OBITS: Albany Times Union 2 Oct 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 Alund, Ella E. Bennett SOUTH GLENS FALLS Ella E. Bennett Alund, 77, died Friday, October 1, 2004. Daughter of the late Roland and Pansy Krawetz Bennett; wife of the late John M. Alund; mother of Michael K. Alund and his life partner Joseph E. Orlow of South Glens Falls, Shirley Hartman (David) of Loudonville, Jacqueline L. Beninati (Carl) of Clifton Park, John M. Alund (Linda) of Lake George, Thomas Joseph Alund (Joann) of Glenville and Pansy Leszczynski (Steve) of Schuylerville; sister of Richard Bennett of Latham, Joan Styles of Clifton Park and the late Esther Russell and Eugene Bennett; longtime friend and companion of Cathy Diaz of Glens Falls. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Funeral on Monday at 9 a.m. from the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, Watervliet. Following a private cremation, interment will take place in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watervliet. Calling hours are at the funeral home on Sunday 3-7 p.m. Contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga or to Moreau Emergency Squad in care of the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Balliemore, Harry J. ALBANY Harry J. Galliemore Bossy, passed into eternal rest on September 28, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 12, 1935. He leaves behind two sisters, Barbara Sturdivant and Elsie Jackson. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his wife Caneal and his loving mother, Martha Hester. Funeral service Monday, 11:00 a.m. at Garland Bros. Funeral Home, 75 Clinton Ave. Viewing 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment in Albany Rural Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Bryce, Dr. Wendell L. ITHACA, N.Y. Wendell L. Bryce MD, 78 well-known and loved retired physician, died after a brief illness Monday, September 20, 2004 at his beloved Misty Vale Farm in Danby surrounded by his family. Dr. Bryce's life commitment to medicine - family practice - included 20 years to the Ithaca community where his patients both revered and appreciated his rare diagnostic skills, his love for and knowledge of the human body. He never was too busy nor tired to discuss their needs. Prior to these years, he was a member of the medical staff of Cornell University for 10 years where the students flocked to his service. Wendell began his career in Richfield Springs, N.Y. as the sole physician in a large rural area with a 24-7 schedule requiring distant home visits during the night. Born in Troy, N.Y., Dr. Bryce was son of the late Lowell H. and Evelyn Merrick Bryce. His adored wife was the former Jane Whitman, also former Trojan. A graduate of Troy High School, he received a bachelor degree from Union College where, as an alumnus, he has established several charitable gift annuities. He recently proudly represented Union College in the Cornell Academic Procession at Cornell's Presidential Inauguration. After receiving his MD degree from Albany Medical College, Dr. Bryce served his residency in New Orleans. Private graveside services were held at the Danby Rural Cemetery overlooking his farm with its extraordinary and varied plantings of trees, fruits and vegetables. His love and care of animals and farming in general fulfilled his second dream of career. The love and gratitude of his hundreds of patients was evident by the steady stream of friends and professional associates visiting Wendell's family following the service at the farm: his wife, Jane; their three daughters, Wendy Bryce-Wilhelm, Ph.D. of Acme, Wash., Jennifer Bryce-Walker Ph.D. of Danby, Elizabeth Bryce-Bell of Marietta, Ga.; one son, Wendell L. Chip Bryce of Danby; eight grandchildren with whom he shared his love of the earth; one brother, L. Merrick Bryce of Troy; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Wendell held many professional memberships. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. Anyone wishing to memorialize Dr. Bryce's life may do so to the charity of one's choice. For a private family guest book, visit: www.brycefh.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Comparetta, Anna COLONIE Anna Quagliata Comparetta, 90, of Osborne Rd., died Friday, October 1, 2004 at the Teresian House Nursing Home in Albany. Born in Magnolia, W.Va., Anna had been a Colonie resident for 60 years. She worked for more than 30 years with the New York State Department of Audit and Control in the employee retirement system. Anna enjoyed bowling, arts and crafts. She was a former member of the Hart Senior Citizens in Colonie, the Home Bureau and the former West Albany Fire Department #2 Ladies Auxiliary. Anna was the wife of the late Frank J. Comparetta. She is survived by her son, Guy Comparetta and his wife Karen of Guilderland; and her grandsons, Vincent Comparetta and his wife Heather of Guilderland and Gregory Comparetta and his wife Shannon of Guilderland. Funeral 9:00 o'clock Monday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie and at 9:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, 26 Wilson Ave., Colonie. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4-8 p.m. in the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Our Lady of Mercy. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. DeStefano, Ann VALATIE Ann DeStefano, 76, died Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at the Barnwell Nursing Home. Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Eugene DeStefano and Elizabeth Hisgen. She was the cousin of John Damian of Florida and Jean Murname of Albany. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday at 9:00 a.m. at St. James Church, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Deucker Sr., Joseph (Memoriam) DEUCKER In memory of Joseph Deucker Sr., who entered into eternal life October 1st, 2002. We have fond memories in our hearts. Love and miss you each day. Love, Your Wife Dorothy; Your Children, Kimmy, Joanne, Joe and Brian; Your Grandchildren, Chelsea, McKenzie, Brittany and Spencer Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Eck, Charles E. BALLSTON LAKE Charles E. Chuck Eck, 79, of Arbor View Dr., died peacefully Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at the Eddy in Cohoes. He was born June 22, 1925 in Fredericktown, Mo., son of the late John and Anna (Skalak) Eck. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., he received a bachelor's of science degree in civil engineering. He was a Navy veteran, having served in World War II where he was bestowed the American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal. He retired from A.H. Harris & Sons of N.Y. located in Latham where he was president. He was a member of the Mohawk Country Club in Niskayuna and the Society of Civil Engineers. He enjoyed the relaxation of golf and his many travel experiences. He was the beloved husband of Virginia (Sparks) Eck who resides in Ballston Lake. Cherished father of Janet Eck of Ballston Lake and William (Mary) Eck of Abingdon, Md. Devoted grandfather to five grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Monday, October 4, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 in Clifton Park with the Rev. Jeffrey Stratton, pastor of Round Lake United Methodist Church officiating. A calling hour will precede the funeral service. Committal service with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern NY Chapter, 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12206. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/1/2004 - 10/2/2004. Eldering, Theresa M. ALBANY Theresa M. Eldering, 78, of Albany, N.Y., beloved wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, died Thursday, September 30, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital. Theresa was born and raised in Grant City, Staten Island, N.Y. She attended St. Louis Academy in Staten Island and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and later taught piano at the Grant City Music Center, which she owned from 1948 to 1958. From 1986 to 1991, she was employed as a clerk and reader for a blind attorney. Her community involvement included the position of president of the Rosary Altar Society of the Church of the Nativity in Stuyvesant, N.Y. in 1980. Theresa founded the group called Tempo to assist in the Ichabod Crane Band. After moving to Albany in 1984, she enjoyed quilting with the Q.U.I.L.T. group for many years and was active in many volunteer services at St. Peter's Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Anthony and her children, Charles of Doylestown, Pa., Gerard of Herndon, Va., Thomas of Kinderhook, N.Y. and Annmarie of Altadena, Calif. She relished spending time with her seven grandchildren. Her family and friends will greatly miss her loving company and wonderful sense of humor. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Monday, October 4, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, Valatie, N.Y. and a Celebration of Life reception which will follow. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bond Funeral Home on Route 9 in Valatie. The Eldering family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Futscher, Dorothy M. TROY Dorothy M. Futscher, 93, of Troy, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center in Troy. She was the daughter of the late Frederick G. and Hanorah Slattery Futscher. Born in Troy, Dorothy was a lifelong resident. She had been employed by Cluett & Peabody, and then for the NYS Liquor Authority as a beverage license examiner for 40 years before retiring. She was a member of CSEA and a former member of the Sacred Heart Society and St. Joseph's Sodality. Dorothy is sister of the late Marie McMeel, Frances Hull and Rita Futscher. She is survived by her nephew, Gary Hull, and her nieces, Pam Gernon and Debbie Teitsch. Also survived by several great-nieces and nephews and seven great-great-nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral Mass for Dorothy at St. Joseph's Church in Troy on Monday at 9:30 a.m. There will be no viewing hours. Donations to St. Joseph's Church Restoration Fund, 416 Third Street, Troy, NY 12180 would be appreciated. To sign guest book, please visit: www.leahy-bocketti.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Goedtel Sr., Lillian M. (Memoriam) GOEDTEL Lillian M. Sr. Happy Birthday. Miss you. Love Your Daughter, Marie Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Griffin, Ronald F. SARATOGA SPRINGS Ronald F. Griffin of Union Avenue, died Friday, October 1, 2004 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 68. Born on November 6, 1935 in Lee, Mass., he was the son of the late Franklin L. and Delight A. (Soule) Griffin. Ron was a graduate of Lee High School and attended Adirondack Community College where he earned his associate degree in business. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force as well as the Marine Corps and upon his discharge, he became a state trooper for the New York State Police from 1960 until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of the New York State Police Benevolent Association, the U.S. Marine Corps League, Ballston Spa BPOE Lodge #2619 and the Free and Accepted Masons. Ronald was a registered commercial instrument rated pilot and an aircraft enthusiast. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Bonnie Griffin, who died in 1984 and a sister, Dorothy M. Albatys. He is survived by his children, Kendra L. Griffin and Keith R. Griffin, both of Saratoga Springs. A memorial service and gathering of friends will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2004 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, 584-5373. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. burkefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Houck, Raymond Officers and members of O.V.F.C. are requested to meet in uniform at the funeral home at 6:45 p.m. to pay respects to our dearly departed Past Chief Raymond Houck. DEBRA M. LOBDELL President FREDRICK SPAULDING Assistant Chief Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/1/2004 - 10/2/2004. Mariani, Mary E. ALBANY Mary E. Mariani, 90, died Friday, October 1, 2004 at the Villa Mary Immaculate Nursing Home. Born in Plattsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Wilson Conners. She retired from the Department of Motor Vehicles where she was a senior adjudicator. Mary also had worked as the owner and operator of Mariani's Flower Garden on Delaware Ave. She was predeceased by her husband, Dominick J. Mariani in January of 2003. She was the mother of Donald Mariani of Guilderland, Joan Batchelder of Albany and Mary Ellen Weekes of Loudonville; sister of Edgar (Ray) Conners of Fla. and the late Andrew and Robert Conners; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren also survive. The family would like to thank the staff at the Villa for the special care given Mary during her stay there. Funeral services Monday at 9:15 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to St. James Church, Albany at 10:30 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. McCormick, Ida E. SLINGERLANDS Ida E. McCormick, 90, died Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at her home. Born and educated in Central Islip, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Charlotte Wood Herman. She was an Albany resident since 1947 and retired in 1979 after 28 years with the New York State Department of Commerce as a secretary. She was predeceased by her husband in 1968, Harold G. McCormick. She was the sister of Harry and Norman Herman and the late Leona A. Bosshammer and Henry Herman; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services Monday at 8:15 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to St. Teresa of Avila Church, Albany at 9:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those wishing to remember Ida and her family in a special way may send contributions to the Arthritis Foundation Northeastern New York Chapter, 1717 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/1/2004 - 10/3/2004. Moros, Joan SCOTIA Joan (Lapczenski) Moros, 67, of Second Street, Scotia, died Thursday, September 30, 2004 of natural causes and a long illness at her residence in the presence of her family. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., February 10, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Michael and Anne (Gresko) Lapczenski. Mrs. Moros moved here from Buffalo in 1964. She was an administrator in the quality control department at GE Schenectady, N.Y. for 20 years. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Scotia, St. Joseph's Church Rosary Society and the GE Women's Club. She is survived by her husband, John Paul Moros; her children, Joanna Catherine Laine and her husband Edward of Long Beach, Mich., Joel Michael Winkler Sr. and his wife Alice of Rotterdam Jct., N.Y., Joan Marie Cassaniti and her husband Richard of Ithaca, N.Y. and Joseph John Moros of Scotia; a sister, Cecelia A. Pelkey of Duanesburg, N.Y.; brothers, Joseph Michael Lapczenski of Pa. and Robert Ronald Lapczenski of Hemet, Calif.; grandchildren, Jennifer Marie Winkler, Joel Michael Winkler Jr. and Kayla Anne Winkler, all of Rotterdam Jct., Candida Camille Laine and Shaun David Laine, both of Long Beach, Mich. Also survived by many nieces and many nephews. She was also predeceased by her sister, Helen Marie Turner. Services Monday at 9:30 a.m. from the Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home, Inc. then to St. Joseph's Church, Scotia for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be at the funeral home Sunday 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady. Contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church, 45 MacArthur Drive, Scotia, NY 12302. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Newman, Ed ALTAMONT Chef Ed Newman, 65, peacefully entered into eternal joy on Thursday, September 30, 2004 at home surrounded by his loving family. Chef Newman was born in Troy, son of Irma Newman and the late Joseph McAvoy. He attended Troy City Schools and then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he began his culinary career. He served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged as a specialist third class in 1958. A renowned executive chef, Ed owned and operated numerous restaurants throughout the United States and was a recipient of the prestigious Escoffier Medal, Chef of the Year, and other various culinary awards. Ed organized the first annual American Cancer Society Dinner which he launched by running 36 sponsored miles from Saratoga to Albany. He was an active communicant of the Catholic Church and his faith in God sustained him. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his best friend of over 40 years, Linda Antico; four daughters, Sheri Lynn Newman, Michele Lee Newman and her husband John Kuschel, Linda Lee Miller and her husband Troy and Dawn Marie McAvoy. He was the brother of Carol Linen, Chuck Newman, Dennis McAvoy and the late Richard McAvoy. He was the loving grandfather of Peyton Gadson, Madison and Christian Miller and Ni-Ni, Rocky and Delta, who richly blessed his life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Bernard's Church, 107 Canvass St., Cohoes. Relatives and friends may call at the Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main St., Altamont Sunday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Troy. Those who wish may make contributions in Ed's memory to the Oncology Dept. of the Stratton V.A. Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Prior, Robert (Memoriam) PRIOR Robert (Jake) It has been one year. We miss you and love you more than you would ever know. You will be in our memories forever. Mom, Justine, Kathy and Debbie Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Quinn, Robert GREENVILLE Robert Quinney Quinn, 66, died Monday, September 27, 2004 at his home in Greenville. Bob had lived in Guilderland for many years before moving to Greenville with his son Tim and his family. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the early 1960s and worked for the Teamsters Union Local #294 in Albany, retiring in 1994. Bob was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and will be greatly missed by his many friends and his two Jack Russell Terriers, Zippy and Sunshine and his Chow, Wolf. He was the son of the late Edward and Cecelia Quinn. He is survived by two sons, Rob Quinn and his wife Angela Lako-Quinn of Waterford, Mich. and Tim Quinn and his wife Amy and their daughter Nicole of Greenville. He is also survived by many dear friends. A memorial service will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main St., Altamont. Friends and relatives may call on Monday from 6-7 p.m. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/4/2004. Sanford, Harry (Memoriam) SANFORD Harry We love and miss you each and everyday Pop. Love, Your Family Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Sokaris, Nicholas G. ATHENS, Greece Nicholas G. Sokaris passed away September 25, 2004 in Athens. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Gregory and Antigone Sokaris. Nicholas was the beloved husband of Ann McCourt who predeceased him in 1993. He graduated from Albany High School in 1953, where he was a standout athlete. He later became an avid lifelong tennis player. He was a graduate of Union College, Schenectady in 1957 and then served three years in the U.S. Army. Nicholas returned to Albany and worked as a reporter for the Troy Record and the Associated Press. In 1963, he moved to Athens, Greece. He was the owner of the Stagecoach Restaurant and publisher of the Athens Mirror, English Newspaper. Nicholas retired in 1996. He is the beloved brother of Jerry and his wife Eleanor, James and his wife Mary, Peter, Alex and his wife Elaine, Electra and Nora Sokaris. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be held Monday, October 4, 2004, 10 a.m. at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany. Relatives and friends are also invited and may call Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. at the Tebbutt Funeral Home, 633 Central Avenue, Albany. A Trisagion Memorial Service will also be held Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albany. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Religious Appointments Fund, c/o St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Sposato, Michael R. ALBANY Michael R. Sposato, 60, died on Thursday, September 30, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Born in Millville, N.J., he is the son of Marie Sposato and the late Michael Sposato. Michael served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958-62 during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the C.S.E.A. Union, the Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post #1520 and also the Polish American Community Center. Michael is predeceased by his stepson, Kenneth Martin. Michael is survived by his mother, Marie Sposato of Millville, N.J.; his wife, Veronica Yanas Sposato of Albany; his son, Michael R. Sposato of Charlotte, N.C. and his daughter Michelle Bowen. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Chesseman; his brother, John Sposato; two grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Funeral services will be held on Monday at 8:45 a.m. at the funeral home then to Our Lady of Angels Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or to the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Michael R. Sposato. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Stalker, Gerald (Memoriam) STALKER Gerald, your memory is our keepsake, with which we'll never part. God has you in his keeping, we have you in our heart. Happy Birthday. Love, Ellen Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Staples II, Parker J. BARRINGTON, R.I. Doctor Parker J. Staples II M.D., 64, of Barrington, formerly of Schaghticoke, N.Y., died at his home on Thursday, September 23, 2004 after a short illness. Born December 16, 1939 in Schenectady, N.Y., he was a son of the late Robert and Marjorie Hughes Staples. Dr. Staples was a graduate of Hoosic Valley High School where he was valedictorian of the class of 1958. He was also a 1962 graduate of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa. and a 1966 graduate of Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. Dr. Staples was involve in private practice in the fields of allergy and immunology. He then later served as the medical director for Medicare in R.I. He did research for the National Institutes of Health and served on the faculties of the University of Rochester and Brown University Schools of Medicine. Mr. Staples was an active member of the Barrington Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara A. Geissler; a son, Kevin D. and his wife Sarah Staples of Providence, R.I.; two daughters, Kirsten L. Staples and her husband Harold Van Lonkhuyzen of Rockport, Maine, Megan E. Staples of West Lafayette, Ind.; a sister, Maveret and her husband David Daigle of Melrose, N.Y.; one grandson, Nathaniel Van Lonkhuyzen of Rockport, Maine. Funeral services were held in Barrington, on Monday, September 27 and burial was in Forest Chapel Cemetery, Barrington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Greater R.I., Hospice Care, 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Lincoln, RI 02865 or to the Barrington Presbyterian Church, 400 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806 in his memory. Local arrangements entrusted to the Chase Funeral Home in Schaghticoke, N.Y. For directions, condolences and obituary information visit, www.chasefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Swift, William R. GLENMONT William R. Swift, 84, of Glenmont, died Friday, October 1, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital. Mr. Swift was born in Albany and lived in the area all his life. He was first employed in the greenhouse and florist business and then by the A&P Markets until entering the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, serving with the rank of 2nd lieutenant as a bomber navigator and bombardier. He returned to the A&P Markets after the war and in 1956 became a home builder and founding William R. Swift Builders, Inc. During his career his firm built over four thousand housing units, including Laura Lana Heights, Quail Hollow, Country Meadows, Colonial Woodlands, homes in the Buckingham Lake Neighborhood of Albany, Presidential Estates, Regency Park and the Twenty Mall. He was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in Albany, and a member of the Albany Area Builders Association, serving as the groups president from 1965-67. He also was a member of the New York State Builders Association, serving as a board member and as president. He was a member of the Zaloga post of the VFW, and a social member of the Elsmere Fire Dept. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, gardening and birdwatching, vacationing, going out to dinner and celebrating holidays with his family. His family and friends will always remember him as a man with a warm sense of humor and a keen insight. Mr. Swift is survived by his wife of 58 years, Miriam L. Yates Swift; his children, Donald (Susan) Swift of Guilderland, Michael (Wendy) Swift of Glenmont, Gregory (Nancy) Swift of Glenmont, Karen (Garry) Hilton of Schenectady, William R. (Debbie) Swift Jr. of Delmar, Theresa (Keir) Aspin of Delmar and Kathleen (Mike) Rosenthal of Glenmont; his sister-in-law, Norma Swift of Colonie; his brother-in-law, Ronald M. Frinks of Delmar; his grandchildren, Neil, Amanda, Shaun, Spencer, Stewart, Tom, Jennie and Kristina Swift, Sarah Hilton, Billy and Marykate Swift, Ellie Aspin, and Emily and Joshua Rosenthal; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Linda Jean Swift, his brother Eugene R. Swift and his sister Marilyn A. Frinks. Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Tuesday morning at 9:15, and 10:00 in Holy Cross Church, Western Ave. and Rosemont St., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Monday from 4-8 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York, 23 Computer Drive East, Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004. Whitegiver, Elmore DEFREESTVILLE Elmore Ball Whitegiver of DeFreestville and Assembly Point, Lake George, died peacefully at home, Tuesday, September 28, 2004. He was born in East Nassau, N.Y. December 2, 1912, the son of Allison and Jessie (Goodermote) Whitegiver. He was a graduate of Troy High School and furthered his education at the New York Diesel Institution in Albany. He worked for the Army Depot in Voorheesville, the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, and the Watervliet Arsenal. Elmore was a lifelong member (76 Years) and served as deacon and elder of the Blooming Grove Reformed Church, a trustee for the Blooming Grove Cemetery for 30 years and a member of the DeFreestville Fire Department for many years. Elmore's joy in life was his family. His wife of 63 years, Ruth (Anderson) Whitegiver predeceased him February 10, 2004. Surviving are his daughters, Evelyn (John) Jaeger of Oakfield, N.Y., Shirley (Ulf) von dem Bussche of London, England and Margareta Devan of Troy and a son, Robert of Milford, N.H. He is also survived by nine grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at the Blooming Grove Reformed Church. Friends may call in the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will take place in Blooming Grove Cemetery, North Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those who wish to remember Al make contributions to Blooming Grove Reformed Church, Blooming Grove Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/30/2004 - 10/2/2004. Wilson-Chamb, Carrie (Memoriam) WILSON-CHAMBERS Carrie 10/2/92 PRICE-CHAMBERS Mae 10/3/94 We will continue to cherish the sisterly love that you expressed so well. We miss you. Love, Renee and Liz Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Wood, Charles R. GLENS FALLS Charles Reeves Wood, entrepreneur, art collector and philanthropist, who created the pioneering Lake George theme park Storytown, U.S.A./the Great Escape, died at age 90, September 30, 2004 at home in Glens Falls, surrounded by his family. Mr. Wood was a resident of Glens Falls, N.Y. and Naples, Fla. He combined a love of doing business with a love of having fun to launch a series of successful enterprises in the Lake George area. His flagship was Storytown which Mr. Wood continued to expand and improve since its opening in 1954. He renamed it the Great Escape in 1982 to broaden its appeal; that same year, he acquired Fantasy Island in the Buffalo area. In 1989, he sold the Great Escape and Fantasy Island to International Broadcasting Corp., which then owned the Harlem Globetrotters and the Ice Capades. He bought it back when the company went bankrupt and then re-sold the Great Escape in 1996 to Premier Parks, now known as Six Flags, and sold Fantasy Island to a local Buffalo area businessman. With equal vigor and enthusiasm, Mr. Wood turned his considerable talents toward philanthropy. Desiring to give back to the community, he formed the Charles R. Wood Foundation in 1977 to provide funding for children in need, healthcare organizations and the arts. Over the years, the foundation, and Mr. Wood personally, made numerous major gifts. Through the foundation, Mr. Wood donated the largest individual gift ever for the formation of the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. The proceeds of an auction of his 1933 Duesenburg became a significant gift toward the 1987 capital expansion drive of the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. His other major gifts included a donation for the children's room at the Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls and major support toward turning the vacant former Woolworth store in downtown Glens Falls into the recently opened 300-seat Charles R. Wood Theater, home for area cultural groups including the Adirondack Theatre Festival. Mr. Wood directed other major gifts to Albany Medical Center for the Children's Wing and to the Naples Philharmonic Center, Naples, Fla. In 1991, Mr. Wood purchased the former Hidden Valley Dude Ranch in Lake Luzerne. Two years later, he established his largest philanthropy by founding, along with actor Paul Newman, the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch for children with cancer and blood-related diseases. Mr. Wood and the foundation have made significant donations to the Double H Ranch over the years and the Charles R. Wood Foundation still maintains ownership of the ranch. Mr. Wood was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret and two sisters, Grace Wood Williams of Rochester, N.Y. and Frances Sterndale of Albany, N.Y. He is survived by his wife, Josie Beckos Wood; two daughters, Barbara Wages of Conn., Charlene Courtney of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; two step-children, Barbara Beckos McDonald and Dean Beckos; eleven grandchildren, Carissa Drauss, Page Wages, Corie Wages, Braden Wages, Davin Wages, Chelsea Hoopes, Reeves Courtney, Madison Courtney; and three step-grandchildren, John Beckos, Brooke Beckos and Theo Beckos McDonald. Charles R. Wood was born in 1914 in Lockport, N.Y. He was entrepreneurial even as a youth. By the time he reached high school, he had already purchased a couple of houses including a home for him and his parents. As mechanically adept as he was ambitious, at the age of 12, Mr. Wood bought a Ford Model T to work on while at the same time undertaking the renovation of a carriage house into a rental property in Lockport. Mr. Wood graduated from Lockport High School in 1932 and attended the University of Michigan. He took a job at General Motors then worked at Curtiss-Wright Aircraft Companies as an aircraft technician. He spent 38 months overseas during World War II, first in Egypt where he serviced British Air Force planes, and eventually became supervisor of 290 mechanics. He then spent 18 months in the Pacific working for Douglas Aircraft. After the war, Mr. Wood began his career in the hospitality business with a series of purchases in the North Country. His keen eye for real estate and business changed the landscape of the area in which he lived. His first purchase was the result of his daily reading of the classified ads in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, a tradition he continued until just recently. He responded to an advertisement for property in the Lake George-Adirondack area, which led to his initial area purchase and to the opening of Arrowhead Lodge on Schroon Lake in 1947. He subsequently purchased the former Peabody Mansion, Wikiosco, on Lake George in 1948, and soon after opened Holiday House on the Bolton Road. In 1954, with a small investment on five acres of land on U.S. 9 between Lake George and Glens Falls, Mr. Wood and his late wife Margaret launched Storytown USA, a Mother Goose nursery rhyme theme park. As the park became more popular, new themed sections were added: Ghost Town in 1957, Jungleland in 1961 and International Village in 1995. In 1986, Mr. Wood installed the Raging River, launching the water park dimension to the Great Escape. Demonstrating sharp business acuity, Mr. Wood purchased the legendary wooden roller coaster, the Comet, from Crystal Beach, Ontario in 1989. He oversaw the transport of more than 49 tractor trailer loads of steel from Crystal Beach to the Great Escape where, guided by his technical ingenuity, the piece-by-piece installation began in 1993. Originally constructed in 1927 and called the Cyclone, the Comet is still rated among the world's top ten wooden coasters by coaster enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of The Comet's smooth ride. In 1959, Mr. Wood purchased land from the Delaware & Hudson railroad and opened another theme park in Lake George Village, Gaslight Village, Yesterday's Fun Today, based on the Gay 90s. Mr. Wood's intention was to offer an evening alternative to theme park enthusiasts with an emphasis on family entertainment. In 1963, Mr. Wood continued his lodging business by opening a colony of private villas known as Sun Castle located on the shores of Lake George. He followed this with a succession of new businesses: The Tiki Motor Inn with a South Pacific theme and Tahitian Lounge and the Blacksmith Shop Steakhouse and Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge in Queensbury. He also purchased and operated Alphonso's Restaurant, re-named the Coachman, located across from the Great Escape. In 1973, Mr. Wood sold land near Exit 19 of the Northway to Pyramid Corporation to build what is now known as Aviation Mall. In 1974, he opened Cavalcade of Cars to showcase his collection of antique and classic cars as well as cars of famous personalities. That same year, he opened Waxlife USA across from Gaslight Village, featuring lifelike wax figures of famous personalities and wax scenes from local history. Mr. Wood served for many years on the board of directors of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and served as its president in 1977. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in 1992, only the second living inductee. Mr. Wood was the founding chairman of the board of the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch and the Charles R. Wood Foundation. Mr. Wood also served on the board of directors of the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls, the board of directors of Glens Falls National Bank, the Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts, the Remington Museum in Ogdensburg, N.Y. and Saratoga Performing Arts Center. In 1996, he was presented with the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award. Friends may call between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4, at Singleton-Healy Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury, N.Y. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at the First Presbyteria ... Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/2/2004. Zwack, Beverly A. COLONIE Beverly A. Zwack, 85, of Colonie, passed into eternal rest on Thursday, September 30, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Albany and was the daughter of the late Edgar and Elizabeth Schoonmaker Walsh. Beverly had been a Colonie resident for most of her life. She worked as sales associate at Macy's in Colonie for several years. Beverly enjoyed her winter months for 20 years in Port Richey, Fla., returning to Colonie two years ago. She was a member of the St. Clare's and Village of Colonie Senior Groups. Beverly was a longtime member of the National Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was predeceased in 1998 by her beloved husband of 59 years, Edward J. Zwack; her son, Edward K. Zwack and her daughter, Joyce Zwack Burns. Beverly is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Healy and her husband Paul of Colonie; her son, Richard J. Zwack of Waterford; and her son-in-law, Robert Burns. She is the cherished grandmother of Deborah Healy, Jeffery Healy, Erin Burns and Kristin Burns. Sister of the late Edgar and Gerard Walsh and Elizabeth Porter. Funeral services will be Monday morning at 8:30 at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to St. Clare's Church at 9:00 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory's Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Clare's Church, 1947 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Beverly A. Zwack. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/2/2004 - 10/3/2004.