Obituaries

Faith J. Flinton 67, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021. She was born in Ballston Spa, NY on October 6, 1953 to Frank and Florence Flinton.

Faith was a Certified Nursing Assistant at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa for over 30 years. She enjoyed country music and went to many concerts. She was also an Elvis fan and saw many Elvis impersonators over the years. Faith enjoyed going fishing, sewing, and hanging out with her beloved cats.

She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Florence Flinton, and her brother Frank. Faith is survived by her daughter Heather Stables (Scott); grandchildren Danielle Brady (Nick), Brittany Stables, Devin Stables, and Raven Stables; brother Faron Flinton (Jill); her sister; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats Piglet and Bugsy.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday May 21 from 6pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. A graveside service will be held 10am Tuesday, May 25 at Factory Village Cemetery, Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions in memory of Faith may be made to Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

George J. Koehler 92, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Jersey City, NJ on June 29, 1928.

George had a multitude of careers, including realtor, correction officer with Warren County Correction Facility in NJ, a driver for Skylands Center for Autism in Hackettstown, NJ and St. Peter’s Health Center in Albany NY. Most recently George was employed as a security guard for concerts and events at SPAC.

George loved his family and had an unshakable faith in God. George had a great knowledge of antiques and he enjoyed collecting and appraising them. He was also an avid gardener. George will be remembered by family and friends for his unconditional love, wisdom and insight, and incredible sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his first wife Helen, his son Michael Koehler, and daughter Kathy Farrand. George is survived by his wife Diane; son George Koehler and daughter Susan Kietrys (Tony); stepchildren Karen Karl (Rick), Eileen Calabrese (Peter), and Peter Wicinski; sister Josie Richter; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Max.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, May 17 from 1pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Facemasks and social distancing are required.

Rose Marie Haskell, 83, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021. She was born in Ballston Spa, NY on September 18, 1937 to Franklin and Mary Haskell, Sr.

Rose worked at UMI in Malta for many years. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa. Rose and her mom played Bingo and took many trips together with their church family. She loved her cats.

She was predeceased by her parents Franklin and Mary Haskell, Sr and her brother John Haskell. Rose is survived by her brother Frank Haskell (Margaret), and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held 9:30am Thursday, May 20 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rose to St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

George D. McDonough, Jr., died peacefully on Friday, May 7, 2021. He was born on September 23, 1946 in Ballston Spa, NY to Ellen and George McDonough, Sr. He spent his youth playing sandlot baseball and exploring every inch of the town with his dog, Freckles. In high school, George was a member of the 1962-63 Ballston Spa High School Varsity Basketball Team, which was recently inducted into the school’s hall of fame. He was also a star track and cross country runner, and a talented golfer who could drive the ball a country mile.

George served in a combat role for his country in the First Cavalry in Vietnam from 1968-69, and received several medals, including the Purple Heart. The physical and emotional injuries he received in war would shape the rest of his life.

Upon return from his service, he married Kathleen Plummer of Ballston Spa. George made a career in the trucking industry, and he and Kathleen eventually settled in Milton, NY to raise their family. He gained sobriety in 1984, but tragically suffered a debilitating stroke at 43 years of age, which served as a transition to his next stage in life, in which he and Kathleen would divorce, and he would find a new life in Florida.

George was frequently visited by his family and kept many close and casual friendships over the years, and was always a friend to many animals. He eventually resided in a Veterans home in Daytona Beach, where he was a popular figure.

George is predeceased by his sister Kathy. He is survived by his children George McDonough (Cortney Linville) and Erin McDonough (Roscoe Ahn), brother Kevin McDonough (Chris) and sister Ellie Spensieri (Skip); six grandchildren Liv, Gaffney, and Fletcher McDonough, and Calvin, Theo, and Cecily Ahn; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

George will be laid to rest with military honors at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of George may be made to the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Edward A. Thomas, 78, of Ballston Spa, New York, passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021, after a short illness. Ed was born in Ballston Spa, NY, on December 20, 1942, to William and Olive Thomas. A lifelong resident, he attended Ballston Spa High School and technical school in Albany, NY.

A devoted and loving family man, friend, and generous community member, always there to help anyone in need. He enjoyed interactions with friends and neighbors. He loved his community and was a volunteer Pop Warner football coach and member of the Lions Club.

Ed had a lengthy and successful career in industrial insulating materials with GE, vonRoll Isola, and US Samica Inc. His hobbies and passions included camping, fishing, gardening, bird watching, and just spending time with his family and friends.

Married for 56 years to his high school sweetheart, Rose Marie (Cinguegrano) Thomas, who survives him, Ed spent every day just as much in love as when they first met. Ed is also survived by his children Lauren Rose (Scott), Scott Thomas (Sarah), and Suzanne Winkler (Keith); grandchildren Vincent, Kenneth, Ty, and Mia; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents William and Olive, and three brothers, William, Russell, Louis, and his lifelong best friends, Kenneth Brown and Samuel Potter.

A private family service will be held. Contributions in Ed’s memory can be made to Code Blue Saratoga or Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH) in Albany, New York.

On Saturday, April 24, 2021, Carol Edmonds Sherling O’Brien, loving wife, mother of three children, two step-children, grandmother of ten children and great grandmother of seven children died at the age of 76.

Carol had the pleasure of working at Skidmore College, the Ballston Spa Knitting Company and recently retired from the Ballston Spa Central School District where she enjoyed her interaction with the students.

Carol was born in Round Lake, New York and she and her family were long-time residents of Malta NY. Carol had a passion for all things Saratoga to include watching the horses and taking walks on Broadway. She was also an avid fan of Nascar and loved to watch the races on Sunday with her loving husband. She loved her dogs and would often take the time to care for the family pets.

Carol and her husband were members of the Gold Wing Road Riders where they enjoyed long rides on beautiful sunny summer days. Being surrounded by her family was important to her and she cherished each and every moment with them.

Carol was preceded in death by her father Frederick Edmonds, mother Elsie Edmonds Bress and brother James Edmonds. She is survived by her husband Willard, her three children, Carol (Ray) DeThorne, Ronald (Patrice) Sherling, Wendy (Nathan Randal) Pierce, two step-children Charles (Cynthia) O’Brien, Shelly (Roy) Bessey, her grandchildren Jessica, Nick, Britney, Taylor, Courtney, Lindsay, Paige, Miranda, Michael and Allison her great grandchildren Reilly, Kylie, Rocco, Carmello, Gino, Noella and Olivia. Carol touched the lives of many and will be forever missed.

Arrangements are entrusted to Armer Funeral Home, Inc. There are no public calling hours. Memorial contributions can be made to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Make a Gift - Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (trfinc.org).

Garry E. Companion 72 of Rexford, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY on November 21, 1948 to Bernard and Gladys Companion.

Garry enjoyed buying and selling on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, watching westerns on TV while relaxing in his recliner, hanging out with his friends, occasional inappropriate jokes, and camping. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandsons. Garry’s family will miss his humor and generosity.

He was predeceased by his parents Bernard and Gladys Companion, his ex wife Nancy Companion, and his three brothers Harley, Robert and John Companion.

Garry is survived by his daughter and son in law Tyleane and Christopher Benjamin; grandsons Matthew Kouffman, Skylur Kouffman and Nathan Kouffman; the father of his grandchildren Marc Kouffman (Gina); sister Peggy Vojnar (Robert); brother Kenneth Companion (Lenna); and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, April 23 from 3pm to 5pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

Russell G. Miller, 72, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. Born on September 25, 1948 to Bernard and Violet Miller, Russell was a lifelong resident of Ballston Spa.

A 1966 graduate of Ballston Spa High School, Russell went on to work in the HVAC industry. He worked for Shenendehowa Central Schools for many years as a head maintenance technician. He was most recently employed at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library as the maintenance director. Russell enjoyed restoring antique cars, including his 1967 Impala, and looked forward to traveling to car shows around the Northeast with his wife and family. He took great pride in assisting family and friends at local stock car speedways as a member of their pit crews. Russell was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa and appreciated the guidance of its rector, Derik Roy. Russell was known for his sense of humor and willingness to be a source of amusement. He made everyone around him smile and his wit will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife Sandra of 51 years; children Russell Miller, Michael Miller (Jacki), Jason Miller (Kathleen), Jonathan Miller (Sara), and Melissa Miller; grandchildren Randy, Morgan, Alexandria, Aidan, Michael, Adelyn, Marley, and Mira; great-grandson Hunter; sister-in-law Colleen Miller; nephew Patrick Miller; niece Carolyn Miller-Ross; several cousins and many friends. Russell was predeceased by his parents Bernard and Violet Miller, brothers Wayne Miller and Kurt Miller, sister Karen Miller, daughter Kristen Miller, and grandson Brandan Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, April 14 at Christ Episcopal Church, West High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, April 13 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and face masks are required.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa.

Ethel J. Best 97, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the Baptist Health Care Center. She was born in Schenectady, NY on July 12, 1923 to Dora and William Cichy.

During World War II, while her husband was training for the US Navy, Ethel worked at a defense plant in Detroit. She later worked at Maqua Co (G.E.) for several years. Ethel was a hairstylist and had a studio in her home. Ethel was an accomplished artist and received many awards for her work. In her younger years she enjoyed dancing and speed skating. She and her husband were rollerskate dance champions.

She was predeceased by her parents Dora and William; her husband John Best, brothers Bill, Jim, Ray and Leslie, and her sister Norma Brown. Ethel is survived by her children Carol Bojarczuk (Edward) and Thomas Best (Susan); grandchildren Erin Bojarczuk, Colleen Messina (Duane), Matthew Best (Anna) and John Best (Melissa); sister Lorraine Riggi; sisters in law Naomi Cichy and Claire Best; 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held and Ethel will be laid to rest with her husband at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Joyce A. Hinchcliff 84, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. She was born in Ticonderoga, NY on June 20, 1936 to Printess and Gladys Mason. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and loved having the grandchildren and great grandchildren part of her life.

She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years Edmund; her daughter Cindy Hinchcliff, grandson Damon Hinchcliff LaQue and sister Janet Pemberton. Joyce is survived by her sons John Hinchcliff and Scott Hinchcliff; daughter Kathy Stanislowsky; nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren and friends.

A graveside service will be held 1pm Monday, April 5 at Clifton Park Village Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Clifton Park. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.

Agnes J. Gawrys, 91, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021. One of ten children of Adam and Celia Wojtowecz, she was born in Ballston Spa, N.Y. on October 4, 1929.

In her younger days, Aggie, as she was known to all, enjoyed spending time at Lake Desolation with her sisters, brothers and friends and was known for her excellent renditions of Patsy Cline’s hits. She worked at the Ballston Knitting Mill and the Ballston Spa Dress Shop.

Agnes married Edward Gawrys in 1950. She devoted her life to her husband and raising and caring for her six children, and was the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Aggie loved to cook, especially Polish food, and was known for her delicious golumpki and made the world’s best relish. Family and friends were always welcome to Aggie’s Coffee Time. She was a passionate NY Yankee fan, staying up late to watch West Coast games and re-watching some games when she knew the outcome because it was less stressful. And woe to anyone who criticized her Yankees. She also loved watching Jeopardy. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa, faithfully attending Sunday mass until she was unable to leave her home.

Agnes was predeceased by her husband Edward in 1996, and her parents and siblings Carrie, Emily, Irv, Chet, Walter, Jeanette, John, Margaret, and Stella.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra (Ralph) Ranellone, Kathleen (Lawrence) Rooney, and her sons, Edward (Michele), Jeffrey (Linda), Andrew (Amy) and Jay (Robin) and her grandchildren, John, Matthew, Kate, Thomas, Brant, Katherine, Kristen, Michael, Hannah, Elizabeth, Andrew, Megan and Grady and her great-grandchildren, Leo, Lucy, Christopher, Matthew, Mackenzie, Smith and Rachel.

Due to Covid-19, there will be no calling hours. When we can safely gather again with family and friends, we will gather at Coffee Time and celebrate Aggie’s life.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 10th at St. Mary’s Church, Ballston Spa. A private burial will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or Community Emergency Corps.

Arthur C. Anderson 95, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. He was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on February 15, 1926 to Eugene and Minnie Anderson. He was a US Army Air Force veteran serving in World War II.

Art worked at Ballston Spa National Bank for thirty years, retiring as Vice President in 1987. Art served as treasurer of the Saratoga County March of Dimes and was a member of VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa. After his retirement, Art and his wife moved to Florida where he volunteered for AARP helping people with their taxes for over twenty years. He also served as a security patrol officer in Homosassa Springs and volunteered at the Sheriff’s Department.

He enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time in the great outdoors. His greatest joy was his family and he treasured the time they spent together.

He was predeceased by his parents Eugene and Minnie, and his brother in law John Downing. Art is survived by his wife of 70 years Evelyn; daughter Penny Kuhl (Kenneth); sister Agnes Downing; brothers Eugene Anderson (Pauline) and Lee Anderson (Joan); and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service was held. Memorial contributions in memory of Arthur may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Jocelyn S. Little 38, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital from complications due to Covid. She was born in Niskayuna, NY on October 25, 1982 to Randall and Pamalee Little. Jocelyn was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and attended SUNY Adirondack College.

She worked at Prestwick Chase in Saratoga Springs. Jocelyn had an infectious laugh and always tried to see the humor in everything. Her greatest joy was her son Rowen and she treasured motherhood and the beautiful life she and Gregg created together.

She was predeceased by her mother Pamalee Little and her father in law Gary Chamberlain. Jocelyn is survived by her life partner Gregg Chamberlain and their beloved son Rowen; her father Randall Little; sisters Kathleen Heiner (Jacob), Andrea Peck (Travis), and Juliana LaGrange (Lucas); nieces and nephew Grace, Emily and Aaron; and her mother in law Sally Chamberlain. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and extended family who have been so supportive throughout this difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, March 26 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required. A private memorial service will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jocelyn may be made to the family for her son Rowen.

Richard Henry Putnam 78, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021 with his family by his side. He was born in Port Henry, NY on September 21, 1942 to Maple and Marjorie (Fuller) Putnam.

Richard graduated from Port Henry High School in 1961 and married Bernadette Macey in August of 1963. He worked for Pratt and Whitney in Connecticut and returned to New York in 1970. Richard was a draftsman for General Electric and then transferred to Knolls Atomic Power Lab for many years, retiring in 2008.

He was predeceased by his parents Maple and Marjorie, brother Gerald Putnam and sister Joan Gavin. Richard is survived by his wife Bernadette; children Lisa Jane Wein (Michael), and Michael Putnam (Elizabeth); grandchildren Cody Putnam (Kristen), Geoffrey Wein, Sarah Wein, Genevieve Putnam, Finn Putnam, and Clara Putnam; great grandson Tavin Odell; brother Maple Putnam (Brenda), brothers and sisters in law, Elizabeth Duval (Joseph), Carlene Cowan (Michael), Reginald Macey (Barbara), James Macey (Patricia), Ivan Macey, Doris Macey, Anthony Macey (Barbara), David Macey (Josephine), and Roland Macey (Annette); and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 26 at 10am at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. For those unable to attend the mass will be live streamed on St. Clement’s Facebook page. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at the church.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Clement’s Church 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.