GREENFIELD CENTER —Justin R. Germain, died March 8. Calling hours are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service will follow promptly at 4:00 p.m. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
GLENS FALLS — Michael Anthony Zarro died March 8. A graveside service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Friends Cemetery, located at the corner of Cronin Road and Ridge Road, Queensbury, NY, officiated by Pastor Reverend Leonard A. Oates. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
SCHUYLERVILLE — Richard G. Bruce, age 74, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024 in the comfort of his home. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
Saratoga County Court
Saratoga County District attorney Karen Heggen announced 49-year-old Anthony Gargano of Gansevoort pleaded guilty in Milton Town Court on March 5 to a violation of the state Agricultural and Markets Law, a misdemeanor, in connection with a Jan. 4 incident. An investigation by the county Sheriff’s Office revealed that Gargano abandoned a cat, named Kane, after regular business hours outside the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Heggen said, and that on Shelter cameras, Gargano is seen leaving the cat without shelter and driving away. That night, the temperature dropped to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To date, Kane the cat has not been located.
Gargano was sentenced to pay $755 in fines and fees and to provide a DNA sample for inclusion in the state DNA Databank. Gargano was sentenced to a conditional discharge which requires the defendant to, among other things, not own, harbor, or have custody of any animal for a period of 50 years.
Twenty-three year old Schoharie man Timothy J. Felman was sentenced in Saratoga County Court to 2-to-6 years in a state correctional facility in connection with his July 2023 arrest for possessing a loaded “ghost gun” in downtown Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen announced.
A Caroline Street bouncer located a firearm on the defendant’s person as he attempted to enter a local bar during the early morning hours of July 23, 2023. The bouncer immediately flagged down nearby members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department who quickly approached the defendant, took possession of the firearm, and led the defendant away from the crowded street.
Upon closer inspection, police determined that the firearm did not possess a valid serial number and was therefore an untraceable, illegal “ghost gun.” The defendant, a former Schoharie County Corrections Officer, later admitted that he had purchased the firearm components online and built it himself, Heggen said.
George Chillis, 34, homeless, pleaded to felony aggravated criminal contempt, charged December 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing May 6.
Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office
Following an investigation into the sales of heroin and fentanyl throughout Saratoga County, Thomas J. Darrah, 36, of South Glens Falls, and Abigail M. Murphy, 31, of Greenwich, were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of a controlled substance – class B felonies. Darrah was additionally charged with felony criminal nuisance.
Peter J. Rupp, 44, of Troy, was charged with aggravated criminal contempt, and criminal contempt – both felonies, and unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image – a misdemeanor, following a complaint of harassment involving dissemination or publication of intimate images in the town of Milton.
Joshua M. Bell, 38, of Watervliet, was charged with felony grand larceny, and falsifying business records in the first-degree. He is alleged to have stolen money and falsified business records while working as the manager at New Country Toyota of Clifton Park Collision Center from August 2022 to August 2023.
NY State Police
State Police arrested Nicholas J. Lamboy, 54, of Clifton Park, for Menacing a Police Officer, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Imprisonment, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree, Menacing in the second-degree, Resisting Arrest, and Harassment in the second-degree. On March 3, at about 10:19 p.m., Troopers received a complaint. The victim reported while at a home in Clifton Park, Lamboy allegedly threatened them with a knife and held them against their will. The victim eventually left the home unharmed and immediately drove to SP Clifton Park to report the incident. Upon receiving the complaint, Troopers and Investigators responded to the home to interview Lamboy. Lamboy was uncooperative with the investigation and refused to exit. During that time, Lamboy armed himself with a rifle and began walking towards Troopers. Eventually, Lamboy put the firearm down and was taken into custody, at which time he resisted arrest. The firearm involved was seized and found to contain an illegal high-capacity magazine.
Lamboy was arraigned at the Clifton Park Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, a $20,000 bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wallace W. Allerdice, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday March 9, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born in Schenectady on September 10, 1942 to the late Wallace W. Sr. and Margaret (Moore) Allerdice. Wally started his life at a bit of a disadvantage having had his father pass away a month before he arrived. His mother, four loving aunts and maternal grandparents picked up the slack filling him with more than enough love to share with the world.
Ever the curious child, he began a lifelong love for learning that never stopped. His fondness for trucks, construction equipment and building started with an erector set and a collection of Smith Miller metal toy trucks he played with in a sandbox. He still has all of them. Without his father he learned early on that if he needed something, he was going to have to learn how to fix it or build it himself. This led him to forever ask questions on how something was constructed. How it worked. He would get the tools and do much of the work himself. Learning car engines, electrical wiring, building structures and anything mechanical. Often times modifying or machining a part himself.
He graduated Saratoga Springs High School in 1960 and after failing out of Siena College twice, he went on to Hudson Valley Community College and received his associate degree. Shortly thereafter he began his first career as a computer programmer for the State of New York. This was back when computers were the size of rooms! Feeling his education still lacking, he began taking night courses at Russell Sage College to earn his bachelor’s degree in economics. During this time, he was introduced to the love of his life, his wife of almost 55 years, Sue.
In 1980, having gone as far as he could with his state job and getting frustrated with the daily grind, he quit the state, took a welding class at BOCES and began his first of many businesses ARC Welding out of the garage in his backyard. The entrepreneur bug had bitten and shortly thereafter, he purchased a crane and began Allerdice Crane Service hiring his brother-in-law John (Omar), as the crane operator. At this time, having inherited his family home on Circular St. which had been converted into apartments, he decided on expanding his real estate and purchased a burnt-out shell of a home on Phila St. and converted it into apartments. He liked it so much he would later in life go on to buy two more buildings on Union Avenue.
In November of 1982 on a handshake deal, he and his wife were convinced by the Grande Family to buy the failing Millman and Hall lumber yard on the west side of town. Although a terrifying prospect at the time, this proved to be one of the best decisions he ever made. As luck would have it, two weeks after, two gentlemen, TR Pennell and Keith Potter, came looking for jobs. Between the three of them working 90-hour weeks, they built Allerdice Building Supply Inc.
Wally had an unparalleled work ethic and vision for the future slowly adding to the company over the years. A Commercial Door division, Glass and Mirror Shop and two hardware stores one in Milton, the other Malta. He always credited his staff for making all this possible. Without their genuine love, loyalty and hard work, Allerdice would not be a household name.
As hard as he worked at his businesses, he spent an equal amount energy and time on his love for his home, Saratoga Springs.
There were countless organizations and nonprofits he helped throughout his life. Lending a hand when he could or an ear to advise. Caring deeply for the vision of the future of Saratoga, he sat on the City Planning Board for over 20 years never missing a meeting or workshop. When he committed himself, he was all in. He served as a Trustee on many local boards including the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Brookside Museum (now Saratoga County History Center at Brookside), The Bolster Collection, The Walworth Collection, Greenridge Cemetery, Universal Preservation Hall and most recently Saratoga Automobile Museum. Helping out was second nature to him, never one to turn his back. Because of this in 1995, he was bestowed the honor of becoming a Pillar of Saratoga.
In 1996 when asked to sit on the Board of the Adirondack Trust Company, this was his greatest honor. It was a full circle moment for him having had his grandfather William W. Allerdice serve there almost one hundred years prior from 1910 until his death in 1919. The impact and importance this had on him was incomparable.
It seemed only fitting then when in 2021, Saratoga Springs High School honored him with the Hall of Distinction Award. A shy man not wanting recognition for anything, his impact in this community can be felt far and wide. He touched the lives and hearts of many. He will forever be remembered for never being afraid to get down and dirty. Crawling under a vehicle or out of a hole in the ground, driving his CAT Loader across town to work on a project or plowing a friend’s driveway.
Always busy building something, one can only imagine how he had time for anything else. Anything fun? He lived by the phrase, “do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Getting to play with his toys, digging a hole with his excavator or bulldozing in his backyard was his fun. But not his only fun. He had a love for cars, trains, helicopters, boats, guns, golf and photography that kept him more than occupied. From boat rides on Lake George and relaxing at his camp to taking car rides with his beloved German Shepherds on Sundays taking pictures all the while. However, the most fun thing for him though was talking to people. Especially his late-night dinner conversations at his favorite restaurant haunts. You know who you are!
People and his community were his life. They were the things he loved most. He always said, “you are who your friends are” and he had some of the best! He will be missed by this world. Those of us who knew him were the lucky ones though. He was an old school handshake kind of guy. A man of his word. We will love him forever and miss him always.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his four aunts Hannah and Elizabeth Moore, and Doris and Jean Allerdice.
He is survived by his wife Suzanna A. (Pasmik) Allerdice, his two sons Wallace W. Allerdice III and William J. Allerdice, William’s longtime partner Dr. Robert J. Moore, his brothers-in-law John (Julie) Pasmik, Tom Pasmik, his sister-in-law Betty (Jack) King, his nieces Jennifer (Nicholas) Frolish, Valerie Freemantle, his nephew Sean King, his great-nephews Noah (Gabriela) Frolish, Sam Frolish and his beloved fur babies Lucy and Leia.
Memorial contributions may be made to any of the organizations listed above, to Yaddo, the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund, Community Hospice or any local animal shelter. Share the wealth as he did in his life.
The Allerdice family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and Hospice for giving Wally the best of themselves at the end of his life.
Relatives and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).
A funeral home service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Burial will follow at the family plot in Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Avenue.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County History Center (SCHC) at Brookside Museum presents a virtual presentation by Theodore Corbett on “The Rise and Fall of Ballston Spa as Resort.”
The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, through Zoom.
After the Revolutionary War, the new nation’s earliest resorts were spas, following the tradition of those in England. Ballston Spa was one of the earliest and soon eclipsed its rivals in terms of springs, hotels and amenities. New York City’s Nicholas Low was the most enterprising of the Spa’s developers. By the 1830s, however, Saratoga Springs’ resort had surpassed Ballston Spa, which continued using its waterpower and railroad to establish the mills of the Industrial Revolution.
The event is open to the public. It is free for SCHC members, and $5 for non-members. Pre-registration is required through the website www.brooksidemuseum.org.
SARATOGA COUNTY —At approximately 1:08 a.m. on March 8, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one-vehicle accident on South Greenfield Road in the Town of Greenfield. Upon arrival at the scene, patrols found a 2006 Ford pickup had failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a tree.
The operator, Justin Germain, 32, of Greenfield, was the only occupant of the vehicle. Germain was pronounced dead at the scene by the Saratoga County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation indicates speed was a factor in the crash.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 presents the virtual program “Ellen Hardin Walworth: Private to Public Life.”
Corinne Scirocco and Heather Mabee, officers of the Saratoga Springs Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), will discuss the storied life of Ellen Hardin Walworth and her passion for preserving the history of Saratoga Springs and its veterans.
After facing adversity from an abusive marriage, Ellen became a lawyer, was one of the four founders of the NSDAR as well as the local chapter and was the only female Trustee of the Saratoga Battle Monument Association. Her accomplishments affected local and national preservation efforts thanks to her personal fortitude and rebelling against the idea of the “true Victorian woman.”
“As one of Saratoga Springs most notable residents of the late 19th and early 20th century, it is most fitting to showcase the life of Ellen Hardin Walworth as the Women’s History Month program,” said Executive Director Samantha Bosshart.
This Women’s History Month program will take place on Zoom for a suggested donation of $10 or more. For additional information or to register for the virtual program visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. Everyone who pre-registers for this program will be emailed a Zoom link in advance and will receive a link to the recording.
SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga National Historical Park will begin construction to improve the South Parking Lot and trailhead access on March 18, weather permitting.
The South Parking Lot is located off State Route 32/County Road 423 about ¾-mile west of Route 4. The construction is expected to last roughly three weeks, during which time the area will be closed to public access. Once completed, the existing parking area will be vastly improved, including designated parking spots and larger trailer parking spots.
Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Leslie Morlock said in a statement the project was specifically designed to provide safe and convenient access for recreational users of the park and that users of the Horse Trail will especially benefit from the improved parking layout.
All closures and updates will be posted at nps.gov/sara.
GALWAYS — Galway Central School District basketball player Chris Maher was named to the 2nd team of the 2023-2024 Western Athletic Conference Boys Basketball All-Stars in the Mohawk Division. Players named to the All-Star teams were selected by local coaches.
