Obituaries

Marian Gervais 85, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019, surrounded by her family. They had been together camping as they had yearly for the past 51 years in the weeks leading up to the 4th of July. Marian was a loving “professional mom”, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her home, her precious Hunter, sitting on the deck in the evening with a glass of wine, rocking on her swing, and listening to her birds.

She enjoyed playing bridge with the International Bridge Group, gardening, and loved entertaining and cooking for all. She was a member of Corpus Christi Church for over 50 years and enjoyed serving at the church food pantry with her friends.

Marian was predeceased by her loving husband Norman. She is survived by her sons Norman (Catherine) and Michael; daughters Lenore (Marvin), Shari (Michael) and Bonnie; grandchildren Jeffrey (Nicole), Norman (Amber), Nick, Philip, Laura (Cody), Carolyn (Matthew), Andy and Ben; great grandson Jack, and a great granddaughter on the way.

We would like to sing “Rock me Mama” to you; we hope you are dancing with Dad and enjoying “God’s most perfect food”, oysters.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, July 7 from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A mass of Christian burial will be held 9am Monday, July 8 at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake. Burial will follow in Jonesville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Marian to the Mayo Clinic Spinal Cord Injury Research Program. https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donate

Kristina L. Graham, 44, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019. She was born in South Glens Falls, NY on May 20, 1975. Kristina worked at Rickett’s Dry Cleaners in Ballston Spa for many years and currently worked at Feigenbaum Cleaners in Wilton.

Kristina was a proud mom, traveling to all her son’s sporting events to support them. She was an animal lover and was often accompanied by her precious dog Sassie. Kristina enjoyed barbeques with family and friends and brought a smile to everyone’s face when she entered the room.

Kristina is survived by her beloved sons Domonic and Ian; her mother Patricia Prouty; father and stepmom Pete and Becky Cheeney; sister Lori Gleason; brother Kevin Prouty; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, July 3 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Kristina may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Steven A. Nutting, 65, a resident of Saratoga Springs, lost his short battle with liver cancer on June 24th, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Born August 6th, 1953 in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was the son of the late Warren Nutting and Barbara King Nutting. Steve was known for his quick wit and sense of humor and was always the life of the party at any event.

He graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1972. One week later he became a Cadet with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. and soon became a police officer for six years. In 1978 he became a NY State Trooper, moving up in ranks and in 2011, he retired as a Senior Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Steve was a member of the NY State Police Investigators’ Association, Police Benevolent Association and Association of NY State Retired Troopers. He enjoyed the retired Troopers’ dinners. He was also a long-time member of the Saratoga Elks Club.

Steve was head of the Monday Troopers Golf League. He organized this league in 1995 and ran these golf outings for over 20 years, enjoying this time spent with many of his friends. He hosted the best mid-season and end-of-season golf outings for the golf league.

Steve and his wife Katy are members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), which they joined in 2008. After joining, Steve and Katy became NY Chapter N Directors and then NY District Directors and served in many other positions until present day. Through GWRRA, they met many wonderful friends and enjoyed many trips and rallies all over the country.

Steve enjoyed traveling with his family and made many wonderful memories on the cruises and vacations with his wife and boys. Steve and Katy enjoyed many trips and traveled to Hawaii and Italy. They especially enjoyed their Grand European Viking River Cruise two years ago and most recently, their 14-day land and sea Alaskan vacation they shared with some dear friends.

Steve enjoyed his quiet time since retiring, reading murder mysteries and spending time on Sacandaga Lake. He especially loved time spent with his “little girl,” his yellow lab, Samantha (Sam.)

Steve married the love of his life, Catherine Bena Nutting on June 12th, 1976. They just celebrated 43 years of marriage. They had four sons, Jason Michael Nutting who passed away December 23rd, 1985, Jonathan Joel Nutting who passed away on April 2nd, 2019, Michael Jason Nutting and Travis Allen Nutting. Steve is also survived by his sisters Deborah Flibotte (Ray), Cindy Ochs (Greg), and Melissa Wing (Andrew); and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, June 28 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in St Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 27 from 3pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Steve may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dorothy Jean Gatzendorfer, 83, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. Born in West Glenville, NY on May 31, 1936, she was the daughter of Howard and Marjorie Plummer.

Jean was a bus driver for Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Schools and also worked in the cafeteria. She enjoyed fishing and was an avid Yankee fan. In the summer, she went to all the local fairs.

She was predeceased by her parents Howard and Marjorie, and her husband Joseph Gatzendorfer, Sr. Jean is survived by her children Shirley Matthews (Charles), Lee Hudson (Kathy), Kathy Ebert (James), Cindy Burke (David), and James Hudson (Ellen); stepchildren Theresa Nicosia (Lou), Joseph Gatzendorfer, Jr. (Sue), Paul Gatzendorfer (Melissa), Cathy Wilson (Keith) and William Gatzendorfer; brother Kenneth Plummer; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and a great great grandson.

Funeral services will be held 10am Saturday, June 15 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Sweetman Cemetery, Charlton. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, June 14 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be made to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.

Donna Miles, 66 passed away Monday, June 10, 2019. She was born on October 1, 1952 in Troy, NY. Donna attended St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Cohoes. She will always be remembered as a kind and loving person, always thinking of others. Donna is survived by her two children. In accordance with Donna’s wishes, funeral services are private.

John F. McPherson, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at Saratoga Hospital. Born in Amsterdam, NY in September of 1931, he was the son of Thomas and Sophie McPherson.

John was a sales representative for The American Greeting Company and later worked for Manheim Auto Sales, until his retirement. He was an EMT for the Community Emergency Corp in Ballston Spa and volunteered for Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Sophie McPherson and his son Thomas McPherson. John is survived by his wife Dolores; stepson Alex Stewart; daughters Joanne Evangelista of Bellerose and Deborah Eames of Salem, Oregon; sister Catherine Rohling of Wappinger Falls; brothers James McPherson of Pennellville, and Gary McPherson of Glenville; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

At John’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held on a later date to be announced. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to the Community Emergency Corp, 78 Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Fonda Dale Armer, 58, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019. Born on January 27, 1961 in Schenectady, she was a life-long area resident and daughter of Alfred and Barbara (Reynolds) Crawford.

Fonda was the “Queen of Bingo” and loved to play everywhere she could. She was a kind hearted woman who had a free spirit, was very straight forward and spoke her mind when necessary and had a special place in her heart for all animals.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her granddaughter, Kari Liedel. She is survived by her children, Bruce W. Campbell, Jr. of Schenectady, Todd Campbell of Saratoga Springs and Siobian Campbell of Schenectady; her grandchildren, Kortni Liedel, Bruce W. Campbell III, Kristen Campbell and Cameron Smith; her sisters, Melody Baldwin (Scott Bernash) of Malta, Charmain Ranson of Ballston Spa, Bev Sleight (Bob) of Ballston Spa and Ora Leah Cole (Ron Ippoliti) of Warrensburg; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 4pm on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 E. High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends may call from 3pm to 4pm Friday prior to the services.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Fonda to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

Harold W. Lansing, “Skeeter” 76, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on April 1, 1943, he was the son of Harold and Charlotte Lansing.

Skeeter was a Navy veteran stationed on the USS Turner Joy. He was a code breaker serving two tours in Vietnam and was awarded two bronze stars. After his honorable discharge, he worked at WTEN as chief engineer for 35 years, retiring in 2013.

Skeeter was very athletic. He enjoyed biking, kayaking and hiking. He was a skilled Alpine Skier, racing in the Master Ski Races and used his knowledge to teach others as an alpine ski coach. He skied the Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington. Skeeter was a master craftsman and had the ability to fix anything. He was devoted to his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Charlotte. Skeeter is survived by his wife Heather; his sons Shawn Lansing (Kerry), David Lansing (Nicole), and Toby Lansing (Lena); stepchildren Abigail Sotir (Luke), Caleb Singer (Michelle), Andrew Singer (Kate), and Philip Singer (Jackie); siblings Minton Jeffrey, Leona Lansing and Phillip Lansing; five grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew.

Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, May 31, at East Glenville Community Church, 335 Saratoga Road, Glenville. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 30 from 6pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Skeeter may be made to the Birthright, 1490 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Henry D. Nachbar, 87, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Buffalo, NY on April 16, 1932, he was the son of Henry and Lillian Nachbar. In 1951, following his graduation from Bethlehem Central High School, he attended the State University at Alfred and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a masters degree in mechanical engineering.

In 1957 upon graduation from RPI, he joined the engineering staff of the Knolls Atomic Power Lab of the General Electric Co in Schenectady. He worked in a variety of engineering and management projects, retiring after 35 years of service in 1992 and being awarded 14 patents.

Henry was a member of the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. He was a Boy Scout and was awarded the highest ranking of Eagle Scout. He later was Scoutmaster of Troop 38 in Burnt Hills. He was a member of the GE Elfun Society, GE Quarter Century Club, Signa XI, Delmar Fire Department, Gold Wing Road Riders Association Motorcycle Club, Good Sam and FMCA Clubs, the Model T Ford Club, and the Schenectady and Saratoga Ham Radio Organizations. He was also past president of the Ballston Lake Ambulance Squad.

Henry enjoyed his antique cars, boating, motorcycles, and flying his private plane. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and his beloved dogs.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Lillian Nachbar. Henry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; their children Karen Staulters (John), Donna Wudyka (John), Douglas Nachbar (Jill Wells), and Kathy Blanchard (Peter); his brother Roger Nachbar; and six grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 30 from 10am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 11am. Burial will follow in West Charlton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Henry may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Elizabeth A. “Betty” Cleveland, 90, of Riverton, NJ and formerly of Galway, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019.

Betty was the beloved wife of the late Raymond Austin and the late William Cleveland. She was the devoted mother of Marilyn Iannacone (Richard) of Cinnaminson, NJ and Raymond Austin of Galway, NY; loving grandmother of Michael, Lisa (Wayne), Thomas (Rachael), and David (Bonnie); adoring great grandmother of Julianna, Tyler, Brandon, Brianna, Sean and Dezirae; dear sister of Preston Van Patten (Virginia) and Robert Van Patten (Vivian).

A memorial celebration in Betty’s honor for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 with visitation from 9am to 11am and a service at 10:30am, at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to The Hole in the Wall Camp, 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511 or Samaritan Hospice.

Thomas R. Turley, “Tommy”, 56, passed away on May 12, 2019. Born in Brooklyn Heights, NY on October 1, 1962, he was the son of Thomas and Dorothy Turley. He was a graduate of Croton Harmon High School and SUNY New Paltz with a degree in business.

Tommy lived on Saratoga Lake for over thirty years and loved visiting the family home on Cape Cod. He cared deeply for animals and conserved resources. He pushed back against conventional society and was the captain of his own ship.

He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Dorothy. Tommy is survived by his loving brother Jeffrey Turley of Middleton, Wisconsin; his nephews Emmett Turley of Washington, DC and Liam Turley of Middleton, Wisconsin; and his niece Brynn Turley of Middleton, Wisconsin.

Services will be private.

Denise W. Olson, 66, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Born in Saratoga Springs, New York on January 19, 1953, she was the daughter of William and Sophie Monaco Wolfersheim.

Denise was a graduate of Adirondack Community College. She was a Registered Nurse and was the Director of Nursing at the Saratoga County Infirmary in Ballston Spa for many years.

She loved working in her flower gardens and caring for her many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents William and Sophie Wolfersheim, and her brother Mark Wolfersheim. Denise is survived by her husband of 27 years Eric Olson, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 29 from Noon to 2pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 2pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Denise may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Claude S. Wagner, age 92, of Beverly Hills, FL passed away at Diamond Ridge Health and Rehab Center in Lecanto, FL on April 28, 2019. Claude was born on October 22, 1926 in Albany, NY to the late Claude and Mildred (Smith) Wagner. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II.

After his military service he went on to become a Weapons Arsenal Safety Manager for the United States Government. On January 26, 1973 he married Audrey (Carpenter) with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Claude and Audrey made Citrus County their home in 1991 after relocating from Albany, NY and attended worship services at the Crystal River United Methodist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed bowling and was a talented organ player.

In addition to his loving wife Audrey those left to mourn Claude’s passing include his children Gail Ann Tagliaferro and her husband Anthony of Albany, Carolyn Duel and her husband Greg of Gansevoort, Michael Wagner and his wife Sherry of Greenfield Center, William Frederick Wagner and his wife Joyce of Rochester, Kathryn Giovannitti and her husband Ed of Albany, Mary Elizabeth Iaquinta and her husband Maurice of Greenfield Center; stepdaughters Sally Plummer and Danny Davis of Albany, Karen Plummer and George Ramos of Fort Myers, FL, Nancy O’Malley of Beverly Hills, FL; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Claude was predeceased by his son Stanley “Pete” Wagner.

A graveside service will be held 10am Saturday, July 20 at Ballston Spa Cemetery, Garrett Road, Ballston Spa.

Kathleen A. Kuznia, 63, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 26th, 2019.

Kathy was born on April 25th, 1956 in Washington D.C. to Dr. William and Ann (Neville) Kelley, the eldest of six children. The family relocated to Ballston Spa, NY in 1966, where Kathy would spend the rest of her life.

Kathy was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School, class of 1974. She went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1978 and began a career with the Saratoga County Probation Department, where she would remain until her retirement in 2010.

To most, Kathy was the kindest person they had ever met. She had a heart of gold that shined through the warm smile that was always on her face. Kathy took joy in the simple things, such as painting crafts, going out to lunch and nurturing plants with her “green thumb”. Nothing brought Kathy more pride and joy than being a Mother. Kathy was happiest spending time with her beloved children, TJ and Annie - “The Tripod”.

Kathy was predeceased by her mother, Ann Kelley, and sister Deborah Gates. She is survived by her loving children TJ Kuznia and Annie Kuznia, father Dr. William Kelley, sister Maureen (Rick) Cooper, brother William Kelley, brother Michael Kelley, sister Bridget (Pete) Zimmer, along with several adored nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 30th from 4 PM to 8 PM at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at 9:30am at St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa.