Rupert W. Scofield (1949 -2022)
CHATHAM—Rupert W. Scofield, 73, of Chatham died Sunday, November 27, 2022 at his home.
Born July 25, 1949 in Manhattan, he was the son of the late Francis W. and Jessie M. (Ashley) Scofield.
Memorial services are incomplete. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.
Sandra Baker (1941 – 2022)
HILLSDALE—Sandra Baker of Hillsdale left her family peacefully Friday, November 18, 2022. She was 81 years young.
“Sandy” was born May 27, 1941 in Silver Creek, to the late Florence and Frank Schmid. She was a graduate of Roe Jan High School and briefly studied and worked in New York City after graduation.
Fate and love of family brought her back home to Hillsdale, where she met and married her husband of 61 years, Kenny.
She had a variety of jobs over the years but she spoke most fondly of her time spent at Taconic Hills, where her coworkers and students became her second family. She wore many hats while working there and was known by her students to always be ready with a “hall pass or a hug.”
She was also the proud co-owner of Closet Collections II in Egremont, MA, a consignment store that was a cherished staple in the community for many years.
She enjoyed watching sports and was an avid fan at all her grandchildren’s sporting events through both their high school and college years. She also loved football and rooting for her NY Giants. She was an accomplished baker and was also well known for her delicious chocolate-covered pretzels. She would often surprise people with plates of her chocolate chip cookies. Whether they were given as a thank you, a thinking of you or just because, she was always at the ready to remind someone that they were special and appreciated.
She loved to read and visitors would often find her surrounded by her favorite books. But what she loved more than anything was her family. Her three children and three grandchildren were the lights of her life and she was deeply devoted to Hillsdale and to them.
She will be forever loved and missed by: her husband, Ken Baker of Hillsdale; daughters, Cori Barbato (Carmen) of Hillsdale and Rachel LaRochelle (Robert) of Jensen Beach, FL; son, Kevin Baker (Erica) of Hillsdale; grandchildren, Danielle, Tylar and Carmen Barbato and brother, Peter Schmid (Margaret) of Craryville.
A memorial service celebrating her life was held December 3, 2022 at Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22 in Copake. The celebration continued at the Hillsdale House. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Dollars for Scholars at Taconic Hills High School or the Activity Program at Fairview Commons Nursing Center.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Joan A. Weaver (1932 – 2022)
GERMANTOWN—Joan Anderson Weaver, 90, of Germantown died peacefully Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at her home.
Born in Yonkers June 19, 1932, she was the daughter of the late George E., Jr., and Mildred P. (Anderson) McHugh. She graduated from White Plains High School and attended the State Teachers College of New Paltz. She was later a Representative for NY Telephone Company in White Plains and Hudson. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John A. Weaver in 2009. She will be greatly missed by her loving family including: one son, David Weaver; her daughter, Margaret Choinsky-Farrell; son-in-law, Daniel Farrell, Sr.; grandchildren, Joshua and wife Wendy Choinsky, Jennifer and husband Adam Rockefeller, Elizabeth Choinsky, Emily Buffa; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Zoey, Adam Jeffrey and Nora, and former son-in-law, Wendell Choinsky. She was predeceased by: her brother, Douglas McHugh and sister, Carol Ann McHugh.
There are no calling hours. Funeral services will be private at the Reformed Church Cemetery in Germantown.
Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.
Glenda A. Blass (1940 – 2022)
CRYSTAL RIVER, FL—Glenda Ann Blass, age 82, of Crystal River, FL, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born February 28, 1940, in Pahokee, FL, to Earl and Annie Lou (Graydon) Cooper. She attended Pahokee High School.
She married the love of her life, Raymond Grant Blass December 2, 1956, becoming a Navy wife. She and their three children traveled wherever Mr. Blass was stationed. She wrote him letters every day when he was deployed. When Mr. Blass retired in 1972 after 22 years of service, they retired to East Chatham. She became a family care provider to adult developmentally disabled women who needed a place to call home. After another 22 years, and her husband’s death, she returned to Florida to be near her own family.
She shared a lifelong relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived out her faith in the love and generosity she showed others. She adored children. One of her favorite places to be was in and on the water with her family. She was an avid reader, gardener and wonderful cook. It gave her pleasure to feed peoples bellies and their souls.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Grant Blass; father and mother, Earl and Annie Lou Cooper; brother, Seth Eugene Cooper and sister, Wilma Ilene Cooper.
She is survived by: her sister, Edna (Tony) Jacomino and nephew, Gustavo; son, Chester Blass; daughters, Marylou (Lance) Rusovitch and Melissa Blass; grandchildren, Chester Lee (Melissa) Blass; Miranda (PJ) Trowbridge; Amber (Kevin) Hammond; Lance, Rayann and Cody Rusovitch; great-grandchildren, Chester, Ellie and Skylar Blass, Devan and Danielle Perdue, Jordin Radley, Daisy, Lily, Rosie and Violet Trowbridge, Emma and Henry Hammond, Jasmine, Lily and Clover Rusovitch and Hunter Rusovitch.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Blass may be made to to St. Margaret’s Center, 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany 12208 or cfdsny.org
A funeral service will be held at the East Chatham United Methodist Church, December 7 at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at the Red Rock Cemetery. Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home in Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com
Philip A. Shallo (1930 – 2022)
HUDSON—Philip Anthony Shallo, 92, of Hudson passed away, November 30, 2022.
He was born April 2, 1930 to Mary and Dominic in Hudson. After graduating from Hudson High School, he went on to serve in the Navy in 1947. After his service, he was hired to work with IBM, where he would stay throughout his career. He met and fell in love with Helen Malonis and they wed April 24, 1955. They went on to have 67 wonderful, eventful years, which included their three children.
Mr. Shallo was known by everyone to be a strong, caring man who loved his family fiercely and in turn was loved even more. All his life he had a love of cars and driving. After retiring in 1990, he spent his leisure time traveling around the United States with his wife, being a wonderful grandfather to his five grandchildren and occasionally trying his luck at one of the local casinos. In recent years he was able to meet and enjoy his two great-grandchildren, Reagan and Jackson.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Dominick, as well as his siblings, Angelo, Lawrence “Piney”, Paul, Felix and Caroline.
In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by: his brother, Dominick; daughters, Diane, Laurie and Maryann; grandchildren, Kerri, Sierra, Michael, Collin and Jenna, as well as great-grandchildren.
Calling hours and a funeral service took place December 5, 2022 at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Fr. Winston Bath officiated. Burial followed in Cedar Park Cemetery. To leave online condolences visit www.saccofuneralhome.com
Leslie A. Gay (1944 – 2022)
KINDERHOOK—Leslie A. Gay, 78, of Kinderhook passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022 at her home.
Born April 18, 1944 in Yonkers, she was the daughter of the late Robert P. and Jeanette (Crofoot) Reynolds. She was a legal secretary for several local attorneys.
She is survived by: three children, Robin (Snyder) Siter (Chip) and Debbie Cazzato (Mike), Brian Gay (Sheila); siblings, Susan Savage-Milne, Linda Cappelletti, Laurie Wills (Paul) and Grant Reynolds (Diane); grandchildren, Jake and Anna Siter, Angela and Michael Cazzato, Danny Covey (Elisia), Lori McKechnie (John), Justine Meehan (Steve), Christopher Gay; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward H. Gay and siblings, Robert P. Reynolds, Zoe Covey and Teddy Gay.
Funeral services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.
Charles D. Banker (1946 – 2022)
PITTSFIELD, MA—Charles Douglas “Doug” Banker of Lebanon Springs passed away November 27, 2022 at Berkshire Medical Center, age 76. He was born June 15, 1946 in Rochester, to parents, Charles Waters and Margaret Mary Scheidt Banker. When he was six years old, his family moved to Phoenix, NY, where he lived for most of his formative years. He graduated from the Phoenix Central School District in 1964, receiving a NY State Regents Scholarship. Majoring in physics at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1968.
While he was in college, his family moved to Lebanon Springs in 1967. After graduating, he lived with his family and worked for the General Electric Ordnance Division in Pittsfield, MA, in research and development associated with missile guidance systems. In the recession of 1970, he was laid off from his job and faced the draft for the Vietnam War effort, which prevented him from finding employment. He decided to enlist in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He trained in inside plant telephone repair, then was assigned to work in an Army telephone station in Taipei, Taiwan (Republic of China), in 1971. By the end of his active service, in 1973, he had attained the rank of specialist E5 and was in charge of the test desk in the telephone exchange.
During his residency in Taiwan, he met and married a Chinese woman, Ah-Nee. They were wed in a Chinese civil ceremony in 1972. Their daughter, Margaret was born in the spring of 1973 and that year was about learning to be parents and slogging through administrative processes to obtain approval for Cindy (the “American” name she chose) to go to the United States. In August 1973, the new family moved to Lebanon Springs and Mr. Banker was discharged from active service.
He returned to work at GE, while his wife worked to improve her English and adjust to living in America. Their daughter Mary was born in 1975. They bought their house in Lebanon Springs in 1978. Mr. Banker took on a multi-year renovation of the place. In late winter of 1984, son, Timothy arrived and the family was complete.
His physics degree enabled him to work in multiple engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, systems) over the years. He retired in 2006 as a senior manager of IT Operations.
Through the years, he served community organizations as a volunteer worker and board member: the New Lebanon Library, the Lebanon Valley Historical Society, and the Cemetery of the Evergreens. He worked as a technical advisor on a number of committees for both the New Lebanon Central School District and the Town of New Lebanon. He also served on both the New Lebanon Planning and Zoning Boards. He was deputy supervisor for a number of years under two different town supervisors.
In 2014, after his wife passed away, he revived his lifelong interest in playing music and singing. Over the next few years, he got to perform with local musicians; was briefly in a band called the “Ukeville Stringband;” and eventually co-formed a community band called The Echoes with Tistrya Houghtling, Judy Zimmer, and bassist Zen Reinhardt. He also helped found the New Lebanon Music in the Park concert series, for which he did band selection, event management and promotion for 14 concerts from 2017 to 2021, involving many bands from Berkshire and Columbia counties.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Banker was predeceased by his brother, Frank in 1971, and his sister, Kathryn Hunter in 2022. He is survived by his three children: Margaret (Chris Tripler), Mary and Timothy (Mary Brauch) Banker; four grandchildren: Gus, Max, John and Eva; three brothers, David, William (Corrine), and Sherman (Deborah) Banker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be interred in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in New Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Cemetery of the Evergreens, P.O. Box 773, New Lebanon 12125.
A remembrance ceremony/celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 18, 2022 at noon at Zucchini’s Restaurant, 1331 North Street, Pittsfield, MA.
A separate Music in the Park event will be held in his honor in the spring/summer of 2023 at Shatford Park, New Lebanon. Arrangements are with the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home.
Richard W. Van Deusen (1947 – 2022)
STOCKPORT—Richard W. Van Deusen, 75, of Stockport died peacefully at his home Friday, December 2, 2022.
Born in Hudson November 14, 1947, he was the son of the late Leroy and Jennie (Bialoskurski) Van Deusen. After high school he served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Viet-Nam War. Back home he worked at the Universal Match Company until it closed, then as a medical supply transporter until retirement.
He was a life member of the Stuyvesant Falls VFW Post #959. He enjoyed stamp and coin collecting. He got the most joy from being “PopPop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his loving family including: his sons, Richard and Jeffrey Van Deusen; daughter, Gina Kubow (Christopher); brother, Walter Van Deusen; sister, Linda Van Deusen; grandchildren, Jeffrey Waterhouse, Jr. (Gabrielle), Chelsea Van Deusen, Christopher T. Kubow, Justin Kubow and Darin Van Deusen as well as great-grandchildren, Levi, Aerabella and Seth. He was predeceased by: his infant son, David and recently his sister, Mary Szlachetka.
Calling hours will be Friday, December 9, 2022 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Services will be at 4:30 p.m. Burial with military honors will be scheduled at a later date at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. To leave online condolences visit: www.saccofuneralhome.com
Richard E. Clapp (1936 – 2022)
HILLSDALE—Richard Emerson Clapp, 86, a longtime local resident, joined the heavenly choir, Tuesday November 29, 2022.
He was born January 22, 1936 in Leeds, MA, to the late Elmer and Maxine Clapp.
He was a 1955 graduate of Northampton High School and a proud member of the “seven little pebbles.” He was also a graduate of UMass Amherst receiving an associates degree of science from the Stockbridge school.
He joined his parents and his brother, Jim (Ida and Charles) to own and operate Sunny Mead Farms, Inc. in Hillsdale until he retired in 2005.
His life was his love of farming and he participated in many organizations that supported farmers. He dreamed of having his own B-Model Mack, the Red Sox winning the World Series and the Giants going to the Super Bowl.
In 1961 he married the love of his life, Laurel Baird and together they raised two children, Brian Emerson Clapp and Rebecca Baird (Ronald) Jacobsen. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Hannah Clapp, Michael (Allyson) Jacobsen and Erin (Kyle) Blackburn along with two great-grandchildren, Graham Matthew and Emery Reid.
Funeral services will be private with interment in the Hillsdale Rural Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Roe Jan Food Pantry, P.O. Box 475, Hillsdale 12529 or to a local organization of one’s choice.
Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake. To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Brenda A. Haynor (1958 – 2022)
OLD CHATHAM—Brenda Ann Haynor, 64, of Old Chatham died suddenly in the company of loved ones, December 3, 2022.
She was born in New York, October 1, 1958 to Vito and Helen Esposito, who doted on and supported her without end. As a young girl, this included dancing tap and jazz. Her ability garnered her an invitation to join a professional stage group as a preschooler. Neither her love of dance nor her talent ever faded. She made the stiffest wallflowers look graceful and the joy dancing brought her was evident and infectious.
She moved to Columbia County at age 12 and grew deep roots, particularly in horseback riding as a member of the Pony Club in her youth. She took in strays of all varieties through the years and taught her children and grandchildren to love animals and lonely things, because everyone and everything is valuable.
She earned an associate’s degree and worked as a secretary, but the title could never fully describe her role. First as an administrative executive with other companies and for the last decades as CFO of her co-owned company, Orion IIT, she became someone her employers and colleagues relied on for her managerial acumen, thoughtfulness and wisdom.
She co-pastored Father’s Promise Christian Fellowship for more than 20 years, continuing until her passing. There, she grew and nurtured an entirely different kind of family, one which would never have come into being without her generosity of spirit. The foundation of her life was Jesus Christ. He was the source she drew from which enabled her to give so much.
She gave and loved—without hope of receiving in return, when it hurt her to do so and when it brought her joy. This was especially true among her closest family, who don’t know what to do without her, but take comfort knowing she ran the race well and received her eternal reward.
Her loss is deeply mourned by: her husband, Jeff Haynor; mother, Helen Esposito; son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Bonnie Drowne; daughter and son-in-law, Kristy and Florian Marcard; daughter and future son-in-law, Stefani Haynor and John Propst; a large and grieving community of relatives, friends and colleagues, including her brothers, James Esposito and Wayne Esposito and by her greatest delight, her grandchildren, Zackery Allred, Emalei Allred, Liam Drowne, Aricin Drowne, Caius Marcard and Eadon Marcard.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Father’s Promise Christian Fellowship, 3429 U.S. Highway 9, Valatie.
Tax-deductible donations may be made to Father’s Promise Christian Fellowship by visiting https://apps.digigiv.org/o/fpc, To send online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com.
Elizabeth L. Chestney (1938 – 2022)
PINE PLAINS—Elizabeth L. Chestney, 84, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022.
“Betty” was born May 3, 1938 in the Bronx. Her parents, Henry and Elsie Frueh, moved to Craryville where she lived her young life and graduated from Roeliff Jansen High School. She continued on to Plattsburgh State Teachers College, graduating in 1959. While attending college she met her future husband, Gerald W. Chestney, they married June 27, 1959.
The couple settled in Pine Plains. Mrs. Chestney began working for the Pine Plains Central School District as a teacher in the Cold Spring and Seymour Smith elementary schools. She supported her husband during his career as a funeral director with Peck & Peck Funeral Homes. Together they were members of the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, as well as several other churches in the area. She was a member of several chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and became active with the Pine Plains retired teacher’s association. She was also a member of several embroidery and quilting guilds.
In retirement she enjoyed travels with her husband and later cared for him through his illness. Many will remember her for her incredible talent as a seamstress and needle worker. Countless hours have been dedicated to remarkable works of embroidery, quilts, potholders, pillowcases, and garments.
She lived her last two years in Rhinebeck where she grew friendships with several wonderful ladies and neighbors. Her family thanks them for the blessing of friendship.
Mrs. Chestney is survived by: her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Bill Fitzpatrick of Pine Plains; her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Carol Chestney of Rhinebeck; her grandchildren, Bridget (Zachary) McDonnell, Scott Fitzpatrick (Kaitlyn Allen), Samantha Chestney, Matthew Chestney and Andrew Chestney; her great-grandchildren, Ella and Emmett Fitzpatrick and Aylee McDonnell; her brother, Henry Frueh; and Andrea and Keith I’Anson, and their family, of Australia.
A funeral service was held December 6 at the Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, Inc., 7749 Main Street, Pine Plains. Burial was at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rhinebeck Rescue Squad, 78 East Market Street, Rhinebeck or the Pine Plains Rescue Squad, 7 Lake Road, Pine Plains 12567. To leave a message of condolence for the family visit www.peckandpeck.net
Stephen A. Husak (1979 – 2022)
HUDSON—Stephen A. Husak, a/k/a, Bud, age 43, of Hudson passed away far too soon, Monday, November 28, 2022. He was born with a bright spirit, September 17, 1979.
He is survived by: his mother, Frances Husak; sister, Denyell Prayogg; his nieces, Tiana Vaughan-Torres (Emily), Asia Vaughan (Aiyana Barnes); his sister, Carmen Vaughan and her sons, Addison and Myles Cunningham; his great-nieces and -nephew, Zeniah, Naraya, Emarie and Charlie; his fiancée, Melissa Vandermark, her daughter Kayla; beloved pups, Stella, Ryder, Ava and Nala; his best friends, Dennis Mink and Tate Super; many cousins, friends and extended family.
He was a devoted son, brother, uncle and partner. He never had children of his own but was a father figure to all the children in his family.
He graduated from Hudson High School and went on to work for the Columbia-Greene Mental Health Association for more than 15 years.
He was a die-hard Jets fan. He enjoyed vacationing in Vegas even though airplanes made him sick. He loved his Red F150 truck. He was a gamer and enjoyed playing PUBG. He loved history and watching ghost stories/horror movies. He had the best smile and the type of laugh that made others laugh along.
He was kind, generous and loving.
He was taken from this world far too soon, but his family knows he was greeted by Jehovah; his predeceased grandparents, Mary and Stephen Husak; his uncle, Michael Husak, and his brother-in-law, Ian Prayogg on the other side. He will never be forgotten. Arrangements were with the Bates and Anderson – Redmond and Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson.
