MALTA — James Frank Wager Jr., 96, of Malta, New York passed away on July 20, 2025, at Wesley Community, Saratoga Springs after a period of declining health.   

He was born on January 11, 1929, in Gloversville, New York.  James was the son of the late James F. Wager Sr. and Camilla M. Wager (Togni) of Gloversville. 

James proudly served in the U.S. Navy from January 1946 to November 1947 as a Fireman 1st Class.  James first served on the USS New York BB34 during the Operation Crossroads Nuclear Weapon Test at Bikini Atoll of the Marshall Islands in July 1946.  He then served on the USS Iowa BB61 where he completed his tour of duty. 

James worked as a Food Broker Salesman for many years and serviced grocery stores throughout the Capital District. 

He was a member and coach of the Saratoga Winter Speed Skating Club where he trained many boys and girls, some of whom went on to the Olympics.  Among other hobbies James was a long-distance cyclist, snowmobiler, small engine technician, landscaper and loved fishing in all types of weather conditions. 

James was predeceased by his lovely wife of 38 years Gloria F. Wager (Regina), his brother Donald Wager of California and sister Marguerite Kenison of Glens Falls. 

He is survived by his seven children.  Marie (Tina) DeVore (George) of Malta, NY, Gloria (Lori) Gould (Gerard) of Mooresville, NC, Phillip Wager (Cindy Sue) of Crossville, TN, Jeffrey Wager (Rhonda) of Newcomb, NY, Corina Stark (Darrell) of Waxhaw, NC, Cynthia West (Paul) of Mechanicsburg, PA and Andrew Wager (Laura) of Round Lake, NY, 17 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. 

At his request his body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College. A private service will be held on a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of James may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

The Wager Family offers a heartfelt thank you to the many caregivers from Community Hospice and Wesley Health Care who cared for James over the past year. 

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sherman Antoine Moore peacefully passed away in his Saratoga home the morning of July 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.  He was 84 years old d had been ill for a short time.  

He was born in Tupper Lake, NY to the late Clifford and Eva (La Porte) Moore. Sherman grew up in Schenectady, NY where he graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1958.  Afterward, he attended Hudson Valley Community College before enlisting in the US Air Force and serving as a medic during the Vietnam War.  That is where he met his love, Mary (Davis) Moore.  They were married in October 1965.  Leaving military service he again settled in Schenectady where he worked in the Sales/ Circulation department of the Schenectady Daily Gazette retiring after 22 years.  

His work moved him to Saratoga in 1973.  Saratoga became home to Sherman and Mary.  The family now consisted of three young children, Michael, Joseph and Kathleen, who thrived in Saratoga and at St. Clement’s School.  Sherman became active in volunteering to help fundraise as well as other projects at the school and parish.  

Sherman was a friendly, kind man who loved his family above all else.  He also enjoyed talking to people, learning about them and invariably making them smile by this random encounter.  Sherman loved to see plants grow especially in his so called “pot vegetable on the deck garden” where he grew tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and peppers, sharing his bounty with family, friends and neighbors.  At Christmas he made his peanut butter fudge for a long list of people.  In the winter, Mary and Sherman took brief cruises enjoying the tropical sunshine.  Come summer Saratoga racing time, he was immersed in the challenge of picking the winners.  For a period of time, he even was a horse owner in Parting Glass Racing.  He was a dedicated NY Yankees fan faithfully watching every play.  Sherman also loved to play pinochle on the back deck with his sons, Mike and Joe, and his grandson Derek.

Sherman is survived by the love of his life, Mary (Davis) Moore; his sons, Michael J. Moore (Alison) and Joseph D. Moore (Theresa); his grandchildren, Ryan Moore, Derek Moore, Amanda (Moore) Hess (Corwin) and Rylee Moore; his son in law, Joseph F. Ruhmel; his brother, James Moore and his wife Carol; his sister in law, Marylyn Moore and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen (Moore) Ruhmel; his sisters Sue (Boudreau) Moore and Nancy (Moore) Latimer; his brothers, William Moore and Richard Moore; his sister-in-law Sandra (Sittner) Moore and his brother-in-law, George Latimer.  

We are eternally gratefully for the kindness and care shown to Sherman by the nurses of Community Hospice in his final days.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY.  Burial followed in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY.  Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

Albany, NY — Ronald F. Owen, 81, passed away on July 24, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn. 

Born on the Fourth of July in 1944 in Barre, Vermont, Ron lived life on his own terms—sharp, self-reliant, and unapologetically himself. He took his Independence Day birthday seriously and was well known for his impressive firework displays—celebrating each year with a bang.

He retired as Director of Corporate Taxation and Finance for New York State after 30 years. His real passions were lifelong. A true outdoorsman, Ron was a canoeist, hiker, tennis and volleyball player, and someone who simply preferred to be outside. He spent his time on the river or in the woods, splitting wood, hiking, or fixing whatever needed fixing. Later, at Bittersweet Farm, he channeled that same energy into antiques and animal rescue—always moving, always hands-on.

Ron gave his time to the things he believed in. With the Jaycees, he helped plant trees along Broadway in Saratoga Springs. He spent nights volunteering with Shelters of Saratoga, offering support and a warm meal to those in need. He worked alongside Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for local families. And for years, he volunteered with the Office for the Aging, helping seniors navigate their tax returns with patience and care. He also led the IRS tax assistance program in Saratoga Springs. He lived with grit, showed up when it mattered, and left behind a trail of stories, strong opinions, and a dry sense of humor that stuck with you.

He is survived by his children, Ronald F. Owen Jr. and Heidi Owen West (Robert West); grandchildren Tristan and Miles West, and Muriel and Eli Owen; and siblings Lorna Saldi, Lambert Saldi, Lee Owen, and Kelly Owen. He was predeceased by his sister Patty Morse and his former wife of 23 years, Kay E. Owen—mother of his children and, in the end, a friend. He is also survived by his stepmother, Eleanor Owen; lifelong friends Donna Traver, Peter Elmendorf, and Barry Schwartbach; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

His final words to his grandson were: “I’ll see you down the road.”

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3–5pm, followed by a celebration of  life at 5pm, on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at The William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing &  Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. All are welcome to come share stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, whose care and compassion supported Ron and his family at the end of his journey.  

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kathleen Jane “Kathy” Hurley (née Huggins), 76, passed away peacefully with family on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Born on May 7, 1949, in Carthage, New York, Kathy was the daughter of the late William G. Huggins and Deloras Palmer Huggins. She graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1967 and went on to complete her studies at Albany Business College in 1968, laying the foundation for a career with the Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility, and Empire State College.

Kathy was a devoted mother to her daughters, Lisa Palmer Hurley and Karen Frances Hurley Bartgis (Life Partner, Kurt Higgins). Her love extended deeply to her grandchildren—Nicholaus James Byrne, Samuel Edward Bartgis, and Ella Jane Bartgis—who brought immense joy into her life.

She is also survived by her siblings, Patricia Huggins of Saratoga Springs, NY, Alice Huggins Carr (Jim) of Easton, MD, and Bill Huggins of Clinton, NY. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Teresa Dowe Huggins. She also held close bonds with her nieces and nephews: Tara Huggins, Michael Huggins, Joey Kamide, Jonathan Kamide (Shannon), Megan Kamide Hall (Nate), and Elizabeth Huggins Swoyer (Eric). Her legacy continues through her great-nieces and nephews: Owen Kamide, Oona Kamide, Ayla Kamide, Olivia Hall, Sophia Hall, Juliette Hall, and Carson Swoyer.  Kathy cherished her relationship with her dear cousins, Nancy DeMers Phillips, Florida cousins, Karen, John, Bob, Nancy and Sue Higgins and Diane and Sheldon Buck family.

A spiritual woman, Kathy was raised in the Catholic tradition. She served as a DAR Chaplain and was a proud member of the Mayflower Society. Kathy also dedicated her time as a FEMA Reservist, deploying to assist during various disasters. Her artistic side flourished through her interior decorating and her membership at the Adirondack Folk School, where she advanced her skills in twilling, weaving, caning, and various crafts, including knitting and quilting.  She was generous in gifting her many beautiful creations to family and friends. 

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Donations may be made to Adirondack Folk School, Lake Luzerne, NY or a charity of your choice.

Please join us for a Celebration of Kathleen Hurley’s Life, August 3 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

At The Hideaway. 35 Grace Moore Rd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

There will be a tribute with toast to her beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Online remembrances may at www.burkefuneralhome.com.