John Villanova, 82, worked at mushroom factory
HUDSON—John Villanova, 82, of Livingston, formerly of Hudson, died Saturday, April 7 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born February 7, 1930 in the Provence of Vincenza SanGiorgio, Italy, he was the son of the late Gaetano and Catarina (Cogo) Villanova.
He was a machine operator at the Knowst Mushroom Factory in Hudson.
Mr. Villanova was the precious brother of Katherine Costacurta of Hudson, Pete and AnnaMaria Villanova of Palm Springs, CA, Anthony and Tullia Villanova of Hudson; he also leaves many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by: brothers, Luigi and Joseph Villanova and sisters, Mary Campagnolo and Lena Pianezzola.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday, April 10, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish St. Mary’s Church, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson, with Fr. Winston Bath officiating.
Burial will follow at Cedar Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to Holy Trinity Parish, P.O. Box 323 Hudson 12534 or to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene. Arrangements are with the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, Greenport.
Laura M. Hill, 82, teacher, corner store partner
BERLIN—Laura M. Perez Hill gently entered into eternal rest Thursday, April 5, 2012 at her home in Berlin.
She was born in Guanica, Puerto Rico November 10, 1929, the daughter of Eduardo Perez Seda and Maria Acosta.
She attended elementary and high school in Guanica and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in secondary education from the University of Puerto Rico in 1952.
She married her husband, Lionel Johns Hill “the handsome gringo,” December 11, 1955 in Puerto Rico. The couple returned to Berlin in 1958 where they remained for the rest of their years together.
Mrs. Hill was a public school teacher for more than 50 years. She substituted in the Berlin Central School District while her family was young and especially enjoyed teaching the Spanish language to World War II and Korean War veterans in adult night school in Berlin. She began teaching full-time in the Petersburgh School District; teaching grades 3, 4 and 5 in one classroom.
While teaching full-time and raising a family, she earned another Bachelor’s Degree from Russell Sage College and completed course work for a Master’s Degree. After centralization, Laura obtained a position in the New Lebanon Central School District, first at the old East Nassau School and then at Walter B. Howard Elementary, teaching 4th grade for 27 years, retiring in 1994. In retirement, she returned to substitute teaching in Berlin, leaving teaching only because of failing health.
Mrs. Hill was also a partner in the L & L Corner Store in Berlin for 17 years. She enjoyed traveling with her husband; including cruises to the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska along with spending time with her family.
Survivors include: her two daughters, Laurie Elting of Cohoes, Sandi Slattery and her husband Ed of Berlin; her three adored grandchildren, Molly Slattery of Houston, TX, James (Jake) Slattery of Berlin, Cornelius (Ryan) Slattery of Watervliet; the particular delights of her life, great-grandchildren, Roark and Cosette Slattery of Berlin and Kiara Slattery of Pocahontas, IL.
Mrs. Hill also leaves a sister, Milagros Perez and a brother, Loui Rodriquez in Puerto Rico and many loving nieces, nephews and their families along with her extended family of caregivers: Donna, Tammy, Dawn, Josie, Arlene and Retta. She also leaves behind special friends Mark and Kathy Primeau. Her devoted companion, Boston remained her faithful guardian until the moment she joined the angels.
Mrs. Hill was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Lionel, who died December 30, 2007, her sisters, Esther, Rose, Edi and Haydee and a brother Eduardo.
A Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Kenneth Gregory, Thursday, April 12, 10 a.m. in the Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Parish, 27 North Main Street, Berlin. Burial will follow in the Berlin Community Cemetery
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, 66 Armsby Road, Petersburgh, Wednesday, April 11 from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship Fund, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 361, Petersburgh 12138.
Jeanette Fiero, 87, life member of church, liked harness racing
CHATHAM—Jeanette “Nettie” Jones Fiero, 87, born November 25, 1924, passed away at home, April 7, 2012.
She was born at home in Chatham and went to Chatham Union School.
She married Franklin W. Fiero, October 30 1946 and they celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2011.
Mrs. Fiero was a life member of Saint James Roman Catholic Church in Chatham. She was active in securing funds for local charities. She was a member, past secretary and treasurer of the Empire Driving Club; a member of the United States Trotting Association; an honorary citizen of Girls and Boys Town; a past treasurer of regional Red Cross; a volunteer for the Salvation Army; and past treasurer for the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
Mrs. Fiero loved going to the harness races to see her horse, Little Anthony, race. She enjoyed bowling, water skiing and knitting. Her family was most important to her, especially her three boys, Frank, Paul and Scott.
Mrs. Fiero volunteered her time to tutor students; she was also an accomplished butcher and manager at A & P stores before going to work for the Chatham Central School system for 23 years—retiring in 1987.
She is survived by: her two sons, Franklin Scott Fiero and Paul Kearney Fiero; her sister, Edna (late Robert) Knabbe and brother, William (late Jane) Jones.
She was predeceased by husband, Franklin; sisters and brothers, Dorothy Bleadow, Margaret Miller, Florence Blizzard, Robert Jones, Ruth Cooney, John Jones, Mary Sherman, Thomas Jones, Paul Kearney Jones and Carolyn Jones.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 12, 11 a.m. at Saint James Church.
Contributions in Mrs. Fiero’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com.
