Author: Saratoga TODAY

GREENFIELD CENTER — Henry A. Rowland, 95, a lifelong resident of Porter Corners and Greenfield Center, died on October 18, 2021, at Wesley Healthcare Facility in Saratoga Springs,  and is now reunited with his beloved wife, Dorothy.

Henry was born on January 24, 1926, to the late Joseph and Florence Rowland in Porter Corners. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School with the class of 1943. He served as a Corporal in the Army during WWII in the European Theater from 1944-1946 and was honorably discharged. Henry’s career began at Milliman & Hall Lumber Company, Saratoga Springs (now Allerdice Building Supply) as a bookkeeper. He later became a manager and part-owner of the business until his retirement in 1983.

Henry married Dorothy Potter on August 29, 1948, and they celebrated 72 years of marriage before her passing on November 29, 2020. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Hayes; son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Joan Rowland; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Tom Cumm; and son and daughter-in-law, Stephan and Rosamaria Rowland.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Shana Cumm and Tom Rupert; Shaun and JoAnne Cumm; Lauren and Rob Delaney; Dominique and Brandon Semzock; and Stephanie and Nicholas Chandler; along with his great-grandchildren: Landen, Blake, and Avery Cumm; Waylon and Eleanor Semzock; and Emily Chandler. Henry is also survived by his sister-in-law, Norma Potter; brother-in-law, George Potter; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Dorothy, Henry was predeceased by his sister, Gertrude, and his brothers, Myron, Jarvis, Ralph, Warren, and Winfield.

Henry was a communicant of Simpson United Methodist Church in Rock City Falls, a 75-year member of Greenfield Grange #807, a member of Saratoga County Pomona Grange, NY State Grange, and National Grange. He also served as Director of the NYS Grange Museum in Cortland, NY. For many years he and Dorothy served as NYS Grange Deputies for Saratoga and Fulton Counties, Co-Directors for the NYS Grange CWA Committee, along with having an integral role at NYS Junior Grange Camp and at the Grange Building at NYS Fair. He was a member and Past President of the Adirondack Lumberman’s Association and a Director for the N.E. Lumber Dealers Association. He and Dorothy were also members of the Saratoga County Agricultural Society, where they served as Ad Hocs for the Culinary Department at the Saratoga County Fair. Henry was President of the Greenfield Cemetery Association, member of the Greenfield Historical Society, member of the Greenfield Seniors, and for many years delivered meals for the Saratoga County Home Delivered Meals program.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Nurses and Staff of 3 Hathorn at Wesley Healthcare for their kindness, care, and concern for our Dad during his illness. In addition, many thanks to Eileen Beckwith and the Home Instead caregivers who helped to take care of Henry when he was still at home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s memory to Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, NY 12863.

Relatives and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, with a funeral home service immediately following at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial will follow in Greenfield Cemetery.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com 

On September 10, 2021, with great sadness, the world lost Dale Haskell, the only son of the late Walter and Joan Haskell of Ballston Spa. 

Dale was an honest man who would give another the shirt off his back if they were in need. As a musician, he was very well respected as a solid drummer, guitarist, vocalist, and song writer. His understanding of the absurdity of the human condition allowed him to write songs with lyrics that presented a psychological bite even the most seasoned song writers could not imagine. He was an extremely well-read man who possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of music, literature, and film. Dale would spend hours listening to music. His collection could have filled any radio station in the USA. His taste spanned Rock and Roll, Blues, Jazz, Classical, and film soundtracks. Dale’s insight into popular culture were always profound, as were the stories and novels he penned. To know Dale Haskell as a friend was to love him. He could be difficult and cantankerous, but his close friendships were always rewarding. A close friend and fellow musician, Kevin Maul lovingly stated, “I’m hoping Dale is now being bathed in the love of the Creator that he was convinced did not exist. I hope he is somehow hearing all of the wonderful things people are saying about him, and that he realizes that there is now a great hole in the universe – one even greater than the hole he thought he was making by his own existence.” At Dale’s request no “permanent arrangements” have been made.

DUNEDIN, FL — Richard Affinito, 83, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on October 9, 2021. 

He was born in Whitehall on May 20, 1938, the son of Henry and Filomena Affinito. He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1955 where he met his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Perfetto. He then went on to graduate from Albany Business College. Richard and Phyllis had their two daughters, Lori and Kathy, who meant the world to him. They moved to Saratoga Springs and opened several family-run businesses: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pa’s Place, and Lady Melissa’s Miniatures. He also enjoyed owning a number of horses that raced at the Saratoga Harness Track. He and Phyllis later retired to Dunedin, Florida to be with their children.

Richard was an animal lover, and never met a dog he didn’t like. You could always find him singing along to Frank Sinatra or Engelbert Humperdinck, and even danced until his final days. He was an avid fan of the Yankees and Giants and never missed a game.

But above all things, Richard loved spending time with his family. He would bring the entire family together every Sunday for one of his delicious big Italian dinners. He loved his children and grandchildren, to them he was known as “Pa.” He never missed one of his grandsons’ baseball games, and always found time for his favorite (only) granddaughter.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Scott Padeni; his daughter, Kathy Cifrino; his brothers Francis and John (Martha); sister-in-law, Theresa Arpei; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Chris (Kate) Huskie, Phillip Huskie, Chris (Cynthia) Cifrino, and Melissa (Michael) Noonan; and great-grandchildren Addison Huskie, Dax Huskie, Cora Cifrino, and Anna Noonan. 

He is predeceased by his parents, mother and father in-law, brothers, Edward and Henry, sisters-in-law, Genie, Daisy and Gail, brothers-in-law, Tom and Hank and son-in-law, Robert Cifrino. 

Services will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Suncoast Hospice in memory of Richard Affinito: www.suncoasthospice.org 

WILTON — George Simon Matthei, 92, passed Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Calling hours 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2021 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at St. Clements Catholic Church; burial following at Saratoga National Cemetery with gathering at Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge. Memorials: to Elks National Foundation (pledges@elks.org).

Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mildred R. Housekeeper Allen, 78, passed October 18, 2021. Funeral Home Service 1:00 p.m. on Friday, 10/22/2021 at Burke Funeral Home, burial to follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph M. Fortino, 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 10, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial was October 21 at Church of St. Peter followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to: St Peter’s Needy Association or Saratoga Mentoring Program.  www.burkefuneralhome.com