John A. Mesick (1924 – 2019)
ALBANY—John A. Mesick passed away December 31, 2019 at the Albany VA Hospital.
Born October 4, 1924 in Valatie, he was the son of the late Ernest and Juanita Raught Mesick.
He grew up and spent most of his life in Ghent. “Jack” joined the Army after school and participated in the Liberation of Europe from D Day to the signing of the armistice. He was discharged as a highly decorated soldier, receiving the French Cross of War (Croix de Guerre) signed by General Charles DeGaulle.
After returning home he met his future wife and they were married in 1949. He worked at the Columbia Rensselaer Telephone Company for 45 years. During that time he was the mayor, police chief and fire chief of Chatham at different times. He was a life-member of the Ghent VFW and the American Legion in Chatham and the Ground Observer Corps. He loved fishing, hunting and golfing and, of course, his family.
He is survived by: his wife of 70 years, Frances Gustafson Mesick; his children, Chris (Marty) Torrey, Jim (Brandy) Mesick, Pati (Brad) Kiel; daughter-in-law, Edie Mesick; grandchildren, Chase, Grayson and Emmett Callahan, Tyler Mesick, and Ben, Erin and Emily Lanphear; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, sisters and his son, Jack Mesick, Jr.
Family will receive friends January 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated January 8, 10 a.m. at Saint James Church with interment to follow at St. James Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Mr. Mesick’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. For directions or to convey a condolence visit frenchblasl.com
Leona Craig (1931 – 2020)
RHINEBECK—Leona Craig, 88, a longtime Red Hook resident, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the Northern Dutchess Hospital.
She was born January 17, 1931 in Roselle, NJ, the daughter of the late Alex and Margaret (Amandalaura) Chumbres. She was a manager at the New York Telephone Company in Kingston for many years.
She is survived by: her children, Elaine Hurley of San Diego, CA, Alexis (Richard) Underwood of Germantown, James (Maria) Craig of Virginia Beach, VA, John Craig of San Diego, CA, Stephen (Dolores Klok) Craig of SC; her three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; in addition to extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband, John Craig, she was predeceased by her siblings.
A Memorial calling hour will take place at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, Monday, January 8, 2020 from 2 to 3 p.m.
For directions or to sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Frank Levi Bedell, Sr. (1947 – 2020)
LIVINGSTON—Frank Levi Bedell, Sr., 72, died at Livingston Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center January 1.
He was a laborer for McGuire’s in Hudson. His surviving spouse is Vera Bedell of Hudson.
All further information is pending at this time. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. To leave online condolences visit www.saccofuneralhome.com
