Obituaries

Pamela S. Green 66, passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Born in Fort Huachuca, Arizona on May 26, 1952, she was the daughter of Wesley and Dorothy Morris.

Pam was a homemaker and enjoyed being with her family.

She was predeceased by her parents Wesley and Dorothy, and her brothers Ricky Morris and Wesley Morris, Jr. Pam is survived by her husband of 49 years David, and their sons Jeff Green (Karen) and Shane Green; sisters Robin Sims and Debra Blevins; eight grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

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

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

Charles W. Bechtoldt passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the age of 91.

The son of Charles and Edna Bechtoldt, Chuck was born June 11, 1927 in Jamaica, NY. He moved to Coxsackie, NY as a young boy. After serving in the Navy, Chuck settled in Niskayuna where he and his wife Mary raised their family and lived the remainder of their lives.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Chuck was predeceased by his wife of 65 years Mary. He is survived by his sons Paul Bechtoldt (Denise), and Matthew Bechtoldt, his daughter Marcy Bellows (Michael), granddaughters Heidi Baldacci (Thomas) and Holly Bechtoldt, grandsons Charles and William Bellows, and great grandchildren Emma and Jace Baldacci. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Bartley, brother in law and sister in law Nicholas and Sonya Slish, and several nieces and nephews.

Chuck spent his career working at General Electric in Niskayuna, retiring in 1987. He was a lifelong member of the Niskayuna District 2 Volunteer Fire Department having served as Chief and on the Board of Fire Commissioners.

At Chuck’s request there will be no calling hours. Interment with military honors will be held at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 10 at 10am.

Memorial contributions in memory of Chuck may be made to the Niskayuna District 2 Volunteer Fire Co., 2772 Troy Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, NY 123

Joan Waring, 84, passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Born in Stockport, Cheshire, England on September 14, 1934, she was the daughter of Mary and Fred Hadfield. Joan grew up in England and enjoyed spending time in her favorite place, Tomintoul, Scotland.

She came to the United States with her family and lived in New York City, where Joan worked at Bloomingdales. Joan eventually moved to Ballston Spa where she and her husband Bill raised their family.

Joan volunteered at the Ballston Spa Schools and Headstart Programs. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also loved vacationing in Cape Cod.

She was predeceased by her husband William, infant daughter Elaine and sisters Vera Cull and Dorothy Connon. Joan is survived by her children Maureen Gizzi (Jerry Ketcham), Paulette Spina (Tom) and Christopher Waring (Danielle); grandchildren Gina Gizzi, Tori Spina, Justin Spina (Laura) and Kayleigh Waring; great granddaughter Stella Spina and several nieces and nephews.

At Joan’s request, funeral services were private.

Memorial contributions in memory of Joan may be made to Wesley Health Care Center, Alzheimer’s Association or American Diabetes Association.

The family would like to thank the staff of 5 Springs at Wesley Health Care Center for their compassionate care.

Nancy J. Companion 65, passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Born in Catskill, NY on June 28, 1953, she was the daughter of Edward and Barbara Brown.

Nancy worked at the Center for Disabilities in Albany for several years.

She enjoyed spending time with her friends discussing politics, religion, family and any other topic. She loved to travel and was thrilled that she was able to achieve a lifelong dream and visit Muir Woods due to the close connection with her dad. She loved her family most of all.

She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Barbara, and two brothers Robert Delaney and Jeffrey Brown. Nancy is survived by her daughter Tyleane Benjamin (Chris); grandchildren Matthew Kouffman, Skylur Kouffman and Nathan Kouffman; sisters Joyce Casertino (Pete), Connie Brown (Robert) and Kathi Goins (Joe); and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 3 from 10 am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 11am. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Richard C. Moore, 74 passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Born in Mohawk, NY on May 9, 1944, he was the son of Clifford and Eva (Laporte) Moore.

Richard grew up in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1962. He then went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in food service from SUNY Cobleskill.

Richard joined the US Air Force and served for four years, earning the rank of Sergeant at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio. He retired from the Schenectady School District.

He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the NY Yankees. He was also a good pool player. Richard was a lifetime member of the Rotterdam Elks.

He was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Eva Moore, sisters Nancy Latimer, and Frances (Sue) Boudreau and brother William Moore.

Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn (Stafford) Moore, daughter Susan Moore and sons Richard Moore (Tara) and Thomas Moore; brothers Sherman Moore (Mary), James Moore (Carol), sister in law Sandra Moore, brother in law George Latimer; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, September 26 from 6pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services with military honors will be held 10:30am Thursday, September 27 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rotterdam Elks Major Projects Fund.

Robert A. Starks, 81, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on Thursday, September 13, 2018, after a long and courageous battle with health issues.

Born in Schenectady, NY on August 1, 1937 he was the son of Albert and Helen Starks. He graduated from St. Paul’s School in Mechanicville. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served proudly from 1955 to 1966. He served in the Korean War and flew on many missions.

Bob worked for General Electric and the US Post Office in Mechanicville retiring in 1993. After his retirement he worked at SPAC. He was an active member and past commander of VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa and a life member of the American Legion Post 234 where he was named Legionnaire of the Year. He was also a member of the Clifton Park Elks.

Bob was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan (Shawn Nolan). He had a great personality and wit and always had a joke for everything.

He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Helen, son Bobby, and his sister Frances Techmanski. Bob is survived by his loving wife Jean; adoring daughters Susan Iavarone of Mechanicville and Catherine Moreno of Abilene, Texas; his sons Michael Starks of Ballston Lake, Joseph Starks of Massena, and Fred Aalto of Eagle, Colorado; 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 10am Wednesday, September 19 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. A reception will follow at VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 18 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 358, in Ballston Spa.

The family would like to thank the many people who supported Bob’s journey, including Dr. John Nolan, Bill Shafer and the staff of Saratoga Hospital.

Dennis G. Heaney, 69, formerly of Park Ridge, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2018, surrounded by his wife of 30 years, Jean TumSuden Heaney and his loving family. Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 9, 1949, he was the son of Thomas Heaney and Madeline Callahan.

Dennis enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam as a radio operator. He was a proud member of the New York City Fire Department for 25 years. He was stationed at Ladder Company 157 in Brooklyn. He was a first responder on September 11th and lost many colleagues and friends on that historic day, and in the years that followed from event related illnesses.

He is predeceased by his parents, his nephew Donald J. Farrell, III and brother in law Paul A. Casares. Dennis is survived by his beloved wife Jean; his siblings Carol O’Keefe (Joe), Maureen Botticelli (Pat), Sharon Casares, Kevin Heaney, Kathy Farrell (Donald), and Timothy Heaney (Denise); special in-laws Anne Greene (David), Jim TumSuden (Ellen), and John TumSuden (Traci). Dennis had a great affection for all his nieces and nephews and especially his godchildren Jamie Mitchell, Katie Kenefick, Caitlin Farrell and Connor Heaney.

Funeral services will be held 9am Monday, September 17 at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake. Burial with military honors will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, September 16 from 3pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dennis may be made to the NYC Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.

Rebecca A. Wilkins, 39, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2018. Born in Saratoga Springs, NY on June 14, 1979, she was the daughter of Gary and Laura Wojtowecz.

She was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in IT Management. Becky was a Senior Applications Operations Engineer for General Electric.

Becky was an awesome mom and treasured her son Logan. She enjoyed the simple things in life, camping, Friday night pizza night at her parents, and hanging out with her friends. Family was very important to her and they all were very close.

Becky is survived by her husband CJ and their son Logan; stepdaughters Cayla and Kiara; parents Gary and Laura Wojtowecz; brothers Jake (Sara), Andy (Aimee) and Chad (Kerri); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Saturday, September 15 at the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Becky may be sent to the Ballston Spa National Bank where a trust will be set up for her son Logan.

Juanita Ann Wolf Bouchard, 74, passed away on Friday, September 7, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born in Ballston Spa, New York on November 13, 1943.

Ann worked as a secretary for many years. She enjoyed embroidery, cooking and often spent hours grocery shopping. She loved to chat with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her father Frank Wolf, husband Harvey Bouchard, sister Lillian French and nephew Frank Coullard. Ann is survived by her daughter Lora Downing; stepchildren Harvey Bouchard, John Bouchard and Jessica Bouchard; “adopted daughter” Becca Hayes; grandchildren Richard Downing (Jordan), Mychaela Downing (Matt), and Lainie Downing; great grandchildren Luella Downing, Devin Glasbrener, Gabriella Green/Downing and Jerimiah Morris; sister Andrea Wolf; nephews Timothy French and Phillip Becktoft; longtime companion Wesley Vedder and his son Brandon Vedder (Kelly); and her beloved dog Gigi.

At Ann’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ann may be made to Mary’s Haven or Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Kenneth J. Rohling, 72, passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2018. He was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on November 10, 1945.

Ken worked at Hannaford in Milton. He had a passion for fish and previously ran TJ’s Tropical Fish in Ballston Spa. He created a fish pond at his home, enjoying raising a variety of fish.

He was predeceased by his wife Gail and his siblings, Bill, Robert and Dorothy.

Ken is survived by his son Tyler, sister MaryLou, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, September 10 from 6pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ken to Extra Life (www.extra-life.org)

Carolyn Lee Cromie, 76, passed away Friday, August 31, 2018. Born September 1, 1941 in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ray C. and Josephine (Michalek) Whitford.

Lee was a life-long area resident and graduated from Saratoga Springs City Schools. She and her husband Bob operated Dungiven farm and after she had raised her children, she worked at State Farm Insurance. Lee enjoyed farm life, spending time in the garden and working around animals, especially the dogs and horses. A quilter and history enthusiast, Lee was a member of the Milton Grange and Heritage Hunters.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Robert A. Cromie who passed away May 5, 2008. Lee is survived by her children, Sandra Burch (Wesley) of Portland, Oregon, Bonny Henderson (Don) of Geneseo, NY and Christian “Kit” Cromie (Kathy) of Mayfield; her brother, Ray “Bud” Whitford (Maria) of Florida; her grandchildren, Eli, Sheena, Hanna and Emily; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 8 at the West Charlton United Presbyterian Church, Sacandaga Road, Charlton. Burial will follow in Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, September 7 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High St, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lee to the Aussie Placement and Rescue Helpline (an Australian Shepherd rescue organization) www.aussierescue.org.

Robert W. Poteralski, 50, passed away Monday, August 20, 2018. Born December 16, 1967 in Niskayuna, NY, he was the son of Zigmunt M. Poteralski and the late Patricia (Woods) Krosky.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lisa Poteralski of Schenectady; his son, Johnathan Richard Poteralski of Schenectady; his father, Zigmunt Poteralski of Glenville; his sisters, Theresa (John) Skutnisky of Burnt Hills and Mary (Raymond) Durocher of South Carolina; his brothers, Richard Poteralski (Kathleen Bobb) of Rochester, Joseph (Robin) Poteralski of Schenectady and Zigmunt (Kimberly) Poteralski of Ballston Spa; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 am Monday, September 10 at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow at Vale Cemetery in Schenectady.

Mary Bucholtz, 95, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Born in Gloversville, NY on February 13, 1923, she was the daughter of Michael and Sarah Krajcir.

Mary was a talented seamstress, making clothing for her family and friends. In her younger years, she enjoyed snowmobiling.

She was a predeceased by her husband Elmer C. Bucholtz and her brothers John and Frank Krajcir. Mary is survived by her children Deborah L. Bucholtz and Michael E. Bucholtz (Maxine); grandchildren Michael R. Bucholtz and Maria E. Bucholtz; and several nieces and nephews.

At Mary’s request there will be no services.

Robert E. Pustolka, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Born and raised in the Town of Colonie, Bob was the son of Wojciech and Leonora Pustolka. He was a graduate of Draper High School where he lettered in multiple sports. He also attended the University of Kentucky where he studied mechanical engineering.

Robert enjoyed a rewarding career with General Electric Company. His real passion came during his time at the Kesslering Site where he worked on nuclear prototypes as a field engineer.

Another passion of Bob’s was being a member and chairperson for the Town of Ballston Planning Board, where he served for over 20 years. He was particularly involved in the farmland protection and preservation committee. Bob will be remembered for his personal investment of time and willingness to support others in their pursuit of building homes, businesses, and farms in the Town of Ballston.

Bob was clever and had a quick wit to those who knew him well. He prided himself in his knowledge of current events, windmills and John Deere. Having been raised on a farm with a big family, Bob developed a strong work ethic. He continued to enjoy his passion for farming owning a gentleman’s farm which he purchased in the mid sixties.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Patricia Ann (Tilley) Pustolka, his son Mark, and his siblings Alfreda, Helen, Thomas, Stanley, Joseph, John, Richard, Walter, and Michael. He is survived by his children Robert Pustolka, Jr (Elizabeth), Suzanne Zilka (Frank) and Kimberly Smith (Curtis); his sister Isabella Rocco; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, August 20 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be private.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the American Cancer Society.