Jones Funeral Home, Inc.

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

Today is often filled with flowers, cards, and celebrations of love, but for many, it can also be a tender reminder of someone deeply missed. If you’re grieving the loss of a spouse or loved one, please know that it’s okay for today to feel heavy. Love doesn’t disappear when someone is gone. It lives on in memories, traditions, quiet moments, and the space they will always hold in your heart.

Love looks different for everyone today, and every version of it is valid.

02/12/2026

Joseph J. Browarski Sr.

Niskayuna – It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Almighty God was pleased to call to Himself Joseph J. Browarski Sr. on February 11, 2026. Joe was born on August 10, 1963 to the late Anthony and Ethel Marie (Mesick) Browarski. He was a 1981 graduate of Albany High School.

Joe met the love of his life, Linda Kelts in 2007, they were married in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas and spent 16 wonderful years together.

He enjoyed watching many sports including the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Boston Red Sox. Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, helping others with whatever they needed, attending church services at Trinity Lutheran Church, and his fur babies Vegas and Brandy.

Joe is predeceased by his siblings Paul Browarski (Yvette) and Michael Browarski. He is survived by his loving wife Linda, his son Joseph Browarski Jr., his siblings; Margaret (Roy) DeMarco, Anthony (Nancy) Browarski Jr., Patricia (Terry) Eck, MaryEllen Browarski, Ann Wright, Barbara (Pete) Reutzel, JoAnn Merrill and John (Denise) Browarski, his stepchildren; Lynne Coffey and the late Kevin Coffey, his best friend Mike Urbanski, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to his doctor Adam Schoenfeld, MD., and his nurse Michelle at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the critical care staff at Albany Medical Center Hospital for all the loving care and support given to Joe.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 9 am to 11am with a prayer service offered at 11 at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Joe’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church, 35 Furman Street, Schenectady, NY 12304 or to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Research, Koch Center for Cancer Care 22nd Floor, 535 East 74th ST., NY, NY 10021.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.jonesfuneralny.com.

View Joseph J. Browarski Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

Alberta B. Peroutky

Alberta Helene Peroutky, 108, of Niskayuna, New York, passed away peacefully at her home on February 8, 2026.

Born November 6, 1917, in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Linda Brainard. Alberta earned a degree in mathematics from Bloomsburg University and pursued graduate studies at Bucknell University.

After two years of teaching, she moved to Schenectady to work as an engineering mathematician at General Electric, where she met her husband, Donald. She later served as a substitute teacher.

A longtime member of Faith United Methodist Church, Alberta remained engaged in her community and her interests. In her earlier years, she enjoyed dancing, hiking, and camping, and remained intellectually active throughout her life. She played bridge, learned mahjong in her 90s, loved music and Sudoku, and spent time sewing, knitting, and baking. Above all, she took great pride in her family and treasured time spent together.

Alberta and her beloved husband, Donald, traveled extensively, often exploring the country with their children during their early years as a family. Together, they later visited all 50 states and journeyed abroad.

She is survived by her loving children, James and Betty, and their respective families, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Donald; her two infant children; her sister, Margaret; and her brother, Edwin.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, followed by a service at 11 a.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 811 North Brandywine Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308. Interment will follow at Park View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305, or www.citymission.com, or by clicking the link below.

View Alberta B. Peroutky's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/23/2026

William F. Barton

Niskayuna – William F. Barton, 86, of Niskayuna, passed away peacefully at his home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of 63 years, his three daughters and a grandson. He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Barton.

William (Bill) was born in Manhattan on August 23, 1939. He graduated from Massapequa High School in 1957. He received a BA in Economics with a minor in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University in 1961. He received an MA in Urban Planning from Columbia University in 1965.

William was a long-time employee of New York State from 1965-2002 (37 years). From 1977-2002 he held positions as Assistant Director, Bureau Chief and Coastal Resources Specialist in the New York State Department of State Division of Coastal Resources.

Bill was a high school basketball player at Massapequa High School and went on to play basketball for Rutgers University.

Bill and his wife Betty enjoyed traveling. Some of their travels included trips to the Greek Islands, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Zion, Monument Valley, New Orleans and many other places. They had a summer home in Newfoundland for 10 years and during that time travelled extensively throughout the province.

Bill was a kind man with a dry sense of humor that people remembered.

A memorial will be announced at a future date.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.CannonFuneral.com

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Community Hospice Foundation 310 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY. 12208 518-482-4433 or online at www.communityhospice.org

View William F. Barton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

Lauren M. Mindel

Lauren Meredith Mindel, 39, of Halfmoon, NY, died on January 17, 2026, at Samaritan Hospital.

Lauren was born on April 18, 1986, in Albany NY. She was the daughter of James and Ellen Mindel.

Ms. Mindel graduated from Niskayuna High School, Class of 2004. She attended HVCC, University at Binghamton, and Albany. Her career goal was to become a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. Throughout her short life she worked primarily in childcare, in after school, pre-school, and special education programs.

In addition to her parents, Lauren is survived by her sister Amelia and her wife Maria Westbrook-Mindel, nephew Kaiden, nieces Kailey and Kailana, and several aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Lauren's Life on Saturday, January 24, from 12 - 2pm, at The Edison Club, Riverview Rd., in Rexford, NY. A Time of Sharing will begin at 1:30pm.

Lauren will be laid to rest at Park View Cemetery at a later date.

Lauren was an organ donor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lauren's name may be made to Donate Life America, by clicking the link below, or to your favorite charity.

View Lauren M. Mindel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Richard O. Weber

Schenectady - Richard O. Weber passed away on December 29, 2025.

He was born on March 31, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York and was raised in Chappaqua, New York. Dick was the son of William and Edith Weber. He graduated in 1943 from the Horace Greeley School and from Williams College, Class of 1949.

Dick’s career was in public affairs, first as a newspaper reporter, editor and photographer, later as a legislative researcher and lobbyist. He retired in January 1996 as a senior policy analyst with the New York State Research Service.

His personal activities included writing freelance for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. He was the author of two books and one unpublished novel on Theodore Roosevelt, a biography of TR as Governor of New York. He was also a prolific gardener in his free time and took great joy in showing off his beautiful gardens. This he learned from his father who ran a florist shop for years in Chappaqua.

He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth M. Weber as well as two sons, George D. Hall and Alan P. Hall and one grandson, Nicholas Bumbarger.

Dick is survived by eight children, Dianne (James) Bischof of Galway, NY; Gary (Maureen) Hall of Houston, Texas; Luana (Richard) Bogue of Okatie, SC; Stephen (Kathie) Hall of Schenectady, NY; Sharalyn (Sye) Prim of Constable, NY; Madonna (Bruce) Bumbarger of Pottstown, PA; Lorraine Hall of Scotia, NY; and William Weber of Albany, NY. He had 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, all of whom gave him much joy. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Weber Kaye of Waquoit, Massachusetts and two nieces.

A private funeral service will be held for family at Jones Funeral Homes, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie followed by private internment in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in memory of Richard Weber to: The Central Park Rose Garden – Rose Garden Restoration Committee, P.O. Box 3814, Schenectady, NY 12303 (Schenectadyrose.com)

We would like to give our thanks to the wonderful staff of both Judson Meadows Assisted Living of Glenville, NY and Kingsway Arms Nursing Center of Schenectady, NY. They took such loving care of our father and we are forever grateful for their devotion to him. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.JonesFuneralNY.com

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01/01/2026

As we move into a new year, we know this transition can feel especially heavy for those who are grieving. While the calendar turns and the world speaks of fresh beginnings, many families are stepping into a year their loved one will never share, and that can be incredibly hard.

Please know that it’s okay to feel reluctant, uncertain, or even overwhelmed during this time. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and there is no “right” way to enter a new year after loss.

Our hearts remain with you, just as they were when we first had the honor of serving your family. We are wishing peace for you and your family this new year.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to all of the families we have been honored to serve. 🎄❤️

Today can bring a mix of emotions, especially for those who are navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one. Traditions may feel different, and moments of joy and sadness can exist side by side and that’s okay.

If it brings you comfort, we encourage you to share memories, tell stories, and speak the name of those you hold close in your heart. Remembering them is a meaningful way to keep their love present today.

From our family to yours, we are wishing you peace and comfort this Christmas.

12/11/2025

William C. Rochelle, Jr.

In keeping with William's wishes there will be no services.

View William C. Rochelle, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/27/2025

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

We understand that each holiday can bring its own challenges when you’ve experienced a loss. Today, we hope you are surrounded by loved ones who support you and comforted by cherished memories that carry you through the day and the season ahead.

Take care of yourselves, and know that you are not alone. 🍂💛

11/18/2025

Salvatore "Sam" Nicastro

Colonie – Salvatore “Sam” Nicastro, 94, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday November 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Schenectady on May 29, 1931 to the late Salvatore and Rosa DiBella Nicastro. Sam is the beloved husband of Angeline “Angie” Perfetto Nicastro, whom he married on June 6, 1953.

Sam was orphaned at age five and was raised by his loving Godparents Domenica and Rosario Catalfamo, who had six children of their own. Sam was 1950 graduate of Nott Terrace High School He loved music, especially Frank Sinatra. A tenor sax player, Sam was popular in high school where he had his own seven-piece band. He played for many weddings, parties and other social events. He later played in Lenny Riccardi’s band for twenty-five years. Sam joined the Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953.

He took delight and pleasure with his grandchildren. He gave them love, time, support and encouragement. Sam encouraged his children to be the best at whatever they did in life. He was always a call away for whatever they needed. His family always looked to him for wisdom and guidance.

Sam was a man of faith and honor. He had been an altar server at St. Anthony’s Church as a young man and has been a longtime communicant of St. Luke’s Church. Sam had an enthusiasm for simplicity of life. He found great joy in family gatherings. He embraced the success of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren leaving them with his legacy of striving for excellence and strong work ethics with honesty. Sam retired from Condec after twenty-five years. He enjoyed working for his son’s business Albany Pools and City Laudromat.

In addition to his beloved wife Angie, Sam is survived by his children, Michael (Joanna) Nicastro, David Nicastro (JoAnn), Michele (Robert) Lesniak and Paul (Debra) Nicastro. He is the grandfather of Christina (Mark) LeMorta, Deanna (Justin) Witte, Michael (Kirsten) Nicastro, Sam Nicastro (Erik), Grace Nicastro (Brendon), Sophia Nicastro (Will), Sawyer Nicastro, Viviana Nicastro, Cooper Nicastro, Keri (Miquel) Yanez, Dana Lesniak (Tim), Kyle (Meg) Lesniak, Casey, Gabriela, Isabella and Mateo Caprini. He is the great grandfather of Luke and Brooks Witte, Mark and Christian LeMorta. Sam was predeceased by his beloved parents, Salvatore and Rosa DiBella Nicastro. He is the brother of the late Anita Tropea, Anna Catalfamo, Mary Napoletan, Carmella Mirabile, Joseph (Judge), Dominic and Anthony Catalfamo.

Sam’s family extends their profound gratitude to Dr. Parag Parikh for his outstanding care and knowledge. Special thanks to Community Hospice and his dedicated nurses, Lou Brown and Paul Thomas.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Sam’s family on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at Cannon/Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:00 at St. Luke’s Church, Schenectady. Entombment will follow at Memory Gardens. In keeping with Sam’s wishes and in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.

View Salvatore "Sam" Nicastro's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

Michael A. Ottati Jr.

Schenectady- Michael Anthony Ottati, Jr. (83), of Schenectady passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025, peacefully, at home.

Michael was born on October 1, 1942, in Schenectady, NY, the son of Michael Anthony Ottati, Sr. and Mary Murphy Ottati. He was a 1960 graduate of Linton High School and 1964 graduate of Wagner College (Staten Island, NY), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from SUNY Albany in 1965. He began his career at the Children’s Home Society of Schenectady for 10 years before joining the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (Division for Youth) for twenty-five years until his retirement in 2001.

In retirement, Michael enjoyed many years of traveling with his wife, family & friends. He was also an avid golfer and most enjoyed spending pure enjoyment and unforgettable moments with his grandchildren.

Michael was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Michael was pre-deceased by his wife of 56 years, Nancy W. Ottati, and his grandson, Vance Michael Ottati. He is survived by his loving and adoring children Christopher M. Ottati and his husband David Rivera of Connecticut and Andrew R. Ottati, his wife Maureen and their children, Colden and Mallari, of Schenectady, his brother, Patrick Ottati of Hampton Bays, New York, as well as a niece and several nephews. He is also survived by many cousins and a large extended family, as well as a large and extended group of amazing and loving friends, co-workers and neighbors made over her many years in Schenectady.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the City Mission of Schenectady are encouraged.

Calling hours for Michael will be 10am to 12pm on Friday, November 14th at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.jonesfh.net.

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