John R. Blake (1942 – 2018)
PITTSFIELD, MA—John Robert Blake, 76, of West Lebanon died Monday, October 29, 2018 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Hudson, June 15, 1942, he was the son of the late Francis Joseph and Florence Pauline Vinck Blake.
Raised in Canaan, he was a 1960 graduate of New Lebanon High School. He resided in East Chatham for many years and most recently in West Lebanon.
Mr. Blake was employed as a store clerk at Slattery’s Store in East Chatham and was employed as a roofer in the family business, FJ Blake and Son Roofing in Chatham. He then became a rural mail carrier for the US Postal Service in Old Chatham and later Stephentown for more than 25 years retiring in 2005. In retirement he also filled in as a substitute mail carrier.
He was a member of the Chatham Knights of Columbus and the Town and Country Rod and Reel Club in Berlin. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and playing cards. He was a huge New York Yankees fan.
He was the beloved father of Karen (Gary) Blake-Kittle of Ghent, Melissa (Tab) Eigenbrodt of Red Rock, Rebecca (Adam) Martin of Chatham and the late Linda Blake; husband of Carol J. Goodrich Blake of Ghent; significant other of Patricia A. Burnell of West Lebanon; brother of Francis (Alice Wattach) Blake of Valatie, Daniel Blake of Chatham and the late Kate and David Blake. Mr. Blake is also survived by 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass Monday, November 5, 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 732 US Route 20, New Lebanon. Interment will follow in the Cemetery of the Evergreens, New Lebanon. There are no public calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chatham Rescue Squad, PO Box 587, Ghent 12075.
Arrangements are with the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 State Route 43, Stephentown. Sign the condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.
Milton R. Killmer (1959 – 2018)
PHILMONT—Milton R. “Jody” Killmer, 59, of Philmont passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at his residence.
He was born September 30, 1959 in Sharon, CT, a son of the late Raymond and Charlotte (Brendline) Killmer.
Mr. Killmer was employed for more than 40 years by Arnoff Moving and Storage in Millerton until his recent illness.
Raised in Millerton, he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing along with tending to his gardens.
Survivors include: his wife, Mary Ann (Jacobs) Savoy; his children, Dennis Howley, Timothy Howley, Ginger Wagner and John Savoy; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves his siblings, Bryant Killmer, Walt Killmer, Scott Killmer, Jackie Spaulding, JoAnn Killmer and April Killmer and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited and may call Sunday November 4, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22 in Copake.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to help the family with final expenses may be sent: c/o Peck and Peck Funeral Home, PO Box D, Copake 12516.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
David V. Carl (1956 – 2018)
MELLENVILLE—David V. Carl of Mellenville passed away peacefully November 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born April 8, 1956 in Great Barrington, MA, he was the son of the late Harry and Maria Jeanette Cantele Carl.
He was a lifetime member of the Philmont Rod and Gun Club, a member of the Mellenville Fire Company, assistant district administrator of District 15 Little League, a Yankee fan, and an avid hunter. As a local business owner of Montague Oil Company, he was known as the big guy with a big heart.
He is survived by: his wife, Leslie (nee Coughlin); his children, Kelly (Matthew) Nolan of Stow, MA, and Ryan (Christen Lill) of Mellenville; his grandchildren, Parker and Elliot Nolan, Jackson Carl and Mackenzie Vigue; his sister, Deborah (Brian) Neal of Catskill; niece, Caitlin Neal and nephew, Scott Neal.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 5, 9:30 a.m. at Saint James Church, Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Carl’s name may be made to the American Red Cross of Greater New York, 520 West 49th Street, New York City 10019. Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Phillip R. Schmidt (1962 – 2018)
HUDSON—Phillip R. Schmidt, 56, passed away suddenly October 31, 2018.
He was born February 13, 1962 in New York City to the late Stephen and Barbara (Roberts) Schmidt. He worked for many years in the groceries business in New York City before moving to Columbia County.
Mr. Schmidt enjoyed fishing, puzzles and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They meant the world to him, and his face would always brighten up when they came around. He was affectionately known as “Grandpa,” and was always there to help people in need. He also loved his animals.
Surviving are: his children, Meagan Schmidt, Justine and her husband John Davis, Shannon Schmidt and her boyfriend Josh Rivenburgh, Phil Schmidt and Steven Schmidt; his seven grandchildren, Faith, Nicholas, Liam, Zoey, Lennox, Jaliyah and Brooklyn. Also surviving are: his siblings, brothers, Gerald, Edward, Darrin, Andy, Billy, Richie and Stephen Schmidt; his sisters, Barbara Rivera and Helen Schmidt; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Schmidt was predeceased by the love of his life, Patricia in 2012; his parents; his brother, Dennis Schmidt and sister, Virginia Schmidt.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. A prayer service will conclude visitation at 6 p.m. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit www.batesanderson.com
Esther E. Davi (1932 – 2018)
VALATIE—Esther E. Davi, 86, of Churchtown passed away Thursday, November 1, 2018 in Valatie.
Born March 9, 1932 in Hudson, she was the daughter of Charles and Mable (House) Crosby.
She worked for many years in Central Service of Columbia Memorial Hospital. Watching television and doing crossword puzzles were some of her favorite things to do. Her family was always number one priority, and she truly loved all of her pets throughout her life.
Mrs. Davi is survived by: her children, Frederick (Robin) Davi, and Joanne Davi-Dwy (Kevin); grandchildren, Hope Davi-VanTassel (Steve), Charles (Michele) Hoffman and Paul (Tracy) Hoffman; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Seth, Bethany and Logan Hoffman, Elizabeth and Joseph Desmonie; her brothers, Daniel, Gary and Michael Crosby along with several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her best friend, Shirley Leccese and her sisters-in-law, Delia Davi and Rose (Davi) Schryver.
Mrs. Davi was predeceased by her husband, Charles Davi and cousin, Lois “Dolly” Conners.
Funeral services from the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson are Monday, November 5, 10 a.m. Visitation hours at the funeral home are Sunday, November 4 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Dolores M. Shook (1936 – 2018)
CATSKILL—Dolores M. Shook, 82, of Catskill went home to be with her lord Thursday, November 1, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Hudson, February 3, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Bertha (Houghtaling) Shook.
Ms. Shook was a self-employed cosmetologist and worked locally for many years. She was a loving mother, grand- and great-grandmother.
She will be greatly missed by: her son, James J., Sr., and (Suzanne) Shook of Claverack; daughters, Dawn and (Alain) Sorokey of Craryville, Darlene Schrader and her boyfriend Samuel March of Claverack; grandchildren, Josh, Brianna, Casey and Kelsey and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by: her grandson, James Joseph Shook, Jr.; her siblings, Lyle, Kenneth, Ross, Elwood and Raymond Shook, Florence Hall and Ruth Taylor.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 6, 10 a.m. to noon at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Services will follow at noon at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Coddington officiating. Burial will be in Livingston Cemetery. Following the committal service at the cemetery a reception will follow at the Federation of Polish Sportsmen, 400 Newman Road, Greenport.
Arlene L. Butler (1945 – 2018)
VALATIE—Arlene L. (Wilber) Butler of Valatie died October 31, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by: her loving companion, William Wildman; daughters, Denise (Bob) George, Dodie (Gary) Davidson, Jamie (Edward) Rahm; stepson, Robert Butler; brother, Kenneth Wilber; her grandchildren; great-grandson; nieces; nephews; cousins and many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Butler; father and mother, Charles and Louise Wilber and brother, Edwin Wilber.
Ms. Butler was a graduate of Chatham High School and a lifelong resident of Columbia County. She was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #2530 and past president of the Elks Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Kinderhook Lake Improvement Association.
Ms. Butler retired from the NYS Office of Court Administration and then worked part-time for the NYS Department of Civil Service.
She enjoyed going to the casino, lunching with her retired friends, and having Friday dinner dates with family and friends. She loved genealogical research and leaves her legacy in her extensive compilations of family history. She cherished her family and friends, often putting their needs before her own. She was loved deeply and will be missed by all her knew her.
Friends and family are invited to honor Ms. Butler’s memory at the Niverville United Methodist Church, Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Elks Service will be held at 4:30 followed by a memorial service and a celebration of life with food and drinks afterward.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in her memory. Arrangements are with Simple Choices, Inc., 1088 Western Avenue, Albany.