Edmund W. Cummings (1955 – 2022)
CROWN POINT—Edmund W. Cummings died suddenly Tuesday, June 28 at his home in Crown Point. He was 66.
Born December 26, 1955 in Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Edmund Walsh Crummey and Rita Lortie. He was a graduate of Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, CT, and attended Paul Smith’s College. He was a self-employed contractor for many years in the Crown Point area.
He enjoyed the tranquility of the Adirondacks, hunting, collecting Civil War memorabilia, and tracing his family tree.
He was predeceased by a brother, John Thomas Cummings.
He is survived by: two sisters, Ellen Sullivan (David) of Kinderhook and Marcia Cummings-Vinci (Sebastian) of Millsboro, DE, and several nieces and nephews.
A private funeral will be held at a later date.
Vandy Whitehead (1968 – 2022)
GREENPORT—Vandy Whitehead, 54, of Greenport died Saturday, June 25, 2022 at his home.
Born April 30, 1968 in Babylon, he was the son of Vandy Lee and Lurlean (Herrington) Whitehead.
Arrangements are incomplete but there will be a graveside service in Linlithgo Cemetery.
Sylvia P. Grayson (1931 – 2022)
SHARON—Sylvia P. Grayson, 90, of Copake passed away at Sharon Hospital, June 27, 2022.
Born in Carmel, November 3, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Agnes Peschel.
On February 13, 1954 at the Holy Ghost Church in New Hyde Park, Long Island, she married the love of her life, Robert J. Grayson. He survives at home.
Growing up, she lived in Columbia County; Florida; Oak Ridge, TN, and Mt. Vernon. She was married and had her children in New Hyde Park. Then the family moved to Poughquag and finally she and her husband moved to Ancram. She had worked at Union Carbide in NYC as a stenographer and proofreader, and later was head proofreader at Hipotronics, Inc. in Brewster.
She was a member of the Roe Jan Young at Hearters. She had a strong interest in gardening, especially wildflowers and was a passionate bird watcher. She was an avid reader and crossword puzzler. She became adept with computers at a late age and recommended others do the same. She was loving, honest and sassy. She had a great outlook on life, holding no hard feelings towards others and accepted hardship without complaint. She was a beloved mother and teacher. Her sons and grandchildren were an important part of her life.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Grayson is survived by: her sons, Stephen and wife Laura of Mooresburg, TN, Thomas and wife Mary Elizabeth of Ancram, James and wife Linda of Copake and Robert, Jr. and wife Annie of Craryville; grandchildren, Jennifer Blackburn Grayson, Michael Grayson, Melissa Peppe, Stephanie Cook, Daniel Grayson, Jacquelyn Trigg, Katherine Long, Lauren Grayson, Emily Hennessy; and great-grandchildren, Gavin Blackburn, Deker Blackburn, Connor Cook, Madeline Cook, Teagan Grayson, Mackenzie Cook, Kinsley Grayson, Phoebe June Peppe, Carter Trigg, Wyatt Grayson, Declan Grayson, Bailey Peppe, and LJ Trigg; sisters, Lucy Warren, and Barbara Gaines of Florida.
She was predeceased by brothers, Stanley Peschel and Fred Peschel.
Memorial hours were held at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Rt 22, Copake, July 1 followed by a memorial service.
Inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Norman C. Shull (1947 – 2022)
ALBANY—Norman Craig Shull, 75, of Valatie passed away June 28, 2022 at Albany Medical Center.
He was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, to Norman Haines Shull and Betty June Belt Shull, January 29, 1947. He graduated from Bristol High School in 1965. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Maryland University College. He served honorably in the Army and the Navy. In 2011, he retired from Adirondack Beverages in Scotia. In retirement, he worked part-time at the Animal Protective Foundation in Glenville and later for the Town of Kinderhook. He loved both of these jobs and the people with whom he worked. He appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
Mr. Shull is survived by: his wife of 50 years, Marylou; his daughter, Jeanine (Chad) Cadwallader; son, Craig (Erin) Shull; his grandchildren, Cameron, Jillian, Evan and Raegan; brothers, Mark, Gerry (Carol) and Jeff (Terry); step-brother, Jim (Diane) Flack; step-sister, Helen (Bill) Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents; sister, Beverly; brother, Chris and step-father, Herbert Flack.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Funeral services will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Valatie, Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 10:15 a.m. with Fr. Marty Fisher of the Albany Diocese officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville. Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home will be handling funeral services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Glenville 12302.
Beatrice C. Tkacy (1926 – 2022)
HUDSON—Beatrice Cripps Tkacy, 95, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Firemen’s Home. Born July 1, 1926 in Hudson, “Bea” was the daughter of Elizabeth Gardinier and Henry Cripps. She was married for 73 years to the love of her life, Donald. They were married June 7, 1946. Mr. Tkacy passed away in 2020.
She grew up in Stuyvesant Falls and graduated from Martin Van Buren School in Kinderhook. She met her husband while working at the Universal Match Corp. They lived in Hudson most of their married years. They were always together and only had eyes for each other. They both moved to the Firemen’s Home in 2015.
Besides the Match Factory, she worked at Colonial Optical, AD Juliard, NYS Training School, Columbia Memorial Hospital business office, and retired from the Hudson City School District in 1985 after completing 25 years as secretary to the superintendent.
She was a member of the Parish of the Holy Trinity, former Sacred Heart Parish and its Ladies Sodality, and was a member of the Republican Party Executive Committee in charge of many fundraisers.
She loved to read, previously did lots of crafts including crocheting, knitting and embroidery. She loved doing crossword puzzles, card games like poker and euchre, going to Saratoga Racetrack, casinos and most recently NYS scratch-off tickets.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Tkacy was predeceased by: her sisters, Irene Gelhorn, Florence Aldrich, Helen Nietsche and her brother, Donald Cripps.
She is survived by: her daughter, Mary Tkacy Duntz (George) of Elizaville, and her grandchildren, Julieanne Duntz, George Duntz, Jr. (Kate), Katrina Duntz Sullivan (Austin), Christopher Duntz (Tiffany) and Gregory Duntz; her son, Philip Tkacy (Sherry) of Ware Shoals, SC, and her grandchildren, Philip Tkacy Jr., Heidi Tkacy Gaschel (Tom), Pamela Tkacy Jantz (Shawn), Erik Tkacy (Rachel) and Karri Tkacy Nichols (Jason); 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 29 from Holy Trinity St. Mary’s Parish in Hudson. Interment was in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS Firemen’s Home Activities Department, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson 12534. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Hugh D. Stuart (1932 – 2022)
HUDSON—Hugh David Stuart, 90, of Germantown passed away peacefully at Columbia Memorial Hospital, June 25, 2022 after many years of battling Parkinson’s and a final brief illness.
He was born in Manhattan to David and Mary (McCuaig) Stuart and raised in the Bronx and Baldwin, New York. He was a member of both the Boy Scouts and the Sea Scouts.
After graduating from Baldwin High School on Long Island, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy in 1951, where he served aboard the Escort Destroyer U.S.S. Walker (DDE-517) during the Korean War. Among his medals and ribbons, he received the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal with three stars and the China Service Medal (Extended).
After being honorably discharged, he received an associate’s degree in applied science in 1957 from the State University of New York at Farmingdale. He was employed by IBM, retiring in 1990 after 35 years of service as a field engineer course developer. He originally worked in Manhattan and then transferred to Kingston in 1976.
Upon retirement, he enjoyed golfing, volunteered with the Columbia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he held various positions, including post commander of Southern Columbia Memorial Post 6398 (1994-95), commander of the Rip Van Winkle County Council (1998-1999) and National Aide-De-Camp, (2001-2002).
He is survived by: his wife of 65 years, Doris (Martens); his sister, Sheila Ivey; his children, Mark, Timothy, Steven (Hope) Stuart and Amy (Edward) Brock; grandchildren, Matthew (Emma) Schiller, Daniel Schiller, Melissa Stuart, Sean Stuart, Kathleen Brock and Hunter Stuart; great-grandson, Hudson Schiller and nephews, Robert, Donald and Paul Ivey. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia Schiller in February 2020.
A private memorial service will be held for family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Stuart’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or www.michaeljfox.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.
Doris S. Dubac (1940 – 2022)
GERMANTOWN—Doris Sieck Dubac, 81, of Germantown passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at her home.
Born July 3, 1940 in Long Island, she was the daughter of the late Henry John and Mary Ann (Kalemba) Sieck. She married Donald Dubac January 18, 1969 in Woodbury, Long Island. He survives at home in Germantown.
In addition to her husband of 53 years, Mrs. Dubac is survived by: her son, Eric Dubac of Germantown; her siblings, Nancy A. Donahue of Laurens and Henry J. Sieck of Oakland, OR; along with extended family and friends.
For many years, she worked as an information technology programmer with Equitable Life in NYC. She was a contracted IT specialist with major companies in the NY metropolitan area, including Lever Brothers. She also taught English as a second language while in Japan.
Her interests were many and varied. She was accomplished at playing the pipe organ, and particularly enjoyed playing Bach and Buxtehude. She was an avid book collector—especially children’s books. She had a great love of travel, having spent time in numerous countries: Peru (Iquitos, Cusco), Russia (Moscow, Leningrad, Tran-Siberian RR, Irkutsk and Bratsk), Yasnaya Polyana (Tolstoy’s home), China (Beijing, Great Wall, Yangtze River and Dazu), Hungary, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe.
Services for Mrs. Dubac will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.
Lewis A. Bemiss, Jr. (1938 – 2022)
EAST CHATHAM—Lewis A. Bemiss, Jr. of East Chatham passed away June 30, 2022, after a long illness.
Born September 27, 1938, in Ghent, he was the son of the late Lewis, Sr., and Gladys V. Lamoree Bemiss.
He was a graduate of Chatham High School and had served in the in the U.S. Air Force. He spent his early years working on various farms. He had a close relationship with the Doyle Farm where he worked as well. He would later work for Crellin Plastics in Chatham and retire after 44 years.
He loved gardening, hunting and NASCAR. He enjoyed his Christmas Village that he and his wife would work on and display every year.
Mr. Bemiss is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth; his children, James, Daniel, David and Joan; his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother, Ed; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Marge.
Arrangements are private and under the direction of French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl. Memorials in his name may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Concetta Fiorentino (1939 – 2022)
PHILMONT—Concetta Fiorentino, 83, passed away peacefully July 3, 2022 at Pine Haven Nursing Home. Born March 27,1939 in Caserta, Italy, she was one of seven children born to Pasquale Spina and Teresa Cappa.
On January 8, 1956, she married the late Agostino Fiorentino. He set sail to the United States to prepare for the life that he and “Connie” would begin. In 1958, she emigrated to the United States, to join “Augie” and start their new life together in Hudson. Shortly after that they welcomed their daughter, Lucia, and moved to Union Street in 1962.
Mrs. Fiorentino was a seamstress by trade and worked for various employers before retiring from L&B. She became a full time grandmother to her two loving granddaughters. A typical Italian grandmother, she always made sure you had something to eat and some to take home. Her family is blessed to have learned from her, and will cherish the recipes for years to come.
She was always full of energy and on the go. She would attend the Hudson Seniors group almost daily to play cards, bingo or just get the latest gossip. She would never miss a trip to a casino and took her annual trip to Foxwood for New Years Eve with her cronies.
She is survived by: her devoted daughter, Luci Cunningham; two loving granddaughters, Jessica Cunningham, Ashley Donaghue and her husband Robert; her adoring grandson, Akiah Cunningham; close family friend and caregiver, Miranda Utterback; her four brothers and one sister in Italy; sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Agostino; her son-in-law, Robert Cunningham and brother, Pasquale.
A time for sharing of memories and to offer condolences will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home, July 8 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery. “The family wishes to thank her loving caregivers for their care and compassion shown to our ‘Nan’ during her final days.”
Virginia C. Kiel (1931 – 2022)
GHENT—Virginia Kiel, 90, of Ghent passed away July 3, 2022. Born in Hudson, October 4, 1931, she was the daughter of Robert and Mildred (Brooks) Belknap.
“Ginny” was a Red Hatter, a soloist at First Presbyterian Church in Hudson for 60 years, and a student loan officer at Hudson City Savings for about 30 years. She enjoyed bridge with friends; dancing with Calvin especially the jitterbug; loved Broadway show tunes; spending time with her family going on hikes, vacations to the ocean, and picnicking.
Mrs. Kiel is survived by: her sons, Brian C. Kiel and Bradley R. Kiel (Pati); grandson, Ryan W. Kiel and granddaughter, Brittany E. Kiel. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Calvin and brother, Robert Belknap.
Visitation hours at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home are Thursday, July 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services at the funeral home take place Friday, July 8 at 1 p.m. Interment will be at the Claverack Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society.
Elizabeth Avella (1951 – 2022)
ALBANY—Elizabeth Avella, 71, of Hudson passed away Thursday, June 30 in Albany. Born February 12, 1951 in Queens, she was the daughter of Daniel and Mary (Stimpson) Daly.
She was a devoted mother to her son, Patrick, whom she loved more than words could express. She loved nature and being outdoors, especially at the Hudson River. Enjoying a Philly cheesesteak, and tending to her plants and garden were some of her favorite things. Elizabeth was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and was a choir member. With her many challenges and obstacles throughout her life, she never complained and was always upbeat and positive. She lived everyday of her life with grace and dignity.
Left to cherish her memory are: her beloved son, Patrick Avella; sister, Susan (Joseph) Tschupp; nieces and nephews Kenneth Weiss, Joseph and Steven Tschupp, Kristen Fincik, Denise Layton, Deborah Pantano, James and Daniel Daly, Eric and Joseph Massaro, and Jennifer Kaba; sisters-in-law, Theresa Avella and Carol Penkal, and devoted friends Beverly, Tammy and Robin. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale Avella; brothers, Dennis and James Daly; niece, Danielle Daly and sister-in-law, Joanne Avella.
Visitation hours at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home were July 4 with funeral prayers. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 8 Storm Avenue, Hudson 12534.
Donald P. Gilbert, Sr. (1947 – 2022)
ALBANY—Donald P. Gilbert, Sr., 75, of Ballston Spa passed away at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, July 3, 2022, after a long battle with lung disease. He was born January 4, 1947, to William and Mary Gilbert (Clancy) in Troy.
He was a Vietnam veteran, who served in the Marine Corps. He made a career as a welder at Chatham Installations and Welding, Co. Previously, he was a member of the American Legion Post 42. He enjoyed westerns, reading, fishing, eating out, lotto, watching sports, and spending time with family. Coin collecting was a passion for him.
Mr. Gilbert is survived by: his children, Brenda Gilbert, Heidi Nark, Donald P. Gilbert, Jr. and Timothy Gilbert (Heather Powers); siblings, Tom Gilbert and Billy Gilbert; five grandchildren, Logan Gilbert and Alivia Gilbert, McKaylah and Ryan Nark, and Ally Gilbert.
Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, Thursday, July 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be July 8 at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. The family will gather there at 9:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
