George W. Greene

GreeneHUDSON FALLS – George W. Greene, 81, of Main Street, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at his home.

Born on January 31, 1936, in Hempstead, Long Island, he was the son of the late Milton and Isabelle (Strohson) Greene.

When George was young, he spent his summers on Hadlock Pond.  While summering in this area, he developed a great love for the Adirondack Region and in 1967, he moved his family from Long Island to live in Fort Ann.

On July 31, 1956, he married Arline Jones in Hempstead.  They spent 56 wonderful years together until she passed away on August 12, 2011.

After moving to Fort Ann, George started his 30-year career with the Kingsbury Town Highway Department, retiring as Assistant Superintendent.

George loved to travel and camp in Maine and Vermont with is family.  He was an avid New York Giants fan.  When George was at Hempstead High School, he had the honor of playing trumpet and marching during halftime at a NY Giants game.

After his wife passed away, he remarried Lisa Holcomb on August 16, 2013.  Because he loved driving long distance, they travelled 4000 miles on their honeymoon to Key West.  Every year he took his grandsons, Nicholas and Logan to the Tow Truck Show in Lake George.  George also loved his animals, especially his dog, Maggie, who was his favorite companion these last few years.

George is survived by his wife, Lisa Greene of Hudson Falls; his sister, Gloria Robinson of Hawaii; his children, James W. Greene of South Glens Falls, William G. Greene and his wife, Korrin of South Glens Falls, Michael T. Greene of South Glens Falls, Daniel J. Greene of Palmetto, Florida and Susan Greene-Smith and her husband, Ron of Hartford; his five grandchildren, Jimmy Greene, Jeffrey Greene and his companion, Brittany, Nicholas Zwart, Alexandria Greene and Logan Smith; his three great grandchildren, Jaxin, Eastin and Zaydin Greene; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  George and Arline were also Foster Parents to 22 children throughout the years.

A private Celebration of George’s life will be at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St in Hudson Falls.

Robert “China” Mercier

MercierFORT EDWARD – Robert “China” Mercier, 75, of Anthony Drive, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and best friend, Pam on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on May 18, 1941, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Leone) Mercier.

After graduation from Hudson Falls High School, China continued his education at Albany Business College.

At one time, he was past owner of Wrought Iron Bar in Hudson Falls, but most of his life, China was a route salesman, delivering for Hogan’s Dairy, Millbrook Bread and finally retiring from Wise Potato Chips.

On October 24, 2003, he Married Pam Oeinck.  Together they owned and operated China’s Motor Sports in Hudson Falls.

He was proud to have been a honorary member of the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department.  China’s passion was for speed and adventure.   He loved watching NASCAR, especially Richard Petty.  China also enjoyed snowmobile racing, mostly in Maine, drag car racing all over this area, dirt track racing and sprint car racing.  At one time, he drove backwards from Top of the World, Lake George to Hudson Falls.   China also loved watching the New York Yankees and passed away while they were playing in the background.

China was a caring, loving and giving husband, father, and grandfather.  He always put a smile on others faces.  China was a wonderful story teller and was always ready with a joke.   He was personable and fun loving man who will be missed.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Matthew Robert Mercier.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Mercier of Fort Edward; his children, Tricia Lawson and her companion, Chuck Hunt of Hudson Falls and Rebecca Osmer and her husband, Corey of Harrisburg, PA; his grandchildren, Alyssa Birnbaum, Taylor Osmer, Jamie Mercier and Kyle Mercier; his German Shepard dogs, Gretchen and Kaiser; his best friends, Gary Nolin and Chuck Caputo; his sisters in law, Linda Gilligan, Tracy Snyder and her companion Frank LaPelle; his brother in law, Larry Oeinck and his companion, Carmen Bordis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Burial will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department, 220 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY  12839 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.

Donald E. Barber

Barber, DonFORT EDWARD – Donald “Don” E. Barber, 86, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at his home in Fort Edward.

Born on July 18, 1930, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late Charles and Alice (O’Connell) Barber.

Don was a graduate of Fort Edward High School and served in the US Navy.    Upon discharge he was employed by Scott Paper Company and retired in 1986​ as a Supervisor, after

40​ years of service.     Don was also the long-time proprietor of Bruso’s Tavern in Hudson Falls, where he shared his love of sports, jokes with friends and gestures of kindness with those in

need.   Wrestling was always very special to Don.   Through the years, he enjoyed watching his sons, grandsons and all the local athletes compete at wrestling events.

Don was united in marriage to Donna M. Bruso on April 20,1952 in St. Joseph’s Church, Fort Edward.

He was predeceased by his son, Daniel T. Barber and his parents.    Don was the last of his siblings, Thomas Barber, Edward Barber, Jean Barber Archambault, Charlotte Barber Archambault and

his twin Dorothy Barber Strainer.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Don is survived by daughters, Kathy Cantiello (Thomas) of Queensbury, Beth Barber-Boulet (Thomas) of Colorado Springs, CO, Lynne Huntsman (Greg) of Springfield, MO; sons, Patrick Barber (Linda) of Englewood, FL, Robert Barber of Hudson Falls, Reed Barber (Elizabeth) of Heathrow​, FL.; and his daughter in law, Jeanne Brock Barber.    Don is also survived by 15 grandchildren; grandsons, Louis Cantiello, Ryan Barber, Joel Cantiello, Corey Barber, Thomas Barber, Aaron Barber, William Lacinak, Gavin Huntsman and Aidan Lacinak; and granddaughters, Tara Lacinak, Gabriella Barber, Gillian Huntsman, Delaney Barber and Lindsey Barber; and his great grandchildren, “Lil T”, Delia, Sam, Wyatt, Everette, Ben and Catherine.    Also survived is Don’s puppy, Chester.

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

All are welcome to Don’s graveside service which will be conducted at 11 a.m. ​on Saturday, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Edward, followed by a reception at Bruso’s Tavern, 43 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A special thank you to Maureen O’Brien and the nurses for providing wonderful care to Don during his illness.

Memorial donations may be sent to Hudson Falls Wrestling Club, C/O Cathy Dudley, Hudson Falls High School, 80 East Labarge Street, Hudson Falls 12839 or the charity of one’s choice.

He was a good man and will be greatly missed.

Michele P. Phelps

Phelps, MicheleHUDSON FALLS – Michele P. Phelps, 46, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2017, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Michele fought a long and courageous battle with dignity and nothing but grace, from breast cancer.

She was born June 3, 1970, to Kathryn Young, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Michele was a graduate of Santa Clara California High School and then received a CASAC/T degree from SUNY Adirondack and worked in her field, counseling hundreds and helping thousands along their path.

Michele took great pride in being an American Indian and felt strongly in support of Standing Rock with extensive family in South Dakota.

Survivors include her mother, Kathryn Young of Schenectady; Michele’s beloved fiancé of several years,  Tom VanNess, whom she was scheduled to wed June 10, 2017; her children, Krystal Hauck of Oregon, Chelsea Chambers of Oregon, Kameron Phelps of Hudson Falls; two grandchildren Triston Hauck and a grandchild due to be born in June; two brothers, Michael Phelps of Hudson Falls and Matt Gutierrie of Glens Falls; two nieces, Ashley Phelps and Kali Gutierrie; and a huge family out in South Dakota.

Michele leaves behind countless friends and loved ones throughout the country.  She especially loved the ocean in California, where she lived a good share of her life.

Michele was an avid friend of “Bill W’s” for numerous years, which created a family beyond belief in which she held dear to her heart.

Michele found immense comfort in her two beloved dogs, Shadow and Scully, who will miss her dearly.  Through her illness, they never left her side.  She was continuously surrounded by friends who loved her for her wit, never ending sense of humor and wisdom with unconditional love.  She taught us all to live each day as it comes and that we are never alone and to always “pay it forward”.

Friends may call from 2 to 3:30 pm on Sunday, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 pm following the calling hours on Sunday at the Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.

Darrin Kelley

HUDSON FALLS – Darrin Kelley, 55, of Hudson Falls, passed away after a short illness on April 30, 2017, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on October 10, 1961, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Lois Kelley and the late Clarence Kelley.

Darrin was an avid hunter and fisherman, always enjoying his time in the outdoors.  Also, a Sports enthusiast, he was always cheering on his beloved Jets.

He was predeceased by his father, Clarence Kelley of Hudson Falls.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Joyce Koksawski of Hudson Falls; his mother, Lois Kelley of Hudson Falls; his son, Darrin Kelley, Jr. of Saratoga; his daughters, Kristin Bradway of Argyle and Breeana Kelley of Fort Edward; his older brother, Howard Kelley and his wife, Karen of Hudson Falls; his sister, Kathleen Sweet and her companion, Brook Waters of Lake Luzerne; and several nieces and nephews.

Rather than contributions, we ask that you do a kindness for others and make the world a better place.

Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Martin “Marty” “Tex” Stockwell

Stockwell, MartyGLENS FALLS – Martin “Marty” “Tex” Stockwell, 58, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at his home in Glens Falls.

Born on January 14, 1959, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the Late Jack and Anna (Ireland) Stockwell.

Marty was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

Marty loved everyone and everyone loved Marty. You can remember him best by introducing himself to everyone he met “Hello, I’m Marty.” You would see Marty walking all over Glens Falls, occasionally pushing a shopping cart full of empties that everyone would save for him. Marty walked fast, one minute you would see him at the west end of town at Walgreens, then just minutes later he would be over to the east side of town at Cooper Street Price Chopper sitting on the bench. He always made his daily trip to the post office to mail a letter and say hi to all the workers. Marty had a great memory, if he met you once he never forgot you and if he had seen you in weeks, months, or years later he always would go out of his way to say hi and call you by name. Marty will be dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, Marty was predeceased by his uncle, John Omiecinski; and his sister, Laura Kottman.

Survivors include, his aunt, Helen Omiecinski of Hudson Falls, who raised him; his cousin, Carol Martin of Glens Falls, who was his caretaker and Nancy Martin of Hudson Falls who was like a sister to him; his brother, Gary Stockwell of Hudson Falls; his other brothers, Ronald (Beverly), Robert (Julie), and Jackie; his uncle, Robert (Anne) Stockwell of Hudson Falls; and several cousins and aunts.

A graveside service will take place on Thursday at 11:00 at Moss Street Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury with a celebration of life to follow the graveside service on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the VFW on Cooper St. in Glens Falls.

Donations in Marty’s name may be made out to a Benefit Fund in Marty’s name at Glens Falls National Bank Trust, 250 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, to help pay for funeral expenses.

Shirley E. Austin

Austin, ShirleySOUTH GLENS FALLS – Shirley E. Austin, 87, of South Glens Falls, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, April 30, 2017, with friends and family by her side.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Colchester, VT, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Dorothy Bigelow.

Shirley was wed to Donald R. Austin, who passed away on October 23, 2008.

She was a lifelong bookkeeper, and was a caretaker, for the late Mary Irving.

Shirley was a communicant of St. Michael The Archangel Church. She loved her grandchildren, her family, and her pets.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her sister, Charlotte Hart and her husband, Jack; her brother, Gene Bigelow; and her sister Barbara Johnson and her husband, Gordon.

Survivors include, her son Robert Austin and his wife, Karen of South Glens Falls; her daughter Donna Fahrbach and her husband, Don of Long Island; her three grandchildren, Kristen, Joseph, and Nathan; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Michael The Archangel Church in South Glens Falls.

Following the Mass, The Rite of Committal will be held at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

Donations in Shirley’s name may be made out to Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.