Robert A. Stitham (1928 – 2013)
ALBANY—Robert A. Stitham, 84, of Greenport died May 5, 2013 at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center.
Born November 18, 1928 in New Britain, CT, he was the son of the late Judith and Perley Stitham, Sr.
Mr. Stitham served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1950. He worked for Ben Funk, Inc. for many years.
He was a member and past worshipful master of Agawamuck Lodge #841 F & AM; a member and past commander of the Widow’s Son Lodge #335 in Livingston, Lafayette Commandry #7 in Hudson and Trinity Priory #5 Knights of the York Cross of Honour; past district deputy grand master of the Columbia Masonic District; past president of the past masters unit of Cyprus Temple AAONMS; past president of the Columbia County Shrine Club, and a charter and life member of the Columbia County Disabled American Veterans #194. He was awarded the Honorable Order of ISHSODI from Grand Council of Cryptic Masons State of New York.
Mr. Stitham is survived by: his wife, Ida Mae Stitham of Greenport; a son, Robert H. Stitham of Clifton Park; a grandson, Shawn Stitham of Hudson; a granddaughter, Teka Stitham of Glens Falls and a great-grandson, Shawn Stitham, Jr., of Chatham.
Graveside services were held Saturday, May 11 at the Mellenville Union Cemetery. Attendees went to the Masonic Temple, 450 Church Road in Livingston for refreshments following the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Becraft Pumper Company #2 or the Greenport Rescue Squad.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Randy Thomas Longe (1959 – 2013)
VALATIE—Randy Thomas Longe, 53, of Valatie died suddenly at his home, May 7, 2013.
Born December 30, 1959 in Schenectady, he moved to Columbia County in the late 1970s and was a member of the Local #669 Sprinkler Fitters Union for more than 25 years. He loved spending time with his family, eating Mexican food and was a huge New York Giants football fan.
He is survived by: two sons, Joshua Longe of Cherry Point, NC and Dennis Longe of Denver, CO; his stepfather, Marcus Petrie of Valatie; three siblings, Debra Longe (David Gomez) of Panama City, FL, Lonny Longe (Dianne) of Hoosick Falls and Lori Greene (David Amuso) of Lanesboro, MA.
He was also survived by several nieces, nephews, step-brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his mother, Lotus (Simmons) Petrie and his brother, Dennis Longe.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 10 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie, with the Reverend Kathi Jones officiating.
Burial will be in Memory’s Garden at a later date.
William V. Durlack (1932 – 2013)
HUDSON—William V. Durlack, 79, of Canaan died Saturday, May 11 at Community Hospice of Columbia Memorial Hospital.
He was born October 6, 1932 in Great Barrington, MA, the son of the late Victor and Ethel M. (Page) Durlack.
Mr. Durlack was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served from 1952 to 1954 and was in the reserves until 1960. He was the Town of Canaan highway superintendent from 1961 until 1967. He started his own business, Bill-Bern Contractors in 1968 and operated it until his retirement in 1998.
He is survived by: his son, Kevin and his wife Terry of Canaan; daughter, Stacy and her husband James Etue of East Nassau; brothers, Richard Durlack of New Lebanon, Robert Durlack of Gravette, AR; sisters, Victoria Williams of Lanesboro, MA, and Judith Clough of Granville; grandchildren, Nicole Durlack and Ryan Etue. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia and sister, Lois Swift.
A gathering of relatives and friends will be held Monday, May 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham.
Memorials may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414 or the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville 12211. To send online condolences visit wenkfunerahome.com.
Doris A. Lasher (1924 – 2013)
RHINEBECK—Doris A. Lasher, 88, of Clermont died May 10, 2013 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born August 10, 1924 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Sarah (Hoag) Williams.
She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church of Viewmont; a charter member, past president, past treasurer and past secretary of the Clermont Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary; a member of the former Livingston Manor Grange #1040; a member of the Hudson Christian Women’s Club; a member of the Dairymen’s League and served on its Advisory and Legislative committees.
She is survived by: her son and daughter-in–law, Robert and Linda Lasher of Clermont; a brother, Earl (Patricia) Williams of Columbiaville; three sisters, Rose (Claude) Storms of Claverack, Edith Alessi of Hudson and Gladys Gamache of Livingston; grandchildren, Amy Sue Lasher of Hudson, Jacquelyn (Martin) Palumbo of Clermont, Jennifer (Thomas) Neibling of Germantown, Julie Schunk of TN, and Russell (Joy) Burczak of TN; nine great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
There are no calling hours.
Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Following cremation interment will be in the Viewmont Rural Cemetery.
