Obituaries

Susan Cinella Pupovac was that teacher — the one that everybody wanted, and no one ever forgot. She also happened to be that sister, that friend, that godmother, that aunt, that babysitter and that mother.

Born in Troy, New York on January 23rd, 1947, Susan began spreading her infectious joy from Mechanicville and Ballston Spa to Clifton Park and eventually Wesley Community in Saratoga. The epitome of kindness, she exuded warmth and radiated tenderness. She wore a permanent smile that could brighten even the darkest of rooms. You may not have known her, but she made your life a little better even after the briefest of encounters. She passed peacefully on September 1st, 2021 surrounded by love and the thing she treasured above all else, her family and friends.

It has long been known that the best, and most accurate way to describe her, was an American Mary Poppins. No, she could not sing. True, she did not know Dick Van Dyke. And sadly, much to her chagrin, she did not befriend any cartoon animals. But she was kind and selfless to a fault. Loved fiercely. And was simply, magical. She truly was practically perfect in every way.

She spread her magic over four decades of teaching kindergarten and babysitting her second children upon retirement. Susan always said that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Susan never worked a day in her life.

There will never be another Susan Cinella Pupovac. Her family and friends already miss her but are fortunate to have had her. She was as unique as the snow she loved to watch fall and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

I am not sure what happens after you are gone. I do not know where she is. But I do know this, wherever she is: she has not stopped talking since she arrived. She is baking something for someone. And everybody already loves her.

In honor of Susan’s memory, she (in a posthumous letter sent to her family) asks that you think of her whenever you are celebrating (no matter the celebration) or at the beach. To have drink for her, as her brother Frank always says, it’s 5 O’clock somewhere. “Even where I am.”

She is preceded in death and reunited with the love of her life Sava Pupovac and her parents Frank and Madelyn Cinella. She is survived by her son Stevan; siblings Peg (husband Scott, children Mark, Todd, Cheri); Francine (husband David, son Michael); Richard (wife Lorilee, children Katie, Jim); Frank (wife Vicki, children Jacqueline, Jennifer); great-nieces and nephews (Krystina, Nicole, Ryan, Scott, CJ, Carly, Abigail) and friends and family too numerous to list, but certainly not forgotten.

Friends can visit with Susan’s family at Armer Funeral Home, Inc. 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa on Friday, September 3rd, from 4PM until 8PM. Mass will be celebrated at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Clifton Park on Saturday, September 4th, at 11AM. In Susan's memory donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and the American Cancer Society.

George A. LaRue, Sr., 62, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021. He was born in Rhinebeck, NY on January 13, 1959 to George and Nancy LaRue.

George was a bus driver for Galway Schools for over twenty years, retiring in 2018. He was a member of the Rock City Falls Volunteer Fire Department and the Providence Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Captain of the Fire Police. George enjoyed hunting and going to the local car and truck shows.
His greatest joy was the time he spent with his family especially his beloved granddaughter Cassidy.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Nancy. George is survived by his wife Paula and their sons George LaRue, Jr and Russell LaRue; granddaughter Cassidy; sisters Debra Meyer (Edmond) and Christine LaRue; brother Smith LaRue (Jodie); and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, September 2 from 1pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions in memory of George may be made to the Providence Volunteer Fire Department.

Donald Gilbert Hauprich passed away peacefully in his Ballston Spa home surrounded by loved ones on August 24, 2021. He was 97.

Born in Albany on February 10, 1924, Donald was the son of Edward Hauprich, Sr. and Sophie (nee Keller) Hauprich. Shortly after graduating from Albany High School in 1942 Donald proudly served in the US Army where he earned the rank of corporal prior to being honorably discharged following World War Two. Having sustained injuries while in northern Africa, his patriotic legacy includes having been a Disabled American Veteran (DAV).

It was during a rehearsal for an Albany Light Opera Company production in 1946 that Donald met and fell in love with Audrey (nee Bopp) with whom he exchanged vows of Holy Matrimony in March 1948. Their two hearts continued beating as one as they welcomed 10 children before settling in Ballston Spa in 1968.

Donald’s hands on approach to parenting during the 1950s and 1960s ultimately earned him accolades as having been “A New Millennium Dad in a Father’s Knows Best World.” (legaciesunlimited.com/PDF/NEW-MILLENNIUM-DAD_IN_A_FATHER-KNOWS-BEST-WORLD.pdf)
The “Dad for All Seasons” celebrated every holiday to the fullest, festively decorating the Hauprich abode and sharing traditions from coloring and bucking Easter eggs to lighting Advent wreath candles leading up to Christmas.

The homestead’s walls also often reverberated with the sounds of music as Donald, who was a self-taught pianist, sang duets with Audrey to the delight of family and friends. For many years the couple also raised their voices in songs of praise and worship as part of the choir at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Ballston Spa.

The former Boy Scout additionally enjoyed singing around campfires with his offspring as well as fishing, hiking, swimming and playing shuffleboard during summer vacations on Lake George where Donald further honed his captivating lifelong storytelling skills. Memories of his bocce ball and ping pong playing adventures abound as do those of him dancing everything from waltzes to polkas to The Bunny Hop and The Hokey Pokey at weddings and other celebrations. Seemingly born with a Green Thumb, the bounty from Donald’s backyard garden was often shared with friends and relatives.

Somehow Donald, who was fondly regarded as “a perpetual ray of sunshine” also found time to commute from Ballston Spa to his full-time electrical maintenance position at SUNY/Albany. After retiring in 1984, he travelled with Audrey to such diverse destinations as Arizona, Gettysburg, PA, Canada and Italy.

Donald was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Edward Hauprich, Jr. and Elinor Hauprich Dougherty as well as by his granddaughter Jennifer Marie Danison.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Audrey Bopp Hauprich; his children, Charlene Reese, Timothy Hauprich, Pamela Irish, Ann Hauprich (Cole Broderick), Francis Hauprich, William Hauprich (all of Ballston Spa), Stephen Hauprich (Nancy) of Cicero, NY, Christopher Hauprich (Joanna) of Ballston Spa, Andrew Hauprich (Sharon) of Schenectady and Mary Reilly (Dave) of New Hampshire. The family tree extends to include 28 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Over the years, Donald was also a beloved honorary “second father” to Marcio de Melo of Brazil, Dave Sherwood of Ballston Spa and the now late Rev. Anthony Maione.

Heartfelt thanks to Mariola Klawender and Joanne Hauprich for their devoted daytime caregiving assistance and to caring overnight aides Nora Bennett and Lynn Bouteiller as well as to Sister Nancy Schmidt of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Rev. Francis Vivacqua and Deacon Ron Hogan of St. Mary’s Church for their spiritual support and to Stephen Pezzulo, MD for his palliative care services.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9:30am Monday, August 30 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Donald may be made to St. Mary’s Church,185 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Kevin Joseph Michael Moran passed away in the comfort of his own home on Thursday, August 19, 2021. He was born in the Bronx, NY on January 25, 1948 to John and Frances (Shattuck) Moran. He spent his early childhood years in the Bronx and then moved to Saratoga Springs with his family as a teenager. He attended St. Peter’s High School where he enjoyed playing football.

Kevin was never interested in working for anyone so he became an independent owner operator, driving tractor trailers across the country. He loved the open road, driving more than one million miles over his career. Kevin loved to travel with his family on the most recent trips to Ireland and China. His greatest joy in his life though was his daughters of whom he was very proud. He loved to come home from his long trips and spend time with them.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 35 years Katherine MacMillin Moran; his daughters Margaret Moran-Taylor (Ryan) of Orlando, FL, Charlotte Moran-Friedrichs (Darin) of Shanghai, China and Mary Kate Moran-White (Brian) of Minneola, Florida; sisters Maureen Sames of Peoria, Illinois, and Ebbie McMaster of Pontiac, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. Kevin was predeceased by his parents and his brothers in law Jack Sames and Roger McMaster.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Kevin may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Francis E. Pochman 78, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021. He was born in Albany, NY on October 31, 1942 to Stephen and Kathryn Pochman.

Frank was an accountant for the NYS Department of Transportation for many years. He enjoyed gardening, going to the Saratoga Racetrack, and spending time in “Club Frankie”. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and great granddaughter and he treasured the time he spent with them.

He was predeceased by his parents and his wife Linda. Frank is survived by his dear friend Patricia McMahon; children Kathleen McShane (Mark), Sandra Dee (Patrick) and Brian Pochman; grandchildren Brittney, Sara, Maggie, Emma, Taylor, Katie, Scotty and Natalie; great granddaughter Maddison; sister Stephanie O’Connell; and his beloved cats Dexter and Dolly.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9:30am on Monday, August 16 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Edward. Memorial contributions in memory of Frank may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga and Tiffany for the compassionate care they gave to Frank.

Maryann A. Thouin, 82, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021. She was born in Niskayuna, NY on April 8, 1939 to Joseph Francis and Anita Thouin. She was a 1961 graduate of the College of St. Rose.

Maryann, “The Marm” as she was affectionately called by her family, taught third grade at Blessed Sacrament School in Albany for 43 years, retiring in 2004. Over her many years of teaching she taught generations of families. Every year her class would put on a school play and she spent countless hours making props and helping her students prepare. She was known for the gerbils she would have in her classroom. Her third graders would learn about caring for pets and she would give them to pet stores or students at the end of the year.

She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Janice Brown. Maryann is survived by her brother Gene Thouin, sisters Jackie Zeglen (Larry) and Donna Pisani (Vic); and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on 10am Friday, August 13 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville. Burial will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Schenectady. Memorial contributions in memory of Maryann may be made to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Carmen Laporta 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. He was born in Syracuse, NY on January 9, 1937. Carmen was a proud graduate of Syracuse University earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. He served in the US Army.

Carmen worked for General Electric Co in Schenectady for many years and then worked as a corporate trainer for Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, retiring in 2004.

Carmen was a master griller and enjoyed cooking for his family. He was an avid Syracuse Basketball and Football fan and never missed a game. In his younger years, Carmen was a boxer and was a loyal fan of Rocky Marciano. He had an incredible sense of humor and many expressions that he often used including “Some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you.”

Carmen is survived by his children Lorrie Hanington (Jeffrey) of Saratoga Springs, David Laporta (Tina) of Burnt Hills, and Sue Malatesta (Jeffery) of Latham; grandchildren Valorie Cook (Jim), Lydia Moran (Pete), Maria Laporta, Carmella Laporta, Anthony Laporta, Giovanni Malatesta, and Angelina Malatesta.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Carmen may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Ronald Sargent, 82, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. He was born in Gilbertsville, NY on September 20, 1938 to William and Geraldine Sargent. Ron worked for many years as a farm hand in Morris, NY. He was predeceased by his sisters Jackie Fake and Olive Loubier. Ronald is survived by his brothers Douglas Sargent, Marvin Sargent and Larry Sargent; and many nieces and nephews. A private family interment will be held at Hillington Cemetery in Morris, NY.

Kenneth H. Plummer, 80, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at his home while working in his garage. He was born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 28, 1940 to J. Howard and Marjorie Plummer.

Ken worked for the Town of Ballston for 25 years, retiring in 1995. He could often be seen outside mowing his lawn or working on his many tractors. The unofficial mayor of Hop City Road, Ken liked to visit with his neighbors and friends who often stopped by to see him and have a cup of coffee. He enjoyed watching the tractor pulls at the Saratoga County Fair and Friday night racing at the Albany Saratoga Speedway in Malta.

He was predeceased by his parents J. Howard and Marjorie Plummer, and his sister Dorothy Jean Gatzendorfer. Ken is survived by his sons Warren Plummer (Cherie) and Kenneth Plummer (Carolyn); grandchildren Adam and Madelynn; great grandson Boux; several nieces and nephews; and his many close friends who looked in on him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 1pm on Thursday August 5, 2021 at Sweetman Cemetery, Sweetman Road, Charlton. Memorial contributions in memory of Ken may be made to the Burnt Hills Fire Department, 811 Saratoga Road, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

Philip Joseph Mutka, 79, died in his Ballston Lake home on July 29, 2021. Born in Buffalo, NY, to Joseph and Clara (Kroll) Mutka, he and most of his seven siblings were raised in a Roman Catholic orphanage outside Buffalo. After service in the U.S. Navy, Phil moved to New York City, where he lived for several years and met his former wife. They moved to Albany in 1969.

A devoted father, avid reader, camper, and dog lover, Phil was a very active member of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, where he could be found assisting at liturgy, making pirogi, mowing the lawn, cleaning, painting, or flying kites with the kids.

Phil is mourned by his son Stephen F. Mutka, his former wife and lifelong friend Margaret Knight, his sister Helen, numerous nieces and nephews, and many members of Christ the Savior Church. His delightful self-deprecatory sense of humor will be especially missed. A memorial service will be held at the church at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

Janis Lee Beck, a phenomenal woman, mother, teacher and friend passed away at home on July 27, 2021, at the age of 75 surrounded by an adoring family.

Janis was born April 5, 1946, in Cambridge, N.Y to Bridget and Christopher Feenan. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Janis was the youngest of five children, whose parents worked tirelessly to provide a life with opportunity. While her parents worked, Janis would walk miles to the beach, eat herself sick on cookies, and do almost anything for a berry. She was inspired by her sister and spoiled by her brothers. She was the first of her family to go to college instead of work after high school graduation; made possible by their collective effort. This sacrifice, and a summer working in the mill motived Janis to keep her nose to the grindstone at SUNY Potsdam where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Without a driver’s license, Janis walked to work her first few years at Ballston Spa High School and relied on fellow teachers and the bus to get to SUNY Albany after work. She completed her master’s in education in 1970. Armed with a license to teach, her pride was in her students, colleagues, and school. She shared her passion for learning and the written word with everyone, never wavering in her commitment to provide a quality education. She felt privileged to work with the exceptional teachers in Ballston Spa and over thirty years, developed lifelong friendships; friends that would support each other through difficult times with that Scotties loyalty and determination that defines the Village of Ballston Spa.

She met the love of her life, Edward, at a dance. She had an infectious laugh, jet black hair and blue eyes that crackled with electricity. Ed didn’t stand a chance and they married June 28, 1969. Together they had two children: Christy and Harold. When it came to motherhood, Janis liked to be outside with her children where the wild things were; they were raised in her gardens, at parks and on playgrounds. She would create forts and enchanted nooks where she would make books come to life. Janis was a wise and constant figure in her children’s lives. She was courageous, forever challenging and unwavering in her loyalty. She loved to have talks with her kids where she would subtly express her pride in them. Janis was energetic and inquisitive, she fostered a spirit of independence and resilience through her conduct and exemplified the type of person they would strive to be. Janis was in perpetual motion and lived life to its fullest. She was a voracious reader, loved music and dancing, had a wicked sense of humor and swore like a long shoreman. She believed it was never too late to learn something new. She got a passport, her ears pierced and learned to golf at 50. She traveled to Ireland with dear friends, fulfilling a promise made to her father and a lifelong dream.

Janis moved to the Villages in Florida where she was reunited with her lifelong friend, Sue. She sped over the golf cart paths, enjoyed air shows, movies, dances and concerts. She loved to line dance but floated away during water aerobics which she gave up for pickle ball and more time on the golf course. She golfed and lunched with the Lady Bugs and was extremely proud of her hole in one.

Even as a young girl, Janis, had an intimate relationship with her God that sustained her through life’s hardships. She has rejoined Him now and is at peace. She will be remembered by her family, her name will be spoken often, and her children will pay tribute to her through their acts of good will.

Janis is predeceased by her parents, Christopher Feenan and Bridget Murphy, and siblings Kathryn Arwas, Christopher Feenan, John Feenan, and Thomas Feenan. Janis is survived by her children Christy Beck and Harold Beck, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, August 6 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A memorial mass will be celebrated 12:30pm Saturday, August 7 at St. Joseph’s Church, 35 Hill Street, Greenwich. Memorial contributions in memory of Janis may be made to Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Kenneth Snyder, 64, passed away on July 22, 2021 after a courageous battle with a long illness. He was born in Albany, NY and graduated in 1976 from Shenendehowa High School.

Ken worked the majority of his career in the fire and safety business at the former Firefighters Equipment Company based in Schenectady, NY. He later joined the team at the Ace Hardware Retail Support Center in Gansevoort, NY, where he worked as a warehouse specialist.

Ken was very dedicated to his family and put them before all else. He enjoyed going away on numerous family vacations and getting together to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Ken had numerous hobbies and interests that brought him much joy. In particular, Ken had a passion for muscle cars, the New York Yankees, and finishing and restoring wood furniture.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Judith (Davidczuk) Snyder and their daughter Amanda Lillian Snyder of Ballston Spa; his father, S. Louis Snyder of Clifton Park; sisters, Sandra Lou (Matthew) Ostiguy of East Greenbush and Lynn Cary of Ballston Spa; mother-in-law, Diane Albertin Davidczuk of Amsterdam; father-in-law, John Davidczuk, of Broadalbin; sister-in-law, Claudia Helmer of Amsterdam; nieces and nephews, Brandon, Ryan, and Rachel Ostiguy; Victoria Cary; Adam (Colleen) Helmer, and Brittany (Justin) Hickok. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom he cared for deeply. Ken was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jane (Marshall) Snyder.

As per Ken’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, in loving memory of Kenneth Snyder. Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Armer Funeral Home, Inc. in Ballston Spa, NY.

Arthur P. Mosley, Jr., 73, passed away suddenly on July 15, 2021 while vacationing in Maine. He was born in Albany, NY on January 11, 1948 to Arthur and Mary Konitski Mosley, Sr. Art proudly served in the US Army from 1967-1973 where he received many awards for his honorable service in the Vietnam War.

Art worked many years in the grocery retail industry. He started as a meat cutter, and became a meat and seafood specialist, manager, and assistant store director. He retired from Hannaford in 2008.

He was a life member of VFW Post 1019 in Albany and American Legion Post 490 in Stillwater. He enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing and watching his favorite Nascar driver, #3 Dale Earnhardt. Art’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and he treasured the memories they made together.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his daughter Janice Mosley. Art is survived by his beloved wife Wilma Maier Mosley; children Michael Mosley (Kathleen), Jennifer Griffin, Arthur Mosley III (Krystal), and John Mosley (Lyndsey); grandchildren Cody Mosley, Michaela Mosley, Nicholas Griffin, Kendal Griffin, Payton Griffin, Lucas Mosley, Mackenzie Mosley, Alyce Mosley, Stella Mosley, and Noah Radley; siblings Carolyn Blair, Elaine Schwartz, Kathleen Crocker, Michael Mosley, and Christopher Mosley; his best doggie friends who will miss him, Winnie and Bear; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 9:30am Monday, July 26 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville, relatives and friends are invited to attend. Memorial contributions in memory of Art may be made to the Leukemia Society at www.lls.org

Special thanks to his favorite sister in law Colleen Barkman and daughter in law Krystal Nates Mosley for their help and support in the last three years during Art’s illness; all our camping friends whose kindness will never be forgotten; and the Scarborough Maine Rescue Squad and Police for their efforts and their Trauma Intervention Program for holding my hand through it all.

Linda A. Nolan, 77, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on July 11, 2021. She was born in Albany, NY on December 10, 1943 to Joseph and Nan Munkwitz.

Linda worked for many years for the State of NY as a claims adjuster for the Department of Labor but her most difficult and rewarding work was being a mother to her three sons Joseph Nolan, Shawn Nolan, and Eric Nolan. Linda never stopped learning and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS degree from Russell Sage College and then went on to pursue her Master's Degree in Psychology from SUNY Albany. She did all of this while raising her family and working full time which is a true testament to the incredible work ethic and perseverance she had.

Linda's most focused passion in life was family. She so enjoyed making many memories with them thru travel, and time spent just relaxing on her back deck, swimming in her pool, and hosting numerous family gatherings. Linda always had time for everyone and was always there with a listening ear whenever you needed one. She also was a devoted lover of animals caring for many dogs and other pets throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Nan Munkwitz, brother John Munkwitz and sister MaryJo Medick. Linda was the loving spouse to her husband Richard Nolan, Mother to Joseph Nolan, Eric Nolan (Denise), and Shawn Nolan; Grandmother to Madeline Nolan, Quentin Nolan, Danielle Prock, and Alex Prock; Great Grandmother to Raelynn Ward; She also was survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as numerous step-children.

Linda was a devout Catholic and as such her final send off will be via a mass celebrated at 9:30 am Friday, July 16 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions in memory of Linda may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Catholic Charities.