SARATOGA SPRINGS —Beverley M. Smith, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home in Saratoga Springs, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 22, 1938, the daughter of the late Herbert Eckstrom and Edythe Tyrell Eckstrom.

Beverley dedicated many years of her career as a Medical Records Clerk at Wilton Developmental Center before retiring. She was a vibrant member of the community, actively participating in the Ladies Bowling League and serving for 40 years as a member of the Maple Avenue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Beverley had a passion for travel, a love she shared with her husband, Michael. Their adventures began in a fifth wheeler and eventually led to journeys in their motorhome. In her spare time, Beverley was an avid reader, but her greatest joy came from spending cherished moments with her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Michael J. Smith; her sons, David Smith (Marcy) and Mark Smith (Catherine); her daughter, Lynn Butterfield (David Gardner); her grandchildren, Sheila Smith-Pierone (Matthew), Jhackleen Boychew (Raymond), Desiree LaFountain, Kelly Jutsum (Alfred), and Rebecca Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, McKinley Boychew, Madisyn Boychew, and Fox Strong. Beverley also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Beverley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Patricia Petel; her brothers-in-law, John (Jack) and Jerry Smith; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Garnsey and Patricia Ryall; and her grandchild, Lorraine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 10,  at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  

A graveside service will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 at a later date.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Delmonte and the staff at 3 Care Lane, Suite 300, Saratoga Springs, for the compassion and care they showed our family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Beverley’s honor to Saratoga Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joseph Alexander, 84, found eternal peace surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Joseph was born on April 15, 1940 in Ticonderoga, NY, the fifth son of Guy and Blanche Alexander. He grew up in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in North Creek, NY. He attended Johnsburgh Central School District and later attended SUNY Potsdam where he played collegiate basketball and received his BA in Elementary Education in 1962. He then went on to earn two Master’s Degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh; MA in elementary education and MA in education administration. He taught the lion’s share of his 37-year teaching career at Greenfield Elementary School in the Saratoga Springs School District. The students that had the pleasure of sitting in his classroom remember his warmth, kindness, and charismatic personality. His students remember him reading to the class; the bobsled run in the winter and the annual backyard pool gathering in the summer.

In June of 1964 he married Donna Taberski, and they would be by each other’s sides for another 60 years. He is survived by his daughter Christine Alexander-Decker, MD (Edward) and his two grandchildren Hannah and Sarah. He adored watching his granddaughters grow into the women they are today. 

He is also survived by his older brother Jack Alexander (Hilda) of North Creek, NY and his younger sister, Nancy Choppa of Virginia Beach, VA; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Mary Ann Johnson of Scotia, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was known as the Adirondack Guide to his family and friends due to his love of the outdoors and specifically the Adirondack Mountains. He was known to weave a tall tale or two in his time. He was a member emeritus of the Moose Pond Club of Minerva, NY where he spent many of his childhood summers exploring the pond and leading his friends through adventures in the woods. 

In his free time, he most enjoyed skiing the trails of Gore Mountain, where he learned to ski as a young boy. His favorite trail, hands down, was Showcase. He had the most beautiful form and natural flow on skis. He and Donna loved to travel and visited many sites in the US and abroad in retirement. They were active parishioners of St. Joseph’s R. C. Church in Greenfield Center, NY. 

Joseph was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a dependable, honest and an upstanding member of the Saratoga Springs community. He was a true family man, and he exuded a loving personality that stayed with him until his passing. 

Joseph fought a long hard battle with Colon Cancer for ten years. He quietly endured his situation without complaint. His family would like to thank his team of incredible doctors who fought alongside him and kept him comfortable during his time of need. Special thanks to Dr. John Pezzulo and Dr. John Mongan along with the dedicated and compassionate staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5-8 p.m. on Friday August 30 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Greenfield Center, NY on Saturday, August 31 at 12 noon, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Joseph to Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Eldora E. Miller, 94, died August 21, 2024 in Syracuse, NY.  Born in Albany, NY on October 17, 1929.  She was the daughter of the late Raymond C. and Bertha A. Huber Miller.  She was also predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Raymond J and Phyllis Miller.  Survivors include three nephews, Raymond P. (Leslie), Philip J., Scott E. (Mary) Miller; one niece, Amy A. Flynn, two great-nephews, Raymond C. and Philip J. Miller; two great-nieces, Ashley Hanson and Crystal Miller; and several cousins. In keeping with her wishes there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of Farone & Son, where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.faroneandsoninc.com.

David Gene Martin, formerly of Saratoga Springs and more recently Gansevoort, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024, at the age of 90, with loved ones by his side. David was born on December 25, 1933, in Saratoga Springs, a Christmas gift to his parents, Frederick John Martin Sr. and Lois Mary (Lyman) Martin. He was the youngest of three siblings and the last surviving member of his generation. 

He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1953 and in his junior year joined the Naval Reserve of Glens Falls. Following graduation, David entered active duty with the Navy and was stationed in Virginia. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Saratoga Springs in 1955 and began his career at the New York Telephone Company, retiring in 1986. 

To keep busy and active following retirement David worked part-time at Yaddo for 10 years. David and the love of his life, Joan Marie (Clark) Martin were married August 29, 1955.  They were 8 days short of celebrating 69 years of a marriage made in heaven. Together they raised one son and two daughters. He was later blessed with 3 devoted grandchildren and embraced his role as Poppy to 5 adoring great-grandchildren.

David and his wife were a constant presence in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They provided “Poppy and GG daycare” that is fondly remembered by his great grandkids. He was a familiar face, beaming with pride at his great-grandchildren’s countless events, supporting each of their interests and sports teams.

David’s love of golf was shared with his wife as members at Brookhaven Golf Course where he got a hole-in-one on hole 7 and an eagle on hole 13. He loved to see some of his kids and great grandkids take an interest in golf and would play a round with them any chance he got, as recently as last year at 89 years young.

Left to cherish David’s memory are his beloved wife, Joan; one son, Keith Martin; two daughters, Terri (Alan) Kindl and Kathy (William) Diggins. Grandchildren Alison Robbens (Todd), Scott Kindl (Kelley), and Lisa Diggins; and Great-grandchildren Antone Robbens, Ava Robbens, Caden Kindl, Cole Kindl, and Sadie Kindl. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Frederick “Bud” Martin Jr. and John “Jack” Martin.

David will be remembered for his enduring love for those he cared for most… his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Per the family’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

David’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the ICU and D2 staff at Saratoga Hospital for the care, compassion, and dignity they provided both David and his family.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.