Scott A. Kowalski (1973 – 2018)
STUYVESANT—Scott Andrew Kowalski, age 45, of Stuyvesant passed away January 11, 2018.
He is survived by: his devoted and loving mother, Phyllis Darrah Scheriff; his stepfather, Jack Scheriff; his father, John Kowalski; stepmother, Shannon Kowalski; his wife of 21 years, Kammie (Eitleman) Kowalski; his two sons, Scott, age 21, and Jonathan, age 19; stepdaughter, Danelle Rossi-Wolfe; his sister, Andrea (Michael) Coon; brothers, Michael (Randi) Kowalski and Bray Kowalski; stepbrothers, Brian and Kevin Scheriff; nieces Darrah, Madison and Taylor; nephews, Lyle and Ethan, and grandmother, Gladys Kowalski.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, John Kowalski, Sr. and Betty and Roy Darrah.
Mr. Kowalski was born in Hudson, January 11, 1973 to John W. Kowaski, Jr., and Phyllis Darrah Scheriff. He grew up on the family dairy farm and forever kept the dream alive that he was a farmer at heart and would some day return to his roots. He was married and had two sons who he was able to see grow into strong, capable young men, of whom he was so very proud.
Mr. Kowalski will be remembered for his beautiful free spirit, his love of family, his love of the river and of wide open spaces, his likeability, charm and handsome face. He liked hunting and fishing, good bonfires, going fast, living in the moment, his tattoos and tie-dyes, dead music, a little mischief, and to be happy. He is loved and will be missed by many. January 11 will always be remembered. May we all have the peace of knowing his guardian angels are now taking care of him in Heaven instead of on Earth.
A memorial service will be held privately for his family. Visitation will be open to his friends and family at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, Monday, January 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
John M. Meacher, Sr. (1930 – 2018)
GERMANTOWN—John Michael Meacher, Sr., 87, of Germantown passed away peacefully Friday, January 11 at the site of his birth on Northern Boulevard.
Born to Thomas and Sadie Meacher, he lived most of his life in Germantown with his loving wife of 65 years, Mary.
Mr. Meacher was a devoted father and provider, as well as a true friend to many. He was especially talented at all aspects of building, completing a total of six homes for his family. He enjoyed traveling, spending family vacations camping along the East Coast and visiting Hawaii.
In 1982, Mr. and Mrs. Meacher purchased a seaside retreat in Eastport, Maine, and spent many of their retirement summers along the shores of the Bay of Fundy.
In the 1950s, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served aboard the U.S.S. Helena and the submarine, the U.S.S. Blenny. He then went on to become a devoted employee of Verizon, with 32 years of perfect attendance.
Besides his wife, Mr. Meacher is survived by: a brother, Edward; a son, John, Jr., and daughters, Melanie Betros and Maureen A. Meacher. He was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters, and a son, James.
He was grandfather to 12 grandchildren: Richard, Jason and Robert Meacher, Lauren Williams, Rachel Ortiz, Dorothy and Anne Meacher, Laura, Andrew, Thomas and Amie Betros and John Kappel. He had one stepgrandchild, Carrie Underwood, and 10 great-grandchildren. A Mass and celebration of Mr. Meacher’s life will be held Saturday, January 20 at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson at 10 a.m.
The family acknowledges the Community Hospice and Stratton VA Medical Center for their dedication, loving care and support.
Arrangements are with the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Inc., 209 Main Street, Germantown. Condolences may be expressed at yadackfox.com
Barbara J. Clapper (1958 – 2018)
CLAVERACK—Barbara “Barbie” Jean Clapper, 59, of Claverack entered Heaven’s gates Wednesday, January 3, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.
She was the beloved wife of Tedd F. Clapper.
Born October 27, 1958, she was the daughter of the late William Strohmeier and Patricia Varin.
Mrs. Clapper was a loving and devoted wife, mother, “Nanu,” and friend. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her family and friends. She graduated from Taconic Hills in 1976, and obtained her associate’s degree in business in 1979. She worked as a CNA for most of her life.
In addition to her lifelong best friend, and husband, Tedd, she is survived by: her daughters, Candy (Jamie) Tran and Teddi-Jo Clapper; grandchildren, Mikie, Jamie Jr, Tyler and Destinie Tran and Baileigh Wheeler; sister, Dawn Ruby; in-laws, Eleanor and Clyde Robinson; several nieces and nephews, including Michael Ruby Sr.; best friends, Kathy Poier and Kim Johnson.
Along with her parents, Mrs. Clapper was greeted in Heaven by her father-in-law, David Monroe; grandmother, Ida Linder; brother-in-law, Michael Ruby; and granddaughter, Scarlette Tran.
The family gives a special thank you to Frani Miller, who started off as her nurse, and quickly became unbiological daughter.
Per Mrs. Clapper’s wishes, a memorial to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the West Ghent Firehouse from 2 to 5 p.m., and is open to all.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Betty A. Oakes (1923 – 2018)
HUDSON—Betty A. Oakes, 94, of Hudson passed away Saturday, January 13 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born May 27, 1923 in Columbiaville, she was the daughter of Robert W. and Ruby (Lyons) Traver.
Mrs. Oakes was president of the Allen Street School PTA, then became president of the PTA Council. After that she was chairman of the March of Dimes in the City of Hudson which for many years included the Mother’s March. She raised her family while maintaining the books at Mt. Carmel Church. Her career then progressed to Columbia Memorial Hospital where she started in the Building Fund Drive, and eventually became the hospital purchasing agent. She was president of the Northeastern Purchasing Agents Association, and a member of the Iroquios Hospital Consortium, along with being a member of Materials Management. Mrs. Oakes received life membership to the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Healthcare Materials Management Society. After 25 years of employment at CMH, and one year prior to retirement, Mrs. Oakes and other employees started the CMH Food Co-op, which she ran for 14 years until it ended. For 11 years, Mrs. Oakes was treasurer of American Legion Post 184. She loved painting along with arts and crafts. While at Whittier Adult Home, she won many awards for her artistic talents.
She and her husband, George were married in 1946. They were married for 46 years prior to his passing.
Survivors include: her daughter, Deborah Dobrowski and her husband James; son, Daniel Oakes and his wife Wanda; grandchildren, Jill Hanley, Tina Butterworth, Steven Dobrowski, Matthew Dobrowski, Jolene Oakes, Kelly Barbour, and Caitlyn Sartori; great-grandchildren, Jack, Mason and Cole Dobrowski, Emma and Sara Hanley, Oliver and Henry Barbour, and Evan and Cecelia Sartori; a sister, Anna Mae Jastrombeck; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, George, Mrs. Oakes was predeceased by her daughter, Darlene Oakes Groll, and sisters, Dorothea Traver and Clara Silcock.
Funeral services from the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson are Wednesday, January 17 at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Stuyvesant Falls Cemetery. Visitation hours at the funeral home are Tuesday, January 16 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Frances C. Gentile (1923 – 2018)
VALATIE—Frances C. Gentile 94, of Hudson, died peacefully on Sunday January 7, 2018 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell.
Born in Hudson June 26, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Rosemary (Cardinale) Gentile.
Ms. Gentile was employed with IBM in Poughkeepsie for many years. She was instrumental in work on the miniature chip program. She retired in 1985. She enjoyed outings and all type of public functions.
She is survived by: a niece, Margaret (David) Mckeown of Pittsburgh; a nephew, Arthur Skip (Christine) Dean of Hudson; a great-niece, Jodi (Kevin) Osuch; great-nephews, Matthew (Allyssa) Mckeown of Los Angeles, John (Trisa) Mussmacher of Hudson; great-great-nephews, Kenyon, Cody, Cayden and Tristan plus several loving cousins.
She lived life in her own way. Ms. Gentile was up on all current events until the very end. Opinions did not have to be requested. She could debate and argue any point. Many thanks to the staff and workers at Whittier Adult for the years of care and patience and to the Barnwell staff for making her last days comfortable.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be announced in the spring.