Obituaries

Joseph W. Post, 64, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, surrounded by his three loving daughters. He was born in Ballston Spa, NY on July 19, 1956.

Joe worked for NRX Services in Albany for several years. He was a member of the Greenfield Center Fire Department and served on the Fire Police for Greenfield and Middle Grove. Joe enjoyed working on cars, camping with his family and mowing his lawn. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Helen, his wife of 41 years Michele Post, son Mark Barnaby, and his brothers Bobby and Eddie Post. Joe is survived by his daughters Tarressa Lynch (Michael), JoAnn Pratt (Thomas), and Anita Cutter (Christopher); grandchildren Alexandra Caprood (Walter), Daniel Wade (Samantha), Dartanian Fichtner, Analyse Fichtner, Kayleigh Pratt, and Emma Pratt; great granddaughter Gianna Caprood, great grandsons Robbie Caprood and Cooper Caprood; brothers John Post and Richard Post, sister Joyce Goldman (Joel), and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 9am Tuesday, July 20 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Middle Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, July 19 from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Middle Grove Fire Department, 25 North Creek Road, Middle Grove, NY 12850.

John “Kurt” Neiswender, 68, of Ballston Lake, NY, passed away on July 8, 2021, at Albany Medical Center, due to complications from lymphoma. He was born December 5, 1952 in Camden, New Jersey to Calvin and Madeleine Kaiser Neiswender.

Kurt graduated from Bishop Eustace Preparatory High School, Pennsauken, NJ, in 1971, and Siena College, Loudonville, NY, in 1975, with a BA in both Liberal Arts and Business. He worked for Revlon, Inc. for 28 years as a Regional Broker Sales Manager, for Global Sourcing and Logistics Limited as a divisional Sales Manager, and then for Frontier Natural Products/Aura Cacia Division as a Regional Sales Manager until he retired in 2019.

Kurt loved to travel and enjoyed his trips to Europe and his visits to famous landmarks in many US states. As a golfer with a 7 Handicap, his travels afforded him the opportunity to play well-known PGA courses, such as Pebble Beach, Merion, Doral, Congressional, and Pinehurst, to mention a few. The pinnacle of his golfing adventures was attending the 2017 British Open at Royal Birkdale in England, followed by playing at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. He also played many courses in the Capital District and loved his job as a starter at Van Patten Golf Course.

The game of soccer was another interest of Kurt’s. He enjoyed watching his two children play in high school and college, and he never missed watching the soccer matches from the Olympics, the World Cup, and the Euro Cup. Along with these two sports, he always looked forward to attending Siena basketball games every winter with his Siena buddies.

As “Pop-Pop” to his young grandchildren, he made them wooden Christmas ornaments and toys. He also entertained them by assembling puzzles, teaching them how to feed the backyard birds, and reading stories, especially his favorite, “Goodnight Moon.”

He was married to Patricia Hughes Neiswender for 45 years, who he met in college. They had two children, son Mark Neiswender and wife Lacey, daughter Laura Hill and husband Riley, and four grandchildren: Eliana and Sebastian Neiswender and Hailee and Taylor Hill. He is also survived by his sister–in-law, Marian Tomaso, brother–in-law, Daniel Hughes and his wife Mary, and beloved nieces and nephews: Christopher and Jennifer Tomaso, Lila and Charlie Tomaso, Caitlin and Brendan Hughes, Meghan and Brian Garvey, and Aidan and Emma Garvey.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Kurt’s life from 4-6:30 PM on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, July 15, at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY. Burial will be in the Jonesville Cemetery immediately after the Mass.

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

Ian D. Gerber, 20, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2021. He was born on December 17, 2000. Ian graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 2019 and was pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship from HVCC. He was starting on plans for his own business after graduation.

Ian is survived by his parents Paul and Ellen, his brother Alex, his grandfather Glenn Gerber, numerous close and extended family members, and friends that were like family.

Ian charmed his way into people’s hearts with a lopsided grin and a sparkle in his eye. He believed in living life to the fullest and was willing to try anything. He was always active, playing soccer when younger and lacrosse and football in middle and high school. Ian also played trombone in the school band. He loved to snowboard and work out at the YMCA.

Ian enjoyed spending time in the Adirondacks, especially swimming, campfires, spending time with his extended family, and his special morning card games with his Nana. Ian loved his pets and upon arriving home on any given day, he could usually be heard telling his dog, Bailey, repeatedly how much he loved him. He had a special affinity for younger cousins and siblings of his friends who frequently climbed all over him trying to tackle him.

During quieter times, Ian played Xbox with his friends, participated in fantasy football, watched YouTube videos on investing and car mods and was a bit obsessive about keeping his sneakers clean. His life was full of promise and potential and we were seeing signs of the amazing man he was maturing in to. Ian’s family and friends are all devastated by his loss. There is a huge hole in all our hearts that will never be filled.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, July 11 from 1pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 11am Monday, July 12 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ian to the Ballston Area Recreation Commission (BARC), 61 Eastern Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Anthony Peschieri, 86, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Manhattan on January 1, 1935 to Carlo and Anna Percheiri. He was raised in Greenwich Village and attended Our Lady of Pompeii School in Greenwich Village.

He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. Anthony worked for the Golub Corporation for 30 years. He was a NY Giants and Yankee fan. Anthony loved the horses, there wasn’t a horse he wouldn’t bet on.

He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter Pamela Mistretta. Anthony is survived by his loving wife Harriet; children Anthony Pescheiri, Jr (Lori), Richie Peschieri (Heather), Johnny Peschieri (Michelle), and Kimberly Peschieri; grandchildren Yvette Ruddy, Ashley Peschieri, Anthony Peschieri, Alexis Peschieri, Derek Peschieri, Devin Peterson, and Gabriella Peschieri; great grandchildren Arianna and Alivia.

Services will be private.

Marshall R. Newberry “Bob”, 83, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. I was born in Albany, NY on November 3, 1937 and lived in Guilderland, Saratoga and Malta, NY. I believe my best accomplishment was serving in the Albany Fire Department from January 28, 1961 to January 1, 1989. I thank my wonderful wife Mary Jean for many great years. Thank you Jean, all my love. Goodbye to all my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. God bless you all. A private family service will be held.

Alison VanDyke passed away at home while surrounded by her family on Friday, June 25, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, NY on June 25, 1962. Alison graduated from Middleburgh High School and continued her education by earning a B.S. degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Springfield College.

Alison spent her professional time as a case manager, helping those with disabilities. In order to know Alison, you must know about her love for the outdoors and being active, her favorite of all being road biking with her friends. Alison’s other passions included hiking with friends and family (only if they could keep up with her), kayaking, cross country skiing and running with her beloved dogs at the Saratoga State Park. When Alison wasn’t outside, she was happiest spending time with her family and friends and reading.

Alison was a devoted wife and mother, who was taken from us far too soon. She leaves behind her beloved husband Bruce, of 28 years and their children, Matthew and Griffen; along with her father, Maurice VanDyke(Karen); her mother, Ilse VanDyke; sisters, Kristal Van Dyke (Brian Trombley), and Tracey Delaney (Mike).

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future with family and friends.

A. Elizabeth (Schnars) Frank, 82, of Ballston Spa, NY passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY. She was born in Ballston Spa, NY, one of a pair of beautiful twin girls on January 9, 1939. She was the daughter of Edward Schnars and Ruth (Rickett) Schnars, also of Ballston Spa.

Liz was a proud member of the Ballston High School Class of 1957 and went on to study at Alfred State. Many years later she earned a degree at Empire State College. She worked as a Medical Transcriptionist, and volunteered at many places including the Health Ministry of the Southern Tier and the Greenfield Historical Society. She made many close, valued friends, including those at Corning Community College.

She lived in Big Flats, NY for many years, raising a family and living a rich and varied country life with her husband David. Later they travelled the country. She returned to live in her hometown Ballston Spa to be back among family and childhood friends. Her many talents and hobbies included stained glass, quilting, and flower gardening.

She was bright, kind and had a love of knowledge, nature, trivia and friends. She was strong, with always a positive outlook. She made deeply valued, long lasting friendships with the many people she touched: relatives, classmates, neighbors and colleagues. She'll be greatly missed.

Liz was predeceased by her dearly loved husband of 47 years, David C. Frank; her twin sister Elaine (Thomas) Whalen; elder sister Ellen Francis (Charles) Hyde; niece Lindy (Brian) Reilly; nephew Lee Whalen.

Survivors include son David Frank II of Houston, Texas; son Gregg Frank of Brunswick, New York; grandchildren David Frank III and Olivia Frank both of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by nieces Cheryl (Chris) Davia; Lorrie (Mike) Patenaude; Beth (Mark) Smisloff and Christine Frank; nephews Mark Whalen, Tim (Mary) Whalen, Tim Frank, Alex (Kristen) Rhea, and Justin Rhea; former daughter-in-law Kelly Mayo-Frank; sister-in-law Yvonne (Pat) Frank; and sister-in-law Candace (John) Rhea.

There are no calling hours. Private graveside services will be held at South Napoli Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in her memory may be made to The American Cancer Society or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society - Menands Animal Care Center 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY

Lina C. Gareri, 59, born on May 2, 1962, passed away on Saturday June 12 2021, and was reunited with her parents Sebastiano and Giuseppina D’Avella.

Lina was a loving Sister, Wife, Mother, and Nonna. She was loved by all who knew her. She enjoyed planning and hosting parties and being surrounded by the people she loved most. Her smile and personality lit up every room she was present in and her authentic Italian cooking was second to none. She made sure to make everyone feel welcomed in her home and often invited everyone to her holiday parties. There wasn't one person who met her that she wouldn't give the shirt off her back for. Lina was surely one of a kind.

She is survived by her loving husband, Aldo, of 38 years, her daughters and son-in-laws, Jenny and Michael Begnoche and Gabriella and Brian Roberts, her 5 grandchildren who she was completely in love with, her siblings and their spouses, and the many relatives and friends who are all heartbroken by her passing.

In keeping with her wishes, Lina will be cremated and a funeral service will take place on Monday, June 28, 2021. The funeral Mass will be at 11:00am at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Rd ,Clifton Park NY 12065. A Catholic Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at St Anthony’s Cemetery, 27 Glenridge Rd, Glenville NY 12302.

Thank you to the Medical Staff at Albany Medical Center, as well as the Community Hospice of Saratoga for the care that Lina received. Memorial Contributions in memory of Lina can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation for Brain Tumor research, at glioblastomafoundation.org.

Valencia M. Sommo 90, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born in Glens Falls, NY on February 28, 1931 to Michael and Mary Gazillo.

Valencia worked at General Electric Co in Hudson Falls for 35 years. She enjoyed going for a run or taking a long walk. Valencia always appreciated a good martini with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary, her husband John, siblings Mary, Jim, Tony and Mickey, and her grandson Jake. Valencia is survived by her daughter Margaret Cameron (John); granddaughter Jody; great grandchildren Lily, John-John, Nathan and Jacob; sisters Ann Stone, Dolores Green and Viola Brieton; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, June 15 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions in memory of Valencia may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Rose M. Thomas (Cinguegrano), 78, of Ballston Spa, New York, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Rose was born in Ballston Spa, NY, on January 5, 1943, to James and Yolanda (Violet) Cinguegrano. A lifelong resident, she attended Ballston Spa High School and Mildred Elley Secretarial School in Albany, NY. Rose graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with academic honors in Civil and Public Service in May 2002.

Dedicated to family, friends, and community, Rose was generous with her time, and her passion was infectious. She loved her community, volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader and Pop Warner cheerleading coach. Compassionate and loving, with devotion for helping others, Rose enjoyed a productive and successful career. She worked at both Head Start and Social Services in Saratoga County and retired from a lengthy and successful career at the New York State Fair Hearings in Albany.

Her passions included playing bridge, attending the YMCA, and being a Weight Watchers advocate. She loved nature walks and spending time with her family and friends.

Even throughout the late stages of Alzheimer’s, Rose’s kind demeanor and ever-present smile delighted and comforted all those around her.

She was married for 56 years to her high school sweetheart, Edward A. Thomas. Eddie spent every day by her side until his death on May 3, 2021. They are now forever together as they should be.

Rose is survived by her children Lauren Rose (Scott), Scott Thomas (Sarah), and Suzanne Winkler (Keith); grandchildren Vincent, Kenneth, Ty, and Mia; her brother James Cinguegrano and wife Tina and their children and grandchildren, as well as several cousins. She is predeceased by her parents James and Yolanda (Violet).

A private family service will be held. Contributions in Rose’s memory can be made to the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association of The Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Helen R. VanPatten 87, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021. She was born in Ticonderoga, NY on December 25, 1933 to Frederick and Edna Bougor.

Helen was an active member of the Ballston Area Seniors. She was a member of their Bowling Team and Chorus. Helen also was in charge of the Pickin’ Sessions at the Senior Center.

She was predeceased by her husband Raymond VanPatten and 14 siblings. Helen is survived by her daughters Kelly Bauer (John Bartczak) and Colleen VanPatten; grandchildren Josh Bauer (June TenEyck), Katie Merrifield, and Nathan VanPatten; great grandson Kody TenEyck Bauer; siblings Josephine Bougor, Annette Burroughs, Judy Swinton (Wally), and Christine Swinton (Lonnie); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 12 from Noon to 2pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 2pm. Burial will follow in Powell Wiswall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Helen to Community Emergency Corp, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa.

Dolores D. Foy 83, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, NY on January 22, 1938 to Anthony and Alasandra DiCaprio.

Dolores was a financial officer for many years. After retiring, she moved to Florida where she was a member of the Garden Club and VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Palm Coast, Florida. In 2015, she returned to Ballston Spa and lived with her niece Alisa. She enjoyed flower arranging and going shopping.

She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Thomas Foy, and her sisters Patricia DiCaprio and Marie Shoemaker. Dolores is survived by her brothers and sisters in law Edward Foy, Mary Ellen Papke, Jane Purvee, Gary “Skip” Foy (Jodi), and Laura Hiwakawa (Steve); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

Dolores will be laid to rest with her husband in the Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida. Memorial contributions in memory of Dolores may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Ronald D. Torncello Sr. 80, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021. He was born in Green Island, NY on December 17, 1940 to Franklin and Theresa Torncello. He served in the US Navy.

Ron was a HVAC Technician at Albany Medical Center for many years. He enjoyed playing guitar, golfing and watching the NY Giants. Ron was a talented carpenter and enjoyed relaxing with a glass of Dewar’s after a long day. His greatest joy was his family and he treasured the time he spent with them.

He was predeceased by his son Ronald Torncello, Jr., brother Frank Torncello and sister Jean Tofte. Ron is survived by his wife Mary; daughter Rhonda Lovely (Bruce); daughter in law Lisa Torncello; grandchildren Kailyn Butler (Tyler), Elyse Banker (Brian), Corey Griffin, Cortney Torncello (Trevor), Ashley Skadra (Cody), Shauna Torncello (Rich), Nicholas Torncello (Jamie), Breana Cables (Darren) Alescia Torncello, and Cloe Torncello; brother in law William Tofte; sister in law Geri Torncello; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated 10am Saturday, May 29 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Memorial contributions in memory of Ron may be made to the American Heart Association.

Jody L. Woolley, 52 passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021. She was born in Niskayuna, NY on April 5, 1969. Jody was an Executive Office Manager for the Saratoga Capital District Region of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in Saratoga Springs.

She was a selfless Mother to her boys above all. She enjoyed being with her cherished family. She was the family event planner and loved to sing, she had the most amazing voice. Jody also enjoyed and gave her time volunteering to the “Give a Child a Christmas”. Jody fiercely loved her children, family, and her close beloved friends.

She will always be known for her big personality, her amazing wit and sense of humor and for saying literally exactly what was on her mind. Her over the top, tacky, unique taste will never be forgotten. She loved Prince and Journey and was planning an amazing trip to the Prince compound, Paisley Park with her beloved friends.

She was predeceased by her father Earl Ranson. Jody is survived by her sons Zakary Woolley and Zyler Woolley; her mother Shirley Aken; siblings Roxanne Spaulding (Lynn), Earl Ranson, Eric Aken (Courtley), and Adrienne Aken (Joey); many nieces and nephews that she loved and cherished; and her beloved granddog Lola.

A celebration of life will be held on June 19th at 2pm at 532 Plummer Road Ballston Spa, NY 12020. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Anyone who knew her would know this is exactly what she would want us to do.

A poem written by her son:

LIST OF GREAT QUALITIES

● A mother above all
● As real as a person gets
● Taught people to take care of their own, keep family in your heart
● Her sense of humor touched everyone around her.
● Genuine in ways that’d be hard for many, but seemed effortless to her
● Kept it positive, kept it light, kept her dream alive, and fueled others dreams
● Found strengths and praised them, like fuel to a fire
● Admitted when she was wrong readily, but fought tooth and nail for the truth
● Her source of love and light came out in every action and word, making her stand out instantly
● Her ability to offer advice, being there to talk to, and offer optimism in the face of nihilism and
darkness made her a rock for many
● Joked about becoming a drunk gypsy
● Talked about going around the country doing wishes and spells for people
● Was recently thinking of making exciting changes to her life
● Her laugh and smile were beacons of joy
● Running jokes and her bringing up past events made her relationships special and deep
● She had hate in her heart for no one. Heart free of any black spots, as she might say of her family
● Loved planning special events for the family to be together, that was the times she was happiest
● The way that she brought out her core self is being a supportive member of the family
● Live and let live kind of girl
● Take care of yourself, and everything will fall into place

"I hope you dance"