6 Barbara Bazakis GANSEVOORT — Barbara Bazakis died suddenly at home on Friday, February 5, 2016. Barbara was born in Athens, Greece on March 25, 1930 to Spyro and Katina Bakoli. In 1949 Barbara married Harry Bazakis in Athens and emigrated to the United States where they settled in Troy, NY. While living there, Barbara was a devout communicant of St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church. She was employed for several years by Di Jimas Furs and M. Solomon Furs as an expert seamstress. Barbara and Harry eventually purchased a home in Colonie, NY where she continued working and raising her family. Later on in life Barbara moved to Boca Raton, Fla., where she and Harry enjoyed many wonderful years together. Saratoga became her new home in 2005 after the loss of her husband. She fell in love with Saratoga and enjoyed walking downtown, Shakespeare in the Park, the library and all events in town. Barbara was an active volunteer at the Saratoga Senior Center. She was affectionately known as Yia yia and Great Yia yia to her grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was predeceased by her son Michael. Survivors include her brother Demetrios Bakoli of Athens, Greece; daughter Katina (Robert) Austin; grandsons William (Shannon) and Michael (MJ); great-granddaughters Kora and Karley Austin along with several nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives gathered to remember her on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in her name to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Dennis J. “Tuna” Grolley SCHUYLERVILLE — Dennis J. “Tuna” Grolley, 64, a resident of Ruckytucks Rd. in Stillwater passed away Saturday, February 6, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer at Saratoga Hospital in the loving company of his wife and daughters. Born May 20, 1951 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Anthony “Shiek” and Kathryn “Kaye” Grolley. Denny was a graduate of Schuylerville High School. He
OBITUARIES retired from Pepsi Co. in Latham where he was a territorial sales manager for 30 years. After his retirement, he was employed by County Waste, Casella, MBI, the Battenkill Country Club and Schuylerville Central School where he was well appreciated by both coworkers and students. Denny was the beloved husband of Mary Jordan, and father of two daughters, Katie Mae Nusca, wife of Billy Nusca and Roxanne Grolley, girlfriend of Jonathan Karkotsky. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Grolley, his twin sister Donna Porlier, sister Kathy Weils, and several nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer, a member of the Battenkill Country Club, and a Harley rider. Denny had an undeniable gift of bringing a smile to everyone he met. The outpouring of support during his illness from friends both new and old confirmed that he was truly a great man. A funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church in Schuylerville with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. A spring burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 4-6pm at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville. Memorials can be made in his memory to Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105. Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
Dorothy Lorayne Urdaneta SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dorothy Lorayne Urdaneta passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by loving family and friends. She had just turned 93 on January 1. We would like to express our gratitude to the compassionate and caring hospital staff members who tended to her in the final days. She was born in 1923 in Loving, TX, one of seven children of the late Leonard and Ada Purselley. Lorayne married Rafael Urdaneta in 1941 and moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela where she lived for 71 years. Saratoga became her new home four years ago in order to be close to her daughter, Vivian. For a year and a half Lorayne resided at
Week of February 12 – February 18, 2016 The Home of The Good Shepherd where she made good friends. Lorayne was a wonderful and loving person who always put the needs of others before her own. Above all, Lorayne was absolutely devoted to her husband and children. She is survived by her son, Rafael A. Urdaneta, her two daughters Vivian Urdaneta and Mavalynne Urdaneta, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, her youngest brother Wayne Purselley and wife Barbara and her widowed sister-in-law Frances Purselley. At Lorayne’s request, she is being cremated. There will be no funeral home visitation. A Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, February 9 at St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs with the Rev. Timothy Keating C.Ss.R. presiding. In lieu of flowers or any other gifts, if you feel so inclined, please do make a gift to your favorite cause. Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 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
Ferne Ballou PORTER CORNERS — Ferne Ballou of Porter Corners passed away at her home on Sunday, February 7, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was 92. She was born in Brownville, NY on May 11, 1923, the daughter of Percy E. King and Melrose E. King (nee Paul). She grew up in Orono, Maine, and graduated from high school there. After relocating to Greenfield Center, she met and married Maurice Ballou of Porter Corners. Ferne started her career with the United States Postal Service as a substitute letter carrier, a substitute clerk, a fulltime clerk and finally as Postmaster at the Porter Corners Post Office where she served her community for 25 years. Ferne was a member of the Methodist Church in South Corinth and also was a charter member of the Porter Corners Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She was a housewife and mother who enjoyed cooking, gardening, crafts, knitting and crocheting. She loved to fish and enjoyed going to her Aunt and Uncle’s camp on Lake Ontario in the summers and vacationing at the seashore. Left to cherish Ferne’s memory is her daughter, Wanda Twining-Jones and her husband David R. Jones, her sister, Patricia Cornell, grandchildren, David M. Twining (Monica) and Nancy JonesBrugman (Patrick) and eight great-grandchildren: Colwyn, Madyson, Skylar, Tyler, Michael, Conor, Lucy and Jesse along with many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband of 43 years, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert King and sister, Persis Ann Manson.
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