Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
April 2004
Newspapers courtesy of the Cairo Public Library. Retyped by Judith Davison
April 1, 2004
GEORGE H. SPRANCE, SR.
George H. Sprance, Sr., 74 years, of East Durham, New York, passed away at St. Peter's Hospital on March 28, 2004. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 23, 1929, son of the late Henry and Anna (Ziegler) Sprance.
George served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a machinist having worked for Simag and Placon in Norton Hill, New York. He was also a member of the Durham Valley Post No. 1416 American Legion and was the chaplain for the Greene County American Legion.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Helen (Guagliata) Sprance; three sons, Henry E. Sprance and his wife Eileen of Wall, New Jersey, Ernest G. Sprance and his wife Janet of Teaneck, New Jersey, George H. Sprance, Jr. and his wife Josi of Middle Island, New York; a daughter, Anna M. Saccente and her husband Dennis of Lindenhurst, New York; also 14 grandchildren and two sisters, Viola Montenaro and Dorothy Meize.
Funeral service was Wednesday at 2 p.m. from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oak Hill, New York. Friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 1898 SR 81, Greenville, New York on Tuesday. The Durham Valley Post No. 1416 conducted a service at the funeral home on Tuesday. A prayer service was also held at the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Catskill Rural Cemetery, Catskill, New York.
April 1, 2004
ELOISE A. VANHECKE
Eloise A. VanHecke, 79 years of Greenville, New York, passed away at the Albany Medical Center on March 27, 2004. She was born in Norton Hill, New York on March 26, 1925. She formerly had been employed at the Greenville Post Office for 17 years. She was known as an animal lover and her beloved cat Boots predeceased her. She will be missed by her many friends and all the wild animals that she had fed and taken care of over the years. Eloise was predeceased by her husband Henry (Pete) VanHecke and two sisters, Miriam Lawyer and Dorothy Reynolds.
Surviving are two daughters, Connie Favreau and Dorinda Chatterton, both of Schenectady, New York; a son, Michael Clapper of Lake Worth, Florida; her grandchildren, Spring Seeley and Amy Keister; great-grandchildren, Chelsea and Shelby Seeley and Ashley and Rebecca Keister; an aunt, Henrietta Morrison of West Palm Beach, Florida and her beloved Honey Babe.
As to her wishes cremation will be at the Albany Rural Cemetery and services at the convenience of the family. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Animal Shelter of their choice.
Arrangements were by the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York.
April 1, 2004
BERNARD (BERNIE) HORLACHER
Bernard (Bernie) Horlacher, 67 years, of Westerlo, New York, passed away at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York on March 24, 2004. He was born in Flushing, New York on December 28, 1936, son of the late Bernard and Doris (Buchard) Horlacher. Bernie had retired from the New York State Thruway Authority in 1993. He was a member of the Colonie Lodge No. 2192 B.P.O.E. He was predeceased by his wife Sally (Weidman) Horlacher.
Surviving are two daughters, Tammy Beth Fowler and her husband Scott of Schenectady, New York, Heidi McFarland of Ravena; three sons, Bernard Horlacher of Westerlo, New York, Robert Horlacher of Westerlo, New York, Michael Horlacher and his wife Roxane of Dormansville, New York; his grandchildren, Matthew, Tyler and Kaitlind Horlacher, Michael Horlacher, Jr., Meghan and Russell Horlacher, Mark McFarland, Jr., Tanner, Ian and Hunter McFarland. Also surviving is his significant other Sue Langolis.
Funeral service will be Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday 4 to 7:30 p.m. prior to the service. Spring interment will be in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
April 8, 2004
NORMA BAKER
Norma Baker, age 71, of Greenville, New York, formerly of Coxsackie, died Tuesday afternoon, March 30, 2004, at Memorial Hospital, Albany, New York. She was born in Coxsackie on October 11, 1932, the daughter of the late Arthur and Lillian (Smith) Beatty, Sr. She was married at the United Methodist Church of Catskill on July 24, 1958, to Gordon Baker, who survives at home.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Coxsackie, New York, She was very active in the church, serving as Financial Secretary, singing in the choir, and a member of the United Methodist Women and the craft group. She was also a member of the Steuben Glee Club. Norma was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her family, and a friend to all whom (sic) knew her.
She is survived by her devoted husband Gordon; loving mother of Alan and his wife Colleen (Shufelt) Baker of Paso Robies, California, Deborah and her husband Dennis Fox of East Greenbush, New York, Kathleen Sawicky of Greenville, New York, Gail and her husband William Bensen of Greenville, New York, Thomas and his wife Elizabeth (Meredith) Baker of Byers, Colorado, Eric Baker of Greenville, New York, and Sharon Baker and her husband William McCann, Jr.; her loving grandchildren, Todd Baker, Bruce Baker, Corey Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Adam Fox, Jeremy Fox, Aimee Fox, Michelle Sawicky, Heather Sawicky, Mark Sawicky, Jr., Matthew Brown, Michael Brown, Chris Bensen, Heidi Bensen, David Bensen, Russell Baker, Geoffrey Baker, Rebekah Baker, Jordan Baker McCann; and her great-grandchildren Kaitlyn Shook Casidy Shook, Kristin Bensen, Kamren Brown, Kassidy Bensen and Accalia Bensen. She is also survived by three brothers, Arthur Beatty, Jr. of East Greenbush, New York, Warren Beatty of Greenwich, New York, Kelton Beatty of Pleasant Valley, New York, and her sister, Anita Rosa Van Ness and her husband Ernest of West Coxsackie, New York.
She was predeceased by her sisters Rowena Bailey, Marguerite Simpkins and Norma's first husband, Gerald Cutler.
Reverend Wendy Steed conducted funeral services on Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the United Methodist Church, 103 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, New York. Interment will follow at the Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, New York.
Memorial donations in Norma's name may be made to either the United Methodist Church Coxsackie or the Coxsackie Rescue Squad.
April 15, 2004
MINNIE Z. BELL
Minnie Z. Bell, 82 years, of Medusa, New York, a woman of great strength and courage, died peacefully Thursday morning at St. Clare's Hospital after a short illness. She was born November 18, 1921 in Ashland, New York one of six children, daughter of the late Warren L. and Zelpha "Brink" Case.
Minnie worked for many years at Becker Electronics in East Durham, New York and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. She will be missed by her family and the robins.
Minnie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ernest Bell; her children, Kenneth Bell, Sr. of Colonie, New York, David W. Bell and his wife Susan of Greenville, New York and Catherine Mart and her husband Wayne of Glenville, New York. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held Monday, April 12 at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Sunday. Interment was in the Medusa Cemetery in Medusa, New York.
Those who wish may contribute in Minnie's memory to the Transportation Program, Catholic Charities of Schenectady County, 1400 Dunnsville Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306, Attn: Christina Knee.
April 15, 2004
EDITH BAUMANN
Edith "Edie" Baumann, 60 years, of Greenville, New York, passed away at her home on April 8, 2004. She was born in Catskill, New York on July 26, 1943, daughter of Alice (Beaton) Sutton and the late Erik Sutton.
Edie was a cook, having worked at Pine Lake Manor Resort in Greenville, New York. She was a faithful supporter of the Greenville Library and was known for loving her stepchildren and step-grandchildren.
Surviving are her mother, Alice Sutton of Cornwallville, New York; her husband, Ronald Baumann; stepchildren, Neil Baumann and his wife Robin of Schoharie, New York, Kelly Slean and her husband Kevin of Loxahaichee, Florida, Stephanie DeVillers and her husband David of Little Suamico, Wisconsin, Beth Anne Atcavage and her husband Ronald of Drums, Pennsylvania; also 13 step-grandchildren; a brother, Thomas Sutton of Cornwallville, New York; three sisters, Elsie Allen of Durham, New York, Emilie Sharkey of North Valley Stream, New York, Elizabeth Hendricks of Catskill, New York; several nieces and nephews; and her loving Aunt Leslie "Lady" Sutton of Cornwallville, New York.
As to her wishes, service and interment will be at the convenience of the family. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Greenville Library or to Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, NY 12414.
Arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York.
April 15, 2004
HELEN A. SCHUMAN
Helen A. Schuman, 67 years of East Durham, New York, passed away at the Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York on April 12, 2004. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 14, 1936, daughter of the late Harold and Helen (Massey) Feuerhahn.
Helen and her husband Anson had operated the Glen Royal in Oak Hill for a number of years. She was presently employed at the Oak Hill Post Office. She also enjoyed her membership in the Franklin Car Club.
Surviving are her husband Anson Schuman; her daughters, Diane Dean and her husband (Dale) of East Durham, New York, Deborah Canastra and her husband Timothy of Oak Hill, New York; her stepchildren, Anson Schuman, Jr. of North Carolina, Barbara Schuman of Pennsylvania, Harry Schuman and his wife Kathy of Fort Myers, Florida; also her grandchildren, Matthew Gallagher, Tyler and Sarah Dean, Timothy Canastra, Jr., Michael and Caitlyn Canastra.
Graveside service will be Thursday, 11 a.m. at the Brookside Cemetery, Preston Hollow, New York. Friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. As to her wishes cremation was at the Albany Rural Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Town of Durham Vol. Ambulance.
April 15, 2004
HARRY H. DENHARD
Harry H. Denhard, 84, died Saturday morning, April 3, 2004, at the Vermont Veterans Home. Born in Brooklyn, New York on December 25, 1919, he was the son of the late Charles and Elsie (Herron) Denhard.
He had been a dairy farmer most of his life working on a farm in Greenville, New York. Harry was an avid expert horseman. He studied eastern religion and was the founder of the Auburn Cord Dusenberg Classic Car Club. A veteran of World War II, he served with the US Air Force.
He is survived by two sons, David Denhard of Petersburgh, New York and Peter Denhard of Greenville, New York; and two grandchildren.
There will be no local services.
Should friends desire, memorial gifts in his memory may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter in care of the Hanson-Walbright* Funeral Home, PO Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201.
Arrangements are under the care of the Hanson-Walbridge* Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
* Name
of funeral home given as both Hanson-Walbright and Hanson-Walbridge.
April 15, 2004
SIGNHILD E. DIVONE
Signhild E. Divone, 71 years, of Medusa, New York, passed away at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York on April 11, 2004. She was born in the Bronx on December 5, 1932, daughter of the late Reinhold and Lilly (Berg) Brenner.
Signhild was a very active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oak Hill, New York and was a member of the Scleroderma Society.
Surviving are her husband, Frank Divone; two sons, Frederick Divone and his wife Sheila of Fort Lee, New Jersey, Kenneth Divone and his wife Brooke of Spring Valley, New York; and grandson, Jacob Divone. She was predeceased by a son, Thomas Divone and a brother, Teje Brenner.
Funeral service will be Thursday, 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oak Hill, New York. Friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, on Wednesday. A prayer service was conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday evening. As to her wishes, cremation will be at the Albany Rural Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Scleroderma Fund, 12 Tent Way, Suite 101, Byfield, MA 01922.
April 22, 2004
ZANE A. CHLUS
Zane A. Chlus, 75 years, of Greenville, New York, formerly of Parma Heights, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the St. Peter's Hospice Inn in Albany, New York. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 7, 1928, son of the late John and Constance (Rukowski) Chlus.
Zane served his country in the US army during the Korean conflict as an army Intelligence Officer from 1948 to 1953. He was a sales entrepreneur, self-employed in his own insurance business and also owned and operated a landscaping business. Zane was a dedicated family man. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty Jean (Castle) Chlus on April 17, 2001.
Surviving are his daughters, Holly L. Tobin and her husband Bert C. Tobin of Greenville, New York, and Heather B. Chlus of Cleveland, Ohio and his grandchildren Noelle E. Sagan, Cameron Zane Sagan, William H. Tobin and Andrew D. Tobin, all of Greenville, New York.
A memorial service celebrating Zane's life was held Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist church in Norton Hill, New York, under the direction of the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York.
Those who wish to remember Zane in a special way may contribute in his memory to the St. Peter's Hospice Inn, 317 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
April 22, 2004
BRIAN M. TRAVERS
Brian M. Travers, 40 years, of Climax, New York, passed away at his home on April 15, 2004. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 23, 1963, son of the late James and Kathleen (O'Donnell) Travers. Brian was a self-employed carpenter. He was a devoted family man, server of the community and very involved in his church, a member of the Medway Volunteer Fire Company and a communicant and Religious Education instructor of St. John the Baptist Church.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Melinda (Rivera) Travers; three sons, Brian M. Travers, Jr., Brendan Travers and Sean Travers all of Climax, New York; and numerous other family members and dear friends.
Funeral service was Monday from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville. Friends called at the funeral home on Sunday. Interment will be in the Medway Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Brian's memory to the Medway Volunteer Fire Co., Medway, New York.
April 22, 2004
GERARD ALVIN WAGNER
Gerard Alvin Wagner, 72 years, of Willowbrook Farm, Surprise, New York, passed away on April 16, 2004 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York following a lengthy illness. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 28, 1931, son of the late Alvin Gerard and Rose (Cundiff) Wagner.
Gerard graduated from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, class of 1947. Mr. Wagner served in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He completed his education following his service to the country.
He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1956 and 1958. He then began his teaching career in speech and communication. He was a member of the faculty of the University of Houston, University of Indiana, University of South Florida, St. Leo's College and SUNY at Albany.
Gerard was a published poet and continued to mentor and teach all who knew him. He retired from the landscaping business in 2002.
Gerard leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Sarah (Bessie) Wagner of Surprise; his sons, Steward A. Wagner and his wife Michealina of Riverdale and Dr. Clifford G. Wagner and his wife Claire of Saranac Lake; his three grandchildren, Caitlin, Matthew and Mason Wagner, also of Saranac Lake. He also leaves a large extended family of loving friends.
The family gratefully acknowledges the support and care of the staff on McCauley 4 at St. Peter's Hospital, the Pheresis Unit at Albany Medical Center and Dr. Edwin Taft and his staff.
Relatives and friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York on Wednesday, April 21 from 3 to 7 p.m. A memorial celebration will follow at a later date.
Those wishing to remember Gerard in a special way may contribute in his memory to either the Greenville Rescue Squad or Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene.
April 22, 2004
BLANCHE E. (PEGGY) FRELEIGH PECK
Blanche E. (Peggy) Freleigh Peck of Westerlo, New York passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the OLMLC in Guilderland, New York. Born in Hempstead, Long Island on July 28, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Ruth L. Chapman and Albert Freleigh; stepdaughter of Robert E. Ellis.
Peggy grew up in Indian Fields, New York, with her grandmother, Ellen Haines Chapman. She graduated from Bethlehem Central High School. During WWII Peg worked at the Voorheesville Army Depot as a bicycle courier. After raising her five children, she worked at Albany Medical Center in numerous positions. Many people may remember her by the numerous crafts she made which included Barbie doll clothes, Christmas ornaments and quilts. Peggy also loved to bowl.
Beloved wife for 59 years to Charles H. (Sonny) Peck Jr. who predeceased her in November 2000. Loving mother of Betty Ann and Richard Filkins, Margaret Ellen and Frank Zibura, Ruth Louise and Stephen Savino and Stephen James and Melissa Peck. Predeceased by her oldest son, Charles H. (Skipper) Peck III. Dearest grandmother of Pamela, Kimberly, Tammy, Stephen III, Nicole, Douglas, Brian, Kayla and Kaitlyn. Sorrowfully predeceased by her granddaughter Wendy Ann. She is survived by 11 great-grandchildren and sadly predeceased by one great-grandchild. Her only sister, Elizabeth Jane Dunston, predeceased her exactly two weeks ago, April 3, 2004. Fifty-eight nieces and nephews, many dear friends of Skipper, and dear friends, Mary D'Alessio and Dr. Julio Sosa also survive her.
Friends and family were invited to attend services at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville, New York. Calling hours were Tuesday and the funeral was from Cunningham's on Wednesday, April 21 at 10 a.m. with interment following in the Westerlo Cemetery. A covered dish lunch followed at the TWFD Woodman's Hall in Westerlo on Wednesday where friends and family were invited to attend.
April 29, 2004
SUSIE C. FURKO
Susie C. Furko, 90 years, of Catskill, New York, formerly of Greenville, New York, passed away at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York on April 18, 2004. She was a lifelong homemaker.
Susie will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Furko; a son, Andrew Furko; two daughters, Joan Elsasser and Mary Fox; a granddaughter, Tina Arp and a sister, Anna Halibrinova.
Surviving are a son, Robert Furko and his wife Jane of Greenville, New York; three daughters, Janet McArdell and her husband Gary of Earlton, New York, Betty Furko of Earlton, New York and Ann Grasse and her husband Pete of Catskill, New York; also six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was Thursday, April 22, from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called Thursday prior to the service. Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.
April 29, 2004
ANDREA C. CARMAN
Andrea C. Carman, 56 years of Earlton, New York, passed away at her home on April 25, 2004, with her loving family with her. She was born in Cobleskill, New York, daughter of Olin and Marion (Payne) Clapper. She loved life and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many.
Surviving are her husband, David Carman; a son, David A. Carman and his wife Diana of Greenville, New York; a granddaughter, Emily; eight brothers, one sister and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Wednesday, 2 p.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville. Friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene or to the American Cancer Society.
April 29, 2004
IRVING E. BONNEY, SR.
Irving E. Bonney, Sr., 76 years of Preston Hollow, New York, passed away at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York on April 19, 2004. He was born in Putnam, Connecticut on June 6, 1927, son of the late Edward and Margaret (Noble) Bonney.
He served for 31 years in the military forces of the US serving in the US Navy and a brief tour of duty with the US Air Force. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Assoc. and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Assoc.
Surviving are his wife, Kathleen (Classe) Bonney; two sons, Irving Bonney, Jr. of West Warwick, Rhode Island, Paul Bonney of Grand Rapids, Michigan; five daughters, Bonnie Pauley and her husband Robert of West Palm Beach, Florida, Margaret Baker and her husband Gregory of Haynesville, Maine, Susan Turner of Preston Hollow, New York, Patricia Roscoe and her husband Robin of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kathleen Grinnell and her husband Harold of West Warwick, Rhode Island; 24 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; a sister, June Walsh of White House Station, New Jersey; also several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Boulton.
Funeral service was Sunday, April 25, at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home Friday, Saturday and Sunday prior to the service. Interment was in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.
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