Obituaries

Timothy Michael DeBellis of Royal Oak, Michigan passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at his home. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, May 9, 1988, he was the son of John and Linda DeBellis. Tim was a graduate of Shenendehowa High School. He was a member of the football team and played saxophone in the band.

Tim was a technical sales representative for Texas Instruments in Novi, Michigan. He was a volunteer fireman and formerly served as worship assistant at St Peter Lutheran Church in Malta. He was a talented musician and played several instruments including saxophone, piano, guitar and banjo. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

Tim is survived by his parents, John and Linda DeBellis of Ballston Lake and his brother, Jeff DeBellis of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at St Peter Lutheran Church, 2776 Route 9, Malta, at 6:30pm Thursday, May 23, 2013. A memorial service will follow at 7pm. A gathering will be held at the church following the service.

Raymond Dobler, 71 of Ballston Spa, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at his home. Born March 7, 1942 in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Timothy R. and Eva (Faye) Dobler.

Raymond enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching old westerns, working with his sons and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Carol Dobler. He is survived by his children, Peter Dobler and his wife, Wendy of Wynantskill, NY, Carl Dobler and his wife, Crystal of Ballston Spa and Wendy Hearn and her husband, Dave of Fremont, CA; his grandchildren, Ryan, Mariah, Nathan and Brian all of Wynantskill, Carissa and Evan of Ballston Spa and Mark and Sara of Fremont, CA; his sisters, Ellen and her husband, Tony of Rotterdam and Fay of Schenectady; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Heart Association, Northeastern Area, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205-3890.

Tarsilla M. Cromie died April 28, 2013. Born in Brooklyn July 30, 1913, she was the daughter of William J. and Tarsilla V. Fletcher Schuster. She spent her childhood on Middle Line Road; moved to Schenectady, and earned an MA from Albany Teacher’s College in 1935.

She returned to the neighborhood of her youth in 1949 with her husband, the late Robert S. Cromie, and their three sons. As a homemaker, she was active in local organizations, including Milton Grange #685, Ballston Center Homemakers, The National Bottle Museum, and was a charter member of the Saratoga Co. Historical Society.

She enjoyed music and was well versed in English and the natural sciences. She valued the importance of education

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Robert A. Cromie, and brother, John A. Schuster. and is survived by daughter-in-law, Lee Cromie, sons James P. (Doris) Cromie and John J. (Vicky) Cromie, and sister-in-law, Jean Schuster; six grandchildren: Sandra (Wes) Burch, Bonny (Don) Henderson, Christian (Kathy) Cromie, Laura (Rue) Kemmerling, Michelle Cromie, and Suzanne (Jim) Schiltz; 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., on Tuesday, April 30 from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s the following morning at 9:30. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s (167 Milton Ave.) or the Ballston Spa Area Seniors (310 Northline Rd.).

Barbara Glines De Lanoy 89 of Ballston Spa, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Mary’s Haven. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, December 12, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Irene Glines.

Barbara was the senior executive secretary for the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University for 23 years, retiring in 1990. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Saratoga Hospital and her true love, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

She enjoyed tennis, golf, and gardening at the Winterwood Farm where she retired to live with her daughter and her family.

She was predeceased by her son Timothy De Lanoy, sister, Margaret Filigera, and brothers, Charles and Robert Glines. Barbara was survived by her daughters, Barbara Sanford (Tom) of Ballston Spa and Amy Stocking (Rod) of Grand Junction, CO; daughter in law, Kate De Lanoy of Clearwater, FL; grandchildren, Judson Sanford of Clearwater, FL, Cailin Sanford of Ballston Spa, Jesse Stocking of Grand Junction, CO, Trevor Stocking of Grand Junction, CO and Sean De Lanoy of North Fort Myers, FL; sister, Helen Kohut (Al) of Savannah, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Mary’s Haven, 35 New Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The family would like to thank Arlene Lyons, RN from Community Hospice of Saratoga and Robin Byrt, RN from Mary’s Haven for their loving care and support.

James M. Brennan, 64 of Ballston Spa passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Born June 25, 1948 in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Joseph M. and Jean (Earle) Brennan.

A graduate of Draper High School in Rotterdam, Jim went on to attend Albany Business College and then Jones College in Florida. He worked as a winder at General Electric Co. in Schenectady for 35 years, retiring in October of 2005.

Music has been a passion for Jim throughout his life. While in high school, he played with The Pastels and Reggie And The Rebels and also played with Jubal through the Middle Grove United Methodist Church for several years. He was blessed to play with One Voice through Saratoga Bridges since 2007 and OFB since 2009. A member of Saratoga Abundant Life Church, Jim went to the Home of the Good Shepherd with his fellow church members to provide worship services there.

Jim was an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting the Yankees, Giants, Boston Celtics and Notre Dame football and basketball. He also loved traveling, golfing with his friends, bowling and spending time with his family and friends. Jim will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man and will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by a brother, Tommy Brennan. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debbi Brennan of Ballston Spa; his children, Shaun Brennan and Amanda Petteys and her husband, Josh all of Ballston Spa; his sister, Barbara Korfhage of Ballston Spa and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A time of prayer and remembrance will be held at 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 23rd at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends may call from 5 – 7 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home prior to the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saratoga Abundant Life Church, 2325 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

A beautiful soul departed this life on Thursday, April 18, 2013 to make her final journey home. God we give her into your care with heavy hearts but also with joy knowing that she is reunited with those who have gone before.

Esther began her journey on August 5, 1916, in Springfield Gardens, New York, the eldest of 10 children born to Sophie and Karl Jensen. The Jensen family eventually settled in Edinburg.

Throughout her extraordinary life, Esther had several careers, she served in the US Navy during WW II, she worked for Dun & Bradstreet, the NYS Department of Tax & Finance, tax collector for the Town of Edinburg, and taught ceramics and paint technique to mention only a few. She traveled nationally and internationally after beginning a new career at age 60, for Gare, a ceramics products company.

Esther loved the outdoors enjoying and tending to flowers she helped to choose and kept looking beautiful. Her most precious joy was spending time with family and friends laughing, joking, playing cards and just loving the company. She was a tireless giver who was loved by all who met her.

In addition to her parents, Esther was predeceased by her beloved son, Sean, husband, Harold (Bud), brothers, George, Walter and Clifford Jensen; sisters, Dorothy Morris, Sonja VanNatter and Violet Jack. She leaves behind her loving children, Barbara Carhide (Gary) of Schenectady, Debbie Thompson, Jackie Capone (Denis) of Ballston Spa and Fred Whitney (Beth) of Halfmoon; sister, Eleanor Dahlin of Guilderland; brothers, Herb Jensen of Edinburg and Carl Jensen (Nancy) of Northville; 13 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend, Carol White of New Hampshire.

Esther was a selfless and unselfish person evidenced by her decision to make an anatomical gift to Albany Medical College.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, April 28 from 1-2pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A memorial service to celebrate Esther's life will follow at 2pm. Family and friends will be invited to share brief memories during the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.

Esther’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Maplewood Manor and Community Hospice of Saratoga for the loving care given to our mother and the support given to our family.

Frank A. Schmalzl 80 of Clifton Park, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013. He was born in the Bronx on March 26, 1933, the son of the late Frank and Johanna Kropfl Schmalzl. He was a graduate of Mount St Michael High School and Manhattan College. Frank did graduate work at Union College. He served in the US Air Force. Frank married his best friend and sweetheart, Anne McGarry Schmalzl on July 21, 1978.

Frank worked in radar design and installation for Sperry Gyroscope and later was a design engineer for Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna, retiring in 1993. He belonged to the Clifton Park Sportsmen’s Club, the National Rifle Association, the American Legion and Elfun Society. Frank was a communicant of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Ballston Spa.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Anne McGarry Schmalzl, his brothers in law, Edward McGarry (Donna) and Robert McGarry (Sandra), several nieces and nephews, and his devoted felines Lydia Darough and Madison James.

Frank had a great devotion to his church and his country. He loved people and enjoyed conversing with his many good friends and neighbors.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9am Friday, April 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald B H Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Town of Saratoga. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4-7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or Birth Right, 40 Front Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

A special note of gratitude for the exceptional care and concern provided to Frank by his doctors and nurses from Seton Health and Samaritan Hospital.

Patrick L. Kelly 55 of Ballston Spa, passed away Friday, April 5, 2013, in the presence of his life partner, Noreen Jones. Patrick was born in Albany, NY, June 7, 1957. He was the son of the late Paul and Renee Kelly. Also present to love and comfort Patrick in his final days were his daughter, Erin Kelly, son, Dillon Kelly, son, Jude Camillo and his mother Jill Camillo, granddaughters, Cynthia and Galaxy, and his many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patrick served in the US Navy as a young man. He engaged in a varied career throughout his life and enjoyed music, photography, cooking, hiking and golf. He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. His gentle spirit, kind heart, sense of humor, and love for life defines who he is. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 12 pm Monday, April 8, 2013, at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Town of Saratoga.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or any charity contributing to disabled or homeless veterans.

The family would like to thank the Veterans Association and the Albany Stratton VA Hospital, particularly the Cancer Unit and the Hospice Center, for the love and care provided to Patrick over the last two years. You are the best!

Elizabeth A. Hunt of Ballston Spa, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013. Born in Ballston Spa, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Catherine Healey. She lived in Duanesburg and spent the winters in Orange City, Florida. She later moved to Cohoes and has resided at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa since 2003. Betty worked for General Electric Co. for 25 years.

She enjoyed reading and traveling. She always had a story to share about the people she met while traveling. Betty recently celebrated her 90th birthday at a party hosted by her family and friends at Maplewood Manor.

She was predeceased by her husband, Whit Hunt, her sisters, Dorothy Hodgson and Jean Crandell and her aunt, Dorothy Grusner. Betty is survived by her nieces and nephews, Daniel Crandell (Jane) of Schoharie, Denise Mowczan (Charles) of South Burlington, VT, David Crandell (Lorie) of Clifton Park, Michael Hodgson, Timothy Hodgson and Patty Friend (Peter) all of Laconia, NH; great nieces and nephews, Jason Crandell, Matthew Crandell (Barbara), Julie Harmon (Jason), Allison Crandell, Melissa Semidei (Alberto), Kristen Underwood (Ryan), Benjamin Mowczan, Sarah Crandell, Sean Crandell, Kathryn Crandell and Eric Crandell. She is also survived by 8 great great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 4 from 1-2pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 2pm. Burial will be in East Galway Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Patricia M. Montgomery 78, of Ballston Spa passed away Monday, March 18, 2013. Born in Ballston Spa, August 9, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Regina Barrie. She was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School.

Fondly known as Aunt Pat to the many children she took care of over the years, she enjoyed every moment with them. She was loved by all and with the help of her granddaughter she was able to contact many of the children who were happy to update her on their lives and share their accomplishments with her.

Patricia married Frederick J. Montgomery on December 5, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ballston Spa. There was a blizzard that day, but Patricia was determined and they were married by candlelight.

She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Barrie, and her sisters, Mildred Perkins and Louise Baker. Patricia is survived by her husband of 48 years, Frederick J. Montgomery; her daughter, Patti Ann Montgomery of Clifton Park; her granddaughter, Tiffany L. Montgomery of Clifton Park and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 9:30am Friday, March 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will be in Factory Village Cemetery, in the Spring. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Patricia to The Ronald McDonald House Charities, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Patricia’s nieces and nephew, Diane Ostrander, Holly Staulters and Ricky Baker for the loving care they provided Patricia during her illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Liebers and the staff at Saratoga Hospital for their care and compassion.

Karen C. Bryant 61 of Ballston Spa, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013 at her home, surrounded by her family. Born in Niskayuna, June 24, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Alford and Dorothea Coseo. Karen worked for Pioneer Savings for many years.

Karen organized the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Free Lunch Program and the Ballston Spa Community Free Thanksgiving Program. She was a giving person and felt it was important to feed the hungry in her community.

She was a member of the Round Lake United Methodist Church. She enjoyed fishing, traveling, and playing games with her family. Her greatest joy was the time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband Donald Bryant, her children, Scott Bryant (Ashley) of Saratoga Springs and Sharan Zarnofsky (Kurt) of Charlton; grandchildren, Avery Bryant, Joshua Zarnofsky and Alizabeth Zarnofsky; sister, Claudia DeRidder of Kannapolis, NC; brother, Jeffrey Coseo (Kathy) of Ballston Spa and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 1pm Monday, March 18 at Round Lake United Methodist Church, 34 George Avenue, Round Lake. Urn burial will follow in West Charlton Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 16 from 3-6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the Food Pantry at the Round Lake United Methodist Church.

Non-perishable food items will be collected during calling hours and will be donated to the Food Pantry in Karen’s memory.

Karyl Ruth Froschauer, 69, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at her home with her loving family at her side. Born in Colonie, NY on May 7, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Mary Coulter.

Karyl was employed by the Grand Union Company for 23 years. She committed her life to raising her beloved children while devoting herself to her husband Harvey, for 46 years.

Karyl is survived by her husband, Harvey Froschauer; daughter, Dana Wiley (John) of Binghamton; son, Clint Froschauer (Colleen) of Ballston Spa; her loving grandchildren, Coulter, Brad, Reece, Riley and Tabor; brothers, Bruce Coulter of Stanley, Virginia and Hartley Coulter of Flagler Beach, Florida. In addition to the love and support from family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, March 18 from 6-8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A prayer service will follow at 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Tanya JoLee Sleight 33 of Amsterdam, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013. Born in Saratoga Springs, September 7, 1979 she was the daughter of Beverly Gifford Pritchard and John Stoddard.

Tanya moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 1992 as a teenager where she attended Winston-Salem First Assembly of God Church and was home schooled. During that time she was very involved in the church’s Youth Choir and Drama Team. She had a heart for missions and was able to be part of the first youth mission team to El Salvador. While there she helped build a church and performed in street ministry. She had a passion for Sign Language and looked forward to sharing it with her children. After graduation she worked for Wake Forest University in housekeeping before going to work for the family business and finally realized she was gifted in the retail industry. She moved back to NY in 2001 and continued working in various retail stores and started her adult life.

Tanya had an outgoing and friendly personality and everyone she met became her “cousin”. She would help anyone in need even if it met she went without. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her many family and friends both in NY and NC.

She was predeceased by her brother, Joshua Matthew Pritchard. Tanya is survived by her children, Matthew and Naomi, her parents, Beverly and Timothy Pritchard of Corinth, John and Donna Stoddard of North Carolina, her siblings, Travis Gifford of Corinth, David Stoddard of North Carolina, Jireh Stoddard of North Carolina, Timmy Pritchard of Ballston Spa and Jeremy Pritchard of Stillwater; grandparents, Tom and Linda Rush of North Carolina; many aunts, uncles, cousins, her large extended family and her friends who she called sisters.

Funeral services will be held 10am Monday, March 18 at Christ Episcopal Church, West High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 2-6pm Sunday at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Medical Center Pediatrics Unit, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208

Stephen M. Tokos 61 of Ballston Spa, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013. Born in Schenectady, April 15, 1951 he was the son of the late Michael and Columbia Tokos. He graduated from Mohonasen High School in 1969.

Steve was a field consultant for McDonalds for over 20 years. He owned and operated Bonfare of Malta and later the Drive-In Movie Store in Ballston Spa. He served as chairman of the Tax Assessment Review Board for the Town of Malta and was a member of the Malta Business and Professional Association.

Steve owned numerous standardbred racehorses and raced at Saratoga for many years. He enjoyed following the horses, reading, swimming and playing with his beloved dog, Bubba.
He was a very much a people person and was loved by everyone he encountered over the years.

Steve is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary, his children, John Tokos of Mechanicville and Tina Tokos of Ballston Spa, grandson, Xavier, brother, Thomas Tokos of Niskayuna and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 10am Thursday, March 7 at The Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 6 from 5-8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1717 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205.