Archive » February 2017 » Obituaries

Vernon Wagoner

Vernon Wagoner

EAST BERNE — Vernon Wagoner, a lifelong resident of East Berne, was passionate about cars, his community, and his family. He died on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. He was 73.

George Ward

VOORHEESVILLE —  George Ward, a self-employed contractor who liked to hunt and fish, died at his Voorheesville home on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, after a long illness. He was 87.

He was the son of the late Lewis and Hattie (née Robbins) Ward. He was self- employed for over 30 years in the siding and window business.

Wesley ‘Dutch’ R. Seaburg

GUILDERLAND — Wesley “Dutch” R. Seaburg was a happy-go-lucky guy, says his wife of 33 years. A county highway worker, he had a passion for sports and for his family.

“He was full of life,” said his wife, Lynn Seaburg. “Nothing really bothered him; he’d shrug it off.”

Laurie L. Prastio

WATERFORD — Laurie L. Prastio, a devoted mother and grandmother, died at St. Peter’s Hospital on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was 59.

She was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on May 1, 1957, the daughter of the late Donald and Joyce (née Murray) Yost.

Jane L. Knapp

Jane L. Knapp

COLONIE — Jane L. Knapp’s children describe her as fun-loving and easygoing. Although she had Alzheimer’s disease in her later years, she would “light right up” when her grandchildren came to visit her.

She died peacefully at her daughter’s home on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, with her loving family by her side. She was 87.

Earnest L. Milstead

PENNELLVILLE — Earnest L. Milstead died on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. He was 92. A man with a strong faith and love of his family, he will be missed by his many relatives and his loving wife of 69 years.

Carole Arlene Debrick Burger

Carole Arlene Debrick Burger

GUILDERLAND — Carol Arlene Debrick Burger “had the heart of a teacher,” said her son, G. Daniel Burger Jr.

“She liked explaining things,” he said. His father, G. Daniel Burger Sr. added, “She liked to be helpful.”

She died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in the arms of her husband of 59 years. She was 81.

Albert E. Parshall

Albert E. Parshall, formerly of Guilderland, was a Marine who served during both World War II and the Korean War. Later, he was very active in fraternal organizations, both in Guilderland and in Shippenburg, Pennsylvania where he lived.

Raymond J. Lauenstein

ALTAMONT – Raymond J. Lauenstein was a man with a strong sense of responsibility and a great sense of humor, said his daughter, A. Cecilia Lauenstein. He died at home, she said, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017.  He was 79.

Robert E. Flagler

BERNE — Robert E. Flagler, an auditor and long-time Berne councilman, died on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, under Hospice care, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. He was 81.

He was born on Dec. 5, 1935, the son of Floyd and Ruth Flagler. He was raised in Berne and graduated from Berne-Knox Central School in 1953.

William J. Conboy II

William “Bill” J. Conboy II

ALBANY — William J. Conboy II died on Jan. 30, 2017, surrounded by family in his Albany home. He was 66. The town attorney for Berne for over three decades under five supervisors, he was known as a devoted public servant. Many who worked alongside him also considered him a friend, and said he will be deeply missed.