Florence Gustafson (1926 – 2015)
ALBANY—Florence Gustafson, 89, of Chatham died peacefully Tuesday morning, July 21 under Hospice Care in St. Peter’s Hospital with her beloved granddaughters, Rachel and Rebekah by her side.
She was born in Pittsfield, MA, January 13, 1926 to Angelo and Josephine (Santucci) Garzone.
She attended Pittsfield area schools. She worked at General Electric for several years before moving to New York.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Richard Gustafson in August 2014. She was also predeceased by: her brothers, John, Stephen, Louise, Samuel Garzone and sisters, Angela Stankiewicz and Grace Drozd.
Mrs. Gustafson leaves: her sister, Mary Every; daughter, Holly Gustafson; son-in-law, Daniel Brackett; twin sons, Richard (Susan) Blanchard and Ronald (Lynette) Blanchard and sister-in-law, Frances (Jack) Mesick. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Rachel (Brian) Duggan (their two children, Callan and Rory), Rebekah O’Rourke, Bridget Brackett, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Gustafson enjoyed spending her time with family, square dancing with her husband and friends, playing cards, puzzles and a variety of needlework.
All services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. To convey an online condolence visit frenchblasl.com.
Lawrence Albert Brown (1943 – 2015)
COPAKE—Lawrence “Larry” Albert Brown, 71, of Copake passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at his residence.
He was born October 9, 1943 in Great Barrington, MA, the son of Bernice Bussett of West Copake and the late Lawrence B. Brown.
Mr. Brown attended school locally and was a proud alumni of Michigan State University.
After serving his country with the United States Army he returned to Copake and began working in the family business. As the owner and operator of A.C. Bristol Lumber, Mr. Brown assisted many local families and contractors until the closing of the company in 1995. He later became a valued employee of Herrington Lumber and Building Supply in their Lakeville, CT, and Millerton offices.
As a prominent community member, Mr. Brown served with many different organizations. He was past master and longtime member of the Hillsdale Masonic Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the Scottish Rite, Cyprus Temple Shriners and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a member of the Closson-Raught American Legion Post, the Copake United Methodist Church and a member of the former Roeliff Jansen Lions Club. Mr. Brown was also a longtime member and team captain in the American Poolplayers Association Tuesday Night Columbia County League.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sharon (Fitch) Brown on November 23, 1998.
Survivors include: his daughter, Andrea Dennis of Copake; a son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Jill Brown of Mill Valley, CA; his mother, Bernice Bussett of West Copake; his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine Dennis and Benjamin Dennis.
Friends are invited and may call Saturday, July 25, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22 in Copake. A Masonic Service will be held at 6 p.m. during the visitation.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. at the Copake United Methodist Church with former pastor, Richard Mills officiating.
Private interment will be in the Copake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to the Copake United Methodist Church, Copake 12516.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
