Betty Ann Ratajczak  
Betty Ann Ratajczak, 66, of County Highway 126, Broadalbin, died this morning at home.
She was born on June 12, 1935 in Amsterdam, the daughter of George and Marguerite Normandin La Mothe. She graduated from St. Mary's School and was a 1953 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, Amsterdam. Mrs. Ratajczak had resided in Broadalbin since 1972.
She was employed as a food service coordinator for the Fulton County Office For Aging and worked at the site in Broadalbin for 12 years. She retired due to disability in 1996.
Mrs. Ratajczak was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, Broadalbin, a former member of its choir and was very active in the Altar Rosary Society, serving as its president at one time. 
Survivors include her husband, Raymond J. Ratajczak Sr., whom she married on Sept. 6, 1953; two sons, Raymond J. Ratajczak Jr. of Broadalbin and Robert J. Ratajczak of Ballston Spa; two daughters, Bernadette Spooner of Broadalbin and Mary Jane Darling of Mayfield; a brother, George La Mothe of Saratoga Springs; a sister, Marguerite Sawicki of Owensboro, Ky.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 
Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home Inc., 38 W. Main St., Broadalbin. A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home; a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 2 North St., Broadalbin. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Fort Johnson. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association. 

Peter F. Romano  
Mr. Peter F. Romano, 90, of Saratoga Road, East Glenville, died June 15 in St. Clare's Hospital, Schenectady, following a long illness.
He was born in Amsterdam and was a graduate of Amsterdam High School.
Following his education Mr. Romano served in the Navy as chief machinist's mate during World War II.
He was employed for a total of 25 years as a toolmaker for General Electric Co., 12 years in Schenectady and 13 years at the Syracuse plant, where he was transferred in 1960. Mr. Romano retired in 1973.
He was a member of St. Margaret's Church, Syracuse. He returned to the area in 1984 from Syracuse and settled in Glenville. 
Survivors include one son, Anthony F. Romano of Gloversville; two daughters, Leilani C. Wright of Glenville and April Mulherin of Chesterville, Maine; one sister, Carmella Rukstinat of Amsterdam; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He married the former Clara Kohout on July 3, 1948. Mrs. Romano died on Jan. 22, 1997.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited and may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Friday, June 22, at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church, Union Street, Schenectady. The Rev. Joseph Romano, nephew, will officiate. Interment will take place at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, 22 N. Perry St., Johnstown, NY 12095 or St. Anne's Institute, 160 N. Main St., Albany, NY 12206. 
 
June 19, 2001

Jorge Aquino  
Mr. Jorge Aquino, 44, of Fremont Street, Gloversville, died Monday June 18, at Nathan Littauer Hospital after a long illness.
He was born on March 10, 1957 in Manhattan, the son of Victor and Clemencia Aponte Aquino.
Mr. Aquino was a 1976 graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School, the Bronx, N.Y.; a 1980 graduate of Fredonia State College; a 1997 graduate of Fulton-Montgomery Community College, and at the time of his death was working on a bachelor's degree from Empire State College.
He served in the Army. Mr. Aquino was employed as a New York City police officer until his retirement due to illness.
He attended St. Anthony's Church, Johnstown; was a member of the Johnstown Loyal Order of Moose; the Police Benevolent Association, and involved in student government at FMCC. 
Survivors include his wife, Tammy Hayes Aquino, whom he married on Dec. 24, 1998; two sons, Nicholas Aquino of Gloversville and Gilbert Aquino of California; two brothers, Federico Aquino of Portland, Ore., and Victor Aquino of Florida; one sister, Christine Costello of Toms River, N.J.; one sister-in-law, Ramona Hayes of Rome, N.Y.; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main St., Johnstown. Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. James Fitzmaurice will officiate. Cremation will take place at Vale Crematory, Schenectady. 
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or American Diabetes Association. 

Eleanor N. Bacon  
Mrs. Eleanor N. Bacon, 72, of County Highway 126, town of Perth, died suddenly Saturday at her home.
She was born on May 25, 1929 in Amsterdam, the daughter of Joseph and Clara Przelom Novak. She was a 1947 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, Amsterdam, and a lifelong area resident of the town of Perth since 1951.
Mrs. Bacon co-owned and operated Bacon's Tree Farm with her husband George.
She was a member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton County, and was a member of various tree growing associations in the Northeast.
Survivors include her husband, George B. Bacon, whom she married on July 10, 1949; a son, Doug Bacon of Westminster, Colo.; a daughter, Kathryn B. Harrington of Griswold, Conn.; three grandchildren, Meredith K. and Rebecca C. Bacon and Shauna L. Harrington; two aunts and several cousins.
There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place in the Pachaug Cemetery in New London County, Conn. at a later date. Arrangements are by Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home Inc., 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. 

Ruth V. Sweeney  
Ruth V. Sweeney, 87, a former resident of Petoff Garden Apartments, Gloversville, died Monday morning at the home of her daughter, Patricia A. Scafariello of Progress Road, Gloversville, after a long illness.
She was born on July 24, 1913 in Amsterdam and was a lifelong Gloversville area resident. Mrs. Sweeney attended Gloversville schools.
Mrs. Sweeney was employed as a glove worker for the former J. Myers and Sons Glove Shop, Gloversville, from 1929 until her retirement in 1974. 
Mrs. Sweeney was a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church and its Catholic Daughters. She was an officer of the Parent Teacher Association of the former McKinley Elementary School, Gloversville. 
She is survived by one son, John M. Sweeney of Middleville, N.Y.; two daughters, Rosemarie I. Mancini and Patricia A. Scafariello, both of Gloversville; one sister, Mary R. Petrillo of Gloversville; four grandchildren, Sheila M. Sacks and husband, Wayne, of Queens, N.Y., Sean M. Sweeney and wife, Lynn, of Bloomingburg, N.Y., Richard M. Mancini and wife, Nancy, and Kiersty M. Person and husband, John of Gloversville; six great-grandchildren, John F. Person, Brett P. Owen and Morgan J. Owen, all of Gloversville, Aidan M. Sweeney of Bloomingburg, N.Y., and Elizabeth M. Sacks and Paul J. Sacks, both of Queens, N.Y.; one cousin, William Keefe of Niskayuna; one niece, Kathleen A. La Rowe of Gloversville; nine great-nieces and great-nephews. 
She married John M. Sweeney on May 18, 1934, and he died in 1984. She was also predeceased by her parents, Genaro and Rose Salino Sweeney; one sister, Nicolena A. Sweeney; and one brother, James Petrillo.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at John W. Finocan Funeral Home Inc., 13 Prospect Ave., Gloversville. A prayer service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Gloversville. Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. 
Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 73 N. Main St., Gloversville, NY 12078. 

Josephine Husser  
Josephine Husser, 93, of Chestnut Street, Rome, N.Y., died Monday, June 18, unexpectedly at Beathny House, Rome. 
She was born on Feb. 10, 1908 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Leinardo and Maria Botta Alonge. Mrs. Husser moved from the Nassau County area to Rome in 1986.
She was a homemaker.
She was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by a son, Rowland Husser, and wife, Josephine Ruggeri Husser, formerly of Rome, now residing in Baltimore, Md.; two grandchildren, John Husser and Marie Wallis; and two great-grandchildren, Kenneth and Timothy Wallis. 
She was married to Leroy Husser, who died on Sept. 2, 1986.
There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Arrangements are by Barter & Donnan Funeral Home, Johnstown. A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. The Rev. James Fitzmaurice will officiate. 

June 20, 2001

Kenneth E. Mowrey  
Mr. Kenneth E. Mowrey, 81, of Church Road, Rockwood, died Tuesday, June 19, at Nathan Littauer Hospital after being stricken at home.
He was born on March 16, 1920 in Rockwood, the son of Roy and Bertha Hayner Mowrey.
Mr. Mowrey was a World War II Army veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Mr. Mowrey was employed for 42 years as a truck driver for the Fulton County Highway Department and retired in 1982.
He was a member of Royal Mountain Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7097; Sprite Club of Oppenheim, and a former member of the Rockwood-Garoga-Lassellsville Volunteer Fire Department.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Hill Mowrey, whom he married on March 29, 1942; one son, Kenneth R. Mowrey of Cobleskill; and three daughters, Joan Longfritz of Fonda, Mary Lou Gray of Johnstown, and Kathy Purtell of Scotia; one brother, Perle Mowrey of Gloversville; four sisters, Inez Mowrey and Beverly Heroth, both of Rockwood, Grace Arnst of Caroga Lake, and Helen Christman of Ephratah; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by one brother, Anson Mowrey.
Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main St., Johnstown. Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Rev. Kenneth Sickler will officiate. Burial will take place at Ephratah Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockwood-Garoga-Lassellsville Volunteer Fire Department.

June 21, 2001

George N. Holliday  
Mr. George N. Holliday, 70, of Route 10, Caroga Lake, died Tuesday, June 19, at Nathan Littauer Hospital after a long illness.
He was born on May 23, 1931 in Amsterdam, the son of Arthur and Beatrice Metzner Holliday.
Mr. Holliday was a graduate of the former Wheelerville High School and served in the Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954.
Mr. Holliday was employed as a construction worker and later was employed with the town of Caroga Golf Club. He also served as town of Caroga councilman from 1984 to 1996. 
He was a member of Fultonville Masonic Lodge 531; a former member of the Caroga Lake Volunteer Fire Department; charter member and past president of the Nick Stoner Trailers Snowmobile Club.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Joan Bennett Holliday, whom he married on Dec. 7, 1952; one brother, Kenneth "Jack" Holliday of Caroga Lake; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no calling hours or services. Cremation will take place at Vale Crematory, Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to the Caroga Lake Volunteer Fire Department or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Arrangements are by A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main St., Johnstown. 

Elizabeth Palmer  
Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Palmer, 65, of Forest Hill Towers, Gloversville, N.Y., died Wednesday, June 20, at Nathan Littauer Hospital after a brief illness. 
Mrs. Palmer was born on Nov. 14, 1935 in Gloversville, the daughter of Clarence and Carolyn Miller. She was a 1953 graduate of Johnstown High School and lived her entire life in Fulton County.
She was a former employee of the Acme and Price Chopper markets and the Tryon School for Boys in Johnstown. 
Mrs. Palmer formerly served as treasurer of the Forest Hills Tower Tenants Association and served on many of the Tower's committees. She was also active in plastic crafting. 
Mrs. Palmer is survived by brothers William A. Miller of Gloversville, and Clarence (Clancy) Miller and David Miller of Johnstown; and a sister, Merna Youngblood of Amarillo, Texas. She was predeceased by her husband, Edmond Palmer. 
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Mrs. Palmer's name may make them to Mountain Valley Hospice, 73 N. Main St., Gloversville, NY 12078. Cards of condolence may be sent to David Miller, 115 Hoosac St., Johnstown, NY 12095. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of her family. 
 
June 22, 2001

Betty Lyons  
Mrs. Betty (Gonyea) Lyons, 75, formerly of State Street, Gloversville, died Tuesday in Highland Hospital in Rochester after a short illness.
She was born on Sept. 26, 1925, in Johnstown. She leaves a legacy of loving family, good friends and acquaintances in Gloversville, Johnstown and Newark, N.Y. She resided in Gloversville for 13 years before she moved to Rochester in 1999. 
Mrs. Lyons was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Gloversville.
She is survived by her son, Robert Lyons and his wife, Debra, of Newark, N.Y.; a daughter, Melanie Chamberline and her husband, Richar, of Rochester; a brother, Adrian Gonyea and his wife, Claire; a sister, Adrienne Mooney and her husband, Paul; four grandchildren, Kirsten and Travis Lyons, Darcy Bernitt and her husband Mike, and Ainslie Chamberline; and one great-grandchild, Jared Bernitt;and several nieces and nephews.
A calling hour will start at 10 a.m. Saturday at Amico Funeral Home, 150 S. Main St., Gloversville. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Research Foundation. 

Robert Wilcox  
Mr. Robert L. Wilcox, 63, of County Highway 102, Gloversville, died Thursday, June 21, at Albany Stratton VA Medical Center.
He was born on Dec. 22, 1937, in Gloversville, the son of Milford and Pearl Podschelne Wilcox. He served in the Navy from Jan. 11, 1955, to Dec. 19, 1958.
He was employed at the former Pan American Tanning Corp. of Gloversville and the former Karg Brothers of Johnstown. He also owned and operated Wilcox Rubbish Removal for several years. 
Mr. Wilcox was married on Feb. 7, 1963, to the former Cecilia Warner, who survives. Other survivors include his son, Jamie Wilcox of Gloversville; two brothers, William Wilcox and Garry Wilcox of Gloversville; two sisters, Sharon Dutcher of Amsterdam and Patricia Fisher; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Robert L. Wilcox Jr.; and three brothers, Charles Wilcox, Edward Wilcox and Donald Wilcox.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home Inc., 51 Fremont St., Gloversville, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday. Interment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.
 
June 24, 2001

Peggy M. Snyder 
Peggy M. Snyder, 82, of Noonan Road, Fort Johnson, passed away Friday at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam.
Born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, on Oct. 9, 1918, she was the daughter of Norman and Alice Fairbairn Mark. She moved to Fort Johnson when she was just 7 years old, coming from England. She was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School.
Mrs. Snyder was a homemaker.
She was a member of St. Ann's Episcopal church in Amsterdam. She was a past matron and member of the Order of Amaranth St. Monica Court #61. She was also a member of the Harley Owners Group.
She married Richard W. Snyder on June 15, 1940. He died on May 7, 1982.
Survivors include two sons, Mark R. Snyder of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Roger C. Snyder of Fort Johnson, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Richard T. Pelosi, Stacy L. Waner, Sarah J. Snyder and Trevor M. Snyder; four great-grandchildren, Christopher J. Pelosi, Kimberly L. Pelosi, Mackenzie N. Waner and Mark L. Waner. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Joan M. Pelosi, and a brother, Trevor Mark.
Funeral services by the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home Inc., 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, N.Y., are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Pinegrove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Snyder's memory to GAVAC c/o the funeral home.
 
William C. Thompson 
William C. Thompson, 79, of Clinton Street, Johnstown, died Saturday unexpectedly at his residence.
Born Oct. 9, 1921, in Colorado, he was the son of Curtis and Mary Thompson. He lived in Colorado as a young man, moving to New Jersey, then to the Johnstown area in 1957.
He served during World War II with the Navy Seabees Corps from 1941-1944.
He worked as an auto mechanic, then as service manager at Johnstown Dodge from 1957 to 1979, at which time he retired.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.
Mr. Thompson married the former Nellie Coco on July 6, 1957, at St. Patrick's Church in Johnstown.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Anthony DeMarco and Alfio DeMarco, both of Johnstown, and John Thompson of North Carolina; three daughters, Mary Romano of Johnstown, Gloria Martin of Ledgewood, N.J., and Christine May of Penn.; 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A prayer service will be held on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. at the Barter & Donnan Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with the Rev. James Fitzmaurice as celebrant.
Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Barter & Donnan Funeral Home, corner of Main and Melcher streets.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shrine Fund of the Immaculate Conception Church, 1 Warren St., Johnstown, NY 12095.

June 25, 2001

John Darling Sr.  
Mr. John "Jack" Darling Sr., 56, of Caroga Lake, died suddenly Saturday morning at Nathan Littauer Hospital after being stricken at home.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1944 in Gloversville, the son of Richard and Evelyn Fischer Darling and stepmother, Marilyn Nadley.
He worked for some 25 years as a truck driver at National Welding Supply Co. of Gloversville and retired in 1996.
Mr. Darling was an avid bowler who bowled in the Fonda Men's League for many years and was also a member of the Teroga Red Men's Club of Johnstown and the Johnstown Moose Club.
On Oct. 30, 1965, he married Claudia Miller, who survives. He was also survived by five sons, John Darling Jr., Christopher Darling, Mark Darling Sr., Matthew Darling and Robert Darling Sr., all of Gloversville; a daughter, Sammantha Darling of Caroga Lake; three brothers, Gary Darling of Broadalbin, Wayne Darling of Atlanta, Ga. and Richard Darling of Gloversville; three sisters, Carol Cramer and Patricia Van Slyke, both of Gloversville, and Janet Austin of Broadalbin; 12 grandchildren. Mr. Darling was predeceased by a daughter, Catherine Darling; a sister, Joan Walker; and three brothers, Edward, Roy, and Carl Darling. 
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Amico Funeral Home, 150 S. Main St., Gloversville, where services will follow at 8 p.m. Cremation will take place at Leatherstocking Crematory, Cherry Valley, N.Y. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 50 Colvin Ave., Albany, NY 12206. 
 
Judith E. Ossenfort  
Judith E. Ossenfort, 55, of Parnell Street, Youngstown, Ohio, died Friday, June 22, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.
She was born on May 22, 1946 in Gloversville, a daughter of Forest and Melba Darling Bellen. She was a 1964 graduate of Mayfield High School and moved to the Youngstown area in 1977. 
She was a security guard for St. Mortiz Security Services of Austintown, Ohio.
Mrs. Ossenfort is survived by three sons, Tad D'Ambrosi of Oceanside Calif., Peter Ossenfort of Amsterdam and Robert Ossenfort of Youngstown, Ohio; a daughter, Laurie Ossenfort of Amsterdam. She leaves one sister, Joan Loveday of Gloversville; two grandchildren. She was predeceased in death by an infant daughter, Christina Ossenfort. 
A calling hour will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, at Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home, Hubbard, Ohio, where services will be held at 11 a.m. 
 
June 26, 2001

Erwin Page  
Erwin "Pin" Page, 88, of Elm Lake Road, Speculator, died Monday at St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam, after a long illness.
Mr. Page was born on Dec. 6, 1912 in Speculator, the son of James and Ruth Brown Page.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II. 
He worked for the Downey Garage for many years and retired in 1977.
Mr. Page was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Speculator, and Lake Pleasant Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include his wife, Emma Lang Page, three sons, Erwin L. Page Jr. of Marcellus, N.Y., Donald Page of Sierra Vista, Ariz. and Arthur Page of Speculator; a brother, James Leon Page of Speculator; two sisters, Esther Hoover and Gertrude Peck, both of Speculator; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Northville Funeral Home, 401 Bridge St. The service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will take place in Speculator Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Speculator Volunteer Ambulance Corps. 

Bethany Lynn VanEvery 
Bethany Lynn VanEvery, infant daughter of John VanEvery Jr. and Catherine Decker VanEvery of Gloversville, died Saturday at Nathan Littauer Hospital after being stricken. 
Bethany was born on April 25 at Nathan Littauer Hospital. 
Additional survivors include a brother, Blaine Alexander VanEvery of Gloversville; two sisters, Brittany Nikia and Briann Elizabeth VanEvery, both of Gloversville; her maternal great-grandmother, Catherine Roberts of Mayfield; her maternal grandmother, Marsha Decker of Columbus, Ohio; her paternal grandparents, Donna and John VanEvery Sr. of Mayfield; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Northville Funeral Home, 401 Bridge St. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mayfield Cemetery. 

Angelina C. Vertucci 
Angelina C. Vertucci, 82, of Vero Beach, Fla., died June 24 at Indian River Memorial Hospital, Vero Beach, after being stricken at home.
She was born on Sept. 28, 1918 in Derby, Conn., the daughter of the late Virgilio Viscosi and the late Lena Matterazo and stepdaughter of the late Gavino Pichizolo. She resided most of her life in Gloversville before she moved to Florida in 1984.
She worked for years as a seamstress in various glove shops throughout Gloversville. She also delivered Meals on Wheels in Gloversville.
She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Gloversville and St. Helen's Church in Vero Beach. She was a member of the Gloversville 55 Plus Senior Citizens Club and the Friends of the American Indians in Vero Beach. 
She and her husband were married on June 1, 1946 and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Survivors include her husband, Edward J. Vertucci Sr. of Vero Beach, formerly of West Street, Gloversville; children, Linda Ford of Rochester, N.Y., Edward J. Vertucci Jr. of Amsterdam and the late Patricia Vertucci; one sister, Jenny Robinson-LaDue of Amsterdam; two brothers, Alfred Pichizolo of Johnstown and Guy Pichizolo of Rochester; one grandchild, Christian Vertucci of Walnut, Calif.; three step-grandchildren, Frank Fattoruso of Amsterdam, Karen Egeling of Rochester, Jeffrey Ford of Rochester and the late Mark Ford of Rochester; two step-great-grandchildren, Ryan and Justin Egeling of Rochester.
The family will be receiving friends from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the John W. Finocan Funeral Home, 13 Prospect Ave., Gloversville. A prayer service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church. The Rev. Donald Czelusniak, pastor, will be celebrant. Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. 
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of WIZR Radio Station, PO Box 146, Johnstown, NY 12095. 
 
June 27, 2001

Catherine Close Gifford 
Catherine Close Gifford, 35, died Saturday, June 21, at her home in Valparaiso, Fla. following a long illness.
Mrs. Gifford was born on July 18, 1965 in Gloversville, the daughter of Peter and Sara Brown Close, who survive. She graduated from Mayfield Central School, and from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1989.
For many years "Coach Cathy" worked with children at the TLC Day Care Center in Fort Walton, Fla. until her illness. She recently founded the Kids Castle day care center at her church in spite of her illness.
She married Michael Gifford on April 15, 1989. He survives, as well as her son, Nicholas Gifford, and daughters, Alexandra Gifford and Samantha Gifford, all of Valparaiso, Fla.; her parents of Mayfield; her brothers, Peter Close of Smithfield, N.C., and David Close of Glen. 
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Walrath and Stewart Funeral Home Inc., 51 Fremont St., Gloversville. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the home of her parents, 118 Lakeview Road, Mayfield. The Rev. Noah James, a friend of the family, will officiate. Interment will take place at Union Rural Cemetery, Mayfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Kids Castle, c/o Sherrie Lidden, 665 Denton Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, or to the Gifford Children Trust Fund, c/o Central National Bank, PO Box 517, Fonda, NY 12068, or to the charity of choice. 
 
June 28, 2001

Robert W. Kobuskie  
Robert W. Kobuskie, 77, of Bleecker Street, Gloversville, died Tuesday following a brief illness. 
He was born on Dec. 28, 1923 in Gloversville, the son of the late Edgar L. and Katherine A. McLaughlin Kobuskie. He graduated from Gloversville High School in 1942. 
Early in life he worked for the J.C. Bleyl Leather Co., Gloversville. He served an apprenticeship for the former Rogers & Young Funeral Home, Gloversville, and later moved to New York City, where he worked for the Fairchild & Son Funeral Home. He returned to Gloversville in 1950 and was a Gloversville fireman for five years before founding the Kobuskie Funeral Home. He operated the funeral business until 1986, when he retired and sold the business to current owner, the Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home.
He was appointed to serve as Sixth Ward alderman in 1968 and was re-elected in 1973.
He also served as deputy mayor.
Mr. Kobuskie was a member of the Gloversville Common Council for many years. serving under three mayors, including Robert Best, Richard Hood and Eugene Reppenhagen. He was deputy mayor under Reppenhagen. Mr. Kobuskie was a member of Sacred Heart Church; Ferndale Cemetery Board of Directors for 25 years; a former member of the Gloversville Eagles lodge and the Ancient Order of Foresters lodge; the Fulton-Montgomery Funeral Directors Association and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. 
Survivors include his wife, Charlotte (Betty) Goebel Kobuskie whom he married on Feb. 23, 1946; two daughters, Katherine Anne De Marco of Johnstown and Mary Elizabeth Best of Melbourne, Fla.; one son, James Kobuskie of Gloversville; three grandchildren; Anthony De Marco III and Kimberly De Marco of Johnstown and Benjamin Best of Warrington, Pa.; and several cousins
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 147 Bleecker St., Gloversville. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. R.W. Williams will officiate. Interment will take place in Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown. Contributions can be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 73 N. Main St., Gloversville. 

Nicholas Christiano  
Nicholas Christiano, formerly of Gloversville, died June 5 in Long Beach, Calif., where he had been a resident for 50 years.
Mr. Christiano was born on March 21, 1928 in Gloversville, the son of Lucia Pezzella Christiano and Frank Christiano. Mr. Christiano served in the Marine Corps, where he participated in the occupation of China from July 1946 to January 1947. 
He is survived by three brothers, Anthony and Carmine Christiano of Gloversville and Frank Christiano of Punta Gorda, Fla.; two sisters, Mary Van Nostrand of Punta Gorda and Caroline Yerina of Gloversville; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Christiano was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Peter and Carl, all of Gloversville; and two sisters, Ann Soules of Mayfield and Theresa Mancusi of New Rochelle.
A memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 2, at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Gloversville. Interment will take place at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown. 

Bernice E. Cramer  
Mrs. Bernice E. Cramer, 90, of County Highway 143, Northville, died Wednesday at Nathan Littauer Hospital.
She was born on May 30, 1911 in Troy, the daughter of Cola and Elva Fountain Wilson. Mrs. Cramer lived in Northville since 1918 and attended Northville schools. 
She worked in the cafeteria for 25 years at Northville Central School and retired in 1973.
Mrs. Cramer was a member of the Wesleyan Church, Gloversville.
She married Clinton Cramer on June 30, 1931 and he died in 1996.
Survivors include a son, Harold Cramer of Northville; two daughters, Elvamae Baker of Corpus Christi, Texas and Bonnie J. Cramer of Liverpool; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A calling hour will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at Northville Funeral Home, 401 Bridge St., where services will be held at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Northville. 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesleyan Church, 68 Grand St., Gloversville, NY 12078. 

Walter Gunneson  
Walter Gunneson, 80, of Gloversville, died Wednesday at home after being stricken.
He was born on June 10, 1921 in Alberta, Canada, the son of Anton and Anna Bergland Gunneson. He attended Johnstown schools and lived in the area most of his life.
He was a World War II Army veteran.
He was self-employed and operated Walter Gunneson Plumbing, Heating and L.P. Gas Co., Gloversville. for over 60 years. 
He attended Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witnesses, Johnstown, and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2077, Gloversville.
He is survived by one son, Carl Gunneson of Gloversville; five daughters, Sharon Paul and JoAnn Brownell, both of Johnstown, Janice Winney of Broadalbin, Linda Gunneson of Gloversville, and Lisa Perry of Amsterdam; two brothers, Arthur and Robert Gunneson, both of Johnstown; one sister, Rose Draper of Sacramento, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edward and John Gunneson; and one sister, Inga Gunneson. 
The family will be receiving friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hollenbeck Funeral Home, 4 Second Ave., Gloversville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. Eldon Coultrup of Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witnesses, Johnstown, will officiate. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. 

Anna Huptick  
Mrs. Anna Huptick, 83, of West Pine Street, Gloversville, died today at Nathan Littauer Hospital following a long illness.
She was born on Dec. 12, 1917 in Johnstown, the daughter of the late Charles and Justine Riska Antalek. She was educated in Johnstown schools.
She and her husband operated the former Seaboard Shell-fish Co., Gloversville, from 1950 until their retirement in 1975.
She was a member of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Gloversville.
Survivors include one daughter, Carol Palmateer, and one son, William Huptick, both of Gloversville; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was married on Sept. 2, 1939 to William F. Huptick, who died June 4. She also was predeceased by one daughter, Susan Towne.
Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 147 Bleecker St., Gloversville. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Donald Czelusniak, pastor of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, will officiate. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. 

Helen F. Jennings  
Mrs. Helen F. Jennings, 79, of 405 S. Perry St., Johnstown, and Lake Helen, Fla., died June 27, at Nathan Littauer Hospital, where she had been a patient since June 12. 
She was born on Jan. 8, 1922 in Johnstown, the daughter of Michael and Clara Gordon Farrell Jr. She was a 1940 graduate of Johnstown High School and was a graduate of Bryant and Stratton College, Boston, Mass. She attended and later taught courses at American Institute of Banking.
Mrs. Jennings was employed for 40 years at Fulton County National Bank, Gloversville, and for many years was a trust officer by the bank until she retired in 1982. 
She was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Johnstown; a member of the board of directors of Willing Helpers Home for Women; a member of Pine Brook Golf Club; a member of Fortnightly Study Club; a former member of the board of the Johnstown Planning Commission, and a former member of Colonial Little Theater and Galway Players.
Mrs. Jennings is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Jennings of Johnstown; several nephews and cousins.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ehle Funeral Home, 15 N. William St., Johnstown. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Church. Cremation will take place at Leatherstocking Crematory, Cherry Valley, N.Y.
 
June 29, 2001

Edward R. Cozzolino  
Edward R. Cozzolino, 66, of Rochester, died Tuesday, June 26, at his home.
Mr. Cozzolino was born on Aug. 25, 1934 in Gloversville, the son of Salvatore and Rose Miranda Cozzolino. 
He lived in Rochester most of his life, and traveled the country as a self-employed music composer. 
He was of the Catholic faith.
He is survived by his sister, Frances Mezza of Gloversville, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.He was predeceased by his brothers, Ciro "Chick" Cozzolino, Patsy Derrico and Joseph Derrico; also by his sisters, Florence Capato and Mary D'Allesandro.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, July 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Gloversville. The Rev. Donald Czelusniak and the Rev. Justin John Capato will be celebrants. Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church Building Fund, 149 S. Main St., Gloversville, NY 12078. Arrangements are by Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home Inc., Gloversville. 

Elton M. Osborne  
Mr. Elton M. Osborne, 80, of Bates Road, Tribes Hill, died Thursday, June 28, at home after a long illness.
He was born on April 6, 1921 in Gloversville. The son of Walter O. and Zetta Reynolds Osborne. Mr. Osborne was a 1941 graduate of Johnstown High School.
Mr. Osborne was employed as a truck driver for Kasson & Keller of Fonda, and for Tryon Transportation of Johnstown until his retirement.
He was a member of the Tribes Hill Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Bates Osborne, whom he married on Sept. 6, 1942; four daughters, Bonita "Bonnie" Bartholomew of Jackson, N.J., Judith Hayes of Broadalbin, Beth Osborne of Fonda and Beverly Osborne of Schenectady; two sons, Paul Osborne of Gloversville and Douglas Osborne of Fonda; one brother, Roy Osborne of Denton, Texas; three sisters, Irene King of Walforth, Texas, Wilda Brothers of Schenectady, and Ernestine Wait of Johnstown; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by one son, David Osborne in 1944. 
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main St., Johnstown. Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services at 11 a.m. Monday at the Tribes Hill Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dan Wheeler, and the Rev. Donna Elia will officiate. Cremation will take place at Vale Crematory, Schenectady. 
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Amsterdam, 40 Guy Park Ave. Amsterdam, N.Y. 12010, or to the Tribes Hill Presbyterian Church. 

Ruth Katherine Behrman Potter 
Ruth Katherine Behrman Potter, 81, of 1061 Willow Run Road, Greensboro, Ga., died Tuesday, May 15, at Morgan Memorial Hospital.
She was born on Nov. 28, 1919 in New York City, the daughter of William E. and Mary S. Hults Behrman. She was a graduate of Hicksville High School and had been at the Willow Run address the last year.
She was employed as a secretary for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and ran Potter's Lodge for many years with her husband.
She was of the Lutheran faith.
She is survived by daughters, Jane Potter Fleming and husband, Kip of Greensboro, Ga. and Cynthia Walsh of Vestal, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Brian John Fleming, Meghan Walsh and Shannon Walsh. She was predeceased by her husband, John Pellow Potter.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 19, at Willow Run Retirement Home, Greensboro. Cliff Graham, lay speaker, officiated. 

Blanche Wadsworth  
Mrs. Blanche Wadsworth, 86, of West Stoney Creek, Benson, died Thursday at the Fulton County Residential Health Care Facility in Gloversville after a long illness.
She was born on Dec. 12, 1914 in Thurman, the daughter of Frank and Gertrude Hitchcock Wescott. Mrs. Wadsworth lived in Benson since 1933. 
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Wadsworth was a Protestant. She was a former member of the 55 Plus Senior Citizens of Northville.
Her husband, Charles Wadsworth, whom she married on May 22, 1933, died in 1995.
Survivors include four sons, Edward Wadsworth of Crown Point, N.Y., Daniel Wadsworth of Voorheesville, N.Y., Richard Wadsworth of Galway and Ronald Wadsworth of Fairless Hills, Pa.; three daughters, Evelyn Brown of Gloversville, Dorothy Parker of Granville, N.Y. and Beverly Blowers of Benson; a brother, Frank Wescott of Candon, S.C.; a sister, Grace Allen of North Creek, N.Y.; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday Northville Funeral Home, 401 Bridge St. The service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Upper Benson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity.