Archive » November 2013 » Obituaries

GUILDERLAND — A vibrant man filled with the conviction of his beliefs, Elijah N. Sharma died on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013. He was 22.

WRIGHT — Walter O. Mickel was an able hunter and operated a pheasant farm where he raised dogs and hatched game birds.

Mr. Mickel of Benninger Road died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at his home with his wife and daughter by his side. He was 80.

VOORHEESVILLE — Wayne S. Raynsford, a World War II veteran and family man, died on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at the Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland. He was 89.
A lifelong resident of Voorheesville, he lived on Altamont Road.

KNOX — An avid hunter and beloved father and grandfather, Lewis Tubbs was a careful groundskeeper of the Knox Little League field.

Lewis “Lew” Tubbs died after a brief illness on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at Albany Medical Center. He was 78.

WESTERLO — James Carll’s heart was in his hands. A locksmith, then a crane operator, Mr. Carll enjoyed machines as puzzles, and helping people with a piercing humor. 

James E. Carll Jr. died of lung and bone cancer at his home on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013. He was 53.

GUILDERLAND — Polly Smith Cure, a World War II Army veteran, described by her daughter-in-law as “a grand lady,” died on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, embraced by the love of her family. She was 89.

ALTAMONT — Chester “Chet” Deleskiewicz, a family man and railroad worker, died at home Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. He was 69.

Mr. Deleskiewicz was born in Albany on April 10, 1944. He was the son of Mollie Deleskiewicz and the stepson of George Fortulakis.

He worked 33 years for Conrail before retiring in 2003.

GUILDERLAND CENTER — Described by her daughter as “stern but loving,” Marie F. Shank was an immaculate housekeeper and a deeply religious woman.

She died on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013. She was 87.

GUILDERLAND — Howard O. Towle taught his two daughters the value of money and education — resources he lacked in his own childhood — while, through his hard work and compassion, he served as a model for generosity.

He died on Friday, Nov. 1, after a short illness.  He was 88.

EAST BERNE — A keen eye and warm smile made Viola Durocher a loving and positive mother and beautician.

She died on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla., after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 65.

Mrs. Durocher was the beloved wife of Robert Durocher of Jacksonville.

GUILDERLAND — Ernest W. Friebel, a proud family man and avid camper, died suddenly on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. He was 87.

Mr. Friebel was born in Albany, on June 5, 1926, to Otto and Catherine (Olsmit) Friebel.

He married the love of his life, Bessie Wilson, on Nov. 8, 1947. Their marriage ended only with his death.