OBITS: Post-Star 9 Aug 2005; Glen Falls, Warren co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Post-Star http://www.post-star.com Bottiglieri, Pat QUEENSBURY -- Pat Bottiglieri, known and loved by many as "Patsy," passed away Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005. He was born Dec. 12, 1928, in Inwood on Long Island in New York. Pat was an exceptional athlete and an avid golfer. After graduation from Lawrence High School, he was recruited for the Brooklyn Dodgers farm team, Montreal, but had to relinquish that opportunity in order to take over as head of the family when his father became ill. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Pat went on to work backstage in Broadway theaters for 18 years until he was put in charge of sets for the soap opera "Another World." After he and his wife, Carol, returned from their monthlong honeymoon in Italy in 1985, a telegram was waiting offering him the position of set director on "The Bill Cosby Show." He spent six years there until his retirement. He was a member of IATSE, Stage Employees Local 4. After retirement he and Carol visited friends and relatives in Florida, Califorrnia, Colorado, Mexico, Scotland and Italy. In 1995, they moved to Queensbury, where Pat continued enjoying golf and exploring the North Country. Besides his wife, Carol, Pat is survived by his son Pat, his son, Tim and Tim's wife, Rose, and daughter, Alexandria, his daughter and husband, Noreen and James Ianiello and their children, Jeanette, Joseph and Dena, his stepson, John Buttolph and his sons, Ben and Zack; his stepdaughter, Karen Buttolph and her daughter, Jasmine, his stepdaughter, Kathryn Stine and her husband, Dave, and their son, Forest King. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Caroline Velocci and her husband, Wally, Mary Sinish, Annette Politano and her husband, Arthur, Lucy bottiglieri, Louis Bottiglieri and his wife, Terrie, Sonny Bottiglieri and his wife, Mercedes; and his brother-in-law, Stan Werner. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Regan and Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. Published in the Post-Star from 8/8/2005 - 8/9/2005. D'Avignon, John Joseph ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- SGM (Ret., U.S. Army) John Joseph D'Avignon, passed away Friday, Aug. 5, 2005, at Capital Hospice, Halquist Memorial Center, Arlington, Va. Mr. D'Avignon, son of Herbert J. and Marguerite G. Potvin D'Avignon, was born in Tupper Lake on Nov. 17, 1932. He attended Tupper Lake High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately following his graduation in June 1950. His military service included tours in Kaiserslautern, Germany; Okinawa, Japan; Shemeya, Alaska; Asmara, Ethiopia; Stuttgart, Germany; Vicenza, Italy; Fort Devens, Mass.; Thailand, and Vietnam. John D'Avignon retired from the Army in June 1981 after 30 years of service. In addition to his military service, John retired from TRW in Fair Lakes, Va., and the Army Air Force Exchange Service at Ft. Belvoir, Va. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from University of Maryland in 1991. At the time of his death, John had been a resident of Fairfax County for over 25 years. John D'Avignon married Helen V. Cassavaugh on June 8, 1957, at St. Bernard's Church in Saranac Lake. John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen V. D'Avignon; two brothers, Herbert P. D'Avignon of Queensbury and Gerald J. D'Avignon of Indian Lake; one sister, Sara Sovay of Cameron, N.C.; as well as four sons: James and his wife, Nelinda, and their son, Kyle, of Stafford, Va.; Johnnie and his wife, Connie, an their sons, Christopher, and Benjamin, of Dry Ridge, Ky.; Jeffrey and his wife, Shannon, and their children, Nicholas, and Carly Anne, of Lake Ridge Va.; and Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth, of Woodbridge, Va. The family will receive visitors at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, Va., from 2 to 4 p.m and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Belvoir Chapel at Fort Belvoir, Va at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11. Burial will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, Quantico, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Capital Hospice, Halquist Memorial Center, 4715 North 15th St., Arlington, VA 22205 (703) 525-7070. Published in the Post-Star on 8/9/2005. Hawkins, William G. GANSEVOORT -- William G. Hawkins, 85, of Gansevoort, passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005, at his home following a long illness. Born on Nov. 8, 1919, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late William and Susan (Howe) Hawkins. He married Nancy (Westcott) Yakush on June 16, 1992, at their home in Gansevoort. Mr. Hawkins worked for Bigsbee Motors for 20 years and then for Trice-Juron for a few years. He also worked part time for Ronnie Seifert Auctions for many years. He enjoyed working with wood, reading and spending time with his family and friends. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Russell) Hawkins; and by two brothers, "Chip" Hawkins and an infant brother. Survivors besides his wife of 13 years include one daughter, Patricia Hawkins-Anderson of New Paltz; three "sons," Michael Yakush and his wife, Christine, of South Glens Falls, Robert Yakush and his wife, Nancy, of Greenfield Center, and Daniel Yakush and his wife, Carrie, of Queensbury; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at North Milton Cemetery, Route 29, Milton, with the Rev. Robert Ellsworth, chaplain of the Community Hospice of Saratoga, officiating. At Bill's request, there will be no calling hours. His words were, "Let everyone just go on with their lives." The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations go to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of Densmore Funeral Home, Inc., 7 Sherman Ave., Corinth. Published in the Post-Star on 8/9/2005. Hunt, Roy Edward QUEENSBURY -- Roy Edward Hunt, 86, of Surrey Field Drive, Queensbury, died at Westmount Nursing Facility on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005, after a long illness. Roy was the son of the late Mary Richards Culver Hunt and the late Roy Hunt of Chapel Hill, N.C. Mary grew up in Hudson Falls, the niece of Eber and Mary Richards of River Road, Hudson Falls. Roy was born in New York City, Sept. 4, 1918. He lived in Rutherford, N.J., for most of his young life, was graduated from Rutherford High School at the age of 16 as salutatorian, having endured a bout of polio for one and a half years. He attended the Irving School for Boys in Tarrytown, N.Y., for one year and finished in 1935. Roy was graduated from Brown University, Summa Cum Laude in chemistry, in 1940. He continued his education at the University of Rochester, receiving his PhD in Physical Chemistry in May 1947. His studies were interrupted during the war when he worked at the Allegheny Ballistics Lab, doing research on rockets and flamethrowers. Roy married Jeanette Riley on June 21, 1947, in Binghamton. In 1947, Roy joined the General Electric Co. in Schenectady, in technical personnel, where he directed company-wide recruitment and placement of advanced degree personnel. In 1960, he was recruited by Booz Allen & Hamilton, and worked in the executive search division where he served for 20 years. This was followed by four years with Spencer Stuart, doing executive search, ending with his retirement as vice president in the New York office in 1984. His greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, family and close friends and being at their summer home in Pilot Knob, Lake George. Roy was an avid skier and sailor who shared his love of these sports with his family. He loved music. He played the trumpet, violin and piano and sang bass in the church choir for 40 years. While living in Armonk, N.Y. (1960-1990), he was an active member of the Armonk Methodist Church. He and Jeanette taught Sunday school. Roy was secretary of the board of trustees for 13 years and chairman of the Education Department for two years. Roy was active in Boy Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, which led to a life-long love of nature - particularly the study of birds and wild flowers. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, Barbee, and his younger sister, Virginia. Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; his four children: William Hunt of Clifton Park, Deborah Senft of Bedford, N.Y., David Hunt of Seattle, Wash., and Donald Hunt of Rutland, Vt. Roy is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Harrisena Community Church, Ridge Road, Queensbury, with the Rev. Lamont Robinson, pastor, officiating. Donations in Roy's honor may be made to the Harrisena Community Church, Ridge Road, Queensbury, NY 12804 or the Pilot Knob Fire Department, Pilot Knob Road, Kattskill Bay, NY 12844. Arrangements are under the direction of Sullivan-Minahan & Potter Funeal Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. Published in the Post-Star on 8/9/2005. Keene, George O. Thurman -- George O. Keene, 91, died on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a long illness. He was born on June 22, 1914. in Cohasset, Mass., and in his youth lived in nine states throughout the Northeast. He was the son of Perley C. and Florence (Cook) Keene. He was raised by his mother during the Depression, living on farms and lumber camps and working at many different trades from the age of 7, including the tobacco fields of Connecticut, the coal mines of Pennsylvania and stone quarries of New England. He settled in Warren County in the 1930s. He served in the U.S. Army from February 1942 to October 1945, attaining the rank of staff sergeant in the Army Corps of Engineers, serving in Normandy and throughout the European campaign. He was awarded several service medals. While stationed in England, he met his future wife, Barbara Blackburn. They were married on July 5, 1947, in Gloucester, England. They resided in Warrensburg and then moved to their present home in Thurman in 1956. They were married for 58 years and raised six children. George was a hard worker known for his skills as a master carpenter and the strength and integrity of his construction. For example, during the 1930s he rebuilt over 100 chimneys in Warrensburg following an earthquake. There are many homes and businesses in the area that he designed and built from the ground up. In spite of only having a formal education through the eighth grade, he studied civil engineering under the GI Bill. He was active in his community, serving as Thurman Town Justice for over 27 years, a member of the Thurman Town Board and a member of the Warrensburg School Board form 1963 to 1967. He was an active member in the Thurman Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years, serving as secretary, treasurer and president, and was one of the founding members. Over the years, he was well-known as a country-style fiddle and guitar player and a caller for square dances. In the 1930s, he was the founder of the original Lonesome Valley Ramblers band that played for radio and at the 1939 World's Fair in New York City. He loved league bowling, boating, hunting and fishing, as well as lovingly caring for his home and garden and doing projects in his barn workshop. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert D. Keene, and his sister, Dorothy Bruno. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Keene; their children, Sally Holmes and her husband, Peter, of Bourne, Mass., Frances Rooks and her husband, Terry, of Prattsburgh, John Keene and his wife, Jocelyn, of Saratoga Springs, Karen Putney and her husband, Raymond, and Lenora Merkle and her husband, Marc, both of Lake Luzerne, and Paul Keene and his wife, Susan, of Moreau; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Valerie and John Goldsmith of England; and several nieces, nephews and cousins in the United States, England and Australia. Honoring George's wishes there will be no calling hours. Private burial will take place at Reynolds Cemetery, Thurman. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thurman Volunteer Fire Co., Athol, NY 12810 or Thurman EMS, Athol, NY 12810. The family wishes to thank Dr. Dan Way and the staff of the North Creek Health Center for their many years of dedicated care. Also, in the past three weeks, the staff of Adirondack Tri-County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kind and skilled car. A special thank you to everyone who has helped George and his family in so many ways over the years. Arrangements are with Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, Warrensburg. Logo Published in the Post-Star from 8/8/2005 - 8/9/2005. Richmond, Jean F. SOUTH GLENS FALLS -- Jean F. Richmond, 78, died on Monday, Aug. 8, 2005, at Eden Park Nursing Home, Glens Falls. Jean was born on March 30, 1927, in Lenox, Mass., the daughter of Harold and Lucy (Gilmore) Felton. She graduated from Lenox High School and went on to the University of Massachusetts, graduating in the Class of 1948. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Epsilon Sorority. Jean worked as a teacher's aide for the South Glens Falls school system for many years. Predeceased by her parents, she is survived by her husband, George Richmond, of 54 years, and a son, Scott, of South Glens Falls, a nephew and three nieces. At Jean's request, there will be no calling hours. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in the Richmond family plot at Fairmont Cemetery in Lee, Mass. Donations in Jean's memory may be made to the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center, 12 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801 or the Moreau Emergency Squad, 1583 Route 9, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Arrangements are under the direction of M. B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St., South Glens Falls, NY 12803 (www.kilmers.com). Published in the Post-Star on 8/9/2005. St. John, Sylvia M. HARTFORD -- Sylvia M. St. John, 62, of county Route 23, passed away Friday, Aug. 5, surrounded by her daughters, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a long illness. Born on Aug. 17, 1942, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Margaret (Phelps) Phillips Sr. Sylvia enjoyed gardening, fishing, antiquing, country music, dancing and the outdoors. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by three brothers, Ernest "Putt" Phillips Jr., Charles Phillips and Earl Phillips Sr. Survivors besides her husband of 45 years, Raymond Victor St. John, include three daughters: Sandra M. Hayes and her husband, Kenneth R. Hayes, of Fort Edward, Linda M. St. John and her, fiance, David A. Gibbs, of Hartford, and Jennifer L. St. John and her companion, Scott C. Wood, of Queensbury; five grandchildren: Stephanie M. Thompson, Eric J. Thompson Jr., Becky L. Jennings, Lisa M. Twiss and Amanda C. Neron; four brothers: Edward Phillips and his wife, Glenda, of Fort Edward, Dennis Phillips and his wife, Naomi, of Fort Edward, Jerry Phillips and his companion, Lois, of Hudson Falls, and Robert Phillips and his wife, Mary, of Fort Edward; five sisters: Margaret Rawlins of West Glens Falls, Pat Reed of Glens Falls, Priscilla Passino of Richford, Vt., Betty Coty of Richford, Vt., and Mert Phillips and her companion, Bud Hammond, of Fort Edward; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, with pastor Joshua Miller of New Life Baptist Church in Hudson Falls, officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward. The family suggests memorial donations be sent to the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Published in the Post-Star from 8/7/2005 - 8/9/2005.