ALBANY – Patrick Foster, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. A private graveside service will be held at a future date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Blanche C. Pratt passed away on August 21, 2025. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
GANSEVOORT – Doris Lee Ann Segrave (née Swanberg), died on the 22nd of August 2025. She passed at home in the arms of those who loved her. Funeral will be at First Baptist Church, 45 Washington St., on Saturday August 30, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
BALLSTON SPA – Sandra Songayllo, 79, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
PORTER CORNERS – Maureen Taylor passed away on August 23, 2025. Calling hours will be 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
MIDDLE GROVE – Sgt. Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr. (retired) of Middle Grove, NY, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer stemming from his official deployment with the New York State Police supporting the rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. Fred demonstrated determination, grace, incredible courage and inspired everyone who knew him.
He was born June 15, 1958, in Greenwich, CT. Sgt. Scheidt graduated from Greenwich High School, Norwalk Community College in 1978, and Iona College in 1982.
Sgt. Scheidt joined the New York State Police in October of 1979. After several assignments across the state, he settled in the Saratoga Springs area. He retired from the New York State Police after 30 years of dedicated service in 2009. He served as the Retiree Liaison for the New York State Trooper Police Benevolent Association and as the President of the Association of Former New York State Troopers.
In 1994, Sgt. Scheidt married Shannon in Saratoga Springs, NY. There he raised his two children, Katie-Lynn and Brandon. They built a home where they hosted massive bonfires, target shoots, cookouts and family reunions.
He is survived by his wife Shannon; son Brandon (Loan); siblings Valerie Teufel, David Scheidt (Rose), and Douglas Scheidt (Martin Wimmer); grandchildren Hunter and Ella and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick W. Scheidt, Sr. and Margaret Anne Scheidt, as well as his beloved daughter Katie-Lynn Scheidt.
Calling hours were Thursday, August 21, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373).
The Order for a Requiem Eucharist will be at 10 a.m. Friday August 22, at the Bethesda Episcopal Church, 26 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, celebrated by The Rev. Charles Wallace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers at T2T.org or the NYS Troopers Benefit fund at www.signal30.org.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
ALBANY – Eugene L. Smith passed away on Aug. 17, 2025. He was born on March 17, 1945, in Oneida, NY, the son of the late Rupert Smith and Helen Scanlon. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
WISCONSIN – Marie A. Franklin passed away on August 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Marie was laid to rest with Jim at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on August 19. Calling hours were held at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Carol (Martin) Buckley was born late December back in ‘63 — a very special time for all.
From the beginning, Carol had a sparkle — a presence that lit up a room – and stayed with people long after she left.
She grew up in Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan, where she met her beloved “StuyTownGirls” — who remained by her side throughout life. She graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer HS and earned a degree in Computers and Marketing from Manhattan College.
Her career was anything but ordinary — including Bloomingdale’s, Fashion Consultant at Liz Claiborne, Realtor, managing Saratoga Salsa and Spice, and Lighting Consultant at Wolberg Electric. She even made two TV commercials. But her favorite titles: wife to Dennis, Mom to Meghan and Patrick, mother-in-law to Katie, and most recently, “Nani” to Harrison.
Carol appreciated the finer things — a meticulously trimmed Christmas tree, a well-tailored outfit, a nice glass of Chardonnay— but what truly brought her joy was being surrounded by the people she loved. Whether it was sipping coffee in her favorite chair, singing off-tune looking for sea glass, or being delightfully goofy to make someone smile. She always made everyone feel welcome, important and loved.
If you knew her — you felt her warmth. Her spark. Her joy. That’s what we’ll all carry with us.
Her family would like to thank her “team” of incredible doctors, nurses, and caregivers who accompanied her through this brave journey. They truly put the care in healthcare. We are forever grateful.
Relatives and friends were invited to call on Monday August 18, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday August 19, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave Saratoga Springs NY 12866.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made in Carol’s name to Siena University – www.Siena.edu or Stepinac High School – www.stepinac.org two places near to Carol and her family.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Martin Pekar, passed away on Aug 17, 2025. He was born on July 28, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Abraham Pekar and Miriam Shotland. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
