Daniel Ensign, 39, passion for race cars, BMW technician
PITTSBURGH, PA—Daniel C. Ensign, 39, of Claverack died January 27 in Pittsburgh, PA at the Presbyterian Hospital after a long illness.
He was born June 18, 1972 in Hudson.
Mr. Ensign is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Shelby J. (VanAlphen) Ensign of Claverack; his daughter, Marissa Mercedes Ensign of Claverack; his father, David and stepmother, Barbara Ensign of Claverack; his mother, Alice and stepfather Smokey Schools of Greenport; his mother and father in-law Richard and Brenda VanAlphen of Philmont; and many step brothers and sisters.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jason C. Ensign in 1998.
Mr. Ensign worked for many years as a BMW technician with Capital Cities Imported Cars in Glenmont. He was a past member of the Greenport Pumper Company #1, where he served as a lieutenant; a member of the Columbia Cruisers Car Club; and a former pit crew member for Butchy Irwin, a former race car driver at Lebanon Valley Speed Way.
Mr. Ensign had a passion for race cars and hot rods, and enjoyed going on many vacations with his family.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport, Wednesday, February 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 2, 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Art Henderson of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Stottville officiating.
Helen H. Simmons, 84, bookkeeper, Yankees fan
HUDSON—Helen H. Simmons, 84, of 18 School Street, Chatham passed away Sunday, January 29 at Columbia Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
She was born in Mount Vernon, the daughter of the late Herman and Mildred (Dessoir) Hoffstedt.
She was a retired bookkeeper for E.G. Simmons and Sons and Fleet Bank.
She and her late husband, Robert Simmons, were avid golfers and bowlers. She also enjoyed corresponding with her former Chatham High School classmates and was instrumental in organizing class reunions. She was a die-hard Yankee fan and never missed a televised game.
She is survived by: her loving children, Susan Curry (Peter) and Melinda Huvar, both of Chatham; her grandchildren, Michael Dunham (Carrie) of Des Moines, IA, Brian Dunham of Albany, Rebecca Milone (Tim) of Kinderhook, Christina Huvar (Todd) of Copake and Stacy Curry of Chatham; several nieces and nephews; step children, Roberta Dunn (James) of Sturbridge, MA and Brian Simmons (Diane) of Ghent and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Simmons cherished her friend and neighbor, Marion Ozga.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Simmons, her sister, Irene Myers and her brother, Frederick Hoffstedt.
The family thanks the 4th floor nurses and staff of Columbia Memorial Hospital and Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene County for the wonderful care given to Mrs. Simmons.
Calling hours will be held at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service and burial immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Patrick J. Curry Foundation, 1 Hoffman Street, Chatham 12037 or Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene County.
For online condolences visit www.frenchblasl.com
Laree Devine, 45, daughter, wife, mother
ALBANY—Laree Devine, 45, of Valatie passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Albany Medical Center surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Born in Albany, January 17, 1967, she was the daughter of Leo and Loris (Murdoch) Clark of Schroon Lake.
Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband, Lawrence Devine; four children, Casey Devine, Kayla Devine, Morgan Haberland (Kevin) and Nicole Devine, all of Valatie; and a brother, Vaughn Clark of Niverville.
A celebration of Mrs. Devine’s life will be held Saturday, February 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Stuyvesant Firehouse.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Devine family, 290 Mason Road, Valatie 12184.
Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Valatie.