Jean C. Nyfeler (1933 – 2025)
WEST GHENT—Jean C. Nyfeler, 91, of West Ghent passed into the loving arms of the Lord, Sunday, March 23, 2025 at the place she loved best, the family farm.
She was born May 19, 1933 to the late Ignatius and Carrie (Unser) Hoefer. The youngest of five siblings, she was the last one living. She was predeceased by: her brother, Edward; sisters, Marguerite, Ann and Agnes. She was also predeceased by her loving husband, Walter “Walt” and their one son, Donald W. Nyfeler.
She is survived by: her daughters, Christine (George) Opshanski and Holly (Ron) Tanner; her beloved grandchildren, Lauren and W. Gavin Tanner and Nathan Opshanksi; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She grew up on her family’s vegetable farm in Colonie and attended Catholic school. Upon graduation, she was employed by the Normanskill Dairy as a bookkeeper until her marriage to Walter E. Nyfeler of Ghent. He was the love of her life and she of his, and her family takes comfort that they are now reunited. Mr. Nyfeler was a successful dairy farmer and Mrs. Nyfeler took on the role of homemaker, which was her true calling. Her greatest joy was taking care of her family, she was an excellent cook and baker, her love language was feeding those she loved. She was also an avid gardener raising many different crops in a very large garden. In addition to her family, she felt a strong affinity to animals and took in many strays and injured animals over the years, nursing and feeding them as only she could do. A true homemaker, she was an excellent sewer, crafter and enjoyed canning and freezing all the bounty that she grew on the farm. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and taking care of her grandkids. The Nyfelers also had many enjoyable years at their camp in the Adirondacks at Twitchell Lake, enjoying nature and spending time with family. Her family feels blessed to have had them both for as long as they did and will miss her smile, laugh, gentle nature and cooking.
Calling hours were held March 28 at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, with a Mass of Christian Burial March 29 at St. James Church in Chatham.
Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Brook Farm, P.O. Box 127, Old Chatham 12136.
Joseph Parditka, Jr. (1950 – 2025)
LIVINGSTON—Joseph Parditka, Jr., 74, of Pine Plains passed away March 20, 2025 at Livingston Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Budapest, Hungary, October 16, 1950. He was the son of Joseph and Anna (Margetti) Parditka.
A hard worker, “Joe” began his work career at the Barbizon Plaza Hotel as a busboy before moving upstate. There, he went to work for the City of Poughkeepsie in the Parking Enforcement Department as a meter repairman and meter man. He also worked part-time as a mail carrier at the Stanfordville Post Office, while at the same time working for Wassaic Developmental Center. He then became a full-time mail carrier in Hyde Park for 22 years prior to his retirement. It is believed that he never missed a day of work.
He was a jokester who enjoyed stumping people just as much as he enjoyed making them laugh. He had a love for cats and dogs and was always willing to help those in need. A devout Catholic, he and his wife would drive elderly couples to church and would often volunteer their time at Our Lady of Hope Parish. From pancake breakfasts to helping with the food distribution, he was there to lend a helping hand. He was famous at local diners, known as the “YooHoo man.” If the waitresses knew to say “YooHoo,” he would give them a dollar. This extended even to the kitchen staff. Oftentimes he would take his “Dollar Run” to go and see the grandkids. This is where he would hide dollar coins for them to go and find. He had a great love for his family and friends.
He is survived by: his wife, Linda and their children, Anna Juchem and her boyfriend Josh, Tammy Parditka and her boyfriend Dustin and son, Joseph Parditka, III; his two adoring grandchildren, Parker and Mason, and his sister, Gizella Rieners.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated April 4, 2025, 11 a.m. from Our Lady of Hope Parish, 8074 Route 22, Copake Falls. Father George Brennan will officiate. There will be reception following in Dwyer Hall immediately after the funeral, all are welcome to join the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alight Center, 199 Fairview Avenue, Hudson 12534. Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake.
Sandra J. Liptak (1946 – 2025)
TROY—Sandra J. Liptak, 78, of Rensselaer passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Eddy Heritage House Nursing Home following a brief illness.
A devoted mother, grandmother and friend, she will be remembered for her warm and generous spirit toward those she surrounded herself with.
Born in Albany, May 29, 1946, she was the daughter of Ralph Cobb and Esther (Huff) Cobb. She was a special needs teacher’s aid at Ichabod Crane School for many years until retirement.
“Sandy” to those who knew her, had a deep love for the healing effects of the ocean and the beach, which was her sanctuary. She loved to travel but always returned to her lifelong home in the Capital District and Columbia County, where she rarely missed a band concert, baseball game, track meet or tennis match involving her children and extended family.
She is survived by: her three children, Jeffrey Liptak, Joseph Liptak and Jonathan Liptak; grandchildren, Adam, Mark and Connor Liptak; and in-laws, Kelley Robinson Liptak, Kathy Liptak and Jennifer Liptak. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her former spouse, Vincent Liptak.
A Mass of Christian Death will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025, 11 a.m. in the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph, 50 Herrick Street, Rensselaer. Friends and family called at the William J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, April 2.
John D. Gansowski (1942 – 2025)
CLAVERACK—John D. Gansowski, 82, of Claverack passed away March 23, 2025 at his residence. He was born in Great Barrington, MA, April 25, 1942, the son Benjamin and Mildred (Sparling) Gansowski. After graduating from school, he went to work for L&B and Canada Dry. Prior to retirement he worked for Lorbrook & P&R Truss in Ghent. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors and doing wood carvings.
He was a member of the Ghent Reformed Church. He and his wife, Barbara, often volunteered at various church functions. He enjoyed making people laugh and was always quick with a joke or story. He and his wife also enjoyed Friday Night Music in the Park at the Greenport Town Park. He will be fondly remembered for his famous walking stick adorned with feathers and his signature cowboy hat. Above all else, he loved his family, children and grandchildren.
He is survived by: his children, Darrin Gansowski, Heidi Howard and Beverly (William) Whitbeck; six grandchildren, Ashley Blish, William Whitbeck, III, Aryal Gansowski and Jensen, Jonah and Jadyn Howard; two great-grandchildren, Maddin Bowen and Cody Blish; his two brothers, Ben and David Gansowski and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 55 years; Barbara; his son-in-law, Christopher Howard and his sister, Mary Lynn.
Visitation at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home was held March 26, 2025 followed by funeral prayers. Interment was in West Ghent Cemetery.
Joanne M. Walker (1947 – 2025)
GERMANTOWN—Joanne Marie Walker, 78, of Germantown passed away peacefully March 26, 2025. Born in Manhattan to the late Martin T. McHale and Joan Wall-McHale, she lived a life of faith and service. She made it her duty to bring the love of Christ to all she encountered.
She attended St. Patrick’s CCHS in Catskill and graduated from CMH School of Nursing with an affiliation to pediatrics at Columbia Presbyterian and Hudson River Hospital for Psychiatric Nursing in Poughkeepsie. She also attended Dutchess Community College, furthering her education in her professional career. As a registered nurse, she worked at Columbia Memorial Hospital as a med-surge nurse, the Adventist Home for long-term care, and Eden Park Nursing Home as a staff development in-service coordinator. She worked as a home care nurse for the Eddy Visiting Nurse Association and remained with The Eddy as a liaison using her knowledge and skills as a discharge planner at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
She not only worked hard in her professional life, but she also volunteered and gave herself to her community. She was a communicant and Eucharistic minister at Holy Trinity (St Mary’s) Church in Hudson. She loved teaching and was a catechist at St. Mary’s Academy for many years bringing the love of Jesus to youth. She was one of the original Alight Pregnancy Center affiliates and campaigned to help the New Life Maternity Home in Stottville. As a dedicated member of the Catholic Daughters, she has touched many lives. Her generosity and infectious smile will always be remembered in this community.
She was predeceased by: her son, James L. Walker (Trudy) and brother, Brian McHale. She is survived by: her siblings, Kevin (Sharon) McHale, Carol (Donald) McBride and Dennis (Ellen) McHale. All who were privileged to know her, knew how she cherished her family. The love of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was the driving force in her strength and perseverance in her blessed life. Her surviving children are: Dennis Walker, Michelle Walker (Martin Dibble, Jr.), and Jennifer (Mark) Tomaso; grandchildren, Sonja, Jason, Sarah, Danielle (Duncan), Cameron, Dylan, Denise, Mark II, and Connor; great grandchildren Aurora, Sonny, and Cooper.
Calling hours were held March 31 at Bates and Anderson Funeral Home in Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial was at Holy Trinity Parish April 1 followed by burial at Cedar Park Cemetery and a celebration of life at St. Mary’s Academy, 301 Allen Street, Hudson.
Donations may be made to New Life Maternity Home, P.O. Box 755, Hudson 12534. Read the entire obituary at www.batesanderson.com.
Sheri Nabozny (1961 – 2025)
BRONX—Sheri Nabozny, 63, of Greenport passed away March 22, 2025 at Bronx Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born June 19, 1961 in Plattsburgh, the daughter of Harvey and Marilyn (Gordon) Lecuyer. In June 1986, she married the love of her life, Peter Nabozny, who survives at home.
She worked for many years as the activities aide at the former Eden Park Nursing Home in Hudson. She truly enjoyed the job and was able to make the residents smile, just as she would with anyone she encountered. She was a true social butterfly, to which many could attest when they bumped into her locally and she always greeted them with a smile. While soaking up the sun, she demonstrated her true love for gardening. She could nurture any seedling into a beautiful flower or plant. This hobby not only allowed her to spend time with her children but gave them an admiration for her green thumb. They will always appreciate and remember her spring blooms. She was also an avid crafter and volunteered frequently at John L. Edward’s in her daughters’ classrooms. She built tiny model houses and painted beautiful works of art that her family will cherish for eternity. Although she loved couponing and grabbing a good sale, she occasionally enjoyed taking a gamble at the casino or testing her luck at the Bingo hall, where she often walked away a winner. She was famous for her cooking skills, mostly traditional dishes that were loved by her family on any occasion. Her family, especially her grandkids, were the light of her life. She is survived by: her loving husband, Peter Nabozny; her three children, Shelley Nabozny, Lisa Nabozny Bonesteel and Carl (Colleen) Nabozny; her two grandchildren, Ashly Bonesteel and Mason Dominguez; her siblings, Laurie Hanson, Brian and Beverly Lecuyer, Michael (Anita) Lecuyer, Kim Wolf and Keith Wolf; her sisters-in-law, Mary Nabozny, Karen Nabozny, Cecile (Dave) Staats; brothers-in-law, Tom (Roxanne) Nabozny, and Ed (Carol) Nabozny in addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Susan Lecuyer and her brother, Steven Lecuyer.
Memorial calling hours will be April 5, 2025, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. She loved flowers and they will be welcomed at her services.
Philip A. Coons (1952 – 2025)
GERMANTOWN—Philip Alan Coons, 72, of Germantown passed away peacefully March 27, 2025 at home, surrounded by his family.
Born November 22, 1952 in Hudson, he was the son of the late Robert and Olive (King) Coons. “Phil” grew up in Germantown, where he spent his time fishing and hunting. He enjoyed hunting and had earned himself a few trophies from his hunting adventures.
He joined the Army and served from 1972-1974, while there he learned to use the computer. His skills in computers would stay with him for the rest of his life.
He carried his love and dedication to his country close to him throughout his life. He was so proud to be able to serve his country.
After the Army, he took his computer skills and went to work as a programmer for IBM in both Poughkeepsie and Kingston. He worked for IBM for 34 years and retired in 2013.
In his free time, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was part of the Gold Wing Road Rider’s Association, Chapter L for 33 years. He had a spirit of freedom that led him to the open road, where he enjoyed riding around by himself or with fellow biker friends.
He married Tammy Jones in 2008 and together they shared more than 27 loving years. She survives at their home.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by: his son, Tim (Carla) Coons; his stepson, Matt (Kandace) Jones; his brothers, Richie (Debbie) Coons and Randy (Nancy) Coons; his sister, Roberta (Phil) Cronin; his grandchildren, Logan Altomer and Khloe Jones; his good friends, Randy Love and Sandy Crisco; many other friends and family.
Friends and family will be received at Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway in Red Hook, Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715.
