SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dr. Lewis Emanuel Taub of 150 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs, died on April 30, 2026. He was 100 years old.

Lewis was born on Dec. 30, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Morris and Florence Simon Taub.  He attended local schools in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn and was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School.  He attended Brooklyn College and received a degree in optometry from Columbia University.

On December 26, 1948, he married Marion “Sonia” Clesner, his beloved until her death and beyond.  They moved to Saratoga Springs in 1952 where he opened his office for the practice of optometry.  Sonia and Lewis raised their three children, Michael, Eric, and Sarah, in Saratoga.  Lewis continued in practice for 38 years, retiring in 1991.  When Sonia became ill, Lewis cared for her day and night for three years until she passed away in 2016.

In 2023, Lewis married his beloved second wife, Barbara Kass.  Barbara passed away in 2025.

Lewis was a life member of the American Optometric Association and a member of the New York Optometric Society.  In addition, he belonged to the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs and was a volunteer at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.  He loved skiing and sailing and helped found the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club.  In 1964, Lewis and Sonia became founding members of Temple Sinai, Saratoga’s Reform synagogue. 

Lewis loved to travel both internationally and domestically and had a lifelong goal of visiting all the US National Parks, which was only thwarted by the ongoing creation of new National Parks.

Lewis was a lifelong learner.  With Sonia, he attended dozens of Elderhostel educational retreats.  In his retirement, he audited more than 50 classes at Skidmore College and was granted an honorary certificate of achievement in 2016.

Lewis was a loyal, devoted husband and father – always a stable, loving foundation for his children in good times and bad.  His secret for a long life was to have a long memory for good times and a short memory for difficulties.  He enjoyed every day to the fullest. 

He is survived by two children, Michael and Sarah Taub; and four grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice, communityhospice.org.

Dennis “Denny” James Cummings, 79, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in St. Peter’s Hospital. Born on September 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Cummings.  

Denny proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and remained deeply connected to the men he served alongside, attending reunions throughout the United States for many years. Those friendships and shared memories remained very important to him throughout his life. 

He was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga in 1964. A carpenter by trade, Denny was known for his hardworking nature. Saratoga Race Course was truly in his blood. He held fond memories of the track where his father was employed, recalling as a child selling pencils to patrons. His lifelong passion for horse racing led him to become a part owner of several racehorses over the years. He could happily recite the names of every horse he owned and always ended with a smile, saying, “Nolita pays the bills.” During the summer months, he especially enjoyed visiting the stables and spending time with the horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners he admired so much. 

Denny enjoyed watching sports, was a loyal New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds fan, and loved playing golf with family and friends each summer. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Charis Cummings, who passed away in 2015. Their love was playful, warm and deeply genuine with a marriage marked by humor, kindness and unwavering friendship. 

A few years after Charis’s passing, Denny enjoyed spending time with his loving companion, Sandy Huening and family. Sadly, Sandy passed away in 2022, but Denny continued spending time with her family, enjoying holidays and a shared love of horses especially with Sandy’s granddaughter, Samantha. 

He is survived by his devoted close cousin, John “Jack” Cogan; his stepchildren, Dean Haskin and Ross (Keesha) Haskin and their families; brothers-in-law Donald (Donna) LeBuis, Dennis (Debbie) LeBuis, and Dennis Boomhower; several other cousins; many nieces and nephews; and his friends Mark and Joanne Elliot. 

In the last two years, as his health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease, Denny was lovingly supported by Jack Cogan, Amy Versocki, Judy Boomhower, and Sharon Forman. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Will Frohlich and Todd Koslik for the kindness and care they showed Denny. 

Relatives and friends attending the services are asked to gather at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery (200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY) at 11:15 am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The funeral service with Military Honors will be at 11:30 am.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047.

As Denny would say, “May the Horse be with you!”

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Mary Frances Perks Zabala, age 93, beloved wife, mother, friend, and coworker, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family after a brief illness, on the morning of May 12, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Mary was born in Lake Placid, NY on October 18, 1932. She moved to Saratoga as a child with her mother, Alice, a native of Saratoga. Mary lived at 101 State Street and cherished Saratoga Springs, easily making friends and maintained a lifelong friendship of 90 years with Barbara White Smaldone.

Mary graduated from Saratoga High School in 1950. She met Steve, the love of her life, through her friend who arranged a ride home for Mary after her shift as a switchboard operator at the phone company. Their first date was at the St. Clements Grotto shrine to the Blessed Mother, where Mary brought her mother along—a story her children found so humorous. Mary and Steve were married on September 16, 1951, in St. Clements Church. They settled in their family home, where they raised five children and lived for the rest of their lives. They were the longest-standing married members of St. Clements Church, having married in the original church below the school. They renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary just days after 9/11, and their 70th anniversary was featured in The Evangelist Newspaper. Mary was always actively engaged in both her work and the community.

She contributed to St. Clement’s Church and School, hosting around 60 priests, brothers, a bishop, and was recognized by the Redemptorist for her care of the St. John Neuman Residence confreres. Mary also supported St. Peters/Saratoga Central Catholic, was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 75 years, a founding member of Our Ladies of Charity, participated in the annual Festival of Trees, and served as Republican Committee Woman in Saratoga County.

Mary’s career included working in the admissions office at Skidmore College, then she became the first woman acting Commissioner of Jurors for Saratoga County. She later worked for Saratoga DPW, supporting Tom McTygue and Sam Downing, and interfacing with Mary Lou Whitney’s assistant to help organize the annual Whitney Stakes Gala. Mary looked forward to receiving Mary Lou’s Christmas card the day after Thanksgiving each year. Mary completed her professional career as a real estate agent enjoying helping people find their forever home. Mary was known for her kind, caring, and generous personality. She consistently demonstrated warmth and understanding toward others, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer support to those in need. She loved traveling to visit friends in Massachusetts, enjoyed trips to Cape Cod, Atlantic City, vacations in Europe, Hawaii, wintering in Myrtle Beach for 18 years, taking up golf, and finding great shopping deals. Mary was known for her apple pie making from a tree in the backyard and last summer made a record amount of 27 and shared with family, friends and even her doctors. 

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 74 years; Steve whose passing was a little over 8 months ago. Her mother Mary Alice O’Connell Perks, her father Walter C. Perks, her brother Charlie W. Perks, and her uncle Charles O’Connell.

Her legacy lives on through her children: Steve (Stephanie) Zabala, Gerard (Lynn) Zabala, Bob (Barbara) Zabala, Maryanne Zabala, Patti (John) Di Stasio; grandchildren James, Stephen, Micol, Nicholas, Graceanne, Veronica, Suzanne, Dana, Derek, beloved grand dog Schuyler and 14 great-grandchildren and her niece Joanne Zabala.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11am to 12pm on Saturday, May 23, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12pm. 

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities 142 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, St. Clement’s Church 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, and St. Clement’s School 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. *Make a note on check memo field – In Memory of Mary Zabala. 

Online condolences may be offered at burkefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank Mary’s devoted caregivers over the last few years: Rebecca Leonardo, Heather Barton, Stephanie Zabala, Heidi Laramie-Adams, and Liz Benton. Additional gratitude goes to Saratoga Palliative Care (Dr. John Pezzula, Mitch Forshey, PA) for their loving care, Saratoga Hospice Services, Saratoga Cardiology (Dr. Singh), Dr. Nicholas Kondo, Carl Sgambati and Saratoga Family team, Dr. Alex Gartner of Center for Clear Hearing. In addition, Bob Lee, Carol Ann Micari and the team at the Brook Tavern, and Morton’s Adam Marra and his team for their kindness to Mary and Steve and always greeting them warmly.

MECHANICVILLE – Anthony F. “Tony” Lanzone, 86, passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2026, after an extended illness. Born in Mechanicville on November 16, 1939, son of the late Joseph and Catherine Tata Lanzone. Tony was a licensed barber. He owned and operated Tony’s Barber Shop in the Village of Stillwater for over 50 years. Later turning the reins over to his nephew, Joe Lanzone. He was a very long time Seattle Seahawks and NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed going to the racetrack as well as owning Standard bred horses. He loved to play golf. Survivors are his special daughter and son-in-law Denise (Bill) Morehouse of Ballston Spa. His grandson Christopher (Heather) Morehouse, granddaughter Heather (Brian) Gile, great grandchildren Mason, Brian Jr., Hayleigh, Derek, Carter, and Arianna. Brothers Vince (late Carol) Lanzone, Joseph (Mary Carol) Lanzone of Mechanicville. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nancy L. Bean, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Born on August 17, 1939, in Woodsville, New Hampshire, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late George W. Oliver and Phyllis Willey. She carried with her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Nancy dedicated many years of her life working as a talented seamstress at Cudney’s Dry Cleaning, where her skill and attention to detail were well known. Outside of her work, she found happiness in the things she loved most; spending time on the slot machines, sewing and she loved to dance to country music.  She especially cherished sharing special moments at the harness races with her beloved husband, Earl Bean, to whom she was deeply devoted. Yet, above all else, Nancy’s greatest joy came from her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the true center of her world.

Nancy will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and love to those around her.

She is survived by her loving children, Karen Forbes, Linda Bean, Timothy Bean (Debbie Crawford), and Julie Brasser (Kevin); her seven cherished granddaughters, Shannon VanHall (Eric), Lauren Fredmonski (Matt), Keri Pehl, Nicole Forbes (Jose Corporan), Kellie Bean, Lindsey Nolan (Jordan), and Micayla LaFave (Dylan); as well as five adored great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many dear friends who will miss her greatly.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Earl Bean, her son-in-law, Jeff Forbes and her siblings.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Joyce and Jimmy Hilliker for their unwavering love, support, and compassion during this difficult time.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Nancy’s legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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

HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS – With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, I announce the passing of my precious Tom on April 19, 2026. He was a man who was known for his kindness, gentle spirit and fairness. He was of the old school, where his word was his bond. 

Tom grew up on his family ranch in Cherokee, Texas, where he learned to break horses, mend a fence and shoe a horse… he could do it all.  I, meanwhile, was in Brady, and was ready for a partner to walk through life with, so I prayed for a lifetime partner, not a husband, as some husbands come and go. Six months later a mutual friend introduced us on a blind date and the rest is history. 

I always told Tom, after Jesus, he was my greatest gift from God… and Tom was my gift for 41 years of marriage. Tom didn’t want to marry without being baptized, so before the wedding, he was baptized in the first Christian Church in Brady, and we were married there on September 28, 1985. 

After we married, Tom sold his ranching interest and moved To Brady, where he worked with me and my family at Evridge’s Furniture Store. While living in Brady, Tom decided he wanted to reside in a town where they had pretty golf courses. That’s when he found Horseshoe Bay, Texas and we have loved it for 29 years!

We moved to Horseshoe Bay and after being in several furniture locations in Marble Falls, Texas, we built Aladdin Home Store in Marble Falls and operated it for 20 years. Tom also owned several loan offices and storage units in Marble Falls. He also loved to dabble in acquisition and selling of properties. We retired in 2018 and enjoyed our retirement for 8 wonderful years. 

Tom loved his golf groups and learned to play quite well. He always said when you golf with a man, you get to know a man’s qualities, good or bad. 

Tom has enjoyed horse racing his entire life. Because of his love for the racing industry, we spent the last five summers in Saratoga, New York, attending the horse races every weekend. He loved his association with West Point Thoroughbreds and owned interest in several horses through them.

Tom also loved his Friday morning Links Men’s Bible Study Group. The bond these men share with each other is amazing!  Anytime Tom felt well enough, he definitely wanted to join them. 

When Tom’s cancer returned, friends would ask him how he was, and Tom always replied, “It’s not ok, but it’s going to be alright….” 

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary, his sister, Linda Klepper and her partner, Leland Harrington of Llano, Texas, her daughter Gina Robillard and husband Rick of Horseshoe Bay, and son, Carter Churchil. Also, brother Kim Barker, and wife Vicki of Cherokee, Texas, their son Bode Barker and wife Amber, their children Hunter Barker, Bode Barker Jr., and Sara Barker.  

In the last days of Tom’s life, he decided to donate his body for medical research to help find a cure for cancer. We were pleased that his body was received by UT of Houston’s McGovern Medical School, associated with MD Anderson, where Tom’s cancer journey began. 

We are all just passing through this life on earth …. and now my sweet Tom is up in Heaven.  I’m so thankful he’s no longer suffering and is healthy again…and in no pain.

I miss him so, and I just KNOW he’s watching the horse races with Jesus!!!

Services for Tom’s Celebration of Life will be at: Live Oak Pavilion- Horseshoe Bay Resort, Q112 Buffalo, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow. 

In honor of Tom, feel free to wear golfing theme or racetrack-inspired attire. Hats are optional but encouraged. 

 Tom loved horse racing and everything that came with it. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for memorial donations to: N.Y Racetrack Chaplaincy, PO Box 37191, Elmont, New York, 11003. nyrtca.org.