Obituaries

Makenzie T. Minkler

Oct 1, 2024

North Greenbush—Makenzie T. Minkler, 25, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Born on June 21, 1999, to Derek A. and Maria (Morse) Minkler, Makenzie lived a life full of passion and purpose.

A proud graduate of Averill Park High School, she distinguished herself as a member of the National Honor Society and earned an advanced Regents diploma. Makenzie went...

Shelley A. Hart

Sep 25, 2024

East Greenbush- Shelley Ann Hart passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2024. Born on August 7, 1972, the youngest child of the predeceased Jack Dingman, Karen (nee Pechtel) Dingman Hotchkiss and stepfather Paul Hotchkiss.

She was a 1990 graduate of Chatham High School. Shelley was a dedicated employee of the Health Research, Incorporated (HRI) for over 22 years. Her true passion...

Thomas O'Connell, Sr.

Sep 24, 2024

Rensselaer, NY - Thomas John O'Connell, Sr, known by all as Tim, was the son of Thomas & Loretta O'Connell. He was born September 4, 1939. His father worked for Beverwyck Brewery and his mother's family lived on the 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence.

The O'Connell's moved to Rensselaer after Tim was born and resided on Mann Avenue....

Gerald A. O'Neil, Jr.

Sep 20, 2024

Rensselaer- Gerald "Jerry" A. O'Neil, Jr., age 84 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 20, 2024.

He was born April 4, 1940, in Albany, NY to the late Gerald A. O'Neil and Jane (McGuire) O'Neil. He was raised in Rensselaer and lived most of his life in Albany with his wife and children until returning...

Shirley Thompson

Sep 13, 2024

Rensselaer- Shirley A. Thompson, age 93, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, September 13, 2024. She was a native and longtime resident of Rensselaer, born to the late Alexander J. Sr., and Anna (Luke) Seney in 1930.

Shirley loved her family dearly. She enjoyed gardening, decorating her home, and listening to music of any kind. She also loved...

Martin J. Posila

Sep 2, 2024

Rensselaer-Martin Joseph Posila, age 85, of Rensselaer, NY, passed away on September 2, 2024. Born on November 7, 1938, in Waterbury, CT, Marty lived a full and impactful life.

He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1957 and went on to serve with distinction in the U.S. Army for 29 years, retiring as a Major. During his military career, Marty contributed...

Nina Carpinello

Sep 2, 2024

Nina "Antonina" Carpinello peacefully entered into the arms of The Lord on Monday September 2, 2024.



Nina was a person who always put others before herself in everything she did. She was a selfless, loving and hardworking woman who was "Mama Nina" to all those who knew and loved her and "Noni" to all her beautiful grandchildren.

Nina's...

Timothy Hayner

Aug 31, 2024

San Francisco- Timothy Charles Hayner, beloved son, brother and uncle passed away at home in San Francisco on August 31, 2024.

Tim was a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush and New Hampshire University with a degree in Agriculture. The family was most proud of his service in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the "Eagle".

Tim is predeceased by his...

Stephen Brown

Aug 31, 2024

Rensselaer- Stephen A. Brown, age 85, passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center on Saturday, August 31, 2024. He was born in Albany, to the late Ulster D. and Grace M. (Toms) Brown and for the first five years of his life lived in East Greenbush, and later lived the remainder of his life in Rensselaer.

 Steve was a 1956 graduate...

Bernice Frankoski

Aug 27, 2024

Rensselaer- Bernice Cirrincione Frankoski, age 82, passed away suddenly. She was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Mary Cirrincione.

Bernice was the wife of Steve Frankoski; mother to Denise (Ron) Meyers and Katria Frankoski, and grandmother of Kyle and Korrey Meyers. She is also survived by her sister, Rosemary (Roger) Dames, and brother, Anthony Cirrincione and several nieces and nephews.

Along...

George Cotugno

Aug 26, 2024

George Angelo Cotugno, a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away suddenly on August 26, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on September 1, 1957, George was a lifelong resident of East Greenbush.

George is predeceased by his parents, Mary and George Cotugno, which he loved dearly. He is survived by his loving children, Edward (Jennifer) Cotugno, Ericka (Trina) Battistoni,...

Ethan Call

Aug 25, 2024

Coxsackie- Ethan M. Call, age 33, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Albany Medical Center, with his family by his side. Ethan was born in Hudson, NY and was the beloved son of Kathleen P. Call Kibbey.

Ethan played football in high school, was in the chess club and sang in the choir. He enjoyed model cars and had...

Thomas J. Lasher, Jr.

Aug 19, 2024

Thomas J Lasher Jr, age 73, of Castleton passed away after a long battle with cancer on Monday, August 19, 2024. Thomas was born on April 1, 1951, in Albany, to the late Thomas and Theresa Lasher. 

Thomas is predeceased by the love of his life Cynthia Ann Lasher who came to welcome him home on their 46th wedding anniversary. Thomas...

Barbara Forcinella

Aug 17, 2024

Rensselaer- Barbara M. Forcinella, at the age of 97, entered into eternal life on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Barbara was born on January 28, 1927 in Shelton, Connecticut to the late Michael and Mary Mehaylo. Barbara was predeceased by her brothers Michael and James.

She attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from Albany High School in 1944.

Barbara...

Fredric Malmberg, Sr.

Aug 16, 2024

Chatham - Fredric Wallace Malmberg, Sr., age 81, passed away on August 16, 2024, after fighting a long battle with health concerns from Agent Orange. He was born in Chatham, NY in 1943 and was the son of the late Wallace and Lyla Malmberg.

Fredric is survived by his son Fredric Wallace Malmberg, Jr., his four stepchildren Ricky, Linda, Terry, and...

João Pestana

Aug 16, 2024

João Pestana age 92, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away peacefully at home in Dixon, California on August 16, 2024. He was born in São Vicente, Madeira Island, Portugal, and was the son of the late António Pestana and Maria de Jesus. João is also predeceased by his brothers Manuel, Marculino, and Alexandre as well as his sisters Teresa and Maria,...

Michael Knauf

Aug 14, 2024

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our father, Michael J. Knauf, 71, of Wynantskill, who sadly left us on August 14, 2024, at the Evergreen Commons Rehab and Nursing Center after a brief illness.

Husband to the late Maureen Knauf; the proud father of Michele (Daniel) Lewitinn, Cindy (Michael) Stocklas, and TJ (Tina) Vanvorst; son of...

James Juliano, Sr.

Aug 9, 2024

James J. Juliano Sr., lovingly referred to as "Doc or Doctor J",  age 86, from Stephentown NY passed away early Friday morning, August 9, 2024 at Berkshire Medical hospital. James is the son of late Sylvestro "Samuel" and Hilda Juliano. James is also predeceased by his wife Patricia M. Juliano, his son Daniel F. Juliano Sr., and his grandson Maxim...

Audrey E. Higgins

Aug 9, 2024

Rensselaer - Audrey E. Higgins, 96, formerly of Washington Avenue, died August 9, 2024 at the St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albany. She was the daughter of the late Alfred J. and Emily Hart Higgins, and was predeceased by her brother Lt. Alan Kent Higgins. She is survived by some cousins and friends.

Born in Rensselaer, Audrey...

Brian T. Hennigan

Jul 18, 2024

Rensselaer-Brian T. Hennigan, age 80, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at St. Peter's Hospice. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Patrick J.  and Bridget A. (Halligan) Hennigan in 1944.

Brian earned a bachelor's degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and later a master's degree from Smith College in North Hampton, MA. He started his career...