Phyllis Ann Clarke (1926 – 2013)

HUDSON—Phyllis A. (Pelton) Clarke, 87, of Claverack passed away peacefully Friday, July 5, 2013 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Niagara Falls, the daughter of Delmar and Mildred (Terwilliger) Pelton.

Educated at Niagara University, she received a BA from Utica College. She retired from the Albany Board of Elections and ran unsuccessfully for Albany County executive against Jim Coyne in the late 1970s.

Mrs. Clarke was a member of the State Business and Professional Women’s Association. Her passions were gardening, crocheting and the New York Yankees.

Predeceased by her former husband, Wilfred F. Clarke, she lived in Claverack for the past 20 years.

She was the beloved mother of Mark and his wife Susan of Ghent, Jon of Claverack, Shelly of East Greenbush, Sandor and Bobby Jo of Nassau. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Ria, Raina, Michelle, Shannon, Ryan, Brandon, Mollie, Stephanie, Lia, Savannah and Sheyenne, as well as, 11 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass, Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the St. James Catholic Church in Chatham. Interment will be at St. James Cemetery in Chatham.

Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson.

Constance Danyew Espinal (1921 – 2013)

N. CHATHAM—Constance Danyew Espinal, 91, of North Chatham died Sunday, July 7, 2013 at her home after a long illness.

Born August 18, 1921 in Granville, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Gertrude (Powers) Danyew.

Mrs. Espinal graduated from Martin VanBuren High School in Kinderhook, class of 1939, and was employed at the Joint Disease Hospital in Manhattan as a dietician for many years.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews and was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Rafael B. Espinal and her sister-in-law, Mary Danyew.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, July 12 at North Chatham United Methodist Church with Bill Knight officiating. Private burial will be in the North Chatham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Chatham United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Mrs. Espinal’s family thanks her caregivers, especially Issamar Martinez for her faithful and loving care.

Martin H. Bermel (1936 – 2013)

KINGSTON—Martin H. Bermel, 77, of Kingston, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Health Alliance Hospital Broadway Campus with his family by his side.

Born April 24, 1936 in Hudson, he was the son of the late Frank and Katherine Bermel.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Bermel enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He worked for Columbia County Department of Public Works for more than 20 years. He enjoyed driving and loved telling jokes to make people laugh.

Mr. Bermel is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Olive Bermel; five daughters, Betty Quinones, Mary Bermel, Ella Cordero, Shirley Aragon and Delores Bermel, all of Kingston; his siblings, Pete Bermel of Livingston and Eva Quick of Greenport; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by siblings, Raymond Simmons, Junior Snyder, Mary Bermel, Gloria and Betty Flouton and Ethel Escordero; his daughter, Dawn Hawver; his granddaughter, Kerry Hawver; and great-grandson, Niegel Reyes.

Calling hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 11 at the Bates & Anderson Funeral Home. Services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial is in Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences for the family.

Louis James Tomaso (1958 – 2013)

ALBANY—Louis James Tomaso, 55, of Guilderland, passed away surrounded by his family, Monday, July 8, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital.

He was born in Hudson, March 3, 1958 to the late Frances and Marco Tomaso.

At Hudson High School, he was an outstanding athlete, winning many football honors and was the undefeated Section 2 Super Heavyweight Wrestling Champion in 1976.  After receiving a football scholarship to Boston University, Mr. Tomaso followed the love of his life, Denise Tuttle, to Redondo Beach, CA, where they were married November 8, 1986, a marriage that resulted in the other love of his life, daughter, Alexandra.

Mr. Tomaso was in property management in California and secured the same position here in the Capital District when he, Denise, and Alex returned in 1996.

He loved his garden, especially his legendary-sized tomatoes. However, his strong point was his cooking, especially his fried calamari and smelts at the traditional Italian family Christmas Eve celebration and, of course, cooking at the Pine Bush girls’ softball concession.

Mr. Tomaso was an avid fisherman who taught his daughter all his secrets enabling her to win many youth fishing contests. They also enjoyed their yearly fishing excursions on Lake George. He loved his Minnesota Vikings and the New York Mets.

Mr. Tomaso was a big man and his booming voice and physical presence were a force to be reckoned with. Yet in spite of his size, he was a “teddy bear” with a heart of gold and he will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to his beloved Denise and Alex, Mr. Tomaso is survived by brothers, David Brown (Judy), Marco (Helen), Robert (Patrice); a sister, Anne Maben; numerous cousins, several nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Lou Pierro (Paula).

Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 11 at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home.

Services will be conducted at 9 a.m., Friday, July 12 at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alex Tomaso College Fund, c/o Pierro Law Group, 43 British American Boulevard, Latham 12110.

Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences for the family.