MALTA, NY – Carmela (Durante) Dawley, age 93, passed away at home May 23, 2026.  Born in Auburn, NY, she was predeceased by her husband, a son, two sisters and two brothers.  She is survived by two sons, a daughter and their families including seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; also, one sister and many nieces and nephews.  

The family is forever grateful to her loving caregivers and the providers at Saratoga Palliative Care. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saratoga Palliative Care or Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL.)  

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

WILTON – Raymond Alguire, age 61, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Wilton, with his loving companion Lisa Marshall by his side. 

Born on July 5, 1964, in Queens, New York, Raymond’s life began with humble beginnings. At just seven months old, he was lovingly adopted and became the cherished son of Percy L. Alguire and Patricia Flaherty. Through the love and support of his family, Raymond grew into a compassionate and caring man whose life would touch countless people in meaningful ways.

Raymond possessed a brilliant mind and an extraordinary passion for the game of chess. A true master of strategy and patience, he not only excelled in the game himself but found great joy in sharing his knowledge with others. He especially loved teaching children the game of chess at Dorothy Nolan School, where he encouraged young minds to think critically, patiently, and confidently. His accomplishments in the chess world were remarkable. In 2018, he earned the distinguished title of Arena FIDE Master, a recognition of his skill and dedication to the game he loved so deeply. Even in his final days, Raymond continued to compete and thrive, most recently earning first place in an online worldwide 10/0 rapid tournament on May 9th with a perfect 5-0-0 record.

Beyond his accomplishments in chess, Raymond devoted much of his life to helping others find hope and healing. A man of great compassion and understanding, he became a selfless volunteer and dedicated advocate in Alcoholics Anonymous, faithfully serving in the AA men’s correctional program at Saratoga County Jail and at the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Station for many years. Raymond’s own journey of recovery was one he carried with humility and gratitude, proudly celebrating more than 15 years of sobriety. His testimony, encouragement, and unwavering support became a guiding light for many individuals striving to rebuild their lives.

Raymond also had a lifelong love for thoroughbred horse racing. He was fascinated not only by the races themselves, but by the rich bloodlines, history, and traditions of the sport. He could often be found studying breeders, trainers, jockeys, and racing pedigrees, always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow racing fans.

Above all else, Raymond will be remembered for his generous spirit, his sharp wit, his determination, and the genuine care he showed toward others. Whether teaching a child to play chess, encouraging someone through recovery, or simply spending time with those he loved, Raymond lived a life rooted in compassion, perseverance, and purpose.

Raymond is survived by his beloved mother, Patricia Alguire; his loving companion, Lisa Marshall; his aunts, Betty, Cathy, and Maureen; his cousin, Anna; and many dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his kindness and friendship.

He was predeceased by his father, Percy Alguire.

Family and friends are invited to attend a church service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Fellowship and a gathering will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.

A graveside service will follow the gathering at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

GANSEVOORT – Maureen T. Drennen (Myers), age 64, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her devoted family. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Jack H. Drennen, with whom she shared 45 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Born on August 26, 1961, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maureen was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph C. Myers III and Dolores K. Myers. She was a woman whose warmth, kindness, and caring spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Maureen dedicated many years of her professional life working in Information Technology for both Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center. She was admired not only for her dedication, but also for the genuine compassion and friendship she extended to her coworkers, many of whom became like family to her over the years. Her caring heart and infectious sense of humor brightened every room she entered.

Above all else, Maureen’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and the absolute best “MomMom” to her grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She treasured every moment spent with them and created countless memories filled with love, laughter, and comfort. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and the love she poured into them will remain a guiding light for years to come. To those who knew and loved her, Maureen was truly the heart of the family, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void.

In addition to her parents, Maureen was predeceased by her sister, Elaine Myers, and her brother, Stephen Myers.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Jack H. Drennen; her children, Michelle Hastings and her fiancé Kevin, Adam Drennen, David Drennen and his fiancée Lorissa, and her daughter and best friend, Sharon McDonald; her son-in-law, Larry Hastings; and her adored grandchildren, Shawn, Jasmine, Lucas, Jensen, Aurora, Laurynn, Jack, and Madalynn, all of whom brought endless joy to her life.

She is also survived by her siblings, Maryann Audet and her husband Jean, Christopher Myers and his wife Kathy, and Joseph C. Myers IV and his wife Carolyn; along with several beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever remember her loving spirit and generous heart.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, June 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A funeral service celebrating Maureen’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Maplewood Cemetery, located at the corner of Weibel Avenue and Louden Road in Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dr. Lewis Emanuel Taub of 150 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, died on April 30, 2026. He was 100 years old.

Lewis was born on Dec. 30, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Morris and Florence Simon Taub.  He attended local schools in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn and was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School.  He attended Brooklyn College and received a degree in optometry from Columbia University.

On December 26, 1948, he married Marion “Sonia” Clesner, his beloved until her death and beyond.  They moved to Saratoga Springs in 1952 where he opened his office for the practice of optometry.  Sonia and Lewis raised their three children, Michael, Eric, and Sarah, in Saratoga.  Lewis continued in practice for 38 years, retiring in 1991.  When Sonia became ill, Lewis cared for her day and night for three years until she passed away in 2016.

In 2023, Lewis married his beloved second wife, Barbara Kass.  Barbara passed away in 2025.

Lewis was a life member of the American Optometric Association and a member of the New York Optometric Society.  In addition, he belonged to the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs and was a volunteer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.  He loved skiing and sailing and helped found the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club.  In 1964, Lewis and Sonia became founding members of Temple Sinai, Saratoga’s Reform synagogue. 

Lewis loved to travel both internationally and domestically and had a lifelong goal of visiting all the US National Parks, which was only thwarted by the ongoing creation of new National Parks.

Lewis was a lifelong learner.  With Sonia, he attended dozens of Elderhostel educational retreats.  In his retirement, he audited more than 50 classes at Skidmore College and was granted an honorary certificate of achievement in 2016.

Lewis was a loyal, devoted husband and father – always a stable, loving foundation for his children in good times and bad.  His secret for a long life was to have a long memory for good times and a short memory for difficulties.  He enjoyed every day to the fullest. 

He is survived by two children, Michael and Sarah Taub; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice, communityhospice.org.

Dennis “Denny” James Cummings, 79, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in St. Peter’s Hospital. Born on September 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Cummings.  

Denny proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and remained deeply connected to the men he served alongside, attending reunions throughout the United States for many years. Those friendships and shared memories remained very important to him throughout his life. 

He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga in 1964. A carpenter by trade, Denny was known for his hardworking nature. Saratoga Race Course was truly in his blood. He held fond memories of the track where his father was employed, recalling as a child selling pencils to patrons. His lifelong passion for horse racing led him to become a part owner of several racehorses over the years. He could happily recite the names of every horse he owned and always ended with a smile, saying, “Nolita pays the bills.” During the summer months, he especially enjoyed visiting the stables and spending time with the horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners he admired so much. 

Denny enjoyed watching sports, was a loyal New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds fan, and loved playing golf with family and friends each summer. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charis Cummings, who passed away in 2015. Their love was playful, warm and deeply genuine with a marriage marked by humor, kindness and unwavering friendship. 

A few years after Charis’s passing, Denny enjoyed spending time with his loving companion, Sandy Huening and family. Sadly, Sandy passed away in 2022, but Denny continued spending time with her family, enjoying holidays and a shared love of horses especially with Sandy’s granddaughter, Samantha. 

He is survived by his devoted close cousin, John “Jack” Cogan; his stepchildren, Dean Haskin and Ross (Keesha) Haskin and their families; brothers-in-law Donald (Donna) LeBuis, Dennis (Debbie) LeBuis, and Dennis Boomhower; several other cousins; many nieces and nephews; and his friends Mark and Joanne Elliot. 

In the last two years, as his health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease, Denny was lovingly supported by Jack Cogan, Amy Versocki, Judy Boomhower, and Sharon Forman. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Will Frohlich and Todd Koslik for the kindness and care they showed Denny. 

Relatives and friends attending the services are asked to gather at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery (200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY) at 11:15 am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The funeral service with Military Honors will be at 11:30 am.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047.

As Denny would say, “May the Horse be with you!”

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