OBITS: Albany Times Union 26 Sep 2005; 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 Acker, Mary A. ALBANY Mary A. Acker, 84, of Albany, died Thursday, September 22, 2005 at her residence surrounded by her loving family following a long illness. Daughter of the late John A. and Georgianna Gilman O'Connor of Albany, she was born in Utica, N.Y. and is a direct decedent of Senator Nicolas Gilman of N.H., crafter and signer of the Bill of Rights and discoverer of the springs in Saratoga (Congress Park). She was a Democratic committee person for the sixth ward for many years. She also belonged to the Polish American Citizens Lady Auxiliary. Mary Acker was active with the Blanchard Post in Delmar. Beloved wife of 57 years, Harold (Chappie) E. Acker; loving mother of two sons, Gary Rowe-Acker and David E. Acker of Albany. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial commencing 9:30 Tuesday, September 27 at the Cathedral of All Saints (Episcopal) in Albany. Family and friends are invited and may call at the Chicorelli Funeral Home, 331 Delaware Ave., on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment, Evergreen Cemetery, Colonie, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/25/2005 - 9/26/2005. Berkun, Elaine S. RENSSELAER Elaine S. Berkun, 62, of Highland Avenue, died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at St. Peter's Hospital after a long illness. Born October 23, 1942 in Albany, she lived in Rensselaer her whole life. She was a graduate of Milne School and SUNY Albany with a major in English and Art. Elaine was the first director of the Rensselaer Senior Center. She studied at the Art Students League in NYC. She was an accomplished painter with paintings in galleries in Cape Cod, Bal Harbor, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach and the Albany Center Gallery. The beauty of her paintings was only out done by her kindness, empathy and warmth to those who came into her life. She is loved and will be missed by her family and friends. She was predeceased by her father Edwin Spath Sr. Survivors include her beloved husband, Howard Berkun; one daughter, Jennifer I. Berkun and her husband Patrick Pigott of Garrison, N.Y.; one son, Jeffrey S. Berkun of Troy; her mother, Irene Spath of Rensselaer; a brother, Dr. Edwin Spath Jr. of Hartford, Conn.; two grandchildren, Jonathan and Kathleen Berkun; several nieces and nephews also survive. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Wednesday 11:00 a.m. from the United Methodist Church, 6 Hayes Rd., East Greenbush. Interment will be in New Rural Cemetery, East Greenbush. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Rockefeller Funeral Home. The family will receive friends in a Period of Mourning on Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m at their home, 111 Highland Ave., Rensselaer. Contributions may be made to RSDSA, PO Box 502, Milford, CT 06460. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Burke, Kevin L. ALBANY Kevin L. Burke, 43, died suddenly Friday, September 23, 2005. Born in Albany, Kevin was a lifelong resident. Husband of Suzette Jopia Burke; father of Tara, Cailin and Brendan Burke; son of Nancy H. Burke. Funeral services and interment will be private. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/25/2005 - 9/26/2005. Coffey, John J. SLINGERLANDS John J. Coffey, 78, died at the Albany Medical Center, Sunday, September 25, 2005. Mr. Coffey was the son of the late Albany Police Chief, Philip G. Coffey and the late Mary Devine. Mr. Coffey was educated in the Albany Parochial school system and graduated from Vincentian Institute. He joined the Army Air Force on his seventeenth birthday. While in the Air Force, he studied at Niagara University. After his discharge, he graduated from Siena College for his B.S. and earned his M.A. from SUNY Albany. He was enrolled in the doctoral program at NYU. Mr. Coffey was with Dun and Bradstreet. He taught at Philip Schuyler High School, was assistant principal at Livingston Junior High and principal of Hackett Junior High School in Albany. Mr. Coffey was secondary school Supervisor with the State Ed. Dept. prior to his retirement. After his retirement, he worked for the Albany Catholic Diosese. Although Jack enjoyed golf, bridge, ballroom dancing and bird watching, his main interest was his family. He was a devoted and loving father and husband. He was a member of the former Tall Timber Country Club and Normanside Country Club. He spent many happy days with friends at the American Legion Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post #1040 in Delmar. Jack is survived by his wife, Dr. Susan Panek Coffey of Slingerlands; his daughter, Susan J. Shafer (Robert) of Glenville; sons, Dr. John J. Coffey of Purdue University, Ind., Michael F. Coffey of Slingerlands, NYS Comptrollers Office, Mark R. Coffey, Samaritan Hospital, Troy; his two grandsons, Daniel Coffey of Hobart, Ind. and Jacob Z. Shafer of Glenville. He is also survived by his sister, Sr. Philip Maria of the Sisters of Saint Joseph; his brother, Gene Coffey of Syracuse; numerous nieces and nephews in Western, N.Y., Albany and California. He was predeceased by his brother, Judge Philip G. Coffey Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 40 Hopewell Street, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral home, 490 Delaware Avenue on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Coleman Jr., Otis P. ALBANY Otis P. Coleman Jr., 70, died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at the Stratton VA Medical Center. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Otis and Anna DeRusso Coleman. He retired from Friehofer's Baking Co. in Albany. Mr. Coleman was a member of Labor's Local 190 and worked on the entire South Mall project. He was a member of the Albany Fire Department in the 1950s. Mr. Coleman was a member of the VFW Post 1019, the Moose Lodge #80, the Polish-American Community Center and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He was the beloved husband of Sylvia Smith Coleman; dear father of Michael Coleman (Peri) of Halfmoon, Mary Jean Knowles (Earl) of Albany and the late Francis and Elizabeth Coleman; cherished grandfather of Ryan, Devin and Tori Marie; dear brother of Charles Coleman (Theresa), Thomas Coleman (Ann), Dora Ann Raiti (late Frank), Bertha Mae Papale (Joseph), Marilyn Wilson (Daniel), Rose Marie Valle (Anthony) and the late John Coleman Sr.; brother-in-law of Margaret Coleman, Irene Ross (late Al), Mary Alice Endres (late James), Robert Smith (Barbara), Joan Smith (late John) and Alice Smith (late Henry); he is also survived by his longtime friends Harry and Patricia Guynup, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, friends and his two dogs, Nyles and Bryce. The family would life to thank the nurses and doctors of the 8th floor and ICU unit at the Stratton VA Medical Center along with his home caregiver, Dawn Hellinger for all their care and concern. Funeral services Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany thence to Holy Family Parish (formerly St. Patrick's Church), Albany at 9:30 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment, Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Otis and his family in a special way may send a contribution to the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center Hospital, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Gift Shop Charities Deragon, John E. FEURA BUSH John E. Deragon, 73, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, September 24, 2005. John was an Army and Marine Corps veteran serving during the Korean War. He had lived in Feura Bush since 1958. John had worked as a barber for two years in Delmar and then a carpenter for the Local #370 Carpenters Union out of Albany. Survivors include his wife Joan F. Deragon; children and families, Kimberly Deragon (Lee French), John Jr. and Theresa Deragon and Charles, Chelsea, Emily and Daniel Deragon, Bruce Deragon and Kathy Stannard and Justin Weidman and Cody Deragon, Keith and Monica Deragon and Kayleah, Brandy and Brianna Deragon, and James and Marsha Deragon and Brian and Christopher Deragon; siblings, Ann Amadio, Timothy (Betty) Deragon, Lillian McKee, Elias Deragon, Bernard (Geraldine) Deragon, Gary Deragon, Barry (Marlene) Deragon and the late Daniel Deragon. A memorial Mass will be held 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 27 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Delmar. There will be no calling hours. Contributions in memory of John may be made to Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box E, Clarksville, NY 12041 or Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/25/2005 - 9/26/2005. Dworakowski, Nellie M. CLIFTON PARK Nellie M. Dworakowski, 85, died September 19, 2005. Survived by children, Barbara (John) Miller and Joan (Alfred) Peters; sister, Josephine Krause. Mass was September 21, 2005, Corpus Christi Church, Ushers. Burial, St. Paul's Cemetery in Mechanicville. Arrangements, Emerick Funeral Home, Clifton Park. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Gerardi, Jennie SCHENECTADY Jennie Gerardi, 101, died on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at the Eden Park Health Center in Catskill. Born in Isnello, Sicily on December 19, 1903, she emigrated in 1911 and lived in Schenectady until 2002, when she moved to Catskill to be closer to one of her grandchildren. She had been employed at Weber Electric Company and Cluett, Peabody & Sons prior to her marriage. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Mrs. Gerardi cherished her family above all else, and was a loving and devoted sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her grandchildren, Tina Gerardi of Albany, Michele Aparicio of Perrysburg, Ohio, Marie AhKao and her husband Rick of Belleville, Mich., Joe Gerardi and his wife Laurel of Queensbury, Mike Gerardi Jr. and his wife Mary of Gilbert, Ariz. and Janine Rundell and her husband Kevin of Coxsackie. Her brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Catherine Calantone of Schenectady, sisters-in-law, Martha Calantone of Shreveport, La. and Annie Morelli of Schenectady survive her as well as eight cherished great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her father and mother, Guiseppe and Maria Calantone; husband Joseph Gerardi; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Joanne Gerardi of Schenectady; three brothers, Nicholas Calantone of Albany, Anthony Calantone of Shreveport, La. and Sammy Calantone of Schenectady and her sister Rose Calantone preceded her in death. The family wished to thank the kind and caring staff of the Eden Park Health Center in Catskill for taking such loving care of our grandmother. Funeral services will be held at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Schenectady. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pleasant and 9th Sts., Schenectady at 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 28. Interment will immediately follow at St. John's Cemetery, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Foundation, 35 Colvin Ave., Albany, NY 12206 or the Eden Park Health Center Recreation Activities Fund, 154 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, NY 12414. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Grimmick, Henry Walter SCHAGHTICOKE Henry Walter Grimmick, 82, of Schaghticoke, died suddenly and peacefully on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy. He was born on March 10, 1923 in Troy and was the son of the late William and Anna McGraw Grimmick. Mr. Grimmick had been a truck driver for over 32 years with the Grand Union Warehouse in Waterford, retiring in 1985. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II. He was a three time World War II decorated veteran receiving two bronze stars and a purple heart. He attended St. Peter's Church in Stillwater and was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks in Bradenton, Fla. Henry is survived by his wife Shirley Croteau Grimmick; four sons, Robert J. (Susan) Grimmick of Cohoes, Henry W. (Delores) Grimmick of San Ramon, Calif., Steven Saari of Keene, N.H. and Randy (Margaret) Saari of Rutland, Mass.; one brother, John Grimmick of Troy; 11 grandchildren, Henry Todd, Heather, Daniel, Katie and Maggie Grimmick, Deidre LaPlante, Tim, Cole, Hayden, R.J. and Sydney Saari. Also survived by four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Margaret Grimmick; three brothers, William, James and twin brother Walter Grimmick and three sisters, Eleanor Miner, Minn Spiak and Betty Jane O'Brien. Funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St Peter's Church in Stillwater. Calling hours are Tuesday September 27 from 5-8 p.m. at the White-Sanvidge Funeral Home, 58 Leversee Road, Troy. Interment will be in Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy, with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, Attention: DAV Benefit Office in memory of Mr. Grimmick. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Haynie, Donald O. GLENVILLE Donald O. Haynie, 75, died at home on Saturday, September 24, 2005. Survived by sister, Elizabeth (Rolland) LeTourneau; sister-in-law, Susan Haynie, niece and nephew; dear friend Dee Casey and family. Predeceased by brother, Kenneth. Funeral Wednesday at a time to be announced. Burial Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Kagan, Myer (Mayer) ALBANY Mr. Myer (Mayer) Kagan of Albany passed away on Saturday afternoon, September 24, 2005 after an extended illness. He was a loving husband of 61 years to Ethel Larner Kagan; father of four, Barbara (and Melvyn) Ciment of Silver Spring, Md., the late Faye (and David) Hanfling of Edison, N.J., Todd Kagan of Albany and Risa Kagan (Richard Stern) of Berkeley, Calif.; devoted grandfather of ten and doting great-grandfather of eight. He is survived by brothers and sisters, David Kagan, Marion Hoorwitz, Judith Prince, Joshua Kagan and Rebecca Wilson and by many loving and devoted nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Kagan owned and operated B. Kagan & Sons, the longest running family owned Kosher Meat market in the Albany area, founded by his father, the late Benzion Kagan. As long-term members of Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob, in recent years, Mr. Kagan became the de facto baal koreh (reader from the Torah scroll) for the Congregation and the Candy Man for generations of youngsters. In recognition of the numerous supportive activities undertaken by the Kagan's, Congregation Abraham Beth Jacob honored them at their annual dinner in May 2004. Mr. Kagan served in the U.S Army during World War II in Manila and France. Services will be at Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob, 380 Whitehall Rd., Albany on Monday, September 26, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Beth Abraham Jacob Cemetery, Guilderland. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to Congregation Beth Abraham Jacob. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Leonhardt, Ruth E. ALBANY Ruth Estelle Leonhardt, 89, of Rensselaer died on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Ruth was the daughter of the late John and Maude Shoemaker Wilber. Born and raised in Albany, Ruth was a lifelong resident of the Capital District and worked as a self-employed health care provider for many years. A devoted mother and homemaker, Ruth became an avid NASCAR fan in her later years. Devoted wife of 57 years to the late John H. Leonhardt Sr., Ruth is survived by her loving sons, John (Maggie) Leonhardt Jr. of Zephyrhills, Fla. and Martin (Cheech) Leonhardt of Castelton-on-the-Hudson, N.Y.; daughter, Barbara Russell of Rensselaer, N.Y.; and sister, Mary Smith of Guilderland, N.Y.; nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at the Frederick Funeral Home, 633 Central Ave., Albany. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment, Memory's Garden Cemetery, Colonie, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Lucrezio, Ann D. MECHANICVILLE Mrs. Ann D. Lucrezio, 79, of Stillwater Avenue, died Friday, September 23, 2005 at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, after a long illness. Born in New Haven, Conn., March 1, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Anna Arpaia Dantio. Mrs. Lucrezio grew up in Mechanicville, where she was a 1944 graduate of MHS and returned to her hometown to live out her life in 1964. She was a nurse's aide at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy for many years, retiring in 1988. She had also been a longtime volunteer for the City Monthly Blood Pressure Clinic at the rescue squad building in Mechanicville. Ann taught church school for years at Assumption-St. Paul Church. A former president and member of the Mechanicville Italian Fraternal Society Ladies Auxiliary and the Junior Dante Club. Ann loved to cook, play bocce ball, had a creative writing flair and wrote poetry. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Vincent Lucrezio, who died in 1994; her sister, Caroline Curtis; her family's friends, who raised her from childhood, Stella and John Izzo. Survivors include her two sons, Patrick J. Lucrezio of Mechanicville, Frederick and his wife, Donna Lucrezio of Cambridge; a daughter, Maria Voigt of Inglewood, Colo. along with grandchildren, Elizabeth, Aaron, Jennifer, Nathan, Jaclyn and Dallas; many good friends and neighbors. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hoosic Valley Community Church, Route 40, Schaghticoke with burial in St. Paul's Cemetery, Mechanicville. Calling hours at DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 South Main Street, Mechanicville on Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hoosic Valley Community Church, PO Box 133, Schaghticoke, NY 12154. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Malone, Harry F. COLONIE Harry F. Malone, 80, of Colonie, passed away on Friday, September 23, 2005. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Henry F. and Laura E. Malone. Mr. Malone was a Colonie resident for most of his life. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran serving his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Harry was an auto mechanic and owned and operated the former Chick's Shell Station in Latham since 1958. It later became Chick's Sunoco. While running his business, he received the Million Gallon Club Award. Mr. Malone was a great lover of animals and a supporter of wildlife. Harry is the husband of the late Ruth C. Malone. He is the father of Sharon L. Malone Levine of Ballston Spa. He is the grandfather of Lee M., Lauren G., Robert W. and John P. Levine, all of Ballston Spa. He is the brother of Laura, Brian, Frederick and Shirley. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Avenue). Calling hours will be (TODAY) from 4-8 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Greenbush Cemetery, Rensselaer. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. McTague, William (Memoriam) McTAGUE William In loving memory of William McTague Sr. who passed into eternal rest on September 26, 1989. Always and forever in our hearts and prayers. With Love, Wife, Children and Grandchildren Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Neary, James M. WATERFORD James M. Neary, 84, of Davis Drive died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at his residence. Born in Alexander, N.Y., he was the son of the late John Francis and Cecelia Connelly Neary. He was educated in Buffalo schools. He moved to Troy for schooling through the GI Bill and then settled in Waterford in 1959. Jim was employed for 30 years at Altech Specialty Steel, formerly Allegheny Ludlum Steel in Watervliet and retired in 1983. Prior to that, he was employed at Flintkote Corp. in Lockport, N.Y. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Union. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, Jim served for 60 months. With active duty in the Pacific Theater, he was a forward observation radioman in the 106th Field Artillery Bn, 27th Division NYANG and took part in the initial waves of seven island invasions. Like other combat veterans, he was both grateful for his spared life and haunted lifelong by guilt of surviving while so many of his comrades did not - a weight of guilt ultimately relieved by Alzheimer's disease. His Irish wit and lively sense of humor were survival tools for him, and he passed them on to those who loved him. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 729 in Watervliet. He enjoyed oil painting and was a member of the Waterford Museum and Cultural Center, Troy Arts Guild. He was a communicant of at St. Bernard's Church in Cohoes. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Ida May Scherer Neary; his children, Dr. Patrick Neary and wife Mary of Juneau, Alaska, Daniel Neary and wife Deborah of Saratoga Springs and Alana Campana and husband Anthony of Clifton Park as well as his grandchildren, Cailey and Aidan Neary, Fiona and Liam Neary, Timothy Antonacci and Nicholas and Sofia Campana. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 28 at 8:15 a.m. from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad Street (Rt. 32), Waterford and 9:00 a.m. at St. Bernard's Church in Cohoes with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will be held in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday, September 27 between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144 and/or Alzheimer's Association-NENY Chapter in care of the funeral home office. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Oser, Nathan SCHENECTADY Nathan Oser, 88, of Schenectady, formerly of Colonie, N.Y., Knoxboro, N.Y. and Perrineville, N.J., passed away Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Kings Way Arms Nursing Center, Schenectady. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Solomen and Sophie Kantorivitch Oser. He was recently predeceased by his wife, Florence. He is survived by daughters, Rena Brover and her husband Semyon of Glen Rock, N.J. and Ellen Eisenburg and her husband Dr. Lawrence Eisenburg of Niskayuna; grandchildren, Dr. Seth Eisenburg and his wife Abby, Amy Eisenburg and her husband Larry Zakarin, Eric Eisenburg and Jennie Brover; great-grandchildren, Brandon Eisenburg and Hank Zakarin; nephews, Dr. Michael Liebowitz and his wife Sharon and Philip Liebowitz and his wife LeeAnne. Mr. Oser was a resident of Schenectady for a short time coming from Colonie, where he had resided for five years. Previously, he had resided in Knoxboro, N.Y., where he operated his farm for over 22 years. In addition to operating the farm, he acted as the Town of Knoxboro Assessor. Nathan was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and worked for Johns Manville in New Jersey as a mechanical engineer prior to relocating to Knoxboro. He was a veteran of the United States Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the U.S. Victory Ribbon. Memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family in New Jersey. Local arrangements are entrusted to Light's Funeral Home, Schenectady. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Rossetti, John T. MENANDS John T. Rossetti, 57, of Menands, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Troy, he was the son of the late John J. and Thelma M. Rossetti. Mr. Rossetti was a Capital District resident for all of his life. John is the beloved father of Linda Crodelle of Clifton Park, Anthony Rossetti of Albany and Mark Rossetti and his wife Cathleen of Sherman, Conn. He is the brother of Linda Volke of East Greenbush. He is the cherished grandfather of Nicholas and Michael Crodelle and Ashley and Gabrielle Rossetti. Also surviving are two nephews. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Avenue). Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Sgroi, Carmen P. Members of VFW Post 9594 of Ravena are requested to attend a service at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2005 to pay respects for our departed comrade, Carmen Sgroi. MICHAEL ALBANO Commander Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Sgroi, Carmen P. RAVENA Carmen P. Sgroi, 84, died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at the Hospice Inn in St. Peter's Hospital. Carmen was born and lived all his life in Ravena. He was a U.S. Army veteran, awarded the Purple Heart, serving during World War II. Carmen retired in 1982 after many years of service with the former NY Central Railroad, Penn Central, Conrail and Amtrak. He was a member of the Ravena VFW, a member and past president of the RCS Sports Association. For eight years, he was the coach of the American Legion Baseball Team and a six time King of the Hill at the Bowlers Club. His true passion was the sport of golf. Carmen was a member of Sycamore Country Club for 18 years. He started the Thursday Night Men's golf program, organized the Senior League and started the junior golf program. He was also instrumental in establishing the high school golf team. Carmen enjoyed the fact he shot two holes in one and the highlight of his golfing career was at the age of 81, he shot a score of 78. Carmen was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church, Ravena. Survivors include his wife, Anna G. Amato Sgroi of Ravena; his brother, John Sgroi of Ravena; also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Carmen was predeceased by his sister, Fannie Bottachiari and his brother, Dominick Sgroi. Funeral service will be held 9:30 Wednesday, September 28 at St. Patrick's Church, Ravena. Entombment will be in St. Patrick's Mausoleum, Coeymans. Friends may call at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions, in memory of Carmen, may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or St. Patrick's Church, 21 Main St., Ravena, NY 12143. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Sukhram, Janamanhai SCHENECTADY Janamanjai Ajai Sukhram, 16, died September 23, 2005. Survived by mother, Lilowtie Shiwkumer; step-father, Khemreg Shiwkumer; brothers, Sandjai, Vijai, Gajai; maternal grandparents, Cecil and Hemo Singh; paternal grandparents, Lalta and Jasmin Sukhram. Services 10 a.m. Wednesday at Light's Funeral home. Calling hours Monday 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005. Taylor Sr., Robert Cobb NISKAYUNA Robert Cobb Taylor Sr. of Millington Road, Niskayuna, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Friday, September 23, 2005 at his home. He was 83 years old. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Brigadier General William A. Taylor and Helen Fadden Taylor. He attended Poly Preparatory Country Day School in Brooklyn. Mr. Taylor enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in the European Theater during World War II as a first lieutenant in the 653rd Squadron of the 25th bomb group as a navigator, flying 51 missions in B-17 and Dehaviland Mosquito aircraft. After the war, Bob graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. He worked for the General Electric Company as a professional engineer for 35 years. He retired from Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in 1986. After retirement, Bob realized his dream of traveling through the USA in his motor home. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joan; two sons, Robert C. Taylor Jr. of Niskayuna and William A. Taylor and his wife Janet of Bolton, Mass.; three daughters, Patricia E. Taylor of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Joanne M. Taylor of Bolton Landing, N.Y. and Aimee A. Miller of Ballston Spa, N.Y. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Joanna R. Singh of Ware, Mass., Stephanie C. Taylor and Nathan R. Taylor of Bolton, Mass., Catherine (Katy) L. Miller, Rebecca L. Miller and Douglas T. Miller of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; and a great-grandson, Matthew L. Singh of Ware, Mass. Predeceased by his loving son, James Michael Taylor who passed away on August 10, 2005. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday morning at 9:00 at St. Helen's Church. It is requested no calling hours. Burial with full military honors following the Mass in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, N.Y. Contributions may be made in Bob's memory to the James Taylor Memorial Fund, 1014 Millington Rd., Niskayuna, NY 12309 or to St. Helen's Church, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna, NY 12309. Arrangements are by the Jones Funeral Home, Schenectady, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/24/2005 - 9/26/2005. Turner, Jeanne L. CLIFTON PARK Jeanne L. Turner, 45, of Clifton Park, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2005. Born in Bronx, N.Y., she was the beloved daughter of Jean R. Emrich and the late John B. Emrich. She has been a resident of the Capital District since 1981. Jeanne was a passionate flower gardener. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Jeanne was loved by everyone she met and she embraced life and God's spirit. Jeanne is the beloved wife of 24 years to William H. Turner. She is the devoted mother of her beloved children, Jesse E. Turner and Dayna J. Turner. She is the cherished grandmother of Christopher John and William Patrick Turner. She is the sister of Amy Pecora and Michael Emrich. She is the loving daughter-in-law of Emma and William Turner and the sister-in-law of Jamie Kendall and Jimmy Turner. Also surviving are her faithful canine companions, Finny and Isabella. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Avenue) and then proceed to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery for her burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the A.S.P.C.A., Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302 in memory of Jeanne L. Turner. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Wedlegger, Richard ALBANY On September 24, 2005 at half past noon on a beautiful sunny day, Richard Wadlegger, surrounded by the love of his beloved wife, Leslie, and his family of friends, passed away. Dick was born in North Adams, Mass., the son of Helen Brackley Wadlegger and Robert Wadlegger. In his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was the head altar boy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in North Adams. After graduating from high school, Dick attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where he received his degree in mechanical engineering. Shortly after his graduation, he was employed by General Electric in Pittsfield, where he was a pioneer in computer engineering. He spent the next 20 years nurturing his resort in the Berkshires, where he provided a space for others to enjoy nature and be themselves. Dick was a brilliant man and a consummate teacher. He was an avid sailor, an accomplished carpenter, a lover of music, a master of computers, an outdoors enthusiast and, in later years, a gourmet chef. His family of friends share great memories of fabulous dinners prepared by Dick. Dick never minced his words and yet, everything that he said was delivered with love. He was, as one friend put it, the most opinionated person he had ever known and yet, the least judgmental. He had a special ability to seek common ground with people from all walks of life. Though he was doggedly persistent, everyone who knew Dick remembers, more than anything, Dick's unconditional love and his insistence on that attribute in those he loved. In February of 1990, Dick married his soul mate, Leslie Stein. They were the unlikeliest of couples and yet, a perfect match of souls. Both were fiercely independent and intensely devoted to one another. In March of this year, Dick was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Though his illness created enormous challenges, Dick never complained and moved with uncanny grace through the process, supported and encouraged by his family and friends. Dick is survived by his devoted wife Leslie; his mother, Helen Wadlegger of Concord, N.H.; his daughter, Suzanne King of Plymouth, Calif.; his grandson, Hayden James King; his son-in-law Randy King; his mother-in-law Barbara Stein; his brother-in-law Alan; his sisters-in-law Betsy and Rosemarie; his nieces Regina, Sarah and Rebecca; his nephews Kevin, Daniel, Rusty, Roland and Jimmy and his loving friends. He will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Avenue, Albany on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. A private memorial service is planned. For those wishing to make a contribution in Dick's memory, his wife Leslie asks that donations be made to The American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Suite 146, Des Plaines, IL 60018 or the Society of Neuro-oncologists, 4617 Birch Street, Bellaire, TX, 77401. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/26/2005 - 9/27/2005. Wilson, Everett (Memoriam) WILSON Everett In loving memory of my husband who was called Home one year ago today. There is a link death cannot sever Love and remembrance last forever. Your Wife, Dorothy Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/26/2005.