Updated Tuesday, March 26, 2024. A new format was started on Thursday, Feb 8, 2024 in "Year 2024."

Number of Folks Added Today: 1 in Year 2024.

Year 2021-2 Posted After Sept 24

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559 - Katherine Elizabeth Bartley passed away in her home in Dickinson, Texas, on December 10, 2021. She was born in Cobleskill on July 5, 1950. She graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School, and received her bachelor's degree in teacher education from Barrington College in Rhode Island, and a master's degree in reading from Rhode Island College. Kathy taught first grade for seven years in Warren, R.I. She taught first grade for Bethlehem Central at Clarksville Elementary before becoming a language arts coordinator for the district.
Posted here on Saturday, June 4, 2022.


558 - John Anthony Marozas, 74, passed away on December 21, 2021. At the time, he was in Atlantic City, NJ, a place he loved to visit. John grew up in Amsterdam, NY and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in English from St. Michael's College in Winooski, VT. Spending his adult life in Hoosick Falls, NY, John was an English Teacher at Hoosick Falls Central School. His greatest passion in life was being a teacher where he developed great friendships with both his colleagues and students that lasted for years beyond the classroom. Formerly an EMT with the Hoosick Falls Rescue Squad, John also loved the outdoors and cherished time spent fishing in Alaska and in the Adirondacks, particularly Moose Pond. 
Posted here on Saturday, May 21, 2022.



557 - Frank l. Jones, 86, of Gansevoort, passed away December 4, 2021. He graduated from Hudson Falls High School Class of 1951. Frank worked for Sandy Hill Iron & Brass of Hudson Falls from 1951 until he retired. When his sons were of age to play little league he supported them by being a little league coach. Frank was also active with Boy Scout Troop 9 of Glens Falls for several years. After retirement he drove a school bus for the South Glens Falls Schools.
Posted here on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

556 - Mary Ann Lally, 48, of Phelps and Albany, was given her angel wings early on December 25, 2021. Mary was born on May 16, 1973 in Clifton Springs, N.Y. and earned her Masters Degree in Special Education from Geneseo. She worked at Roosevelt ARC in Newark. She also worked at Victor Primary School where she received the Golden Apple Award. Mary moved to Albany and had been teaching at Columbia High School for over 10 years. She was also a tutor and just loved teaching.
Posted here on Friday, March 4, 2022.


555 - Edward "Ned" Roach, 85, of Queensbury, passed away December 30, 2021. Ned was a 1954 graduate of South Glens Falls High School. He also received his BS in Education from the Plattsburgh State College. Ned began his teaching career in the Warrensburg School System. In 1962, he moved to Hudson Falls and continued teaching for 35 years in the Hudson Falls School System, until his retirement in 1997. For 40 years, Ned dedicated his free time to coaching basketball in both the Hudson Falls and Glens Falls Schools.
Posted here and in Year 2022 on Sunday, February 6, 2022.

554 - Tuulia J. Fuller, 86, a resident of Berlin, VT, passed away on November 20, 2021. Tuulia was born in Tampere, Finland on July 16, 1935. Tuulia met her husband in Iceland in 1957, where he was stationed as a member of the Air Force Jazz Band, and she was working for the summer. Tuulia attended Helsinki School of Economics, earning a Master of Economic Sciences degree. Her skills included various levels of fluency in six languages, which she used to translate German for a NASA consultant. She worked as a substitute teacher for 31 years in Berlin, as well as a home health aide. She volunteered helping the elderly and for Feeding the Homeless Community Outreach.
Posted in Year 2022 and here on Friday, February 4, 2022.


553 - Marian Fales died November 19, 2021 in Portland, Maine. She was born and raised in Schenectady, New York. Her 40 year teaching career began in 1974 at Elmer Avenue Elementary School in Schenectady. She retired from teaching in 2016. At the time of her retirement, she had been the Director of the Carmel United Methodist Church Pre-School (Carmel, Indiana) for 15 years. Marian's passion was choral singing and especially sacred music.
Posted here on Monday, January 10, 2022.

552 - Brian David Jones, 46, of Brighton , CO, passed away December 24, 2021. Born in Niskayuna, he was a 1993 graduate of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School. After college he accepted a position as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director at Agate School District #300 in Agate, CO, where he served for 2 years. In 2003 he became a Physical Education teacher at Belle Creek Charter School in Henderson, Colorado, where he assumed the role of Athletic Director in 2004. He held both of these positions at Belle Creek for 19 years. During his tenure at Belle Creek, he wore many hats: coach, educator, colleague, mentor, and above all, he instilled in his students a dedication and work ethic and helped them to see their potential to become the best versions of themselves.
Posted here on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

551 - On Thursday, December 30, 2021, beloved, friend, teacher, colleague, wife and mother, Sydna Schwartz of Colonie, joined her mother and brother at peace in the great beyond. She pursued higher education at UCLA, Temple University and UPenn. Through her work at the Philadelphia Police Dept. Crime Lab, Fernald State Hospital in Waltham Mass., and teaching preschool and afterschool programs in the South Colonie School District (which she may have found the most satisfying), she was always dedicated to serving the greater good while using her strengths to support her family.
Posted here on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

550 - Diana M. Dickinson, 49, of Melrose, passed away December 27, 2021. Born in Troy on June 23, 1972, she was a 1990 graduate of Hoosic Valley High School. Diana worked as a teacher's aide at CEO Head Start in Troy for several years. Over the past nine years, she dedicated her life to raising her family. She enjoyed baking as well as crafts and shopping.
Posted here on Monday, January 3, 2022.

549 - Louis A. Spelich, a longtime resident of Delmar, and more recently a resident of Guilderland, passed away December 24, 2021, at the age of 94. He taught art at public schools, first in Detroit and then in Delmar, where he introduced photography classes at the Bethlehem Central High School before his retirement  in 1986. Lou was a professional photographer, a pilot, a scuba diver and an assiduous follower of the local estate sales. Mr. Spelich was a United States Naval Reserve veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He saw service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas. He was a member of many professional and civic organizations.
Posted here on Monday, January 3, 2022.

548 - Nelson R Johnson, 88, of Niskayuna passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021. In his early years, he worked for Bench Office Furniture repairing, refurnishing and assembling office furniture. After retiring from Bench he worked for Niskayuna Central School District as a Bus Attendant assisting with needs and safety of schoolchildren. Nelson was devoted to his family, loved by his grandchildren and was best known as "Poppa". He loved home remodeling, woodworking and furniture repair and refinishing.
Posted here on Monday, January 3, 2022.

547 - Celeste “Shelly” Pugliano, 88, of Schenectady, passed away December 28, 2021. Born in Schenectady on August 12, 1933, she attended Mt. Pleasant High School and graduated with honors. Celeste worked as a Secretary at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and later as an Insurance Coordinator for Mohonasen Central School District. Celeste loved cooking, baking, gardening and watching hallmark movies. She was a card shark and always up for a game of cards with her family. Celeste is well known for her infamous meatballs and yummy homemade pizzelles.
Posted here on Monday, January 3, 2022.

546 - Betsy A. (Watrous) Pasinella, 74 of Saratoga Springs passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Betsy was a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs and wintered in Sebring, Fla. She worked for Skidmore College as a supervisor in Dining Services and previously was an elementary school teacher in East Hampton, Conn. and Saratoga Springs. Betsy enjoyed golf with family and friends as a long-time member of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, socializing and playing bridge.
Posted here on Monday, January 3, 2022.

545 - RENSSELAER - Mary Rose Phelan Chapman passed away December 24, 2021, in Waco, Texas. She taught home economics for Rensselaer City Schools until 1965. As the wife of a retired Air Force officer, she took an active role in many club activities including writing for several monthly publications and chairing Wive's Club functions. She volunteered with Family Services - a military family organization, and taught classes in the United States Citizenship Preparation program. As a mother, she worked with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as a coordinator of Public Relations.
Posted here on Monday, January 3, 2022.

544 - Bud Kenyon, 93, of Greenwich, passed away Christmas morning, December 25, 2021. He joined the United States Marine Corps at 17 and served a tour in Northern China in the late 1940s, where he discovered the game of football. He also served a second tour, stateside, and separated from active duty as a sergeant. Coach Kenyon began his teaching and coaching career at Oriskany Central School in New York in 1956, serving as a football, basketball, and baseball coach, as well as a physical education teacher and athletic director. He also coached. and/or taught at Hoosick Falls, Guilderland High School, and Greenwich High School. His awards in the game of football are numerous, with his induction into the Capital District Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class of 2010 serving as the crowning glory of his career.
Posted here on Friday, December 31, 2021.

543 - Mary Rose (Casey) Holzhauer, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away Monday, December 16, 2021, two days following her 96th birthday. When Mary Rose was 16, she moved to upstate New York. She attended SUNY Plattsburgh, earning a degree in teaching at the age of 19. There, she met her husband, who worked as a chemist at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Rouses Point. They married on August 27, 1945, a day before he left to serve as a medic for World War II. Mary Rose worked as a teacher at a one-room school-house in Rouse's Point, NY. As social as she was, she was equally independent, and had a penchant for many hobbies on her own, including drawing and painting, sewing, reading, and playing the dulcimer.
Posted here on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

542 - Theresa G. Zerwick, 94, a longtime resident of  Schuylerville, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Born August 7, 1927 in Northumberland, NY, Theresa decided she would like to pursue a career as a Dietician. She borrowed $100 for tuition from her brother to attend SUNY Canton and went on to be the first in her family to earn a college degree. Theresa worked at Gowanda Indian Reservation, Samaritan Hospital and Saratoga Hospital as a Dietician. After her children were school age, Theresa worked as the Cafeteria Manager for Schuylerville Central School for 25 years, enjoying the progression of students as they transitioned thru grades K-12. She finished her career working as the Cafeteria Manager at Cambridge Central School, and got to enjoy seeing her grandchildren every day until her retirement.
Posted here on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.

541 - Margaret Hoatland Wood Boehmer, 97 of Loudonville, passed from this life December 10, 2021.She worked as the school nurse and health and sex education teacher for the West Canada Valley High School (WCVHS) in Newport, N.Y. from 1966 until after her last child finished high school in 1978. She believed there would be fewer unwanted babies if high school kids had a good sex education and learned about birth control. In 1983, she moved to Troy to be near her daughter and went to work at Samaritan Hospital where she worked until 1989. She took a couple of months off, then went to work for Vanderheyden Hall in Troy as a teachers' assistant and substitute teacher until 2006, when she retired at age 82.
Posted here on Sunday, December 26, 2021.

540 - Carole C. Drenchko, 89 of Rexford, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021. Carole grew up in Oswego and attended Oswego State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. Carole previously resided in North Syracuse where she raised her family and taught in the North Syracuse School District. She was the librarian at Lakeshore Road Elementary School for many years until her retirement in 1992. Carole was a member of the N.Y.S. United Teachers and the North Syracuse Education Association. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing bridge, shopping and was an avid reader.
Posted here on Saturday, December 24, 2021.

539 - Sandra L. Brown, of Kirkville, passed away December 18, 2021. Sandra was born in 1944. She and her husband were foster parents in the early part of their marriage. For many years, she was a school bus driver at the Jamesville-DeWitt School District. In her retirement; she volunteered as a counselor at New Hope Family Services.
Posted here on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

538 - Roland C. Dumas, 85, of Ballston Spa, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. Born on July 17, 1936 in Montpelier, VT, Roland graduated from South Glens Falls High School. He joined the United States Navy on April 5, 1955, serving on the USS Sperry and the USS Chiaskia during the Suez Canal Crisis in Egypt. He served as a Radioman in the Navy until his honorable discharge on April 3, 1959. Roland was employed at Skidmore College Campus as a Campus Safety Officer and he also worked as a school bus driver for several years for the Saratoga Springs School District. He enjoyed bowling and motorcycles, and was in the Eagle Riders Motorcycle Club.
Posted here on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

537 - Beverly Cohen Francis, 97, died in Denver on December 12, 2021. Beverly was born in 1924 in Rochester, New York. She lived most of her married life in Schenectady, NY. After graduating from Monroe High School in Rochester, Beverly attended Brockport State Teachers College. She taught elementary school for eight years until she became a mother; when her children were older, she returned to teaching. Beverly was a favorite substitute, the only one who left lesson plans for the returning teachers.
Posted here on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

536 - M. Elaine Kurtz, 89, of Brunswick, Maine, died December 6, 2021. She had been a Resource teacher in Avon, CT; later the Director of the Volunteer Bureau, Schenectady, NY and worked as an Educator, Counselor, and Training Director for Planned Parenthood, Schenectady, NY. More recently, she served as the Board Chair of the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, Brunswick and served on the Board of the Highlands Resident Assistance Fund. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to addressing social injustices in women rights, poverty and hunger. She cared deeply about improving the world around her, whether it was for her family, her neighbors, or all of humanity.
Posted here on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

535 - Nancy L. Male, 83, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021. She was born on September 17, 1938, in Saratoga Springs and was a graduate of Saratoga High School. Nancy worked for Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake Central Schools for her entire career. She began as a custodian and she became a well-known and much-loved fixture at the school until her retirement in 2001 as a food preparer and cafeteria manager. Nancy enjoyed knitting, crafts, and cooking. She loved music and singing but most of all she loved spending time with her loved ones.
Posted here on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

534 - Ann Marie Rehder, of Cary, North Carolina, and formerly of Schaghticke, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. Ann was born in Potsdam on May 7, 1932, and moved to Albany to attend the State University of New York where she received a bachelor's degree. She later went on to receive her master's degree at Union College and spent her career teaching middle school science and math. Her many interests included reading, traveling, sewing, cooking, camping, hiking, volunteering and playing Solitaire, Bridge and Mahjong.
Posted here on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

533 - Cecelia Kistler Evans, 82, of Cohoes, NY, passed away on December 7, 2021. Cecie was born on June 28, 1939, attended Kutztown State Teachers College and graduated with a degree in elementary education. She worked as a teacher for 2 years after graduating from college. Once her children were older, she worked for many years as a teachers aide for Capital Region BOCES until her retirement in 1999. She had many talents and interests. She was an accomplished pianist and often enjoyed playing by ear.
Posted here on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

532 - Sylvia W. Alpert of Albany passed away at the ripe young age of 105 plus, on Friday, December 10, 2021. She was born on August 28, 1916 and grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. After her husband's death in 1965, when Sylvia was only 48 years old, she needed to get a job. Her first job was as a truant officer. She also went back to school at The College of Saint Rose to become a teacher. She started a long career as a third grade teacher in the Albany Public School System at the age of 50 and retired 22 years later. Once she retired, she became a volunteer at Albany Memorial Hospital, until the age of 90.
Posted here on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

531 - Florence Simon Wasserman, 95 of Burnwell, Kentucky, died on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in Kentucky. Born in Tannersville, N.Y., Mrs. Wasserman resided in Rotterdam for many years, later moving to Clearwater, Fla. She had been employed as a teacher for many years at the Draper High School before it merged with Mohonasen as well as the Mohonasen High School after the merger.
Posted here on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

530 - Wilda B. MacKnight, 88, of Queensbury, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021."Willie" was born in Hudson Falls on March 6, 1933 and graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1954 with a Degree in Physical Education. She landed her first job teaching Phys Ed in Corinth and then moved to Long Island for 12 years where she lived in Seaford, taught Phys Ed in Lynbrook and summer school in Massapequa. She moved back upstate in 1970 where she worked in real estate for several years before starting work at Washington County Department of Social Services as a caseworker and then as Director of Social Services when she retired.
Posted here on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

529 - Joan C. Benesch, 90 of East Nassau, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Born in Albany, Joan was raised in Rensselaer and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-1954. After her marriage, Joan lived on Long Island before moving back to the area in 1972. She was a secretary at the former Ted Dobush Insurance agency in West Sand Lake. She also worked at the Butler & Buchanan Insurance Agency in Rensselaer and drove school bus for the Averill Park School District.
Posted here on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

528 - Herbert Samuel Gaige passed away December 4, in his hometown of Saratoga Springs, NY. Born October 28, 1929 in Rotterdam, NY, Herb was educated in the Schenectady County School System and attended Draper High School, Syracuse University, University of Maryland and the University at Albany. He began his career as a teacher in the Draper School District and then moved to Sodus, New York and began a career as a school principal. From there he moved to New Paltz, NY and was a professor in the School of Education at SUNY New Paltz. He ended his career working for the State Education Department, Migrant Education Program. Herb was a strong believer in education and he wanted everyone who desired an education the ability to receive one.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

527 - Dorothy LaVonne Smith born June 13,1927 died on December 8, 2021.She was an adventurer at heart and after undergraduate work at her beloved Iowa State University, she interviewed and got a Home Economics Teaching position in Suffern, NY. Dorothy always had her priorities straight. She loved her family and friends, God, and her Country. She also loved teaching students life skills like: cooking, sewing, and budgeting a household. She especially enjoyed teaching foreign foods and developing a working nursery school that utilized and trained students as teachers.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

526 - Thomas Lee Hotalen, 76 of Castleton, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Thomas was born in Wellsboro, N.Y. and earned a B.S. in pure mathematics from Mansfield State College in Pennsylvania, and M.S. in math education from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. He retired in 2000 as a math teacher for Taconic Hills Central Schools, after 32 years of teaching. Among his accomplishments as a teacher, he brought advanced placement calculus and graphing calculators to Taconic Hills. Countless students looked up to him for making math accessible and fun. After retirement, he continued sharing his love for a teaching as a substitute in many area schools, in most subjects.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

525 - Daniel Arthur Flipse of Niskayuna, passed on Monday, December 6, 2021. He was 79. Born in Middleburgh, NY, Daniel was employed as a Truck Driver for 20 years with Millbrook. He later was employed as a bus driver for the Mohonasen School District for many years and retired from the Schalmont School District in 2006 after working for 18 years as a custodian. Dan loved animals, going to antique car shows, cruises to the Caribbean islands, taking bus trips and especially family get-togethers.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

524 - Gertrude S. Daly, 88, of Kingsbury, NY passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021. Born on January 6, 1933, in Nyack, she attended the State University of New York at Albany where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1954. Gertrude taught mathematics for two years in Belmore, Long Island and later was on the faculty of Hudson Falls Central School District for four years. Gert took time to raise her children before returning to the Hudson Falls Central School District as a data analyst. Gert's community involvement included raising money for Hudson Falls High School sports and opposing the Hudson Falls burn plant.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

523 - Keith P. Yelle, 74, of Schenectady, passed away Friday, December 3, 2021. Born in Malone, N.Y., he served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1969, graduated from Piedmount College in 1972, and went on to teach food and beverage at Paul Smith's College. He enjoyed driving school bus for the South Colonie School District until his retirement. Some of his favorite hobbies included jet skiing, bowling, and playing pool, He also found his passion for golf. Other activities were traveling and visiting with loving friends and family. His infectious smile and laugh will be missed.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

522 - Nancy Ring Fish, 87, of Granville, died on Monday, November 29, 2021. She worked briefly as a social worker on Long Island. This opportunity evolved and led to her true passion, teaching. She then worked a short time for the East Greenbush Central School District in East Greenbush. As the children grew, Nancy decided to focus on her career once again. She attended Castleton University in Castleton, Vt. and received a Master of Arts in education in 1981. She worked for over 20 years in the Granville Central School System as a certified reading specialist. Nancy loved her students above all else. She served each and every student as a tireless advocate, encouraging them to find and identify their best style of learning.
Posted here on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

521 - Walter (Volodymyr) Litynsky, 87, of Wynantskill, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021. Walter was born in Bikiv, Ukraine and was a longtime resident of the Capital District. He served as an M.P. in the 42nd (Rainbow) Division of the National Guard. He devoted his career to teaching biology at Troy High School where he was affectionately known as "Prof." His other professional accomplishments included drafting the N.Y.S. Regents exam, co-authoring a biology laboratory workbook and compiling and editing a reference book on the Ukrainian Holodomor for use in New York State schools. A life-long champion of human rights, his past associations included Americans for Democracy in Ukraine, the Harvard Ukrainian Studies program and Amnesty International.
Posted here on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

520 - Kathleen (Kathy) Marie Moore Ruhmel, 50, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021. Kathy was born in Schenectady and was raised in Saratoga Springs. Kathy went on to receive her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and her Masters in Education from SUNY Albany. In keeping with her helping spirit she had a fulfilling twenty-four-year career in education as a Kindergarten teacher in the Saratoga Springs City School District enriching the lives of her little friends at Greenfield Elementary School.
Posted here on Friday, December 3, 2021.

519 - Marylou Cartier, 83, of Queensbury, passed away November 30, 2021. She was born July 17, 1938, in Pittsfield, MA. Marylou was a graduate of South Glens Falls High School and later got her Teaching Assistant Certificate from the New York State Department of Education. For many years Marylou was a Special Education Teacher Assistant at Hadley-Luzerne Central School and the Coordinator for Hadley-Luzerne Youth Commission.
Posted here on Friday, December 3, 2021.

518 - Jennifer Nicole Conroy (Green), 38, of Ballston Spa, entered into eternal life on Monday, November 29, 2021. Jennifer grew up in Glenville and after high school attended Elmira College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 2005. She taught at PS 138 in Brooklyn and earned her masters at Touro College. Jennifer returned upstate in 2008, accepting a position with the Maplewood School District, and continued her career with the North Colonie Central School District after the two districts merged. Jennifer found her forever home as an elementary teacher in 2013 at Boght Hills Elementary School in Latham, and had taught most recently in the school's remote teaching program during the 2020 - 2021 school year.
Posted here on Friday, December 3, 2021.

517 - Glenna J. Gorski, 70, of Williamstown, NY, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021. She was born July 2, 1951 in Fulton, NY, and was a graduate of A-P-W High School. Glenna retired from the Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central Schools (North of Syracuse and West of Oswego) in 2009 where she was a member of the cafeteria staff at Williamstown Elementary for many years. She had previously worked at the Town House. Glenna also served as Williamstown Historian since 1987 and was a member of the Williamstown Historical Society and the Half-Shire Historical Club, member and trustee.
Posted here on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

516 - Beth A. Renna of Troy, N.Y., passed away on November 26, 2021. Born on December 30, 1956, in Meriden, Conn., she was a graduate of Simsbury High School, Plymouth State University and Russell Sage College. She was a Special Education teacher at Troy High School for many years and retired in early 2021. Previously, she was a longtime employee of Jessica Stone's in Latham, N.Y.
Posted here on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

515 - Jean P. Cooney passed to a better place on November 15, 2021 and will be missed by those who love her. She was born on November 17, 1932 in Albany, New York. Jean was a school bus driver for Ballston Spa Schools for over 35 years.
Posted here on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

514 - Walter J. O'Brien, 82, formerly of Troy and Hudson, died Friday, November 26, 2021. Mr. O'Brien attended Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, and earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Education from SUNY-Oswego. For over 30 years, Mr. O'Brien was employed as a teacher and instructor by the former Rensselaer County BOCES and, more recently, Questar III (BOCES) in Hudson. He retired in 1996. More than anything else, Walter was a true family patriarch, who loved spending time with his family and friends.
Posted here on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

513 - Arnold Pasquale Carrese, of Watervliet, passed away November 24, 2021, at 89. A bachelor's and two master's degrees provided the foundation for a 33-year career as a middle school teacher and guidance counselor in Schenectady. His dedication to students and the teaching profession spurred his involvement in the Schenectady Teacher's Association. As lead negotiator in the 1967 contract talks, he fought for a landmark agreement that lifted pay and respect for teachers and later served as a model for other districts in New York State. In 1975, he again played a leadership role in a difficult negotiation that included a strike. He also served his country. Inspired by his father and brother Lou, both combat veterans, he achieved the rank of first lieutenant while a battery commander at Fort Sill, Oklahoma during the Korean War.
Posted here on Monday, November 29, 2021.

512 - Andrea R. Scanu, 47, of West Sand Lake, died on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Born in Charleston, S.C., she had resided most of her life in the West Sand Lake area and was a graduate of Averill Park High School and Hudson Valley Community College. Andrea was a network technician for the Averill Park Central School District for 15 years. She loved gardening, had a fondness for children and children's crafts, enjoyed HGTV, Pinterest, home projects and everything Disney.
Posted here on Monday, November 29, 2021.

511 - Gladys R. Parry was born in Granville, NY on August 8, 1927. She died at home on November 25, 2021 at age 94. Gladys was one of a kind. She taught at Hartford School for many years! She remembered all of her students and coworkers. She cared for those who needed help without asking for anything in return. She had a way with words, a love of knowledge, a gift for reading and teaching. She wrote poetry and painted. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was the epitome of a strong independent woman before it was acceptable! She spoke her mind, but with care and thoughtfulness. There was nothing selfish about her.
Posted here on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

510 - Scot J. Daniels, 53, of Forest Hills, passed away November 13, 2021. Scot was born on August 28, 1968, in Albany. Scot earned his master's degree from SUNY Albany in education and went on to become a Spanish teacher in New York City, which was his life's passion. He traveled the world, especially visiting many Spanish speaking countries to apply his love of the language. Scot loved living life, singing karaoke and listening to music. He especially loved influencing the lives of the young people he taught.
Posted here on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

509 - Joan F. O'Sullivan, 90 of Clifton Park, and Long Beach, N.Y., died peacefully on Monday, November 22, 2021. She was born on January 30, 1931, in Long Beach. Joan was extremely proud of her profession as an elementary teacher. She first taught in the Lido/Long Beach School district for ten years and then stayed at home with her five children for over 20 years. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher with her husband, and with the Restitution Program of Saratoga County. Joan returned to work at age 56 and retired from the Shenendehowa Public School System in Clifton Park after ten more years.
Posted here on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

508 - Esther Doris Mitkoff of Utica, West Palm Beach, Fla., and Latham, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. She was born on August 15, 1935, in Utica, and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, State Teachers College at Buffalo, and did graduate work at SUNY Cortland. She worked as an art teacher in the Adirondack Central School system in Boonville, and Utica Public School System (Utica Free Academy, Conklin, and Roosevelt School) in Utica. Mrs. Mitkoff was a member of the New York State Art Teachers Association, and Buffalo State College Alumni Association.
Posted here on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

507 - Ernest C. Skipper, Sr., 90, of Hannibal, NY, passed away on November 19, 2021. Mr. Skipper worked at General Electric and the Syracuse City School district for over 25 years before his retirement in 1992. He was also an active member of the Mt. Carmel SDA Church for more than 65 years serving as an Elder, Sabbath School Teacher, Deacon, Treasurer, and various other roles. Mr. Skipper was a pillar in his community and an inspiration to every person he came in contact with.
Posted here on Friday, November 26, 2021.

506 - On November 15, 2021, Lorraine Ann Lynett Komar, 79, entered into God's blessed Kingdom. During the time her three children were young, she began attending Russell Sage College part-time to complete requirements to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1976. In 1979, she earned her Master's Degree and permanent certification in N, K-6 and Social Studies 7-12. She had a career as a teacher in short and long term teaching assignments and retired from the Ballston Spa Central School District. During her teaching years, she served as a team contract negotiator with the Ballston Spa Teachers Union for per diem and long term teachers.
Posted here on Friday, November 26, 2021.

505 - November 20, 2021... Jeannette C. Bush, 92, of Bridgeport, passed away. Jeannette graduated from Minoa High School and New York State Teachers College in Cortland. She retired in 1990 as a teacher after 35 years of service from Chittenango Central School District. She was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Centerville Chapter 185. She was an avid reader.
Posted here on Friday, November 26, 2021.

504 - Patricia Anne Goodfellow Zimmerman, 76, of Saratoga Springs, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Born on March 29, 1945, in Syracuse, she attended SUNY Potsdam, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in education. Patricia and family moved to Liberty, N.Y. where she was a reading teacher, but eventually settled in Saratoga Springs and in the mid-1980s, Patricia began her career working with people with developmental disabilities. She eventually retired as a case coordinator for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. It was very important to Patricia to advocate for those who didn't have a voice, and she was highly skilled in fulfilling that role.
Posted here on Friday, November 19, 2021.

503 - Ruth Kathryn (Boice) Lasher of Germantown passed on November 14, 2021, at the age of 96. She became a registered nurse at Hudson City Hospital and received her teaching certificate from Russell Sage College. Ruth loved nursing and dedicated her life to it. She initially did private duty, then became the school nurse at Germantown Central School. Ruth took time to be mom to her two daughters and later returned as the school nurse teacher at G.C.S. She helped many students through the challenges of growing up over her 20 plus year career.
Posted here on Friday, November 19, 2021.

502 - Paul M. Spring, 66, of Ravena, passed away November 15, 2021. He was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y. on February 26, 1955. He enjoyed taking long drives, western movies and spending time with his family at his favorite place, Lake Winnipesaukee. He was a scout leader for 20 years. Paul worked for CSX Railroad for 42 years and on his days off he drove school bus for the Ravena-Coeyman-Selkirk School District.
Posted here on Friday, November 19, 2021.

501 - Jennie "Jane" M. Korbel, formerly of Latham, Cohoes and Waterford and a former teacher at Waterford-Halfmoon for 32 years has died at the age of 105 years old. The former seventh and eighth grade mathematics and social studies teacher died on Monday, November 15, 2021. Jane graduated from The College of Saint Rose in Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in 1938, and from The New York State College for Teachers with a Master of Arts in 1945. She was a charter member of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics of New York State in 1951. Jane retired in 1971 and enjoyed 50 years of retirement. She attributed her longevity to a good appetite. One of her favorite activities was driving her Ford Escort until the age of 98.
Posted here on Friday, November 19, 2021.

500 - Joseph A. Czub, 48, died on Sunday, November 14, 2021. He was born on January 12, 1973 in Niskayuna and was a graduate of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, class of '91. Following graduation, he began his career working as an automobile repair technician with his dad at the family business, Jim's Sunoco. Eventually, he became employed as a mechanic at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District's transportation department where he worked for over 18 years and was currently the Director of Transportation. Joe was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, boat and snowmobile.
Posted here on Thursday, November 18, 2021.

499 - Dolores M. Casey, of Ballston Lake, passed away November 15, 2021. She was born on May 22, 1930, in Albany, NY, lived in Albany during her earlier years but moved back to her roots in Ballston Lake in 1962, where she raised her family. Dolores had a long and rewarding career in the local school district. She was a secretary to the principal at Glenhaven Elementary School and then secretary to several department heads in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District. During her rich 29-year career, Dolores made many lifelong friendships that lasted well after retirement. 
Posted here on Thursday, November 18, 2021.

498 - Maria Testa Hughes of North Greenbush died on Saturday, November 13, 2021. She graduated from Albany State Teacher's College and received her master's degree from SUNY Albany. She taught at Albany High School and later became a professor at H.V.C.C. in Troy.
Posted here on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

497 - Sheran Wright, of Averill Park, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Sheran was born in Conroe, Texas. Children were Sheran's greatest passion in life. She loved to engage with young people and devoted herself to their physical, mental and spiritual care in various roles throughout her life, such as time spent with the Head Start program in Providence, R.I., as a bible school teacher, and employee of the Averill Park School District. 
Posted here on Monday, November 15, 2021.

496 - Nguyet Thi Thu Dinh, 68, of Niskayuna, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021. Born in Cantho, Vietnam, she worked as a teacher in Vietnam before immigrating to the United States in 2011 to care for and help raise her granddaughter.
Posted here on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

495 - Alicia C. Fifield, 44, of Salem, passed away Sunday morning, November 7, 2021. Alicia was born September 26, 1977 in Harris, NY and was a 5th and 6th grade teacher for almost two decades at Downsville Central School. While at DCS, she was the Curriculum Coordinator, served on the sunshine committee, the emergency response team and many other committees. Alicia had a strong passion for all types of fishing! She was an avid ice fisherwoman along with a competitive bass fisherwoman on their bass boat (she loved targeting Northern Pike) and was always up for a deep-sea fishing trip! Lake Champlain was her favorite lake to fish.
Posted here on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

494 - Anthony "Tony" Joseph Murray Jr., 92, of Troy passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021. He served his country as a Naval seaman on the U.S.S. Wilkinson and as an instructor of U.S. Naval History at the Recruit Training Center, Bainbridge, Md. He began his career in education in the Saratoga Springs Public School District, beginning as a high school social studies teacher and a junior high school guidance counselor. Tony returned to his birth city of Troy as director of guidance for the Troy City School District. He finished his stint in Troy as superintendent from 1981 - 1984. Tony returned to his first love as a guidance counselor at his beloved alma mater, Catholic Central High School, from 1984-1991.
Posted here on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

493 - Roberta "Bert" Sedlik Boss, 88, of Scotia, passed away peacefully on her birthday, Wednesday, November 10, 2021. She earned her B.A. in English education from Brooklyn College and her Ph.D. in English education and philosophy from the University of Maryland. She had a long teaching career spanning all levels of education and different populations. She taught soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Southeast Asian immigrants in a formal English speaking program, conversational English for older Russian newcomers to America, homebound and hospitalized secondary school pupils, as well as traditional college age students. She loved to help others develop their passion for learning and received the Excellence in Teaching Award from Prince George's Community College. She was an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and various community colleges.
Posted here on Friday, November 12, 2021.

492 - Patricia A. (Mucci) Wheeler of Albany passed away on November 8, 2021. She was born in Poughkeepsie, graduated Cum Laude from The College of Saint Rose in 1962, and received her master's degree from the State University of New York at Albany. Patricia first taught mathematics at Shaker High School. She retired from Hudson Valley Community College where she was an adjunct professor in the Mathematics Department. Patricia also was an editor of publications at the N.Y.S. Department of Education. Patricia was a devoted mother and loved her family. She enjoyed the holidays with her children and grandchildren.
Posted here on Friday, November 12, 2021.

491 - Dora Williamson Baker of St. Petersburg, Florida died Jan. 31, 2008. She was born in Hannibal, NY. She was a graduate of Fredonia Normal School in Fredonia, NY. She did substitute teaching in the schools of Baltimore and Albany, and taught as a regular teacher for 22 years. Upon retirement from the Colonie Village School in the South Colonie Central School District, she was given a life membership in the Parent Teacher's Association. She is fondly remembered by her former students who had her as a kindergarten or first grade teacher.
Posted here on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

490 - Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Natoli, 102 of Albany, formerly of Norwich, died on November 6, 2021. Born on June 4, 1919, in Otsego County, West Exeter, N.Y., she graduated from Cazenovia Central Schools in 1937, and from the New York State Teachers College at Cortland in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and health. She taught physical education at Norwich High School from 1942-1947. She was a substitute physical education teacher from 1969-1971, and a teacher's assistant in the Norwich City School System from 1971 until her retirement in 1992. She was a former president and board member of the Broome County and Chenango County Girl Scouts of America.
Posted here on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

489 - On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Lois Kline departed this life at the age of 96 years. Born in Amsterdam, NY on April 22, 1925, she graduated from Amsterdam High School in 1943, matriculated through Nursing School and was licensed as a Registered Nurse in June, 1946. Lois practiced nursing for many years at the Amsterdam Hospital. She left nursing for a time to raise her 5 children. When time permitted, Lois returned to professional life to be a School Nurse Teacher and after her retirement, continued expressing her love for children as a volunteer lunch room supervisor at Schonowe Public School in Rotterdam, NY.
Posted here on Monday, November 8, 2021.

488 - James R. Wedro, 70 of Troy, passed into eternal rest on Friday evening October 29, 2021. Jim was born in Troy and was a well liked school bus driver for Durham School Services. Jim enjoyed bowling with his wife. He also played softball for many years and enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Posted here on Monday, November 8, 2021.

487 - Debra A. Fenton, 71, of Queensbury, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021. She was born May 4, 1950 in Glens Falls, graduated from St. Mary's Academy; and received her teaching degree from the State University of Plattsburgh. She spent her teaching career as a fourth grade teacher at Queensbury Union Free School District, retiring after 30 years of service. Debbie enjoyed playing golf with her friends at Queensbury Country Club, traveling, especially her trips to Hawaii, Ireland and the Grand Canyon.
Posted here on Monday, November 8, 2021.

486 - Myrna Rose (Park) Millis, 78, of Sun City, AZ passed away Wednesday, November 03, 2021. A native of LaFayette, NY, Myrna and her husband owned and operated two businesses, Bayside Inn in Bernhards Bay and LaFayette Oasis known for Myrna's famous pies and homemade lunch specials. Myrna took pride in driving school bus and especially for being a founding member of the LaFayette Apple Festival. Myrna moved from Central NY to Fort Walton Beach, FL and retired to Sun City, AZ where she continued her service work at the Grandview Terrace where she was beloved by all.
Posted here on Monday, November 8, 2021.

485 - Janice M. Tucker, 88, passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021, in Granville. Janice was born on May 21, 1933, in Burlington, VT and graduated from the Vergennes High School in 1951. After her husband had taught for a number of years in Vermont, they moved to Granville, NY where they raised their family. Once the children were in school Janice worked at the school cafeteria for a time, but her primary focus was raising their family. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren beyond measure.
Posted here on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

484 - Priscilla Leverett Dorvee, 93, lately of Roswell, Georgia, a long-time resident of South Glens Falls passed away recently. After graduating from the University of Maine, Priscilla served for several years as a Home Demonstration Agent in Washington County, NY. Later, she earned her Masters in Education from St. Rose University and began a successful career as a schoolteacher in Glens Falls. She spent most of her career teaching fifth graders at Sanford Street School. Priscilla was a Teacher of the Year in Glens Falls and Teacher Magazine published several articles she wrote.
Posted here on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

483 - JoAnne Bernice Houser, 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. She was born in Albany on September 16, 1952. She attended Duchess Community College in Poughkeepsie where she received an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. After college, JoAnne worked for Head Start as a Pre-K teacher. She then became a Home Visitor for the program. In 1988, JoAnne went to work as Principal Account Clerk for the NYS Department of Correctional Services, Finance Office.
Posted here on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

482 - Frederick A. (Fred) Turner, 87, of Mohawk, (Town of German Flatts), passed away Friday October 29, 2021. He was born January 25, 1934 in Ilion, NY. Fred was a graduate of Ilion, High School and furthered his education in teaching at Oswego College. Mr. Turner was a United States Army Veteran, and he studied as an Army medic at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and served as a medic during the Korean War. Fred taught at Thomas Edison Technical High School in Rochester before coming to Mohawk. He taught Industrial Arts at Mohawk High School for many years until his retirement in 1989. While he was at Mohawk High School, he also taught driver’s education and he loved coaching track and cross country teams. Fred also served as the advisor for the yearbook committee for several years.
Posted here on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

481 - Eleanor "Ellie" Anna (Meier) DeStefano, 91 of New Hartford, N.Y., was peacefully called to the Lord on Friday, October 22, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, N.Y. on December 29, 1929 and went to Ithaca College and graduated in 1951, with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. After raising her children, she worked as a physical education teacher for 20 years for the Utica School system. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America and taught swimming lessons at the Bromwich homestead during the summer.
Posted here on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

480 - Vincent J. Cresanti, 95, of Amsterdam, passed away on Wednesday October 27, 2021. Mr. Cresanti was employed as a music teacher in the Amsterdam, Gloversville, and Stratford School Districts, retiring from Stratford Central School. He loved teaching music and often said he never felt he worked a day in his life! Vincent pursued many passions, including playing in many area professional bands, with his main instruments being saxophone, clarinet, and guitar. As he aged, he traded his saxophone for a keyboard, and played and sang familiar old songs at area nursing homes, where he brought smiles from the residents and the staff. He was a veteran of the US Air Corp during World War II, where he was enrolled in flight school.
Posted here on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

479 - Dianne (Harriman) Graham, 74, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021. Dianne and her husband ran Van Aernem's Dairy successfully for many years, including a home delivery service, one of the last in existence. Her husband delivered the milk and Dianne did the book work. Dianne worked for BOCES as a teaching assistant in many program areas, retiring in 2011, after 33 years of service to the kids. She loved the children she worked with and had a significant impact on many of them. 
Posted here on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

478 - Emmett Ten Broeck of Latham died October 29, 2021. Emmett was born in Newtonville. He was a graduate of the Milne School and SUNY Albany. In 2008, he was inducted into the University at Albany, Alumni Association Half Century Club. His first teaching assignment was in Brocton, N.Y., before becoming an English teacher and supervisor of the English Department at Shaker High School in Latham, where he taught until his retirement in 2001. Emmett enjoyed music especially jazz.
Posted here on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.


477 - On Tuesday, October 5, 2021, Pamela "Pam" Culver of Rochester, passed away at the age of 69. At the age of 28, Pam achieved her first position as a school principal at the N.Y.S. Division for Youth - Tryon School in Johnstown N.Y., where she first worked five years as a math teacher. During her tenures as high school principal for Scotia-Glenville High School and Schuylerville High School, Pam also devoted some of her "spare" time to serving seven years on the Galway Central School Board of Education and on the town's Zoning Board of Appeals.
Posted here on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

476 - Marie Funicello Hornick of Clarksville passed away on October 27, 2021, at the age of 77. Marie was born on December 5, 1943, in Glens Falls and graduated from The College of Saint Rose in Albany and the University of Minnesota on the Minneapolis campus, earning a Master of Arts degree in English. Marie became a New York State certified English teacher, and taught in public high schools in the Finger Lakes and Voorheesville High School. She spent the majority of her teaching career at Schalmont High School in Rotterdam. After 26 years of teaching, she retired, spending time with her husband visiting historical sites, and learning more about state history and American history. 
Posted here on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

475 - Clifford J. Stuart, 81, of Schenectady, passed away on Saturday evening October 23, 2021. Born in Rotterdam, Clifford was a former custodian at the Draper High School, which merged with the Mohonasen School District. Clifford retired from the US Postal Service as a mail carrier after 36 years of service. He was a member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge # 2157 and had a collection of Classic Cars.
Posted here on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

474 - Bonnie M. Aupperle, 73, of Marcellus, passed away Monday, October 25, 2021. Born in Albany, she resided in Guilderland until moving to Syracuse in 1970. A graduate of Guilderland High School, she received a Bachelor's degree from The College of Saint Rose and a Master's in Elementary Education from Syracuse University. Bonnie was a teacher at Fairmount Elementary School in Fairmount, NY, a western suburb of Syracuse, for six years and then stayed home to raise her four sons.
Posted here on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

473 - Ethel Anne Post, 78, of Troy, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, October 22, 2021. Ethel Anne was a kindergarten teacher at School 14 in Troy. She was an active member of Mt. Ida Community Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, directed Junior Choir, was involved in Women's Ministry and the Missionary Society. Ethel Anne enjoyed writing for children and was a gifted story teller, especially the elf stories she crafted for her own children.
Posted here on Saturday, October 30, 2021.


472 - Daniel P. King of Hague passed away at home on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Dan was born on April 22, 1953, in Montclair, NJ, and spent every summer in Hague. After retiring from the boat business, Dan worked as a substitute teacher in the Ticonderoga School District, where he discovered his passion for awakening in children the joys of learning.
Posted here on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

471 - Mary P. Richards, 86, passed away at her home in Delmar on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Born in North Adams, Mass., Mary graduated from North Adams State Teachers College and Middlebury College. She was a lifelong teacher who spent the last twenty seven years of her career in the English department of the Bethlehem Central High School. Mary was actively involved in the N.Y.S. Retired Teachers Association and served on the board of the Bethlehem Humanity Institute for Lifelong Learning.
Posted here on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

470 - Carol J. Lunkenheimer, 96, of Cato, passed away Sunday, October 24, 2021. She was born in Meridian. She attended Cato Meridian Central Schools (northwest of Syracuse) and then worked there as a custodian until retirement. Carol enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing the organ and traveling to Florida in the winter, but best of all enjoyed spending time with family.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

469 - Marilyn E. DeCerbo, 74, of Glenville, N.Y., passed away on October 22, 2021. Marilyn was born on February 24, 1947 and grew up in Rotterdam, N.Y. She was a dedicated Reading Teacher and devoted many years to the Schenectady City School District. In her retirement, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed her time at the casino playing the slots and eating at the casino restaurants. Her "casino girls trips" with her friends were some of her most cherished times.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

468 - Wayne R. North, 79, of Hartford, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021. Born on July 14, 1942, in Fort Edward, he enjoyed his job working as a School Bus Driver for the Hartford Central School for 28 years. He operated the family farm for many years and also was a car salesman, sold real estate and worked as a truck driver. He was the former President of Hartford Central School Bus Driver Assoc., a life member of Argyle Rescue Squad and a member of the Tri State Antique Tractor Club.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.


467 - Frederike "Fritzi" S. Barker, 92, of Albany, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021. Frederike was born in Graz, Austria. She emigrated to the United States in her early twenties, and attended New Jersey State College in Glassboro, N.J. and received a master's degree. She lived in Albany for many years and was employed as a high school English teacher. She would often travel back to Austria to see her friends and family and stay at her childhood home. She was a member of the Victorian cultural league and loved going on trips and seeing all the old sites and talking with all her friends.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

466 - George W. Grooznack, Sr., 83, a lifetime resident of Quaker Springs, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Born November 25, 1937 in Mechanicville, NY, George was a Dairy Farmer and operated the family farm with his wife in Quaker Springs for many years. He also drove a school bus for Schuylerville Central School for 52 years. He was a former member of the Quaker Springs Fire Department and was a communicant of Notre Dame-Visitation Church. He loved to cook, garden, and attend auction sales. After he retired from farming, he enjoyed helping the neighboring farms.
Posted here on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

465 - Diane Marguerite Waterhouse, of Canandaigua, passed away October 17, 2021 at the age of 84. Diane was born on April 27, 1937 and graduated with honors from Schuylerville High School in 1955. In addition to being a devoted mother, Diane spent many years working as a teacher's aide in the Argyle Central School District and later as a secretary at the NY State Department of Corrections. In 1994, Diane relocated from Lake Luzerne, NY to Naples, FL, where for the next 25 years she enjoyed her retirement to the fullest with an amazing circle of friends.
Posted here on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

464 - Shirley Paradis Dagner, 85, of Ballston Lake, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021. In the '60s she worked for Channel 13, WNYT, as a programming director. In the '70s she worked at Shenendehowa School as a teachers aide for special needs children, and in the '80s she worked for the Ballston Spa Town Clerk after which she stopped working to take care of her grandsons. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who she would call everyday.
Posted here on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

463 -  Marylin Lila (Pruss) Hurewitz, 95, of Delmar, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. After a decade of volunteer work in the 1950s and 1960s, Marylin earned a master's degree in education from Yeshiva University, and became a teacher, first in East Meadow and then in Island Park. While teaching, she helped mobilize the district's teachers to form the first teacher's union there - with Marylin becoming the union president and lead contract negotiator. She retired from teaching in 1984, and (post-retirement) developed a supplemental science program for the district's students.
Posted here on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

462 - Katherine M. Sinclair, 90, of Sleepy Hollow, a founding member of Kendal on Hudson retirement community, passed away on October 19, 2021. After her father's premature death, she became the family breadwinner as an English teacher at Junior and Senior High Schools on Long Island NY, and at the Tottington Secondary Modern School in Lancashire, England. She often shared funny stories of that time in England, including how she placed a warm brick in her bed on chilly nights! Kay moved on from teaching to become an Editor at Reader's Digest in Chappaqua, NY, where her wonderful sense of humor helped curate funny anecdotes submitted by subscribers.
Posted here on Friday, October 22, 2021.

461 - Bruce Malcolm Weidman, 80, of the Scotia-Glenville, NY area and Ormond Beach, FL, passed away October 17, 2021. Born and raised in Scotia, Bruce was a graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School and SUNY Morrisville. A former Staff Sargent of the 109th Airlift Wing Air National Guard Unit in Schenectady, Bruce served during the Vietnam Conflict as a load master on the C-97 Stratofreighter. He worked for the Schenectady Highway Department before becoming an automotive teacher at Albany BOCES where he worked for over 30 years before retiring.
Posted here on Friday, October 22, 2021.

460 - Demian J. Singleton, 52 of Guilderland, passed away on October 18, 2021. Born in Poughkeepsie, Demian had the honor of being in the first cohort of the educational leadership program at Russell Sage College where he earned his doctoral degree in educational leadership. Dr. Singleton had a long and outstanding career at the Guilderland Central School District. He joined the district in 1996 as a seventh grade science teacher at Farnsworth Middle School, later becoming an instructional administrator for math, science and technology, and then assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Posted here on Friday, October 22, 2021.

459 - Arthur L. Mardon Jr., 89 of Averill Park, entered into eternal life on Friday, October 15, 2021. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., Art served in the U.S. Navy in Korea aboard the USS Pirate, USS Small, and USS Taussig. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in February 1955. Art returned home and attended Siena College and N.Y.S. Teachers College, receiving his master's degree. He taught American history at Tamarac School for three years and Troy High School for 25 years where he was beloved by students and co-workers, retiring in 1987. He served the Town of Sand Lake as deputy town clerk and later as town supervisor. Art volunteered at the town library, drove for Meals on Wheels, and Jill's Hidden Gardens.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

458 - Margaret "Peggy" Mary O'Connor Reilly, 91, of Valley Falls, passed into eternal life on October 15, 2021. Margaret was born on February 21, 1930, in Troy, eventually settling in Scarsdale where she lived for over 40 years. Peggy was a part of the original faculty of the Heathcote School in the Scarsdale Union Free School District where she taught for over 25 years. Educational pursuits were her priority. Peggy advocated for and promoted the Lincoln Center Institute for the Arts in Education at Heathcote School and completed many advanced courses at Scarsdale Teacher's Institute.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

457 - On October 15, 2021, Dorothy Allen of Schenectady, who was also known affectionately as "Dot," left this earth to go to her home in Heaven. She was born in 1919 and passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101 years. Dorothy was an elementary school teacher for 21 years with the Guilderland School System and prior to that worked for 10 years as a teacher with the Albany City School System. She was a member of the Women's Council of the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Shaker Heritage Society and the N.Y.S. Retired Teachers Association.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

456 - Leona M. Lennox, 99, of Middle Granville, passed away on October 2, 2021. She was born on May 27, 1922, in Blue Island, IL and was a graduate of Cambridge High School in 1941. In addition to being the mother of six children she was employed by the Granville Central School System as a Cook Manager for the cafeteria program at Mary J. Tanner School in Middle Granville for 19 years. Her favorite past times were knitting and listening to audio books. She served as an Elder for the Middle Granville Presbyterian Church and a Charter Member and past President of the Granville Area Lioness Club which was founded in 1979.
Posted here on Monday, October 18, 2021.

455 - Gary Adelson, 86, of Niskayuna, left us peacefully on October 12, 2021. Gary was born in Albany on October 11, 1935 and dedicated his life to a career in education of which he spent 38 years of teaching and administrative leadership in the Shenendehowa School district which he considered his second family. He wanted to acknowledge his great staff, outstanding students, parental support, and leadership. For his leadership, vision, heartfelt encouragement, and commitment to the arts, Shen honored him with the creation of the Gary I. Adelson Auditorium in High School West. After retirement, Gary continued impacting the lives of young people through his involvement with Project Lead the Way; now a national outreach program offering STEM learning experiences to K-12 students and teachers.
Posted here on Monday, October 18, 2021.

454 - Eleanor V. Lewandowski of Lake Luzerne, received her wings on Friday morning, October 8, 2021. Born on September 13, 1926, in Schenectady, NY she was a member of River Valley Barbershop Chorus and the Southern River Valley Chapter of the Sweet Adelines and sang bass with her quartet the Key Tones. They placed 7th in International Competition. Over the years she always worked in places to help people, from her early 20's in retail to teacher aide, working with handicapped children, finishing up in her 70's. She was a bus monitor for handicapped children for Hadley Luzerne Central School, retiring in 2000.
Posted here on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

431 - Originally posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Edited on October 13, 2021.
Michael William Kovarik, 65, of Greenwich, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State in 1978, and his master’s degree in 1986, from Willliam and Mary. He formerly worked in elementary schools in Winchester, N.H., Newport News, Va. and retired from Veeder Elementary School in the South Colonie School District. While at South Colonie he was active in the South Colonie Teachers Association. Michael was an author of "Healing Within - My Journey with Breast Cancer." He was an activist and was involved in many programs and organizations related to his diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer.
Posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
Edited on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

453
Robert T. Tedesco, 86 of Stillwater, died October 6, 2021. Born in Brooklyn on July 22, 1935, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1960. He worked as a taxi driver in New York City until moving to the Capital Region, and working as a school bus driver. He later began his career with American Linen, where he worked for over 20 years as a truck driver. Bob was a horse racing enthusiast, who along with his family, enjoyed summers at the Saratoga Race Track.
Posted here on Friday, October 8, 2021.

452
Frances "Fran" Gene (Bartholomew) Brower, 65, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on September 30, 2021. Fran was born in Glens Falls, NY July 23, 1956. She was a graduate of Glens Falls HS and Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. Fran was a Special Education Teacher for twelve years in the Albany NY, Columbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN areas, after which she stayed home to raise her two daughters who were the love of her life. Fran was involved in PTA, Special Olympics, and was a long time Dance Mom for both of her daughters.
Posted here on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

451
Walter B. Ward of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of South Buffalo, NY, a retired teacher and prominent businessman, passed away October 1, 2021. Dr. Ward was a History Teacher and Administrator in the Cheektowaga/Sloan Union Free School District, in Sloan, NY, at John F. Kennedy High School for 34 years. During his tenure he served as an officer in the district's New York State Teachers Union unit and President for many years. Dr. Ward was an owner of Ward Insurance Company, Louies Soda Bar, Mean Alice's, City Lights, The Jam Club, Cafe Rumors, Heidies Tuxedos, Absolute Elegance Limousine Service, Cathode Ray, Club Heat, and Funky Monkey Nite Club.
Posted here on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

450
Mary Grace Keegan Bulger of Brunswick entered into eternal life on October 3, 2021, four days before her 94th birthday. Known as Grace, she was born in Troy and was the 1945 valedictorian of Catholic Central High School. She graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City and received a master's degree in education from Russell Sage College in 1971. She taught at School 18 in Troy for over twenty years, retiring in 1992. She volunteered at the Friday Rosary Group at Van Rensselaer Manor for many years, and enjoyed researching genealogy on the Keegan, McGrath and Bulger families.
Posted here on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

449
Daniel S. Smith, of Princetown, NY, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021. Dan was born on October 8, 1949 and lived his entire life in Princetown. He was the owner and operator of the former Optical Fashions of Scotia, and was a well-respected businessman and optician for over 30 years. In his retirement, Dan faithfully worked for Mohonasen Central School District driving a school bus, landscaped at his neighbor's home, contributed as fire police and treasurer for Pine Grove Fire Department, and worked at Orchard Creek Golf Course as a ranger for several years.
Posted here on Monday, October 4, 2021.

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Ronald A. Kibbey, 83, of Clifton Park, passed away September 30, 2021. Ron was born in Albany, New York and graduated from Bethlehem Central High School, SUNY Cortland and SUNY Albany. Ron first taught at Margaretville Central School District, where he coached, was the Explorer Scout Master and the Senior Class Advisor. After 3 years, he transferred to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and coached soccer, wresting, baseball and track. He was a great athlete and played all types of sports: ice hockey, kayaking, softball, tennis. He enjoyed his powered parachute, sailboat and most recently his electric bike.
Posted here on Monday, October 4, 2021.

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Catherine J. Boyd, 91, of Schenectady passed away in April 2020, at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Born in Sumpter, South Carolina and raised in Schenectady, Catherine graduated from Nott Terrace High School and attended New York University for two years. She went on to serve students for nearly three decades as a dedicated teacher and library aide for the Schenectady Public Schools, many of those years at the Woodlawn Middle School. Along with her husband (Ralph Sr.) and other close colleagues, she helped co-found the Schenectady Branch of the NAACP, and was active for many years in the Schenectady Community Action Program, the Interfaith Community of Schenectady, and the Schenectady Inner City Ministry ("SCIM").
Posted here on Monday, October 4, 2021.

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Beverly Byington Biggar, 77, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, in Sun City, Arizona. Beverly was born on July 8, 1944, in Walton, New York and graduated from The State University of New York at Oneonta and The College of Saint Rose. She taught elementary school in Troy's district schools 12 and 18 for 35 years. During her teaching years, Beverly was a member of the Troy Teachers Association, a board member of the Commission on Economic Opportunity of Rensselaer County, and chairman of the Head Start Policy Council.
Posted here on Monday, October 4, 2021.

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Margaret E. Ovsanikow, 72 of East Greenbush, passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Margaret was born on January 7, 1949, in York, Pa. She was a teacher's aide for East Greenbush Central Schools for many years before retiring.
Posted here on Saturday, October 2, 2021

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Joan Bernice Rorick, 75, of Gloversville left this earth on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, to be with her heavenly family. Joan was born in Albany on July 9, 1946, and was a 1964 graduate of Berne Knox Westerlo High School. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from SUNY at Cobleskill and later attended SUNY at Albany. Joan was a teacher at the Schenectady Head Start for two years and after her marriage, she taught at the Harrington Park Nursery School in NJ until 1978, when she became a domestic engineer.
Posted here on Friday, October 1, 2021.

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Frances K. Nunziato DiAcetis, 85, of Ravena, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Born in Albany on August 25, 1936, Fran was a lifelong Ravena resident. She was employed by General Aniline Film in Rensselaer, Ravena Iron Company, and for nearly 30 years as a teacher's aide in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District before retiring. She was a member of the Ravena-Coeymans Historical Society, Senior Projects of Ravena, and the Ravena-Coeymans Democratic Committee.
Posted here on Friday, October 1, 2021.

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OKATIE, S.C. - Former Shenendehowa School District Superintendent, Edward McHale Jr., formerly of Binghamton, N.Y. passed away on September 18, 2021. Edward was born on June 15, 1935. He was a dedicated educator, teacher, and school administrator. Edward enjoyed restoring old houses, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family, extended family, and grandchildren. One of his favorite places to spend time was the McHale cottage on Heart Lake, where he could be found in the kitchen most mornings, making blueberry pancakes for family and friends.
Posted here on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

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Paula Williamson Hickey, 77 of Oneonta, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Paula was born on March 20, 1944, in Troy, and grew up in Cohoes. She earned a B.S. degree in business administration and management from Hartwick College in Oneonta. She began her career at Hartwick College as a computer programmer and support specialist. She later went on to become manager of Academic Computer Services at SUNY Oneonta retiring in August 2011. Paula and her late husband were founding members of the Oneonta Regional Chapter of the Compassionate Friends and instrumental in establishing the Memorial Garden which still thrives behind OHS.
Posted here on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

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Mona G. McBride, 95, a lifelong resident of Halfmoon, died September 26, 2021. Born in Mechanicville on July 5, 1926, Mona was a homemaker for many years, tending to her children as they grew. She then became a school bus driver for the Shenendehowa School District in 1984, happily working for 15 years, before retiring in 1999. Mona had many hobbies she enjoyed but none more important to her than the music in her life. She loved Polka music and always entertained those around her with her many talents, whether singing, dancing or her joke telling.
Posted here on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

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Joneta "Jean" Chupa, 74, of Castleton, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021. Born in Hudson, she graduated from Hudson High School in 1964. She was employed by KeyBank as a teller and later, as a teacher's assistant at the Castleton Elementary School for 19 years, and in the cash office of Walmart for 10 years. She was an avid reader and knitter, who donated many baby blankets to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Jean enjoyed all kinds of puzzles and games, loved music and anything made with fresh peaches. But most of all, she treasured spending time with her family.
Posted here on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

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Robert Gordon Smith of Glenville, NY died in August, 2021 at the age of 96. Drafted into the Army in 1943, he served with the Fourth Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations during World War II and participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. He was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. After graduation from Oneonta State Teacher's College, he began his teaching career at the South Kortright Central School and then moved to Scotia, NY to teach at Scotia-Glenville until his retirement in 1981.
Posted here on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

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Clara Bennett, 77, of Syracuse, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 . Born in Syracuse, she retired after being a school bus driver for over 20 years. She is survived by her three daughters, a stepson, ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Posted here on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

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Genevieve A. Hunt (Ryan), 76, of Troy, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021. Genevieve was a graduate of Catholic Central High School, class of '62. She continued her education at H.V.C.C., Siena College and received her master's degree in education from SUNY Albany. She went on to teach for many years most of which were at Maplewood School where she instilled in her students her love of history. Genevieve raised her family for many years in Cohoes. She loved to travel, read and root for her beloved Red Sox, but most of all, she loved to spend time with friends and family.
Posted here on Monday, September 27, 2021. 

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Kevin Thomas Dowd, 68, of Waterford, a longtime educator at the Wynantskill Union Free School District, died on Friday, December 11, 2020. The cause was complications from the coronavirus. For 35 years, he taught social studies and history to junior high students enrolled in Gardner-Dickinson School in Wynantskill. He served as the middle school's eighth-grade advisor, the vice president of the teachers' union and a soccer coach. During the academic year, Kevin was the unofficial school photographer. He spent hours creating an annual slideshow of photographs depicting graduating eighth-graders through their middle school years. During graduation ceremonies, the slideshows proved popular and received praise from parents and students.
Posted here on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

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Avrum Tabachneck, 77 of Mechanicville, passed September 25, 2021. Avrum was born in Albany on July 10, 1944, where he lived most of his life. After graduating from Albany High School in 1962, he earned a B.S. in physical education from Ithaca College in 1966 and an M.S. in heath education from SUNY Cortland in 1967. In college, he worked with disabled children at the Ithaca YMCA and officiated at high school basketball games in the Ithaca area. Avrum worked as a health education teacher at Mont Pleasant High School and coached wrestling at Draper High School in Schenectady. He left teaching to join the family grocery business, Trading Port/Bi-Lo Corporation, where he served as president.
Posted here on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

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Joan W. Bluhm, 94, of Schenectady, passed on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Joan was born on December 16, 1926, in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from the Long Island College Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Joan also attended St. John's University and Russell Sage College. In the 1950s, Joan worked as an RN at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. She later worked for 27 years as a School Nurse-Teacher with the Schenectady School District, retiring in 1987. She was a member of the Registered Nurse Club at Ellis Hospital and volunteered at Proctors Theater for 22 years.
Posted here on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

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Ellen (Murphy) Carruthers, 84, formerly of Albany, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021, in Leesburg, Fla. where she had lived since 2018. Ellen graduated from Cathedral Academy in 1955 and The College of Saint Rose in 1960. Upon graduation, she embarked on her career as a teacher. She taught English and Latin in school districts throughout New York. After she retired, Ellen continued as a volunteer teacher in several Catholic schools in the Albany area. She also taught English as a second language and was once a volunteer at Albany County jail in their literacy program.
Posted here on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

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Michael William Kovarik, 65, of Greenwich, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State in 1978, and his master’s degree in 1986, from Willliam and Mary. He formerly worked in elementary schools in Winchester, N.H., Newport News, Va. and retired from Veeder Elementary School in the South Colonie School District. While at South Colonie he was active in the South Colonie Teachers Association. Michael was an author of "Healing Within - My Journey with Breast Cancer." He was an activist and was involved in many programs and organizations related to his diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer.
Posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
Edited on Sunday, October 10, 2021.

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Patricia "Pat" Mary O'Brien, 73, of Latham, died on Friday, September 17, 2021. She was raised in Troy and attended Troy Schools, SUNY Oneonta where she obtained her teacher certificate, and earned her master's degree from Russell Sage College. Pat was a teacher in the Enlarged City School District of Troy for 33 years. She always found a "connection" with Public School 12 and had many "Hi Ms. O'Brien" throughout the Capital District.
Posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

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On Monday, September 6, 2021, Amy Verrigni of Glens Falls passed away. She was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on Mother's Day May 11, 1975. Amy attended Milton Terrace Grade School and graduated from Ballston Spa High School, Class of 1993. She graduated from The State University College at Oneonta and went on to receive her Master's Degree from the College of St. Rose. Amy started work at Prospect School in Queensbury and then got a position as a Special Education Teacher (specializing in English) at the Southern Adirondack B.O.C.E.S. in Hudson Falls, NY where she just celebrated 20 years. Amy loved her kids. She took her teaching as a great responsibility and desired to make a difference.
Posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

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Florence Irene Cook of Queensbury passed away September 7, 2021. She was born in North Springfield, VT on May 13, 1924. Flossie was quite the dancer and took dance classes as a child through her teen years. She carried that love for dancing into her later years and stole the dance floor every time with her husband. After being a wonderful stay-at-home mom for years, she began working as a florist and loved to create floral masterpieces. She waitressed for her dear friend’s restaurant, and was a part-time school cafeteria cook/server for the Lake George Elementary School.
Posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

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Charles (Charlie) Otto Richards, 92, of Bolton Landing, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021. Charlie graduated from Cortland State College in 1951 with a BS in Health and Physical Education. He had dreams of Olympic competitions, but with the draft imminent and teaching positions scarce, he served in the US Army in 1951-54. Basic training at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii was the prelude to 3 years in the Korean War in the 45th Infantry Division. After his discharge, he taught Health and Driver Ed in the Granville area, while earning his MS in Counseling and Administration at the Albany Teacher's College. A high school guidance counselor for 24 years, he was highly regarded in high schools in Berne Knox, Cobleskill and Guilderland, retiring from there in 1984.
Posted here on Saturday, September 25, 2021.