New Lebanon CSD seniors celebrate a rite of passage

By STAFF

Rebecca J. Monterosso (1983 – 2023)

EAST NASSAU – Rebecca Jean “Becky” Monterosso, 40, died in the arms of the angels Saturday, July 8, 2023 in New Scotland. She was born in Pittsfield, MA, April 20, 1983, the beloved daughter of Mark A. (Cindy) Monterosso, Sr. of Nassau and the late Diane Carpenter Monterosso.

She was raised in New Lebanon and was a 2001 graduate of New Lebanon High School. She later graduated from SUNY Delhi with an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering, though her passion was helping other people who might have been struggling.

She was a teaching assistant at Berkshire Farm in Canaan for more than eight years and also worked in various group homes in New York and Massachusetts. At the time of her death she was a vulnerable persons protection specialist for the NYS Justice Center in Delmar for the past five years.

She was always inspiring other people to help themselves and recently lost more than 100 pounds. She set a goal that she achieved and was going to reward herself by going sky diving.

She enjoyed building Legos, riding motorcycles, enjoyed blogging about mental health, spending time talking with friends and playing with her many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father and step-mother, she was the dear sister of Mark A. (Mandi) Monterosso, Jr. of Schodack and “sister” of Amber Ingoldsby, Andy Slattery, Ricardo DeGroff and Joey Rogacki; cherished aunt of Dominic and Aria Monterosso; like a daughter to Donna Ingoldsby; girlfriend of the late Arthur Neander, Jr. and friends with his family.

Relatives and friends may call at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 State Route 43, Stephentown, Saturday, July 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a Remembrance Service at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to any mental health organization that assists vulnerable people who need help. Sign the condolence book and get directions at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.

Derick E. Ransford (1968 – 2023)

NEW LEBANON–Derick Edwin Ransford, age 54, passed away peacefully with his wife of 30 years by his side July 11, 2023, after a long battle with brain cancer.

He was born September 12, 1968 in Albany. He attended New Lebanon School, Chatham Central School and graduated from Columbia High School. He began house painting upon graduation and started his own company, Peaceful Valley Painting, where he worked up until his passing.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed ice fishing and vacationing with his wife and friends. He also volunteered his time with the Spencertown Drum Line in his younger years.

He leaves behind: his wife, Christy (Grover) Ransford; his mother, Matilda Ransford; brother, Earl (predeceased by Sue) Ransford; niece, Nicole (Ransford) Roberts; sisters-in-law, Joanie and Debby Grover, and father-in-law, Charles D. (predeceased by Joan) Grover. He was also, predeceased by; his father, Howard Ransford, Sr., and brother, Howard Ransford, Jr.

There will be a Celebration of Life at his residence Friday, July 14, 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 15, 1 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 413-447-7878 For online condolences, visit wenkfuneral.com

Kathleen Germann (1940 – 2023)

PHILMONT—Kathleen “Kay” Germann died June 30 at Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt and grandmother.

She was born January 2, 1940, in Mineola. She married her husband, Carl (who predeceased her in 2008) in 1962. They moved to the Hudson Valley in 1970 and opened a flower shop in Poughkeepsie in 1977. They continued to own the shop until Mr. Germann’s retirement in 2006. Mrs. Germann worked with special needs children at BOCES in Dutchess County for over a decade, until she retired in 2018.

She moved to Copake in 2010 and quickly became an active member of the Knit Club of Hudson Valley and a volunteer at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library in Copake. Throughout her life she enjoyed bowling, knitting, and gardening. She never forgot a birthday. Family and friends could always expect a card or a phone call on their birthday.

She is survived by: her three children, Kathleen Germann of Manhattan, Carl Germann (Fred Nachbaur) also of Manhattan, and Suzanne Germann (Nik Prachand) of Chicago; three granddaughters, Vivian Nachbaur, Opal Prachand and Annika Prachand; extended family including, William and Jane Germann of East Meadow, and Ray and Susan Germann of Rhinebeck; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

A time for offering condolences and sharing memories will be Friday, July 14, 2023 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m. Interment will take place at noon Saturday, July 15 in Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury.