OBITS: Post-Star 1 Nov 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 Bisignano, Cosimo J. HUDSON FALLS -- Cosimo J. Bisignano, 84, of Poplar Street, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at home, after a short illness. Born on Aug. 20, 1921, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Amadeo and Frances (Caivano) Bisignano. He served with the United States Army during World War II in Italy and received the European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Marksman Badge with Carbine Bar. On Sept. 8, 1947, he married Margaret Fisher in Wellsboro, Pa. Mr. Bisignano worked for the Hudson Falls post office, retiring after more than 20 years. He then worked part time for OTB for more than 15 years. He was an avid horse racing fan and enjoyed puttering around the yard, where he was very proud of his flowers. He especially loved his family and devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. In his earlier years, he enjoyed vacations in Maine. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Domiano Bisignano and Salvatore Bisignano and a sister, Doris Anibal. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret Bisignano of Hudson Falls; his three children, Gary Bisignano and his wife, Bev, of South Glens Falls, Linda LaPlant and her husband, Donald, who cared for him during his last days, and Rose Rourke and her husband, Fred, of Weston, Wis.; one stepson, Robert Wolfe of Roanoke, Va.; six grandchildren: Alan LaPlant, Matthew Bisignano, Paul LaPlant, Sherry Dunham, Angela Mangafas and Christina Briggs; eight great-grandchildren: Brianna, Brittany and Brielle LaPlant, Justin and Kaitlyn Dunham, and Patrick and Emma LaPlant and Matthew Bisignano; one sister, Rosemary Tucker of Hartford; one brother, Anthony Bisignano of South Glens Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. The Rite of Committal, with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 574, of Hudson Falls, will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in South Glens Falls. Memorial donations in Mr. Bisignano's memory may be made to the SPCA , P.O. Box 171, Hudson Falls, NY 12828. Published in the Post-Star from 11/1/2005 - 11/2/2005. Carroll, Anna Alfaretta SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Anna Alfaretta "Al" Carroll, of Fifth Avenue, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Wesley Health Care Center. She was 89. Born on Sept. 19, 1916, in Hudson Falls, she was the daughter of the late Thayer and Anna McGlaughlin and was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School. She was a recent resident of the Home of the Good Shepherd at Highpointe in Malta, where she was well cared for and loved. When she came to Saratoga Springs, she worked for A.J. Farone & Co. as a bookkeeper for several years. She was a member of the Saratoga Winter Club and was the winter Carnival Queen of 1936. An avid bridge player and golfer, she was a member of the McGregor Links Golf Club and St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church. Active in many community organizations, including the Saratoga Hospital Guild, she also worked alongside her husband in the operation of Carrroll Auto Sales on Lake Avenue at High Rock Avenue for many years. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by one brother, Milton McGlaughlin. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Francis J. "Firp" Carroll, whom she married on April 18, 1938; two daughters, Nancy Platt, and Mary Assey and her husband, Stephen Assey, all of Saratoga Springs; one granddaughter, Jennifer Platt and her husband, Michael Wagner, both of Milton; her cousin and close friend, Zoe Flanagan; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373 or burkefuneralhome.com). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave. Burial will follow in the family plot AT St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue. Memorials may be made in her name to a charity of one's choice. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Combs, Donald J. WARRENSBURG -- Donald J. Combs, 59 of Burdick Ave., passed away early Monday morning, Oct. 31, 2005, at home following a brave, courageous battle against cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 3, 1946, in Warrensburg, he was the son of the late Walter and Marjorie (Frye) Combs. Donald was a lifelong resident of Warrensburg and attended the Warrensburg Central School. He was a member of the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co. for many years and enjoyed playing pool on the North-Country Pool League at the former Wayside Tavern. Donald was a heavy equipment operator with Warren County DPW for many years. Besides his parents, his brothers, Earl, Gerald "Jake" and Carl Combs, have all predeceased him. Survivors include his daughter, Doni Lynn Noble and her husband, Scott of Warrensburg; his son, Kyle Lee Combs of Athol; his brothers, Frederick :Timmy: Combs of Glens Falls, Roger Combs and his wife, Barbara, Gene Combs and his wife, Donna, all of Warrensburg; his grandchildren, Kati and Michael Curtis Jr., both of Warrensburg; his only surviving aunt, Inez Mason of Corinth; sisters-in-law, Jane Combs and Evelyn Combs, both of Warrensburg and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on the family from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with internment service to follow at Warrensburg Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: John Kelly, Jim Carrion, Terry Combs, Scotty Combs, Lee Galusha and Justin Duell. Donald's brothers will serve as honorary bearers. Donald's family would like to thank the following special people: Maureen Linehan of Public Health, Janet of Linecare, High Peaks Hospice, Darcy Baker and all the family and friends that stood by us during this time. Memorial donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 286 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801; Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Co, Warrensburg, NY 12885; or the American Cancer Society, 959 Route 9 Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Golden, Eleanor Ruth WHITEHALL -- Eleanor Ruth Golden, 82, of Williams Street, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at Rutland Regional Medical Center, after a long illness. Born on April 13, 1923, in Fair Haven, Vt., she was the daughter of William and Jennie (LaPierre) Ingleston. During her lifetime, she enjoyed years of family camping, reading and friends. She was a kind and loving person all her life, and a great wife and mother. Eleanor will be sadly missed by her dog "Buddy" and her parrot, "Booby". She is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 63 years, Joseph H. Golden; four sons: Joseph M. Golden and his wife, Edith, Francis R. Golden, Allan E. Golden and his companion, Sharon, and Timothy A. Golden, all of Whitehall; one brother, Ken Ingleston of Albany; two sisters, Evelyn Hazelton and Marge Culbert; one half sister, Rita Ingleston; a brother-in-law, William Golden and his wife, Kay; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Brisson and Margaret Mayo; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. At the family's request, there will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Greenmount Cemetery in Whitehall, with Father David LeFort, pastor of the Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, officiating. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation in Eleanor's name to Rutland Regional Medical Center, Cancer Unit, 160 Allen St., Rutland, VT 05701. Arrangements are under the direction of Jillson Funeral Home, Inc,, 46 Williams St., Whitehall, NY 12887. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Morgan, Maria Maria Morgan, 50, of Glens Falls, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by her loving family and close personal friends following a brief illness. Born Sept. 20, 1955, in Potsdam, Maria was the eldest child of Anne (Tebo) and Robert Morgan. Maria attended Black River Elementary School from 1960-66. Her family moved to Champlain, N.Y. in 1966, and she graduated from Northeastern Clinton Central School in 1973. Maria graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, Vt. in 1977 with a BA in English and a minor in elementary education. She lived in Maple Shade, N.J. from 1977-79, and worked as one of four proofreaders for Morgan, Lewis, & Backus. In the summer of 1979, she moved to Milwaukee and was the third grade teacher at St. Paul's School from 1979-81. In June of 1981, she moved to Glens Falls. On June 30, 1983, her eldest daughter, Rebecca was born. On May 19, 1988, her youngest daughter, Emily was born. From 1989 to August 1994, Maria assisted with the clerical work in the medical practice of her former spouse, where on many nights she worked from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. She started her Master's degree in education through SUNY/Plattsburgh in 1991 and completed it in May, 1993. In 1996, Maria began her employment at Adirondack Community College in the financial aid office and in 1999 became the assistant registrar. In that capacity she was a vital member of the registration team while also teaching in the Freshman Seminar program and chairing the Registration Review Committee. Maria served as ACC's Veteran's coordinator. She was a founding member of the "Hire-A-Vet-First Program" and earned high praise for her dedication to and concern for all military personnel. She was highly respected by all her colleagues and will truly be missed. Maria was an accomplished flutist and singer. She played Fiona in her high school's production of Brigadoon. She traveled twice to Italy. In 1973, with the All-American Youth Honor Band, she was the 13th of 14 flutes to tour with the band, and again in July, 1990 with the Our Lady of the Annunciation Choir in Queensbury. With the choir she performed two flute solos and sang with the choir for a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Maria will be remembered for her loving patience, compassion and kindness. Maria's most honored position was to be the mother to Rebecca and Emily. Maria is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Douglas and her husband, Stephen, of Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Mo., and Emily Clarke, of Glens Falls. She is also survived by her parents, Robert and Anne Morgan of West Chazy; three brothers, Thomas Morgan of West Chazy, Michael Morgan and his wife, Kim, of Latham, and Dan Morgan and his wife, Penny, of Raleigh, N.C.; one sister, Beth Morgan and her fianc‚, Joseph Bartenstein, of Malone; and her dear sister-in-law, Angela Elsbree and her husband, Deron, of Apalachin, N.Y.; her mother-in-law, Rita Clarke; and 11 nieces and nephews. Maria treasured the relationship she had with her extended family, particularly Vivica Barr of Schenectady, who affectionately called her "Little Mommie," and Kayla Cooper of South Glens Falls, who called her "Mina." Maria also leaves her closest friends, Pat Joyce and Lynda Laurin of Queensbury, and Paula Hasson of West Babylon, N.Y. According to Maria's wishes, Maria's corneas were donated and her body was an anatomical gift to Albany Medical Center. At Maria's request there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Friends and family will gather at the Student Center at Adirondack Community College on Sunday, Nov. 6 from noon to 3 p.m. to celebrate Maria's life. Donations to establish an education fund in Maria's name for Maria's younger daughter, Emily Clarke, may be sent to Glens Falls National Bank, 250 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801, attention: Customer Service. A scholarship to honor Maria Morgan has also been established at Glens Falls High School, and donations may be sent to Glens Falls High School, 10 Quade St., Glens Falls, NY 12801, attention Jennifer Shaver. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Palmer, Walter D. PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla -- Walter D. Palmer, 73, of Fort Pierce, Fla., died Friday, Oct. 28, 2005, at St. Lucie Medical Center, following a short illness. Born in Glens Falls, to the late Walter and Eva (Inman) Palmer, he grew up in Cleverdale and Kattskill Bay, and graduated from Glens Falls High School. Walt was well known for owning a number of beauty salons in the Glens Falls area, most notably Mr. Walt's Coiffures. He also owned and operated the Trout Pavilion Hotel in Kattskill Bay, which he purchased from his parents in 1962, and ran with his wife Norma until 1972. From 1981 until his death, Mr. Palmer was a resident of Fort Pierce, Fla., where he operated Jeffrey Todd Hair Designs until his retirement. He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Lori Nelson and her husband, Craig, of Asheville, N.C., Erik Palmer and wife, Kannvy, of Vicksburg, Miss., Jeff Palmer and wife, Julie, of Saratoga Springs, Cindy Palmer of Fort Pierce, Fla, and Tonya Andreacchio of Port St. Lucie, Fla. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Gina and Nicholas Andreacchio of Port St. Lucie, Fla.. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Norma Comstock. Funeral services will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the First Baptist Church, Maple Street, Glens Falls Burial will follow at Glens Falls Cemetery, Bay Street, Glens Falls. Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at Sullivan-Minahan & Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Pike, Harold F. LAKE LUZERNE -- Harold F. Pike, 59, of Lake Avenue, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital following a short illness. Born on Sept. 4, 1946, in Corinth, he was the son of the late Harold and Rita (Bullard) Pike. Mr. Pike attended Corinth High School. He married Carol E. Reed on July 10, 1965, in Glens Falls. The couple has resided in the Lake Luzerne-Corinth area for most of their lives. Mr. Pike worked as the superintendent of maintenance at John P. Burke Apartments in Queensbury for many years. During his earlier years he worked as a logger. Mr. Pike loved hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Survivors besides his wife of 40 years include three daughters, Tammie Spofford of Hudson Falls, Cindy Breton and her husband, Paul, of Corinth, and Jackie VanDerwerker and her husband, Victor, of Day; one son, Harold F. Pike Jr. and his wife, Grace, of Hadley; six grandchildren: Jon, Paul, Eric, Kimmie, D.J., and Zakary; three brothers, Ron Pike and his wife, Marylou of Corinth, Eddie Pike and his wife, Karen, of Hudson Falls, and Mike Pike and his wife, Robin, of Argyle; two sisters, Sally Daniels of South Glens Falls, and Lillian Rivers and her husband, Jim, of Hudson Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. At Harold's request, there are no calling hours or services. Arrangements are under the direction of Densmore Funeral Home, Inc., 7 Sherman Ave., Corinth. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Pratt Jr., Arthur G. "Jake" HAMPTON, NY -- Arthur G." Jake" Pratt Jr., age 71, of Hampton, passed away on Oct. 31, 2005, at Glens Falls Hospital. Jake was born on March 30, 193, in Hampton, the son of late Arthur G. Sr. and Elmina (Belden) Pratt. On August 20, 1955, he married Marian Haley. He enjoyed dairy farming throughout his whole life. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a mechanic by Scott's Farm Machinery in Granville, Proctor's Farm Machinery in Fair Haven, Cooper's Farm Machinery in Fair Haven and the Ritchie Brothers Slate Co. Jake had served the town of Hampton as a councilman for over 20 years and was a former member of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active member of the United Baptist Church of East Poultney. Jake is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marian Pratt of Hampton; one son, Arthur G. Pratt III and his wife, Jody, of Hampton; one daughter, Rebecca Jones and her husband, David, of Hampton; two stepdaughters, Joann Noiseaux of Schenectady, and Linda Reed and her husband, Leonard, of Hampton; two sisters, Alice Battease and her companion, Vern Bezio, of Dresden, N.Y. and Lillian Pomainville and her husband, Archie, of Saint Cloud, Fla.; five brothers: Carl Pratt and his companion, Judy Thomas of Whitehall, Lewis "Pete" Pratt and his wife, Debbie, of Whitehall, Malcolm Pratt and his companion, Mary Wood, of Hampton, Doran Pratt and his wife, Bonnie, of Hampton, and Floyd Pratt and his wife, Patricia, of Hebron; 10 grandchildren: Pamela Panoushek, Louie Pratt, Valerie Toubman, Charlie and Tom Reed, Elaine Leddick, Susan DeRush, Matthew Pratt, Jacob and Hannah Jones; 16 great- grandchildren; two great-great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Viola Pratt, and a granddaughter, Wendy Lee Pratt. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Baptist Church of East Poultney. The Rev. Norma G. Drosky will officiate. Interment will follow at North Granville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home, Poultney, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jake may be sent to the Oncology Unit, 3 West B, Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Published in the Post-Star from 11/1/2005 - 11/3/2005. Shaw, Betty (Harding) HUDSON FALLS -- Betty (Harding) Shaw, 73, formerly of Martindale Terrace, passed away on Monday, Oct. 31, 2005. Born on June 6, 1932, in Claremont, N.H., she was the daughter of Carl F. and Helen (Colby) Harding. She married Clifford F. Shaw Sr., on March 29, 1952, in Hudson Falls. Mr. Shaw passed away on Oct. 14, 2003. Her enjoyments included doing puzzles and playing bingo. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two sons, Clifford Shaw Jr. and Paul Shaw, and a sister, Joan Engwer. Survivors include four daughters: Shirley Bacon and her husband, Robert, Wanda Dumond and her husband, Lionel, and Cindy Hunt, all of Hudson Falls, and Mrs. Joan Frederick and her husband, Patrick, of Warrensburg; one son, Richard D. Shaw of Gansevoort; six sisters: Mary Prior and her husband, Thomas, of Wilton, and Pauline Sandborn and her husband, Robert, of New Hampshire, Catherine Harding of Hudson Falls, Dorothy Gamache of Glens Falls and Caroline Harding of Illinois; three brothers, John F. Harding of Watertown, Charles F. Harding of Virginia and Richard P. Harding of Glens Falls; 15 grandchildren; nine great-granddaughters; three great- grandsons; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Vern Collier, pastor of the Cornerstone Full Gospel Church in Adamsville, officiating. Burial will be at Truthville Cemetery in the town of Granville. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P. O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005. Smith, Keeghan Harley QUEENSBURY -- Keeghan Harley Smith, age 8, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005,as a result of an accident. Keeghan, the son of Brian and Rebecca Smith, was born on June 29, 1997 at Glens Falls Hospital. He was in the third grade at Sanford Street School in Glens Falls. He loved school and seeing his many friends. He always talked about the daily kickball contest at recess. Keeghan enjoyed fishing, snowboarding, camping, swimming with his family and had hoped to join the little league baseball in the spring. Keeghan's sense of humor and vibrancy touched the lives of all he knew. His family will deeply miss his presence and unconditional love, as he lives in our hearts forever. He is survived by his parents, Rebecca (Montgomery) Smith, and Brian Harley Smith; his sisters, Jenna Alida Smith and Lauren Elizabeth Smith; and his grandparents, William E. Montgomery Jr. and Norene (Barnes) Montgomery. Keeghan is also survived by his Uncle Bill Montgomery III, and cousins, WilliamIV, Brittany, and Ryan; his Aunt Kathy and Uncle Tibber "Tim" Montgomery and cousins, Angie, Alyssa, Brynn, Meghan, and Catherine; his Aunt Sara and Uncle Spencer K. Montgomery, and cousins Madeline, Hunter and Meredith; and, his Aunt Susan E. Montgomery, her son, Maksut, and friend Steven Lee. Keeghan is also survived by his Aunt RuthAnn and Uncle Larry Smith and cousins, Jason and Lisa Smith, their children, Alexa and Ava; Jeff and Erika Smith, their son, Carson; Shelly Smith and her friend, Bill Brahler; his Aunt Sandy and Uncle Charlie Spigner and cousins, Andy and Aimee Spigner, their daughters Emily and Lauren; Dan and Michele Spigner, their children, Kiernan and Chloe; Scott Spigner, Chad and Denise Sessleman, their children, Benjamin and Lucas; Ryan Sessleman and his friend Jessica Zimmerman, her daughter Austin; Todd Sessleman and his friend, Kristy White; and, his Aunt Susan and Uncle Rod Johnson and cousins, Amy, her daughters, Kylie and Hannah and Tracey and Thomas Uhm. Keeghan's nanny's were also a very important part of Keeghan's life, Michela Zagler, Manuela Prietl, Andreas Zagler, and Eva Bratschko of Austria. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Harley C. Smith and Thelma L. Smith. Relatives and friends are welcome at Regan and Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, for calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. A family service will be conducted at the Smith residence. The Rev. John Barclay and the Rev. Gary Dickson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Glens Falls YMCA After School Program and the Sanford Street School playground. We would like to thank all of the staff of the Glens Falls Hospital for their comfort and support they provided during this difficult time. Published in the Post-Star on 11/1/2005.