Everett Dolan, 85, WWII vet, lifelong Valatie resident
HUDSON—Everett M. “Ebbie” Dolan, 85, a lifelong resident of Valatie, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born in Valatie, April 6, 1925, he was the son of the late William and Ethel (Stalker) Dolan.
Mr. Dolan was a World War II veteran, who served in the US Navy Seabees. For many years, he worked at Austin’s Appliances and Miller-Wilkins in Valatie. He was also an honorary member of the Valatie Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Harriett (Whiteman) Dolan of Valatie; his son, Russell Dolan of Valatie; a brother, Richard Dolan of Greenport; and two grandchildren, Rainy Lea Dolan of Osteen, FL, and Rustin Dolan of Valatie.
Funeral services were held March 9 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie. The Reverend Nick Becker officiated. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Valatie. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Valatie Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 242, Valatie 12184 or the Valatie Fire Department, P.O. Box 473, Valatie 12184.
Mary DeCrosta, 90, devoted to family, zest for life
VICTOR—Mary DeCrosta died March 4, 2011 at the age of 90 in Victor.
Mrs. DeCrosta has joined her beloved husband of 64 years, Anthony, and he beloved daughter, Frances.
She will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by: her devoted children, Patricia (Lew) Rice, Anthony DeCrosta, Jr., and Richard (Lori) DeCrosta; adored grandchildren, Edwin Smith, Jr., Aaron Morris, Aurora DeCrosta and Sierra DeCrosta; her twin sister, Bernice Rushkoski; brother, Stanley (Maria) Rushkoski; sister-in-law, Patricia Rushkoski; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. DeCrosta was dedicated to her family, which meant the world to her. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and zest for life.
A funeral Mass took place March 9 at the Church of St. Joseph, Stottville.
Arrangements were with the Bates and Anderson Funeral Home, Green Street, Hudson.
Patrick Gilligan, Sr., 69, liked farming and NASCAR
PITTSFIELD, MA—Patrick Edward Gilligan, Sr., of Lebanon Springs peacefully passed away, Wednesday, March 2 at Berkshire Medical Center with his family by his side.
Born in Hudson May 13, 1941, he was the son of the late Edward Patrick Gilligan and Esther Stark Gilligan.
He was a graduate of Hudson High School and in 1963 married the love of his life, Jill Allen of Hudson.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by: sons, Patrick Edward Gilligan, Jr., (Terry Reese) and Allen Gilligan (Karen Stall); daughters, Catherine Gilligan (fiancé Scott Foster) and Jennifer Gilligan (Christopher Stazio); his three granddaughters, Caitlin, Megan and Abigail; grandson, Gavin; his loving sister-in-law, Jean Spear; his nieces, Melanie and Rachel Spear; many other nieces and nephews; his sisters, Nancy Winch, Jane Miller and Laurie Felpel.
A truck owner/operator for over 30 years, Mr. Gilligan lived a full and eventful life. He enjoyed farming, hunting, salt-water fishing, NASCAR and spending time with his loving family.
Memorial services and calling hours will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Gilligan’s name to the local Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent at www.frenchblasl.com.
Stanley Shepard, 45, worked in maintenance at school
STEPHENTOWN—Stanley A. “Stan the Man,” “ Stash” Shepard, 45 of Route 43 died suddenly at his residence Thursday, March 3. Death was attributed to natural causes.
Born January 23, 1966 in Troy, he was the son of Gordon and Joyce I. Geerholt Shepard of Stephentown.
A lifelong resident of Stephentown, he graduated from Averill Park High School in 1985 and attended the West Stephentown Baptist Church.
In high school, he worked for the Town of Nassau and Samaritan Hospital. Mr. Shepard continued there after graduation before working at Berlin Lumber and Hudson Valley Community College. Most recently, he worked in the maintenance department of Averill Park High School for many years (which dedicated a yearbook to him) and at the time of his death at Van Rensselaer Manor.
Mr. Shepard was a former volunteer fireman with the Hoag’s Corners Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Board of Directors for the Hillside Cemetery in Stephentown. He enjoyed carpentry and birds.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Shepard is survived by: his son, Jesse A. Shepard of Stephentown; siblings, Deborah (Ron) Rousseau of Averill Park, Gordon (Darlene) Shepard, Jr., of North Greenbush, Wayne (Olya) Shepard of Flushing; along with several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are Sunday, March 13, starting at 2 p.m. at the West Stephentown Baptist Church, 1672 State Route 43. Funeral services follow there Sunday at 4 p.m. The Reverend Trygve Tomlinson will officiate. A reception will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Spring burial will take place in the Hillside Cemetery.
Mr. Shepard’s family would appreciate memorial contributions in his memory be given to either the ASPCA because of his love of animals or to the West Stephentown Baptist Church, c/o Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, P.O. Box 9, Stephentown 12168.
