George W. Lagonia, Sr. (1925 – 2015)
HUDSON—George W. Lagonia, Sr., of Spencertown, age 89, passed away April 6, 2015.
He was born December 11, 1925 on Edison Avenue in Throgs Neck. Much of his youth was spent on all of the sandlots in and around the Bronx competing in baseball and football.
He served in the Navy during World War II on a floating dry dock in both the European and Pacific campaigns. In 1950 he took up the sport of prize fighting, known as “Chips” Lagonia, and boxed as a welterweight. He competed as a professional, which included a bout at the famed Coney Island Velodrome. About this time he took up snow skiing which led him to discover a small rope tow ski mountain known as Catamount. He fell in love with the area and eventually made it his full-time residence in 1977.
He loved salt water fishing, horse racing, collecting fine art, making homemade wine, high school football, and his greatest passion, cooking Italian food. This led him to converting an old barn and opening the Firehill Inn Restaurant in Austerlitz. It was a unique place where people gathered to enjoy his take on Southern Italian cuisine, his hospitality and endless pasta. After a short retirement he proclaimed “George is Back” and had a second successful run that he was very proud of. In his later years he spent winters in North Carolina roaming the beaches and summers in his vegetable garden trying to grow the perfect tomato. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Robin Lagonia in 1989.
Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com
Patricia Ann Quinn (1939 – 2015)
ALBANY—Patricia Ann (Stickles) Quinn, 75, of Austerlitz passed away April 7, 2015 surrounded by her loving family while under the care of St. Peter’s Hospice Inn.
She courageously fought her recent cancer diagnosis on her terms until her passing.
She was born July 29, 1939 to the late Charles and Lucy (Bishop) Stickles. She married William H. Quinn, Sr,. of Austerlitz December 23, 1956, who survives her at home.
She is also survived by: seven children, Cindy and David Smith of Chatham, Bill, Jr,. of Chatham, Scott, Sr., and Pat of Austerlitz, Chuck and Maria of Bury, St. Edmunds, United Kingdom, Lisa of Austerlitz, Carl and Laurie of Ghent and Cathy of Chatham; her brother, Rodney Stickles, Sr., of Chatham; sister-in-law, Jeanette Stickles of Brockton, MA; her “adoptive” brother, Kevin Glynn of Brockton, MA; longtime “foodie” and shopping companion Pat Coons of Chatham; many nieces and nephews.
The things that brought her the most joy were her 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. There are many other people who called her mom or grandma whose lives she touched or whose life she was a part of during her 75 years.
She was predeceased by her brothers Charles, Donald and Thomas, her sister Shirley, and her daughters-in-law, Sharon and Peggy.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham, Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. followed by a brief service at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at the Austerlitz Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company Building Fund – New Kitchen, P.O. Box 35, Austerlitz 12017. This cause was very near and dear to her because she served for many years as vice president and president of the Ladies Auxiliary who served up many community meals from their old firehouse kitchen. She also was chairwoman of the House Committee. Additionally, donations may also be made to St. Peter’s Hospice Care, 315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany 12208. The family can’t thank them enough for their devotion and care of her in her final days.
For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com
