Category Archives: Obituaries

QUEENSBURY – Nancy E. Keefe, 60, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2020 at Glens Falls Hospital.

She was born January 9, 1960 in Ontario, Canada. 

Nancy enjoyed horseback riding, camping, playing pool in her women’s pool league, going to the farmers market and watching the Yankees, the Cowboys, Chuck Norris movies and George Foreman fights.  

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Ann (Henry) Wallis and her brother, Butch Wallis. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Patrick Keefe; her siblings, Debbie (Fred), Grace (Harry), Sheri (Bunk) and Donnie; her children, Jack (Karlisha), Sabrina (Bryan, Jr.), and Arthur (Michele); as well as her 6 grandchildren.

There will be no services. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carleton Funeral Home, P.O. Box 67, Hudson Falls, NY 12839. Arrangements are under the care of Carleton

QUEENSBURY – James Wesley (Jim) Hill, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at his home on Old Mill Lane after a brief period of declining health.

The son of Grover Cleveland and Sallie Ann Summerlin Hill, he was born at home on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1924, in Lenoir County, NC.

He graduated from Contentnea High School in 1941, having served as president of his senior class.  After graduation, he worked briefly for a tobacco company with locations in Kinston, NC and Lexington, KY.

In January 1944 James was drafted into the United States Navy and sent on many missions as a hospital corpsman after his training at Bainbridge, MD. He served on various ships in the Pacific during World War II and on April 1, 1945 participated in the invasion of Okinawa aboard the USS Mendocino APA 100. Other duties included the USS Tulagi CVE 72 during the operation Magic Carpet that brought troops and equipment home from Japan.

In 1946 James enlisted in the regular Navy and served at several locations, including the US Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbor; the Quantico Marine Base; the US Naval Hospital in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone; the US Navy Department in Washington, DC; and the US Naval Hospital at Quantico, VA. He was in Panama when the Korean War began and enlistments were extended for one year by President Truman.

James departed from the United State Navy as Hospitalman 2^nd Class in August 1951. He was proud of his service to his country and was grateful for the many opportunities for personal growth that service provided.

Following his military service, he was employed in Glens Falls, NY by the Imperial, Color Chemical and Paper Corporation as a laboratory technician, beginning in 1952. Later owners of the company were Hercules and Ciba-Geigy. He was a laboratory supervisor when he retired from Ciba-Geigy in 1983.

For many years, Jim resided on Circular Drive in Hudson Falls in a house with a big yard that he landscaped beautifully. He enjoyed both indoor and outdoor plants and had a talent for growing them.

Throughout the years he lived in upstate New York, Jim still managed to get “home” to North Carolina several times each year. After he retired, he delighted in being able to also spend several weeks each winter with friends in Sarasota, Fl.

He was a life member of V.F.W. Post 6196 in Queensbury.

Jim was a good, kind, thoughtful, and generous man. Throughout his life, he easily made friends wherever he happened to be, and he stayed in touch over the years with many of the good friends he had made during his time in the Navy. It was during the visit to the home of one of those friends, Ray Leroux, that he heard about a possible job at Imperial. Ray lived with his parents, Wilfred and Regina Leroux, in a big house on Main St. in the Village of Hudson Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Leroux urged Jim to apply for the job and said he could stay on with them as a lodger if he was hired. Thus, Jim was welcomed into the Leroux home then and, over the years, into the hearts of several generations of the extended Leroux family. Always, but for the past several years in particular, Nancy Leroux Moulton, her husband John, and their children and grandchildren have held Jim especially close to their hearts and aided him in ways that helped him remain as independent as possible and in his own home.

Special thanks to Michelle Moulton Hammond for her patience, her thoughtfulness, her kind and compassionate care, and for being an advocate for what is just and right. There are many others, too, who lovingly helped provide heart-felt care for the man they think of as their “Uncle Jim” as he embarked on his final journey.

Many thanks to Connie Rawlins for being a good neighbor through the years and for her friendship, as well.

In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by three brothers, William Stanley Hill, Grover Clay Hill, and Wiley Edward Hill; and three sisters,  Effie Lee Hill Becton, Faye Hill French Mozingo, and Joyce Hill Owens Dula.

He is survived by his youngest sister, Rebecca Hill, of Kinston, NC, as well as thirteen of the seventeen nieces and nephews to whom he was “Uncle Wesley,” and many more in succeeding generations.

Graveside services will be held for family and friends, with the Rev. Bob Smith officiating. Interment will take place in the Hill family plot in the British Chapel Church Cemetery on British Road in Kinston, NC, with the assistance of Howard-Carter Funeral Home.

Memorial donations in memory of James W. Hill may be made to “Purrs and Paws,” P.O. Box 4197, Queensbury, NY 12804.

FORT EDWARD – Richard A. (Dick) McKinney, 85, of Campell Drive, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Born on November 16, 1934 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Gerald E. and Lorena A. (Bentley) McKinney.

Dick was a 1952 graduate of South Glens Falls High School.  During his high school years, he met his future wife, Patricia J. Lewis, at a roller-skating rink.  On July 1, 1956, they were married.

Although Dick himself was not a veteran, he was very proud that five of his nine children served their country.  Dick worked at Nibco in South Glens Falls.  He then went to work for Ceiba Geigy.  He retired early from Ciba Geigy and then attended the machinist course at BOCES in Hudson Falls.  He was very proud of his grade, 98.7, when he completed the course.  He went on to work for Doty Machine Works as a machinist until his second retirement.  After that he kept busy by helping his children with all their various projects and passed on all his knowledge and wisdom to them.

Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years.  He enjoyed working on the pit crew for the #97 Kearns Race Car.  Dick also enjoyed watching NASCAR, bird watching from the living room window and most recently, spending weekends at camp.  He renewed his love for fishing on Brant Lake near his camp.  He was an avid Wheel of Fortune watcher and was very good at solving all the puzzles before the contestants.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 574, in Hudson Falls.  Dick was also a member of the bingo committee.  He very much enjoyed his Friday nights at the legion, selling bingo cards and made many friends there.

Dick was a very laid back, easy going, big hearted guy and all his children and grandchildren’s friends considered him their “Pa”.  If you knew him, you loved him.

In addition to his parents, Dick was welcomed to heaven by his wife, Patricia (Pat); his brothers, James and Wilmer (Bill) and his sister, Barbara Jean Tabernilla. 

Survivors include his nine children, Gary (Toni-Jean) McKinney, Richard “Andy” (Cindy) McKinney, Steve McKinney and his significant other, Nancy Rabine, Tim (Kay) McKinney, Laurie McKinney, Tom McKinney, Tony (Christy) McKinney, Cathy (Ron) Tessier and George (Angie) McKinney; his grandchildren, Gary (Theresa), Brian (Jodelle) , Eric (Happy), Rick, John, Sean, Heather, Michelle (Marvin), Geneieve (Shak), Christina, Ryan (Nicole), Emily, Ashlee, Hope (Joel),  Cortney (Nick),  Jarrid, Alyssa (Jared), Ian, Marty, Noah, Whayette and Carson; 24 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren, Also his siblings, Gerald (Skip) McKinney, Beatrice Moss, Margaret (Peg) Bromwell, Dorothy (Dot) Ray, Ruth Dobler;  several nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved puppy dog, “Sally”.

Friends may call Tuesday, August 4, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.  Due to the current pandemic, the funeral home may only allow 35 visitors in the building at one time.  Everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distance.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 9 a.m., at Southside Cemetery in the town of Moreau. 

Dick’s family would like to thank Rita All, NP, doctors and staff at Fort Edward Kingsbury Health Center for their kindness and care given to dad over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Dick may be sent to the American Lung Association, 418 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207, the American Legion Post 574, 72 Pearl St., Hudson Falls, New York 12839 or to a charity of one’s choice.

HUDSON FALLS – Michael S. Fleeman, 50, of Hudson Falls, passed way on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 29, 1969 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Robert Fleeman and Lorraine (LaPlant) Nash.

Michael attended Argyle School.

He enjoyed every day he worked for Humphrey’s Trucking.  Humphrey’s took good care of Mike, even when he could no longer drive for them.  He loved NASCAR, especially Kevin Harvick.  Michael also an avid Dallas Cowboy and New York Yankee Fan.  He enjoyed spending time at night, outdoor fishing, especially with family and friends.

Michael will be remembered for being a good man with a heart of gold.  He would help out anyone who needed it.  Michael was deeply loved by everyone he met.  Most of all he was a great father, and grandfather.  His granddaughter Abby was the center of his life and his strength to keep going.  Michael always could find the good in everything.

He was predeceased by his stepmother, Sue Fleeman and his cousin, AJ Huntington.

He is survived by his fiancée, whom he met and was devoted to from the age of 20, Toni Fleming; his children, Kristi Fleeman and Alexa Fleeman; her son in law Gene Bauser; his granddaughter, Abby Bauser; his parents, Robert Fleeman and Lorriane Nash; his grandmother, Ella Huntington; his siblings, Bob Fleeman, Jr., Melissa Nash, Donny Suba, Sr. and his wife, Valerie, Gary Nash and Steven Suba; his sister in law, Colleen Fleeman; and his cousin he was very close to, Terry Doran.

Memorial calling hours will be 11 to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

The Family suggests memorial donations be sent to the CR Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

HUDSON FALLS – On July 26th, 2020, Nicholas “Nick-Peep- Poppy” George Resetar was called home to be with our Lord and Savior and family and friends that preceded him to a heavenly reunion. Born on December 6th, 1939, Nick was the proud son of John and Mary (Dirga) Resetar and was the so-called “middle child” in a family of ten from Granville, NY.

On August 25th, 1963, Nick married the love of his life, Marjorie (Perkins) Resetar. It was their hope, a union forged in love might bridge the infamous Granville-Whitehall divide and inter-town rivalry. Marjorie and Nick shared 57 remarkable, devoted and unwavering years together. Nick is survived by Marjorie and their two children; Nicole (Jeff) Doak and Marc (Camille) Resetar, and his four grandchildren; Nicholas (Julie) LaSarso, Tim LaSarso Jr., Grace and Jack Resetar; sister Ann Corcoran of Fort Ann; brothers Phillip (Susan), and Peter, as well as his brothers’ in-law and sisters’-in-law: (W.W.) Darlene Pearson, Richard (Mary Ann) Perkins and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

At the precocious age of four, Nick started first grade at “Quaker U”, a small two-room school-house on Quaker Street in Granville. Nick’s passion for learning allowed him to maintain a strong academic course load, all while serving in multiple class offices throughout high school. He was a three-sport letterman. He loved to compete under the watchful eye of the legendary coach Sam Epilito, Bill Trainor, and Joe Porter. His fondest memory as an athlete was pitching a no-hitter in a gut- wrenching 1-0 loss.

Upon graduation from high school, Nick enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1958. Following basic training, Nick was assigned to Fort Sill, OK for advanced training and was among the first soldiers of the 2nd Missile Battalion 82 Artillery to be deployed to the tension filled East-West German border. Nick returned to the states several times during his deployment for live fire exercises of the Corporal Missile at the White Sands Proving Grounds in NM. When he finished his time in Germany, he was assigned to West Point, where he spent his remaining days of his service as the NCO in charge of the Cadet Artillery Training Summer Program.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Nick attended Castleton State College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in only 3 years. He accepted his first teaching position at the Hudson Falls Junior High School where he taught science, math, and health all while developing new extracurricular activities for students. Mr. R’s Rocketry Program was a “blast” for his students despite the once ill-fated Saturn 5 multi-stage model rocket that plummeted back to earth when the recovery chute failed to deploy.

Nick continued his postgraduate education at SUNY Plattsburg and Potsdam earning a master’s degree in administration.  

Over his 30 plus years of service as a teacher and administrator, Nick touched the lives of countless students in both the Hudson Falls and Queensbury School Districts with his compassionate heart and his contagious enthusiasm for learning.

After retiring from his educational career, Nick continued to share his faith in God and passion for helping others by completing the two-year formation for ministry program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Upon completion of the program, he served as lector, eucharistic minister, and chair of the finance committee at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls.

Nick’s mother once told him he was a “jack of all trades, master of none”. For those fortunate enough to know Nick, he will be solely missed and remembered as a thoughtful, giving man, whose heart was embedded in his faith, family and was truly a master of kindness, generosity and quite frankly everything.

Nick’s family will be holding a private memorial service on Wednesday July 29^th and he will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hudson Falls. In lieu of flowers, his family asks donations be made to The Church of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s, 11 Wall Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

Due to the current pandemic, all services are private.

Rite of Committal will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

On Tuesday, July 21st, 2020, Jaqueline K. Buchanan passed in her home, on Glen Lake, one month shy of her 89^th birthday.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Jackie began her career in New York City before marrying and relocating to Upstate New York where she settled down and began a long career with Continental Insurance retiring as Director of Agent Training & Development.

People development was one of her strengths & joys; when a challenge or question arose, professionally or personally, she got out a legal yellow pad, divided it into 2 columns and helped people grow through the pluses & minuses to the answer. Practical & effective but frequently daunting under her fiercely watchful, yet caring, gaze; business associates, friends & family, rarely doubt where they stood.

While Jackie was a ‘Wear beige & keep your mouth shut’ person, she cared deeply for people fortunate enough to be under her purview. She contributed to several causes and was a fervent supporter of women’s rights long before it became a public movement. She developed the best person for the job with respect to their passions, talents & abilities balanced against the company’s needs.

On November 5^th, 1977, Jackie married her partner, in life & dance, John R. Buchanan; it was a union of equals for 43 years. They traveled together contributing to each other’s careers, built a home & gardens on Glen Lake, as well as a business of rental properties.

In later years Jackie was an avid, if crisp, golfer; a skilled needle pointer, a lover of travel, a gardener and a patron of the arts. She also made a pie crust so light it needed to be held by a string to keep it from floating to the ceiling. Most of all, Jackie was a Lady.

She is survived by her husband John and, through marriage, a son & daughters along with several grandchildren & great grandchildren.

In her own words one’s goal in life is “To do the best you can with what you’ve got” and she did.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that you perform random acts of kindness with Jackie in mind.

Loretta MJ Hall (Robbins), age 81, passed away peacefully on July 19^th 2020, surrounded by her children after losing her struggle with heart disease.

She was born on August 14^th, 1938, to the late Clara Jane Robbins-Bellinger (Warrington) and Edward Robbins.

A resident of the Glens Falls area for more than 50 years, she is best known for her long-lasting friendships, connection with her family, devotion to her faith, love of bingo, a CB’er, and her admiration and passion for music, singing, and dancing.  Loretta’s presence was always known, as her smile and ability to warm the hearts of anyone she encountered could take over the room.  She was especially fond of her family, which extended well past three generations including her great grandchildren.  She will be most remembered for her compassion, sharing of her life story, and her desire to sing and dance the night away.

Loretta is predeceased by her mother, Clara Jane Bellinger (Warrington), her father, Edward Robbins, her step-father Henry Bellinger, loving husband James Alfred Hall, who passed away in 2009, her brothers Henry Robbins and Warren Ballard, and son, Jeffrey Hall.

She is survived by her partner, Tom Neddo; daughter, Deb Stevens and partner John Blaney; son, James Hall; daughter, Jana Shackett; and daughter in law, Toni Hall (Pistoia).  She is also survived by her niece, April Dickinson and husband David; her friend of over 43 years, Nora “Pip” Hale, who were often found together in mischief; and grandchildren, AJ Hall, Dominic Wilson, Annette Smith (Hall) and husband Jason, Justin Wilson, Stacey Brower, Ashley Hall and partner Adam Vosh, Travis Skelton and partner Rudy Gardner, Adam Hall and wife Shalyn Hall, Andy Hall, Maria Pistoia, Tyler Bouyea and partner Kaitlynn Sousis, Samantha Brown and Jonathan Shackett; along with many great grandchildren.

There will be no public services at this time and a celebration of life will be held at a time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to assist with covering the costs of Loretta’s final wishes to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 67, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

HUDSON FALLS – Peter J. Russo, 64, of Maple Street, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on March 4, 1956, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Mary Jane (Jakeway) Russo.

After graduating from Glens Falls High School, Peter began his career as a Mason. He was an excellent worker who took great pride in his craft. Peter also had a special talent in repairing computers and eventually opened his own computer repair store in Utica. After 15 years of servicing computers however, he was forced to retire due to medical issues.

One of his favorite hobbies was watching sports on TV.  He was an avid Yankees and Giants fan, always cheering them on for the win. Peter also enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Rufus, who never left his side.

Peter was a quiet, laid back man, who loved his friends and family very much. He especially loved all of his children and grandchildren and spoke of them often with pride. He appreciated every moment he had with them, and it showed in his smile while they were around. Peter was sure to even pass his love of sweets, especially peach rings, on to his grandchildren as well. Throughout his illness, he learned the many blessings of a humble life, and he wished for nothing but health and happiness for everyone he loved.

Survivors include his children, Angela (Michael) Moses and Peter Lemery; his loving grandchildren, Alexander Moses, Nicolas Moses, Meadow Lemery, and Aubrey Lemery; his siblings, Patrick Russo,  Fred (Noreen) Russo, Mark (Mary) Russo, and Susan Russo; his nieces and nephews, Katie Russo-MacDougall, Courtney Swan, Joelle Russo, Jessica Russo, Jon-Michael Rehm, Erika Valenti, Patricia Guarino, Melissa Russo-Rosati, Becky Diffee, Edward Russo, Mary Russo, Mike Backus, Matt Backus, and Mike Ross; and many more great nieces and nephews, cousins.  

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mason, Lisa Haase, and the staff from Tower 2 at the CR Wood Cancer Center for taking such wonderful care of Peter during his illness.

Due to the pandemic, a private graveside service,  at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls, will be performed.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital, 101 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY  12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Helen J. (Chambers) Saville Bates, 84, of Feederview Apartments, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

Born on October 20, 1935, in Burlington, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Redrick and Elsie (Doner) Chambers.

Helen was the widow of Robert Bates.

She enjoyed family get togethers, traveling, bingo and knitting. She also loved reading a good book. 

Helen had many jobs throughout her life that she thoroughly enjoyed, her last one being in home healthcare.  In 1979, she was President of Ladies Auxiliary Federal Order of Eagles.

While living at Feederview, she made many dear friends.  Helen also will be missed her by bingo friends. 

She is survived by her children, whom she loved dearly, Paul A. (Noami) Saville  North Dakota, Daniel (Mary) Saville of Kingsbury, Helene B. Rockwood of Bristol, Vermont, Harrison “Bruce” Saville of Kingsbury and Susan J. Bates of South Glens Falls; her step children, who she thought of as her own, Larry (Mary) Bates of Florida, David (Judy) Bates of California and Douglas (Anna) Bates of Granville; her 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Nancy Brownell of South Glens Falls, Blanche Willig of Glenville and Georgia Maniscalco of Clifton Park; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will have a private graveside service at a later date.

QUEENSBURY – Anne K. Blanchard, 79, formerly of Queensbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Bethlehem Commons Care Center in Delmar.
Born on October 27, 1940 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Mary (Smith) Mosher.

Anne graduated from Hudson Falls High School and continued her education at Albany Business College.  After college, she worked for Albany Times Union in the accounting office.   One of her favorite places of employment, was at St. Alphonsus School, where she was secretary to the Principal.  Anne retired from  Continental Insurance. She spent a lifetime volunteering in her community from youth hockey, Girl Scouts, chairing the St. Alphonsus Bazaar for many years and the United Way, up until her “dream” retirement job as the volunteer coordinator for Meals on Wheels.

After first husband, Joseph Hurley passed away as a young man, she married her second husband, Paul Blanchard in 1968.  They were married for 34 years when he died in 2002.  

Besides her husbands, she was predeceased by her son in law, Michael Bintz.

Anne loved her family and friends and would always jump at the chance to spend time with them talking about favorite memories and making new ones.

Survivors include her three children, Bonnie Blanchard of Glens Falls, Mary Bintz of Delmar and Michael Blanchard and his wife, Carole of Ballston Lake; her loving grandchildren, Sierra Maille, Catera Maille, Jacob Bintz, Joseph Bintz, Ethan Blanchard and Nicole Blanchard; several brothers and sisters in laws; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be private at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, in Queensbury, with Very Rev. Joseph G. Busch, Pastor, officiating. 

The Rite of Committal will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Warren County Meals on Wheels, Office of the Aging, Warren Co Municipal Center, 1340 State Route 9, Lake George, NY  12845.

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

HUDSON FALLS – Leon M. Layden, 90, formerly of 5 North Oak Street, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the Fort Hudson Health Care Center in Fort Edward.

Born on February 22, 1930, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late Leon M. and Helene (Morgan) Layden.

Leon graduated from Whitehall High School, then graduated from The College of the Holy Cross, soon after which he entered the United States Army.   While in the Army, he worked in the Pentagon for the Counter Intelligence Corp (CIC).  Following his service to his country and courtesy of the GI Bill, Leon enrolled in the Georgetown University School of Law.  Upon graduation, he joined the family law firm of Layden & Layden in Whitehall and opened a branch in Hudson Falls.   The Whitehall office was eventually closed in 1990 and Leon retired from the Hudson Falls office in 2013, leaving his son Stephen to carry on the family tradition.

On July 11, 1964, he married Marjorie Ann Behan at St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls.  

          Co-parenting for over 50 years with the Love of His Life the Saintly Marjorie Behan, he in ways could not compare.  While she always parented with a song in her heart, and in fairness he shouldered his share, but far too often was heard to swear.  However regardless of venue, athletic or academic, track, park, stadium or field he was always there to cheer not only for at least one MVP,  a couple of starters and multiple scholars, but likewise, and just as hard, for the also rans, the middle of the packers and bench warmers too.

While the infantile and innocent are excused, there are those deeply deluded and foolish few who believe you can walk through this world not showing weakness, never taking a loss nor experiencing pain.  It is a brave man who however knows the Noblest Fights are often the times he takes up his sword (sans shield) in an unwinnable war against an unbeatable foe.  Likewise, a real man knows to Love anything more than oneself is by necessity to fling the door wide to all manner of heartbreak and loss.  So it was late in Life dear old Dad battled Alzheimer’s beside his beautiful Wife.  Though he certainly took some comfort knowing he had five men in reserve, it was he who spent every moment on the front line watching his better half disappear, a touch away more, day after day another shared memory lost, year after unforgiving year.     

Peacefully and with Leon holding her hand, Marjorie passed away on February 15, 2015 (the day after Valentine’s), after 51 years of marriage and some 17 years after her initial diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease.  Though even at 90 we feel he left us too soon, we take comfort in knowing Leon was late for a long overdue date, now walking with the lightest of steps, above the clouds and with the tightest of grips, once again holding the hand of his eternally beautiful bride, the lovely Marjorie Ann.

Leon’s involvement in the church was very important to him.  He was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, where he was a member of the Ushers Association.   Leon was also a Past Grand Knight of the Monsignor Arthur S. Kiffin Knights of Columbus Council 296 of Hudson Falls. 

 His other involvements included The Hudson Falls Rotary , The American Bar Association, The New York State Bar Association and The Washington County Bar Association.

Prior to settling down locally he was an “advance man” for Bobby Kennedy’s successful 1964 run for Senator of New York.  He fondly recalled a phone call from a fellow Holy Cross Alum saying, “We need your help Leon.  We got way too many guys running around here with Boston Accents to ever get Bobby elected in NY.”   Again he was asked to assist on the 1968 Campaign and had it not been for the fact that Leon himself had been busy with 3 little boys and a pregnant Wife still heavy with a fourth, he well may have been there, working on Kennedy’s 1968 Presidential run when poor Bobby was gunned down by the assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, at the Ambassador Hotel in LA on June 5, 1968.      

Leon eventually sought political office for himself, and went as far in Washington County as a Democrat could in the 1960s and 1970s.  He served for five terms, from 1968 to 1978, as the Supervisor of the Town of Kingsbury and was the attorney for the Village of Hudson Falls and the Washington County Department of Social Services.  One of the favorite stories of Layden “political lore” was that of a potential voter asking our oldest Brother what she thought was the all-important question, “Is he a Democrat or Republican?”  In response and with a shrug of his shoulders five year old David replied the wisest answer ever and the only one that ever really mattered, “I don’t know at Home we just call him Daddy.”   

Besides his parents and wife, Leon was predeceased by his one sister, Mary Winn and his two brothers, Edward Layden and Jack Layden.

Survivors include his sons, David Layden and his wife, Joy of Sterling, MA, Dr. Michael Layden and his wife, Marjorie of Glens Falls, Stephen Layden and Mark Layden both of Hudson Falls and Matthew Layden and his wife, Rosina Brooks of Saratoga Springs; his nine grandchildren, Bridgette, Rachael, Brock, Margie, Jacqueline, Sean, Burke, Levi and Brooks; and multiple nieces and nephews.

The Rite of Committal will be 1 p.m. on Saturday August 1, 2020 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.  At the burial all Covid-19 and social distancing restrictions are in effect.

After Covid -19 restrictions are eased, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church on the park in Hudson Falls.

There will be no public calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Leon’s wife, the family suggests that memorial donations be made either locally to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad and/or the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern NY Chapter, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY  12205.

In conclusion the entire remaining Layden Family, on behalf of both our parents, would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Fort Hudson Staff and especially to those workers of both A and B Wings for the dedicated, tireless and compassionate care provided by them throughout the years.

GANSEVOORT – George Ernest Dashnaw, III, 44, went into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Albany Medical Center.

Born on December 2, 1975 in Glens Falls, he was the son of George “Ernie” Dashnaw, Jr. and Deborah (Grinnell) Coon.

George graduated from South Glens Falls High School and soon after began his working career.   His first job was at Wilson’s Yamaha in  Queensbury and then he was employed at General Electric until it closed.   George’s last job was at Trius in Fort Edward, where he worked until his health declined.  

He was a proud member of the NRA. George loved riding motorcycles and puttering around his home.  Those around him were fortunate in that he could fix just about anything.   George also was an animal lover.  His shadow was his dog, Oliver.  George was the happiest he had been in years spending time with his dog and his best friend and brother by another mother, Billy Sleezer. 

George was a straight shooter.  He would always tell you the truth, whether you liked it or not.  To the enjoyment of those around him, George had a wicked sense of humor.  He was the glue of his family.  George would text, call or visit everyone each day.  Those around him always felt his love.

He was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his two aunts, Cindy and Sherry and his stepmother, Lori Dashnaw.

Survivors include his two children, Kara Rose Dashnaw and Michael George James Dashnaw; his parents George “Ernie” Dashnaw and  Deborah (Grinnell) Coon; his brother, Benjamin Duane (Kristin) Dashnaw; and two nephews, whom he was very close, Benjamin and Brody.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.  Due to the pandemic, only 35 people are allowed in the funeral home at one time and social distancing and face masks are required.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020 at St. Michael’s Church in South Glens Falls, with Rev. Tony Childs, pastor, officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA  22030.

HUDSON FALLS – William C. Sherman, Jr., 70, of Hudson Falls, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020, at his home.

Born on February 14, 1950, in Mineville, he was the son of the late William and Evelyn (Daha) Sherman.

Bill had attended Hudson Falls School.

On May 27, 1989, he married Florence (Ball).

Bill worked as a mechanic in his younger years, he also worked for Chase Bag and helped build submarines in Groton, Connecticut.  Lastly, he worked as a Pipefitter for Hall Construction.

Known fondly as Wild Bill, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and hanging out with several area motorcycle clubs.  Bill loved watching car racing; his favorite driver was Brett Herron.  He also had dreams of racing cars himself, a skill he practiced every time he and his lead foot drove anywhere.  Bill also was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He never let the grass grow under his feet, he was always on the road.

Bill especially cherished family gatherings and cookouts.  He was always willing to help out anyone that was in need.  Bill will be remembered for living out his life on his terms and his uncanny ability to make a good friend in less than five minutes.  In addition to his family, he loved his cats, especially Tiger Lilly Monster.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his nephew, Richard Riley and his aunt, Elma Simone.

He is survived by his wife Florence Sherman; his children, Melissa Reed and her husband, Jay of Connecticut, Regina LaMotte and her husband, Ralph of Glens Falls, William Sherman, III of Hudson Falls, Shawn Sherman, Sr., of Queensbury, Jennifer Sherman Marks and her husband, Robert of Little Rock, AR and Belinda McPhee and her husband, Ronald of Hudson Falls; his step children, Tanya Spofford, Laura Buttino and Christina Gumuka; his grandchildren, Erica, Nicholas, Kristin, Kenny, Keith, Alyssa, Cody, Shawn, Jr., Emily, Hannah, Lily and Oliver; his great grandchildren, Kyleigh and Azalea; his siblings, Bonnie Dickinson and her wife, Gary, Edward Sherman and Julie LaFountain and her husband, Larry; his nieces and nephews, Crystal, Josh and Justin; his lifelong friend, Mark Harvey and his friends, Robert Casey and Trudy LaBlanc.

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

Memorial donations may be sent to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC – 135, Albany, NY 12208.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls, NY