Obituaries

Gail F. Smith 76, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022. She was born in Ballston Spa, NY on May 14, 1945 to Loren and Martha Laird.

Gail was a cook at Nell and Lo’s Diner in Galway for several years. She enjoyed bluegrass music and camped out at many Bluegrass Festivals with her family. Gail dined out with her friends whenever she could and never missed her yearly trip to Maine.

She was predeceased by her son Kurt Smith, and grandson David Smith. Gail is survived by her husband Wayne; sons Mark Smith and his wife Bobbie, and Scott Smith and his wife Doreen; grandchildren Misty, Zackary, Shane, Devin, Desiree, and Shaun; her brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, January 21 from 1pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Gail may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund at www.mtcaf.org or the charity of your choice.

Our beloved mother, Veronica L. Lavorel, affectionately known to all as Roni, 81, peacefully went home to the Lord on January 10, 2022. Born in Pinellas County, Florida on March 7, 1940, Veronica was the daughter of the late Walter and Rita Conroy. Veronica grew up on Long Island where she developed her signature accent that made her voice so recognizable by all. She moved upstate to raise her family and resided here ever since.

Veronica started her career as a hair dresser, always keeping up with the latest trends and styles of the day, and ended as a beauty consultant for the CVS corporation. Her distinct flair and style was uniquely her own. You never knew what hair color she would have from one week to the next, and she always dared to be different. Couple that with quick wit and a sense of humor that could not be replicated, and you had a truly outstanding person that was a blessing in our lives and to all who knew and loved her. Our mom was funny, fierce, resilient, strong, independent, humble, and had a grit that was unmatched. She raised her children to be the same. She will be dearly missed, but impossible to forget.

Veronica was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Michael and Allen, sisters Rita and Theresa, and her beloved daughter Michelle. She is survived by her sister Ginger (David) Gelfand, daughters Rita (Chris) Rhodes, Veronica (Larry) Walczak, son Michael (Terri) Sanacore, and her grandchildren Mikey, David, Alexis, and Luis, great grandchildren Livy and Dante, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the ICU team at Saratoga Hospital, especially Samantha, for showing our mom such compassionate care during her time there.

A private family Requiem Mass and graveside service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to North American Martyrs, PO Box 334, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or to Birthright, PO Box 661, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Albert W. LaRue 77, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He was born in Charlton, NY on February 25, 1944 to Nelson and Edna LaRue. A lifelong farmer, Albert was raised on the family farm in Charlton and continued the family legacy. He was always quick to mentor those around him, lend a helping hand when equipment needed to be fixed, fields needed to be mowed, or a problem needed to be solved.

He was a member of the Charlton Fire Dept, NYTPA, Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, and previous long time member and leader of 4-H.

He was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Edna LaRue. Albert is survived by his wife Linda; children Kathi LaRue, Judy Harris (Tom), Will LaRue (Erin), and Becky Beck (Lee); grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Albert was a humble man that provided for his family, helped his community and served the Lord. In honoring Albert’s wishes there will be a family graveside service in the Spring as well as plans for a Celebration of Life on July 3, 2022 at the LaRue Farm to which all will be invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Albert may be made to Saratoga County 4-H, c/o Greg Stevens, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Betty M. Benuscak 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 3, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born in Cherry Valley, NY on December 28, 1932 to Harry and Jennie Kane.

Betty was a 1953 graduate of Potsdam University earning a master’s degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career at Oppenheim Ephratah Central Schools. In 1957, she moved to Ballston Spa and taught fifth grade at Malta Avenue Elementary School where she met her husband John, who was the music director for the Ballston Spa School District, and they married on June 28, 1958. In 1986, she and John retired together.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years John, her youngest son David, and her siblings Ruth, Florence, Gladys, Richard, John, and Leroy. Betty is survived by her son Thomas Benuscak (Darcy); grandsons Mark and Tyler; daughter Susan Robbins (Wayne); and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 9:30am Monday, January 10 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to calling on hours on Sunday, January 9 from 1pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Facemasks are required. The funeral mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed on St. Mary's website www.stmarysballstonspa.org and click on St. Mary's YouTube.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to Union Fire Co #2 Marching Band, PO Box 145, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Wayne David Pooler passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on Friday, December 31, 2021, at the age of 82. Wayne was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 21, 1939 to Roland and Mary Trant Pooler. He was the oldest of four children.

Wayne grew up in Perth, NY and graduated from Perth Central High School, where he was captain of the basketball team. He started college at the University of New Mexico where he was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity and later transferred to Russell Sage where he earned a bachelor of science in business. Wayne began his career in food service in 1963 at the Rath Packing Co. In 1967, he joined Thomas J. Lipton Inc. as a salesman and was named a unit manager in 1970. He was also President of the Grocery Manufacturers Representatives of Eastern, N.Y. Inc. He retired from Lipton in 1997 and became a certified organic farmer on his family’s farm in Perth. Wayne sold vegetables and herbs at several local farmers’ markets and became affectionately known as “The Herb Dude.” Wayne also loved playing golf and had a great appreciation for nature. He enjoyed spending time with his family and had a wonderful sense of humor.

He is predeceased by his parents Roland and Mary, and his brother Donald Pooler. Wayne is survived by his siblings Bert Pooler and Karen Pooler; his wife Kathleen Pease Pooler; children Shelly Pooler, Rick Pooler (Ulrike), Sarah Provost (Cecil), and Ben Pooler (Jackie); stepchildren Leighann Gilson (David), and Brian Lavoy; grandchildren Alex, Christopher and Michael Pooler, Adam, Kevin and Brandan Provost, Carter, Ethan and Emma Pooler; step grandchildren Jacob and Ethan Gilson; and great grandchildren Melissa, Ben, and Ellen Pooler.

Relatives and friends are invited to a calling hour from 10am to 11am on Tuesday, January 4 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 11am. Burial will follow in Fair View Cemetery, Amsterdam.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org or the Montgomery Co. SPCA, PO Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or an animal rescue of your choice.

Danette “Dee” M. DeCoste was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on December 26, 2021 at age 52. She was born in Niskayuna, NY on August 14, 1969 to Peter and Elizabeth Galvin. After graduating from Shaker High School, she met the love of her life at SUNY Morrisville. Together, they had four children.

Dee worked for the United States Post Office in Saratoga Springs and was a realtor for Keller Williams Realty. She was an avid animal lover who enjoyed horses, puppies and kittens. She especially loved her boston terrier, Quinn. Her greatest joy was her family and she treasured all the memories they shared together. Dee was a compassionate spirit whose passion was caring for others. She had the most contagious laugh and a smile that could light up a room, unless you touched her hair.

She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers. Danette is survived by her husband Mark and their children, Marchele Schild (Anthony), Alexandre DeCoste (Olena), Sera Burns (Cody), and Elyse DeCoste (Andrew); granddaughter Amara; and twelve siblings.

Funeral services will be held 10am Monday, January 3 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, January 2 from 2pm to 4pm at the funeral home. Facemasks are required.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dee may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Jeffrey W. Fitzsimmons, 56, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Jeffrey was born on July 23, 1965, in Calais, Maine, the youngest son of Merle and Jacqueline (MacMillan) Fitzsimmons.

Jeff graduated from Woodland High School in 1984 then relocated to Ballston Spa where he enjoyed hunting, camping, and sarcasm. For many years Jeff volunteered at the Saratoga County Fair where he operated the wobble wheel roller for the truck and tractor pulls. He was a regular at hunting camp bringing chocolate pie and Mississippi Mud to share with the boys.

Jeff was always someone everyone could count on. Day or night he was the first one to help anyone, most of the time without being asked. He spent the last thirty five years working closely with the DeFilippo family at their many business ventures and was a valued asset to their team. His loyalty was unmatched and he really is irreplaceable. His coworkers were like family to him and will all miss him terribly.

Jeff was predeceased by his mother Jacqueline and his wife Rita. Jeff is survived by his father Merle, brother Bob and his wife Linda; niece Jacklyn Craig and nephew Evan Race; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his extended Ballston Spa “family”, along with his faithful canine companion Chewy.

In keeping with Jeff’s wishes, family, friends, and coworkers are welcome to attend a celebration of Jeff’s life from 4pm to 7pm, Monday, December 27 at The Factory, 20 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of his mother Jackie and wife Rita would be welcomed. Arrangements by his very close friends at Armer Funeral Home, Inc. in Ballston Spa. Their kindness during this time can never be repaid but will always be remembered.

Dian M. VanDerVolgen, 66, of Northville, passed suddenly on December 17, 2021,after a brief illness. Born in Schenectady to John and Jean Jurczynski (departed), Dian was a truly talented artist.

After attending Mohonasen High School, from pets to people, Dian began focusing exclusively on portraits; preferring Charcoal Dust (Google "My Life in Charcoal Dust" to browse her recent book), and also enjoyed working with Prismacolor markers.

In 1990, meeting and marrying Brett Allen VanDerVolgen of Colonie; then the overnight radio personality on Merv Griffin's 50k watt, FM powerhouse PYX106. "The Hittman's Lady of the Lake," was a National Blues venue featuring local and world renowned Blues artists on the Great Sacandaga Lake. Complementing one another's talents, together they created "The Capital Adirondack Scene Magazine;" a quarterly, featuring local and National music acts, as well as local businesses. The paper soon featured local celebrities and businesses, as well as National acts like Kiss, Sting, Collective Soul and Aerosmith.

Also an untrained chef, Dian was a great cook, and with Brett's marketing skills, they soon gave birth to "The Adirondack Elixir Company"; a line of their own unique and health-conscious dinner sauces/salad dressings and a line of tasty spice blends and meat rubs. Quickly they were welcomed around the North Country, and for 10 years, sold nearly exclusively at Lakeside Farms on Ballston Lake. Dian and Brett also had clients as a graphics and writing team; working for such area businesses as Kimberly's Day Spa, Loudonville, JJ Rafferty's, Latham and Maxie's on Wolf Rd.

Dian is survived by her beloved son Keith Richard and his wife Deanna, (nee Smith) of North Easton, MA, and their three sons, John, Michael and Benjamin. A stand-out athlete at Mohonasen, Keith earned a BA at SUNY Albany and is now VP of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds, Boston. She is also survived by two brothers, John and his wife Ann, and John's daughter Jennifer; Gary and his wife Staci and their two children Ally and Jack; and her sister and best friend Gail Jurczynski.

Often remarking how she loved animals more than people... Dian provided the logo for Schenectady's "Save the Geese Foundation," she dedicated her spare time to placing animals online and her beloved dogs. Donations in Dian's name should be made to "Pet Connection" care of Steve Caporizzo, or "Adirondack Save-a-Stray." May God grant you and your beloved animals, your Angel wings. A memorial service will be held in the Spring.

Marie A. Willard 81, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021. She was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on January 15, 1940 to Raymond and Dorothy Barnes.

Marie worked for the Saratoga County Department of Social Services for many years. She enjoyed buying and selling antiques, and during the Saratoga County Fair she worked in the antique department. She was a member of the Eagles Club. Marie was a people person, she loved her family and her community.

She was predeceased by her brother Daniel Barnes, daughter Jo-Ann Hart, and husband Jerome Willard. Marie is survived by her children Lorri Zarro (Jim), Jerome Willard (Dorothy) and James Willard; grandchildren Christopher, Jamie, Josh, Brian, Matthew, Riley and Misty; brother Dustin Barnes; sister Shirley Laskey (Ed); 18 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 10am Wednesday, December 22 at Powell Wiswall Cemetery, Plummer Road, Ballston Spa, pending weather conditions. A celebration of life will held on a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Marie may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter or the American Cancer Society.

Kristen A. Palmer 46, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. She was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on April 28, 1975. Kristen worked as a cashier at Price Chopper in Saratoga Springs. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, and diamond paintings. Kristen loved building Legos.

She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Anna Crandall. Kristen is survived by her fiancé Anthony LeBarron; brother Charles Crandall (Jessica), stepbrother Brett Crandall; and her nieces and nephews Rilee Crandall, Shelby Hathaway, Lucas Sumner and Jonathan Sumner.

Relatives and friends are invited to a calling hour on Wednesday, December 22 from 3pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A memorial service will follow at 4pm. Facemasks will be required. Memorial contributions in memory of Kristen may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Katherine M. Richiazzi 71, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. She was born in Amsterdam, NY to James and Regina Richiazzi. She was a graduate of Perth High School. Katherine enjoyed her career with the NYS Department of Labor. She retired from the state to become a wonderful stay at home mother to her two daughters. Katherine never truly retired. She worked for the Saratoga County Board of Elections and served as an election inspector. She also volunteered at SPAC and was a strong women’s rights advocate.

Katherine is survived by her daughters Rachel Nardin (Brad) and Hannah Nardin (Dustin); brothers John Richiazzi (Karen) and Joseph Richiazzi (Beth); six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 10am Wednesday, December 15 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Facemasks will be required. Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com

Dennis Anderson McCafferty died unexpectedly at Ellis Hospital on December 6, 2021. He was 71 years old. He deeply loved his intimate soul mate Diane Flynn, and she him. Even though we say “he leaves behind” in these types of announcements, their connection is unending and continues on as it began when they both realized, “Oh, there you are.” They shared a deep undeniable connection which neither expected and continued to grow in countless unexpected ways.

Dennis was the son of Dr. William McCafferty and Jane McCafferty, of Niskayuna, who both preceded him in death. Dr. McCafferty was a distinguished local physician, and the Chief of Anesthesiology at Albany Medical Center. Dennis was also preceded in death by his beloved brother, Jim.

Dennis made his primary mark in the world as a very skilled and eclectic musician, performer, and composer. He played a vast range of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, and vibraphone. He was well-known in the Albany area for his performances at local cafes, restaurants and clubs. But his musical skills also ran deeply into the classical domain. He was a prodigious composer, and his works—particularly a fine symphonic piece named “Empire in Decline”—have been performed by local groups including the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra. Apparently unafraid to investigate any musical genre, Dennis also composed a full-length opera, as well as the soundtrack for a movie—“The Insignificant Other.”

Dennis’s friends and family took great joy in watching his musical career develop. They recall that before returning to the Capital District, Dennis had quite a notable career as a musician in New York City. One friend recalls that he had a “dedicated following of upper west side types of that day” as the songwriter/lead singer/guitarist of the band called The Ushers. They remember that the music he composed for the group was “dark, blunt, and concise”—and often flavored with “a wry sense of humor.” At one point in his career, Dennis toured Europe with the group La Mama.

Diane loved Dennis’s recounting of his recognition that he must become a drummer after seeing his first fife and drum corps, apparently around the age of 3 or 4 years old. After seeing the band, he begged his parents to let him learn the drums immediately, but school protocol insisted that he wait until he was 6 years old to begin studies. When he did finally get his first drum set, he “took off like lightning” and eventually became a very talented and sought-after drummer.

Later in life, Dennis found deep satisfaction in teaching music to kids, and taught around the area at various primary and secondary schools, where he was much in demand. The kids adored him, and he them. They could feel that he took great satisfaction in their accomplishments.

Dennis was an extremely well-educated, and even erudite man. He boasted a B.A. from the University of New Hampshire, and a B.S. in music from Skidmore College in Saratoga. He also studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, as well as the Manhattan School of Music. In addition, he studied privately with a whole range of master musicians, several of whom became important mentors for him, especially the noted composers Nils Vigland, and Max Lifchitz.

Though music was always “at the top of the list,” friends remember many other sides of Dennis. He was a quietly devout man, a privately religious man, who deeply valued and studied his Catholic faith. He was known for a deeply intuitive wisdom and spirituality which seemed to infuse everything he did. He had a natural kindness and sweetness. At the same time, his friends and family always mention his sense of humor, which has variously been called “hilarious, creative, insightful, surprising, wise, dry, and deep.”

Dennis adored family. He especially loved big family get togethers “back in the day” at his parents’ big, beautiful home in Niskayuna, with his close cousins Darcy and Holly and various other cherished family members. He loved ski trips at the family’s cabin at Stowe, and summers at the lake. He took his family’s Scottish connections seriously, and he and his brother Jim savored their annual trip to the Scottish Games—wearing the Anderson clan’s tartan proudly.

Dennis McCafferty will be deeply missed. Friends and family will gather for a wake from 4 pm to 6 pm, on Monday, December 13 at the Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Facemasks will be required. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Tuesday, December 14 at St. Anthony’s Church, 331 Seward Place, Schenectady. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Village Cemetery, Garrett Road, Ballston Spa.

Karen A. Delcoure 67, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 with her loving husband and daughter by her side, after a courageous fight with Glioblastoma for the past five months. She was born in Geneva, NY on June 28, 1954 to Francis and Margaret Kalwa. A graduate of Ballston Spa High School, she received her Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University.

Karen was a pharmacist at Albany Medical Center for 27 years and later at Walgreens and Saratoga Hospital retiring in 2014. She enjoyed playing tennis, swimming, golfing, biking, and participated in many triathlons. Pickle ball was her favorite sport and she played regularly with her pickle ball besties. She went to many girls night out with her Ballston Spa Classmates and kept in contact with her pharmacy co-workers.

Karen was always ready for a new adventure and every year her and her daughter visited Sanibel Island in Florida. Karen and her daughter were best friends and had a very strong beautiful relationship and bond. Together they traveled to many places seeking new experiences and creating amazing memories. Karen and her husband were frequent visitors to The Villages in Florida where they played many rounds of golf together. She treasured her family and friends and all the memories they shared together.

She was predeceased by her parents. Karen is survived by her husband Edward and their daughter Bridget; her sister Kathleen Kalwa and her husband Frank Preda; and her beloved 14 year old dog Butterball.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, December 1 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10am on Thursday, December 2 at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake. Burial will follow in Jonesville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Karen may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, PO Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 or Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

Roenell B. Welch 90, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Woodsville, New Hampshire on March 7, 1931 to Aaron and Lena Welch. He served in the US Army.

Roenell was a trucker for many years, traveling across the country. An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and four wheeling. In 1972 he built a camp in Speculator, NY where he enjoyed cutting wood and being in the great outdoors.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary E. Welch, second wife Laura Jean Welch, sons Robert Welch and Bruce Welch, daughter Diane Welch, and brother Alex Welch. Roenell is survived by his children Carol Ryan-Grimes (Dale), Susan Genevick (Frank), and Kenneth Welch; his partner Rosalind Miller; stepdaughters Betty Jean Mihill and Laura Lee Scala; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 10am Wednesday, November 24 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.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga for the loving care and compassion given to Roenell. They would also like to thank Longfellows and the O’Brien Inn for the meals they donated to the family through Hospice.

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