Archive » January 2019 » Obituaries

GUILDERLAND — “On Dec. 15, 1940, Roc’sanna Tresa (née Martelli) Rivers was born in Schenectady, New York to the late Rocco and Mildred Martelli,” wrote Mrs. Rivers’s family in a tribute. “And so began a 78-year-long story of a strong, fiercely stubborn, mischievous, humorous, and all-around marvelous woman.

EAST BERNE — James W. Roemer Sr. was a charismatic man who could fix anything. He died on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at his home near Warner’s Lake where he had lived for over four decades. He was 96.

“He was a very industrious person,” said his daughter, Jill Roemer. “He would help anybody.”

ALTAMONT — At his home, surrounded by his wife and children, Owen L. Murray of Altamont died on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. A village trustee and volunteer firefighter for three-quarters of a century, Mr. Murray was, as his family put it, “an enthusiastic supporter of the village.” He was 90.

GUILDERLAND — Nancy L. Brittell who was, her family said, “profoundly proud of her 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren,” died peacefully Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. She was 76.

EUGENE — Marie Spencer could make things grow. She raised splendid roses with proper pruning, and pulled weeds so that her lilies, irises, and gladiolas flourished. She’d never give up on a houseplant another had left for dead — she’d bring it back to life.

MEDUSA — Robert E. Lane, a veteran who liked to spend time with his family, died on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at the Community Hospice at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. He was 89.

KNOX — Marjorie Peterson, a hard-working woman with a fondness for things of the past, was giving and helpful to her large family and many friends. She died on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. She was 88.