Robert C. Young (1947 – 2023)

ALBANY—Robert C. Young, 75, of Hudson went home to the Lord Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Orville, Georgia, May 5, 1947, he was the son of the late Buster Robinson and Lizzie Mae Young. He worked for many years as a laborer locally in Columbia County. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: two sons, Robert Simpson and Christopher Young and two daughters, Jeriesha T. Coleman and Whitney Young.

He was predeceased by his daughter Michelle McEachern. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.

Laura L. Kipp (1964 – 2023)

NIVERVILLE—Laura L. Kipp of Niverville passed away February 17, 2023.

Born November 28, 1964 in Staten Island, she was the daughter of the late John and Loraine (Weston) Charles and the fiancé of David Decker, Jr., of Niverville.

As a dispatcher and working at various tasks, she was in the solid waste industry for nearly 30 years. In addition to her fiancé, she is also survived by: her two sons, John C. Kipp (Rebecca Jennings) and Kevin A. Kipp (Amanda Shook), all of Niverville; five grandchildren, Lauryssa, Isabelle, Isla, Hunter and expected grandson, Connor.

Her love for her sons was unconditional. Some of her greatest joys were vacationing in Virginia Beach with David and spoiling her grandchildren. Funeral services were held February 21, 2023 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. Burial followed at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Valatie.

Kenneth C. Campbell (1928 – 2023)

GHENT—Kenneth C. Campbell passed away February 18, 2023 at the Ghent Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born September 16, 1928 in New Concord, he was the son of the late VanRensselaer and Mabel C. Roney Campbell.

He worked as a truck driver. For many years until his retirement, he worked for Columbia Corp.

He enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing. He was also a good mechanic and wood worker.

He is survived by: his sons, Stephen and Donald (Sharon); stepsons, Joseph (Pam) Benziger, James (Deb) Benziger and Edward Benziger.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia; son, James; sister, Helen Campbell Delaney and brothers, Clifford and Van Rensselaer (Toby).

Family will receive friends Thursday, February 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory may be made to the Spencertown Volunteer Fire Company, 1 Memorial Drive Spencertown 12165. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

Karen L. Faxon (1962 – 2023)

ALBANY—It is with heavy hearts that the family of Karen Louise Faxon shares the news of her passing February 19 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital after a short battle with a very aggressive form of ovarian cancer, and after a life very well-lived as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.

She was born August 16, 1962 to Kenneth and Barbara Layman at Catskill Hospital, the baby sister of Edith Layman and eventually, big sister to Christopher Layman.

She was a 1980 graduate of Greenville Central School and the Hudson Valley Community College nursing program. She began her nursing career at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Timothy Faxon, a respiratory therapist.

In her final week, she spent several days in the hospital room where Tim eagerly waited outside for her to finish caring for a patient so that he could ask her out on their first date. They married in 1987, built a home in Old Chatham in 1988, and welcomed their daughter Jillian in 1991 and their son Nicholas in 1993.

She enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Florida with her family and most recently a trip to Ireland with Jillian to celebrate her 60th birthday. Her crafting and design talents were on full display at both Jillian’s wedding May 29, 2020 and Nick’s wedding November 6, 2022 and all other family occasions. She was known for hosting outstanding family holiday celebrations and elaborate summer bashes by the pool.

She left St. Peter’s to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield and was currently working in configuration for CDPHP with a team of amazing, supportive coworkers that she was proud to call friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, and is survived by: her husband of 36 years, Timothy; siblings, Edith Layman and Christopher (Lisa) Layman; daughter, Jillian (Thomas) Silk; son, Nicholas (Marissa) Faxon and soon to be granddaughter, Emery Faxon Silk due in early March. She also leaves behind her fur babies, Tillie and Jazzy, and grand fur babies, Mila and Chance. In addition she is survived by: her mother-in-law, Muriel Faxon (Edgar Acevedo); father-in-law, Theodore Faxon; and her stepfather, Buddy Soldner and stepsister, Delores Soldner. Her warmth, smile and “genuine being” will be greatly missed by a multitude of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held Saturday, February 25 at French, Gifford, Prieter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. Interment will immediately follow in the North Chatham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Little Brook Farm, BITS, P.O. Box 127, Old Chatham 12136 or Peppertree Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 2396, Albany 12220. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

David L. Riffley (1943 -2023)

STOCKPORT—David Leroy Riffley, 80, of Stockport died February 19 with loving family members at his side. Born in Gouverneur, January 23, 1943, he was the elder son of Robert Leroy and Shirley Tooker Riffley. Following his graduation in 1961 from Columbia High School in East Greenbush, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Cape May, NJ, where he served on the Miah Maull Shoal Light and aboard the USCGC Cape Kiwanda (WPB 95329). He was honorably discharged in 1966 with a rank of engineman petty officer third class.

He had a long career with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and worked as a class c “hot stick” lineman, retiring as a foreman in 1994 with 28 years of service. In his retirement years, he and his wife, Debbie, took pleasure in traveling around the country, including on a number of vacation cruises and trips to Alaska and Hawaii.

In 2019, he had the opportunity to go on a Patriot Flight for veterans to Washington, D.C., an experience he found to be especially moving and meaningful.

Mr. Riffley held memberships in Kinderhook Elks Lodge 2530, the American Legion, and Glencadia Rod and Gun Club and was a social member of Stuyvesant Falls Memorial VFW Post 9593 and the Stuyvesant Falls Fire Department.

A talented mechanic, he enjoyed restoring vintage machinery and earned the nickname “Oil Can” among his friends. He tackled everything from antique steam engines and tractors to a 1923 Model T, but he was most proud of the 1946 Jeep in which he often participated at local parades and ceremonial events.

In addition to his many hobbies, he volunteered for a number of organizations, including as a driver for Disabled American Veterans and doing restoration work on the U.S.S. Slater Destroyer Escort moored in Albany.

He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He is survived by: his wife of 18 years, Debra Kirker Riffley; his daughter, Carolyn Riffley; stepdaughters, Julia Provenzano and Laura Slobodiak; grandchildren, Robert Bigness, Jr., Benjamin Barie and Sarah Barie; great-granddaughter, Anna Bigness; his sister, Shawna Lambert; brother, Peter (Barbara) Riffley and his first wife, Joyce Baker Toussaint. He was predeceased by his parents and a stepson, Robert Jennings.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that he be remembered with a donation to the U.S.S. Slater at https://ussslater.org or addressed to P.O. Box 1926, Albany 12201.

Teresa Mittermayr (1954 – 2023)

HUDSON—Teresa Mittermayr, 68, of Hudson passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She battled a short illness, and was surrounded by her daughter Kristina, her husband Helmut, and many other friends during her last days. Once her hospice care began, the staff at Sloan Kettering not only made sure she was free of pain and as comfortable as possible, but also fulfilled her spiritual and emotional needs, and that of her family.

She immigrated from Poland to NYC in 1991, for dental treatment. She took one English class after moving, to learn her name and the most basic phrases, and kept an English-Polish dictionary with her anywhere she went, until it fell apart. She became an American citizen, but also never lost love for her home country. She went to evening college courses for two years to become a medical coder in 2008 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. She was very close with her amazing coworkers.

She was very intelligent, had a great sense of humor, and was extremely kind. She loved skiing with her daughter and husband, traveling to her family in Poland, gardening and spending time with her friends, and her friends that became family. Many admired her devotion to motherhood. She always showed up for her daughter and husband. She loved Kristina with every part of her. Kristina is proud to be her daughter, and couldn’t imagine a better mother.

Church services will take place Saturday, February 25 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1820 State Route 9, Stuyvesant. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place privately at Cedar Park Cemetery.

Peter Pelesz (1955 – 2023)

LIVINGSTON—Peter Pelesz, 67, of Livingston passed away peacefully Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Born June 22, 1955 in Krakow, Poland, he was the son of Harry and Tekla Pelesz. He moved to the U.S. in 1963 with his family where they grew up in Hudson.

He was a 1973 graduate of Hudson High School. He then went on to earn his associate’s degree in political science at Hudson Valley Community College. He was a devoted employee of MTA Metro North Railroad for more than 30 years before retiring in 2014. He was also a lifetime member of H.W. Rogers Hose Company No. 2 as well as an active member and supporter of the Kalicoontie Rod & Gun Club. He took great pride in his work and was an incredibly devoted father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to so many. He was a man of few words, but he could always find subtle ways to make people laugh. Loving, gentle, caring, loyal—he had a big heart and was known by all as “one of the kindest people they had ever met.”

He is survived by: the love of his life of 44 years, Ann (Lezette); his daughter, Stacy Vara (Mike); his treasured granddaughter, Rylie; his older brother, John (Nancy) Pelesz; younger brother, Dan (Jennifer) Pelesz; sisters-in-law, Cherie Speer, Joan Lezette-Miller, Sandy Lezette; brother-in-law, Robert Kehl; many nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.

He was predeceased by: his dear son, Brett; his parents, Harry and Tekla Pelesz; brother-in-law, Rodney Lezette and sister-in-law, Risë Kehl.

Funeral services were held February 18 at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson followed by interment at Cedar Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brett P. Pelesz Memorial Scholarship funds at Hudson High School or Cairo-Durham High School.

Francis J. Jause (1942 – 2023)

HUDSON—Francis “Frank” J. Jause, 80, of Hudson passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023. He was born in Granville, November 16, 1942 to the late Andrew and Mary Jause.

He graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1966 with a BS in elementary education. He was a fifth grade teacher at Taconic Hills from 1966 to 1999. In 1992, he became the athletic director at Taconic Hills, and throughout his tenure there also coached a variety of sports teams including football, girls and boys basketball, and track and field. Never being ready to fully retire, in 2009 he transitioned to assistant athletic director supporting full-time ADs including his daughter, Angela. He was highly devoted to his many students and athletes, completing 55 years of service to Taconic Hills in 2021.

He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Columbia Golf and Country Club. He enjoyed taking summer trips to the Saratoga racetrack and betting on the horse races through OTB. He and his wife also took many trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos. On every family vacation, especially the beach trips, his priority was always finding the best restaurants. He loved watching all sports, but was a big fan of Ohio State, Oklahoma, the Detroit Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs, the LA Dodgers and NASCAR, specifically Jeff Gordon.

He was predeceased by his brother, Andrew Jause, and sister, Anita Jones. He is survived by: his wife, Paula Voight-Jause; his daughter, Angela Webster; his son, Jason Jause and his wife Jessica; his daughter, Beth Anne Voight-Jause; his grandchildren, Rylee and Brayden Jause; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated February 17 from Holy Trinity St. Mary’s Parish in Hudson. Arrangements were with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dollars for Scholars and note the donation in his memory. A scholarship will be created to be given to a student athlete.

Donate online at taconichills.dollarsforscholars.org or mail donations and make checks payable to: Taconic Hills Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 119, Philmont 12565.

Betty J. Sigler (1936 – 2023)

HILLSDALE—Betty J. Sigler, 87, of Hillsdale passed away February 14, 2023. Born February 10, 1936 in Hudson, she was the daughter of William and Ethel (Austin) Lansing.

She was a homemaker and a lifelong Columbia County resident. She was in constant communication with her friends and family whether through phone calls or house visits. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, camping, car rides to enjoy the scenery, and all types of puzzles. Visiting with her grandsons, playing cards, and riding on their ATVs gave her much joy.

Survivors include: her son and daughter-in-law, Norman, Jr., and Kathleen Sigler of Ghent; grandsons, Ryan and Trevor Sigler of Ghent; her daughter, Tammy Sigler and Paul Beers of Catskill; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brad and Linda Sigler of Hudson; brother-in-law, Howard “Butch” Sigler of Mellenville, along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Norman Sigler, Sr.; son, Timothy Sigler; siblings, William Lansing, Clara Lansing, Patricia Snyder, Edna Beecher and Hazel Szafran.

Private funeral services will be held in the spring. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson.

Jeffrey L. Gaylord (1955 – 2023)

TAGHKANIC—Jeffrey “Poppy” Gaylord, 67, of Taghkanic passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born September 21, 1955 in Rhinebeck, he was the son of the late Lloyd Gaylord and Patricia (Sullivan) Gaylord.

“Jeff” is survived by: the love of his love of his life and best friend, Karen (Brady) Gaylord of 46 years; daughter, Jennifer (William) Dunspaugh of Claverack; sons, Eric (Tynna) Gaylord of Taghkanic, Cory (Kirsten) Gaylord of Hampton, VA; grandchildren, Brandon and Tyler Dunspaugh, Alyvianna (Livy) Heimroth and Harvey Gaylord; brother, Kenneth (Pam) Gaylord of DesMoines, WA; sister, Christine (Terry) Farney of Huntington Beach, CA; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and -nephew. He was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Gaylord; father, Lloyd and mother, Patricia.

Mr. Gaylord and his wife started dating in 1974 when they worked at Columbia Memorial Hospital. They were married two years later and their adventure began. In 1985, he started Gaylord Contracting Corp., where he worked tirelessly to build until his retirement, with the help of his wife Karen, children Jennifer, Cory, Eric and grandson, Brandon and Robert Stalker. He taught himself everything needed to build driveways and land clearing, for house sites, foundations and septic systems. He met some amazing customers during his career who became long lasting friends.

He loved to travel and cruise the Caribbean with friends and family.

Calling hours were held at the Bates & Anderson Funeral Home in Hudson, February 19, 2023. Burial services will be private.

Bette A. Shutts (1934 -2023)

CATSKILL—Bette Ann Shutts, 88, of Claverack passed away February 20, 2023 at the Pines in Catskill. She was born August 5, 1934 in Hudson to the late Marvin and Ethel Sharts. She worked as an administrative assistant at Hudson City Savings Bank before raising her family.

She is survived by: her three children, Tara and her husband Gary Romanchuck, Richard Miller, Jr., and his wife Wanda and Mark Derwood and his wife Kimberly Shutts; her six grandchildren, Ryan Romanchuck, Deidre Herman, Bradlee Shutts, Jason Shutts, Dana Shutts Rowell and Mark Shutts; eight great-grandchildren, Robin, Abren and Kydin Rowell, Avery and Parker Herman, Cameron, Forest and Drift Shutts; and her sister, Merlin Johnson.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Miller Shutts, Sr.

In keeping with her wishes, no formal services will be held. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.