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Hoosick – James J. Nealon, 74, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady.  A lifelong area resident, Jim aka “Mr. Nealon” or “Cloud” was born on July 26, 1940 to the late John and Mary (Robinson) Nealon.

[private]  Jim was preceded in death by the light of his life, his wife Marie, who passed away April 19, 2012.  They married in White Creek, NY and raised three children Sean L. Nealon, Kathleen M. (Fred) Smith of Saratoga Springs and Marie A. (David) Kipp, Jr. of Hoosick Falls at the Nealon homestead on Elm Street in Hoosick Falls.  Jim was a 1958 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy and a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls.  He was also a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and his dedication to his family, friends, community and country embodied the Semper Fidelis Motto—Always Faithful.  Jim was an active member of the Town of Hoosick Democratic Committee and served for many years as a representative to the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee.  Jim saw politics as a way to help people and worked tirelessly to assist his friends and neighbors where possible. He was a member of the BPO Elks, Society of St. Stanislaw, the Derby Club, and the American Legion.

Jim retired from the New York State Assembly as Director of Operations nearly twenty years ago.  Throughout his public service career, he also continued to practice as a licensed funeral director.  Prior to his career with the state, Jim worked for the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff.

“Mr. Nealon/Cloud” had many hobbies: playing poker in Hoosick, going to the races in Saratoga and down to OTB to “play the horses” with his friends, following his favorite sports teams, Boston Red Sox, Washington Redskins, and Duke Blue Devils, as well as fishing with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He always looked forward to his March trek to Las Vegas with his son and friends from “all over the map.” Jim and his beloved wife spent many years during retirement enjoying each other’s company, traveling, and swimming at the Bennington Recreation Center.

In addition to his children, Jim leaves behind six grandchildren, Freddie, Suzie, Sam and Maggie Smith and Nora and Maxwell Kipp, a brother John of Florida, brother-in-law, many sisters-in-law as well as nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his sister Mary Alice (Lyle) Scott and brothers Lawrence Nealon, William Nealon and Charles Nealon.

A liturgy of Christian Death and Burial was celebrated by Father Tom Zelker on Monday, April 13 at 10 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 67 Main Street, Hoosick Falls.  Relatives and friends visited at the church on Monday from 8:30 to 10 am. A reception at the Sand Bar was held following the burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hoosick Falls. To remember Jim in a special way, memorial contributions are suggested to the Karen McGovern Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please visit Jim’s everlasting Book of Memories at www.mcloughlinmason.com. [/private]

Berlin – Susan J. (Roberts) Blowers, 58, of Herrington Lane, died suddenly, Sunday, April 5, 2015, in Berlin while visiting with family for the Easter holiday.

Born in Troy, June 15, 1956, Mrs. Blowers was the daughter of the late Harvey and Gladys (Herrington) Roberts and the wife of John E. Blowers Jr. of Brunswick who survives.

Susan attended Ichabod Crane High School in Valatie and was employed at the Watervliet Arsenal for several years as a custodian. More recently she was employed by the Stewart’s Company, working at the former Tamarac Plaza shop and later by Brittonkill Central School District until retiring in the late 1990’s. Most recently she has been a homemaker caring for her home, husband and son.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Blowers is survived by a son Christopher “Chris” Blowers of Brunswick, a brother, George Roberts of Petersburgh and two sisters, Betty Doty and Dawn Roberts, both of Berlin. She was predeceased by a son, the late John E. Blowers III.

At the request of the family there will be no calling or public services. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Berlin Rescue Squad, Box 269, Berlin, New York 12022 in memory of Susan J. Blowers.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home in Raymertown, NY.

Hoosick Falls, NY – Gerald Duane “Gerry” Telford, 57, passed away on Tuesday April 7, 2015 at his residence on Abbott Street. He was born on May 19, 1957, son of the late Denver and Joan (McCart-Parizo) Telford.

Gerry was educated at Hoosick Falls Central School. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1978 to 1980. He was employed at the Delsignore Company in Brunswick, NY.

Survivors include his sons Jason and Jared Telford, both of Hoosick Falls, Jordan Telford of Troy, NY, sister Valerie (Michael) Hunter of Grand Isle, VT, granddaughter Clara Telford, two nieces Sarah Hunter and Lisa Telford and sister-in-law Maryalice Telford of Clarksville, TN. He is predeceased by a brother Glen Telford.

Funeral services were held on Saturday April 11, from the Mahar Funeral Home in Hoosick Falls. Burial followed the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hoosick Falls.