Obituaries

Brett W. Bydairk, 69 passed away suddenly on February 11, 2021. Brett was born in Chicago, IL and lived in Connecticut, Idaho, California and Hawaii before his military parents moved to Ballston Spa in 1962. Brett graduated from Ballston Spa High School as well as the University of South Carolina.

He worked for the state of South Carolina for over 30 years before returning to Ballston Spa in 2007. Brett also served in the United States Air Force. He was a music enthusiast and enjoyed performances at his beloved Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. He was happy to be the Caffe historian and took great satisfaction in maintaining the archives. Brett was also an avid reader and book collector. He maintained an extensive collection of books.

Brett was a proud brother, uncle and loyal friend. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Lois (Kiper) Bydairk and a brother Tracy W. Bydairk. Brett is survived by his sister Wendy Bydairk and her husband, Michael Zimmerman of North Andover, MA; niece Eliza Zimmerman and her husband Mark Suscovich of Duxbury, MA, niece Maxie Zimmerman of N. Andover, MA; and his lifelong best friend Mike Norton of Dublin, PA.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Brett may be made to Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Robert E. Holmes II, 76, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. He was born in Glens Falls, NY on April 4, 1944 to Robert and Annis Holmes. He served in the US Navy on the USS Wilkinson.

Bob was the owner and operator of Razor Inn in Albany, where he was a barber for over 50 years. His customers were like family to him and he enjoyed sharing stories with them throughout the years. He was a lifetime member of the Clifton Park Elks helping with many events and activities. In his free time Bob liked to hunt and fish, and spend time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Annis Holmes and his sister Ada Cross. Bob is survived by his wife Rene, and their children Robert Holmes III (Lorie), Shelley Farone (Christian) and Dan Holmes (Amy); grandchildren Jessica, Samantha, Robert IV, and Lily; sister Karen Havens; and his beloved dog Suzy.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, February 15 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. A service with military honors will be held 11:30am Tuesday, February 16 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Clifton Park Elks, 695 McElroy Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Lois Short, 94, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2021 with her daughters, kitties and friends by her side.

Lois was born on May 14, 1926 near Scranton, PA to Helen and George Cowperthwait. They moved to the area by the time she was five eventually graduating from Ballston Spa High School. After graduation, Lois attended Boston University receiving an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising.

After WWII, she met and married William Short, born in Ballston Spa. They lived in Washington DC while Bill finished his education. They returned to Ballston Spa, eventually building their forever home, which she cherished and where she spent her final days.

She worked at GE for several years before raising her two daughters. She then joined the Ballston Spa Central School district as a teaching assistant at the Wood Road School in the reading department where she worked until her retirement. Summers, Lois worked for Ballston recreation committee teaching the grades 3-5 arts and crafts class. She was also a 4H leader where her specialty was teaching sewing.

Later, Lois continued her pursuit of creative endeavors making decorative eggs, boxes, barrettes, and homemade cards for all occasions sending them to countless friends and relatives. Not long ago, she had a successful Treasure Keeper’s booth at a local church fair.

In recent years, she was a member of Saratoga Arts where she showed and sold her work Lois loved her pets which, over the years included dogs and cats as well as the kids’ hamsters, gerbils, and birds. Throughout the years, she had numerous cats find her home and her generous spirit, and with the help of others, find a permanent home. Besides the 4-legged friends, Lois was an avid gardener and nature lover. Her yard was a haven for insects, birds, and wildlife. Her flowers were a joy she shared with others.

Lois was predeceased by her parents, sisters, and husband, William. She is survived by her daughters, Jill Rogalskyj, husband Peter, grandchildren Nate, Sophie, and George; and Pam Short, husband Kevin Williams, grandchildren Zachary, Benjamin and Johnathan; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

Lois treasured her friends throughout the years. She felt so blessed to have so many caring and kind people in her life.

Lois’ family would like to thank the many people who have touched mom’s life over the years, community hospice for their care, and the many friends and home caregivers who have made her wishes possible to stay in her home until she chose to join the angels. You know who you are and we are forever grateful to you.

A calling hour will be held from 10am to 11am on Tuesday, February 9 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A funeral service will follow at 11am. Burial will be in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Social distancing and facemasks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lois to Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or Woofs for Warriors, Inc. PO Box 2466, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Marguerite Sulzman (Meg), 71, of Ballston Spa, NY passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Meg was born Marguerite Delia Lavoie on October 12, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Edgar and Doris (Litterer) Lavoie. She grew up in Lynbrook, NY and attended Lynbrook High School (’67). She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Ithaca College (’71) and a Master’s Degree in Education from Russell Sage College. She taught 4th grade for several years at St. Jude the Apostle School in Wynantskill before working at Albany ARC where she dedicated over 15 years to assisting adults with disabilities. In 2004 she moved to Tampa, FL to teach middle school and to be close to three of her children. Meg returned to upstate New York in 2008 and to Albany ARC until her semi-retirement. She spent the last several years at Kids First Child Care in Ballston Spa. She was dedicated to the children and found great joy in caring for them.

Meg was the devoted and loving mother of David Sulzman, Heather Sulzman (Chris Williams), Jennifer (Ian) Gertler, and Meredith (Michael) Tower; grandmother to Noah and Lyle Sulzman, Frances Williams, Jonathan and Andrew Gertler, and Delia and Liam Tower. She is also survived by her brother Michael Lavoie, nieces, nephews and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law that she loved dearly.

Meg was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa. She enjoyed participating in a play readers group at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Troy. She was an avid reader and trivia buff so much so that she was a 5x Jeopardy winner in 1974. She enjoyed traveling and attending Broadway shows. Meg loved to shop and never met a pair of shoes she didn’t like. She never turned down a game of Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit with anyone willing to play knowing who the winner would likely be. Most of all she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a future date at Christ Episcopal Church when the world is a little safer and family and friends can travel and gather safely. Donations to the Christ Church Food Pantry in her memory would be appreciated.

Gladys M. Caputo 93, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, NY on February 25, 1927 to Walter and Mary Oleksiak.

Gladys worked for UMI in Malta for several years. In her younger years, she enjoyed dancing and listening to music and later watched dancing on TV. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and visits with her beloved granddogs Rufus and Fiona.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank, son in law Glenn Bowers, Sr. and her ten brothers and sisters. Gladys is survived by her daughters Francine Snyder (Edmund) and Patricia Bowers; grandchildren Kristina, Glenn Jr. (Kristie), Betsy (Jon), Ed (Angela) and Mandie (BJ); great grandchildren Michaela (Christopher), Aubrey, Steven, Kodie, Siarra, Payton, Sidney and EJ; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 5 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Funeral services will be held 11am Saturday, February 6 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gladys may be made to Community Emergency Corp, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Andrea for her compassionate care of Gladys.

Kathleen A. Mattrazzo 72, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 30, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, NY on September 28, 1948 to Joseph and Dorothy Grose.

Kathy worked for Campito Plumbing and Heating in Latham for over fifty years. Her home was decorated for every holiday and she loved to entertain and cook for her family and friends. Kathy was always ready for a cocktail and a good time.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years Rick; sisters Dolores “Dee” Scotti and Diane Grose; brother in law Anthony Mattrazzo; sister in law Barb Mattrazzo; nieces and nephews Christopher, Kevin, Anthony, Rhonda, Jimmy, Erika, Jeremy, and Markie.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, February 3 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 9:30am Thursday, February 4 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Burial will be in Factory Village Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Kathy may be made to the Community Ambulance Corp, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or Division of Strength c/o Sabrina Mosseau, 11 Village View Bluff, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

The family would like to thank Dr. Valentine and all of the nurses and staff at Saratoga Oncology for their care and compassion.

Sean H. Riccio 51, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. He was born in Albany, NY on August 4, 1969. Sean worked for Telecom in Schenectady for several years. Sean liked to be outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He was a CB Radio operator, “Tiny” was his handle. He had a talent for tinkering and making all kinds of gadgets. He loved his dog Massey and watching TV.

Sean is survived by his wife Kim; children Doreen Riccio, Samantha Wood (Heath Blowers), Myron Woodbeck (Hannah Mattison), and Melinda Britton; granddaughters Paiten and Harper; mother and stepfather Patricia and Edward Gradwell; father Alfred Riccio; sister Sheryl Weidman Persons (Kenneth); brother Darren Riccio (Jodie); and nieces and nephews Noah, Mary, Madison, Darrian, and Nadeau (Michael).

A celebration of Sean’s life will be held on Monday, February 1 from 3pm to 6pm at Kings Inn, 6 McDonald Avenue, Schenectady. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

William E. Reid, Jr. 90, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021. He was born in Amsterdam, NY to William and Blanche Reid, Sr. A graduate of SUNY Cobleskill and Cornell University, Bill was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the US Air Force.

Bill was a plant manager at Stewarts for 35 years, retiring in 1988. He was a life member of the Rock City Falls Volunteer Fire Dept, where he served as Fire Commissioner. He was also a member of the Sanitarians Association and the Greenfield Masonic Lodge. Whether he was camping, hunting, or gardening, Bill loved the great outdoors. He liked to travel and was an avid do it yourselfer.

He was predeceased by his brother Robert Reid, stepbrothers Alan Howe and David Howe, son in law Stephen Shearer and daughter in law Jennifer Reid.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years Lillian and their children, Terry Reid (Thelma), Melanie Shearer, William R. Reid (Lori), Daniel Reid (Lisa) and Andrew Reid; grandchildren Gretchen, Heidi, Derek, Eric, Jona, Naomi, and Jared; siblings Donald Reid, Holly McLaughlin, Carol Dansberger, and Noel Reid; and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, January 27 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. A graveside service will be held at Rock City Falls Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bill may be made to the Milton Eagles Volunteer Fire Dept. PO Box 25, Rock City Falls, NY 12863.

Frederick L. Harris Sr. 85, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021. He was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on January 5, 1936 to Leon and Wilda Harris. He served in the US Army.

Fred worked several jobs over the years, including Standard Furniture, Saratoga Harness Track, Quality Gas, and Cudney’s Dry Cleaning, where he retired from. He enjoyed Nascar, camping, taking long drives, playing games with friends and spending hours in the garage fixing things. Fred was a member of the Eagles Club in Saratoga Springs and VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Eleanor; stepson Rusty Palmateer, Jr., sister Joan Reed and brother Paul Harris. Fred is survived by his son Fred Harris, Jr. (Jan) of Ballston Spa; daughter in law Mary Ellen Palmateer of Saratoga Springs; stepson Ricky Palmateer (Crystal) of Ballston Spa; his beloved grandchildren Brittany King (Shaughn), Jessica Macchi (Todd), Rusty Palmateer III, Sarah Smith (Steve) and Melisa Colvin; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion Florence Lenz.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, January 26 from 9am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Facemasks and social distancing are required. A private service will follow. Burial with military honors will be in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Fred may be made to Union Fire Co #2, PO Box 145, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Jessie Anabel (Edwards) Beninati passed away peacefully on January 20, 2021. She was 99 years old. She was the daughter of Rachel (Uecker) and Tracy Edwards and was born on August 7, 1921. She grew up with her brother Carl in the north end of Ballston Spa, sledding across the Blue Mill Bridge, smelling chocolate from Bischoff’s Chocolate Factory and roller skating across the Bachellerville Bridge in Edinburgh. She saw Amelia Earhart during a stop in the village and she rode horses whenever she could.

She married Louis Beninati after WW II, raised her three daughters in the house that they built together on Lewis Street, and lived independently in that home, until recently. She lived her entire life in Ballston Spa, while she traveled the US and the world.

She worked at Caplan’s Style Shop in her youth and the Ballston Spa Central School District until retirement. She was a leader and president of the local Girl Scout Council. She shared her love of the outdoors, birds (especially the chickadees at her feeder), gardening, hiking and her independent spirit with her children.

She was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, her husband, Louis and her daughter, Sally Van Alstyne. She is survived by her daughters Carol Bennett and LouAnn Beninati and her son in law Robert Van Alstyne. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and their families, Robert L (Boo) and Tammy Van Alstyne , Jennifer Bennett, Tracy and Steve Russo, David and Elise Bennett, Troy Coutrayer and Lisa Vestiwig, LaWanda and John Legault, Elaina and Jermaine Armstead, Jesse Coutrayer and Ashley Baschand, and 11 great grandchildren, Bobby, Stephen, Ben, Sebastian, Max, Brooke, Kalob, Brandon, Cameron, Clark and Milo.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Home of the Good Shepherd for their gentle care over the past three years. Due to COVID-19, services will be scheduled at a later date. Those wanting to honor Jessie’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to Robin’s Nest Children’s Center 20 Allen Street Burlington, VT 05401, or the Home of the Good Shepherd 400 Church St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Margaretta “Mickey” N. Kilburn, 89, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021. She was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on October 15, 1931 to George and Palmina Curcio.

Mickey worked for the Saratoga County Department of Probation retiring after many years of service. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards and knitting. She was a proud member of the Nutty Knitters Club. She also enjoyed playing Mexican Train and solving Sudoku puzzles. Mickey loved family gatherings and spending time with all her children and grandchildren. Mickey was special and loved by everyone she touched and knew her. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband Kenneth Kilburn, Jr., brother Frank Curcio, sister Nancy Knowlton and grandson Travis Benson. Mickey is survived by her children Kenneth Kilburn III (Sue), Stuart Kilburn (Tracy), Scott Kilburn Sr. (Alice) and Jaye-Anne West; grandchildren Sarah, Allie (Jason), Anthony, Tyler, Scott II, Kyle, Tanya and Ryan; great grandchildren Norah, Hudson, Luke, Keira, Silas and Jasper; sister Mollie VanWagner; a brother in law; many sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, January 22 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 9:30am Saturday, January 23 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Social distancing and face masks are required.

Special thanks to the staff at Eddy Village Green Cohoes for the exceptional care given over the past several years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mickey may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

Anne Marie Bennison 100, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021. She was born in College Point, NY on March 11, 1920 to Harold and Hazel Bennison.

She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute, Amsterdam and the College of St Rose, Albany. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was selected as “most friendliest” in her graduating class at St. Rose. Anne was a teacher and taught business in Stillwater, Canajoharie and Red Hook Schools. She retired from Red Hook in 1976 as a Guidance Counselor.

A devote Catholic, Anne was the heart of the family. She and her mother were avid baseball fans. She loved to travel and enjoyed a good party. She was an extraordinary lady who was a friend to everyone she met. She had her opinions but was never judgmental. A devoted daughter, she took care of her mother and volunteered at the nursing home in order to care for her mother while she was a resident there. Anne was a true role model to her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings William (Muriel), Robert (Patricia), Richard (Phyllis), and Charles (Jean), and a nephew Robert. Anne is survived by her siblings John Bennison and Jane Staber (Donald). She was the beloved aunt of William Bennison (Patricia), Muriel Gaw, John Bennison (Debbie), James Bennison (Celia), Charles Bennison (JoAnn), Thomas Bennison, Mary Filiciotto (Frank), Margaret McKenzie (Duncan), Joseph Bennison, Mary Koehler (Robert), Elizabeth Turlington, Patrick Bennison (Elizabeth), Peter Bennison (Jana) and Cindy Bennison. She is also survived by 22 grand nieces and nephews, and 14 great grand nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Amsterdam on a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Anne may be made to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 or St Christopher Church, 7411 S. Broadway Red Hook, NY 12571.

The family would like to thank the staff from the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs for their loving care of Anne.

Thomas James Orologio, 66, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 17, 2021 surrounded by his family. Tom was blessed to be able to spend the last six months at home with all his children and grandchildren.

Thomas was born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 20, 1954 to Anthony and Polly Orologio. He graduated from Ballston Spa High School. Tom was an Army veteran and served in Germany during the Vietnam War.

Thomas worked for the Watervliet Arsenal for over twenty years, retiring in January of 2019. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 234 in Ballston Spa. Tom was an avid motorcycle, Nascar, and Budweiser enthusiast. He will be dearly missed and forever instilled in our hearts.

Thomas was predeceased by his mother, Polly Orologio. He is survived by his three children Christian Orologio (Tina), Sarah Orologio, and Elizabeth Orologio; his beloved grandchildren Grace Orologio, Bella and Julius Yates, and Dean Thomas Beck; his 94 year old father, Anthony Orologio; the mother of his children, Pamela Brown Orologio; three brothers, Timothy, Anthony, and James; a niece, many nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, January 21 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 9:30am Friday, January 22 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Social distancing and face masks are required.

Alfred J. Loya, Jr. 55, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. He was born in Ballston Spa, NY on March 13, 1965 to Alfred and Sally Loya, Sr.

Al was a jack of all trades and worked as an auto glass installer for many years. He enjoyed taking a ride on his Harley, drinking a bottle of cold Sprite, and truck rides with his dogs. Al was the kind of guy who would tell you like it is, with a little sarcasm. His family was his greatest treasure and he enjoyed all the fun times they spent together.

He was predeceased by his parents Al and Sally, his sister Kimberly and his nephew Timmy. Al is survived by his wife Bunsong; his daughters Kendra Loya (Melissa) and Josalin Morris (Casey); granddaughter Scarlett; siblings Carol Phillips, Chad Loya, and Heather Loya; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held on a later date, when we are all able to get together. Memorial contributions in memory of Al may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.