Jones Funeral Home, Inc.

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.

View Michael A. Ottati Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/31/2025

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Halloween!

We understand that the holidays can bring a wide range of emotions. Whether Halloween was your loved one’s favorite holiday, marks the anniversary of a loss, or certain seasonal symbols trigger emotion. We’re here to offer support and care as you navigate this time.

09/17/2025

Maureen E. Topping

NISKAYUNA - Maureen Elizabeth Topping, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Albany on August 23, 1938 to the late Kathleen and William Wydrakowski. Maureen was predeceased in 2018 by her husband of 57 years, Russell L. Topping.

She graduated from the Academy of Holy Names, Class of 1956. Maureen received a BS in Nursing from the College of St. Rose in 1960 and an MS in Medical Surgical/Nursing Administration from Russell Sage College in 1985. She began her nursing career at Albany Memorial Hospital as a staff nurse. During the eleven years at memorial, she held positions as Head Nurse and part time evening Supervisor, eventually accepting a position as Medical-Surgical Nursing Instructor at the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She became an Instructor at the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing from 1975 until he retirement in 2006. At EHSON, she taught Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing in the classroom and clinical areas of ICU, Interventional Cardiology and, during summer clinical experiences, Psychiatric Nursing. Maureen served as Senior level course coordinator, Admissions and Evaluations Chairperson and school Catalog co-chairperson.

She was a certified Catechist for many years in the Faith Formation Program at St. Kateri Parish Church enjoying the enthusiasm and joy of the second graders preparing to receive the Holy Eucharist. She was elected to serve on the Saint Rose Alumnae National Board of Directors and participated on the Advisory Board of the Visiting Nurses Association of Schenectady for many years.

She enjoyed music, especially classical piano and Chopin, old movies, Broadway plays, gardening, sewing, baking, decorating almost anything, anywhere, oil painting among other crafts, traveling, reading, Siena basketball with Russ and contemplating finishing her novel. Luncheons with AHN and CSR alum were always a highlight of each month. She loved Martha’s Vineyard vacations where the family gathered for 20 years. She treasured memories of her grandparents, aunts and uncles from Albany, Castleton and Brookview; memories which were dearly kept alive during visits with her cousins. At the center of all enjoyment were her special and talented grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Sheila M. Wagner (Eric) of Glenville, David A. Topping (Claudia Mills Topping) of Ballston Spa, Andrew R. Topping (Michelle Kyzer Topping) of Virginia and six grandsons, Zachary Anderson (Emily) of Rotterdam; Ryan Topping of Albany and Nicholas Topping (Heidi) of Guilderland; Matthew Topping of Virginia; Sean Topping of California, and Alex Topping of Arizona. One great granddaughter Maddison Emery Anderson. She is also survived be her best friend of 74 years, Kathy O’Connor with whom she shared many great adventures and stories with.

The family would also like to thank Carol Renna for her kind and compassionate care.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Maureen’s family on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 9:00 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Rosa Rd. Schenectady. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady (www.communityhospice.org) or Academy of Holy Names (www.ahns.org). To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.jonesfuneralny.com

View Maureen E. Topping's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/11/2025

Today marks 24 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Though time has passed, the weight of that day and the emotions it carries remain just as strong. We hold close in our hearts the memory of those we lost and extend our love to all who continue to feel the pain of that loss. We will never forget.

09/06/2025

Faye A. Minard

Schenectady – Faye Minard, age 79, of Niskayuna passed away on September 4, 2025 at Ellis Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born on March 1, 1946 and was a lifelong resident of Schenectady NY. She was the daughter of the late Bertha L. Silverman and H. Kamien Silverman. Faye and her family were instrumental in the founding of the Schenectady ARC (became part of Liberty ARC in 2024), where Faye participated in both day, residential and clinical programming throughout her life.

Faye was a very social woman who loved to greet everyone she met with an exuberant handshake! She never forgot your name once she met you! She also loved to take pictures of her friends and staff, keeping them in photo albums that she spent many hours looking through and reminiscing about. As technology changed, she even kept up with the times and enjoyed many digital photo frames and learning to use her iPad. Her other favorite pastime was watching cooking shows on TV – especially Rachel Ray, who she and a friend had the honor to meet!

A sincere thank you to all of the staff at ARC, especially at Westfall House where she lived for over 30 years, who helped Faye live a full and happy life.

She is survived by her sister, Marguerite Borchers of Santa Barbara California.

Funeral services will be at 12 noon at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave Colonie on Monday September 8, 2025. Visitation will be Monday morning from 11am to 12pm at the funeral home. Burial to be at a later date at Albany Rural Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.jonesfh.net

View Faye A. Minard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2025

Marianne Helene Hustedt

Niskayuna, NY – Marianne Helene (Blaffer) Hustedt of Niskayuna, Cherry Plain, and Bellmore, New York, passed away at the age of 100 on September 2, 2025 at the Teresian House, Albany, NY.

Marianne was born in Bremerhaven, Germany on July 5, 1925 to Heinrich and Frieda Blaffer. She trained as a clerk in a mercantile store, but was sent to work on a farm in Elmlohe during the war years. There she met the love of her life, Hans Hustedt. They were married in 1946 and in 1957 emigrated to Bellmore, NY, where they raised their family. In 1983 Hans and Marianne retired to Cherry Plain, NY, where they built a home, and spent happy years enjoying the beauty of their surroundings in the Taconic Mountains. Marianne enjoyed caring for her beautiful flower gardens, preserving the bounty of their vegetable gardens, embroidering, crocheting, knitting, keeping fit with aerobics, and reading. Marianne was a member of the Berlin, NY Garden Club for many years. Hans and Marianne were able to travel extensively during their retirement years. In 2012 they moved to Niskayuna to live with their daughter and son-in-law. Marianne attended the Niskayuna Reformed Church where she belonged to the Book Club and the Women’s Fellowship Group.

Marianne was a devoted mother to her five children, a loving “Oma” to her eight grandchildren, and was delighted to become “Omama” to six great grandchildren. She has passed along her love for gardening and making special family dishes, and created many cherished memories of times together on the Cherry Plain homestead.

Marianne was predeceased in 2013 by her husband of nearly 67 years, Hans H. L. Hustedt; also by her sisters Elfriede Mangels and Gerda Helmke, and by her brother, Heinz Blaffer. She is survived by her five children, Wolfgang Hustedt (Carol) of Hertford, NC; Doris Kessler (Richard) of Santa Fe, NM; Hans Hustedt (Micki Carpenter) of Lexington, SC; Traute Lehner (John) of Niskayuna, NY; and Marianne Barker (David) of Saratoga Springs, NY; and by eight grandchildren, Paul Hustedt-Krasnove (David) of Portland, OR, Erik Hustedt (Kristin) of Patchogue, NY , Gail Alexander (Sean) of Ft. Myers, FL, Sarah Kessler (Karen Tongson) of Los Angeles, CA, William Kessler (Jordan) of Santa Fe, NM; Nicholas Lehner (Ana Maria) of Powell, OH, Stephanie Rowe (Alan) of Indianapolis, IN, and Christine Hustedt (Michael England) of Chesapeake, VA; and by six great-grandchildren, Jacob Rowe, Ethan Hustedt, Robert Lehner, Samuel Kessler, Elijah Kessler, and Stephen Alexander. She is also survived by her sister, Helke Stickan (Horst) and three sisters-in-law, Thea Blaffer, Meta von Glahn (Helmut), and Henny Satzinger, all of Germany, along with many friends and loving nieces and nephews in both the US and Germany.

The family offers their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Teresian House for their compassionate care of Marianne during her final years.

Calling hours are scheduled at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie, from 4 – 7 pm on Friday, September 19. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 20 at the Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, with burial in the church cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marianne’s name may be made to the Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Niskayuna, NY 12309, or to the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.jonesfh.net.

View Marianne Helene Hustedt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

Today, we pause to honor the hard work, dedication, and compassion that shape our communities. Wishing everyone a meaningful Labor Day—may it be filled with rest, gratitude, and appreciation for the difference you make every day.

08/27/2025

The more we try to push grief away, the longer and more painful the journey becomes. By welcoming grief with openness, we create space for true healing. As strange as it may feel, try to invite grief in like a friend—you can be mad, you can be sad, but at its core, every feeling is rooted in deep love.

08/05/2025

These words remind us that shedding tears is not a sign of weakness, but rather a natural and necessary part of the healing journey. Mourning through tears can help ease the weight of sorrow and guide us towards a sense of peace.

07/31/2025

William P. Van Patten

AMSTERDAM – William P. Van Patten, 55, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

He was born at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady on May 8, 1970 to Kristine Ruth Barbuti. Bill graduated from Linton High School and Schenectady Community College.

He was in the food service industry from age 16 to the present. He worked at Glens Falls Hospital and presently at Saratoga Hospital.

Bill is survived by his mother Kristine Barbuti and his girlfriend Corinne Ferrarin. He also has three stepsisters and one stepbrother. Many aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Bill was a board gamer, Geocaching and a steampunker. He was also a huge Star Wars fan.

On Saturday August 2nd there will be a visitation at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie from 2 pm to 6 pm for family and friends. A short service will follow at 6 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saratoga Hospital Foundation www.saratogahospitalfoundation.org. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.jonesfuneralny.com.

View William P. Van Patten's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/23/2025

Grief can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Many have walked this road of loss, and in that shared experience, there is comfort and connection. Lean on those around you; you are not alone.