Gary T. “Bink” Gillan, 71, of Locust Avenue, Amsterdam, NY; died Tuesday afternoon January 22, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born in Amsterdam on October 26, 1941, he was a son of the late Frank J. and Marie K. Masten Gillan. Gary was a 1959 graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam. He also attended Ithaca College for two years. Gary was a United States Army Veteran serving from 1961 to 1964. After basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, he attended the US Army Information School at Fort Slocum, NY. He was later stationed at Fort Bragg, NC for 14 months and the Public Affairs Division of the US Army Headquarters, Europe (USAEUR), in Heidelberg, Germany, for 16 months. Gary was always proud to have served his country. After receiving his honorable discharge from the US Army, Gary moved to Sweden and lived in Europe. He lived in Stockholm, for 25 years. He also lived in London, England for 1 year. While in Europe, Gary worked on various freelance assignments for the US Government over a period 13-14 years. Gary owned and operated his owned translation company in Sweden for many years before returning to Amsterdam in 1989, where he also owned and operated his own translation and corporate information business. Gary was a member of the John J. Wyszomirski American Legion Post 701 in Amsterdam. After returning to Amsterdam, Gary owned and operated B & G Bar Golf at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course in partnership with the late Bob Baia and his wife, Jeannie from 1989 to 1993, and the former Alban Hills Golf Course Clubhouse in Johnstown in 1994, with the same partners. Gary is survived by two sons, Anders Gary Gillan and Daniel Patrick Gillan both of Stockholm, Sweden, grandchildren, Oscar, Julia, Olivia and Lucas also of Stockholm, one sister, Sheila Scheckton of Amsterdam, one brother, Joe Gillan of Hendersonville, NC. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Gary was also predeceased by a sister, Mary Elizabeth “Dolly” (Gillan) McKenna. It was Gary’s wishes that there be no calling hours. A service with full military honors will be held Monday January 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Those wishing to attend the service should meet at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY by 8:45 to follow in procession to the cemetery. Memorial gifts in Gary’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny’s Corners road, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to COPD Foundation, 2937 SW. 27th Avenue, Suite 302, Miami, FL. 33133
Gary Gillan
Bernice Wojcik
William Vidulich
William H.Vidulich, 89, of Veterans Drive, Fort Johnson, NY; passed away Monday afternoon February 4, 2013 at Capstone Rehabilitation and Nursing Home (Mount Loretto) in Amsterdam, NY. Born in Amsterdam on February, 27, 1923, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Ida Brinkman Vidulich. Bill was a 1942 graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam and later attended Siena College in Loudonville, NY. Bill was a United States Army Air Force veteran of World War II, serving with the 452nd Bomber Group. On December 4, 1944, his plane was shot down over Germany and he was held prisoner for five months until they were liberated in1945. Staff Sergeant Vidulich was a recipient of the Purple Heart Award, NY Conspicuous Service Silver Cross, WW II Victory Medal, P.O.W. Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign, Good Conduct and the Air Medal. Bill was employed in the Gas Department as a foreman with National Grid (Niagara Mohawk Power Co.) for 37 years. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce Kraft Vidulich to whom he married on November 30, 1962, a daughter, Tammy L. (Vidulich) Tomlinson of Perth, NY; a son, William T. Vidulich of Ballston Spa, NY; two step daughters, Lori (Visconti) Craig of Fort Johnson, NY; and Kim Visconti of Dalton, MA; five grandchildren, Jason Craig of Amsterdam, Eric and Jamilee Craig of Mayfield, NY; Corey and Tyla Tomlinson of Stafford, VA; four great grandchildren, Dallas Hines, Jose DeLeon, Timothy and Eliza Craig all of Mayfield, NY; sister-in-law Mary Ann Vidulich of Gloversville, NY; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was also predeceased by his brother, Nicholas Vidulich. Funeral services will be held Friday at 12:00 noon at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY. Interment with full military honors will be at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday morning from 11:00 to 12:00 prior to the funeral services. Memorial gifts in William’s name may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Pine and Division Street, Amsterdam, NY. 12010 or to Fort Johnson Volunteer Fire Department 4 Fort Johnson Avenue, Fort Johnson, NY 12070.
Patricia Lavicka
James Halvey
James P. Halvey Jr., 84, of Stewart Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Friday February 15, 2013 at North Collier Hospital in Naples, FL. Born in Amsterdam, NY on February 17, 1928, he was the son of the late James and Pearl Johnson Halvey Sr. Jim was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam, NY. He was the owner of Amsterdam Rug Company. Jim was a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Equity Club and the Antlers Country Club (Rolling Hills) in Fort Johnson, NY. His wife Joan A. Halvey, to whom he was married on February 3, 1952, passed away on March 25, 1975. Jim is survived by four daughters, Margaret Aison (Howard of Amsterdam, NY; Nancy Halvey – Facci (Mark) of Tulsa, OK; Eileen Halvey of Santa Cruz, CA; and Elizabeth Halvey of Ashville, NC; one son, James P. Halvey III of Utica, NY; six grandchildren, Sarah Aison, Jacob Aison, Brittany Halvey, Brianna Halvey, Ann Facci and Christina Facci. Nieces and nephews also survive. Jim was also predeceased by his brother, Richard W. Halvey. Jim’s kindness and wisdom made a lasting impression on his family and friends alike. Each one of us has our own favorite Jim Halvey memory. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. He dedicated his life to his family. He retired from his successful business Amsterdam Rug Company ten years ago and promoted his hobby, golf, to his second career. He played daily and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He also could be referred to as a “golf ball hunter and collector” and a volunteer golf instructor. He played a round of golf the week before he passed. He was a wonderful piano player and well versed in politics and current affairs. He had a great sense of humor and a can do attitude that is worthy of emulating. He significantly impacted many lives and lived the American Dream, well played. He will be remembered and deeply missed by his five children, son-in-law and six grandchildren and friends. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY. 12010. Funeral services will be private. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Jim’s name may be made to the Amsterdam Lions Club in care of the mortuary.
Mary McKnight
Mary McKnight, 96, of Virginia Lane, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Tuesday morning February, 19, 2013 at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam. Born in Amsterdam on February 12, 1917, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret Harrington Achcet. Mary was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam. Mary was employed for 37 years at Mohawk Carpet Mills as a Beamer and Clerical Worker. She also worked for Wright’s Company in West Warren, MA; in the packaging department, and for 13 years at Burger King. Mary was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam. She was also a member of the church’s Rosary Society. Her husband, Lindsay McKnight passed away October 9, 1988. Mary is survived by one brother, William Achcet of Amsterdam, NY; one sister, Midge Achcet of Glendale, California and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was also predeceased by her brother, John Achcet. 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 be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY. Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary. Memorial gifts in Mary’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Institute, 10 Kopernik Blvd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Garry Agosta
Cecilia Smitka
Genevieve Golden
Genevieve Daly Golden, 96, of Country Club Lane, Fort Johnson, NY; passed away Saturday afternoon March 9, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam, NY. Born in Allentown, PA; on September 3, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Howard F. and Rose Conway Daly. Genevieve received her education in the Amsterdam school system and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She also attended the Amsterdam School of Commerce. Genevieve was a homemaker. Genevieve was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church. She was a member of the Rosary Society at St. Mary’s, Antlers Country Club in Fort Johnson, NY; and the Century Club in Amsterdam. Her husband, William E. Golden to whom she married on October 4, 1941, passed away on September 20, 1981. Genevieve is survived by one son, Robert W. Golden (Karen) of Saratoga Springs, NY; one daughter, Patricia “Trish” Niemczura (Michael) of Fort Johnson, NY; two granddaughters, Kristy Golden Urgo (Keith) of State College, PA; and Jessica Golden of Hilton Head Island, SC; one great grandson, Ty Urgo of State College, PA; one brother, William Daly (Joan) of Charlottesville, VA; and one cousin Joseph Kiernan (Betty) of Holland, PA. Nieces and nephews also survive. Genevieve was also predeceased by her sister, Roberta Daly. Funeral services will be held Thursday mornig at 10:30 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 be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Johnson, NY. Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services. Memorial gifts in Genevieve’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny’s Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Kathleen McCord
Kathleen A. McCord, 80, of Virginia Beach, Virginia and formerly of Amsterdam, New York, passed away Sunday March 17, 2013 at her home. Born in Watertown, New York on July 19, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Alice Reilly Woods. Kathleen was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam, NY. She was last employed as a Library Clerk in Virginia Beach. She previously worked at Knolls Laboratories in Niskayuna and was a Teachers Aid at Techler Elementary School in Amsterdam. She was a former member of the Irish American Club in Amsterdam and also bowled in several leagues in Amsterdam and Virginia Beach. She was also an avid book reader and she loved taking her grandson to the movies. Her husband, William F. McCord Sr., to whom she married on July 3, 1955, passed away on May 26, 1999. Kathleen is survived by two sons, William F. McCord Jr., (Janice) of Amsterdam, New York and James L. McCord (Cindy) of Gahanna, Ohio, two daughters, Deborah A Kosiba (Gary) of Amsterdam, New York and Margaret M. Bagdon (Jeff) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, one sister, Margaret Morris of New Hartford, New York, five grandchildren, Jason Kosiba, Christopher McCord, Taylor Leigh Bagdon, Sean Bagdon and Jay Bogdan, three step grandchildren, Lisa Brennan, Amy Cordi and Michael Moran, six great grandchildren, Selena, Jeffrey, Kai, Jake, Hunter and Mia. Nieces, nephews, cousins and her loving dog, Casey also survive. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning at 8:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York, followed at 9:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Pawling Street, Hagaman, New York. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, New York. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 at the Riley Mortuary. Memorial gifts in Kathleen’s name may be made to Star of the Sea Catholic Church, The Social Outreach Program, 1404 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451.
Tony Valdi
Tony J. “Ick” Valdi, 84 of Amsterdam passed away Wednesday morning March 20, 2013 at home. Born in Amsterdam, New York on July 1, 1928, he was the son of the late Thomas and Catherine Durante Valdi. Ick received his education in the Amsterdam school system. Ick was employed at Mohawk Carpet Mills and for several beverage distributors, retiring from Bartyzel Distributors Incorporated of Amsterdam. He was also the owner of Ick’s Tavern in Amsterdam. Tony was honorably discharged from the United States Navy serving from January 24, 1944 to June 17, 1944. Ick enjoyed all sports, Tennis, Football and Boxing, which was his favorite sport. Ick was a member of the John J. Wyszomirski American Legion Post 701 and the 40&8 Voiture 418 in Amsterdam. Ick is survived by his son, Tom and his wife, Lisa Valdi of Rotterdam, New York, his beautiful granddaughter, Nicole Valdi, his sister, Marie Fahey and his great friends, Susan and Anthony Verde of Amsterdam. Prayer services will be held Friday morning at 11:00 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York 12010. Interment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam. Friends are invited to call at the Riley Mortuary Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the prayers. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Tony’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny’s Corners Road, Amsterdam, New York 12010.
Janette Bracchi
Janette G. Bracchi, 64, of Mead Road, Amsterdam, New York, passed away Tuesday afternoon March 19, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born in Gallupville, New York on March 27, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Steve and Gladys McNulty Vass. Jeanette received her education in the Schoharie school system. Janette was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital in the Sterilization Department, retiring due to the onset of her illness. Her husband Philip R. Bracchi to whom she married August 27, 1967 survives Janette at home. She is also survived by one son, Philip Bracchi (Toni) of Amsterdam, one daughter, Denise Dennison (Robert) of Amsterdam, four grandchildren, Ryan Meca, Andrew Bracchi, Jaylynn Dennison and Allie Dennison, one sister, Sherrie Lamont (Rick), Brothers-in-law and sisters in-law, John and Josephine Bracchi, Patricia Bracchi, Richard Stark, Joann Vass, Ann Marie and Sal Sasso, and Joan Gillis. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Janette was also predeceased by her brother-in-law Joseph Bracchi. A prayer service for the family will be held prior to the public visitation which is today (Thursday) from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Cremation will take place at Parkview Crematorium in Schenectady, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Janette’s name may be made to Amsterdam Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 482 Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to MAKE- A – WISH Foundation of Northeast New York, One Mustang Drive, Cohoes, New York 12047.
Roberta Quist
Roberta M. Quist, 74, of McClellan Avenue, Amsterdam, New York passed away Wednesday evening March 20, 3013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on December 31, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Robert Seaman and Dorothy Moylan. Roberta received her education in the Brooklyn, New York school system. She was employed as a proof reader at Amsterdam Printing & Litho Company, Inc. Her husband Robert J. Quist to whom she married January 4, 1955 passed away in 1988. Roberta is survived by four sons, Robert Quist Jr.,(Denise) of Amsterdam, NY; James D. Quist (Angela) of Hagaman, NY; Walter E. Quist (Terry) of North Dakota and Timothy J.Quist ( Meghanne Dunn), eight daughters, Karen M. Quist (Gary McFarland) of Ephratah, NY; Jean T. Way of Amsterdam, NY; Virginia M. Sperry (Joe) of Terlton, Oklahoma; Michele P. Quist of Amsterdam, NY; Cynthia A. Gonzalez (Raymond) of Troy, NY; Sally A. Skinner (Rick) of Amsterdam, NY; Geraldine A. Quist (Douglas Bornt) of Amsterdam, NY and Judith D. Jasewicz (Richard) of Johnstown, NY, three brothers, John, Richard, and Thomas Torkilson, thirty-four grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Roberta was also predeceased by two sons, Michael and William Quist, one brother, Robert Seaman Jr. and one sister, Joan Grabowski. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York 12010. Interment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam. Calling hours are Saturday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial gifts in Roberta’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205 or the American Lung Association 155 Washington Ave., Suite 210, Albany, New York 12210.
Edward St. John
Edward A. St. John, ‘Bubby” 73, of Willow Court passed away Saturday morning March 23, 2013 at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam, New York. Born in Amsterdam, New York on October 23, 1939, he was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa Fasulo St. John. Ed was a 1957 Graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. In 1963 he graduated from New York State Maritime College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. After graduating, he accepted a job with the United States Navy Depot in Washington, D.C. He continued with his education, earning his Master’s Degree in Engineering. He lived in Fairfax, VA with his wife and three sons. On most weekends you would find him walking the sidelines of the soccer field, while his wife, Jean handed out orange slices to the team. Soccer has been a huge part of his family’s life. Ed was also a long distance runner and enjoyed training for and running in both the New York City and Boston Marathons. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He also love golfing and tinkering in his garage. After accepting a job in Bath, Maine in 1976, he moved his family to Brunswick, Maine. There he started the Brunswick Youth Soccer, which is currently one of the largest and most respected programs in the State of Maine. He was employed by the United States Government as a Naval Engineer in Bath, Maine. Ed was a member of Mayfield United Methodist Church in Mayfield, New York. Ed is survived by his High School sweetheart, Jean Quimby St. John to whom he married on June 30, 1963. He is also survived by two sons, Anthony St. John (Dory) of Hampden, Maine and Robert St. John of Portland, Maine, seven grandchildren, Iris, Lily and JadeRose St. John, Kallisti and Alexandros St. John, Adam and Christopher Standley, one brother, Joseph St. John (Donna) of Amsterdam, two sisters, Edwina St. John and Mary Ouellette (Alfred) both of Amsterdam, New York. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Ed was also predeceased by his son, James St. John. Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service, which will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York. There are no calling hours Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Amsterdam Memorial gifts in Ed’s name may be made to ASPCA, 1007 Route 5S. Amsterdam, NY 12010.