Obituaries

Joel F. Landis 82, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at his home after a three year battle with cancer. The oldest of five children, Joe was born on November 16, 1938 to Joseph and Elmira Landis.

After serving in the US Air Force for 4 years, he went to work for General Electric for 12 years. Joe then decided to return to college and earned a Master’s Degree. He became a licensed Certified Public Accountant and ran his own business in the Burnt Hills and Charlton area until his retirement in 2018.

Joe bought and rebuilt an abandoned dairy farm in Charlton making a beautiful home for his family. He made it a working farm, producing hay in the fields. He loved his farm and being able to raise his sons there gave him great joy. He was an avid runner and member of Saratoga Striders for several years.

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years Elaine; sons Robert Landis (Michele), Joseph Landis (Jamye) and James Landis (Colleen); siblings Carl Landis (Sylvia), James Landis, Lorraine Tomlinson (Joseph) and Ruth Koren (Ken); 19 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 4 from 5pm to 7pm at the Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street Ballston Spa. A funeral service with military honors will be held 11:30am Friday, March 5 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Debra A. Armstrong 62, left her earthly home and joined her eternal paradise on February 20, 2021. Debby was born on July 6, 1958 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Debby was known for her kind heart and desire to make others around her happy.

Debby spent many years working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was the time spent with those she supported and the growth within each person that filled her heart. Debby was very proud of the success and fun that she was a part of, which included involvement in the Special Olympics.

She was predeceased by her mother Gertrude McGowan, father Emery McGowan, stepfather Frank Danforth, and sister Sandy McGowan. Debby is survived by her husband Thomas Armstrong; sons Mark Armstrong and Brad Armstrong; sisters Linda Myers and Barb Carey; brothers Larry McGowan and Rick McGowan; countless nieces and nephews; and her beautiful grandchildren who where were the sparkle in her sky.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 26 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Debby may be made to the Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org

Denis O’Brien passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Denis was born in 1938 in Granville, New York. He attended Castleton State College in Vermont where he received his teaching degree. From there, he accepted a teaching position in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake school system in 1968 and remained there until his retirement. In addition to teaching in the math department, Denis was a volunteer fireman for twenty years at the East Glenville Fire Department.

Denis was an avid reader, consuming two or three books a week. One of his other passions was doing the New York Times crossword puzzle every day. Many of his students and colleagues will recall the beautiful and colorful works of art hanging from the ceiling in his classroom. Denis created with precision, 3-D mathematical spheres, hexagonal pyramids and other shapes.

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable contributions he made was his role as a teacher and the impact he had on so many. Denis had an uncanny way of connecting with students who were sometimes challenging or had behavioral issues. He welcomed the students who believed they had little or no future and spoke their language. His students found his teaching style relatable and appreciated that he took the time to get to know them and talk to them. Every year, Denis would share his own personal life challenges with students in the Health classes. This insight to his own recovery helped many students process the troubles and problems in their own lives. A testimony to his success with students is the number of them who went on to become productive citizens and the former students who often came back to see Mr. O’Brien and thank him.

Throughout his teaching career and during retirement, Denis was an integral part time employee of Natural Design Landscaping. For many years he worked side by side with his friend Philip Pekar installing landscape designs. This allowed Denis to be outdoors, another thing he enjoyed.

Most importantly, Denis enjoyed time spent with his beloved wife Linda. They enjoyed quiet time together while they read or watched their favorite movies. Their most memorable times were when they traveled. Their trips to Georgia to see their son Adam were a welcomed relief from the cold weather of the north and their trips to the West coast to visit his daughter Sarah and her husband David were also special. They loved Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. Linda said that it was always a challenge to get Denis to return home during their trips to California’s Big Sur and Carmel.

He was predeceased by his parents Thomas O’Brien and Pauline Smith O’Brien, sister Jane Timm and brother Tom O’Brien. Denis is survived by his wife Linda Tallman O’Brien; daughters Sarah Misserian (David) of Tucson, AZ; Jennifer Kistner (Gerry) of Unity, NH and Sandra Spoerner (Michael) of Albuquerque, NM; son Adam Stanton of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Rachel and Noah; brother Owen O’Brien (Mary Lou); friend and mother of his daughters Barbara O’Brien; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no services at this time. Memorial contributions in memory of Denis may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Brett W. Bydairk, 69 passed away suddenly on February 11, 2021. Brett was born in Chicago, IL and lived in Connecticut, Idaho, California and Hawaii before his military parents moved to Ballston Spa in 1962. Brett graduated from Ballston Spa High School as well as the University of South Carolina.

He worked for the state of South Carolina for over 30 years before returning to Ballston Spa in 2007. Brett also served in the United States Air Force. He was a music enthusiast and enjoyed performances at his beloved Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. He was happy to be the Caffe historian and took great satisfaction in maintaining the archives. Brett was also an avid reader and book collector. He maintained an extensive collection of books.

Brett was a proud brother, uncle and loyal friend. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Lois (Kiper) Bydairk and a brother Tracy W. Bydairk. Brett is survived by his sister Wendy Bydairk and her husband, Michael Zimmerman of North Andover, MA; niece Eliza Zimmerman and her husband Mark Suscovich of Duxbury, MA, niece Maxie Zimmerman of N. Andover, MA; and his lifelong best friend Mike Norton of Dublin, PA.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Brett may be made to Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Robert E. Holmes II, 76, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. He was born in Glens Falls, NY on April 4, 1944 to Robert and Annis Holmes. He served in the US Navy on the USS Wilkinson.

Bob was the owner and operator of Razor Inn in Albany, where he was a barber for over 50 years. His customers were like family to him and he enjoyed sharing stories with them throughout the years. He was a lifetime member of the Clifton Park Elks helping with many events and activities. In his free time Bob liked to hunt and fish, and spend time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Annis Holmes and his sister Ada Cross. Bob is survived by his wife Rene, and their children Robert Holmes III (Lorie), Shelley Farone (Christian) and Dan Holmes (Amy); grandchildren Jessica, Samantha, Robert IV, and Lily; sister Karen Havens; and his beloved dog Suzy.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, February 15 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. A service with military honors will be held 11:30am Tuesday, February 16 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the Clifton Park Elks, 695 McElroy Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Lois Short, 94, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2021 with her daughters, kitties and friends by her side.

Lois was born on May 14, 1926 near Scranton, PA to Helen and George Cowperthwait. They moved to the area by the time she was five eventually graduating from Ballston Spa High School. After graduation, Lois attended Boston University receiving an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising.

After WWII, she met and married William Short, born in Ballston Spa. They lived in Washington DC while Bill finished his education. They returned to Ballston Spa, eventually building their forever home, which she cherished and where she spent her final days.

She worked at GE for several years before raising her two daughters. She then joined the Ballston Spa Central School district as a teaching assistant at the Wood Road School in the reading department where she worked until her retirement. Summers, Lois worked for Ballston recreation committee teaching the grades 3-5 arts and crafts class. She was also a 4H leader where her specialty was teaching sewing.

Later, Lois continued her pursuit of creative endeavors making decorative eggs, boxes, barrettes, and homemade cards for all occasions sending them to countless friends and relatives. Not long ago, she had a successful Treasure Keeper’s booth at a local church fair.

In recent years, she was a member of Saratoga Arts where she showed and sold her work Lois loved her pets which, over the years included dogs and cats as well as the kids’ hamsters, gerbils, and birds. Throughout the years, she had numerous cats find her home and her generous spirit, and with the help of others, find a permanent home. Besides the 4-legged friends, Lois was an avid gardener and nature lover. Her yard was a haven for insects, birds, and wildlife. Her flowers were a joy she shared with others.

Lois was predeceased by her parents, sisters, and husband, William. She is survived by her daughters, Jill Rogalskyj, husband Peter, grandchildren Nate, Sophie, and George; and Pam Short, husband Kevin Williams, grandchildren Zachary, Benjamin and Johnathan; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

Lois treasured her friends throughout the years. She felt so blessed to have so many caring and kind people in her life.

Lois’ family would like to thank the many people who have touched mom’s life over the years, community hospice for their care, and the many friends and home caregivers who have made her wishes possible to stay in her home until she chose to join the angels. You know who you are and we are forever grateful to you.

A calling hour will be held from 10am to 11am on Tuesday, February 9 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A funeral service will follow at 11am. Burial will be in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Social distancing and facemasks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lois to Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or Woofs for Warriors, Inc. PO Box 2466, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Marguerite Sulzman (Meg), 71, of Ballston Spa, NY passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Meg was born Marguerite Delia Lavoie on October 12, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Edgar and Doris (Litterer) Lavoie. She grew up in Lynbrook, NY and attended Lynbrook High School (’67). She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Ithaca College (’71) and a Master’s Degree in Education from Russell Sage College. She taught 4th grade for several years at St. Jude the Apostle School in Wynantskill before working at Albany ARC where she dedicated over 15 years to assisting adults with disabilities. In 2004 she moved to Tampa, FL to teach middle school and to be close to three of her children. Meg returned to upstate New York in 2008 and to Albany ARC until her semi-retirement. She spent the last several years at Kids First Child Care in Ballston Spa. She was dedicated to the children and found great joy in caring for them.

Meg was the devoted and loving mother of David Sulzman, Heather Sulzman (Chris Williams), Jennifer (Ian) Gertler, and Meredith (Michael) Tower; grandmother to Noah and Lyle Sulzman, Frances Williams, Jonathan and Andrew Gertler, and Delia and Liam Tower. She is also survived by her brother Michael Lavoie, nieces, nephews and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law that she loved dearly.

Meg was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa. She enjoyed participating in a play readers group at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Troy. She was an avid reader and trivia buff so much so that she was a 5x Jeopardy winner in 1974. She enjoyed traveling and attending Broadway shows. Meg loved to shop and never met a pair of shoes she didn’t like. She never turned down a game of Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit with anyone willing to play knowing who the winner would likely be. Most of all she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a future date at Christ Episcopal Church when the world is a little safer and family and friends can travel and gather safely. Donations to the Christ Church Food Pantry in her memory would be appreciated.

Gladys M. Caputo 93, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, NY on February 25, 1927 to Walter and Mary Oleksiak.

Gladys worked for UMI in Malta for several years. In her younger years, she enjoyed dancing and listening to music and later watched dancing on TV. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and visits with her beloved granddogs Rufus and Fiona.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank, son in law Glenn Bowers, Sr. and her ten brothers and sisters. Gladys is survived by her daughters Francine Snyder (Edmund) and Patricia Bowers; grandchildren Kristina, Glenn Jr. (Kristie), Betsy (Jon), Ed (Angela) and Mandie (BJ); great grandchildren Michaela (Christopher), Aubrey, Steven, Kodie, Siarra, Payton, Sidney and EJ; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 5 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Funeral services will be held 11am Saturday, February 6 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gladys may be made to Community Emergency Corp, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Andrea for her compassionate care of Gladys.

Kathleen A. Mattrazzo 72, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 30, 2021. She was born in Schenectady, NY on September 28, 1948 to Joseph and Dorothy Grose.

Kathy worked for Campito Plumbing and Heating in Latham for over fifty years. Her home was decorated for every holiday and she loved to entertain and cook for her family and friends. Kathy was always ready for a cocktail and a good time.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years Rick; sisters Dolores “Dee” Scotti and Diane Grose; brother in law Anthony Mattrazzo; sister in law Barb Mattrazzo; nieces and nephews Christopher, Kevin, Anthony, Rhonda, Jimmy, Erika, Jeremy, and Markie.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, February 3 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 9:30am Thursday, February 4 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Social distancing and facemasks are required. Burial will be in Factory Village Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Kathy may be made to the Community Ambulance Corp, Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or Division of Strength c/o Sabrina Mosseau, 11 Village View Bluff, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

The family would like to thank Dr. Valentine and all of the nurses and staff at Saratoga Oncology for their care and compassion.

Sean H. Riccio 51, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. He was born in Albany, NY on August 4, 1969. Sean worked for Telecom in Schenectady for several years. Sean liked to be outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He was a CB Radio operator, “Tiny” was his handle. He had a talent for tinkering and making all kinds of gadgets. He loved his dog Massey and watching TV.

Sean is survived by his wife Kim; children Doreen Riccio, Samantha Wood (Heath Blowers), Myron Woodbeck (Hannah Mattison), and Melinda Britton; granddaughters Paiten and Harper; mother and stepfather Patricia and Edward Gradwell; father Alfred Riccio; sister Sheryl Weidman Persons (Kenneth); brother Darren Riccio (Jodie); and nieces and nephews Noah, Mary, Madison, Darrian, and Nadeau (Michael).

A celebration of Sean’s life will be held on Monday, February 1 from 3pm to 6pm at Kings Inn, 6 McDonald Avenue, Schenectady. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

Alfred J. Schadow, Sr. 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Home of the Good Shepherd. He was born in North Bergen, NJ on September 3rd, 1922 to John and Eleanor (Vogt) Schadow. Al grew up in North Bergen, NJ moving with his parents to Springfield, MA when he was around 11 in a 1927 Hudson Phaeton Automobile. They had several residences in Springfield before settling on Harwich Road in West Springfield. He went to Springfield City Schools and graduated from the High School in 1940. That senior year he had to get special permission to attend Springfield High since he was living in West Springfield.

At this point he worked in several machine shops and was drafted for WWII in 1942. When the Army found out he was making diesel parts in the shop and had a slight heart murmur, he was discharged from the service and sent back to continue his craft. After the war, he enrolled in the Civil Engineering Coop Program at Northeastern University in Boston. Al had the good fortune to be a member of a surveying crew during summer vacations right at home in Springfield. He graduated in 1952 and did a stint with the General Electric Company in 3 locations; Pittsfield, MA, Erie, PA, and Schenectady, NY. After successfully completed these assignments, Al was offered a permanent job at GE R&D in Plant Engineering. He remained with this firm until his retirement in 1982 with 29 years’ service.

Al learned to drive and got a ’36 Olds right away, since his mother, Eleanor did not drive. The family was fortunate to have had a cabin very close to Hammonasset State Beach in CT The '36 Olds made many trips to that getaway on weekends. During the '38 Hurricane the cabin was blown around and was simply put back on the blocks. After the '36, he liked Buicks and owned many of them.

In 1947 Al met his sweetheart Shirley Bowne and they married in 1953. Following his retirement, Al and Shirley were active with lighthouse visiting and bird-watching. They took many trips together to pursue these interests. Al found solitude working in the yard, and also building model trains, planes and cars. He was a 64 year Masonic Lodge Member, lastly joining the Masons in Ballston Spa in the 70’s. He was involved in many of their activities throughout that time.

He was predeceased by wife of 66 years, Shirley, and several cousins including, Adele Schwieger and Arthur Kopp, Jr. Al is survived by his children Alfred Schadow, Jr, Naomi Schadow, Karl Schadow, Eric Schadow (MaryBeth); grandchildren Jessica Altman (Brian), Kristen Hatt (Carl), Nathan, Zachary and Madelynn Schadow; and great grandchildren Levi Altman, Logan, and Eva Hatt.

A memorial service with military honors will be held 11:30am Friday, September 3, which would have been Al’s 99th birthday, at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Memorial contributions in memory of Al may be made to the Franklin Lodge #22 F. & A.M., 25 Hyde Blvd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Kathleen A. Kuznia, 63, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 26th, 2019.

Kathy was born on April 25th, 1956 in Washington D.C. to Dr. William and Ann (Neville) Kelley, the eldest of six children. The family relocated to Ballston Spa, NY in 1966, where Kathy would spend the rest of her life.

Kathy was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School, class of 1974. She went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1978 and began a career with the Saratoga County Probation Department, where she would remain until her retirement in 2010.

To most, Kathy was the kindest person they had ever met. She had a heart of gold that shined through the warm smile that was always on her face. Kathy took joy in the simple things, such as painting crafts, going out to lunch and nurturing plants with her “green thumb”. Nothing brought Kathy more pride and joy than being a Mother. Kathy was happiest spending time with her beloved children, TJ and Annie - “The Tripod”.

Kathy was predeceased by her mother, Ann Kelley, and sister Deborah Gates. She is survived by her loving children TJ Kuznia and Annie Kuznia, father Dr. William Kelley, sister Maureen (Rick) Cooper, brother William Kelley, brother Michael Kelley, sister Bridget (Pete) Zimmer, along with several adored nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 30th from 4 PM to 8 PM at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at 9:30am at St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa.

Frederick L. Harris Sr. 85, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021. He was born in Saratoga Springs, NY on January 5, 1936 to Leon and Wilda Harris. He served in the US Army.

Fred worked several jobs over the years, including Standard Furniture, Saratoga Harness Track, Quality Gas, and Cudney’s Dry Cleaning, where he retired from. He enjoyed Nascar, camping, taking long drives, playing games with friends and spending hours in the garage fixing things. Fred was a member of the Eagles Club in Saratoga Springs and VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Eleanor; stepson Rusty Palmateer, Jr., sister Joan Reed and brother Paul Harris. Fred is survived by his son Fred Harris, Jr. (Jan) of Ballston Spa; daughter in law Mary Ellen Palmateer of Saratoga Springs; stepson Ricky Palmateer (Crystal) of Ballston Spa; his beloved grandchildren Brittany King (Shaughn), Jessica Macchi (Todd), Rusty Palmateer III, Sarah Smith (Steve) and Melisa Colvin; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion Florence Lenz.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, January 26 from 9am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Facemasks and social distancing are required. A private service will follow. Burial with military honors will be in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Fred may be made to Union Fire Co #2, PO Box 145, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Jessie Anabel (Edwards) Beninati passed away peacefully on January 20, 2021. She was 99 years old. She was the daughter of Rachel (Uecker) and Tracy Edwards and was born on August 7, 1921. She grew up with her brother Carl in the north end of Ballston Spa, sledding across the Blue Mill Bridge, smelling chocolate from Bischoff’s Chocolate Factory and roller skating across the Bachellerville Bridge in Edinburgh. She saw Amelia Earhart during a stop in the village and she rode horses whenever she could.

She married Louis Beninati after WW II, raised her three daughters in the house that they built together on Lewis Street, and lived independently in that home, until recently. She lived her entire life in Ballston Spa, while she traveled the US and the world.

She worked at Caplan’s Style Shop in her youth and the Ballston Spa Central School District until retirement. She was a leader and president of the local Girl Scout Council. She shared her love of the outdoors, birds (especially the chickadees at her feeder), gardening, hiking and her independent spirit with her children.

She was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, her husband, Louis and her daughter, Sally Van Alstyne. She is survived by her daughters Carol Bennett and LouAnn Beninati and her son in law Robert Van Alstyne. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and their families, Robert L (Boo) and Tammy Van Alstyne , Jennifer Bennett, Tracy and Steve Russo, David and Elise Bennett, Troy Coutrayer and Lisa Vestiwig, LaWanda and John Legault, Elaina and Jermaine Armstead, Jesse Coutrayer and Ashley Baschand, and 11 great grandchildren, Bobby, Stephen, Ben, Sebastian, Max, Brooke, Kalob, Brandon, Cameron, Clark and Milo.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Home of the Good Shepherd for their gentle care over the past three years. Due to COVID-19, services will be scheduled at a later date. Those wanting to honor Jessie’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to Robin’s Nest Children’s Center 20 Allen Street Burlington, VT 05401, or the Home of the Good Shepherd 400 Church St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.