Obituaries

Arthur H. Gifford 59, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2020. He was born in Schenectady, NY on May 4, 1960 to Julian and Maxine Gifford. Arthur worked in the construction business for many years. He enjoyed going fishing and hanging out with his good ol’ friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Julian and Maxine and his brother Jeff. Arthur is survived by his siblings Brian Gifford (Bunny), Beverly Pritchard (Tim), Lisa Gifford and Kevin Gifford; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date.

Michael C. Capasso, 71 passed away on April 19th, 2020 at Saratoga Hospital. Michael was born in Ballston Spa, NY to James A. Capasso and Marguerite "Toots" Capasso. Michael spent most of his life in his hometown of Ballston Spa. He served in the US Air Force.

Michael worked for the Village of Ballston Spa, Department of Public Works. Michael was awarded Rural Water Associations Water Superintendent of the Year before his retirement from the DPW.

Michael was a member of the American Legion Henry Cornell Post #243, and a member of the NRA. He was also a Scout Master for Boy Scouts Troop 1 for several years.

Michael loved to spend time outdoors, hunting, fly fishing and camping. He also enjoyed wood working. He was part of a country line dancing group called Jackie's Country Twisters that performed for local nursing homes and county fairs. Michael also liked spending time with his cousin, Gary at Dakota Ridge Farm, where he enjoyed watching the llamas.

Michael was predeceased by his wife, Barbara. He is survived by his stepmother, Marion Capasso; sons Michael A. Capasso, Chris Minett (Carolyn), Jerry Minett (Amy) and step daughter Cynthia Smith; grandchildren Heather (Peter), Krystina, Logan, Lauren, Angelica, Anthony, Jeanah and Autumn; siblings Pete Thompson (Janice), Milt Thompson (Diane), James Capasso (Sue) and Fran Dobroski (Bill) and his biggest joy near the end of his life was his great grandson Bryce Minett aka "Rocky". He will be greatly missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews along with his community of friends and loved ones.

There will be a private ceremony for immediate family, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the DCI Rubin Dialysis Center located at 59C Myrtle Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 marked as
“In the care of Heather Novak”.

Anna Ruth Jenkins, 92, of Circle Drive in Porters Corners peacefully died in her sleep, April 15, 2020 at Wesley Nursing Home in Saratoga Springs.

She was born on December 2, 1927 in the town of Greenwich to Ruth Eddy and James Wilson, and was raised by her loving grandmother and grandfather. On May 2, 1970, Anna married Charles Jenkins in North Hampton, NY.

Anna was the Head Housekeeper at Saratoga Hospital for many years prior to her retirement in the 1980’s. She was a member of the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Co Auxiliary for over 10 years. Anna enjoyed working on crafts, her gardens, tending her roses and walking. Anna was a huge animal lover, she loved spending time with her dogs and spoiling them.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Charles, brother William Eddy, grandson Zachariah Jenkins, daughter-in-law Jean Jenkins, brothers in law and sisters in law George Jenkins, Ethel Bovee, Louisa Jenkins, Eliza Solman, Aida Sutliff, Cassie Jenkins, Ida Mudge, Muriel Dunn, Frank Jenkins, Thomas Goodnow, Joel Jenkins, Lewis 'Pat' Jenkins and Betty Saunders.

Anna is survived by her daughters Bonnie Jenkins and her companion Michael Manzo of Corinth, Beverly Croteau and her husband Rhett of Malta, Toni Parker and her husband Gary of LA, Becky Sitts and her husband Brad of Corinth, April O'Reilly and her husband Jimmy of Corinth; her sons Forest Bevins and his wife Donna of Queensbury, Bruce Jenkins of Corinth, Joseph Jenkins and his wife Janet of Saratoga Springs; 17 grandchildren Nicholas Bevins, Sarah Bevins, Daniel Shipski, Matina Shipski, Billy Jenkins, Autumn Jenkins, Amanda Jenkins, Gary Charles Holmes, Timothy Holmes, Kasandra Jenkins, Alicia Brown, Ashley Deloriea, Emma O'Reilly, Brittany Sitts, Brandon Sitts, Desiree Drindak, and Tara Miosek; 19 great grandchildren Caleb Jenkins, Alexis Sheen, Cappagnia-Lynne Chase, David Sitts, Lily Sitts, Ava Holmes, Olivia Holmes, Emily Holmes, Issiah Eagle, Gracelynn Eagle, Kadem Eagle, Kylan Jenkins, Adrianna Drindak, Justin Miosek, Ethan Miosek, Zachary Miosek and Gage Thomas; 1 great great granddaughter Noelle Sheen; sister in law Joyce Eddy; brothers in law Max Bevins and Robert Jenkins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date. The family would like you to gather your memories to share at the celebration.

Memorial contributions in memory of Anna may be made to SPCA, 588 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804.

Bruce A. McElroy (Drew) 58, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. He was born in Schenectady, N.Y. on April 27, 1961 to Lt Col. Bruce E. and Mary Lou McElroy. He served in the US Army.

Prior to his retirement, Drew was a Plumber and Steamfitter working for UA Local 7 in Albany, N.Y. and Local 105 in Schenectady, N.Y. for over 30 years. He enjoyed everything outdoors – fishing, camping, hunting and boating. He was always making people laugh with his jokes.

Drew will be deeply missed by his wife Lora Rena McElroy, children Sabrina Perri (Frank) of New City, and Timothy McElroy (Jennifer) of Scotia; 4 Grandchildren Jack, Peter, Frank and Lucas; as well as his 3 sisters Deborah E. Gocha (Nicolas Verderese), Rebecca L. Brower (Evan) and Rachel E. Houghton (Calvin) and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

Patricia A. Joiner 69, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. She was born in the Bronx, NY on March 23, 1951, to Richard and Patricia Hawco.

Patricia worked at several nursing homes in the area and most recently at Shirley’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs for many years. She enjoyed bowling, listening to rock music and having dinner at Pizza Hut.

She was predeceased by her parents Richard and Patricia Hawco and her brother Richard Hawco. Patricia is survived by her husband Bernard; brother Benjamin Hawco (Betty); sister Laura VanSparrentak (Randy); aunt Mary; nieces and nephews Geraldine, Gina, Kenny and Richard; caretaker Frances Mabb; and many friends from New York City and Connecticut.

Funeral services will be held on a later date.

Marvin M. Prival 93, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020 after a short bout with cancer. Marty worked for the NYS Department of Transportation for 37 years and Key Bank before retiring.

Marty loved life. He enjoyed gardening, music of all kinds, and summer vacations in Maine. Marty is survived by his partner John D’Amigo of Malta; sister Miss Toby Dubov of Jupiter, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Per Marty’s request there will be no calling hours. A private service for immediate family and friends will be at a later date.

John would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bruzdzinski, Karen Goodstein, Bill Tofte, Delores Lemieux, and Dr. Arthur Stevens for their care and compassion.

John M. Palus, Jr., 68, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 8, 2020. He was born on June 1, 1951 at the Benedict Memorial Hospital in Ballston Spa to John and Mary Ann Palus.

John graduated from Saratoga Catholic High School and went on to a career with local Chrysler Dealers as Parts Manager. He retired from the Saratoga County DPW.

John was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. In his later years, he preferred sitting by the warm fire and watching the deer and wildlife pass through the yard.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Ann. John is survived by his partner of 37 years Barbara Kerr, sister Mary Ann Palus; brother Joel Palus; his adopted family Kimberly Allen (Brian), Brant Abbernante; grandchildren Robert, Kassandra, and Kristian; great grandchildren Kaeden, Zariyah and Evelyn Rouse; special cousins Edward, John, Michael and Joseph Cisar. He will be especially missed by his yorkie, Duddy.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 12 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 7pm.

The family would like to thank special friends Keith Clinton and Jacob Harrica, Community Hospice of Saratoga, and Dr. Su and his staff at Malta Medical for supporting John during this difficult time.

Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to 4-H Shooting Sports, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Please make check payable to Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Betty Jane Allen, 87, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Betty was born on April 21, 1932 in Ballston Spa, NY and was the daughter of the late Philip and Laura (Ruggles) Dorey. She married Douglas A. Allen in October, 1951 whom she remained in loving union with until his death in October 1997. Several years after his death, she left Ballston Spa to live with her daughter in Florida although she always considered Ballston Spa her home.

She worked secularly early in life, but most of her life was devoted to being a mother and raising a family. She could have sold the pies she baked because they were so good. Friends and family who stopped by would often ask: ‘do you have any warm apple pie?’ In July 1969, she was baptized along with her husband, Doug, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Perhaps because Doug was a local businessman, or for reasons unknown, that event was soon published in the Ballston Journal dated October 2, 1969 along with their picture. They regularly exercised their Christian faith in God and freely shared what they learned about Bible truths with others.

Betty is survived by; son, Douglas (Irene) Allen Jr. of Voorheesville, NY; daughter, Robin (Jim) McGinn of Port St. Lucie, Fl; sisters, Eleanor Fitzgerald and Laura Mitchell, both of Ballston Spa, NY; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters; Julia Clause and Geraldine Bentley; brothers, Philp Dorey, Edward Dorey, and William Dorey.

Burial will be in Powell Wiswall Cemetery in Ballston Spa, NY. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to JW.org.

James Robert Anderson (Jim), aged 71, passed away at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by family and friends on March 2, 2020. He was born in Albany, NY, son of Robert and Jean Yare Anderson on March 20, 1948. He graduated from Burnt Hills High School.

Jim married the love of his life Ida Rougie, in 1968. They recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. In addition to his wife he is survived by daughter Donna Lange (Rodney) of Ballston Spa and son Brenton Anderson (Wendy Welsh) of South Glens Falls. He was much loved by his four grandchildren Morgan, Dylan, Jordan and James and two great grandchildren Natalie and Carter. Also surviving are his two sisters, Judy Kennedy of Wilton and Barbara Brunelle (Bob) of Queensbury and several nieces and nephews.

At the request of the family there will be no services. You may honor his life with a contribution to the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association or a cause of your own choice.

Francis F. Costanzo 81, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. Born in Mechanicville, NY on November 2, 1938, he was the son of Frank and Anna Mae Costanzo. He served in the US Navy.

Frank worked for Ford Motor Co in Green Island for over 25 years, retiring in 1988. After his retirement he went to work on his farm, where he enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. Frank was a member of the Sno Fox Hunting Club and the Sacandaga Chapter of the Harley Riders.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Anna Mae, his sons Francis, Jr. and Anthony, stepson Joseph Pokrzywka and brother Michael Costanzo. Frank is survived by his wife Dorothy; children Vincent Costanzo, Victoria Costanzo and David Costanzo (Susan); stepchildren Henrietta Sherman, Jeff Pokrzywka (Jean), Alex Pokrzywka and Annette Hill (Joe); sister Eileen Lasher; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 3 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 7pm. Burial will be in Ashley Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Frank may be made to the Ashley Cemetery Association.

Donelda A. LaRue, 70, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020. She was born in Keene Valley, NY on December 11, 1949 to Joseph and Geneva LaRue.

Donna was the owner and operator of D and D Antiques. She worked for Bank of America for several years and later was a bus monitor for the Burnt Hills School District.

Donna enjoyed reading mystery novels, bowling, going to the races at Albany Saratoga Speedway, visiting the local fairs, watching the cardinals and pansies in her backyard, her favorite vacation spot Cape Cod, road trips and garage sales.

She was the life of the party and loved music and dancing with her family.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Geneva and her siblings George LaRue, Michael LaRue and Susan LaRue Doyle. Donna is survived by her sons Dennis Warren, Jr. (Kathy) and Darrin Warren (Jay Anderson) and their father Dennis Warren, Sr.; grandchildren Kayla, Derrick and Keely; siblings Alma Getman, Margaret LaRue and Jo-Etta Butler; stepmother Doris LaRue; BFF, caregiver and “sister” Jane DeVarnne; her beloved cat Miss Sassy and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 28 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 7pm. Burial will be in Sweetman Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Donna may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Ford and Community Hospice of Schenectady for their care and compassion.

Daniel Alphonse DeFillippo, 67 passed away on February 20th, 2020. He was born on February 13, 1953 in Wichita Falls, TX to Alphonse and Margaret DeFillippo. Daniel grew up in an Air Force family therefore much of his early life was spent traveling throughout the United States.

Daniel and his family eventually settled in the Village of Ballston Spa where he met his wife Carol Clas, together they had a son Matthew. Daniel spent many years as a respected and trusted construction worker who knew the business inside and out. He forever left his mark by laying foundations for countless homes and businesses throughout the tri-state area and beyond.

His life is defined by many cherished relationships, love of family, and being a good neighbor. Dan had the ability to bring a smile to just about anyone's face. He never fell short on friends, and his unmistakable laugh would announce his presence long before you knew he was in the room.

Daniel is survived by his parents, Alphonse and Margaret DeFillippo of Ballston Spa; Carol DeFillippo of Garner, NC; son Matthew DeFillippo and his family of Phoenix, AZ, step-daughter Denise Jones and her family of Ballston Spa; sisters Patricia Fitzgerald, Donna Kane, Karen Vandy, Deborah Bouchard, and their families all of Ballston Spa, and brother Peter DeFillippo and his family of Florida. He was predeceased by his younger brother David DeFillippo of Ballston Spa.

Calling hours will be open to the public from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Monday, February 24 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc. 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral service and burial will be private. Dan will be laid to rest alongside his brother David in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Daniel may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or Wounded Warrior Project.

On Monday, February 17, 2020, Walter G. DeBevoise, passed away at the age of 86.

Walter was born on July 25, 1933 in Johnstown, NY to Layton and Leila DeBevoise. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. On August 18, 1979, Walter married Anna and together they created a large extended family of nine children.

Walter was a salesman for KC Canary for many years. He was a man of faith who enjoyed the simple things in life a good conversation, coffee time with family and friends, and a home cooked meal. In his travels for work he became familiar with the Adirondacks and dreamed of building a cabin there.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Layton and Leila, his beloved wife Anna, brother Charles DeBevoise and sister Martha Ann Bowers. He is survived by his children Catherine Ann Grabo (Donald), Nancy Weaver (Wayne), Hope DeBevoise (Terri), David Schaperjahn (Kathy), Dennis Schaperjahn (Candace), Delei Lawrence (Michael), Dorrie Papp (Paul), Darren Schaperjahn (Cindy), and Derek Schaperjahn; 20 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 21 from 9am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 11am. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Galway in the Spring.

The family would like to thank the staff of 4 Springs at Wesley Health Care for their care and compassion.

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

Jaye Elizabeth Bowen, 50, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020 in Bradenton, Florida. Jaye was born in Ballston Spa on September 1, 1969. She was the daughter of Gertrude (Emigh) and James W. Bowen Sr.

Jaye graduated from Ballston Spa High School class of 1987. She also graduated as an LPN from the BOCES nursing program and worked in the profession for many years. Jaye had many talents. She was an excellent cook and loved to feed family and friends, she was a talented musician with the ability to play several instruments by ear, she loved singing and sang in the church choir for many years, and like her father she had a passion for cars and car racing.

Jaye loved the ocean and vacationing in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Jaye also enjoyed nature, feeding the birds and animals near her home. She befriended a family of hummingbirds that returned to her home year after year. Jaye’s greatest love was her family, especially her daughter Ashley Emigh Butterworth.

She was predeceased by her father James W. Bowen, Sr. Jaye was survived by her partner Steve Becker of Bradenton, Florida. Steve passed away on February 23, 2020.

Jaye is survived by her daughter Ashley Butterworth (Rob Bull), her mother Gertrude Bowen, her brother James Bowen (Wendy), her sisters Jenelle Bowen (George Lovejoy) and Jennifer Isachsen (Bruce), her nephews and nieces Kristy Bowen (Kyle Wadsworth), Ryan Isachsen (Cassi), Marisa Bowen, Jamie Quillan (Rob), Evan Isachsen and Caitlin Isachsen, her great niece and nephews Tayton Bowen, Nathaniel Isachsen, Maycee Winney, Lincoln Isachsen, Carter Quillan and Devin Rowden, many beloved uncles, aunts and cousins, and several cherished friends.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jaye may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th St. West, Bradenton, Fl 34205 or the charity of your choice.

A service will be held at a date to be announced.