The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Obituaries

William C. Snyder – Obituary

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Petersburgh – William C. “Bill” Snyder, Jr., 90, passed away on Saturday February 5. Born in Petersburgh, he is the son of the late William and Jessie (Jones) Snyder, Sr.

Bill worked for The New York State Dept. of Transportation for 38 years until his retirement in 1986. He loved to work outside and no matter the season you would find him outside with the appropriate tool in hand. Bill was the last living charter member of the Petersburgh Rod and Gun Club. He was a past member of The Petersburgh Fire Dept., The Berlin Rod and Gun Club and helped to build the Petersburgh Veteran Memorial Hall. [Read more…] about William C. Snyder – Obituary

Helen J. O’Donnell – Obituary

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Grafton – Helen J. O’Donnell, 77, passed away on January 30, 2022 with her loving family by her side.

She was the daughter of David and Sarah “Sally” Porter, and devoted wife of David J. O’Donnell. 

Helen grew up in Catskill, NY. After graduating high school, she entered the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing and began 45-year nursing career with Albany Medical Center. She was a truly devoted and hard working registered nurse. Her compassion and dedication was evident in the way she cared for her patients.  [Read more…] about Helen J. O’Donnell – Obituary

Diana J. Gates – Obituary

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Berlin – Diana (Jones) Gates, 75, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022 surrounded by her family at Samaritan Hospital in Troy.

Born in Petersburgh on May 31, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Robert “Skeet” Lansing Jones. She was raised in Hoosick Falls and lived there until she moved to Berlin in the early 70’s with her husband Chris where they made their home for the next 56 years.  [Read more…] about Diana J. Gates – Obituary

Tuulia J. Fuller and Brian D. Fuller – Obituaries

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Berlin – Tuulia J. Fuller, 86, a resident of Berlin, NY, passed away November 20, 2021 at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation. Her husband of 63 years, Brian D. Fuller, 83, passed away November 28, 2021, also at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation. Tuulia was born in Tampere, Finland on July 16, 1935, the daughter of the late Kustaa Jokinen and Ida Koivikko. Brian was born in Murray, Utah on October 25, 1938, the son of Conrad A. Fuller and Burnice Neilson. 

[Read more…] about Tuulia J. Fuller and Brian D. Fuller – Obituaries

Edward E. Fredricks – Obituary

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Grafton - Edward E. (Birdman) Fredricks, III, age 68 of Grafton, NY passed away peacefully, Wednesday January 19, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his wife of 48 years Debra L. (Minkler) Fredricks.

Born in Troy, NY he was the son of the late Edward Fredricks Jr. and Eva A (Smith) Fredricks. He attended Troy City Schools. He was employed with Tek Hughes in South Troy, George Washington School, retired from Averill Park School District. He was currently employed with Rensselaer County. He served for many years as a Grafton Fire Commissioner and also a Grafton Town Councilman. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling and playing cards. He was an avid fan of the NY Giants and NY Mets. His passion was spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling down south every year.

Survived by his sons Edward Fredricks IV and Rollin Fredricks (Ashley Fegley) and daughter Sherrie Akin (Fredricks). Three Grandsons Landon Akin, Derrick and Eli Fredricks. Also survived by brothers William (Barb) Fredricks, Cameron (Karen) Fredricks, Arthur Fredricks (Sandy), Robert Fredricks (Diane) and Thomas "Tucker" Fredricks. Sisters Debra (Lou) Desso, Betty (Norm) Lester, Denise (Ron) Dawson, Bonnie (Ted) Ritrovato, predeceased by Carol (Scott) Selby and Mary Theresa Fredricks. He leaves behind his special friends Bill (Donna) Denue, John Farrell, and predeceased by his best friend Dan Tobin.

Special thanks to the Samaritan Hospital ICU staff and comfort care.

At Edwards wishes there will be no services. Memorial contributions can be made to the: Hudson Mohawk Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or The Grafton Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 134, Grafton NY 12082. The arrangements are under the direction of the Morris – Stebbins – Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street, Troy, NY 12180. Phone: 518-272-5802. For complete obituary, or to express your on-line condolences, please visit: MorrisStebbinsMinerSanvidgefuneralhome.com

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Lori A. Hoffman – Obituary

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Stephentown – Lori A. Wood Hoffman, 58, lost her hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was a courageous warrior until the end, never losing her willingness to live or her sassy humor. Lori was an avid animal lover, crafter, and shopper, who always had fabulous nails.

She was a 1981 graduate of Berlin High School, and a long-term employee of Time Warner/Spectrum. All who met her were truly blessed to have been in her presence. 

Lori leaves behind her beloved husband of 33 years, Chris, her adored sons Brendan and Tyler, her sister Debbie (Michael) Clark, her adopted grandchildren Mason and Jaxson, her dear cousins Carolyn Edwards Hourihan and Greg and Dwight Edwards, her bestie Lori Killeen, her nieces and nephews Russell and Cheryl Hoffman, Matthew, Josh and Nick Howard, Frankie and Andrew Frost, along with many other beloved family members and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown on Friday, January 21, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm at the funeral home with a reception to follow at the Stephentown Town Hall on Grange Road.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Care Center, Medical Oncology, 317 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.

[Read more…] about Lori A. Hoffman – Obituary

Alfred Eberle – Obituary

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Hoosick Falls – Alfred John Emmanuel Smith Eberle, 93, a lifelong resident of Hoosick Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2021, following a short illness.

Born June 27th, 1928, in Albany, New York, Alfred was the son of the late John and Margaret (O’Brien) Eberle. He received his early education and graduated in 1947 from St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls. On May 10th, 1952, he married the late Anne Croteau at Sacred Heart Church in Bennington, Vermont. 

Alfred served as a corporal in the Army National Guard for a few years following World War II. His service to his country was something he was quite proud of. Following his military service and the start of his family, Alfred was employed as a production worker at the Wood Flong Corporation in Hoosick Falls. He held many jobs during his life, as hard work and supporting his family was very important to him, so important that he didn’t retire until he was 89 and a half.

Alfred attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and was a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council #457. He was elected to be a town trustee for Hoosick Falls. He also loved apple pie and saying his catchphrase “EGBAR” which stands for “everything’s gonna be alright.” 

He is described as a true gentleman, who was selfless, giving, and kind. He also had a terrific sense of humor and a spectacular smile that was always present. Alfred was the sweetest father, and our everything according to his children. He will be so deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him. 

At the time of his death, Alfred was the oldest living Eberle. Even during his last hours, he had no complaints, as complaining was never his style. He also was a few hours shy of celebrating being 93 and a half.

Survivors of Alfred include his children: JoAnne Brown (William) of Hoosick Falls, Mary Douget (Bobby) of Basile, Louisiana, Carol Eberle of Latham, New York, Alfred Eberle (Carlos) of Sacramento, California, and Yvonne Mendelson (Mike) of Unicoi, Tennessee. Alfred is also survived by eleven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren, soon to be eighteen, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

Another important survivor of Alfred is his calico cat, Baby, who was a loyal companion for the last few years of his life. 

He is predeceased by his wife of over 65 years Anne Eberle and their son John Eberle, as well as his thirteen siblings. 

Contributions in memory of Alfred may be made to the Karen and Molly Mcgovern Fund, through the office of the E.P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main street, Bennington, Vermont 05201.

Guestbook Condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

Elsie Risedorf – Obituary

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Grafton – Elsie Risedorf, formerly of Grafton, and Morris Plains, NJ, passed peacefully on January 6. She turned 95 on February 5. During the past five years she had been enjoying life in the Dallas area. Her two younger children, family and friends kept her busy. Always upbeat, the COVID-19 shutdown was just a temporary annoyance. Elsie patiently waited for her adventures to continue; during the past months she attended many events and family gatherings.

Elsie and husband Ken bought the former Mountain Top in 1987 and renamed it The Grafton Inn, where they catered or hosted hundreds of parties, celebrations, weddings, conferences, coffee hours, wine tastings and picnics during their twenty years of retirement. Ken passed away in 2010, but Elsie carried on. Soon after her 90th birthday at the Wager Sr. Center in Grafton, Elsie packed up some boxes and flew off to Dallas. She missed her life and friends in Grafton but happily settled into her new home.

Elsie was proud of her 100 percent Swedish heritage and was a lifelong member of the Vasa Order of America, a Swedish fraternal organization. Many of her cousins from Sweden have been to the Grafton Inn, and she had been to Sweden to keep the connections with her family there of over 100 cousins.

For the past few years Elsie lived in a beautiful care facility just a few miles from family. The staff there, along with her friends and family members, all made her life sweeter and richer in every way.  

Elsie is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous cousins in the United States and Sweden.

Rest in peace, Elsie.

[Read more…] about Elsie Risedorf – Obituary

Andre Jones – Obituary

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Grafton – Andre Jones, age 66, followed Jesus to Heaven, full of peace and faith, surrounded by his loving wife and children, on December 20, 2021. He was born September 13, 1955, in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, France, while his father was stationed there in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Jones, brother, Howard (Bub) Jones and sister, Paula Dixon.

Andre was a reliable husband, father, friend and a lifelong general contractor known for his expertise and integrity. Most recently, he partnered with his youngest son, Russell, to form A and R Jones Contracting Inc. Andre’s love of life was inspiring. He was always digging deep into his interests. He had many hobbies and a long list of mastered skills. Once he decided to learn about something, he put all he had into it. His most recent endeavor was sustainable farming and traditional food preparation as a way of providing his family with healthy, chemical-free food. He spent years converting woods on his property to pasture and began gardening, [Read more…] about Andre Jones – Obituary

Wesley Vars – Obituary

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Grafton – Wesley Vars passed from this life in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. He was 65 years old.

Born in Troy, he was son of the late Wesley Vars, Sr. and Marion (Burdick) Vars. Wesley lived in Cropseyville for most of his life and attended Berlin Central Schools. He was initially employed by W.J. Cowee of Berlin and later by Saint Gobain in Hoosick Falls from where he retired.

Wesley enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice fishing, cutting wood and the times spent at home with his family.

He was the beloved husband of Pamela (Laperle) Vars; father of Mark (Amy) Vars, Joseph (Erin) Vars, Stephanie (Jason) White and the late Dawn Cummins; grandfather of Dawn, Brent, Blake, Candace, Zachary, Zoey, Trinity, Brianna, Logan, Joey, Jakob, Madison and Stephen; great-grandfather of Cade, Benjamin and Bellamy; brother of Edward (Louise) Vars, Brian (Barbara) Vars, Alan (Gloria) Bentley, the late Brenda Vars and Clayton Bentley; as well and many nieces and nephews.

Wesley’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of the Community Hospice for the wonderful care given to Wesley and for the support offered to his family during a difficult time.

There will be no formal services held and for those wishing to remember him in a special way, donations in Wesley’s memory may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home of Petersburgh, NY.

Visit www.parkerbrosmemroial.com to leave a pleasant memory or to express your sympathy to Wesley’s family.