Obituaries

Russell K. Thomas, 89, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 11, 1929, he was the son of William and Olive Thomas. He served in the US Navy as a radar man on the USS Fred T. Berry. Stationed in the combat information center, he tracked surfaces and scanned for crafts and airplanes. He enjoyed the travel opportunities that the Navy provided and his stint as a boxer for the Navy team.

Russell was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and was a running back on the football team. He was a drummer in band and orchestra and later played at private events and on the radio. He loved music and went to more than twenty shows with his daughter Shelley. Russell worked at Grand Union for 25 years and then Curtis Lumber for another 25 years, retiring from his long career as a Senior purchasing agent at Saratoga Lumber Traders.

Russell went to Precise Fitness and Training and worked out regularly; two to three times a week. His exceptional trainer, Gina Sabatini worked with him for more than 25 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Myrtle, and his parents Bill and Olive. Russell is survived by his daughters Shelley Thomas, and Jill Willey (Larry); grandsons Thomas Willey (Kim) and Patrick Willey (Sara); great grandchildren Hannah, Mac, Sophia, Olivia, Eli and Henry; brother Edward Thomas (Rose); several nieces and nephews; and his beloved Shih Tzu, Lilly.

At Russell’s request, funeral services will be private.

Memorial contributions in memory of Russell may be made to Christ Episcopal Church.

Lee VanArsdale passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 13, 2018. Lee was born and raised in Pulaski, New York, and graduated from Cornell University following high school. He then joined the Coast Guard and served his country with distinction for six years. Upon leaving the service Lee went to work in the farm equipment industry as a district manager. During his work-related travels through New Hampshire and Vermont Lee met his future wife, Christine, and they were married on July 14, 1973. They relocated to Ballston Spa to what became their home for the next 45 years.

On February 15, 1979 Lee and Chris welcomed their first son, Brian. Their family grew on June 20, 1986, when their second son, Eric, was adopted. On July 15, 2006, Lee and Chris welcomed Amanda Hart into their family as Brian’s wife. Brian and Amanda have had two children, Kyle and Sara, and Lee and Chris enjoyed and relished their roles as grandparents. In the summers Lee spent many hours in the pool with his grandchildren.

Lee had many interests and was active in his community. He was a Scout leader in Troop 1, and a 15-year member of the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Lee enjoyed camping and traveling, especially to Disney World. An avid reader, Lee spent hours reading the newspaper as well as many different types of magazines. Lee was a strong supporter of the Ballston Spa Odyssey of the Mind program, providing his yard as the sorting location for the bottles and cans collected to pay for teams’ travels to the World Finals competition. He was also a frequent visitor to garage sales and auctions, as demonstrated by the condition of his garage. Known as a hard worker, Lee worked 6 days a week at his job up until his death.

In addition to his immediate family, Lee is survived by his sisters, Wanda VanArsdale and Sharon VanArsdale Gorman, and his brothers Clyde VanArsdale and Gary VanArsdale. In addition, Lee will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Wednesday, December 19 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 18 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Lee may be made to the Ballston Spa Boy Scout Troop 1, 101 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank S. Orapello on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the age of 60. Frank was born in Amsterdam, NY on September 11th, 1958. He was the eldest son of Frank and Antoinette (Bottisti) Orapello.

Frank was a Test Engineer for Jabil Circuit in Poughkeepsie, NY, and previously worked as an Engineer for IBM in Poughkeepsie and Kingston, NY. Frank was very proud of the projects he worked on throughout his career.

Frank was an inquisitive man, always thinking about how things worked and why they didn’t. He will be remembered as one of those rare individuals who was always ready to listen and offer his advice on any situation. In his early years he was known as someone who had a very strong work ethic, which continued throughout his life.

Frank enjoyed Sunday afternoons watching football games with his sons and their dog Jack. He also had a love and appreciation for wildlife. He enjoyed the holidays spent with family laughing and sharing stories of years gone by.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Antoinette, and by his brother Perry. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his children, Nicholas S. and Michael A. Orapello, by his sisters, Christine (Chris) Vandepas, and Laura (Harry) Wells, Sister in law Suzan Orapello as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 11, from 10am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 11am. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson.

Elizabeth J. McCann “Betty” 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 5, 1927, she was the daughter of Clarence and Mary Hogan.

Betty was a bus driver for Ballston Spa Central Schools for 23 years. She then worked as a bus monitor until her retirement in 1990.

She was an avid NY Yankee fan. Betty enjoyed the Casino’s and watching the horses run at the Saratoga Racetrack in the summer.

She was predeceased by her husband Oscar McCann, brother Earl Hogan and sister Helen Plummer. Betty is survived by her son James McCann and his wife Kathy, and her beloved granddog Cooper.

Funeral services will be held 11am Friday, December 14 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Jean Sleight, 86, passed away on Friday, December 7, 2018. Born in Schenectady, NY on April 20, 1932, she was the daughter of Charles and Folma Jackson.

Jean was a homemaker and lovingly raised her family. She worked for NYS and later for Galway Schools.

Jean was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa and volunteered in the food pantry at church. She was very active in the Make A Wish Foundation. She loved to craft, making angels was her favorite. She enjoyed face painting and camping. Playing bridge was one of her favorite things.

She was predeceased by her husband Gordon, her sister Alice, great grandson Elijah and granddaughter in law Tanya. Jean is survived by her husband William F. Bernadt, Jr.; children William (Barbara), Robert (Bev), Bonnie, Buck (Cissy), Brian (Amy) and Brad (Dawn); brother Len (Anita); 10 grandchildren Travis, Brandon, Kyle, Amber, Lisa, Marisa, Chrisandra, Amanda, Dana and Christopher; and 24 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, December 12 at Christ Episcopal Church, West High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 11 from 4pm to 7pm at Christ Church.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be made to Christ Episcopal Church.

The family would like to thank Saratoga Hospital, Community Hospice of Saratoga and the members of Christ Church for their care and compassion.

Nancy J. (Reckner) Crawford passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018 at the age of 86. She was born in Ballston Spa, NY on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932 to Charles A. and Louise (Baumgartner) Reckner.

Nancy attended Ballston Spa schools and then worked at Ricketts Dry Cleaners until she married the love of her life Gordon B. Crawford in 1958. She was a member of West Charlton United Presbyterian Church and the Mohawk Antique Auto Club.

Nancy loved life itself, being a mom and grandmother. She enjoyed raising vegetables and flowers in her gardens, and caring for many animals from small bunnies to cats, dogs and ponies. She was always humming or singing old songs. Her laughter was contagious.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband Gordon, siblings Louise Stanislowsky, Alma, Charlie and Paul Reckner, and her niece Lynne Stanislowsky.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Connie Crawford and Karen Fabian (David); grandchildren Ashley Buglione (Nick) and Joshua Fabian; and many nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her cats Pookie, TaBoo, Ping and Missy.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the Spring at West Charlton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Animal Charity/Rescue of your choice.

The family would like to thank Molly Holbritter who was Mom’s devoted caregiver for the last months of her life at Pine Valley.

Gertrude (Trudy) E. LaDucer, 72, passed away on Monday, November 12, 2018. Born in Troy, NY on October 28, 1946, she was the daughter of Chester and Florence Moon.

Trudy lovingly raised her family and later worked for Ellsworth Ice Cream in Saratoga Springs. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting. She made many prayer shawls for her church and blankets and hats which she donated to others who were battling cancer.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Charles and Larry Moon.

Trudy is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Irving, and their daughters Sheri Litchfield (Jerry), and Rebecca Potter (Bruce); grandchildren Jeremy, Jenna, Emily, Jaxen, and Landon; sisters Marilyn Smith and Ruth Douglas. She was also loved by Nikki, Jade and Kendra and many nieces and nephews.

Without a doubt, Trudy’s grandchildren were her greatest joy. She fought a courageous battle. Her role as Nana is what gave her strength and kept her going. Trudy’s only wish was to live long enough for her grandchildren to know and remember her and her wish was granted.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, November 16 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Trudy may be made to Strength in Numbers. This charity was created to ease expenses or provide gifts of joy to families battling cancer. Donations may be sent to any branch of the Glens Falls National Bank.

Marian Curtis Kunz, 95 went to be with the Lord on November 11, 2018.

Born in Ballston Center, NY on June 21, 1923, she was the daughter of Julia Relyea Curtis Kathan and Arthur Curtis, she grew up in Burnt Hills. Marian graduated from Skidmore and Russell Sage Colleges receiving her master’s degree in elementary education. She worked as a teacher at Corinth and Shenendehowa Central School District.

Marian was actively involved with the Shaker Heritage Society, a charter member of the Malta Ridge Fire Auxiliary, a member of the Malta Ridge United Methodist Church and DAR. She was an avid bridge player.

She was predeceased by her husband Ernest W. Kunz, her parents, sister Esther Bogdanowicz and brother Arthur Curtis.

Marian is survived by her children Gina Kunz (Richard Ruman) of Florida, Curt Kunz (Melissa Cornthwaite), Sandra Kunz, and Jamie Kunz-Butler (Jeffrey Butler) all of Malta; sister Virginia Sack; three grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Lorraine M. DeScisciolo 85, passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Born in Webster, Massachusetts, on July 24, 1933, she was the daughter of Donat and Dorothy Trudeau.

Lorraine was a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at several hospitals in Connecticut and later worked at Wesley Health Care Center, retiring from Dr. Finger’s Office in Saratoga Springs.

Lorraine loved vacationing in Maine, long walks on the beach and shopping. She enjoyed baking and going out for a good cup of coffee. She treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Arthur DeScisciolo, Sr., and her siblings Jeanne, Bobby and Priscilla. Lorraine is survived by her children Karen Riemenschneider (David), Kim Baldwin (Barry), Arthur DeScisciolo, Jr. (Terri), Luanne Sansiveri (Tony) and Christopher DeScisciolo (Susan); grandchildren Jonathan, Nichole, Courtney, Marissa, Mikayla, Nicholas, Andrew, Brandon, Jessica and Sean; great grandchildren Landon, Laiken, Zack, Ashley, Symantha, Travis and Tyler; sister Anne Squillacote (Charlie); and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 9am Friday, November 9 at St. Mary’s Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 8 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc. 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa.

Memorial contributions in memory of Lorraine may be made to Mary’s Haven.

Mary Ortoleva, a longtime resident of the Village of Ballston Spa, died November 3, 2018 after a brief hospitalization. Mary was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 25th, 1920, to Lara Wolf and Augustus Lytle Read, both of whom predeceased her. Her sisters Shirley Lee Read Sabatini Brown and Norma Jean Fresoni also predeceased her. Mary is survived by her daughters Elaine Youngblood (Jerry) and Lori Agnew (Ron), her grandchildren Flagg and Megan Youngblood, many nieces and nephews, and two cousins, to whom she was affectionately known as “Aunt Mimi.”

Mary and her family moved from Lincoln to Ballston Spa in 1931, joining her grandparents Frank and Lucretia and her great grandfather Jeremiah Gullian, a veteran of the Civil War, at the Wolf family farm on Brownell Road in Malta. Mary attended the one room schoolhouse at the corner of East High Street and Van Aernem Road. Mary graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1938 and is the last surviving member of her class.

Through the matchmaking efforts of Rose Strianese in 1939, Mary met and married Roy Ortoleva, the owner of the Ballston Food Market on Milton Avenue, which Roy operated with his brothers Mike and Arman through the early 1970s. Roy died in December 1989, three months after he and Mary celebrated their 50th anniversary with a large family gathering on Saratoga Lake.

Mary was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving on the altar guild sixty-five years, helping with the many hosted suppers and festivals, teaching Sunday school, and volunteering weekly at the community food pantry. She became a Brownie troop leader in 1948, continuing to serve as a Girl Scout leader for over twenty-five years, including serving as an advisor to girls attending Triangle. Mary was active with the Ballston Spa Garden Club for over forty years, attending luncheons well into her early nineties, the Saratoga chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Saratoga Court Order of the Amaranth, and the Saratoga chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, holding various offices in each over the years. Mary was an avid bridge player over the years with several notable Ballston ladies including Emilie Arff, Vesta Dygert, Jean Puckhaber, Veeda Tooper, Eunice Schallehn and Ruth Dibelius.

Mary worked as a secretary at Electric Boat in West Milton and then a clerk for both the Village of Ballston Spa and the Saratoga County Motor Vehicles office, where she processed countless driver’s licenses for local teenagers. Mary will be remembered for many things—her lovely blonde hair, her cheery spirit, her indomitable determination, and her decades of selfless service to others and to her church.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 13th at the chapel at Christ Church on West High Street in Ballston Spa, with greetings with family and friends at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind (www.GuideDogs.com) or the Saratoga County Animal Shelter would be appreciated in Mary’s memory.

Donnie Lee LaPier was a courageous kind man born on August 16, 1952 and passed away on November 1, 2018.

Donnie is survived by his children Adam LaPier (Jennifer Bulley), Shenette LaPier (Damien Cady), Davie LaPier, Kristina Mulligan (AJ Mulligan), Fred Murdie ( Kim Rose), Donald LaPier, Patti Oare and Crystal; his beautiful grandchildren, and his brothers and sisters Ronnie LaPier (Doran), Babe Ruth Murdie, Charlene Phenes (Rexford), Margaret LaPier (Margie), and Peggie Been (John).

Donnie was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Margaret LaPier, and his siblings Frank LaPier, Judy LaPier, Susie Ferrara, June Sarro, Clara LaPier, Dennis Lapier, Charlie LaPier, and Rickie LaPier.

Donnie enjoyed being a mechanic and working on his truck and other peoples vehicles as well. He loved being a carpenter, electrician and plumber. He worked at the Gideon Putnam Hotel for over 20 years. Donnie was an amazing artist, who loved the outdoors. He could fix anything you put in front of him and enjoyed the challenge. Spending time with his grandkids was one of his greatest pastimes.

He was a well rounded man who enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Don’t think of him as gone away his journeys just begun
life holds many facets this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and tears
in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think of how he must be wishing that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost And he was loved so much.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Edson C. Barss, 79, passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 2, 1939 in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Ed was a truck driver for Van Raalt Co and Fiberglass Industries for many years. He received the Driver of the Year Award for 3 million miles accident free.

After his retirement, he joined his wife and drove bus for Stanski Transportation and ended his career driving at Upstate. He loved all the children that rode with him.

Ed was an EMT for the Corinth Volunteer Ambulance. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and canoeing. He treasured the time spent with his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Joan, his parents Irving and Anna Barss, his aunt and uncle who raised him Fred and Edna Barss, and his sister Ruth Savanella.

Ed is survived by his children Laura Spotswood (Ray) of Hadley, Darren Barss (Carrie) of Greenfield Center, and Dwight Barss (Maggie) of Corinth; grandchildren Lindsey Feulner, Ryan Feulner, Darren Barss Jr. (Chrissy), Derrick Barss (Stephanie), Kate Barss, Kristen Bills (Matt), Levi Barss (Kareka), Cody Barss (Angelica), Melinda Spotswood, and Theresa Sullivan; great grandchildren Darren Barss III, Madison Barss, Amelia Barss, Vincent Barss, Perrin Bills, soon to be Wendalynn Barss, Paul Moore and Sophia Goucher; brother Thomas Barss; sisters Shirley Wright and Nancy Wagner; brothers in law Tony Izzo (Gay) and James Savanella; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 1, from 3pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A graveside service will be held 11am Friday, November 2 at St Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

Following the service at the cemetery on Friday, all are invited to a reception at the Porter Corners Fire House, 405 Bockes Road.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ed may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga.

John G. Podwirny Sr., age 79, formerly of West Milton, NY, passed away, on Thursday, October 25th, 2018, at Saratoga Center for Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care, after a long illness.

He was born on Wednesday, August 11th, 1939 at Saratoga Hospital to Stella Dake-Stella and John Podwirny. He was a loving and gentle soul to his family. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou Gonyea-Podwirny, his son, John Grover Podwirny Jr. (Elaine), and his grandchildren, Jacob of Indiana, Mary Arnold (Justin), Katelyn, and Daniel Podwirny. He is also survived by his sisters Carole Esposito-Jones (Timothy), and his sister Patricia Tygard (James).

In John’s younger days, he loved cars. He met his love, Mary Lou when she was bartending, and they were married on her 21st birthday.

Before Stewart’s Ice Cream Shoppes became locally recognized, Dad would take animals around to visit local schools and used to run delivery for his mother’s family and Percy Dake. The Dake dream has grown to be loved more than the family expected, with the family joke that Percy and Charles Dake would drive around, and wherever they were when they wanted a cup of coffee, they would start a Stewart’s. After high school, John served as a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1961, with an honorable discharge. He was a truck driver-owner operator for a few years, and then became a Regional tractor trailer driver for Destiny Transportation based out of Chicago, Illinois from 1987 til 2006.

When traveling over the road truck driving, he often took his wife, Mary Lou with him, and their little dog, to visit his family when they lived in Ohio. It has been a family tradition for 23 years, for all the family to stay overnight on Christmas Eve, for Christmas morning. On the weekends he loved cooking on the grill, and watching the humming birds with his wife. John worked very hard over many years to give his son an example of a good work ethic and to provide for his family.

When he became ill in 2006, he was cared for at home by his loving wife, Mary, for 7 years. John became a resident of Saratoga Center in 2014, and was visited by his wife every day. They played Bingo and Pequino many times a week, and when they won, she would hang them all on his wall, along with all the drawings she had made. Saratoga Center became a real home to dad. She and dad were so grateful for all of the loving nurses and aides that took loving care of him, and she did her best to make sure he felt he was at home. They just celebrated 50 years.

John was very sweet, patient, and kind to everyone he met, and his “Million Dollar Smile” will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and all of those lives he touched. A private service was held. He will lay to rest at Rock City Falls Cemetery. A donation may be made in lieu of flowers, to Hospice.

Jonah W. Beer, 19, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. He was born in Troy, NY on December 2, 1998.

Jonah was a student at the Albany College of Pharmacy. He was a pharmacy technician at CVS in Delmar and Saratoga Springs. In the summer, Jonah worked at the Saratoga Racetrack.

Jonah is survived by his beloved brother Jordan Beer, mother Cindy Novak, father Nicholas Beer, grandmother Nancy McGrath; close friend Robert Kavanaugh; and many aunts, uncles and cousins who adored him.

Jonah was a shining light for all of his family and friends and they will miss him dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, November 4 at 6pm at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs.