Obituaries

Sandra J. Vedder 77, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. She was born on July 29, 1943 in Schenectady, NY to Raymond and Dorothy Kottke.

Sandy was a nurse’s aide at Ellis Hospital and later for Senior Solutions. She was an active member of VFW Post 358 Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion Post 234 Ladies Auxiliary. Sandy also enjoyed attending the Ballston Area Seniors.

Sandy was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. She drove many seniors to appointments, ran errands and offered home health care. She could often be found working in her flower gardens. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Edward. Sandy is survived by her sons Jason Vedder (Lisa) of Ballston Spa and Kirk Vedder (Heather) of Ballston Spa; grandchildren Hannah and Wesley; brother Kenneth Kottke (Deborah); sister Janice Kottke; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, September 4 from 4pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A graveside service will be held 10am on Monday, September 7 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Memorial contributions in memory of Sandy may be made to the charity of your choice.

Harry W. Scott 73, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. He was born in Schenectady, NY on August 3, 1947 to Everett and Eleanor Scott.

Harry was a 1965 graduate of Galway Central High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He was a Tool and Dye Maker for many years retiring in 2020. Harry was a dedicated family man and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ballston Spa where he sang bass in the church choir.

He was predeceased by his parents Everett and Eleanor. Harry is survived by his loving wife Joyce; daughters Brenda Scoates (Steve) and Elizabeth Mangino (Peter); sons David Sehl and Donny Sehl (Roseanny); beloved grandson Alexander; siblings Evelyn Provell (Larry), Susan Leger (Lenny), Richard Scott, Roger Scott (Marilyn), Pricilla Barry (Dave), David Scott (Mary Ellen); brother in laws Jim Armstrong, Wayne Armstrong (Mary); sister in law Janice Armstrong; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, August 30, from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A graveside service will be held 11am Monday, August 31 at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany. Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Memorial contributions in memory of Harry may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 22 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

James passed away on August 20th at the age of 62, from cancer in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. James was born on September 11, 1957 in Schenectady N.Y. to Charles and Patricia Devlin. James graduated from Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake High School in 1976. He was employed at Brookfield Renewable Power as a Labor Foreman since 2002. James previously worked PTI/NIS for 20 years.

James had a love for tinkering with and fixing everything he could get his hands on, even if it wasn't broken. There was very little he could not do. When he was unsure of the project at hand, he could always turn to Google/YouTube to enhance his knowledge. One of James’ greatest joys was helping others. He loved helping his family, friends or total strangers. James had the biggest heart of gold and was such a beautiful soul. He especially loved spending time with his family, going out on the boat with his sister or visiting his brother to see the newest gadgets he would have to get.

James was an amazing father always being there for his children, giving advice, support and anything else they needed. Some of his most recent joys were helping his son Ryan with his home remodeling projects or his daughter Samantha’s yearly move from town to town and recently to a new state. He was so very proud of the young adults they have become and loved them with all his heart.

James and his soulmate Joanne Monaco were inseparable enjoying so many adventures together. They had a joy of riding bikes all over and had a huge passion for riding the Tour de Cure for the ADA. As the hills got steeper, James decided on an E-bike. His E-bike allowed him to not only ride further but spend more time enjoying nature, which he loved. But no matter what James did, he relished life and felt very blessed with all the amazing friends and family that crossed his path. He was loved by all and will be truly missed.

James was predeceased by his parents. James is survived by his fiancé Joanne Monaco; his son Ryan Devlin; daughter Samantha Devlin and his four legged grandson, Ryland. James is also survived by his brother Russell; (Rachel) their son Stephen; his sister Sherrie; (Glen) and their daughters Megan and Kelly and their families.

Due to James' request and the current restrictions, private services will be held at St Peter's Cemetery on August 29th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, N.Y. 12020.

Frank W. Schwab III passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020 at his home after a four year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Frank was born on June 13, 1947 in Niskayuna, NY to Thelma and Frank W. Schwab, II. He attended Galway Schools and graduated in 1965. Frank worked for a furniture company in Broadalbin and later for General Electric Co in Schenectady retiring with thirty-one years of service.

He loved tinkering in the garage, building tractors, hot rods, go-carts and anything electronic, especially computers.

He was predeceased by his parents Thelma and Frank, and his sister Darlene. Frank is survived by his wife Charlene (Engel) Schwab and their sons, Frank W. Schwab IV (Kelly) and William J. Schwab (Diane); two grandchildren Frank W. Schwab V and Amber Lynn Schwab; sister Joyce Coppola; and six nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 18 from 9am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A private family service will follow with burial in East Galway Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Frank may be made to Saratoga Hospital.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga and the doctors and staff at Saratoga Hospital for their care and compassion.

Social distancing and facemasks are required per CDC guidelines.

William “George” Bliss, 71 of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Born in Ballston Spa on August 27, 1948, he was the third of four children, and eldest son born to Harry and Lucy Bliss.

From a young age George was a dedicated farmer who enjoyed spending his time on the tractor in the hay fields, in the barn milking the cows, working on his parents Gladiola Farm or in the fields tending to the vegetable harvest. During the summer months George spent a lot of his weekends at the local Farmers Markets bringing his vegetable harvest to patrons and greeting them with his gruff voice and laugh.

He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Lucy, brother Harold Bliss and brother in law Carl Palmer.

On August 27, 1996 on his 48th birthday he married Gaynell P Bliss. George is survived by his large family that consisted of Gaynell, his wife of almost 24 years; his sisters Anna Mae (Ken) Clark of Ballston Spa and Margaret Palmer of Ballston Spa; his sons John and Bobby Bliss both of Albany; his daughters Desiree Runyon of Schenectady, Darcy (Jennifer) Bliss of Hudson Falls, Sue-Ann Palmer of Rutland, VT, Dawn (Don) Brady of Argyle, and Beth Ann and Billy. In addition to this George had 21 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. When he married Gaynell he accepted her children into his family, Susan (Michael) Palmatier of Saratoga, Edward (Jennifer) Fink of Saratoga and Kristina Alden of Virginia; 14 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren.

A celebration of George's life will be held 3pm Saturday, August 15 at the family home, 129 Hop City Road, Ballston Spa. Memorial contributions in memory of George may be made to the charity of your choice.

Harry J. Monaco 85, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020. He was born in Ballston Spa, NY on July 23, 1935 to Pasquale and Antoinette Monaco. He served in the US Army.

Harry worked at International Paper in Corinth. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Angela Monaco, son Father Harry Monaco, brothers Albert, Louis, and Bernard Monaco, sisters Josephine Dufort, Kathryn D’Ambro, Theresa Monaco, Jenny Odorizzi and Sophie Wolfersheim.

Harry is survived by his children Patricia Gonzales (Hector) and Vincent Monaco (Nancy); grandchildren Stephanie Monaco (Sean), Dominic Monaco, Vincent Gonzales (Brianna), and Amelia Gonzales; great grandchildren Jameson, Marley and Elle; brothers Anthony Monaco, James Monaco, Joseph Monaco, Pasquale Monaco, Olivio Monaco and Donald Monaco; and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am Thursday, August 6 at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Memorial contributions in memory of Harry may be made to St. Mary’s Church.

James (Jim) Edward Breese, 89, of Ballston Spa, NY, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in the comfort and care of his loving family.

James was born on September 14, 1930 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the son of the late George Edward Jr. and Claire Adeline (Layfield) Breese. Jim had the unique good fortune of two twenty-year career paths; with his first career as Master Chief SPCM E-9 with the US Navy and his second career as a nuclear refueling specialist with General Electric at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories in Niskayuna, New York. On June 18, 1955, he married the former Ruth Ellen Strickler in Goshen, Virginia, and together they shared a loving and devoted union of 62 years together.

Jim was an avid sportsman, an active member of the Horse Hunt Club, Hatch Brook Hunt Club, and numerous golf associations. Jim excelled at golfing, hunting, fishing, and cribbage. Jim would brighten any room he entered with his wry sense of humor, commanding presence, and his no nonsense conversation. His optimistic view of life was simply stated by him saying things were “SUPER”. It is this quality of reassurance that he will always be remembered for, along with his signature impressive handshake.

Jim is survived by his three children, Kimberly (Benjamin) Gottfried of Richfield Springs, NY; David Breese and partner Tracey Laniewski of Northville, NY; Alan (Lisa) Breese of Columbia, SC and their three daughters, Samantha, Hannah and Amanda also of Columbia, SC; a brother Richard Breese of Colorado and a sister Cordie Eddy of Bradford, PA; his special friend and neighbor Beverly Valenti; as well as several other good friends and hunting buddies.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ruth, in December 2017.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, 1201 Hardscrabble Road, Cassville, NY 13318 www.freedomguidedogs.org in memory of James Breese.

Deborah M. Bailey 62, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. She was born on May 6, 1958 in Niskayuna, NY to Joseph and Bertha Felso. Her greatest joy was her family and she treasured the time she spent with them.

She was predeceased by her husband Bruce Bailey, son Scott Quinlivan, and her mother Bertha Felso. Deborah is survived by her children Sheila Quinlivan, Shannon Ciafardo (Alberto), Vanessa Stanko (Phil), and Charles Quinlivan (Stacy); her grandchildren Kailee, Giovanni, Guliano, Caitlyn, Kyle, Lucas, Olivia, Alex and Odin; father Joseph Felso; siblings Joseph Felso, Donna Brownell and Christine Kulls; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, August 2 from 1pm to 3pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A private family service will follow.

Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Judith Ann Stemp Powers, age 77, passed away on Thursday, July 23. Judy was born in Cohoes on September 29, 1942 to Molly Pelesz Stemp and Charles Frederick Stemp.

She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved husband of over 50 years, Thomas J. Powers. Judy is survived by her treasured children, Jennifer S. Powers Rutkey and Thomas J. Powers, Jr.; her cherished grandchildren, Ellie and Izzy Rutkey, and Jonah and Jade Powers Kulpa, who were her pride and joy; her dearest siblings Joyce (Mark) Pascale, Sandra Wilcox, Susan (Thomas) Libbos, Frederick (Anne) Stemp, Donald (Mary Jo) Stemp, Janet (John) Lengsfelder, and Eric (Tisia) Stemp; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and her lifelong friend, Donna Gotsch.

She was a 1960 graduate of Cohoes High School. Upon graduation, Judy began working at RPI as a secretary, where she met Tom. In 1968, she married Tom and they moved to Claverack, New York where they lived and raised their two children until 2002, when they relocated to Ballston Spa, New York to be closer to their grandchildren. During her time in Claverack, Judy opened her own craft store, Judy’s Craft Shop, in an old barn behind their home. This was a perfect career for Judy, as it allowed her to remain close to home to care for her children. Judy’s Craft Shop was a family business where Tom and their children regularly helped in the shop and attended craft shows as Judy’s helpers. Judy had many fond memories of traveling with the Gotsch family to craft shows each summer.

In 1997, Judy began her third, and favorite, career as a grandma, providing childcare for Ellie and Izzy. She always said that caring for her grandchildren was the best thing she ever did and the thing of which she was most proud. Judy was a caretaker her entire life, starting with her seven beloved and cherished younger siblings, then her husband and children, her grandchildren, and even her next-door neighbors, the Poirier Family. Judy became very close with the Poiriers, who were like family to her. Ronda, Jason, Matthew, Michael, and Joseph provided Judy with everything from help around the house to love and friendship.

Family was the most important thing to Judy, and being with her family made her the happiest. In the 1970s and 1980s, Judy, Tom, Jennie, and Tommy spent every summer at Burden Lake with their large extended families, the Powers and the Stemps (fondly known as the Stempede). Family traditions were very important to Judy. She began the tradition of making homemade photo calendars showcasing memories from the year as Christmas gifts for each of her children and grandchildren. Judy hosted Thanksgiving every year, and, after Jennie’s birth in December of 1970, she started a family Christmas and birthday celebration hosted annually the Saturday before Christmas that has continued for 50 years. The party began as a celebration of Jennie, Tom, and Tommy’s birthdays, but expanded in 1997 when Ellie was also born in December. Family members travel from near and far to gather for the celebration; parties often saw upwards of 60 guests, and for Judy, the more the merrier. Judy and her sisters, Joyce, Sandy, and Anne, together with family friend Anne Marie, spent countless hours each year creating homemade Christmas ornaments for the family. Making the ornaments was the purpose of their months-long weekly get-togethers, but what was perhaps more important was getting together to share stories of their children and grandchildren. Judy’s memory will live on every year on Christmas trees across the country.

Judy loved to travel, and would go anywhere her family wanted to go. Her favorite destinations included summer trips to the ocean, trips out west to see the West Coast Stemps (especially to Arizona and to gamble in Las Vegas), and, most recently, to the Dominican Republic with her children and grandchildren. Her home away from home was in Utah to visit Tommy, Jonah, and Jade, where she loved to hike, watch Jonah play baseball, and do crafts with Jade, and where she learned to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate cabin life.

Judy loved to read, sit on her porch, play games (especially Words with Friends, Canasta, Scat, SkipBo, and Black Jack), and go for walks. In recent months, Judy spent Friday mornings with the Stemp sisters (and occasionally the Stemp brothers) engaging in a weekly sibling-led yoga class via Zoom.

Special loving thanks to the staff at Saratoga Hospital, especially Dr. Randall Kimball and the compassionate doctors and nurses in the ICU, who cared for Judy in her final weeks and held her hand when her family couldn’t. In lieu of flowers, online donations to the Saratoga Hospital ICU in Judy’s honor and memory would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at the Saratoga Hospital Foundation website (https://www.saratogahospitalfoundation.org/donate-now) by selecting the “other” designation and typing in “ICU.”

Per Judy’s wishes, and due to COVID restrictions, there will be no public wake or funeral. Her family will hold a private celebration of her life to share stories and memories of Judy.

Abagail C. Fitzgerald 78, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She was born in Schenectady, NY on February 1, 1942 to Edward and Catherine Leger.

Abagail was a CNA at Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa for many years. After her retirement, she continued to work in the Gift Shop at Maplewood Manor with her best friend Pat Foster. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and watching the birds in her backyard. She loved her pets Ebony, Boots, Marbles, Ivory, and Ruffles.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles Fitzgerald, infant daughter Shannon, grandson Warren Fitzgerald, and siblings Edward, Frederick and Yvonne. Abagail is survived by her children LeRoy Fitzgerald (Marie), Robert Fitzgerald and Shawn Fitzgerald; grandchildren Hunter, Colin, Bobbi Bea, Adam, Amber and Charles; great granddaughters Amaya, Anna, and Isabella; siblings Leonard Leger (Lorraine), Linda Fierro and Celeste Leone (Tony); and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, July 21 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required as per CDC guidelines. A graveside service will be held 10am Wednesday, July 22 at Middle Grove Cemetery, Middle Grove.

Memorial contributions in memory of Abagail may be made to your local ASPCA.

James E. Beagle 60, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020. He was born in Port Hueneme, California on February 27, 1960 and served in the US Army.

Jim worked at Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa for several years. He enjoyed being in the great outdoors, camping, fishing and gardening.

He was predeceased by his father James F. Beagle. Jim is survived by his children Heather Beagle and Erik Beagle; mother and stepfather Charlene Vaughn Waite and Norm Waite; brothers Mark Beagle and Michael Beagle; stepsister Rebecca Whitney; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 2:30pm on Thursday, July 16 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

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

Jean was born in Glenville, NY and was a long time resident in West Charlton and in later years a resident of Wesley Health Care in Saratoga Springs, where after 101+ amazing years she passed away peacefully on Saturday July 11, 2020 with family by her side.

Jean was a lifelong member of the West Charlton Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir for many years. She was an associate member of the Port Orange Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, FL, founding member of the Glenville Hills Garden Club and member of the West Charlton Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary among many other organizations that she volunteered or participated in during the years of raising her four children.

Farming and gardening was a major part of Jean’s life and she loved every part of it. At one time she raised many hundreds of turkeys each year. This happened to be a recent conversation that she had with the staff at Wesley. She enjoyed picking her raspberries and making jam, working in her garden and canning things that she grew. Jean also loved to go camping, escape to Florida for the winters and especially go to Maine for a lobster sandwich. She was a very lovable and friendly person and had many friends. She often spoke of how she never had an ache or pain and never smoked, and figured that contributed to her amazing long life. Jean was extremely devoted to her family and will be greatly missed.

Her favorite bible verse was Psalms 115:12 “The Lord has been mindful of us.”

Jean was also a member of the West Glenville Grange where she met her first husband Ralph J. Arnold at a square dance. They had four children together.

Jean was predeceased by her husbands Ralph J. Arnold and A. Karl Brinkman, and her sister Lois A. Bing.

She is survived by her four children R. Philip Arnold (Lolly) of Amsterdam, David H. Arnold (Kathryn) of West Charlton, Marjorie J. Lombard (William) of Port Orange, FL and Thomas R. Arnold (Jackie) of Ormond Beach, FL; five grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, seven great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew and many cousins.

Funeral services will be private. Due to the Corona Virus a celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be made to the West Charlton United Presbyterian Church, 1331 Sacandaga Road, West Charlton, NY.

Theresa Ann Kondas 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at her home. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 1, 1937 to Vincent and Sophie Rewekant.

Theresa worked for the NYS Department of Tax and Finance. She enjoyed reading, word puzzles and feeding the birds in her backyard. Her greatest joy was her family and she treasured the time she spent with them, cooking meals, playing with her grandkids, nieces, nephews and the family pets, and creating precious memories.

She was predeceased by her parents Vincent and Sophie, and her siblings Agnes, Marie, Eugene and William. Theresa is survived by her husband of 61 years Kenneth Kondas; children JoAnn Malatesta (Thomas), Kenneth Kondas (Bonny Fox), Gerald Kondas (Carolyn) and AnnMarie Gibbons (Howard); grandchildren Christopher, Joseph, Larissa, Tessa, Tyler, Jared, Rebecca, and Hope; brothers Ronald Rewekant (Barbara) and Vincent Rewekant; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, July 8 from 5pm to 8pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Social distancing and facemasks will be required per CDC guidelines.

Funeral services will be private with burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Memorial contributions in memory of Theresa may be made to the Humane Society of your choice.

Ann M. Green, 93 of Ballston Spa, passed away on July 3, 2020, at Saratoga Care Rehab and Nursing Home Ctr., Ballston Spa.

Ann was born on July 17, 1926 in Hagaman, NY. Ann is the daughter of the late Hugh and Anna Teeling of Ballston Spa. Ann worked at the Stillwater Knitting Co. of Ballston Spa for many of her early years. Later years, till retirement, she worked at UMI, Rt. 9, south of Saratoga Springs.

Ann enjoyed her pet poodles over the years, Peppe, Ti Ti, and Little Guy with her husband Dick, as well as spending time with their nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, boating, camping and family gatherings.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Theodore (Dick) Green, a brother, William Teeling Sr., sisters, Charlotte Saunders, Helen Arnold and Betty Nicolella. Survivors are her sister, Bridget Tuttle of Ballston Spa and many nieces and nephews.

Private funeral arrangements have been made by family.