OBITS: Albany Times Union 11 Aug 2004; Albany, Albany co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Albany Times Union http://www.timesunion.com Anderson, Helen (Memoriam) ANDERSON Helen Wishing you a happy birthday. Hope you are having a good time in Heaven. I love and miss your spirit, kindness and love. Sister, Kitty Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Bliss, Michael Jay CALAIS, Vt. Michael J. Bliss, 48, of Lightening Ridge Road, Calais, died Friday, August 6, 2004 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center from injuries sustained at a race track in Claremont, N.H. For the past four years, Mike worked part time for Speedway Safety Service as a fire and rescue member. He truly enjoyed working at the races and sharing his knowledge of fire and EMS with others. We'll all miss him but know he died while doing something he loved, working at the race track. He was born October 23, 1955, in Newport, Rhode Island, the son of Josiah S. and Dorothy (Dunn) Bliss. Michael was married to Rachael Berard on July 15, 1978 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Colchester, Vt. Mike was a master electrician who in addition to working with his father at J.S. Bliss & Son, then continued the company as J.S. Bliss and Sons. He also worked for Grand Union, Adirondack Refrigeration, Quality Cooling. Mike worked several years at Northstar Fireworks, a job he enjoyed so much he worked there for the past year as a full time employee. Mike would tell you that he loved his family beyond everything else in his life. But in addition to us, we also know he loved racing, setting up fireworks for the pleasure of others, camping and snowmobiling. Mike was a coach for Central Vermont Little League, basketball and soccer. He was past president of East Montpelier Fire Dept. He currently was serving as the assistant chief and EMT for the Montpielier Fire Dept. Survivors include his wife, Rachael; sons, Chad, Rutland, Cole and Cory, Calais, Vt.; sisters, Patricia Annis and husband George, Calais, Vt., Janet Batchelder and husband Peter, South Burlington, Vt., Carol Bliss, Montpelier, Vt., Mary Varney and husband Jim, Malone, N.Y., Nancy Prescott and husband John, Barre, Vt., Jean Cadorette and husband Paul, Calais, Vt.; also many special godchildren, nieces and nephews, including Dan Berard who shared our home. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers-in-law, Vincent Berard and Tommy Bushey. Calling hours were held Tuesday, August 10 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 So School St., Montpelier, Vt. Funeral Mass will be offered Wednesday at noon from St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre St., Montpelier. Memorial contributions may be sent to Vermont Right to Life, PO Box 1079, Montpelier, VT 05601 or East Montpelier Fire Dept., PO Box 146, East Montpelier, VT 05651. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Coffin Jr., Robert G.A. ALBANY Robert G.A. Coffin Jr., died quietly in his Albany home on Saturday, August 7, 2004 after a long illness. Born April 26, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Robert G.A. Coffin Sr. and Frances (Tillman) Coffin (both deceased). Brother to two sisters, Pauline and Isabelle; two brothers, Clarence and Charles, all of Philadelphia, Pa. Robert proudly served across seas as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. This is where he met and married his wife, the late Muguette (Ponty) Coffin. He was father to the late Anthony Coffin Sr., Gregory Coffin and Phillip Coffin. He leaves behind the remainder of his children, John Coffin Sr., Shiela Coffin, Patricia Clark, Robert Coffin III, Torrence Coffin, Clarence Coffin Sr., Daniel Coffin Sr., Mary Harris, Michael Coffin, Josette Coffin and over 250 grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren as well as a host of other loving family members and friends. The wake service will be held at Garland Bros. Funeral Home, 75 Clinton Avenue, Albany, N.Y. Thursday, August 12, 2004 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services Friday 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home and thence at 9:30 a.m. to St. Mary's Church, Chapel Street, Albany, N.Y. Interment will be held directly after church service at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Cohen, Kathleen M. COXSACKIE Kathleen M. Cohen, age 58 years of Coxsackie, passed away suddenly Friday, August 6, 2004 at home with her loving husband of 33 years, Raymond A. Cohen at her side. She was the beloved daughter of the late Arthur C. Pelton and Katherine E. Pelton (Barney). She was born on December 23, 1946 at Brady Hospital in Albany. While living in Rensselaer and later moving to Albany, she attended Our Lady Help of Christians School and Mercy High. Through her adult years, she enjoyed competing in car racing and Lebanon Valley, at the time Powder Puff Race for females and competed in the drags. She moved to Greene County and ran three businesses that were successful. Whatever career she pursued, she gave it her all. She loved music, was very artistic and enjoyed dancing, antiques, boating and C.B.'s. She also became involved at various rallies to support our troops. She is survived by her mother-in-law, Florence H. Cohen and the late Abraham Cohen; her two brothers are Donald C. Pelton of Coxsackie and Dr.Arthur W. Pelton Sr. of Sand Lake;aunt of Arthur W. Pelton Jr., Sandra J. Pelton, Mark C. Pelton; as well as many grandnieces and nephews. Private cremation will take place he Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands. Interment of her cremains will be held at a later date in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery. Donations, in her memory, may be made to the American Cancer Society. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/10/2004 - 8/14/2004. Cole, Albert (Memoriam) COLE Albert Love and miss you. Happy 77th Birthday. Love, Your Wife, Children and Grand-Children Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Commerford, Billy (Memoriam) COMMERFORD Happy Birthday, Billy Love Den, Jen and Kids Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Davenport, Louise A. WATERVLIET Louise A. Davenport, died on Monday, August 9, 2004 at Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home in Clifton Park. She was the daughter of the late Oriziano and Josephine Gianino Sciacco. Born in Troy, she resided in Watervliet most of her life and was a graduate of Catholic Central High School. She worked for the Norton Co., was a manager for the Crossroads Restaurant in Latham and for the Italia Restaurant in Troy until her retirement. Louise is survived by her loving daughter, Victoria (Lawson) Bova and her husband James of Schaghticoke; her grandchildren, Danielle Bova of Troy and James Bova II of Schaghticoke; her great-grandson, Darren Favreau; her sisters, Florence Sciacco and MaryGrace (Donald) Delamater of Watervliet; brother, James (Maryann) Sciacco of Ocala, Fla.; sister-in-law, Betty Sciacco of Grafton; brother-in-law, William Proctor of Watervliet; along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, Joseph Sciacco, Grace Proctor and Rosemary Sciacco. Funeral services will be on Friday at 8:45 a.m. from the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet and at 9:30 in St. Patrick's Church where Rev. Erwin H. Schweigardt will celebrate a Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. DeVost, Jeannine M. GLENMONT Jeannine Ruscitto DeVost, 68, died Monday, August 9, 2004 in the Hospice Inn of St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret Ricchiuti Ruscitto. Mrs. DeVost was a graduate of the former Cathedral Academy. She worked as a secretary for many years at Farm Family Insurance, Atlantic Cement and the Bethlehem School District. She was a communicant of St. James Church. Beloved wife of 41 years of Timothy A. DeVost Sr.; mother of Jacqueline DeVost of Glenmont, Justine Edwards and her husband Paul of Albany and Timothy A. DeVost Jr. and his wife, Patricia of Glenmont; sister of Josephine Pape of Albany and the late Virginia Graves; grandmother of Aaron, Logan, Devan and Delanie DeVost. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9:45 a.m. from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. thence to St. James Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Entombment will follow the Mass in the Mausoleum of Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Bethlehem Volunteer Ambulance Service, 1121 Rt. 9W, Selkirk, NY 12158 or to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Forenzo, Frank E. SARATOGA SPRINGS Frank E. Forenzo of Saratoga Springs, died Monday, August 9, 2004 at the Saratoga Hospital, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 42. Born on September 9, 1961 in Wiesbaden, Germany, he was the son of the late Louis Forenzo and Marianne Wagner. He worked at Callahan Industries in Glenmont, N.Y. as a construction worker. He was a member of the Laborers Local 190. Mr. Forenzo was an avid Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan as well as NASCAR as a whole. He loved to play bocce and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Mr. Forenzo is survived by his mother, Marianne Forenzo of Saratoga Springs; his daughter, Brittaney (Britty) Forenzo of Saratoga Springs; a brother, Patrick Forenzo of N.J.; a nephew, Dylan Forenzo and a niece, Chloe Forenzo; a maternal grandmother, Helene Wagner of Germany and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends and family may call from 7-9 on Thursday at the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery in Wilton, N.Y. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211. He will be greatly missed and was loved very much by Brittaney. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Greene, Donald J. ALBANY Donald J. Greene, 81, died Sunday, August 8, 2004 at his home in Albany, surrounded by his family. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Otto and Elsie Neumetz Greene. He retired after 30 years from the New York Telephone Company where he was an electrical engineer. Mr. Greene was an U.S. Navy World War II veteran. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and Catholic War Veterans. He was the dear husband of Dorothy M. Van Epps Greene; beloved father of Donna M. Gaffney (Patrick) of Loudonville and Stephen J. Greene (Ann Marie) of Guilderland; dear grandfather of Thomas P. Gaffney (Anna), Kellie M. Gaffney, Matthew, Paige and Benjamin Greene; brother of Dolores McEnaney of Albany; brother-in-law of Jay Van Epps of North Creek; several nieces and nephews also survive. Donald's family would like to especially thank St. Peter's Home Care Agency for all their care and thoughtfulness. Funeral services Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, thence to St. Teresa of Avila Church, Albany at 9 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Those wishing to remember Donald and his family, in a special way, may send contributions to either the Albany Police Department or Albany Fire Department at 165 Henry Johnson Blvd., Albany, NY 12210. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/9/2004 - 8/11/2004. Hallenbeck, Larry (Memoriam) HALLENBECK Larry It's been two years but the seed of love you planted will never disappear even though your precious smile is no longer here. You're in my thoughts and memory everyday. A blossom that will never fade. Mom Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Hegyes, James HILLSDALE James Hegyes, 75, died August 7, 2004. Husband of the late Elizabeth Hegyes. Father of Elizabeth Griffin and husband Shawn and Susan Gaffney and her husband Billy. Grandfather of Natasha and James Zadubara and Billy Gaffney Jr.; brother of Ference, Gyula, Irene and Roszi. James was a manager of building construction and a fisherman and hunter. Funeral and service private at the convenience of the family. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Heintz, George Henry STUYVESANT George Henry Heintz, 74, of Stuyvesant, passed away Monday, August 9, 2004 in St. Peter's Hospital, Albany after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born December 27, 1929 in Stuyvesant Falls, he was the son of the late Henry and the late Elizabeth (Gelhorn) Heintz and the beloved husband of Rose (Gamello) Heintz who were married in 1957. Mr. Heintz served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Along with his wife Rose, he owned and operated the Newton Hook Tavern in Stuyvesant and worked for Greco Construction of Albany. He was a past commander and member of the Stuyvesant Falls VFW #9593, member of the Stuyvesant Fire Company, Glencadia Rod and Gun Club in Stuyvesant Falls and the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Stuyvesant Falls. He was also a social member of the Stuyvesant Falls Fire Company and a past president of the Columbia County Liquor Dealers Association. Besides his loving wife Rose, George is survived by several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by four brothers, Fred, Walter, Harold and Samuel Heintz; three sisters, Lydia Dusenbury, Pauline Keil and Ruth Heintz. Funeral services will be held 9:00 a.m. Thursday in St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Rt. 9, Valatie. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Stuyvesant Falls. Friends are invited and may call in the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Rt. 9, Valatie on Wednesday evening from 6-9. Contributions in George's name may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Rt. 9, Stuyvesant Falls, NY 12174 or the Valatie Rescue Squad, PO Box 242, Valatie, NY 12184. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Heller, Sister Cecilia LATHAM Sister Cecilia Heller CSJ, formerly known as Mary Catherine Heller, died on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Sister was born in Amsterdam, N.Y., the daughter of George and Elizabeth Cecilia Heller. She was a Sister of St. Joseph for 68 years. Sister's teaching career included schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses in the cities of Syracuse, Troy, Little Falls, Oswego, New Hartford, Utica, Binghamton, Schenectady and Rome. Sister's last years of ministry were as a school librarian at St. Peter's, Rome, St. Agnes, Utica and St. Augustine's, Troy. Sister Cecilia retired and moved to St. Joseph's Provincial House in July 1993. Sister Cecilia is survived by several nephews and nieces. The funeral will take place in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham on Friday, August 13, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends may call at St. Joseph's Provincial House Chapel on Thursday, August 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Vespers Service will be held in the chapel at 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery, Latham. Contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Hernandez, Laurie RAVENA Laurie Duell Hernandez, 38, died suddenly Monday, August 9, 2004. She was born in Albany and lived most of her life in the Ravena and Selkirk area. She was the daughter of the late Phillip and Winifred Duell. Survivors include her husband, Justo Hernandez of Ravena; children, Robert Lozano, Anthony Hernandez and Brian Hernandez, all of Ravena; sisters, Linda Ziegler of Poughkeepsie, Deborah Griffin and Hazel Gutkoska, both of Albany, and Darlene Snyder of Ravena; brothers, David and Michael Duell both of Ravena; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 10:30 Friday morning, August 13, 2004 at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, South Bethlehem. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Marlin, Melvyn A. COLONIE Melvyn A. Marlin of Colonie, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2004. He was born in Jamaica, Queens, NY and is the loving son of Melvyn Marlin and the late Joan Knight Marlin. Mr. Marlin was a Colonie resident for most of his adult life. He was currently a manager for Applebee's Restaurant in East Greenbush. He was an avid New York Giants football fan and a New York Yankees fan. Mr. Marlin enjoyed walking, reading his three daily newspapers, cooking and listening to jazz music. In addition to his father, Melvyn is survived by his beloved wife, Susan M. Marlin. He is the devoted father of Stephanie Trapasso and her fiance Seth Wyman. He is the cherished brother of Denise Robinson, Joy Marlin, Thane Marlin and Nadia and Nicole Carter. He is the nephew of Michele Bryant and her husband Kelvin and Paulette Morris and her husband Calvin. Melvyn is the brother-in-law of Ann and Geoff MacDonald, Marty and Pam Lawlor, Robert and Debbie Lawlor, Albert and Ode Lawlor and Michael and Darlene Lawlor. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and his faithful feline companions, Shadow and Robin and his canine grandogger, Brady. Funeral services will be Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory's Garden. Memorial contributions may be made in Melvyn's name to his favorite charity, the American Stroke Association in care of the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/10/2004 - 8/11/2004. Montgomery, Lourecie SLINGERLANDS Lourecie Montgomery, 74, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 7, 2004. Born and raised in NYC, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Carrie Selby. Lourecie had worked for many years at the Mt. Morris Park Family Day Care in NYC. She was a loving caring person. Lourecie was a role model who made an impact on many young women and men in the Harlem area with words of wisdom. She was predeceased by her husband Abraham Montgomery Sr. and her son, Abraham Montgomery Jr. Lourecie is survived by her children, Sheila Montgomery Ross, Veronica Montgomery Miller, Laverne Weekes Wilson, Kevin Montgomery Sr., Darryl Montgomery and Robin Montgomery. She is also survived by her brother, Lawrence Selby Jr.; 20 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will also be held on Thursday, August 12 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy, 774 Madison Ave., Albany. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Memory's Garden Cemetery, Colonie. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/10/2004 - 8/11/2004. Peter, Corinne CASTLETON Corinne Peter, 77, of Schodack Valley Rd., died peacefully Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital in the presence of her family. She was born in Castleton, N.Y., the daughter of Henry Peter and Bessie Mae Horwedel and resided there all of her life. She had most recently worked at the NYS Department of Education, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church and its Woman's Guild. She also served as the church's Sunday School superintendent for several years. She was the loving and devoted mother of Peter Keyoskey of Albany and Marilee Beerle Jorgenson of Nassau. She is also Nanie to her cherished granddaughters, Corey and Kelsey Jorgenson, both of Nassau; aunt of Lorraine Hotaling of Delmar and Ronald Howe of Fla.; several cousins, great nieces and great nephews also survive. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Emily Peter Price and Evaretta Peter Howe. Her funeral service will be Friday, August 13, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1150 Maple Hill Rd., Castleton, N.Y. Family and friends may call at the church before the service from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Estherville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833 or Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1150 Maple Hill Rd., Castleton, NY 12033. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Pytell Jr., Andrew J. RENSSELAER Andrew J. Pytell Jr., age 81 years, of Glen Street, died suddenly Sunday, August 8, 2004. He was born in Albany and lived his life in Rensselaer, the city he loved. He was the devoted son of the late Andrew J. Pytell Sr. and Florence C. Burke Pytell. Andy was a graduate of St. John's Academy in Rensselaer and Siena College. Mr. Pytell was a cost accountant and internal auditor for the Sterling Drug Co. in Rensselaer. Andy was former city clerk for Rensselaer and was a founding member of the Rensselaer Little League. He was a charter member of the E.F. Hart Hose Fire Co. and an honorary life member of Rensselaer Council #267 K of C. Andy was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of the Gerald O'Neil American Legion Post #1683 in Rensselaer. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and sports fan. Andy was a communicant of St. John's Church in Rensselaer. Beloved husband of 58 years of Rosemary Halleran Pytell of Rensselaer; devoted father of Anne (Dominick) Testo of East Greenbush, Joan (William) Fitzpatrick of Brunswick and Robert A. (Erin) Pytell of West Sand Lake; adoring grandfather of Tony and Sandy Testo, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Katherine (Bob) Wallen, Carson, Quinn Olivia and Cade Pytell and the late Avery Eleanor Pytell; adoring great-grandfather of Aidan Patrick Wallen. Loving brother of Claire (John) Connolly of Luzerne and Venice, Fla. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, Thursday morning at 9:30 and 10:30 at St. John's Church, Rensselaer where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Relatives and are invited and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to St. John's Church, 50 Herrick St., Rensselaer, NY 12144. Condolence page at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/10/2004 - 8/11/2004. Rafter Sr., Joseph B. TROY Joseph B. Rafter Sr., formerly of Sixth Avenue in Lansingburgh, died Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Albany Medical Center. He was the husband of Veronica R. Stewart Rafter of Troy, and the son of the late Joseph A. and Grace Margaret Fairfield Rafter. Joseph was born in Troy. He attended Lansingburgh High School, Siena College, R.P.I. and Syracuse University Law School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Joseph was formerly the deputy commissioner at the Department of Motor Vehicles in New York State, a Rensselaer County public defender, administrative law judge for the Department of Social Services, senior council for Medicaid Fraud and Abuse, head of the Rensselaer County Lead and Paint Poison Program and retired from his own private practice, Rafter & Rafter, which he ran with his daughter Colleen R. Rafter, Esq. from 1961 to 2002 when he retired. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Troy, Veterans of Lansingburgh and Irish Northern Aid. Joseph's survivors in addition to his wife include three sons, Timothy J. (Diane) Rafter, Joseph B. (Susan Bressette) Rafter Jr., all of Cohoes, and Shawn M. Rafter of Troy; two daughters, Colleen R. Rafter of Cohoes and Dawn M. (Dr. William C.) Lennen of Vienna, Va. and the late Kevin M. Rafter; brother of the late William J. Rafter; beloved grandfather of Kristine M. (David) Fernandez of Hudson Falls, Jessica L. and Nathan G. Rafter of Latham, Ryan, Kathleen and Liam Lennen of Vienna, Va.; devoted great-grandfather of David Jr., Andrew and Devin Fernandez; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held Friday morning at 9:15 from the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc. (Corner of 115th Street and 4th Avenue), Lansingburgh, thence to St. Augustine's Church where at 10:00 the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Interment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stem Cell Research Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Ragosta, Ann A. WATERVLIET Ann A. Morelli Ragosta, 86, of 4th Avenue, died Tuesday morning, August 10, 2004 at her home with her loving family at her side. Born in Watervliet on June 27, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Ann Shavo Morelli. Ann was a lifelong resident of Watervliet and was a 1936 graduate of Watervliet High School. Ann was a homemaker raising her family and following the death of her husband was employed by the Allied Signal Co. in Green Island as a quality control inspector for 10 years before retiring in 1983. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Watervliet and was a member of the St. Anne's Society and the Children of Mary. She was a creative seamstress who loved to shop. Her family was her life. She received more joy from giving than receiving. She had a heart that could melt an iceberg. She was the wife of the late Charles A. Ragosta who died in 1969; beloved mother of Tom (Marylou) Ragosta of Watervliet, Pat (Richard) Ostiguy of Latham and Ed (Marietta) Ragosta of Watervliet and the late Joan Budka and her husband Rich Budka of Watervliet; loving sister of Helen Barbuto, Mary Pitaniello, John Morelli, all of Watervliet, Thomas Morelli of Fla. and the late Nicholas and Albert Morelli, Rose Walker and Elizabeth Favata. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two grandchildren, Christina Ragosta and Daniel Budka. The funeral will be Friday morning at 9:45 from the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet and 10:30 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Watervliet where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watervliet. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 410 23rd St., Watervliet, NY 12189. Condolence book at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Ray, John (Memoriam) RAY John Dad, ten years ago today you went away. The horses are running, and we still play because we know that is where you would be today. Love and miss you. Dar, Sandy, Bill, Fred and Grandchildren Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Relyea, Lorraine All officers, members and ladies auxiliary are requested to meet at Station One at 6 p.m. in full dress uniform to proceed to the New-Comer Cannon Funeral Home to pay our respects to the departed wife of Brother Robert Relyea Sr. and mother of Brother Robert Relyea Jr. JOHN D'ALLAIRD President VINCENT GIOVANNONE Chief DIANE BUREGA Pres. Ladies Auxiliary Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Relyea, Lorraine Lori LATHAM Lorraine Lori Relyea, 49, of Latham, passed away Monday evening, August 9, 2004 at her residence after a brief illness. She was born in Albany and was a 1972 graduate of Shaker High School and a 1974 graduate of Albany Business College. Lori began working as a teenager at Engel Farm & Market in Colonie and remained for many years until recently working as a sales clerk at JC Penney in Crossgates Mall. She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church Choir and a member of the Lutheran Braille Society. She is the beloved wife of Robert M. Relyea Sr.; devoted mother of Julianna E. Northup and her husband David of Covington, Ga. and Robert M. Relyea Jr. of Latham. She is the cherished daughter of Raymond W. Peter Sr. of Latham and the late Esther Peter; sister of Raymond Peter Jr. of Colonie. She is the loving daughter-in-law of Dolores T. Relyea of Guilderland and the late Gerald W. Relyea. Lori is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Memorial services will be celebrated on Monday evening at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Albany. At the request of the family, memorial contributions are suggested in Lori's name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Choir, 475 State Street, Albany, NY 12203. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Ricci Jr., Anthony J. NEWINGTON, Conn. Anthony J. Ricci Jr., 54, of Barnhill Lane died suddenly Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at Hartford Hospital. Born in Troy, he was son of Anthony J. Ricci Sr. and Dolores Poland Ricci of Troy. He was a 1968 graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy as well as being a graduate of Central Connecticut College in New Britain. Tony was a self-employed financial advisor and C.P.A in the Cromwell, Conn. area and also served as a consultant to A.P.S. Technology there. He was Chief Financial Officer for Teleco Oil Co. in Aberdeen, Scotland and was co-owner of I.D.S., an oil drilling service Co. in Scotland. In his earlier years, he was employed by Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, now KPMG in Hartford and was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Gail Rosso Ricci; his siblings, Christine M. Ogden of Troy, Daniel M. Ricci and his wife Joan of Stony Point and Barbara J. Gibson of Cohoes. He is son-in-law of Louis and Loretta Rosso of Springfield, Mass. and brother-in-law of Gary Rosso of N.Y.C. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Robert Ogden and his wife Meghan of Troy, Renee Gibson of Latham, Brian and Scott Ricci of Stony Point. Funeral services will be Friday at 8:45 a.m. from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rt. 32), Waterford and 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church 12th and Hutton Sts., Troy. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Thursday 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hartford Hospital Fund Development-Cardiology Fund, 80 Seymour St., Hartford, CT 06102-5037. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Sehl, Harriet E. COLONIE Harriet Elizabeth Sehl, 84, died Monday, August 9, 2004 at Albany County Nursing Home Hospice. Mrs. Sehl was born in Binghamton, but lived in Albany since the 1940s. She worked for the NYS Dept. of Labor until her retirement. Harriet was an avid bowler in both the Kusky's Seniors and the Jolly Seniors Leagues. She was also a member of the AARP. Mrs. Sehl was the loving wife of 57 years to the late Harold E. Sehl. She is survived by her son, Robert C. and his wife Lucinda Sehl of Albany, N.Y.; daughter, Marie A. and her husband John D. Leuallen of Cape Cod, Mass. and Venice, Fla.; sister, Beverly McCauley of Puyallup, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy Kovack, Jeannette Haggerty and brother, Donald Ingram. Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Wednesday 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community United Methodist Church of Slingerlands, PO Box 146 Slingerlands, NY 12059 or the Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/10/2004 - 8/11/2004. St. Hilaire, Sister Rita ALBANY Sister Rita St. Hilaire, O.Carm. died Monday, August 9, 2004. A Carmelite Sister for the Aged and Infirm for 54 years, Sister spent her dedicated years of ministry in various facilities operated by the Carmelite Sisters, including Teresian House, Albany, N.Y. for the past 14 years. Sister was born in Lawrence, Mass., the daughter of the late Leopold and Marie Anna (Marcoux) St. Hilaire. Sister is survived by her sisters, Mrs. Teresa Hayes, Nev. and Mrs. Doris Desrosiers, Conn. Survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, Sister Rita's Carmelite Community at Teresian House and many friends whose lives she has touched. She was predeceased by her siblings, Fernande LaCasse, Leo and Pauline St. Hilaire. Viewing hours will be from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2004 in the Infant of Prague Chapel at Teresian House. Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 13, 2004 in the Chapel. Interment will be in the Queen of Carmel Cemetery, Germantown, NY 12526. Contributions in memory of Sister Rita may be made to the Carmelite Sisters, St. Teresa's Motherhouse, 600 Woods Road, Germantown, NY 12526. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Thiele, Marcia FORT SMITH, Ark. Marcia Mead Thiele, 78, of Fort Smith, died Sunday, August 1, 2004 following an extended illness. She was born December 18, 1925 in Albany, N.Y., grew up in Palo Alto, Calif. and attended the University of Arizona, graduating with a degree in home economics. She began her career with I. Magnin of San Francisco, followed by the Bendix Corporation before joining Whirlpool in 1954. She went on to become the first woman executive in company history, serving as director of home services. She was involved in the development and marketing of many of the company;s home appliance products. She left Whirlpool in 1959 to become a full time mother. After relocating to Fort Smith in 1966, she became involved in many civic organizations including the Girl's Shelter, Girl Scouts and the Voluntary Action Center. She was a member of the Committee of 100 of the Ozark Folk Center and Spark's Women's Board. She was deeply involved in PTA and a variety of youth programs at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith, where she was both a member and elder. She also served as director of Fort Smith's Lincoln Day Care Center and also helped establish the Fountain of Youth Adult Day Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. Mead and Grace Tibbits Mead; her brother, Robert Mead; and her son, John W. Thiele III. A celebration of Marcia's life will be Sunday, August 15, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. The body was cremated and will be interred in the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. She is survived by her husband, Jack Thiele of the home; two daughters, Margaret Thiele of Fort Smith and Elizabeth Thiele and husband Gary Yellen of Boston, Mass.; two grandchildren, Margaret Bess Yellen and David Winslow Yellen, both of Boston; and three nephews, Scott Mead, Rob Mead and Chris Mead, all of Chicago. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marcia Mead Thiele Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903. This scholarship will benefit young women seeking degrees in either education, marketing or science. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Torpey, Lawrence N. TROY Lawrence N. Torpey, 77, died August 5, 2004. Son of the late Joseph and Julia Maleady Torpey. A US Navy veteran. Brother of John and Edward Torpey, Margaret Sally, Ann Burrows. A memorial Mass will be Tuesday, November 9, 2004 8:30 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church, Lansingburgh. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004. Tuck Sr., Guy A. BRAINARD Guy A. Tuck Sr., passed away suddenly Monday, August 9, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Francis and Dorothy McNamara Tuck. He was a Vietnam U.S. Army veteran and was an airfield maintenance team leader at the Albany International Airport for a number of years. Mr. Tuck was a family oriented man. He loved working on his Camaro and enjoyed taking care of his birds, dogs and cats. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Linda P. Tuck; his children, Guy Tuck Jr., Rebecca Tuck, Melissa Lyman, Cindy Roy and Richard Sill Jr.; ten grandchildren; and his aunt, Janet Fuhrman. He is also survived by several cousins. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2004 at the Tebbutt & Frederick Memorial Home, 633 Central Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home, Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. Interment will take place 10 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 2004 in Memory's Garden Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Tuck's memory may be made to Tri Co. Council of Vietnam Area Veterans, 257 Osborne Rd., Albany, NY 12211. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. VanWie, Gary R. ONEIDA Gary R. VanWie, 55, of Oneida, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2004 at his home, after a long illness. He was born in Albany and is the beloved son of Willard VanWie and the late Margaret Weaver VanWie. Gary was a Guilderland resident for most of his life before moving to Oneida. Mr. VanWie was a graduate of Guilderland High School and attended the College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville. He worked as a glazer for many years, and more recently as a self-employed carpenter. Gary was an avid guitar player and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He made his own fishing lures and hand-crafted jewelry. In addition to his father, Gary is the devoted brother of Russell VanWie and his wife, Linda, David VanWie and Cheryl VanWie, all of Guilderland. He is the uncle of Christine Lopukhin, Janell Schwanke, Skylar VanWie and the late David C. VanWie. He is the nephew of Frances Lewis of Loudonville and Frederick Weaver and his wife, Olive of South Yarmouth, Mass. Several cousins and many friends in Oneida also survive. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). A calling hour will precede the service from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation NENY, 12 Avis Drive, Latham, NY 12110 in memory of Gary's nephew, David C. VanWie. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/11/2004 - 8/12/2004. Yonchok, Ruth E. MIDDLE GROVE Ruth E. Crogan Yonchok, 84, of Lake Desolation Road, died on Monday, August 9, 2004 at Saratoga Hospital. Born in Watervliet, N.Y. on March 1, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Andrew J. and Ruby Fonda Crogan. She was the loving wife of the late Lawrence J. Yonchok who died on January 16, 1982. Ruth was a lifelong resident of the Watervliet/Troy area until moving near her daughter Sharon in 1995. She was a 1939 graduate of Watervliet High School and very active in the First Presbyterian Church while in Watervliet. She was a former deaconess, elder and help at Rotary luncheons. In her earlier years, Ruth helped raise other people's children. She worked in the comptroller's office for the City of Troy for many years, retiring in 1983. She loved to travel, especially Hawaii and going to camp. She was very devoted to her family and friends. While living in Middle Grove, she attended the Middle Grove Methodist Church. Survivors include her children Sharon R. (Kenneth) Brown of Middle Grove, Michelle M. Crogan of Voorheesville, Catherine A. (Ray) Vaillancourt of Delta, Ohio; a brother, Walter D. Crogan of Watervliet; her granddaughter, Rebecca R. (Stephen J.) Gomula and her children, Nicholas C. Martinek-Carey and Hannah Ruth Gomula, all of Middle Grove; her grandson, Christopher A. Martinek of North Adams, Mass.; her longtime cherished friend and companion, William (Bill) Abbott of Cohoes; along with many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to assemble at the entrance to Memory's Garden, Route 155, Colonie at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday to proceed for a graveside service to be held at 1 p.m., officiated by Rev. Michael Padulla. There will be no public calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 819 23rd Street, Watervliet, NY 12189 in loving memory of Ruth E. Yonchok. To express condolences, please visit www.parkerbrosmemorial.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/11/2004.