Richard D. Skiermont, Sr. (1938 – 2016)
VALATIE—Richard “Dick” Donald Skiermont, Sr., 78, of Valatie passed away peacefully Monday, April 11, surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 12, 1938 in Newark, NJ, he was the son of Frank and Madge (Dickerson) Skiermont. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank, formerly of Doylestown, PA, who also passed away April 11, 13 years ago.
Mr. Skiermont worked in hydraulic sales and management for more than 40 years until his retirement five years ago. As a teenager, he had aspirations of becoming a race car driver, which led to a lifelong love of fast cars. Through the years, he also enjoyed listening to the blues and the big band music of the 1940s. With an ever-present sense of humor, Mr. Skiermont’s life was defined by his Christian faith, a warm and gentle spirit, and a profound love of family and friends. He loved a good cup of coffee and never turned down dessert.
He is survived by: his wife of 57 years, Rose (Potuto) Skiermont of Valatie; his sons, Michael of Royal Palm Beach, FL, and Richard (Darla) Skiermont of Valatie; his grandchildren, Katherine (Andy) Kaczmarczyk and Sarah Skiermont of Florida; step-grandchildren, Corrie Shattenkirk of Omaha, NE; Jill (Mike) Mescia of Kinderhook; and Sean Shattenkirk of Valatie; and step-great granddaughter, Evelyn Grace Mescia of Kinderhook.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. at the Stuyvesant Reformed Church, at the corner of Route 9J and Church Street. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Mr. Skiermont’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or online at www.dana-farber.org/gift. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
Helen M. Kogelmann (1920 – 2016)
TROY—Helen M. Kogelmann, 96, formerly of Claverack, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at the Van Rensselaer Manor with her family by her side.
Born in Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1920, she was the daughter of Walter and Elizabeth (Kollar) Stepanski.
For most of her adult life, Mrs. Kogelmann lived with her family on a small farm in Claverack, where she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
She spent her spare time growing strawberries that many of her customers said were simply the best in the entire county.
Mrs. Kogelmann was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Julius Kogelmann and three siblings, John Stepanski, Beatrice Siuta and Stella Viggiano.
Surviving are: her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Mary Kogelmann; her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Charles O’Neil; five granddaughters, Stephanie Deyoe, Stacey Mullen, Lauren Kogelmann, Sara Kogelmann and Alyssa Kogelmann; her sister, Georgette Meyerowitz; four great-grandchildren, Isaac and Evelyn Deyoe, Liam and Hayden Mullen; several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Kogelmann’s family thanks the entire staff at the Van Rensselaer Manor, A-3 unit, where she spent the later years of her life, for the wonderful care they provided to her.
Services were held Saturday, April 16 at the Bates & Anderson Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Burial was in the Reformed Dutch Church Cemetery in Claverack.
Donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany 12208 or to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Irene B. Riley (1926 – 2016)
RHINEBECK—Irene B. Riley, 89, a longtime Rhinebeck resident, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at The Baptist Nursing Home in Rhinebeck.
Born September 14, 1926, in Barrytown, she was the daughter of the late Edward H. and Irene (Maxim) Lewis.
She married Jesse D. Riley May 28, 1945 in Gulfport, MS. He predeceased her April 1, 2010.
For more than 30 years, Mrs. Riley worked as housekeeping supervisor at Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck.
She was a communicant of Church of the Good Shepherd in Rhinebeck, and volunteered for many years with the Lutheran Braille Workers, based in the Third Lutheran Church in Rhinebeck.
Mrs. Riley was an avid gardener.
She is survived by: her two sons and their spouses, Daniel and Alison Riley of Box Elder, SD, and David and Susan Riley of Haymarket, VA; a brother, Thomas Lewis and his wife Norma of Germantown; three sisters, Joyce Cole and her husband Dick of Red Hook, Jean Horkan of Red Hook and Barbara Lewis of Rhinebeck; six grandchildren, Christine Arce, Sarah Kelly, Meahgan Turner, Jonathan Riley, Sean Riley and Erin Madory; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Riley was predeceased by: three brothers, John “Jack” Lewis, Edward “Bud” Lewis and William Lewis and three sisters, Shirley Lewis Kocher, Dorothy Lewis and Kay Kirkland.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Rhinebeck, with Fr. Douglas Y. Crawford officiating. Burial was in Rhinebeck Cemetery, Rhinebeck.
Donations in Mrs. Riley’s memory may be made to the Rhinebeck Rescue Squad, 76 East Market Street, Rhinebeck 12572.
Arrangements were under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Home, 91 East Market Street, Rhinebeck. To sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Robert G. Cole (1930 – 2016)
RHINEBECK—Robert G. Cole, 85, a lifelong resident of Milan, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born November 2, 1930, in Red Hook, he was the son of the late Barzelle H. and Helen (Harrington) Cole.
He graduated from Red Hook High School with honors.
Mr. Cole served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He married Audrey Cole October 16, 1955 at Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook. She survives at home in Milan.
For many years, Mr. Cole was the owner and operator of Robert G. Cole Plumbing and Heating.
He was an active member of Christ Church in Red Hook, where he served on the vestry, was senior warden and also chairman of buildings and grounds. Mr. Cole was a former member of the Milan Fire Company and coached both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Milan.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed woodworking. He also enjoyed his time fishing and camping on Long Lake.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by: his children and their spouses, Terry (Fred) Cole Fitte of Mount Dora, FL, Scot (Annette) G. Cole of Clover, SC, R. Daniel (Carol) Cole of Hudson and Rachel (Robert Shook) Cole of Hillsdale; his brothers, A. Richard “Dick” (Joyce) Cole of Red Hook and William (Edith) Cole of Mount Airy, NC; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Cole.
Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 18, 2016, 11 a.m. at Christ Church, Red Hook, with the Reverend Ryan Lesh officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Reformed Church Cemetery, Red Hook.
Donations in Mr. Cole’s memory may be made to Christ Church, 7423 South Broadway, Red Hook 12571.
For directions or to sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Clifford T. Ingham (1954 – 2016)
GHENT—Clifford T. Ingham, 62, of Ghent died Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at his home.
Born March 3, 1954 in Hudson, he was the son of the late George and Rose (Eggnasher) Ingham.
Mr. Ingham was employed by Gro Max in Philmont for many years.
He is survived by: his sisters and brothers, Barbara Page of Valatie, Gail Thomas of Kinderhook, Kathleen Ingham of Hudson, George Ingham of Kinderhook, Donald Ingham of Hudson; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services and burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
Fred Boccia (1927-2016)
HUDSON—Fred Boccia of Red Hook, who with his late wife Josephine Boccia owned and operated the former Nevis Deli, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016 in Hudson after a long and beautiful life immersed in his family. He was 88.
He was born May 26, 1927 in the Bronx, the son of the late Camille (Morottea) Boccia, and Ferdinand Boccia, both of the Bronx.
Mr. Boccia is survived by: his four sons, Fred of Red Hook, Ronald of New Jersey, Dennis and Joseph, both of Elizaville; two daughters, Kathy and JeriLynne, both of Elizaville; five grandchildren, Raquel, Vincent, Nicholas, Joseph and Fred; and one great-grandchild, Carmine Joseph.
Mr. Boccia was a dedicated and hard worker who committed himself to making the world a better place for his children, and their children for years to come. He loved his wife with all of his heart until the day that God called them both home.
Mr. Boccia served his country well in the Navy during World War II. Later he was a foreman at Guilly’s coffee factory. He retired from there in the 1960s.
Upon retirement he moved his family to Columbia County and began a new chapter. He established, owned and operated Nevis Deli where he worked along-side his family and effected the lives of many.
In his later days, Mr. Boccia could be found working on small woodcraft projects or spending time with his prized cat, Oscar. He was one in a million and will be missed dearly by all who loved him.
Calling hours will be held Monday, April 18, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Germantown.
Services will be conducted Tuesday, April 19, 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Linlithgo Rural Cemetery.
Jackie Carter (1953 – 2016)
NEW YORK CITY—Jackie Carter, a children’s book editor and published author who epitomized wit, creativity, glamor and elegance, died Wednesday, April 13 in New York City. She was surrounded by family and loved ones, following a graceful and valiant battle against lymphoma.
She was born in Portchester, June 28, 1953 to her trailblazing and high-achieving parents, both major influencers throughout her life. William A. Carter was the first African American principal in the Middletown School District as well as a professional golfer who caddied and played at the famed Winged Foot Golf Club. Her mother, Earnestine Carter, was one of only two African American teachers in the Middletown School District, where she was known throughout the district as a teacher who believed that learning was the civil right of every child. Five years later, in 1958, Ms. Carter was joined by her beloved little sister, Sharon, and they alternatively teased, tortured, copied, loved and protected one another from there on.
The seeds of Ms. Carter’s journey into publishing were planted in first grade, when the books she read in school featured white characters whose family lives resembled hers—but did not look like her. She was quoted later in life as saying, “I was confused—I couldn’t figure out why there weren’t any children in the books that looked like me.” This was within the backdrop of the overt racism that she and her family experienced in their all-white neighborhood in Middletown. In 1960, among other overt racist events, they received the petition to keep them out of the neighborhood.
A burning cross was placed on their front lawn. But consistent with her parents’ educational background, the family hosted incredible evenings of discussions at the dinner table, often entertaining diverse groups of educators and friends who hotly debated the issues of the ’60s and ’70s over dinner and cocktails.
Ms. Carter decided to go into education and graduated from Hampton University with a degree in early childhood education.
She also obtained a Master of Science degree in educational instructional technology from NYU. Yet, when Ms. Carter became a first-grade school teacher in Middletown in 1975, she found that things had changed very little from when she was in first grade: she still couldn’t find books with pictures of children who looked like her or represented the diverse children in her classrooms. Disappointed with the lack of diversity in children’s text books and learning materials, she
left her teaching position and began her long, successful and distinguished career in children’s publishing.
Ms. Carter started her publishing career at Sesame Street Magazine before joining Scholastic in 1985 as editorial director of the Early Childhood Division where, for more than 10 years she helped direct the editorial content of Scholastic’s Early Childhood Workshop/Pre-K, a highly successful curriculum program. She also played a key role in the launch of Scholastic Early Childhood Today™, a leading professional magazine for early childhood teachers, as well as several other publishing ventures, including a picture book series and a magazine for preschoolers. In 1995, Ms. Carter was named
editorial director of Weston Woods/Scholastic New Media, a leading producer of audiovisual adaptations of picture books, where she was responsible for supervising the acquisition of new books and the creative and editorial direction of productions.
Ms. Carter joined Marvel Comics as vice president of Marvel Kids in 1997, then went on to become editorial director at the publisher Dorling Kindersley before joining the Disney Global Children’s Book Division as editorial director, Global Educational Books in 1999. During her tenure there, she created a new approach to reference and nonfiction, using Disney characters to help readers of all ages learn about the world around them. The series she published, including the Winnie-the-Pooh Nature Encyclopedia, reached millions of kids around the world.
While still at Disney, Ms. Carter assumed the role of editorial director of Jump at the Sun, an award-winning imprint celebrating African American culture. Continuing her mission to bring much-needed diversity to the world of children’s books, she published a wide range of titles, including Whoopi Goldberg’s Sugar Plum Ballerina series, as well as the
Willimena series by best-selling author Valerie Wilson Wesley.
Ms. Carter then returned to Scholastic in 2004, as vice president and publisher and she and her team created nonfiction books for middle school students in language they could understand, coupled with content and images that reflected the diverse world in which they lived. (On a cover shoot once, where Mexican children were to be featured, she was livid that the children brought to the set were Hispanic, but not Mexican, and she shut the production down). It was her creative genius that brought a contemporary vision to the venerable imprints Children’s Press and Franklin Watts.
Ms. Carter’s publishing vision combined web and print for blended learning, a standard approach now, but she was an
innovator and early adopter at the time. Ms. Carter published the popular A Wicked History, a cleverly written series about
the most evil villains of history. She also published the wildly acclaimed Mythlopedia series, which is a “Guide to the Gods” and includes hilarious “Facebook” pages for the mythological figures. Ms. Carter was also especially proud of 24/7: Science Behind the Scenes, her book series that reached children worldwide.
She also continued her work of bringing diversity to the world of children’s books. She worked in partnership with acclaimed scholar Dr. Alfred W. Tatum on the research-based reading and writing program “ID: Voice, Vision, Identity,” aimed at building self-esteem and pride in disengaged African American males.
Ms. Carter’s mantra was to create books that kids wanted to read, not were forced to read: she more than succeeded in her mission.
It was with Scholastic that Ms. Carter made a seminal trip to South Africa to visit school children in both the cities and the townships. This occurred shortly after Nelson Mandela became president and the trip made a profound and lasting impression on her personally and professionally.
Ms. Carter’s work with diversity continued when she joined the global marketing and communications firm FCB in 2011, where she worked with the Global Strategy and Global Talent teams on their Total Market and Culture and Inclusion strategy. Ms. Carter was in high demand for her strategic vision and her beautiful and incisive presentations.
In addition to a busy professional life, in her spare time, she published books of her own, such as Knock, Knock, One Night, Mosquito! and others.
Ms. Carter was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2002 and this became a 14-year reoccurring battle. To help
other women, she created the “It Girl’s Guide to Chemo,” a photo exhibit that depicted her 2002 battle with the illness of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the challenges of dealing with chemotherapy. Ms. Carter bore her illness regally. She rarely spoke of her diagnosis and she never complained of pain even though over time she endured numerous rounds of chemo, radiation and even a stem cell procedure in November 2014.
Throughout her illness, she remained dignified, gorgeous and very fashionable. Rarely without her Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses, effortlessly chic clothing, high-heel boots and exquisitely styled hair, she was likely to have an accessory that was Tiffany blue (perhaps her bag) along with pieces of Tiffany jewelry, particularly her bracelet. Even her car, thanks to her loving husband Barry, was Tiffany blue. Ms. Carter, literally, traveled in style. She could be mistaken for a fashion model not only due to her style and looks, but because of her constant companion Saylor, her Westie (a descendent of her beloved Kansas). Saylor herself won a “best dressed” contest with her polka-dot dress and pink goggles (which Ms. Carter found especially for her).
Ms. Carter was also hilarious and mischievous. There was no ordinary day when she was sharing it with you. Lunch was a time to have an office picnic, especially in the winter. Christmas was a time to make special Christmas costumes. Did you mention a favorite movie? Watch out, because you might find that Ms. Carter ordered replicated movie props for you, including some of the clothes, which you would be encouraged to wear and pose in, and which might also end up on Facebook. There was always the potential for magic when she was around.
There was also no other friend or colleague more generous, compassionate or forgiving than Ms. Carter. She listened, she helped, she made you laugh—sometimes hysterically so—she fought to pay every restaurant tab, often excusing herself to head to the restroom, but instead secretly paying the bill, which would then never arrive at the table. She was especially sensitive to the needs of women who had cancer, serving as their medical researcher and advocate, accompanying them to medical appointments, asking the questions they didn’t know to ask, talking them gently through fear.
No one who met Ms. Carter was untouched by her humor, her humanity, her kindness, the depth of her generosity and her unending love. She was without equal, and the depth by which she will be missed is also without equal.
Ms. Carter is survived by: her husband, Barry M. Herbold, of Kinderhook and New York City; her sister, Dr. Sharon Carter of New York and Nashville; stepchildren, Laura French (Edward III) and Barry Herbold II (Tricia); the LeGrande family, Pauline, Jennifer and Yvette, as well as other aunts and uncles, many cousins and innumerable friends.
Funeral services for the family and close friends will be conducted on Thursday, April 21, 11 a.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home, 1002 Moorman Road N.W., Roanoke, Virginia, with interment at Williams Memorial Park. A memorial service for Ms. Carter’s countless friends and associates will be conducted in New York City at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color: www.coseboc.org an issue she was passionate about.