M. Patricia Clemens, worked for telephone company, golfer
KINDERHOOK—M. Patricia Clemens of Kinderhook died December 25 while spending Christmas Day with her family.
She was born in Albany to James M. and Caroline Baldwin Clemens. She was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names. The College of Saint Rose, and retired after a long career with the New York Telephone Company.
She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Columbia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. An avid golfer, Ms. Clemens was an original member of the Winding Brook Country Club.
She was predeceased by her parents, and sisters, Kathleen Clemens, Elizabeth Fowler, Jeanne Van Buren and Carole Clark Fowler.
She is survived by: nieces, Pamela McCarthy (David) of Chesapeake, Virginia, Kathleen Volney of Valatie, Jane Wood (Scott) of Chatham, Molly Clark, M.D. (Bill Simmons) of Boston, Massachusetts, Maureen Matsuura (A.J.) of San Diego, California, Rebecca Hodgson (George) of Schuylerville, and Jennifer Donoghue of Niverville; great-nieces and great-nephews, Meagan Mitcheison (Stuart) and their children Will and Maddie, Erin McCarthy, Christian and Elizabeth Volney, Michelle and Matthew Wood; George and William Hodgson, Hilary Donoghue and Robert Matsuura.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday, December 31 at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie at 11 a.m. Calling hours will precede the funeral at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home from 9 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ms. Clemens’ memory may be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 1025 Kinderhook Street, Valatie 12184 or the Valatie Rescue Squad, 1003 US Route 9, Valatie 12184.
Caroline Ronsani, 81, hairdresser, mother and grandmother
HUDSON–Caroline M. Ronsani, 81, of Valatie died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.
Born in Hudson, October 14, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Maryann (Pomper) Krein.
Mrs. Ronsani attended St. Mary’s Academy in Hudson, graduated from the Austin Beauty School in Albany and was a hairdresser at Helane and Judy’s in Hudson for 45 years. She was a loving mother and grandmother.
She is survived by: two daughters, Maryann Chiaro (William) and Catherine M. Ronsani (Hutch) both of Valatie; a son, Angelo John Ronsani, Jr. (Adella) of Hyde Park; a sister, Anna Turek of Hudson; a brother, Felix Krein of Germantown; five grandchildren, Alison Chiaro, Nicholas Chiaro,
Rachel Ronsani, Adam Moore and Anthony Ronsani. She devoted much of her time to her adoring grandchildren, caring for them with her altruistic love. She will live in their hearts forever.
She is also survived by her special furry companion, Riley and 20 nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Angelo Ronsani, Sr. and her siblings, Theresa Krein, Mitzie Witko, Anthony, Frank, Joseph, Stephen and John Krein.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Hudson, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Winston Bath. Interment will follow at Cedar Park Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, lnc. Route 9, Valatie. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse 13220-3049.
David Johnson, 69, chef, bridge player
HUDSON—David Johnson, 69, of Clermont passed away peacefully December 20, 2011 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Hayward, California, July 8, 1942, Mr. Johnson moved to New York in 1969 to start a new life with his life-long partner Harry Van Dyke.
He was very active in the community and volunteered his services with several organizations, including Friends of the Presbyterian Church in Hudson, the Hudson Library, Meals on Wheels, the Columbia County Historical Society and many others.
An avid bridge player, his first love was for the culinary arts. He was a self-taught master chef and enjoyed entertaining; he also helped cater various fundraising events.
Mr. Johnson was known for his kindness, good humor and wit. He touched the lives of many people and will be missed by anyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by Harry Van Dyke; his parents Helen and Corday Johnson, Sr.; his brother Corday, Jr. and sister Barbara (Ruibal). He is survived by: his sister, Linda Jackson (Steve); his nephew, Michael Ruibal; his niece, Lisa Aguilera; great nephews and nieces, Robert and Rochelle Ruibal and Autumn and Thomas Aguilera and great-great niece Rhylan, all of California. A memorial service is pending.
Harry Holt, 90, outdoorsman, handyman, WWII vet
LEBANON SPRINGS—Harry B. Holt of Lebanon Springs died peacefully December 26, 2011 at the age of 90.
Mr. Holt is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edith; sons, Barry (Susan predeceased) of Niverville, Michael of Sunnyvale, CA, Karl (Marleen) of Brockport; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Holt was a veteran of World War II, a volunteer fireman for the Lebanon Valley Fire Company, a member of the American Legion. He was an avid outdoorsman and handyman. An informal sharing of memories will take place at the family home, 17 Main Street, Lebanon Springs, Saturday, December 31 from noon to 2 p.m. All are invited to drop-in. The family extends appreciation for all the kindnesses shown to Mr. Holt in recent years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.
