OBITS: Albany Times Union 20 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 Albright, Wilbur E. HANNACROIX, N.Y. Wilbur E. Albright, age 89 years, of Hannacroix, died August 19, 2004 at The Fireman's Home, Hudson, where he had been a resident since March 18, 2003. He was born in Hannacroix, May 23, 1915 and was the son of the late Clarence and Elizabeth (LeJune) Albright. He was a member of the Coxsackie Masons Ark Lodge F & AM #48, a member of the Cornell Hook and Ladder Company, the former owner and operator of the C.A. Albright Sons Garage and Fuel Oil Company from 1950 to 1975. He also loved bowling, golf and, most of all, he loved softball. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Michael (Judy) Lent of Hannacroix, Mrs. John (Donna) Degnen of West Coxsackie; a son, Eugene Albright and daughter-in-law Jeannene of Hannacroix and Mrs. Earl (Kim) Hotaling of Coxsackie; a sister, Mrs. Steve (Elsie) Batza of Hannacroix; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the W.C. Brady's Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie with Rev. Richard Pruiksma officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot of the Chestnut Lawn Cemetery, New Baltimore, next to his wife Gloria who predeceased him in 1987. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours at the W.C. Brady's Sons, Inc. Funeral Home on Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Fireman's Home, 117 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY 12534. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Bascue, Keith A. WHITEHALL Keith A. Bascue, 54, of Whitehall and formerly of Castleton on the Hudson, N.Y., passed away following a brief illness at the VA Hospital in Albany on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Born on January 19, 1950, Keith was the beloved son of Nancy (Sayas) and the late Charles A. Bascue Sr. of Whitehall. He is also survived by brothers, Charles and Jeffrey and sisters, Shannon and Valerie Lisa; many nieces, nephews; aunts and uncles. Keith was a 1967 graduate of Whitehall High School and received his B.S. degree in history and education from the State University of N.Y. at Plattsburgh in 1971. Mr. Bascue was a Vietnam Era Army veteran and served in the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He was a member of American Legion Post 83 in Whitehall. He moved to Philadelphia, Pa. and became the visual display manager for Strawbridge & Clothier for many years. After relocating to the Albany area, Keith was the visual arts manager for JC Penney at Crossgates Mall. Keith's passion in life, aside from his family, was his love of Whitehall. He lent his design expertise to his community through working on projects associated with the Skene Manor, the Bridge Theater and the beautification of Whitehall. Keith had a deep sense of commitment to the historical restoration of Main Street. By request of the family, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 23 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Church in Whitehall. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for contributions to be sent to the Skene Manor in Whitehall in Keith's memory. Arrangements by Jillson Funeral Home, Whitehall. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Bushell, Marilyn (Memoriam) BUSHELL Marilyn L. It's been ten long years, not a day goes by when we do not think of you. We miss you. Love, Tricia, Eric, Amber and Eric Jr. Tina, Scott, Scotty and Topher And Your Beloved Husband Bill Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. DeValentino, Richard A. KENMORE, N.Y. Richard A. Skip DeValentino, 61, of Kenmore, died August 18, 2004. Skip was employed as a carpenter for US Sugar Corp. and was a member of DeGlopper Post #9249 VFW, Grand Island, N.Y. Beloved husband of Diane P. Dorey DeValentino; dear father of Lisa A. DeValentino, Denise (Karl) Benedict of Rochester, N.Y., Tricia and Richard J. DeValentino. Also survived by five grandchildren; brother of Joanne (Garth) Fedorowicz of East Greenbush, N.Y.; uncle of Sarah and Matthew Fedorowicz. Friends may call at D. Lawrence Ginnane Funeral Home, 3215 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, Friday 4-9 p.m. All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's R.C. Church, Delaware Ave. at Victoria Blvd., Kenmore, Saturday at 9:15 a.m. Please assemble at church. Memorials may be made to the James Ryan Paramedic Foundation, 1835 Sheridan Dr., Buffalo, NY 14223. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Di Lello, Philomena (Memoriam) DI LELLO Philomena M. To our Dear Mother and Mama, who passed away nine years ago today. Always remembered, forever loved. Love, Tom, Adele, Nicole, Andy, Benjamin and Tom Jr. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Hall Sr., Robert Egerton ALBANY Mr. Robert Egerton Hall, Sr., 90, entered into eternal life peacefully at home on Saturday, August 14, 2004. He was born on January 9, 1914 in Georgetown, Guyana. Robert was a tailor for over 50 years and worked as an entrepreneur and with Lord's Tailoring establishment. He migrated to Albany in 1974 where he continued his tailoring at Roxy's of Albany and Latham and also worked at Eden Park Nursing Home in Albany. He was the son of the late McKenzie Hall and Daisy Wiltshire of Plaisance Village, Guyana. He was also the brother of the late Edgar Wiltshire, Edna Wiltshire and Minerva Bovell. Robert is the beloved husband for 63 years of Walterine Hall of Albany, the loving father of Norma Hall Ashford, Lucille Harper, Joan Abrams, Moreen McLennan and Cheryl Hall Clarke all of Albany, Sherry Hall of London, Robert E. Hall, Jr. of Manhattan, and Yvonne Hall Prescott of Schenectady. He is the father-in-law of Robert Ashford, Rodney David Moyce, Winston Orland Harper, Amanda Fullington Hall, Oswald Abrams, Brian McLennan, Sr., Ronald Prescott, Sr. and Colin Clarke. He is the uncle of Lucille Edwards-Chester of London, Great-uncle of Patricia Edwards-Nelson, and Orin Edwards of Guyana, and Pauline Chester-waters of London, and the great-great-uncle of four. Mr. Hall is the cherished grandfather of 22; Ronda Ashford-Douglas, Nicola McKenzie, Scott Hall, Terrall Hall, Gary Elliot, Dianne Moyce, Wayne Moyce, Julie Moyce, Lidia Kate North, Leah Harper Canton, LLouana Harper Louis, Christopher Hall, Andre Abrams, Alexis Abrams, Anton Abrams, Sophia McLennan, Rossanne McLennan, Brian McLennan, Jr., Sharon Prescott, Ronald Prescott, Jr., Monique Marshall and Douglas Watson, Jr. He is the great-grandfather of 33; Natesha Watson, Sheryl Dragg, Dazhay Abrams, Exzavious McLennan, Sir Ronald Prescott, Zjamari Ingram, the late Sean Prescott and 26 others. He is the brother-in-law of Dorothy Ward, Cecil Fraser of West Coast Berbice, Guyana, and James Fraser of Cove and Garden, Guyana. He is also the cousin of Inez Hicks, Thelma Gonsalves-King, Olive Gonsalves, and Edward Gonsalves all of Toronto, Canada, Michael Hicks, William France, Lance Armstrong, Joseph Gonsalves and Carla Gonsalves all of Guyana, Hyacinth Hall of Montreal, Canada and Egbert Hall of New York. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Friday, August 20, 2004 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at NewComer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 21 at 9:00 a.m. at the Black Apostolate, St. George's Roman Catholic Church, 50 Thornton Street, Albany with Rev. Fr. Kofi Ntsiful Amissah the celebrant. Interment will be held at No. 28 Village, West Coast Berbice, Guyana. At the request of the family, no flowers are to be sent. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the Building Fund of the Black Catholic Apostolate, 50 Livingston Avenue and Thornton St., Albany, NY 12206 or to the Northeastern Association of the Blind, 301 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 in memory of Robert E. Hall, Sr. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/18/2004 - 8/20/2004. Harper, James A. COLONIE James A. Harper, 91 , of Colonie, died Wednesday morning, August 18, 2004 after a brief illness. He was born in Pittsfield, Mass. and was the son of the late Arthur and Mae Harper. Mr. Harper was a Colonie resident for over 50 years. He had worked as a weaver for Huyck Mills in Rensselaer for 42 years. He was a longtime sexton and usher at Pine Grove United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Helen Ahl Harper. He is the father of James F. Harper of Colonie, Robert W. Harper (Mary Pat) of Clifton Park and the late Edward Bruce Harper. He is the brother of Ruth Lowery, Jean Govoni and Shirley DeSantis. Grandfather of Dawn Hoffman, Michael, Jennifer, Krystina and Stacey Harper. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday morning at 11:00 at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory's Garden. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/19/2004 - 8/20/2004. Hills, Beverly Adele MENANDS Beverly Adele Hills, age 67, of Park Lane East in Menands, N.Y., died Tuesday, August 17, 2004 after an extended illness. Beverly was born on May 31, 1937 in Swampscott, Mass. and was married on March 23, 1958 to a loving husband, Edward H. Hills. She also leaves behind five children, Cheryl, Heidi, Robin, Jonathan and Tracey; four sisters, Sonya, Phyllis, Dorothy and Gail; and two grandchildren, Wallace and Meghan. Beverly was a dedicated employee at various government positions, including as secretary to the commander of the U.S. Navy Reserve at Amityville, N.Y. and secretary to the director of the Los Angeles region of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She taught her crafts to Tracey with great skill. Tracey will continue crocheting in Beverly's memory. Services will be held in the chapel at the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, N.Y. on Friday, August 20, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the service in the family plot. Following the service and interment, relatives and friends are respectfully invited to the Hills residence, 20 Park Lane East, Apt. #3 in Menands where a reception will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Wildlife Foundation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5326. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/19/2004 - 8/20/2004. Justus, June F. AVERILL PARK June F. Justus, 75, of Meadow Road, died on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Frieda Omondinger Hahn and wife of the late Gordon Homer Justus. June had resided in Croton, N.Y. prior to moving to the Averill Park area in 1987. At the time of her death, June was a bus aide for the Averill Park School District and also had been a bus driver at one time. She had been a teller at a Troy bank before working for the school district. She was a member of the Sand Lake Senior Citizens and enjoyed traveling. Survivors include a daughter, Kathryn Gannuscio of Cortland Manor, N.Y.; a brother, Leonard Hahn of Nanuet, N.Y.; her granddaughters, Lori Denzel, Kristin and Nicole Gannuscio; and a great-granddaughter, Gracie Denzel. June was the mother of the late William Stone. A memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in memory of June Justus may be made to the Sand Lake Ambulance, P.O. Box 222, West Sand Lake, NY 12196. Arrangements by Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, Averill Park, NY. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Keegan, Patrick (Memoriam) KEEGAN Patrick J. Pat, it's been 11 long years without you. We miss you and we love you. Give Mom a hug. Dad, Sisters & Brothers Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Kirker, Richard Warren SCHENECTADY Richard Warren Kirker, 58, died August 18, 2004. He was a machine repairman for GE for over 37 years. Son of Florence Palumbo Kirker of Schenectady and the late Warren E. Kirker. Survivors, sister, Patricia Kirker; dearest friend, Paul Schermerhorn; three aunts; cousins; many friends. Funeral services Saturday 10 a.m. at Light's Funeral Home. Calling Friday 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Leonard, Keith Edward NEW SCOTLAND Keith Edward Leonard, 45, departed this life on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital after a short courageous battle with cancer. He was a plumber in the Capital Region for many years and was an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. Keith, we will miss your kind, loving nature and quick sense of humor. He is the son of Martin W. Leonard of East Berne and Ruth E. Leonard of Delmar. Grandson of Bertha A. Leonard (Ronald) Petrie of Fla. and the late Martin D. Leonard, Albert and Emma Heilman. Brother of Kathleen Kim Leonard of Buskirk, Denise Kip (John) Murray of Delmar, Martin P. (Beckie) Leonard of Scotia and Kelly A. (Christopher) Albright of Voorheesville. Uncle of Derek and Adam Murray, Aaron, Trevan and Brittany Albright and Bridget and Dylan Leonard. At Keith's request, relatives and friends are invited to a graveside committal service at Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont on Friday, August 20, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.; immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of his life at the Albright's residence. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all involved in Keith's care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter's Hospice Inn, 315 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, N.Y. 12208 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Keith E. Leonard. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/19/2004 - 8/20/2004. Lewis, Florence ALBANY Florence Bohl Lewis, 81, died Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Minnie Schmidt Bohl Sr. A devoted wife and homemaker, she loved animals and nature. Mrs. Lewis was a member of the Evangelical Protestant Church. Beloved wife of 49 years of the late Harold A. Lewis Jr.; devoted mother of the late John Lewis; loving mother-in-law of Hazel Lewis; proud grandmother of John Lewis, her caregiver for the past three years, and William Lewis; sister of the late Edward Bohl Jr. She was a longtime close friend of Bea Harmon of Delmar and Gladys VanDeloo of Albany. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment in the Evangelical Protestant Church Cemetery, Albany. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Hudson Mohawk Humane Society, Oakland Ave., Albany, NY 12204. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Lewis, Sybil B. ALBANY I will bless the Lord at all times...Sybil B. Lewis, 40, died Monday, August 16, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital. Ms. Lewis was born in Albany, N.Y. She was employed by the Institute for Vascular Health and Disease as a nursing secretary. She was the daughter of Rev. Clarence Samuel and Mother Helen E. Johnson. She is survived by her parents, two brothers, Stacey B. (Diane), Sheldon B.; one sister, Sa'Crystal B.; two nieces, one nephew, two great nieces and one great nephew and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at St. John's COGIC, 94 Herkimer St., Albany on Saturday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Friends may call at 99 So. Lake Ave., Apt. #9, Albany, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/19/2004 - 8/20/2004. Marzano, Anna MECHANICVILLE Anna Morocco Marzano, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at Maplewood Manor, Ballston Spa in the loving arms of her daughter, and went to join her deceased and loved husband of 58 years on the day of his birth and they now begin their next journey together. A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, she was born July 30, 1916, daughter of the late John Morocco and Theresa and Jack Scerbo. A seamstress most of her life, Anna worked at the former Korell Dress Mfgrs. and the Stillwater Knitting Mill. Ann could always be seen with her daughter, Angela, being her true companion and friend as well. Anna was quick to compliment all those she met and was forever interested in her friends's families. A devoted communicant of Assumption-St. Paul in Mechanicville and the Rosary Altar Society. Anna was a proud and hard working member of the Italian Fraternal Society Auxiliary and excelled as a bocci player in the women's league. Her husband, Peter Marzano died December 8, 2002 along with brothers Frank, Louis, John and sisters, Rose and Mary Morocco. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Gordon Ryan of Mechanicville; son and wife, Patrick and Ora Marzano of Ballston Lake; cherished grandchildren, Jude Marzano, Shawn (Jennifer) Ryan, Valerie and Jason, David Ryan and fiancee, Mandy Mohan and Eric Ryan; along with her canine friend, Jessie. Anna will be truly missed by people who she touched their hearts, including in-laws, Sandy and Josie, cousin, Mary Curto, niece and husband, Theresa and Al Kappel, her daughter like friend, Carol Hildreth and nieces and nephews. Anna's family thanks all the wonderful nurses and aides at Maplewood Manor who fell in love with her, also Community Hospice of Saratoga for their care and concern. Funeral Mass on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Assumption-St. Paul William Street Church with burial in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours at the Devito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St. Mechanicville on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Memorial contributions to either the John Ahearn Rescue Squad or Maplewood Manor's Residents Council Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. May Jr., Francis M. CLIFTON PARK Francis M. May Jr., 74, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital. Francis was born on December 31, 1929 in Albany to the late Francis M. and Catherine Hess May. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1948 to 1952. Francis worked as an electrician for Local Union #724 in Albany for over 30 years then went to work for the VA Hospital for ten years before retiring in 1992. He was a family man and loved his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing and reading. Francis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Veronica Wilson May of Clifton Park; two daughters, Suzanne (Glen) Harrison of Colonie and Maureen (John) Borgeest of Stillwater; and four grandchildren, Caitlin and Matthew Harrison and Melanie and Lukas Borgeest. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia May. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park. Interment will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to your local Humane Society in memory of Francis M. May Jr. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/20/2004 - 8/21/2004. McLaughlin, Ward ALBANY Ward McLaughlin, 89, of Albany, passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2004 at Veterans Administration Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Waynesboro, Miss. and was the son of the late Charlie and Clara McCann McLaughlin. Mr. McLaughlin had worked as a carpenter for Zautner Construction Company in Albany for many years. He was a deeply religious and devoted family man. As an active member of the Albany South Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses up until the time of his death, he enjoyed reading the Bible and sharing his faith with others. He was the father of 12 children who worked hard throughout his life to support and care for his family. His kind, friendly manner combined with his sense of humor and warm smile endeared him to many. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his devoted niece, Vernette Wilson and her husband John for all of their help to their father. He is the husband of the late Delores Mays McLaughlin; father of Willie James, Cecil, Pearlie Mae Harris, Lillie Bell, King Bernard, Mark, Billy Roy, Patricia Faye, Phillis Maree, Allen, Anthony Robert and Stephanie Perez. He is survived by his sisters, AryBelle Grace, Claudie Banks and Annie Lee Banks. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of grand and great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend memorial services on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 400 Albany Shaker Rd., Loudonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Jehovah's Witnesses in care of Kingdom Hall. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/19/2004 - 8/20/2004. Miller, Beatrice (Memoriam) MILLER Beatrice You have been gone a year now. Still missing you. Rest in peace. Love, Chrissy Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Peterson, Christine (Memoriam) PETERSON Christine I miss you and I love you mom. Its been ten years. Lynda Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Scalzo, Anthony C. Officers and members of Mother McAuley Council #3424 Knights of Columbus are requested to meet at the Babcock Funeral Home, 6 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2004 to pay respects to their departed member, Anthony C. Scalzo. BRUCE LAVALLE Grand Knight Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Scalzo, Anthony C. RAVENA Anthony C. Scalzo, 97, died Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at the Teresian House in Albany. Anthony was born in Italy and has lived in Coeymans and Ravena all his life. He was employed by the former NY Central Railroad and the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District. Anthony was a member of the Mother McAuley Council 3424 Knights of Columbus and the Coeymans Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include his wife Mary L. Varcasia Pape Scalzo; sons, Anthony J. Scalzo and Vincent (Sheila) Scalzo; daughter, Mary Ann (John) Stolz; daughter-in-law, Jane Pape; brother, Angelo (Josephine) Scalzo; grandchildren, Brian Scalzo, Matthew (Kathy) Stolz, Tricia Stolz, Anthony Pape, Spring (Paul) Palermo; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Leah Stolz and Jackson Palermo; and many nieces and nephews. Anthony was predeceased by his wife Angelina (Lucy) Adamo Scalzo; his parents, Carmino and Vincenza Scalzo; stepfather, Thomas Presto and stepson, Ralph Pape. Mr. Scalzo's family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Teresian House for the many acts of kindness and support during his stay. A special thank you goes to the staff of Carmel Gardens East and Sister Maureen Carroll for her pastoral care. A funeral Mass will be held 9:30 Saturday morning, August 21 at St. Patrick's Church, Ravena. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Babcock Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions in memory of Anthony may be made to the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203 or to St. Patrick's Church, 21 Main St., Ravena, NY 12143. Published in the Albany Times Union from 8/19/2004 - 8/20/2004. Shively, Julia M. COBLESKILL Julia Margaret Poggi Shively died peacefully at home in the presence of her family on August 18, 2004. Born on June 15, 1919, she was the daughter of the late John and Margaret Poggi and wife of the late Jesse H. Shively. Julia spent most of her life in the area of Beacon, N.Y. She graduated from Mount St. Mary's Academy in Newburgh and secretarial college in New York City. For many years, she enjoyed working as a private secretary for Battoglia Associates in Fishkill. After being widowed in 1980 and retiring, she moved to Poughkeepsie where she took pleasure in activities and trips with friends and family. Her last years were spent serenely with her daughter and family in Cobleskill, among the rolling farm fields that she loved. Known throughout her life as a person of spirit and humor, she was a cherished friend of many and an adored mother, grandmother and aunt. She was an involved community member, avid reader, animal lover, nature enthusiast and traveler. Julia is the beloved mother of John Shively of Ashokan, N.Y., Janet (Alexander) MacConnell of Nova Scotia, Canada and Ellen (Robert) Hancock of Cobleskill, N.Y.; grandmother of Jonathan, Kristin, Johanna, Elizabeth, Will and Emma; great-grandmother of Mairianna; sister of Dr. John Poggi of Delmar, N.Y. and the late Gloria Poggi Gray of Calif.; aunt of several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all of them, as well as by her dog and constant companion, Molly. Visitation will be at the chapel of St. Vincent's Church in Cobleskill from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 20, followed by funeral service at 11:00. Interment will be in the St. Joachim's Cemetery in Beacon, N.Y. at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Himalayan School Project, 647-D Scully Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 1B3. Funeral arrangements are through Mereness-Putnam, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill. Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004. Spano, Selma (Memoriam) SPANO Selma R. Mom, Happy Birthday, it has been five years and one day. We all miss you very, very much. We know you are with us everyday. We love you. Regina, Pat, Tony and Andrea Published in the Albany Times Union on 8/20/2004.