Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kathleen Jane “Kathy” Hurley (née Huggins), 76, passed away peacefully with family on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Born on May 7, 1949, in Carthage, New York, Kathy was the daughter of the late William G. Huggins and Deloras Palmer Huggins. She graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1967 and went on to complete her studies at Albany Business College in 1968, laying the foundation for a career with the Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility, and Empire State College.

Kathy was a devoted mother to her daughters, Lisa Palmer Hurley and Karen Frances Hurley Bartgis (Life Partner, Kurt Higgins). Her love extended deeply to her grandchildren—Nicholaus James Byrne, Samuel Edward Bartgis, and Ella Jane Bartgis—who brought immense joy into her life.

She is also survived by her siblings, Patricia Huggins of Saratoga Springs, NY, Alice Huggins Carr (Jim) of Easton, MD, and Bill Huggins of Clinton, NY. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Teresa Dowe Huggins. She also held close bonds with her nieces and nephews: Tara Huggins, Michael Huggins, Joey Kamide, Jonathan Kamide (Shannon), Megan Kamide Hall (Nate), and Elizabeth Huggins Swoyer (Eric). Her legacy continues through her great-nieces and nephews: Owen Kamide, Oona Kamide, Ayla Kamide, Olivia Hall, Sophia Hall, Juliette Hall, and Carson Swoyer.  Kathy cherished her relationship with her dear cousins, Nancy DeMers Phillips, Florida cousins, Karen, John, Bob, Nancy and Sue Higgins and Diane and Sheldon Buck family.

A spiritual woman, Kathy was raised in the Catholic tradition. She served as a DAR Chaplain and was a proud member of the Mayflower Society. Kathy also dedicated her time as a FEMA Reservist, deploying to assist during various disasters. Her artistic side flourished through her interior decorating and her membership at the Adirondack Folk School, where she advanced her skills in twilling, weaving, caning, and various crafts, including knitting and quilting.  She was generous in gifting her many beautiful creations to family and friends. 

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Donations may be made to Adirondack Folk School, Lake Luzerne, NY or a charity of your choice.

Please join us for a Celebration of Kathleen Hurley’s Life, August 3 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

At The Hideaway. 35 Grace Moore Rd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

There will be a tribute with toast to her beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Online remembrances may at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

GLENS FALLS — Bernard “Bernie” Charles Mattus, 89, of Wilton, New York passed away at Glens Falls Hospital on July 4, 2025, following a brief illness, just two months shy of his 90th birthday. Bernie was born on September 7, 1935, in Gloversville, New York to Ann (née Prohaska) and Anthony Mattus.

He grew up in Johnstown, New York and then moved to Schenectady, where he attended high school at St. Joseph’s Academy. He then entered the Society of the Divine Word Seminary in Conesus, NY.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the SVD Seminary in Techny, IL. He left the Seminary after nine years to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, Testing and Statistics at Fordham University in New York City. He was thrilled when his granddaughter, Campbell, followed in his footsteps and enrolled at Fordham as a member of the Class of 2026. He was very proud to have received a personal phone call from Fordham President (now Emeritus), Father Joseph McShane, to discuss Campbell’s acceptance. Bernie proudly displayed his Fordham pennant in his room at The Home of the Good Shepherd.

A resident of Saratoga County for the majority of his adult life, he spent much of his career working for the state at Wilton Developmental Center, serving as Supervisor of Vocational Rehabilitation. He established the first vocational rehab program for the developmentally disabled populace there.

Bernie’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, CB and amateur radio, photography, gardening, and metal detecting. After retiring, Bernie travelled both nationally and internationally and became an accomplished nature photographer. He was also very proud of his Slovak heritage. For the past two and a half years, Bernie was a resident of The Home of the Good Shepherd in Moreau, where he served as unofficial “mayor” and Bingo master. He was beloved by all who knew him and maintained his quick wit until the very end.

Bernie is survived by three children: Mark Mattus of Wilton, Steven Mattus (Tracy Holleran) of Fairfield, Connecticut, Nancy Mattus of Wilton, and many cousins. He was also the proud grandfather to Hayden and Campbell Mattus of Fairfield, Connecticut. He was predeceased by four siblings, Sister Elizabeth Mattus R.S.M of Albany, Benedict Mattus of Michigan, Brother Joseph Mattus C.F.C. of Schenectady, and Patricia Mattus of Johnstown.

A Funeral Home Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday July 28, 2025, at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, 2763 NY-29, Johnstown, NY 12095

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph A. Casale, age 88, formerly Herkimer, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 18, 2025, following a brief illness. He was born in 1936 and built a wonderful life with his childhood sweetheart, Frances Pape Casale. Joe was employed by the Herkimer Fire Department from 1964 where he went on to become Chief until his retirement in 1998. He loved the brotherhood and his community. The Casale’s were communicants of St. Frances De Sales Church in Herkimer and later, St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa and St. James in Lake Pleasant.  Joe was a very faith-filled person and was ready to meet his maker.

Joe and Fran lived for their family and were a huge part of their kids’ lives. They loved their time at the lake, skiing, their garage parties and never missed a game, play, event or local activity. As their kids got older, they spent time on themselves. Ski trips with the “tumbledowns” became some of their fondest memories.

Upon retirement. Joe and Fran relocated to Saratoga Springs where they spent many years following their grandchildren’s activities. They were a regular staple at softball tournaments, baseball games, dance recitals and awards ceremonies. They spent summer months at Halfmoon Beach, Piseco Lake where they made many friends and great memories. They were married for 52 years until Fran’s untimely passing in 2009. Joe would spend the next fifteen years helping his family with projects and splitting his time for adventures with his grandkids. He was so proud of all of them and the paths they had chosen. He loved traveling to Herkimer to visit his brothers and bonus family, the Woodricks. Joe looked forward to his yearly trip to hunting camp with his brothers, son, grandson and nephews, and the annual golf outing with his fireman family.

Joe loved music of any kind, especially tributes to Johnny Cash. He found a home at The Saratoga Winery, where you could find him almost every Friday night. He was so grateful for the friends he made there and the time and attention he received from the owners, employees, entertainers and patrons over the years.  Each one had a special place in his heart.

In addition to his loving wife. Joe was predeceased by his son-in-law, Earl Hoosier, his parents, Edo and Margaret (Piscione) Casale, brothers, Tony Casale and Chick Piscione, sisters-in-law Joyce Casale and Margaret Piscione, sisters Marianne Ray and Frances Rando and their spouses, Dutch Ray and Robert Rando, brothers-in-law Robert Pape and spouse Rose Pape, Joseph Pape, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is survived by his children, Suzanne Carter (Tom Camardello), Marianne Hoosier and Joseph Casale (Ruth Greminger), grandchildren, Stefanie Carter, Kaleigh Carter (Ryan Reavey), Tyler (Brittany) Hoosier,  Benjamin and Haley Casale. Also left to fill the void are Jim, Carol, Karly, Kelsey, Kaylyn, Kathryn Woodrick and their families, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Saratoga Hospital D-wing for their tender care during his time there and transition to Hospice Care. It truly made all the difference.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, 203 Second Ave., Frankfort, NY 13340.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at St. Francis De Sales Church, 219 N. Bellinger St., Herkimer, NY 13350.

Burial will follow in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Herkimer Professional Firefighters Local #2484 Monument Fund, 125 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY 13350.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Laura Chodos, ninety-eight years old, died peacefully at home on June 14, 2025, surrounded by her children and their families. She was the last surviving member of her family of origin.

Her parents, Frederick and Mary (Carter) Bradley immigrated to Boston from Charlottetown and Halifax, Canada. Her family roots extend back to England, Ireland and Scotland.

She is survived by her daughter Amy (Chodos) DeLuca residing in Saratoga Springs; son Robert married to Christina of Chicago and Naples Florida; son Andrew married to Patrice of Hershey, Pennsylvania; daughter Lisa (Deceased) and her husband Bill Noonan of Saratoga Springs.  She was blessed to love her eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  Laura was pre-deceased by her husband of 58 years, Dr. Robert Bruno Chodos, professor of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology at Albany Medical College (2008); by her daughter Lisa Noonan (2020), and by grandsons, Robert Bradley Chodos Jr. (2016) of Chicago and Jonathan Bradley Noonan (2018) of Saratoga Springs.

Laura was an inspiration to all for her positive outlook on life and her ability to connect people and ideas. She had an inquiring mind and a kind heart, a true visionary who knew that society improves as we increase our understanding and respect for others. She believed that reaching out to help others is a fundamental part of being human.

She graduated from Girls Latin School and went on to attend Tufts University with BA and MA degrees in Economics and Urban Sociology. When her children were in high school, she enrolled in doctoral studies in education at the University at Albany. 

In 1976, the New York State Legislature appointed Laura to represent the 4th Judicial District on the New York State Board of Regents, covering Saratoga County along with eleven other counties south of the Canadian border. Laura served in this capacity until 1992. After her tenure, she continued to support and advocate for the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, working diligently to connect students with historical materials through her leadership and support of educational programs. Together with her husband, Laura established The Chodos Family Fund as an endowment to assist the Trust’s educational initiatives. She also initiated the Trust’s New York State Archives Student Research Award competition, which is now in its 35th year. This awards program promotes and recognizes excellence in student research, encouraging young scholars to explore the vast array of primary source materials preserved in cultural institutions throughout the state. Laura’s impact on education will resonate for generations. Her dedication to using primary source materials in education ensures that students learn to draw lessons from the past to inform the future. As she expressed in an interview on the Trust’s website, “The true purpose of education is to improve society. As individuals, we should all contribute. It should be an indelible aspect of one’s thinking to improve society at any age—always. Considering the purpose of education helps us achieve that.”

For over 20-years, beginning in 1991, she promoted educational and cultural exchanges with Russia as it struggled to join the global economy during Perestroika. She founded the Chekhov, Russia-Saratoga Springs sister city program in 2001 and arranged group visits of Russian government workers under age 35 through the auspices of the Library of Congress’ Open World Program.  

She will be interred with her husband Bob, in a private family service on Friday, August 1, at the Gerald Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York. An open house Celebration of her life will follow thereafter, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at her home at 768 No Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Friends and acquaintances are encouraged to attend if so desired. Details can be found on Compassionate Care Funeral Home of Saratoga Springs, website https://www.compassionatefuneralcare.com/.

In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, friends may wish to make a donation in her memory to the NYS Archives Chodos Family Fund (www.nysarchivestrust.org), an organization she truly cherished. A quick link button is on the home page of the website for your convenience. 

SCOTIA — Jean Simpkins, age 72, passed away on July 19, 2025. Born one of five children to the late Harry and Alberta Long, Jean lived a life rooted in faith, family, and compassion. A devoted minister, she found her true calling in outreach ministry sharing the message of God’s love in jails, rehabs, and nursing homes, praying with strangers, and offering hope wherever she went. Jean was passionate about helping others build a relationship with Christ and lived each day as a testament to her beliefs.

Jean was many things to many people: a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandma, great granny, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, co-worker, and friend. She embraced the arts with enthusiasm, enjoying jazz festivals, concerts, literature, poetry, and painting. She was also a devoted fan of music, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, fashion, jewelry, HGTV, NCIS, Person of Interest, and the Food Network. A lifelong learner, Jean held two associate degrees—one in Human Services and the other in Theology—and took great pride in being a straight-A student.

Jean retired from the State of New York after a fulfilling career, leaving behind countless friendships and cherished memories.

She is survived by her brother David Long; daughters Jocelyn Simpkins and Jeneta Simpkins; adopted daughter Laura Cox; daughter-in-law, Kelly Long; grandchildren Ezra Long, Mia Long, Jayla Simpkins, Kaden Long, Azjona Dozer, Kalel Long, Nacif Gooden, and Lakiah Gooden; great-grandson Octavius Jerelle Duke; nieces Nena Long, Adrienne Long, and Monique Bennefield; nephews Daryl Long, James Long, and Londelle VanArnum; goddaughter Shabrea Gooden; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, brothers Harry Long, Keith Long, and James Long; husband Wyman Simpkins; sons Jason Long and Jerelle Long; goddaughters Corine Gooden and Alexis Gooden; and her best friend Ernestine Gooden.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.