Obituaries
Published obituary notices from our community.
In Memory of Brendan Birns
Brendan Birns, of Margaretville, died early Monday morning November 16th. The Life-partner of Dawn Hamil, Brendan was born June 9,1975 to Catherine Durkin Birns, of Allentown, PA, and Bill Birns of Fleischmanns. A native Catskill Mountain guy, Brendan grew up in New Kingston when that little burg was home to a gaggle of kids: Squires and Fairbairns, Russells and Pritchetts, Doughertys and Balcoms. Brendan is survived by his daughter, Francesca, of New Hartford NY; his parents; his brother Patri…
In Memory of Jerome Jerry A Polak
Jerome “Jerry” A. Polak, of Middlefort Road, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Greene Meadows in Catskill. Jerry was born 83 years ago on May 28, 1942 in Schoharie to Frances J. (Smolarski) and John A. Polak and graduated from Schoharie Central School in 1961. A proud Veteran of the United States Army, he served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971 where he was a decorated helicopter pilot, receiving a Purple Heart. A talented craftsman and contractor by trade, Jerry’s woodworking…
In Memory of Irene A Schmidt
Irene A. Schmidt, of Middleburgh and most recently Cobleskill, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, surrounded by her family. Irene was born 90 years ago on October 10, 1935 in Oyster Bay, NY to Alvina (Ploger) and William von Thaden. Known to many through the years for her keen eye and talent for finding antiques and treasures, her love for preserving history was unquestioned. She operated her antique shop out of her home for many years and la…
In Memory of John F Smith
John F. Smith, of Gorge Road, found eternal peace on Sunday, November 16, 2025. John was born 75 years ago on November 6, 1950 in Coney Island, NY to Mary (Nacy) and John F. Smith, Sr. John loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and taking walks. He enjoyed visiting with friends and waving to passersby on his walks down Main Street. John was a longtime mechanic and bus driver for Middleburgh Central School before retiring and he was a communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. John…
In Memory of Frederick N Lucci, III - 14 November 2025
Frederick N. Lucci, III, 42 of Newington, CT passed away October 21, 2025 at the West Haven Veteran’s Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born at US Naval Hospital Oakland, CA on May 6th 1983 to Linda Ann (McConville) Lucci and Frederick N. Lucci, Jr. Both parents served in the US Navy. Fred is survived by his wife Gillian (Monte) Monte-Lucci – they met while both were in college and are software developers. He was predeceased by his Mother. He is survived by his wife, father, sisters…
In Memory of Werner Rentsch
Werner Rentsch, an accomplished artist, began his career in commercial advertising before dedicating himself fully to painting. His early oil paintings captured the quiet beauty of rural life in upstate New York, inspired by the years he and his wife Gail spent on their farm in Jefferson. There, he nurtured his lifelong love of animals—especially horses—which became both his passion and his artistic focus. Werner’s deep connection with horses, sparked by a generous palomino named Allegro, led h…
In Memory of Gary Groucho Ramundo
Gary "Groucho" Ramundo found eternal peace on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Honey, Dad, Pops, Groucho, Gary, Coach, McGuyver, King Cob, take your pick. Whatever role was needed, he was the guy for the job. He was born on July 20, 1950 in Schenectady to Elizabeth (Carrapellucci) and Daniel Ramundo, Sr. and was a Gilboa-Conesville graduate. Soon after, He went to HVCC to study auto mechanics. After graduating HVCC he was drafted into the US Army where he served from 1970 to 1972. Once back home, he s…
In Memory of Harold Harry Norman Guest III
Harold “Harry” Norman Guest III, 66, of Huntersland, NY, passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2025 surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Huntersland, Harold was born on May 24, 1959, at Cobleskill Hospital, the son of Harold and Arline (Cater) Guest. Harold graduated from Middleburgh Central School and while Harold dreamed of becoming a professional football player, he graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. After college, he entered…
In Memory of Arnold Louis English
Arnold Louis English, 92, of Ploss Road, Richmondville left this world to be reunited with the love of his life, Margret in Heaven on Friday, November 7, 2025. Arnie was born on September 4th, 1933, in Cobleskill to Clayton & Lena (Radliff) English and was a lifelong Schoharie County resident. Arnie was a graduate of the former Richmondville Central School. He received his bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta, where he met his wife, Margret. They married following graduation. He then received hi…
In Memory of Frederick N. Lucci, III
Frederick N. Lucci, III, 42 of Newington, CT passed away October 21, 2025 at the West Haven Veteran’s Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born at US Naval Hospital Oakland, CA on May 6th 1983 to Linda Ann (McConville) Lucci and Frederick N. Lucci, Jr. Both parents served in the US Navy.Fred is survived by his wife Gillian (Monte) Monte-Lucci – they met while both were in college and are software developers. He was predeceased by his Mother. He is survived by his wife, father, sister...
In Memory of Werner Rentsch
Werner Rentsch, an accomplished artist, began his career in commercial advertising before dedicating himself fully to painting. His early oil paintings captured the quiet beauty of rural life in upstate New York, inspired by the years he and his wife Gail spent on their farm in Jefferson. There, he nurtured his lifelong love of animals—especially horses—which became both his passion and his artistic focus.Werner’s deep connection with horses, sparked by a generous palomino named Allegro, l...
In Memory of Gary "Groucho" Ramundo
Gary "Groucho" Ramundo found eternal peace on Sunday, November 2, 2025.Honey, Dad, Pops, Groucho, Gary, Coach, McGuyver, King Cob, take your pick. Whatever role was needed, he was the guy for the job. He was born on July 20, 1950 in Schenectady to Elizabeth (Carrapellucci) and Daniel Ramundo, Sr. and was a Gilboa-Conesville graduate. Soon after, He went to HVCC to study auto mechanics. After graduating HVCC he was drafted into the US Army where he served from 1970 to 1972. Once back home, he spe...