Robert S. Martines (1946 – 2021)
HUDSON—Robert S. Martines, 75, of Valatie passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born January 2, 1946 in New York City, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Josephine (Quillante) Martines.
He graduated from Catskill High School and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He was a kitchen cabinet specialist employed by Wickes Lumber in Selkirk and Mar-Jam Supply Company in Albany. He retired in 2010. He enjoyed passing the time away sitting on his front porch, smoking cigars, watching westerns on TV and listening to his favorite band, Pink Floyd.
He is survived by: his wife, Brenda (Beaucage) Martines; three children, Branden Martines of Valatie, Alana and Nicholas Martines, both of Catskill; four grandchildren and the family dog, Murphy.
Funeral services will be private for his family and close friends. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Valatie Rescue Squad or the Valatie Fire Department. Arrangements are under the direction of the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.
Judy C. Leab (1943 – 2021)
HANCOCK, MA—Judy C. (Smith) Leab, 78, left this earth from her beloved home, Ioka Valley Farm, to be with the Lord Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
She is survived by her husband, Donald “Don” Leab. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August 2021.
She is also survived by: her three children, daughter, Heather (Larry) Eckhardt and Catherine “Kate” (Kevin) Beach, both of Stephentown and son, Robert “Rob” (Melissa) Leab at the farm in Hancock, MA; her three siblings, sister, Barbara (Norman) Smith-Schroeder of New Mexico; brothers, Robert “Robin” (J.J.) Smith of New Lebanon and Larry (Debbie) Smith of Scotia; her six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Martha Price Smith. She was a graduate of New Lebanon High School, class of 1961.
She loved her community and served on the Hancock School Committee for many years. Her joy of working with young people found her leading 4H for 15 years, hosting young people from all around the world as part of an international 4H exchange program, teaching Sunday school and coordinating youth programs in her local church. Mrs. Leab was a member of the: Berkshire County Farm Bureau for 50+ years serving as secretary, and for eight years as president; and the Massachusetts State Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She served on the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Board of Agriculture for more than 20 years, including time as chairwoman, helping to steer the course of the agency for the state on agricultural issues.
As co-owner of Ioka Valley Farm, she was instrumental in the promotion of the agricultural and dairy industry hosting uncountable open houses to promote their farm and dairy products, always focusing on education and awareness about where and how food is produced. Many of the state’s legislative leaders attended events at the farm where she focused her knowledge on helping them understand farmer’s needs. She helped transform Ioka Valley Farm from a national and local award-winning dairy operation into the agri-entertainment and farm educational destination it is today. Her pumpkin patch is famous for the lessons provided to thousands of school children from the local area. She leaves to her grandchildren a legacy of keeping their farms beautiful with flowers and manicured lawns. She also leaves us with all her homemade recipes for everything produced on the farm.
A memorial service in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Leab will be held at Ioka Valley Farm, in Hancock, MA, Monday, September 20, at 11 a.m. Attire should be outdoor casual. Family and friends are also invited to calling hours, Sunday, September 19, from 2 until 5 p.m. at Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY Route 43 in Stephentown.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Berkshire County Farm Bureau, Treasurer, 131 Baldwin Hill Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Burial will be in Hancock Cemetery.
Vincent Chiappinelli (1942 – 2021)
STOCKPORT—Vincent Chiappinelli, 78, of Stockport passed away Saturday, September 11, 2021 at home with his family by his side.
Born November 19, 1942 in Mount Kisco, he is the son of Vincenzo and Mary Rose (Castaldo) Chiappinelli.
He was a restaurateur, owning Hankerchips Restaurant in Mount Kisco.
Affectionately known as “Chipper,” he was a kindhearted, gentleman who was always ready and willing to lend anyone a helping hand. He loved being outdoors, watching hockey games, and cooking for family and friends. He loved to tell stories, and joke around and laugh with his old buddies. He was an honest man who was not afraid to tell you what was on his mind. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Chiappinelli will be forever loved by: his wife of 49 years, Marlene (Michell) Chiappinelli; children, Andrew (Christine) Chiappinelli, Diana (Peter Huber) Chiappinelli, Thomas (Kindra) Chiappinelli; grandchildren, Matthew, Paige, Brock, Colin and Thorin; his siblings, Anthony (Vivian) Chiappinelli, Emily (John) Martabano, Marguerite (William) Carlock; his siblings-in-law, Joanne (Christopher) Urso, Dolores (William) Hoag, Robert (Elisa) Michell, William (Linda) Michell along with many loving nieces and nephews. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.