Joseph C. Grassi (1967 – 2023)
HUDSON—Joseph C. Grassi, 55, of Hudson, formerly of Guilford, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
He was born January 31, 1967 in Flushing, Queens, a son of the late George W. and Theresa (Gallagher) Grassi.
A carpenter, Mr. Grassi was the owner and operator of the House of Trades.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, doing small engine repairs, camping, cooking and his pets.
He is survived by: his wife, Cindy J. (Bishop) Grassi of Hudson; his siblings, Theresa George and Michael; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, John Grassi.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake.
Timothy S. VanAlphen (1959 – 2023)
HUDSON—It is with great sadness that the family of Timothy S. VanAlphen announces “he went home to be with the lord” February 2, 2023.
Born in Hudson November 12, 1959, he was the son of William VanAlphen and Freida Graham. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy; his brother, Billy; his baby sister, Hope; his nephew, Christopher and niece, Serena.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Lisa; his daughters, June and Shannon; his special niece, Sunshine; his brothers, David, Robert, Lenny and Goliath.
He worked for the Town of Livingston for many years. He was the loving “Papa” of his grandkids, TJ, Austin, Brandon, Timika and Cheyenne. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, life in general, and being outdoors as much as possible. Calling hours were held February 6 at the Bates and Anderson Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Robert F. Rustick (1944 – 2023)
WEST GHENT—Robert “Bobby” Francis Rustick, passed away February 2, 2023 at his home in West Ghent at the age of 78. Raised in Hudson, he was born September 5, 1944 to Frank Rustick and Catherine “Kosh” Rustick (nee Popesckie.) His older brother, James “Jimmy” Rustick, passed in 1974.
He graduated from Hudson High School in 1962. While in school he played football on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball; referred to in the Hudson High School year-book, as a “fearless guard” and a “swell guy” by many of his classmates. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force and he served his country honorably during the Vietnam War for two tours of duty. In the Air Force, he served as a crew chief on the F-100 Super Sabre, rising to the rank of technical sergeant.
After his service, he worked as a union carpenter, then for ConRail, ultimately working with the United States Postal Service for the remainder of his working days. During this time, he also enlisted in the Air National Guard and once again honorably served his country as a member of the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York State Air National Guard out of Schenectady. He regularly flew on missions to service the Distant Early Warning (DEW Line) radar sites in Greenland on the polar ice cap.
In his retirement years, he traveled extensively, making life-long friends along the way. He was a part of various organizations, including the German Shepherd Rescue of New England. He took many classes after his retirement, including meditation, dream study, Reiki, and was continually interested in pursuing a higher knowledge of spiritual practices.
He always had a smile on his face and he was quick to put one on the faces of others, often with a joke or a wild story from his youth in Hudson. He was a New York Giants fan and could be found watching the ball game on Sundays during football season. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
He was a loving father to his four children. He was predeceased by Karen Rustick in 2012, and is survived by: John Rustick of Delmar, Joseph Rustick and his wife Erin Russell and their son Henry Rustick of Washington, D.C., Nellie Rustick Meier and her husband Matthew Meier of Chatham; two grandchildren, Sydney Boles of Boston, MA, and Henry Rustick.
Calling hours will be held at Bates & Anderson Funeral Home Thursday, February 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the German Shepard Rescue of New England, Inc.
Robert J. Croop (1936 – 2023)
ORISKANY—Robert J. “Bob” Croop, 86, passed away peacefully January 30, 2023 at the Eastern Star Home with his loving family at his side.
He was born November 7, 1936 in Factoryville, PA, to the late Andrew and Margaret (Jones) Croop. His family moved to Utica when he was young and he grew up working on various farms in the Steuben Valley. He graduated from Holland Patent Central School and then proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was a wonderful father, brother and friend and was always a true gentleman.
He was employed at Special Metals for more than 30 years and served as a foreman. During his time there, he was instrumental in designing a method of streamlining the entire billet handling process. He designed and received senior management approval for the Batch Mobile Handling System, affectionately nicknamed “The Croopmobile,” for which he received The President’s Award.
Mr. Croop is survived by: his son, Robert (Joanne) Croop and stepson, Scott (Cindy) Chwalek, Scott’s daughter, Amanda Chwalek; the mother of his son and dear friend, Maureen Croop; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by: both of his parents; siblings, Evelyn Bowers, Betty Rae Smith, Charles Croop, Jerry Croop, Richard Croop and Duane Croop; his second loving wife, Cheryl (Thompson) Croop and his third loving wife, Connie (Chwalek) Croop.
All are invited to call Saturday, February 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Road, Utica. A celebration of life will take place immediately following calling hours at The Roselawn Banquet Facility, Main Street, New York Mills.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his memory to Feed Our Vets (www.feedourvets.org) or to the Eastern Star Home, Oriskany. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
The family extends a special thank you to Cindy Chwalek, whom he loved like a daughter, as well as, the entire staff at the Eastern Star Home for their love and compassion while he was in their care.
