OBITS: Albany Times Union 5 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 Ahr Sr., Arthur F. CLIFTON PARK Arthur Frederick Ahr Sr., 102 years old, formerly of Slingerlands, October 3, 2004. Mr. Ahr passed away at the Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home. Born January 18, 1902 in Lakeview, N.Y. he was the son of Louis H.F. Ahr and Minnie (Zesch) Ahr. He was predeceased by his first wife, Frances (Zacher) Ahr whom he married in August 1926; brothers, Frank, Albert, Louis, Max and sisters, Ermine and Mabel. The youngest of seven children, Mr. Ahr enjoyed a happy childhood living in the country near Buffalo, N.Y. He was active in the Boy Scouts and used the skills he learned throughout a career in education. His life spanned from the horse and buggy travel to Carnival Cruises and flights on jet airplanes. He and Frances traveled extensively throughout the United States in an Airstream trailer with fishing poles, cameras and an enduring curiosity. Survivors include his second wife, Evelyn Zeh of Coburg Village; daughters, Jeanne (E.J. Nicholson) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Carol (Leonard Carlson) of East Greenbush, N.Y., Joan (Hammond Robertson) of Cleverdale, N.Y.; and a son, Arthur Jr. of Sugar Loaf, N.Y.; stepsons, Bruce Zeh of Voorheesville and Jan Zeh of Slingerlands. His extended family includes 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Ahr was honored with an annual award to be given in his name. As an educator, this citation is named for the founder and charter member of the association, formerly the Mid-Hudson Industrial Arts and Vocational Education Teacher's Association now referred to as the Mid-Hudson Technology Educators' Association. This award has been given in excess of 25 years. Mr. Ahr holds a B.S. degree from Buffalo State Teachers College and a M.S. from Cornell University. He has done extension work at Carnegie Institute and University of Pittsburgh, University of Buffalo and University of New York. His teaching and administrative work covers over 40 years. His service included teaching in Woodlawn, Pa., Buffalo Public Schools and seven years at Beacon, N.Y., 15 years in the Bureau of Industrial Arts, New York State Education Department and six years as Chief of the Bureau where he gave industrial arts a great move forward. Many summers were devoted to teaching at Cornell, Buffalo and Oswego. During his travel representing the NYS Department of Education, he gained a wide network of associates who respected his expertise in technical education and enjoyed his friendship. Several traveled to his home at Coburg Village to celebrate with him on his 100th birthday in January 2002. Mr. Ahr has contributed articles to professional magazines including Industrial Arts Education and School Shop. He has co-authored a book on electronics and served as managing editor of Delmar Publishers. His community activities included being president of the local AARP chapter, Albany Men's Garden Club plus years of volunteer work as well as being a trustee at the Slingerlands Community Church. He was a member of the Masonic Order for most of his adult life. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Coburg Village, Rexford, N.Y. There will be no calling hours. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution in Mr. Ahr's name to the Arthur and Frances Ahr Memorial Corillon Fund, Slingerlands Community United Methodist Church, 1499 New Scotland Rd., P.O. Box 146, Slingerlands, NY 12159. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004. Cerutti, John J. OLDSMAR, Fla. John J. Cerutti, 44, of Oldsmar, Fla., formerly of Albany, died suddenly on Sunday, October 3, 2004 in Toronto. Born and raised in Albany, he was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and Amherst College. In school, John excelled both as a student and an athlete, competing in baseball, basketball and golf. In 1981, the Toronto Blue Jays selected the left-handed pitcher in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. He went on to play major league baseball for seven years, winning 49 games and compiling a 3.94 ERA. In 1997, John began a broadcasting career that resulted in his becoming the color commentator for the Toronto Blue Jays. He also competed professionally in golf, once making a run at qualifying for the U.S. Open. John will be remembered by all as a generous, gregarious, spiritual man with a tremendous sense of humor. Someone who always looked at the bright side and never had an unkind word to say. John is survived by his wife Claudia (Laks); his son, Daniel, 18; and daughters, Nicole, 15 and Janine, 10. He is also survived by his parents, Dan and Marlene; his brother, Danny and wife Jeri of Boston; his brother, David and wife Nancy; his sister, Mary Clement and husband Jerome; his brother, Paul; his sister, Lisa Wichelns and husband Chuck; 18 first cousins; 23 nieces and nephews; numerous cherished aunts and uncles. Relatives and friends are invited to call at Frederick Funeral Home, 633 Central Ave. in Albany on Wednesday, October 6 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Church at Saint Catherine of Siena, 40 Hopewell St., Albany. A celebration of John's life will be held in Tampa, Fla. next week. In lieu of flowers, a charitable memorial fund is being established and contributions may be made in John's name through any Bank of America Branch. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004. Chiusano, Michael Angelo BALLSTON LAKE Michael Angelo Chiusano, 80, of Ballston Lake, died Saturday, October 2, 2004 at Alterra Assisted Living, after a long illness. Born in Orlando, Fla., Mr. Chiusano had been in the area most of his life. He was a mechanical engineer and district and regional manager for General Electric, Schenectady in the steam turbine generator and installation and service engineering departments. He retired May 1, 1985 after 38 years of service. Mr. Chiusano was a U.S. Navy veteran attaining the rank of Ensign, serving in Adar, Ala., the American Theatre and Asiatic Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was a graduate of RPI with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and Union College with his master's degree. He was of the Unitarian Church. He was also a licensed professional engineer in NY state. A member of the General Electric Elfun Society. Mr. Chiusano enjoyed piano and organ playing, and square dancing. He was an Elfun Society Mentor for Martin Luther King School and member of the Electric City Chorus. Mr. Chiusano is survived by five children, Robert M. Chiusano of Cedar Rapids, Michele DeGeorgia of Rotterdam, Dean Chiusano of Clifton Park, Michael J. Chiusano of Clifton Park and David Chiusano of Schenectady. Survived also by nine grandchildren, and was the brother of Philomena, Theresa, Lorraine and Albert, all of the New York City area. Funeral services will be private. There will be no calling hours. Burial will in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/8/2004. Cieszynski, Zygmunt ROTTERDAM Zygmunt (Ziggy Chase) Cieszynski, 81, of Patton Drive, Rotterdam, died Saturday at Glendale Home in Glenville after a short illness. Ziggy was the son of the late Jan Cieszynski and Jozefa Czapski. He was born in Schenectady and was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School. Ziggy served in the Army in World War II. He was employed as an assembler in gas turbine in GE for 25 years, retiring in 1983. Ziggy was a member of the Polish National Alliance and GE Quarter Century Club. He is predeceased by his wife Ruth Gillespie Cieszynski, whom he married in 1942, one brother, Edward Cieszynski. Survivors include three sons, Thomas Cieszynski of Rotterdam, Paul Cieszynski (Mary) of Schenectady and Chris Cieszynski (Christine) of Latham; one brother, Ted Czapski of Glenville; one sister, Jesse Butler of Schenectady; also survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews. Funeral services will be Wednesday 8:15 a.m. at the Bond Funeral Home, Broadway and Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady followed by a Mass at 9 a.m. at the Church of Saint Adalbert, 550 Lansing Street, Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment in Saint Cyril Cemetery, Rotterdam. Contributions can be made in Ziggy's name to a charity of one's choice. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Cooke, Mary E. ALBANY Mary E. Sharkey Cooke, 97, left her earthly existence on Saturday, October 2, 2004 to join the saints, angels and predeceased loved ones in the kingdom of God. Mary was the eldest child born to Joseph and Katherine Vennard Sharkey in Rensselaer. She was educated in St. John's and St. Joseph's Academy graduating in 1925. In June 1932, she wed Donald James Cooke, together they had one daughter. Mary worked as a telephone operator at the former Whitney's Albany Medical Center Hospital and the National Commercial Bank (Keybank). Mary was a woman of great generosity and wisdom. She was devoted to her family and her faith. She is survived by her daughter Mary Anne C. and husband Thomas F. Murphy; four loving granddaughters, who were her pride and joy, Mary Anne and husband John R. Farrell, Kathleen and husband Timothy Williams, Rosemary and husband John Menneto and Patricia and husband Raymond Schaap; nine great-grandchildren, Tricia Williams, Thomas and Gregory Hotaling, Ryan and Caitlin Williams, Kaile Rae Schaap, Connor Menneto, Courtney and Taylor Schaap; aunt of Joseph (Peg) Davidson, Barbara (Frank) Pukis, Richard (Alice) Davidson, Susan (Jim) Allen; and several other nieces and nephews also survive. She was predeceased by her husband Donald and siblings, John, Thomas, and Joseph Sharkey and Katherine Davidson. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. thence to Holy Cross Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will follow the Mass in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Those who wish may send donations to Holy Cross Church, 12 Rosemont Street, Albany, NY 12203. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/4/2004 - 10/5/2004. Fadala, Florence ALBANY Florence Fadala, 82, of Albany, died Friday, October 1, 2004 at Childs Nursing Home after a long illness. Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late George and Florence O'Dell Kenific and a lifelong resident. She and her late husband James owned the Chefs Restaurant in Albany for many years. She was a communicant of St. James Church and a member of Our Lady of Mercy Hart Center in Colonie, N.Y. Beloved mother of Christina Fadala of Cambridge, Mass.; grandmother of Delana Hirschy of Cambridge; sister of the late Georgette Briggs. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, NY. There will be no calling hours. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Farmer, Sheila CHESAPEAKE Sheila Margaret Farmer, 61, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, of the 500 Block of Mt. Pleasant Road, died October 3, 2004 in her home surrounded by her loving family. A native of Albany, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Charles J. and Mary Kennedy Ryan and a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Gary D. Farmer; a daughter, Amy E. Conley and her husband Kenneth of Chesapeake; two sons, Gary Ryan Farmer and his wife Raven of Currituck, N.C. and Myron Kim Farmer and his wife Cynthia of Gibsonville, N.C.; six grandchildren, Ryan Daniel Farmer, Julia Raven Farmer, Nicole Lynn Conley, Olivia Kathleen Conley, Krystal Dawn Conley, and Kandyce Danielle Conley; three sisters, Mary Beth Conrad, Eileen Cronin and Marilyn Corbitt, all of Albany; six brothers, Charles Ryan of Chesapeake, Paul Ryan of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Dennis Ryan of Summerfield, Fla., Lawrence Ryan of Damascus, Md., Michael Ryan and Stephen Ryan, both of Albany; several nieces and nephews. Friends may sign the guest register at www.grahamfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Flubacher, Edith Roden WYNANTSKILL Edith Roden Flubacher, 93, of Peck Road Wynantskill, died Saturday, October 2, 2004 surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home Inc., 4392 Route 150, West Sand Lake and at 9:30 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wynantskill. Calling Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery in Troy. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Gallagher, Robert T. LOUDONVILLE Robert T. Gallagher, 69, of Loudonville, formerly of Orange, N.J. died on October 1, 2004. Born in Orange, N.J., he moved to Loudonville 40 years ago. He received his B.S. degree from St. Peter's College, Jersey City, N.J. and a master degree in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, N.J. He was employed by the New York State Board of Education as a cirricculum developer for 40 years before retiring in 1996. From 1960-1962, Mr. Gallagher served in the Peace Corp in Africa and was still active in the Peace Corp in a retired position. Dear brother of John Gallagher and the late William and Daniel Gallagher; loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Church, Orange, N.J. on Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The family will receive their relatives and friends at the Codey Funeral Home, 69 High Street, Orange on Wednesday 4-8 p.m. A memorial Mass will be offered at St. Pious X Church, Loudonville, N.Y. at a later date. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Lashoff Sr., George W. ALBANY George W. Lashoff Sr., 85, died Monday, October 4, 2004 at Evergreen Commons in East Greenbush. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late William and Josephine Swartz Lashoff. He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran and member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. He was a former operating engineer for Albany Ready Mix and Gravel Co. and also worked for Conrail in Selkirk. George was a life member of the Colonie Village Fire Department. He was predeceased by his wife Rosemary Hedgeman Lashoff. He was the father of George W. Lashoff Jr. of Colonie; grandfather of George W. Lashoff III (Heather) and Michelle Lashoff-Thompson; great-grandfather of Milton Thompson; brother of John Lashoff Sr. and William Lashoff Jr., both of East Greenbush and the late Marie Hisgen. Funeral services Thursday at 8:15 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to St. Clare's Church at 9:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Wednesday, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment, Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004. Licht, Edna ALBANY Edna Licht, 87, a resident of Daughters of Sarah, died on October 3, 2004. Born in Newark, N.J. in 1917, she was the daughter of the late Rose and Phillip Jacobs. She was a graduate of Weequahic High School and attended business school in Newark. She worked as a bookkeeper, before marrying the late Leo Licht. They had been Married 58 years before he died in 1998. Edna lived in Irvington, N.J. for many years before retiring to Brick Town, N.J., where she was a member of Temple Beth Or. Before retiring, she had been employed at Gamarel Electric Company in Irvington. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years, a volunteer for Deborah Hospital and a life member of Hadassah. Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Harriet and Alan Sandler of Niskayuna and Ruth and Neil Hilsen of Roswell of Ga.; four grandsons, Matthew and Jonathan Sandler of Niskayuna and Scott Hilsen and his wife, Laura, and Mitchell Hilsen and his wife Julie; two great-grandson, Reese and Max Hilsen, who all live in the Atlanta area. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Daughters of Sarah Chapel, Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, N.Y. Interment will follow at Agudat Achim Cemetery in Rotterdam, N.Y. The family will receive visitors Saturday evening, October 9 and Sunday evening, October 10. To honor her memory, donations may be made to Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center or Hadassah. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Matos, Margarita Julia GUILDERLAND On October 2, 2004, Margarita Julia Matos finished what she set out to accomplish in her lifetime and left this earth suddenly, but peacefully, in the arms of her husband of 51 years. She was born in 1926 in Mayaguez, P.R., to the late Bernabe Matos and Catalina Matos Vigo. She emigrated to NYC in the 1950s where she met and married her husband, Angel Luis Santiago on January 17, 1953. She lived the majority of her life in the NYC area where she worked as a seamstress and was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She and her husband were hard working people who together raised six children. In May of 2003, Margarita and her husband moved to Guilderland where she learned to play Bocce, kicked soccer balls with her grandson Matthew and had tea parties with her beloved granddaughter Cara, her partner in crime. Margarita was a quiet, soft-spoken woman who was filled with energy. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like planting flowers, doing crossword puzzles and taking walks. Her family is comforted by knowing that it was at the end of one of these walks that she passed on to heaven. She was the quintessential mom who loved her children dearly and worried about them constantly. But there was no doubt that she was most proud of her seven grandchildren whose pictures adorn every flat surface in her home. In addition to her beloved husband, she leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Wilfred, Millie and her husband Steve Thomas, Maria, Catherine and her husband Paul Needell, Bernabe, Julie and her husband Tom Mortati. Her beautiful grandchildren, Eric, Evan and Alex Needell, Michelle and Laura Thomas and Matthew and Cara Mortati, will forever be watched over by their grandma. She is also survived by her siblings Luis, Candida, Hilda, Gladys and Nelson; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Roberto and her daughter-in-law, Olin. Margarita loved animals dearly and will be missed by her furry friends, Mookie and Rudy. Mr. Santiago and his family wish to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Western Turnpike Emergency Squad and Margarita's neighbors at Serafini Village whose efforts and assistance comforted him and eased her transition from this life to the next phase of her journey. Calling hours will be at the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt.155-south of Central Ave.) on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King will gather at 4:30 p.m. for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcomed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at Christ the King Church 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to honor Margarita's memory are encouraged to follow her lead and give thanks to God for the blessings of each day, no matter how small. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/4/2004 - 10/5/2004. O'Leary, Catherine T. COHOES Catherine T. O'Leary, 73, died October 4, 2004. Wife of the late Robert O'Leary. Mother of Michael and James O'Leary and Maureen Petro. Grandmother of Tim and Meaghan Suspanic. Great-grandmother of Tyler Suspanic and Allegra Wilmont. Funeral Thursday 8:30 a.m., Marra Funeral Home and 9:00 from St. Rita's Church. Interment St Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday 4-8 at Funeral Home. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Persia, Evelyn COLONIE Evelyn DiGiulio Persia, age 98, entered into eternal life Monday, October 4, 2004 at home. Born in Alfedena, Italy, she lived in the Albany area most of her life. She was a graduate of Regina College in Cambo Basso, Italy. She worked in the Watervliet Arsenal during World War II; later she was employed for more than 24 years by the N.Y.S. Department of Labor, retiring in 1968. She was a communicant of the Church of St. Francis deSales in Loudonville. Daughter of the late Vincent and Nicoletta Patrarca DiGiulio. Beloved wife of the late Ulric Persia Sr.; loving mother of Ulric A. Persia and his late wife Janet; sister of Adolph DiGiulio of Pittsburgh, Pa., Constantino DiGiulio, Lydia DiGiulio and Dora DiGiulio, all of Colonie and the late Amedeo, Armand and Alfred U. DiGiulio Sr.; cherished grandmother of Michele Roemer and her husband Guy and Lisa Cocola and her husband Franco; great-grandmother of Travis Norton. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held in the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, 8 Dudley Heights, Albany (opposite the Philip Livingston School on Northern Blvd.) Thursday morning at 9:15 and 10 o'clock at the Church of St. Francis deSales, Loudonville. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may also call at the funeral home Wednesday 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, those desiring may send a remembrance in Evelyn's name to the Church of St. Francis deSales Memorial Fund, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville, NY 12211. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004. Ragland, Robert (Memoriam) RAGLAND Robert Daddy, It's been two years ago since you left us but in our heart you will always be there. We love you. Nicky, T.T., Tima, BJ, Iyona, Jonon Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Ragland, Robert (Memoriam) RAGLAND Robert It's been two years ago today since you've been gone, but it seems like it was yesterday. Your forever in my memories. Love and miss you, Your Wife Mamie Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Ragland, Robert (Memoriam) RAGLAND Robert Pa-Pa, I miss and love you. Your Special Granddaughter, Ree-Ree Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Ragland, Robert (Memoriam) RAGLAND Robert Pa-Pa, We miss you dearly. Wish you were here with us. Love Your Grandkids Kasiem, Jamar, Rashad and Laiesha Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Read, Dr. John V. ALBANY Dr. John V. Read, 55, of Delmar, N.Y., died peacefully on Saturday, October 2, 2004 after living with cancer for several years. Born and raised in Wilmington, Del., he was a graduate of Salesianum High School, Georgetown University, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Read completed his medical training at St. Peter's Hospital and his specialty training at Albany Medical College. He was a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Read's professional life was devoted to the care of children and families in children's homes, hospitals, and clinics throughout the region. He also took great pride in educating medical and mental health professionals throughout his career. Most recently, he served as medical director of the Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Healthcare Unit at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. At the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Dr. Read also directed the education for enlisted naval medical personnel. John is survived by his wife Paula (Najjar); and his children, Larissa and Andy. He is also survived by his parents, John and Mary Read of Clifton Park; a sister, Sister Mary Beth Read, O.S.U.; a brother, E. James Read and sister-in-law Roberta; nephew Paul and niece Sarah; and a brother, Robert M. Read. John is also survived by beloved relatives through marriage, Victoria, Edward, Michael and Sharon, and Annette, Christopher and Alec. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of John to Salesianum High School, Alumni/Development Office, 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE, 19802 or to Friends of Five Rivers (Five Rivers Environmental Education Center), 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/4/2004 - 10/5/2004. Riccardo, Ruth F. SUN CITY, Ariz. Ruth F. Riccardo, 84, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2004 at The Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. She was born on February 7, 1920 in Chittenden, Vt. to the late Julian J. and Emma Carter Gould. Ruth worked as head teller for the former National Commercial Bank and Trust Co. (Key Bank) for 25 years, before retiring in 1976. She lived in West Albany most of her life until she had moved to Sun City in 1976. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #12. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Shirley Riccardo of Latham; her twin brother, Monty Gould of West Albany; numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph L. Riccardo; three sisters, Florence A. Lawrence, Catherine Coombs and Pauline Meier; four brothers, Ralph A., Wilfred A., Theodore F. and Edward C. Gould. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to St. John's Lutheran Church Chapel, 303 Sand Creek Rd., Colonie at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation of Life Lutheran Church, 15630 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351 or to The Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Ruth F. Riccardo. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004. Ross, Ruth ALBANY Ruth Ross entered into eternal rest on October 1, 2004. Born February 28, 1942 in Wetumplca, Ala., to the late Susie A. Barton and Freeman Bennett. Ruth will be missed by her faithful, dedicated, devoted and loving companion, Richard Fritz Benson; her four loving children, James Finnesse Ross, Sharon Shahonda Ross-Torres (Richard) of Bronx, N.Y., Joshon Ross (Leona) and Jaquard (Bam) Ross of Albany, N.Y. and two deceased siblings, Tony Ross and Barbara (Mellow) Ross-Mendoza; stepchildren, Virginia Jackson (Lewis) Richard Ricky Benson Jr., Michael Jamel Ross, Twanda Benson and Melissa Sugar Milner, all of Albany; her three loving sisters, Anne Sledge, Maggie Bracy and Carolyn Langston (Robert); one loving brother, Clint Young (Ki), all of Albany. Also survived by a special friend, Thomas St. Martin; 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one aunt and a host of nieces, nephews; great-nieces, nephews; cousins and many friends. Predeceased by L. V. Bracy Jr., Janie Bracy and Rosie Bracy. Funeral service Thursday 11:00 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 105 Second Street. Viewing 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service at the church. The family will receive callers at 91 Henry Johnson Blvd., Albany. Interment, Graceland Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004. Sasso, Donna (Memoriam) SASSO Donna Thinking of you on your Birthday. We miss and keep you in our hearts always. Love Always, Dad and Sisters, Daughters; Tina and Lisa Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Warner, Liza Ellen PRINCETOWN, N.Y. Liza Ellen Warner, 29, of Princetown, died tragically on October 1, 2004. Born in Albany, she was a resident of the Capital Region her entire life. She was a senior hairstylist for Ania's Hair Salon in Albany, an educator for Bumble & Bumble in New York City and formerly worked for Jean Paul Salon in Albany. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Arthur and Hilda (Gutierrez) Lasher and Roland and Eleanor (Moss) Warner. Liza is survived by her mother Martha E. Lasher/Warner of East Greenbush; her father, Douglas A. Warner and stepmother Shirley Warner of Charleston, S.C.; her brother, Eric S. (Holly) Warner of East Greenbush; a stepbrother, Ian Mitchell; and a stepson, Michael Shuey of Azle, Texas. Also survived by three nieces, Amanda Lenihan, Carolyn Warner and Erica Warner; her aunts and uncles, Branson (Ruth) VanDyk, Rosemarie Garcia, Richard (Connie) Warner, David Warner and Richard (Barbara) Lasher; and many cousins. Liza is survived by her god parents, Marc Smith and Lissa McNaughton; her best friend, Robert Phillips; her pets, Harley, Simon and Bogart. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Church of St. Mary of Clinton Heights. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 4-8 p.m. at the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer. Interment will be in Memory's Garden Cemetery, Colonie. The family has requested that those who wish to remember Liza make contributions to Mohawk & Hudson Humane Society, 1 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or Church of St. Mary Clinton Heights, 163 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer, NY 12144, in her memory. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/4/2004 - 10/5/2004. Weiss, Franzi ALBANY Franzi Weiss, age 94, died on October 3, 2004 at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Born in Vienna, Austria, she was a certified teacher of English and French until she was forced to leave her home following the Nazi occupation of Austria. After finding refuge in England she lived through the Blitz and came to this country in 1940. After a hard struggle to make ends meet she entered the school of social work at Columbia University and acquired a master's degree in social work. She subsequently joined the faculty of New York University reaching the rank of associate professor. Franzi was instrumental in saving several members of her family from certain destruction by the Nazis. This includes her brother, Dr. Hans Schapire of Menands, her husband William who had been in a Nazi concentration camp and who has predeceased her and both her parents. A life long socialist and for many years, an active member of the Ethical Culture Society, she was a person who genuinely loved people and therefore had numerous friends all over the world. She is survived by her brother, his wife Libby; three nieces, Esther Schak of Minneapolis, Minn., Irene MacKay (Rod) of Edmonds, Wash., Julie Schapire of Washington DC; a nephew, Dr. Robert Schapire (Roberta) of Princeton, N.J.; also cousins, Hana Stranska of Medford, N.J. and Kurt Strand of Snowmass Village, Colo. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 10 at 1 p.m. at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home. Interment will be in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Fairview, N.J. Memorial contributions may be made to the International Rescue Committee at 122 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10168-1289 or Magen David Adom, USA at 8930 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60077. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/4/2004 - 10/5/2004. Whitbeck, Margaret L. ALTAMONT Margaret Louis Packard-Grinmanis-Camploi-Whitbeck, 64, passed away Friday, October 1, 2004 at the Hospice Inn St. Peter's Hospital, Albany. Margaret Pegi was born on July 5, 1940 in Albany to Raymond Packard and Ruth Saddlemire Packard of Middleburg. After graduation from high school and Albany Business College, Margaret married and raised a family. Margaret was a devoted mother and is survived by her children, son, Michael Grinmanis and his wife Maxine of Altamont; daughters, Lisa and Laura Grinmanis of Coco Beach, Fla. and sons, Raymond Grinmanis and his wife Karen of Middleburgh and Danny Grinmanis of Palm Bay, Fla. As well as brothers, Gary Packard and wife Adele, Skip Packard and wife Kathy, David Packard and wife Beth, all of Middleburgh; and sister, Delfa Quinn and husband Terry of Federal Way, Wash. Margaret was a devoted grandmother to Stephanie and Michael Grinmanis of Altamont and Danny and Amanda Grinmanis of Middleburgh. She is also survived by nephews, Newton and Glen Packard; nieces, Tammy, Sarah and Amanda Packard; and grandnieces, Ashley and Allison, all of Middleburgh. After raising her children Margaret started a career in nursing until a car accident caused her to switch careers to real estate in the mid 80s. Since then, Margaret has helped many family's purchase their first home. In December 2000, Margaret and her son, Michael opened Team Realty Venture, Inc. in Altamont. Margaret was also a member of the Women's Council of Realtors and served as president and treasurer. Friends may call from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont, NY with a memorial service at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 S. Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208 or the American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Research in Margaret's name. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/4/2004 - 10/5/2004. White, Robert K. MALTA Robert K. White, CEC, U.S. Navy Commander retired, 74, of Malta, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2004 at his home following a long illness surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at Jonesville United Methodist Church, 963 Main St., Clifton Park, NY 12065. Burial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, in Pine View Cemetery, Queensbury. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Jonesville United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Regan & Denny Funeral Home, Queensbury. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/5/2004. Zalucky, Catherine TROY, N.Y. Catherine White Zalucky, 53, of Troy, passed away, Monday, October 4, 2004, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy after a four year courageous battle with cancer. Born and lived all her life in Troy, she was the daughter of Angela Vumbaco White of Troy and the late Robert White and loving wife of Richard F. Zalucky for 35 years. Survivors in addition to her husband and mother include a daughter, Patricia Ann (John) Bub of Cohoes; a son, Chad Michael (Jamie) Zalucky of Troy; several brothers and sisters, Robert White of Wyo., Christine (Michael) Filuta of Troy, Frank (Davida) White of Averill Park, Paul (Lois) White of Elmira, Wendy (Dan) Laviano of Troy, John (Kat) White of Troy, Gary (Suzanne) White of Averill Park, Connie (Joe) Schreiner of Colonie, Patrick (Stephanie) White of Castleton, Joseph White and Michael of Loudonville, David (Angela) White of Troy and Michael White of Troy; her three grandchildren, her angels, Paige Catherine Bub and Jared Michael and Madelyn Grace Zalucky. May they always keep their Noni in their hearts and always remember her great smile, warm hugs and millions of kisses. A Troy native, she attended Troy High School. Cathy worked at the Times Union for over 15 years and had been surviving cancer for the last four years. She was also a crossword puzzle wiz and a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church in Troy. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 276 Pawling Avenue, Troy on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 8 p.m. following the visiting hours with Rev. Randall Patterson, officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, in Schuylerville, N.Y. Contributions may be made in memory of Catherine Zalucky to the American Lung Association, 3 Winners Circle Suite 300, Albany, NY 12205 or the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. For a private family guest book and service directions visit www.brycefh.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/5/2004 - 10/6/2004.