OBITS: Albany Times Union 3 Sep 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 Brown, Madge SCHENECTADY, N.Y. Madge Rutkowski Brown, age 93, of the Glendale Home in Scotia, N.Y., died Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at the nursing home. She was born in Schenectady and was a lifelong resident. She had been employed for many years by the former Myer's Children's Shop in Schenectady. She was a member of Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady. She was married to Morton H. Brown until his passing. She is survived by two daughters, Carol Cammarota and her husband Richard of Blacklick, Ohio and Leslie Crystal and her husband Gary of Syracuse, N.Y. Sister of Stanley Roberts of Scotia, N.Y. She also leaves six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Monday, September 6, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call at the chapel after 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Interment will follow services in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Schenectady, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/3/2004 - 9/4/2004. Carlin, Cameron Scott COLONIE Cameron Scott Carlin, infant son of Scott and Megan Quinn Carlin of Colonie, died at the Albany Medical Center Tuesday morning, August 31, 2004. He was born in Troy on June 22, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital. In addition to his parents, Cameron is survived by his maternal grandparents, Michael and Londa Quisick Quinn of Watervliet and his paternal grandparents, Michael and Alberta Leverone Carlin Sr. of Menands; and his aunts and uncles, Jon Quinn and Micaela Quinn and Jennifer Carlin and Michael Carlin Jr. The funeral for Cameron was private at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Cameron's memory to either the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or Ronald McDonald House Charities, 139 S. Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208 would be appreciated. Arrangements are being handled by the Bocketti Funeral Home. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Chojecki, Theresa M. SCOTIA, N.Y. Theresa M. Chojecki, 76, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at her home on Oakland Avenue surrounded by her family. Born Theresa M. Heigle on December 23, 1927 in Rotterdam, she was the daughter of Otto and Alma Heigle. As a young adult, she once worked at Bellevue Maternity Hospital in Niskayuna. She married her husband, Anthony S. Chojecki on April 27, 1946 at Sacred Heart Church in Schenectady. The couple lived in the state of Wash., returning to greater Schenectady in 1965. Theresa was an excellent cook and a wonderful grandmother. She made others happy and cherished being surrounded by her family. Theresa was grateful to God for her happy marriage of 58 years. Her hobbies included drawing sketches and various mediums of painting. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Gary Chojecki and his wife Corinne of Glenville, Paul J. Chojecki and his wife Trudey of Rotterdam; daughter, Sandra Lacy and her husband Irving of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and the late Joy Casler (1999). Grandmother of Michael Ranucci and Christine Gokey; Lindsay and Aaron Chojecki and Haley Casler; great-grandmother of Devin, Nicade and Emily Joy Gokey. Her brother, Frank Heigle and his wife Joyce; her sister, Delores Franolich of Delanson. She was predeceased by her brothers, Rudy and Bert Heigle and sisters, Anita Knizek and Florence Fretto. Surviving also are several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held this evening September 3, 2004 at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., East Glenville from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will begin from the Glenville Funeral Home on Saturday at 8 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at the Church of St. Adalbert, Lansing St., Schenectady. Entombment will follow the Mass in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorials to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, in memory of Joy Casler, are appreciated by the Chojecki family. Donations may be made in memory of Theresa's daughter, c/o First National Bank of Scotia, 240 Saratoga Rd., Glenville, NY 12302. www.glenvillefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Cipullo, Carmella SALISBURY, N.C. Carmella LaBate Cipullo, 85, of Arrowhead Place, Malta, a former Amsterdam resident, passed away Tuesday afternoon, August 31, 2004 at the Autumn Care Nursing Home in Salisbury after a long illness. Born in Amsterdam, August 11, 1919, the daughter of Dominick and Josephine Messineo LaBate. She was educated locally and was employed as a seamstress in Amsterdam in her early years and was mostly known as a mother and homemaker. She was a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church. On September 21, 1947, she was united in marriage to Joseph Cipullo. He predeceased her on August 9, 1988. Carmella was also predeceased by brothers, Anthony LaBate on December 18, 1999 and Thomas LaBate who died on August 17, 1984; and her sister, Antoinette Fontecchio, who died on April 21, 1987. Her loving family includes her sons, Michael Cipullo and his wife Marcia of Salisbury and Richard Cipullo of Malta, N.Y.; her brother, Frank LaBate and his wife Jean; sisters, Pauline LaBate and Sarah Iannotti and her husband Vincent Jimmy, all of Amsterdam; two granddaughters, Lisa and Michelle Cipullo, both of Salisbury; nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services are Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Father Pascal Iannotti, celebrant. Interment is in St. Michael's Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Carmella's memory to the Alzheimer Center at Albany Medical Center, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Corbett, Kevin MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Kevin Corbett, age 31, passed away on August 13, 2004, following a courageous 18-month battle with Melanoma. He is survived by his loving wife Holly McMullen Campman Corbett; his parents, Patrick and Tove; siblings, Erik, Tom, Troy and Cindy of White Bear Lake, Minn. Kevin was son-in-law of Robin and Neil Campman of Clifton Park, N.Y. Kevin leaves friends and relatives a legacy of his love of life. He shared his wit and knowledge eagerly with his warm smile and acceptance. He was endeared to all who knew him. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Deno Sr., Francis J. The officers, members and apprentices of Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union #83 grieve the passing of our Brother, Francis J. Deno Sr., who passed away on August 31, 2004. Members and friends are invited to a memory service to be held at Grace Bible Church, Rt. 9, Cohoes at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2004. MARK B. LANDAU President-Business Mgr. FRANCIS MAGUIRE Recording Secretary Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Elgeiser, Joseph V. TROY, N.Y./PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. Chief Joseph V. Elgeiser, retired chief of staff of the Troy Police Department, a resident of Troy and Port St. Lucie, Fla., died suddenly Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy. Born in Manhattan, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Pasqueline (Altieri) Elgeiser. Chief Elgeiser was a graduate of Troy High School; he also attended Hudson Valley Community College. Chief Elgeiser was appointed to the Troy Police in March of 1953 and retired from the City of Troy Police Department after 41 years of distinguished service in August 1994. During his rise through the ranks, Chief Elgeiser served as a uniformed motorcycle officer, a detective, a sergeant, a captain, chief of the narcotics unit and chief of detectives. He gave the last 21 years of his service as chief of staff. Chief Elgeiser will be remembered as a lifelong public servant, dedicated to making Troy a safer place to live and work. He was also a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy. Chief Elgeiser was a member of the Troy Police softball team, the Troy High and Troy Bulldogs football team and played basketball for Saint Peter's School. He was also an avid boxing fan. Chief Elgeiser was a co-founder and the first exalted ruler of the Brunswick Elks Lodge and a life member of the Northeastern Chiefs of Police Conference of the State of New York. He was also a longtime member of the GRUMPS Club, a benevolent organization of law enforcement officers. He also belonged to the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Troy. Survivors include his wife Catherine (Devery) Elgeiser; his son, Troy Police Officer Joseph V. Elgeiser Jr. (Linda) of Brunswick; his daughter, Patrice A. Ward (Tod) of Brunswick; his grandsons, Joseph V. Elgeiser III, Timothy J. Ward and Jamie P. Ward; and his granddaughter, Gabrielle A. Ward. He is also survived by his sister, Molly E. Cahill of Troy; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc., 276 Pawling Avenue, Troy and at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, in Troy. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit: www.brycefh.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Gallup, Palmer EAST GREENBUSH Palmer Gallup, age 83, died suddenly Wednesday, August 31, 2004 after a brief illness at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, he was a resident of the Capital Region all of his life. Palmer had worked in the naval yards during the war and then became a teamster for Local 294 where he worked for over 43 years before retiring in 1982. He then became a member of the retiree club where he held the office of treasurer for 12 years. He was also a devoted member of the Schodack Seniors. Palmer was the beloved husband of 61 years to Ruth J. (Martin) Gallup and brother of Roger Gallup of Dunnellon, Fla. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Saturday at 11 o'clock from the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer. Friends are invited and may call Friday evening 4-7 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in Elsmere. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Hanlon, Kathleen M. ALBANY Kathleen M. Hanlon, 86, died Monday, August 30, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital after a short illness. Born in Albany, Kathleen was a lifelong area resident. She was a graduate of Vincentian Institute. Daughter of the late John J. and Catherine Conroy Hanlon. Sister of Margaret H. Dieckelman, Joan H. Connolly and the late Rosemary H. Grace. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 4, 2004 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. There will be no calling hours at the funeral home. Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/3/2004 - 9/4/2004. Hickey, John J. (Memoriam) HICKEY In memory of John J. Hickey (John Boy) who was taken from us seven years ago today. Gone but not forgotten. Love, Your Family Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Kolodzinski, Edward RENSSELAER Edward L. Kolodzinski, age 87 years, of Third Avenue passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at Julie Blair Nursing Home. He was born in Watervliet and has been a resident of Rensselaer for 52 years. Mr. Kolodzinski was employed as a painter, union representative and shop steward for the General Electric Co. in Schenectady for 40 years. He was a former manager and member of the board of directors of Rensselaer Little League and was safety director for District 14 Little League. He was a former volunteer for the Rensselaer Ambulance and was a US Army veteran of World War II. He was a communicant of St. John's Church in Rensselaer. Husband of the late Aileen Nordoff Kolodzinski; father of Paul E. (Janet) Kolodzinski of Walpole, Mass. and Nanci Hicks of Rensselaer (William Hicks of East Greenbush); grandfather of Jeff and Steven (Kelly) Hicks; brother of the late Henry Smith, Louise Juriecz and Wanda Panza. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer Saturday morning at 9:00 and 10:00 at St. John's Church, Herrick Street, Rensselaer where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Rensselaer Little League c/o Brian Leahey, 1235 Second Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Condolence page at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/3/2004 - 9/4/2004. Leonard, John Officers and members are requested to meet at the funeral home in full dress uniform on Friday at 7:00 p.m. to pay respects to our departed member, John C. Leonard. DEBRA M. LOBDELL President JEFFREY R. HOUCK Chief Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Leonard, John C. CLARKSVILLE John C. (Red) Leonard, 93,died on August 30, 2004 at the Guilderland Center Nursing Home. Mr. Leonard was the husband of Elizabeth Leonard until her death in 2001. Mr. Leonard was the owner of Leonard's Refrigeration in Clarksville. He had also worked in the refrigeration field at Albany Medical Center Hospital and for Griffin Labs in Guilderland. Mr. Leonard is a World War II Navy veteran. A 59-year member of the Onesquethaw Vol. Fire Department V.F.W. Post in Delmar and the American Legion Post 1493 Voorheesville. Mr. Leonard is the father of Keith Leonard of Clarksville; brother of Bill Leonard of Delmar; grandfather of Dustin Leonard, Jamie Pauley and Bobbijean June; great-grandfather of Aubrey, Sabrina, Mitchell and Lindsey June; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday, September 3, 2004 4 to 8 p.m. at the Durant Funeral Home, 17 Languish Place (opposite the Stone Ends Restaurant), Glenmont. A service will follow at 8 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Albany Co. Sheriff's Hilltown Christmas Party, 390 New Salem Rd., Voorheesville, NY 12186. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Lepore, Mildred COLONIE Mildred Veronica (Wolfershiem) Lepore, 61, formerly of East Greenbush, died suddenly Monday, August 30, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Born in Albany, she had been a resident of the Capital Region for many years and was a clerk for State Insurance Fund in Albany for 26 years. Mildred was a past shop steward for C.S.E.A. Predeceased by her mother, Phyllis (Sedgewick) Wolfershiem and son, John F. Lepore. Survivors include her beloved husband Mario Lepore Jr.; father, Herman Wolfershiem of Saratoga; two daughters, Angela M. Lepore-Bennett of Nassau and Kim Nusbaum of Rome, N.Y.; two sons, Tony M. Lepore and Mario J. Lepore III, both of East Greenbush; eight grandchildren, Erica Nusbaum, Katie, Anthony, Nicolas and Abigail Lepore, Jimmy Lepore, Jeremy and Victoria Lepore. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral 8:30 a.m. Saturday from the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer, N.Y. and 9:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary Clinton Heights where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated. Friends may call in the funeral home on Friday from 4-9 p.m. Interment, Sacred Heart Cemetery, Castleton, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Logan, Edith M. VALATIE Edith M. Logan, formerly Kerr, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at Barnwell Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Valatie, N.Y. Edith was born in Adams, Mass. on October 14, 1912. She was the wife of the late Charles H. Logan Sr. She resided in Pittsfield, Cheshire, Canaan and then in Valatie. Edith was a devoted housewife and mother. She leaves three daughters, Marjorie Caesar of Pittsfield, Chorlotte Williams of St. Albans, Barbara Logan-Brown of Valatie; two sons, Charles H. Logan Jr. of Valatie and Darrel Logan of Rotterdam; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Edith had always expressed that she desired neither a funeral or wake and her wishes will be respected. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Barnwell Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Activities Program, 3230 Church Street, P.O. Box 810, Valatie, NY 12184. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Lowenski, Irma M. DELMAR Irma M. Lowenski, 80, of Marian Rd., Delmar, former resident of Auriesville, N.Y., passed away early Thursday morning, September 2, 2004 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam. Born on March 13, 1924 in Marshville, N.Y., she was the daughter of Loren and Elsie Matte VanArsdal. Mrs. Lowenski was a lifelong area resident, living in Auriesville for over 46 years until moving to Delmar, N.Y. in 2000. Mrs. Lowenski was a homemaker. She also worked at Beech-Nut Nutrition during World War II and periodically worked at the Auriesville Shrine Post Office. She served on the board of election in the Town of Glenn and was a member of several women's clubs locally. Mrs. Lowenski was also involved in various community drives and charities. Besides her parents, Mrs. Lowenski was predeceased by five brothers, Harry, Kenneth, Gus, Bud and Fred VanArsdal; and three sisters, Evelyn Mead, Marie Voght and Irene McGinnis. Survivors include her husband Henry Lowenski Sr., whom she married on February 1, 1944; two sons, Henry Lowenski Jr. and his wife Linda of Auriesville and Dan Lowenski and his wife Catherine of Delmar, N.Y.; a brother, Claude VanArsdal of Sharon Springs; two sisters, Inez Robbins of Cohoes, N.Y. and Eleanor Cardinal of Ft. Plain; two grandsons, Michael Lowenski of Auriesville and Paul Lowenski of Delmar; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main St., Fultonville, N.Y. The burial will take place in the Maple Avenue Cemetery, Fultonville. Calling hours will be today from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Moak Sr., Robert B. COHOES Robert B. Moak Sr. (Misto), 80, of Ogden Mills, Cohoes died at Albany Medical Center Hospital, surrounded by his family on September 1, 2004 after a brief illness. He was born in Cohoes, educated in St. Agnes School, Cohoes High School and attended Siena College. He was the son of the late Charles and Loretta Dwyer Moak. He was a machine operator at Bendix in Green Island, retiring in 1988 after over 30 years of service. He was a lifeguard at the Cohoes Community Center, Troy YWCA, and was a school crossing guard for the Cohoes Police Department for many years. He drove taxi for Ben Cook in Cohoes and was a correctional officer at the Albany County Jail. He was a member of the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, Ogden Mills Tenants Association and the UAW Union. Bob was an avid runner and participated in many area races; his favorites were the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon. He was a Triathlon competitor; he competed in many Triathlon events and won many medals in the Empire State Games for swimming. He donated many gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He was an avid New York Yankee and New York Giants fan. He was a World War II Navy veteran and served in the Korean War. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Nolin Moak of Cohoes; father of Laurie Carter and her husband Thomas of Cohoes; twin sons, William B. Moak and his wife Bette of East Nassau and Robert B. Moak Jr. and Ruth Shaffer of Mechanicville, Mary Beth Amyot and Eric Daurio of Waterford; brother of William Moak of Albany and the late Charles Moak; beloved Pa of Gregory Amyot, Bryan, Michael and Kelly Moak. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; and good friend of Baby Carter. Funeral Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at the Dufresne Funeral Home Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes with Rev. Arthur J. Becker officiating. Inurnment in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to remember Bob in a special way can make a contribution in his name to the Cohoes Community Center. For directions and guest registry, www.dufresnefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Parisi, Mary T. ALBANY Mary T. Parisi, 87, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at her home. She was born on January 21, 1917 in NYC to Vincent and Anna Fazio Servedio. Mrs. Parisi resided in Clearwater, Fla. for over 20 years before returning to N.Y. in 2003. She was a member of the Italian American Club in Fla. Mrs. Parisi is survived by her son, Anthony V. Parisi; her daughter-in-law, Donna L. Gallagher-Parisi; three granddaughters, Antoinette L. Parisi, Julie C. (Glen) Reynolds and Dianna L. Charron; and two great-granddaughters, Renata Morgan Reynolds and Natasha Isabelle Charron. She is also survived by five sisters, Margie Lapinski, Terry Malatino, Lena Corsano, Angie (George) Hunnemeder and Caroline Provenzano. Mrs. Parisi is predeceased by her husband, Anthony Parisi; a sister, Ann (Dolly) Bisantis; and two brothers, Michael and Peter Servedio. Family will receive friends at the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Entombment will be in Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor, Fla. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Robe, Florence LATHAM Florence Meyer Robe, 89, of Latham, died Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was the widow of Charles W. Robe Jr. Born and educated in Colonie, she was the daughter of the late William Henry and Florence Warren Meyer. A graduate of Cohoes High School and Albany Business College, she was a lifelong resident of the Town of Colonie. Mrs. Robe was an executive secretary first at General Electric in Schenectady during World War II and later at the former Tobin Packing Company in Colonie for several years, retiring in the 1970s. She was a communicant of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Latham. She is survived by her niece, Judith (Philip) Wheeler of Blue Ridge, Va. and her nephew, Arthur (Mary) Hart of Syracuse. She was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn Hart, who died December 15, 2003, and her brothers, August H. Meyer and William H. Meyer. A graveside service will be held Saturday 11:00 a.m. at Albany Rural Cemetery, Colonie. Friends and family will gather at the south gate of the cemetery, located at Menands Road and Van Rensselaer Blvd. There will be no calling hours. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, PO Box 941, Latham, NY 12110. Condolence page at: www.bowenfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. Rogers, Robert A. RAVENA Robert A. Rogers, died Monday, August 30, 2004 at Albany Medical Center after a courageous battle with heart disease and kidney failure. He is survived by his wife Mary whom he married March 21, 1986; sons, Samuel Patrick Rogers of Ravena and Matthew Cahn of Albany. He is also survived by a sister, Ann Rogers and nephew, Alan Rogers, both of Albany. Bob was born to Edwin and Helen Whitbeck Rogers in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He attended Saratoga schools before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served overseas as an aerial photographer during the Korean War and stateside as a ground safety specialist. After the service, Bob attended the former Albany State Teachers College while working as an Albany city firefighter. After graduation, he worked in advertising and sales for many years until finding his life's work, career counseling. Bob worked in this capacity for both the city and county of Albany before founding Sage Associates and later Resumes Plus, both in Albany. He was a pioneer in the job club movement, starting many groups throughout the Capital District. He was the author of two books on job search, Secrets of the Hidden Job Market and The New Mosaic: Job Clubs. He helped many people and was especially proud of his work with people living at the margins. He was a passionate advocate for the least, the last and the lost. Bob became a father late in life and was accompanied everywhere by his pride and joy, Samuel Patrick. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, where he worked in economic and social justice ministries. He was a representative to the Capital Area Council of Churches and was active in interfaith activities for many years. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and loved old movies, Frank Sinatra and cherry pie. Bob's family is grateful for the skilled and compassionate care he received from many community providers these last years and from the staff at Albany Medical Center during his final illness. A memorial service is being planned for a later date, to take place at First United Methodist Church, Delmar. Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Habitat For Humanity, Inc., 696 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209 or the First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, NY 12054. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/1/2004 - 9/5/2004. Sirgiano, Virginia Mary (Memoriam) SIRIGIANO 9/5/48 - 9/3/94 In loving memory of my beautiful Mother, Virginia Mary Sirgiano. You were taken from me ten years ago today, in the most horrible way. I tried everything Mom. I begged, I pleaded, I researched and reasoned. I fought and I prayed with every fiber of my being! But nothing worked, NOTHING! And it all comes back to me now, ten years ago today. They say that time heals all wounds... and that after a while the pain fades... But I will never get over the void that losing you has left in my life. It was far to soon. We had too many things left to still do. You were more like my TWIN. We were SO CLOSE. And yet... here I am, left to carry on without you. Even some of the happiest moments in my life, leave a bittersweet after taste, simply because you're not here to share them. But the hardest part of all, is every time I look at your precious grandson. You are missing every 1st moment, every new discovery. How unfair that this child has been robbed of your love. He is so much a part of you. You would have been SO PROUD. What a beautiful creature God has trusted me to take care of. Oh Mom, If I can do just half of the job that you did with me... JUST HALF... Then I know that he'll be OK. If not anything else, at least we can say, you taught me well. Can't we? The only solace I have at this time, is knowing that Grandma is now with you. I lost Grandma a long time ago, little by little, everyday. But now I have her back, because now I know that she is with you, and you are BOTH together, watching me, and helping me to carry on. And I am trying. I promise you Mom, I'm trying. Until we see each other again... Stay with me Mom, watch me, please help me. I love you so much. Love Always and Forever, Your Daughter, Tina Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/3/2004. Valentine, Carol NISKAYUNA Carol Valentine, 63, of Valencia Road, Niskayuna, died Saturday, August 28, 2004, after a two and one-half year courageous battle with acute leukemia. She was born September 14, 1940 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late William and Vivian MacTiernan, last of Phoenix Avenue, Schenectady. Carol previously resided on the upper west side in New York City. Mrs. Valentine attended Prospect Heights High School, Brooklyn, N.Y. She received a B.A. from Duke University and a M.A. from Columbia University. Carol was a teacher with the U.S. Peace Corps, Roslyn Public Schools, Schenectady County Planned Parenthood and NYS Department of Health. She was a health administrator-director of WIC for the NYS Department of Health. Carol was a current member and past president of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady. She was also a past member of the First Unitarian Society of Albany and of the All Souls Unitarian Congregation in New York City. Carol spent much of her life in service to others, both in her employment and to her family. She will be remembered by her family and friends as a creative force; for art she produced, for the places she designed and for the people she helped shape and nurture. To all of her pursuits, she brought the light of her laugh and the light of her wisdom and insight, making the lives of so many people, particularly women and children, better and stronger. She is survived by her husband Carl, whom she married April 1, 1961 in Hamburg, N.Y.; her four children, Laurae, Cate, Kristen and Glen; six grandchildren, Lance, Collin, Jeremy, Will, Sofia and Cooper; her brother, William MacTiernan and her sister, Janis Hoffman. Service will be held Sunday, September 12, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, 1221 Wendell Ave. Contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood (Hudson-Mohawk), Schenectady Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) in memory of Carol Valentine, 414 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/1/2004 - 9/6/2004. Vergara, Leandra C. LATHAM Leandra C. Vergara, 70, of Latham, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She is the wife of Gaudencio C. Vergara. Born and educated in the Philippines, she was the daughter of the late Anacleto and Regina Villanueva Cuenca. A resident of Latham since 1994, she worked as a filing clerk and office helper at Dr. Cuenca's medical office in Albany. She attended Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Sonia V. (Nelson) Maralit of Latham, Rodolfo, Reymundo, Romeo, Ruben, Roberto and Rolando Vergara and Grace Latorre, all of the Philippines; 26 grandchildren, including Sherwin, Sheryl, Sheila and Shariza Maralit; and her sister, Dr. Dolores V. Cuenca of Latham. She was predeceased by her brother, Bernardino V. Cuenca. Funeral service 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Friends are invited and may call Friday 5-8 p.m. at the Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment will take place in the Philippines. Condolence page and directions at: www.bowenfuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/2/2004 - 9/3/2004. West, Ceffie L. CLAYTON, Ala. Ceffie L. West, age 88 years, departed life at her daughter's home in Clayton, Ala. Ms. West was an Albany resident for over 60 years. She retired from New York State after 25 years of service. Ms. West was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. She was also a member of Mystic Chapter #11 OES, PHA and Elks Lodge. She is survived by one sister, Grace Butler; two daughters, Regina Crews, Clayton, Ala., Robbie Cole, Akron, Ohio; two sons, David and Lamont West, both of Albany, N.Y.; a host of grand, great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; two godchildren; dearest friend, Edna Howard. She was predeceased by seven sisters; one brother. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, September 11, 2004 at 11:00 a.m., Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 236 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/3/2004 - 9/4/2004.