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Frank Wallar

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT — Frank Wallar, 75, passed away on December 13, 2023. 

Frank was born on December 8, 1948 to the late Frank and Helen (Kocur) Wallar in Passaic, NJ. He resided in Wallington, NJ until 1979 when he moved to Wilton, NY. Frank attended St. Michael’s Grammer School in Passaic, NJ then graduated from Bergan County Technical Vocational School in Hackensack, NJ in 1967.

He dedicated his early years to St. Michael’s Church as an altar boy as well as being active with the Boys Club in Passaic, NJ where he was a camper, counselor, and volunteer.

Frank enjoyed traveling throughout his life. As a young man going cross country, fishing, boating and camping, with his best friend, the late Vic Varchola. He had a winter residence in Islamorada, FL with second wife Beth where he had a lifetime membership to the Islamorada Fishing Club. Frank also was a member of the Principessa Elena Society in Saratoga Springs, NY for almost twenty years. 

Frank married Alice M. Green of Clifton, NJ in 1977. They had two daughters Sandra A. Wallar in 1984 and Christine M. (Wallar) Brackett in 1986. Alice passed away in 1994.

He married Beth D. Williams of Ballston Lake, NY in spring of 2005, a few months before her passing that August. They had been together just shy of 10 years prior to their marriage.

Frank has spent just over 15 years with his life companion Mary Lou Durham of Clifton Park, NY, whom he leaves behind. He will also be missed by his daughters Sandra (her partner since 2008 Juan Becerril and their children Jackson F. Becerril, Julieanne C. Becerril) and Christine (her husband since 2012 Eric Brackett and their children are Olivia A. Brackett, Riley C. Brackett, and Anna H. Brackett); a brother Andrew Wallar of Palm Coast, FL; and sister Valerie Gibbons of Fort Myers, FL and Mary Ellen Panzano of Palm Coast, FL.

Calling hours were December 19, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, December 20th at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org)

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

John Bagnoli 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SAVANNAH, GA — John Bagnoli passed away on December 5, 2023, with his sisters by his side, after a brave battle with cancer.

John was a native Saratogian and moved to Savannah over 30 years ago. He returned to Saratoga to help take care of his parents alongside his sisters in 2009. In 2020, he returned to Savannah’s warmer weather. He enjoyed playing his guitar while singing at local venues, crafting jewelry, photography, nature’s wildlife, and a great cup of espresso. 

His long-time friend, Deni Butler was always there for him, celebrating the good times and providing love and support when life threw out curveballs. He often visited John in Savannah. John also had very close friends in Savannah, Tommy, Sylvia, Jay, Russell, and Allen, who helped carry him throughout his illness.

John is predeceased by his mother and father, Daisy and Henry Bagnoli. He leaves behind his son Giovanni Bagnoli, his sisters, Jo-Ann Cummings (Michael), Rosemarie Eisler (Rick), his nieces Kristen Cummings and Kimberly Sanchez, his nephews Matthew Cummings and Michael Domingues (Eric), as well as many relatives and friends.

A private graveside farewell will be held in the spring. If you feel inclined, donations in John’s honor can be made to Little Star Foundation of Savannah, PO Box 22652, Savannah, GA, 31403. This foundation puts musical instruments in the hands of deserving children in the Savannah area. 

Eileen Q. Wise 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eileen Q. Wise of Saratoga Springs, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and caring nurse passed away peacefully at the age of 84. She departed this world on November 22, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, care, and unwavering love.

Born on March 11, 1939 in Amsterdam, NY to parents Thomas Quinn and Henrietta Quinn (Bruck), she was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam and went on to Albany Medical Center School of Nursing where she became a Registered Nurse, later working as such for Albany Medical Center, The Saratoga Springs City School District, and The Saint John Neumann Residence for elderly priests. A devout Catholic, Eileen was involved with St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs as a Eucharistic Minister and Religious Education Teacher, and later in life continued her ministry at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Her commitment to the well-being of others was her calling, approaching each day she lived with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on those she served.

As a mother, Eileen was the epitome of love and selflessness, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and a sense of security. She is survived by husband of 59 years John A. Wise, son Andrew Wise (Cheryl), daughters Alison Meagher (Douglas), Mary Beth Wallis (Gregory), Joleen Rabuano (David), and son Gerard Wise (Heather). Also surviving Eileen is her brother Thomas Quinn, Jr. (Kathryn), and several nieces and nephews. Eileen’s joy of life extended to the role of grandmother, where she delighted in the company of her 16 grandchildren, often hosting the entire family for holiday and family gatherings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY on Friday, December 29 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs NY. 

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at The Wesley Community for care given to Eileen late in life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eileen’s memory to Building on Love at www.buildingonlove.org. 

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Bridget Dudla

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Bridget Dudla died December 17th. The funeral service is at 6 p.m., Saturday, December 27 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service at St. Peter’s Cemetery will be at a later date. 

Online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Robert P. Kirkpatrick

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert P. Kirkpatrick, 80, of Saratoga Springs passed peacefully at home into eternal life on December 15, 2023 following a long battle with cancer. The interment with military honors was private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Eleanor M. DeGrasse

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Eleanor M. DeGrasse, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Saratoga Hospital with her family by her side. At the family’s request there will be a graveside service held at a later date. 

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Sylvia M. Bartlett

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

MALTA — Sylvia M. Bartlett passed away on December 17 at Saratoga Hospital with her family by her side. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Barbara Bongard

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara Bongard, a member of a prominent family in New York thoroughbred racing and breeding, passed away at Albany Medical Center on December 16, 2023. She was 87.

Born September 23, 1936 in New York City, she was the daughter of her late parents Bertram F. Bongard, her father and Rojean R. Bongard, her mother. Barbara was predeceased by a brother Bertram Jr. and a sister Ellen. She and Ellen operated Rojan Farms in Pine Plains, NY and later in Northumberland in Saratoga County.

Barbara received her undergraduate degree from Skidmore and went on to receive her master’s at Smith College in Massachusetts.

Barbara taught physical education at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and at Bronxville and Scarsdale both in Westchester County. As a field hockey coach she enjoyed numerous winning teams during her career.

She also enjoyed reading and handicapping.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to: TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., P. O. Box 21028 Floral Park, NY 11002 or to New Vocations, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

John (Jack) O’Brien 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON – John (Jack) O’Brien died December 6. The service will be at 12 p.m. December 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon prior to the service, followed by a graveside service with military honors at 1:30 p.m. at Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery. For condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Andrea Koleda 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Andrea Koleda passed peacefully at home on November 3, 2023 surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2024; all will be notified with details as they are made available. Condolences and memories of Jack may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.