Margaret A. Leahy (1940 – 2019)
VALATIE—Margaret A. Leahy, 79, of Valatie, formerly of Levittown and New Port Richey, FL, passed away Monday, October 28, 2019.
Born February 9, 1940 in Queens, she was the daughter of the late Christian O. and Elsa S. (Ciesielski) Schrade.
She is survived by: her beloved husband of 60 years, Thomas J. Leahy; four children, Thomas J. (Kathleen) Leahy, Jr., of Murphy, NC, Catherine (Michael Scott) Leahy-Scott of Valatie, Timothy W. Leahy of Guilderland, Joan (Frank Davis) Leahy Davis of North Greenbush; a brother, John P. (Michele) Schrade of Flemington, NJ; six grandchildren, Thomas J. (Kayla) Leahy, III, Patricia E. (Frank) Paino, Kerri A. Leahy, Christian V. Leahy, Megan E. Scott and Michael T. Scott; one great-grandson, Frank Paino; several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Leahy was predeceased by her brother, Robert Schrade.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held November 2 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 667 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush with Fr. Quy Vo and Fr. Joseph O’Brien concelebrating. Private interment will be scheduled at a later date at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rensselaer.
Arrangements were with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
Christopher J. Bramah (1994 – 2019)
ALBANY—Christopher Jordan Bramah, who lived a life of joy that was repeatedly upended by drug addiction, died suddenly Thursday, October 31 in Albany. He was just 25 years of age.
“Chris” was a unique individual in many ways: a devoted hunter who hated having to use mousetraps, an enthusiastic singer of country music and Southern rock as well as rap, and a frequent city-dweller who dreamed of a home in remote Alaska. But he also became, tragically, part of a statistic—one of the 30,000 people who die in this country every year from an opioid overdose.
As in so many of those stories, he thought he had it beat this time. Free of opioids for 11 months, he was reintroduced to them by a prescription pain medication after a recent injury. Within two weeks he was dead, depriving family, friends and those he had not yet met, but who would have loved him in the future of a happy guy with a winning smile, a mischievous sense of humor, a zealotry for watching racing at Lebanon Valley Speedway and an abiding pleasure in spending time with those he cared about.
Born March 9, 1994 in Schenectady, he grew up in Rensselaer and Columbia counties, attending Maple Hill and Ichabod Crane high schools. He soon joined his mother, sister and two brothers in Florida, a state he loved for its fishing, its beaches and the time it afforded him with his nieces and nephews—Jimmy, Alexander, Emerson, Harmony and Braden. While there, he began to work in the utility industry, a path he hoped would lead to college, a secure career and a family of his own.
When he was drug-free, his eyes were bright, his laugh was quick and his appetite for food encompassed everything from McDonald’s to fine dining and global cuisine, although he would not eat his sister’s cooking. He loved helping his nephew with new skateboard tricks and would frequently Facetime his niece to watch her horseback riding lesson. He loved being with family.
Mr. Bramah is survived by: his parents, Terri Bramah of Florida and James Bramah (Lauren) of Kinderhook; sister, Anissa Alonzo of Florida; brothers, Jim Bramah of Florida and Paul Bramah of Albany; grandmother, Janice Malmberg of Hudson; nieces and nephews, Jimmy, Alexander, Emerson, Melody, Harmony and Braden; aunts and uncles who loved him dearly; step-siblings, Steven and Julia.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 4, 11 a.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with the Reverend Nick Becker officiating. Burial will follow in Kinderhook Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, November 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mr. Bramah’s name to The Drug Alcohol Abuse Foundation, 400 South Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Donald E. Morse (1933 – 2019)
CLAVERACK–Donald E. Morse passed peacefully back into the loving arms of “Mother and Dad” October 29, 2019.
Along with his parents he was welcomed home by his son, Don Anthony “DA” and his brothers, James, Earl and Paul.
He was born at home November 3, 1933 in Troy, the proud and devoted son of James Kenneth and Jeanette (Wever) Morse, Sr.
“Don” grew up in Troy with his best friends who also happened to be his brothers and sisters: James, Earl, Paul, Phil, Jack, Betty, Carl and Kay.
He graduated from Troy High School in 1951 lettering in football. He was inducted into Troy High School Sports Hall of Fame, alongside his brother, Jack in 2005.
Mr. Morse joined the Air Force after high school and served as an SP in Japan and the Philippines during the Korean War.
When he returned home, he took a job with the NYC Port Authority. He then took a job with the phone company “Ma Bell” before becoming part of yet another family he loved, respected and protected. In 1966 Mr. Morse became a NYS trooper. He had a highly-decorated career in the service of community. During his time on the job, partners became brothers and coworkers became family.
On October 1, 1972, Mr. Morse married the love of his life, Annette M. Browne. Not a day went by that he didn’t kiss her good morning or good night. Together they formed the most blessed family. She survives him at home along with their children and their children’s families: Don Anthony’s family, Donna, Bernadette, Ronald, Nanette, Carl, Mark, Robert, Gina and Melissa.
“Grandpa/ GGpa” will be remembered as the greatest man ever by his 32 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren (a/k/a, “sweethearts.”)
He chose to donate his body to Albany Medical College to help with ongoing cancer research. The family has agreed to his wishes of no calling hours or services but instead will celebrate his life and memory every day.
“In his memory: Be the first one on the dance floor. Sit at the kitchen table and teach your grandchildren a new card game. Crawl around on the floor chasing your great-grandkids. Welcome family and friends into your home—make them feel special, loved, important and protected. Just have fun.
Donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospital may be made to honor Mr. Morse. Arrangements were with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home. To sign the online register visit peckandpeck.net
John H. Walsh (1942 – 2019)
GREENPORT—John H. Walsh, 77, of Greenport passed away October 30, 2019.
He was born May 20, 1942 in Hudson, the son of Harold and Winifer (Bishop) Walsh. After graduating from Hudson High School, he enlisted in the Army and served for more than 20 years. On July 4, 1965, he married Beverly Ostrom. Together they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Mr. Walsh worked as an electrician for the Hudson City School District for 20 years, and also for Iron Mountain for 30 years. He enjoyed traveling and was a member of the Hudson Polish Sportsmen’s club.
He is survived by: his wife, Beverly; his grandchildren, Michael Walsh, Jr. and his wife Mary, Robert Walsh, Sarah Hamm and her husband Bruce and Brandon Walsh; his eight great-grandchildren, Michael Joseph Walsh, III, Nathan Walsh, Alex Walsh, Nicholas Walsh, MacKenzie and Zachary Labounty, and Ryker and Everly Hamm.
Mr. Walsh was predeceased by his parents, Harold Walsh and Winifer Miller; his son, Michael Joseph Walsh and brother, Jerome Walsh.
Funeral services were held November 2, 2019 from the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Interment followed in Cedar Park Cemetery.
