Obituaries

John L. Knabner 70, passed away on March 18, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schenectady, NY on September 21, 1948, he was the son of John and Harriet Knabner.

John began his career at Curtis Lumber on July 15, 1970. He was a purchasing agent and also worked in the store for 45 years, retiring in 2015. After his retirement, he continued to work at the store part time until May of 2016.

John was a member of the Ballston Center ARP Church serving as a deacon and an elder. He was a life member of Saraspa Rod and Gun Club and an active member of the Kayaderosseras Fish and Game Club. He enjoyed fishing and skeet shooting and ran the skeet program at the Kayaderosseras.

John spent his summers with his family at their camp on Lake Champlain in Vermont.

John married his high school sweetheart Sandra Hopkins on June 7, 1969. Family was very important to him and he treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Harriet Knabner and his sister Lois Ann Hudson. John is survived by his wife Sandra Knabner; children Lori Friguletto and Sean Knabner (Melissa); grandsons Shane and Thomas; sisters Cheryl Hicks and Kim LaFlair; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, March 22 at the Ballston Center Church, 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa. Burial will be in Jonesville Cemetery in the Spring. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 21 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to the Ballston Center Church or American Cancer Society.

Susan C. Potter, 71, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was born in Schenectady, NY on April 29, 1947 and graduated from Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School.

Susan was a bus driver for Ballston Spa Central Schools for many years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting lighthouses. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and she treasured the time she spent with them.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Betty Potter, and her son Robert Nelson. Susan is survived by her children Kevin Donovan (Billie), Michael Donovan and Tanya Hatfield (Matt McNeill); siblings John, Michael, Tonylou and Maria; seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 19 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 Memory Gardens, Colonie on Wednesday, March 20 at 10am.

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

Rae F. Laird 87, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2019. Born in Amsterdam, NY, on September 14, 1931, she was the daughter of Raymond and Helen Ehrke.

Rae worked in the Sales Department at New Channel 13 for many years, until she retired. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Huguenot Society. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, baking, cooking and taking walks.

She was predeceased by her husband Winston Laird, son Keith Laird, and sister Marlyn Martiniano. Rae is survived by her children Nedra Liebert (Richard) of Ballston Spa, NY, Neil Laird (Christine) of Phelps, NY, Brian Laird (Rachel) of Union Springs, NY, Donald Laird (Karen Ford) of Eugene, OR and Suzanne Lane of Windsor, VA; grandchildren Glenn Liebert, Matthew Marshall (Heather), Meghan Bard (Jason), Benjamin Laird, Jackson Laird, Nathan Laird, Bradley Laird and Quintin Laird.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial contributions in memory of Rae may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Thomas James Powers, age 84 of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Tom was born in Syracuse on December 21, 1934 to Ellinor Pillsworth Powers and James Edward Powers, and raised in Troy.

He was a 1956 graduate of Union College and obtained his Masters from RPI. He started his career as a math professor at Union College and then worked for 30 years as a professor and eventual chair of the math department at Columbia Greene Community College. He retired in 1998 to spend more time with his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, James E. Powers. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Judith A. Stemp; his treasured children, Jennifer S. Powers Rutkey and Thomas J. Powers; his cherished grandchildren, Ellie and Izzy Rutkey, and Jonah and Jade Powers Kulpa; many brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Tom loved his family above all else. His happiest times were spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also loved trains, Burden Lake, storytelling, history, going out to lunch with his family, baseball cards, and hot dogs (especially the mini ones). Tom had a great wit and never failed to make those around him laugh with his dry sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by his family, who will continue to tell his stories and share his memories from generation to generation.

Special loving thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Tom’s hospice nurse, Jamie, and his private nurse, Erika, for all they gave to Tom and his family in his final months.

Per Tom’s wishes, there will be no public wake or funeral. His family will hold a private celebration of his life, which will include plenty of mini hot dogs. In lieu of flowers, donations to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, in Tom’s honor and memory would be greatly appreciated.

Joseph E. King 75, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Born in Ballston Spa, New York on March 16, 1943, he was the son of Alonzo and Doris King. He served in the US Navy.

As a young man, Joe worked as a butcher and later at Tufflite in Ballston Spa, retiring from Ball Metal in Saratoga Springs. He was a member of American Legion Post 234 in Ballston Spa and Ballston Spa Elks Lodge 2619.

Joe was a very social guy and he loved spending happy hour with his friends and family. He lived life to the fullest and there are many stories that prove it.

Joe is survived by his daughter JoAnn Johnson; grandchildren Sam and Jacob; siblings Karen Dussault, Al King and Cindy Wade; longtime companion Jan Murray and her family; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

All are invited to a celebration of Joe’s life on Friday, March 8 from 4pm to 10pm at the American Legion, 24 Pleasant Street, Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joe to the American Legion.

“Kinger has left the building”

Kathy A. Lowery 70, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019, surrounded by her family. Born in Little Falls, NY on April 4, 1948, she was the daughter of Richard and Albertina Dillenbeck.

Kathy worked at the Grand Prix Restaurant in Ballston Lake for several years. She enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. She loved to work in her flower gardens, ride
her motorcycle and spend time with her dogs Killer and Rosie.

She was predeceased by her parents Richard and Albertina Dillenbeck, husband Don Lowery, daughter Desire, stepson Jonathan Rogers and brother Robert Dillenbeck. Kathy is survived by her children Elisa Towne (Richard Alger), Richard Dworakowski (Veronica), Daniel Lowery (Stacy), and Donald Lowery (April); husband Daniel Rogers and his children Daniel and Melodie; sister Bonnie Vidnansky; her “heiress” Alice David; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

Wendel E. DeLorme “Bud” 96, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Born in Schenectady, NY on May 10, 1922, he was the son of George E. DeLorme, Sr and Katharine Sengenberger DeLorme.

Wendel proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in London and Paris. He flew supplies to General Patton and was the first pilot to tow two gliders. Upon his discharge, he joined his father in the family business, George E. DeLorme and Sons Millwork.

After the business was sold, Wendel was a carpenter for several businesses in the area. He also built his own home in Malta, always making small changes to it to suit the changing tastes of his wife.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, hunting in the Adirondacks for many years. He was a life member of the Iroquois Rod and Gun Club, shooting in the matches every year until he was in his late 80’s.

Wendel was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Beverly “Kaye” Wintle DeLorme, and his siblings Dorothy Hornfeck, Robert DeLorme and George DeLorme, Jr. He is survived by his children Gregory DeLorme (Carol) and Gay Izzo (Anthony); grandchildren Michele Welch (Michael), James Sleicher (Michelle), Christopher Izzo, Jeanette DeLorme (Jonathan Morley), and Amanda Bridge; great grandchildren Kyleigh Gailor, Calvin Bridge, Laszlo Bridge, Jane Bridge, Cash Morley, Jared Sleicher and Mason Sleicher.

Funeral services will be held 10am Friday, February 22, at Armer Funeral home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 21 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Wendel may be made to the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition at www.vchcny.org

Rose Adela Perez 91, passed away in her Ballston Spa home on Friday February 8th, 2019. Rose was born in Brooklyn, New York, along with her sister Carmen and her two brothers Raymond and Jean who were all lovingly raised by their mother Sophia. Rose was always a pillar of strength making any sacrifices necessary for her family even at the early age of 13 where she forged her birth certificate so she could take a full time job to help her mother support her siblings. Rose later married the love of her life in Brooklyn and gave birth to their beloved daughter Linda.

Later Rose went on to school to earn her cosmetology license and successfully ran her own salon and always continued to help support her mother and brothers over the years while her beloved husband was out to sea as a Merchant Seaman.

Rose always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and later on in life with her great grandchildren and was cherished by every single one of them. She loved her senior shopping trips to Walmart and the hours she spent with her daughter Linda each day watching their favorite shows and laughing together.

Rose is predeceased by her husband of 39 years Victor and her daughter Sophia.

Rose is survived by her daughter Linda Ortiz, her granddaughters Venus Heflin and Brenda Hawks, her great grandchildren Anthony Pharo, Kassandra Heflin, Jenae Heflin, Blake Heflin, Ryen Hawks and Miranda Hawks.

Funeral services will be held 9:30am Wednesday, February 13 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, February 12 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Rose may be made to St. Mary’s Church.

Kenneth R. Sharadin, Jr. 82, passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Born in West Springfield, Massachusetts on Friday, February 14, 1936, he was the son of Kenneth and Effie Sharadin, Sr most notably of 19 Front St, Ballston Spa.

Ken was a printer by trade. He started his career at the Journal Press in Ballston Spa and later worked for Denton Publications, Acme Press, Saratoga Printing and WSWHE BOCES print shop, retiring in 1999. Ken enjoyed racing and worked the infield at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta.

On September 7, 1957, Ken married Beverley Noyes and they spent 53 wonderful years together, until she passed away in 2010.

Ken was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ballston Spa and in 1977 was a founding member of the Old Stone Church. He was always there to lend a hand at the church and was the “Master flipper” at the pancake suppers.

He was an Explorer, a Boy Scout in Troop 1 and Troop Leader for Troop 26. Ken was a member of the Buckskin Hunt Club for 31 years, and a 40 year member of the Capital District Club of Printing House Craftsmen. He was proud member of the NRA.

Ken was a Mopar enthusiast which included a 1956 Chrysler Town and Country Hemi station wagon and Dodge Omni. He enjoyed traveling, photography, hunting, genealogy, and driving his white “toy” Omni. He was a mentor to all and a loving father and family man.

Ken is survived by his children Mark Sharadin (Cheryl) of Ballston Spa, Mike Sharadin (Bonnie) of Mechanicville, Mary Keroack of Mechanicville and Martha Dietrich (Kim) of Edinburg; grandchildren Monique Harper (Christopher), Jessika McNaughton (Mark), Joshua Dietrich, Travis Keroack, Morgan Sharadin, Shelbie Sharadin, William Sharadin (Chelsea), Jacob Dietrich, and Dakota Sharadin; and 11 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Marge Whinnery for being a friend/companion to our father, the Home Health Aides and Wesley Health Care Center of Saratoga for the excellent care they provided to him during his stay.

A memorial service will be held 11am Saturday, February 16 at the Old Stone Church, 159 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa, reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Old Stone Church.

Evelyn Katherine Paddock died at home on Friday, February 1st. Evelyn was born in 1928 in Berne, New York the oldest of five children of Esther Wright and Stephen Komjathy. She grew up on a farm in Berne with her three sisters Jane, Dorothy and Patricia and brother David.

Evelyn lived for over 70 years in Ballston Spa. She retired from her position as Senior Clerk at the Saratoga County Clerk’s office in 1993, but continued serving part-time as a record keeper for the Town of Milton. After retiring she split her time between Ballston Spa and Summerville, Florida.

Evelyn cherished her family. She is survived by her three children Richard Paddock and Charles Paddock of Ballston Spa and her daughter Leslie Mishrell of Blairsville, GA. She was beloved by her grandchildren Steven, Nina, Colleen, Leslie, Nicole, Kirk, Kristin and seven great grandchildren.

Her family will miss her greatly. She will be in our hearts at every family gathering or celebration. Evelyn had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She approached life with a generous loving spirit and a determination to find the good in everything and everyone. She enjoyed playing Pinochle, working in her garden, going to the beach and loved her time with friends and family.

Evelyn was an inspiration for all of us to relish our time with the people we love. Her legacy of love of family, generosity and enjoying life to the fullest will be passed onward to every generation.

A memorial service for Evelyn will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, February 8th at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Community Hospice Foundation, Gift Processing Center, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208

John A. Morris, Sr. 65, passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Born in Saratoga Springs, NY on October 22, 1953, he was the son of William and Eva Morris. He served in the US Marine Corps.

John was the owner and operator of Morris and Sons Automotive in Malta for many years. He most recently worked as a mechanic for the Town of Milton.

On Friday nights, John was at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway with his son racing street stock. He was always there to lend a hand to other drivers and was the technician inspector at the track. He loved being at camp with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife Tesia, daughter Mary Lou, and his brothers William Morris and Ronald Morris. John is survived by his loving companion Connie McConkey; children John Morris, Jr., Randy Morris (Lee), Casey Morris (Josalin), Mindy Morris (Rick), Joshua Smith (Amy), and Heather McConkey (David); grandchildren Matt, Zachary, James, Madyson, Devin, Emily, Scarlett, and Connor; great grandson Jeremiah; siblings James Morris, Helen Haskell, Eva Ebert and Janice Ellis; foster son Tim Ingoldsby, numerous additional foster children, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 10am Friday, February 1 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will be in Factory Village Cemetery in the Spring. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 31 from 3pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Eleanor S. Fernau, 82, of Ballston Spa, NY, passed away peacefully Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs.

Ellie was born June 16, 1936 in White Plains, NY. Her parents were the late Henry and Alexandra “Sasha” (Tarasuik) Eberle of White Plains. She graduated from Briarcliff Manor (NY) High School and from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, class of 1958, where she majored in speech and theatre-related arts. In both high school and college she was a field hockey player, as evidenced by the “hockey hip” that her children received if they didn’t move quickly enough. She worked briefly at Readers Digest in Pleasantville, NY, after graduation and before marriage. She also worked for many years as a clerk at the Ballston Spa Public Library, where she was able to share her life-long enthusiasm for reading with a broad spectrum of library patrons.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod, cruising used book stores for the detective stories that she loved, and going on August Thursdays to the Saratoga Race Track, using her inexplicable handicapping system to come home a winner (or so she claimed). She loved her lunches with the International Club and her sessions with the local Home Arts Club. She traveled with her husband to the roaming reunions that her MacMurray class held all over the country, as well as vacations to other beautiful locations, often involving “chasing trains.” For many years she very much enjoyed bowling with her teammates at the local lanes and regional competitions. She was always happy with a cat in her lap and a cup of coffee at hand.

In 2004, the Village of Ballston Spa honored Ellie with the Bernard C. Puckhaber Memorial Award “For [her] dedication to this community through service and volunteerism.” From the time that she moved to the village, she was active, at first through the Cub Scouts and the public schools, where she used her educational background in speech and drama to help with her son’s school plays in many capacities ranging from advice to backstage activities such as make-up and costumes. She was also active in “Meals on Wheels” and local blood drives (sometimes as co-chair), in addition to donating more than 8 gallons of blood over the years.

After leaving her position at the library, she later served as a Member and President of the library’s Board of Trustees. But the volunteering that gave her the most satisfaction over more than 20 years was her work with the Community Emergency Corps. She started as an ambulance driver and then quickly earned her Emergency Medical Technician certification. For many years she was one of the few people available to do day-time calls. For her many hours of service on the truck along with her committee and officer work she received the Corps’s Captains’ Award (twice) and President’s Award. She finished out her “career” as a member of the Board of Directors. Ellie said that her greatest satisfaction was when she made a difference in someone’s life, such as the time that her crew reversed a cardiac arrest (for which she and her crew received a commendation from the Emergency Medical Services Council of Saratoga County). Her greatest frustrations were those times when everything possible was done but the outcome was not what was hoped for.

Ellie married Edward Fernau on August 22, 1959. They lived in Cohoes, NY; Stuttgart, Germany; Colonie, NY; and, for the past 48 years, in the Village of Ballston Spa. In addition to Ed, survivors include her sister Kyra V. Eberle of Klamath Falls, OR; her son Mark Fernau and his wife Melissa of Clinton, MA; son Jason Fernau and his wife Kathy of Malta, NY; and five grandchildren: Fletcher (Grenye) Fernau, Leanne Fernau, Henry Fernau, Gwen Fernau, and Jillian Fernau. She was predeceased by her sisters Helene A. and Margaret R. Eberle.

Calling hours from 1 to 3 PM, immediately followed by a time during which friends and family can share memories of Ellie, will be held on Saturday January 26, 2019, at the Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High St., Ballston Spa. Interment will be later in the spring at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

The family thanks the staff at the Wesley for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ellie’s memory may be made to the Community Emergency Corps, 78 Thompson St., Ballston Spa, NY, 12020.

Patricia Anderson, 87, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Saratoga Center Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care in Ballston Spa. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont on November 19, 1931, she was the daughter of Francese Anderson Smith and Oscar Anderson.

Patty attended school in Bellows Falls, Vermont and lived most of her adult life in Los Angeles, California.

Patty is survived by her sister Cynthia Boadle of Missouri, brother Roland Anderson of Brattleboro, VT, half sister Sandra Smith of Queensbury, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

Michael D. Fitzgerald 61, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on September 23, 1957, he was the son of Clarence and Marie Fitzgerald.

Mike worked for Cottrell Paper Co in Rock City Falls for 25 years. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his friends and family.

He was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Marie Fitzgerald, siblings Cindy Wescott, William and Charles Fitzgerald, and his infant granddaughter McKenzie.

Mike is survived by his wife Darlene; daughter Amanda Fitzgerald; stepchildren Jessica Hayden, Rebecca Hayden, Heidi Ramsey, Tina Bell, Rose Bell, and BJ Bell; brothers Clarence Fitzgerald and Richard Fitzgerald; 3 grandchildren, 8 stepgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 4pm. Burial will be in Middle Grove Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mike may be made to DCI-Rubin Dialysis Center, 59 Myrtle Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.