Obituaries

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.

With his bright, literary mind, John Fox saw the humor in life and could make anyone laugh. He died in the Milton home where he grew up. He was 52.

Mr. Fox was a natural storyteller with a boyish laugh, unafraid of crudeness and often pulling from the deep well of his memory. One of his earliest memories was of his mother lying by him as he tried sleeping off a fever. He awoke feeling better and stretched out his hand toward her through the bars of his crib. The two had a close relationship throughout her life.

“The way his mind worked was amazing,” said his brother, Michael Fox. “He could just see something… and all of a sudden he’d just come up with this whole repertoire about life in that situation. He just had this funny wit about him. He’d just make my mother laugh to pieces.”

Mr. Fox was attracted to beauty and creativity. He took up gardening, loved flowers, drank in fiction, acted in plays, and enjoyed black-and-white photography. Working as a restaurant waiter throughout his life, he was fascinated by food and reflected in his home the kitchen tools and tips he picked up from chefs. For a family feast, he once aged beef in his garage. Instead of slippers, he wore kitchen clogs around the house.

He worked at many restaurants in the Capital Region — among them Glen Sanders Mansion in Schenectady and Hall of Springs in Saratoga — as well as in San Diego, California, where he lived most his adult life.

When Mr. Fox was a child, the family spent summers in St. Lawrence County where his parents owned a pair of former dairy farms. As a small boy, he enlisted to help in the kitchen of his grandmother, who was the village baker in Richville, New York. She bought him a small mixer for Christmas.

The farm in later years hosted family reunions, where campfires were his stage. He would embellish shared stories and use caricatured voices to make relatives laugh at themselves.

“He was on, so to speak,” said his sister Sheila Sullivan. “He was the entertainer of the group.”

He took acting very seriously from middle school through college, and he played a range of dramatic parts, said Wendy Guida, a friend since they met at orientation at the University of Albany. Among his roles were Chief Bromden in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Malvolio in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” and Orestes in the “Oresteia.”

Mr. Fox was born in Wisconsin on April 25, 1965, the youngest of three siblings, to parents Audrey (née Wood) and John Fox. The family moved back to New York to be near relatives and for his father’s work as an electrician.

He graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1983. He earned associate degrees in liberal arts and computer information science from San Diego City College and a bachelor of arts degree from San Diego State University. In later years, he took graduate-level courses at the College of Saint Rose to become an English teacher.

John Gregory Fox, II is survived by two siblings, Sheila Sullivan, and her husband Bill Sullivan; and Michael Fox, and his wife Lolly Fox. He is also survived by five nephews, Gregory Fox, Patrick Fox, Nicholas Fox, Vito Iaia, and Marcello Iaia.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 11 at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

Frank A. “Red” Murray, Jr. died March 23, 2018 after a long illness. He was born on November 17, 1929, in Winchendon, Massachusetts.

He was a proud veteran enlisting in the United States Navy in 1948 and retired after 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer in 1968. He was a Yeomen, qualified to wear dolphins insignia in the submarine service; crewmen on USS Cubera, USS Medragill, USS Treda and USS Atule all in the Atlantic fleet.

After leaving the Navy he started the Red Murray Enterprises Insurance Company and worked there until his second retirement in 2006. He was an avid golfer for many years. He and Lucille loved to travel especially to Charleston, SC.

Red was the son of the late Ella and Frank Murray, Sr. He was predeceased by his siblings Mary (Arthur) Beane and Kathy Kendall. He is survived by his siblings Gertrude (late Joe) Szymcik, JoAnne (late Dave) Pandiscio, Alice (Charles “Skip”) Hodges and brother in law Bob Kendall.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lucille (Ott), his son Kevin (Barbara), daughters Kathleen, Marlene (Joseph), Alison, Susanne (Efrain), Loretta (late Kevin), and his son Stuart (Julie); grandchildren Ryan (Rachael), Kelly (Brian), Phillip (Ashli), Meredith, Emily, Duncan, Nicholas, Vincent and Tessa; and his great grandson Joseph.

The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Baptist Health and Nursing Facility in Scotia, NY.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 27, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 E. High St, Ballston Spa, NY. Funeral will be held Wednesday, March 28, at 9:00am at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY, where Red and Lucille were communicants. Interment will be held at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Jacqueline C. (Jackie) Morrisey, formerly of Ballston Spa, passed away on March 17, 2018 in Saratoga Springs, NY at the age of 81.

She was born in Ticonderoga, NY and was the daughter of Raymond Davis and Edna (Thatcher) Davis.

Jackie was employed by the Ballston Spa Central School District as a Teaching Assistant for 25 years. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Saratoga Hospital and was recognized for over 8,590 hours of service to that facility. She also was a blood services volunteer with the Adirondack Saratoga Chapter of The American Red Cross and an elections monitor.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur. Jackie is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Robert) Bartsch of California, MD; son Michael (Marcilyn) Morrisey of Canandaigua, NY; grandchildren Timothy Bartsch of California, MD, Courtney Bartsch of Austin, TX and Spencer Tomasini of Warwick, RI. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Wendell of Ticonderoga, NY, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 9am Monday, March 26 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in the Ballston Spa Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the relatives, friends and neighbors who helped to care for her in her later years. They also would like to thank the staff of the Wesley Health Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Community Emergency Corp or St. Mary’s Church would be appreciated.

Kimberly A. Truett, 53 passed away on Wednesday March 14, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on April 6, 1964, she was the daughter of Alfred and Sally Loya.

Kim was known for her endless generosity, she opened her home to many that needed it, and she always made sure everyone had a home cooked meal. She had a heart and smile that everyone loved. Kim loved spending time with her family and taking trips to Florida to see her son and her grand babies. She also enjoyed going to the Saratoga Casino and camping.

She was predeceased by her son Timothy S. Truett, and her parents Alfred and Sally Loya. Kim is survived by her son Tyler J. Truett (Marissa), grandson Justin T. Truett, granddaughter Adalynd F. Truett, brothers Alfred Loya Jr. (Bunsong), and Chad Loya, (Jen); sisters Carol Phillips (John), and Heather Loya; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Kim’s life from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, March 22 at the VFW Post 358, 35 East North Street, Ballston Spa.

Carol Zea Vaughn Cromwell, 68 of Glens Falls, went to be with her Savior on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Glens Falls Hospital. Born December 26, 1949 in Cobleskill, NY, she was one of four daughters of Harry and Evelyn Zea who preceded her in death.

Carol grew up on her father’s dairy farm outside Cobleskill, which she thought was an almost perfect life for a child. She attended elementary and high school in Cobleskill public schools and graduated from Alfred University in Alfred, NY with her B.A. degree in education. She served an enlistment in the US Navy as an Ensign at Oceana Naval Air Base in Virginia Beach, VA and went on to earn her Law degree at the University of Arizona School of Law in Tucson, AZ. Most of her professional career was as an insurance adjustor for Allstate Insurance and Encompass Insurance in Glens Falls.

Carol retired early so she had more time to spend with her family, especially her twin grandsons, whom she loved so dearly. She was a crafter whose hands were always busy knitting socks, weaving baskets or trying out some new craft project with her sisters.

Carol was a committed disciple of Christ and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa. She loved to sing (especially Contemporary Christian praise songs), she and her mother and sisters would often break forth in spontaneous song prompted by some word or phrase. They sang special music in the United Methodist Church of Hyndsville, NY when living on the dairy farm outside Cobleskill. She had a generous spirit, tithing to her own church and supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International and Open Door Mission of Glens Falls, NY.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Wallace Cromwell of Glens Falls; her daughter, Bethany Schreiter and her husband, Gerd of Berlin, Germany; twin grandsons Timothy and Ryan of Berlin, Germany; Sisters and brothers in law, Linda Milkins (Gary) of Round Lake, NY, Laurel Mahar (Philip) of Rotterdam, NY and Melanie Sager (James) of Avon, NY; nieces and nephews, Pamela Milkins of Round Lake, NY, Michael Mahar (Kristin) of Tinley Park, IL; Janelle Mahar and Alexandria Kirk of Rotterdam, NY, David Mahar (Patty)of Rotterdam, NY, Jason Mahar (Keira) of Rochester, NY, Jason Gerace (Abby) of Avon, NY, great nieces and nephews, Lauren, Brian and Erin Mahar of Rotterdam, Millicent and Ruth Mahar of Rochester, NY, Connor and Joseph Gerace of Avon, NY, Rebecca Panepinto of Buffalo, NY and Jason Sager of Rochester, NY.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held 11am on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, 202 Milton Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Carol may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International or Open Door Mission, PO Box 3306, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Frederick D. Rhodes, 64, passed away on Friday March, 9, 2018. He was born in Ballston Spa, New York on November 15, 1953. Fred worked at the Ballston Spa Knitting Mill for many years. He later worked as a maintenance man at Bridgewater Apartments.

Fred enjoyed watching WWE wrestling and martial arts films. He also enjoyed Alf and SpongeBob Squarepants. He was a Nascar fan and cheered for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr.

Fred was predeceased by his father Bernard Rhodes and his mother and stepfather Shirley and Mylon Bernash.

Fred is survived by his wife Dale, siblings Rosemary Dryer, Ronald Rhodes (Rosemary), Anna Kondenar (John), and Orcelia Clute (Joseph). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and his beloved dog Sadie.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 13 from 2pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A time of remembrance will be held at 3pm. Burial will be in Rock City Falls Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Fred may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Timothy Peters, 69, passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018. Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 1, 1948, he was the son of John and Colleen Peters. Tim was a Sergeant in the US Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War.

Tim was a Research Technician for the Texaco Research Center in Beacon, retiring early and then returning to work for STP Brookfield Research and Omni Royal Care in Malta. He was a member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge #2157. Tim enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Tim is survived by his wife Rosalie and their children Brian Peters and Tara Moore (Rick); grandchildren Jonathan Moore, Marissa Moore, Nicole Moore, Matthew Moore and Devin Moore; siblings Judith Baranik, Susie Vipond (Randy), Kathy Valente (Rick), Danny Peters, Pat Peters, Thomas Peters (Kathy) and Mary Calhoun (Rob); sister in law Cynthia Falcone (Richard); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 11 from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 10am Monday, March 12 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Tim may be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org

Tara M. Balzano, 39, passed away on Friday, March 2, 2018. She was born in Oyster Bay, NY on November 10, 1978. She moved to this area in 1992 and graduated from South Glens Falls High School.

Tara worked for Saratoga Bridges. She enjoyed her pets and dreamed of someday owning a horse.

She was predeceased by her parents Ciro and Alice Balzano, and her brother Jerry. Tara is survived by her beloved sister Heather Rhodes and her husband Ron, brother Mike Balzano and his wife Amanda; and the loves of her life her niece and nephew Anthony and Melanie. She is also survived by her aunt Pat Walsh and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held 10am Wednesday, March 7 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 9:30am.

Elizabeth K. Austin, 94, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Glens Falls, NY on October 10, 1923.

Betty was a secretary for Collins and Aikman in New York City, General Electric Co. in Schenectady, and the Army Depot in Schenectady. She later worked for Bishop Gibbons High School and retired from the Ballston Spa Central Schools.

In the 1940’s and 50’s Betty was a vocalist with several area big bands. She was a regular guest on the After Six Seven Show with Garry Stevens, and the Earle Pudney Show both on WRGB. Her passions were interior decorating, flower gardens especially roses, and entertaining in her home. She was considered the matriarch of the family and loved being surrounded by her family and friends. She traveled to most of Europe and England and loved Cape Cod and the Atlantic Coast.

Betty had a wonderful positive outlook on life and was an inspiration to all. She always saw the good in people and made them all feel special.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Russell and Ruanna Peacock, stepfather George Kuebler, son Randy Little, brothers Russell Peacock, Richard Peacock, Garald Peacock, and Ronald Keubler.

Betty is survived by her sons Lance Little (Brenda) and Dennis Little (Frances), daughter in law Judy Little; grandchildren Florence Steinberg (David), Justin Little, and Brandon Little; great grandchildren Vivian and Gwendolyn; stepson Daniel Austin (Mary) and their five children; step granddaughters Elissa Johnsen (Leif), and Emily Owens (Katie); step great grandchildren Elliot, Paige and Eloise; brothers David Kuebler, George Kuebler, and Earl Kuebler; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Tuesday, March 6 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will be in Briggs Cemetery in the Spring. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, March 5 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to the Schenectady City Mission, 425 Hamilton St. Schenectady, NY 12305 or the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave, Scotia, NY 12302.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ingersoll Place and Glendale Home for their loving care and compassion.