Anthony H. Fontana (1959 – 2020)
GALLATIN—Anthony H. Fontana, 60, of Gallatin, formerly of Yonkers, passed away at home January 14, 2020.
He was born June 3, 1959 in Yonkers, the son of Harry and the late Grace (DE Michaels) Fontana.
Mr. Fontana was a master plumber and owner of Tana Temperature Control Company in Yonkers. He worked alongside his father for more than 40 years.
He loved the outdoors and spent many summers working on a family horse ranch in Tupper Lake.
He was an avid hiker and ice climber. He and his wife, Nora, built a home in the mountains of Gallatin where he was living the dream. He was the eternal optimist and always happy.
On February 22, 2003 he married Nora (Lipari) Fontana in Hopewell Junction, she survives him at home.
In addition to his loving father and wife, survivors include: his daughters, Yvonne, Noel, Kelly, Jodi Ann and her husband Rich; two sisters, Susan and Doreen Fontana; eight grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Friends called at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, Thursday, January 16, 2020. A time of sharing was officiated by the Reverend Jeff Silvieus.
Burial was Friday, January 17, 2020 in North Elba Cemetery, Lake Placid.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation, P.O. Box 821, Manalapan, NJ 07726. To sign the online register visit peckandpeck.net.
Gwendolyn L. Ingraham (1947 – 2020)
ALBANY—Gwendolyn “Gwen” L. Ingraham, 72, of Hudson passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at St. Peter’s Hospice.
Born November 14, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Etta (Nibergall) Plass.
She was at her core a caregiver. She was everybody’s aunt who ran her own daycare and also worked as a home health aide in the Columbia County area for many years. She was a devoted communicant of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Hudson. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sanford Ingraham in 2009. She was also predeceased by siblings: Virginia Buniak, Robert Kern, Goldie Simmons, Nancy Fingar, Charles Dallas, John Dallas, Gay Albertson, Muriel Dallas, Sydney Plass and Lolita Simmons. Left to cherish her memory are several nieces, nephews, and her dear friends: Gordon Hazen, Joshua Hazen, Meghan Oliver, Caitlin Oliver, Selena Molina, Barbara Oliver, Charlie Hille, Judy Hille and Maryann Dufficy.
Calling hours were January 17 at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport, followed by funeral services at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 8 Storm Avenue, Hudson with Pastor Jon Hodges officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery Hudson.
June B. Simons (1949 – 2020)
AUSTERLITZ—June Barnett Simons, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, left her earthly body at her home with her husband by her side, January 15, 2020.
She is deeply loved and missed by her husband, Bill Simons; her children, Rebecca (Chris) Schaeffer, Noa (Anne) Conger Simons, Bethany (Chris) Powers and Joseph (Kelly) Simons; her sister, Jan (Vern) Richardson; brother, Rodney (Pat) Barnett; her grandchildren, Mylah, Abigail and Ethan Powers and Jack Schaeffer; as well as nieces and nephews.
She died immediately following a sudden heart attack.
She was born February 15, 1949 in Auburn, to John and Barbara (Dixon) Barnett. She spent her childhood in Elbridge on her family’s farm. She had a palomino horse named Nugget that she loved to ride, and talked about until the end of her life.
She graduated from Jordan-Elbridge High School in 1967, and from SUNY Potsdam in 1971, the first in her family to graduate from college. She went on to study Waldorf Education in England and to become an LPN.
Mrs. Simons dedicated her life to her family, to care-giving and to music. She loved traveling and exploring with her husband, and visiting her siblings, children and grandchildren. She worked as a private duty home-care nurse, taking care of both the living and the dying, providing love and comfort to those in need. For the past 20 years, she was an active member of the Treble Choraliers, a community singing group based in Catskill. She took leadership roles and very much enjoyed singing the music and the community of fellowship among the members.
She was a lifelong writer, singer, and lover of words and ideas. Her bookshelves are filled with works that struck her as meaningful. Her journals are filled with her own creative spirit, capturing observations, story arcs and timeless human truths. She enjoyed many genres of music, both listening and playing, and was the first person to shout “bravo” following every inspiring artistic performance (and they all were).
She believed strongly in community and worked towards her ideals of liberty and freedom. She was an active member of the Oath Keepers and served as an election inspector for over a decade.
“Beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, we grieve your sudden passing. May your memory be a blessing to all who have touched your life.”
Calling hours are Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home. A fellowship gathering follows the service. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home and donations may be mailed to the Treble Choraliers, P.O. Box 53, Catskill 12414, to support the non-profit community chorus Mrs. Simons loved so much. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Burton D. Pulver (1948 – 2020)
HUDSON—Burton D. Pulver, 71, of Old Chatham passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born November 6, 1948 in Hudson, he was the son the late Alfred and Arlene (Tator) Pulver.
“Burt” worked many years for the town of Kinderhook. He lived a simple life with a solid group of friends. His greatest achievement was being married for 32 years and bringing up two daughters. He will genuinely remain a staple in the Village of Valatie.
Mr. Pulver is survived by: his wife, Barbara (Hamm) Pulver; two daughters, Leya Jackson (Barry) and Keeley Johnson (Eddie) both of Old Chatham; his stepfather, Duane “Dewey” Hotaling of Niverville; one brother, Duane Hotaling (Mary) and one sister, Holly Carlotti, both of Niverville; three grandchildren, McKenna and Garrett Jackson and Maxwell Pearson-Johnson and his best friend, Outlaw. He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony Hotaling.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 20, 2020, 1 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with the Reverend Nick Becker officiating. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534.
Frank J. Izzo (1942 – 2020)
HUDSON—Frank J. Izzo, 77, of Hudson passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
The celebration of Mr. Izzo’s life will be held Monday, January 20, 2020, 2 p.m. at Rock Solid Church, 334 Union Street Hudson. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. at the church.
He was born in Miami, Florida, September 25, 1942. He attended Onteora High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He went on to receive an associate’s degree from Ulster Community College.
He married Rosalind (Clow) Izzo, September 12, 1980. They were married for 39 years.
Mr. Izzo was an insurance agent with the Allstate Insurance Company for many years. He enjoyed RVs, boats, cars and trucks. He was also actively involved with Roz’s Dance Works dance studio in Hudson.
He is survived by: his wife, Rosalind; two daughters, Jennifer and Seth; a son-in-law, Jamie; three grandsons, Robert, James and Tyrus and two great-granddaughters, Tommi Jo and Olivia, along with other loved family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Rock Solid Church, P.O. Box 424, Hudson 12534.
Mr. Izzo’s family thanks everyone who has supported them during this difficult time.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Mary A. Cranna (1920 -2020)
HUDSON—In memory of Mary Anne Cranna, who was called home January 14, 2020, to be with her husband, James P.; her children, Katherine Anne and William; her grandchildren, Liam and Serenella, and the whole Murphy clan with whom she will enthusiastically reunite.
She was born to the late Frank and Mary Hughes, August 30, 1920. She was hopeful for 100 years, but 99 was quite enough. As she would tell us, “It’s hell to get old, but it isn’t a disgrace.” To put it in historical context, as a young woman, she worked at JC Penny’s, except that she would say good morning to Mr. Penny himself.
A mother first, she is survived by: her children, Donald J. (Melissa), Kenneth G., Thomas P., and Robert J. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Bryan (Kristin), Amy Clark (Mike), Brendan (Lauren), McCailey, Patrick, Colin and Austin, and many beloved great-grandchildren.
A small woman who gave birth to six large children, she always reminded then with a laugh and a smile, that as big as they got, she could always kick them in the shins. Nothing gave her more pride than her family. She always relied on prayer and good example to lead the Cranna family. She had a great sense of humor that was nurtured and sharpened by her treasured Irish heritage.
She loved to quote her mother in an effort to bring relevance and direction to most situations in 10 words or less. Her children will never forget: “Eaten bread is soon forgotten,” “Put a beggar on horseback and they’ll ride to hell,” and “Here she comes, one arm as long as the other.” All subtle lessons taught to her children through her keen sense of fairness and equity.
Mrs. Cranna was a volunteer, a woman who saw her service as a gift of her faith and a love of her community. She tried to provide to others the opportunities that she had earned through hard work and perseverance. She drew strength from raising a large family and from her unbending faith and dedication to Christian service. Mrs. Cranna taught her children that “God fits the back to bear the burden he gives you. Not one inch too long, not one ounce too heavy.”
“So Ma, thanks to you, we know that “curses don’t fall on stones,” and “it’s a great life if you don’t weaken,” and if you can’t find something, get a hold of St. Anthony.”
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated January 17 from Holy Trinity / St. Mary’s Parish in Hudson. Interment will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Her family thanks the dedicated nurses and staff at Whittier Nursing Home, along with the doctors, nurses and staff at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Cranna will especially miss her fellow “Golden Girls” Lisa and Sally who looked out for her and helped make her stay at Whittier a pleasant one.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hudson Catholic Charities.
Arrangements were with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.