Violet M. Sheftz

Violet M. Sheftz, age 93, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Maplewood Manor, with her daughter by her side.

She was born on April 16, 1921 in Ballston Spa, New York, the daughter of the late Francesco

Schiavo and Carmella Carophena, who emigrated from Italy with hopes and dreams of making a better life for their family. Thirteen children were born to this amazing couple, three of whom

died as infants.  The children lived in a very close knit family, having many stories to tell about

the countless good times they had together.

Violet worked at Tuff Lite Plastics for many years as a receptionist. Violet enjoyed the simple     things in life: family get togethers, shopping, eating out, yard work, and spending time

with friends. Her home that her husband built for her was her pride and joy. Violet and her sister Annette “Bertie” used to enjoy preparing and cooking the very best Christmas Eve dinners in the old traditional Italian way. 

Constance Ryan

Constance Ryan, age 83, formerly of Oswego, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

She was born on November 27, 1931 in Ithaca, NY to Samuel Van Kirk and Mary Willsey Van Kirk.

Constance graduated from Thomas Edison High School, Elmira Heights, NY; Nazareth College, Bachelors of Arts English Literature, Columbia College, Masters of Library Science and the State University at Oswego, Masters in Educational Communications.

Constance worked as a librarian, finishing her career at the State University of Oswego, Penfield Library. Constance enjoyed knitting beautiful sweaters, needlework, reading and being in the company of her many friends in Oswego.

Constance is survived by her son; Stephen M. Ryan, daughters; Elizabeth A. Ryan, Eileen M. Ryan (Rob Laukaitis) and her granddaughter Rebecca Nicole Ryan.  Constance is also survived by her niece Robin LaBour and dear friends Marie (Ron) McGowty and Eileen Kearns.

In addition to her parents, Constance is preceded in death by her son Paul J. Ryan and daughter Katherine L. Ryan, sister Geraldine LaBour and brother Richard Van Kirk.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday April  20, 2015, 12:00 noon, at St. Mary’s Church West 8^th Street Oswego, NY with reverend John Hogan Jr. officiating.

Marion Sanford

Marion Sanford

Marion Sanford age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2015 surrounded by her loving family.   

She was born on September 19, 1942 in Johnsburg, NY to the late George McMaster and Mary Lena Girous.

Marion most precious enjoyment was spending time with children and grandchildren.

                                                                                           

Marion is survived by her daughters; Wendy Sanford (Edward Akins) of Gansevoort, NY, Tammy Sanford of Rensselaer, son; Richard Sanford of Rensselaer, grandchildren; Katie, Alex, Devon, Cali, Mikayla, Alyssa, Aly, and Braden, five sisters; Mrs. Sandra Donaldson of Ballston Spa, Linda Rituno of Whitehall, Glenda Bennett of Albany, Beverly Buanito of Hartford, Conn., and Mrs. Elena Terrel and her husband Earll of Colonie, and one brother; H. John Straight and his wife Mary Ann of Malta, New York and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Paul E. Dammer

Paul E. Dammer, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2015.

He was born on June 16, 1931 in Herkimer, NY to the late Paul A. Dammer and Martha Abendroth.

Paul was a retired educator, and a Korean War Veteran who served his country in the United States Army.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Joyce and they had a remarkable fun-filled life together for over 56 years. He is also survived by his daughter; Lisa (David), son; David (Daria) , sister; Waltraud (William) , brother-in-law; Peter (Madge) , grandchildren; Maggie, Caelan, Peter, Luke, and Natalie.

A Funeral service in honor of Paul will be held on Wednesday February 18, 2015, 12:00 noon, at Compassionate Funeral Care Inc. 402 Maple Ave. (Rte. 9 and or Marion Ave.).

Friends and family may call on Wednesday from 11:00 to 12:00 noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Paul asked that, in lieu of flowers, friends and family members should make contributions to their own savings accounts, and do so in his memory.

Gary Lewis Michaud

Gary Michaud, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in the home he built surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 29, 1951 in Hempstead, NY to Norbert Michaud and the late Genevieve Maddox.

Gary was a proud Vietnam veteran who served his country with honors, receiving the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Star service medals, the Mechanic & Driver’s badge, and the Expert Rifle badge. 

Gary married the love of his life, Mary Jo on March 28, 1981 and they had a remarkable fun-filled life together for over 33 years.  He worked as an electrician and department supervisor for the Saratoga County Buildings and Grounds for many years.

George Joseph Catandella

 GEORGE JOSEPH CATANDELLA

Mr. George Joseph Catandella died peacefully on February 9, 2015 in Saratoga Springs, New York at the age of 88.

George is survived by his wife Sandra of 52 years, and daughters Lisa and Shana.

George was a pianist and an educator.  He was born on September 27, 1926 to Mildred and George Catandella.  George’s musical career began in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the age of four as a violin and conducting student. Violin lessons gave way to piano and composition at the age of nine.  At thirteen he continued his studies at the summer session of the Juilliard School of Music and later that year conducted a premier performance of a youth orchestra in Bridgeport. At seventeen he debuted as a pianist with the Bridgeport Summer Pops Orchestra. George’s career was carefully guided by one person; his mother. However, his career choices were quite different. He was an avid sports participant…always outside playing some form of competitive sport and loved it. Every day he was sure to hear his mother calling him to come in and practice which caused him utter disappointment but he would reluctantly go in and sit at the piano. Thirty minutes of practice was required at each sitting and in order to quicken his time and return to sports, he would push the minute hand of the one clock in the house sitting atop of the piano, a minute or two every so often, and at least five times during the session. This attitude held true through high school but changed dramatically when while in the navy for two years, he realized how much he missed the piano and decided to get serious.

Michael Morrissey Jr.

Saratoga Springs,
Michael Morrissey Jr., 52, passed away on January 15, 2015 at Albany Medical Center.
He was the son of Michael Morrissey Sr. and Iris Arthur.
Michael was the owner and operator of Little Muscle Cleaning in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Michael is survived by his father Michael Sr. and companion Lisa Marshal.
Private family service will be held at a later date.