The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Obituaries

Elaine G. Sprunger

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Our dear mother and grandmother (Lois) Elaine Garrod Sprunger passed away at the age of 95 on September 14th, 2023. An only child born in 1928 to Arthur and Victoria Garrod of Philadelphia PA, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Robert J. Sprunger in 1991, several first cousins, and many close friends. She is survived by her children Beth (Michael) Berkowitz and Paul (Katie) Sprunger, and by her five adored grandchildren: Abigail (Erin Kinney-Sprunger) Sprunger, Olivia Sprunger, Jared (Lana LaBarbera) Berkowitz, Kelsey Berkowitz, and Kyle (Kevin Vietmeier) Berkowitz. She is also survived by her close friends Diana and Roger Corbett, and by many others who knew and loved her.

Proud Philadelphia city girl Elaine met country boy and sailor Robert (Bob) John Sprunger and they married in June 1950. Elaine soon became a pastor’s wife and thrived in that role. She was always heavily involved in all the church’s activities, including too many fall bazaars, church dinners, and vacation Bible schools to count. Elaine had a wonderful soprano singing voice, and was always a key member of the church choir. She also sang for many seasons with the Bennington County Choral Society, participating in small group solos on several occasions. [Read more…] about Elaine G. Sprunger

Gilman J. Gervais – Obituary

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Pittsfield – Gilman “Gil” Joseph Gervais passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, September 17th, 2023 at the Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Madawaska, Maine on May 24th, 1934, he was one of 10 children to Medley and Anne (Chase) Gervais.

Gil grew up in Maine, traveled for many years as a horse jockey and trainer, and moved to Stephentown in 1966 where he resided with his wife until 2022 when they moved to Pittsfield. After retiring from the horses he ventured into construction where he worked on commercial projects, residential projects, and installing in-ground swimming pools. Gil had a vast array of hands-on knowledge which he was proud to pass along to his son. He was an easy-going, friendly man who could get along with just about anyone. [Read more…] about Gilman J. Gervais – Obituary

Robert R. Blinstrub Sr. – Obituary

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Robert R. “Rudy” Blinstrub Sr., 87, passed away on Wednesday, September 6th, at Albany Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Theresa A. Blinstrub (Schmiegel).

Rudy was born on June 5th, 1936, in Hoosick Falls, NY, the son of the late William and Sophie (Couch) Blinstrub. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy high school and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was employed as a salesman for Casa Imports in Utica, NY. Rudy was a simple, loving, hardworking man who loved to laugh and joke. He enjoyed reading, taking walks with his dogs, and time spent with his family. He spent much of his time attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events. He also was an avid Yankees and Giants fan. [Read more…] about Robert R. Blinstrub Sr. – Obituary

Frank H. Babcock – Obituary

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Petersburgh – Frank H. Babcock, 77, died suddenly Monday, August 28th, 2023 at the camp of his companion, Colleen Manchester, in Franklin, NY.

He was born in Troy on December 13th, 1945, the son of the late Lewis Earl “Joe” and Pearl Crandall Babcock. He was raised and educated in Petersburgh where he was a lifelong resident.

Frank was employed as a logger for Ted Brogue Logging Company and later was employed for over 20 years by Rifenburg Construction in Brunswick as a heavy equipment operator before retiring. [Read more…] about Frank H. Babcock – Obituary

Thomas I. Bass – Obituary

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Bennington – Thomas I. Bass, 89, passed away on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont. He was the husband of Patricia (Liporace) Bass; they resided on West Road.

Tom was born on May 26th, 1934, in Hoosick Falls, NY, son of the late Irving and Grace (Mulready) Bass. Tom attended school in Hoosick Falls and was a veteran of the United States Navy. He served in the Navy from 1954-1956. Tom was a truck driver working for Superior Carriers in Bennington, Vermont. He enjoyed puttering in his shed, and fishing. [Read more…] about Thomas I. Bass – Obituary

Donald P. Lohnes – Obituary

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Canon City, CO – Donald P. Lohnes, 64, passed away suddenly, Saturday, June 17th, 2023. He was born in Bennington, VT on May 9th, 1959, the son of the late Donald R. Lohnes and Shirley M. (Adams) Goodermote. He lived in Hoosick Falls until 1974, when he moved to Cherry Plain. He was a 1978 graduate of Berlin Central School.

Donnie served 14 years in the United States Navy. He enjoyed all of the places his travels took him. [Read more…] about Donald P. Lohnes – Obituary

John E. Blowers – Obituary

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Berlin – John Elwin Blowers, 86, passed away peacefully following a short illness on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023.  Born on March 28th, 1937, he was the son of Elwin Blowers and Sarah Joebchen of Berlin, NY. John attended school in Berlin and was a life long resident of Berlin. John served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954-1957. Returning to Berlin, he started his career as a carpenter with Lloyd and Dee Goodermote Builders and then joined the North Atlantic Carpenters Union where he worked on many projects throughout the capital region. John was married to Jane Bryant Blowers who passed in 1966. John was a member and past Commander of the Berlin American Legion Post. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. After retirement he and his long-time companion Jennie Ellsworth spent winters in DeLand, Florida until Jennie’s passing in 2020.   [Read more…] about John E. Blowers – Obituary

Ronald Seifert – Obituary

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Ronald Seifert left us peacefully on Sunday, August 13th, 2023 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Ron was born in Ravenna, Nebraska on July 8th, 1938 to parents Adolph and Clara (Krause) Seifert. On his ninth birthday he left Nebraska with his parents and sister Elaine for a two-week visit with his sister Nat in Hoosick Falls. His mother fell in love with the area and Ron never returned to Nebraska (for a visit) until he was 30. [Read more…] about Ronald Seifert – Obituary

Dr. Marcus Edward Martinez – Obituary

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Dr. Martinez was born December 4th, 1971 to proud parents Dr. Philip and Gloria Martinez. Gloria once referred to Marcus as her change of life baby. And oh, how he changed her life. It all started shortly after his arrival home from the Putnam Memorial Hospital. An allergy to pine trees (discovered after he had been home for two weeks) necessitated a change in tradition from a family outing when the family would cut down a tree to purchasing an artificial tree. Six years later, he was at it again having life-saving surgery in Boston by the renowned pediatric surgeon Dr. Hardy Hendren. Yes, life was never dull with Marcus in the house. After graduating from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1990 [Read more…] about Dr. Marcus Edward Martinez – Obituary

Ellen P. Myers – Obituary

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Petersburgh – Ellen Pauline (Hewson) Myers, 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, August 4th, 2023 at her home, surrounded by family and friends as she entered peacefully into eternal life.

Ellen was born in Bennington, VT on April 5th, 1946 to her late parents, Francis Joseph Hewson and Marjorie Ellen (Stewart) Hewson. Ellen lived in Petersburgh her entire life. She was a graduate of Berlin Central High School in 1964 and then went to McCann Vocational School in North Adams for Medical Transcription. She then became employed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY as a Medical Transcriptionist and worked there for over 35 years. [Read more…] about Ellen P. Myers – Obituary