NORTH FORT MYERS, FL—Curtis Carl Eggleston passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, very peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home in North Fort Myers, Fla. He was 61 years young. He was born in Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs on March 7, 1963. He was the son of Stephen Meredith Eggleston and Harriet Smead Eggleston, Crommelin Drive, Saratoga Springs. 

Curtis attended public school in Saratoga Springs, graduating in 1981. He attended BOCES for the Food Service/Culinary Arts Program. He was an accomplished chef. He worked for security at SPAC in Saratoga Springs. 

In August 2000, he became a State Certified Licensed Residential Building Contractor, and Eggleston & Son was created. 

Eggleston Brothers Inc. was started in 2003, and in January 2004, he got his Building Certificate from the state of Florida for EBI, Eggleston Brothers, Inc. Curtis and his brother, Steven, built homes in the Bonita Springs area until 2009, with Curtis’s son, CJ. 

He studied insurance and earned his insurance license in 2009. He worked for Jack Schroeder and Associates, LLC and First Family Insurance, selling health insurance. In July 2010, he was promoted to Director of the Medicare Division. In March 2021, Curtis was awarded a trip to Rome, Italy. 

Curtis and his wife, Angela, were members of the Moose Lodge on Pine Island and in Bonita Springs, Fla., enjoying darts and each other’s company. He was also a member of the Pine Island VFW Auxiliary and the Pine Island Elks. 

Curtis was a loving family man, with a love for fast cars and trucks, boating, fishing, ice fishing, darts, and his German shepherd dogs, Zeus and Chucky, to name a few. He loved target practice and playing cards, four-wheeling, swimming, or just having a meal and some laughs. Curtis always kept smiling despite the circumstances. He was very patriotic. He traveled with his sister, Amanda, to explore Ireland. He loved fishing trips and adventures with his nephew, Jason Barnes. He was an exceptional fisherman. He and Angela loved their fishing trips. Curtis was always willing to help others with projects. 

Curtis recently visited Saratoga, where he met old friends and schoolmates and visited with his extensive family. 

Curtis attended Chad Wilbur’s ATA Black Belt Academy in Florida, along with his brother, Steven, and his family in Florida, 2003-2008. All completed their training to receive Black Belt status in 2007.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Angela Burns Eggleston, formerly of Alexandria Bay; her son, Colby Hunter; his parents, Stephen Meredith Eggleston and Harriet Smead Eggleston; sisters Barbara Yandow and her husband, Robert Yandow, and Debra Eggleston and Gerard “Corky” Verrigni; brother Steven Scott Eggleston and his wife, Sabine Pleuss Eggleston; and brother-in-law Steve Decker, who he treated like a brother. Curtis will be remembered by his many nieces and nephews, with whom he was close. 

He is predeceased by his first wife, Susanna Deak Eggleston; his son, Curtis John “CJ” Eggleston; his baby sister, Amanda May Eggleston Barnes; and many loving aunts and uncles. 

A Celebration of Life is being held Saturday, October 12, 2 – 4 p.m., at the Moose Lodge in Bonita Springs. 

A service will be held at the family’s convenience at the John Eggleston Cemetery, Corinth. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Massachusetts. To donate, visit https://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/giving/. 

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Grant Ora Seymour, 79, a resident of Shelly Park in Gansevoort, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital.

Born on May 11, 1945 in Southampton, Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late Leonard and Bertha Carll Seymour.  His family moved to the Fairview Dairy Farm on Stafford’s Bridge Road in Saratoga Springs when he was 4 years old.

Grant was a graduate of Schuylerville Central School and went to work at Tarrant Manufacturing in Saratoga Springs. He retired in 2006 after 40 years with the Town of Saratoga Highway Department where he was Highway Superintendent for his last 26 years.  He was an honorary member of the Quaker Springs Fire Department.  He enjoyed traveling, golf, lawn care, watering flowers around Schuylerville for the Schuylerville Garden Club, and spending time with longtime friends at the Bialahoski Farm.

in addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Carl, Ray, and Donald Seymour; sisters-in-law, Lea Seymour and Donna Rembicz; nephew Scotty Seymour; and father and mother-in-law Edmund and Hazel Mullen.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Mary Seymour of Gansevoort; sister, Jean (Ron) Bishop of Middle Grove; sisters-in-law, Gail Seymour of Stillwater and Shikuko Seymour of CA; several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 2, at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave. Ext., Schuylerville, NY.  Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Cambridge, NY.

Memorial can be made in Grant’s name to the Quaker Springs Fire Dept., PO Box 67, Schuylerville, NY 12871 or the Gansevoort Fire Department, PO Box 172, Gansevoort, NY 12831.

Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

GANSEVOORT — Charles B. Prock Sr. peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital. He was born on May 3, 1936, in Cohoes, NY, the son of the late John and Rita (Ashley) Prock.

Charles graduated from Cohoes High School, where he was involved in many sports, such as track and field, football, and basketball, but his real joy was baseball.  Charles was invited to try-out for the Pittsburgh Pirates right out of high school.  He coached Little League and girls’ softball.  Charles enjoyed playing golf as he was a member of a few leagues. He was an honorary life member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus Third degree and Saratoga Assembly 745 Fourth Degree, having served as a former member of the Color Corps. He was an avid NY Mets and NY Jets fan but, definitely not a Yankees fan.

He was employed by companies such as Cohoes Hospital, Saratoga Hospitals, Ford Motor Company and the County of Saratoga, as the Director and/or Supervisor of Information Technologies.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, married on January 2, 1960, Cynthia Prock; children, Terri (Micheal Giaquinto), Charles Prock Jr. (Carrie Pinzer) and Kris ( Jeff Lawton); grandchildren, Tim, Jaymee, Katie, Jenna, AJ and Josh; nephews, nieces and many friends.

He is predeceased by his siblings, John Prock Jr. and Rosemary Jesmain.

Relatives and friends may call from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funerals, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, a funeral home service will begin at 1:30 p.m.

A burial with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Charles to either the National Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/  or Homes for our Troops https://support.hfotusa.org/

Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com for online condolences.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thomas G. “Tommy” McTygue, 83, a beloved figure in Saratoga Springs and a pillar of the community, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness, on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Tommy’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, his deep love for his family, and his passion for making Saratoga Springs a better place for all.

Born on June 6, 1941, to Charles A. McTygue and Rose Lanzara McTygue, Tommy grew up with a strong sense of civic duty ingrained in his family’s tradition. This legacy of service would shape his entire life and career.

Tommy’s journey of service began in an unexpected place – behind a barber’s chair. As a young man, he started his career as a barber in Saratoga Springs, a role that allowed him to connect with residents from all walks of life. It was here, amid the hum of clippers and the chatter of patrons, that Tommy began forming the meaningful relationships that would define his life and career.

Following his time as a barber, Tommy’s commitment to his community deepened as he joined the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. As a firefighter, he demonstrated bravery and dedication, further strengthening his bonds with the city and its residents. This experience not only showcased his willingness to put others before himself but also gave him insight into the city’s operations and needs.

His path in public service then expanded beyond Saratoga Springs when he served as the Superintendent of Documents for the New York State Assembly. In this role, Tommy forged meaningful relationships with lawmakers across the state, building a network that would prove invaluable in his future political endeavors. This experience broadened his understanding of state politics and policymaking, contributing significantly to his later accomplishments as a local leader.

Tommy’s love story began in 1963 when he married his sweetheart, Sandra (Rozelle) McTygue. Together, they built a loving family that became the cornerstone of his life. Tommy’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, from his public service to his dedication to his community.

Known for his warm smile and genuine concern for others, Tommy made friends easily and kept them for life. His ability to connect with people, honed during his days as a barber, his time as a firefighter, and his work in Albany, made him not just an effective public servant but also a treasured friend to many in Saratoga Springs and beyond.

Tommy’s professional life in Saratoga Springs culminated in an extraordinary 32-year career as Commissioner of Public Works. Elected to an impressive 16 terms, he played a pivotal role in transforming the city from a seasonal tourist destination to a vibrant year-round community. His vision and hard work, coupled with the relationships he had built at the state level and his intimate understanding of the city’s needs, laid the foundation for the Saratoga Springs we know and love today.

As a lifelong Democrat elected in a then-majority Republican city, Tommy was known for his willingness to forge bipartisan partnerships to get things done. He understood that progress often required reaching across the aisle, and he worked tirelessly to build consensus among local and state leaders alike. This approach allowed him to achieve remarkable results for Saratoga Springs, even in politically challenging times. His ability to find common ground and focus on shared goals made him an effective leader and a respected figure across party lines.

As Commissioner, Tommy was a pioneer in many areas, including environmental protection, historic preservation, and urban beautification. He took pride in the city’s clean streets, efficient snow removal, and the beautiful flowers that adorned the town. His dedication often found him behind the wheel of a snowplow in the early hours of winter mornings, ensuring the streets were safe for his fellow citizens.

Tommy’s compassion extended beyond his official duties. He was known for reaching out to those less fortunate, providing employment opportunities and support to individuals struggling with various challenges. This empathy and willingness to help others in need was a defining characteristic of his leadership and his personal life.

Outside of his public service, Tommy had a lifelong passion for Standardbred harness racing. As an owner, he competed at tracks throughout New York State and beyond, achieving success with major stakes winners. In his later years, he continued to advocate for the sport, leading the Saratoga Horse Owners Association and successfully defending the industry’s interests.

Tommy McTygue’s legacy in Saratoga Springs is visible in the beautifully maintained Congress Park, the historic Canfield Casino, and the beloved Marcus Illions Carousel. But more than these physical landmarks, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched with his kindness, his dedication, and his unwavering love for his community.

As we bid farewell to Tommy, we celebrate a life well-lived – a life dedicated to family, friends, and the betterment of Saratoga Springs. His legacy of bipartisan cooperation and putting the needs of the community first serves as an inspiring example for future leaders. His impact on the city and its people will be felt for generations to come.

Tommy McTygue – a loving husband, father, grandfather, public servant, and friend – will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was predeceased by his sister Patricia, and brothers Charles and Michael. 

He is survived by his wife Sandra, his daughters Lisa McTygue Cross (Brian), Tracy Lyon (Mark), Sharon McTygue (Dave), five cherished grandsons, Brad (Bianca) and Shane (Julianne) Lyon, Colin Flanders (Courtney), Mason Wheelock (Julia) and David Hart as well as his brothers, Bill and Pete (Jackie) McTygue.

All are welcome to attend a Funeral Mass at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial will be Wednesday, October 2, in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shelters of Saratoga online at sheltersofsaratoga.org or by mailing a check to PO Box 3089, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to RISE, (Healthy Housing and Support Services) of Saratoga Springs, online @riseservices.org or by mailing a check to RISE, 127 Union Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros. Inc., 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY.  Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com

POTSDAM — John J Sweeney, age 57, of West Stockholm, NY passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Canton Potsdam Hospital. Arrangements for cremation are with the Garner Funeral Service. Condolences for the Sweeney family can be shared at www.garnerfh.com. 

John is survived by his wife Sharon Sweeney of West Stockholm, NY, his mother Jane Welch of Queensbury, NY, brother Brian Sweeney of Clifton Park, NY sister Patricia Sweeney of Brattleboro, Vermont, stepsons David, Michael and Robert, stepdaughter Malinda, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his father Edward Sweeney. 

John was born in Rochester, NY on June 22, 1967 to Edward and Jane (Welch) Sweeney. He was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School in 1986. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 13 years. He was married to Sharon Bickford on November 28, 2001. 

John was a kind and gentle soul and a generous person to everyone. He loved spending time with his dearly loved family. There will be a celebration of life for John to be held at a later date and time yet to be determined.