OBITS: Post-Star 7 Feb 2005; Glen Falls, Warren co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives *********************************************************************** 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 Blair, Wayne Thomas P. QUEENSBURY -- Wayne Thomas P. Blair, 54, of Queensbury and Chico, Calif., passed away unexpectedly, at Glens Falls Hospital on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, due to complications from a stroke. Born in Glens Falls on May 31, 1950, Wayne was the son of the late Samuel T. and Dorothy M. (Smith) Blair of Lake George. After graduating from Lake George High School, Class of 1969, Wayne held various jobs in the area until he moved to California in 1973. After moving to California, he worked for the U.S. National Forest Service as a firefighter. This was perhaps his favorite job while in California, since he loved being outdoors and being with people. While working as a firefighter for the forest service he married Leisa Root in the national forest of California. He also worked for several California cable companies, the most recent one being Pacific Bell. He was a cable installer with the cable company and a lineman with PAC Bell. While in California, Wayne enjoyed the weather, boating, swimming, and just being outside. He made numerous friends with whom he spent much of his time. His outlook on life was to not take life too seriously and this was evident in his wonderful disposition of being a son, brother, uncle and friend. His humor was his trademark. He made a big impression on everyone's life he touched. In November 2004, Wayne moved to Queensbury to live with his sister, Colleen, due to his illness. Besides his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his sister, Sandy Albarran and his brother-in-law, Brad Flewelling. Survivors include his former wife and still good friend, Leisa of Paradise, Calif.; three sisters, Colleen P. (Blair) Flewelling of Queensbury, Donna M. Blair of Sanford, Maine, and Darlene "Dolly" (Blair) Robinson of Warrensburg; many nieces and nephews, Deanna "Dee Dee" DeCeasar and Joseph Albarran of Florida, Colleen Pamela Regner of South Glens Falls and Bradford Keith Flewelling of Florida, Terry Hobbs Jr. of Glens Falls, Thomas Hobbs of New Hampshire, Timothy Hobbs of Maine and David DiGiovanni and Michelle Robinson of Warrensburg and several great-nieces and great nephews. He is also survived by his childhood and longtime friend, Alex "Oddy" Parrott with whom Wayne shared many fun experiences and interesting travels over the years. Wayne's other close friends include, Jay Earl, Brian Higgins, his teenage sweetheart and still good friend Susan (Ross) Siegal, and many friends in Chico, Calif., including Joelle and Mike Nelson and their son, Keifer, and Jeff and Debbie Nelson and Suzanne Miller an d grandson Kaya and many others. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005, at Stafford Funeral Home, Inc., 90 Montcalm St., Lake George. Services and Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family has suggested that contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 6 Warren St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Published in the Post-Star on 2/7/2005. DelSignore, Elizabeth "Peppi" Glens Falls -- Elizabeth ("Peppi") DelSignore, 81, of Glens Falls passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born on Aug. 7, 1923, in Helmond, Holland, she was the daughter of the late Adreanus and Godefrieda (Hagelar) van de Kerkhof. During World War II, Elizabeth and John DelSignore met in Germany, fell in love, and married on Aug. 28, 1946. Upon John's discharge from the Army, they moved to Glens Falls and started their family. "Peppi" enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Her joy came from being with her husband, John, of 59 years and her seven children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, John, who passed away March 26, 2004. She is survived by seven children: Andrea DelSignore of Fort Edward; Elizabeth Terranova and her husband, Vito, of Glens Falls; Catherine DelSignore of Queensbury; John DelSignore Jr. and his wife, Wendy, of South Glens Falls; Ann Marie Green and her husband, Robert, of Queensbury; Herman DelSignore and his wife, Vicki, of Glens Falls; and Anthony DelSignore and his wife, Michelle, of South Glens Falls; eight grandchildren, James Shortsleeves and Jessica Green; Kegan and Taylor DelSignore; Anthony DelSignore; and Alexis, Brad, and Cooper DelSignore; two great-grandchildren: Kylee Mae and Aydan James Shortsleeves; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls. Friends may call today, Monday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Singleton-Healy Funeral Home, Bay Road, Queensbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at St. Mary's Church with Father Joe Xavier presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in South Glens Falls with Elizabeth's seven children acting as pallbearers. The family wishes to thank the staff at Westmount Health Facility and also would like to express to the doctors and nurses on 4 Central their thanks for the wonderful care Elizabeth received. The family suggests donations be made in Elizabeth's name to the Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY12205-5512 or the American Heart Association, Northeastern Area, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY12205-3890. "Mom, we love you, and we will miss you!" Published in the Post-Star from 2/6/2005 - 2/7/2005. Harris, Richard H. "Dick" Gansevoort -- Richard "Dick" H. Harris, of Pulver Boulevard, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. at Saratoga Hospital. He was 70. Born on Nov. 30, 1934, in Rochester, N.Y., he was a son of the late Henry R. and Teresa M. (McGraw) Harris. He was a 1952 graduate of Reading Central Catholic in Reading, Pa., and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University where he was also a member of the varsity swim team. Dick served his country in the U.S. Army during the Cold War and worked for 38 years for the State Farm Insurance Company, retiring in 1997 as Underwriting Supervisor. He was a third-degree member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus in Saratoga Springs and was current Faithful Captain of Saratoga Assembly 0746 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the assembly's Color Corps. He was a former member and Past Grand Knight of Council 3801 Knights of Columbus in Pompton Lakes, N.J. An active member of the Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs, he was head of the St. Peter's Players, currently served on the Administrative committee and was a former member of the pastoral council. Dick was also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and was active on many builds. He enjoyed woodworking and made several pieces of furniture for his daughters' homes. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Robert Harris. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betty M. (Shanley) Harris of Gansevoort; three daughters, Michaela Harris of Hawthorne, N.J., Jean Harris of Philadelphia, Pa. and Eileen Harris and her partner, K. Richardson also of Philadelphia, Pa.; his grandson, Patrick Bowling of Hawthorne, N.J.; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005, in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, by the Rev. Robert J. LeFevre, pastor. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the K of C home at Washington Street and Pine Road. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373 or burkefuneralhome.com). Third and Fourth degree members of the Knights of Columbus will meet at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for their services. Memorial donations may be made to Glens Falls Area Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 4206, Queensbury, NY 12804 or to the Youth Group at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Published in the Post-Star on 2/7/2005. Owens, Michael F. NORTH CREEK -- Michael F. Owens, 51, of 4189 state Route 28, passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. A full obituary will appear in Tuesday's edition of The Post-Star. Arrangements are pending under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home Inc. of North River. Published in the Post-Star on 2/7/2005. Riccio, Robert P. "Bobby" Queensbury -- Robert P. "Bobby" Riccio, 44, of Queensbury, passed away Saturday, Feb, 5, 2005, at his home following a long illness. Born Nov. 30, 1960, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Frank C. and Adeline (Fritz) Riccio. Robert was a graduate of Queensbury High School, Class of 1978. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Robert continued to carry on the family business, Tri-County Janitorial in Queensbury, after his father passed away in 1992. He took great pride in continuing this tradition. He was an avid fisherman, and he loved golfing and teaching others how to play. He was a person who met you once and to whom you were forever considered a friend. He had a huge effect on people, touching their lives in many ways. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Kevin Riccio, who passed away in 1997. Survivors include his wife of two years, Karen Riccio of Queensbury; two daughters, Sara and Hanna Riccio, both of Queensbury; his sisters, Susan A. Emanatian and her husband, Vance, of Middle Grove, and Diane Kruger and her husband, Joe, of Rochester; his brother, Frank C. Riccio and his wife, Phyllis, of Queensbury; 11 nieces and nephews, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends; his mother-in-law, Fran Meyer of Michigan; stepdaughters Annelise Buchanan and her husband, Ben, of Florida, and Melissa Culver of Michigan. Funeral services will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005, at Sullivan-Minahan & Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 8, at the funeral home. Private burial will be held for the family. The family suggests memorials take the form of donations to a trust fund for Sara and Hanna Riccio c/o Bette Lewis, Glens Falls National Bank, Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or Bay Ridge Rescue Squad, 1109 Ridge Road, Queensbury, NY 12804. Published in the Post-Star on 2/7/2005. Sgorrano Sr., Peter L. Fort Edward -- Peter L. Sgorrano Sr., 87, formerly of Seminary Street, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at the Indian River Nursing Home, Granville. Born on Oct. 20, 1917, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Salvatore and Adolgisa (Aurelia) Sgorrano. Peter retired from the New York State Canal System. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, Fort Edward, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of the New York Army National Guard. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling and cards. Besides his parents, his wife, Amelia (D'Angelico) Sgorrano died Dec. 11, 1985, and two sisters, Rose Campinell and Julie Bettini also predeceased him. Survivors include his two sons, Peter L. Sgorrano Jr. and his companion, Kathy Winslow of Fort Edward, and Guy Sgorrano and his wife, JoAnn of Pawleys Island, S.C.; his sister, Marietta Cervini of Saratoga Springs; his grandchildren, Christine Sgorrano, John Sgorrano, Peter L. Sgorrano III and Todd Sgorrano; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at a time to be announced Thursday at St. Joseph Church, 164 Broadway, Fort Edward with the Rev. Joseph Xavier, pastor, officiating. The Rite of Committal will be in the spring in St. Joseph Cemetery, Fort Edward. Donations may be made in Pete's memory to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or to the charity of one's choice. Published in the Post-Star on 2/7/2005. Gift Shop Charities Waterman, Harold BURLINGTON -- Harold Waterman, 79, of 158 Pratt Road, Hartwick, died suddenly Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. Harold was born Aug. 4, 1925, and raised in Verona, N.J., the son of Herman and Emma Waterman. Following his 18th birthday in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific. As an automatic rifleman he saw action on Guam, the Marianas Islands, Okinawa, and the Ryukyu Islands. He was wounded in action on May 10, 1945, and was awarded the Purple Heart. Harold married Betty (Biel) on May 28, 1950, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Hoboken, N.J. Following the war, Harold quickly developed a reputation as a skilled and capable contractor and carpenter. As a self-employed contractor, he built many homes and other structures "from the ground up." Indeed, on the very day of his death, he had just completed building a brand new home on Pratt Road for Betty and himself. Never one to sit still, he was for nearly 20 years, a member of the Verona New Jersey Volunteer Fire Department and served as its chief from 1977 to 1978. He was also an active member of the Verona Volunteer Rescue Squad. Harold and Betty moved to Hartwick, N.Y., area in the early 1980s, where Harold enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling and gardening. Harold quickly became an accomplished gardener, (so much so that he built a small greenhouse so he could get a jump on the season) growing everything from vegetables to flowers. He particularly enjoyed canning the vegetables he grew. He also took great pleasure in growing ever larger pumpkins each year for his grandchildren. Another of his favorite pastimes was entertaining his grandchildren for hours on end with his large collection of Lionel Model trains. Harold is survived by Betty, his beloved wife of 54 years; their five children, Eileen B. Campbell and her husband, John of Hartwick, N.Y., Donna L. Gauss and her husband, Doug, of Lake Hiawatha, N.J., Lenny Waterman and his wife, Debbie, of Verona, N.J., Cheryl Tomasch and her husband, Mike, of Wayne, N.J. and Sharon L. Waterman and her friend, Patrick Fagan, of Hudson Falls; as well as by nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and seven nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his twin brother, Donald, of North Carolina. He was predeceased by his brother, Herman and his two sisters, Gertrude and Marion. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 10 Fairview Ave. in Verona, N.J. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who so desire make contributions in Harold's memory to the Verona Volunteer Fire Department, 880 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044 or to the Verona Volunteer Rescue Squad, 19 Church St., Verona, NJ 07044. Arrangements are by Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown and Milford, N.Y. Published in the Post-Star on 2/7/2005.