SARATOGA SPRINGS — Peter A. Marino peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Born on May 17, 1957, son of the late Peter Marino and Carmela Lupo. At the family’s request there will be no services at this time. Peter will be placed in the family plot in the spring. For online condolences please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Rena Dyke, 85, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 7, 2025. Relatives and friends called on Thursday, February 13, at Burke Funeral Home. A burial will take place on February 14, 2025, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For online condolences please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Albany — The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host a special virtual program titled “From Combat to Community: The Continued Impact of Black Veterans,” from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in honor of Black History Month.
The virtual event will be hosted online to reach a broad audience. To register, go to: https://bit.ly/3QflZCQ
. The webinar will honor the legacy of Black Veterans and their profound contributions to both military service and society. The program will highlight the remarkable ways Black Veterans have transitioned from serving on the frontlines to driving change in their communities through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.
The event aims to celebrate the enduring impact of Black Veterans, explore the challenges they face, and inspire action by showcasing their leadership in shaping education, workforce development, social justice, and civic engagement.
Featured Speakers include: Rev. Viviana DeCohen, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Commissioner, New York State Department of Veterans’ Services; Dr. Kimberly A. McClain, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Former Assistant Secretary Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations; Toni Holland, U.S. Navy Veteran, Retired Director, Charter Communications, as well as others.
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, which has served as the state’s advocacy agency for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families since 1945, maintains an agencywide commitment of serving all Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families in a wide range of practice areas. For more information, contact the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services at 518-419-4206, joshua.fitzpatrick@veterans.ny.gov.
BALLSTON SPA — Two Washington, D.C. residents pleaded guilty to felony burglary charges in connection with an August 2024 early-morning smash-and-grab burglary of Lola Saratoga in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen announced on Feb. 10 that 24-year-old Jowan A. Plummer and 22-year-old Mustafa Lewis-Hampton both pled guilty in Saratoga County Court before the Hon. James R. Davis to burglary in the third-degree.
Heggen said the defendants gained entry by smashing the front window of the Saratoga Springs store, quickly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise and fled in a getaway vehicle. After eyewitnesses contacted law enforcement, police located the fleeing vehicle and pursued it at a high rate of speed, ultimately taking Plummer and Lewis-Hampton into custody in Clifton Park.
It is anticipated that each defendant will receive two-to-six years in State Prison as well as pay full restitution to the owner of Lola Saratoga when they are sentenced on April 28, Heggen said. Both were also issued full Stay Away Orders of Protection from both the downtown business and its owner. A third co-defendant remains incarcerated in a Washington D.C. jail in connection with similar charges and will be appearing in County Court later this week.
WILTON —Gladys (Glady) Louise Brooks (nee King), age 92, passed away on February 4, 2025. At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours or service at this time. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
GREENFIELD — Nelson D. Varney, 67, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2025, following a brief illness. Per the family’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Ellen T. Ciampa passed away January 28, 2025. A Funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on February 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are 2 – 4 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
CORNELIUS, NC — Reverend Ainslie Wagner of Cornelius, North Carolina passed away February 5, 2025. He was born on January 24, 1950, in Evanston Illinois to the late Robert L. and Elsie B. Wagner. Living his entire childhood in Saratoga Springs, NY, he graduated from SSHS in 1968 and from Union College in Schenectady, NY in 1972. Reverend Wagner dedicated his life to serving the Lord, preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that all might come to know salvation through Him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Leslie Wagner of Cornelius NC, his son Matthew Wagner of Ypsilanti Michigan, his sister Nancy Wagner (Doug June) of Saratoga Springs, NY and a nephew, Kyle Wagner (Jaime) of Queensbury, NY.
His legacy of faith, kindness and unwavering devotion to his calling will continue to inspire those who knew him.
A service celebrating his life and ministry will be held Saturday, February 15, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 18745 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, North Carolina 28031. The service will be livestreamed on their website at www.goodshepherdanglican.org
Donations may be made in Ainslie’s memory to the Youth Foundation of the Good Shepherd Anglican Church through their website.
Age 77 • January 26, 2025
LEESBURG, FL—It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Craig Morris, beloved husband and father to Sharon and George Morris, who passed away on January 26th at the age of seventy-seven.
Craig Stephen Morris was born on February 4, 1947, in Troy, New York to Shirley and George Morris. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey where he formed many lasting relationships with family and friends. In the fall of 1965, Craig started college at the University of Oklahoma but quickly decided to serve his country and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966. Craig served in the 3rd Force Recon as an E4 Corporal in Vietnam for over two years. He earned two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and a Sharpshooter medal, all for his distinguished service. After he returned to the US, he became a life member of the VFW and the 3rd Recon Association.
In 1969, Craig married his high school prom date, Sharon Nahama. They were married for 55 years, and in 1974 they had their son, George. Living in Saratoga Springs, NY, Craig worked for the City Public Works Department from 1975 through 2009. Whether it was driving the snowplow in winter, paving the streets in summer, repairing City Hall, working the front loader (his favorite), or training “the new guys” on the heavy equipment, he took pride in his work. He was a proud member and one-time president of the Civil Service Employees Association. While working as an Animal Control Officer, Craig was known for bringing all types of animals home until their owners were found or until the Morris family decided to adopt them. His love for animals led Craig to be a board member of the Saratoga County Animal Welfare League for many years. Craig loved baseball (Go Yanks) and was a little league coach for George and served as an umpire for many years.
Upon Sharon’s retirement in 2013, Craig and Sharon moved to the Plantation Active Adult Community in Leesburg, Florida where Craig quickly made friends and became a fixture of the community. Known as the unofficial social mayor of the community to many, Craig could be found chatting with residents and others at numerous diners, gas stations, supermarkets, ball games, and other outdoor activities every day of the week. He was an active member and officer for the Plantation Pickleball Association, where he served both as a dedicated player and coach to many. An avid fisherman, Craig could also regularly be found on the Crystal River and in the Gulf of Mexico with a rod in hand.
Craig was a kind and generous soul who could always be counted on to help others in times of need. There was not a person Craig would not talk to or a friend he would not give a hard time to. When asked how he was doing, he would regularly respond “If I was doing any better, I’d be suspicious.” Lighthearted and full of energy, Craig made people happy and brought joy to those with whom he interacted – including the Spring Street Crew and Gavin Park Pickleball Club (that Craig started) in Saratoga Springs, the Plantation Pickleball Association, Donut King, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and other locales throughout Leesburg and Saratoga.
At the time of his passing, Craig had friends from when he was 7 years old to when he was 77. Nobody was a stranger.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Celia & Lawrence Nahama, and sister-like cousin Nancy Demick.
He is survived by his wife Sharon – Leesburg, FL, Son George and son-in-law Brandon Byars – Portland, Ore., Sister Melanie Harris – Tulsa, OK, Nieces Heather Rose, Meaghan Anderson, Cousin-in-law Chester Demick, and very special 2nd cousins Leah Demick and Curt Demick. He also leaves behind his very best little girl Gracie, his adorable dachshund.
A military honors observation to honor Craig will take place in late spring or early next fall at The Plantation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter in Craig’s memory.
BALLSTON SPA — The following events will take place at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., in Ballston Spa:
-Historical Sewing Sessions for Reenactors & those Looking to Volunteer at Saratoga 250 Events: Caps & Accessories, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Come and enjoy an afternoon of stitching, tea, and camaraderie as we share information, resources, and ideas for clothing that can be worn during upcoming events related to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a focus on caps and accessories. All are welcome to attend the free gatherings, but pre-registration is required. Email aclothier@SaratogaCountyNY.gov to sign up.
-Frida Kahlo and the bravest Niña in el Mundo: an interactive children’s opera, at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. This opera is appropriate for ages 5-11. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts and Saratoga County History Center presents a performance by Opera Saratoga, composed by Joe Illick with libretto written by Mark Campbell. The story is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s. Mariana’s family encourages her to have her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariana is initially frightened, but is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household including a monkey, a parrot and a dog, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida’s life, and begins to understand the meaning of bravery. The 45-minute opera explores the art of Frida Kahlo as well as themes of courage and family.
The concert is open to the public and free, though donations are always appreciated, either online or at the event.
For more information, go to: www.brooksidemuseum.org
