OBITS: Post-Star 12 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 Adams, Mary Rich QUEENSBURY -- Mary Rich Adams passed away among family and friends in her home in Queensbury, at 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005. Born on May 13, 1927, in Stephenville, Texas, she was the daughter of Lucian and Erma (Munson) Rich. Beginning as a journalist and an advocate for civil rights and improved conditions for workers in Texas, Mary was always a champion of worthy causes in housing and human services, in economic development, and in the arts. In New York City, Mary was the first female real estate developer ever awarded a contract by the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation to build housing for moderate-income families. She was president of a 26-person real estate company on 42nd Street, with an office in Taiwan, and was elected to the Board of Governors of the National Realty Club. Moving to Glens Falls with her husband in 1990, Mary opened a real estate agency; and her firm built 62 affordable homes in Queensbury and Warrensburg. In 1993, the firm was ranked No. 21 in the Top 25 Residential Homebuilders in the Capital District. Mary was perhaps best known as co-owner of TV8 and the anchor of Community Scene, a long-running daily talk show. Over a five-year period, she hosted more than 3,000 guests and presented the causes, achievements, and challenges of most of the major nonprofits in the area. She was always a ready anchor or guest on the 16 telethons and the many benefit auctions aired by TV8. Mary was chair of the Salvation Army's capital campaign and served for several years on the Government Committee of the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce. She sat on many other boards and committees and put in countless hours in numerous community development activities. In 2001, she was selected Citizen of the Year by the Glens Falls Rotary Club. Ever a lover of music and the arts, Mary served as a vice president of the Lake George Opera Festival. She played French horn in the Adirondack Community College Symphonic Band and sang in the ACC chorus for many years. One of her greatest joys, however, was to chair the board of the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council and to lead the capital campaign required to move LARAC into a new gallery on Lapham Place in Glens Falls. Besides being an avid bridge player and gardener par excellence, Mary was a sports enthusiast, too. Much of the success of the Greenjackets semi-pro football team and the Golden Eagles collegiate baseball team resulted from her commitment, enthusiasm, and financial support. Mary is survived by her husband, Charles Adams, and by her children: Lucy Wilson, a psychologist in Tucson, Ariz., Claire James, a teacher in Rome, N.Y., Mark Wilson, an attorney/businessman in Austin, Texas, Christopher Rich, a television actor in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and John Wilson III, a computer consultant in New York City. A gathering will be held in Mary's memory on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 1:30 p.m., in the LARAC art gallery, 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls, NY. The public is invited. Contributions in her memory may be directed to the LARAC Capital Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Brewer Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Church St., Lake Luzerne. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Baker, Edith C. "Edie" THURMAN -- Edith C. "Edie" Baker, 84, of Garnet Lake Road, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at her home. Born July 24, 1921, in Chatham, she was the daughter of the late George and Ethel (Bruce) Fox. Edie resided in Chatham until the age of 17. She married Robert T. Baker Sr. on Nov. 12, 1938, and the couple lived and raised their family in Thurman. Edie was an active partner with her husband in his log buying business. She was also very active in Thurman community affairs and enjoyed attending the Kenyontown Methodist Church and the Thurman Baptist Church. Her talents included homemade rag rugs, blankets, quilts and canning jellies, pickles and her husband's famous shell beans. Her husband, Robert, passed away on Dec. 23, 2003, after 65 years of marriage. Her daughter, Jean Coonley, predeceased her on Oct. 10, 1985. Survivors include her seven children: Robert T. Baker Jr. and his wife, Susan, of Thurman, Richard Baker of Queensbury, Joan Proctor of Thurman, Shirley Russell and her husband, Bernard, of Bolton Landing, Ralph "Marty" Baker and his companion, Beverly, of Hudson Falls, Janice Bederian and her husband, Pete, of Warrensburg, and Eddie McCotter and her husband, Leon, of Bunnell, Fla.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces, nephews and cousins. Private family funeral services will be conducted on Monday at the Thurman Baptist Church, with pastor Bob Herrmann and pastor Dave Butler of the Kenyontown Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Reynolds Cemetery, Thurman. Edie's grandson will be pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thurman EMS, Athol, NY 12810. Arrangements are under the direction of Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, Warrensburg. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Baker, Frederick Donald SCHROON LAKE -- Frederick Donald Baker Ph.D, age 79, passed away early Monday evening, Aug. 8, 2005, at Saratoga Hospital after a brief illness. Born Feb. 27, 1926, in Bridgeport, Conn., he was the son of Frederick W. and Helen (McDonough) Baker. Dr. Baker was a graduate of Manchester High School in Manchester, Conn. He received his bachelor of science degree from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), in 1951. He earned his master's degree in 1953 while fulfilling a teaching fellowship at the University of Connecticut (Storrs, Conn). He received his doctorate from the University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kan.), in 1957. Dr. Baker majored in microbiology for all of his degrees. He held various teaching and research jobs in several states, finally settling near Albany, working as a senior research associate at the New York State Department of Health in Albany. He retired in 1990. After retiring, Dr. Baker continued to teach in the Albany public school system, and also in Schroon Lake, where he moved in 1997. He was involved with the Schroon Lake Senior Citizens, Schroon Lake Arts Council and the town of Schroon Lions Club. He was a van driver for the Veterans Administration, an active member of the Bi-centennial Committee and he enjoyed playing golf with his many friends. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Dr. Baker was a World War II veteran. He served in the U.S. Navy as a seaman first class aboard the USS Ticonderoga CV 14 aircraft carrier. Survivors include his dear friend, Paula Marczak of Cohoes; his brother, Earl Baker of Southampton, N.J.; his aunt, Terry Baker of Manchester, Conn.; his daughter, Victoria Baker of Sahuarita, Ariz.; his stepson, Bruce Hancock of Delmar; his grandson, Jameson Heptinstall of Delmar; his former wife, Cornelia Baker, of Mentor, Ohio; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Schroon Lake. Interment will follow at the Severance Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, 1019 Route 9, Schroon Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people wishing to do so make a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Heffernan, Wallace R. ALBANY and OLMSTEDVILLE -- Wallace R. Heffernan, 82, formerly of Thurlow Terrace in Albany, passed away early Monday morning, July 8, 2005, at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy after a brief illness. Born March 25, 1923, in Long Island/New York City, he was the son of the late Joseph and Gertrude Rothar Heffernan. His wife, Evelyn M. Heffernan, died March 10, 2004. Wallace and Evelyn were married in 1957, and lived in Olmstedville for five years, and in the Albany area from 1966 until they moved to Harrisonburg, Va., in 2003. He was employed at several private clubs as a caretaker, most recently at the Colonie Country Club. Wallace enjoyed spending time in the Adirondacks and with his family, especially his grandsons. He is survived by his daughter, Margot Heffernan and her husband, Dr. Nando Visvalingam, of Harrisonburg, Va.; his grandsons, Devan, Nealan and Mark Visvalingam of Harrisonburg, Va.; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Olmstedville, with the Rev. Richard Sturtz, pastor, officiating. Interment of Wallace's cremains will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Olmstedville. The family suggests memorials take the form of donations to the Minerva Rescue Squad, Minerva, NY 12851. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, Schroon Lake. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Lyons, James E. QUEENSBURY -- James E. Lyons, 76, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital. Born on March 4, 1929, in South Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Frank J. and Una (DeMarsh) Lyons. Jim was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the U. S. Navy on the USS Des Moines. He lived in the Washington, D.C. area and worked at the University of Maryland and also with Marriott Hotels. Jim moved to the Queensbury area to purchase his own bakery. He later became the baker at the Queensbury Hotel and then the chef. He also taught culinary skills at Paul Smith College in Saranac Lake and opened an in-house bakery at Comstock Correctional Facility. In addition to his love of baking, he was a member of Bay Meadows and was an avid golfer. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Seeley. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Dolores Lyons of Queensbury; his children: Candice Sigler of Washington, D.C., Dana Lyons and his wife, Lee-Ann, of Maryland, Donna Arick and her husband, Bill, of Maryland, Gail Messier of Washington D.C., Christine Reid and her husband, Rick, of Maryland, Charlotte Ingram of Maryland, and Colleen Pearsall and her husband, Wes, of Florida; 10 grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Mary Powers of Glens Falls, Ann Powers and her husband Joseph, of South Glens Falls, Jack Lyons of South Glens Falls, Ellen Nowacki and her husband, Tom, of Clifton Park and Lois Cardinale and her husband, Jim, of South Glens Falls; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 14, at Regan & Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury, with the Rev. Flossie Bates officiating. There will be a gathering, at a place to be announced, following the service. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a remembrance in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Published in the Post-Star from 8/12/2005 - 8/13/2005. Nitz, James Arthur GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- James Arthur Nitz went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, at the dawning of a new day. James triumphed in life, yet courageously lost his battle with cancer. Born March 11, 1937, in Troy, he was the son of Arthur and Ruth Nitz. Jim was an active member of the community, volunteering for various civic organizations. For 28 years, Jim was in the choir and a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, Palmyra, Pa. Until the time of retirement, Jim worked at Mellon Bank, also for 28 years. He was a Mason and a member of the Hershey Shrine Club. For five years before his illness, he and his wife were full-time RVers and traveled the back roads of America, discovering the beauty of this great country. Jim was a special person and one of a kind. He was a loving, dedicated husband, a wonderful father and the best grandpa a kid could ever have. James was dearly loved by all who knew him and will be remembered for his upbeat personality, his kindness, warmth and the respect he showed to all. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him and the many lives he touched throughout his life, forever leaving his footprints on our souls. Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Ruth Rudy Nitz of Lebanon, Pa., whom he met while attending the U.S. Naval Academy; their son, Keith and his wife, Karla, and grandchildren, Karis, Caroline, and James, his namesake, who live in Tennessee; and their daughter, Kim Nitz, and his twin grandsons, Sean and Liam, living in New Jersey. He is also survived by a sister, Lynda and her family, who reside in Lake George and his brother, Richard, and his family who live in Troy. The interment will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Fort Indian Town Gap in Annville, Pa. A public celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at the First United Methodist Church in Palmyra, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in James' name to Adirondack Camp Comfort (a special weekend retreat for children and teens touched by the death or serious illness of a parent or sibling), or Shannon's House (cancer patient and family housing). Adirondack Camp Comfort, c/o Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, 12 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801; or Shannon House, Attention: Kim McCormack, 76 Sewall Ave., Brookline, MA 02446 shannonshouse.org. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Quigley Jr., James A. BALLSTON LAKE -- James A. Quigley Jr., 84, of Ballston Lake, died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a long illness. He was born on July 24, 1921, in Troy, the son of the late Marian Cramer Quigley and James A. Quigley. He was a graduate of St. Joseph's School and Troy High School. Upon graduation, Jim was appointed to the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., where in 1942, he was commissioned as an officer in the Merchant Marines and assigned to the McCormack Shipping Lines. During World War II, Jim served as an officer in the United States Navy as a Naval engineer, earning five campaign ribbons. Following his service commitment, Jim returned to the Moore McCormack as a junior engineer and remained with the company until 1947. During that time, he held all positions up to and including chief engineer. In his last employment, he was in charge of a power plant services group for the state of New York, Department of Public Works, Division of Architecture and the Office of General Services. In 1966, Mr. Quigley earned his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in addition to his degree from the Merchant Marine Academy. During his lifetime of engineering, Jim lectured at many state agencies, colleges and universities on plant operations, air pollution, energy conservation and other related topics. In addition to Jim's many accomplishments, he was very instrumental in the construction of the large municipal power plant at Kissimmee, Fla., in 1978. Jim's best-known quote suffices to explain his success in his field of endeavors: " I had two ambitions: one, becoming an engineer and two, becoming a Naval officer. Kings Point made my dream come true on both counts." Because of his present and future contributions to the Merchant Marine Academy, Jim has been named as a member of the McNulty Society at the Academy. Jim's happiest times were spent aboard boats, particularly his beloved, Silverton Cabin Cruiser, "The Quigs Rig." In 1995, Jim was awarded a life membership in the American Society of Naval Engineers for 50 years of dedicated service. In 2002, Jim received the Distinguished Service Award from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He was also a member of the United States Naval Institute and the National Maritime Historical Society. He was an active member and supporter of the alumni activities at both the Merchant Marine Academy and RPI and an active member of the United States Power Squadron for many years. He was a member of the University Club since 1966; a member of the American Maritimes Officers Association as well as Military Officers Association of America. One of Jim's favorite memberships was the Seventy Plus Ski Club as well as the Albany Yacht club. He was a member of the Troy Lodge of Elks, BPOE No.141. The Elks were honored to have him as a member for more than 59 years. He was a communicant of Corpus Christi Church in Ushers. He is the beloved husband of Nora Eberhart Quigley and the late Grace Farnan Quigley, who passed away in 1974. He is the devoted brother of George Quigley (Paula) of Fayetteville, N.C., Rita Salem of California, Leona Quigley of New Mexico and the late John Quigley and Margaret Quigley; and the uncle of several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday at 8:15 a.m. from the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9 in Clifton Park, thence to Corpus Christi Church in Ushers where at 9 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Interment, with full military honors, will be at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Neurosciences Institute, Department of Neurology at AMCH, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Schuler, Rhett Carroll SCHROON LAKE -- Metropolitan Opera star Patrice Munsel and her husband, producer Robert C. Schuler, sadly announce the death of their son, Rhett Carroll Schuler, 50, who died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005, at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Mr. Schuler had a varied background. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., the Hotel and Restaurant Management School at Paul Smith College in Saranac Lake, as well as the SUNY Plattsburgh State University in Plattsburgh. After a 10-year stint in advertising in Manhattan, Mr. Schuler returned to Schroon Lake and worked as a ski instructor, later opening a successful restaurant in the Adirondacks area. After selling his restaurant, he returned to school and got his degree as a nutritionist. He also got his license in real estate and worked at the Adirondacks Realty Agency shortly before his illness. Always a gourmet cook, Mr. Schuler was writing a cookbook shortly before his death. Surviving him besides his parents are two sisters, Heidi Schuler Bright of Los Angeles and Nicole Schuler of Temecula, Calif.; a brother, Scott Schuler, of Port Kent, N.Y.; and two nephews, Stefan and Aleksander Kocev, also of California. A celebration of Rhett's life will take place in Schroon Lake at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patrice Munsel Scholarship Fund at Seagle Music Colony, Schroon Lake, NY 12870. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Scoville, Merritt E. "Mike" QUEENSBURY -- Merritt E. 'Mike' Scoville, 99, a resident of Queensbury, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at his home. He was born on Nov. 9, 1905, in Valparaiso, Nev., the son of Hubert and Myrtle (Guessford) Scoville. Mr. Scoville retired from General Electric Co. in Fort Edward following several years of service as an electrical engineer. He was a member of Christ Church United Methodist, Glens Falls. Mr. Scoville married the late Doris M. Mignery in June of 1931. Survivors include his two sons, Wayne W. Scoville and his wife, Gail, of Tupelo, Miss., and Roger D. Scoville and his wife, Krista, of Chestnut Hill, Mass. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Tracy Howell, Jeffery Scoville, Curtis Scoville, C. Dana Pease, Peter M. Scoville, and Julia C. Barber; and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Christ Church United Methodist, 54 Bay St., Glens Falls. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at Pine View Cemetery. There are no calling hours scheduled. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a remembrance in his name to the Adirondack Community College Foundation, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804 or to Christ Church United Methodist, 54 Bay St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Arrangements are under the direction of Regan & Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. Published in the Post-Star from 8/12/2005 - 8/13/2005. Tennyson, Harold E. CHESTERTOWN -- Harold E. Tennyson, 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005, at Adirondack Tri County Health Care Center in North Creek after a long illness. Born Sept. 22, 1918, in Chestertown, he was the son of the late Clarence E. and Effie (Moffitt) Tennyson. Mr. Tennyson was raised and educated in Long Lake by his aunt, the late Mary Tennyson Lambert. Harold was a retired greenskeeper at Green Mansions Golf Course. After he retired he worked with the Green Thumb Program and Department of Encon in Warrensburg. His memberships included St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where for many years he made the Christmas wreaths, and the Chestertown Conservation Club. Harold will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Besides his parents and aunt, he is predeceased by two brothers, Francis Tennyson and John Tennyson; and two half brothers, James Moffitt and Harvey Moffitt. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rosanna Drake Tennyson, of Chestertown, whom he married on June 26, 1948; two sons, Gerard E. Tennyson of Chestertown and Edward H. Tennyson of Pottersville; two daughters, Christine T. Pratt and her husband, Anson Sr., of Olmstedville, and Geraldine M. Robinson of North Creek; one brother, Bradley Tennyson of Chestertown; one half sister, Marjorie Springer of Brant Lake; six grandchildren: Sam Tennyson and Anson Pratt Jr. of Olmstedville, Julie Baker of Minerva, Michelle Robinson of North Creek, Joshua Tennyson and Daniel Tennyson of Pottersville; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, 9 Pine St., Chestertown, with the Rev. George Fleming officiating. Interment will be at the Darrowsville Cemetery, Chestertown. Relatives and friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday prior to the services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Adirondack Tri County Health Care Center, 500 Ski Bowl Road, North Creek, NY 12853. The family would like to thank the nurses and the staff of the nursing home for their care and compassion during Harold's stay. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005. Weidman, Wayne A. MINOT, N.D. -- Wayne A. Weidman, 53, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2005, at Minot Hospital. Wayne was born on Jan. 26, 1952, in Saratoga Springs, the son of Wayne H. and Marilyn R. (Blair) Weidman. He was raised and educated in Greenwich and Schuylerville. He graduated from Schuylerville High School in 1971. Wayne enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in April of 1974. He was then stationed at the Minot Air Force Base, where he was honorably discharged on Feb. 14, 1978. He loved motorcycles. He was the owner of a Heritage Softtail, and a member of the Haley Owners Group (HOG), and the Christian Motorcycle Association, both of Minot. Wayne enjoyed fishing and hunting as well. Survivors include his wife, June Weidman of Minot, N.D.; four children: Tessa Vacek and her husband, Aaron, of Minnetonka, Minn., Wayne J. Weidman of Parshall, N.D., Shannon Weidman of Minot, N.D., and Kaska Weidman of Parshall, N.D.; his mother, Marilyn R. Weidman of Greenwich; two sisters, Pamela Charron and her husband, Larry, of Greenwich, and Christine Cooper of Schuylerville; two nieces, Stephanie Davis and her husband, Brian, of Greenwich, and Tiffany Charron of Greenwich; one nephew, Aaron Stinson of Schuylerville; and several aunts and uncles. His father, Wayne H. Weidman, died before him. There were no calling hours. The funeral took place on Thursday, Aug. 4, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot, N.D., under the direction of Thompson-Larson Funeral Home. Burial followed at Rosehill Memorial Park Cemetery of Minot, N.D. He was escorted to his burial by the motorcycle clubs he belonged to. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituary section at www.thompsonlarson.com. Published in the Post-Star on 8/12/2005.