Jean A. Pallas
VALATIE—Jean A. Pallas, 67, of Valatie succumbed to a long illness Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at her home.
Mrs. Pallas was a long time Librarian at the Valatie Free Library, retiring due to illness. During her tenure as librarian, she increased the operating hours and more than tripled the library’s circulation. She enrolled the library in the Mid-Hudson Library System and procured computers by receiving a grant from the Gates Foundation. Her time at the library was truly a labor of love for her as many of the library-users will attest.
Mrs. Pallas is survived by: her husband, Bruce; two sons, Peter Pallas (Erin) of Williamsburg, VA, and David Pallas (Carrie) of Saratoga Springs; a brother, James Bertolero (Marjorie) of Riverside, CA; two grandchildren, Alec and Lauren of Williamsburg; several nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Monday, September 30, 6:45 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Route 9, Valatie. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 6:45 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 302, Miami, FL 33133 or the Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Soonae Stiffler (1942 – 2013)
ALBANY—Soonae Stiffler, 71, of Kinderhook died Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn.
Born April 11, 1942 in Seoul, Korea, she was the daughter of the late Ko Jae Koun and Kim Bong Soon.
Mrs. Stiffler was a housekeeper at Barnwell Health Facilities in Valatie for 35 years and a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. She was a loving wife and mother and will be dearly missed by her family.
She is survived by: her husband, Robert J. Stiffler; a son, Sean E. Stiffler of Kinderhook; one brother, Ko Jae Chul of Philadelphia, PA; three sisters, all of Korea, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m., Saturday, September 28 at the Raymond E Bond Funeral Home, Valatie, with the Reverend James Slater officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534.
Edward Steven Sincavich (1944 – 2013)
OLD CHATHAM—Edward Steven Sincavich, Jr., 69, died at his home in Old Chatham, September 24, 2013.
He was a lifelong resident of Old Chatham and grew up on his family farm on Sincavich Road. He was an Allis-Chalmers equipment mechanic and he, his father and grandfather ran Rock City Farm Equipment Company.
The only thing Mr. Sincavich loved more than being covered in grease underneath a piece of farm machinery, was riding that same piece of machinery through the fields.
He was a naturalist who could always tell what the coming weather would be and which vegetables would grow best in the Rock City soil. He was, most importantly, a mentor to his nephew, Lee and cousin, Gary. Mr. Sincavich had no biological children of his own but he certainly had “sons.” He loved to pass on his mechanical knowledge and could often be found in front of his garage working on various mechanical projects with his boys.
Mr. Sincavich lived a quiet life and enjoyed his solitude. Yet, he was also an enthusiast of shooting the breeze while sitting outdoors in the sunshine or indoors by his woodstove. He was deeply connected to his home and took pride in caring for his gardens. During his last month of life, when cancer had reduced him to a mostly Jell-O-based diet, he took great pleasure in giving friends and loved ones potatoes from his final harvest.
Mr. Sincavich is survived by: his sister, Lorraine Sincavich Gagne; his nephew and niece, Lee and Darienne Gagne and his cousin, Gary Borovich. He was predeceased by his mother, Helene Stemkowski Sincavich and his father, Edward Sincavich, Sr. He was also predeceased by his beloved cousin/co-conspirator, Ellalouise Wadsworth.
His family expresses deepest gratitude to the friends who loved him through his final chapter; those who provided all the practical supports that made it possible for him to die in his own home, in his own bed.
The family also expresses their appreciation to the gifted healers of The Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene Counties and encourages all who wish to honor his life to make a donation to the organization at: 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12141.
The family will receive friends Saturday, September 28 at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham from 10 a.m. to noon. A funeral service and burial in St. James’ Cemetery will be held at noon, following the calling hours. All friends and loved ones are welcomed to Mr. Sincavich’s home following the service for a late lunch and shooting the breeze by his garden and collection of tractors.
For directions or to convey a condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com.