Obituaries

Hoosick Falls – Daniel Brandi, 99, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls, NY. He had formerly resided on Church Street in Hoosick Falls. He and his brother Anthony owned and operated Brandi’s Shoe Store on Church Street in Hoosick Falls.

Born on October 12, 1914, in Belvedere, Italy, Daniel was the son of the late Louis and Rose (Renda) Brandi. He attended school in Hoosick Falls. His father wanted him to learn a trade at an early age so at the age of twelve he apprenticed under John Handakas who had a shoe store on Elm Street in Hoosick Falls. After working in the Handakas shop, Dan began his own business from his home, and in the 1930s he opened his own shop on Elm Street. In the 1940s Dan left his craft to serve his country during WW II. He returned to Hoosick Falls after the war to have his brother, Tony, join him in the shoe repair shop. Dan enjoyed bowling, bocce ball, golf, dancing and horse racing.

Survivors include his brother, Anthony Paul Brandi of Hoosick Falls, and nieces and nephews, Edward, Nancy, Jay, Terry, Kathleen, Louis, Michael and Cecelia. He is pre-deceased by a sister, Mary Brandi, and his brothers, Frank husband of Grace, Guy husband of Carmela and Joseph husband of Lillian.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Saturday, April 26, at 10 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial followed the Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hoosick Falls. Relatives and friends called at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, on Friday, April 25, from 4 to 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for their kind care given to Daniel.

Hoosick Falls – John  A. “Jack” McMartin, 85, a life long resident of Hoosick Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the Crescent Manor Nursing Home in Bennington, VT, with his family at his side after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. His beloved wife of 57 years, Elizabeth “Bette” Griffin McMartin, died on March 28, 2007.

Jack was born on October 2, 1928, in Hoosick Falls and was the son of the late Spencer and Julia Corbett McMartin. He was a graduate of the Walter A. Wood High School, attended Siena College and became an accountant for several companies. He was comptroller for John L. English & Co. until his retirement. He also prepared tax returns for many people in the area throughout his years and was a real estate agent during his retirement.

Jack was a member of the Elks Club, the Society of St. Stanislaw and the Hoosick Falls Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, dancing and traveling to Florida for winter months as well as spending time with his family. Survivors include his three loving daughters, Karen Jennings and her husband Larry, Donna Trottier and her husband John, all of Hoosick Falls, and Debra O’Neill and her husband Robert of Exeter, NH, his grandchildren, Kari Dowling-Ryan and her husband Jeremy, Rob Dowling and his wife Lisa, John Trottier, Scott Trottier and his wife Sarah, Sean Pruso and his wife Kristen, Bobby O’Neill and Julianna O’Neill, his great-grandchildren, Aidan Ryan, Christopher and Keira Dowling, Max Trottier and Austin Pruso. He is also survived by one brother, Spencer McMartin of Hoosick Falls, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is pre-deceased by two sisters, Lillian Hansen and Carol O’Keefe, and three brothers, Donald, William and Robert McMartin. Jack will be greatly missed by all and remembered as a great dancer, an active and fun loving, well dressed, friendly gentleman with a beautiful smile.

Relatives and friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home in Hoosick Falls from 4 to 7 pm on Sunday, April 27. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 28, at 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Romac and Dr. Marcus Martinez and the staff at the Crescent Manor Nursing Home as well as his home health caregivers, Diane Longe, Debra Mahar, Kelly Granger and Mary Ellen O’Neill for their compassionate care of Jack. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jack may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Karen McGovern Memorial Fund through the Mahar Funeral Home.

Hoosick Falls – Wilhelmina Elizabeth (Billie) Hall passed into the arms of her Lord on April 16, 2014, surrounded by her children at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls, NY. Billie was born March 21, 1928, to William and Rose English Tschumi of Raymertown, NY. She graduated from Troy High School in 1946 and Troy Business College in 1947.

Billie met Bob, the love of her life Robert C. Hall of Valley Falls, NY, at the Durkeetown Square Dances just outside of Fort Edward, NY. Billie and Bob married on September 30, 1950. They made their home on River Road in Hoosick Falls. They had four children. Billie was a stay at home mom.

Billie and Bob traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Billie was the trip planner and navigator. She guided her family through museums, national parks, caverns, beaches and mountains. Billie was the most supportive wife and mother. She was a PTA mom and the “cookie mom” for Girl Scouts. She was a very active member of her churches, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the TC Class. Billie was a wonderful mother, devoted wife and a fun loving, funny lady. She was a deeply caring individual.

Billie is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, her sisters, May, wife of James Monahan, and Evelyn, wife of Hayner Bornt, and her son-in-law Edward Carknard. Billie is survived by her children, Chuck Hall (Robert, Jr.) and his wife Cathy of Woodsville, NH, Karen and husband Mike Otero of Greenwich, NY, Kathi Carknard of Hoosick Falls and Brian Hall and wife Pam of Cambridge, NY, and her sister, Elaine Kostenblatt of Troy, NY. She has seven grandchildren, Eric, Emily and husband Ken Rodriguez, John McLucas, Brian McLucas, Ian Carknard, Carly and Brian Hall, and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Rodriguez.

Funeral services were Friday, April 18, at 4 pm from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090. Burial followed at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home from 2 pm until the start of the service. Donations in Billie’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation through the funeral home.