OBITS: Albany Times Union 6 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 Aglio, Mary Lou EAST GLENVILLE Mary Lou Aglio, 66, died Monday, October 4, 2004. Survived by husband, Joseph Aglio; daughters, Deborah (Ronald) Preston and Paula (Kevin) Miller; grandmother of Katherine and Sarah Preston and Erin, Kerry and Matthew Miller. Services Saturday 9:15 a.m., Glenville Funeral Home, Inc., and 10 a.m. a Mass at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rt. 50, Glenville. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. 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. Anger, Loretta ALBANY Loretta Anger, 59, of Ten Broeck St., died Sunday, September 26, 2004 at Albany Medical Center after a short illness. Sister of Leona Anger of Nassau, N.Y. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 7, 2004 at the Magin & Keegan Funeral Home, 891 Madison Ave. at 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home after 11:30 a.m. Interment, Albany Rural Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Armao, Samuel J. TROY Samuel J. Sam Armao, 87, of 25th Street, formerly Grove St. in Brunswick, beloved husband of over 62 years of Frances (Chiovani) Armao, died Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Born on August 13, 1917 in Newark, N.J., he was the son of the late Salvatore and Josephine Valente Armao. Mr. Armao was educated in Troy and attended Troy High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theater and received a Certificate of Merit for his outstanding performance of duty. From 1945, Mr. Armao owned and operated Samuel Armao Plumbing & Heating Contractors, retiring after 40 years. Mr. Armao was a communicant of St. Bonaventure's Church in Speigletown, a charter member and former officer of the former St. Bonaventure's Church Men's Club and was also very instrumental in the building of St. Bonaventure's Church as it is today. He was also a member of the Speigle Elders, the Italian Community Center in Troy and a 59-year member of the American Legion, Noble Callahan Post in Troy as well as the American Legion in Rensselaer. Devoted father of Teresa Califano of Halfmoon, Dawn O'Neil and her husband Terry of Clifton Park and Joan Armao of Troy; cherished grandfather of David Califano of Halfmoon; also survived by several nieces, nephews and many caring friends. Sam was the brother of the late John, Thomas, Guy, Anthony and Joseph Armao and Mary Sestito. Funeral will be held Friday morning at 9:15 from the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick St., Troy thence to St. Bonaventure's Church, Hillview Dr., Speigletown where at 10:00 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment with military honors will be at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, N.Y. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bonaventure's Church Memorial Fund, Hillview Dr., Troy, NY 12182 or to the Center For The Disabled, 314 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 in memory of Samuel Armao. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. 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. Di Piazza, Margaret (Memoriam) DI PIAZZA Margaret In loving memory of my sister, Peg, who passed away one year ago today. In the mirror of my heart her spirit lives on. Mimi Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. DiPiazza, Peg (Memoriam) DiPIAZZA In loving memory of my Mom, Peg, who passed away one year ago today. Love and remembrance lasts forever. Love, JoAnn and Jack Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Draffen, Harry (Memoriam) DRAFFEN In loving memory of Harry A. Draffen. Dad it has been three years since you passed away. We love you and miss you very much. Daughters, Susan and Amy Son-In-Law, Wayne Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Dugan, John and Celia (Memoriam) DUGAN John and Celia Happy Birthday in Heaven Dad, October 6th and Mom, October 9th. Missing and Loving You Very Much, Bev and Chet Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Elacqua, Mary (Memoriam) ELACQUA Mary It's been three years. I miss you very much. Your always in my thoughts. Love, Pat Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Fadala, Florence ALBANY Florence Fadala, 82, of Albany, died Friday, October 1, 2004 at Childs Nursing Home after a long illness. She was the widow of James Fadala. 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 today at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, N.Y. There will be no calling hours. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Friers, Joyce L. ONEIDA, N.Y. Joyce L. Friers, 62, died Monday evening, October 4, 2004 at her residence after a brief illness. Born in Hudson on September 30, 1942, she was the daughter of Edward and Margaret Aldrich Bower. A resident of the area since 1975, Mrs. Friers was raised and educated in Greenport and Hudson where she attended St. Mary's High School. She married James E. Friers on March 8, 1975 in St. Mary's Church, Hudson. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Friers was the secretary to the director of the toll collections for the New York State Thruway Authority, Albany. She was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church and was a member of the St. Patrick's Softball Team. Surviving besides her husband, James, are one stepson, William Friers of Liverpool; one brother and sister-in-law, Rodney and Ellen Bower of Claverack; eight step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; one nephew, Rodney Bower Jr. of Ballston Lake; one niece and her husband, Mary Ellen and John Forbes of Charolettesville, Va. and several other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one stepson, Jack Friers, in 2004; three brothers, Edward Bower Jr., Glendon Bower and Gerald Bower; three sisters, Yvonne Bower, Margaret Baumfeld and Nancy Bower. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday from the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, Inc., 260 Main Street, Oneida with the Reverend William Mesmer officiating. Interment will be made in Hudson City Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home 5-7 p.m. Thursday. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Holzwarth, Ralph E. NIVERVILLE, N.Y. Ralph E. Holzwarth, 81, of Niverville and a longtime resident of Syracuse, died on September 28, 2004 after a long struggle with heart disease. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1948, where he was editor of the Daily Orange and a member of Phi Kappa Alpha. He served in World War II in the 11th armored division, seeing action in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to Paris to live for several years after the war and contributed a series of stories to the Post Standard on everyday life in France as it rebuilt. He loved French cuisine. Ralph was director of public relations for General Electric for many years and was later manager of government affairs for the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, from which he retired in the 1980s. A lover of railroads, Ralph traveled extensively in Europe and the U.S. in his retirement, and wrote many articles describing his trips, most often for the International Railway Traveler where he was a contributing editor. He served as press representative for the Albany chapter of the National Railroad Society and was also extremely devoted to the Chautauqua Institute where he worked as headline writer of the Chautauqua Daily for many summers, including this past one. He is survived by his second wife, Christine Lyons Holzwarth; two sons, Doug (Heather) and Eric (Anne Barash); brothers, Bruce (Aldreth) and Paul (Anne); and sisters, Carol Cox and Anne (Don) Hutchins. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 17 at the Niverville Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 23 at University United Methodist Church in Syracuse at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local hospice foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home Inc., Troy, NY. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Krisanda, Caroline ALBANY Caroline Winters Krisanda, 76, died Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at Albany Medical Center after a short illness. Born in Staten Island, N.Y., Mrs. Krisanda has been a resident of the Albany area for the past 50 years. Loving wife of the late Michael F. Krisanda Sr.; devoted mother of Lorraine Larsen of Fla., Mrs. Edward (Shirley) Sawicz of Schenectady, Mrs. Paul (Deborah) McDermott of Colonie, Michael Jr. (Arlene) of Rotterdam, Robert (Donna) of Guilderland, Kenneth (Crystal) of Troy, Dennis (Wanda) of Clifton Park, Joseph of Rensselaer and the late Gary and Douglas Krisanda. Also survived by 17 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral from the Magin & Keegan Funeral Home, 891 Madison Ave., Friday morning 8:30 and at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 9 o'clock. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. 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. Leslie, Rita SCHENECTADY Rita Shoemaker Leslie, 87, of Union St., died Monday, October 4, 2004 at Ellis Hospital. Born September 16, 1917 in Jamesville, N.Y., Rita graduated from St. Vincent DePaul High School in Syracuse. She was employed for 12 years as a data entry clerk for General Electric in Syracuse and also worked as an insurance claims processor for Cape Coral Hospital in Fla. for 10 years. Rita moved to Schenectady in 2002. Predeceased by her husband, Sam Leslie, who died in 1993 and also two sisters, Anne Shoemaker and Mary Dunn. Survivors include one son, Jack (Ellen) Leslie of Niskayuna; one daughter, Jill (Jim) Hotaling of Schoharie; seven grandchildren, John and Douglas Leslie of Richmond, Va., Margaret Leslie of Schenectady, Diane (Tom) Kozak of Anchorage, Alaska, Karen (Sal) Polizzi of Richmond, Va., Kylie Hotaling of Schenectady, Amy Hotaling of Schoharie; two great-grandchildren, Sadie Hotaling of Schenectady and Noelle Kozak of Anchorage. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 9 from St. Helen's Church. There will be no calling hours. Entombment, Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Assoc., Capital District Chapter, 85 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, NY 12206-2083 or American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211. Arrangements by Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, NY 12304. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Lyons, Mary V. SLINGERLANDS Mary V. Lyons, 94, of Bethlehem Terrace in Slingerlands, formerly of Albany, died Monday, October 4, 2004 at her home, after a short illness. She was born in Hoboken, N.J., graduated from Good Counsel College, White Plains, N.Y., and received her master of arts degree from Columbia University in New York City in 1934. She did graduate work in London College and Cambridge University in England. She continued her graduate work at State College at Albany, Siena College and College of St. Rose. Mrs. Lyons was an instructor in speech correction at Fordham University before her marriage to Dr. James S. Lyons, who died in 1964. She later taught at Philip Livingston School in Albany for 16 years. During her years in Albany, she contributed endless hours to community endeavors. She was a member of Governor Harriman's select committee on the study of polio, president of the woman's auxiliary to the Albany Medical Society, member of the board of directors to the Albany Senior Citizens, president for two years of Vincentian Parent Teachers Association, member of New York Intercollegiate Club, regent of Catholic Women's Service League and diocesan chairman of all upstate counties for 15 years of Catholic Girl Scouts. She received the National Council of Catholic Youth award and the local award given by the Albany Girl Scout Council. She was also a member of the Catholic Charities Committee of the Albany Diocese. She is survived by two daughters, Patrice A. Lyons, an attorney in Washington, D.C. and Rose T. Gadbois, a mathematics teacher in Allentown, Pa.; and by four grandchildren, Laura Berger, Christopher Gadbois, Daniel Gadbois and James Walsh. Two children have predeceased her, Mary Lyons Walsh and James A. Lyons. Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Avenue, Albany, Friday morning at 9:15 and 10:00 in Holy Cross Church, Western Avenue and Rosemont Street, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Hans Funeral Home Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in the family plot in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, 319 South Manning Blvd., Suite 309, Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. 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. Ranford, Elizabeth C. CLIFTON PARK Mrs. Elizabeth C. Ranford, 96, former longtime resident of Hudson, N.Y., died Monday, October 4, 2004 at Schuyler Ridge, Clifton Park, after a brief illness. Born in Hudson, June 15, 1908, she was the devoted daughter of the late Joseph and Helnora O'Connor Ganley and loving wife of the late Charles Ranford, who died in 1962. A graduate of St. Mary's Academy and Hudson Memorial School of Nursing, Mrs. Ranford was a registered nurse. During her long career, she touched countless lives as a nurse at Columbia Memorial Hospital and as a visiting nurse for Metropolitan Life. Once she started a family, Elizabeth switched to private duty nursing to balance her love of family with her love of nursing. She was a faithful member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Hudson. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, David P. and Jill Davis-Ranford of Loudonville; three grandchildren, David C. Ranford of Albany, Kevin J. Ranford of San Diego and Mia J. Davis of Eugene, Ore.; and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by steadfast friends, Helen Blowers and Betty DeCelle, both of Mechanicville, who were a consistent source of cheer during years of visits to Elizabeth at Schuyler Ridge. Mrs. Ranford was predeceased by brothers, James and Joseph Ganley and sister, Nora Coonrad and Mary Barber. Elizabeth's family would like to express their gratitude and thanks for the care, concern and friendship of the nurses and staff of Schuyler Ridge Nursing Facility for the past 10 years. Calling hours at the Devito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Hudson, with burial in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern New York, 950 New Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. 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. Shuey, Russell L. DUANESBURG Russell L. Shuey, 42, died suddenly on October 2, 2004 in Duanesburg. He is father of Michael Shuey of Texas; son of David Shuey and Janice Hartley, both of Ohio. Also survived by two stepsisters and two stepbrothers of Ohio, Ind. and Texas, and friends in and around Albany, N.Y. A memorial service will be held at the Wm. Leahy Funeral Home, 336 Third Street, Troy, on Friday from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made during the memorial service. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Van Deusen, Alice ALBANY Alice Diehl Van Deusen, 94, entered into eternal rest Monday, October 4, 2004 at the Teresian House surrounded by her loving daughter, Gloria, wife of the late Tom Fant, and her son, Philip Van Deusen and his wife Millee. Alice was the daughter of the late John and Lucille Diehl, sister to the late John Diehl Jr. and wife of the late Philip Otto Van Deusen. She lived in Yonkers until moving to Albany in 1959 where she retired from Key Bank. Alice also leaves behind six wonderful grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 14 step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services Thursday at 9:15 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Infant of Prague Chapel at the Teresian House at 10:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those wishing to remember Alice and her family in a special way may send a contribution to the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. Watkins-Hannock, Bridget WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Bridget Watkins-Hannock, 42, of Williamstown, wife of Stephen W. Hannock, adoring mother of Georgia Hannock, died October 4, 2004 at the Berkshire Medical Center after a courageous struggle against a brain tumor. Bridget was a graduate of New York University. She was the executive assistant to Danny Meyer of Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern in New York. She was a valued fund raiser for the restoration of Madison Square Park in New York and more recently for Mass MoCA in North Adams, Mass. In addition to her husband and daughter, Bridget is survived by her father and mother, Dr. James Watkins and Janet Watkins of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a sister, Katherine Harrison and her husband Robin of Houston, Texas; two brothers, William Watkins and his wife Gale of Arlington, Va. and Christopher Watkins and his wife Hilda of New York City. Also surviving are two nieces, Kelley and Mary Harrison and a nephew, William Watkins. Other beloved survivors include her mother-in-law, Elizabeth W. Hannock; her sister-in-law, Sally Hannock; a close friend, Jefrey Bump; as well as numerous cousins and friends. A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Bridget Watkins-Hannock will be celebrated on Monday, October 11, 2004 at 12:00 noon at St. Patrick's Church in Williamstown, Mass. where a stained glass window depicts a likeness of Saint Bridget with Rev. Lee Smith, chaplain at Berkshire Medical Center, as the celebrant. Interment will be at the discretion of the family at Stony Lake, Mich. Memorial donations may be directed to Pine Cobble School, Williamstown, MA 01267 for the Bridget Watkins-Hannock Scholarship Fund. The Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, Mass. are in charge of arrangements. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Weir, David B. ALBANY David B. Weir, 61, died Monday, October 4, 2004 at the Albany Medical Center Hospital after a long illness. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late William H. and Kathryn M. Weir. David was a lifelong resident of Albany. He was a graduate of Albany High School. He was honorably discharged after six years of service with the New York National Guard. David was employed through the Local 724 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. David is survived by his brother, William G. Weir of Clifton Park and many cousins. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family in Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205 or a charity of one's choice in memory of David B. Weir. Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. Wilson, Charles Paul Red MINT HILL, N.C. Mr. Wilson, 85, of Mint Hill, died Sunday, October 3, 2004 at Wilora Lake Healthcare. He was born March 31, 1919 in Bloomfield, N.J. and was the son of the late Lucille Peasell and George E. Wilson. He was purchasing manager with the space program of General Electric where his career spanned 42 years. He retired in 1985. Mr. Wilson served in the U.S. Air Force and married the former Dorothy Hoelzer on February 14, 1957. He was a member of the G.E. 25 Year Club, a former member of Toastmasters and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had a prized bear skin rug covering his den floor attesting to his hunting abilities. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Dorothy and a son, Kerry C. Wilson and his wife Donna of New Castle, Calif. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be 12 noon Thursday, October 7, 2004 at the W.C. Brady's Sons Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, N.Y. Rev. Wendy Stead, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Coxsackie, will officiate the funeral service. Interment will follow in the family plot of the Riverside Cemetery in Coxsackie. Published in the Albany Times Union on 10/6/2004. Wixsom, Hazel I. RENSSELAER Hazel I. Wixsom, age 92 years, of Rensselaer, passed away Monday, October 4, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital. She was a resident of Rensselaer most of her life and was the secretary to the Commissioner of Health for the State of New York, working for the state for 45 years. She is survived by her best friend, Sam. Also survived by many friends in the Capital Region. Funeral will be from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, Thursday morning at 10:00. All are invited to attend. Friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands. Condolence page at: www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 10/6/2004 - 10/7/2004. 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.