OBITS: Albany Times Union 14 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 Bauer, Shirley (Memoriam) BAUER In memory of Ma, Shirley; who passed away one year ago today. We love and miss you. Jay and Cindi Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Blum, Judith Kay (Memoriam) BLUM Judith Kay I think of you and miss you more each day and I know our love will bring us together through eternity. Forever and Always, Bob Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Brace, Payton Augustus ALBANY Payton Augustus Brace, born August 3, 2004, died August 10, 2004 at the Albany Medical Center Hospital. He is the son of Deon and Lori Brace. Payton is one of triplets and is survived by his brother, Preston and sister, Madison; older sisters, Chevonne, Maya and Cheonne; maternal grandmother, Ms. Brenda Scott Wilkinson, N.Y., N.Y.; maternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Ella Mae Wilkinson, Bayside, N.Y.; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Doreathea Brace, Albany; paternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Abbie Lee Brace, Albany. Also a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. The family wish to thank the Wilborn Temple First Church of God Christ and the Metropolitan New Testament Baptist Church for their support at this difficult time. Services will be private. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/13/2004 - 8/15/2004. DiBella, Albert S. COLONIE Albert S. DiBella, (affectionately known as Big Al) born January 19, 1925, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 12, 2004 after a lengthy illness at St. Peter's Hospital. He was born in Albany and was the son of the late Anthony and Lucy Laviano DiBella. Al was a 1943 graduate on Vincentian Institute and a 1949 graduate of Siena College, two educational institutions he was extremely proud of. He served in World War II, 36th division, T-Patchers, 143rd Infantry, where he earned a Purple Heart upon the invasion of Southern France. After his graduation from college, Al began his career with C.K. Rabineau Food Brokerage where he was employed for 27 years. He later became the general manager for the Italian American Community Center from 1976 to 1983. Al then opened DiBella's Restaurant and House of Banquets until 1991. Through his love and passion of the food industry, Al introduced the New York City Style wedding reception to the Capital District. He was a communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Church, a charter member of the Italian American Community Center, a member of the Rotterdam Elks and the Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid New York Yankee fan. He is the beloved husband of 56 years to Anne Battisto DiBella; he is the devoted father of Albert J. DiBella of Albany, Michael (Lorri) DiBella of Guilderland, Stephen (Karen) DiBella of Voorheesville and Robert (Marcia) DiBella of Rotterdam. He is the beloved Poppi of Chad, Beth, Nicole, Lisa, Lindsey, John and Manny. He is the brother of Rudy DiBella of San Diego, Calif. and the late Joseph DiBella. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Through his sense of humor and compassion, Big Al achieved what most men only dream of. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be Monday morning at 10:00 at New Comer Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to St. Paul the Apostle Church, Schenectady at 11:00 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 99 Troy Rd., East Greenbush, NY 12061 in memory of Albert S. DiBella. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/14/2004 - 8/15/2004. Early, Priscilla R. WATERVLIET Priscilla R. Derbyshire Early, 93, formerly of 4th Avenue, died Thursday, August 12, 2004 at the Evergreen Commons in East Greenbush. Born in Albany on February 7, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Priscilla McCade Derbyshire. She was a resident of Watervliet since 1936 and was a resident of Evergreen Commons for the past five years. She was employed by the New York Telephone Company and later returned to school and graduated in 1968 from Hudson Valley Community College. She was a medical assistant working in several area doctors offices retiring in 1982. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Watervliet and was a member of its Rosary Society. She was a member of the Watervliet Lodge of Elks Ladies Auxiliary. She was the widow of the late Joseph H. Early, former city manager of the City of Watervliet; devoted mother of Joseph R. Early of Watervliet and Sharon C. Wemple and her partner Mary Ann McNamara of Rotterdam; sister of George Derbyshire of West Sand Lake and the late Mary Ruth Conley, Grace Witbeck, Mildred and Claire Derbyshire. She is also survived by three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. The funeral will be Monday morning at 8:30 from the Cummings Funeral Home, 643 Third Avenue, Watervliet (Rt. 32 south of Arsenal) and at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary 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 Sunday 4-7 p.m. Contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144. For directions and guest book: www.cummingsfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/13/2004 - 8/14/2004. Forman, Debra Susan MANHATTAN Susan Debra Forman, age 53, of East 93rd Street in Manhattan, formerly of Ravena, N.Y., died August 6, 2004 at her NYC residence. Debra was born in Albany and was a graduate of the Ravena Coeymans Selkirk High School. She later attended The Academie Moderne School for Fashion Careers in Boston and later pursued her interest in the medical field and became a Registered Nurse. She was the daughter of the late Percy and Rose Feder Forman. She is survived by aunts, Sandra Stracher of Lake Worth, Fla., Edith Feder of Silver Spring, Md., Marilyn Freedman of Albany, N.Y. and Helen Forman of Latham, N.Y. She also leaves many loving cousins. Services at the Beth Emeth Cemetery, Turner Lane, Loudonville, N.Y. on Sunday, August 15, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/13/2004 - 8/14/2004. Gailor Sr., James SARATOGA SPRINGS James Lawrence Gailor Sr., of Michael Drive, died Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at his residence. He was 76. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Avenue. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Monday at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373). The DAV Chapter 158 will meet at 7:00 p.m. and the VFW Post 420 will meet at 7:30 p.m. for their wake services. Memorial donations may be made to DAV Chapter 158, P.O. Box 1238, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 125 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205. burkefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Gardy, Raymond GRAFTON Raymond Gardy, 69, of Bailey Road, died suddenly Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc., 276 Pawling Avenue. Interment, Eagle Mills Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Gardy to the Grafton Rescue Squad, Grafton, NY 12082. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit: www.brycefh.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Geiss, Dorothy M. SCOTIA Dorothy M. Geiss (nee:Smith), 89, formerly of Westchester Drive in Colonie, died Friday, August 13, 2004 at the Baptist Health Rehabilitation Center. Dorothy was the daughter of the late Elizabeth T. Stapleton Smith and stepdaughter of the late George Miller. She was a graduate of Cathedral Academy. For a time, Dorothy was in a clerical position with the state and also with H & R Block. In addition, she was a housewife and a homemaker. On September 26, 1942, Dorothy married George Arthur Geiss. He predeceased her on February 24, 1981. Dorothy is survived by her dear friends and caregivers, Jim and Lorraine Clute of Colonie as well as their children, Amy Kimball and her husband Scot of Clifton Park, and Jennifer Phelps and her husband William of Scotia and their son, Eric. Also surviving are her cousins, Joe Stapleton and his wife Marcia of Loudonville, Robert Stapleton and his wife Wyona of Albany, and Beatrice (Coffey) Crounse of Schoharie and her family, Patrick Coffey and Kathy Stephens, both of Schoharie, and Joseph Coffey of Phoenicia, N.Y. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 from the Church of St. Clare, 1947 Central Avenue, Colonie. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours at the church from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2004. Memorial contributions in Dorothy's name are requested to be made to the Church of St. Clare, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie, NY 12205. Dorothy's family and friends would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care Dotty received. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/14/2004 - 8/15/2004. Hellmuth, Dorothy (Memoriam) HELLMUTH Dorothy Happy 50th Anniversary Dear. This is the day we looked forward to for many years. Fifty years ago today was the beginning of a wonderful, loving, caring and faithful relationship. You're always in my prayers and thoughts. Never a day goes by that a tear does not appear. I love you and miss you more each day. Love, Fred Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Hellmuth, Dorothy (Memoriam) HELLMUTH Dorothy Happy 50th Anniversary up in Heaven, Mom and Nan. We love you and miss you. Love Fred, Mike and Eric Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Lynch Jr., James V. (Memoriam) LYNCH In loving memory of my loving husband James V. Jr., who passed away four years ago today. I sadly miss you. It broke my heart when we had to part. Love Always, Wife Marie Ann Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. McCormick, Mary J. TROY Mary Joan McCormick, 44, of Spring Ave., Troy died suddenly at home Thursday, August 12, 2004. Born and raised in Guilderland, she was the daughter of Joseph C. and Margaret Dugan McCormick, long time residents of Guilderland who recently resettled in Troy. Mary graduated from Guilderland High School in 1980. She attended Schenectady County Community College and worked at Menands Sheltered Workshop. Over the last several years, Mary worked at Fleet Bank and at the Goodwill in Brunswick. Mary was an avid cat lover and a regular at local eateries, Mr. Subb and Friendly's. She loved to share her dreams and political vision with all who would listen as well as her fascination with Mars and love of Jeopardy. Mary was a well known personality around town and was loved by all those who knew her. She was a proud member of the Democratic Party. Daughter of Joseph C. and Margaret Dugan McCormick; sister of Katherine (Paul) Bishop and Michael (Sharon) McCormick; aunt of David and Jacob Bishop and Michele McCormick; niece of Ruth McCormick and Jane Dugan; also survived by many cousins. Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Church, Guilderland Monday morning 11 o'clock. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Magin & Keegan Funeral Home, 891 Madison Ave. Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 at the funeral home for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/14/2004 - 8/15/2004. Minkiewicz, James (Memoriam) MINKIEWICZ James S. In loving memory of our son, our brother and friend, Jim on his birthday. Memories of you will never part, for we carry you always in our heart. Sadly missed, Mom, Dad, John and Paul Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Morris, Marion B. TROY Marion B. Morris of the Beachwood Community, widow of Donald I. Morris, died Thursday, August 12, 2004 at the Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Born in Niskayuna, she was the daughter of the late Philip Newman and Ella Mae Cramer Brownsey. Mrs. Morris was a graduate of the former Schenectady High School. She received a bachelor's degree from Russell Sage College in 1931. Mrs. Morris taught at Draper High School in Schenectady and Averill Park High School. In later years, she substituted at Troy High School. Her husband died in 1987. Mrs. Morris was a former member of The Troy Woman's Club, Ilium Literary Club, Hudson Valley Antique Study Club, Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, the Rensselaer County Historical Society, Russell Sage Alumnae Association, and was a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Survivors include a son, Donald L. Morris (Kathleen Cox-Morris) of Slingerlands; a daughter, Louise M. Morris of Rochester, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Folk of Edison, N.J, Eleanor Folk of Platte City, Mo. and Christopher Folk of Overland Park, Kan.; a brother, Laurence T. Brownsey of Latham; a sister, Eleanor Fladager-Biklen of Niskayuna. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 20, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel at The Eddy Memorial, 2256 Burdett Avenue, Troy. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Morris to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, State & 3rd. Street Troy, NY 12180. Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick St., Troy, NY 12180 518-272-3930. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/13/2004 - 8/14/2004. Neal, Vida Wheeler NISKAYUNA Vida Wheeler Neal, 84, of Baker Avenue died on Monday, August 9, 2004 after a long illness. She was born January 6, 1920 in Albany, N.Y., daughter of David and Blanche Benjamin and attended Milne High School in Albany. She than graduated from the Katherine Gibbs School in Boston. After graduation, she held several administrative positions in the New York State government and most enjoyed her assignment as an assistant for Owen D. Young when he directed the state commission for the creation of the New York State University System. As a Red Cross volunteer, she was recognized for her dedication to the pheresis program and, at one time, had contributed more platelets than any donor in this district. In particular, her rare red blood type was used to maintain the lives of two children in Albany. She was a magnificent floral arranger and gardener and an accomplished pianist. Also, she was active in the aerobics dance groups and a member of the Mohawk Golf Club. Vida was an assistant to Father Darwin Kirby at Saint George's Episcopal Church, where she was also a member for many years. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Stanford Neal and her daughter, Mary Kathryn Naftzger and her husband Frederick of Ballston Lake, N.Y.; grandmother of Sarah and David Naftzger. Services were held on Saturday at Saint George's Episcopal Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George's Church in Vida's memory. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/12/2004 - 8/15/2004. Park, Eunhe Eunice LOS ANGELES, Calif. Eunhe Eunice Park, age 22. Born November 26, 1981 in Lincoln, Neb., she moved to heaven on Sunday, August 1, 2004. She was the second daughter of Chang Hwan Park and Young Ai Park, and younger sister to Soonki Sue Park and older sister to Paul Inki Park. She went to Kamerer Middle school in Louisville, Ky. and graduated from Shenendahowa High School in Clifton Park, N.Y. She attended SUNY Cobleskill and Los Angeles City College and had plans to study child psychology at University of Southern California. While she was going to school, she also worked at Cali Fashions as an assistant manager, where her fashion sense went from college grunge to super trendy. From the beginning, Eunice showed incredible strength and courage in the face of adversity, and still managed to keep a lively sense of humor. Her love for life has brought joy to many lives and will continue to put a smile on the faces of those who remember her. Memorial services have been held in Los Angeles, Calif. and all donations have been sent to the American Heart Association. You may visit her website at: www.remembereunicepark.com We would like to thank the Lord for allowing us 22 wonderful, memorable years. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/14/2004 - 8/15/2004. Reed, Elizabeth G. ALBANY Elizabeth G. Reed, 91, died Monday, August 9, 2004 at the Julie Blair Nursing Center. Predeceased by husband, Frederick A. Reed. Survivors include daughters and grandchildren. Graveside service 3 p.m. Monday at Graceland Cemetery, 486 Delaware Ave., Albany. All are welcome to attend. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/12/2004 - 8/14/2004. Sally, Joseph W. FORT ANN Joseph W. Sally, 47, of Hadlock Pond Road, and former longtime resident of Mechanicville, died from liver cancer on Wednesday evening, August 11, 2004 at home. Born in Phillipsburg, N.J., May 31, 1957, Joe grew up in Mechanicville, attended St. Paul's Parochial and Mechanicville High School. He worked at Owens-Corning in Selkirk and had also worked at Pepsi Bottling of Menands and Galante Paper Co. in Mechanicville. Joe was proud of his associate's degree in business, he earned from Adirondack Community College in 2002. Joe was afflicted with liver disease and received a liver transplant this past February, became involved with fund raising for transplant patients, for covering out of pocket expenses. With his experience, Joe became an advocate of organ donation and awareness. A sportsman, Joe loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and hiking. Survivors include his parents, Margaret Torpey Sally of Mechanicville and Stephen W. Sally of Colonie; his brothers, Stephen (Carol) Sally of Port Orange, Fla., Kenneth M. Sally of Scotia and Kevin Sally of Clifton Park; daughters, Christine Sally of Coxsackie and Patricia (Martin) Below of Mechanicville; two cherished nieces, Stephanie and Carrie Sally and nephew, Martin T. Below, along with a large number of friends. Calling hours at the Devito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. after which an informal service of remembrance will be held at 5 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions are urged to the National Transplant Assistance Fund, 3475 West Chester Park, Newton Square, Pa. 19073 or other charity of choice. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Scalzetto, Jerry (Memoriam) SCALZETTO Jerry Love you, miss you, wish you were here! Pops Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Sellitti, Rosaria ORMOND BEACH, Fla. Rosaria Sadie Sellitti, 86, died Tuesday, August 10, 2004 after a brief illness at the Ormond Beach Memorial Hospital surrounded by her children. Mrs. Sellitti was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 20, 1918. She was a life long Brooklyn resident until she moved to Florida three years ago to be with her daughter. Mrs. Sellitti loved antiques and ran her own antique shop. Mrs. Sellitti was the beloved wife of Anthony Sellitti for 54 years until his death in 1989. She is survived by her beloved children, Dr. Vincent Sellitti and his wife Claire of Slingerlands and Constance Louise Taylor and her husband Fred of Fla. She was the beloved grandmother of Marisa, Parise and Renata Sellitti, Lisa Guilianno and Kimberly Bandorf. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 35 Adams Place, Delmar on Monday, August 16, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. Internment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn on Monday afternoon. Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar. Contributions in Mrs. Sellitti's memory may be sent to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/13/2004 - 8/15/2004. Thomas, Marcus (Memoriam) THOMAS Marcus In memory of my son, Marcus, who passed away August 8, 2004. Love you and I am going to miss you. Love Dad, Louis E. Fields and Family Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Turner, Edward (Memoriam) TURNER Edward A One year has passed but it seems like yesterday. You are forever in our thoughts and hearts. Miss and love you. Your Wife, Children and Grand-children Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Vail, Howard Mayhew ALBANY Howard Mayhew Vail, 69, died Sunday, August 8, 2004 at his home. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Weldon and Catherine Anderson Vail. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served active duty in Germany. Mr. Vail retired in 1990 after 36 years with Fleet Bank where he was an assistant vice-president for investment and trust. He was a former member of the Mendelssohn Club of Albany and former treasurer of Trinity Episcopal Church. He also was an avid genealogist. He was the brother of Robert Stuart-Vail of Newton, Mass. and the late Marion Vail O'Connor and (infant) George Vail; uncle of Julie Ann O'Connor (William Rehfuss) of Albany, Michael O'Connor of Albany, Mary Stuart-Vail of Tewksbury, Mass., Amy Hodnett of Derry, N.H. and George Stuart-Vail (Cheryl) of Amherst, N.H. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/12/2004 - 8/14/2004. Wacksman, Henrietta (Memoriam) WACKSMAN Henrietta (Mom), I love you, I miss you and I'll never forget you. Son, Sonny Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004. Willingham Jr., Elijah (Memoriam) WILLINGHAM Elijah, Jr. It has been 13 years you've been gone. You may be gone from my sight and gone from touch but you will never be gone from my memory or in my heart. Love Eternally, Your Big Sister Jackie Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/14/2004.