OBITS: Albany Times Union 30 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 Baker, Robert James BENTON, Pa. Robert James Baker, 71, of Red Rock Road, Benton, died Wednesday afternoon, September 28, 2005 at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. where he had been a patient since Thursday. He was born June 1, 1934 in Warwick, N.Y., but was raised in Benton and was a graduate of Benton High School. He was the son of the late Dallas and Doris (Artley) Baker and his stepmother, the late Ethel Baker. He and his wife, Anita M. Nina (Marynak) Baker would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on November 15. He resided in Wynantskill, N.Y. for 40 years before retiring back to his hometown of Benton in 1998. He served eight years in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Baker spent 35 years in a wholesale building materials business in the Albany, N.Y. area. He worked 14 years for Hoffman Building Materials in Troy, N.Y. He opened the Alside Supply Center in Albany, N.Y. in 1973 and was there until his retirement in 1994. Within a few years, Alside became one of the leading wholesale building materials businesses in the Capital District, serving home improvement contractors and builders in the northern N.Y., western Mass. and Vt. areas. He had been elected to the North Greenbush Town Board in 1972 and served as a councilman until being elected North Greenbush town supervisor. He served four years as supervisor and also served as Rensselaer County Deputy Republican County Chairman to Raymond Siek and served on the Rensselaer County Republican Executive Committee in the 1970s. He also served on the North Greenbush Republican Committee and was police commissioner of North Greenbush in the 1970s. He was instrumental, as supervisor to North Greenbush, in bringing sewers to Snyders Lake, N.Y. During his term of supervisor, he maintained one of the lowest tax rates of any of the towns in Rensselaer County. He also brought cable TV to North Greenbush and initiated the development of the North Greenbush Industrial Park. He was a member of Apollo-King Solomon's Lodge #13 of Troy, N.Y. and a member of Painter Den Hunting Club since 1974, of which he had served as president since 2001. Upon his return to Benton, he had also been active as an officer of the home association of the Benton V.F.W. #8317 and an active member since 1956. He was also involved in the development of a veterans' memorial monument, yet to be erected, at the site of CCFNB in Benton. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his three daughters, Kimberley Baker and her partner Susan D'Aniable, Albany, N.Y., Lisa Curtin and her husband Joseph, Shavertown, Pa., Deborah Jones and her husband Scott of Dallas, Pa.; four grandchildren, Caitlin and Alexandria Curtin of Shavertown and Brady and Colin Jones of Dallas, Pa.; a stepbrother, Ernie Koons of Benton; a sister-in-law, Isabelle Balacker of Mountaintop; three brothers-in-law, Eric Doering and his wife Tina of Jupiter, Fla., Daniel Marynak of Campbell, Calif. and John Marynak of Lakewood, Ohio; cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 1 p.m. at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton (Rt. 487). A visitation will be held Saturday from 12 noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Hematology/Oncology Department, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA 17822. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Blowers, Beverly (Memoriam) BLOWERS Beverly Dear Mom, Wife and Grandmother, it's been six long years. You are gone, but not forgotten and loved truly. With Love, Bill, Little Bill, Beverly, Michael, Mark, Scott, Grandchildren, Christina, Paul Jr., Ashley, Falon, Bob, Erin, Isabella, Madison and Alyson Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Boudreau, Francis G. LATHAM Francis G. Boudreau of Latham, a World War II veteran, pioneer broadcast engineer, ham radio operator, fishing enthusiast and dedicated family man, died at the age of 87 in his home after a prolonged illness on September 28, 2005. Frank Boudreau was born and raised in Cohoes, N.Y. He graduated from Cohoes High School, Class of 1936. He was employed at Mohawk Paper company in Cohoes until 1942, when he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps. He was rapidly promoted to the rank of master sergeant, serving in the Fifth Amphibious Corps during World War II. He participated in the conquest of the Russell Islands, the Marshall Islands, including Enewetak Atoll and the Solomon Islands including Guadalcanal. His training in electronics and his skill in amateur radio were utilized in commanding radar units defending the island outposts in the Pacific, providing a warning system against Japanese bombers. In 1945, he began working as a broadcast engineer for the radio station WGY in Schenectady, N.Y. When television began at WRGB, Frank became a television engineer and technical director. Frank also served as secretary/treasurer of his union, NABET, while at WGY/WRGB. For the ten years prior to retirement in 1983, Frank was a technical director with the SUNY television network in Albany. For over a decade, Frank was a member of the vestry at St. John's Episcopal Church in Cohoes, N.Y. He was an avid amateur radio operator with the call letters W2JHQ. He was able to broadcast to Europe, Australia and to the delight of his grandchildren, the North Pole, with many Christmas lists shared over the airwaves with Santa. Frank and Evelyn Boudreau celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 2, 2005 with family and friends in attendance. Frank was the beloved husband of Evelyn Tessier Boudreau; the dear father of Ellen Boudreau Hoke (Charles) of Columbia, Md., Susan Boudreau of Manhattan and Nancy (Harold) Weatherwax of Ballston Spa; the cherished grandfather of Allison (Ryan) Thomas of Las Vegas, Nev., Elliot, Courtney and Geoffrey Hoke of Columbia, Md., Elizabeth and Ryan Gilligan of Ballston Spa and Meghan Ryan of Manhattan. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Nakao, Dr. Kevin Costello, the nurses of E5 Albany Medical Center and the staff of the Community Hospice of Albany County for their care and concern. Funeral will be held Monday October 3 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Grooms Road in Clifton Park. The family will receive visitors at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 in Clifton Park on Saturday, October 1 from 4-7 p.m. Interment with full military honors will be on Monday in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Frank's favorite charity: the Salvation Army, 22 Clinton Avenue, Albany, NY 12207. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Cipriono, Emily (Memoriam) CIPRIONI In loving memory of our sister, Emily, who passed away September 30, 1992. We do not forget you nor do we intend We think of you often and will to the end Gone and forgotten by some you may be But dear to our memory you will ever be We miss you and love you Love, Peggy and Ginny Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Conrad, Harrington J. GREENVILLE Harrington J. Conrad, 74, died suddenly Tuesday, September 27, 2005. Harry was born in Coeymans Hollow and had lived in the Ravena area most of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during the Korean War. Harry had worked for J.H. Maloy for 20 years, the former Atlantic Cement Co. for seven years, retiring in 1981. He then worked 13 years for the Village of Ravena. Harry was a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter #146. Survivors include his devoted friend, Jeanette R. Hagen of Greenville; children, Laverne (Bonnie) Conrad of Ravena, Karen (Bob) Flynn of Copake Falls, Gail (Ron) Burns of New Baltimore, James Conrad of Ariz., Mary Lou Conrad of Ravena, Barbara Conrad of Ravena, Paul Conrad of Troy and Nancy Beck of Albany; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His parents, Harry and Paula Conrad, and brother, Hyland Conrad, predeceased Harry. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 1 at the Alcove Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Harry may be made to the Helderberg Senior Service Inc., Hiawatha Grange, Rte. 32, Dormansville, NY 12055. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Dieckelmann, Sue CASTLETON Sue Dieckelmann, 80, of Castleton, passed on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at Resurrection Nursing Home after a long illness. Born in Albany, she had been a Castleton resident for nearly 60 years. She was the wife of George Dieckelmann and they would have celebrated their 59th anniversary in November. She was a 30-year volunteer at the Northeast Association of the Blind and was active in the women's guild at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Castleton. Besides her husband George, she is survived by two daughters, Nancy Carpenter of Castleton and Judy Dieckelmann (Dick LaFountain), also of Castleton; two grandchildren, Katherine Carpenter and Peter Carpenter. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1150 Maple Hill Road, Castleton. Friends are invited and may call Friday at the Ray Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave., Castleton from 4-8 p.m. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Eddy, Kenneth E. VALATIE Kenneth E. Eddy, 51, of Eberle Rd., Valatie, N.Y., died Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson. Born in Hudson, N.Y., April 24, 1954, he was the son of the late Royal K. Eddy and Barbara (Dutcher) Eddy of Germantown, N.Y. Ken worked at Golden Harvest Farm in Valatie for eight years and from 1985 to present has been employed by Hamilton Printing Co. in Castleton. He is survived by his wife, Holly V. (Sweet) Eddy; a brother, Donald Eddy of Germantown, N.Y.; three nieces; two great-nieces and one great-nephew; a sister-in-law, Joy Simpson of N.C. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Royal W. Eddy. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:00 p.m. from the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Rt. 9, Valatie with the service conducted by Rev. Nick Becker. Burial will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Friends may call Sunday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Jones, Joyice (Memoriam) JONES Joyice It's been five years today. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of. We love and miss you. Sandra and Family Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Kimmel, Marjorie J. CLIFTON PARK Marjorie J. Hutch Kimmel, 77, died September 27, 2005. Funeral Monday 11 a.m. at Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, 971 Route 146. Calling 2-6 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Losaw, Scotte E. CANAJOHARIE Scotte E. Losaw, 32, died Monday, September 26, 2005 of an automobile accident at Ames, N.Y. He was born in Pittsfield, Mass. and had resided in Sharon Springs, N.Y. and Canajoharie, N.Y. He is the son of Myron Jr. and Wendy Rifenburgh Losaw. Scotte was employed at the Walmart Distribution Center in Sharon Springs, N.Y. He was also a part-time disc jockey, was a Nascar fan and loved hunting and fishing. Survivors in addition to his parents include a son, James Allen Losaw of Canajoharie; a sister, Kimberly Ann Losaw, Canajoharie; aunts and uncles, Paul and Lorean Losaw, Lenoxdale, Mass., Leslie and Gloria Losaw, West Stockbridge, Mass., Phyllis and George Schnider, South Lee, Mass. and Walter Rifenburgh Jr., South Bethlehem, N.Y.; great aunt and uncle, Don and Gloria Losaw and family, Troy; also survived by many cousins. Funeral service will be Friday 11 a.m., September 30, 2005 at the Tebbutt Funeral Home, 633 Central Avenue, Albany. Relatives and friends are also invited to call at the funeral home Friday 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery at a later time. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/29/2005 - 9/30/2005. Marsh, Carrie C. CASTLETON Carrie C. Marsh, 95, of Castleton, died on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Dormant, Pa., she was a lifelong Castleton resident. She was the wife of 73 years of the late Theodore H. Marsh. Along with her late husband, she was instrumental in the construction of Balsam Mobile Estates in Schodack. She is survived by three sons, Theodore Marsh (Emily) of Westport, N.Y., Jacob Marsh (Barbara) of Castleton, and Donald Marsh (Mary) of Kinderhook; two brothers, Edward Van Kampen of Castleton and Cornelius Van Kampen of Hudson; a sister, Susanna Jarmann of Schodack Landing, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. from the Ray Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave., Castleton, N.Y. Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Carrie Marsh to the Castleton Ambulance, 1700 Brookview Road, Castleton, NY 12033. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Massa, Michael J. ALBANY Michael J. Massa, 51, entered into eternal life surrounded by loved ones, following a long illness, on September 27, 2005 at Albany Medical Center. He is survived by immediate family; numerous relatives; many friends; his longtime friend, Sheilah Rourke; and his canine best friends, Liam, Peony and Gizmo. After earning his master's degree in social work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yeshiva University in 1999, Michael used his incredible gift of giving back what was so freely given to him. Most recently, he worked as a clinical case specialist at Conifer Park in Scotia. Michael enjoyed his family, his friends, his dogs, golf and the outdoors. He particularly loved his spiritual retreats to Saranac Lake when he was well. A memorial service celebrating Michael's life will be held Saturday, October 1 at 5:45 p.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union Street, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a camper scholarship fund at Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Road, Mendon, NY 14506. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/29/2005 - 9/30/2005. Meyer, Dorothy G. RENSSELAER Dorothy G. (Cotton) Meyer, 69, of Rensselaer, died Thursday, September 29, 2005 at Rosewood Gardens Nursing Home in East Greenbush after a lengthy illness. Born in Albany, she had been a resident of the Capital Region her entire life. She was a nursing assistant at Barnwell Nursing Home for several years prior to her retirement. Dorothy was also a member of A.B.A.T.E. Motorcycle Club in Hudson. Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Weinheimer of Castleton, Cathy and her husband William Cramer of Valatie; and her son, Fenwick J. and his wife Susan Weinheimer of West Sand Lake; also survived by 12 grandchildren, Jessica, John, Crystal, Vanessa, Fenwick Jr., Michael, Jennifer, Mark, Brenda, Melissa, Nichole and Bruce; five great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Aleya, Jade, Natashia and Tabethia. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral 11:00 a.m. Monday from the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer, N.Y. Friends may call in the funeral home from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, East Schodack. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Micklas, Virginia A. MECHANICVILLE Virginia A. Duffney Micklas, 66, of Davenport Estates, died Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy after being stricken a day earlier. Born in Troy, May 14, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Rose Kusick Duffney and was a graduate of Mechanicville High School. Virginia had retired from the General Electric's Silicone Products Division in Waterford in 2002, after 20 years of employment. Virginia was a proud mother and grandmother whose whole life centered on her children, grandkids, her recently deceased Mom, her brothers and sisters and her nieces and nephews. Survivors include son, Keith and his wife Debbie Micklas, a daughter Lisa and her husband Bob Petta, all of Mechanicville, and son, Kevin and his wife Mary Micklas of Lincoln, Vt.; five grandchildren, Erin, Sasha, Marissa, Kenny and Holly; also survived by her sisters, Rosemarie Clark of Clifton Park, Millie (John) Vickery of Bemis Heights, Elaine Vredenburg of Mechanicville and Thelma Duffney of Cohoes; and her brothers, Miles Butch (Donna) Duffney of Stillwater and Francis (Cheryl) Duffney of Gansevoort; along with nieces and nephews. Virginia was predeceased by an infant son, Kenneth G. Micklas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Assumption-St. Paul William Street Church, Mechanicville, with burial in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours at the Devito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 South Main St., Mechanicville on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Memorial remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children's Research, Attn: Memorial/Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. O'Toole, John K. EAST DURHAM John Jack K. O'Toole, 64 years, of East Durham, N.Y., passed away at the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, N.Y. on September 28, 2005. He was born in New Rochelle, N.Y. on September 6, 1941, son of the late Francis and Margaret (Collins) O'Toole. John served his country serving in the US Army. He had retired from A.T.&T after 30 years of employment. He was a member of the Durham Valley Post American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Knock Council and was a former member of the New Rochelle Irish Ben. Society. Surviving are his wife Maureen (Fiddy) O'Toole; two daughters, Stacy Kilts and her husband Karl of West Coxsackie, N.Y., Tara Steelman and her husband Gary of Raleigh, N.C.; a son, S/Sgt. Michael O'Toole of McGuire Air Force Base in N.J.; three grandchildren, Robert and Margaret Kilts and Anastasia Steelman; two step-grandchildren, Kyle and Kelly Kilts; two brothers, Francis and James O'Toole; a sister-in-law, Pamela Hawkes and her husband Les; also nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Patrick O'Toole. Funeral service will be Monday 10:15 at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, N.Y. with a Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Knock Shrine. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, 6-8 p.m and Sunday 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Interment will be in the Winston Cemetery, East Durham, N.Y. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the East Durham Vol. Fire Co., or to the Town of Durham Ambulance. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Plath Jr., Raymond E. ALBANY Raymond E. Plath Jr., of both Albany and Cape Cod, died at home Thursday morning, September 29, 2005 with his beloved family at his bedside. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Raymond and Helen DeSanta Plath. He was a US Army Korean War veteran. Mr. Plath retired from Conrail where he worked for 42 years. He was a lifetime member of the Hilderbrand-Davis VFW Post 1895. Mr. Plath was a member of the Colonie Senior Service Center. He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Ann Carazza Plath, in 1999. He was the beloved father of Geri Davis Plath Cary, Deana M. Barna (Andrew) and Raymond E. Plath III; devoted grandfather of Andrew and Nicholas Barna; brother of Frances Nardacci, Elizabeth Bagnell and William Plath; father-in-law of the late Thomas A. Cary; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services Monday at 8:15 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capital Hill at 9:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those wishing to remember Ray and his family in a special way may send a contribution to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, 12205. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Polydouris, Christine ALBANY Mrs. Christine Thomas (Thomopoulos) Polydouris, 85 years old, passed away of Alzheimer's and lung congestion. Christina died on September 25, 2005, 9:30 p.m. in Latham, North Colonie, N.Y. at her home, the Villa American Kalamata-Lagadia overlooking Shaker Bay on a hill above the Mohawk River. Christina was born in Salem, Mass. on August 2, 1920. She was the daughter of Demetrios and Constantina Thomas (Thomopoulos). The name was legally changed before her brother Theodore was accepted at M.I.T. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Christine was born at home near downtown Salem and eventually the family moved to their home on Geneva Street in 1929, one month before the Great Depression hit. The family lived in the two-family house and rented one flat. The house was sold by Christine's mother after the death of her husband. Two siblings died in infancy from the influenza of 1917-1920, the first Theodore and Christine. Four children survived, Theodore, who died three years ago; Constantine, who died in 1970, a World War II Army Air Corps pilot; and her sister, Helen Macheras. Christine attended the Saltonstall School K-8, two blocks from her home, and Salem High School, Class of 1938. She graduated from Salem Teachers College in 1943 with her sister Helen. Christine took one year off to work for her family because of the stroke her father suffered. She worked at Lally's clothing store in downtown Salem as a sales girl (no associates at that time). Summers, she was an executive secretary for the chief counsel at Sylvania Electric Products in Salem as well as working one summer in the then-new Pentagon in Arlington, Va. She stayed only one month since Washington, D.C. in those days had no air conditioning. Christine also worked on Long Island for one month. She missed the cool ocean breezes of the North Shore and the ocean front parks of Salem, like Salem Willows and Forest River Park, the parks she learned to swim at during her youth. Christine was a tour guide at the Witch House one summer in Salem. The historic home was the residence of three women who were executed for witchcraft. Christine would do the housework at home, cooking and cleaning while the boys and sister Helen were more athletic. Christine did enjoy basketball in high school and college and wanted to major in foreign languages, that she and her sister excelled in in high school. She understood, spoke and wrote Modern Greek, having been tutored at home with her siblings on the dining room table twice a week. Christine took Latin, German (more important then with the rise of Hitler) and French. Salem Teachers College had no language majors but did have business. Both sisters majored in business and received baccalaureates in science in business education. There was only one building then, along with the student teaching grammar school next door. Christine worked in the bookstore. Her first teaching job was at South Royalton High School in Vt. She became certified in three states: Mass., Vt. and N.Y. She taught and wrote shorthand, a lost art. Business education or commercial education, as it was sometimes called. She taught at South Royalton during the 1943-44 school year. That old building is now Vermont Law School. The city girl dated a dairy farmer and became engaged. During World War II, farmers and priests were exempt from the armed forces. She broke the engagement when she took a teaching job at Bennington High School, Bennington, Vt., 1944-45. She played field hockey against Carroll Channing when the high school faculty played against the Bennington College girls. Christine lived with a Greek-American family in Bennington. Helen had taken a teaching job at Highland Falls, N.Y. High School so Christine jumped at a teaching offer from the village of Florida, N.Y. nearby. They both dated West Point cadets and attended dances at the Point. Christine became engaged a second time to the principal! She broke off the second engagement. She taught at Florida High School 1945-46, then at Amesbury High School, Amesbury, Mass. which she commuted to by car from Salem, Mass. where she lived with her family. In 1952, she received her master's of science degree from Boston University School of Education. She commuted on Saturdays for two years by train with her friend Tina Leftes of Salem for classes at BU. Christine took some additional courses at Russell Sage of Albany, N.Y. Certification. Marriage brought her to Albany, in 1953. She became engaged to Nicholas J. Polydouris after one date. He was visiting his relatives in Ipswich, Mass., the Nikas families, after completing business in Boston for his private company, the Albany Linen Service. They met at a private house party in Salem and were married in November of 1953 in Salem. They honeymooned at the Greenbrier Hotel, Greenbrier, W.Va., motoring from Albany and visiting her married sister Helen in Covington, Va. Exactly nine months later, a son John was born at Albany Medical, her only child because Christine had a hysterectomy afterward. She had been told not to come home if it were not a boy by her mother-in-law. While she was pregnant, they lived on Elm Street, Downtown Albany and, before John was born, they bought a house on Western Avenue, two blocks from Albany High School. An old school man, her husband bought the house on his own. She went to substitute at Albany High for one week and was called into the office on Friday by the principal, Mr. Lincoln. He had walked by her classes and was perplexed as to why the students were quiet with a substitute. He asked her if she would like a permanent teaching job - she mentioned she had a small boy and she would consult with Nicholas. She returned and accepted the job she kept for 25 years, from 1955-1980, and was the first Greek-American teacher in the Capital District. She worked for the New York State Education Department for a few summers supervising the correction of regents exams. Christine was the top business teacher at Albany High and the best dressed as well. She loved shopping at the Country Miss, Flah's, Solomon's, Dahl's and Kral's. Her husband cancelled her store credit cards once! After the death of her mother-in-law, Christine and Nicholas almost divorced, but stayed together for John. Their bond of Holy Matrimony was tried but was unbroken and they were faithful only to each other. Her husband Nicholas took care of her for 20 years with Alzheimer's, especially the hardest last ten years. Nicholas believed in the vow, in sickness and in health till death do us part. In 1952, Christine motored throughout America in a brand new Plymouth Convertible with three other teachers from Amesbury. They went to Calif., Ore., Mont., Alberta, British Columbia, Mexico and some 40 states and provinces and many national parks. She said she liked home the most. They left Amesbury the day after school ended in June 1952 and returned the day before it started in September of 1952. Christine continued to travel with her son to Greece and Cyprus and throughout the USA, the Caribbean and Canada. In 1974, she and John had 1st class Eurail passes and traveled Europe by train and boat for two and one-half months, returning because of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, an island they were expected to visit. She did visit Cyprus in 1979 with John for two weeks to show solidarity with the Cypriot people. She went to the Tomb of Makarios to pay respects. Christine visited Greek Macedonia, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and enjoyed the beautiful islands especially Cephalonia, Rhodes, Corfu and Kalamata and the village of Lagadia which her parents left at ages 17 and six. She was a great benefactor of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church and donated the chandelier above the altar and a gold ... Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Polydouris, Christine Ladies Philoptochos, Friends of the Poor St. Barbara Chapter, all members are requested to attend the Trisagion service of past member Christine at Tebbutt Funeral Home at 7:30 p.m. today. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Poulopoulos, Lorie (Memoriam) POULOPOULOS In memory of Lorie Poulopoulos. You are an Angel of God now, Ma; you are our guardian angel. Contiue to watch over us. Love, Your Husband Nick; Your Son Nick; Granddaughter, Arianna and Family Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Ranellucci, Harriet TROY Harriet Mae Groat Ranellucci, age 70, entered into eternal life Wednesday, September 28, 2005 suddenly. Born in Hudson, Harriet was a homemaker for 53 years. She loved her home and family and enjoyed cooking for them. Daughter of the late Irving and Mabel Groat. Beloved wife of the late John J. Ranellucci Sr.; loving mother of Harriet (Christopher) Valla, Michele (Francis) Collins, Holly (Frank) LaTorre, Dolores (Karl) Kniele, Raymond (Sharon) Ranellucci, Ronald (Mary) Ranellucci, Steven (Jennifer) Ranellucci and John Ranellucci Jr.; sister of Helen Lansing and the late Irene Swift; sister-in-law of Ann Ranellucci Haas. Also survived by 20 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and 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.) Friday morning at 8 o'clock and 9:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Michael, Troy. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may also call at the funeral home Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/29/2005 - 9/30/2005. Schmidt, Marilyn I. RAVENA Marilyn I. Schmidt, DVM, 52, entered eternal life suddenly Tuesday, September 27, 2005. Marilyn was the daughter of the late George and Irene Schmidt. Survivors include her husband F. Richard Lesser, DVM; sons, Evan Schmidt Lesser and Craig Schmidt Lesser; daughter, Taryn Schmidt Lesser; and brothers, Michael Schmidt of Boston and Robert Schmidt of Rochester. Marilyn partook and rejoiced in her family's life and activities, including their farm (horses and livestock), sports (skiing, soccer, swimming and sailing), as well as school, church, 4-H and scouting activities. Marilyn was also a leader in the field of equine veterinary medicine. As the owner of the Equine Clinic at OakenCroft, she tirelessly served the needs of horses and horsemen throughout upstate New York for 27 years. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 1 at St. Patrick's Church, Ravena. Friends may call at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation in memory of Marilyn be made to support equine programs at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Contributions may be sent to, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, S2 005 Schurman Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/29/2005 - 9/30/2005. Scranton, Joseph F. SARATOGA SPRINGS Joseph F. Scranton, 84, died September 29, 2005. Survived by daughters, Kathleen Anderson, Eileen Coleman, Barbara Twiss and Joan Piscitelli; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mass at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Church, Route 9N in Greenfield Center. Calling 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Shade, Ray W. CLIFTON PARK Ray W. Shade, Ph.D., of Eldorado Drive, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Souderton, Pa. and was the son of the late Issac and Mary Shelly Shade. Ray was a graduate of Souderton High School and was just recently elected to their hall of fame. He was a US Navy veteran, serving from January 10, 1945 until June 25, 1946 when he was honorably discharged as a seaman 2nd class. Ray received the American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal. He received his S.B. and S.M. degrees from MIT in chemical engineering and his Ph.D. from RPI. He started with the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in 1951 and joined the GE Corporate R&D Center in 1953 where he held several managerial positions. In 1970, he joined the staff of RPI as an assistant professor and returned to GE at the silicone products department in Waterford where he retired as manager of advanced technology in 1990. After retirement, Dr. Shade continued his professional career in the R&D area as a special consultant in R&D program development. He was an active participant in many professional societies including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Chemical Society, American Association of Advanced Science and the New York Academy of Science. He was also a member of Sigma Xi, Chi Epsilon and Phi Lamda Upsilon honor societies. Dr. Shade held several patents in the area of advance materials and chemical processing, both in the United States and many foreign countries. Dr. Shade also received the Silver Medallion Award for his patent contributions. He received the Duschman Award from the G.E. Corporate R&D Center for his outstanding contributions in the area of catalysis. He was also recognized for his many contributions to the MIT Practice School. During retirement, Dr. Shade continued his desire to help young students by creating and coordinating an innovative, intergenerational tutoring program linking teachers, scientists and engineers with students at Shenendehowa High School in the areas of mathematics and science. It was for this program that he was honored by the State of New York by receiving the state office for the aging's Achievement is Ageless award. He also received the Shenendehowa Superintendent's Award. This program, under the auspices of the Shenendehowa Senior Citizens' Center Care Links Volunteer program, started in the fall of 1997 and helps more than 1000 students each year. Seeing young minds flood with the light of understanding filled Ray with an immense joy. These awards were examples of Dr. Shade's lifelong aspirations to mentor and develop students, engineers and scientists. Ray also received the key to the Town Clifton Park for his other outstanding contributions. He was an active member and participant of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Clifton Park. He was also a member of the American Legion Mohawk Post 1450 in Halfmoon. He is the beloved husband of Nancy Gray Shade, whom he married on May 17, 1952. He is the devoted father of Mrs. Karyn Shade and her husband Gordon of Clifton Park; brother of the late Lester, Howard and Miriam Shade King; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held Monday morning at 10:00 from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8 Northcrest Drive in Clifton Park with Pastor Chuck officiating. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9, Clifton Park. Interment with full military honors will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ray W. Shade Scholarship Fund established with Shenendehowa High School in care of the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/28/2005 - 9/30/2005. Sperber, Rhoda The officers and members of U.O.T.S. Abigail #3 record with profound sorrow the passing of our member Rhoda Sperber. Our sympathy is extended to the family. SALLY TILLMAN President Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Sperber, Rhoda F. MENANDS Rhoda F. Sperber of Menands, N.Y. and Sarasota, Fla., passed peacefully at home on Thursday, September 29, 2005 with her family. She was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Eva Frank. She was a member of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. She participated for many years in Sisterhood, Abigail and Hadassah. She, along with her husband, founded the National Kidney Foundation of NENY in 1971 and worked tirelessly to help patients afflicted with kidney disease. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Community Hospice at St. Peter's Hospital. She was an avid golfer and a longtime contributing member of Colonie Golf and Country Club. In 1951, Ed and Rhoda Sperber started in business together with the purchase of Lansing Brothers in downtown Albany. In 1963, she played an integral role in the formation of Huckleberry Finn Pottery on Western Avenue and has continued to be active in the company's growth. Her family was her life and everyone that knew her, loved her. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Edwin H. Sperber; her adoring children, Barbara (Jim) Wittorff of Milford, Mass., Jeffrey (Charlotte) Sperber of Delmar, N.Y. and Reid (Susan) Sperber of Slingerlands, N.Y. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Wittorff and her husband Jim Lowe, Stacey Wittorff, Bryan (Stephanie) Staff, Lauren Staff, Ashley, Kate and Jordan Sperber. She also leaves her great-grandchild, Kane Wittorff. She was predeceased by her brothers, Lewis and Stanley Frank, and her sister, Helen Levin. Services at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road, Albany on Friday, September 30, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of NENY, 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061. The period of mourning will be observed at the Sperber residence, 6 North Sage Hill Lane in Menands on Saturday evening and Sunday throughout the day and evening. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Stasack, Jennifer (Memoriam) STASACK Jennifer, 9/30/77-11/5/94. Where does the time go? When our children are little, we can't wait until they grow up and next thing you know they are 22, 26 and 28. Embrace and love them every day. No matter the age, tell them I love you. Remember every day is a gift; that is why we call it the present. In memory of our daughter and sister Jennifer on her 28th birthday. We love and miss you more today then yesterday. Happy birthday! Love, Mom, Dad, Jessica and Peter Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Stevens, Evelyn (Memoriam) STEVENS Evelyn Dear Mother, On your 81st Birthday. I miss you and all of the special things that made you the best mother a son could have. Your Son, Daniel Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Szostak, Michael S. COHOES Michael S. Szostak, 22, of Cohoes, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, September 27, 2005. Born in Cohoes, he grew up in Latham and returned to Cohoes three years ago. Michael was a graduate of Shaker High School and had been employed for the last four years by the Albany County Office of General Services. Michael enjoyed motorcycling and was training for competitive boxing. He is the beloved son of Edward and Claudette Gagnon Szostak of Latham; devoted brother of Nadine (Sean) Mortimer of Revere, Mass. and Christopher Szostak of Cohoes; uncle of Alyssa and Brennan Mortimer; loving grandson of Blanche Brennan Szostak of Latham and the late Edward J. Szostak and the late George and Jeannette Favreau Gagnon; also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral from the McNulty Funeral Home, 147 Hudson Avenue, Green Island on Friday at 10:45 a.m. thence to Holy Trinity Church on Vliet Boulevard in Cohoes, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterford. Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/29/2005 - 9/30/2005. Weir, Jean ALBANY Jean Weir, 86, entered into eternal rest on September 28, 2005 at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Catskill, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late John J. and Alice Fredenburg Patterson, sister of the late Virginia Van Deusen. Mrs. Weir was preceded by her husband, James Weir and Edward S. Walsh. Jean is survived by her children, Judith Foley (late Edward) of Guilderland, Diane Busick (James) of Delmar, Susan Bogdanowicz (Joseph) of Holiday, Fla. and Edward Walsh (Deborah) of Albany. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all the staff members of the Good Samaritan Home for their loving care that was given to Jean all these years. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to remember Jean in a special way may make a contribution to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Wigand, Ken (Memoriam) WIGAND To my husband Ken, who passed away two years ago today. My heart still aches in sadness, and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. Love, Pat Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005. Woehrmann, Harry M. ALBANY Harry M. Woehrmann, 84, of Albany, died Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Ferdinand and Julia Leonard Woehrmann. He attended Albany Public Schools. Mr. Woehrmann worked as a transport driver for Interstate Brands, Millbrook Bread Division for 21 years, retiring in 1984. Upon retiring, he worked for the City of Albany for several years as an equipment operator #1. Mr. Woehrmann was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the Pacific Theatre, and a member of the American Legion Post 1040 Nathaniel Blanchard, Delmar. He is husband of the late Anna Brieger Woehrmann; father of Joseph A. Woehrmann and his wife Diane Elaine of Westmere and James H. Woehrmann and his wife Mary of Glenmont; brother of Ferdinand Woehrmann of Clifton Park and the late Julia Blair, William Woehrmann and Lucille Woehrmann; grandfather of Corey and Stacey Tymchyn, Elaine and Anne Woehrmann. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/29/2005 - 9/30/2005. Wrobel, Walter J. WATERVLIET Walter J. Wrobel, 82, of 23rd Street, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, September 28, 2005 at his home. Born in Cohoes on June 19, 1923, he was the son of the late Frank and Dorothy Cuynar Wrobel. Mr. Wrobel graduated from Cohoes High School where he played varsity baseball from 1941-42. He was a US Army veteran of World War II, serving in Germany, France and Switzerland. He was employed for over 25 years by the Watervliet Arsenal as an assembler. He was also an auto mechanic, working for various garages and dealerships in the Albany area. In his retirement, he enjoyed working in his garage on neighbor's cars and enjoyed puttering around his home and gardening. He loved sports and was an avid Boston Red Sox baseball fan and enjoyed the game of hockey. He is the beloved husband of 55 years of Cecilia M. Zyglewicz Wrobel; devoted father and father-in-law of Walter S. Wrobel and his wife Ruth of South Bethlehem and Dorothy Styno and her husband Allen of Latham; grandfather of Chrysta and Gregory Brooks; brother of Helen Anderson, Wanda Peak, Bertha Malinowski, Jenny Detomassi, Stella Peabody and the late Stasia Pobram, Ann, Joseph, George and Edmund Wrobel; also survived by several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet and at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Watervliet where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment, Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Friday 4-7 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Resurrection, 35 Boltwood Avenue, Castleton, NY 12033. Guest book at: www.ParkerBrosMemorial.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/30/2005.