SARATOGA/ARGYLE — Diane Jean Varriale passed into a more perfect world on September 14, 2026, at home with all who loved her. Born May 7, 1938, in Orange City, New Jersey, to the late Mary and Kurt Huening. 

In 1956, she graduated from Draper High School and, in August, married her high school sweetheart, Hank. After whisking her off to Mountain Home, Idaho, she began her lifelong career as a military housewife.

After raising her four children, her talents prevailed in folk art painting, stained glass, and, into her 80s, mosaics. Her time spent at SCIA in Schenectady, then many years at the Regional Food Bank through the Saratoga Senior Center was volunteer time she never missed.

Many, many motorhome adventures spent with Hank, up and down the Eastern Shore, were always enjoyable to hear. From military campground to campground, many friends were made from across the United States with memorable good times.

Tuesday cards with Dave, Carol, Nancy and Phyllis was a highlight of the week, but a disappointment when 50 cents was lost.

An eighty-year summer resident of Summit Lake in Argyle, the lake community has lost a true friend. She loved the lake from when she was a young girl, learning to hunt and fish from her dad. The clean waters, beauty, and tranquility are things she taught about and has blessed us all with. She loved to fish with her daughter Nancy, go garage saling with Maggie and Annie, enjoy seafood fests, boat parades, and the image of fireworks as they reflected off the lake.  She was blessed not only to watch her grandchildren, but also her great-grandchildren enjoy the tree swing, play in the sand, and swim in the warm waters. Thank you, Mom, for all you’ve done for us.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Henry P. Varriale, in 2009.

Survivors include her children: Cindy and Rob Longdaue, Nancy Sautter (Wes), Kenneth Varriale, and DeDe and Bill Stewart. 

Grandchildren: Wilson (Danielle) and Douglas Longdaue, Jessica Furey (Dan), Nicholas and Bethany (CeCe) Varriale, and Jayme Fink; great-grandchildren: Graham Grassi, Rue and Cybil Longdaue; she is also survived by several nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Holly Varriale, and her very best dog friend, Kirby.

We would like to thank Betty Patrick for her care and kindness in helping our mom over the past year.

Finally, we would like to thank Hospice of Saratoga for their support the past several weeks. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York or Hospice of Saratoga County.

For online condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – James “Jim” Morzillo passed away September 18, 2026.

Jim was born in Richmondville, NY to Betty Montanye Morzillo and Maynard Morzillo. 

Jim grew up in East Worcester, NY and graduated from Worcester Central School, graduating 19th out of 20 in his class. Jim graduated from Delhi Tech in 1966 with an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology. During this time, he met his future wife, Linda, and they were married on June 9, 1968. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seabee during the Vietnam Era.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim attended Oswego State and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education. He accepted a position as a shop teacher for the Saratoga Springs City School District when Junior High was at Lake Avenue School.

Jim never stopped pursuing his education and became certified to teach all areas of high school science and elementary education. He also earned two Master’s degrees, all with the help of the GI Bill. Jim became a 7th grade science teacher in 1977 and retired in 2001 from Maple Avenue School after 32 years of public-school teaching.

Jim and Linda have been residents of the Town of Wilton since 1972.

Jim had always been interested in flying. In the late 1980’s he began to pursue his true passion and earned his private pilot license. He progressed through his training and, after retiring from teaching, became Chief Flight Instructor at Richmor Aviation and a designated examiner for the FAA.  Later he developed an interest in gliders.  His accomplishments and certifications with gliders matched those he achieved with powered flight. Jim was a very active member of the Adirondack Soaring Association where he served as a tow pilot and instructor and was also a member of Saratoga Flyers. 

With his son, Andrew, Jim became a member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and for several years was active in the organization.

Over the years he volunteered in several organizations.  He was an usher at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a docent at the New York State Military Museum and had been a volunteer with the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Traveling was another passion.  During the 1980’s Jim and his family travelled in Volkswagen Camper buses during school vacations visiting 49 states, 10 Canadian Provinces and 1 Canadian Territory.  A favorite stop during these trips was Yellowstone National Park, where Jim spent most evenings fly-fishing in the Yellowstone River.

Once Jim retired from teaching, he and Linda enjoyed travelling.  They went on over 50 Road Scholar adventures and other trips to Europe, North, South and Central America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. National Parks and other natural places were favorites as were many cities.  He was interested in other cultures and liked to strike up conversations with local people.  Jim and Linda have kept in touch with several fellow travelers over the years. His gift of gab will be missed.

Jim was a self-taught fine woodworker.  When he wasn’t teaching, flying, or traveling, Jim spent his time making furniture for his home and completing other projects that gave him enjoyment. He was very handy around the house.  

Even though Jim always enjoyed eating ice cream, he was passionate about fitness. He had been a runner and later, a member at Saratoga Health and Wellness. He and Linda very much enjoyed riding bicycles, taking walks together, geocaching – generally spending time outdoors. He was a member of the Empire State Capital Volkssporters.

Jim was always proud of his Italian, Huguenot and Dutch roots; he found that one of his ancestors was the first trained physician in New Amsterdam, Dr. Johannes de la Montayne and another, Jesse Deforest, is named on the Walloon Monument in Battery Park, Manhattan. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda, Son Andrew (Jill) and Grandson Brendan of Louisville, Kentucky, and daughter Anita.  He is also survived by his sisters Vicky and Cathy and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim never wanted a funeral.  Visitation was held at Compassionate Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 2-4 pm  and 6-8 pm. Burial will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Friday, September 25th at 12:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wilton Wildlife Preserve, the Adirondack Soaring Association’s Junior Kids Learning to Fly Program, or Saratoga Plan would be appreciated. 

For online condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

ROUND LAKE – Jennifer D. Castle, 78, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 4, 2026, with her devoted husband of 55 years by her side. She spent her final weeks surrounded by the deep love of her family in the home she cherished so deeply.

Born on December 18, 1947, to the late Norman and Lydia Evans, Jennifer built a life centered on love, connection, and devotion. For Jennifer, family was always her primary priority. She dedicated her life to creating a sanctuary for those she loved, pouring her heart into her home, especially during Christmas. Her passion for decorating, along with her bright love for sunflowers and pineapples, transformed her house into a space filled with warmth, joy, and lasting memories that her family will hold dear forever.

She was the beloved wife of Jack Castle, with whom she shared a heartfelt 55 year marriage. She was the cherished mother of Eric Castle and Heather Messier, and the proud, loving grandmother of Erica Messier, Zachary Messier, Jack Castle, and Julia Castle.

Jennifer is also survived by her siblings, Heather Rossley, Jeff Evans, and Nancy Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Lydia Evans, and her brothers, Eric Evans and Gary Evans.

Her strength, warmth, and unconditional devotion to her family remain her lasting legacy. In accordance with her wishes, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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

WILTON – In the early morning hours, on Monday, September 14, 2026, our mom, Rose Haley quietly left us, bound for her heaven-free at last, of no longer constrained by a failing body. 

While we mourn the enormity of our loss, our hearts are also filled with profound gratitude. We were blessed beyond measure to have had her in our lives-to have known her love, felt her guidance, and witnessed the quiet strength with which she lived. 

She was the rarest of treasures-a remarkable woman, a tower of strength, and, without question, a fashionista with impeccable style and grace. She never needed recognition or fanfare. She lived simply, loved deeply, and gave freely. Her family was the center of her world, and she stood beside us through everything, giving of herself in ways we may only now begin to fully understand. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas, the love of her life. Together, they shared a life whose greatest legacy lives on in the family they built. 

She leaves behind her beloved children, Kimberly; Thomas; Kerry (James) Morris; Casey (Francis) Murphy; and Katherine (John) Moore; her grandchildren, Jessica (Shaunt) Voskanian; Jeremy (Catharina) Mollet; Haley (Kyle) Knox; Taylor (Maria) DeMatteo Morris; and Hannah, Ava, and Katie Moore; and her great-grandchildren, Kaia and Cole Voskanian; Callan and Maeve Mollet; and Grayson Knox. 

She also leaves behind her adored brothers, John and Martin Casey; her extended family nieces and nephews and many dear friends. In each of them, her memory will endure-in stories shared, lessons remembered, and the love she gave so freely. 

Her physical presence may be gone, but what she gave us remains. Her strength lives within us. Her love surrounds us. Her lessons will guide us. And her memory will forever be woven into the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends who are left to cherish her. 

Rest peacefully now, Mom. Your work here is finished. You were deeply loved, you will be profoundly missed, and you will remain a part of us for all eternity. 

Private services will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. 

We ask that you honor her life in the simplest and most meaningful way: be kind, don’t judge, and give freely. In doing so, a little of the goodness she brought into this world will continue through each of us. 

Our family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Community Hospice of Saratoga for their guidance, compassion, and impeccable care and support during Mom’s final journey. Their kindness brought comfort not only to her, but to all of us, and we will remain forever grateful.

For online condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Niskayuna, NY- Frank Angelo Cannizzo, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 10, 2026, just over four months after his loving wife Amy. He was 87. Born October 25, 1938, in Gloversville, NY, he was the only child of the late Angelo “Red” and Martha Cannizzo.

Along with being an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin, and friend, Frank was a teacher and coach. After graduating from Ithaca College, “Mr. C” taught at the Niskayuna School District, enriching the lives of many students. As if being heavily involved in the school community wasn’t enough, Frank was also the recreational director for the Town of Niskayuna. There, he became well known for organizing and running many events including the Summer Program. He was even the recipient of the Community Role Model award at the 2006 Niska Day Parade.

His career devoted to serving the public seamlessly translated into how he cared for and was loved by his family. Always prepared with a giant parachute for family events, an Easter Bunny costume for hiding eggs, and the patience to take and teach his grandkids how to fish early mornings on Caroga Lake are just a few of the memories they will hold on to dearly.

He loved his Mustang (which he let some of his grandkids use to show up to their high school prom in style), Burger King, monster cakes for his birthday, the Saratoga Racetrack, and spending time at “the land” hunting.

Always ready with a quick, logically sarcastic remark and a grin (“How are you feeling?”…. “With my hands.”), Frank may have tried to portray a tough exterior, but we all knew that he was the biggest softy around. His love was quiet, yet strong and comforting- with just a look you could feel how much he cared.

Along with his parents, Frank is predeceased by his wife Amy.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children Debbie (Danny) DeCelle, Tom (Edie) Cannizzo, Kim (Brad) DeNovio, and Mike (Jill) Cannizzo; his grandchildren Nick (Meredith) DeCelle, Stephanie (Eric) Nelson, TJ Cannizzo, Jen (Jim) Ambrose, Emily (Jesse) Rose, Matt DeNovio, McCauley Cannizzo, Mikey Cannizzo, and Kyle Cannizzo (Maria Walker); and his great grandchildren Cecilia and Natalie DeCelle, Daniella and Edward Nelson, Dallas Carter Kaushal, Evan and Ava Ambrose, Jude and Freya Rose, and Luca Cannizzo. He will also be missed by many cousins, friends, students, and colleagues from over the years.

Frank’s family would like to extend a special thank you to those who took such wonderful care of him – Dee, Angela, Tammy, Sara, Alyssa, Amanda, Colleen and Tracie.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 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 was celebrated Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany Street, Schenectady, NY 12304. Burial followed in the family plot in St. Cyril & Method Cemetery, Rotterdam, NY.

Memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to the Community Hospice of Schenectady, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 (communityhospice.org).

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