Category Archives: Obituaries

HUDSON FALLS – Cheryl D. (Hallenbeck) Ash, 77, of Hudson Falls and Argyle, passed away peacefully, following a long illness on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Washington Center in Argyle with her family by her side.

Born July 7, 1946, in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Bertha (LaFountaine) Hallenbeck.

Cheryl was a graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

Following graduation, she enlisted in the United States Navy and served until her honorable discharge in 1969. Her last assignment with the Navy was at the Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island.

She was employed for many years as a legal secretary for McPhillips, Fitzgerald, Myers, & McLenithan Law Associates at their Hudson Falls office. Cheryl also worked for Reality USA in Saratoga Springs as a licensed salesperson.

While visiting friends in Delaware, Cheryl married the love of her life, Rodger Ash. Upon returning to Hudson Falls, the newlyweds found out Cheryl’s mother arranged for Rodger and Cheryl to say their vows at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s McManus Hall.

Following her retirement, Cheryl was a dedicated volunteer for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) driving people to their medical appointments, and, with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) filing taxes for those in need.

Cheryl was an avid reader and loved mystery novels. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, making jewelry, and was always trying to knit. She loved being on the water. It didn’t matter if it was a canal, lake, ocean, or river, she always found peace. She enjoyed spending time on her “party boat” (pontoon boat) cruising up and down the canal. During election time, you could always find Cheryl at the Argyle Firehouse performing her duty as a Poll Worker. Most of all, Cheryl absolutely adored and loved her grandchildren. She could never get enough time with them.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl is predeceased by her husband, Rodger; her brother, Charles “Chuck” Hallenbeck; and Rodger’s son, Scott Ash.

Survivors include her loving son, Todd Simpson (Stephannie Siwik-Simpson) of Argyle; her grandsons, Darien, and Fraser Siwik-Simpson of Argyle; her brother, Kurt Hallenbeck (Kathleen) of Hudson Falls; and her partner in crime, and longtime best friend, Carol Mullen of Hudson Falls.

Cheryl is also survived by her niece Dawn Hallenbeck of Florida, and nephews, Keene Hallenbeck (Ria) and their children of Florida, and Joshua Hallenbeck (Paula) and children of Argyle. Cheryl is also survived by Rodger’s children and grandchildren whom she loved like her own. They include Tracy Dunphy (Bill) and children of Greenwich, Jeff Ash and his children of Argyle, Sue Berg, and Sharon Ash, both of Greenwich.

Cheryl’s family would like to thank Carol Mullen for the care, compassion, and unconditional love she provided to Cheryl and her family throughout the years. The many trips to dialysis for treatment, countless hours spent with Cheryl while she was in the hospital, the bottomless cookie jar, and dedication to Cheryl will always be gratefully appreciated.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 2 pm to 4 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the funeral home immediately following calling hours.

Rite of Committal will take place in the future at the Greenwich Cemetery where Cheryl will be laid to rest next to her husband at a private service.

Donations in Cheryl’s name may be made to the Argyle Rescue Squad, 5 Sheridan Street, Argyle, NY 12809.

CAMBRIDGE – Nickalas Scott Connor, 31 of Cambridge, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2024. Born on March 8, 1991 in Glens Falls, he was a life long area resident.

Nickalas worked for many years in construction at Bonacio Construction in Saratoga Springs. He was a Black Belt in Combat Hapkido Martial Arts and enjoyed lifting weights to stay fit.

Nickalas is predeceased by his mother, Linda (Stoff) Connor.

He is survived by his father, Enoch Santabar-Connor and his wife, Lisa; his son; and his 7 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services are private at the convenience of the family.

HUDSON FALLS – Robert “Bob” Joseph La Pointe, cherished husband, father, and poppy, 79, of Hudson Falls, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, following a short illness.

Born May 29, 1944, at Glens Falls Hospital, he was the son of the late Paul Arthur and Helen (Vitouski) La Pointe.  

Bob had a life richly lived marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family. He was a man of many talents, with a heart as open and welcoming as the great outdoors he so dearly loved. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, creativity, and the simple joys that life offers. Bob was a man who could never sit still for long, always finding a new project to embark on, or an adventure around his property or workshop to pursue. He was a skilled craftsman who was known for his unmatched ingenuity in woodworking, metalworking, or just finding a fix for something that seemed impossible. Bob’s ingenuity knew no bounds, and he was always ready to lend his skills to those in need.

Outside of his workshop, Bob was an avid fisherman, finding solace in the quiet waters of New York’s Lakes. He was the owner of The Old Troller Sport Fishing Charters on Lake George and was highly regarded as an expert fishing guide often seen catching near record size Lake Trout and Salmon with the biggest smile on his face. He especially enjoyed being on the boat pulling wire for Lake Trout. His most heartfelt moments on the water were those spent with his family by his side.

Bob was also a talented guitar player, filling his home with music and laughter, and an unwavering fan of the New York Yankees. He never missed a Yankee game, with his wife by his side, celebrating their victories with the same passion he devoted to every aspect of his life. Bob’s love for cutting and splitting wood was more than a chore; it was a ritual deep in his soul that connected him to the earth and the cycles of nature. He especially enjoyed using his vast collection of chain saws and his Yanmar Tractor in this process.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Bob was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, from the dirt to the road, relishing the freedom and excitement of riding through New York’s picturesque landscapes. Bob’s greatest love, however, was for his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Arthur and Helen (Vitouski) La Pointe.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife “his Sweety”, the love of his life, together 62 years, married 56 years, Luella (Uhlinger) “Mimi” La Pointe, his partner in every aspect of life’s journey. “Mimi’s” infamous chocolate chip cookies, homemade cakes, and apple pies kept Bob’s sweet tooth always well satisfied. Together, they created a home filled with love.

He was a loving father to his two children, Cheryl Wilson (Ray), Bob La Pointe, Jr (Kim Martin); a doting grandfather, and Poppy, to his five grandchildren Andrew Arnold, Gillian Wilson, Avery La Pointe, Logan Wilson, and Hanna La Pointe. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law Laura Wilder and Patricia Walkup.

Bob’s life was a journey of passion, from the tranquility of fishing, the joy of music, The thrill of baseball, to the satisfaction of creating with his hands. He taught us the value of patience, the importance of doing things right, and the belief you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. He will be deeply missed but remembered forever as a guiding light and a source of unconditional love.

Bob’s family invites all who knew and loved him to join them in remembering a man whose legacy of love, creativity, and adventure will forever be cherished.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s/St. Paul Church, 11 Wall Street in Hudson Falls.

Rite of committal will take place at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

GLENS FALLS – Bernard “Bernie” Leonka, 88, formerly of Glens Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Washington Center in Argyle, with his family by his side.

Born on April 4, 1935, in Schenectady, he was the only child of the late August J. and Philomena L. (Benacquista) Leonka.

Bernie was a graduate of Knott Terrace High School, formerly in Schenectady and then continued his education taking classes toward earning a degree in Physical Therapy.

Following college, he joined the United States Army. Bernie was proud to have served his country.  After his honorable discharge in January 1957, Bernie began his long and diverse work history.

After 32 years of working for General Electric in Fort Edward, he retired as business manager. While employed at GE, Bernie held a second job as a bartender for over 20 years. He loved tending bar at the Saratoga Flat Track but even better at the Saratoga Harness Track. It was the perfect job for Bernie, he could watch the horses and place his bets. His final and favorite job for over 12 years was driving the school bus for Abraham Wing School. Bernie cherished the many field trips and the responsibility he had for making sure the kids were safe.

He was an avid Yankee and Giants fan. For many years, Bernie took his kids to the Giants training camp to watch his favorite team get ready for the season. He also followed the Duke Basketball team, always rooting for them to win. 

For several years, Bernie coached little league while his younger son, Greg was on the team. He also had fond memories of spending many summers camping with his family in Maine.

Survivors include his four children, Christopher (Michele) Leonka of Queensbury, Lisa Leonka of Troy, Bernice (John) Cote of Glens Falls, and Gregg (Billi Jo) Leonka of NC; his grandchildren, Brendan Leonka, Brittany Nikas, Jessica Carey, Kaleigh Stoya, John Cote, and Abigail Leonka; his great grandchildren, Tenley and Macey Leonka, Calla and Burkley Nikas, John Carey and Wells Stoya.

Calling hours will be private.

The Rite of Committal will be Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 2:30 pm at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville.

Bernie’s family would like to thank the staff at the Washington Center in Argyle for the care and compassion they provided Bernie during his stay. A special thank you to the staff on the Hillview South Unit, the Activities Department, and Physical Therapy.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Moreau Rescue Squad, 1583 US-9, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

HUDSON FALLS – Margaret A. Nims, 70 of Route 4, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a long illness.

Born on January 4, 1954 in Canandaigua, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Smith) Kaveny, Sr.

Margaret graduated from Hudson Falls High School and continued her education at Adirondack Community College, where she received her Nursing Degree.   She enjoyed her job as a nurse, at the  Glens Falls Hospital and the Warren, Washington Association for Mental Health.

Margaret loved living on her farm where she boarded horses.  Through her talents, as a teacher and a rider, many young children were given the opportunity to learn horseback riding.   Horses were her love and it was so important to her that this was carried on through her grandchildren.  It was special to her that they learned to ride and felt the same love and enjoyment for horses. It was her legacy to pass this on.  Margaret spent many hours with her friend, Colleen O’Rourke, at the Pond Hill Ranch in Castleton, Vermont.

She loved taking long car rides, traveling with her family and friends to Maine and Cape Cod and spending time on her land in Kingsbury.  The holidays were always a special time of sharing stories and especially food with her family. 

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Susan Kaveny.

Those she left behind, include her sons, Adam Nims and his wife, Jennifer of Hartford and Chad Nims of Queensbury; five grandchildren, Alondra, Karlee and Victoria Nims, Ava Nadeau and Lillyanna Nims, daughters of Trisha Sawyer; her brother, Robert L. Kaveny, Jr. and his wife, Marilyn of Florida.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will follow in Kingsbury Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents and sister.

Margaret’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and doctors at the Glens Falls Center for the care she received as well as her close friends for helping with her care and needs through this difficult time.

Donations may be made in her memory to the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804.

HUDSON FALLS – Robert Jay Harder, 79, of Dix Avenue, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 7, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on February 1, 1945 in Glens Falls, NY, he was a life-long area resident and son of the late Adolphus “Jay” and Edith (Harrington) Harder. He attended Glens Falls High School and was a contract painter, known as “the trim master,” working on many local housing developments.

In his retirement years, Bob owned and operated Harder’s Antiques and Collectibles in Hudson Falls. He loved to spend his days digging through old barns and houses discovering treasures. Never at a loss for words, Bob could tell some amazing stories.

Bob and his wife, Mary, enjoyed spending their winters in Kissimmee, Florida and set up at the local flea markets there each week.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife, Doris (Thompson) Harder, who passed away in 1991; and his sisters, Paula “Jean” Perkett, Betty LaRock, and Carol Corlew.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Harder of Hudson Falls; a son, David Harder of Hudson Falls; step-daughters, Marybeth Wood (Brian) of Apopka, FL, and Doreen Guyette (Tim) of Hudson Falls; step-sons, Michael Christian of Virginia Beach, VA, and Daniel Purner of Cleveland, OH; 7 grandchildren, Holly, Devin, and Ariel Guyett, all of Hudson Falls, Steven Wood (Erin) of East Greenbush, Ryan Wood (Rachel Farina), of Clifton Park, Keegan Gorney (Bethany) and Grayce Christian of Virginia; a sister, Barbara Skellie, of Seminole, FL; a very special cousin who was like a brother, Roger Harder, of Hudson Falls, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visiting hours will be held from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, followed by a funeral service on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern NY.  

QUEENSBURY – Audrey Elizabeth Stanley Lyons, Age 87 of Queensbury, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 12, 2024 at Fort Hudson Nursing Home in Fort Edward. Born on December 27, 1936 in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the daughter of the late Edward C. Stanley and Bertha E. (Dalaba) Hall.

On December 11, 1954 she married Richard C. Lyons at Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls and they enjoyed 63 years together. Richard passed away on February 12, 2017.

Audrey enjoyed the simple things in life, such as taking rides in the country and having a chocolate milkshake. In her younger years, she was also a very talented free-hand artist. Most of all, Audrey loved her pet dogs and treated them like family.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she is predeceased by her step-father, Clarence W. Hall’ her sisters, Hilda Stanley McKinney and Shirley Stanley Yole; brothers-in-law, Donald A. McKinney and Robert A. Yole, Sr.; her brothers, Donald E. Stanley, Gary W. Hall, and David N. Hall.

She is survived by two brothers, Daniel L. Hall (Sharon) of Glens Falls, and Dennis L. Hall (Janet) of Matthews, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff and nurses at Fort Hudson Nursing Home for the exceptional care given to Audrey, as well as a huge thank you to Carla Armstrong for helping Audrey and her family get through this difficult time.

A private burial will be held at a later date in Southside Cemetery in South Glens Falls, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

FORT EDWARD – John M. (Jack) Jones, 94, of Fort Edward, NY, passed away peacefully on March 10^th, 2024.  Jack was born on March 19^th, 1929 to John M. and Lena Kemmer Jones in Albany, NY.  Jack graduated from Albany High School in 1947.  He returned to school as an adult learner and graduated from Empire State College in 1997 with a degree in Commercial Studies and a concentration in Accounting.  His work history included salesmen at Tobin Meat Packing Company for 25 years, and then 20 years of service with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance as an auditor, tax technician and mediator.

Jack married Dorothy Elizabeth Griner on October 31^st, 1948 at St. Joseph’s Church in Albany, NY.  Dot passed away on October 17^th, 1996 after battling a long illness.  Jack fell in love again and married Patricia Marden Farnsworth on July 19^th, 1997 at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls, NY.  After 12 fun filled years, Patricia passed away on July 13^th, 2009.

Jack was a man of service and entertaining!  He was a former usher, lector, and choir member of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, Former Literacy of America volunteer, former treasure and manager of the Hudson Falls Little League, and former member of Carpenter Hose Co. (Now Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Co.).  Jack and Pat entertained at various nursing homes throughout the area and he was also a member of the Fort Edward Minstrels.  Jack loved Barbershop singing and participated in The Racing City Chorus, Uncle Sam Chorus and The Joyous Sound Gospel Chorus.  He also sang in several quartets including: US 4, Chordamatics, Keenagers, and In The Spirit.  An avid sports fan, Jack was a former member of Tee-Bird and Pole Valley.  Jack loyally supported his New York Yankees and New York Giants and loved attending any game his grandchildren or great-grandchildren were participating in.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, sister, Jean Hammont, first wife, Dorothy, then second wife, Patricia, son, Robert J. Jones, step-son, Brent Farnsworth, and son-in-law, Frank McAdam.  He is survived by his brother, William Jones and his wife Betty, daughter Carol Long and her husband Ronald, son Richard Risman-Jones and his wife Heidi, step-daughter, Brenda McAdam, daughter-in-law, Nancy Jones, daughter-in-law, Rene Farnsworth, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday March 14, 2024 at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 15, 2024 at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Catholic Church, on the park in Hudson Falls, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward.

The family would like to acknowledge the enduring loving care and support of Diane Leone and also each and every staff member on Tower 2 at Glens Falls Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to The Dana Farber Institute/Brenda F. McAdam Fund for bile duct cancer research: 10 Brookline Place West, 6^th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS – Zenas “Peanut” Dickinson, 77 of South Glens Falls, passed away Saturday morning, March 9, 2024 at Glens Falls Hospital. Peanut battled cancer for years and ultimately passed after a very brief illness.

Born on November 10, 1946 in Belcher, NY, he was a life-long area resident and son of the late Ernest and Luella (Mallory) Dickinson. Peanut left school at the age of 17 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1963. He served his country during the Vietnam War until being honorably discharged in 1966. On August 5, 1967, he married the former Marjorie Hunt in South Glens Falls and the couple has resided there ever since.

Peanut worked hard his entire life, first at United Boar d and Carton in Clarks Mill until it closed and he found work at the Post Star as a printer. He then went to work as a mechanic at Whiteman Chevrolet, then went on to Brownell Lumber Company in Edinburg, Fort William Henry Hotel and more recently, the 99 restaurant. Peanut spent 22 plus years as a cook at Pat Russo’s Dugout in South Glens Falls and became very close to the Russo family.

He had great community pride, serving in several fire departments over the years including South Queensbury Volunteer Fire Department, South Glens Falls Fire Company, where he served as the Fire Police Captain, Edinburg Fire Volunteer Fire Company, and Moreau Emergency Corp.

Peanut enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting and fishing with his sons, searching the ground with a metal detector, camping, going to garage sales, and most of all spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by eight brothers, William, Patrick, Ernest “Bud”, Thomas Sr, Robert, Michael, Timothy Sr, and John; and a sister, Diane Vanderwalker; his mother in law and father in law, Margaret and Henry Hunt; brother in law, Michael Hunt; and sister in law, Donna Manchester.

He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Marjorie Dickinson; three sons, Kevin Dickinson and his wife, Patricia, Keith Dickinson and his wife, Sandy, and Kenneth Dickinson; his brothers and sisters, Sandra Briylea, Anita Clute and her husband, Larry, Virginia Kays and her husband, Joe, Rose Vanderwerker, Louise “Gidget” Staunches, Philip Dickinson and his wife, Karen, Douglas Dickinson and his wife, Terry, and Mark Dickinson and his wife, Sharron; several grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews, including his very special niece, Aryonna Jarvis; sister in law, Pearl Jarvis; and brothers in law, Jack Hunt, and Robert Hunt and his wife, Sharron.

 Friends are invited to call from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Duell Road in Schuylerville.

Memorial Donations may be made in his name to the South Glens Falls Fire Company, 7 W Marion Ave, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.

HUDSON FALLS – Larry Steele, 71 of Hudson Falls, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 5, 2024 at 4:51 pm, at his own home and on his own terms, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 29, 1952 in Glens Falls, he was a life-long resident of Hudson Falls and son of the late Robert and Josephine Steele.

Larry worked at General Electric Company for many years as a commercial pilot. After he retired, he acted on his love of the outdoors and started a small dairy farm where he enjoyed tending to his livestock and working his land. Larry also loved and respected all of the local wildlife and liked to watch the birds on his property. He enjoyed time spent with family, especially watching movies with his grandson.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Juliet Steele; his grandson, Logan Applin; his brothers, Bobby and Peter; sisters, Joann and Diane; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A private family gathering will be held at the Steele Family Farm at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741