SARATOGA SPRINGS – Ann Bergan Haggerty (1/7/39-10/15/25) passed away after a long illness surrounded by her family and friends. Funeral home service will be October 26, at 1:30pm at Burke Funeral Home. To honor Ann donations are suggested to: ACLU and Community Hospice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
WILTON – Elizabeth Jane McGuirk (53) passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family on October 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be at 11:30 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N, Broadway. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jared Snyder died on October 10, 2025 holding the hand of his wife of 36 years. We will have a memorial service in November, when I hope I can breathe again. Please check this site and Caringbridge for more information. Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Richard G Ash passed quietly at home on October 9, 2025. He was 68 years old. Dick attended Saratoga Springs High School. He retired from the Essity paper company. There are no calling hours and services will be private. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
December 7, 1950 – September 30, 2025
LEWIS, NY – With profound sadness, we announce that our beloved Russell James Werner (Rusty) passed away at home in Lewis, New York, on September 30, 2025, at the age of 74.
Born on December 7, 1950, in Rockaway, Queens County, New York, Rusty grew up in East Meadow and Hauppauge, New York.
Rusty was a loving and devoted partner, an affectionate and adoring father, and a kind, genuine soul who kept his family and loved ones close.
He graduated from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Business and went on to open Saratoga Sound, a record store known for its expertly curated selection and welcoming atmosphere. The shop reflected Rusty’s encyclopedic knowledge of music and his uncanny ability to introduce people to their next favorite artist. He later opened Saratoga Book Co., an equally beloved independent bookstore in Saratoga Springs, renowned for its thoughtful collection, eclectic charm, and the conversations that unfolded amongst its shelves.
He also taught high school math in Massachusetts and later worked for many years as a substitute teacher in Portland, Maine, where Rusty inspired curiosity and laughter in equal measure.
Rusty had a deep love of learning, studying an esoteric blend of alchemy, mysticism, psychology, and history. He was also a passionate musician who sang and played guitar and piano. Rusty’s sense of fun was infectious and he was always ready with a witty joke or a good pun which often tricked those unaware of his sense of humor. He was a good friend. Heartfelt words follow from his dear friend Tico:
“We loved you, Rusty. You brought us laughter and mirth.
You brought us words, music, and film.
You brought us mystical ideas and esoteric concepts.
You brought us together.
RIP, old friend.”
He is survived by his loving spouse, Cynthia Preston, and his pride and joy, his daughter, Bly Lauritano-Werner; his adoring sisters, Barbara Hopper (William) of Penfield, NY, and Elizabeth Straus (Mark) of Middle Grove, NY, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his younger sister, Janine Werner, and his parents, Russell Werner and Ruth (McNamara) Werner.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – William H. Gnatek (Bill) of Saratoga Springs, 91, passed away at home on Sunday, October 12, 2025 after a long illness. Calling hours are 3 – 5 pm, October 19, at Burke Funeral Home. Service following at 5 pm. Memorial donations to Saratoga Community Hospice at www.communityhospice.org. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – John Joseph Weyand, 91, went to his eternal home on Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, surrounded by loving family. Calling hours were October 16 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass is on October 17, 11am at St. Clement’s Church. Burial with military honors following at Saratoga National Cemetery, 1 pm. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
LOCAL COMMITTAL SERVICE
Reverend Ainslie B. Wagner passed away February 5, 2025, in Cornelius, North Carolina. Ainslie spent his entire childhood in New York State, graduating from Saratoga High School in 1968 and from Union College in Schenectady, NY in 1972. He dedicated his entire adult life to serving the Lord with his wife Leslie Hartman Wagner and their son Matthew Hartman Wagner by his side.
A committal service is being held at the West Glenville Cemetery, 2172 W. Glenville Road, Amsterdam, NY on Saturday, October 25 at 11 a.m. Attendees are invited to attend a celebration of Ainslie’s life after the service.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Lawrence “Rich Hickey” passed on October 13, 2025. Visitation is from 4 -7 pm October 23, at the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Funeral Home service is 11 am on October 24, followed by burial in GBH Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – George Robert (Bob) Elmendorf passed away September 25, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held October 25 at 2 p.m. at Old Chatham Quaker Meetinghouse, 539 County Route 13, Old Chatham, NY 12136. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
