Obituaries

James J. Mahoney 54, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Troy, NY on October 7, 1965, he was the son of Gerald J. and Ruth A. (Doody) Mahoney.

Jim was a graduate of Troy High School and a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Troy. Jim loved listening to music and dancing. He could often be found using his computer or looking through his books. His greatest joy was visiting with his family and friends and traveling with his beloved mom.

Jim was a loving, caring, generous person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents Gerald J. and Ruth A. Mahoney, his grandparents Peter and Mary Doody, and Gerald and Blanche Mahoney, his aunts and uncles Raymond Grimmick, Ellsworth Wood, Peter Doody, RoseMarie Ducan, Tommy Mahoney, Jerry and Darlene Stark, Larry and Jean Mahoney, Jackie and Alaine Mahoney, William Mahoney, Betsy and Theron O’Del, and Robert and Kathy Doody.

Jim is survived by his aunts and uncles, Rita Wood, Mary Mildred Grimmick, Regina and Ned Howe, Debbie Doody, Ellen Fill, Germine Mahoney, and Linda Mahoney; and numerous cousins.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Thursday, January 23 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy. A calling hour will precede the service from 9am to 10:30am at the church. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Watervliet.

The family would like to thank the many friends and caregivers at Rensselaer ARC and Saratoga Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center for their care and compassion.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to The ARC of Rensselaer County, 79 102nd Street, Troy, NY 12180 or Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

Anthony P. Federico 62, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Born in Troy, NY on August 7, 1957, he was the son of Bruno and Annetta Federico, Sr.

Tony worked for Owens Corning in Delmar for over thirty years. He was a past member of the Jonesville Fire Department serving as First Assistant Chief. Tony was a devoted father and loved camping with his family. He enjoyed watching baseball and was an avid Yankee fan.

He was predeceased by his parents Bruno and Annetta. Anthony is survived by his wife Kathleen and their sons, Tony, Dustin and Dominic; his brothers Joseph Federico and Bruno Federico, Jr. (Barb); and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated 11am Wednesday, January 15 at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, January 14 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Anthony may be made to STEP (Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program) PO Box 2918, Glenville, NY 12325.

The family would like to thank Amy from the Visiting Nurses Association for the loving care she gave Anthony during his illness, and Dr. Merecki and his staff for their care and compassion.

Francis S. Loucks “Frank” 77, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019. Born in Boonville, NY on March 18, 1942, he was the son of Seward and Antoinette Loucks.

Frank worked for the NYS Department of Criminal Justice for 25 years. He was a talented musician and performed with Capri 3 and The Cannovo Family for many years.

On Friday evenings, Frank could be found singing karaoke at the Nostalgia Ale House and Wine Place on Saratoga Lake with his best friend Tony.

Frank is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children Michele Loucks, David Loucks, Kristin Loucks and Ryan Loucks; stepchildren Dilion DeCarr and Kathryn Gelfuso; half sister Patricia Heil; ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and many close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 3 from 3pm to 5pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 5pm.

Memorial contributions in memory of Frank may be made to the American Cancer Society.

His friends mourn the loss of James Carson of Malta who died suddenly on December 20, 2019 at the age of 73 in connection with an accident in his home.

Jim was born in 1946, the son of Molly and Carl Carson. He was raised in Ballston Spa with his now deceased siblings Carl Carson, Jr., and Mary Duell.

A military veteran, Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1965 to 1969. He spent most of his life living in Malta, last working at Phillips Health in Latham as a software engineer.

Many of his friends grew to know Jim’s good heart, thoroughness, and reliability through his volunteer work in greyhound rescue. Jim administered the rescue group website and volunteered at adoption events for Greyhound Rescue of NY. For many years, his neighbors were happy to see him on his daily walks with one or two of the three greyhounds he had adopted.

No services will be held at this time. However, his friends will gather for a farewell service in early spring to bid farewell to Jim when his ashes are returned to the earth according to his request. Anyone wishing to join in this ceremonial farewell, please contact Armer Funeral Home, Inc. at 518-885-6181 or info@armerfuneralhome.com and leave your name and contact information.

Sherry L. Harrington 74, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on July 31, 1945, she was the daughter of Joseph and Vivian Moulton.

Sherry worked for General Electric in Schenectady, Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna and retired from the Kesslering Site in West Milton after over forty years of service. She loved to cook and bake. If a co-worker had a birthday you could be sure Sherry baked a cake for them to share. She was famous for her Thanksgiving fudge which she gave out and mailed across the country.

Sherry enjoyed boating with her husband Ted and spending time at their vacation home in Puerto Rico. She was a puzzle fanatic and liked to garden, mow the lawn, and tend to her birdfeeders. She was a volunteer at numerous local charities, helping out wherever she could. She spent lots of time at the Saratoga Racino, sometimes winning.

She enjoyed luncheons with her friends. Her greatest joy was her family and she insisted on hosting the family get togethers so everyone could swim in the pool, no matter what the weather. Sherry was a generous and kind-hearted soul who was loved by all who knew her.

Sherry is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ted and their children, Tom Harrington (Julie), Doreen Mitchell (Glenn), Kevin Harrington, Sandy Demskie (Andrew), and Wendy Candiano (Bruce); grandchildren Alyson, Anthony, Joseph, Jason, Alexandria, Skye, Steve, and Kristina; great grandchildren Kambrie and Jackson; siblings James Moulton, Mary Ellen Drindak, and Jeffrey Moulton; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Moulton.

Funeral services will be held 10am Thursday, December 19 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 18 from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rock City Falls Cemetery in the Spring.

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

Thomas Jonathan Roach passed away on December 13th, 2019 at the age of 32, accompanied by his family at Saratoga Hospital.

Tom grew up alongside his older brother in Jonesville, in a neighborhood surrounded by classmates who would grow to be lifelong friends. Tom had great memories playing with his brother, including neighborhood street-hockey matches, races through snowy woods on sleds pulled by ATVs, and a variety of imaginative games (one of which, “bear hunt”, featured a Nerf-equipped pair of hunters on the trail of an unarmed, sneaking, but still dangerous human/Grizzly hybrid). Tom was a goofy and expressive child, and had a love for animals which can be seen early-on in home movies featuring him as an expert trainer of the household dog (à la Steve Irwin).

Though Tom would face challenges in his later adolescence, the best qualities of his character never faded. Tom was the most wonderful kind of delinquent; the kind who would sneak beers to his younger brother, play Nirvana (and eventually the Beatles) at full blast on every, *every* car ride, and who would, on festive occasions, ignite weapons-grade fireworks in his quiet residential community. He never missed a family gathering or holiday, and deeply enjoyed family reunions in Maine where he had fond memories of visiting his grandparents’ home every New Years. Tom also had a great creative side, with a love of music and an incredible ability to learn songs on guitar or piano from only listening to them over the radio.

Tom worked for over twelve years at a local dog kennel. There he met some of his best and closest friends, the ranks of which included both his two-legged coworkers and the four-legged occupants. While there, Tom adopted two neglected, poorly behaved, out-of-control but, most importantly, unbelievably sweet dogs, Ally and Gunner. From what must have been a place of resonance, Tom saw the good, loving nature of these dogs beyond their outward behavior, and provided them with the love and support that no others would give.

Despite various hardships throughout his life, Tom always held dear his close friends and family. Much like the sheltered animals he cared for so much, Tom’s character consisted of a humble kindness, an uncompromising warmth, and an enduring, almost excessive faith in his family and friends. It is incredible that despite the trials he endured, Tom felt a complete sense of love for those close to him. Even after his passing, we hope to live up to the level of reciprocation that this kind of love deserves.

Tom is survived by his father Bud Roach, his mother Lee Sheldon, his brothers Philip Roach and Michael Sheldon, his sister-in-law Katie Roach, nephew Bennet Roach and niece Madeline Roach.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, December 20 from 5pm to 8pm in the Adirondack Room at the Hilton Garden Inn, 30 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park.

Jean B. Carter 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on November 26, 1930, she was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Brower.

Jean was a paralegal working for several lawyers’ offices in Ballston Spa, retiring in 2000. She loved her job and was an avid reader. Jean was a devoted mother and took great pride in raising her six children. Her family was her greatest joy and she treasured the time they shared together.

She was predeceased by her husband Elliery and her six siblings. Jean is survived by her children Karen Manhey (Bill), Laurie Carter, Teresa LeClare (John), Jeffery Carter (Terry), Joseph Carter (Amy), and Bradley Carter (Ginger); nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one great great grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Saturday, December 14 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 9:45am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Factory Village Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jean to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

Paul F. Darling, Sr. 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at his home, surrounded by his family. One of eleven children, he was born in Utica, NY on December 14, 1934, to Gerald and Ruth Darling. He proudly served in the US Marine Corp and was a veteran of the Korean War.

Paul worked for UPS for 32 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter #60 of Glens Falls. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He treasured his family and spending quality time with them was his greatest joy.

He was predeceased by his infant daughter Donna, and his siblings Jerry Darling, Barbara Murphy, Beverly Newton, Suzanne Kress, Marion Cahill and Priscilla Byrne.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Suzanne, and their children Sandy Darling Girvin, Paul Darling, Jr., Michael Darling, Christopher Darling and Tracy Darling Seibert; grandchildren Christopher Girvin, Robert Burstin, Destiny Kloss, Nicole Darling, William Seibert and Alec Darling; great grandchildren Connor and Elliott; siblings Jeannette Light, Joan LeClair, Fred Darling and Nancy Darling; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Thursday, December 5 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street Ballston Spa. 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 Wednesday, December 4 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the funeral home.

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

Christine McCormick 76, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Born in Oxford, England on December 19, 1942, she was the daughter of John and Daisy Lewis. She came to the United States in 1969.

Christine worked at Spa Cleaners in Ballston Spa for nineteen years, retiring in 2008. She attended Saratoga Chapel in Ballston Lake. Christine enjoyed working out with the Silver Sneakers group at the YMCA.

Christine is survived by her husband of 46 years Ronald, daughter Lisa Dowen and her husband Duane of Saratoga Springs, son Wayne McCormick and his fiancée Megan Squires of Ballston Spa; grandson Levi; and her sister Jackie and family in England.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, November 25 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 10am on Tuesday, November 26 at the Gerald B H Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Marilyn Clements and Cheryl Butler for their loving friendship and care that made it possible for Christine to maintain her independence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The City Mission of Schenectady or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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.