SARATOGA SPRINGS – Karin L. Wren, a cherished resident of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at St. Peter’s Hospital Hospice, surrounded by her devoted family, following a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer. She was 64 years old.

Born in Albany, New York, Karin was the beloved daughter of the late Christa and Alfred C. Purello.

She received her early education at the Doane Stuart School and pursued higher studies with distinction, attending the Sorbonne University in Paris and the University at Albany, where she earned degrees in International Languages and Finance.

Karin enjoyed a distinguished career in finance, serving as an Institutional Equity Trader at several prominent Wall Street firms and later managing a fund for Pequot Capital Partners. Demonstrating her entrepreneurial vision and leadership, she founded and chaired Arden Holdings, a successful real estate investment and development firm.

A devoted wife and mother, Karin found her greatest joy in the quiet, loving moments shared with her family and friends.

Deeply committed to community service, Karin generously lent her time and expertise to numerous organizations. She served on the board of the Greenberg Child Care Center, the Interlaken Homeowners Association, and the Syracuse University Parents Advisory Council. In addition, she established the Arden Foundation, dedicated to supporting education and environmental initiatives.

Karin is survived by her loving husband, David; their son, Jonathan (Jack); her brother, Kurtis Purello; sister-in-law, Connie Grega; nieces, Chloe and Kylie Purello; brother-in-law, Bob Wren, and sister-in-law, Amy Strom; nephews, Trevor and Noah Wren; and a circle of close friends who were cherished as extended family.

Additionally, heartfelt special thanks to Dawn Abbuhl, Holly Lee, Gina McGillicuddy, Margyt Connors, and Kristen Levenson for their devotion and caring.

A private celebration of her life will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karin’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, organizations close to her heart in support of vital medical research and care.

Karin’s grace, intellect, generosity, and unwavering spirit touched all who knew her. Her warm smile and strength will be remembered fondly by all whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of her family and friends.

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS  – Bruce Bradigan passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, CLC, surrounded by his loving family and the compassionate caregivers who had become like family to him.

Born on November 9, 1945, in Fort Worth, Bruce was the son of Betty Lou Harris Bradigan and Floyd John Bradigan. He was the eldest of six children and grew up in Forestville, NY.

Bruce proudly served his country as a Special Forces Officer in the United States Army, leading an A-Team in combat during the Vietnam War. He represented the 6th Special Forces Group in the Iron Man competition on Okinawa and was High Altitude–Low Opening (HALO) qualified and a Jump Master. He held a Top-Secret clearance, attended Cambodian Language School in Washington, D.C., obtained his pilot’s license and earned a Purple Heart for his bravery. His service reflected extraordinary courage, discipline, and commitment.

Bruce dedicated 26 years to public service with the Office of Mental Health, concluding his tenure as Deputy Director of the Central New York Psychiatric Center. He later served as CEO of Bethel, a senior healthcare facility in Westchester.

Bruce served as Chairman of the Board of the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston. A member of MENSA, Bruce possessed a brilliant and curious mind. He also had a passion for high-performance cars and served as President and instructor for the Northeast Chapter of the Audi Club of North America (NEQ). He was especially proud to serve as a Co-Event Master at Watkins Glen alongside his daughter, Carly, an experience that brought him tremendous joy and pride.

In 1998, Bruce’s life changed forever when he married Laura Horan and embraced her two children. Bruce was a proud and devoted father to Carly Connors (Dalibor Ritopecki) and Christopher Connors (Lindsey Wilhelm), but it was his role as “Papa” that brought him his greatest joy. He was the adoring grandfather of Nik Bradigan Ritopecki and Brooke and Brian Connors, and nothing made him happier than time spent with them.

He treasured Brooke’s creativity and loved admiring her artwork and proudly sharing her latest creations. With Brian, Bruce delighted in conversations about dinosaurs and their love of chocolate, especially M&M’s. Bruce loved watching Nik compete on the football and lacrosse fields, following every play with pride and enthusiasm. He rarely missed an opportunity to talk about Nik’s determination and teamwork.  His grandchildren brought out his gentlest, most joyful side; his eyes would light up at the mere mention of their names.

He is survived by his brother, Bob Bradigan (Madelyn), and his goddaughter and niece, Karen Bradigan Smith, and her son, Brayden Smith; and cousin, Kevin Burke.

In his final years at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Bruce found camaraderie among fellow veterans, sharing stories and wisdom. His family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care he received and the meaningful friendships he formed there.

Family and friends attended a reception at Saratoga Golf and Polo Club on Wednesday, March 4. Bruce will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, with the honor befitting his devoted service to his country.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take the time to thank a veteran for their service and pause to listen to their story. There is no greater tribute to Bruce’s life than honoring those who have served.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Dolores Alonzo, 88, passed away on February 18, 2026.

Born September 23, 1937, in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the eldest child of Joseph and Dorothy Alonzo. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, she married William Diggins and raised her family while simultaneously putting herself through college.

She went on to become a registered nurse, starting her career with New York State at Mount McGregor Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Wilton Developmental Center. As a nurse supervisor, she dedicated her career to caring for her clients with deep compassion and respect. Following her retirement, she traveled and lived for a time in Washington, where she earned a degree in theology from Washington State. She later moved to Florida, where she built many friendships and enjoyed her daily swims.

Dolores enjoyed volunteering; As a young mom she was a Cub Scout leader and after retirement she served meals at soup kitchens, worked food pantries, and cared for people at Mary’s Haven.  She was a fierce Scrabble player and was known as the “queen of two-letter words”. She loved spending time with her sister, Loralee, going for drives, thrifting and enjoying coffee.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved son, David Diggins; her brother, Joseph Alonzo; and her former husband and father of her children, William Diggins.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Merchant (Brian), William Diggins (Kathy), Denise Woodcock (Richard), Patrick Diggins (Lora), and Loralee Diggins; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loralee Vanhorne; her brother, Phillip Alonzo; her sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Ernest Hammond; her favorite sister-in-law, Elaine Alonzo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dolores showed her love quietly. She may not have always had the words to express it to those closest to her, but her love was felt.  Her memory will live on in her family and friends who loved her deeply, and she will be truly missed.

Dolores’ family has chosen to honor her privately.  In her memory, we ask those who wish to honor her to take a moment each day to be kind to someone they meet: help someone in need, volunteer, or just do something to make someone smile. 

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

LAKE LUZERNE – Sharon Ann Pratt, age 70, passed away February 4,2026 at Albany Med. Sharon was born December 4,1955 in Saratoga Springs NY. The daughter of the late Esther (Vandenburgh)and Walter Decker. Sharon is survived by her previous husband Gordon Pratt and four children, John Decker (Cindy) of Lake Luzerne, Sheryl Gault (Mike) of Connecticut, Tammy Pratt (Terry) of West Chazy and Justin Pratt (Miranda) of West Chazy. Several  grandkids and great grandkids. She is also survived by three sisters Edna, Dawn, and Janice and two brothers Walt and Chuckie. She was predeceased by her sisters Sandy and Joyce, brothers Billy, Bobby and Paul and her parents Walter and Esther Decker. Sharon loved butterflies, unicorns, and dolphins. She loved to play cards, dance, cook, and bowl. She was famously known for her buckeye balls and Milky Way pie. Services for Sharon will be Friday, February 27, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs NY from 1 – 3 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Daniel Joseph Van Buskirk, 56, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born February 8, 1970, in Troy, NY, to Raymond E. and Eileen Van Buskirk.  Daniel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, and strong work ethic. He had a natural way of making people laugh, lighting up a room with his humor and storytelling. Those who knew him will carry forward his perseverance and the faith that guided his life.

Daniel was a true master of his craft. A skilled carpenter, electrician, and handyman, he built a career defined by precision, creativity, and pride in every detail. From early work running communication lines through local businesses to completing custom cabinetry in extraordinary homes, Daniel left his mark through the things he built with his hands. He finished his career at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga, where he took great pride in maintaining and improving a place dedicated to excellence. He was known as the person family called when something needed to be fixed and he was always willing to help.

Outside of work, Daniel embraced life fully. He cherished time with friends and family, loved a good laugh, and rarely missed a chance to celebrate the moment. He was a passionate fan of the San Francisco 49ers, proudly cheering them on with his signature “Bang Bang.” He was also a man of strong convictions and spoke openly about what he believed in.

Above all, Daniel’s faith was central to who he was. He openly shared his belief that Jesus was his Savior, and he found comfort, strength, and hope in that faith throughout his life. Those who loved him take peace in knowing that faith carried him home.

Daniel is survived by his daughters Amanda (Jason) McMillen, Mariah (Zachary) Fanning, Emily (James) Braun, and their mother Carmen Emerich-Dennison; his father Raymond E. (Celia) Van Buskirk; his grandchildren Jason McMillen, and Olivia and Emily Fanning; his sister Lori (Daniel) Meguin; and his nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Van Buskirk, and his brother, Raymond C. Van Buskirk.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28 from 1 to 4 pm at Mama Mia’s in Saratoga. All friends and family are welcome.

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