Columbia Memorial Health (1) Careers

OBITUARIES: Brightly, Ritter, Naegeli, Mitchison, Van Alphen, Hutchings, Winch, Fish, Rubino, Groll, Babjeck, Svida, Johnson, Hosier

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Walter G. Brightly (1935 – 2017)

VALATIE—Walter G. Brightly died peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness December 23, 2017.

He was born January 3, 1935 in Germantown to Margaret Svingala Brightly and Walter H. Brightly.

He was predeceased by: his parents; siblings, Timothy, George and Margaret; his son, Peter and his loving wife of 54 years, Martha Van Etten Brightly.

He is survived by: his brother, Joseph Brightly; sister, Delia (Bunny) Bjercke; his children, Walter Jr. (Pamela) Brightly and grandchildren Aimee and Katrina (Jim) Self and great grandchildren James Wesley and Walter, Martha Anne (Annie) Brightly and children Jesse (Marissa), great grandchildren Evan and Julian, Adam Williams (Tina) great granddaughter Aubrey, Robert Brightly, Roger Brightly (Tanya) and grandchildren Isaac and Allison and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Brightly served in the United States Marine Corps, salesman, business owner, carpenter, realtor and family man, he enjoyed going to church, spending time with family, playing guitar, writing songs and having a fresh cup of coffee at the diner. Mr. Brightly enjoyed teaching boating and hunter safety courses in his retirement. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice of Columbia County or to NY/NJ VA Health Care Network.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, December 29 at Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon. Spring burial will be at the Cemetery of the Evergreens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene or to NY/NJ VA Health Care Network.

Arrangements were with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.

Dr. Andrew S. Ritter (1921 – 2017)

HUDSON—Well-known and beloved Hudson Valley veterinarian, Dr. Andrew Samuel Ritter of Mt. Merino passed away December 26, 2017 at the age of 96.

Born to Anna and Josephat Ritrosky, December 16, 1921, he was the youngest of eight children.

He was a lifelong resident of Columbia County, spending all of his private and professional life in the Hudson area.

Dr. Ritter served, honorably, as a surgical technician on a hospital ship in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. He won the American Campion Medal, Asian Campion Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Dr. Ritter attended and graduated from Cornell University where he was awarded the distinguished honor for excellence in surgery. He received a fellowship with the CDC, Atlanta, in the fields of bacteriology and virology. In 1945, he returned home to Mt. Merino to take over the family’s dairy farm and established his veterinary practice at that time.

“Doc” Ritter, as he was endearingly referred to by many, was a pillar of the community known for his capable care of local creatures great and small, including an ailing elephant passing through town with a traveling circus. Often referred to as “Sam,” he was known for his generosity, an unflagging sense of humor, fleet-footedness on the dance floor, as well as being the occasional back-up trumpeter for Rudy’s Diamonds band, a fixture of the Catskill Mountain brauhaus circuit. He also served on the Hudson City School District Board of Education and was an active member of the Claverack Lions Club.

Dr. Ritter was predeceased by his wife of six decades, Margaretha Moran Ritter, and by his son, David L. Ritter of Hudson. He is survived by: his sister, Sophie Salo of Davis, CA; three daughters, Judith Ritter of Hudson, Susan Fredericks recently of Asheville, NC, and Andrea Ruf of LaGrangeville; three granddaughters, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

A funeral took place at the M. Grimaldi Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Interment followed at Hudson’s Cedar Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Ritter’s name to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Church, 79 Partition Street, Hudson 12534 or to the Cairo Public Library, 15 Railroad Avenue, Cairo 12413

Mary L. Naegeli (1932 – 2017)

VALATIE—Mary L. Naegeli, 85, of Kinderhook died Friday, December 29, 2017 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell in Valatie.

Born April 19, 1932 in Staten Island, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary E. (Haggerty) Brown.

Mrs. Naegeli was a homemaker.

She is survived by: her daughter, Susan Jefferson (Brian) of Kinderhook; three grandchildren, Andrew McBride, Kayla and Tori Jefferson and a great-grandson, Bennett Jon Thomascino.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick A. Naegeli.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 3 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with the Reverend Thomas Malionek officiating. Burial followed in Kinderhook Cemetery.

David R. Mitchison (1958 – 2017)

NORTH CHATHAM—David R. Mitchison, 59, of North Chatham died Saturday, December 30, 2017 in North Chatham.

Born February 17, 1958 in Albany, he was the son of Raymond and Meredith Mitchison of North Chatham.

Mr. Mitchison was the maintenance manager of Waldorf Farm in North Chatham and worked there for more than 40 years. He was an avid hunter, a hard worker and was always willing to help others out. He had a great sense of humor and loved his family very much.

Besides his parents, he is survived by: his wife: Amy M. (Potts) Mitchison; his daughter, Shawnah E. Mitchison of Chatham; his son; Hunter R. Mitchison of Montague, MA; two sisters, Dawn Fortier of Ghent and Linda Mitchison of New Concord; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Doris Van Alphen (1947 – 2018)

HUDSON—Doris Van Alphen, 70, of Craryville passed away January 2 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Born October 4, 1947 in Hudson, she was the daughter of Roy and Lena (Diamond) Falkner.

Mrs. Van Alphen set three goals in 2017 prior to her passing, those being to reach her 70th birthday, and to celebrate Christmas and the birth of her great-granddaughter, Winter. All three goals were achieved.

Mrs. Van Alphen leaves to cherish her memory: a son, Goliath Van Alphen; daughter, Darcy Cross; stepsons, Robert, David, Lenny and Timothy Van Alphen; 25 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, James Falkner; two sisters, Betty Baker and Helen Frederick; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Van Alphen; stepson, William Van Alphen Jr.; brother, Charles Falkner and twin sister, Dorothy Stoddard.

Funeral services, entrusted to the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson are private and at the convenience of the family.

Patricia Ann Hutchings (1940 – 2017)

STOTTVILLE—Patricia Ann Hutchings, 77, of Stottville passed away at home, December 29, 2017.

She was born June 11, 1940 in Hudson, the daughter of Dewitt and Mary (Katy) Sheldon.

Mrs. Hutchings worked for many years at Hudson Cold Storage as an apple packer before retiring. She loved her pets and most of all her family. In the summertime she enjoyed going to the Greenport concerts Friday evenings with her family.

Mrs. Hutchings is survived by: seven children, Brenda Rogers, Scott and Karen Rogers, Tina Hutchings, Debbie Rogers, Michael Rogers, Raymond and Cindy Hutchings and Christina Hutchings; her 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; her two sisters, Barbara and John Gansowski and Phyllis Yandick.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Ernest Raymond Hutchings and her sister, Beverly Killian.

A memorial service will be held at the West Ghent firehouse, Saturday, January 6 at 1 p.m. Visitation will begin at noon prior to the service.

Arrangements at with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.

Jock P. Winch, Sr. (1943 – 2017)

VALATIE—Jock Ploss Winch, Sr., died December 28, 2017.

He was born June 13, 1943 in Albany, to Elmer A. Winch and Dorothea (Ploss) Winch.

He grew up in Claverack, attending Claverack and Hudson schools. He completed an apprenticeship at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. He was employed at Pratt & Whitney in the quality assurance department from 1965 to 1970. He moved his young family back to Omi and started a building business, JPW Builders. He built many homes in Columbia and surrounding counties. He was called back to Pratt & Whitney in 1979 and worked in quality management stationed in Muskegon, MI, and later Bloomfield Hills, MI. After a company consolidation, he moved back to Columbia County in 1981. He built a family home in North Claverack. He established Claverack Builders, Inc. and worked at his trade until he turned the business over to his son, Jock, Jr. As a youth, he proudly rode in the soap box derby in Hudson and was president of the youth group of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack. He wrote a letter to President Truman asking him to preserve the oldest home in “Simpsonville” in Hudson. He was a big dirt track race fan. He helped build a stock car and attended many races at Lebanon Valley Speedway and the annual DIRT week race in Syracuse. He had a fondness for classic cars, especially Corvettes and would attend shows in Carlisle, PA.

Mr. Winch was known for “holding court” and being the primary vocalist in numerous conversations over the years at local diners and would roll up in his pickup and converse at length with friends and others associated with his trade. More recently he enjoyed the good company of the residents of the Paul Raihofer Village in his final few years there.

Over the years, he served on the Town of Claverack ZBA, Philmont Rotary and attended the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack throughout his life.

Mr. Winch is survived by: his ex-wife, Nancy (Gilligan); sons (and their spouses), John, Nathan (Karen) and Jock, Jr. (Meredith); sister, Joann Ferris; many nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Sarah, David, Rose, Scarlett, Fiona and Oliver. He was predeceased by his sister, (infant) Phyllis.

A memorial service will be held at the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack, Thursday, January 4 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Columbia-Greene Humane Society.

Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson- Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.

Glenn H. Fish (1939 – 2017)

HUDSON—Glenn H. Fish entered into eternal rest on December 27, 2017 at his home.

Born February 19, 1939 in Benson, VT, he was the son of Violet (Robinson) Fish of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Ralph A. Fish of Benson, VT.

In his early years Mr. Fish worked with his father on a dairy farm. Later he worked for 30 years as the night baker for Jersey Baking Company in Hudson. He then worked for KAZ manufacturing and Premium Maintenance until his retirement. He continued to work shoveling snow, doing yard work and odd jobs until his illness. Mr. Fish loved to go on vacation with his sons and spend time telling stories about “the good ol’ days” and walking to school…..uphill both ways. He also loved to collect tools which he shared with his son, William. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him so dearly, and the void will never be filled.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 49 years, Judith (Macchi) Fish; six sons, Robert, James, William, Glenn, Jeremy and Adam, along with their spouses; siblings, Lillian, Marion, Stanley and Richard Fish, and sister-in-law, Kate Macchi, who was one of Mr. Fish’s primary caregivers in his final days. His legacy will be 16 grandchildren loved by their grandfather very much and who gave much joy especially during his illness, Robert, Tyler, Ayla, Lucas, James II, Jennifer, Joshua, Khalan, Breianna, Courtney, Danica, Andrew, Jacob, Evan, Adalynn, and Cameron.

Funeral services were Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Lewis R. Rubino, Sr. (1938 – 2017)

HUDSON—Lewis R. Rubino, Sr., 79, passed away with his family by his side, December 22, 2017 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Born June 16, 1938 in Hudson, he was the son of Samuel and Irene (Wood) Rubino.

He retired in 2000 after 32 years of employment at Sterling-Winthrop in Rensselaer. He was a life member of the Stottville Fire Company, a communicant of Holy Trinity Parish, and a member of the Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge #659. Socalizing and enjoying breakfast and lunch with the guys at Bob’s and Main Street Café were two of his favorite things, but what he cherished the most was spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Venencia “Vinny” (Nawrocki) Rubino; his children, daughter, Ann (John) Delaney, two sons, Lewis R. Jr. (Leslie), and Rick Rubino; three grandchildren, Christina Rubino, Meghan Delaney and Hayden Rubino; a sister, June (Jack) Bryans; many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from St. Mary’s Church, Hudson. Burial followed in Linlithgo Nativity Church Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Rubino’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia/ Greene.

Christopher J. Groll, Sr. (1934 – 2017)

HUDSON—Christopher J. Groll, Sr., 83, passed away with his family at his side December 22, 2017 at the Firemen’s Home. Born September 12, 1934, he was the son of the late Valentine and Kathryn (Horan) Groll.

He retired in 1994 as president of Colwell Cartage in Hudson. He was a life member and past chief and commissioner of the Greenport Fire Department, former member of the Greenport Rescue Squad, and former Greenport town councilman. During his retirement, he also drove the bus for the Firemen’s Home, transporting residents to many memorable parades, dinners and other events.

Mr. Groll was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Hudson and past member of the St. Mary’s Parish Council.

He is fondly remembered by all, especially: his wife of 61 years, Ellen (Colwell) Groll; sons, Peter (Barbara) and Christopher, Jr., (Kathleen Link); daughter, Ellen (Daniel) Miller; grandchildren, Ryan Groll and Jaime Sandagato; great-granddaughter, Aubrey Gray; sisters-in-law, Margaret Groll, MaryLou Groll, Patricia (David) Hart; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Groll was predeceased by his parents; sister, Elizabeth Jennings and brothers, William and Frederick.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, December 28, 2017 from St. Mary’s Church, Hudson, with the Reverends Anthony Barratt and Winston Bath presiding. Burial followed at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Church Road, Greenport.

Arrangements were with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenport Fire District, P.O. Box 41, Hudson, the Firemen’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson or the Church of the Holy Trinity (St. Mary’s), P.O. Box 323, Hudson 12534.

Cecelia J. Babjeck (1935 – 2017)

CHATHAM—The Lord called Cecelia D. Babjeck home December 31, 2017.

Born April 7, 1935 in Hudson, she was the fourth child of Dorothy (Felts) DeGroff and John Howard DeGroff.

She was predeceased by her siblings: John DeGroff, Willard DeGroff and Margaret (DeGroff) Veldhuis.

She grew up in Omi on the family farm until she was 12 years old. Then the family moved to Church Street in Mellenville.

She graduated from Philmont High school in 1952 and was the Columbia County Schoolgirl Queen that year. She attended Albany Business College, earning her associate’s degree in accounting. She worked in the high school office of the Ockawamick building in the Taconic Hills School District. She also worked for the Stewart’s Shop in Philmont and the Columbia County Nutrition Center in Philmont.

She was a 4H leader of the Busy Bees and a Girl Scout leader. She was a member of the Second Dutch Reformed Church in Philmont. She loved her family, gardening and bird watching.

She married the love of life, Gary C. Babjeck, June 9, 1957. He predeceased her December 29, 2007.

She is survived by: her three loving daughters, Cynthia Bashford, Judith Sledz and Carol Babjeck; six grandchildren, Jessica Young (Jerry), Christopher Broast (Stacey), Samantha Bashford, Elizabeth Winters, Kaitlyn Abdale (Andrew) and Joseph Sledz (Katherine). She has six great-grandchildren, Damian Funk, Zachary Funk, Anthony Funk, Icesis Mackey, Jharell Sanchez and Justice Sanchez; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillsdale Food Pantry, Hillsdale 12529, Alzheimer’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, 11 a.m. at the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. Interment will take place June 9, 2018 at the Mellenville Union Cemetery.

Janice M. Svida (1931 – 2017)

ALBANY—Janice Mae Svida, 86, of Hudson passed away peacefully with her son by her side, Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Albany Medical Center.

She was the daughter of the late William and Edna (Way) Erickson, born June 22, 1931 in Hudson.

Mrs. Svida was a senior assistance planner for RSVP in Hudson for many years. She will be sadly missed by: her only son, William Svida and (Carolyn Everetts) of Chatham; her two brothers, Donald and Kevin Erickson; her two granddaughters, Meagan and Carrielee Svida; her grandson, Nicholas Egan; three great-grandchildren, Peter, Aiden and Olivia.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Claire White. Memorial services will be Thursday, January 4, 2018, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Bill Erickson will officiate. Cremation and burial will be private. To leave condolences visit www.saccomcdonaldvalenti.com.

Dorothy L. Johnson (1948 – 2017)

HUDSON—Dorothy Lee Johnson of Hudson died peacefully with her family at her side, Friday, December 30, 2017 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. She was 69.

Born in Moultrie, GA, September 12, 1948, Mrs. Johnson was a counselor for Coarc in Hudson. She will be greatly missed by: her mother, Birdia Johnson of Hudson; husband, Walter Johnson of Hudson; three daughters, Caroline Johnson, Melissa Johnson and Doreen Johnson, all of Hudson; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband, Willie Johnson and sisters, Katie Johnson and Doris King.

There are no calling hours. Services are incomplete and will be announced. Arrangements under the direction of Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall, Drive, Greenport.

Eleanor L. Hosier (1930 – 2017)

HUDSON—Eleanor Louise Hosier, 87, a 20-year resident of Hudson, and a lifelong area resident, died peacefully Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Columbia Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Hosier worked at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie as a laundress prior to devoting most of her time to her husband and 14 children as a wife, mother and homemaker.

Born February 22, 1930 in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Dorothy (Castle) Hills.

She attended Bronx public schools and was married in Millerton to Virgil Hosier, Sr., in 1966. Mr. Hosier died in 1978. Mrs. Hosier enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, going to casinos and watching the New York Giants on television. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Survivors include: her children, James Scism (Deborah) of Poughkeepsie, Charles Scism of Poughkeepsie, Sterling Scism (LeAnn) of Saugerties, Fred Scism (Wendy) of Saugerties, Donna Medwick (Brian Liberty) of Glenham, Harold Scism (Rose) of Florida, Polly Unser (John) of Saratoga, Eleanor Marie Hosier of Florida, Virgil Hosier, Jr., of Hudson, William (Marissa) Hosier of Craryville, Jennie Van de Bogart of Hollowville and Edgar Hosier of Craryville; 30 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Hosier was predeceased by her son, Martin Scism and her stepdaughter, Pauline.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor William Mayhew officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at Spencer’s Corners Cemetery in Millerton. To send an online condolence visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com

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