Richard W. Edwards, Sr. (1942 – 2022)
NATCHEZ, MS—Richard William Edwards, Sr., 80, passed away Monday, December 26, 2022 at his home in Natchez, Mississippi.
“Rick” was born in Chatham, November 28, 1942 to the late Evelyn and Mack Edwards. He graduated from Chatham High School in 1960 and joined the United States Coast Guard shortly thereafter.
After the Coast Guard he took over his father’s floor covering business, Chatham Rug, and continued as the owner for the next four decades. Most Chatham residents were familiar with the company vans or the business locations on Main Street and Route 203 over the years. He was a member of the Chatham Fire Department during the 1970s.
Anyone who had the honor of knowing him was familiar with his larger-than-life presence marked by that booming voice and laugh. Those who were lucky, were the recipient of one of his world class hugs that frequently resulted in one’s feet being lifted off the ground. His firm handshake was also memorable as his powerful calloused hands, would envelop most other people’s hands.
He was a beloved father to his children. He always tried to instill the proper values and provide a supportive ear.
Later years found he and his wife traveling the country in their RV with their canine companion, Kirby, visiting family and exploring new areas. It was during these trips that they discovered the town of Natchez. They moved to Natchez in 2015, after both being lifelong residents of Chatham, to escape the cold winters and perhaps get access to a slightly longer growing season. Mr. Edwards was a lifelong avid gardener. In fact, he had just come in from the garden when he was stricken December 26.
He is survived by: his wife, Donna; his children, Richard Edwards, Jr. (Kate) of Greenfield Center, Pamela Edwards (Jack) of Grand Canyon, AZ, Karin Scism (Joel) of Clifton Park, Debra Campana (Robert) of Middle Village,and Grant Leadem-Edwards (Joanna) of Denver, CO; his brothers, Michael Edwards (Jennifer) of Evanston, IN, Paul Edwards (Julia) of Gunnison, CO and his sister-in-law, Debbie Aiezza (Andy) of Castleton; his 14 grandchildren, Samuel, Alexander, Abigail, Geoff, Nick, Emilie, Amelia, Logan, Kaeden, Alexa, Louisa, Travis, Rita and Edward in addition to many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by: his parents; daughter, Kristina; first wife, Edith, and brother, John.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. A memorial service will be held immediately after, followed by an interment at Chatham Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com
Judith A. Krumpus (1945 – 2022)
KINDERHOOK—Judith A. Krumpus joined her parents, James and Louise and brother, Richard in eternal happiness December 31, 2022.
Born November 9, 1945 in Plainfield, NJ, “Judy” lived a life of love and kindness, supported by the strong bonds of family and friends.
Losing her parents at a young age, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Kathleen and Edwin Phillips in Cooperstown. Surrounded by her Phillips and Clark families, she flourished there and graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1963. She studied at Cobleskill College and Brockport State graduating with a degree in elementary education.
In 1970, she began her career as an elementary teacher at Ichabod Crane School in Kinderhook, where she taught until her retirement in 2003. There she cultivated close friendships with her colleagues and made a lasting impression on her students. She maintained a remarkable and marvelous friendship with her college friends Donna, Elaine, Mona, Maxine and Pat and they all held fast to their second Tuesday of month lunch date for more than 45 years. They will miss her dearly.
Mickey Mouse and all things Disney where a central part of her enjoyment. She so loved her flower gardens and her feline companions, Rosie and Ruby.
She leaves behind: her cousins, Joan P. Clark of Cooperstown and Jack Meyer of Greenland, NH. She was particularly close to her second cousins, Paul A. Clark (Mary Claire) of Whitesboro and Peter E. Clark of Baldwinsville, who considered her a big sister. She also leaves many Phillips, Bushby and Clark cousins.
Her family thanks Nick Wood, Amy Ringen and family and the staff of the Columbia-Greene Dialysis Unit, Ghent, for the unwavering support, assistance and care they all provided for many years.
Funeral services are being arranged by the Raymond Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. A memorial Mass will be held January 21, 2023, at The Church of St. Joseph, Stuyvesant Falls at 11 a.m. Internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cooperstown will follow in the spring.
Her family asks that flowers be planted in her honor. Always remember what Mickey Mouse said, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”
Merl Smith (1927 – 2022)
KINDERHOOK LAKE—With tremendous sadness, the family of Merl Smith shares the news of his death December 29, 2022. He died in his home on Kinderhook Lake surrounded by those he loved most, his family.
Born in Trenton, NJ, December 25, 1927, he was predeceased by his parents Walter and Lucille Smith; sisters, Miriam (Stan) Larrison, Katherine (William) Mycock and Lois (Jim) Johnson, also a brother, Elmer Smith.
In 2010 he was predeceased by the “love of his life,” Connie, his wife of 55 years. He attended Hamilton High School in Trenton, NJ, upon graduation he was accepted into the United States Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, where he received his BS in marine engineering. After graduation he was assigned to the SS Meredith Victory. As the Korean War was escalating, the ship was responsible for getting the war goods to the troops. In mid-December, the Chinese Communist invaded, forcing civilian refugees south to Hungnam hoping to avoid capture or death. The SS Meredith Victory was waiting in the port. After offloading its cargo, the crew loaded more than 15,000 refugees into the holds of the ship. A ship that only had the resources for the 12 officers and 35 crew members. On December 23 the ship departed for Pusan, 450 nautical miles to the South without food, water, a military escort, or any way to defend itself.
Amazingly, there were no fatalities on the three-day journey and there were five babies born on the ship.
The South Korean government later awarded the crew the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. The United States Merchant Marines presented the crew with the Meritorious Service Medal, one of the highest awards in the Merchant Marines. In 1966 the SS Meredith Victory was conferred the title of “Gallant Ship” by a special act of Congress. The Guinness World Book of Records describes it as “the largest evacuation from land by a single ship.” The SS Meredith Victory will forever be known as the Ship of Miracles.
While still in the Merchant Marines, Mr. Smith was called up for military duty, joining the Navy as a lieutenant, spending the next two years traveling the seas aboard Navy carriers. It was at this time while on leave in California, he met his future wife, Connie, a Navy nurse stationed in California. Three months later they were married and started their civilian life.
Mr. Smith worked for Allis-Chalmers in Milwaukee, WI, where his first daughter was born. From there, he transferred to Portland, OR, where his other three daughters were born. Then the family moved to Anaheim, CA, and Houston, TX. In 1974 the family settled in Glenmont, where he took a position with Atlas Copco.
In 1990, the couple retired and permanently moved to their summer home on Kinderhook Lake, where so many wonderful memories were created. From kissing the fish they caught to surviving the “Merl Twirl.” He will always be remembered by his beautiful engaging smile, the ability to always make people feel welcome and the way he could “jerry-rig” anything. He taught his family about the beauty of nature and the power of a firm handshake.
Mr. Smith is survived by: his four daughters, Merlyn (Glenn) Palmer, Meridee (Mark) Kerrigan, Alison Smith and Lisa (Dave) Fortin; his grandchildren, Jamie (Chad), Caitlin, Glenn, Jr., William (Veronica), Karly (Daniel) and Molly; great-grandchildren, Conner, Reagan, Brooke, Makayla, Zoey, Ari and Otto.
Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Smith and many wonderful nieces and nephews also, his dear companion, Sylvia Kelly. His daughters thank their sister, Alison. Because of her selfless care and loving support, their father was able to stay in his home.
They thank Karin and Jeremiah who took great care with their father as well as Columbia County Hospice. Finally, they thank all the extraordinary neighbors and friends on Kinderhook Lake. The family will host a funeral service January 21, 2023, 11 a.m. at the Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kinderhook. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Mr. Smith’s name to Tunnel to Towers. Arrangements are with the Raymond Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.
Donald J. Alger (1924 – 2023)
GREENPORT—Donald Jay Alger, 98, of Greenport passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Born May 21, 1924 in Hudson, he was the son of Jesse Alger and Frieda (Tietsel) Alger.
“Don” served in the United States Army during World War II achieving the rank of staff sergeant, serving in the Battle of the Bulge. He received a Purple Heart and commendations for his service. He was tireless, having worked for Lone Star Cement Plant, running his own excavation and oil delivery business. He owned and ran a junkyard, and was a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Greenport. He was the commander of the Greenport VFW and a proud member of the NRA. He and his two sons built his beloved home on Mount Merino Road. He was active in politics and the happenings of Greenport and Hudson, having served on the Hudson City School Board, even becoming the Planning Board chairman for the Town of Greenport. He delivered the “Want Ads” into his late 90s. He was a lover of animals. He loved to play his organ and to fly fish. He loved to take friends and family on the Hudson River to the island, he even knew how to fly a plane. He was a tireless teacher, willing to share his vast knowledge with anyone about anything from how to plant a garden, to learning musical chords on the organ, to teaching gun safety, and to how to safely operate heavy machinery. He always kept himself busy tinkering with his equipment down at his shop. He was loved by all and will be truly missed.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his grandchildren, Jason Alger, Jeffery Alger (Nicole), Kara Alger and Luke Dranginis, and Angela Hallenbeck (Steve); great-grandchildren, Ariyona, Jeffery Jr., Johnny, Calvin Jr., Donovin, Kaliyona, Kayliann, and Talia; brothers, Jack Alger and Art Alger (Connie); daughter-in-law, Valerie Alger, and lifelong friend, Jerry Moore. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his wife, Jeanette Alger; sons, Donald (Satch) Alger, Jr. and Kevin Alger; siblings, Earl, Gerald and Gloria Jean Alger, and Ollie Rappaleye.
Visitation at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home will be Wednesday, January 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Graveside services with military honors will be in Cedar Park Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. following visitation time.
Theresa Lee (1934 – 2023)
HANOVER, NH—It is with deep sadness that her family announces the death of Theresa Lee. She died peacefully at Hanover Terrace Health and Rehabilitation, January 5, 2023.
“Terry” was born in Brooklyn, December 30, 1934 to Joseph and Carmella (Finelli) DeJohn. She attended Catherine McAuley High School. At 18 years old, she began working at a department store, Oppenheim Collins in New York City. She went on to work at several other companies in Manhattan and Brooklyn including Drew Corp. and Western Electric.
She married Edward W. Lee, April 20, 1969 and lived in Brooklyn until 1988. They retired to Greenport, Columbia County. In 2008, shortly after her husband’s death, she relocated to West Lebanon, NH.
She was predeceased by, her husband and her parents. She is survived by: her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Pamela (Wescott) Lee of West Lebanon, NH; stepchildren, John Lee and spouse Maryanne of Claverack, Thomas Lee and spouse Rhonda of Huntsville, UT, Patricia (Lee) Waldron and spouse Alan of Seabeck, WA, and Alice (Lee) Ellington and spouse James of Poulsbo, WA; a brother, Joseph DeJohn and spouse Vivian of Holmdel, NJ; many step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the Church of St. Mary, 427 Allen Street, Hudson.
Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery, 20 Columbia Turnpike, Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Lee’s name to Sato Heart Rescue, P.O. Box 686, Wilton, NH 03086 or to the animal rescue organization of one’s choice. Arrangements were with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Robert J. Dymond (1954 – 2023)
SCHENECTADY—Robert J. Dymond, 68, of Schenectady, formerly of Chatham, passed away peacefully at Ellis Hospital, January 7, 2023 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born to the late Edward and Hilda Dymond of Chatham. He was predeceased by: his two brothers, Edward “Sonny” his twin brother, Roger Dymond; his son, Preston Tyler Boyle.
He attended Chatham Central School. He held fond memories of the school where he created lifelong friendships he held dear. He also attended Hudson Valley Community College with a goal to be a doctor. “Bob” and his brother, Roger ran the family, logging firewood, landscaping construction painting business for many years. He was especially fond of his workers.
Restoring antique homes was his passion he loved to save anything that was old. He and his brother, Roger attended tap dance lessons and were well-known in theater as young boys. He taught many of family members how to paint landscapes and that no matter what one loses in life, to always be kind and be happy. He leaves behind: Russell and Susan Monroe of Stockport, Myra Monroe of Hudson, Susan Irvin Rosario of South Carolina; many cousins, Dale, Ernie, Walt Jr., and Leroy Dymond along with many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a few special friends, Guy Caswell his best friend his nine-year neighbor, Johnnie Ray of Maryland, Rodney from Stuyvesant Falls, Trish and Renee Atkinson from Chatham and Betty Holt and Scott Fiero.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Chatham, January 28, 2023 at 1 p.m. Relatives and friends may attend. Contributions may be made to the
The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany 12205 or the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Chatham.
Lynn F. Skordilis (1946 – 2023)
ALBANY—Lynn F. Skordilis, 76, of Kinderhook Lake, Niverville, Valatie, passed away January 5, 2023 in Albany.
Born March 16, 1946 in Queens, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Francis and Florence Estelle (Jones) Sindlinger.
In 1964, she graduated from Massapequa High School. She then attended SUNY Brockport, Brockport, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree and multiple master’s degrees from Hofstra University, Hempstead. For 34 years, she applied her knowledge to her fourth grade students at the Albany Avenue School in Lindenhurst. She later happily retired to Valatie.
During retirement she became involved with a local group of cancer survivors who provided support to newly-diagnosed cancer patients and participated in many Relay For Life events held in Columbia County.
She is survived by: her sisters, Susan (Mike) Nello of Massapequa, Frances Sindlinger of Valatie and Judy Sindlinger of Massapequa; a sister-in-law, Linda Sindlinger of Massapequa and her nieces and nephews, Michael (Monica) Nello and Ryan and Jenna Sindlinger all of Massapequa.
Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by: her brothers, Joseph, Jeffery and Patrick Sindlinger.
Calling hours and a service were held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.
Ms. Skordilis was a proponent of ensuring local resources are available for residents of Columbia County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to: Columbia County Health Care Consortium https://www.Columbiahealth net.org/programs/financial/ specify “Columbia County Community Cancer Fund” in the donate box or to CMH Foundation Cancer Patient Support Program, 71 Prospect Avenue, Hudson 12534 ATT: Barbara Klassen, executive director.
Marion V. Burns (1928 – 2023)
GERMANTOWN—Marion V. Burns, 94, of Germantown, a longtime area resident, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
Born May 24, 1928 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Christine (Lindenburger) Malavase. She married George R. Burns. He predeceased her July 19, 1998.
She was a woman of immense faith, devout Catholic, and a proud longtime parishioner at St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook. She was also a member of the Red Hook Senior Citizens and the Rosary Altar Society at St. Aidan’s Parish. She was a choir member for St. Christopher’s Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and St. Aidan’s Church.
For more than 20 years, she was a second grade teacher in the New York City School District. She loved her family very much, and loved spending time with them whether it was daily chats on the phone, playing the piano, or summer vacations together. She lived her life by her favorite saying, “fit as a fiddle and ready for love, for everyone.” She had a sweet and positive approach to life that was infectious to those around her.
She is survived by: her sister, Helen Belden of Long Beach; her children and their spouses, Mary and John Sweeney of Mineola, George and Terry Burns of Germantown and Robert and Karen Burns of Douglaston; her beloved grandchildren, Sean Sweeney, Katelyn Burns, Annmarie (Oscar) Molina, Robert Burns, Jr., James Burns, and Paul Burns; her great-grandchildren, Oscar and Owen Molina; her niece and nephew, Robert Belden and Susan (Gus) Garfield; along with extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, her beloved daughter, Helen Burns predeceased her.
Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, Friday, January 13, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook. Burial will be held at St. Sylvia’s Cemetery, Tivoli.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association.
Charlene F. Goodrich (1935 – 2022)
GERMANTOWN—Charlene F. Goodrich, 87, of Germantown, a lifelong area resident, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022 at her home.
Born November 24, 1935 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Charlotte (VanDyke) Lydon.
She married Donald Goodrich, who predeceased her.
In addition to raising her family, Mrs. Goodrich served as a certified nurse’s aide at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck for many years. She also worked as a home health aide throughout northern Dutchess and southern Columbia counties. While living in Colorado she worked at the Pfizer plant.
She is survived by: her loving children, Donald Goodrich of Germantown, Kevin Goodrich of Germantown, Desiree D’Attore of Bloomington and Tara Goodrich of Germantown; her adopted daughter, Tiffany Goodrich; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings, Susan Moul of Red Hook, Edward Lydon, Jr., of Elizaville, Randolph Lydon of Barrytown and David Lydon of Crescent City, FL; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Her son, Ronald F. Goodrich; a brother, Timothy Lydon and her sisters, Mary Cox and Carol Brightly all predeceased her. Funeral services will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.
Roderick J. Niesen (1937 – 2023)
HUDSON—Roderick “Rod” John Niesen, surrounded by his loving family, left this earth for his heavenly home, January 6, 2023. He was born the son of Dr. Leonard and Margaret Niesen, September 19, 1937.
He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Judy Moront and brother, Robert Niesen.
He spent the first three years of his life at Potts Memorial, now known as Adventist Nursing Home, where his father was the resident physician. The family moved to Allen Street in Hudson when his father set up private practice.
He attended St. Mary’s School and became a choir and altar boy at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson.
He graduated from CBA High School in 1956. During these years, he was well-known for his athletic ability in basketball and baseball as a pitcher. He attended St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He met his future wife, Carole Vorgang, who was a student nurse at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He entered the army in 1959 training at Fort Dix, NJ, and later at Fort Gordon, GA, as a military policeman. He was stationed in France and was on the championship basketball team and championship baseball team as a pitcher. He married Carole January 16, 1960 and was a salesman for Singer Sewing Machine Co. prior to becoming an advertising salesman for the Hudson Register Star newspaper and later circulation manager. In 1969 he went into business with John Sharpe and Roger Miner as NSM Central Business Service/Collection Agency which he later brought and established the Hudson Credit Bureau Inc.
He was a member of a long list of organizations including: a lifetime member of the Federation of the Polish Sportsmen Club and past board director. He enjoyed going to shoots and events with this family. To see the complete list of his affiliations visit www.saccofuneralhome.com.
Mr. Niesen received the JC’s Distinguished Service Award in 1975 for outstanding community service.
He and his wife traveled here and aboard. They often traveled to Potsdam for basketball games for 38 years including visits to St. Rose, CBA and Hudson High School. He enjoyed family vacations to Cape Cod, Auger Lake and just spending time at his pool and hosting the annual family picnic. He still found lots of time to be a great friend, uncle, father, grandfather and husband.
He is survived by: his loving wife of almost 63 years, Carole; sons, Tim (Mary Beth), Roddy (Terra), Bill (Michelle) and Gregory; grandchildren, Michael (Katie), Megan, Nicole, Jake, along with Dakota and Ashley Cohn, and Tucker Banios; several nieces and nephews and his cat, Cali.
His family will miss his smile, laughter (especially over his own jokes), his love, kindness, and caring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Holy Trinity Parish, Hudson Lions Club or Federation of Polish Sportsman’s Club.
Calling hours will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 14, 2023, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson. Burial with military honors will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Rose Marie Plummer (1935 – 2023)
ALBION–Rose Marie Plummer, age 87, died January 4, 2023 at the Medina Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility. She was born August 11, 1935 in Boston Corners, NY to the late Jesse and Helen (Butler) Salisbury Sr.
Rose raised her six sons on the family dairy farm in Waterport and in her later years, took care of local elderly people, cleaning, and cooking for them. She enjoyed taking care of her horses, dogs, gardening and “soaking up that sun”.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Jesse Jr., Alex, and Irving.
Rose is survived by her sons, Carlton (Roxanne), Jeff (Michelle), Todd (John Koostra), Courtney (Lisa), Russell, Randall (Paige), grandchildren, Dylan, Evan (Melanie), Michael, Chase, Jasmine, Jocelyn, Alex, Peyton, Bailey (Austin) Stacey, Shelby, great-grandchildren, Jayden Plummer, Raelin Sochia, Jetson Stacey, sister, Helen “Sook” Paterson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rose’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Thursday, January 12th from 4:00-6:00pm where her memorial service will follow at 6:00pm. Interment will take place privately in Evergreen Cemetery in Pine Plains, NY.
Memorial contributions in Rose’s name may be made to Orleans Community Health Foundation.
To share a special memory of Rose, please visit www. mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com
PAID OBITUARY
