Obituaries
from the
Greenville Press
January 2006
Transcribed by Melanie Fisher-Citty
Obituaries provided by April Saccoccio
FRANCES CUSTANCE
Frances Marie Custance, 58, of Freehold, formerly of Catskill, died Saturday December 10 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, where she had been a patient since November 19.
Born in Saugerties April 26, 1947, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Edith Bovee Schaffer.
Custance was a 1966 graduate of Saugerties High School.
She had previously been employed by several pharmacies in Catskill and spent the last 17 years as a monitor at Catskill High School.
She had also spent 13 summers employed as a chambermaid at Carl’s Rip Van Winkle Motor Lodge.
Surviving are her husband of 38 years, Robert Custance; a son, Scott E. Custance and friend Rachel Wadman of Freehold; a brother, William “Boo” Schaffer of Saugerties; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, including Randy Lewis and Shirley Wase of Catskill, and Susan Ryan of South Egremont, MA.
Interment was in the Town of Catskill Cemetery.
Arrangements were with the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Catskill.
January 5, 2006
CLAUDIA ROSCOE
Claudia Marie “Connie” Roscoe, 60, of Athens, formerly of Catskill, died Sunday, December 25 at St. Peter’s hospice in Albany after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Ithaca December 9, 1945, the daughter of the late Dwight A. and Esther Marie Keeney Larson.
She graduated from Lansing High School and married Charles W. Roscoe on July 9, 1972.
She was the director’s assistant at the Sarah Philip House in Catskill until it closed. She provided domestic care to three generations of the Dubois, Jenkins, Christopher, Crow and Graff Families.
An accomplished seamstress and quilter, she was inducted into the Hunter Mountain Quilters Hall of Fame in September 2004.
Roscoe was a member of the Friends of the Library, Rivertown Crafters, Cairo Piecemakers and the Cairo United Methodist, and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star chapter 293 and Meeting House Hill Chapter NSDAR in Cairo.
Survivors include her daughter and grandchildren, Mrs. Steven (Marie) Lackie and Kayla and Matthew Lackie of Round Top; a sister, Jeannette Reeves of Syracuse; three brothers, Peter Larson of Groton, Perry B. “Brownie” Larson of Gaffney, SC, and Michael Larson of Groton; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Timothy Larson; sister Nancy Gobel; and husband Charles William Roscoe, who died February 3, 2004.
Private cremation took place at the Albany Rural Crematorium, Menands.
Inurnment will be in the spring in Catskill Rural Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to New York Oncology Hematology, P.C., 317 South Manning Boulevard, Suite 280, Albany 12208, or to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Arrangements were with Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Catskill.
January 5, 2006
SHIRLEY BRANDOW
Shirley R. Brandow, 79, of Cairo, died Tuesday, December 20 at Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill after a long illness.
She was born in Cairo January 17, 1926, the daughter of the late Courtney and Ruth (Lindsey) Palmeter.
Brandow was lifelong resident of the Cairo and was member of the Cairo United Methodist Church.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Morton’s Department Store in Cairo for more than 20 years.
Survivors include her husband, Arthur H. Brandow Sr. of Cairo; a daughter, Linda Brandow of Cairo; and a son, Arthur H. Brandow Jr. of Freehold.
Private cremation places took place at the Albany Rural Crematorium, Menands. Gravesides services in the Riverside Cemetery of Coxsackie, will take place in the spring, with the time to be announced. The Rev. Retta Lykens of the Cairo United Methodist Church will officiate.
Arrangement were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
January 5, 2006
DONALD JACK
Donald R. Jack, 94, of Cairo, died Saturday, December 31 at Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home, Troy.
He was born in Ossining May 25, 1911, the son of the late Hugh and Lillian (Cronk) Jack.
Survivors include his sons, Donald Jack Jr. of Arkansas and Patrick Jack of Floral Park, Long Island; his daughters, Lorraine Scarpinati of Cairo and Ellen Pulice of Athens; a sister, Lillian Malkus of Cairo; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Private cremation took place at the Albany Rural Crematory, Menands.
Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
January 12, 2006
DOROTHY RIVENBURG
Dorothy Rivenburg, 80, of Rensselaerville, died Thursday, January 5, at Good Samaritan Lutheran Health Care Center in Delmar.
She was born in Westerlo April 16, 1925, the daughter of the late Winford and Blanche (Weinberger) Rivenburg.
Rivenburg was a homemaker and lifelong resident of Westerlo and Rensselaerville communities. She had the honor of being named Miss Westerlo of 1943 and was a devoted wife and mother.
Surviving are a daughter, Phyllis Fitzgerald of Westerlo; a brother, Glenn Rivenburg of Selkirk; and several nieces and nephews.
Her husband, Francis “Bud” Rivenburg, predeceased her in 1986. Her brother, Earl Rivenburg, and a sister, Mildred Frederick, also predeceased her.
Spring interment will be in the Rensselaerville Cemetery.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Rensselaerville Volunteer Fire Co. or the Rensselaerville Ladies Battalion, 4990 Delaware Turnpike, Rensselaerville 12147.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
January 12, 2006
ELAINE SWARTOUT
Elaine E. Swartout, 76, of Evans Mills, died at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, December 29 at her home under the care of the her family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
She was born June 18, 1929 in Albany, the daughter of Clifford and Margaret (Lockwood) Matthews.
She graduated from Greenville High School and married Douglas R. Swartout on June 29, 1947 in Greenville. The couple lived in Clayton and in 1968 moved to their present home.
Swartout worked at a speaker plant in Durham prior to her marriage and once in the North Country she started a band called Elaine and the Moonlighters, which was popular for many years.
She also was a district dealer for Tupperware for several years.
Swartout was a founding member of the Evans Mills Ambulance Squad and a member of the American Legions Auxiliary and African Violet Club of Watertown.
Surviving are her husband Douglas; a son, Ronald Swartout of Carthage; two daughters, Deborah Kennedy of Savannah and Judy Spitzer of Charlotte, NC; a sister, Marilyn Zimmer of East Durham; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Burial was in the Evans Mills Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice or the Evans Mills Volunteer Ambulance fund.
Arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter.
January 12, 2006
JUANITA BRITTON
Juanita Rose (Boughton) Britton, 80, of Delmar died at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter’s in Albany of Saturday, Jan 7.
She was born at home in Rensselaerville on June 12, 1925, the daughter of the late Manley and Mable (Cole) Boughton.
Britton was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Rensselaerville and the Trinity Women’s Guild. She also served as a member of the Ladies Home Bureau and Rensselaerville Historical Society.
Surviving are her sons, Donald Britton and wife Susan of Rensselaerville, and Gerald Britton and wife Kathryn of Latham; a daughter Eleanor Velasquez and husband Amulfo of Modesto, Ca; a daughter-in-law, Paul Britton of Westerlo; a sister, Doris Palmer of Dormansville; grandchildren Randall Britton Jr., Todd Britton, Tamatha Keppler, Samantha Britton, Lisa Chrysler, Donald Britton Jr. Jeffrey Britton, Gregory Britton, Regina Velasquez, Christopher Velasquez, Nanetta Velasquez, and Amulfo Velasquez Jr.; and nine great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Sanford Britton, a son, Randall Britton, and a brother Harley Boughton, predeceased her.
As to her request, she will be cremated and memorial service held at a later date.
Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Town of Rensselaerville Ambulance Squad.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
January 12, 2006
JEREMIAH O’ LEARY
Jeremiah A. O’Leary, 66, of Greenwood Lake, died suddenly at his home on Sunday, January 8.
He was born in Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland, on December 8, 1939, the son of the late Jeremiah and Ellen (Buckley) O’ Leary.
O’Leary was an automotive mechanic employed by Manhattan Ford in New York City and was a member of the UAW in Manhattan.
Surviving are his wife, Ann O’ Leary; his daughter, Ellen O’Leary of Middletown; two sisters, Kitty O’Leary of Ireland and Noreen O Connor of Greenville; three brothers, Donnie O’Leary, William O’Leary and wife Mary and James O’Leary and wife Kathlene, all of Ireland; 16 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 13, from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville.
Calling is today, January 12, from 2 to 4 and 7 and 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Greenville Cemetery.
January 19, 2006
ELIZABETH ANDREWS
Elizabeth Ila Andrews of Coxsackie, died Monday, January 9, four days after her 90th birthday.
She was born in Montreal, Canada, January 5, 1916.
She married Clifford Andrews in Montreal. He predeceased her.
Andrews retired from the National Bank of Coxsackie after 30 years of service.
She enjoyed volunteering at church, reciting Irish Stories and rhymes, and practiced daily devotion to the Lord according to the monastic Fellowship of St. John the Evangelist.
Surviving are her sons and a daughter-in-law, John and Ann Andrews of Maryland and Peter Andrews of Montreal; a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and George Back of Oklahoma City; granddaughters Teri Dillon, Suzanne Young and Heather Blewett; grandsons Marc Andrews, Jonathan Andrews, Christopher Andrews, John Andrews, Luke Back and George M. Back; and 12 great-grandchildren.
January 19, 2006
CAROL DEUTSCH
Carol A. Deutsch, 66, of Medusa-Rensselaerville died Thursday, January 12 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, Albany.
She was born March 7, 1939 in New York City, the daughter of the late John and Louise (Lancos) Engel.
Deutsch was a graduate of Mary-mount College and was the founder of the Mt. Sinai Methadone Maintenance Program in 1968. Though her professionalism and dedication to duty, she helped scores of human beings to take back their lives and live as productive human beings in society.
An avid collector of antiques, she could be seen throughout the northeast at auctions and estate sales. Deutsch also had a fond love for animals, many times rescuing animals from the Humane Society. She loved the outdoors, especially her own Double Dutch Farm in Medusa.
Surviving are her husband of 33 years, Edgar A. Deutsch; and two sisters, D. Engle of New York City and Mrs. Lane of Essex, CT.
A memorial service is planned Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.
Those who wish may contribute to St. Peter’s Hospice in Albany.
January 19, 2006
JOYCE KINGSLEY
Joyce Kingsley, 65, of Gilboa, died Wednesday, January 11 at St Peter’s Hospital in Albany after a brief illness.
She was born in Gilboa on July 2, 1940, a daughter of the late Alton B. and Clara M. Thorington Kingsley.
Kingsley was an executive secretary at General Electric in Schenectady.
She was a member of the Broome Center Chapel Church, the Gilboa Historical Society and the General Electric Women’s Club. She also was the author of the Times Journals Gilboa Column and enjoyed gardening.
Survivors include her sister, Linda (Christopher) Lucas of Middleburgh, Ruth Truedell of Gilboa and Sand (Ray Jr.) Benjamin of Leeds; nieces Christine Lucas of Middleburgh, Rebecca Truesdell of Delmar and Sabrina Benjamin (Mark Tisdel) of San Ramone, CA; nephews Scott Truesdell of Gilboa mark (Diane) Truesdell of Warnerville and Dean (Amy Benjamin of Greenville/ great-nieces Morgan and Jaida Truesdell; and great nephew Eric Truesdell.
Memorial donations maybe made to the Broom Center Chapel Church, Mace Road, Gilboa 12076, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Arrangements were with Palmer and Shaylor inc. Funeral Home, Middleburgh, and Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home of Cobleskill.
January 19, 2006
CORA LOUNSBURY
Cora Lounsbury, 75, of Westerlo, died Monday, January 16, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
Born in Berne January 19, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Claud and Lona (Sala) Vincent.
Lounsbury lived in the Westerlo area for many years, where she was a homemaker.
Surviving are her daughter, Diane Lounsbury and husband John of Westerlo; her sons, Ricky Chrysler and wife Kathy of Greenville and Wade Chrysler, Roger Chrysler and wife Lillian, Donnie Chrysler and wife Diane, and Kevin Lounsbury and wife Kathy, all of Berne, and James Lounsbury and wife Beth of Westerlo; three brothers, Gordon Vincent, Carlos Sala Jr. and Joseph Sala; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services are today, January 19 at 3 p.m. from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, and Greenville. Friends may call at the funeral home prior to the service from noon to 3 p.m. Interment will be in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Westerlo Rescue Squad or the American Diabetes Association.
January 19, 2006
JUDY LOMANTO
Judy (Clow) Lomanto, 42, of Greenville, died Tuesday, January 10 at home, with her family at her side, after a long battle with breast cancer.
She was born in Catskill May 11, 1963, the daughter of E. Virgil Clow of Catskill and the late Mildred (Marshall) Clow.
Lomanto was strong in her faith and relationship with God. She was actively involved in her church and loved listening to Christian music.
Besides her father, surviving are her husband, Jim Lomanto and son Anthony Lomanto, both of Greenville; her sister, Rosie (Clow) Kiefer and husband John of Williamsburg, VA; her aunt and uncle, Irene Blenis-Butler and Cliff Butler of Greenville; her dog snickers; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She also was predeceased by her brother Everett Clow, in 2005.
Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the rescue squad of their choice.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
January 19, 2006
SONIA MEYN
Sonia Meyn, 77, of Westerlo, died Sunday, January 15 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
She was born in New York City October 1, 1928, the daughter of the late Arthur and Elsie (Senkow) Hapanowich.
She was a lifelong homemaker.
Surviving are her two daughters, Linda Lasher and husband Henry of Westerlo and Barbara Denton and husband mark of Greenville; her grandchildren, Henry “Butch” Lasher III, Robert Lasher, mark Denton and Thomas Denton; four great-grandchildren, Crystal, Britney, Mark and William Denton; and her dog Blackie.
Her husband Frank Meyn Jr. predeceased her.
Funeral services are today, January 19 at 8 p.m., from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville, Calling precedes the service from 6 to 8 p.m.
Interment is Friday, January 20 at 11 a.m. in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Westerlo Rescue Squad.
January 19, 2006
WALTER PATTON
Walter Lee Patton, 58, died Wednesday, January 11 at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Hospital, surrounded by his family, after a long illness.
Born in Huntington, Long Island, he was the son of Ruth Ellen Patton Bergwall and the late George Patton Jr.
He attended Harborfields High school in Greenlawn, served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Adair during the Vietnam War and was a life member of the VFW post # 1019 in Albany.
He was employed in the construction industry for many years and as a self-employed carpenter.
Patton enjoyed fishing, boating, writing and debating current events.
Besides his mother, surviving are his son, Andrew; Sisters Ruth Ann Patton and Barbara (Greg) Ruff, both of Medusa, and Jeannette (William) Rice of Rensselaerville; his twin brother, George (Eleanor) Patton of Westerlo and brother Richard A. Patton of Guilderland; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services took place in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Tri-County Vietnam Veterans Association, P.O. Box 11100. Albany 12211.
Arrangements were with John H. Clinton Funeral Home inc., Troy.
January 26, 2006
LIONEL “FRENCHY” ALIX
Lionel J. “Frenchy” Alix, 82, of Surprise, died at the Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Delmar on Monday, January 23.
He was born in Montreal, Canada, February 6, 1923, the son of the late Joseph and Lumina (Berard) Alix.
After serving in Europe during World War II, he was honorably discharged form the U.S. Army Corps in April 1946.
He worked at the Watervliet Arsenal until 1977. After working as a machinist and metallurgist he retired as manager of the Officers Club. He also drove a school bus for the Greenville Central School District and he delivered fuel oil for C.A. Albright and sons for 10 years.
Alix was communicant of St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville and enjoyed being a greeter and usher at the church.
He loved sports and served as an umpire for the Greene County Softball league.
He was a member of Coxsackie American Legion Post # 0166, and enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, making maple syrup, homemade wine, beer and sausage.
Alix was constantly surprised with the antics of his youngest granddaughter Samantha a great-granddaughter Myah, both 4. He loved teasing them. Because he couldn’t remember names, most girls and women were called “Snoops” and most men he called George.
Surviving are his wife, Doris(Yannone) Alix; his children, Jeannene Albright (Eugene) of Hannacroix, Paul Alix (Julia) of Summerville, SC, Debra Perino (Joseph) of Catskill, and David Alix (Jessica) of Earlton; a sister, Laurette Snyder (Richard) of Texas; a brother, Norman Alix (Georgianna) of Grapeville; nine grandchildren, Susan Stafford (David), Jeffrey Albright, John Paul Alix (Michelle), Thomas Alix (Allison), Sara Mae Smith, Brandon Perino (Karoline), Lori Rausch (Max), Brian Perino and Samantha Alix; eight great-grandchildren, Heather Albright, T.J. Moore, Meghan, Chelsea, and Jonathan Alix, Ryan and Madison Alix and Myah Perino; three sisters-in-laws Evie, Loris, and Marie Alix; a former daughter-in-law, Pattie Young; and several nieces and nephews.
Three brothers, Andrew, Guy and Jerry Alix, and a sister, Jeannene Alix, predeceased him
Funeral services are today, January 26, at 10:30 a.m. from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Route 81, Greenville.
Burial is in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Good Samaritan Lutheran Health Care Center, 125 Rockefeller Road, Delmar 12054, or to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany 12208.
January 26, 2006
MICHAEL BALLOU JR.
Michael L. Ballou Jr., 52, of Cairo, died Friday, January 20 at his home.
Born in White Plains January 13, 1954, he was the son of the late Michael and Ida M. (Knott) Ballou Sr.
An are resident for the past 14 years, he was a member of the Mount Vernon Police Department Auxiliary, Unit and a member and assistant coach of the Greene County Pop Warner League. He also enjoyed hunting.
Surviving are two sisters, Margaret Ballou of Yonkers and Esther Ballou of Cairo; eight nieces and nephews; 24 great-nieces and great-nephews; and two cousins.
Calling hours are today, January 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richard Funeral Home, Bross Street Cairo.
Funeral services are Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. from the funeral home, with the Rev. Poncho Magana of Outreach Ministries Round Top Community Church officiating.
Burial takes place in the New Athens Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse 13220-3049, or to the American Lung Association, 3 Winner Circle, Suite 300, Albany 12205.
January 26, 2006
DOROTHY PETERSEN
Dorothy M. Klimpel Petersen, 76, of Franklin, WI, a former resident of the Greenville area, died Monday, January 16 at All Saints Healthcare, SMMC.
She was born in Hempstead April 22, 1929, the daughter of the late Rudolph and Lillian Cordes Klimpel.
She married Frank Sule Jr. on March 25, 1950. He predeceased her on August 16, 1972. She married William G. Petersen in Racine, WI, on October 11, 1980, and celebrated her 25th Anniversary with him last year.
Petersen was an active member of Franksville United Methodist Church.
Besides her husband, surviving are her daughters and sons-in-laws, Kristine (Dale) Changelo of Rouses Point and Sandra (Donald) McAneny of Racine, WI; stepchildren Karen (Jim) Jaeger of Madison, WI, Ken (Lisa) Petersen and Jim Petersen, all of Racine, WI; her brother and sister-in-law, Eduard (Phyllis) Klimpel of Conneaut, OH; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Two brothers, Robert and Donald Klimpel, predeceased her.
Burial was in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Franksville United Methodist Church.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
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