Week of June 19 – June 25, 2015
OBITUARIES 7
Giovanna Etkin
Soumaya Baaklini
Ralph Arthur Conlee
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Friday, June 12, Giovanna Etkin died at home in the presence of her loving family. In the Dolomite Mountains of Italy, Giovanna was born in the town of Sondrio, on December 21, 1944 to her parents, the late Salvatore and Maria Centonze where she joined her older brothers Carlo and Corrado. The greatest treasure of her life was the gift of her only grandchild, Maximilian Etkin Sefcik, who was born in 2005 (and who prompted a move to Saratoga Springs in 2007, just a few miles away from Max). Giovanna is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dr. Richard H. Etkin, her daughter Sarah Etkin-Sefcik and son-in-law, Jonathan A. Sefcik, all of Saratoga Springs; her brother Corrado (Eugenia) Centonze of Modena, Italy; 2 nieces Federica and Ciara; a nephew Marcello; and many cousins in Italy. Donations in Giovanna’s memory may be made to the Molly S. Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center at Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 where Giovanna volunteered. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funerals of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
LATHAM — Soumaya Baaklini was born on December 30, 1943 in Lebanon. Soumaya was married to Abdo Baaklini who departed this world in 2003. While living in Lebanon, she received a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Beirut, followed by a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University at Albany, here in Albany, New York. She was committed to her career as an Associate Librarian at the New York State Library and upon retiring she cared for her grandchildren Giavanna and Iskander, who were her pride and joy. She was a loving and kind mother to her two sons, Iskander and Farid, who filled her heart with joy and happiness. Soumaya was a devoted grandmother who was happily awaiting the birth of her soon-to-be third grandchild. She had a passion for cooking, taking her granddaughter shopping and enjoying many lunch dates with her girlfriends. She was a peaceful, quiet and sincere person who was always there to lend a helping hand to others. Soumaya passed in peace on Wednesday June 10, 2015 at the age of 71. She leaves to mourn her two sons Farid Baaklini and his wife Claudia, and Iskander Baaklini and his wife Juliet, grandchildren Giavanna and Iskander Baaklini and also many family and friends in Lebanon, Senegal and in the United States. Soumaya was loved my so many and she will be missed. Her life will never be forgotten and she will always be in our hearts. Love you Mom, may your soul rest in peace. A funeral service in her honor was held Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs. Interment following services were held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls, NY.
GANSEVOORT — Ralph Arthur Conlee of Leonard St. in Gansevoort died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday June 14, 2015 at his home. He was 80 years old. Born on January 22, 1935 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Arthur Conlee and Marion Austin Conlee. Mr. Conlee married his soulmate, Mary Lu Kirk Conlee on May 8, 1953. He was a lifelong resident of the area and worked as a self-employed carpet installer for various carpet companies in the area for many years. He recently worked as a car transporter for Della Auto Group until his retirement in 2010. Ralph was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilton, and was a part of the planning process for the new building. In his leisure he loved to go square dancing with his wife and play bingo. Most of all he enjoyed the regular family card games at the house. He is predeceased by a granddaughter, Amanda L. Conlee and his brother, Leon Conlee of Florida. Survivors include his wife of 62 years Mary Lu of Fort Edward, four sons: Ralph F. Conlee and his wife Lorrie of Gansevoort, Russell A Conlee and his wife Lisa of Schuylerville, Leon E. Conlee also of Gansevoort, and Scott A. Conlee and his wife Lynn of Norlina, NC, two daughters: Nancy A Duckett and her husband Forest of Gansevoort, and Tammy L Covello of North Adams, MA, two brothers: Ronald Conlee of Florida and Wayne Conlee of Gansevoort, a sister, Wilma Jones and her husband Tom of Wilton, 14 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren and his loving cat, Bridgett. Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff from Hospice for their wonderful care and support that was given to Ralph and his family. Memorial donations can be made to Trinity Church, 155 Ballard Rd, Wilton, NY 12866 or Hospice of Saratoga Springs, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the Tunison Funeral Home 105 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances can be made to www.tunsionfuneralhome.com.
William Igoe COLONIE — William S. Igoe, 63, died Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Bill was born in Albany, NY on August 14, 1951 to the late Virginia and Vincent Igoe. He retired as Sergeant from the Albany City Police Department. He previously worked for the forest service in Oregon. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Madeliene Igoe and his nephew, Matthew Igoe. Survivors include his beloved wife Deborah Roy Igoe; his brother Vincent Igoe,Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends gathered in his honor on Monday, June 15, 2015, services followed at Christ Episcopal Church, 15 West High St., Ballston Spa. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
Fredrick Allen Poole SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fredrick Allen Poole, 77, of Saratoga Springs, passed away at the Wesley Healthcare Center after a long illness on Sunday with his children at his side. He proudly served over twenty years in the United States military, first as a Marine and then ultimately retiring from the Air Force as a decorated Security Policeman. He was a veteran of the War in Vietnam where he served multiple tours of duty. Fred was proud of the fact that his four children followed in his footsteps, each serving in the military. Fred is survived by his three sons, Stuart Poole and his wife Amy of Albany, Rick Poole and his wife Kate of St. Louis, MO, Hans Poole and his wife Erin of Syracuse, and his daughter Anna Poole and her life partner Sandra Moller of Anchorage, AK. He is also survived by his beloved Aunt Roberta “Bert” Mettler of Liverpool, NY and his former wife and life-long friend Barbara Poole (Stuart) of St. Louis, MO. A celebration of Fred’s life will be held in Chittenango, NY at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Tunsion Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave, Saratoga, NY. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com
Dennis Finneran SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Memorial Mass burial was offered on Wednesday June 17, 2015, at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs for Dennis (Denny) Augustine Clarke Finneran, Jr. 83, of Saratoga Springs who passed away Wednesday, at Wesley Health Care Center due to a recent illness. Denny was well known for his dedication to the Catholic Church as well as for providing accurate, balanced coverage of the Church in the Catholic press. Through it all he was known for his good will and humor. Denny was very proud of his Irish heritage which was reflected in his droll sense of humor. Denny served from 1950-1953 during the Korean Conflict in the Air National Guard of Ohio, 166th Fighter Bomber Squadron. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy (O’Connor) Finneran whom he married on December 7, 2013, sons Matthew (Jan), Clarke (Jill), and Mark (Celine Reynaud), daughters Kathleen (Charles) Rainier, Mary (Craig) Turza, and Elizabeth (Jeff) Kollar , 13 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. The Family asks in lieu of flowers or other material tributes, donations be made to St Clement’s Church Outreach, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunsionfuneralhome.com
Harriett Porter SARATOGA SPRINGS — Harriett Yvonne Porter passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. There will be no calling hours. A Requim Eucharist will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Bethesda Episcopal Church, 41 Washington St., in Saratoga Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
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