French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham, NY (2025)

11/30/2025

Jakob “Koby” Koch born in his beloved Villmergen, Switzerland, Koby emigrated to the U.S. in 1950. He took up farming with his aunt and uncle, Frances and Joe Michel, on Cotter Road in Old Chatham. He joined the East Chatham Fire Company and remained a member for more than 70 years. He also served in the Army from 1955 to 1958 and was stationed in Germany. During this time, he became a U.S. citizen. Other than his years in the Army, he lived on Cotter Road from 1950 until his passing. He worked in surveying and engineering, among other jobs, even helping with the construction of the Empire State Plaza. He made many, many wonderful friends over the years, with whom he celebrated holidays and shared great memories. A Jackson's Old Chatham House regular, he loved to converse over a Genny (later merlot) and spend time with friends and neighbors. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, among others in Switzerland, whom he loved dearly, as well as his "family" here in the U.S. He is at peace now, with restored vision, but will be missed tremendously by all who knew him and his generous heart. Friends may call at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home on Friday, December 5th from 3 to 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at St. James Church at 1:30pm. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

11/14/2025

Cotter R. Luppi, 58, of Ghent, New York, died unexpectedly on Wednesday of a cardiac arrhythmia. Born on December 14, 1966, in Manhattan, Cotter spent his childhood in both Manhattan and Katonah, in Westchester County. A gifted artist from an early age, he earned his BFA in Studio Art from Alfred University School of Art & Design and went on to receive his MFA in Sculpture from Wichita State University. He later attended the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, deepening his approach to material, form, and mark-making. After completing his MFA, Cotter returned to New York City, where drawing became his central creative focus. Working with color pencil, graphite, and brush and ink on handmade paper, he developed a distinctive embossed drawing technique that gave his works a sculptural, almost atmospheric presence—described in one New York Times review as having the ability to “ripple and hover off the walls.” Cotter maintained his studio in Ghent, where he continued to refine and expand this unique visual language. His work has been exhibited widely, including group shows at McKenzie Fine Art (NYC), Catalyst Gallery (Beacon), Joyce Goldstein Gallery (Chatham), Collar Works Gallery (Troy), Geoffrey Young Gallery (Great Barrington), Andrew Edlin Gallery (NYC), Kiosk Gallery (Kansas City), the Bronx River Arts Center, Arena (Brooklyn), and the Institute of Contemporary Art (Palm Beach), among many others. His drawings were included in Works from The Judith Rothschild Foundation Contemporary Drawings Collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (2009). Solo exhibitions of his work have been presented at Morgan Lehman Gallery in New York City, Arena in Brooklyn, and Daniel Silverstein Gallery in New York City. Cotter also shared his insight and creative passion through teaching and curatorial work. He was a speaker at Bowdoin College, a guest and curator in the art department at the University of Texas at Tyler, and curator of the exhibition Limbic Songs at RealEyes Gallery in Adams, Massachusetts. In 2017, he received a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship Award in Drawing. His work and artistic vision have been recognized in publications such as Art in America, ARTnews, artnet, Time Out New York, and The New York Times. In reviewing his work, the New York Times’ Holland Cotter wrote: “Cotter Luppi's large colored pencil drawings on paper fit into a contemporary kind of organic abstraction that isn't really organic or abstract at all. Its forms tend to look simultaneously carnal and mechanical, decorative but packed with information. The result is an art about mutant, morphing, bionic things. It suits the new sovereignty of genetic codes and replacement parts. Executed in a palette of pinks and excremental browns, with a draftsmanly finesse suited to scientific illustration, Mr. Luppi's shapes seem to refer to cartoons, mandalas and body parts. Intestinal loops and sliced-off arterial tubes float beside sprocket wheels bristling with ni***es and Ta***ic flames. Polyp-like growths resemble Arabic characters. Molecular clusters suggest hooked rugs. A blobby gum-wad splat is also a spurt of vital juices dribbling chains of DNA. Mr. Luppi keeps all this shape-shifting under firm control with the pressure of his hand. He works his pencils so hard that the individual forms swell out in relief from the surface of the paper as if they were embossed, giving a satisfyingly adamant, assertive touch to this promising New York solo debut.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/27/arts/art-in-review-cotter-luppi.html)
Cotter is survived by his wife, Linda J. Park, and their daughter, Chloë Luppi, whom he adored. He will be remembered for his wide-ranging curiosity, his deep love of music, his generosity of spirit, and the quiet intensity and beauty of his artistic work. A burial service will be held on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Harlemville Rural Cemetery on Route 21. If you would like to come, please park at Hawthorne Valley School by 1:15 p.m.; guests will process on foot to the cemetery. In case of rain, please bring an umbrella. A reception will follow at the Luppi-Park home. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, we invite those interested to make a contribution to support a college fund for Cotter and Linda’s beloved daughter, Chloë. [Link to GoFundMe here]-- https://gofund.me/770451f48. Condelences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

11/06/2025

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Emma Bridget Brennan Yurish of Haddam, CT (formerly of Canaan, NY) was called home to the Lord at age 88. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is happily reunited with the love of her life, Jack and son, Michael.
Emma was born in Richmond Hills, Queens, NY on April 29, 1937, to James and Alexandra Brennan. She was the youngest of 3 children, the “American” baby born after the family emigrated to the United States in 1932. She met her beloved Jackie at a church dance in Brooklyn, NY in 1955. They married in 1956 and as newlyweds went to Quantico, VA and Oceanside, CA with the Marine Corp. Together they raised their 7 children, Michael, John, Peter, Stephen, Anne, Ellen and Matthew in Pearl River, NY, Saranac Lake, NY and White Plains, NY.
She had a deep faith and a strong belief in God. She believed the power of prayer could and did change lives for the better. She was a Eucharistic Minister and an active member at St. James church in Chatham, NY for 25+ years.
Emma cherished being a wife, mother, and grandmother. The kitchen was the heart of the house and her domain. As a latch-key kid, her dream was to be home when her kids got home from school. What a treat that was to come home to chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven! She was always finding new recipes to try. Her pies (apple, banana cream, coconut custard, pumpkin, and chocolate mousse) were enjoyed by many, foremost her husband.
Once her youngest was in elementary school Emma went to work at a local retail store “Stretch and Sew “as a model. From 1980 to 2010 she managed Jack’s consulting business as COO.
Emma dedicated her life to family and friends. She delighted in spending time with her children and grandchildren, listening to how their days went and having them help make a delicious meal for all to enjoy. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends to the fullest.
She had an eye for style and interior design. Next to all things culinary her other passions were gardening and quilting. She loved to dance – from Frank Sinatra to Motown. She was happiest in Jack’s arms looking around to see her kids and others having fun on the dance floor. She was an avid reader of mysteries, the Wall Street Journal, culinary, quilting and lifestyle magazines. She enjoyed travelling near and far and relished time spent on the beach whether in Greece, Hawaii, Scotland or closer to home in Long Beach Island, NJ. Always surrounded by family and friends.
She was known for her boundless energy and delight in the little things. She was also known for her grit and steadfast nature. She was the quintessential Ta**us and Scottish to the bone. Her determination was ever present as she survived cancer four times. When first diagnosed in 1970 she told God (and the cancer) she had 8 reasons to live so the cancer had to go. She lived every day to the fullest. She “Fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith” to the end (2 Timothy 4:7). She has earned her wings. She will always be remembered for her beautiful spirit, smile, laugh and her deep love of her family and friends.
Emma is survived by her children John (Diane Donner), Peter, Stephen (Diane Hilfiker), Anne (Christopher McGovern), Ellen, and Matthew (Jeannie Dzubak). By her grandchildren, Lauren, Craig, Andrew, Hollis, Grace, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Avalon, Thomas, Hannah, Meredith, and Karl. And by her great grandchildren James and Madison.
Family will receive friends Friday, November 14th from 4-7pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 11am at Saint James Church, Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/ Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com

10/28/2025

Marcia VanFleet Abrams, a beacon of love and creativity, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 89 in Troy, New York. Born on June 3, 1936, in Hudson, New York, she was the cherished daughter of Lloyd VanFleet and Miriam Pratt VanFleet.

She was the loving wife of the late John S. Abrams, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and a beautiful family. Her legacy continues through her children, Shawn (June) Abrams of Cohoes, NY, Deborah (James) Southard of Hancock, MA, and Mary Moon of East Chatham, NY.,sister, Carol DeBell beloved grandchildren Sarah Cox, Kristen Riley, Jennifer Moon, Jessica Moon, David Moon, Adam Moon, John Abrams and Morgan Abrams along with 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who will carry her spirit forward. Marcia was predeceased by her beloved sons, Timothy and Stephen Abrams, her parents, Lloyd and Miriam VanFleet and her grandchildren, Courtney, Jason, Amanda, Christopher, and William.

With nimble fingers and an eye for detail, Marcia was an extremely talented seamstress.

Marcia's interests were as varied as they were rich. She had a profound love for music and singing. Cooking was another of her passions, and she held great memories of making her beloved spaghetti sauce every Saturday, a tradition that infused her home with warmth and delectable aromas. Her love for sewing was matched by her love for animals and gardening, nurturing life in all its forms.

She cherished the times spent camping at Queechy Lake, where the beauty of nature provided a backdrop for family bonding and lifelong memories.

The word 'loving' best encapsulates Marcia.

Marcia's departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her influence remains indelible. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the beauty of creativity, and the importance of family. We celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the extraordinary life she led. Her memory will be cherished and honored by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home Saturday, November 1st. from 10am to 11am at which time services will be conducted.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Marcia's name may be made to the Columbia Greene Humane Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

10/18/2025

Lawrence Salzman was born on June 10, 1930, and grew up in Brookly, New York. He died on October 13, 2025, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Lawrence was known for his intellectual curiosity and love of debate.

Lawrence proudly attended Erasumus Hall High School and Brooklyn College followed by a Master's degree from City College. With his passion for economics and technology he spent a distinguished career at IBM, where he worked for over three decades as an economist. Lawrence authored numerous papers and a book "Computerized Economic Analysis," which reflected his expertise and contributions to the field.

Outside the sphere of his professional life, Lawrence enjoyed hiking and other physical pursuits. His retirement years were filled with the pleasures of vegetable gardening, mowing his own multi acre front yard and the companionship of his beloved cat, Bibs.

A voracious reader, Lawrence found pleasure in the daily New York Times and history books, particularly those about the Civil War, general US history and World War II. His love for travel was evident in his trips to Israel, England, Paris, Germany, and across the United States, where he immersed himself in the cultures and histories of each place.

Lawrence enjoyed movies and collected silent films. He maintained bonds with dear and distant friends through regular phone calls and online. His nightly calls with his beloved daughter, Ellen, were a cherished ritual, a source of comfort and an expression of love.

Lawrence is survived by his devoted partner of 45 years, Trudi Roth, and her family. His legacy continues through his daughter Ellen Chase, son-in-law Kevin Chase, and their children Josiah and Lucinda.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite local public radio station.

Following his wishes Lawrence was cremated. A memorial service in Columbia County will follow later in the year. Condolences may be conveyed at www.frenchblasl.com.

09/30/2025

Wayne O’Dell passed away September 28, 2025 at home. Born January 23, 1957 in Hudson, NY.. he was the son of the late Louis and Jean Clegg O’Dell.
He is survived by his wife Dawn, brother Richard “digger” (Pat) O’Dell, sister Katherine (Terry) Laurange, brother-in law William (Pam) Harmon Jr. Tom Harmon (Debby Bingham), and his nieces and nephews and his nature sharing nephew William Harmon III.
Wayne was an avid deer hunter, a trustee of the Ghent Union Cemetery Board, and a life member and former board member of the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company. He was an animal lover, especially dogs.
He was retired from Valley Energy.
At his request there will be no services. He will be laid to rest at Ghent Union Cemetery. Contributions in Wayne’s name may be made to the Columbia/Greene Humane Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

09/30/2025

Ethel Mildred (Ginger) Leavenworth passed away peacefully, September 4, 2025 at Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility in Pittsfield, MA. She was born October 16, 1935 to Edward C. and Mildred Beaupre Chapman in Pittsfield, MA. The family moved to Chatham in 1938 where she graduated from Chatham Union Free School Class of 1952. Ginger was employed by Columbia Rensselaer Telephone Co., Employers Mutual Insurance Co., and then owned E.M. Leavenworth Insurance Co. In 1954 she married Raymond C. Leavenworth and they lived in Old Chatham until they both retired and moved to Virginia. After Ray’s death she moved to Florida. In 2023 she moved to Mt. Greylock Extended Care. She is survived by her brother David E. Chapman (Elizabeth) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Marjorie A. Steele. Graveside services will be held October 11, 2025 at 11am at the Chatham Rural Cemetery. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

09/27/2025

Guy A Madsen, a deeply loved and respected pillar of the Spencertown community, passed away peacefully at home on the land he cherished, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday September 24, 2025. He was 78 years old.
Born in Chatham, Guy was the son of the late Walter Madsen and Helen Rivenburg. He was a proud and devoted Vietnam Veteran who honorably served his country.
Guy was a true entrepreneur and dedicated his life to work, family, and service. He was the owner of Madsen Overhead Doors, Fox Hill Campground and Madsen Motorsports, all while making time for the hobbies and organizations he loved most.
For 56 years, Guy was the beloved husband of Patty Madsen. Together, they built a beautiful life, a thriving family, and a lasting legacy. He was the dedicated father of Michael Madsen and Brian (Kelli) Madsen. Guy was a cherished Papa to Dylan (Emilee), Jonathan, Taylor, Erin, and Conner, and a doting “grandpa” to his two grand dogs, Cash and Ozzie. His family was the center of his world, and his lessons and love will continue to guide them. Guy is also survived by his aunt Grace Ann Silvernail, as well as his siblings Christine (Dan) Rundell, Dan (GZ), David (Sue), Lee (Darlene), and Dale (Sarah), and countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
Guy’s impact on his community and the world of sports was immeasurable. He was a tireless figure in the world of Little League Baseball, committing 57 years to the organization. He served in several key roles, including District 15 Coordinator, District 15 Administrator, and Section 3 Director of Little League, He was instrumental in the building of the Chatham Complex, shaping the lives of countless young athletes across the state. His dedication to the local farms and 4H youth was something he was very proud of. For 34 years he was a fixture at the 4H livestock sale during the Chatham fair.
His passion for sports extended to the Dirt track, where he was heavily involved in racing for over 40 years. His success as a car owner for Brett Hearn, Stewart Friesen, and current driver Dylan Madsen lead to his induction into the NYSSCA Hall of Fame, the Lebanon Valley Hall of Fame, and the Dirt Motorsports Hall of Fame.
In his hometown, Guy was a Life Member of the Spencertown Fire Company and served as a Fire Commissioner, always ready to serve his neighbors. He was also a member of the Ghent VFW, and Chatham American Legion, Newcomb Sportsmen’s Club, and the Ghent Rod and Gun Club.
In his quieter moments, Guy enjoyed hunting and was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed his winter months soaking up the sunshine in Florida and Aruba. He will be remembered for his steadfast presence, and his commitment to every endeavor he undertook, and the profound love he had for his family and the community he called home.
Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, NY on Saturday, October 4th from 9am till 11:30am. There will be a religious service following at noon in St. James Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following organizations that were meaningful to Guy: 4H Livestock Fund, 479 Route 66 Hudson, NY 12534 or District 15 Little League C/O Clayton Clark 265 Middle Road Hudson NY 12534. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

09/15/2025

Russell Francis Graham, 99, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on August 23, 2025, at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook, NY. He was the widower of Lena Moccia Graham, who predeceased him in 2011 after 62 years of marriage.
Russell was born in Bridgeport, CT, on September 3, 1925, the son of the late Richard and Jennie (Haggerty) Graham. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II on the U.S.S. Stockton DD-646 and returned to the U.S. to serve in the Marine Corps for an additional three years. One of his notable contributions to history includes guarding Tokyo Bay on the day the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed, just a day before his 20th birthday.
After his honorable discharge, Russell spent the next 35 years driving for McLean Trucking Company in Stratford, where he and Lena raised their three daughters. They then moved to Valatie, NY, where he worked for the Ichabod Crane School District for ten years, and later for the Columbia County Transfer Station in Chatham, NY, retiring at the age of 94.
He was an extraordinary person who loved his family and his country, as evidenced by the U.S. flag always flying above his home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as an enthusiastic friend to many.
Russell is survived by his three daughters, Deborah (Robert) Reinckens of Hopewell Junction, NY, Jeanie Graham of Chatham, NY, and Gail (Patrick) DiCosmo of New Lebanon, NY, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on September 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, NY. Interment with military honors will take place on September 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Michael Cemetery in Stratford, CT.

08/30/2025

James W. Garvey age 59, passed suddenly on August 27, 2025. James is survived by his son, Kyle Kolb, and brother David Garvey.
James graduated from Chatham High, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy, was the former Third District Commander in the American Legion, member and post past Commander of post 42, James had also served as Columbia County Commander and on various committees at the state and national level. He was a member of the Ocean Fire Company #1 of Chatham Fire Dept and had served in various positions over the years, as well as many other groups.
James was an IT Admin at Questar 111, and a lover of NASCAR and music.
In lieu of flowers please donations can be made to the American Legion Post 42 or Chatham Fire Dept.
Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral home On Friday, Sept. 5th from 4-7pm. There will be a service at the funeral home on Saturday at 11am with military honors to follow at Chatham Rural Cemetery. To convey a condolence visit frenchblasl.com

08/16/2025

Donald A. O’Connell, 78, of Chatham, NY, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 at his home with his love by his side. He was a 1965 graduate of Chatham High School and a graduate of Columbia Greene Community College with an Associates Degree. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42, Chatham, NY and a 50 year member of S,W, Smith Hook and Ladder, Chatham Fire Company.

Don joined the Navy May 12, 1966 for a 3 year term with two tours in Vietnam. While in the Navy he received four medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

He loved riding his Harley and going on motorcycle runs with different organizations and friends. He was an avid hunter and was devoted to the Chatham Fire Company and enjoyed marching in their parades. He also enjoyed friendly get togethers in his yard on Friday and Saturday nights. One of his favorite sayings was “You have to laugh and have fun every day because life is short”. He definitely lived up to that saying.

He was predeceased by his mother Helen and father Thomas O’Connell and his son Donald T O’Connell. He is survived by Mary Sheline, his love for the past 11 years, his sister Sharon Pitts, brother Thomas O’Connell (wife Betsy), sister Jane Selves (husband Norman) and sister Colleen Jensen (husband Sid). He is also survived by Mary’s four grandchildren that he loved as his own and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10 am - 12 noon at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, NY. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, Ghent, NY.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Donnie's name may be made to the Chatham Fire Department or to the Columbia County Veterans Service Agency.

07/15/2025

It is with deep sorrow that we share the quiet passing of our beautiful mother, Jean A. (Carroll) Lamarre, July 11, 2025.
She was born in Pittsfield, MA, to Daniel and Francis (Smith) Carroll June 22, 1936. As a cherished mother of five, she was blessed with ten amazing grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She leaves her brother, Dan Carroll, and her loving companion, Jim Huvar.
Our mother was known for her unwavering love for her family and her profound faith in the Lord.
She was predeceased by her husband, Leo, two sisters, Patricia Ruff and Ellen Besancon Wetherall, and her grandson, Corey B. Shields.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July30th at 11am at St. James Church in Chatham, NY, and she will be gently laid to rest at St. James Cemetery.
In place of flowers, we politely request donations be made to Grammie Jean’s grandson’s scholarship fund, It is with deep sorrow that we share the quiet passing of our beautiful mother, Jean A. (Carroll) Lamarre, July 11, 2025.
She was born in Pittsfield, MA, to Daniel and Francis (Smith) Carroll June 22, 1936. As a cherished mother of five, she was blessed with ten amazing grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She leaves her brother, Dan Carroll, and her loving companion, Jim Huvar.
Our mother was known for her unwavering love for her family and her profound faith in the Lord.
She was predeceased by her husband, Leo, two sisters, Patricia Ruff and Ellen Besancon Wetherall, and her grandson, Corey B. Shields.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July30th at 11am at St. James Church in Chatham, NY, and she will be gently laid to rest at St. James Cemetery.
In place of flowers, we politely request donations be made to Grammie Jean’s grandson’s scholarship fund, The Corey B. Shields Scholarship, Guilderland High School, Post Office Box 18, Guilderland Center, NY 12085. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home

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