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OBITUARIES: McNally, Stiffler, Teator, Docktor, Gumbel, Wagner, Williams, Stults, O’Dell, Hills, Geerholt, Ashby, Albrecht, Ruppe, Dunn, Zacarolli

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Michael E. McNally (1962 – 2023)

LEEDS—Michael E. McNally, 60, of Leeds passed away March 31, 2023. Born July 7, 1962 in Islip, he was the son of Joe and Mary (Cassidy) Taggart (predeceased).

He was a graduate of Germantown Central Schools. He served honorably as a United States Navy “Sea Bee” for 11 years. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was a rifle and pistol sharpshooter. After naval service, Mr. McNally lived on the west coast and then returned to Columbia County where he worked for Saulpaugh Farm and Feeds. After farming, he worked for Coarc Mellenville in facilities maintenance. He loved to work, relax and to fish. He was a faithful member of Light House Church in Athens.

He is survived by: his wife, Mary (Critelli) McNally; stepdaughters, Jennifer (Tony) DeMarco and Naomi Greene; grandsons, Dylan and Darrian; nephews, Justin (Mel) Critelli, Christopher (Daria) Doring and Shane McNally; niece, Kayla Critelli; siblings, twin brother, Frank and brother, Joe (Lisa) McNally.

Memorial visitation and funeral prayers were held at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson, April 6.

Susan C. Stiffler (1946 – 2023)

VALATIE—Susan Claire Stiffler, 76, of Gloversville passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023 at her sister, Debbie Graham’s home in Valatie.

Born October 31, 1946 in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Amelia (Jacques) Stiffler.

She was the graduate of Ichabod Crane Central Schools in Valatie. She worked as a laborer at various businesses throughout the years.

She is survived by: her life partner, Donna of Gloversville; a granddaughter, Messiah; three sisters, Judith Graham, Deborah (George) Graham and Terry (Daniel) Northrop; a brother, Chuck (Jacklyn) Stiffler and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 13, 11 a.m. in the Kinderhook Cemetery, Kinderhook.

Donations may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.

Beverly Teator

Beverly H. Teator (1931 – 2023)

RHINEBECK—Beverly H. Teator, 91, a lifelong area resident, passed away peacefully Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Northern Dutchess Hospital.

Born September 22, 1931 in Rhinebeck, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Henrietta (DuBois) Horton. She graduated from Red Hook High School in 1948. She was married to Bruce Teator, Sr., for 36 years. He predeceased her in 1985.

For many years, Mrs. Teator was a florist with various local companies. She had a big heart and always gave back to the community. She was a member of the Garden Club, Northern Dutchess Mothers Club, Clermont Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and the Clermont Village Green Committee. Above all her family, blood and beyond, held the utmost importance to her. At the Teator house one would always be welcomed with fitting seasonal décor, a good meal on the table and great company. She was affectionately known as “Gram” to many.

She is survived by: her sister, Nancy Thorley; children, Bruce Teator of Tivoli, Jan (Stan) Burch of Hudson, Lori (Bill) McGuire of Germantown, Melinda Teator of Rhinebeck and Lisa (Fred) Gooderham of Tivoli; her grandchildren, Amy Lasher, Carrie (Jack) Sundheimer, Danny Burch, Kelly (Eric) Burch, Katherine McGuire Moore and Kimberly McGuire Flouton; her great-grandchildren, Amber, Sierra, Tayler, Jeffrey, Addie, Cassandra, Juliet, Zachary and Carson; in addition to extended family and friends.

In addition to her husband Bruce, she was predeceased by her siblings, Helen (Earl) Ferrell, Patricia (Harold) Fromer and Benjamin Horton.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, www.cancer.org or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.

A graveside service will take place Saturday, April 15, 2023, noon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Red Hook.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.

Mildred S. Docktor (1921 -2023)

Mildred Docktor

 ANCRAM—Mildred Sylvia Docktor, née Himmelstein, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, April 10, 2023 in Ancram. She was 102 years old.

Known fondly as “Millie” or “Aunt Mitz,” she was born February 14, 1921 to Sam Himmelstein and Lillian Himmelstein, née Galler, in Philadelphia. As a child, she worked in her family’s Kosher-style restaurant, Himmelstein’s Restaurant and loved to bake as an adult. After graduating from Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1938, she was one of four women in her class to earn a degree in optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She taught middle school math and science for 30 years in Fair Lawn, NJ. She studied ballet in her youth and loved to attend the ballet and other musical performances through her 90s.

She married Irv Docktor in 1946 and lived with him in Fort Lee, NJ, until his death in 2008. She was also predeceased by her sister, Bertha (Al) and her brother, Morris (Miriam). She is survived by: her devoted children, Mark (Maggie), Paul and B; loving grandchildren, Michael (Sarah), Matt, Amy, Emily (Brian), Lauren and Leah; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Hudson, Sutton, Jayden and Otis.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation or an arts organization of choice.

Barbara Gumbel

Barbara H.S. Gumbel (1925 – 2023)

VALATIE—Barbara Helene Shin Gumbel, 97, of Valatie passed away Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. She was born in Brooklyn, August 26, 1925 to Helene (Balash) and Lawrence Shin. She grew up in Astoria and always loved telling stories to her family about her life in the city growing up and then moving to the country in her adult years. She was asked this past week her secret to having such a long life and she said, “Work hard and don’t give up!”

Mrs. Gumbel is survived by: her loving daughters, Linda Schilling and husband James of Schenectady, Lenore Brough and husband Wally of Valatie, Julie Wenz of Troy and her son-in-law, Charlie Scott of Rensselaer.

She was predeceased by: her husband, the love of her life, Robert Gumbel; her daughter, Janell Scott; her infant son, Richard and her son-in-law, Arthur Wenz, Jr.

Also surviving are: her beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Mama,” Renee Ledford, Chad Piester (Ginger), Amy Palmerino (David), Naylor Taliaferro (Gabrielle), Holly Ashworth (Dan), Jacob Stine (Heather), Desaree Ogren (Matt), Whitney Rivette (Dan), Kathryn Dufkin (Chris), Mickey Arthur Wenz, III, and Robert Lawrence Wenz; her great grandchildren, Johnny, Alessandra, Kayden, Nicolas, Aidan, Ethan, Luke, Joshua, Faith, Christian, Abigail, Benjamin, Amora and Emilia; her cousins, Kenneth and Mary Nagy, as well as many family friends.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Route 9, Valatie, Saturday, April 22, 2023 with calling hours at 2 p.m. and a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to the Valatie Santa Claus Club, P.O. Box 602, Valatie 12184, an organization near and dear to her heart.

Madee Wagner

Matilda S. Wagner

HUDSON—Matilda “Madee” Schmolz Wagner, 91, of Hudson and Mesa, Arizona, passed away Good Friday, April 7, 2023 peacefully with her family at her side after a very brief illness.

“Madee,” or “Grandmadee,” as she was known, will be forever missed by all who were lucky enough to be part of her circle. Family and friends were always her first priority, and she had the gift of making all those around her feel truly loved and appreciated. She did not think about aging much—she was too busy living her best life and enjoying living independently.

She was the eldest child of Mary (D’Angelo) and William DeJoy, born in Amorosi Benevento, Italy, April 12, 1931. She came to New York with her parents as an infant and grew up in Hudson, graduating from Hudson High School.

She married Frank Schmolz and worked alongside him in operating their family business, the Home Bakery on Petition Street while raising their four children.

After her husband passed away in 1972, she worked at the Smith Tire Shop office and then in the Columbia Memorial Hospital business office until 1990, when she married J. Leo Wagner and began spending her winter months in Mesa, Arizona. She made many friends in both Hudson and Mesa and has continued to stay connected to many people over the years.

Always a craftswoman, she discovered quilting which became one of her many passions. She particularly enjoyed giving all her beautiful quilts away. She was also an avid reader throughout her lifetime, always carrying a book to pick up if she had a free minute. Never one to turn down an invitation, she loved to travel and was the happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends.

Mrs. Wagner is survived by: three children, William (Laurie) Schmolz, Elaine (David) Rourke and James (Helen) Schmolz. She was predeceased by a daughter, Karen Schmolz. She is survived by five grandchildren: Shannon (Al) LeBrun, Jennifer (Brian) Straniti, Jillian Menning, Carolyn (Ronan) Haldane, and Robyn (Ben) Bakkum, and twelve great-grandchildren. Her oldest great-granddaughter, Kaya Sindler, was a special friend and advocate to Madee in her last few years. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Marion DeJoy, and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends – many, many friends. Her longtime Arizona best friend, Ella (Ray) Zilnick, was both lots of fun and a great comfort to her over the years. Madee considered Ella to be family.

In addition to her parents, husbands, and daughter, Madee was predeceased by her siblings Margaret Chappell, Louise Omelenchuck and John DeJoy. She was also predeceased by many loyal friends, including her friend, Peter Novak. Madee was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Hudson.

A celebration of her life will be announced. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.

Aaron Williams

Aaron J. Williams (1959 – 2023)

PHILMONT—Aaron John Williams passed away peacefully at home, April 5, 2022.

He was born March 28, 1959 in Hudson to Richard and Elizabeth (Winig) Williams.

He was a good friend “Helmy,” a good brother, a doting uncle “Uncle Boo.” He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by: his sister, Carol (Steve) Wilber; brothers, Mark (Suzanne) Williams and Charlie Williams; nieces and nephews, Jason (Josephinea) Wilber, Greta Wilber, Amanda Wilber, Rebbecca (Mark) Leonard, Julie (Brian) Pullen, Ryan (Nicole) Williams, Maribeth (Dan Jones) Williams, Avery Williams, and Jayden Williams; great nieces and nephews, Kenneth, Madeline, Emily, Finley, Caitlin, Jackson, Alexandra, Thomas, Isabella and Evalina. He was predeceased by: his parents and his brothers, Richard, Isaac and Joshua Williams.

Final arrangements were provided privately for the family by Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham.

“Raise a glass and toast this kind soul, may he rest in peace.” For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com

Adella Stults

Adella L. Stults (1934 – 2023)

TAVARES, FL—Adella Lorraine Stults, 88, passed away February 3, 2023 in Tavares, Florida. She was born November 7, 1934 in Albany and raised in East Greenbush. She spent her later years in Columbia County and final years in Leesburg, Florida.

She is survived by: her son, Mark (Laurie) Van Zandt; her brothers, Richard (Gail) Hoffman and Joe (Judy) Hoffman and her grandchildren, Robert, Angela, Jeffrey and Rachel.

She was predeceased by: her brothers, Robert Hoffman and

Edward J. Hoffman and her husband, Lt. William E. Stults. She was a long-time companion to Theodore R. Beck.

A graveside ceremony will be held at St. John’s Cemetery, Valatie, April 24 at 10 a.m. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.

Kenneth O’Dell, Sr.

Kenneth R. O’Dell, Sr. (1941 – 2023)

PHILMONT—Kenneth R. O’Dell, Sr., 81, of Old Chatham passed away April 13, 2023 at the Pine Haven Nursing Home. Born April 26, 1941 in Malden Bridge, he was the son of the late Tunis and Margaret (Williams) O’Dell and the husband of the late Rose M.B. O’Dell. He was a member of the Tri-Village Fire Company, Old Chatham. Before his retirement, he was a truck driver for the Town of Chatham.

He is survived by: his children, Corky (Jody) O’Dell of Kinderhook, Richard (Kelly) O’Dell of Brainard and Tina (Brad Simon) Krupa of New Lebanon; his brother, Ed O’Dell of Malden Bridge; his beloved grandchildren, Alesha, Alannah, Richie and Marissa O’Dell, Elizabeth and Benjamin Krupa, Alexis Simon, Dan Lamarre, Rich Bandura and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to attend his calling hours Wednesday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. A service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Old Chatham Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Donations in Mr. O’Dell’s name may be made to the Tri-Village Fire Company, Old Chatham 12136.

Elaine Hills

Elaine M.J. Hills (1941 – 2023)

SPENCERTOWN—The beautiful and energetic Elaine Miriam (Jennings) Hills passed away in the quiet morning hours of Saturday, April 15. She loved to garden, and the backyard overflowed with flowers, plants and vegetables. She was a cook, a seamstress, and a witty, passionate defender of people being seen, heard and cared for as unique individuals. She used her talents over the years in the family businesses, Hills Woodworking and Brambly Cottage, and work at the Jennifer House and the Payn Home, to name a few.

She shared her life with her high school sweetheart of 63 years, Donald Hills, Sr. Together, they raised five children—Lisa (Matt) Schober, Donald (Jodi) Hills, Jr., Suzanne (Larry) VanBrunt, Douglas (Stacey) Hills, and Steven Hills. That family grew to include their nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as a large and caring extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elaine Ingham and Eugene Jennings, and grandson, Colby Hills.

Donations in Mrs. Hills’ memory may be made to Make-a-Wish of Northeast NY or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

Robert Geerholt

Robert L. Geerholt ( 1954 – 2023)

PHILMONT—Robert Lee Geerholt, 68, passed away April 14, 2023 at Pine Haven Nursing Home after a battle with Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years. He was born July 26, 1954 in Pittsfield, MA, to the late Ruth and Robert S. Geerholt, of Stephentown.

He grew up in Stephentown and Averill Park and after school enlisted in the U.S. Army. He eventually moved to Florida and bought his own tractor. He drove for North America for 20 years, across the country.

His wife, the former Donna Dodge, died four years ago on the same day April, 14.

His survivors include: his two sons, Robert Geerholt of Austerlitz, Phillip Geerholt (Suzie); three grandchildren, Taylor, Justin and Bryanna of Ghent; his sisters and brothers, Rosemary (Danny) Bradway of Sand Lake, Leota Geerholt of Cropsyville, Wesley Geerholt of Postenkill, Gary (Brenda) Geerholt of Cherry Plain, Leroy Geerholt of Cherry Plain, Carol (Bill) Purdy of Holly Hill, FL, Ethel (Pat) Avery of Holly Hill, FL, Daniel Saunders of Cherry Plain and Edgar Saunders of Watervliet.

He was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Geerholt.

Burial with honors will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

Richard A. Ashby, Sr. (1970 – 2023)

ALBANY—Richard Andrew Ashby, Sr., 52 of Hudson, formerly of Patterson, passed away Tuesday April 11, 2023 at St. Peter’s Hospital.

He was born July 27, 1970 in Mahopac to the late Richard Odell and Alice (Miller) Ashby.

Before his illness, he had been employed in the produce department at Hannaford’s in Patterson.

Mr. Ashby enjoyed woodworking, camping, fixing tractors and cars along with attending the races at Lebanon Valley Speedway.

Surviving are: his daughter, Allison Ashby of Hudson; his girlfriend, Brenda Reilly of Hudson; his former wife, Genn Adams of Dover Plains; a brother, Philip Ashby (Katherine) of Accord; his granddaughters, Shelby and Abbigail Ashby of Kingston; a sister-in-law, Kathy Ashby of Accord and his mother-in-law and friend, Tonya Hastings of Dover Plains.

He was predeceased by: his son, Richard Andrew Ashby, Jr., and his siblings, Dale, Debra, Gloria, Mark and Donna.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family in Patterson.

Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake. To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.

Robert E. Albrecht, Jr.

Robert E. Albrecht, Jr. (1947 – 2023)

EAST CHATHAM—Robert E. Albrecht, Jr., 75, of East Chatham passed away March 26, 2023.

Known as “Grandpa Bob” to his seven grandchildren and “Bub” by his four children, he was born in Brooklyn, May 22, 1947. He attended Albright College and Drew University where he received a Master of Theology. After graduating, he was then known by many as the Reverend Albrecht in multiple Methodist parishes in both New York and Connecticut. After preaching, he became a social worker where he helped countless families work through difficult times. In his spare time, “Bob” enjoyed coaching and umpiring baseball games in the area, rooting for his daughter’s alma mater (Texas A&M), and maintaining his family’s five-acre property throughout the year.

He is survived by: his sister, Linda Wyllie; nephew, Steven Wyllie; his wife of 48 years, Janet; four children, Jeff Frez-Albrecht (Tammy), Sarah Rausch (Jeff), Adam Albrecht (Kristin Kirkpatrick) and Michael Albrecht; seven grandchildren, Simon, Faye and Luca Frez-Albrecht (Christiana), Jennifer Albrecht, Avery Battles, Brady and Casey Rausch; one great-grandchild, Ruth Joy Albrecht; an aunt and several wonderful cousins. He fought his battle with Parkinson’s for 16 years before peacefully passing away. His mischievous smile and sense of humor will be missed. There will be a memorial service May 20, 11 a.m. in the Chatham United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation would be his wish. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

Ron Ruppe

Reinhold Ruppe

VALATIE—Reinhold “Ron” Ruppe, 81, passed away peacefully after a long illness Monday, April 17, 2023. He was the son of the late Ernest and Maria Ruppe.

He is survived by: his wife of 52 years, Elsbeth; his children, Michael (Rebecca) Ruppe and Melanie (Daniel) Desautell. He was known as “Opa” to his seven grandchildren, Ethan, Alexa, Parker, Gregor, Axel, Corbin and Elisabeth. He is also survived by his brother, Albert; brothers- and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins across the U.S., Germany and Austria.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valatie Rescue Squad. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.

Bill Dunn

William A. Dunn (1943 -2023)

NASSAU—William Anthony Dunn, “Bill the Brit,” 80, of Nassau passed away April 13, 2023 at home with his family by his side.

He was born in South Shields, England, January 13, 1943, to Ernest and Dorothy (Kudhrin) Dunn. On April 6, 1962, he entered the Royal Air Force as an officer, leaving in December 1973 as Flight Lieutenant Dunn. During that time, he met and married Morwenna (“Wendy”) Margaret Perry-Kendall and had two children, Tracy Morwenna and Gareth John.

He always wanted to be a pilot but found out that his eyesight was not good enough to pursue that career, so he changed his focus and became an air traffic controller.

After leaving the Air Force, he started working for IAL in March 1974 as an air traffic controller and was subsequently stationed in the Middle East: Dubai (1974 to 1978), Tehran (1978), Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (1979 until his retirement in 2001).

Mr. Dunn is survived by: his daughter, Tracy (Mike); son, Gareth (Emma); his grandchildren, Anja, Alexander, Michaela, Keelin, Cory, Zebadiah and Joseph; his niece, Anne (Simon), and his great-nephews, Thomas, Ben and Sam.

He was predeceased by: his wife, Wendy; sister, Kathleen and parents, Ernest and Dorothy.

A celebration of his life will be held later in the year. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.

Judith J. Zacarolli (1941 – 2023)

HILLSDALE—Judith Josephine Zacarolli, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home, April 14, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with ALS.

She was born October 26, 1941 in Hudson to the late Everett and Julia Miller. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Guy Zacarolli of Hillsdale.

She is also survived by: her two children, son, David Zacarolli of Hillsdale and daughter Lisa (Tony) Barry of Claverack. She was a devoted wife, mother and proud grandmother to Gina Barry and Antonio Zacarolli.

Mrs. Zacarolli enjoyed baking and cooking for her family, and teaching her grandchildren those same skills in the kitchen. She will always be remembered as a spectacular baker and excellent cook.

Her family thanks her hospice team for the respect, dignity, and kindness they showed her during this long fight.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Hospice Columbia and Greene Counties, Catskill or the ALS Foundation. Arrangements are with the Bates and Anderson Funeral Home, Hudson.

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