Obituaries

Hope Geisler passed away peacefully on July 1st at home with her husband by her side after a long illness. Hope was born July 23, 1953 in Jamestown, NY.

After graduation from college, Hope attended the University of Pittsburgh receiving her M.A. in Political Science. She then attended Syracuse University, the Maxwell School, advancing her graduate studies. After her graduate work, Hope worked for a number of non-profit organizations, before working in the New York State Senate.

Hope had several accomplishments, including being a classically trained flutist and culinary arts. She trained under Murray Panitz, first flutist for the Philadelphia Orchestra. She graduated later in life from Schenectady Community College with an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management. Her dream was to own and manage a resort in the 1000 Islands in Upstate New York.

Hope had a love for animals, especially her cats and butterflies, music, politics, preserving civil war battlefield sites, and Native American issues, especially the education and safety of the children. She loved to spend her summers at the Thousand Island Park, spending time with friends, boating on the St Lawrence River, and reading.

Respecting Hope’s wishes funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Hope may be made to: APF, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302; and the St Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326.

Frances A. Flanagan, 75 passed away on June 30, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Syracuse, NY on December 3, 1944.

Frances worked as a nurse’s aide at the St. John Neumann Residence in Saratoga Springs for many years. She enjoyed camping and fishing. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her beloved grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank Flanagan, III, son in law Kelly Collins, and grandson BJ Brown. Frances is survived by her children Frank Flanagan IV (Patty), Debra Gaba (James), Doreen Collins and Angel Sargen (Matthew); grandchildren Benjamin (Gwen), Dani (Joel), Frank (Kassie), Jimmy, Cody (Kateri); and great grandchildren Damian and Hannah.

A private family service will be held. Frances will be laid to rest with her husband and soul mate Frank in Middle Grove Cemetery.

Elizabeth (Lisa) A. Hazlett passed unexpectedly from this life on Thursday, June 25th, 2020 at the age of 65. She was the wife of William and cherished mother of two sons, Ryan and Andrew. Born July 3rd, 1954 to Joseph (Buddy) and Helen Gross. She resided in Clarks Summit, PA with her brothers Joe, John, Bill, and Jim along with her sisters Tina (Kane), Nancy (Curran) and her late sister Mari.

As a high school graduate she began a career in banking. In 1977 she moved to upstate New York to further pursue her career. This is where she met her to-be husband William (Bill) Hazlett. They married in 1980 and spent their honeymoon traveling Europe and traveled often in the years after. In 1984, Lisa gave birth to her first child Ryan Christopher and in 1989 she birthed her second child, Andrew William.

Being at home with her children as they grew gave her a tremendous amount of joy, along with rooting for her beloved Penn State Nittany Lions football and her favorite race horses.

Whether it was driving to the boy’s baseball games, handwriting hundreds of Christmas cards every year, or entertaining her three grandchildren - Brody, Ian, Andy - she was a woman with a kind heart who always thought of others before herself. Her loss is devastating to all who knew and loved her.

On behalf of family and friends – we LOVE you and you will be missed greatly.

To celebrate her life the family will be holding a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an addiction recovery organization or facility in your area.

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Frank Conte of Ballston Spa, NY on June 22, 2020. Frank was born on October 29, 1940 in Ballston Spa, NY; he graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1958. He then served in the U.S. Air Force and attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He was employed in various capacities by the State of New York for 34 years, most recently as a Management Analyst for the Department of Environmental Conservation.

He is the beloved father of Jennifer Stevens and Christofer Conte (Melissa) and was a proud “Papa” to his adored grandsons Nicholas Frank and Anthony Christofer who were the joy of his life. He shared many years of happiness with his cherished life partner of 27 years, Diane Lawrence. He was a brother to Richard (Arlene) Conte and dear uncle and godfather to Rachael Conte Naglestad (Markus), Michele Conte Waalkes (Michael), Mark Conte (Cindy), Douglas Conte, and several great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers Joseph Conte (June) and Bartolo Conte.

Frank’s gentle, thoughtful ways made him well-loved by all who met him. His passions were the mountains and spending time in nature. He and Diane hiked and traveled all over the world.

His interests included music; each year attending the Jazz Festival and the classical performances at SPAC, literature, photography, archeology and old movies. He enjoyed practicing Tai Chi, having adventures with his grandchildren and spending time with loved ones. He was a shining light and anchor for all his family; he will be missed profoundly. He is loved deeply.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, June 25 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and masks will be required per CDC guidelines. A private burial will be held at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Adirondack Mountain Club, 814 Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845, www.adk.org , WMHT, 4 Global View, Troy, NY 12180-8375, www.wmht.org , or Doctors without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org

With an excerpt from one of his favorite poems, we say goodbye for now:

“Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.” -Mary Oliver

John Maselli, 89 years old, died peacefully at home on Father’s Day, June 21. Mourning his loss and celebrating his life are his wife of 62 years, Georgiana, his daughter Suzanne, her children, Sophia and Johnny, his son Michael, wife Kimberlee, and their children, Nicole and Kristen.

Nothing was more important to John than his family. He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, demonstrating concern, patience, tolerance, wisdom and humor every day of his life.

John grew up in Ohio as one of seven children. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He graduated from Kent State University. He had a successful career with the state of New York.

A memorial service will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to the Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Aavo Merend 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2020. He was born in Paide, Estonia on January 21, 1934 to Andres and Malle Merend.

As a boy, he and his family fled the Soviet occupation of Estonia and lived for five years in various refugee camps in Germany. His family emigrated to the United States in 1949, settling in Queens, NY. He earned his master’s degree in engineering from Columbia University, followed by a PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He worked as an engineer at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna for 36 years, retiring in 1996.

Aavo was active in the Albany-Schenectady Estonian Association. He had a life-long passion for photography, his favorite subjects being family and nature. In his retirement years, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to Europe and many destinations in the United States. He also loved gardening and maintained beautiful gardens around his home. He took special interest in the development of the gardens around Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville, NY, where he was a member of the congregation.

He was predeceased by his parents, Andres and Malle, and a brother Mati Merend. Aavo is survived by his wife of 57 years, Enel (Karmo) Merend, and their children Helve Saarela of Wilbraham, MA, Tia Thomson (Raymond Jahn) of Warwick, NY, and Anne Liivak (Andres) of Hillsborough, NJ; as well as brother Toivo Merend (Judy) of Peekskill, NY. Aavo was the cherished grandfather of Andrew, Johanna, Kristi, Erik, Helina, Emma, and Tomas.

A private memorial service will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Aavo may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (www.goodshepherdglenville.com), or to the Estonian American Fund (www.eafund.org).

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Hugh Brien Hollowood at home Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Hugh was born June 1, 1931 in Ogdensburg, NY to Francis Hollowood and Kathleen Plympton.

Hugh was employed for 39 years in various capacities at General Electric Company in Schenectady where he met his wife Bernice Corning. They wed in 1956 and had 64 wonderful years raising their family in Ballston Spa and always welcoming their friends into their home.

He is survived by his wife and his six children who were the pride of his life along with their spouses; Brien and Cynthia, David and Laurie, Linda and Jim Benedict, John, Michael and Deborah, Timothy and Jodi. He received much pleasure from his grandchildren Colleen, Keelin, Sean, Kristen, John, Kimberly, Kathryn, Kevin, Kerri, Brien, Luke and Ian. He was a proud great grandfather of Oliver, Miles, Elliana and Shaylee. He is also survived by his sister Ann Perkins of Bath, Maine and many nieces and nephews.

Hugh holds a Life Membership in the Ballston Spa Lions Club. Having a desire to serve, he was a member of the Town of Ballston Zoning Board of Appeals, the Ballston Spa School Board, Saratoga Warren and Washington BOCES, ARC, Transitional Services, Samaritan Counseling, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Board. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, mountain climbing and earned the Adirondack 46er designation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be sent to Albany Med Foundation for benefit of the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, 43 New Scotland Ave, MC 119, Albany, NY 12208 or St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 167 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, June 15 from 4pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and masks will be observed as required by CDC guidelines.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on a later date.

Daniel L. Banker 24, passed away on June 8, 2020. He was born in Anniston, Alabama on September 9, 1995 to Larry and Robin Banker.

He graduated from Ballston Spa High School and Hudson Valley Community College with his engineering science degree making the President’s list several times. Daniel worked for CHA Consulting Inc, an engineering and construction management firm, as a design systems specialist and IT specialist.

He recently bought a home in Amsterdam. Daniel loved his dog Lincoln, building projects and continuously improving his fish aquarium. He loved hiking with his friends, campfires and spending time with his family.

Daniel is survived by his parents Larry and Pamala Banker of Ballston Spa; his mother and stepfather Robin and Jimmy Ginn of Alabama; brothers Devin Banker (Brittany) of Alabama, Jason Rickson (DeDe) of Ballston Spa, Joshua Rickson (Ashley) of Ballston Spa and Justin Rickson (Emma) of Northville; grandfather Lawrence Banker of Ballston Spa, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and one nephew.

Due to COVID restrictions the family invites you to view the live stream service by using the following link http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/42233575 at 11am on Friday, June 12, 2020.

Memorial contributions in memory of Daniel may be made to the Ballston Spa High School Robotics Club which will be establishing a scholarship in honor of Daniel. Donations may be mailed to the Ballston Spa High School, 220 Ballston Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, Attention: Deb Carminati

Paul Edward Charon, 62, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on June 5, 2020 after a valiant battle with complications from the COVID-19 virus.

Paul was born on November 20, 1957 to Frederick and Esther (Armstrong) Charon. He was the youngest of the five siblings. Paul graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1975. Paul was always in pursuit of a higher education and it took him across the U.S. He received an Automotive Engineering degree from HVCC, a Multidiscipline Engineering degree from the University of Portland, and a Human Relations degree from FMCC as well as many certificates. His love for higher education continued into his adult life and he pursued a degree from South College in Tennessee to become a Radiology Technician which he graduated with in 2013. He relocated back to New York and spent his days going from nursing home to nursing home as a traveling X-Ray Technician. He loved his work helping people.

In his free time Paul enjoyed being in the outdoors; whether he was hiking trails, hunting, fishing or grilling. He spent time volunteering for both the Red Cross and the Adirondack Mountain Club. He always enjoyed hosting Easter dinner in his home with family and friends.

Paul was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Esther Charon, his brothers Frederick G. Charon and Eric R. Charon.

He is survived by his sister Faith Feathers (Carl) of Ballston Spa, NY, his brother Gregory Charon (Mary Ann) of Mechanicville, NY, his sons Kyle Charon (Liz) of Burnt Hills, NY and Ryan Charon (Bailey) of Hartford, NY; nephews Peter Charon (Heather) of Warrensburg, NY, Nathan Charon of Albany, NY; nieces Charon Feathers (Scott Jacob) of Galway, NY and Jennifer Charon of Albany, NY; and his close friends Wilma Bandt, Carol Howell, Robin and Fred Schwedt.

The family would like to include a special thank you to the wonderful staff at the ICU in Saratoga Hospital for their hard work and dedication caring for Paul during his stay with them.

Services will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Red Cross in honor of Paul Charon.

Edna Daumit Altone passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at Schuyler Ridge Rehabilitation and Residential Healthcare Center in Clifton Park, NY.

Edna was born in Smithton, Pennsylvania on June 22, 1917, the daughter of Alexander and Haseba Daumit, and was raised and educated in Monessen, PA. She married Albert Altone in 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA. After her husband’s military service, during the Second World War, the couple settled in Ballston Spa, NY.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings Thomas Obade, Mary Obade, Ida Nader, Paul Daumit, Sadie Saffy, Lewis Daumit, Fannie Joseph and Edmund Daumit. She leaves her son, Edmund Russell Altone (Susan Kukuk) of Delmar, NY; her daughter Adrienne Altone Cetner (John R.) of Ballston Spa, NY; grandchildren Sarah Altone and Kaitlin Altone; step-grandchildren Krissa Cetner (Alex Salazar) and John M. Cetner (Michelle Graziosi); and step-great grandson Myles Salazar. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and their families.

Prior to her marriage, she was employed by the Monessen PA School District. Later she worked in the development department of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

In 1967 she obtained a summer job with the newly established Saratoga Performing Arts Center. At the end of that summer season, she was offered and accepted a permanent position in the Center’s development office. She was with SPAC until her retirement in 1994. For the last 20 of those years, she served as the Director of Development.

Edna Altone’s lifelong interests included documenting family history, poetry, literature, ballet, classical music, opera and the arts.

The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of Schuyler Ridge Rehabilitation and Residential Healthcare Center in Clifton Park, NY for the compassionate care they provided during Edna’s final years.

Due to the current pandemic, there will be no calling hours. At the request of the family, services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Edna Altone’s name may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 15 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (attention: Building Fund) or Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (attention: Endowment Fund).

Alice I. Springer 78, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 25, 2020. She was born in Mechanicville, NY on September 25, 1941, to Harold and Helen (Stockwell) Horn.

Alice was a bus driver for Galway Central School for 20 years. She previously worked at Chuck’s Store in Galway and Rickett’s in Ballston Spa. Alice enjoyed bowling, dancing and traveling with her family. She was a volunteer and coach for the Special Olympics.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Richard Horn. Alice is survived by her husband Donald and their children Donald Springer (Tina) of Loris, SC, Betty Edwards (Jeff) of Ellenboro, NC, and Vicki Springer of Greenfield; grandchildren Danielle Springer, Heather Robinson, Jason Springer (Leeza), Jeffrey Edwards (Megan) and Jacob Edwards (Angela); brother Harold Horn; twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Alice may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

John P. Jones 59, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020. He was born in Ballston Spa, NY on September 19, 1960 to George and Patricia (Kilburn) Jones.

John worked for Ballston Spa Central Schools for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with family. He was a scrapper and loved searching for treasures at garage sales.

“Big John” treated all his friends like family and cherished the times they spent together. He would always greet you with a “skittlebolt” with his pointer finger gripped between his teeth.

He was predeceased by his father George and his brother David. John is survived by his wife Jami and their daughter Tabetha; his mother Patricia Jones; siblings Joann Harris, Kelly Jones (Rick), and Michael Jones (Sandy); many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to the Rubin Dialysis Center, 59C Myrtle Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12020.

M. Joyce Rodger, 71, passed peacefully from her family’s arms into those of her mother on May 12, 2020. Joyce was born in Albany, NY to Joseph and Catherine (LaHait) Kowalski on May 29, 1948. She entered Vincentian Institute as a kindergartener and along with multiple friends and long-time neighbors, graduated in 1966.

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oneonta, she completed a graduate degree at St. Rose and taught first grade at St. Patrick’s School in Ravena. She subsequently accepted a position at the NYS Department of Labor. Her unfulfilled dream was to open a book store. Instead, after retiring from the Labor Department, she worked part time at the Round Lake Library.

Joyce was a loving and generous wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed reading, knitting and animals. Her children and grandson knew she would nurture any dog, car, ferret or rooster they brought to her care so several strays found a permanent home on Malta Avenue.

Joyce will be greatly missed by her husband of 37 years Jack Rodger, her daughter Megan Brown, her son Matthew Rodger, her grandson Cody Rodger and by the pets who currently reside in their home. She is also survived by her brother Charles Kowalski (Margaret), her sister Marybeth Bonafide (Frank) all of Delmar, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Catherine, and her first husband Martin Brown.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to Family Promise of the Capital Region, 738 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.

Arden (Art) J. Younkin, age 85, formerly of Rome, NY, and Houston, TX, entered into rest peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday, May 2, 2020.

Art was born in Rockwood, PA, on April 7, 1935, a son of the late Jesse R. and Irene Phillippi Younkin. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Dale (Lois) Younkin; a brother, Jerry Younkin; a sister, Velma Muir; and a daughter, Donna Younkin Matinchek. Art was formerly married to the late Margaret “Peggy” (Guggi) Younkin.

Art was raised in Ligonier, PA, and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. He took pride in serving his country for four years while stationed at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, NY. Art then began his career as an Airline Mechanic with Mohawk, Allegheny, USAir, and retired as an Instructor from Continental Airlines in Houston, TX. Art was also involved in teaching aviation mechanics at the collegiate level. He returned to New York State to be closer to his children in 2012.

Art especially enjoyed woodworking of all types and time spent in an extensive wood shop in his home. When residing in Rome, NY, he completed construction of a home for his family. His musical tendencies ranged from playing guitar in his earlier years to being identified by his continuous whistling in his final years.

Arden is survived by daughters, Denice Townsend, Verona, NY, and Debbie and Keith Atlas, Ballston Spa, NY, and a son, Dan and Audrey (Zakala) Younkin, Rome, NY; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and burial will take place with full military honors at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the physicians, nurses, and staff at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY for their compassionate care of Arden.