Vernon W. Westover (1935 – 2016)
NIVERVILLE—Vernon William Westover, 80, of Niverville took his place in heaven Monday, May 23, following a brief battle with heart and lung issues.
Born October 22, 1935 in Austerlitz, he was the son of the late Jesse and Carrie Rowe Westover.
A 31-year-career-employee of Blue Seal Feeds in Chatham, Mr. Westover was a kind, gentle soul whose greatest joy was the young people in his life.
Prior to starting at Blue Seal Feeds, he worked for A & P, Archer’s Market, Canada Dry and was a manager at the Columbia-Greene 7-UP bottling company. Mr. Westover also worked several part-time jobs in retirement, but especially enjoyed working as a rural mail carrier for the Chatham and East Chatham post offices and making deliveries for Chatham Flowers.
He was an avid bowler who was a member of many leagues and that is how he met his wife, Wilma. He took great pride in attending his children’s sporting and school events and was a
dedicated Little League and Babe Ruth coach. In recent years he spent countless hours at his grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, theater shows and other activities. He looked forward to doing the same for his great-grandchildren. Mr. Westover enjoyed traveling, especially the trips he took with and to see family.
The Westovers also maintained a residence in Barefoot Bay, FL, where for four months each year they escaped the harsh Northeast winters. Mr. Westover counted down the days until spring training began each year and attended as many games as he could until it was time to come home and enjoy the grandchildren’s spring activities and the Mac-Haydn Theatre.
Mr. Westover graduated from Chatham Central High School in 1953 and is a charter member of that school’s alumni association. He was a life member and served on the Church Council of Christ Our Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Chatham. He was also a member of the Kinderhook Lake Association. He was a passionate sports fan who particularly loved the New York Mets, New York Giants and NASCAR racing. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon.
In addition to his wife of 49 years, Wilma (Dalzell), Mr. Westover is survived by: his sister, Barbara DeLee of Easton, MD; his daughters, Kim Cardillo (John) of Colonie, Kelly Berger (Michael Coons) of Chatham and Gail Westover (Stephen Keller) of Crofton, MD; his son, Craig (Kim Hugo) of East Chatham; his grandchildren, Justin (Heather) and Kerri Mattison, James Cardillo, Jessie Goodrich, Emily and Allison Westover and Caitlin, Caroline and Cameron Keller; and his three great-grandchildren, Gage, Elena and Lily Mattison, due to arrive May 27. He also had several nieces and nephews in Arizona, Maryland, New York and New Hampshire.
He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Shirley Foster.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 27 at the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. Interment at Chatham Rural Cemetery followed. Donations in Mr. Westover’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com.
M. Scott Wood, Jr. (1950 – 2016)
SCOTLAND—Marcus Scott Wood, Jr., 66, of Chatham passed away peacefully in his sleep May 23, 2016 in North Berwick, Scotland.
He was born April 21, 1950 in Fort Meade, MD, to Marcus Scott Wood, Sr. and Marie B. Metz. He attended high school at Wilbraham Academy for three years and graduated from Chatham High School in 1968. During his one year at CHS, he set school records in both golf and basketball. Despite playing prior to the three-point era, his basketball records for points in a game and points in a season still stand. He received a BA from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, and lettered on the basketball team.
Mr. Wood was the last draftee from Columbia County, serving in the Army from 1973 to 1975. Following his military service, he traveled around the world for a year. Upon his return to the United States, he rode his 10-speed bike from San Francisco to Chatham.
Mr. Wood spent 40 years as president of MetzWood Insurance in Chatham, where he expanded the business after succeeding his father and grandfather. As a dedicated professional, he earned his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter and Certified Insurance Counselor designations. Mr. Wood sat on advisory boards for many different insurance companies and was named Agent of the Year by Travelers at their national conference in 2010.
During his life, Mr. Wood was dedicated to the betterment of Columbia County and Chatham. He believed deeply in giving back to the community. In addition to his generosity to many local charities, he was actively serving on the boards of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Columbia County Agricultural Society. Mr. Wood was the past president of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Morris Memorial Association. He was previously a member of the Northern Columbia Rotary and a board member of the National Union Bank of Kinderhook and the Berkshire Taconic Foundation.
Mr. Wood had a passion for golf and golf course architecture. He was an active member of Columbia Golf and Country Club and won the club championship 13 times over four decades. He was a golf course rater for GolfWeek magazine. He accomplished a life goal of playing every golf course in America that has ever been on the Top 100 List, of which there were 276. His quest to play the Top 100 culminated in playing Augusta National in 2011. Mr. Wood died while on a golf trip to Scotland, where he shot a 70 on the Old Course at St. Andrews before his passing.
He is survived by: his wife of 34 years, Jane Fowler Wood of Chatham; his daughter, Michelle Wood of Boston; his son, Matthew Wood and his wife Anne of Kinderhook; his sister-in- law, Kathleen Volney of Valatie; his nephew, Christian Volney of New York City; and his niece Elizabeth Volney, Esq., of Boston.
Calling hours will take place Thursday, June 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Services will be conducted Friday, June 10, 11 a.m. at Saint James Church, Chatham.
Memorial gifts in Mr. Wood’s memory may be made to the Morris Memorial Association, P.O. Box 184, Chatham 12037. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Thomas C. Carpentier (1949 – 2016)
NEW LEBANON—Thomas C. Carpentier, 66, of New Lebanon passed away peacefully in his sleep at home May 17, 2016.
Born September 8, 1949 in Waterbury, CT, he was educated at Crosby High School in Waterbury, La Salette Seminary in Enfield, NH, and Boston College.
Mr. Carpentier was an avid collector and antiques dealer for 50 years and he had a vast knowledge of all things antique. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him were always in awe of his intellect and his generosity.
Mr. Carpentier will always be remembered for his creativity, especially in the fall when he carved those wonderful pumpkins and delivered them to various businesses for them to display and enjoy. He enjoyed gardening, doing appraisals and sharing his harvested vegetables, blueberries and other fruits with everyone. He wanted nothing in return except a smile.
Prior to retiring from Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth in 2013, Mr. Carpentier had also worked at the Kolburne School in New Marlborough, MA, and Sears in Lanseborough, MA. He was also the owner of the former Covered Bridge Antiques Shop in Sheffield, MA, and the Red Barn Antique Shop in Lebanon Springs.
Mr. Carpentier is survived by his husband and partner of 27 years, William A. Shannon of New Lebanon and their many pets.
He enjoyed his extended family members—nieces, nephews and cousins but he especially held high regard for his niece, Artia Martin of Waterbury and his sister-in-law, Kathy (Shannon) Martin for their love and acceptance.
Mr. Carpentier leaves an everlasting legacy and a void in the hearts of many that will be hard to fill.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Lebanon Valley Protective Association, 523 State Route 20, New Lebanon, June 3, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m.
For additional information contact William A. Shannon at 518 794-6155 or 518 704-0417. Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Doris A. Andrusky (1935 – 2016)
VALATIE—Doris A. Andrusky, 80, of Stockport passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Barnwell Nursing Home.
She was born June 8, 1935 in Brooklyn to the late George and Ann Copeland. She grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Fort Hamilton High School.
Mrs. Andrusky was a legal secretary at various law firms in New York City before moving to Columbia County. After moving here she was employed as a secretary for the Hudson City School District. She loved animals and to sing and dance.
Mrs. Andrusky was the beloved mother of Karann Durr (Wayne) of Gansevoort and Andrew Andrusky, Jr. of Stockport; devoted grandmother of Cody, Logan and Tucker Durr. Also surviving are: her sister-in-law, Helen (Charles) Gaydos of Brooklyn; two nieces, Nancy and Tom Breen and their children, Michael, Lauren and Christopher and Susan and David O’Connell and their children, Christine and Paul.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Andrew Andrusky, Sr.; her sister, Joan Gallagher and her sister-in-law, Mary Broughton.
Calling hours take place Monday, May 30, 2016, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Services will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. by Father George Fleming. Interment will take place Tuesday, May 31, 10 a.m. at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences for the family.
Francis “Roger” Van Alstyne (1949 -2016)
VALATIE–Francis “Roger” Van Alstyne died.
Born into this world September 10, 1949 in Hudson, he was the son of the late Robert Van Alstyne and Harriett (Thompson) Van Alstyne.
Mr. Van Alstyne was educated in Columbia County school systems where the family built their home. As an adult he moved to the Albany area and furthered his education by being part of the first graduating class in one of the New York State Department of Labor’s trade programs and became a licensed mechanic.
Mr. Van Alstyne leaves behind to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: Barbra L. Zeissett, his loving devoted wife and partner of 37 years, the mother of his children and his great friends, Dawn M. Grimes-Singletary and William Singletary; four children, Cynthia (Steven) Van Alstyne-Carr, Tracie (Antonio) Van Alstyne-Heard, Dawn (Richard) Thornton-Bryant and Francis R. (Keli) Van Alstyne, Jr.; five siblings, Sandra, Barron, Warren, Theodore and Paula; nine grandsons; seven granddaughters; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by three great-granddaughters. There are also a host of nephews, nieces and cousins too numerous to name who meant the world to him.
A “home-going” service will be conducted Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon with the service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Van Alstyne may be sent to the Columbia-Greene Hospice Association.