OBITS: Post-Star 25 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 Black, Patricia A. "Gram" GLENS FALLS -- Patricia "Gram" A. Black, 66, of Warren Street, got her wish of passing away suddenly in her sleep, Saturday, July 23, 2005, at her home. Born July 8, 1939, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Thearon and Mary (Higgins) Drake. Being raised in the Warrensburg area, Patricia attended Warrensburg Central School systems. She worked as a dedicated employee for Chase Bag Co. of Hudson Falls, performing various duties for many faithful years until her arthritis got so bad, forcing her to retire. "Gram," fondly known by everyone, enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and reading The Post-Star. In fact, her children dubbed her, "The Walking Post Star," for she knew everything that was happening in and around the area. "Just ask Gram, she would know," was a classic family expression. Another one was, "Gram, I need help." She was always there for you. As tight as her income was, she always had a dollar to lend, or a birthday card to buy. She never missed a single birthday. It was just so important to her. She truly lived for her family and friends. The large void she has left will be filled with many heartfelt remembrances of one of the greatest Grams ever lived! We love you Gram. Besides her parents, two sisters, Phyllis Middleton and her twin sister, Priscilla Drake, one brother, Thearon Drake, missing in action in the Korean War; and three granddaughters, Megan Cassell, and infants Angel and Violet Urbonowicz, all predeceased her. Survivors include five daughters: Constance Havens and her companion, Michael Helmig, of Greenwich, Jackie Urbonowicz and her husband, Michael, of Gansevoort, Donna Barnes and her husband, Don, of Ballston Spa, Patricia M. Winnie and her companion, Larry Lloyd, of Greenfield Center, and JoAnn Black and her companion, Adam Beck, of Hudson, Fla.; two sons, Jack J. Straight of Glens Falls, and Donald Black Jr. and his companion, Janice Knobel, of Fort Edward; three sisters: Bertha Morgan and her husband, Howard, of Fort Edward, Katherine Swinton of Queensbury, and Joyce Forbes of Pottersville; one brother, Milton "Bud" Drake and his wife, Allison, of Warrensburg; 19 grandchildren, Jamie Smith and her husband, Bill, of Queensbury, Joshua Havens and his companion, Theresa Gitto, of Argyle, Joshua Urbonowicz and his wife, Sarah, of Clifton Park, Jason Urbonowicz and his companion, Nicole, also of Clifton Park, Matt Bennett and his wife, Katie, of Glens Falls, Jack Straight of Saratoga Springs, Nicole Black of Jacksonville, Fla., Donald C. Black of Daytona, Fla., Erica LaMere and her husband, Clete, of South Glens Falls, Danielle Knobel and her fianc‚, Josh Craft, also of South Glens Falls, Chad and Billy Cassell, both of Ballston Spa, Christina Winnie and her companion, Bob Anderson, of Glens Falls, Sarah Breault of Glens Falls, Scott Winnie of Queensbury, Pauline Mabb, Jolene Armstrong, and Travis Armstrong, all of Hudson, Fla., and Thomas "TJ" Clarke of North Carolina; 29 great-grandchildren; many brothers and sisters-in-law, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, July 27, from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. following the calling hours, with the Rev. Thomas Babiuch, associate pastor of St. Mary's Church, Glens Falls, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent, in loving memory of Patricia, to Albany Medical Center, Anatomical Gift Program, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. In respect of the anatomical program, graveside services will take place at Maplewood Cemetery, Wilton, at a future date to be announced. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who took part in the care and comfort provided to "Gram" over the years. Published in the Post-Star from 7/25/2005 - 7/26/2005. Cafaro, Theodore J. "Ted" Queensbury -- Theodore J. "Ted" Cafaro, 87, passed away at Glens Falls Hospital on July 23, 2005, following a short illness. Ted was born on July 21, 1918, in Naples, Italy, the son of the late Angelo and Jane (Bruno) Cafaro. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Ted retired from Scott Paper Co. as department supervisor for many years. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret Jones, and his second wife of 56 years, Dorothy (Etu) Cafaro, who passed away Nov. 13, 2003. Survivors include his daughters, Judith M. Cafaro of Queensbury, Barbara Steves and her husband, Roy, of Fort Ann, and Nancy Yannotti and her husband, Arthur, of Queensbury; six grandchildren, Jennifer Yannotti, Andrea Lucynski and her husband, Dan, Joseph Yannotti, Melissa Turner and her husband, Brian, Angela and Michael Steves; two great- grandchildren, Jacob and Brianna Lucynski; his sister, Rose Cafaro of Glens Falls; sisters-in-law, Gertrude Cafaro, Dorothy Cafaro, Helen Whittemore, Ann Bennett and Betty Jones; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today, July 26, at St. Mary's Church, Warren Street, Glens Falls. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, South Glens Falls. Calling hours were held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Singleton-Healy Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter, Adirondack Region Branch, 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804. Published in the Post-Star from 7/25/2005 - 7/26/2005. Gero, Barbara Lois MALTA and SCHROON LAKE -- Barbara Lois Gero, 69, of 2560 Route 9, Malta, passed away early Saturday morning, July 23, 2005, at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by her loving family after fighting a brief battle with lung cancer. Born April 29, 1936, in Wadhams, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Beatrice Stevenson Decker. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Bernard Gero, on April 22, 1987, and her sister, Ann Vanderhoff. She was a resident of Schroon Lake for many years. She moved to Malta two years ago. Barbara was employed by Stewart's Corporation for 25 dedicated years in Schroon Lake and most recently in Malta, where she retired. She enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles, going to Curves and the casino with her friends, and especially spending time with her family. Barb is survived by her son, Galen Pereau and his wife, Nancy, of Ballston Lake; her daughters: Valerie McKinney and her husband, Brian, of Queensbury, and Patti Ann Edwards and her husband, Tom, of Port Henry; her grandchildren: Galen Parker Pereau Jr., Bernard Jebediah, Alexis Marie McKinney, Thomas Bernard Edwards and George Wallace Edwards; her sister and brother-in-law, Maurice and Kathleen Jenks of Englewood, Fla.; her nieces, Valerie Jenks and Cheryl Mauran; and her great-niece, Elizabeth Decker. Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, Schroon Lake, with the Rev. Kathy Maker officiating. Interment will follow at Schroon River Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials take the form of donations to the American Cancer Society, 959 State Route 9, Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804, or to the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad, Schroon Lake, NY 12870. Published in the Post-Star from 7/25/2005 - 7/26/2005. Harris, Elwood V. CORINTH -- Elwood V. Harris, 81, of Wall Street, died Saturday, July 23, 2005, at Saratoga Hospital following a brief illness. Born on June 12, 1924, in Corinth, he was the son of the late George Harris and the late Violet (VanDenburg) Purvee. Mr. Harris attended Corinth High School. He joined the United States Army on March 11, 1943, serving during World War II. He fought in several campaigns in Central Europe, receiving the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his discharge in 1946, Mr. Harris was first employed at the International Paper Co. in Corinth, before working as a woodsman for many years as a logger and wood truck driver. He also worked in construction for several years before his retirement. Mr. Harris was a lifetime member of the Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420 of Saratoga Springs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family. Besides his parents, one daughter, Evelyn L. Ladd, died before him. Survivors include two daughters, Ellie M. Shippee of Corinth and Elaine C. Shattuck of Corinth; one sister, Ruth Vincent of Corinth; one brother, Donald Wagner and his wife, Sue, of Corinth; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be conducted at noon on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at Densmore Funeral Home, Inc., 7 Sherman Ave., Corinth with the Rev. Judith Humphrey-Fox, pastor of the Spirit of Life United Methodist Church of South Corinth, officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Corinth Rural Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Members of the Horace D. Washburn American Legion Post 533 of Corinth will conduct a service at 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorials take the form of donations to the Corinth Emergency Squad, 101 Sherman Ave., Corinth, NY 12822 or to the American Cancer Society, 959 Route 9, Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804. Published in the Post-Star on 7/25/2005. Millington Sr., Alvin Orlando Riparius -- Alvin Orlando Millington Sr., 81, of Millington Road, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2005, at his home with his loving family and friends at his side. Born May 1, 1924, in Riparius, he was the son of the late Orlando John and Laura (Twist) Millington. Alvin was a lifetime resident of the area and served in the U.S. Army from 1943 until 1946. He served as a T5 Sergeant with the 63rd infantry, attached to the 69th infantry, obtaining the European Theater Operation Medal. He married Marion Younes of Brant Lake on Aug. 23, 1947. Alvin was a logger and carpenter and also worked for the town of Johnsburg as a mechanic and truck driver until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and four-wheeling. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife of 58 years, and his family and friends. His children, Jimmy and Joy, and several brothers and sisters ,have predeceased him. Alvin is survived by his wife, Marion Millington; his sister, Alma Grace Lee; children, Roy and Toni Millington, David and Gretchen Millington, Dale and Monica Millington, Kathy and Joe McNeill, Earl and Kelly Millington, Hazel L. Mann and her companion, Jack Bacon, Alvin and Mary Millington, JoAnne Brooks and fianc‚, Dan Daly, and Billy and Carol Millington; several cherished grandchildrenm and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg, with pastor Chad Haneman of Grace Bible Fellowship, Olmstedville, officiating. A gathering at the Millington Homestead in Riparius will follow the graveside service. Memorial contributions maybe made to Johnsburg EMS, Johnsburg, NY 12842. Arrangements are with Alexander Funeral Home, Inc., North River. Published in the Post-Star on 7/25/2005. Parker, Loretta F. LONG LAKE -- Loretta F. Parker, 100, of Sagamore Road, Long Lake, died Saturday, July 23, 2005, at the Fulton County Residential Health Care Facility. She was born in Newcomb, N.Y., on Jan. 29, 1905, the daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret O'Donald Sullivan. Loretta was a resident of Long Lake since the age of 2. She trained as a Nurse at St. Peter's School of Nursing and was a private duty Nurse for many years. She was registrar of Vital Statistics and Deputy Town Clerk in Long Lake and was a Matron at the Hamilton County Jail for many years. She was a communicant of St. Henry's Church, Long Lake and was a past member of the Catholic Daughters. On Feb. 14, 1931, she married Arthur Parker, who died Nov. 25, 1995. She was predeceased by one son, Maurice Parker. Survivors include her son, Douglas, and his wife, Brenda Parker, of Lake Pleasant; two daughters, Margaret and her husband, Thomas Perkins, of Speculator and Janet and her husband, Donald Ferren of Litchfield, N.H.; six grandchildren, Andrew, Dawn, Barbara, Keith, Richard, and Laura; and ten great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today, July 25, at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Lake Pleasant and on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Henry's Church in Long Lake. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at St. Henry's Church in Long Lake. Burial will be at Long Lake Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Long Lake Rescue Squad, Long Lake, NY 12847 or Speculator Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Arrangements are by the Northville Funeral Home. Published in the Post-Star on 7/25/2005. Smith, Shirley L. QUEENSBURY -- Shirley L. Smith, 74, of Jenkinsville Road, passed away on Wednesday evening, July 20, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness. Shirley was born on July 14, 1931, and grew up in Fort Ann. She was the daughter of the late Leon and Gertrude (Yarter) Walker of Fort Ann. She graduated from the Fort Ann High School in the Class of 1949. Shirley was also a graduate of Albany Business College. Her employment included the Prudential Insurance Company and Glens Falls Hospital. She left the hospital so that she could be a dedicated wife and mother. Her passions included horses, gardening, traveling, skiing and tennis. Shirley enjoyed her daily walks around the block and talking to her neighbors. She also enjoyed her weekly line-dancing class at the Moreau Community Center. She also had a special love of the great outdoors. Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Clyde E. Smith of Queensbury; her children, Gregory Smith and his wife, Michele, of Placerville, Calif., Cindy Smith of Brookfield, Conn., and Alicia Butler and her husband, David, of South Glens Falls; her four grandchildren, Jessica and Trevor Smith of Placerville, Calif., and Davin and Dylan Butler of South Glens Falls; her brothers, Leon Walker and his wife, Sally, and Raymond Walker, all of Fort Ann; her sister-in-law, Joyce Smith and her husband, Dave, of Hudson Falls; her nieces and nephews; and her close family friend, Leslie Costa of Brookfield, Conn. A memorial service, with reception to follow, will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2005, at the family home, located at 42 Jenkinsville Road in the town of Queensbury. Interment will be at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorials in the form of contributions to the American Lung Association, 3 Winners Circle, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12205-1187 and the Moreau Community Center, 144 Main St., South Glens Falls, NY 12803. Arrangements are under the direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. Published in the Post-Star from 7/22/2005 - 7/27/2005. Wayson, Opal CHESTERTOWN -- Opal Wayson, 76, of 38 Grandview Road, went to be with the Lord at her home surrounded by her loving family early Saturday morning, July 23, 2005, after an extended illness. Opal was born Aug. 19, 1928, in Middletown, Ohio, the seventh of 12 children of the late Roy and Ellen Oliver. Opal and her family moved to Staten Island in 1940, then to Blackstone, Va. She returned to Staten Island where she met and married her husband of 57 years, James Wayson. They lived in Staten Island for 36 years. They moved to Chestertown 21 years ago. Opal worked at Word of Life Inn as a housekeeper for seven years. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, her plants, driving and traveling, and most of all her family. She brought up her grandchildren after the death of her son. Opal was a member of Mountainside Bible Chapel where she enjoyed the fellowship of her many friends. Opal was predeceased by her son, James, and nine of her siblings. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, James Wayson, of Chestertown; her daughters, Ruth E. Jorgensen of Staten Island and Jacqueline O. Deane of Neptune, N.J.; her son, Roy E. Wayson of Flushing, Queens; the three grandchildren she raised from childhood, James, Dawn and Joanne Wayson; her brother, John Oliver of Orange County, Calif.; her sister, Mary Ostman of Acushmut, Mass.; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Mountainside Bible Chapel. Interment will follow at the Severance Cemetery. Friends may call at Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, 1019 Route 9, Schroon Lake, Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Published in the Post-Star on 7/25/2005.