OBITS: Post-Star 20 Jul 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 Dennis, Dr. Clarence Dr. Clarence Dennis, who performed the first open-heart surgery that included the use of a heart-lung machine, which he helped develop, died July 11 at Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, Minn. He was 96. On June 30, 1955, Dennis became the second doctor in the United States to perform successful open-heart surgery -- meaning the patient survived the surgery -- with the aid of a mechanical pump oxygenator, or heart-lung machine. His friend and colleague, Dr. John H. Gibbon Jr., had achieved success first in 1953 in Philadelphia. Dennis -- who operated with a heart-lung device he built in a machine shop -- had begun researching the concept in the late 1930s. From 1972 to 1974, Dennis headed a National Heart and Lung Institute program in Bethesda, Md., that focused on developing artificial hearts. Dennis invented and patented surgical instruments throughout his career, but his final patent, issued in 1999, was for a bread slicer, Zenilman said. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. Lanfear, Alexis Susan Latterell SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Alexis Susan Latterell Lanfear, infant daughter of Gina Latterell and Paul Lanfear, went into the arms of the Lord at birth on Sunday, July 17, 2005, at the Saratoga Hospital. Alexis was our little Angel and will always be loved and in our hearts. She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Raymond Lanfear; her maternal great- grandfather, William Simmons; her paternal great-grandmother, Madeline Eichler; and her paternal great-grandparents, Raymond and Beatrice Lanfear. In addition to her parents, Gina Latterell and Paul Lanfear, both of Saratoga Springs, other survivors include her maternal grandparents, Albert and Suzanne Latterell of Hudson Falls; her paternal grandmother, Susan Lanfear and her companion, Donald Atkins, of Schuylerville; her maternal great-grandmother, Sharon Simmons of Fort Edward; her maternal great-grandparents, Sylvia and Jesse Latterell of Fort Edward; her uncles, Daniel, Timothy and Scott Latterell, all of Hudson Falls and Joseph Lanfear and his wife, Kathy, of Saratoga Springs; her aunts, Melinda Nolan and her husband, David, of Florida, Brenda Bucholz of South Glens Falls and Kimberly Lanfear of Schuylerville; and several cousins. Private graveside services will be held at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward. Her family suggests memorials in the form of contributions to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. LeGrow, Helen Tracy MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Helen Tracy LeGrow, age 88, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Saturday, July 16, 2005, at her home after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Clyde and Ethel Tracy. Mrs. LeGrow was married to the late William J. LeGrow. She retired as the postmistress of the Sharon, Vt., post office. After her retirement she moved from Sharon, Vt., to Crossville, Tenn. Then she later moved to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was also preceded in death by her brother, A. Gordon Tracy, and a nephew, Thomas N. Tracy. Mrs. LeGrow is survived by her son, William T. LeGrow, and his wife, Rose, of Queensbury, N.Y.; her daughter, Joan L. Hyde of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; four grandchildren: Christopher LeGrow and his wife, Dawn, and Tracy LeGrow, all of Huntington, W.Va.; Michelle LeGrow Aubin and her husband, Brad, of Queensbury, N.Y.; Melissa Hyde Rigsby and her husband, Brett, of Murfreesboro; and nine great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sharon, Vt. Memorials in memory of Mrs. LeGrow may be made to Hospice of Murfreesboro, 726 S. Church St., Murfreesboro, TN. 37130 or the Sharon Congregational Church, Sharon, Vt. 05065. Woodfin Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements: (615)893-5151, www.woodfinchapel.com Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. McTiernan, Margaret Ann WARRENSBURG -- Margaret Ann McTiernan of Warrensburg, formerly of Scranton, Pa., died Monday, July 18, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the widow of Eugene J. McTiernan. Born in Scranton, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary Roach Baker. She was a graduate of Nativity High School in South Scranton. Margaret was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Scranton and St. Cecilia's Church, Warrensburg. Surviving are sons, Dr. Eugene McTiernan and wife, Doreen, of Queensbury, and Joseph and wife, Marie, of Clarks Summit, Pa.; four grandchildren: EJ, Kerry, Jana and Sean; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann McTiernan, who died in 1988; brothers, Kenneth and Joseph Baker. The funeral will be Friday, July 22, at 12:30 p.m. in the Vanston & James Funeral Home, corner of Ash Street and North Irving Avenue, Scranton with a Mass to be celebrated at 1 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church corner of Gibson Street and Taylor Avenue, Scranton, Pa. Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Cathedral Cemetery. The family would like to thank everyone at Glens Falls Hospital, High Peaks Hospice and Eden Park Health Care Center who cared for Margaret during her illness. The family also gives a very special thanks to her friends at Countryside Residence. Your dedication, friendship and kindness will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Cecilia's Building Fund 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. Pearson, Margaret M. DIAMOND POINT -- Margaret M. Pearson, 84, of Diamond Point Road, passed away peacefully Monday evening, July 18, 2005, at Countryside Adult Home, Warrensburg, with her loving daughter, Carol, by her side. Born March 22, 1921, in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Gertrude (MacPherson) Osberg. On June 5, 1948, Margaret married her childhood friend, George L. Pearson, at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church of South Ozone Park, N.Y., sharing two wonderful daughters and 36 loving years of marriage together until his untimely passing Aug., 29, 1984. Following graduation from John Adams High School in Ozone Park, N.Y., Margaret furthered her education in the business field and took employment at Dr. Safran's office working as an office manager and medical assistant for nearly 25 dedicated years until her retirement in 1984. She and her husband then moved to the Diamond Point area to enjoy her retirement where she has spent many summers, including Trout Lake area, since 1958. Beyond being a very dedicated wife and mother, Margaret was also very dedicated to her church throughout her life, staying extremely involved in all aspects of the Episcopal ministries, serving in many capacities, one being on the Vestry at Saint Sacrament for many years. She was also very active serving her community by volunteering with several senior citizen groups throughout Warren County, and at the Glens Falls Hospital Guild, especially in pastoral care and breast screening programs. She spent her whole life serving others, with no regrets. Being so well loved, those who knew her will feel the void of her absence greatly, but she will forever remain in their hearts. Besides her parents, and loving husband, one daughter, Christine Pearson Kavanagh, who passed away June 8, 2002, two sisters, Ruth Poirier and Gloria Himpler, and one brother, Thomas Osberg, all predeceased her. Survivors include one daughter, Carol A. Tanner and her husband, Terry, of Diamond Point; two grandsons, Zachary Tanner, also of Diamond Point, and Thomas Michael Kavanagh and his wife, Roseanne, of East Islip, N.Y.; two great-grandchildren, Bridget and Sarah Kavanagh, also of East Islip; one son-in-law, Thomas Kavanagh of Lynbrook, Long Island; one brother-in-law, Phil Himpler of West Babylon; several nieces, nephews, her entire family at Saint Sacrament Episcopal Church; and many dear friends. A Requiem Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 21, at Church of Saint Sacrament Episcopal, Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, with the Rev. Jim Loughren, pastor, officiating. Graveside services will immediately following at Bolton Rural Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a gathering following the services at Saint Sacrament Parish Hall, in celebration of Margaret's life. In lieu of flowers, donations, in loving memory of Margaret, may be made to Church of Saint Sacrament Episcopal, Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY, 12814. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Countryside Adult Home in Warrensburg, with special mention of Wendy, for all their care and comfort provided to Margaret in her final months. Arrangements are under the direction of Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury. Published in the Post-Star from 7/20/2005 - 7/21/2005. Ritorto, Janis Skog QUEENSBURY -- Janis Skog Ritorto, 55, of Dorset Place, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2005, in Long Beach, N.Y., at her summer home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Janis was born on Dec. 16, 1949, in Hackensack, N.J., the daughter of Marjorie (Griffith) Skog of Oradell, N.J., and the late Carl A. Skog. She was a 1968 graduate of Riverdell High School in Oradell, N.J., and a 1972 graduate of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. On July 8, 1973, Janis married Vincent Ritorto in the First Congregational Church in River Edge, N.J. She was a senior teaching associate at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs for the past 21 years, and was also the school's chemical hygiene officer. Janis gave much of her time as a cookie chairman for the Girl Scouts and committee chairman of Troop 16 Boy Scouts, both of Queensbury. Her enjoyments included watching hummingbirds, flower gardening, cooking, dining out and spending time at their summer home in Long Beach. She was the beloved wife of Vincent Ritorto of Queensbury; devoted mother to Michelle Ritorto of Atlanta, Ga., and Mark Ritorto of Queensbury; dear sister to Alan Skog of Haworth, N.J., and Donald Skog and his wife, Beryl, of Cresskill, N.J.; aunt to her two nieces, Elizabeth Lipper and her husband, Matt, and Kirsten Skog, all of New York City; and aunt to her two nephews, Alex Skog and Nicholas Skog, both of Cresskill, N.J. A Celebration of Life and sharing of memories will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls. Janis' family suggests memorials in the form of contributions to the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. Rivers Jr., Harry Joseph South Glens Falls -- Harry Joseph Rivers Jr., 40, of Washington Road, died Monday, July 18, 2005, in the arms of his loving wife at Glens Falls Hospital after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born Dec. 31, 1964, in Glens Falls, he is the son of Harry J. Rivers Sr. and Adeline (Darling) Rivers. Harry was a 1983 graduate of South Glens Falls High School. He also earned a degree in machining at Saratoga BOCES. Harry was a building contractor, and co-owned and operated L&H Construction along with his cousin. On July 18, 1987, Harry married his high school sweetheart, Sherry (Labshere) Rivers, from Hudson Falls. Together, he and Sherry started their beautiful family, with their son, Ryan, and daughter, Justine. Harry was predeceased by his grandparents, Cornelius and Ruth Lynch and Richard and Rose Rivers. Survivors include his loving parents, Addie and Harry Rivers Sr. of South Glens Falls; his devoted wife, Sherry; their two beautiful children, Ryan and Justine Rivers; a foster brother, Jeff Butterfield and his children, Jeffery and Emily, of Hudson Falls; a foster sister, Kelly Butterfield of Warrensburg; his lifelong best friend, Greg Beecher of South Glens Falls; his mother- and father-in-law, Robert and Sandra Bigelow, of Hudson Falls; many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins; and many beautiful, caring friends. Harry enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, ski and golf, and enjoyed camping with his family and friends. His latest hobby was watching the birds from his front porch. His favorite was the hummingbird. Harry loved to bowl, and bowled a perfect score of 300 on Dec. 9, 1993. He enjoyed spending time at NASCAR races with his dad, Ryan and friends. In 1988, he and his dad built a race car and formed "Rivers Racing Team." He drove pro stock No. 26 for three years. He loved to make his mom laugh so hard that she cried. Harry's absolute greatest joy was being a daddy. Family was the most important thing to him and he was so devoted to his children. He coached Ryan's Little League baseball team, and assisted his wife in leading Ryan's Cub Scout den and Justine's Girl Scout troop. He always volunteered to help in all of his children's activities in school and in sports. Harry loved to go for family bike rides. Harry was a member of the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2005, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St., South Glens Falls (www.kilmers.com). Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2005, at the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, with Kelly Warner, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Southside Cemetery, South Glens Falls. Memorial donations may be made in Harry's memory to either the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018, or to the Glens Falls Hospital, Charles R. Wood Cancer Center 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. The family would like to invite everyone to their home after the services on Saturday for a picnic and sharing memories of Harry. Published in the Post-Star from 7/19/2005 - 7/20/2005. Scott, Almon Joseph Chestertown -- Almon Joseph Scott, 63, died Friday, June 17, 2005, in Stuart, Fla. Born in Bayshore, N.Y., he was the son of the late Almon V. and Stella (Batvinis) Scott. Almon grew up in Haverstraw and later lived in West Nyack, Chestertown, Saranac Lake and Stuart, Fla. He was one of the first licensed forensic investigators in New York state and led an emergency rescue during the 1971 earthquake in Managua, Nicaragua. He was a sergeant in the United Sates Marine Corps and a founding member of the Helicopter Emergency Life Service of Rockland County. His memberships included past chief of West Nyack Volunteer Fire Department, former member of Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department, Chestertown Rotary Club, Warren County Planning Board, trustee for Potsdam College, past president of North Warren Chamber of Commerce and member of Warren County Chamber of Commerce. Almon was the former owner of The Scott Funeral Home in West Nyack, Barton Funeral Home in Chestertown, Cranberry Meadow Lodge and Pancake House in Saranac Lake, Scott's Florist in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Survivors include his wife, Betty Scott of Raybrook, two daughters, Dawn Marie Plunkett and her husband, Greg, of Singapore, and Michele Ann Wagoner and her husband, Steve, of Orlando, Fla.; one son, Almon V. Scott of Stuart, Fla., two brothers, Joseph Scott and his wife, Jean, of Stony Point, N.Y., and Laurence Scott of New York City; also several nieces and nephews. Memorial services were held Tuesday, June 21, 2005, in Stuart, Fla. Interment will be Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Pine St., Chestertown. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. Thomas, Reginald H. SEBRING, Fla., and FORT EDWARD -- Graveside services with the cremains of Reginald H. Thomas of Sebring, Fla., and Fort Edward, will be held at Pine View Cemetery on Saturday, July 23, 2005. Mr. Thomas passed away under Good Shepard Hospice Care at Crown Point Assisted Living Facility in Sebring, Fla., on Monday, June 13, 2005, after a short illness. He was 90. Born March 6, 1915, in Whitehall, he was the son of James and Elizabeth Thomas. Reg was a lifelong resident of the Glens Falls and South Glens Falls area, graduating from South Glens Falls High School, and attending Union College. Mr. Thomas was employed at General Electric Co. in Schenectady, Syracuse and at the Hudson Falls and Fort Edward plants. He retired from the Engineering department of General Electric Co. after 35 years, retiring in 1975. He was also owner of Lake George Outboard Marina in Dunham's Bay in the 1950s and early 1960s. He married Lucille Roberts on June 1, 1937, and they spent 53 wonderful years together. After his retirement, they spent many years traveling in their RV, visiting all lower 48 states and some of Canada. They loved calling Florida their winter home as they were both beach lovers. Lucille passed away on Feb. 22, 1990. Dad was blessed to meet and marry his second wife, Vivian Brumber, whom he met at a "mistake meeting"; they were married on Aug. 10, 1991. Vivian passed away on Dec. 17, 2002. He felt he was very blessed in this life to have been married to two such wonderful women. Reg was predeceased by his parents, both of his wives, and his sister and brother-in-law, Jessie and Philip Weinman of Albany and Assembly Point on Lake George. Reg is survived by his children, Sharon (Doug) Heide of Fort Edward, Jon (Bobbie) Thomas of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Bill (Bette) Thomas of Hudson Falls; and his grandchildren, Beth (Butch) Stevenson of South Glens Falls, Karrie (Scott) Cooke of South Glens Falls, Christine (Steve) Sarsick of Ballston Spa, William Thomas of Ballston Spa, Debra (Les) Gebhart of Montana and Dede Thomas of California. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his favorite niece, Helen Randolph of Queensbury, and his nephews, Thomas Weinman of Manlius, Paul Weinman of Albany, Jim Weinman of Loudonville, and Mark Weinman of Albany. Bishop Michael Kesler of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will officiate at the 5 p.m. service. Arrangements will be under the directions of Pine View Cemetery, Queensbury. Any donations in Mr. Thomas' memory may go to High Peaks Hospice Inc., 286 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005. Tierney, Robert E. Cambridge -- Robert E. Tierney, 86, a former resident of Fort Edward, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2005, at the Southwestern Vermont Regional Medical Center, Bennington, Vt. Born in Fort Edward, on Sept. 4, 1918, he was the son of the late Eugene and M. Marcella (Daley) Tierney. Bob was a graduate of Fort Edward High School, Class of 1935. He was a graduate of Albany Business College, Omaha University, Indiana University, New York Law School and New York University Graduate School of Law. During World War II, he served in the 20th Bomber Command 58th Bomb Wing and flew on the "Agitator II" a B 29. He was a navigator and flew missions from India to China. After the war, he was an executive officer of an AFROTC Cadet Corps while serving as assistant professor of air science at Manhattan College. On Oct. 1963, after more than 21 years of service, he retired as a L/Col. from the Air Force. In September 1964, he opened his law firm in Fort Edward. He was a member of the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association Bob was a communicant of Saint Joseph Church, was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Fort Edward Council 336, a former member of the Fort Edward Lions Club and a member of VFW and the American Legion Fort Edward Post 1133. He was very active in government on both the local and state level. He served as village and town attorney and was the first public defender of Washington County. On the state level, he served as assistant council to Majority Leader Daniel Walsh. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia (Smith) Tierney; two brothers, Francis (Froz) Tierney and his wife, Hilda, and John Tierney; two sisters, Agnes Sweeney and Margaret Tierney. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Margaret (Rourke) Tierney; a sister, Jane Savelis and her husband, Al, of Fort Edward; eight cousins, Joeleen Durkin of Fort Edward, Pat Tierney of Queensbury, Delia Ketchum of Glens Falls, Agnes Lineham of Glens Falls, Nora McCarthy of Glens Falls, Gene Tierney of Nantucket and Pat Keegan of Queensbury; three stepchildren, Robert Davis and his wife, Sue, of Gansevoort, Patricia Kuchler and her husband, Bill, of Sunset Beach, N.C., Lynne Collins and her husband, Randall, of Cambridge; nine stepgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at M. B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward (www.kilmers.com). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 22 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Edward. The Rite of Committal will be conducted in Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. The family suggests that donations be made in Bob's name to Saint Joseph Church, 164 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Published in the Post-Star from 7/20/2005 - 7/21/2005. Vaughan, Thomas R. LAKE GEORGE -- Thomas R. Vaughan, 63, of French Mountain Drive, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 19, 2005, at Saratoga Hospital. Born Jan. 15, 1942, in Munising, Mich., he was the son of Donald and the late Mary (Tongusi) Vaughan. Mr. Vaughan graduated from Tupper Lake High School class of 1959. He served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1962 and then entered the Naval Reserve. Mr. Vaughan married Gabrielle Cote in 1964. He had been employed in the lumber business his entire life and currently owned and operated the Vaughan & D'Avignon Lumber Co. Inc. in Warrensburg. Mr. Vaughan was also a private pilot. He enjoyed all outdoor sports: hunting, fishing, and camping and was a member of the Santa Noni Club in Newcomb. Mr. Vaughan built his hunting camp in Minerva and his home on French Mountain Drive. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary (Tongusi) Vaughan and one brother, Donald Vaughan. Survivors include his wife, Gabrielle Vaughan of Lake George; his father, Donald Vaughan of North Stratford, N.H.; two sons, Michael Vaughan and his wife, Mary, of Northbridge, Mass., and Jeffrey Vaughan and his wife, Danielle, of Ballston Lake; three grandchildren, twin boys, Nicholas Richard Vaughan and Jack Thomas Vaughan of Northbridge, Mass., and Jenna Paige Vaughan of Ballston Lake; one sister, Lynn Kerkes and her husband, James, of Coon Rapids, Minn.; two brothers, Timothy Vaughan and his wife, Grace, of Fort Ann, and William Vaughan of North Stratford, N.H.; his mother-in-law, Emilienne Leclerc; seven sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 50 Mohican St., Lake George, with the Rev. Bernard R. Turner, pastor, officiating. A Rite of Committal will be private. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Stafford Funeral Home, Inc., 90 Montcalm St., Lake George. The family has suggested that memorial contributions in Mr. Vaughan's memory may be made to the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 50 Mohican St., Lake George, NY 12845. Published in the Post-Star on 7/20/2005.