The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Obituaries

Alan G. Hall

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Berlin – Alan G. Hall, 51, of East Greenbush, NY, formerly of Berlin, NY, died suddenly on March 3, 2015, at Albany Medical Center. A loving husband and father, a loyal brother and uncle, Alan’s love and devotion to his family was unmatched. To watch Alan with his beloved Michelle and his two daughters, Annie and Lydia, was life’s dance at its best. Nostalgic in every way, Alan always had one foot in the past as he lived in the present.

Born in Manhattan, Alan was a graduate of Berlin Central High School and RPI, majoring in Geology. Alan worked at Dunn Geoscience and Delaney Construction before starting the consulting firm of H2H Associates in Troy, NY, with partner Richard Hisert.

Alan was the son of the late Anthony and Angeles (Taggueg) Hall, and the ideals they instilled in him were the cornerstone of his life. Family, faith, community and friends were the pillars that led him to lead an exceptional life – a life of generosity and compassion. To say that Alan was loyal is an understatement. To know Alan was to know you had a friend for life. He was the first one to drop everything to be at your side. Anything that Alan had was yours for the taking (except for, maybe, his collection of Topps Baseball cards, which are likely now being held in a safety deposit box somewhere in the Cayman Islands).

Alan was the beloved husband of Michelle L. (Ruffos) Hall, and the devoted father of daughters Annie and Lydia. He is also survived by his sister, Audrey (Scott) Vanderhoef of Grafton, NY, his brother, Albert and wife Kim Hall of Latham, NY, his niece, Christine Hall of Raleigh, NC, and his nephew, Andrew Hall of Latham. He was the brother-in-law of Mitchell Ruffos and the son-in-law of Carolyn and Paul Ruffos.

Services were Monday at the Church of St. Mary, 163 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Alan’s memory to the American Heart Association at 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY, 12205, and/or the Alan G. Hall Outstanding Business Leader Award, care of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Columbia High School, 962 Luther Road, East Greenbush, NY, 12061.

Light a condolence candle at www.wjrockefeller.com.

Irene M. Gundrum

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Grafton – Irene M. Gundrum, 73, died Friday, February 27, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy.  Born in Petersburgh on February 21, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Florence Church Gundrum.  Irene was a resident of Petersburgh for most of her life before moving to Grafton 15 years ago.

She was employed by the Berlin Central School District as a bus driver for eight years, General Cable in North Pownal, VT, Tansitor in Bennington, VT and for over 20 years by the Troy Housing Authority as a maintenance worker before retiring in 2007.

Irene had a big heart and loved kids whether in her own family or looking out for the kids in the projects at the Troy Housing Authority.

She is the beloved sister of Retta Dunlop of Berlin and the late Clifford Gundrum and Wesley Vars; loving aunt of Cynthia (Charles) Minkler of Petersburgh, Bonnie (Vickie Squires) Dunlop of Bennington, VT and is survived by many other nieces, nephews and family members that loved her; her best friend since childhood, Gloria Arya of Cupertino, CA and longtime friend, Pam Eggsware of Petersburgh.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to be held in the spring at the Meadowlawn Cemetery in Petersburgh at a time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org.

Arrangements are by the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh.  Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.

Larry Stowell

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Hoosick Falls – Lawrence M. “Larry” Stowell 55, passed away on Sunday March 1 at the Samaritan Hospital in Troy, New York. He was the son of Ruth Ann (Brown) Stowell of Hoosick Falls and the late Charles LeRoy Stowell.

Larry was born on August 4, 1959 in Cambridge, New York. He graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1978. He was employed at Rocco Plumbing in Schenectady, New York. Larry was an active member of the St. Stanislaw Society in Hoosick Falls where he was a past president. He enjoyed spending time at the Club with his friends. He also liked playing golf and was an avid Washington Redskins fan.

Survivors other than his mother Ruth include his sons Michael Stowell and Christopher Stowell both of Troy, New York, sisters Kimberly (Wayne) Houghton, Stacy (Danny) Merrills and Cheryl “Sherri” (Keith) Stowell all of Hoosick Falls, Robin (Bill) Stowell of Athens, New York, brothers Richard (Rose) Stowell and Neil (Roseanne) Stowell all of Hoosick Falls, granddaughter Chloe Stowell of Troy, New York, also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday March 5 at 6 pm from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, New York. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 pm until the start of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Karen & Molly McGovern Memorial Fund through the Funeral Home.

Peter Tomlinson

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Averill Park – Peter L. Tomlinson, 51, of Rte. 43 died suddenly on Thursday February 26, 2015 at Albany Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained from a fall at his home.

Born in Albany, Peter was the son of the late Charles H. and Jane Wharton Tomlinson and the husband of Cassandra Mohos Tomlinson. Peter was raised in New Lebanon and was a graduate of the New Lebanon High School. He had resided in Averill Park since 1987 and had worked for T.G.I. Fridays for over 30 years. He had been the Kitchen Manager at the Stuyvesant Plaza location. Peter was a former member of the Albany Area Chess Club, was an avid reader and was a Red Sox fan.

Survivors in addition to his wife include his sons Tristan (Jennifer) Tomlinson of Hamilton, NY, Colin (Katherine) Tomlinson and Evan Tomlinson both of Averill Park, his sister Virginia Tomlinson of Oneonta, NY, his brothers Liam Tomlinson of Cortlandt Manor, NY and Daniel Tomlinson of New Lebanon, his grandson Rowan Tomlinson, his step-mother Jeanne Tomlinson of New Lebanon and his father and mother-in-law Frank and Patricia Mohos of Stephentown.

Relatives and friends called at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel at Glass Lake on Wednesday, March 4 in the afternoon, followed by a Service at 7 pm.

The family suggests donations in memory of Peter L. Tomlinson may be made to the Sand Lake Ambulance, PO Box 222, West Sand Lake NY 12196 or the Averill Park Sand Lake Fire Dept., PO Box 116, Averill Park, NY 12018.

Visit perrykomdat.com for directions and private guestbook.

Lee Arnold

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Walloomsac – Leeward Arnold, a resident of Walloomsac, NY passed away Saturday, February 28, 2015 at his residence.

Lee was born in Hoosick Falls on June 13, 1946 to Charles and Alma (Wood) Arnold who predeceased him.

He lived most of his life in Walloomsac. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Kathleen (Waters) Arnold, a son, Robert Arnold of Bennington; two grandsons, Gunnar and Rian; a very special step-daughter, Sharon O’Malley (Michael); three stepsons and their families; many nieces and nephews and many friends.

Lee was a Vietnam veteran. At Lee’s request there will be no services held.

Brian Howard

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Troy – Brian F. Howard, 65, of Troy died on February 20, 2015 at the Albany Medical Center from injuries sustained in a fall at his home.

Born in Saranac Lake, he was the son of the late Timothy and Mildred O’Neil Howard and the devoted husband of Janet Tolbert Howard. Mr. Howard was a graduate of St. Pius X High School in Saranac Lake and Paul Smith’s College, Potsdam State and the University of Albany. He retired as the superintendent of the Troy School District. Prior to that he was the superintendent for the Berlin, Queensbury and Liberty School Districts, assistant superintendent for the Chatham School District, high school principal for Chatham and Cambridge School Districts, and assistant principal for Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District. He began his career as a teacher in the Brittonkill School District. He dedicated his life to the children in his charge and worked to make the world a better place for future generations. Brian was active in the Rensselaer County Democratic Party and was recently the candidate for state senator in the 43rd District. An avid Yankee fan, Brian loved to hike and was in the process of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his loving children, Kate Howard of Troy, Eamon Howard of Rochester and Annie Howard of Brooklyn; brother, Patrick Howard (Marge) of Saranac Lake; sisters, Shirley Woodruff and Nancy Heath (Rick) both of Bloomingdale, Norma Howard of Saranac Lake and Joan Rustad of San Diego. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on February 25 at St. Augustine’s Church. Funeral arrangementswere by Frank P. McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Lansingburgh. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Troy in the spring. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Brian’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka,KS 66675 or to the Brittonkill Education Foundation, 3992 NY 2, Troy, NY 12180. For online condolences please visit mcdonaldandsonfuneralhome.com.

Joshua Foster

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Hoosick Falls – Joshua David Foster, 29, died suddenly on Saturday February 14. He resided on Oak Street in Hoosick Falls and was the son of John and Lorry (Niquette) Foster.

Joshua was born on March 23, 1985, in Troy, New York. He graduated from Cambridge Central School and was employed at Saint-Gobain in Hoosick Falls. Joshua was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, panning for gold, ginseng hunting and arrow head hunting. He was a member of the Eagles Club in Hoosick Falls and the Mid-Hudson Fur Harvesters Association.

Survivors other than his parents John and Lorry include his sister Rebecca (Raymond) Calhoun of Hoosick Falls, brother Jacob Foster of Eagle Bridge, grandmothers Cynthia Niquette of Buskirk and Ann Foster of Hoosick Falls, nephew Henry Charles Calhoun, aunts Cindy and husband Chad Cook of Eagle Bridge, Kathy and husband Doug Kvinlaug of Eagle Bridge, Nancy Foster of Hoosick Falls and Sue Foster of Troy, NY, uncle Charles Foster Jr, of Hoosick Falls, several cousins and a special Band of Brothers. He is predeceased by his grandfathers Charles Foster, Sr. and Donald Niquette, also an uncle, Robert Foster.

Funeral services will be Friday February 20 at 10  am from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, New York. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday February 19 from 3 to 6 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad or the Buskirk Fire Department through the funeral home

Joyce Shepard

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West Stephentown- Joyce I. Shepard, 72, of Firetower Rd. died on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the Diamond Hill Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. Born in Hoosick Falls Joyce was the daughter of the late Alfred and Bessie Goodermote Geerholt Sr. and wife of Gordon G. Shepard Sr. Joyce was a lifelong resident of the Stephentown area and had resided at Diamond Hill since 2012. Joyce had worked for many years at Sykes Store in Stephentown and had also been a bus driver for the Averill Park School District for ten years. Joyce was a Life Member of the Hoags Corners Fire Dept. and was a member of the Hoags Corners Ambulance. For many years, Joyce was a member of the Stephentown Center Baptist Church and more recently the West Stephentown Baptist Church.

Joyce was the mother of the late Stanley A. Shepard and sister of the late Alfred J. Geerholt Jr.

Survivors in addition to her husband include her children Deborah and husband Ron Rousseau of Stephentown Center, Gordon and wife Darlene Shepard Jr. of No. Greenbush and Wayne and wife Olya Shepard of Flushing, NY, her grandchildren Jessie and wife Nicole, Kevin, Nicole, Alfred, Emily and Evan and her great-grandchildren Jessie Jr. and Hannah.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the West Stephentown Baptist Church 1672 NY 43 West Stephentown on Saturday February 21 from 1 to 3 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 3 pm.

A Spring Interment is planned in the Hillside Cemetery, West Stephentown.

If desired, the family suggests donations in memory of Joyce Shepard may be made to the West Stephentown Baptist Church 1672 NY 43 Stephentown, NY 12168.

Visit perrykomdat.com for directions and guestbook.

Howard King

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Hoosick Falls – Howard Joseph King, of 34 Easy Street, Hoosick Falls, peacefully passed away on February 15, 2015, at his home with his wife June and family by his side.

Howard was born on October 9, 1944 to the late Walter, Sr. and Mary (LaPine) King in Rutland, VT. He received most of his education in Bennington, VT, graduating from Bennington High School in 1964. He then went on to complete apprenticeship courses through Penn State to become a Journeyman, for forty plus years at the time of his death, in the UA Road Local 669 of Sprinkler Fitters. To quote one of his former co-workers from Viking in Minnesota, Tommy Laumeyer, “ When I think of Howard, I think of his easy going, laid-back attitude and his strong work ethic”. He is what I call a “Good Man”.

He married the former June VanOrman on May 26, 1972 in North Bennington, Vt. They were married for 43 years in May of this year. They honeymooned in Montreal, Canada and it became an annual trip for them for many years.

Howard was a former member of the Elks Lodge, the Eagles and the Moose Club all of Bennington, Vt. He was a lifetime member of the St. Stanislaw Society of Hoosick Falls, NY. Howard’s hobbies were fishing, furniture restoration and the care of his yard, in which he took great pride. He was a great animal lover. He fed everything from the birds to the deer that ate the apples from his tree as they wandered through the yard. He enjoyed time spent with family above all else.

Other than his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Betsy Davendonis of Palm Coast, FL and Kelly Cruz of Tuscan, AZ, a step-son, Vincent Harwood of Bennington, VT and a son Howard King Moxley of Bennington, VT, five grandchildren, McKayla Davendonis of FL, Sara Davendonis Bently of VT, Emily and Joseph Keller of AZ and a very special grandson and his partner Clint Davendonis and Katy Marie Ryan, of Bennington, VT, whose help during this trying time brought peace to his Grandfather and support to his Grandmother. A sister Joanne (Adrien) LaFlamme of Bennington, VT also several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Other than his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Walter King Jr. and a sister Mary Margaret Keator.

In keeping with Howard’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. Donations in Howard’s name may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Shaftsbury, Vt or to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County through the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, New York who are handling Howard’s final arrangements.