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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Mathilda Zelikofsky

Mathilda Zelikofsky, 75, of Saratoga Springs passed away on Friday, October 25, 2013 at Saratoga Hospital.

She was born on January 6, 1937 to the late Sidney and Sadie Hochstetter in Pittsburg, PA.

She worked as a secretary for GE in Waterford, NY retiring in 2001.

On June 26, 1965, Mathilda married the love of her life, Mort W. Zelikofsky. They spent 48 wonderful years together as husband and wife and as best friends.

Mathilda enjoyed playing bridge and scrabble, but especially enjoyed reading. She will be remembered as both a loving wife and best friend.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mort  W. Zelikofsky;  sister in law, Iris Friedman (Dr. Irwin Friedman) ; and her three best friends, Lelia Melanie of Manhattan, Roberta Nelson of Sarasota FL, and Beth Vodapeck of Atlanta, GA.

Graveside services and Interment will be held on Sunday,  October 27 at 1:00 p.m., at Congregation Shaara Tfille and Cemetery, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Contributions can be made in Her name to the Congregation Shaara Tfille.
 Arrangements under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care

Online condolences can be made at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Thursday, October 24, 2013

John Edgar Bujanowski Sr.


John Bujanowski Sr., age 77, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 22nd, 2013 at Saratoga Hospital.

He was born on August 26, 1936 in the town of Providence, N.Y. to the late, Walter James Bujanowski Sr. and Clemence Elizabeth Whitney.

He was educated in Saratoga Springs and was a lifelong resident of the area.

John was a musician; using the stage name Johnny Beau, a lead guitarists for the country music band; Spring Valley Boys in NY.  He loved playing music and writing songs.  A few of his songs are recorded on various labels.  He was an accomplished artist, painting wildlife scenery; of which some prints are still available today.  He loved fishing, hunting and providing for his family. 

John served in the Air National Guard from 1956-1959, as well as the Air Force Reserves.  
John is survived by his daughter, Debbie Bujanowski and sons, John Bujanowski Jr. (Christine), Rick (Valerie) Bujanowski, Keith Bujanowski, Michael (Nancy) Bujanowski, and Scott Bujanowski, Sisters, Wilma (Samuel) Keosaian, and Mildred (Robert) Gordon,  grandchildren, Cara, Melissa, Adam, Autum and many nieces and nephews.  

He is proceeded in death by his sister, Elizabeth C. Ropka, Cynthia V. Tenaro and brother, Walter J. Bujanowski Jr.  

Funeral service will be held at 1pm, on Monday, October 28th, 2013, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs N.Y. 12866.  Friends and family may call from 11am to 12:45 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 


If you wish to express your online condolences or view the obituary, please visit our website at www.CompassionateFuneralCare.com

Henry A. Olsen


Henry Olsen, age 76, passed away on Monday, October 21st, 2013 at Saratoga Hospital.

He was born on January 24th, 1937 in Smithtown, NY to the late Ernest Olsen and Pearl Hansen.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Donna (Blaise) Olsen; daughters, Janice Olsen, Terry Duba, Lori (Keith) Currey, Nola (Ricky) Lee; sons, Andy, Jamie, Owen Olsen and Robbie (Daria) Overholser; brother, Ernest (Marsha) Olsen; and sister, Margie (William) Nesbitt and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Henry was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1963-1966.  For many years, he worked at Southern New England Telecom, Danbury CT as a mechanic, retiring in 1993.

He enjoyed traveling in the motor home, spending winters in Florida, and playing golf; enjoying the occasional visit to the Mohican Sun Casino.

He is predeceased by his brother Robert Olsen.

Funeral service will be held at 1pm, on Tuesday, October 29th, 2013, at Saint John’s Catholic Church, Keeseville, NY.  Friends and family may call from 12am to 12:45 pm prior to the service at the Church. Interment following services in St. John’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Vivian Wilder


 Vivian Wilder, age 87, went into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 at Fulton Center, Johnstown with her loving daughter and son-in-law James at her side.

She was born on April 13th, 1926 in Morris Forks, NY to the late Fred West and Amanda Menard.

Vivian loved playing bingo, yahtzee, baking and spending time with her friends and family, especially her Senior Cedars Family.  She always brought much Joy and Happiness to all who knew her

Vivian is survived by her daughter Judith Skaine Brooker (James Felock); two grandchildren, James Skaine Jr (Rexie) and Eric Skaine; two great-grandchildren, Ryan Skaine and Sarena Skaine; and many nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her son Gary Wilder; sisters, Hilda, Rena, Grace, Ina, Eva; brothers, Lee Ward and Bernard West.

Funeral service will be held at 1pm, on Saturday, October 26th, 2013, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs N.Y. 12866, with Rev. Neil Graves officiating, where friends and family may call from 11am to 12:45 pm prior to the service. Interment at a later date in the St. Peter’s Cemetery Saratoga Springs.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Elsie Marcella Arnold




Elsie Marcella Arnold died on October 21, 2013 after a long and happy life.

Born on January 23, 1927 in the Town of Wilton, she was a daughter of the late Frank H. and Hazel Mae (Varney) Petteys.  Marcy grew up on a small farm on Ballard Road and was a life-long area resident.  She attended the District No. 7 school in Gurn Spring, and was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, Class of 1945.  She was married to Ernest P. Arnold, Jr. on June 27, 1954.  Together, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of car rides, picnics, and county fairs.  Marcy worked as a clerk at the Skidmore Shop at both the old and new campuses.  She was a Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, volunteer with the American Red Cross, and a member of the Gurn Spring United Methodist Church, where she played the organ and sang in the choir.  She also played the piano, accordion, and harmonica. She enjoyed vacations with her daughter and son-in-law.  After her son Brian became a single dad in 2000, Marcy devoted the majority of her time to being a caregiver to her granddaughters until declining health prevented her from doing so.  A previous resident of Watkin Apartments, she enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk Show reruns with her buddy Ima Hayes, and spent many hours reading the Holy Bible.  For the past fifteen months she resided at the nursing home at Saratoga Hospital, where she thoroughly enjoyed the musical entertainment.  Blessed with a clear mind and generous spirit, “her glass was always half-full.”  Despite her health problems, she remained cheerful and courageous throughout her life, and appreciated the smallest kindness extended to her, whether it be a compliment, a stranger holding a door, or the taxi driver saving his newspaper for her.  She had a merry heart.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1981, by her brothers Kenneth, Dallas (“Stub”), Clifton, Curtis, Lawrence, and infant Louis Petteys, by her sisters, Dolores Timko, Leone (“Ruth”) Loveland, and Virginia Mahay, her long-time companion, Edward A. Dechants, and her sister-in-law, Annie M. Arnold with whom she resided for many years.  She is survived by her daughter, Sandra L. Arnold and husband Gary P. Bernhardt of Pattersonville, son Brian D. Arnold and granddaughters Bridgètte D. and Amanda N. Arnold, all of Saratoga Springs, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013, at 11:00 AM at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York.  Friends and family may call on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the John Ellsworth (Gurn Spring) Cemetery.

In her younger days, Marcy’s mode of transportation was a Harley Davidson motorcycle, but never having obtained her license to drive a car, she relied on the generosity of others for rides.  In her memory, you might consider offering a ride to someone in need.  Due to her bone marrow disorder, hundreds of blood donors gave Marcy - and all those who loved her - time and life.  If you can give blood, please do.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 97089, Washington, DC, 20090, the Saratoga Care Nursing Home Resident Activity Fund, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, or the charity of ones choice.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Albert J. Daigler


Albert J. Daigler left this life on Thursday, October 17, 2013, after a short illness.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Lucy Daigler.
Albert was born on September 24, 1930, in Buffalo, New York, the son of the late Albert L. and Loretta (Schmauss) Daigler.

Albert graduated from Kensington High School in Buffalo. He also served his country in the Army from 1951 through 1953. While in the Army, he completed Officer Candidate School, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant, and was an artillery instructor at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Albert worked for most of his life as a meat cutter, retiring from Price Chopper Supermarkets in 1998.

Albert had many hobbies that he enjoyed during his retirement, but he most especially enjoyed spending time with his large family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children,
Sandra Daigler (Donald Windelspecht),
Stephen Daigler (Francis Mauro), David Daigler (Cynthia),
Kathleen Daigler (Laura Robinson), and Christopher Daigler (Renee).
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler, Andrew, Nicholas,
Michael and Julia Daigler, his brother Raymond Daigler, and many other brothers
and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Albert was pre-deceased by his brother, James Daigler, and his sisters, Eileen Keelar and Carol Childs.

Albert's family would like to thank Dr. Theodoros Laddis and Dr. Christopher Hoy
for their compassionate care over many years, as well as the staff at
Saratoga Hospital for their kindness and compassion in his final weeks.

The family requests that any donations in Albert's memory be made to the Saratoga Hospital Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to call from 4 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, October 20th, at
Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday, October 21st, at The Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York.

The Rite of Committal will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Selma Zelikofsky Berkowitz


Saratoga Springs, Selma Zelikofsky Berkowitz, loving wife and mother, died Saturday, October 12, 2013. She was born on February 5, 1925, the daughter of the late Charles and Freda (Levine) Zelikofsky.
She graduated from Saratoga High School and attended Ryder College in New Jersey where she majored in business.
During World War 2, she worked at Espey Manufacturing and Electronics Corp., which built military equipment for the war effort. In 1947, she married Jack Berkowitz, her loving husband of 66 years. Together, they opened The Variety Store on Broadway in the 50's, which eventually became Mr. Jacks for Him and Her, a popular clothing store and landmark for men and women's clothier on Broadway, downtown Saratoga Springs, for 35 years. A fashion-lover herself, with a strength as a stylist and saleswoman, she helped dress generations of Saratogians. 
She was also an avid swimmer, skier, golfer, and tennis player.
Selma was a member of Saratoga's Congregation Shaara Tfille, Sisterhood and Hadassah. She was a former member of the New York State Retail Merchants Association, and was a longtime member of Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. In her later years, she was a volunteer with the Saratoga Hospital Guild. 
Selma was a lover of life and beauty. She enjoyed meeting new people, attending parties, laughing, playing sports and singing. She died with her family and friends by her side.
She will be missed by her husband Jack, sister Barbara (Frank) Rapp, brother Gerald (Christa) Selig; along with her children Judith (Harold) Zassenhaus and Sande (Robert) Weiskopf. She is survived by her grandchildren Eric Zassenhaus and Liza (David) Lieberman, Judd Weiskopf and Kipp (Elizabeth) Weiskopf; her two great-grandchildren, Sydney and Jonah Lieberman, her four nieces, Susan (Robert) Edwards, Joanne (Jim) Dwornik, Lauren Tobin, Carrie (David) Beecher and her devoted companions Debbie Johnson,  Rianna Whatley and Rose Travis.


Funeral services and Interment will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, 3:00 p.m., at Cogregation Shaara Tfille and Cemetery, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs with Rabbi Kenneth Blatt Presiding. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Selma's name to Saratoga Hospital Foundation or Saratoga Hospice. 

Friday, October 11, 2013

Patricia A. Ambrozak


Saratoga Lake – Patricia A. Ambrozak, 75, of Saratoga Lake passed away suddenly on September 30, 2013.  Born in Schenectady on August 10, 1938, she attended St. Mary’s schools and graduated from Nott Terrace High. She also attended Mildred Elley School for Business. 

Patti worked for Niagara Mohawk before starting a family.  She was later employed by NYS DOT and worked part-time for the family business,  Bayshore Tropic Hut and Marina.  After her retirement she took over the family business on a full time basis.  She spent many hours running the business but always took time to mingle with the patrons.  
                                                                                                                                                                     
She was well known throughout the community and belonged to many organizations.  Patti owned and raced horses at the Harness Track in the 80’s and 90’s.  Her favorite horse was Miami Cash. 
She enjoyed boating, curling, and vacationing to Key West.  

She is survived by her brother, nephews, aunts, an uncle, several cousins, her best friend and several close friends.  She will be remembered and missed by all.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 14th 2013 from 5-7pm at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will be held privately at the request of the family.


In lieu of flowers – a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society, Animal Protective Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Stephan "Steve" Rubaszek


Middle Grove – Stephan “Steve” Rubaszek, 53, passed away on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013 at home with his loving family at his side.  He was born on Feb. 2, 1960, in Saratoga Springs, NY, the son of the late Waldemar and Charlotte Izbicki Rubaszek.

Steve was a graduate  of  Saratoga Central Catholic High School.

Steve married the love of his life, Lori Coppola Rubaszek on September 14 1985

He worked at Four Winds Saratoga as a Mental Health Worker for 27 years.

He was a loving husband and father, who enjoyed spending time at home sitting around his bonfire with family and friends, and especially loved spoiling his granddaughter. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed gardening and working on his farm.

Steve is survived by: his wife, Lori; son, Stephan; daughters, Lana Senecal (Charles Jr) and Andrea Rubaszek; and grandchild Zophia.
 A special thank you to Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center for their loving care and support.
                                                                  
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. 

Friends and family may call on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Following the calling hours on Thursday at 7 p.m., family and friends are welcome to join Steve’s family for food, drinks and further fellowship, at the Elks Club located directly in back of the funeral home.

 In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Mollie Wilmot Oncology Center, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866  518-580-2800

Interment following the service at Greenfield Cemetery.