SARATOGA SPRINGS —Christel Santana, 91, peacefully passed away on September 19, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital, with her husband Martin at her side.
Born on August 10, 1933, in Solingen, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Elfreda Dreistadt. Christel emigrated to the United States in 1958. She later moved to New York, living for many years in Broadalbin, before finally retiring in Wilton. She loved to travel the world with her husband.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Martin Santana, with whom she shared 57 years.
She is also survived by her son, Peter Beran, Daughter in-law Theresa D. Beran and two grandsons, Peter William Beran and Paul Mathew Beran.
Christel was preceded in death by her sister, Hannelore Heinz.
In accordance with the family’s wishes, services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Condolences can be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
REXFORD — Mary Helen Guarnieri, 55, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. After a long and courageous battle with bile duct cancer, Mary reluctantly left her beloved husband and daughter, Dennis Blaine and Thalia Guarnieri; her dog Stella; cats Jett, Ouzo, and Jasper; and the physical world behind.
Mary was born in Buffalo, NY to Paul Guarnieri, Sr. and Patricia Guarnieri (Centore) on November 2, 1968, as their eldest child. Growing up, Mary attended Arongen, Greenfield, and St. Peter’s elementary schools. She graduated from Saratoga Central Catholic High School in 1986. She received a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and continued her studies in the molecular genetics Ph.D. program at the State University of New York at Albany.
Mary’s lifelong love of science reached into many impactful discoveries. Her tenure as a research technician with Dr. Lorraine Flaherty led to important discoveries in genetics including the characterization of the mouse model of Reelin, a protein critical to regulation of synaptic plasticity, and LamB3, a gene responsible for epidermal development. Her passion and expertise led to the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University at Albany where she characterized a complex animal model that carried a reciprocal translocation affecting multiple developmental processes. Despite the sheer magnitude of the dissection of a model of this complexity, Mary met this challenge as she approached everything in her life, with intelligence, diligence, and the confidence that framed her personality.
While writing her dissertation, she and Dennis were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Thalia. Mary discontinued her studies and became a devoted caregiver. As Thalia progressed through school, Mary was a tireless volunteer at Mother Teresa Academy, St. Mary’s School, and Saratoga Central Catholic School. She was then hired as Director of Advancement at Saratoga Central Catholic School where she worked for 6 years, before retiring in February 2021.
In addition to her obvious intelligence and physical beauty, Mary was imbued with a radiant beauty from within. Unusually kind and generous, she had an extraordinary ability to understand and empathize, particularly for those experiencing suffering or feeling disenfranchised. She eagerly and effortlessly gave comfort to alleviate fear and suffering in others, even if it was simply to hug you tightly and offer her shoulder for your tears.
Mary was always fully present and engaged, whether in her academic pursuits, time spent with family and friends, or when caring for the smallest of creatures; she loved and appreciated it all. Mary met her health challenges as she did with any of life’s challenges, with grace and equanimity. She has left an indelible mark on our hearts and will remain there forever, never forgotten and forever alive within us all.
Mary was very fortunate to be close with her relatives and friends. Mary and Dennis enjoyed hiking and camping and would take an annual trip with a group of as many as a dozen close friends. She, Dennis, and eventually Thalia traveled often to Italy with their family. While going for cancer treatments downstate, she was regularly joined by cherished friends and family members and turned these trips into “chemo parties.” Her husband made sure to always have fresh flowers in the house for her upon her return.
In addition to many cousins and friends, Mary is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Dennis Blaine, and their incredibly talented daughter, Thalia; her sister Christine (Darryll Daum), niece Isabella, and brothers Paul (Pamela Nagengast) and Mark (Alicia Groff); and aunts and uncles, Jeanne and Dick Cody, Gloria and John Weyand, Donald Amodeo, and Helene and Bob Mehnert.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Friday, September 27, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28 at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Reception to follow.
As many of you know, Mary always liked to tell people what to do and she has requested the following of all who read this: In loving memory of Mary, she asks you to consider performing some acts of kindness, that you respect others’ opinions without judgement, and share a smile or a compliment or a helping hand to someone in need whenever the opportunity presents itself. When you buy flowers, take in and marvel at their beauty as she loved to do and “let the light in.”
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Ballston Spa’s 2023 “The Way We Were” Car Show. Photo provided.
BALLSTON SPA — Downtown Ballston Spa hosts its 22nd Annual “The Way We Were” Car Show 9 a.m. -4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13
Organized by the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, this event turns Front Street into a hub for classic car enthusiasts, typically attracting more than 400 show cars.
In addition to the display of cars and trucks, the event will feature food and merchandise vendors, a kids’ zone with a bounce house and fun activities, live music, and a trophy presentation to close out the day.
Car show enthusiasts can now pre-register their vehicles for the event at www.ballston.org. The car show is free for spectators. For registration and more information, go to: www.ballston.org.
My wife Jane Weihe and I knew Tom McTygue for more than fifty years and in spite of our differences over the years were always quite fond of him and admired and respected his many accomplishments that contributed so much to Saratoga Springs.
In the mid 1980s, Jane and Tom ran competing slates for the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee’s seats. Jane’s slate prevailed.
Their campaigns were prompted by differences over a proposed development at Exit 14. Tom supported it, and Jane opposed it.
Jane and Tom went on to run together on the Democratic slate in the city elections the following year. Tom’s response to the committee defeat was emblematic of the man and stands in sharp contrast to the toxic divisive world of politics on today’s Council.
“Our differences were over issues and never personal ,” Jane observes. “In contrast to the current Democratic Committee, there was room for our disagreements over the years. As long as I was direct with Tom about our differences, I felt there was never any acrimony.”
Tom was a doer who dedicated his life to improving the city through the many projects that are the foundation of Saratoga’s prosperity today. One of his crowning achievements was the restoration of the Canfield Casino. This was an enormously difficult and challenging project, but Tom loved the challenge. He immersed himself in the historical details and worked with the craftsmen who created today’s gem.
This was just one of many other projects, which included everything from organizing a team of young people who used an old fire truck called “Flower Power” in the summer to move throughout the city to water and maintain the many flower beds that McTygue added to the city landscape, to the more technical problems of resolving the city’s many drainage issues.
Tom did not have time for prolonged feuds because he always needed his opponents’ support for the next enterprise to improve the city that he loved.
Jane and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy, and family.
The 51st Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place in Queensbury through Sunday. Photo provided.
QUEENSBURY — The 51st Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place through Sunday, Sept. 22 at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport – 443 Queensbury Ave, in Queensbury.
Schedule of events:
Friday, Sept. 20 -.
3 PM – Gates Open to public, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 50+ vendors, kid’s activities and food vendors open for business.
4-6 PM – Musical Performance by The E-BLOCK
5 – 6:15 PM – Flight of up to 70 balloons including special shapes.
Saturday, Sept. 21 – Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.
5 am – Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 50+ vendors, Kids activities, including bounce houses, crafts and games.
6:30 – 7:30 AM – JK Adams presents the Saturday Morning Flight of up to 80 Balloons, including special shapes.
2-4 PM – Musical performance by the Sam Luke Trio; 5-7 pm music by The RaisinBeats.
5-6:15 PM – Flight of up to 50 Balloons, including special shapes. Other balloons stay for moonglow.
7:45 PM – “LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT”- Airport Moonglow, 30 – 40 balloons including The British Sky Safari special shape animal balloons to showcase an exclusive performance choreographed to music.
Sunday, September 22 – Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.
5-AM – Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 50+ vendors, Kids activities, including bounce houses and more.
6:30 AM – “Walter’s Mass Ascension”, flight of up to 80 Balloons including special shapes.
WILTON — Sandra Ann Yellen (Karpien) passed away September 14, 2024. Calling hours were on September 19 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on September 20, at St. Clements Church, Saratoga Springs, NY. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Charles Blunt, entered into rest Tuesday, September 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Calling hours will be held from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. A service with military honors will begin at 2 p.m. on September 22 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joseph “Joe” Ponessa, 95, passed away peacefully September 12, 2024. Visitation was on Wednesday, September 18, at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Mass followed at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Remembrances at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joan E. DeCelle, beloved wife of Robert, passed away on September 7, 2024 in Saratoga Springs.
Joan was born on May 17, 1940, in Albany, N.Y. to Angeline and Joseph Michalski. After graduating from high school, Joan worked at the New York Telephone Company. When her children were born, Joan stayed home to raise them for many years. When Joan returned to working outside the home, she worked at Firestone and the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle before joining the staff at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Robert DeCelle. She is survived by her daughter Debra Covell (Sean), son Robert (Renee), her grandchildren Ian, Declan, Damon, Lucie, many nieces and nephews, and her brother Joseph Michalski. She was predeceased by her sisters Anna and Kathy.
Joan was a devoted wife. She and Robert were deeply committed to each other until the very end of their lives and were the embodiment of the vows they exchanged 59 years ago. Joan loved her children and grandchildren. The times she spent with Ian, Declan, Damon, and Lucie were a special joy to her and she delighted in their company.
Joan was also a lifelong reader and loved being outdoors – working in her garden, walking in the park or visiting the ocean. Her family cherishes their wonderful memories of summer vacations on the coast of Maryland. She will be remembered with love and gratitude.
Joan’s family is forever grateful to the staff at the Wesley Community who gave her incredible care and embraced her as their own. The family would also like to thank the social workers, nurses, and chaplain from Community Hospice for their support and caring.
Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral home service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
A burial will immediately follow the service at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s name to The Community Hospice of Saratoga County, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Edward Clayton Burgher passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 at the age of 70 surrounded by his wife and two children at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Born on September 20, 1953, Ed was known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.
Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he was raised in West Shokan, New York by his loving parents Robert and Rosalie Burgher along with his four siblings. As a Boy Scout growing up, he developed a love of the outdoors that he carried through his life. Ed spent his career as an Air Quality Environmentalist and later as a Realtor in Saratoga Springs, where he was respected and admired by colleagues and clients alike.
His passion for the outdoors in the form of a good golf game, camping, hiking, fishing, and wilderness preservation brought joy to many. Ed’s favorite pastimes included canoeing and fly fishing in the Adirondacks, or anywhere there was a running stream or quiet lake. He loved to share this passion and spread his knowledge to friends, family, and the community through his work with the Girl Scouts and Hudson Crossing Park, taking all on adventures that will live on in the next generation. His love of travel and exploration meant he was always game for a good road trip, especially if it involved camping with his wife and kids. There was always a new road to travel and a new place to explore.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 35 years, Cynthia Burgher, of Saratoga Springs; son Timothy (Caitlin Corless) Burgher of Richmond, Vermont; daughter Olivia Burgher of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren James Corless, Vincent George, and Francis Edward; and his extended family of siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dearest family friends.
A Celebration of Life memorial service where friends and family are invited to celebrate Ed’s life and legacy, will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hudson Crossing Park in Ed’s honor.
Ed’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
