SARATOGA SPRINGS — Zoe Elizabeth Gass Flanagan, formerly of 5 Franklin Square (for almost 60 years!), Saratoga Springs, died peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Zoe was born on April 16, 1916 and was 104 years young at the time of her death. She was extremely proud of the fact that she was “a native Saratogian,” and that she never lived more than 2 blocks from Broadway in her beloved City of Saratoga Springs.

Zoe was the daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Borey Gass, and grew up on the westside of Saratoga Springs, residing at 72 Washington Street with her parents and her brother, the late Robert Gass. Zoe always said that everyone on the westside “walked by her house” on the way to school each day – at a time in Saratoga’s history when everyone knew everyone, and friends were family. She attended her beloved No. 2 Elementary School on Van Dam Street, and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1933, when the school was located on Lake Avenue. She was Vice-President of her Senior Class, and was most often referred to, throughout all her years, as “the most beautiful girl in Saratoga” – and she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, right up until the time of her passing.

She was the former owner and manager of the historic Rip Van Dam Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant located at 353 Broadway, The Saratoga Inn, located at 423 Broadway, as well as the Clinton Hotel at 5 Franklin Square, Saratoga Springs, which later became her home. Zoe also operated her own gift shop in the Drink Hall Building (now the Visitor’s Center) on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Zoe was a life-long communicant of the Church of St. Peter, was the former Secretary of the Saratoga Springs Kiwanis Club (taking over for her brother, Robert Gass, upon his death), and a former member of the Saratoga Hospital Guild. She was recently recognized in November 2019 by the City of Saratoga Springs at the re-dedication of the Katrina Trask Gateway in Congress Park – as the steps were originally erected in 1922, when Zoe, a native Saratogian, was just 6 years old. She had an incredible fashion sense, was always dressed impeccably throughout her entire life, and even had a small part in the movie “Saratoga,” starring Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, which aired in 1937!

Zoe loved people and people-watching. She loved sitting on her porch at 5 Franklin Square, taking in all of the activity that was going on around her, and visiting with friends and acquaintances that happened by. She and her daughter Carole Jean hosted numerous “Porch Parties” each year during the Racing Season, with Zoe winning First Place and a Trophy for the “Best Porch” during the first year of the City’s competition – for which she was immensely proud!

Zoe enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida – in her early years with her in-laws to their Hotel, the Keystone, in West Palm Beach, and in her later years to West Palm Beach with her friends and dearest cousin, Alfaretta Carroll. She also loved traveling to visit her son Billy and his wife Diane in Virginia, traveling with her daughter Zoe Ann and her husband Scotty to various destinations in Europe, with her granddaughter Beth on her business trips, and spending quality time with her Granddaughter Zoanne and her husband Alan Burton, who always kept her entertained. Upon her retirement at the age of 82, she was able to enjoy more leisure time with her daughter Carole Jean, and their adventures were endless. She lived and enjoyed each day and minute of her life to the fullest, including their innumerable rides up and down Broadway checking out the sights – multiple times a day! She especially enjoyed spending time with her daughter Zoe Ann and her family at their Camp on Schroon Lake, her Saturdays during the Racing Season with Carole Jean and her husband Wayne, and her dear friend Maryrose Behan in the Club House Box at the Saratoga Race Track, their adventures at Siro’s after the Track, lunches at the Fasig Tipton Horse Sales, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Parting Glass, the Victorian Street Walk, time spent at the St. Clement’s/Saratoga Horse Shows, countless lunches and dinners at restaurants up and down Broadway, her lunches with her Granddaughter Kristy Carey at Compton’s including with her dear friend Minnie Bolster, and especially her Friday night dinners with Carole Jean and Wayne, Maryrose and Dan, and Weezie at the Westside Stadium on Congress Street. The time spent with her girlfriends – “the Church Ladies,” including her dear friend Margaret Powers – after daily Mass every morning, at either Friendly’s or Dunkin Donuts, was legendary. The annual Birthday Parties held for her at her daughter Carole Jean and Wayne’s home were looked forward to months in advance by all who attended. In addition to all her local family and friends, her Grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Bill III, and Taimi, and all their spouses and children, would come from far and wide to celebrate their Grandmother’s vibrant life. There was no adventure that was too near or too far for Zoe to undertake – and she did so with so much enthusiasm and gusto, looking forward to each and every one of them, right up until the time of her passing.

In addition to her parents and her in-laws (Thomas J. (“T.J.”) and Helen Frost Flanagan), Zoe was predeceased by her husband, William J. Flanagan, her beloved son Thomas J. (T.J.) Flanagan, her brother Robert Gass, and several cousins including Alfaretta Carroll and Elizabeth (Betty) West. She is survived by her son Col. William J. Flanagan Jr. USA (Ret.) and his wife Diane (Colonial Heights, VA), and her daughters Zoe Ann Coleman (husband R. Scott) of Greenfield Center, and Carole Jean Flanagan-Potter (husband Wayne) of Galway, NY. Zoe loved spending time with all her Grandchildren and celebrating their lives and accomplishments along life’s way. Her Grandchildren include Col. Michael P. Flanagan USA (Ret.) (Melia), Richmond, VA, Christopher Flanagan (Lucila), Edmond, Oklahoma, William J. Flanagan, III, San Francisco, CA, Taimi Schweighardt, Alexandria, VA, Zoanne Burton (Alan), Greenfield Center, Beth Ann Post and Kristy Carey (John), both of Saratoga Springs. She is also survived by 12 Great-Grandchildren, and 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, and as a concern for everyone’s health, and out of respect and at the request of the Family, services will be private, as well as a private Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Family at The Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. The Mass will be live-streamed under the arrangements of Burke Funeral Home, for all those wishing to participate virtually. A link to the live stream will be available the morning of the 27th at burkefuneralhome.com. Burial will be private for the Family at St. Peter’s Cemetery. A celebration of Zoe’s life will be held at a later date, when it is safe for everyone to gather and reflect on the love and memories we all share.

The Family would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Caregivers and Staff of the Home of the Good Shepherd for all their love, care, compassion, and the support provided to our mother over the past 6 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Zoe’s memory may be made to the Home of the Good Shepherd – 400 Church Street, or to Community Hospice – 179 Lawrence Street, both of Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A life well lived and much loved.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Patricia Ann Hart (Pat), 84, passed away peacefully at Wesley Health Care Center on January 21, 2021 with her loving family by her side. Family and friends shared their love and memories with Pat by speakerphone in her last moments. The words shared on those calls were beautiful and powerful.

Pat was born May 21, 1935, in Glens Falls and was an only child to parents John “Jack” Conway and Lillian McDonald Conway. Her father, Jack Conway, tragically drowned when Pat was 10 months old. Her mother later remarried John “Jack” Kearney, who lovingly adopted her. When Pat was 5 yrs. old, her mother died of a stroke while she was home from school for lunch. She was raised by her adoptive father, Jack Kearney, and spent much of her time with her treasured cousins, Jane Kearney DeBerry, Ann Kearney Williams, and John Kearney. Pat was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names and Mildred Elly Secretarial School.

She married Lawrence J. Hart (Larry) on June 15, 1957. The couple met at a family member’s home in Saratoga Springs as Larry was mowing the lawn. He repeatedly told his Aunt Francis, “I’ve just gotta have that girl.” Settling in Saratoga Springs, they went on to build their family. Following the loss of their stillborn first child, they were blessed to have three children. In February 1963, Larry, age 32, died suddenly of a heart attack while shoveling the driveway leaving behind his beloved children ages 3 yrs., 17 mos., and Pat was pregnant with their youngest, born 7 months after his death. Pat never remarried. She was an extraordinary woman whose strength and faith carried her through. Never complaining, she dedicated her life to her family. 

The Varley-Hart families were a tremendous help after Larry’s death. Pat spent all her years extremely grateful for all their love and support.

Pat worked briefly at Skidmore College and then began an over 30-year career as an executive assistant and payroll clerk at Saratoga Raceway. She retired in 2008. 

Pat was a fiercely devoted mother to her children, never missing a single moment of an important event in their lives. Pat worked full-time, put three children through Catholic school, and with pride watched them all graduate from college. 

Pat was affectionately called Gammer by her grandchildren, and the name stuck. Her devotion to family continued with them. She babysat, attended every sporting event, dance recital, and school activity. Being with her grandchildren was a favorite past-time and her grandchildren adored her. 

A devoted member of St. Clement’s Church, she rarely missed a 4 p.m. Saturday mass. She arrived at least one hour early, sat in her favorite pew and waited for her Church friends to join her. She valued their friendship and all the laughter they shared. 

Pat is survived by her three children, Colleen Carlson (Skip), John Hart (Pam), and Lawrence Hart (Nancy), her grandchildren Zachary, Tucker & Quinn Carlson (Colleen), Brian Hart (John) and Ryan and AJ Hart (Larry). She is predeceased by her husband Lawrence, her birth father, Jack Conway, her mother, Lillian Kearney, and her adoptive father, Jack Kearney. 

The family would like to thank The Wesley Community for the wonderful care Pat received from the staff on 3 Hathorn, especially by Nurse Vern Reed, who was one of her favorites, Nurse Kristen, who gave us thorough updates each morning, and Brittany, Pat’s Nurse Practitioner, who loved her feistiness. 

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2021, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. There will be no calling hours. The mass will start with the eulogy. The services will be live-streamed. Please go to Pat’s obituary on the William J. Burke & Sons website for information on how to access the live-stream or directly to the “St. Clement’s Church; Saratoga Springs, NY” Facebook page.

The family requests that anyone attending in-person, live stream, or keeping her in their thoughts wear a touch of pink in Patricia’s honor. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following charities in Pat’s name: The Wesley Foundation: 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online donations to the General Fund to offset expenses incurred by Covid-19 can be made at www.thewesleycommunity.org/wesley-foundation/donate/donate-now or The Saratoga Hospital Foundation: 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online donations to the COVID–19 Response Fund: saratogahospital.z2systems.com/np/clients/saratogahospital/donation.jsp

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert A. Ercolini, formerly of Schuyler Drive, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 at the age of 91. 

Robert was born on Sept. 9, 1929 in Somerville, Massachusetts. He graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, where he played baseball and football. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1951-1954 and met his loving wife of 46 years, after he moved to Saratoga Springs. A member and communicant of St. Clement’s Church, he was a Past Grand Knight, longtime Bingo chairman and honorary life member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus and the Saratoga Assembly 745 K of C Fourth Degree. 

Robert was an avid Boston sports fan. He loved the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and New England Patriots. He could often be heard animatedly discussing his beloved Red Sox with his son-in-law and grandchildren. One of his great joys in life was having the opportunity to watch his grandchildren play sports and more than anything, he loved spending quality time with his family. 

Survivors include his daughters, Lori Ercolini and Diane (Ercolini) Havern; his son-in-law, Christopher Havern; his grandchildren Connor and Ryan Havern; one sister Gloria Ercolini and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Marjorie (Henzel) Ercolini, his parents Arthur and Dina (Mazzolini) Ercolini and his aunt Josephine Mazzolini. 

Funeral services and burial with military honors will be held at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in his name to the Wesley Health Care Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Richard Earle Mealy, 69, died January 15, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital following a long illness. His family will be hosting a celebration of life at Lake George this summer to honor his memory. He will be greatly missed. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On January 20, the world lost a “real mensch” with the passing of Howard Arnold Hirsch. Howard is survived by his adoring wife Dede, son Benjamin, daughters Dara and Roberta, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Howard was predeceased by his daughter Lori.  burkefuneralhome.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Paula A. DeGearo, 71, passed away January 22, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. February 2, 2021 in the Church of St. Peter and will be live streamed. Burial will follow at the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. Memorial donations to animal rescue or Veteran’s organization. www.burkefuneralhome.com

STILLWATER — Eileen H. Carter, 80, a resident of River Rd. in Stillwater, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 15, 2021 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy.

Born September 22, 1940 in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret Hannan McMahon. Eileen was a graduate of Miline High School in Albany. She was employed at C.V. Whitney in Albany and the Roskin Company in Menands for several years. She married James Carter and stayed home to raise her family. She enjoyed doing crafts and ceramics, traveling to Maine and collecting lighthouses.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Kathleen Rossi.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, James “Jimmy” Carter of Stillwater; her daughter, Diane Staples of Stillwater; her sons, James Carter Jr. of Stillwater and Wayne (Gwen) Carter of Queensbury; her sister, Judy Asche of Voorheesville; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one niece and three nephews.

A graveside service will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville at the convenience of the family. 

Memorials can be made in her memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.

Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

BALLSTON SPA — Robert L. Quinn, 87, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2021.

Born in Saratoga Springs on January 19, 1933, Robert was the son of the late Robert L. and Kathleen Driscoll Quinn. For decades, the family owned Quinn’s Colonial Tavern on Broadway.

Robert graduated from St. Peter’s Academy, now Saratoga Central Catholic High School, and   Siena College. Robert married Sally Hunt Quinn on Sept. 12, 1964 and was a devoted husband for over 56 years. His surviving brother is Leo J. (Ann) Quinn of Ballston Spa. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother, Francis, J. (Norma) Quinn, and brother Malcolm Ennis Quinn, both of Saratoga Springs. Robert was dedicated to his family, including many nieces and nephews.

For over 40 years, he worked at the Saratoga County Treasurer’s Office.

Since 1966, Robert and Sally were season ticket holders of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center rarely missing performances of the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. Together, they liked to travel—whether seeing the Panama Canal or taking a train across Canada. Robert was an avid gardener and history buff.

Robert was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa where a mass of Christian burial will be said at a later date. There are no viewing hours, and the burial will be private.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Home of the Good Shepherd in Malta for their ongoing care throughout Robert’s illness. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Community Hospice (communityhospice.org ).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marcharlene Malcomson, age 76, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. 

CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON — Joyce “Wells” Kugler, age 92, died Sunday, January 10, 2021. A funeral service was held January 14 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. A graveside service was held January 15 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.