Obituaries from the 
Greenville Local
August 2005


Transcription by Lance Ware.
Newspapers courtesy of Sylvia Hasenkopf


August 11, 2005 

ROBERT DOUGLAS FISHER

Robert Douglas (Bob) Fisher was born in Albany, New York on December 22, 1958. He died suddenly in Barcelona, Spain, July 22, 2005.

He was cherished husband of Caitlin Acheson Fisher, "second dad" to twin daughters, Oenone and Danai, all of Barcelona. Bob leaves behind a multitude of family members who loved him dearly...his parents, Walter and Patricia Fisher of Westerlo, New York; his brother, Michael Snyder (Vaunda) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and his "second parents", Denis and Noni Acheson of London, England. He is also survived by many loving aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who are shocked and saddened by his death. Bob lived a lot of life in his 46 short years. One of his proudest achievements was walking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. He graduated from Greenville Central School in Greenville, NY, and also graduated with honors from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. He then went on to work on many films as a sound/boom operator.

He met his wife, Caitlin, while they were working on a film together in Barcelona in 2004. They were married on June 17, 2005, and were living there with the twins, when Bob was stricken. A memorial service was held simultaneously in Barcelona, and Westerlo at his parent's home on Monday, July 25, 2005 at 10 a.m. and attended by many loving friends and family members.

There are not enough words to express our thanks to all of you who helped us get through this. We would not have made it without you...the cards, food, flowers, phone calls, e‑mails, visits, Mass cards, prayers and mostly the love that you shared with us helped so much. We would especially like to thank Noni and Denis Acheson, Caitlin's parents, for taking care of everything in Barcelona, and their constant love and support to us, and also a very special thank you to Pastor Steve Peiffer of Dormansville Methodist Church, for his wonderful Memorial Service...it was so comforting to us all. His brother Mike said, "that it must have been that God wanted Bob up there for something very important"...we sure hope so!

We'll miss you, Bob – forever.

With our sincere gratitude and love

Walt and Pat Fisher
Mike and Vaunda Snyder


August 11, 2005

THOMAS L. TEICH

Thomas L. Teich, 82 years, of Freehold, New York, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2005 at the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York. He was born in Leeds, New York on August 4, 1923, son of the late Harry C. and Emily J. (Miedling) Teich.

Thomas was a graduate of Catskill High School and St. Lawrence University with a B.S. in Chemistry. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at St. Lawrence University. He proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII as an aide to General Dwight D. Eisenhower in the European Theater.

Thomas was the proprietor of the family business, Teich's General Store in Leeds, New York. He was retired director of Civil Defense for Greene County. He served as trustee of the Leeds School. Thomas was a volunteer fireman with the Leeds Hose Company and a member of the Leeds Dutch Reformed Church. He was predeceased by an infant son.

Surviving are his wife, Marjorie (Seaman) Teich of Freehold, New York; his son, Thomas Frederick Teich of Freehold, New York; his daughter, Debra Ann Teich of Smithburg, Maryland; a brother, Harry Charles Teich of Hartwick, New York; two sisters, Adine Teich Wilder of Burlington, North Carolina and Jane Teich Rich of Carthage, New York; and 13 nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, August 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Town of Catskill Cemetery in Catskill, New York. Friends are invited to the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for calling hours.

Those who wish may contribute in Thomas' memory to the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, NY 12414.


August 11, 2005

GENNARO GEORGE (JERRY) MASTRO

Gennaro George (Jerry) Mastro, age 92, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2005 at this home in Mesa. Jerry was born June 22, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Francesco and Mariannina (DiCristoforo) Mastrodicasa.

Jerry was a longtime resident of Freehold, New York and retired from the American Valve Company in Coxsackie, New York. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was an usher at St. John the Baptist Church for over 20 years. He moved to Mesa four years ago.

Surviving are a son, Paul Mastro of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren, Lisa Dessecker of Baltimore, Maryland and Dr. Michael Mastro of Alexandria, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Timothy Dessecker and David Mastro; and 12 nieces and nephews.

Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 13 at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville, New York and interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Catskill, New York, with his wife and daughter who predeceased him.

Arrangements were by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


August 11, 2005

BELVA M. POGGI

Belva M. Poggi, 68 years, of Albany, New York passed away at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital on August 6, 2005. She was born in West Sand Lake, New York on April 11, 1937, daughter of the late Rowland and Esther (Fredenburg) Pabst. She was a RN starting out at Albany Medical Center and Albany Memorial Hospital and then worked at several area nursing homes.

She was a lover of nature, gardening and an avid reader. She was devoted to the care of others and a friend to all she met. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.

Surviving are two daughters, Judy Franco and her husband Steven of Salem, Connecticut, Joanne Quirk and her husband Joseph of Half Moon Bay, California; two sons, Jeffrey Poggi and his wife Elizabeth of Norton, Massachusetts, James Poggi and his wife Dawn of Rochester, New York; also 11 grandchildren; a sister, Beverly June Bolton of Madras, Oregon; also nine nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Jane Pabst of Guilderland, New York, and her former husband, John A. Poggi. She was predeceased by a brother, Rowland J. Pabst.

Funeral service was Wednesday, 1 p.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 317 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12207.


August 18, 2005

JAMES “BUD” BECKER

James A. “Bud” Becker, 90 years, of Freehold, New York passed away at the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York on August 10, 2005. He was born in Freehold on November 21, 1914 son of the late Harmon and Ethel [Going] Becker. “Bud” had retired from Hannay Reels, Inc. Well-known in southern Albany and Greene counties “Bud” could fix just about anything. If it had run at one time give it to “Bud” and it would run again. All the locals who would bring things to be fixed and repaired will miss him. His soft demeanor and easy going way will be missed by all who knew him. When able he could be seen riding his motorcycle and enjoying the company of his many friends. He was a Charter Member of the Freehold Volunteer Fire Company and the Freehold C.C. Church. He was predeceased by his wife Viola [Gardiner] Becker and his sisters Genevieve Boomhower and Grace Kemper.

Surviving are his daughter Sandra Noirot and her husband Everett [Skip] of Freehold; three grandchildren, Walter Noirot and his wife Mary Jean; Pamela Chase and her husband Gary; Gerald Noirot and his fiancée Lisa; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Parker Chase; also two nephews, Fred and Thomas Kemper and two nieces Kathleen Peck and Eileen Joseph.

Funeral service was held Friday, August 12 at the Cunningham Funeral Home 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. Internment [sic] was in the Freehold Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Freehold Volunteer Fire Co. or to the Freehold C.C. Church.


August 18, 2005

PRISCILLA PROUDFOOT PALMER

Priscilla Proudfoot Palmer, 91 years, of Greenville, New York passed away peacefully at her home on August 11, 2005. She was born in New York, New York on August 4, 1914, daughter of the late Arnold Smith and Alice [Sedgwick] Proudfoot. She was graduated from Cathedral School of St. Mary in Garden City, New York in 1931 and from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts in 1935 with a B.A. in Mathematics. Prior to her marriage she was employed by the Ford Instrument Co., engineers for the U.S. Department of Naval Ordinance. In 1938 she was married in the Church in the Gardens, in Forest Hills, New York to Maxwell S. Palmer of Forest Hills and Greenville, New York. Her sons Phillip P. [1941] and M. Sheridan, Jr. [1944] were born in Mineola, New York. The family moved from Port Washington, New York to the Palmer Family Homestead in Greenville, New York in 1945.

She was a member of the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church and it’s [sic] Women’s Fellowship and served 22 years as it’s [sic] Missions Secretary. She joined the Clematis Garden Club of Greene and Albany counties in 1947 and served as it’s [sic] Historian for life. She was a member of the Capital District Wellesley Club. She was a Life member of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. She was a former member of the Normanside Country Club.

Besides her parents Priscilla was pre-deceased by her husband Maxwell S. Palmer and a son Philip P. Palmer.

Surviving are her son M. Sheridan Palmer and his wife of McSherrystown, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Addison, Jesse and Sheridan Palmer and Rachael [Palmer] Davis and her great-grandchildren, Elliot Davis and Maxwell Palmer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 2 PM at the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church. There will be no calling hours. Those who wish may contribute in Priscilla’s memory to the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church, South Westerlo, New York 12193 or the Westerlo Rescue Squad, PO Box 12, Westerlo, New York 12193.


August 25, 2005

SHIRLEY SCHWARTZ

Shirley Schwartz, 84 formerly of Ravena, was called home to eternal peace on Saturday, August 20, 2005 at her home in Freehold.

Shirley was born in Lyon Mountain, New York on August 1, 1921 to the late Henry and Ida Fortier. She worked for Putnam Hawley in Potsdam, New York. Living in South Colton, she married Aubrey P. Schwartz and together they worked and owned several small businesses, the Clay Street Market and the North Shore Grocery. After moving to the Ravena area Shirley enjoyed volunteering and socializing at the Senior Projects of Ravena and volunteered at the Thrift Shop at St. Patrick’s.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Schwartz of Ilion, New York; loving grandmother to Heather Henderson and Eric Shear; seven siblings, Betty Labare of Hardy, Arkansas, Fran Traugott of Naples, Florida, Henry Fortier of Interlauchen, Florida, Bob Fortier of Riverside, California, Charles Fortier of Plattsburgh, New York, Flora Laplante of York, Pennsylvania, and Tom Fortier of Old Hickery, Tennessee. Shirley was very close to her grandson-in-law, Charlie Henderson. Charlie and Heather lovingly cared for her in their Freehold home as “Gram” lost her battle to cancer peacefully and quietly. There she also received her greatest gift, pride and joy, her four-great-granddaughters, Victoria 7, Ariel 6, Sydney 3 and Charley Elizabeth Henderson.

We will remember and miss her a great deal. She had a spiritual peace that comforted her throughout life. Weekly visits from Father Vincent Ciotoli of St. Patrick’s Church helped her hold steadfast.

A Mass of Christian Death and Burial was held 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, at St. Patrick’s Church, Ravena. There was no calling hours. Contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to St. Peter’s Hospice.

Funeral arrangements were made under the direction of the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena.


August 25, 2005

ANNIE RYAN BOYLE

Annie Ryan Boyle, 79 years of Freehold, New York (formerly of the Bronx), passed away on August 22, 2005 at the St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany, New York. She was born in Clonlara, County Clare, Ireland, on July 11, 1926, daughter of Patrick and Honora (Collins) Ryan.

Annie was retired from a career in nursing, having worked in hospitals and nursing homes in England, Canada and New York. She loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, photography, gardening and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. Annie was predeceased by her husband, Francis Joseph Boyle and her brothers, Daniel and James Ryan.

Surviving are her children, Anna Marie Wilson and her husband John of Freehold, New Jersey, Francis Boyle and his wife Annemarie, Patricia Focken and her husband Robert and Mary Theresa Boyle, all of Greenville, New York; nine grandchildren, Annie Kimberly, Francis and Dermott Boyle, Jack, Clinton, Caitlyn and Victoria Wilson and Marissa and Chrissy Focken; her brothers, Patrick and Lawrence Ryan; and her sister, Maryann Francis.

Funeral service will be Thursday, August 25 at 10:30 a.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville. Friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be in the Cemetery of the Gate of Heaven in Valhalla, New York at 2:30 p.m.

Contributions may be made in Annie’s memory to the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, NY 12414.


August 25, 2005

MILDRED HAVERLY

Mildred Haverly, 90 years, of Westerlo, New York passed away on August 21, 2005 at the Child’s Nursing Home in Albany, New York. She was born in Croton Point, New York on July 21, 1915, daughter of the late Frederick and Marietta [Lane] Tuttle. Mildred resided in Westerlo for the last 34 years having moved from Croton-on-Hudson, New York to Westerlo in 1971. She had been a member of the Asbury Methodist Church and the Rebekkah Lodge of the I.O.O.F. in Ossining, New York. Mildred was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was pre-deceased by her husband Allen Haverly, two sisters and one brother.

Surviving are her two daughters Barbara Haverly of Albany, New York and Dhyan Rogers and her husband Joseph of Westerlo, New York, seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Funeral services were Tuesday, August 23, 2005 from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville with internment [sic] at the Bethel Cemetery at 1 PM, Croton-Hudson, New York.


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