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Mary Frances Perks Zabala

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.

Walter J. Gurren, Jr. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Walter J. Gurren, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2026, with his family and “guard dog” Cooper at his side. Burial with military honors took place on May 14, at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to Estherville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Anthony F. Lanzone

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.

Nancy L. Bean

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.

Tom Barker

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. 

Diane Mary Martin Greader 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Diane Mary Martin Greader, born in 1948 in Hollis, Queens, NY, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.  Calling hours will be 4:30 – 6 p.m. on May 14 at Compassionate Funeral Care. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Norman F. Atherton 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Norman F. Atherton passed away April 25, 2026.  A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on May 13 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY.  Family and friends may call from 2-3 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.  Visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Dianne Reynolds 

MIDDLE GROVE – Dianne Reynolds passed away on May 3, 2026, leaving her family and friends heartbroken. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dianne’s life on Friday, May 8, at 2:00 PM at the Italian American Club (ITAM), 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs.  For online condolences visit, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Pierrette Baldwin

GANSEVOORT, NY- Pierrette Baldwin, 91, passed away April 27, 2026. Calling hours were held on May 5 at Burke Funeral Home. Funeral Service was May 6 at Our Lady of The Annunciation, followed by burial in Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Veterans United Foundation. Please visit  www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Carmella A. Mayette

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Carmella A. Mayette passed away peacefully at on Sunday, May 3, 2026, after a short illness. Born on September 8, 1934, in Saratoga Springs, she was the oldest daughter of the late Gennaro and Margaret (Scuderi) Sansiveri. She was a 1952 graduate of Saratoga High School.

She spent her early working years at The Saratogian until the mid-1950s when she became a stay- at-home Mom with three daughters. When her oldest began high school Carmella, as a single Mom, returned to the workforce again at The Saratogian as secretary to the publisher and later worked in bookkeeping at the newspaper. She continued her career in an administrative support position at Clinical Services, part of St. Peter’s Hospital. When she “retired” in the early 2000s she wrapped up her career working with her daughter Stacie at Home Made Theater as an Administrative Assistant, where she could be found in the box office and answering the phone.

Carmella was strong, very proud and she always worked hard to provide for her girls. She raised her three daughters largely on her own in a remarkable fashion. Working hard to support her family, to be sure that they had what they needed; a safe home, food on the table, college educations and just the clothes and special things that they wanted. She’d shop well and sometimes drive great lengths to get just the right gifts, even if it required a trip out of state. Day trips to Vermont were a favorite activity. Shopping and lunch out were a great way to spend the day! As the mom to school aged children, she chaperoned many field trips, even a big one to Rochester when St. Peter’s won the 1973 NYS Basketball Championship.

Gram, as her two grandchildren always referred to her, was an important part of their lives. She was a permanent fixture at their extracurricular activities. From soccer games and later football games to more soccer games and dance recitals, even some of her great granddaughter’s, she always showed up, often the one you could hear cheering the loudest. Any time her grandchildren spent the night at her house, she made homemade pizza with them. They still remember how she’d buy a block of mozzarella cheese to slice thinly to top the pizza with, instead of getting pre-packaged shredded cheese, a little detail they loved.

Shopping days out continued with her granddaughter. While Carmella always bought her a special dress each Christmas, years later, she insisted on purchasing her wedding dress, stating, “It’s the last dress I’ll ever get to buy you.” Those special days were cherished by all three generations.

Carmella was very proud of her town home that she purchased in the 1980s. She lived there until just a few years ago when she downsized to an apartment, where there was *never* enough room.

Carmella loved the ocean. She enjoyed spending time with her brother and sister-in-law at their vacation home on the Jersey shore, whether walking the beach or sitting on the balcony with a good book. Another favorite while in Jersey was adventures with her dear sister-in-law Denise, shopping, going to the casinos in Atlantic City or simply spending time together. Beyond Atlantic City, Carmella enjoyed a visit to any casino, and in particular the slot machines.

Her girls made sure she traveled by including her in their plans, visiting London in the ‘90s, trips to the ocean in many states, overnights to out of town Siena football games, Yankee Stadium Old Timers’ Day, Andrea Bocelli concert, or a relaxing week in the summer up at her daughter and son-in-law’s bed & breakfast. These were some of her favorites.

In her later years she was the epitome of a little old feisty Italian woman through and through. She stood up for herself and her family, always. She was sarcastic, witty, sharp, and most decidedly still feisty, even at the age of 91. On the flip side, she was also very caring and loving. While the outside world may have seen her tougher outer shell, those close to her know that she would do anything for them and felt her love.

Aside from her parents Carmella was pre-deceased by her three siblings Anthony Sansiveri, Marie Farone and Margaret Farone.

She is survived by her three daughters Suzanne Mangini (David) of Saratoga Springs, Marianne Lynch (Stephen) of Granville and Stacie Barnes (Howard) of Saratoga Springs. Also surviving are her two grandchildren Andrew Mangini (Melissa) of Halfmoon and Audrey Moore (Aaron) of Ballston Lake. Her four great-grandchildren who were an absolute highlight of her later years and always brought huge smiles to her face; Max and Lily Mangini and Aislynn and DJ Moore will miss Great-Gram immensely. Carmella is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Her family extends their thanks to the Palliative Care team at Saratoga Hospital. Dr. Pezzulo, Mitch Forshay, and the nurses were wonderful. Her daughters are also grateful to their mom’s dear friend Vince Walsh who spent many hours visiting and often sharing some wine with Carmella. His friendship and companionship were a blessing.

Calling hours were Wednesday, May 6, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A Funeral Home Service was celebrated on Thursday, May 7, at Burke Funeral Home. Burial took place in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial donations to the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, for the Palliative Care Department, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 https://saratogahospital.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/saratogahospital/donation.jsp or The Beagle School Capital Campaign, 15 Regent Street, also in Saratoga Springs https://www.beagleschool.com/donate.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren are alumni, and her granddaughter serves on the Executive Board.

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