SARATOGA SPRINGS — Brian Patrick Martell, affectionately known as “Hart,” passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 43, after a valiant and courageous battle with leukemia. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 19, 1981, in Albany, New York, Brian was the beloved son of Richard and Karen (Schumaker) Martell of Ballston Spa. He grew up in a home filled with love and laughter alongside his two brothers, Christopher and Scott Martell. The bond they shared as siblings deepened over time, evolving into an enduring friendship that would later shape their professional lives together.

Brian was a proud graduate of Saratoga Central Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Union Graduate College. His education laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creating meaningful connections through his work.

On June 20, 2014, Brian married his soulmate, Natasa Dugandzic. Their union was built on a foundation of love and adventure. Together, they created a life full of shared passions and cherished memories. The pinnacle of their journey came on June 23, 2020, with the birth of their daughter Mila Hart Martell. Mila was the light of Brian’s life with her boundless energy and joy—she was his heart’s greatest treasure and the true expression of all he held dear.

Brian had an unquenchable thirst for adventure that took him across the globe. Together with Natasa, he explored some of the world’s most beautiful destinations—Croatia’s sunlit shores, Ireland’s great pubs, and Portugal’s tranquil beaches were among their favorite escapes. Closer to home, spending time in Lake George with his parents, wife, daughter, brothers, sisters-in-law Jennifer and Tory Martell, his amazing nieces, Ainsley and Lydia, and his wonderful nephew, Declan, was a treasured pursuit for Brian. 

A rabid sports fan to his core, Brian’s loyalty belonged to the New York Yankees, New York Giants, New York Rangers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Manchester City Football Club. Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home surrounded by friends and family, sports were more than just games—they were a source of connection and camaraderie he couldn’t get enough of.

Brian’s professional journey was inseparable from his family roots. Together with his father, Rick, and brothers Chris and Scott, he co-founded Druthers Brewing Company—a venture that became much more than just a business. For Brian, Druthers was a labor of love; it was about creating something meaningful while sharing every step of the process with those closest to him. His contributions extended far beyond the X’s and O’s – dollars and cents—his creativity came alive in crafting menus and designing inviting spaces that reflected his vision and passion.

Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Brian brought light and (A LOT OF) sound to every room he entered. He took pride in being what he jokingly called an “amazing chef,” amusing friends and family alike with culinary creations that were as inventive as they were delicious. Yet beyond his talents in the kitchen or at work, it was Brian’s warmth, generosity of spirit, and ability to connect deeply with others that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Brian’s life was one defined by love: love for his family who stood steadfastly by his side; love for the most incredible friends a guy could ever have, friends who show up and are always there for each other, friends who shared countless memories over pints at local favorites like “CSP” or the “Shoe”; love for new experiences that enriched his soul; and love for life itself—even when faced with its most difficult challenges.

Though Brian’s time here feels cruelly brief for those who loved him dearly, his legacy endures as a testament to living boldly—with courage like his—and savoring every moment given. 

A celebration of Brian’s extraordinary life will be held at Druthers Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs on January 11 at 5:00 p.m. His friends and family are invited to attend. 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

GLENS FALLS — Lynne Herrick Black, formally of Walpole, MA, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side, on December 11, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital due to complications of ALS. 

Born in Troy, NY on March 23, 1959, Lynne’s parents were Joan Farnan Campbell and Burton Herrick, Jr. 

Lynne graduated from Stillwater Central School in 1978 and earned a New York State Cosmetology License. She was employed by Fairchilds of Latham and General Electric of Schenectady. 

She was predeceased by her dad and beloved daughter, Chavon Provancher, four grandparents, and her fur companion, Kendra. She is survived by her loving children Stacia and Russell Black of Walpole, MA, her mother Joan Campbell of Salem, her sisters Dawn Herrick (Michael Ventre) of Saratoga Springs, and Shawna Herrick Greene (Kevin) of Greenwich, her brothers James (Denise) Herrick of Greenwich, Christopher Herrick of Albany, half-brother Jamie Bret (Dawn) Herrick of Stillwater, four stepsisters and brothers from Stillwater area and five stepbrothers in the Salem area. Lynne is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.

Lynne enjoyed camping, boating, scuba diving, cooking, and spending time at the Saratoga Library. She was an excellent cook. 

Paul Black and Lynne’s family want to thank Sister Donna and direct care staff at Glens Falls Hospital, for their expert care during Lynne’s final weeks. Per Lynne’s request there will be no viewing hours. A celebration of life will take place in early 2025. Donations may be made to an individual’s choice of library or animal Shelter.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Mr. Ralph William Grasso Jr., age 91, of 10 Oak St, Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on December 29, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family at the time of his passing.

Ralph was born on November 29, 1933 in Saratoga Springs, NY. He attended St. Peter’s Academy from kindergarten until his graduation in 1951. He joined the Air Force, attended Basic Training at Sampson in Geneva, NY and served in Mississippi, Korea, Japan and Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY. In February 1957, Ralph married Delores A. Blanchard of Rome, NY. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Ralph and Delores resided in Saratoga Springs, NY from 1957 until the time of his death. While working for GE, he took a leave of absence and attended Hudson Valley Technical Institute, graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree. Ralph returned to GE and worked at their Knolls Atomic Power Facility until his retirement in 1991. Not one to sit still, Ralph then took over his father’s Italian Ice business and became known as “Lemon Ice” for many years. A true joy in his life was seeing children and watching them grow and then bringing their own children to enjoy a lemon ice.

Ralph was a lifelong faithful communicant of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

He was predeceased in death by his parents Ralph Grasso, Sr. and Christine (Cappello) Grasso; his infant brother Joseph (1931); his brother Joseph Victor (2007) and his granddaughter Camille Isabel (1997).

Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years Delores; daughters Christine (David) Lewis of Saratoga Springs, NY; Sharon Grasso (John Wason) of Flagstaff, AZ; Mary Grasso of St. Augustine, FL; and sons Ralph III (Carol) of Ballston Spa, NY and Michael of S. Glens Falls, NY; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Ralph enjoyed trying to “fix/improve” anything he got his hands on, anything from toys to electronics to appliances to snowblowers. Not always successfully! He did not believe in the wise proverb “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Ralph was a member of the Eagles and R.E.A.C. Club, Post 35 of the Italian American War Veterans, Principessa Elena Society, Post 420 of the VFW and Chapter 60 of the Korean War Veterans. Ralph was known for his dry wit, loved to entertain, play bocce, cards and march in parades as a proud Korean War Veteran. He was also an avid camper with his trusty Holiday Rambler trailer and, beginning in 1965, his family of 7 spent many summers camping and having great fun.

In accordance with his wishes, Ralph has donated his earthly body to science with the hope that doctors might improve existing medical procedures or discover and develop new and better procedures to give his family and humankind a chance for an improved quality of life.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A funeral home service will be held at 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will take place at the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs. Reception following at the Principessa Elena Society.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com