Author: Saratoga TODAY

Wilton, NY – After a brief illness, Bernie Lawton, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his wife of 60 years and their three sons.

Bernie embraced life with boundless energy, a contagious sense of humor, and a remarkable gift for making people feel like friends. Whether you met him once or had known him for years, you walked away feeling seen, welcomed, and usually laughing. Dogs seemed to recognize that same kindness instinctively, making his connection with them the stuff of family legend.

He loved the outdoors, sports, and staying in motion. You could find him exploring new places, tending his garden, fixing whatever needed fixing, or planning the next adventure. He treasured cross-country trips to visit his children and found joy traveling through America’s national parks and across Europe. Closer to home, McGregor Golf Course became his second home, where he was known as much for his friendships as for his golf. In recent years, he brought that same competitive spirit, humor, and camaraderie to the pickleball courts at Gavin Park.

Bernie believed that a life well lived meant showing up for others. He coached youth sports, volunteered at the local food pantry, delivered Meals on Wheels, checked in on neighbors, and never missed an opportunity to lend a hand or brighten someone’s day. He did it all without seeking recognition—he simply loved people.

Above all, Bernie was devoted to his family. He was the beloved husband of Harolyn (Meyer) Lawton for 60 wonderful years, a proud father to Jeff, Mark, and Matthew, and an adoring Poppy to AJ, Joshua, Emerson, Camden, Sorelle, Katie, and Zach, who filled his later years with endless pride, laughter, and joy.

Bernie was the son of Rose and Bernard Lawton and later shared many years with his stepfather, Art Lesser. He was predeceased by his older brother, John. One of the greatest influences on his life was his grandmother, Leona Lawton, whose love and example helped shape the man he became.

A standout athlete at Johnstown High School, Bernie was a four-year starting quarterback, captain of the basketball team, and competed in baseball and track. He earned All-American recognition as a quarterback before attending St. Lawrence University. Following college, he built a successful career in finance, sales, and marketing, retiring after 35 years with Deluxe Corporation.

Bernie measured success not by accomplishments, but by the people he loved, the laughter he shared, and the lives he quietly made better. His greatest legacy is not found in trophies or résumés, but in the countless family members, friends, neighbors, teammates, and even strangers who are better because they knew him.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Michael Julian, age 54, of Wilton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13, 2026, at his home.

Born on January 27, 1972, in Saratoga Springs, New York, Michael was the beloved son of Roger E. Julian and Gail Joan Moses. 

As the owner and operator of his own landscaping business for many years, Michael took tremendous pride in his work. He enjoyed transforming outdoor spaces and was dedicated to his clients. His reliability, attention to detail, and genuine care for those he served earned him the respect and friendship of many throughout the community. Whether a job was large or small, Michael approached it with the same level of dedication and professionalism.

Michael found his greatest happiness outdoors. He was an avid fisherman who cherished peaceful days on the water, and he loved boating whenever the opportunity arose. Riding his motorcycle gave him a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing him to enjoy the beauty of the open road. No matter what he was doing, Michael embraced each day with enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit.

Perhaps what people will remember most about Michael was his generous heart. He was the kind of person who would never hesitate to lend a helping hand to a friend, neighbor, or even a stranger. His kindness came naturally, and he found genuine joy in helping others without expecting anything in return. His loyalty, easygoing personality, and caring nature created lasting friendships that will be treasured by all who knew him.

Above all, Michael loved his family. He cherished the time he spent with his loved ones and was especially proud of his sons. The memories they shared together will forever remain in their hearts and serve as a lasting reminder of the love and devotion he had for his family.

Michael is lovingly remembered by his mother, Gail Joan Remington (Thomas); his son, Alexander M. Julian; his stepsons, Christian Bull and Damian C. Marra; his sister, Michelle Julian Bell (Darvin); his nephews, Isaiah Bell and Nikolai Bell; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

He was predeceased by his father, Roger E. Julian, and his uncles, Alfred Moses, Jr., and Ronald Moses.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service celebrating Michael’s life will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Maple Avenue Fire Company #4, 613 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Though Michael’s time with us was far too short, the kindness he shared, the friendships he built, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His memory will forever be a source of comfort, inspiration, and cherished remembrance.

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Donlynn Graul, 81, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026. Donlynn was born January 5, 1945, at Saratoga hospital, to Donald and Vivian Shepherd. After Donald’s passing in WWII, she was raised by her stepfather Charles Parish. 

Donlynn graduated Saratoga Springs High School in 1962, and proudly attended St. Rose College in Albany, earning her Master’s in Education. She taught elementary at Stillwater Central School for over 30 years, taking great joy in both her students and her close family of teachers. After retiring, she continued to give of herself, volunteering at Saratoga County Mental Health, Wesley, and Mary’s Haven. 

Doni was a communicant of St. Clement’s Church, loved her Rosary, and is prayerfully remembered by the Dominican Chapter at St. Clement’s, as she made her final vows as a Third Order Dominican many years ago. Doni lived fully, guiding others to do so as well. She and Bill traveled to Eastham, Cape Cod, yearly, often encouraging both family and friends to join. Her love of the Cape lives on through the generations who continue to enjoy the peace and beauty it has to offer. There were also adventures hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, rafting the Colorado River, and visiting the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore with Bill, and further excursions with dear friend Marta Hitchen, including the Grand Old Opry and a National Parks tour.

Doni loved Saratoga as well, drinking joyfully from all the springs, and savoring her Tuesday afternoons downtown with Leslie. Home truly was her happy place, though, and she could often be found with a good history or mystery book, her family, and pink flamingos in her gardens. She was a talented quilt maker, leaving her family with many warm memories, literally! And her mac and cheese will forever go unrivaled.

Donlynn continues to be loved by her husband of 50 years, William L. Graul III, daughters Leslie Ives (Daniel) and Deborah Graul, dog JellyBear, cousins Susan Parish and Charlie Parish (Barb), grandchildren Katherine Ives (Chris), Joseph Ives (Brittany), and Frankie Rodriquez, beloved great-grandchildren Carter, Stella, Rylee, and Ryann (aka Pink).

She is remembered by her brother Charles Edward Parish, beloved nephews Chris, Pat, and Sean O’Leary, relatives Mike and Diana Graul, Jane and John Valetta, Anne and Jack Dejnozka, many beloved cousins, and all her chosen family, so many she chose to love. Doni is kicking back in the afterlife with those who went before—her sister Rosanne, father Donald, mother Vivian, Anne and William L. Graul Jr., dear friend Marta, chosen family Lisa and Gail, and fierce protector Zuni Bear.

Our family especially wants to thank those who have been such a great comfort over the last few years—Jane Valetta, Mary Troeger, Susie Parish, the Towne family, especially Molly and Susie, besties Jane Huffer, Sue Shaw and Donna Hartman, Dr. G, and the incredible friends and neighbors from the Eastside.

Family and friends are called to visit on August 11, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. To keep Doni’s memory alive, be kind to those around you—have a cup of coffee with a friend, send a handwritten letter to a loved one, cook a meal, visit the lonely, and most importantly love deeply and unconditionally.

If you would like to honor Donlynn’s legacy of giving love, compassion, and respite to all, please consider donating to Wellspring in her name, at 2816 US 9, Malta, NY 12020.

“Come to the living waters, Sinners obey your makers call. Come ye weary wanderers home. And find his grace is free for all”

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

Saratoga Springs – Cheryl Pepper (Pitney) passed away peacefully at her home in Saratoga Springs, NY, on July 15, 2026. Born on July 23, 1947, in Saratoga Springs, Cheryl was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Furey) Pitney. She was a 1965 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and went on to the College of Saint Rose, where she earned a bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology.

Cheryl was an avid reader and, for much of her life, always had a book at her side and a stack waiting on her nightstand. Her love of reading led her to work at the Saratoga Springs Public Library from the late 1980s until 2002. She treasured her years at the library, not only for the opportunity to work among books, but also for the close friendships she formed with her colleagues.

Cheryl married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, John Pepper, on March 29, 1969. Together they built a life centered around their family. Cheryl faced numerous health challenges throughout her life, and through every one John stood by her side. In her final years, he lovingly cared for her each day with incredible patience, tenderness, and selflessness, reflecting the incredibly strong love they shared for over 60 years.

Cheryl’s primary passion was her family. Her two children and four grandchildren were at the center of her world, which was well documented by her carefully crafted photo albums and walls full of framed family pictures. For nine years, Cheryl meticulously planned yearly trips to Cape Cod and treasured every moment watching her children and grandchildren enjoy that time together. The highlight of those weeks was celebrating her birthday with cake – her favorite treat. She was happiest when surrounded by family.

Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, John and Mary (Furey) Pitney. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, John Pepper; her children, John Pepper and Debra Allen; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Pepper; her son-in-law, Patrick Allen; her cherished grandchildren, Annalise Pepper (Emily), Corinne Pepper, Lucas Allen, and Matthew Allen; her sister and best friend, Mary Brundage (Patrick); her brother, John J. Pitney Jr. (Lisa), of whom she was so proud; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Wesley Community Healthcare Center and Woodlawn Commons for the compassionate care and support they provided to Cheryl over the past year. They also wish to express their deepest appreciation to Margaret Bishop, whose devoted care and compassion made it possible for Cheryl to spend her final days at home, where she was most comfortable and surrounded by the love of her family.

Calling hours were on Tuesday, July 21, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service followed. 

Burial was in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Hospice https://hospicefoundation.org/donate/ or to The Saratoga Springs Public Library https://www.sspl.org/about/website/support-the-library/

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