Obituaries

Thomas F. Mulholland, 71 passed away on Monday, November 18, 2019. Born in Cohoes, NY on May 24, 1948, he was the son of John and Evalee Mulholland.

He served in the US Army 182nd Airborne. Tom worked at Albany Medical Center for several years and later was a truck driver.

He was predeceased by his brothers John, Timothy, Kenneth and Robert, and his sister Evalee. Tom is survived by his wife Kathleen, son Eric Mulholland (Meghan), grandchildren Aiden, Maverick, Michael and Abigail; sisters Mary Beadnell (Wendell), Barbara Parker (Doug) and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held.

On Friday, November 15, 2019, Anna M. DeBevoise, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away at the age of 86.

Anna was born on November 4, 1933 in Galway, NY to Edward and Laura Lawton. On August 18, 1979, Anna married Walter and together they created a large extended family of nine children.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time at home with her family. After her children grew to be independent she worked outside the home as a CNA and Physical Therapy Aide caring for the elderly at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. Anna will be remembered by her family as a strong, independent woman who was always capable of doing what she needed to do.

Anna is predeceased by her parents Edward and Laura Lawton, brother Edward, grandson Nicholas and daughter in law Candace. She is survived by her loving husband Walter, two sisters Francis Hartman and Betty Kenyon both of Scotia; nine children David Schaperjahn (Kathy), Dennis Schaperjahn (Candace), Delei Lawrence (Michael), Dorrie Papp (Paul), Darren Schaperjahn (Cindy), Derek Schaperjahn, Catherine Ann Grabo (Donald), Nancy Weaver (Wayne), and Hope DeBevoise (Terri Ward). She is also survived by a full quiver of 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren , all who were the light of her life.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 20 from 10am to 11:30am at Saratoga Abundant Life Church, (corner of Hutchins Road and Rt 50). A service will be held at 11:30am. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hudson Road, Galway.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the many nurses and staff at Albany Medical Center, Neuro ICU and B3 West for the extraordinary and sensitive care provided to Anna and her entire family.

Memorial contributions in memory of Anna may be made to Albany Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 8928, Albany, NY 12208.

Charles R. Biddle, 75, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2019 with family by his side. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 13, 1944, he was the son of Ralph Biddle and Laverne Moore. He grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, served as an Alter Boy at Prince of Peace Church and graduated from LaSalle Senior High School in 1962. Chuck was U.S. Air Force veteran.

Chuck later moved to Dryden, NY and was a salesman for Moore Business Forms in Ithaca for many years. He enjoyed golf, spending time in the sun, waterskiing, boating, camping, hunting and spending time with family.

Charles is survived by his children Shari Keegan and Charles R. Biddle, II (Brenda); grandchildren Ryan Keegan, Robert Winney, Jr., Amanda Smith (Grayson), and Charles Biddle III.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Chuck on Wednesday, November 20, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

A special thank you to the staff at Pathways Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Niskayuna for their loving care and support during his time there.

Memorial contributions in memory of Charles Biddle may be made to Pathways Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 1805 Providence Ave., Niskayuna, NY 12309.

If you look toward New York State near Ballston Spa, do not think that you are mistaken if the lights of the city seem fainter than usual. Because so very unexpectedly, a brilliant soul was lost on Sunday, November 10, 2019, B. Timothy Smith passed away. A man of complexity and levity; a man of deep compassion and caring for this world.

A veteran of the US Navy, he served in Vietnam. He worked as a foreign car mechanic who owned and operated Tim Smith, Inc. in Albany, for over 30 years. This was distinctive automotive repair shop, servicing Mercedes Benz, BMW and Porsche vehicles. In an article in the Albany Business Review, contributor Kenneth J. Rawley aptly described Tim and his shop.

“Smith's shop looks like a hurricane blew through the front door, but the guy seems to be a surgeon when working on cars.”

“The other reason I'm attracted to such a place is its soul, which reeks of individuality, of being out of the ordinary, different. No one will be franchising Smith's concept soon, which is good for both customers and owner.”

Tim Smith was an extraordinary soul, who lived his days as a devoted husband, father, friend, and keeper of the land. He had an innate sense of curiosity and fondness for all creatures great and small; perpetually exploring the strange and mysterious workings of the natural world. You could find him scouring the fields for signs of Monarch butterflies; walking in the woods; reading the paper and comics with his buddy, Ray; tilling, mowing or snow blowing with his Gravely tractors; or puttering with his antique engines. He had a unique perspective; his insights and knowledge of all things scientific never ceased to amaze. He could be heard calling in to WAMC’s Vox Pop to comment and ask intriguing questions. He was a gifted and astute observer, interacting with people and the world with genuine interest and compassion. Most of all, Tim enjoyed sharing a glass of wine, meal and conversation with the people he loved.

Tim leaves his wife Barbara; daughter Megan, son Justin (Dieu), grandchildren Taylor, Madison (his favorite granddaughter), Jackson, Wyatt, Wilson, and William; sister Shelley Licurse, brother Stephen Smith, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, all left with a sense of loss but a gratitude for having experienced his love and his life.

Funeral services will be held 10:30am Friday, November 15 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 14 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the environment by planting trees or a pollinator garden. https://www.arborday.org/ https://www.pollinator.org/guides

Shirley Malik Melander 84, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Schenectady, NY on April 30, 1936 she was the daughter of William and Blanche Malik. She graduated from Saratoga High School in 1955.

Shirley worked at Wood Road Elementary School, where she loved the children and enjoyed her coworkers. She was actively involved with the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa. She enjoyed crafting, cooking, baking and dancing. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her whole world and she treasured the time she spent with all of them.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother William Malik. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Robert Melander; her sister and best friend Sally Malik Ball; her children Sherri Melander-DeGiorgio (Vincent), Carol Melander, and Paul Melander (Debbie); her grandchildren Alyssa Bertrand, Zachary Bertrand (Lauren), Jessica Winney, Monica Foos (Michael), Matthew DeGiorgio, Mitchell Melander, and Madalynn Melander; and her great grandchildren Amya, Ava, Kaylin, Ari, Madison, and Lena.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, November 3 from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 4pm. A private family burial will be in Malta West Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to thank her loving caregivers Darlene Pratt, Laura Snyder and Kathleen Iwaneczko, who made it possible for her to remain at home and Rev. David Waldo of the First Baptist Church for his compassion and support.

Dorothy M. Weatherford, 89, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Born in Sharon Springs, NY on April 19, 1930, she was the daughter of Clifford and Edna Shoemaker.

Dorothy was a loving mother and grandmother. She treasured her family and the times they spent together. She enjoyed listening to Willie Nelson and watching John Wayne movies.

She was predeceased by her parents Clifford and Edna, her husband Howard Weatherford, daughter Nancy Smith and sister Betty. Dorothy is survived by her daughters Linda Weatherford of Homestead, Florida, Kathy Hart (Joseph) of Ballston Spa, Theresa Ricci (Burt) of Greenfield Center and Randi Schlitz (Charles) of Augusta, Georgia; siblings Clifford Shoemaker, Jr., Richard Shoemaker, Raymond Shoemaker, Joyce Ouelette and Rose Jeffers; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, one great great grandson and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 11am Wednesday, November 6 at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2150 Central Avenue, Schenectady.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dorothy may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Leona E. Pitman 76, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019. Born in Albany, NY on November 12, 1942, she was the daughter of William and Liddia Pitman. Leona worked as a housekeeper at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs for many years.

Leona is survived by her loving companion Arlington Uline, Jr; her stepbrothers Bob Pitman, Jack Pitman and Jeff Pitman; and her extended Uline family.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 31, from 11am to noon at the Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at noon. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Leona may be made to the Community Emergency Corp, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael, her nurse Christine, and the entire staff at Saratoga Center for their care and compassion.

Arthur R. Flanagan, 72, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Niskayuna, NY on November 2, 1946, he was the son of Frank and Bronca Flanagan. He was an Army veteran serving in Vietnam and Germany.

Art was a forklift mechanic for over forty years. He retired from Tri Lift Inc in Albany in 2011. He was a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club and a proud member of the NRA.

Art enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, kayaking and feeding the birds. He liked to garden and work on home projects. He was an animal lover especially beagles and labs. He was a fan of the Detroit Red Wings. His greatest joy was being a grandpa. “Pa” treasured the time he spent with his granddaughter.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Bronca, and his brothers Frank and David. Art is survived by the love of his life and best friend, his wife Theresa; daughter Kerrie; granddaughter Brooke; sisters Edith Korowyjazk of Middle Grove, Lindia Douglas (Ted) of Middle Grove and Laurie Dupont (David) of Ballston Spa; numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved animal companions.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, November 1 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 Barkersville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Art may be made to the Beagle Freedom Project, 4804 Laurel Canyon Blvd #534, Valley Village, CA 91607.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rashid, Dr Su, Dr Frank, Dr Zagar, Dr. Lynch, Dr. Kufs and Dr. Pezzulo and their staffs, and Hospice of Saratoga for their care and compassion.

Jean H. McClelland 94, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Freehold, NJ on September 7, 1925, she was the daughter of Phillip and Helen Harrison.

Jean graduated from Skidmore College and worked for the NYS Department of Transportation for 42 years, retiring in 2008. She enjoyed fishing, knitting and watching WWE wrestling. On Friday nights she could often be found at Albany-Saratoga Speedway watching her son race. She loved her dogs and donated monthly to the ASPCA to help animals.

Jean was a founding member of the Malta Ambulance Corp and a member of the Malta Ridge Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was the editor of the Treasure Chest a local newspaper in Ballston Spa.

She was predeceased by her first husband Charles J. Higley, Jr, second husband Joseph F. McClelland and her brother Reid Harrison.

Jean is survived by her sons Charles Higley, III (Rebecca), John Higley, Robert Higley (Kim) and Joseph McClelland; grandchildren Katy, Clare, RJ, Tiara, Tiffany, Jonathan, Willow and Dillion; and great grandchildren Dayton, Preston, Paul, Adaline, Phoebe, Greyson and Adriana.

The family would like to thank Paul Jewett for his compassionate care of Jean.

A memorial service will be 11am November 2 at the First Presbyterian Church, 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa.

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

Morgan Ashley Kunz passed away on October 21, 2019. Morgan was born in Saratoga, New York in 1994. She loved growing up in Malta and graduated from Saratoga High School. She was a performer and was on stage several times in her short life, from chorus and talent shows, to Caffe Lena’s in Saratoga Springs and the Linda in Albany.

She is survived by her daughter, Bella Hope and the oh-so many people who love, and miss her.

Some will remember her for her laugh, some for her singing, others for her sass. Many will remember her for her ability to love, her bravery, her powerful confidence, quiet strength and fierce attitude; and the lucky ones, we know her for all of these and so much more.

We will be celebrating this beautiful being that touched so many, her life, and all she brought to ours, on her 'Happy Birthday', May 3, 2020. Please save the date and we will share more information as it gets closer.

Contributions in her memory can be made to Caffe Lena, Healing Springs Recovery Community and Outreach Center, Ronald McDonald House, Four Winds Saratoga or Kelley Park.

Lois J. LeBarron Smith Phelps, 85, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019. Born on May 17, 1934 in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of Clayton and Elsie (Gifford) LeBarron. Lois was a 1951 graduate of Hoosick Falls High School and attended college at Russell Sage.

Lois worked for the State of New York in the education department and the labor department for 37 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she held many offices and the First Presbyterian Church in Ballston Spa. She enjoyed crafts, sewing and crocheting.

In addition to her parents, Lois is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Phelps, Sr., sister, Sandra Taylor and brother, Dennis LeBarron. She is survived by three step children, Ronald Phelps, Jr. of Malta, Mark Phelps of Florida and Darlynda Reilly (Bob) of Virginia; her sisters, Janice Tate (Jerry) of Hoosick Falls and Clara LeBarron (Jim) of Albany; a brother, Douglas LeBarron (Claudia) of North Carolina; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her beloved friend, Victoria Huber.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 26 from 11am to 1pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 1pm. Burial will follow in Dunning Street Cemetery, Malta.

Lois would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Rachid Daoui and his staff for the wonderful care she received.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lois to the First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa, 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Carol A. Kniskern 76, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2019. Born in Niskayuna, New York on May 10, 1943, she was the daughter of Charles and Nancy Tucker.

Carol started her career as an accountant for MTI in Latham. She was an antique dealer and owned Granny’s Parlor for many years as well as the business in downtown Ballston Spa known as Granny’s Other Place. Carol later worked as a caregiver for Seniors to the Rescue and continued to work as a private duty caregiver.

Carol was a member of the Music Company Orchestra, playing trumpet with the volunteer music group which plays at area retirement centers and nursing homes. She also played for the Clifton Park Senior Orchestra. She was a gifted seamstress and made her own wedding dress and other family members’ dresses.

She was predeceased by her husband Paul Kniskern. Carol is survived by her sons Paul Kniskern (Pam), Samuel Ostrowski (Alice), Ron Kniskern, and Ira Ostrowski (Erin); brother Kenneth Tucker (Patsy); dearest friend Judy Nelson; thirteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Funeral services will be held 10am Thursday, October 24, at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 23 from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Carol may be made to the Music Company Orchestra at www.mcomusic.org

Robert D. Bush, Sr. 74, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Born in Potsdam, NY on August 13, 1945, he was the son of John and Irene Bush.

Bob was a rural mail carrier for the Ballston Spa Post Office for 33 years retiring in 2000. After his retirement, he worked for the Village of Ballston Spa as a parking enforcer, crossing guard and wrote grants for the village.

Bob enjoyed wood working, gardening and working on home projects. He had a passion for old cars and liked to hunt and fish. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and he treasured the time he spent with them.

He was predeceased by his wife Margaret, and his siblings Francis, George, Tim and Bernie. Bob is survived by his children Karen LaBaff (Daryl) and Robert D. Bush, Jr.; grandchildren Ashley Manhey, Melissa Bush, Joshua Bush, Zachary LaBaff and Courtney LaBaff; great grandson Daniel; siblings Arnold Bush, Jerry Bush, Jack Bush, Marjorie Reed and Betty Munson; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Saturday, October 19 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in East Line Cemetery, Malta. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 18 from 4pm to 8pm at the funeral home.

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

Nancy L. Welch, 81, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2019. Born in Saratoga Springs, New York on June 26, 1938, she was the daughter of Warren and Beatrice Barnes.

Nancy worked at the Saratoga County Infirmary and later for Stewart’s in West Milton for many years, retiring in 2005. She enjoyed music and square dancing. Her family was her greatest treasure and she loved family gatherings and having coffee at Stewart’s with her friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Edward H. Welch, Sr., son Edward Welch, Jr, grandson Warren Fitzgerald, brothers Clifford Barnes and Richard Barnes, and sisters Jeanne Harris and Lucinda Storm. Nancy is survived by her children Lee Ann Welch (Richard Joubert), Jodi Medero (Alfonso), Bonnie Blonkowski, Kelly Goodhue (Roger), Scott Welch (Felicia Hilton), and Amanda Bailey (Jeremy); siblings Kenneth Barnes, Timothy Barnes, Deborah Fitzgerald, Melinda Reid, Lori Barnes and Chester Barnes; dear friend Millie Duval; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, October 10, at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.