Obituaries

Michael E. Haskell 63, passed away on April 8, 2021 after a short illness. He was born in Schenectady, NY on December 20, 1957.

Mike worked for Curtis Lumber Company for many years and then went on to work at Ball Metal Container where he worked for over 30 years. After retiring, he went back to Curtis Lumber and worked part time.

Mike enjoyed the simple things in life like a good dinner or a backyard picnic. He loved his trips to Florida to visit his brother and family each year. Mike had an awesome sense of humor and he would constantly crack his family and friends up.

He was the most giving and loving man who would do anything for anyone. Mike’s two daughters and granddaughters as well as all his family, including his beloved dog Dak, have always been what was most important to him and will remain so as we all know he is watching over us.

Mike was a true good friend to all of his friends. He cherished all his friendships, of which he had many. He loved the sunshine and sitting out on his deck in the home he loved. Mike was a big time loyal Dallas Cowboy fan and loved golf outings with his buddies. He totally loved and enjoyed the times spent at the Saratoga Rack Track with all his family and friends and looked forward to racing season like no other.

Nothing will be the same without him here, but we know he is now our guardian angel and he is with our Dad.

He was predeceased by his father Albert Haskell. Mike is survived by his daughters Ashlee Haskell and Erica Haskell (Kyle Senecal); granddaughters Vivianna and Everly; mother Mary Mercier; siblings Sherry Sutton (Jay), Kim Higley (Rob), Patrick Haskell (Deb), Stephen Haskell (Tammy), and Scott Haskell (Fran); aunt Joan Moore (Buck); many cherished nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, April 16 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, April 17 from 2pm to 5pm at Dozer’s Bar and Grill, 411 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Ethel J. Best 97, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the Baptist Health Care Center. She was born in Schenectady, NY on July 12, 1923 to Dora and William Cichy.

During World War II, while her husband was training for the US Navy, Ethel worked at a defense plant in Detroit. She later worked at Maqua Co (G.E.) for several years. Ethel was a hairstylist and had a studio in her home. Ethel was an accomplished artist and received many awards for her work. In her younger years she enjoyed dancing and speed skating. She and her husband were rollerskate dance champions.

She was predeceased by her parents Dora and William; her husband John Best, brothers Bill, Jim, Ray and Leslie, and her sister Norma Brown. Ethel is survived by her children Carol Bojarczuk (Edward) and Thomas Best (Susan); grandchildren Erin Bojarczuk, Colleen Messina (Duane), Matthew Best (Anna) and John Best (Melissa); sister Lorraine Riggi; sisters in law Naomi Cichy and Claire Best; 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held and Ethel will be laid to rest with her husband at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Joyce A. Hinchcliff 84, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. She was born in Ticonderoga, NY on June 20, 1936 to Printess and Gladys Mason. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and loved having the grandchildren and great grandchildren part of her life.

She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years Edmund; her daughter Cindy Hinchcliff, grandson Damon Hinchcliff LaQue and sister Janet Pemberton. Joyce is survived by her sons John Hinchcliff and Scott Hinchcliff; daughter Kathy Stanislowsky; nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren and friends.

A graveside service will be held 1pm Monday, April 5 at Clifton Park Village Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Clifton Park. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

Agnes J. Gawrys, 91, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021. One of ten children of Adam and Celia Wojtowecz, she was born in Ballston Spa, N.Y. on October 4, 1929.

In her younger days, Aggie, as she was known to all, enjoyed spending time at Lake Desolation with her sisters, brothers and friends and was known for her excellent renditions of Patsy Cline’s hits. She worked at the Ballston Knitting Mill and the Ballston Spa Dress Shop.

Agnes married Edward Gawrys in 1950. She devoted her life to her husband and raising and caring for her six children, and was the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Aggie loved to cook, especially Polish food, and was known for her delicious golumpki and made the world’s best relish. Family and friends were always welcome to Aggie’s Coffee Time. She was a passionate NY Yankee fan, staying up late to watch West Coast games and re-watching some games when she knew the outcome because it was less stressful. And woe to anyone who criticized her Yankees. She also loved watching Jeopardy. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa, faithfully attending Sunday mass until she was unable to leave her home.

Agnes was predeceased by her husband Edward in 1996, and her parents and siblings Carrie, Emily, Irv, Chet, Walter, Jeanette, John, Margaret, and Stella.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra (Ralph) Ranellone, Kathleen (Lawrence) Rooney, and her sons, Edward (Michele), Jeffrey (Linda), Andrew (Amy) and Jay (Robin) and her grandchildren, John, Matthew, Kate, Thomas, Brant, Katherine, Kristen, Michael, Hannah, Elizabeth, Andrew, Megan and Grady and her great-grandchildren, Leo, Lucy, Christopher, Matthew, Mackenzie, Smith and Rachel.

Due to Covid-19, there will be no calling hours. When we can safely gather again with family and friends, we will gather at Coffee Time and celebrate Aggie’s life.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 10th at St. Mary’s Church, Ballston Spa. A private burial will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or Community Emergency Corps.

Arthur C. Anderson 95, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. He was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on February 15, 1926 to Eugene and Minnie Anderson. He was a US Army Air Force veteran serving in World War II.

Art worked at Ballston Spa National Bank for thirty years, retiring as Vice President in 1987. Art served as treasurer of the Saratoga County March of Dimes and was a member of VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa. After his retirement, Art and his wife moved to Florida where he volunteered for AARP helping people with their taxes for over twenty years. He also served as a security patrol officer in Homosassa Springs and volunteered at the Sheriff’s Department.

He enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time in the great outdoors. His greatest joy was his family and he treasured the time they spent together.

He was predeceased by his parents Eugene and Minnie, and his brother in law John Downing. Art is survived by his wife of 70 years Evelyn; daughter Penny Kuhl (Kenneth); sister Agnes Downing; brothers Eugene Anderson (Pauline) and Lee Anderson (Joan); and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service was held. Memorial contributions in memory of Arthur may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Jocelyn S. Little 38, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital from complications due to Covid. She was born in Niskayuna, NY on October 25, 1982 to Randall and Pamalee Little. Jocelyn was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and attended SUNY Adirondack College.

She worked at Prestwick Chase in Saratoga Springs. Jocelyn had an infectious laugh and always tried to see the humor in everything. Her greatest joy was her son Rowen and she treasured motherhood and the beautiful life she and Gregg created together.

She was predeceased by her mother Pamalee Little and her father in law Gary Chamberlain. Jocelyn is survived by her life partner Gregg Chamberlain and their beloved son Rowen; her father Randall Little; sisters Kathleen Heiner (Jacob), Andrea Peck (Travis), and Juliana LaGrange (Lucas); nieces and nephew Grace, Emily and Aaron; and her mother in law Sally Chamberlain. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and extended family who have been so supportive throughout this difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, March 26 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required. A private memorial service will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jocelyn may be made to the family for her son Rowen.

Richard Henry Putnam 78, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021 with his family by his side. He was born in Port Henry, NY on September 21, 1942 to Maple and Marjorie (Fuller) Putnam.

Richard graduated from Port Henry High School in 1961 and married Bernadette Macey in August of 1963. He worked for Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut and returned to New York in 1970. Richard was a draftsman for General Electric and then transferred to Knolls Atomic Power Lab for many years, retiring in 2008.

He was predeceased by his parents Maple and Marjorie, brother Gerald Putnam and sister Joan Gavin. Richard is survived by his wife Bernadette; children Lisa Jane Wein (Michael), and Michael Putnam (Elizabeth); grandchildren Cody Putnam (Kristen), Geoffrey Wein, Sarah Wein, Genevieve Putnam, Finn Putnam, and Clara Putnam; great grandson Tavin Odell; brother Maple Putnam (Brenda), brothers and sisters in law, Elizabeth Duval (Joseph), Carlene Cowan (Michael), Reginald Macey (Barbara), James Macey (Patricia), Ivan Macey, Doris Macey, Anthony Macey (Barbara), David Macey (Josephine), and Roland Macey (Annette); and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 26 at 10am at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. For those unable to attend the mass will be live streamed on St. Clement’s Facebook page. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at the church.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Clement’s Church 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Barbara J. Schwed 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 15, 2021. She was born in St. Johnsville, NY on June 5, 1936 to Elmer and Ruth Shaut.

Barbara had a passion for antiques and ran her own antique store, Barbara’s Hodge Podge. She enjoyed the beauty of nature and was an avid gardener. Photography was one of her many hobbies and she was a wonderful cook. Barbara was always dressed to the nines with coordinating accessories, sometimes in her favorite color purple.

She was predeceased by her husband Mark Schwed, her grandson Shawn Weaver and her sister Patty Hancock. Barbara is survived by her son Christopher Kobuskie and his fiancé JeanMarie Reinke; daughter Kimberly Weaver; grandson Chad Weaver; great grandson Sean; sister Jean; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, March 25 at St. Joseph’s Church, 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Memorial contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ethel Meyer of Saratoga Springs, NY passed away on March 7, 2021. She was 89. Ethel grew up in Chatham, NJ, and attended Drew University. After spending several years in Colorado and Western New York, she settled in Saratoga Springs. After retiring from public service, she enjoyed learning new things through the Academy of Lifelong Learning, as well as swimming, and being outdoors.

Ethel is survived by her four children, Paul, Jim, Ken and Connie, several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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

Joel F. Landis 82, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at his home after a three year battle with cancer. The oldest of five children, Joe was born on November 16, 1938 to Joseph and Elmira Landis.

After serving in the US Air Force for 4 years, he went to work for General Electric for 12 years. Joe then decided to return to college and earned a Master’s Degree. He became a licensed Certified Public Accountant and ran his own business in the Burnt Hills and Charlton area until his retirement in 2018.

Joe bought and rebuilt an abandoned dairy farm in Charlton making a beautiful home for his family. He made it a working farm, producing hay in the fields. He loved his farm and being able to raise his sons there gave him great joy. He was an avid runner and member of Saratoga Striders for several years.

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years Elaine; sons Robert Landis (Michele), Joseph Landis (Jamye) and James Landis (Colleen); siblings Carl Landis (Sylvia), James Landis, Lorraine Tomlinson (Joseph) and Ruth Koren (Ken); 19 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 4 from 5pm to 7pm at the Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street Ballston Spa. A funeral service with military honors will be held 11:30am Friday, March 5 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Debra A. Armstrong 62, left her earthly home and joined her eternal paradise on February 20, 2021. Debby was born on July 6, 1958 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Debby was known for her kind heart and desire to make others around her happy.

Debby spent many years working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was the time spent with those she supported and the growth within each person that filled her heart. Debby was very proud of the success and fun that she was a part of, which included involvement in the Special Olympics.

She was predeceased by her mother Gertrude McGowan, father Emery McGowan, stepfather Frank Danforth, and sister Sandy McGowan. Debby is survived by her husband Thomas Armstrong; sons Mark Armstrong and Brad Armstrong; sisters Linda Myers and Barb Carey; brothers Larry McGowan and Rick McGowan; countless nieces and nephews; and her beautiful grandchildren who where were the sparkle in her sky.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 26 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Debby may be made to the Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org

Denis O’Brien passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Denis was born in 1938 in Granville, New York. He attended Castleton State College in Vermont where he received his teaching degree. From there, he accepted a teaching position in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake school system in 1968 and remained there until his retirement. In addition to teaching in the math department, Denis was a volunteer fireman for twenty years at the East Glenville Fire Department.

Denis was an avid reader, consuming two or three books a week. One of his other passions was doing the New York Times crossword puzzle every day. Many of his students and colleagues will recall the beautiful and colorful works of art hanging from the ceiling in his classroom. Denis created with precision, 3-D mathematical spheres, hexagonal pyramids and other shapes.

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable contributions he made was his role as a teacher and the impact he had on so many. Denis had an uncanny way of connecting with students who were sometimes challenging or had behavioral issues. He welcomed the students who believed they had little or no future and spoke their language. His students found his teaching style relatable and appreciated that he took the time to get to know them and talk to them. Every year, Denis would share his own personal life challenges with students in the Health classes. This insight to his own recovery helped many students process the troubles and problems in their own lives. A testimony to his success with students is the number of them who went on to become productive citizens and the former students who often came back to see Mr. O’Brien and thank him.

Throughout his teaching career and during retirement, Denis was an integral part time employee of Natural Design Landscaping. For many years he worked side by side with his friend Philip Pekar installing landscape designs. This allowed Denis to be outdoors, another thing he enjoyed.

Most importantly, Denis enjoyed time spent with his beloved wife Linda. They enjoyed quiet time together while they read or watched their favorite movies. Their most memorable times were when they traveled. Their trips to Georgia to see their son Adam were a welcomed relief from the cold weather of the north and their trips to the West coast to visit his daughter Sarah and her husband David were also special. They loved Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. Linda said that it was always a challenge to get Denis to return home during their trips to California’s Big Sur and Carmel.

He was predeceased by his parents Thomas O’Brien and Pauline Smith O’Brien, sister Jane Timm and brother Tom O’Brien. Denis is survived by his wife Linda Tallman O’Brien; daughters Sarah Misserian (David) of Tucson, AZ; Jennifer Kistner (Gerry) of Unity, NH and Sandra Spoerner (Michael) of Albuquerque, NM; son Adam Stanton of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Rachel and Noah; brother Owen O’Brien (Mary Lou); friend and mother of his daughters Barbara O’Brien; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no services at this time. Memorial contributions in memory of Denis may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Brett W. Bydairk, 69 passed away suddenly on February 11, 2021. Brett was born in Chicago, IL and lived in Connecticut, Idaho, California and Hawaii before his military parents moved to Ballston Spa in 1962. Brett graduated from Ballston Spa High School as well as the University of South Carolina.

He worked for the state of South Carolina for over 30 years before returning to Ballston Spa in 2007. Brett also served in the United States Air Force. He was a music enthusiast and enjoyed performances at his beloved Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. He was happy to be the Caffe historian and took great satisfaction in maintaining the archives. Brett was also an avid reader and book collector. He maintained an extensive collection of books.

Brett was a proud brother, uncle and loyal friend. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Lois (Kiper) Bydairk and a brother Tracy W. Bydairk. Brett is survived by his sister Wendy Bydairk and her husband, Michael Zimmerman of North Andover, MA; niece Eliza Zimmerman and her husband Mark Suscovich of Duxbury, MA, niece Maxie Zimmerman of N. Andover, MA; and his lifelong best friend Mike Norton of Dublin, PA.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Brett may be made to Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Robert E. Holmes II, 76, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. He was born in Glens Falls, NY on April 4, 1944 to Robert and Annis Holmes. He served in the US Navy on the USS Wilkinson.

Bob was the owner and operator of Razor Inn in Albany, where he was a barber for over 50 years. His customers were like family to him and he enjoyed sharing stories with them throughout the years. He was a lifetime member of the Clifton Park Elks helping with many events and activities. In his free time Bob liked to hunt and fish, and spend time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Annis Holmes and his sister Ada Cross. Bob is survived by his wife Rene, and their children Robert Holmes III (Lorie), Shelley Farone (Christian) and Dan Holmes (Amy); grandchildren Jessica, Samantha, Robert IV, and Lily; sister Karen Havens; and his beloved dog Suzy.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, February 15 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. A service with military honors will be held 11:30am Tuesday, February 16 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Clifton Park Elks, 695 McElroy Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065.