark.

Following Diane’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of her family.

A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced.

QUEENSBURY – Jeffrey L. Kelley passed away on November 13th, 2024 at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on December 24th, 1944 in Glens Falls New York, Jeff was the son of the late Edwin A. Kelley, Jr. and Lucille (Ellsworth) Weaver. Jeff graduated from Cortland High School, class of 1963. After high school the family moved to Niskayuna, New York where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Construction Technology from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York, class of 1965.  

Jeff became a self-employed carpenter working for Ken Wood and Finch Pruyn, building homes in Queensbury and the local area.

In August 1965, Jeff enlisted in the New York Air National Guard and served his term being honorably discharged in August 1971 as a Staff Sergeant.

On April 22, 1967 Jeff married Nancy L. Dougrey and remained married for 29 years, raising three wonderful children, Andrea Kelley-Putnam, Michael E. Kelley and Kathaleen Kelley Fröhlich.

In 1967 Jeff began working at Northern Homes, Inc. of Hudson Falls, New York. During his 24 years at Northern Homes, he was an estimator, a retail manager and a purchasing agent. In 1991 Jeff purchased Lox of Bagels & Moor and successfully operated the business for 11 years before selling it to its current owners. During this time he met Sally A. Chase, whom he married on September 30, 1998.

Jeff re-entered the lumber business, working for Holbrook Lumber Company, Inc. in Albany, New York, where he remained until his retirement.

Jeff was involved in many community activities. He was a one year member of the North Queensberry Volunteer Fire Company and a five-year member of Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company. Jeff was also a Secretary of the Homebuilders Association of Northern New York and a past President of the Salmon Pond Club of Blue Mountain Lake, New York. In his spare time, he was an active participant in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Warren County program from 1981 to 1986 and then served as the Board Treasurer from 1987- 1989.

Jeff is predeceased by his wife, Sally A Kelley, who passed away on June 23rd, 2012. Jeff is survived by his first wife, Nancy Kelley and their three children, Andrea Kelley-Putnam, her husband James Putnam, Michael Kelley and his husband Tsz Wan (Eric) Cheng and Kathaleen Kelley Fröhlich and her husband William Fröhlich, as well as his grandson, Jack Putnam, son of Andrea and James Putnam. Jeff is also survived by his brother Gregory Weaver, Greg’s wife Roberta (Bobbie) Weaver and their two children, Angela and Daniel Weaver.

Jeff will be remembered most for his love of the outdoors. As an avid hiker, Jeff climbed many of the Adirondack High Peaks. He also loved to canoe and would often take his children on trips deep into the heart of the Adirondacks. Jeff’s love of the outdoors, cannot be underestimated. In the summers, he could often be found on one of his boats, cruising along Lake George with friends and family. He also loved the Winter and would travel to Quebec, Canada to snowmobile for weeks at a time across the open plains. He was an avid bike rider, skier, and in his younger days, a jogging enthusiast. From riding motorcycles as a young adult to the love of his Corvette in later years, Jeff always had a passion for speed. Jeff will be remembered most as a kind man who loved his family very much.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Unit, Fort Hudson Nursing Center, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY, 12828 or online at: https://www.forthudson.com/foundation/

HUDSON FALLS – William Patrick LaVigne “Pat”, 73, of Hudson Falls, went home to his eternal rest on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital with his loving sisters and aunt by his side.

Born at Glens Falls Hospital on May 19,1951, Pat was the son of the late Walter and Jean (Howard) Bohlman.

Pat was born with an eye disease and was completely blind by the age of fourteen. He attended Bativia School for the Blind.

He was an accomplished guitar player and played in a band for many years. When Pat was in his twenty’s, he wrote and recorded two songs, The War in Vietnam and St. Anne with Edwin Mediera. Although blind, it never stopped Pat from enjoying his hobby as an auto mechanic.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his stepsisters, Lee and Georgianna; his stepbrother, Walter Bohlman, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy LaVigne; his son, Walter LaVigne; daughter, Jean Vallencourt and her family; his adopted son, Jonathan; his sisters, Dee Bohlman-Decker and Cindy Carpenter and her husband, Randy, and his aunt, Dawn Doetch. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pat’s family would like to thank the nurses at Glens Falls Hospital on T6 and T2, especially Caitlin and Lilly, for the exceptional care they provided for Pat and his family during this difficult time. They would also like to thank his special friend, Sharon Purdy, for her unconditional love and support.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 12 pm to 2 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will take place at 2 pm following calling hours, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the funeral home.

The burial will be private.

Memorial donations in Pat’s name may be made to Northeastern Association for the Blind at Albany (NABA), 301 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12206.

WARRENSBURG – Martha Hotchkiss, 51, of Warrensburg, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

FORT EDWARD – Robert “Bob” R. Hughes, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Glens Falls Center, following a long battle with cancer.

Born on July 27, 1942, in Granville, he was the son of the late Floyd R. and Marion (Nelson) Hughes.

Bob was a graduate of Granville High School, Class of 1963.

He worked for Norton Company in Granville for 42 years.

On May 5, 1973, he married Elaine (Rabine) Cullen.

Bob was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling with his wife in the local leagues.  He was an excellent bowler with five 300 games.  At the young age of 80, Bob bowled his final 300 game.  Bob and Elaine enjoyed going to car shows with their Shelby GT and won several trophies.  He was also an animal lover.

Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife Elaine Hughes; his step children, Carleen Sawyer and her husband, Donald, Cheryl Kay-Jones and her husband, Chris and Jeffery Cullen and his wife, Sue; his sister, Gayle Frechette and her husband, Roger; his grandchildren, Lindsay Ferrara and her husband, Justin, Ashley Warden and her husband, Scott, Shawn Brown and his wife, Katie, Jamie Brown and her wife, Mary, Billy Kay and his wife, Laura; great-granddaughter, Jennifer Lathrop and her husband, Steven; and several other great-grandchildren including, Anneliese, Lucien, Dylan, Bryson, Gavin and Maddox; one great-great granddaughter “Love”; and several nieces.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Burial will follow the calling hours on Saturday, at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

Bob’s family suggests memorial donations be sent to any animal shelter of your choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Rhonda Geertgens Barber, 69, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Slate Valley Nursing and Rehab Facility, after a long illness.

Born on August 16, 1955, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Arletta Geertgens.

Rhonda Graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School where she spent most of her time in the art room. She also wrote for the schools newsletter.  Following high school she furthered her education at Samaritan, earning her degree in nursing.

For over 10 years she served as an addiction counselor in the area and the unit manager for Albany Medical Center in their NICU program. Later in life she attended the New School for Radio and Television. She was employed for a short time as a disk jockey for local radio stations.

After retirement Rhonda spent most of her time cooking and baking, especially for holidays and Birthday parties. She was a kind woman who could find humor in most circumstances, she was best known for her joyous laughter.

She loved to cook and bake, fish and work on arts and crafts.  Rhonda was an avid NY Yankee Fan.  She especially loved her fur babies, her cats, Romeo, Charlie and Jimbo and her puppy Rocky.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Brianna Rhodes.

She is survived by her husband of eight years, Martin Barber, III; her two children, Kyle (Rae) Geertgens and Hannah Rhodes; her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Karter, Matthew and Harper; her stepchildren, Kristin (Juan) Orozco and Martin Barber, IV; her step grandchild, Jackson.

Memorial donations in Rhonda’s memory may be sent to a local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society, 33 Elk St Suite 201, Albany, NY 12207.

FORT EDWARD – Bruce William Tyler, 66 of Burgoyne Avenue, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024 at his home.

Born on September 20, 1958 in Saratoga Springs, he grew up in Saratoga and was the son of the late Augustus Tyler and the late Beverly (Hawkins) Murtlow.

Bruce was an outdoorsman and love to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, but spending time with his children was his favorite thing to do. Bruce liked to work on cars and motorcycles and enjoyed working as a handyman.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his stepfather, James Murtlow; a sister, Laurie Lloyd; and a stepson, Jason Tucker.

He is survived by his children, Brandon McIntosh, Orion Tyler, Braylin Tyler, and Lilith Tyler; his granddaughter, Paisley Sawn; his siblings, Amy Pechette, Neal Tyler, and Mark Tyler; life-long dear friends, Sherry Jay, Terri McIntosh Reyes, and Glenn Wetherby; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Service will be private at the convenience of the family.

HUDSON FALLS – Bernard D. Holz, 80 of Hudson Falls passed away early Friday morning, November 1, 2024, following a short illness.

Born on March 12, 1944 in Hempstead, he was the son of the late Bernard Thomas Holz and the late Grace (Sullivan) Holz of Hempstead.  Bernard was a 1962 graduate of South Glens Falls High School.  In 1962 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an Air Force policeman.  He was honorably discharged in 1966.

Bernard is predeceased by his wife, Bonnie S. Finkle, who he married on May 4, 1968, and enjoyed over 43 years of marriage and companionship.  He worked for Hercules, Ciba-Geigy, and most recently the City of Glens Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Bernard enjoyed tinkering around the house, doing yardwork, home-cooked meals with family (made by someone else), and sitting on his front porch watching the neighborhood with a cup of coffee, the newspaper, listening to the radio with his canine companions throughout the years.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bernard is predeceased by a step-mother Hilda Holz, parents-in-law Horace and Shirley Finkle, and a brother-in-law, Robert Bradway.

He is survived by his daughter, Heidi (Thomas) Cioffi of Fort Edward, son Daniel (Megghan) Holz of Latham,  grandchildren Kevin (Mark) Trapasso and Jessica Hougham, and a great-grandson Memphis Hougham, his half-brothers Jay (Christine) Holz of Amsterdam and Michael (Christine) Holz of San Diego and half-sister Michele (Charles) Barber of Minerva, three sisters-in-law Jane Bradway of Hudson Falls, Sandra (Steven) Sweet of Lake George, and Priscilla (Wayne) Seguin of Massena, NY and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls, Where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Powhida. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road in Schuylerville.

Memorial donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or to The Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037.