Elizabeth Riley (1924 – 2020)
GHENT—Elizabeth “Betsy” Riley, 96, of Hudson passed away peacefully at the Ghent Nursing Center, October 20, 2020. She was born January 7, 1924 in New York City to the late Arthur W. and Elizabeth “Betty” Luff Riley.
Following the sudden death of her father in 1936, the family returned to Hudson and moved in with her grandfather, J. Homer Luff.
She graduated from Hudson High School in 1941. As a senior she was elected president of the Student Council and was voted “Best Dressed,” reflecting a passion for clothing that continued throughout her life. She then graduated from Potsdam Normal School in 1945, and began a career teaching elementary school in Mineola.
Ms. Riley loved musical theater, and made many trips to New York City to see Broadway shows. After retirement, she returned to Hudson to help care for her mother. She was a member at Christ Church Episcopal, Hudson, and remained a dedicated member of that community for many years.
Her extended family thanks the congregants of Christ Church for their loving friendship during her retirement, and for their loyal commitment to her during her years of nursing home residency. They also thank the staff of The Ghent Nursing Center for all their care for her over many years.
Ms. Riley was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Geoffrey. She is survived by numerous cousins and friends.
A funeral service was held October 24 from Christ Church, 431 Union Street, Hudson. Burial was in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Flower Guild, Christ Church Hudson.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Frances T. Osuch (1942 – 2020)
ALBANY—Frances T. Osuch, 78, of Hudson passed away Friday, October 23 in Albany.
Born June 17, 1942 in Hudson, she was the daughter of Arthur and Alice (Clark) Rote.
Mrs. Osuch lived her entire life in the Hudson area where she prided herself as a homemaker. She loved spending time with family and friends. She welcomed anyone into her home, and everyone’s needs always came before her own. She adored her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Left to cherish her memory are: two daughters, Tina Santiago and Pam Myshasko (Michael); grandchildren, Brianna McIntyre (Keith) and Stephen McIntyre; great-granddaughter, Keilani Devine; sisters, Barbara Almstead, Elizabeth Robie (Clint), and Joanne Marler (William); brother, Roger Rote (Linda), and sisters-in-law, Betty Burns and Sheila Rote.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husbands, Stephen Myshasko and William Osuch, and brother, Arthur Rote.
Funeral services at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson are Wednesday, October 28 at 1 p.m. Visitation prior to the funeral service will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.
Arlene M. Brower (1927 – 2020)
SHARON, CT—Arlene M. Brower, 92, of Carla Terrace, Pine Plains died suddenly Saturday, October 24 at Sharon Healthcare Center.
Miss Brower was born November 15, 1927 on the family farm in Ancram Lead Mines (Ancramdale), the daughter of Edward Brower and Nellie (Miller) Brower.
She is survived by: her sister, June Fabrizzio and brother-in-law, Robert of Chugiak of Alaska; 15 nieces and nephews, locally, Frank Brower Jr., John Brower and Sheila Brower Jamieson, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Clayton Brower and Frank C. Brower, Sr.; two sisters, Carolyn B. Morse and Nellie E. Brower.
She lived in Ancramdale until she moved to Pine Plains in the early 1970s.
In 1945, at the age of 18, she was hired by the Stissing National Bank, eventually becoming a bank officer and then retiring after 42 years of service.
She enjoyed raising horses and participating in Gymkhana events. She spoke fondly of her 25+ years as a Girl Scout leader, Troop 42, Pine Plains.
As a young patriotic American, during World War II, she did her part. In addition to selling War Bonds and participating in the Ground Observer Corps, she maintained a serious regiment of writing letters to her brother Frank in the Army Air Force, as well as, numerous Pine Plains and Ancram servicemen, especially her favorite, Coach Barton. She was extremely proud of her family’s military service.
She was an avid traveler, sightseer and souvenir collector, having traveled to England and Scotland; the Eastern USA extensively and road trips to Texas, Mississippi, Colorado and numerous trips to Alaska.
Even into her late 70s she had an adventurist spirit, go-carting with her great-nephew; joining in on hikes in Rocky Mountain and Denali National Parks. Also an exciting, one hour flight in a restored B-17 Bomber, along the mid-Hudson river valley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Plains Rescue Squad or the Ancramdale Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 99, Ancramdale 12503. Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains. To sign the online register visit peckandpeck.net.
Bruce R. Miller (1967 – 2020)
COPAKE FALLS—Bruce Robert Miller, 53, passed October 7, 2020.
He was the son of the late Walter Bruce and Lucy (Scirico). He is survived by: his son, Skylar; his two, sisters, Kimberly (Slattery) and Kathleen (Kane); a nephew, Jacob Piser and three nieces, Amanda Snyder, Emma Mazzio and Caroline Slattery.
He always had to be doing something with his hands. He enjoyed building houses, exploring the woods and streams and riding bikes.
He was a great father and an amazing brother. He especially loved going to Zoom Flume in the summer time and having a family get-together for Christmas. A day didn’t go by where he didn’t think about the ones he loved. He was a great man and will be missed.
A private burial will be held October 28, 2020 at St. Bridget’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home of Copake. To send and online condolences visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Thomas H. Patterson (1943 – 2020)
HUDSON—Thomas Henry Patterson, 77, of Hudson passed away October 22, 2020.
“Coach” Patterson was a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, teacher and coach. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, December 8, 1943, and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. Although he made New York his home, he remained a life-long devoted Iowan.
After graduating college, he was drafted and served two years in Vietnam. Upon return to attend grad school (Springfield College) he met his wife, Snookie on a blind date. They were both PE teachers and landed jobs in Hudson two weeks before their marriage in 1971.
Mr. Patterson spent most of his 77 years serving as a coach and mentor, helping kids to find the best part of themselves. He taught physical education at Hudson High School from 1971 to 1998 where he also coached tennis, track and football. He also had successful coaching careers at Marist College, Ulster County Community College, and Hudson Valley Community College.
He was an active member and dedicated volunteer of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack for more than 45 years, serving as youth group leader, Property Chair, Sunday School teacher and elder. When he retired from teaching, his goal was to play golf eight days a week, and he did.
He will always be remembered for having a bone dry sense of humor. He was quiet and unassuming, so was often able to work his mastery of comic timing to its utmost. He was the best comic straight man and delivered his zingers with a twinkle in his eye. His many famous sayings, his ability to inspire people to work hard, and his depth of caring for everyone in his community are part of his legacy.
His greatest joy in life after coaching was the arrival of his first grandchild, and in spite of Covid-19, he was able to meet and hold his grandson, Remy Thomas, born in May of this year.
He is survived by: his wife, Snookie; daughters, Joy (Matt Bell) of New Orleans, LA, Sara (Brendan Cornwell) of Newington, NH, and Kerri (Ryan Suess) of Seattle, WA; grandson, Remy Thomas Suess; nephews, Daniel Patterson and William Patterson (Carrie); and great-nieces Tessa and Hannah, through whom his memory, his humor and poignant sayings, and love will live on. “Every kid should have the opportunity to be coached by someone like him.”
Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will be held in the future. A scholarship fund is being established in Coach Patterson’s name. Donations may be sent to the Tom Patterson Scholarship, Hudson Senior High School, 215 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson 12534, made payable to the Coach Patterson Memorial Scholarship. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Patricia E. Funk (1942 – 2020)
ALBANY—Patricia “Patti” Funk, 78, of Hudson passed away unexpectedly October 25, 2020 at Albany Medical Center.
She was the daughter of Marian (Hodge) and Stephen Beecher. She was predeceased by her husband, Ross and her sisters, June Maisenbacher and Linda Meyers.
She was born July 15, 1942. She lived her entire life in Hudson and graduated from Hudson High School.
She spent years working at the Columbia County DMV. When she retired and became “bored” she worked part-time at Shop Rite. She was a member of the Methodist Church for years, and a parishioner of the Baptist Church many years ago.
Also known as, “Mom, Momma, and Nana,” she loved her family more than anything and lived to spend time with them. She is survived by: her children, Daniel Funk, and Rebecca (Funk) Marsh; grandchildren, Alexandra Funk, Catherine Marsh, and Carter Ferraro; siblings, Stephen Beecher and Maureen Marzahl and many nieces and nephews.
She was known and loved by many. She was a Girl Scout leader and a friend to all she met. She was an amazing cook (her apple turnovers and cheesecake were to die for), and liked to knit as well, making beautiful afghans. She was great at drawing and loved to sing songs. She knew every word every time.
Alzheimer’s took so much from her, but that didn’t stop her from singing and being as sassy as ever. She will be missed by many. “We are sure she’s catching up with many family and friends that left before her.”
Visitation hours at the Bates & Anderson Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson are Thursday, October 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be in Cedar Park Cemetery
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Robert C. Starr (1949 – 2020)
LIVINGSTON—Robert C. Starr, 71, of Stockport passed away October 26, 2020 at Livingston Hills Nursing Home.
He was born July 22, 1949 in Sharon, CT, to the late George and Naomi (Rose) Starr.
In 1968, “Bob” joined the United States Army and continued to serve in the National Guard for eight years. After his time in the service, he started his career in law enforcement with the Department of Corrections. It was at this time he also became a police officer working for most of the town police departments throughout Columbia County. He finished out his career with Brookwood Secure Center.
He was a proud veteran, and was a past commander of the Stuyvesant Falls VFW from 1989 to 1990. He was also a member of the AMVETS in Florida, and a member of the Kinderhook Elks Lodge. He loved to socialize, and could talk with anyone. After his retirement, he and Pinky, enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, gambling, and wintering in Florida.
Mr. Starr is survived by: his wife, Carole; his step children, Thomas (Sharon) Buckley, Jr., and Kelly Novack; five grandchildren, Walter Novack, Blair Pantoja, Erin Stern, Lindsay Burke, and Dacy Buckley; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild on the way. Also, he is survived by two brothers, George (Pamela) Starr, Jr., Gerald (Sarah) Starr, and his sister-in-law, Sandra Lazzara; three nephews, Wayne (Lisa) Starr, Edward (Megan) Starr, and Richard Lazzara; his great niece, Jeana Lazzara.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Scott Novack, and sister, Sierita Morse.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family and will take place in Cedar Park Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
