Doris E. O’Brien
July 27, 2009
GUILDERLAND – Doris E. O’Brien, 83, of Guilderland, died Sunday, July 26, 2009 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland. Mrs. O’Brien was born and raised in Lynbrook, Long Island. She lived for five years in the Rochester area before moving to Guilderland in 1962. She was employed by the Teresian House nursing home in Albany, and also served as a volunteer at the home. She was a member of the Guilderland Garden Club, and a communicant of Christ the King Church where she served as a greeter at masses, a Eucharistic minister, and a member of the funeral choir and faith sharing group. She also was an avid painter and crafter, who illustrated garden club brochures and directories, and made wooden tree ornaments for the Mynderse-Frederick House annual holiday open house.
Mrs. O’Brien was predeceased by her husband James G. O’Brien, and her son Kevin O’Brien. She is survived by her son James R. O’Brien (Kathleen) of Guilderland; her daughter Jacqueline Robinson (Michael) of Naples, FL; her sons Mark O’Brien of Voorheesville, and Richard O’Brien of Guilderland; her daughter in law Linda O’Brien of Syracuse; her brother Walter Burns of Vero Beach, FL; her grandchildren Sean O’Brien, Phillip Robinson, Megan Robinson Griffin, Ethan Robinson, Devin O’Brien and Sarah O’Brien; and her great granddaughter Katelyn Griffin. She was predeceased by her brother Frederick Robert Burns.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Thursday morning at 9:00, and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave., Guilderland at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 pm for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Altamont. Those who wish may make a contribution in her memory to the Christ the King Church Building Fund, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany, NY 12203, or to a charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Robert T. Stimson
July 24, 2009
HILTON, NY – Robert T. Stimson, 73, formerly of Guilderland, died April 20, 2009 at his home in Hilton. Mr. Stimson graduated third in his class from Westfield High School in Westfield, NY. He earned BS and MS degrees at Albany State Teachers College (SUNYA) graduating Cum Laude. He completed additional coursework at Syracuse University, Rutgers University, Brown University, Penn State University, and Union College. He was a teacher and supervisor of math for 36 years (1957 – 1993) in the Guilderland School System. He was also a long time member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). He tutored many students throughout his career and after retirement. He loved teaching, giving much time and energy. He had a great relationship with students, parents, fellow teachers and administration, and would do it all over again. He also had a great love for music and theatre. He was a member of College chorus, Statesman, Albany Choral Society, Octavos, Mendelssohn Men’s Glee Club and the Festival Celebration Choir. He was also an advocate for the Empire State Youth Orchestra.
Mr. Stimson was predeceased by his parents and his dear friend Rosemary Branigan. He is survived by his daughter Susan (Joseph) Skeels of Hilton, NY; his grandchildren Cpl. Bradley Ingram USMC and Michaelyn (Lt. Eric) O’Hearn U.S. Army; his brother Ira Stimson; his sisters Virginia (Bill) Imm and Alice (Richard) Davis.
A memorial service will be celebrated in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2009. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit http://www.hansfuneralhome.com/ .
Marie P. Coluccio-Forenzo
July 21, 2009
ALBANY – Marie P. Coluccio-Forenzo, 73, died peacefully Monday, July 20, 2009 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital after a long and brave fight with cancer. Marie was a strong and caring woman, devoted to family and to God, who lived a life of love and service.
Marie was the daughter of the late Wilbert Adams and Carmen Haskins Adams. She was employed by the City School District of Albany for fourteen years, and was an active communicant of St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Albany. She also served as a volunteer at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center and Community Hospice of Albany.
Marie was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Joseph Coluccio, and by her second husband, Charles G. Forenzo. She is survived by her children Victoria Schoonmaker, Donna Comiskey (William), Frank Coluccio (Cheryle), Joseph Coluccio (Carol), Anthony Coluccio (Gigi), Carmen Coluccio (Susan), and Patricia Dickson (Brian); her stepdaughter Kimberly Carrello; her sisters Patsy Stern (Eric), Jeanette Briere, and Kathryn LaRose; her stepbrother Arthur Scarlatta; seventeen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Sylvia Woodruff, her stepfather Joseph Scarlatta, and her stepbrother Anthony Scarlatta.
Marie loved family gatherings and enjoyed making family and friends comfortable and welcome. She especially cherished her time with her family at her camp in the Adirondacks.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday morning at 8:15, and from there to St. Margaret Mary’s Church, Homestead St., Albany at 9:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Margaret Mary’s Church, 1168 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 ( www.stjude.org ); or Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 (www.communityhospice.org). To leave a message of condolence for the family, obtain a prayer card or addresses of the above charities, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Harold T. Gallager, Jr.
July 14, 2009
LATHAM – Harold T. Gallager, Jr., 79, died Friday, July 10, 2009 at Saratoga Hospital. Mr. Gallager was born in Albany, the son of the late Harold T. Gallager, Sr. and Gladys Gallager Ritschel. He lived in Albany and Latham all his life. He was a graduate of Albany High School, and served in the U.S. Navy with the Sea Bees, before becoming a prominent local building contractor. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, and loved visiting casinos to shoot craps. He also was well known for giving nearly everyone a nickname.
Mr. Gallager was predeceased by his wife Gloria Gallager. He is survived by his daughters including Susan Hedge of Saratoga Springs; his sister Joyce Stangle of Saratoga Springs; his brothers Douglass Gallager (Barbara), and Richard Gallager (Lois) of Voorheesville; his grandchildren including Tyler, Sydney, and Garrett “Fibber” Hedge; and by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hortense & Louis Rubin Dialysis Center, Inc., Troy Center, 1850 Peoples Avenue, Troy, New York 12180. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit http://www.hansfuneralhome.com/ .
Litterio “Larry” Cassera
July 10, 2009
ALBANY – Litterio “Larry” Cassera, 75, walked into the arms of The Lord Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the Stratton DVA Medical Center. Larry was born in Albany, NY on March 5, 1934, the son of the late Anthony “Champ” and Mary Rose Cassera. He moved to Florida in 1983, and in 2000 became a “snowbird,” traveling between there and Albany. Known as Larry the Horse, Mr. Cassera served in the Army from 1955-1957, and bowled in Korea and Japan with the Armed Forces Far East Team. He was a member of the PBA and successfully competed in both the regular and senior tours. He and partner Joey Schmidt won the ABC Eastern Zone National Doubles, and Larry appeared bowling on TV many times in both the US and Canada. Throughout his career, Larry bowled four 300 games, and was inducted into the Glens Falls Bowling Hall of Fame. Mr. Cassera was the manager and owner of several bowling centers in the Capital District and Florida. He was also an avid golfer, was a member of the Zolga Post Country Club and the Town of Colonie Golf Club, and played bocci with the WAIBS. Larry was known as a great story teller and was a joy to be around. He was known to be quick witted, have a contagious laugh, and was a true people person. A strong man and good provider, Larry always had time for teaching others.
Mr. Cassera is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Ann Cassera, who he faithfully made great coffee for every morning. He is also survived by a son, Thomas J. Cassera (Tammy), a daughter, Theresa Davis (Jimmy), a brother John Cassera (Cathy), a sister, Marianne Hinckley (Ken), grandchildren Anthony, Kimberly, Thomas, and Nicholas, great grandchildren Adrianna and Scotty, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Cassera also leaves behind a 17-year-old dog Sparky that he loved very much.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 10:00AM in the St. Francis DeSales Church, 1 Maria Dr., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Sunday evening from 4 until 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
John J. Hiller
July 8, 2009
SUN CITY CENTER, FL – John J. Hiller, 88, died Thursday, July 2, 2009 in Sun City Center, Florida. Born March 9, 1921 in Troy, NY to Myron & Grace (Foley) Hiller, he was a longtime resident of Ayre Drive, Albany, NY prior to retiring to Florida and Maine. He was a communicant of St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Albany. Mr. Hiller was a graduate of Albany High School, and a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He served as a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Albany for more than 30 years as well as an electrician for Mayfair Fine Furnishings. Jack enjoyed golf, traveling and spending time with his family. He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, the American Legion and the VFW.
Mr. Hiller was predeceased by his wife Marie Kane Hiller. He is survived by his wife Margaret Hiller; his children Robert Hiller of Troy, NY, Michael Hiller (Terry) of Hannibal, NY, Janet Davis (Jerome) of Plattsburgh, NY, and Kathleen Mowins of Fayetteville, NY; and by 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany Saturday morning at 8:15, and from there to St. Margaret Mary’s Church, Homestead St., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 5-8 p.m. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601; and the American Heart Association, Northeastern Region, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Rosemary A. Abbate
July 8, 2009
ALBANY – Rosemary A. Abbate, 78, of Latham, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Mrs. Abbate was born in Albany, and lived here most of her life. She was a graduate of the Cathedral Academy and the Albany Business College, and was employed for many years by the Federal Government, retiring from the Watervliet Arsenal. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a constant spectator and supporter at many basketball and baseball games, dance recitals, and cheerleading competitions.
Mrs. Abbate is survived by her husband Charles A. Abbate; her daughters Brenda Scovello Pinckney of Albany, and Janice A. Goca (Timothy Dyer) of Niskayuna; her grandchildren Stephanie Stiles (Roy) of Guilderland, Jacqueline Scovello of Albany, and Lauren and Conor Goca of Niskayuna; and by her great grandchildren Andrew, Matthew and Isabella Stiles. She was predeceased by her son in law Bert Pinckney.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday morning at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in Memory’s Garden, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter, 5 Computer Drive West, Suite 100, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family, obtain a prayer card or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit http://www.HansFuneralHome.com
Ruth E. Lepley
July 6, 2009
ROCHESTER – Ruth E. Lepley, 92, of Rochester, formerly of Albany, died Sunday, July 5, 2009 in Rochester. Mrs. Lepley was born Ruth E. Canfield in Stamford, NY on October 15, 1916, the daughter of the late Otis P. Canfield and Mary Barlow Canfield. Shortly after their marriage, Mrs. Lepley and her husband moved to Albany, NY. After Mr. Lepley’s death in 2000 she moved to Rochester. Mrs. Lepley was a member of The First Church In Albany for over fifty years, a member of CSEA Retired Employees Association, a Colonie, New York Republican Committeewoman for about ten years, and she was retired from the Food Services Department of South Colonie Schools.
Mrs. Lepley was predeceased by her husband William F. Lepley. She is survived by her son William O. Lepley and daughter-in-law Edith and daughter Mary Elizabeth Dixon and son-in-law Richard; five grandchildren: Wendee Russell, Deanne Slater, Shellee Tricarico, Stephen Dixon, and William A. Lepley; and nine great grand children. She is also survived by a beloved niece Doreen Smith; three nephews: Gary, Timothy and Terry Yanson; two grand nieces: Kelly Gill and Christine Agostinelli; and two cousins: Elizabeth Barlow and Ethelynn Canfield. She was predeceased by her sister Mary Yanson, and brother Archie Canfield.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany on Thursday at 12:00 noon. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Interment will be in Memory’s Garden, Colonie. Contributions in her memory may be made to First Church Drive-In Ministry, 110 N. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207 ( http://www.firstchurchinalbany.org/ ). To leave a message of condolence or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit http://www.hansfuneralhome.com/
Eric T. Sample
July 5, 2009
ALBANY – Eric T. Sample, 51, rode to eternal rest after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Eric was born in Monterey, CA, the son of the late Robert and Charlotte Reed Sample. He came to Albany in 1982, and was employed as a construction worker framing homes, and then by Albany County at the airport, highway dept. and sewer plant. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and motorcycle enthusiast.
Eric is surived by his loving soulmate Lesi Bohok; his wife Margaret Ray Sample; his son Jesse Curtis Sample; his stepmother Joan Sample and step grandmother Miss Flo, both of Fayetteville, GA; his brother John Sample (Pilar) of L.A. Co., CA; his sister Paula Hutchinson (Mike) of Port Huron, MI; and by several nieces and nephews and many cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Sample.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday evening at 6: 30. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Monday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.
Mary R. Kravitz
July 3, 2009
ALBANY – Mary Elizabeth Ryan Kravitz, 86, of Albany, died peacefully while in the company of her family on Sunday, June 28, 2009 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Mrs. Kravitz was born in Albany, the daughter of the late John Ryan and Minnie Tipple Ryan. She lived here all her life. She earned her degree in Business Administration from Hudson Valley Community College, and continued her studies at SUNY Albany. She was employed as a legal secretary by the firms of Herzog, Nichols & Lahey; and also Sneeringer & Rowley. She also was employed as an administrative assistant to Dr. Tsoo E. King of the SUNY Albany Chemistry department. She was a communicant for many years at Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany. Mary cherished the wonderful memories of her Milton and being with her family, she also enjoyed golfing at Hiawatha Trails Golf Course.
Mrs. Kravitz was predeceased by her husband Milton B. Kravitz, a sister Marjorie Helmer (Ward), and her brother John Ryan (Helen) She is survived by her sons John Nettleton (Margaret) of Tucson, AZ, Ed Nettleton (Regina) of Saratoga Springs, , and Michael Kravitz of Slingerlands; her grandchildren Christopher Nettleton (Lynn), Mark Nettleton (Bethany), Geoff Nettleton, and Phillip Nettleton (Melissa); her great grandchildren Colin, Claire, Jeffrey, Matthew, Molly and Matthew; and by her nieces Catherine Hinners (Tom), Carol Ann Casey (John), Helen Metzler (Jim) and nephews John Ryan Jr., Keith Helmer (Tracy), and Kevin Helmer (Niki).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany. Family and friends may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave. Albany from 8:30-10:00 AM, prior to the mass. Interment will be in Memory’s Garden, Colonie. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Community Hospice Inn at St. Peters Hospital 315 So. Manning Blvd., Albany NY 12208
Mrs. Kravitz’s family would like to thank the staff of the Hospice Inn for the warm wonderful care they provided.