Utica Observer-Dispatch Memorials and Obituaries

All Memorials and Obituaries (88)

Exeter, New Hampshire Ruth Riley Wendell 1924 — 2024 Ruth Riley Wendell passed away on August 27, 2024, just a few months shy of her goal of making it to 100. Ruth was known for her love of travel, dogs, current events, and the color purple. She left an impression wherever she went and those who met her usually came away with a Ruth story. Ruth grew up primarily in Utica, New York, graduating from Utica Free Academy. Ruth earned a BA from Middlebury College and later a Master's in Education from Cornell. Following her college graduation, she worked in New York City, then moved to Binghamton, New York, where she met Roy Wendell, her husband of 43 years. Ruth called Binghamton home for over 6 decades. Throughout her working career, she worked as...

Nags Head, North Carolina Albert Frankin Hollifield 1939 — 2024 Albert F. Hollifield, 85, passed away on August 16, 2024. A memorial service will be held at Sandy Run Park in Kitty Hawk, NC, August 23 at 1 pm.

Baldwinsville, New York Ronald Z. Lado 1943 — 2024 Ronald Z. Lado, 81, of Baldwinsville, NY passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Friday, August 2, 2024. Born in Rome, NY, he was employed with Syracuse Equipment and retired from Empire Crane in 2010 and was previously employed with Pettibone Crane Company for 23 years. Ronald was a world traveler and loved the outdoors. He was predeceased by his parents; Zigmond and Bertha (Cidzik) and brother, Dennis Lado. Ronald is survived by his loving wife Shirley Kleaka, high school sweetheart of 60 years; children, Mark (Panjai) Lado of Greer, SC, Tracey (Dana) Chesbro, Baldwinsville, NY and Jason (Susan) Lado of Memphis, NY; and two grandchildren, Justin and...

Syracuse, New York Alpha M. Allbright 1938 — 2024 Alpha M. Allbright June 29,2024 Alpha "Auntie" Alph" M. Allbright, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday with her family by her side. She was born in Utica, New York and graduated from Utica Free Academy and Utica State School of Nursing class of 1959. In 1979, she received her Bachelor of Professional Services from SUNY School of Tech. From a young age, Alpha was drawn to the noble profession of nursing. Her journey was marked by determination and unwavering commitment, traits that propelled her to become the head nurse at Faxton Hospital at the age of 24. After receiving her bachelor's degree, she continued her care of others at ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter where she served as County...

Denver, Colorado Mary Jane (Esposito) Spanfelner 1934 — 2024 Mary Jane "Jane" (Esposito) Spanfelner, 89, of Boulder, CO, passed into eternal life, surrounded by her three children, on Friday, April 12, at the Swedish Medical Center in Colorado. Born April 13, 1934, in Utica, to the late Nuncio and Genevieve Esposito, she graduated from Proctor High School. Her thirst for knowledge led her to St. Luke's Memorial Hospital School of Medical Technology, where she honed her skills as a medical technologist, and Utica College of Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Combined Sciences. As one of only two women in the postsecondary program for science at the time, Jane was recognized for her academic excellence, affiliating with...

Utica, New York Sister Patricia McNally, CSJ 1944 — 2024 McNally, CSJ, Sister Patricia Utica ? Sister Patricia McNally (formerly Sister Michael Maureen), 80, died on March 29, 2024, in Utica, N.Y., in the 60th year of her religious life. Born in Syracuse, Sister Patricia was the daughter of Henry and Geraldine (Colomb) McNally. She was a member of St. Lucy's Parish and graduated from St. Lucy's Academy. On August 6, 1965, Sister Patricia entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In preparation for her ministry, she earned a Batchelor's in elementary education from The College of Saint Rose and a Master's in religious education from St. Michael's College. From 1969 through 1988, Sister Patricia taught at schools In the Syracuse and...

Sterling, Virginia Eugene R. DeCrisci 1935 — 2024 On the afternoon of March 28, 2024 Eugene (Gene) R. DeCrisci, age 88, heard the summons of his mighty Creator. He was surrounded by the tender voices of his wife and children as he departed this world for the next. True to his character and in keeping with his personality, Gene chose his moment with great care and love for his family coupled with the inherent dignity and respect he desired. Eugene was born of humble beginnings in Utica, New York on July 20, 1935. His parents, Vincent DeCrisci and Angeline (Capraro) DeCrisci Barilla, welcomed him into their family which was rich with familial love, beautiful Italian heritage, and heartfelt conviction of the importance of respect, loyalty,...

Bluffton, South Carolina Sherry G. Tonazzi 1946 — 2024 Sherry G. Tonazzi, 77, of Bluffton, SC passed away February 2, 2024. Please see Sauls Funeral Home Bluffton, SC (www.saulsfh.com) for complete obituary.

Riverview, Florida Kenneth J. Hyle, Jr. 1945 — 2023 Kenneth J. Hyle Jr., 78, of Riverview, Florida passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, October 14, 2023. He was born in Utica, New York on July 27, 1945, a son of the late Kenneth Sr. and Shirley Hyle. He attended VVS High School and received a nursing degree from Mohawk Valley Community College. On August 28, 1982, he married Donna E. Pender in Utica. Ken's life was a testament to selfless service. He served his country with honor for more than 20 years with the U.S. military, both active duty and reserve. He was a Hospital Corpsman and Operating Room Technician in the U.S. Navy, and later was a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He...

Guilderland, New York Cynthia J. Wadach 1952 — 2023 Cindy J. Wadach of Guilderland NY passed away October 7th, 2023, following a brief illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church in Guilderland at 11 AM followed by a celebration of Cindy's life at The Guilderland Fire Department from noon to 3 PM. All are welcome to attend. Online condolences and service locations at Fredendallfuneralhome.com

Guilderland, New York Cynthia J Wadach 1952 — 2023 Cynthia J. Wadach "Cindy" of Guilderland NY died on Thursday September 28, 2023, following a brief illness. Online condolence and service info visit Fredendallfuneralhome.com.

Exeter, New Hampshire Chester S Galinski 1939 — 2023 Chester "Chet" Stanley Galinski Jr - a family man with a bright, bubbly personality, infectious smile, gifted storyteller, and jokester joined his loving wife in heaven on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Chet was born to Chester and Lilian Galinski on January 21, 1939, where he worked on the family farm, Christmas Knob, in Clinton, NY throughout his childhood. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1958 and from Mohawk Valley Technical Institute in Mechanical Technology in 1960 and had a long, successful career at Business Services Company. He met Barbara Franciose in 1957 and after a "long" engagement they married in Danvers, MA in 1962. They built a loving home at 19 Concord Blvd in New...

Camillus, New York Mary L. Thurston 1948 — 2023 Mary L. Thurston, 75, of Syracuse, passed away on Tuesday at Francis House after several months of illness. Born in Utica to Clement and Marguerite Wilsey, she graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1966 and married Gary Thurston in February 1969. Mary Lee was a mother to five sons and a beloved "Nana" to 11 grandchildren, including seven granddaughters for whom she finally had the chance to buy girls' clothing! In addition, all 11 spent their first winters wrapped in buntings that she lovingly crocheted. When Mary's youngest started kindergarten, she returned to school, enrolling in St. Joseph's Hospital Nursing School. In a move that surprised no one, she chose labor and delivery upon...

Baldwinsville, New York John E. Cruskie 1962 — 2023 John E. Cruskie, 61, of Baldwinsville, NY passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at home with his partner Shawn at his side, after a long illness. He was born in New Hartford, NY where he was raised and educated. John graduated from New Hartford High School and continued his education receiving Bachelor's degrees from Hamilton College and Syracuse University. He was currently employed with World Fuel Services in Parish, NY. Throughout his life, John will be remembered for his hard work ethic. He is predeceased by his uncle, Andrew Chruscicki. Surviving to cherish his memory is his partner, Shawn A. Geffert of Baldwinsville, NY, his parents, Joseph and Molly (Stauffer) Cruskie of New...

Alden, New York James N. Foss 1938 — 2023 Foss-James N. of Alden, N.Y. passed away on August 6, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Beloved husband of Myrna (nee Muchow) Foss; dear father of Jeffrey (Karla), Craig (Maria), Keith, Kelly (Rob) Miller, and Cindy (Drew) Sheldrake; oldest son of the late Norman and Anna Foss of Cowlesville; Jim is survived by his brothers John (Mary) and Arthur (Ann) and his sister Suzanne (late Cal) Doucette. He was the proud grandfather of James, Anne, Amanda (Phil) Broniszewski, Amie, Charlie, Laney, KC (Dusty) Williams, Stevie, Leah, Nick ( Larissa), Joe (Violeta), Morgan, Katie (Justin) Myers, Megan (Isaac) Pelletier, Shannon, Lauren (Ethan) Dupin, Kylie and Caden; great-grandfather of Shianne, Mia,...

Warrenton, Virginia Diane Delaney Hartney 1943 — 2023 Diane Delaney Hartney, June 18, 1943 - July 31, 2023. Long time resident of Vienna, Virginia. She was born and raised in Ogdensburg, NY, the oldest of four children. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Tom Hartney, as well as her sister Mary Jo Acerno, and her brother Tom Delaney, assorted brothers and sisters in law, many nieces and nephews, and friends too numerous to count. She was predeceased by her brother Paul Delaney. Diane's bright red hair made her stand out in any crowd, and she had the fiery personality of a red-head, which charmed and delighted all who knew her. In her long life she was many things: daughter, wife, beloved aunt, hard-working colleague,...

New York Mills, New York Dakota Storm Williams 1998 — 2023 Dakota Storm Williams, 25, formerly of Cleveland, currently of New York Mills, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2023. Dakota was born in Syracuse, New York on June 13, 1998 to Scott Williams and Michelle Walsh. Dakota was employed with UPS in New Hartford NY as a package loader. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved hiking and fishing. Dakota had a dream of swimming with sharks. In his free time, he enjoyed running, playing sports including soccer, golf, and basketball, and had a true love for photography. Dakota especially loved spending quality time with his family including his nieces, nephew and siblings. He cherished his family, friends and pets, Bailey, Tippy, Chloe, Boomer,...

Sea Island, Georgia Charlotte Clare Seeber Guido 1945 — 2023 With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Charlotte Clare Seeber Guido, a lady whose bright smile and sweet spirit touched the hearts of many. Charlotte passed away on May 6, 2023, at her home on Sea Island, Georgia, surrounded by loved ones. Born February 11, 1945, to Irving and Marie (Nellie) Lambert Seeber, Charlotte spent her early years in Mohawk, a small town in upstate NY. It was there she met her husband Bob, and the two graduated from Mohawk Central High School in 1963, 1964. Charlotte was a woman of many passions, known for her unwavering love for children, animals, baseball and gardening; her green thumb was well-known among friends and family. Her passion for literature was...

Palm Harbor, Florida Matthew D. Lewis 1979 — 2023 Matthew D. Lewis, age 43, of Palm Harbor has sadly and unexpectedly passed on April 25, 2023, at Mease Countryside Hospital with his family by his side. Born September 25, 1979, in New Hartford, NY to Jerauld F. Lewis, Jr. and Linda Yoworski Lewis. He graduated from Clinton Central High School, Class of 1998. He then attended State University Of New York in Albany, NY before later attending Weber State University in Ogden, UT. At the time of his passing, he had started and owned his own business, Loans by Lewis, LLC and had offices in Tampa, FL and Salt Lake City, UT. Matthew is preceded in death by his father, Jerauld Lewis. Matthew is survived by his mother, Linda Lewis (Robert...

Utica Observer-Dispatch Memorials and Obituaries | We Remember (2024)

All Memorials and Obituaries (88)

References