Obituaries

Michel Bouvrette, 77, passed away on June 13, 2018. Born in St. Jerome, Canada on April 11, 1941, he was the son of Gerard and Margeritte Bouvrette.

Michel was a horse trainer and driver working at Saratoga Harness Track. He also worked at many other tracks in Quebec, Buffalo, Florida, and the Meadowlands throughout his racing career.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved companion Lucy Ballard.

There will be no services.

Terry Ann Bemiss, 56, passed away on June 6, 2018 in Malta, New York after battling long-term illnesses.

Born November 20, 1961, she was the daughter of Carolyn Amsler Bemiss and Howard "Shorty" F. Bemiss.

She lived in both Columbia and Saratoga County and was previously wed to Donald Patrick Gilbert Sr. Terry enjoyed fishing, BINGO, camping, cards, puzzles, and country music. She appreciated her TV line up of her favorite soap operas and Law & Order.

She was predeceased by her brother James W. Bemiss. Terry is survived by two sons, Timothy Michael Gilbert and Donald Patrick Gilbert Jr.; a daughter Heidi Ann (Bemiss) Nark; sister, Sherry Dapello of Ballston Spa; brother, Timothy Bemiss of Chatham, and four grandchildren McKaylah and Ryan Nark, Logan Patrick Gilbert and Alivia Rose Gilbert.

Graveside services will be held 4pm Tuesday, June 12 at the Old Chatham Union Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions in memory of Terry may be made to Capital District Recovery Center, 911 Central Avenue, Box 108, Albany, New York 12206.

Wayne D. Rupert, 85, passed away on Friday, June 1, 2018. Born in Ford Cliff, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1933, he was the son of Floy and Isabelle Rupert. He served in the US Air Force and moved to this area in 1973.

Wayne was a metallurgist for Allegheny Ludlum Steel for thirty years. He enjoyed golfing and gardening. He could often be found tinkering around his home fixing things for anyone who needed a helping hand.

He was predeceased by his parents Floy and Isabelle, wife Georgiann, brothers Arnold and Wendell, and daughter in law Stacey. Wayne is survived by his life partner Irma Slater; children Kenneth Rupert (Kathleen Slusher) of Round Lake, Keith Rupert (Donna Krug) of Schaghticoke and Karen Anderson (Stephen) of Longmeadow, MA; grandchildren Jason Martin, Carolyn Lattimore, Leah Tansky (Joey), Sarah Rupert, Christian Rupert, Addison Rupert, Robert Anderson, Isabelle Anderson and Nathan Anderson; great grandchildren Michaela Martin, Shawn Lattimore and Logan DeRose.

Funeral services will be held 8:30am on Friday, June 8 at Christ Episcopal Church, West High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 7 from 6pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or American Macular Degeneration Foundation at www.macular.org

David Maynard died on May 29 following a valiant struggle with younger onset Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 65. Born on March 14, 1953, the son of Paul F. Maynard and Patricia Livingston, he was raised in Brooklyn, New York, attended New York City public schools and New York University. David worked as a computer programmer for more than 20 years first on Wall Street and then for companies and consulting firms in the Capital Region. He later worked for more than 10 years as a piano technician for Clarke Music in Latham and as a solo technician.

While computer programming and piano tech work were his “day jobs”, David’s true avocation was always music. In his youth he played in numerous bands in NYC and toured the United States with the New York Rubber Rock band in the mid-1970s. David relocated to the Capital Region in 1987 and played and recorded with various groups including Medusa Pleasureworks and the Weasels. From the mid-1990s forward, he appeared in venues in the Capital Region as a classical and jazz guitarist. He produced three CDs - Song for My Father, Nylon and Nails and Pulling Strings. David was an amateur watercolorist and photographer, as well as an avid cyclist and reader of nonfiction.

David will be remembered by his family and many friends for his unique combination of intelligence and skill, his humor, infectious laugh, tremendous joie de vivre and big heart. We will also never again encounter such an entertaining food and coffee snob or committed Luddite.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Christine M. Fitzpatrick of Ballston Spa; his mother, Patricia Livingston of St. Petersburg Florida; his brother, Philip E. Maynard of Media PA; and his step-mother Drora Pershing Maynard of Redwood City, CA. In addition, David is survived and will be missed by numerous in-laws, step-siblings, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews in the Fitzpatrick, Maynard, King and Pershing families.

The Fitzpatrick/Maynard family would like to thank the staff of the A2 Unit at Saratoga Center for Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing in Ballston Spa for the care and compassion extended to David during his time with them.

A memorial service for David will be held in July, date and time to be named. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in David’s memory to: Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205, www.alz.org/northeasternny. Kindly direct your donation toward Alzheimer’s research.

Estella R. Weatherill "Sally", 96, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018. Born in Clifton Park, NY on January 5, 1922, she was the daughter of Elvin and Mary Elsie Harris.

Sally enjoyed working in her garden and camping with her family. She also enjoyed quilting, painting and sewing. She was a member of the Jonesville United Methodist Church.

She was predeceased by her husband Gordon, and her sisters Wretha Miller, Catherine Freemire and Alta Keeler. Sally is survived by her children Kevin Weatherill of Ballston Lake, Joy Weatherill (Thomas Anderson) of New Hope, PA and Holly Weatherill of Ballston Lake; granddaughter Claire Anderson of Norristown, PA , and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2pm Tuesday, May 29 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A calling hour will precede the service from 1pm to 2pm. Burial will follow in Hudson View Cemetery, Mechanicville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Estella may be made to the Jonesville United Methodist Church or the National Wildlife Foundation.

Jean M. (Maguire) Davis, 80, passed away on May 23, 2018. Jean is survived by her husband John and their children, Michael Davis (Annemarie), David Davis, Kimberly Race (Jeffrey) and Steven Davis; and two granddaughters.

A memorial celebration of Jean’s life will be held 10 am Tuesday, May 29 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road. Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be made to the Providence Volunteer Ambulance Corp, 7160 Fish House Rd, Galway, NY 12074.

Michael Albert Whelan of Rock City Falls, NY passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the age of 29.

Mike was born to Michael F. Whelan and Maureen (Stunzi) Santiago at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY on May 1st, 1989. He grew up in his family home in Rock City Falls and attended school in Ballston Spa, NY. He also spent a great deal of time with his family in Saranac Lake, NY and Fort Myers, Florida.

Mike was an adventurer who loved to camp in the Adirondacks and at outdoor music festivals. He enjoyed his snowmobile, skateboard, playing pickup hockey games and all things Orlando. His greatest love was his daughter, Amelia. His biggest passion, however, was music. He was a natural musician and became known for being able to play anything on acoustic or lead electric guitar by ear and taught himself the drums. Mike was a member of several bands and became a jam band favorite to sit in with many local musicians in the Saratoga Springs area. He wrote beautiful lyrics, recorded his music and made many videos to entertain or share emotion with his friends.

Mikey’s nickname was Dubz from his many friends. He considered them his family and happily played the clown, the organizer and the frontman for their adventures. His laughter was contagious and will be remembered by all with love.

Michael is survived by Amelia, his 14 month old daughter; his mother, Maureen Stunzi Santiago of Saranac Lake; sister Erica Whelan of Saratoga Springs and Saranac Lake; sister Dominique Santiago and brother Raymond Santiago of Saranac Lake; grandmother Barbara (Wallace) Stunzi and step-grandmother Linda (Van Eps) Santiago, aunts Michele Whelan, Lisa (Whelan) Gatus, and Mary (Stunzi) Waterson; uncles Peter Whelan and George Waterson; 1st cousins Josh and Chelsea Tremblay, Peter (Marv) and Nicole (Whelan) Ayotte, and Ryan and Bailey Gatus. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Michael F. Whelan, his paternal grandparents Peter Whelan, Sr., Larraine (Colvin) Downs, Jack Downs and his maternal grandfather Albert Stunzi.

Calling hours will be held at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street in Ballston Spa on Thursday, May 24, 2018 from 3 pm to 5 pm with a memorial service immediately following at 5 pm.

Bernard (“Bernie”) Allyn Heald, 77, of Ballston Spa, passed away at his home with his family on May 2, 2018. Bernie was born in Farmington, Maine on June 28, 1940, son of Bernard and Helen Heald. Bernie was a graduate of Strong High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Maine at Orono. Bernie married his wife, Cathy, also of Maine, and they moved to Saratoga County where Bernie had a 20-year career working as a radiological health consultant for the Health Department of the State of New York. Bernie later worked as the Building Inspector for the Town of Malta until his retirement. Throughout his life, Bernie was a builder – he designed and constructed his home in Malta – and he helped many neighbors and friends in his community with building projects.

Bernie was a former member of the Malta Ridge Fire Company and at one time also served as the president of that organization. As an avid stock car fan and member of the New York State Stock Car Association, Bernie enjoyed working at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta. Over the years, Bernie helped with multiple projects at Albany-Saratoga Speedway and held various positions such as Handicapper, Scorer, Pit Steward and Assistant Race Director. All of the people in Bernie’s racing family were very special to him and the time he spent with them added greatly to the richness of his life. Bernie was also a member of the Mason’s Blue Mountain Lodge of Philips, Maine. Bernie loved being with his family in Maine, attending college basketball games, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Bernie was predeceased by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, as well as by his three children Allyn Heald , Scott Heald, Zoe Peek and her husband Kenneth Peek, and Bernie’s grandson, Joshua Heald. Bernie had no siblings but was blessed to have his wife Cathy’s many brothers and sisters whom he loved and had known since they were children.

Thank you to Dr. Edward Liebers and his staff at Saratoga Oncology for their care and compassion. Dr. Liebers and his wonderful staff became almost like family to Bernie. A special thank you to Saratoga Community Hospice and Arlene and Jamie who were angels on earth through their comforting care and concern.

A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta from 1 to 6 PM and will include a ceremony at 2 PM. Burial will take place during the summer at Porter Lake in New Vineyard, Maine at the family camp which is “heaven on earth.”

Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Malta Ridge Fire Company, 5 Hearn Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Vyrl A. “Nickie” Agnew, 76, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on April 1, 1942, she was the daughter of John and Catherine Agnew.

Nickie liked crocheting and over the years she bowled in several local leagues. She enjoyed playing a friendly game of cards with her neighbors.

She was predeceased by her parents John and Catherine Agnew, and her brothers Malcolm, Ronald and Robert Agnew. Nickie is survived by her brother John A. Agnew of Providence, sister Rose A. Pratt of Saratoga Springs; several nieces and nephews; and her caregiver and best friend Polly Goldfarb.

A private family service will be held. Memorial contributions in memory of Vyrl may be made to the American Lung Association.

Mary VanHeusen, 94, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018. Born in Perth Center, NY on August 15, 1923, she was the daughter of Albert and Harriett Kochman.

Mary enjoyed gardening and taking care of her home. She made delicious apple pie which her family loved. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, daughter Gail, granddaughter Kathy, and sisters Nellie Cetnar, Betty Caravella and Ann Szymczak. Mary is survived by her daughter Carol Manley; grandchildren Kevin Manley (Julie), Kristine Manley, and Kelly Lion; great grandchildren Mackenzie, Nicholas, Derek, and Dylan; sisters Stella Boris and Ceil Kosiba; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held.

Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com

Albert G. Armstrong, 89, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Born in Saco, Maine on September 11, 1928, he was the son of Philip and Germaine Armstrong. He moved to New York, where he met and married his wife Laura E. Curtiss in February of 1950. He served in the United States Marine Corp.

Al was an assembler of small engines for General Electric Co in Schenectady, retiring after 44 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and all outdoor activities. He attended the Schenectady First Church of the Nazarene.

He was predeceased by his siblings Philip, Doug, Mary and Frank. Al is survived by his wife Laura and their daughters Jane Esterly (James) and Carolyn Berrian (David); grandchildren Amanda Burgess (Bernard), Michael Berrian (Samantha), Elizabeth Berrian, Rachel Harrison (Ridgely) and Sean Esterly (Sasha); great grandchildren Ruby, Ivan, Cora, Grace, Hayden, Claire and Hudson; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service 10am Thursday, April 19 at the Schenectady First Church of the Nazarene, 2535 Consaul Road, Schenectady.

Al will be laid to rest at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, with a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Schenectady First Church of the Nazarene.

Bryan Jeffrey Diggins
The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Bryan left us the afternoon of April 09, 2018 taken from us too soon at the age of 58. Like any great myth or legend, he will never be forgotten. To all his friends and family, we would ask as he would want us to, please celebrate the life he lived and not the life he left behind.

You may have known him by any of his numerous aliases: Digger Dog, Digger, Diggie, Digs, Dead Eye Digger, The Hobbit, The Horse, GREAT Uncle Bryan or his famous tag lines, “Call me whatever you want just not late for dinner”, “my middle name is Jef-FRE-y for a reason, if it’s FREE it’s for me”, “I resemble that remark” or simply Bryan.

Bryan served proudly in the US Navy as a Gunners Mate in the early 1980’s, aboard USS Fort Snelling. He did multiple tours and was active during the conflicts at Beirut and Lebanon. He achieved both Bluenose status (crossed the arctic circle) and Shellback status two times over (crossed the equator). After Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he worked for twenty four years as a chemical technician at Schenectady Chemical, from which he retired. Digger currently enjoyed his part time job in the produce department at Hannaford where his “regulars” sought him out and were always happy to see him. He earned many free lunches because of his accolades for his customer service. He also spent a summer as a rodeo clown, something he was happy to check off his bucket list.

Bryan lived life at its fullest, had a story for every situation, an answer to any question, and would make you laugh even at times when you could hardly understand what he said and he was always the life of any party. He gave true credence to the phrase, “I know a guy”. “You got a pest problem call my nephew Jay, need something built call Andy or Pete Champagne, something else fixed call Brandon Uline.” His contact list was endless. He loved to help everyone. Of course, you may owe him a favor for it but fair enough.

He loved to volunteer, camp with Mary and Schuyler, hang out at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Cocktails at the White House with his boys, hang out with Adam and Jay at the Lake George Car Show (DODGE DART), and visit Aunt Joan for words of wisdom. He took daily “laps” around Ballston Spa and Milton to check in on his “bro’s” and other friends. He enjoyed tending to his lawn and landscaping, and took great pride in his vegetable garden. He was eager to share his bounty with many, many friends and neighbors. He loved and cherished his stepdaughter Schuyler and was especially proud of her academic accomplishments.

Bryan has played a huge role in so many of our lives in so many different ways, the memories are endless.

He is a brother, partner, uncle, great uncle and always a friend. He is kind and compassionate to everyone. He had a bigger than life personality and aura that you could not help be drawn to.

Bryan is predeceased by his loving parents John and Margaret Diggins.

Bryan is survived by his siblings John and Mickey Diggins, Linda and Dennis LaQue, Barb and Jan Lang, Kelly Diggins and Kurt Radz, Karen and Mitch Vanweerd, Robert and Rhonda Diggins, Holly and Arthur McWain; aunts Joan Nowhitney and Marion Hayes; nieces and nephews Anne, Adam, Jason, Matt, Nathan, Eric; great niece and nephews Zack, Jayde, Anthony, Cierra, Brandon, Eliza, William, Austin, Shane, Tyler; partner and best friend for life, Mary Arnold, Mommasu; stepdaughter Schuyler Arnold; Partner in Crime and shadow, Duke (because he would keep all of Bryan’s secrets safe, just wag his tail and bark); AND many many FRIENDS.

Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, April 13 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 Thursday, April 12 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Veterans Foundation, https://nvf.org/veterans-donations/ or St Mary’s School, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa.

Celebrate his life with us at the VFW on E North Street, Ballston Spa on Saturday 04/14/18 @ 2:00 pm

Melissa G. Moore, 43, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Born in Saratoga Springs, NY on August 16, 1974, she was the daughter of Ronald and Joan Moore. She was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of St. Rose.

Melissa was a probation officer for the Saratoga County Probation Department for 19 years. She enjoyed spending time at the ocean, working in her flower gardens and baking. Her greatest joy was her family and the time she spent with them.

She was predeceased by her brother Joe Moore. Melissa is survived by her children Jacob Moore and Madelyn Moczydlowsky; parents Joan and Ronald Moore; sisters Lenae Pohl (Andrew) and Rebecca Lloyd (Jeffrey); nephews Drew, Joe, Tim and Aidan, and niece Alexandria.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 31 from 1pm to 5pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A private family service will be held.

Memorial contributions in memory of Melissa may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave. Albany, NY 12208 or Saratoga Co Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Catherine Elizabeth Pityinger went home to be with the Lord on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. She was born in Chester, NY on February 12, 1922 to Anna and Frederick Brautigam. She grew up in Jersey City, NJ and eventually moved to Malta, NY.

She was married to Stephen Pityinger on December 20, 1941. They were happily married for 62 years before Stephen passed away. They were the parents of four children.

Catherine worked as a seamstress in factories specializing in children’s apparel in Jersey City and Newark. Sewing was her passion and she loved making clothing for her children, grandchildren, and their assorted dolls. She was known for her fabric beaded necklaces, which she crafted for many far and wide. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, word searches, and watching the Hallmark channel.

Catherine was a wonderful loving and giving Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She is survived by her four children, Diane Greenleaf and her husband Earl of Malta, NY, Brenda Balma and her husband Dennis of Newton, NJ, Stephen Pityinger and his wife Helen of Lyndhurst, NJ and Roy Pityinger and his wife Lana of Kearny, NJ; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

She was a member of Saratoga Chapel and loved her church family.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held on Saturday, April 21 at 11am at Saratoga Chapel, 359 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake. Memorial contributions in memory of Catherine may be made to Saratoga Chapel.