Obituaries

James (Jim) Edward Breese, 89, of Ballston Spa, NY, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in the comfort and care of his loving family.

James was born on September 14, 1930 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the son of the late George Edward Jr. and Claire Adeline (Layfield) Breese. Jim had the unique good fortune of two twenty-year career paths; with his first career as Master Chief SPCM E-9 with the US Navy and his second career as a nuclear refueling specialist with General Electric at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories in Niskayuna, New York. On June 18, 1955, he married the former Ruth Ellen Strickler in Goshen, Virginia, and together they shared a loving and devoted union of 62 years together.

Jim was an avid sportsman, an active member of the Horse Hunt Club, Hatch Brook Hunt Club, and numerous golf associations. Jim excelled at golfing, hunting, fishing, and cribbage. Jim would brighten any room he entered with his wry sense of humor, commanding presence, and his no nonsense conversation. His optimistic view of life was simply stated by him saying things were “SUPER”. It is this quality of reassurance that he will always be remembered for, along with his signature impressive handshake.

Jim is survived by his three children, Kimberly (Benjamin) Gottfried of Richfield Springs, NY; David Breese and partner Tracey Laniewski of Northville, NY; Alan (Lisa) Breese of Columbia, SC and their three daughters, Samantha, Hannah and Amanda also of Columbia, SC; a brother Richard Breese of Colorado and a sister Cordie Eddy of Bradford, PA; his special friend and neighbor Beverly Valenti; as well as several other good friends and hunting buddies.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth, in December 2017.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, 1201 Hardscrabble Road, Cassville, NY 13318 www.freedomguidedogs.org in memory of James Breese.

Deborah M. Bailey 62, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. She was born on May 6, 1958 in Niskayuna, NY to Joseph and Bertha Felso. Her greatest joy was her family and she treasured the time she spent with them.

She was predeceased by her husband Bruce Bailey, son Scott Quinlivan, and her mother Bertha Felso. Deborah is survived by her children Sheila Quinlivan, Shannon Ciafardo (Alberto), Vanessa Stanko (Phil), and Charles Quinlivan (Stacy); her grandchildren Kailee, Giovanni, Guliano, Caitlyn, Kyle, Lucas, Olivia, Alex and Odin; father Joseph Felso; siblings Joseph Felso, Donna Brownell and Christine Kulls; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, August 2 from 1pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A private family service will follow.

Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Judith Ann Stemp Powers, age 77, passed away on Thursday, July 23. Judy was born in Cohoes on September 29, 1942 to Molly Pelesz Stemp and Charles Frederick Stemp.

She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband of over 50 years, Thomas J. Powers. Judy is survived by her treasured children, Jennifer S. Powers Rutkey and Thomas J. Powers, Jr.; her cherished grandchildren, Ellie and Izzy Rutkey, and Jonah and Jade Powers Kulpa, who were her pride and joy; her dearest siblings Joyce (Mark) Pascale, Sandra Wilcox, Susan (Thomas) Libbos, Frederick (Anne) Stemp, Donald (Mary Jo) Stemp, Janet (John) Lengsfelder, and Eric (Tisia) Stemp; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and her lifelong friend, Donna Gotsch.

She was a 1960 graduate of Cohoes High School. Upon graduation, Judy began working at RPI as a secretary, where she met Tom. In 1968, she married Tom and they moved to Claverack, New York where they lived and raised their two children until 2002, when they relocated to Ballston Spa, New York to be closer to their grandchildren. During her time in Claverack, Judy opened her own craft store, Judy’s Craft Shop, in an old barn behind their home. This was a perfect career for Judy, as it allowed her to remain close to home to care for her children. Judy’s Craft Shop was a family business where Tom and their children regularly helped in the shop and attended craft shows as Judy’s helpers. Judy had many fond memories of traveling with the Gotsch family to craft shows each summer.

In 1997, Judy began her third, and favorite, career as a grandma, providing childcare for Ellie and Izzy. She always said that caring for her grandchildren was the best thing she ever did and the thing of which she was most proud. Judy was a caretaker her entire life, starting with her seven beloved and cherished younger siblings, then her husband and children, her grandchildren, and even her next-door neighbors, the Poirier Family. Judy became very close with the Poiriers, who were like family to her. Ronda, Jason, Matthew, Michael, and Joseph provided Judy with everything from help around the house to love and friendship.

Family was the most important thing to Judy, and being with her family made her the happiest. In the 1970s and 1980s, Judy, Tom, Jennie, and Tommy spent every summer at Burden Lake with their large extended families, the Powers and the Stemps (fondly known as the Stempede). Family traditions were very important to Judy. She began the tradition of making homemade photo calendars showcasing memories from the year as Christmas gifts for each of her children and grandchildren. Judy hosted Thanksgiving every year, and, after Jennie’s birth in December of 1970, she started a family Christmas and birthday celebration hosted annually the Saturday before Christmas that has continued for 50 years. The party began as a celebration of Jennie, Tom, and Tommy’s birthdays, but expanded in 1997 when Ellie was also born in December. Family members travel from near and far to gather for the celebration; parties often saw upwards of 60 guests, and for Judy, the more the merrier. Judy and her sisters, Joyce, Sandy, and Anne, together with family friend Anne Marie, spent countless hours each year creating homemade Christmas ornaments for the family. Making the ornaments was the purpose of their months-long weekly get-togethers, but what was perhaps more important was getting together to share stories of their children and grandchildren. Judy’s memory will live on every year on Christmas trees across the country.

Judy loved to travel, and would go anywhere her family wanted to go. Her favorite destinations included summer trips to the ocean, trips out west to see the West Coast Stemps (especially to Arizona and to gamble in Las Vegas), and, most recently, to the Dominican Republic with her children and grandchildren. Her home away from home was in Utah to visit Tommy, Jonah, and Jade, where she loved to hike, watch Jonah play baseball, and do crafts with Jade, and where she learned to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate cabin life.

Judy loved to read, sit on her porch, play games (especially Words with Friends, Canasta, Scat, SkipBo, and Black Jack), and go for walks. In recent months, Judy spent Friday mornings with the Stemp sisters (and occasionally the Stemp brothers) engaging in a weekly sibling-led yoga class via Zoom.

Special loving thanks to the staff at Saratoga Hospital, especially Dr. Randall Kimball and the compassionate doctors and nurses in the ICU, who cared for Judy in her final weeks and held her hand when her family couldn’t. In lieu of flowers, online donations to the Saratoga Hospital ICU in Judy’s honor and memory would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at the Saratoga Hospital Foundation website (https://www.saratogahospitalfoundation.org/donate-now) by selecting the “other” designation and typing in “ICU.”

Per Judy’s wishes, and due to COVID restrictions, there will be no public wake or funeral. Her family will hold a private celebration of her life to share stories and memories of Judy.

Abagail C. Fitzgerald 78, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She was born in Schenectady, NY on February 1, 1942 to Edward and Catherine Leger.

Abagail was a CNA at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa for many years. After her retirement, she continued to work in the Gift Shop at Maplewood Manor with her best friend Pat Foster. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and watching the birds in her backyard. She loved her pets Ebony, Boots, Marbles, Ivory, and Ruffles.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles Fitzgerald, infant daughter Shannon, grandson Warren Fitzgerald, and siblings Edward, Frederick and Yvonne. Abagail is survived by her children LeRoy Fitzgerald (Marie), Robert Fitzgerald and Shawn Fitzgerald; grandchildren Hunter, Colin, Bobbi Bea, Adam, Amber and Charles; great granddaughters Amaya, Anna, and Isabella; siblings Leonard Leger (Lorraine), Linda Fierro and Celeste Leone (Tony); and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, July 21 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required as per CDC guidelines. A graveside service will be held 10am Wednesday, July 22 at Middle Grove Cemetery, Middle Grove.

Memorial contributions in memory of Abagail may be made to your local ASPCA.

James E. Beagle 60, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020. He was born in Port Hueneme, California on February 27, 1960 and served in the US Army.

Jim worked at Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa for several years. He enjoyed being in the great outdoors, camping, fishing and gardening.

He was predeceased by his father James F. Beagle. Jim is survived by his children Heather Beagle and Erik Beagle; mother and stepfather Charlene Vaughn Waite and Norm Waite; brothers Mark Beagle and Michael Beagle; stepsister Rebecca Whitney; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 2:30pm on Thursday, July 16 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Jean was born in Glenville, NY and was a long time resident in West Charlton and in later years a resident of Wesley Health Care in Saratoga Springs, where after 101+ amazing years she passed away peacefully on Saturday July 11, 2020 with family by her side.

Jean was a lifelong member of the West Charlton Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir for many years. She was an associate member of the Port Orange Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, FL, founding member of the Glenville Hills Garden Club and member of the West Charlton Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary among many other organizations that she volunteered or participated in during the years of raising her four children.

Farming and gardening was a major part of Jean’s life and she loved every part of it. At one time she raised many hundreds of turkeys each year. This happened to be a recent conversation that she had with the staff at Wesley. She enjoyed picking her raspberries and making jam, working in her garden and canning things that she grew. Jean also loved to go camping, escape to Florida for the winters and especially go to Maine for a lobster sandwich. She was a very lovable and friendly person and had many friends. She often spoke of how she never had an ache or pain and never smoked, and figured that contributed to her amazing long life. Jean was extremely devoted to her family and will be greatly missed.

Her favorite bible verse was Psalms 115:12 “The Lord has been mindful of us.”

Jean was also a member of the West Glenville Grange where she met her first husband Ralph J. Arnold at a square dance. They had four children together.

Jean was predeceased by her husbands Ralph J. Arnold and A. Karl Brinkman, and her sister Lois A. Bing.

She is survived by her four children R. Philip Arnold (Lolly) of Amsterdam, David H. Arnold (Kathryn) of West Charlton, Marjorie J. Lombard (William) of Port Orange, FL and Thomas R. Arnold (Jackie) of Ormond Beach, FL; five grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, seven great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew and many cousins.

Funeral services will be private. Due to the Corona Virus a celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be made to the West Charlton United Presbyterian Church, 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton, NY.

Theresa Ann Kondas 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at her home. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 1, 1937 to Vincent and Sophie Rewekant.

Theresa worked for the NYS Department of Tax and Finance. She enjoyed reading, word puzzles and feeding the birds in her backyard. Her greatest joy was her family and she treasured the time she spent with them, cooking meals, playing with her grandkids, nieces, nephews and the family pets, and creating precious memories.

She was predeceased by her parents Vincent and Sophie, and her siblings Agnes, Marie, Eugene and William. Theresa is survived by her husband of 61 years Kenneth Kondas; children JoAnn Malatesta (Thomas), Kenneth Kondas (Bonny Fox), Gerald Kondas (Carolyn) and AnnMarie Gibbons (Howard); grandchildren Christopher, Joseph, Larissa, Tessa, Tyler, Jared, Rebecca, and Hope; brothers Ronald Rewekant (Barbara) and Vincent Rewekant; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, July 8 from 5pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Funeral services will be private with burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Memorial contributions in memory of Theresa may be made to the Humane Society of your choice.

Ann M. Green, 93 of Ballston Spa, passed away on July 3, 2020, at Saratoga Care Rehab and Nursing Home Ctr., Ballston Spa.

Ann was born on July 17, 1926 in Hagaman, NY. Ann is the daughter of the late Hugh and Anna Teeling of Ballston Spa. Ann worked at the Stillwater Knitting Co. of Ballston Spa for many of her early years. Later years, till retirement, she worked at UMI, Rt. 9, south of Saratoga Springs.

Ann enjoyed her pet poodles over the years, Peppe, Ti Ti, and Little Guy with her husband Dick, as well as spending time with their nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, boating, camping and family gatherings.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Theodore (Dick) Green, a brother, William Teeling Sr., sisters, Charlotte Saunders, Helen Arnold and Betty Nicolella. Survivors are her sister, Bridget Tuttle of Ballston Spa and many nieces and nephews.

Private funeral arrangements have been made by family.

Hope Geisler passed away peacefully on July 1st at home with her husband by her side after a long illness. Hope was born July 23, 1953 in Jamestown, NY.

After graduation from college, Hope attended the University of Pittsburgh receiving her M.A. in Political Science. She then attended Syracuse University, the Maxwell School, advancing her graduate studies. After her graduate work, Hope worked for a number of non-profit organizations, before working in the New York State Senate.

Hope had several accomplishments, including being a classically trained flutist and culinary arts. She trained under Murray Panitz, first flutist for the Philadelphia Orchestra. She graduated later in life from Schenectady Community College with an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management. Her dream was to own and manage a resort in the 1000 Islands in Upstate New York.

Hope had a love for animals, especially her cats and butterflies, music, politics, preserving civil war battlefield sites, and Native American issues, especially the education and safety of the children. She loved to spend her summers at the Thousand Island Park, spending time with friends, boating on the St Lawrence River, and reading.

Respecting Hope’s wishes funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Hope may be made to: APF, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302; and the St Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326.

Frances A. Flanagan, 75 passed away on June 30, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Syracuse, NY on December 3, 1944.

Frances worked as a nurse’s aide at the St. John Neumann Residence in Saratoga Springs for many years. She enjoyed camping and fishing. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her beloved grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank Flanagan, III, son in law Kelly Collins, and grandson BJ Brown. Frances is survived by her children Frank Flanagan IV (Patty), Debra Gaba (James), Doreen Collins and Angel Sargen (Matthew); grandchildren Benjamin (Gwen), Dani (Joel), Frank (Kassie), Jimmy, Cody (Kateri); and great grandchildren Damian and Hannah.

A private family service will be held. Frances will be laid to rest with her husband and soul mate Frank in Middle Grove Cemetery.

Elizabeth (Lisa) A. Hazlett passed unexpectedly from this life on Thursday, June 25th, 2020 at the age of 65. She was the wife of William and cherished mother of two sons, Ryan and Andrew. Born July 3rd, 1954 to Joseph (Buddy) and Helen Gross. She resided in Clarks Summit, PA with her brothers Joe, John, Bill, and Jim along with her sisters Tina (Kane), Nancy (Curran) and her late sister Mari.

As a high school graduate she began a career in banking. In 1977 she moved to upstate New York to further pursue her career. This is where she met her to-be husband William (Bill) Hazlett. They married in 1980 and spent their honeymoon traveling Europe and traveled often in the years after. In 1984, Lisa gave birth to her first child Ryan Christopher and in 1989 she birthed her second child, Andrew William.

Being at home with her children as they grew gave her a tremendous amount of joy, along with rooting for her beloved Penn State Nittany Lions football and her favorite race horses.

Whether it was driving to the boy’s baseball games, handwriting hundreds of Christmas cards every year, or entertaining her three grandchildren - Brody, Ian, Andy - she was a woman with a kind heart who always thought of others before herself. Her loss is devastating to all who knew and loved her.

On behalf of family and friends – we LOVE you and you will be missed greatly.

To celebrate her life the family will be holding a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an addiction recovery organization or facility in your area.

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Frank Conte of Ballston Spa, NY on June 22, 2020. Frank was born on October 29, 1940 in Ballston Spa, NY; he graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1958. He then served in the U.S. Air Force and attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He was employed in various capacities by the State of New York for 34 years, most recently as a Management Analyst for the Department of Environmental Conservation.

He is the beloved father of Jennifer Stevens and Christofer Conte (Melissa) and was a proud “Papa” to his adored grandsons Nicholas Frank and Anthony Christofer who were the joy of his life. He shared many years of happiness with his cherished life partner of 27 years, Diane Lawrence. He was a brother to Richard (Arlene) Conte and dear uncle and godfather to Rachael Conte Naglestad (Markus), Michele Conte Waalkes (Michael), Mark Conte (Cindy), Douglas Conte, and several great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers Joseph Conte (June) and Bartolo Conte.

Frank’s gentle, thoughtful ways made him well-loved by all who met him. His passions were the mountains and spending time in nature. He and Diane hiked and traveled all over the world.

His interests included music; each year attending the Jazz Festival and the classical performances at SPAC, literature, photography, archeology and old movies. He enjoyed practicing Tai Chi, having adventures with his grandchildren and spending time with loved ones. He was a shining light and anchor for all his family; he will be missed profoundly. He is loved deeply.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, June 25 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and masks will be required per CDC guidelines. A private burial will be held at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Adirondack Mountain Club, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845, www.adk.org , WMHT, 4 Global View, Troy, NY 12180-8375, www.wmht.org , or Doctors without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org

With an excerpt from one of his favorite poems, we say goodbye for now:

“Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.” -Mary Oliver

John Maselli, 89 years old, died peacefully at home on Father’s Day, June 21. Mourning his loss and celebrating his life are his wife of 62 years, Georgiana, his daughter Suzanne, her children, Sophia and Johnny, his son Michael, wife Kimberlee, and their children, Nicole and Kristen.

Nothing was more important to John than his family. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, demonstrating concern, patience, tolerance, wisdom and humor every day of his life.

John grew up in Ohio as one of seven children. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He graduated from Kent State University. He had a successful career with the state of New York.

A memorial service will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Aavo Merend 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2020. He was born in Paide, Estonia on January 21, 1934 to Andres and Malle Merend.

As a boy, he and his family fled the Soviet occupation of Estonia and lived for five years in various refugee camps in Germany. His family emigrated to the United States in 1949, settling in Queens, NY. He earned his master’s degree in engineering from Columbia University, followed by a PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He worked as an engineer at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna for 36 years, retiring in 1996.

Aavo was active in the Albany-Schenectady Estonian Association. He had a life-long passion for photography, his favorite subjects being family and nature. In his retirement years, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to Europe and many destinations in the United States. He also loved gardening and maintained beautiful gardens around his home. He took special interest in the development of the gardens around Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville, NY, where he was a member of the congregation.

He was predeceased by his parents, Andres and Malle, and a brother Mati Merend. Aavo is survived by his wife of 57 years, Enel (Karmo) Merend, and their children Helve Saarela of Wilbraham, MA, Tia Thomson (Raymond Jahn) of Warwick, NY, and Anne Liivak (Andres) of Hillsborough, NJ; as well as brother Toivo Merend (Judy) of Peekskill, NY. Aavo was the cherished grandfather of Andrew, Johanna, Kristi, Erik, Helina, Emma, and Tomas.

A private memorial service will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Aavo may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (www.goodshepherdglenville.com), or to the Estonian American Fund (www.eafund.org).