Linda M. Balaban (1941 – 2023)
ALBANY—Linda Marie Balaban of Chatham Center passed away April 17, 2023 at Albany Medical Center. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Owen and Ellis Sundberg Cullimore.
She graduated from Great Neck South HS and went on to attend Brigham Young University, University of Utah and graduated with a BA in biology from Hunter College. After college, she worked as a lab assistant at Cornell Medical School where she met her future husband. Once married, they bought a home in Chatham Center, which they rented out while working in Tubingen, Germany, and adventuring through Europe for two years. They returned to Chatham Center with their new daughter, and Mrs. Balaban turned her attention to raising her family. As her children got older, she resumed her career in science, working as a cytogeneticist at Albany Medical College.
She had many accomplishments: she was an active member of the Democratic Party and ran a competitive campaign for town justice; served as a crew leader for the 1990 Census; was the assistant director for the Columbia County Capital District PTA; president of Chatham Middle School PTA; president and treasurer of MED Elementary PTA; active in the AMC choir and volunteer for the Chatham Neighborhood Girl Scouts.
She enjoyed cooking and baking, earning second place in the Columbia County fair apple pie contest (and first place in her family’s stomachs). She always had her nose in a book, enjoyed quilting and was an accomplished seamstress, making and mending her children’s clothes and was thrilled to create costumes for the Chatham Theater company and school theater productions. She appreciated the beauty of flowers, always taking time to stop and smell the roses, for which she will be remembered fondly when the spring flowers bloom.
She had so much love to give, and she received just as much in kind. More than anything, she loved her family. She is survived by: her loving husband of 50 years, Stuart Balaban; her children, Sarah Balaban, Rachel (Reggie) Hill and Jordan (Laura Merino) Balaban; and her grandchildren, Reina and Robin Hill.
Memorials in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com
Patsy W. Smith (1945 – 2022)
ANCRAM—Sunday, November 20, 2022, God said to His daughter, Patsy Wyzga Smith, 77, “Your room is ready, time to come home and rest.”
She was surrounded by loving family members who held her hand as she crossed over to her new life. She was born June 28, 1945 in Laurinburg, NC, to Frank and Erma Wyzga. The family eventually moved to Trenton, NJ. She graduated from Trenton Central High School.
She has two sisters, Nancy Margerum, who lives in PA, and was Ms. Smith’s caregiver for many years, and Shirley Wyzga-Johnson, who lives in SC. Ms. Smith was a wonderful mother to her two sons, Christopher Smith (Wendy) of NY and Roger Smith of FL. She has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her life was always driven by giving of herself to help others. She was a family care provider for 40 years in NY, where she resided. She started this journey by providing family life to elder adults. For the last 30 years, she raised two severely handicapped children whom she loved and treated like her own. She loved them dearly. When she became ill the children were moved to other homes; it was devastating for her. She also worked at The Little Store in Ancram for 30 years when it was owned by Betty Hamilton. She enjoyed working there especially because she got to interact with all the people from the town, population less than 2,000 at the time, who popped in to get sandwiches or buy other items. Small town living was perfect for her. She will be missed by many. Burial took place in Ancram Cemetery. Express condolences at www.peckandpeck.net.
Laura A. Devlin (1962 – 2023)
TAGHKANIC—Laura Ann Devlin, 60, of Taghkanic passed away peacefully at home, April 20, 2023. She was born September 11, 1962 in Queens to Robert and Clare (Goetke) Roman. The family relocated from Broad Channel when she was young and she fell in love with upstate. She married Edward Devlin, who survives her at home. She babysat children and had a home daycare for a number of years. She was a nurturer and enjoyed taking care of children. She also enjoyed cooking and was an avid lover of sunshine.
Mrs. Devlin is survived by: her husband, Edward Devlin; her two daughters, Jennifer (Chris Cascioli) and Kimberly Devlin; her four grandchildren, Lauren Devlin, Hailey Cascioli, Aubri and Jacob Werner; her mother, Clare Roman and brother, Robert Roman.
In keeping with her wishes no formal services will be observed. Arrangements were with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home.
Morgan B. Moore (1938 – 2023)
RHINEBECK—Morgan B. Moore, 84, of Germantown died Friday, April 21, 2023 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born July 26, 1938 in Hudson, he was the son of the late William A. and Barbara (Schunk) Moore. He worked for 36 years at IBM Kingston until his retirement. After retiring he worked at the FASNY Museum in Hudson, also at Taconic Biosciences in Germantown.
He was a member of a hunting camp in Churchtown for many years. He loved being with and doing things with his entire family.
He will be greatly missed by: his loving wife of 65 years, Ellen May (Chadwick) Moore; two daughters: Deborah (Christopher) Drennon, Patricia (Robert) Kinzie; two brothers, William Moore, Deane (Sharon Moore); grandchildren, Erin, Kristina (Justin), Jeffrey, Andrew (Brianna); great-grandchildren, Frederick, Anna, Anarya, Alexya, Emerson, Aiden, Emilynn and Joseph. He was predeceased by his great-grandson, Christopher and his sister, Alice Thompson.
Calling hours will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home with Pastors David and Joanna Tipple officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson.
Marianna Iacovelli (1926 – 2023)
COHOES—Marianna Iacovelli, 96, of Valatie passed away April 23 in Cohoes. She was born November 18, 1926 in New York City to Michael and Maria (Vitucci) Squicciarine.
She is survived by: one daughter, Mary Jo and son-in-law, Steve Zapf; sons, Peter, John and Michael and daughter-in-law Maria; her four grandchildren, Michael (Reem), Karen (Peter), Joanna (Brendan) and Thomas (Christina); her five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Anna, Kate, Ella and Zeina.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph and her grandson, Benjamin. The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff of Eddy Village Green in Cohoes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 27, 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Route 9, Valatie. Interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery following Mass. Friends and family may call Wednesday April 26 between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home in Valatie.
Alan F. Skerrett (1937 – 2023)
HUDSON—Alan Francis Skerrett, 86, a mental health professional and community activist with life-long avocations in photography, music, baseball and the culinary arts, passed away January 19, 2023 at his home in Hudson.
He was a dedicated “change agent” and natural leader with a passion for raising consciousness to improve the lives of the underserved and disenfranchised, both professionally within the mental health field as well as through community activism. His integrity, wisdom and generosity touched hearts and influenced positive change.
A native of Brooklyn and Queens, upon being recruited for positions, Alan relocated to the Albany area in 1980 and to Columbia County in 1989. Over his 50-year career in mental health, he held positions including that of educator, counselor and director of various services at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, Manhattan Psychiatric Center, and the Capital District Psychiatric Center. Lastly, he served as the director of a psychiatric residence, the Philmont Hearth in Columbia County. In his later years, he devoted himself to the Hudson community, where he was a valued contributor to a number of community and mental health organizations. In addition, he served on the advisory board of the Hudson Opera House; was a member of the Columbia County Council on the Arts and helped to establish the WGXC radio station. His comprehensive taste in music, combined with his commentaries and propensity to sing-along when on air, made his WGXC 90.7 radio show, Crossroads in Rhythm, a favorite with listeners. In his earlier years, he was in a doo-wop singing group, and was an acquaintance of Little Anthony and The Imperials, among others. As a freelance photographer, he was retained for portfolio development by aspiring actors and models. His work has been exhibited in NYC and in Greene, Columbia and Albany counties.
Mr. Skerrett was predeceased by: his parents, Joseph Taylor Skerrett and Anna Cannon Skerrett, and his siblings, Herman Mayo and Joseph Taylor Skerrett, Jr., PhD.
He and his late wife, Gloria Hampton Skerrett, had two sons, Alan Francis Skerrett, Jr., of Washington, DC and Gary Skerrett of Bowie, MD, both surviving. He is also survived by his sister, Diane V. Skerrett of Woodbridge, VA; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be remembered by many with great love and gratitude. A memorial service will be held in honor and celebration of his life, May 6, 2023 at 3 p.m. at the Solid Rock Church, 334 Union Street, Hudson. A repast will be held immediately following at the church, which will be by invitation only due to space limitations. In lieu of flowers, give of yourself, as he would. For additional details about his life, visit www.batesandanderson.com. Stickers waiving meter fees will be available at the church. There is also unmetered parking and parking behind the courthouse.
Ernest C. Conine (1960 – 2023)
PALM HARBOR, FL—Ernest “Ernie” Charles Conine, 62, of Palm Harbor, FL, passed away there April 19, 2023.
He was born in Hudson to the Elizabeth (Betty) Hoke and Ernest Charles Conine, Sr., June 14, 1960.
He went to high school at Ichabod Crane Central School. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Stuyvesant. In addition to working on the dairy farm, he later drove tractor trailer for Boston Buffalo Trucking, and worked for Davies Office Refurbishing in Albany. He enjoyed music and dancing, especially country and ballroom dancing.
He is survived by: his sister, Catherine “Kat” Morehouse (Michael); brother, James Cavellaro (Sue); sister, Shirley Narzynski; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by: his brother, Harold Conine and brother-in-law, Dennis Narzynski.
Memorial donations may be made to Columbia-Greene Humane Society or a charity of choice. The family is grateful to all his friends and family who showed him kindness throughout his life. He with mental health issues and the last several years with physical health issues as well. He will always be remembered for his easy-going attitude, kindness and big smile. He enjoyed the simple things in life. “We will always love Ernie and forever keep him in our hearts.”
Calling hours will be held at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie June 17, 2023 from 10 a.m. to noon. Funeral services will follow at noon. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Valatie.
Arthur Becker (1959 – 2023)
HUDSON—Arthur Becker, 64, of Philmont died peacefully Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born in Hudson March 8, 1959, he was the son of the late Robert Becker and Arline (Richards) Becker of Greenport. He will be missed by: his brothers, Karl, William and Erich Becker as well as nieces and nephews.
There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Express condolences at www.saccofuneralhome.comSacco
Elizabeth K. Frank (1924 – 2023)
ELIZAVILLE—Elizabeth Kleis Frank, 98, died peacefully at her home Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Born December 24, 1924 in Hungary, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Mesz) and John Kleis. The family moved to the United States when she was a child.
She married Arthur A. Frank and raised six children. She had her hands full, but in her spare time she loved to garden around her home. She was also known to be a great seamstress. She loved spending time with her family the most.
Mrs. Frank is survived by: her children, Arthur Frank (Barbara), Robert Frank (Lois), John Frank (Cathy), Paul Frank (Helen), Elizabeth Frank and Barbara Collins; six grandchildren, Caryn, Amber, Andrew, Zachary, Scott and Mackenzie; six great-grandchildren; a brother, John and sister-in-law, Olga.
Funeral services were held at the Bates & Anderson- Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, April 20, 2023. Interment was in the St. John’s Manorton Cemetery.
Irene M. Smead (1930 – 2023)
ALBANY—Irene “Sissy” M. Smead, 92, of New Lebanon passed away peacefully April 9, 2023 at Albany Medical Center.
She was born in Pittsfield, MA, May 31, 1930 to the late James and Mary (Gwara) O’Boyle.
She was a St. Joseph’s High School Class of 1948 graduate. She was a substitute teacher for many years in the Pittsfield Public School system and worked at the YMCA as well. Mrs. Smead was a jokester and always put a smile on everyone’s face.
She was predeceased by: her husband, Clifford “Smitty” Smead; her sister, Elizabeth Lanphear and her brother, James “Speck” O’Boyle.
She is survived by: her sons, James Knowlton of Texas, Bruce and David Knowlton of Pittsfield, MA, and Clifford J. (Carmella) Smead of Pittsfield, MA; daughters, Maryann Kipp of TX and Regina (Jerry) Drake of New Lebanon; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great- grandchildren.
Burial will be private and a celebration of life will be held at later date. Arrangements were with the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm Street, Nassau. Leave condolences at mooneyfuneralhome.com
