All Obituaries

John P. Gearhardt, 60, of Schenectady, NY passed away on July 28, 2020, after a long illness.  John was born in Albany, NY on Oct. 26, 1959 to the late George and Mary Gearhardt and he graduated from Guilderland High School in 1977.  He was a painting contractor and owned his own business for over 30 years.  He loved to travel, cook, garden and create art out of natural materials.  In addition to loving his family and many dear friends...

Linda Vernon, 90, of Rotterdam, passed away suddenly on July 26, 2020.  Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late John and Carmella DiJohn.  She worked for the Department of Motor Vehicle for over thirty-five years, and was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.  Linda was was very family orientated and loved to cook and care for others.  She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend.  She will be greatly missed. She was predeceased...

Kathleen (Kenna) Puszcz of Niskayuna passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 peacefully at her home with her husband, children and grandchildren at her side. Kathy was born in Troy, NY  to the late Charles F. and Harriet (Lodge) Kenna. Kathy attended St. Paul’s Finishing Academy and graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy in 1966. After high school, she began her 30 year career with the State of  New York. After she retired she stayed busy working at...

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph E. Tomkowski announce his July 12, 2020 passing at the age of 72. Joe was born in Schenectady, NY November 29,1947. He was the son of the late Edward and Anna Kiszkiel Tomkowski. Joe was a husband, father, papa, brother, uncle and cousin. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School Class of 1966. He attended Hudson Valley Community College. Joe retired from New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation after 38 years...

Sue Anne Gallo Kozak, 84, of Bellevue, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 10, 2020 at her home.  Born in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Anna Gallo.  A 1953 graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, she worked at the Research and Development Lab in Niskayuna, and also worked at all the Gallo Flower Shops and the Card and Party Store.  Sue supported many various charities and was a member of the former Y.M.P.A. Ladies Auxillary. Sue was the beloved wife...

Lucia Carmela DiCerbo, lovingly known as Lucy, 61, formerly of O’Brien Avenue, passed away on Thursday, July 2nd, at Reagan House in Albany. Lucy was born on July 23, 1958, the daughter of the late Michele and Luigia DiCerbo. Lucy graduated from Linton High School in 1979 and went on to work at Pine Ridge Industries in Scotia, NY, retiring in 2006. She was an incredibly sweet and caring woman with a deep love for her family. She enjoyed swimming, listening to music, singing, dancing,...

Lorelei A. Clark (Mimi), 87, of Schenectady went home to join the rest of the angels on June 25, 2020.  Born in Schenectady to the late Lawerence and Lucille Pardi. She was a graduate of Draper High School. In Lorelei’s early years she started working at Union College as a Secretary in Special Programs and then on to the NYS Police Chiefs Association for 25 years. Her love for the Saratoga Casino landed her a job in Surveillance for 10 years and always shared some hilarious...

Thomas Wade Dow, born May 15,1965 in Butler, Pennsylvania, joined Jesus on June 25, 2020, following a short-term illness. Wade grew up in Maltaville, New York and graduated from Shenendehowa High School. He was well-prepared for his trade by BOCES. An excellent machinist, Wade certainly knew his way around a machine shop. His last stop in his career was at Ross Valve in Troy, New York where he was well-liked by his peers. Wade enjoyed camping, music, rebuilding his truck, doing...

Ronald Edward Piotrowski of Rotterdam passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 peacefully at his home with his wife, Carol Ann by his side. Ron was born in Schenectady on July 22, 1941 to the late Edward S. and Elizabeth D. Piotrowski (Purtell). Ron attended CBA and graduated from St. Columba's High School in Schenectady in 1959. After high school, Ron attended Carnegie Tech University and Union College prior to taking over his family's business, The Melrose Tavern.  Ron and...

Karl A Hernas, 67 was stricken at his home in Rotterdam on Friday June 12, 2020. Karl was born November 16, 1953 in Schenectady New York. The son of the late Alexander and Phyllis (Sargalis) Hernas. He was a graduate of Linton High School and SUNY Albany. Karl retired from SUNY System Administration where he worked for over 40 years. Karl enjoyed his career and made lasting friendships. He was recently employed by Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  Karl spent...