Obituaries

Phyllis J. Handy died at the Home of the Good Shepherd December 13, 2020. Phyllis was born in New Haven, Connecticut, March 26, 1932, and lived with her grandparents, Fred and Gertrude Richmond, and her beloved Aunt Ruby, until the age of thirteen when she moved to Schenectady, New York. There, she graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and met her future husband, Allen K. Handy, marrying in 1951. They were married for 68 years until Allen’s death last February 2020. After many years as a homemaker, Phyllis worked as a claims adjuster at Traveler’s Insurance in Albany, New York, before retiring many years ago.

Phyllis attended the Baptist Church in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, and joined Rotterdam [formerly Fishers] United Methodist Church after marrying Allen. During her membership she was once the treasurer and was very active in the women’s groups at the church.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Allen, parents Louis and Pearl Farr, and her sister Beverly Fowke. She is survived by her children, Sandra Miller and her husband Joel, David Handy and his wife Paula, and Larry and his wife Kathy. Phyllis is also survived by her grandchildren, Joel Handy, Todd Handy, Alyssa Gates, Deborah Crouse and Emily Handy. Phyllis was proud of her grandchildren, Ben, Scarlett, Flora, Eliza, Isla, and Cora. She had many nieces and nephews, but was especially grateful for her niece, Nancy Langlie, who provided attentive support of Phyllis in her later years.

Donations in Phyllis’ memory may be sent to Rotterdam United Methodist Church, Rotterdam, New York.

Chief James F. Stewart, USN Retired, passed away suddenly in his RV at a place he was so happy, sunny Florida.

He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1971, before joining and serving in the US Navy. Jim proudly served his country in Vietnam and retired after 21 years of distinguished service. He then used his many skills and became the maintenance supervisor for the Desmond Hotel and later the Hilton Hotel in Albany. Most recently in the summers he worked at the Air National Guard in Latham. He was a member of American Legion Post 337 in Broadalbin.

He was predeceased by his parents, Naomi and Woozie Dominick, and his brother Mark Dominick.

Jim left behind his loving wife of 47 years, Monica J. Stewart. His siblings are devastated at his passing, they include Heather Stewart, Bruce Stewart (Linda), and Melissa Williams; his beloved mother in law Marion Watson; sisters in law and brothers in law Kathleen Dominick, Francee Baker (Robert), Edward Watson (Sylvia), Stephen Catanzarita (Susan), Jo-Anne Monheim (Brian), Julie Watson, and Deborah Hodgkins (Mark). Jim was a favorite uncle to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was a kind, giving person who loved spending time with family and friends. Jim will be missed and never forgotten.

Jim will be buried with military honors at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, where a private service will be held. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to American Legion Post 337, 19 N. Main Street, Broadalbin, NY 12025.

James W. Coleman, 86, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. He was born in Ballston Spa, NY on June 5, 1934 to Frederick and Ella Mae Coleman. He served in the US Air Force.

Jimmy worked for the Town of Milton Highway Department for 25 years, retiring in 1990. Jimmy could often be found at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds where he spent his summers working on the grounds. He was a past member of Eagle Matt Lee Fire Co #1 in Ballston Spa.

He was predeceased by his longtime companion Mary Schelling, and his siblings Fred Coleman, Jr., Mary Jane Hale and Betty MacMillin. Jimmy is survived by his sisters Helen Senecal, Jean Coleman Heranney, and Ruth Vinciguerra; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial contributions in memory of Jimmy may be made to American Legion Post 234, 23 Pleasant Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Shirley A. Ballard 92, passed away on November 24, 2020. She was born in Ballston Spa, NY on September 29, 1928 to Lawrence and Genevieve Dorman. She raised her children in Ballston Spa and later moved to Clifton Park where she owned a small horse farm, where many family gatherings and clambakes where held.

Shirley was an aide at Shenendehowa Schools for many years and volunteered at the Franklin Community Center. She loved garage sale bargains, road trips and her favorite adventure was to Rome, Italy.

Shirley always said God kept his hand on her shoulder throughout her life. She was blessed to find a wonderful and loving life partner, John, to enjoy her last years of life with.

She was predeceased by her daughter Nancy Sinkora and her siblings Vincent Dorman and Barbara Green. Shirley is survived by her children Susan Fish (David) and Kenneth Ballard; grandchildren Jimmy Fish (Debbie), Felice Raucci (Chris), Jennifer Moore (Tim), Tracy Balch (Dan), Naomi Baker, and David Quillinan (Megan); great grandchildren Joshua, Gloria, Sara, Brandy, Tyler, Alec, David, Maggie, Salvatore, Alexis, Madison, Audrina, Alexandria, Abigail, Amelia and Serafina; daughter in law Debra Ballard; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date when we are able to gather together. Memorial contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Springfield, Massachusetts.

Robert S. Rodden, 64, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020. He was born in Manhattan on April 6, 1956 to Robert and Julia Clare Rodden. He grew up in Port Washington, NY and later moved upstate where he worked at the Racino in Saratoga Springs.

Bobby made any and all activities exciting due to his child-like enthusiasm for everything from a baseball game to a concert. He was always the life of the party and the loudest; you could hear him a mile away. He was athletic growing up and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed a round of golf with his son Chris and son in law JD. His favorite teams were the Rangers, Giants and Mets. One of his treasured memories was when the NY Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994. Bob said “Now I can die in peace.”

Bob loved his family and was always there to support them, attending many games, events and even his grandson’s loud car races. He loved music and live concerts, The Grateful Dead being a particular favorite. He also loved the ocean and it was actually hard to get him out of the water, he could float on the waves for hours.

We will never forget all the memories we had with you, the games you drove us to, the concerts you brought us to, all the mischief we put you through and no matter what you were always there for us. You always brought joy and laughs to everyone around you.

Our loss is heaven’s gain. We can only imagine the party upstairs where Bobby is surely singing karaoke in the clouds and jamming out with Jerry in a much better place.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Christopher. Bob is survived by his children Lauren Salvato (JD), Christopher Rodden and Matthew Rodden; grandchildren Derrick McGrew, Jr and Dylan Salvato; siblings Michael Rodden and Mary-Kelly Weir (Alistair); nephew Angus Weir; many friends, cousins and his beloved cats.

We want to honor Bob with a proper send off, but that won’t be possible until post-Covid, so a celebration of his life won’t be until Spring 2021. Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the American Heart Association.

Brett C. Finemore, 60, of Queensbury, NY passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. He was born in Milo, Maine on August 1, 1960 to Vernal and Joan Finemore.

Brett was an accomplished account manager at FW Webb. Making connections, creating lifelong friendships, and being part of a thriving company for over 30 years. Previously an officer of the Oakland Police Department in Maine, Brett never lost his passion and drive to be of service to others.

His strong ties to Maine made him an avid fan of the New England sports teams, being especially loyal to the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed return trips to Maine to hunt and refresh his unforgettable Maine accent. He looked forward to his many memorable trips to the Masters in Augusta with his son Joseph. Brett loved his friends and family and treasured the memories he created with them, especially his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Brett is survived by his wife June Stoddard-Finemore; children Joseph Finemore (Kelly) of Cary, NC, Ashley Finemore (Tony Volino) of Queensbury, and Jacob Stoddard of Queensbury; grandchildren Quinn, Keller, Anthony, Ashton and Aloni; siblings Brent Finemore (Kate) of Teaticket, MA and Kirk Finemore (Sharon) of Oakland, ME; nieces and nephews Andrew Finemore, Emily Finemore, Philip Finemore (Mallory), Kirsha Finemore, Nichole Stoddard and Emma Haus (Colten); and great niece Brielle Finemore.

A celebration of his life will be held on a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Brett may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org Brett had a deep respect for veterans and the sacrifices they made for our country.

Gary C. Paige 76, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Niskayuna, NY on June 3, 1944 to Edward and Ruth Paige. Gary was a Navy veteran serving in Londonderry, Ireland where he met the love of his life Monica Paige. Together they came to the United States where they raised their family.

Gary worked for General Electric Co for many years. He was a talented handyman and was always willing to lend a hand to any project. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing. His greatest joy was his family and he treasured the time they spent together. He was the best husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather anyone could ask for.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Monica; his children Suzanne Fisher (Jim Lambert), Gary Paige, Jr. (Wendy), and Chris Paige (Kristin); several grandchildren and two great granddaughters. He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Ruth Paige, and his siblings.

Funeral services will be held 9:30am Tuesday, November 17 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. 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 Monday, November 16 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required.

The family would like to thank Dr. Julie Phillips and the staff at the VA Medical Center, Joyce Crawford and the staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga, Home Health Aides Daye Kondenar and Julie Gilchrist, and their loving neighbors and friends for their care and compassion given to Gary throughout his illness.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gary may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Alzheimers Association, Pine West Plaza Building 4 Suite 405, Washington Ave Ext. Albany, NY 12205.

Elsie A. Clayton, 94, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 after a brief illness. Elsie was born on September 9, 1926 and was the oldest child of Ben and Jessie Older. Elsie worked at the Ballston Knitting Mill for several years before staying home to be a homemaker and mother, returning to the workforce to work at Tufflite Plastics for several years before retiring.

Elsie and Bob, her husband of 71 years, enjoyed traveling all over the country in their motor home when they retired. She loved Blue Grass Music and attended Blue Grass festivals whenever she was able. She enjoyed spending every weekend at their camp in Schroon Lake. Elsie loved to play cards with the gang and looked forward to it every week. She was a great cook and loved to bake. You could always find something delicious to eat on her counter, no matter when it was. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her family and friends.

Elsie is survived by her husband, Robert Clayton, her daughter, Bobbie DeLong, her grandchildren, Kaitlyn DeLong, John DeLong Jr., and Jesse DeLong , one great-grandson, Thomas DeLong, and her sister, Bernice Bencze, who will all miss her deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, Loretta Wilson, Jean Fusco, Margaret Baker, Frank Older and Theodore Older, as well as her son-in-law, John DeLong.

Elsie was a person with an inner strength that was remarkable. She overcame several health issues over the years without complaint. She just dealt with what came her way and kept on going. Anyone who knew her admired her for her strength of character.

In keeping with her wishes, a private family service will be held. Burial will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the ALS Center, c/o St. Peters Hospital, Albany, NY or to the American Cancer Society.

Guy C. Mitchell, 61, of Charlton and Malta, graduate of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School class of 1977, and Soul Extraordinaire.

On Sunday, October 25, 2020 we lost a giant of a man. Heaven’s great gain is our great loss. He was loved greatly because he loved greatly. Friend, father, soulmate, patient teacher, trainer, helper, guide, adventurer, athlete, and comedienne. Nurturer of people, land and machines. Great neighbor, great citizen, great soul. He never neglected an opportunity to aid another. Those whose lives have been touched by his know this deeply in their souls and that is why his being abruptly snatched away is so traumatic to us.

He was predeceased by his father Douglas Mitchell. Guy is survived by his wife Meg, children Rachel Mitchell Halleran (Connor) and Jesse Mitchell; grandchildren Cameron and Avery; mother Dorothy Mitchell; and brother Christopher Mitchell.

If you were touched by his life please join us on Friday, October 30 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. In lieu of flowers, we would be blessed if you would bring a note of how he touched your life. With Covid restrictions our time together may be brief. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

Pamela A. Perreault, 63, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, on Sunday, October 25, 2020, after a courageous fourteen month battle with cancer.

Affectionately known to many as Pammy Whammy, Pam was raised in Gilboa, NY, the daughter of Estella (Rogers) Nolte and Kenneth Nolte. She was predeceased by her father, Paul Clark, Jr. at a very young age. She attended Gilboa High School, graduating in 1975. Pam was an account executive in the food service brokerage industry for several years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Gregory; loving daughter, Karrie (Will) Ott; son, David T. Shepard; two stepdaughters, Jaime (Heather) Bernier and Heather (Steven) Comstock; loving grandmother to her most treasured and precious gifts, Sienna, Daxton, Tristan, Megan, Camron, and Jilian. Pam is also survived by her sisters, Paula Tuosto, Darlene (Randy) Briggs; brothers, Joe (Becky) Clark, Tim (Heather) Clark, and Kraig (Stephany) Nolte; and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to her sister Paula and all of our dear friends, especially Julie Lynch, Kathy Gower and Mary Kay Greenfield for all their love and support provided. Thank you as well to Hildegard Medicus Cancer Center, Troy, NY for all of their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday October 29, 2020 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks are required per CDC guidelines.

A private funeral service will be held and burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland, NY. A celebration of her life will be held on a future date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110 or The Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Michele D. Ogle passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her family at her side on October 14, 2020 after a long illness. Born on November 3, 1951 to the late Michael and Marion Dollar, she was raised in Pennsylvania.

Michele majored in mathematics at Indiana College of Pennsylvania. She moved to Schenectady after graduating college, and began working for GE in 1974. Michele had a prolific career working at GE in their research and development department, and earned her Master's degree in computer science while working and raising three sons. Her name was added to 30 patents during her 32 year career at GE. She left GE and started her second career teaching mathematics and computer programming at Empire State College, where she worked for 12 years.

Her smile and laughter will be missed by those she leaves behind; her loving husband J. Thomas (Tom) Ogle and their sons, John M. of Clifton Park, NY, Robert W. of Zhenjiang, China, and Gregory J., his wife Allison, and their daughters Erin Regina and Maeve Michele of Bayonne, NJ. She is also survived by her two sisters, Cheryl (Troy) Dollar of Red Oak, TX and Virginia Dollar of Fairfield, OH.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Lora R. McElroy (Rena) 56, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. She was born in Arkansas on July 11, 1964. Rena was always the life of the party and loved to dance. She enjoyed fishing and camping with her husband Drew. She loved watching Lifetime movies and made the best fried chicken!

Rena is predeceased by her loving husband Drew, mother Lillian Mayo, sister Vicki Martin and brother Jeff Curtis. She will be deeply missed by her children Sabrina Perri (Frank) of New City, and Timothy McElroy (Jennifer) of Scotia; 4 Grandchildren Jack, Peter, Frank and Lucas as well as many other family and friends.

Services will be private.

Josephine Fazzone 92, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020. She was born on September 2, 1928 in Rotterdam, NY to Anthony and Felicia Russo.

Josephine worked as a secretary at the Silver Haven Nursing Home in Rotterdam for many years. She enjoyed holiday cooking, spending time with her family, and being outdoors tending to her flowers. She also loved stylish clothes, shoes and fashion. Everyone who met her commented on how fashionable she was.

She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Fazzone, Sr and her siblings Frank Russo, Virginia LaMalfa and Robert Russo. Josephine is survived by her son Joseph Fazzone, Jr (Ruthanne); brother Americo Russo (Lorraine); sister in law Mary Ellen Russo; niece Felicia Cataldo (Rick) great nieces Michelle Hebden (Travis), Kelly Cataldo and Lauren Flanders (Ken); four great great nieces Madison, Arianna, Isadora and Aurora, one great great nephew Jasper, and several additional nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 10 from 9am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services and burial will be private. Memorial contributions in memory of Josephine may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Cynthia Ann McMahon, age 67, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2020 with her two loving sons by her side in Fort Myers, Florida. She was born February 17th, 1953 in Schenectady, NY to Paul and Helen Reisinger. Married in 1982 to Jim McMahon amongst loving friends and family eventually settling down in her loved home in Pattersonville, NY where she would enjoy the country life as a gardener.

Cindy was a caring, hardworking, warm hearted woman. She wanted to help everyone and everything. Those who were touched by Cindy in their lives felt a special connection with her throughout her life. She found a love of gardening, creating a peaceful spot of colors and fragrances everywhere she lived, attracting all sorts of wildlife. You could always tell Cindy had been here simply by walking to the front door. Everything felt like home when someone walked into her life. Old paintings of animals, farms, plants, and meaningful trinkets could be found around the house. To this day a white blanket she kept on every couch is still here and her children remember cuddling under with her in their feety pajamas in winter. Moving to Florida with her best friends Patty and Fenlon in 2010, she found a love of bird watching, kayaking, and shell collecting on the beaches of Sanibel and Clearwater. Despite being away, her room and home were full of pictures of her children, dogs, family, and friends.

Cindy had a difficult life during her time on earth beyond her marriage. However, she always took care of her friends and family. She made sure her sons played baseball every year while driving hours to multiple tournaments, all-star games, and the eventual nighttime double headers. Every holiday was a big event. Thanksgiving was filled with football, food, laughter, and "Mom come sit with us. We'll do the dishes together after the game." But she would do it anyway so no one else would have to. Christmas was decorated like a decorator was brought in and the tree always had her signature tinsel shimmering from top to bottom. The rest of the year on Fridays she would come home from work with a couple of videos in hand (often B rated horror movies) to watch while eating pizza with her sons. Sundays were for football and Nascar while summers were for water skiing, the motorcycle rendezvous, and baby oil. So much baby oil for tanning her signature bronzed skin. Warm weather was by far her favorite.

Cindy took in her eventual daughter in-law while she was a teenager as she did for other friends when they needed someplace to go because she was just that kind of person. Treating her like her own daughter, she was always there when needed. Her many friends loved her despite her temper but in the end, bygones were bygones. Her children got their manners from Cindy as well as their hardworking and dedicated spirit. She always said "Always help because someone is in need. Never take money even if they offer. Help because it’s the right thing to do." Chris often tells the story of when he and Sarah went to a flea market in Tennessee and someone said “You are the nicest Yankee I have ever met” to which he replied quickly “You can thank my mom for that”.

There are many stories and anecdotes of Cindy that are told by many people, but all had the same theme which was her signature attitude and kindness. Salty, sweet and sassy in the perfect mix that is hard to come by and will be easy to miss. She was an outgoing personality that would always call you “Sweetie” whether she knew you or just met you.

Cindy is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Paul and Donna Reisinger, sisters Mary and Helen, her sons and their wives Chris and Sarah McMahon, and Jimmy McMahon and Jessica Mastroianni,
granddaughter Paige McMahon, and many nieces and nephews and an abundance of friends.

Please join us for calling hours as we celebrate her life on Sunday October 11, 2020, from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, 39 E High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 10am Monday, October 12 at Christ Episcopal Church, 15 W High Street, Ballston Spa with burial to follow at Schenectady Memorial Park. Social distancing and facemasks are required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA through a Facebook donate campaign here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/400119864713571. There will be no after service gathering.