Christian Louis Hacker (1947 – 2015)
ALBANY—Christian Louis Hacker, 67, better known as Lou Hacker, of Valatie died April 9, 2015 at the Samuel Stratton Veterans Administration Hospital, “leaving behind a hell of a lot of stuff his wife and daughter have no idea what to do with.
“So, if you’re looking for car parts for a Toyota, BMW, Triumph, Dodge or Ford between the years of about 1953 and 2013, or maybe half a dozen circular saws, still in their boxes with the Home Depot receipts attached, you should wait the appropriate amount of time and get in touch.”
But this is not an ad for a used parts store; this is an obituary for a great man, generous landlord, committed husband and adoring father who was born July 13, 1947 in Hudson, the son of the late Walter D. and Elsie M. (Barner) Hacker, Sr.
Mr. Hacker graduated from Ichabod Crane High School, attended SUNY Geneseo, admittedly passing chemistry only because he baked his professor a cake, and served in the U.S. Army, Eighth Army Honor Guard from July 26, 1970 to September 20, 1971 in South Korea, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Yong Soon.
Mr. Hacker’s gregarious nature, mechanical genius and general resourcefulness helped him succeed in his jobs as a car mechanic, real estate agent, MOTOR manual sales rep and business manager, all of which helped him in his last and final career as a successful property owner and landlord.
He often brushed off his success, saying, “I’m just a glorified janitor, really.” But his tenants and family knew he loved his job, turning derelict buildings into beautifully renovated apartments. But he mostly loved his job for the people he met from all over the world, who he housed in his apartments. He checked in on his tenants often, offering up gifts of used bicycles, kitchen tables, TVs and couches to those who struggled to furnish their homes or single moms who looked like their kids could use a new toy or bike.
Famous for saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” as well as his habitual presence at local garage sales and flea markets, there wasn’t a part, tool, piece of furniture or sports equipment he wouldn’t dig up for a neighbor, family member or tenant in need. So though his family is a little angry about the heaps of “junk” he’s left behind for them to deal with, the stacks of lawnmowers, the wrench sets in Christmas wrapping, the carcass of a 1972 BMW rotting in the backyard, it helps to remember the place of generosity from which these piles of stuff have accumulated. Because Mr. Hacker wasn’t so much stocking up for what he might need for himself, but for what others might need. Those needs filled his heart, mind and an entire basement. And in those moments when someone would ask for a tool, part or any kind of help, his face would light up and that junk would suddenly be transformed into treasure.
He is sorely missed and survived by: his wife, Yong Soon (Kim) Hacker, better known as Mina Hacker; his daughter, Tasha Hacker of Valatie; sister, Lynda (Hacker) Araoz of Valatie; three nephews, Gregory Hacker, Martin Araoz and Rodrigo Araoz. He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Hacker, Jr.
Car parts sales and funeral services will be held Saturday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Inc., 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with Carlos Araoz officiating. Burial will follow in the Kinderhook Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, April 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fisher House, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany 12208 or the Spirit and Truth Fellowship International, 180 Robert Curry Drive, Martinsville, IN 46151.
The family would like to thank the talented and caring doctors and nurses of the VA Hospital in Albany, all of whom worked hard to care for Mr. Hacker and prolong his life.
John W. Slater (1932 – 2015)
RHINEBECK—John Wesley Slater, 83, of Ancram passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Northern Dutchess Hospital following a long battle with heart and lung ailments.
He was born February 18, 1932 in Leicester Junction, VT, the son of the late Lyndon and Ada (Austin) Slater. He was the 10th of the couple’s 13 children.
He grew up and attended schools in Leicester Junction and vicinity and moved to New York State in 1968 to seek a new life.
A “john-”of-all-trades, Mr. Slater had many jobs throughout his lifetime. Most notably, he worked for the Town of Ancram Highway Department for 26 years, first as a truck driver, machine operator and laborer and later as the highway superintendent, a post he held for about 12 years. He retired in 1996.
In earlier years, he picked apples, was a farm worker, a logger, a marble cutter, a department store manager, a builder of Harvestore silos, drove a truck for Decker’s Laundry and was the manager of the Schertz dairy farm.
On March 21, 1970 in Copake, he married Stella (Miller) Slater, who survives him at home.
After retiring, Mr. Slater became an accomplished home cook, well-known for his homemade horseradish, soups and anything fried, especially “dibby doughs,” which he served with a smile to everyone.
With his wife by his side, the Slaters frequented tag sales, finding irresistible bargains which now fill their home.
Mr. Slater became adept at arts and crafts, making flower arrangements, vases and baskets for weddings and holidays along with treat-filled sleighs for Christmas.
He loved family vacations and together they travelled up and down the east coast from Maine to Florida.
Known to some as “Pappy,” Mr. Slater was a faithful member of a bowling league at The Cove Lanes for many years. In days past, he and his wife were also known to “promenade around the hall” a time or two whenever there was a square dance to be found.
For the past 44-years, Mr. Slater, his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family took an annual Memorial Day weekend camping trip to the DAR State Park in Addison, VT. Never deterred by the weather, they visited the nearby graves of lost loved ones and spent the weekend around the campfire and fishing in Lake Champlain.
He adored his grandchildren, especially as babies, and kept them close. His family will always remember the twinkle in his eye, his mischievous smile and infectious laugh.
In addition to his loving wife, Stella, survivors include: four sons, Westley “Randy” Slater, Tony Slater, Timothy Slater, Lewis Slater; a daughter, Melissa Slater; a brother, Fred Slater; a sister, Aggie Denis; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by: his first wife, Mildred (Hier) Slater; two sons, Henry “Baldy” Slater, Stanley Slater; a daughter, Crystal Lynn Slater in 2007 and 10 brothers and sisters.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 16, 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake.
The funeral service will be held Friday, April 17, 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with Deacon Jackie Jefferson officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Ancram firehouse, 1306 County Route 7, after the burial.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Ancram Fire Company, P.O. Box 8, Ancram 12502 or to the Crystal Lynn Slater Scholarship, c/o Peck & Peck Funeral Home, P.O. Box 15, Pine Plains 12567.
To sign the online register visit peckandpeck.net
Pauline S. Davis (1920 – 2015)
VALATIE—It is with heavy sadness that her family notes the passing of Pauline S. Davis to the waiting angels on April 14, 2015 at the age of 94. She passed away peacefully at Barnwell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to be with those who have previously gone and patiently waited for her.
Born July 7, 1920 in Passaic, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Pauline (Wantik) Costello and the step-daughter of William Shields.
After leaving the work force as a secretary at Martin Van Buren School to raise her family, she assisted her husband, Val in building their family business, Val’s Mower Clinic. Mrs. Davis enjoyed keeping the books and visiting with the customers. Always interested in others, her passion was her family and she would selflessly put others’ needs before her own. She will be remembered for her simple, caring ways, keen sense of humor, humility and the homemade cookies lovingly prepared with others in mind—her gift to them.
She is survived by: four children, Margaret “Peg” Warner of Kinderhook, Joan Charron of Chatham, Patricia Goodwin and John Davis, both of Kinderhook; nine grandchildren, Teresa Maiuri, Dean and Allen Warner, Cheryl Gagnon, James Charron, Lynn Goodrich, Valeri Discosola, Michele Yauger and Michael Keegan; 19 great- and two great-great-grandchildren also survive.
She was predeceased by her husband Velmore “Val” Davis; her twin brother, James; her step-sister, Evelyn and grandson, Timothy.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20, 11 a.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with the Reverend Robert DeLeon officiating. Burial will follow in Kinderhook Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, April 19, 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valatie Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 242, Valatie 12184. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Mrs. Davis at Barnwell. “We will be eternally grateful for the care and support. She enjoyed a simple life as a homemaker and family matriarch.”
Nancy Meyer (1959 – 2015)
ALBANY—Nancy Meyer, 56, of Hudson died April 9, 2015 of cancer at St. Peter’s Hospital.
She was born in Catskill and graduated from Coxsackie-Athens High School and Columbia-Greene Community College.
She operated Festive Foods, a mobile food concession business for many years throughout New York and New England. She and her husband, John Meyer, founded East Coast Customs in 2001. Mrs. Meyer also worked for more than 20 years helping to improve the lives of families in Columbia and Greene counties through her work at Greene County Community Action Agency, Greene County Head Start and Catholic Charities – WIC Program.
She is survived by: her husband, John Meyer of Hudson; her daughter, Heather Meyer and her fiancé Dave Winne of New York City; many nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.
Mrs. Meyer was a talented artist who will be remembered for her sense of humor and spirit of adventure. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Greene County Community Action Agency. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are with the Bates and Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
James A. Dixon (1960 – 2015)
SCHENECTADY—James “Jimi” Andrew Dixon, born August 20, 1960 to the late Norman M. and Mary F. Dixon, transitioned from this life to the next, April 7, 2015 from his Schenectady residence, due to a chronic illness.
He was educated in the Coxsackie-Athens school district where he played many sports. He was most known for his brilliance, which landing him a spot on the school’s debate team. Upon graduation, he furthered his education at Cornell University in Ithaca.
He was predeceased by: two sisters, Donna Marie Dixon and Barbara Ann Coleman and one niece, Kimberly Marie Dixon.
He leaves to cherish his life and memories: two sisters, Evelyn (Clarence) Burgess and Diane (Carl) Emerson of Hudson; three brothers, Norman (Kathleen) Dixon of Catskill, William and the Reverend Frank Dixon of Albany; two aunts, Shirley Carr of Catskill and Dorothy Reid of Carteret, NJ; one uncle, Arthur Dixon of San Diego, CA; a special friend, Maria Hansberry of Hudson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 13, 2015 at the Rock Solid Church in Hudson.
Arrangements were with the Bates and Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Irene (Prunty) Workman
ANCRAM—Irene (Prunty) Workman of Ancram, formerly of Delran, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Good Friday, April 3, 2015. She was 84.
Born and raised in Sutton, WV, she was the daughter of the late Hoy Prunty and Rosa Utt Prunty. She was the oldest of 15 children, eight sisters and six brothers.
She was a graduate of Sutton High School.
Mrs. Workman was a homemaker but in her younger years worked as a telephone operator and a stocking maker at Ashway Hosiery in Riverside, NJ.
She as an avid bingo player (at least three times a week), loved working crossword puzzles and watching old western movies. She was kept very busy raising her four children with all of their hobbies; hunting, fishing and auto racing. She could be heard every Saturday night at Bridgeport or East Windsor speedways cheering on her favorite driver.
Mrs. Workman is survived by her husband of 63 years, George D. Workman, whom she meet while rollerskating at Gathaway skating rink; her children, Donald L. (Kat) of Ancram, Rex A. (Sissy) of Delran, Debbie L. of Delran and Jeffrey G. (Sandi) of Delran; her five grandchildren, Robert (Becky) DePersia, Jessica, Rex, Jeffrey, Jr., and Mandi; four great-grandchildren, Makayla, Jake, Jenna and Mason who affectionately called her “G-MOM!” She also leaves behind her youngest sister, Reva Turner of WV, and her dog Smokey.
Her funeral will be held Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside, NJ.
Memories and condolences may be sent to Sweeney Funeral Home and will be forwarded to the family.
Peter Nero, Sr. (1928 – 2015)
BRATTLEBORO—Peter Nero, Sr., 86, recently of Brattleboro, VT, and formerly of Hudson, died peacefully Tuesday, April 14, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness.
Born in Hudson August 27, 1928, he was the sixth of seven sons born to the late Ferdinand and Maria (Tamburro) Nero.
As a young man, he served in the U.S. Navy, working to tailor uniforms at a base in Maryland during World War II. In 1948, he married Lucy (Maturo) Nero, his beloved wife of 66 years. Mr. Nero worked for 22 years at Fosters Refrigeration, where he traveled the country repairing commercial refrigerators—most famously at the White House during the Eisenhower administration. He was later a highway foreman for the New York State Department of Transportation until his 1987 retirement.
In addition to his work life, he was a devoted member of his community. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish/ St. Mary’s in Hudson and the Columbia County Sons and Daughters of Italy. Mr. Nero was also a trustee of the Hudson Elks Lodge #787, member of the Italian American War Veterans, and a 50-year member of Rogers Hose Company #2.
He was an enthusiastic, outgoing, hard-working person with a real zest for life. He lit up every room that he walked into with his big smile, hearty laughter, vivacious story-telling and love of dancing. He was always proud to be a Nero, to be Italian and to be from Hudson. He had a fierce love and loyal devotion to his large family and many close friends. He had a true knack for figuring out how things worked and was highly skilled at carpentry, electrical work, plumbing—and anything else at which he tried his hand. He made many beautiful pieces of furniture, which are cherished by his family. For many years in his retirement, he could be found taking a brisk walk at daybreak around Hudson. He often whistled while he worked or walked. He enjoyed many trips with his family, including a special trip to Italy with his granddaughters in 1997 when he was able to reconnect with relatives in Amorosi, the birthplace of his father.
He will be greatly missed by: his loving wife, Lucy (Maturo) Nero at home; son, Peter J. and Judith (Cutting) Nero of Brattleboro, VT; daughter, Maria A. and Joseph Laptewicz of Greenville, NC; brothers, Anthony and Carmen Nero; grandchildren, Kate Nero Weyman (Christopher), Leah Nero Carrasquillo (Matthew), Nicholas, Anne (Laptewicz) Cary and Peter Laptewicz (Jennifer); seven great-grandchildren, Lucy, Gabriel, Elaine, Sarah Kate, Julian, Benjamin and Cora.
He was predeceased by brothers, Joseph, Charles, John and Frank Nero.
Calling hours will be held Friday evening, April 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish/ St. Mary’s Church, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson, with Fr. Winston Bath officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery. To leave an online condolence visit www.saccomcdonaldvalenti.com
