Category Archives: Obituaries

QUEENSBURY – Jack Eugene Close passed away at home and was welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior on Friday, January 7, 2022, after complications of CHF at the age of 77.

Jack was born on January 25, 1944 to the late Marjorie (Brown) and Harold Close in Glens Falls.

Jack graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1964. On November 21,1964, he married the love of his life, Marie Armstrong, in Glens Falls, and together they raised three daughters and a son. He would jokingly refer to his only wife of 57 years as his “favorite” wife – which is a glimpse into his sense of humor.

Jack valued time with family and friends, and he would go out of his way to be at a grandchild’s birthday or attend a family reunion. He was a hard worker and often worked extra jobs to allow his family to take vacations and have summers at Cossayuna Lake. Jack was very sociable with an outgoing personality. He would often start conversations with complete strangers with genuine interest. He was fun-loving and enjoyed games, joking with his friends, and a good laugh over stories retold in a way that only Jack could provide. He enjoyed Classic Cars, car shows, and looking for collectible automobiles in any condition. Over the years he bought, repaired, drove, and sold many unique vehicles. He enjoyed finding deals at garage sales, auctions, and flea markets. Jack was skilled at repairing, refurbishing, and reselling his “finds” and using the gains to hunt for the next deal. He was a faithful member of Faith Bible Church for 44 years and volunteered to help in any way he could be useful in the service of the Lord. Jack spent many years maintaining the facilities, assisting with snow removal, and mowing the grass as a loving service for the church. He was open about his relationship with Jesus Christ and would share his faith of God’s free gift of eternal life in Heaven with others.

To those who knew him well: In the spirit of Jack’s sense of humor, his family hopes that rather than mourn his passing, you take the opportunity soon to share a funny story that you experienced with or heard from Jack. In this way he might continue to evoke a smile, pass on some joy, and have the memories of him always be echoed with laughter.

Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Peter St. John, and his brother, Mark Close.

Those left to cherish his memory, include his wife, Marie Close; his daughters, Stacey (Todd) Eckert of Auburn, NY, Gina Crivelli (companion George Branchaud) of Glens Falls, Anne-Marie (Thomas) Moroney of Easley, SC; his son, Jason (Lauren) Close of Marlborough, CT; his loving grandchildren, Alisha (Jamie) Northrup, Alexaundria (Eric) Cornell, Brandon Eckert, Kaleb Eckert, Kayleigh (Colin) Murray, Benjamin Crivelli, Noah Crivelli, Ryan Moroney, Jonathan (Barbara) Moroney, Matthew Moroney, Seth Moroney, SarahAnna Moroney, James Moroney, Emerson Close and Harper Close; great-grandchildren, Kaiden Cornell, Kooper Cornell, Emmalynn Cornell, Jace Northrup, Brynlee Cornell and Carter Northrup; his brother, Richard (Beverly) Close of South Glens Falls; his twin sister, Jill St. John of Fort Edward; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack’s family would like to send their deep appreciation to Pastor Richard Yancy of Faith Bible Baptist Church for his years of service, dedication, and loving ministry to Jack and his family over many years and especially during Jack’s last few months.

A special thanks to the medical teams that provided for Jack’s care, Dr. Paul Filion and staff, Dr. Scott Munro and staff, and the staff and nurses (Lisa) of High Peaks Hospice.

 The family requests that those wishing to make donations in Jack’s memory do so to Faith Bible Baptist Church, PO Box 955, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Plans for a memorial in the spring to be announced by the family.

GRANVILLE – Paul A. LaCross, 74, of Granville, died from complications due to pneumonia, on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Paul was born on August 14, 1947, in Glens Falls.

he held various jobs throughout his life.  For 17 ½ years he was employed at J-Mar Beer Distributor as a sales supervisor and later, retired from Anchor Beverage in Queensbury.

Paul was a great father, a good man and a wonderful husband, who will be missed.  He was a character with a snarky sense of humor. Paul loved to garden inside and outside his home.  He had a green thumb always able to grow beautiful flowers, vegetables and houseplants.   He also was a lover of animals.  Paul had many “fur babies” throughout his years, but his family captured his heart.  Paul’s favorite moments were spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his adoptive parents, Anna and Charles LaCross, his birth mother, Virginia Mitchell; and his sisters, Bonnie Burckard and Kathy Mitchell.

Survivors include his companion and loving wife, Kathleen Kelly-LaCross of 35 years; his son, Anthony LaCross of Granville; his brothers, Terry Morrison and his wife, Sharon of Warrensburg, John Mitchell and his wife, Theresa of Gansevoort, Robert Mitchell and his wife, Helen of Glens Falls and Mark Mitchell and his wife, Joan of Glens Falls; his stepchildren, Gary, Kerry and Shari Piskothy and her husband, Lawrence Havens; several nieces, nephews and three grandchildren.

A Celebration of Paul’s life will be announced at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.

HUDSON FALLS – The family of Michael Charles Graham is deeply saddened to announce the enormous loss of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. Michael passed into the arms of our Lord the afternoon of January 6th, 2022 following a long and bravely fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Michael was the son of Charles and Marion Graham, born on June 15th, 1945 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Manhattan, NY. He was born the 5th of 7 children, joining his older brothers Edward, Charles, James, and Francis, and followed by his younger siblings Patrick and Marianne, all of whom were very special to Michael. Always close, Mike and his brother remained tightly bonded through Fran’s battle with cancer. Although family was already a cornerstone value for the Graham family, after Fran’s passing this left Michael, Pat, and Marianne especially tight in recent years.

Michael’s childhood was spent on Woodycrest Avenue in the Bronx, going to Catholic School where he shared many stories of how the Brothers attempted to keep him in line. Although he did not remain in the Bronx past his teenage years, Michael’s roots remained deep. Through time and distance, he preserved connections and traditions from his life in New York, fondly sharing memories throughout his lifetime. At the age of 16, he was recruited to Poultney High School in Vermont due to his legendary skills on the basketball court. Having vacationed at Lake St. Catherine growing up, he was drawn to the area and became a Poultney Blue Devil. He fell in love with the hometown feel in Poultney and forged many dear connections. He had the best of both worlds, maintaining meaningful and close relationships from his childhood and youth through the years and across the miles.

Michael loved his years on the basketball court and set many records during his Blue Devil days. His experiences and accolades on the court impacted the course of Michael’s life. He not only carried the values and work ethic with him, but also deeply treasured the friendships and bonds with teammates for years to come.

Following his graduation from Poultney High School in 1965, Mike started his journey at Castleton State College, but was called on a different path. After a short stint back in New York on Wall Street, he ultimately decided to enlist in the Air Force in 1968. He was a member of the Military Police, guarding air crafts overseas when there were threats. Following his service, Michael returned home, eventually finding his way back to Poultney.

Mike’s move and time spent in Poultney ultimately led him to meet his future wife and daughter on St. Patrick’s Day in 1974 through mutual friends. He always considered this his very own “Irish Blessing.” He and his beautiful bride, Donna, knew very quickly they were meant for each other and were married on September 28th, 1974. With Mike’s marriage to Donna, he adopted her whole family as if they were his own, and their love for Mike was whole-heartedly given right back to him. Mike, Donna, and their daughter Danielle established their family life in Hudson Falls and welcomed their second daughter Lisa, on January 11th, 1979. Throughout their 47-year marriage, they built a life together based on love, forged with hard work, and defined by generosity, creating a haven for family and friends, sharing much joy and laughter through their entire marriage with each other and those around them. Mike considered the gift of his grandchildren, Ella, Juliana, Alex, Anna, Marion, and Rose, to be one of his most cherished blessings. Not only did he take pride in each of his grandchildren’s accomplishments, but he often spoke of his pride in watching his two daughters build beautiful lives with their husbands, Bill and Dave, along with their children.

With his family life settled in Hudson Falls, Mike began his long-term career initially at Glens Falls National Bank in credit. Over the years, he pursued his college-level education and began his 31-year-long career in 1978 at what was then known as Glens Falls Cement Company (Lehigh Hanson Cement Company.) He began working at the cement company as a laborer, and through hard work and education was given the opportunity to become the credit manager. In this position, Michael certainly used his professional and educational knowledge, but most importantly his gift of making personal and meaningful connections to develop relationships with his customers. All who knew Mike understood that his title of credit manager was not just a job or career, but another place for him to personally connect with people and forge friendships to last a lifetime.

Mike’s life gift of connecting with people and his desire to live in a “big” way reached all aspects of his life from family, to work, to friendships. There is not a person who met him who did not have a “Big-Mike” story, all of them heartfelt, and most of them hysterical. Each connection was uniquely special to Michael and his family, and every memory is cherished. Mike’s heart was big enough to hold special compartments for all of the people he loved and there is a special place for the core friendships (many of them golf buddies) that developed and supported him later in his life, particularly through his journey battling cancer.

Michael is predeceased by his parents Charles and Marion Graham, as well as his brothers Edward, Charles, James, and Francis. He is also being reunited in Heaven and eating jelly donuts with his son-in-law, William Kuba.

Michael leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Donna Graham; his loving daughters, Danielle Kuba and Lisa Winter; his son “in-law” David Winter; and 6 grandchildren, all of whom were the sparkle in his eyes: Gabriella (Tyler) Hoag, Juliana and Alexander Kuba, and Anna, Marion, and Rose Winter. Left behind to mourn him are his brother and sister, Patrick Graham and Marianne Graham. Also carrying on his memory are sisters- and brothers-in-law and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mike and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Darci Grubbs, Nikole Slowick, PA, nurses Sara and Susan, and all the angels at the C.R Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. Their love and care of Michael on his journey “restored our faith in humanity.”

Arrangements will be private and arranged at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, he would prefer nothing more than prayers for everyone. For those who have asked what more they can do, Mike’s heart was tied to Randi’s Patient Assistance Fund through C.R Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. Randi’s Patient Assistance Fund through C.R Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, c/o Vickie Yattaw, RN, OCN.

Waldwick, NJ – Frances Elizabeth Infield (née Montpetit), passed away Saturday, January 1, 2022.

Born in Quebec in October 30, 1945, she has lived with her family in Waldwick since 1968. She was a homemaker and worked at the law offices of Honig & Honig until her retirement.

Frances is survived by her loving daughter and son-in law, Tracy Infield and David Nicholson; step-granddaughter, Caitlyn King-Nicholson; and her dearest friend, Patricia Rhinesmith. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifton S. Infield in 2004, and son, Clifton M. (Tony) Infield in 1985.

Private services will be held in Hudson Falls, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436 or Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 244, Waldwick, NJ, 07463 would be appreciated.

QUEENSBURY – Joyce Rose Flower, 74 of Sunnyside North, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family Thursday afternoon, December 30, 2021.

Born on March 19, 1947 in the Bronx, she grew up in Glens Falls and was the daughter of the late Charles and Margo (Santiago) Hernandez.

Joyce was a graduate of Glens Falls High School and continued her education at Mary McClellan Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Cambridge, NY. She worked and studied hard, earning her license as a practical nurse.

In 1967, she married James Flower at St. Alphonsus Church in Glens Falls. 

Joyce was a patriot who served her country in the United States Navy Reserves, and was activated during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. For many years, Joyce was employed at the Irongate Family Practice in Glens Falls and continued to work with Dr. Tedesco, going on home visits. She was a dedicated Christian and member of the Durkeetown Baptist Church prior to moving to Queensbury and joining New Hope Community Church.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of 47 years, James Flower, who passed away in 2014.

Joyce is survived by her children, Joanna (Jacqueline) Duncan and her husband, Cary of Norristown, PA and Michele Shpakowsky and her husband, Philip of Alberta, Canada; her grandchildren, Josiah, Jedidiah, Trinity and Moriah; her sisters, Margo Guglielmo, Charlene Endal, Mary O’Marra, Betty Hernandez and Linda Thompson; her brothers, Charles (Sonny) Hernandez, Frank Hernandez and Joe Hernandez; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved very much – her favorites knew who they were.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. All visitors are required to wear a face mask upon entering the building, regardless of vaccination status.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at New Hope Community Church, 454 Corinth Road in Queensbury.

Joyce will be laid to rest with her husband at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in a private service to be held at a later date.

The family requests donations be made in Joyce’s memory to the Open Door Mission, 226 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, or to the Clothing Closet Ministry at New Hope Community Church, 454 Corinth Road, Queensbury, NY 12804

HUDSON FALLS – Michael P. Gilligan, 67 of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on April 4, 1954 in Ithaca, NY, he was the son of Jacquelyn (Lyke) Gilligan and the late Ronald Gilligan.

Michael was a graduate of South Glens Falls High School and, after graduation, proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked for several years as a machine operator at Valcor.

Michael was an outdoorsman who took meticulous care of his lawn.  He loved deer hunting, enjoyed gambling, playing horseshoes, playing the lottery and riding his Harley.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Rachel Gilligan of Hudson Falls; his siblings, Ronald Gilligan and his wife, Danielle, Keith Gilligan and  his wife, Jo Anna, Deb Rotolo and her husband, Tom, John Gilligan, Shannon Gilligan, Amy Johnson and  her husband, Andy; his former sister in  law, Linda Gilligan; his former wife, Joan Gilligan and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2021 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. All visitors are required to wear a facemask upon entering the building, regardless of vaccination status.

The burial will take place Friday, January 7th, 2022, 1:30 PM, at Gerald B.H. Soloman Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., in Schuylerville.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the SPCA of Upstate NY, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Baine and his nurse, Curtis, on Tower 5 at Glens Falls Hospital for the exceptional care given to Michael.

HUDSON FALLS – Susan J. Ringer, 72, of Ninth Ave., passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, December 28, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital with her family by her side.

Born January 1, 1949 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Bertha (Mondoux) Gaulin.

On June 18, 1988, Susan married Jeffery Ringer at the Cartier Farm in Fort Ann.

Susan worked many years in retail for Ames and then Home Depot.

She enjoyed latch hooking in her quiet time, creating crafts for her family and friends.  Susan was a devoted Washington Redskins fan and never missed watching a game.  Most importantly, Susan loved spending time with her family.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brothers, Bernard Gaulin and Larry Gaulin; her daughter, Susan Bryans and her daughter in law, Noel Edwards.

Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Jeffery ‘Doughnut” Ringer of Hudson Falls; her children, Steve Edwards of Hudson Falls and Scott Smith and his, wife Jennifer of Warrensburg; 7 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; her brother, Jack Gaulin and his wife, Kathy of VA; her mother in law and father in law, Marylou and Emil Novohradsky; her sister in law, Mary Lou Brown of South Glens Falls; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services are private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in memory of Susan may be made to C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Heaven gained another angel when, Monica Hawsey, 45, of John St., passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Born February 1, 1976 in Monroe, LA she was the daughter of Sheila Stone of Stillwater and the late Kenneth Hawsey.

Monica was a graduate of Schuylerville High School.

In 1999, Monica married Michael J. Hunt in Glens Falls.

Monica loved her job as a social worker.  She had a passion for helping others and took great pride in her career while working for the Fresh Air Fund.  Monica enjoyed gardening and being outdoors.  She had a green thumb and could grow any flowers and vegetables, often soliciting help from her children to pull weeds.  Her children were her world.  There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them and they made many wonderful memories taking trips to museums, zoo’s and various family vacations.  Although her time here was short, she lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all those who loved her.  Monica is now reunited with her beloved dog, Yuri.

Besides her mother, Monica was survived by her husband, Michael J. Hunt of Glens Falls; her children, Matthew, Mariah, Logan, Jelissa and Elivia; her two grandchildren, Nevaeh and Annabell; and her siblings, Bryan, Rachel, Joshua and Kenneth, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

On May 24, 1930 Kathleen Belle (Dickinson) Cary entered into this world as the daughter of Nellie (Green) and Elwood Dickinson of Gansevoort, NY. Raised on the family farm with four other siblings, (Edna Kobor, Lyle, Lawrence and Floyd Dickinson) on Dickinson Lane off West River Road, she attended the two-room country schoolhouse down the same road that her father did until she completed the sixth grade. After that, school districts became centralized and she then attended and graduated from Fort Edward High School with a two-year interruption when she was at the Homestead Sanatorium recovering from tuberculosis.

On July 9th, 1950, Kathleen married Richard C. Cary of Durkeetown at the Quaker Friends Meetinghouse in South Glens Falls. Her husband was a farmer’s hired hand, the longest being on the McEachron farm in West Hebron.  On January 1, 1967, dad and mom bought their own dairy farm in Easton, New York.  As well as full time homemaker, mom pitched in when needed with the farm work, especially during haying time in spite of her asthma. She then went on to work for her nephew, Dale Dickinson’s Dickinson’s World of Food Service and also worked for Toadflax Nursery.   She also babysat for a few grand nieces and nephews, took care of the elderly until she became stricken with a spinal stroke and was no longer able to work. After the passing of her husband mom went into assisted living, the Home of the Good Shepherd of Wilton, and in recent years, Baptist Health Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center of Scotia. 

Mom left behind the burdens and cares of this earthly life on December 24, 2021 at the age of 91 years. She demonstrated every day that her main purpose in life was to gain the approval of her Heavenly Father. She was a testimony in her own right of having a contented spirit as she struggled with different adversities in her life.

She was preceded in death besides her parents and husband, and her four siblings, a grandson, Ian Richard Cary who passed away on her birthday in 1999.

Left behind to mourn her passing but rejoicing that she has now entered into heavenly peace are a sister-in-law, Marcia Bunzey of Cobleskill, NY and her four children; Philip (Jennifer) Cary of Phoenix, AZ, Marlene (James) Bradley of Schenectady, NY, Ronald (Rhonda) Cary of Phoenix, AZ and Kimberly (Charles) Romero of Wiggins, CO as well as grandchildren Jaime (Jonathan) Zorich, Matthew (Stacy) Bradley, Alyssa (Juan) Andrade, Stephanie (Rory) Stark, Margaret (Matt) Morrissey, Jessica (Andy)  Halseth, Kathleen Bradley, Marc (Kalie) Romero, Michael Romero , Sarah (Thomas) Bradley, Allison (Anthony) Eslick along with two great grandsons, Owen Morrissey and Guy Bradley and five great granddaughters,
Natalia Andrade, India Starks, Olive Stark, Jemma Stark and Kathleen Morrissey, numerous nieces and nephews and grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Monday, January 3, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.  All visitors are required to wear a face mask upon entering the building, regardless of vaccination status.

A funeral service will follow the calling hours, 11 a.m., at the funeral home.  For all those unable to attend in person, a zoom meeting has been provided with a meeting ID of 7929840461 and a passcode of HL2d6E

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

HUDSON FALLS – Richard “Dick” Murray, 74, of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021 at his home, with his wife by his side.

Born July 27, 1947 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Arthur Murray and Marjorie (Taylor) Gosline.

Dick was a 1967 graduate of Hudson Falls High School. After his graduation, he served his country proudly in the United States Air Force, until his discharge in 1971.

On July 28, 1968, he married the love of his life, Diane Sipowicz at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls. He worked for 37 years at General Electric in Fort Edward, retiring as a welder in 2007.

Dick was a member of the Salmon Pond Club in Blue Mountain Lake and enjoyed hunting there and throughout Lowville. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 574 in Hudson Falls and was a member and past director of the American Legion Riders. He loved riding his Harley with his wife by his side. Dick and his wife made many trips across the east coast riding their Harleys, visiting Florida, Maine and Tennessee to name a few.  They also vacationed together to Jamaica, Alaska, National Parks, Maine and Florida.  

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane Murray of Hudson Falls; his son, Michael Murray of Hudson Falls; a brother, Daniel Gosline and his children, Danny, Bill and Taylor; his best friends, Mike Ringer and Jerry Harrington; as well as many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. All visitors are required to wear a facemask upon entering the building, regardless of vaccination status.

The Rite of Committal with military honors will be held at 9:00 am Friday, December 31, 2021 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, in Schuylerville.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Hudson Falls- John V. “Speez”Spizzo, Jr. passed away in his sleep on December 25, 2021.

John was born on October 9th,1932 to the late Filomenia (Serraino) and John Spizzo, Sr. in Whitehall, N.Y.  

John graduated from Whitehall High School in 1950.  

He enlisted in the National Guard at 16, while still in High School.

Upon graduation John went into the U.S. Air Force.  He proudly served for four years as a Staff Sergeant at Sampson Air Force Base in Seneca Lake, NY.  John was a basic training drill instructor and was very proud of the many soldiers he trained.  

On May 22, 1955 he married Beverly Rivette at Our Lady of Angels Church in Whitehall, NY.  They were  married 65 years until her death in May 2020.

After serving in the Air Force, John and Beverly settled in Whitehall, NY to raise their family.  He worked at a sheet metal facility in Whitehall until eventually going to work for Sandy Hill Iron and Brass in Hudson Falls, NY.  In 1965 the family moved to Hudson Falls.  John retired from Sandy Hill after 30+ years.

John loved playing sports.  He was an avid bowler  winning many trophies.  He was a softball pitcher in several men’s leagues and was an excellent swimmer and diver.  He loved gambling.  John could be seen at OTB “playing the ponies”, sports betting,  playing poker several times a week with friends and then eventually buying scratch off tickets, hoping to get the “big win”.  John’s competitive nature never waned, while at his nursing home residence he got into some heated discussions while playing BINGO! 

John’s love of sports led him into youth coaching.  He started coaching Little League Teams and eventually coached American Legion Baseball for about 20 years, having several championship teams.  He loved his boys of Summer and took great pride in staying in contact with them and celebrating their successes.  He was a baseball umpire for local High School teams and was always on the lookout while watching the teams, recruiting for his Legion Baseball team. 

After John retired from Sandy Hill Iron and Brass, he went to work for the Hudson Falls Recreation Department.  He prepared the Derby Park fields for softball and soccer games.  In the winter, he ran the Wall Street Ice Skating pond for several years.  He loved watching all the skaters young and old.  That is where his two grandsons first skated.

Besides his parents and wife, Beverly; John was predeceased by his brother Vincent Spizzo, sister Madeline Russo; sister -in-laws Loretta Spizzo and Michele Fuller; brother-in-laws Walter Rivette, Jr. and John Long. 

John is survived by his daughter Debbie (Michael) LaPan of South Glens Falls; and the pride and joy of his life, his grandsons, Kristopher (Carrie) LaPan of Saratoga and Kameron LaPan of Columbus, Ohio. 

He is also survived by his brother, Anthony Spizzo (Jackie Russo) of South Glens Falls and Clearwater, Florida; his brother and sister-in-laws,  William (Gloria) Rivette of Berea, Ohio, Elaine Rivette of Lake George, Joan (George) Durett of Queensbury, Joseph (Marty) Sorrentino of Colchester, Vermont, Marina (Richard) Bolster of Malone,  Nancy Long of Hadley Luzerne and Charles Fuller of Glens Falls; and also survived by many nieces and nephews and several cousins.

Anyone who met “Speez”, never forgot him.  He had a commanding personality that took over a room.  He loved being in charge, everyone was supposed to follow his lead.  He did many great things for his community, his family and friends and will be greatly missed! We love you Dad!

A very special Thank you goes to the staff at the Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Glens Falls, where Dad resided since June 2020.  We send special hugs to the East Wing Staff, the Activities Staff, the Front Desk Staff, the Appointment Scheduler, the Maintenance Department, the Director Marty and I am sure so many more of you.  A very special Thank you  goes to his roommate, Jerry, you were a wonderful friend to him.  You all had so much patience with him!!!!!!

Donations in John’s name can be made to the Hudson Falls Little League, 34 East Laclaire Street, Hudson Falls, NY  12839.

Graveside services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Whitehall, NY.