Joan Lazzaro Hall

Joan Irene Lazzaro Hall, who balanced her career with her family, died on Nov. 11, 2009 at Albany Medical Center. She was 65.

Born in Green Island on March 2, 1944, her family described her as the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Dominga Lazzaro, and the beloved and devoted wife of Stephen C. Hall.

A lifelong Green Island resident, Mrs. Hall was educated at St. Joseph’s School, and was a graduate of Catholic Central High School.

She began her working career as a clerk for Williams Press in Menands, and went on to the Cohoes Hospital, where she was employed as a ward secretary. She later worked as a clerk in the corporation tax division of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for 20 years before retiring in 2007.

“She was also a wonderful homemaker, and raised her family during her career,” her family wrote in a tribute. The tribute also said, “Her love and devotion had no boundaries when it came to her two loving and beautiful grandchildren.”

They concluded, “She will be greatly missed.”

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Joan I. Lazzaro Hall is survived by her husband, Stephen C. Hall, as well as her children: Mark Hall of Mechanicville; Tracey Mercer and her husband, Dean, of Watervliet; and Lisa Egnaczyk and her husband, Michael, of Troy.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicholas and Leah Mercer of Watervliet.

She is survived, too, by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 16, at St. Joseph’s Church in Green Island, where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated.

Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lindsay, Meagan, and the staff of the second-floor coronary care unit at Albany Medical Center for their dedication and professionalism.

The family also thanks Samaritan Hospital.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Association at 2 Pine West Plaza, Albany, NY 12203, or to the American Heart Association at 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. 

WESTERLO — James VanDyke, an avid hunter who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, died on Nov. 13, 2009, at his home. He was 74.

Mr. VanDyke was born in Catskill on March 7, 1935, the son of the late Marguerite (VanDyke) Terrell and Jack Smith of Middleburgh, and the stepson of Harold Terrell of Summit.

Mr. VanDyke ran his own milk route business, was an Albany County Deputy Sheriff, and was a bus driver and head mechanic for the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District for 27 years.

Mr. VanDyke is survived by his wife of 32 years, Fay VanDyke, nee Stahl; his children, Terry Schinnerer, and her husband, Barry, of Knox, James “Mike” VanDyke, and his wife, Brenda, of Selkirk, Cheryl “Sherry” VanDyke of Altamont, William “Bill” VanDyke, and his wife, Patty, of Delanson, and stepson Stephen Townsend of Louisiana; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his half-brother Harold Terrell, and his wife Carrie, of Salem; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

His half-sister, Belle Terrell, of Summit, died before him, as did his grandson, Peter McIntyre.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church in East Berne. A private interment will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205, or Thompson’s Lake Reformed Church, 1276 Thompsons Lake Road, East Berne, NY 12059.