Clare V. “Betty” Coluni, 82, of Market Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Saturday February 7, 2015 at home. Born in Amsterdam on January 22, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Roman R. and Clare Wytral Violyn Betty was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She was employed as a teacher in the Fonda Fultonville School District, retiring in 1979. Betty was a parishioner and communicant of St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam. She was also a member of St. Stanislaus Rosary Society and St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary. Her first husband, William R. Lewis Sr., predeceased Betty. She is survived by her husband, Robert V. Coluni at home, her son William R. Lewis Jr. (Sharon) of Winter Garden, FL; her sister, Elaine Luzine of Guilderland, NY; two grandchildren, Jessica Lewis Bradbury (Rory) and William R. Lewis III. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Betty was also predeceased by her brother, Robert Roman Violyn. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Stanislaus Church, 50 Cornell St. Amsterdam. Interment will take place at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 9:00 to 10:15 prior to the service at the Riley Mortuary. Memorial gifts in Betty’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Healthcare Auxiliary, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Clare Coluni
James Sheridan
Following a short illness, James Joseph Sheridan III passed away on February 7 at home, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Watertown, NY on November 7, 1926 to James Joseph Sheridan II and Mary Ursula Murray. The story of Jim’s father’s fame as “the baseball oracle,” the family’s move to Amsterdam in 1934 and the senior Sheridan’s tragic death were recorded by Bob Cudmore in his book, Hidden History of the Mohawk Valley. Jim was educated at St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam, the LaSalle School in Albany and Father Baker’s Lackawanna Home. He hitchhiked across the country in the early 1940s and joined the Marines in California, only to be discharged when they found out he was 15 years old. Jim worked at a variety of jobs, including chef, in various diners, restaurants and kitchens of public institutions, initially in Amsterdam, then Northville and Gloversville. He eventually traveled throughout the Northeast working in Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine. He returned to Amsterdam in 1986 and worked at Country Twist and Paul’s Kitchen until he was hired by Mt. Loretto Nursing Home in the late 1980s where he worked for around 15 years. While there he was honored as Employee of the Month and often served as an emcee, umpire and cheerleader (complete with skirt and pom-poms) at events. Work was an important part of his life, and he believed in giving his employers “ 60 minutes to the hour”. as he would say. Besides Mt. Loretto, he also worked part-time as a watchman at Ward Products, and seasonally for his good friend, Ed Schuyler, at Schuyler’s Orchard. Jim was a colorful character with a great sense of humor. He faced much adversity, especially in his youth, which he shared with the readers of the Amsterdam Recorder during the nearly three years he wrote a weekly column. Injecting humor into just about everything helped him deal with what he faced in his life In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, watching Fox News, old movies and televised horse races. He also enjoyed reading, listening to the music of George Shearing, Jackie Gleason and Lawrence Welk and spending time with his grandchildren and pets. Writing nostalgic pieces for the Recorder was the highlight of his later years. It meant a great deal to him that he touched people’s hearts and lives, and the many letters he received in response to his writing from people in Amsterdam and the surrounding area as well as from former Amsterdamians all over the country touched him as well.. On February 12, 1952, he married Mary Ellen Steiger, who survives him. His courtship of Mary began when he played “Dream a Little Dream of Me” 25 times or so at Al’s Pizzeria where Mary worked, in an effort to get her attention. Her boss finally asked her to talk to the guy playing the repetitive tune. She hadn’t even noticed what he was doing!. He asked her to marry him on their first date. They would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary on Thursday. Regarding his wife, he often said in recent years, “I get the biggest kick out of just sitting and holding her hand.” “Without mommy, I’m nothing.” Before bed each night, they would say, “Good night. God bless. I love you.” Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his son, Michael James Sheridan (Evelyn), Edie Sheridan Weaver (Daniel) and Mildred “Mooney” Sheridan Jezierski (Chester). He is survived also by six grandchildren: Keelie Sheridan of NYC, Kieren Sheridan Barnes (Shawn) of Schenectady, Courtney Sheridan (Jason Green) of Amsterdam, Dr. John Weaver of Binghamton, David Weaver of Amsterdam and Rachel Weaver of Waterford. He leaves behind one sister, Pat Sheridan Luba (Frank) of Elgin, TX and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his “second family,” Carol, Jane and John Jezierski ,and by his beloved animal companions, Daisy Dog and Ursie Cat. Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Betty Sheridan Hildebrandt (Lou), infant son Percy, infant daughter Linda Marie, and two infant grand-children, Joseph Sheridan and Joshua Weaver. He was also predeceased by dear in-laws, George and Edith Steiger Daye, Robert Steiger, John and Caroline Steiger, Auggie Greco, his beloved beagles Mooner and Precious and his black cat, Snowball. The family would like to especially thank Jim’s longtime family practitioner, Dr. Michael Sheridan, Nurse Practitioner Cheryl Sparks, Dr. Snyder, Dr. Harbeck, and Community Hospice, especially Sally Romano, Lucy Merendo and Rachel Escher for their compassionate concern for Jim and his family. They would also like to thank Kevin McClary, Kevin Mattison and the Amsterdam Recorder for giving Jim a forum to share his memories. Viewing hours are from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with the funeral taking place Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Noon at the Riley Mortuary 110 Division Street in Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim’s name to City Mission of Schenectady POB 760 Schenectady, NY 12301 or S.O.C.K.S POB 972 Gloversville, NY 12078.
David Rafalik, Sr.
Vito Dandreano
Mary Liccardi
Mary Elizabeth Liccardi, 86, of Amsterdam, NY; passed away suddenly Tuesday morning February 24, 2015 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Amsterdam, NY on July 15, 1928, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Mary Riley Dufresne Sr. Mary received her education at St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam. She was employed at New York Telephone Company for over Twenty years. Mary was a very active parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, visited the sick, sang in the choir and taught Religious Instructions for many years. She was always a faithful servant of the church. She was also a member of The Ladies of Charity. Her husband Victor Liccardi to whom she married April 3, 1948 predeceased her on June 17, 2004. Mary is survived by her four children, William Liccardi (Leslie) of Ventura, California, Mary Victoria “Vicki” Brundige (Ralph) of Clifton Park, NY; David Liccardi (Donna) of Naples, Florida and Joseph Liccardi (Eileen) of Amsterdam, NY; five sisters, Margaret (Tom) Cosentino, Jean (Henry) Colistra, Rita McClary, Juliann (Jack) Gumuka), Kathryn Andrews and one brother, Paul Dufresne, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Mary was also predeceased by two brothers, David Dufresne and William J. Dufresne Jr. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 8:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY followed at 9:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial gifts in Mary’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Alumni Association, 10 Kopernik Blvd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Dorothy Bravo
Dorothy E. Bravo 91, of Phillips Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Tuesday evening March 3, 2014 at Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility. Born in Hudson, NY on November 3, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Aloysius and Sabina Bray. Dorothy was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Hudson and was employed as an Executive Secretary at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Lucille Spratt of Amsterdam, NY. two sons, Ronald Bray (Dawn) of Saugerties, NY and Barry Bray (Elizabeth) of the state of Florida, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was also predeceased by her son-in-law, John Spratt Sr., two brothers and six sisters. Dorothy loved doing crafts and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was Dorothy’s request, that no calling hours or funeral services are held. Memorial gifts in Dorothy’s name may be made to Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to any veteran’s organization. Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Bonita “Bonnie” Litchfield (Gratton)
Jadwiga Zamorski
Jadwiga M. Zamorski, 92, of River Ridge Living Center and formerly of Northern Blvd., Amsterdam, NY passed away Wednesday morning March 11, 2015 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born on June 28, 1922 in Poland, she was the daughter of the late Jan and Zofia Wojcik Skalski. Jadwiga received her education in Poland and retired as a seamstress from Mohawk Sportswear in Amsterdam. Jadwiga was a parishioner and communicant of St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam. Her husband, Stanley Zamorski to whom she married in 1950, passed away in 2009. Jadwiga is survived by her son, Eugene Zamorski of Amsterdam. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated on Saturday March 14, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church 50 Cornell Street, Amsterdam, NY. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Amsterdam. There are no calling hours. Memorial gifts in Jadwiga’s name may be made to St. Stanislaus Church, 50 Cornell Street, Amsterdam, NY; 12010 Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; 12010
Edward Chase
Louis Colon
Louis Patrick Colon, 39, of Gardiner Street, Amsterdam, NY passed away March 12, 2015. Born on July 28, 1975, he was the son of Louis and Jean DeAngelo Colon, who survive. Louis received his education and graduated from Amsterdam High School. Louis is also survived by his wife, Jolene Eaker Colon of Fort Plain, NY; his son, Derrik Colon, his stepson, Dillon Weber, two brothers, Jason Lee Colon and Thomas Jay Colon. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc; 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; 12010. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Amsterdam. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11:00 to 1:00 prior to the service at the Riley Mortuary.
Bruce Damphier
Bruce W. Damphier Sr. November 12, 1932 – March 6, 2015 Bruce W. Damphier Sr., of New Castle, PA; passed away Friday March 6, 2015 at Trinity Living Center in Grove City, PA. Born in Amsterdam, NY on November 12, 1932, he was the son of the Lester and Margaret Reiff Damphier. Bruce was an honorably discharged United States Marine Corp veteran, who served his country during the Korean Conflict. After the war, he fought 32 professional boxing matches, losing only five bouts. Bruce was employed as a truck driver for Milton Can Company in Elizabeth, NJ; retiring after eighteen years. Bruce was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Amvets in Lyndhurst, NJ. He also enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Bruce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth Marshall Damphier who resides in New Castle, PA. He is also survived by three children, Tammy Damphier Murphy (Gary) of New Castle, PA; Duane Damphier of Utica, NY and Darin Damphier (Jessica) of Wells, NY; two stepsons, Phil Carter of Latchahatche, FL; and Michael Carter (Sue) of Big Bear, CA; five grandchildren and five step grandchildren. Bruce was also predeceased by his son, Bruce W. Damphier Jr., four brothers, Lester, David, Alan and Paul Damphier. Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service, which will be held on Sunday March 22, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Visitation will be held from 12:30 prior to the service. After the service, all are welcome to join with the family for dinner at the American Legion Post 701, 123 West Main Street, Amsterdam.
Hilda Pirfo
Frances Domkowski
Mary Stanwick
Rosanne Carlucci
Rosanne Stelly Carlucci, 87, of Stratton Apartments, Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Thursday March 26, 2015 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born on February 25, 1928 in Amsterdam, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Anna Mullin Stelly. Rosanne received her education in the Amsterdam school system. Rosanne was employed at the Britell Insurance Agency, Martin & Hollway Insurance Agency and lastly at the Hathway Insurance Agency Rosanne was a parishioner and communicant of Our Lady of Mount Camel Church She was a sustaining member of St Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary. Her husband, Joseph A. Carlucci to whom she married March 18, 1945, passed away April 30, 2014. Rosanne is survived by her son David Carlucci (Louann) of Chicago, IL; one grandson, Jesse Carlucci (Jill) of Amsterdam, NY; one granddaughter, Kristyn Jenkins (Craig) of Northfield, OH; two great grandsons, Luca Joseph Carlucci and Cameron Nelson and one great granddaughter, Lexi Veri of Northfield, OH; two great step grandchildren, Kevin and Carter Jenkins, two nieces, Patricia Leggiero and Robin Stelly Zelin (Craig), one nephew, John David Stelly (Stephanie), several great nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law, Margaret Stelly of Norwalk, CT. and her special friend, Jean Griffin of Gloversville, NY. Rosanne was also predeceased by her daughter, Ann Carlucci Moore, one sister, Helen Swaim and one brother, John A. Stelly. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, followed at 11:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated by Fr. Pascal Iannotti at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Amsterdam. Calling hours are Sunday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Rosanne’s name may be made to Office for Aging, 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Armorel Marek
Armorel Pat Marek, 82, of McQueen Road, Amsterdam, NY; passed away peacefully Tuesday evening April 7, 2015 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born June 21, 1932 in Gloversville, NY; she was the daughter of the late Lester and Evelyn Longhenry Dougherty. Pat received her education in the Gloversville school system. She was employed and retired as a Certified Nurse’s Aide from Wilkinson Residential Facility in Amsterdam. Pat was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Amsterdam. Her husband, Alfred John Marek to whom she married on August 27, 1949, passed away May 7, 1979. Together they successfully ran Marek’s Dairy in Perth, NY. She was an avid gardener. She had many interests including traveling. She traveled around the world with her family and friends. Pat held many positions including Town Tax Collector, realtor and as an ice cream store owner. Pat is survived by one son, Al Marek of Clearwater, FL; four daughters, Leslie Beckett of Gloversville, NY, Barbara Trunko (Keith) of Bristow, VA, Patricia O’Neil (Kevin) of West Hartford, CT and Donna Marek of Perth, NY, ten grandchildren, Kyle, Kelly, Tim, Terry, Alex, Travis, Justin, Tyler, Troy and Meagan, five great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Pat was also predeceased by three brothers, Frederick, Richard and Robert Dougherty Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3:00 p.m.at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Amsterdam. Friends are invited to call from 2:00 to 3:00 prior to the service. Memorial gifts in Pat’s name may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.
Raymond Bubniak
June McDermott
June M. McDermott, 88 formerly of Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Sunday morning April 12, 2015 at Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility in Amsterdam. Born on September 4, 1926 in Amsterdam, she was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Brady Fisher. June was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam and was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam. June was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church. Her husband Thomas F. “T” McDermott to whom she married on February 7, 1948, passed away on November 29, 2014. June is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Kolodziej (Jerry) of Grapevine, TX; four sons, T. Kevin McDermott (Susan) of Amsterdam, NY; Joseph F. McDermott (Adele) of Clifton Park, NY; Patrick M. McDermott (Anne) of Amsterdam, NY and Robert C. McDermott (Debra) of Guilderland, NY: Thirteen grandchildren and Fourteen great grandchildren, one brother, William Fisher of Leesburg, FL; and Eileen “Pat” Baker (Maynard) of Amsterdam, NY. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. June was also predeceased by her daughter, Carol McDermott Minch, her son, William B. McDermott and two sisters, Willette Smitka and Elizabeth Vellieu. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY. Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary. Memorial gifts in June’s memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 S. Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.
Rosemary Prall
Rosemary Prall, 53, of 4th Avenue, Amsterdam, NY; passed away at home Sunday April 12, 2015. Born on September 8, 1961, she was the daughter of Lonson and Vera McCartney Britton. Rosemary received her education and graduated from the Oswego NY., school system and was last employed as a housekeeper. Rosemary is survived by her parents of Chase City, VA., one son, Peter K. Compeau Jr., of North Carolina, three sisters, Erica l. Compeau and Lisa M. Hodkison both of Amsterdam, NY., and Jennifer S. Compeau of Watertown, NY; two brothers Lonson Britton Jr., and Marty Britton both of Chase City, VA., two sisters, Debra Britton of Constantia, NY., and Belinda Britton of Mexico, NY. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11:00 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam, Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the funeral services at the Riley Mortuary.
David Lasky
David F. Lasky, 61, of Mosher Road, Town of Perth, passed away Thursday morning April 16, 2015 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam, NY. Born on December 1, 1953, he was the son of the late Edward S. and Ellen Hasenfuss Lasky. Dave received his education at St. Mary’s Institute and graduated from Bishop Scully High School in Amsterdam. He also graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in business. Dave was employed as a Quality Control Engineer at C.R. Bard, Inc; medical technology manufacturing in Queensbury, NY. Dave was also predeceased by his wife Alison Joy Scheer Lasky on August 20, 2009, his brother, Edward M. Lasky and his mother – in – law, Helen Scheer. He is survived by his daughter, Joscelyn Lasky at home, his father- in – law, Wayne Scheer, his aunt, Mary Ann Drozinski, cousins, Andrew, Jim, Louis, Bob and Gary Lasky, Mike, Richard and Leo Drozinski, Billy Devine, sister in law, Joyce Scheer and brother in law, Brad Scheer (Cindy Liszewski). Funeral services will be held Saturday at noon at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Amsterdam. Relatives and friend may call Saturday from 10:00 to noon, prior to the funeral service. Memorial gifts in David’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to AVON Breast Cancer 3 Day, C/O Dr. Michael Sheridan, Suite 101, Mohawk Valley Medical Building, State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010.