On September 10, 2021, with great sadness, the world lost Dale Haskell, the only son of the late Walter and Joan Haskell of Ballston Spa. 

Dale was an honest man who would give another the shirt off his back if they were in need. As a musician, he was very well respected as a solid drummer, guitarist, vocalist, and song writer. His understanding of the absurdity of the human condition allowed him to write songs with lyrics that presented a psychological bite even the most seasoned song writers could not imagine. He was an extremely well-read man who possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of music, literature, and film. Dale would spend hours listening to music. His collection could have filled any radio station in the USA. His taste spanned Rock and Roll, Blues, Jazz, Classical, and film soundtracks. Dale’s insight into popular culture were always profound, as were the stories and novels he penned. To know Dale Haskell as a friend was to love him. He could be difficult and cantankerous, but his close friendships were always rewarding. A close friend and fellow musician, Kevin Maul lovingly stated, “I’m hoping Dale is now being bathed in the love of the Creator that he was convinced did not exist. I hope he is somehow hearing all of the wonderful things people are saying about him, and that he realizes that there is now a great hole in the universe – one even greater than the hole he thought he was making by his own existence.” At Dale’s request no “permanent arrangements” have been made.

DUNEDIN, FL — Richard Affinito, 83, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on October 9, 2021. 

He was born in Whitehall on May 20, 1938, the son of Henry and Filomena Affinito. He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1955 where he met his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Perfetto. He then went on to graduate from Albany Business College. Richard and Phyllis had their two daughters, Lori and Kathy, who meant the world to him. They moved to Saratoga Springs and opened several family-run businesses: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pa’s Place, and Lady Melissa’s Miniatures. He also enjoyed owning a number of horses that raced at the Saratoga Harness Track. He and Phyllis later retired to Dunedin, Florida to be with their children.

Richard was an animal lover, and never met a dog he didn’t like. You could always find him singing along to Frank Sinatra or Engelbert Humperdinck, and even danced until his final days. He was an avid fan of the Yankees and Giants and never missed a game.

But above all things, Richard loved spending time with his family. He would bring the entire family together every Sunday for one of his delicious big Italian dinners. He loved his children and grandchildren, to them he was known as “Pa.” He never missed one of his grandsons’ baseball games, and always found time for his favorite (only) granddaughter.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Scott Padeni; his daughter, Kathy Cifrino; his brothers Francis and John (Martha); sister-in-law, Theresa Arpei; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Chris (Kate) Huskie, Phillip Huskie, Chris (Cynthia) Cifrino, and Melissa (Michael) Noonan; and great-grandchildren Addison Huskie, Dax Huskie, Cora Cifrino, and Anna Noonan. 

He is predeceased by his parents, mother and father in-law, brothers, Edward and Henry, sisters-in-law, Genie, Daisy and Gail, brothers-in-law, Tom and Hank and son-in-law, Robert Cifrino. 

Services will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Suncoast Hospice in memory of Richard Affinito: www.suncoasthospice.org 

WILTON — George Simon Matthei, 92, passed Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Calling hours 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2021 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at St. Clements Catholic Church; burial following at Saratoga National Cemetery with gathering at Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge. Memorials: to Elks National Foundation (pledges@elks.org).

Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mildred R. Housekeeper Allen, 78, passed October 18, 2021. Funeral Home Service 1:00 p.m. on Friday, 10/22/2021 at Burke Funeral Home, burial to follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph M. Fortino, 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 10, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial was October 21 at Church of St. Peter followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to: St Peter’s Needy Association or Saratoga Mentoring Program.  www.burkefuneralhome.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at the young age of 54, William “Billy” E. Benton, III, died tragically while doing what he loved.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, great father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by many. His caring heart, his bear paw shake, teddy bear hugs, creative nicknames and kisses will be cherished in our hearts forever.

Throughout his life, Billy’s smile and presence could bring light to any room. Whether Billy was a lifelong friend or someone you just met, you could tell right away what an incredible man he truly was.

Billy was a native of Saratoga Springs, graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and earned his certificate in HVAC from BOCES. Billy started his career with Freeman and Shea with Bill Wardell who was his mentor and like a father to him. He was then offered an opportunity from one of his best friends, Sonny Bonacio, to start B&B Plumbing and Heating. Throughout the last 23 years of B&B, Billy has made it the well-known and successful company that it is today, “Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care.”

He is survived by his loving wife “Jodeci,” Jody Seitz-Benton, his three beautiful and cherished daughters, “Kayra” Kayla Jade (Scott), “Rou” Larissa Ashley and “Sav,” Savannah Elizabeth (Joey), his porch buddy kitty Kiwi and grand-dog Rico. Billy is also survived by his mother Diane Benton, sister Janice Design (Sammy and their two children Alex and Cody), his stepmother Marianne Benton, half-sisters Cristal Benton and Tiffany (Jay and their four children). He is pre-deceased by his father William Edward Benton, II.

Relatives and friends gathered to remember him on Monday, October 18, 2021 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. Burial followed in St. Peter’s Cemetery. 

The family respectfully asks in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the foundation being formed in William E. Benton’s name which will support a scholarship to the HVAC program at BOCES as well as other causes that were important to Billy. For more information, please contact B & B Plumbing & Heating 518-584-4440.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — James Joseph Byrne, a mentor to many and a friend to everyone – passed away on October 9, 2021, after a long-fought battle with cancer surrounded by his wife and children. He was 78. 

Jim and his wife Sharon moved to Saratoga Springs in 1970 where he opened his dental practice, and they raised their six children. He was the happiest walking the streets of Saratoga Springs and Lake Placid with his wife, working at his office alongside his son Brian, and his seventeen grandchildren were his heaven on earth. 

He was a warm, witty, and loving person who worshipped God with both his words and his deeds, and who believed in people more than they believed in themselves.

Educated at St John’s University, Temple Dental School and University of Buffalo’s orthodontics school, he was wise beyond his education. He will be remembered for his teasing jokes, his love for the City of Saratoga Springs, his selflessness, his unbelievable ability to listen, his willingness to come to the aid of his family and friends at any time of day or night, and ultimately his strength. He was the “Rock” of the Byrne Family.

Jim’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring and eternal wife Sharon, his children Gregory (wife, Tatiana), Margot (husband, Kevin), Kristin (husband, Richard), Brian (wife, Sage), Elizabeth (husband, Brad) and Allyson (husband, Francisco), his sister Karen, his seventeen grandchildren, his nieces Kristine and Olga, and their children. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, October 22, 2021 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to: The Saratoga regional YMCA, 290 West Ave, Saratoga Springs or St. Clement’s Church. 

Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com 

STILLWATER — Beverly Hagadorn died October 8. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on October 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Calling hours 5 to 6:45 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Gansevoort Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com 

GREENFIELD CENTER — Elaine Diehl died October 9. A funeral service will be held 12:30 p.m. October 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Calling hours 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. followed by a private graveside service at Fort Plain Cemetery at a later date. www.compassionatefuneralcare.com 

GREENFIELD CENTER — Michael Patrick Whitton passed October 6, 2021 after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Calling hours: 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021 at Burke FH. Service of Holy Communion at Bethesda Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. on October 16, 2021. Reception immediately following. Memorial donations: Become a Donor to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park www.wiltonpreserve.org/how-you-can-help/wilton-wildlife-preserve. www.burkefuenralhome.com