Jean Gleason Johnson

Jean Gleason Johnson, a passionate artist, died on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. She was 81.

Mrs. Johnson was born on Jan. 14, 1930, in Albany, to Walter M. Gleason Sr. and Ann Connors Gleason. She grew up in Delmar and graduated from the Bethlehem Central Schools, going on to attend Russell Sage College to study art history.

She continued her art education throughout the rest of her life, traveling around the world with friends or family, visiting museums, galleries, and art-related historical sites. She shared her love of the arts with others of all ages through teaching.

After raising her two children, she taught art and ceramics to senior citizens at the Senior Services Center of Albany, and substituted in the art departments of numerous capital area school districts.

Mrs. Johnson was the founder of the art program at The Heldeberg Workshop, serving for 10 years as the art director, and she created the art education program for the Town of Guilderland Senior Program. She arranged a yearly exhibit for of all the seniors’ work at the library each year.

“People became interested in art and took it up just because of the influence of her strong love of it,” said her daughter, Kristin Johnson.

“A gifted artist from a young age, Jean painted a wide array of subject matter and was often awarded at local art shows for her talents. Her most recognizable work is the logo of The Heldeberg Workshop, used continuously since 1966,” wrote her family in a tribute. The logo pictures a boy, comfortably perched in a tree, reading a book.

Mrs. Johnson was also an accomplished gardener, both designing and building intricate rock gardens at her home, which often served as an inspiration for her painting.

She enjoyed traveling, reading, politics, and following tennis, baseball, and professional golf. She loved vacationing with her family in Basin Bay in Lake George, or traveling to Eastham on Cape Cod for relaxing on the beach and visiting artists living in Provincetown. Her cat, Maggie May, was her constant companion.

In addition to her passion for art, Mrs. Johnson had a passion for helping others, said her daughter. She was very involved in the Junior League of Albany, and worked with them to grant The Heldeberg Workshop $10,000; she was also a big supporter of Capital Repertory Theatre, WMHT, and the Albany Institute of History and Art.

“She wanted my brother and me to learn the importance of helping others,” her daughter said.

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Mrs. Johnson is survived by her children, Kristin S. Johnson, of Guilderland and San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Eric J. Johnson, and his wife, Grace, of Slingerlands; her brother, Walter M. Gleason Jr., and his wife, Andrea, of Voorheesville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her sister, Corrine G. Patel, died before her, as did her brother-in-law, Robert P. Catel.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of The Community Hospice of Albany; Dr. Carmen Guiliano; and family and friends who supported and comforted Mrs. Johnson during her final weeks.

Relatives and friends are invited to call today, Aug. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Service of Remembrance will follow the calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Heldeberg Workshop, Post Office Box 323, Voorheesville, NY 12186.
— Anne Hayden

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Michael C. Urban

ALBANY — Michael C. Urban, a long-time corrections officer and a loving father, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. He was 61.

Born in Elmira, N.Y., he was the beloved son of Charles Urban and the late Helen Urban. He lived in Albany for over 30 years. He graduated from Horseheads High School and Buffalo State University and attended American University.

He recently retired as captain with the New York State Department of Corrections with over 35 years of service.

“Mike enjoyed fishing and cooking,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He especially loved spending time on Seneca Lake, wine tasting, and the races at Watkins Glen.”

In addition to his father, he is survived by his children, Michael C. Urban II, Katherine E. Urban, and Erin C. Urban; his sister, Patricia Giulino; his brother, Gary Urban, and his wife, Judy; and his nieces, Erika Cannon and Jennifer Kelleher.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home at 343 New Karner Rd. in Colonie, on Route 155, south of Central Avenue. To leave a message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com. Interment will be held at a later date in Seneca Union Cemetery in Valois, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

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Thomas R. Vincent

Thomas R. Vincent, a skilled mechanic who loved to hunt, died on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, after a long illness.
He was 65.

Mr. Vincent was born to Ruth (Boughton) and Franklin (Tony) Vincent on July 3, 1946. He was raised in Voorheesville and attended Voorheesville schools.

He grew up with an appreciation for cars and mechanical work, which led to a profession as a very talented and highly recommended diesel mechanic, wrote his family in a tribute.

Mr. Vincent worked for Southworth Machinery for 15 years before becoming an independent contractor and developing Duanesburg Heavy Equipment Repair. Upon dissolving Duanesburg Heavy Equipment Repair, he continued to work on automobiles in the Voorheesville area.

“Tommy will be remembered as someone who strongly believed a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work,” his family wrote. “Tommy was also passionate about hunting.” Some of his favorite activities were golfing, and hanging out with the boys at the club.

“Tommy certainly kept everyone he knew on their toes while he enjoyed his life, especially his mom Ruth. Tommy will be remembered by his friends in Voorheesville, Duanesburg and Albany as the guy who could fix anything mechanical, but enjoyed whooping it up at the local pub with even more enthusiasm,” wrote his family.

Mr. Vincent is survived by his mother, Ruth (Boughton) Vincent, of Voorheesville; his brother, Robert Vincent, of Slingerlands; and long-time girlfriend Margaret “Peggy” Travers and her son, Darren, of Albany.

He is also survived by a niece, nephew, and four biological children.

His father, Tommy Vincent, died before him.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Albany Medical Center intensive care unit, pastoral care, and the Anatomical Gift Program for their care of Mr. Vincent during his final days, and their support of the family.

“Mr. Vincent’s gift to the world involved a donation to the Albany Medical Center Anatomical Gift Program,” his family wrote. “It is the desire that students will learn from this gift, and pass on their knowledge as they care for people in their careers.”

There will be no services, and the burial will be private at the family’s convenience.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.