Mrs. Bernice Butts Stevens, 86, of Saratoga Hospital and Nursing Home, died Tuesday at Saratoga Hospital.

Mrs. Stevens was born in Saranac Lake and moved to Schenectady when she was 13 years old. She was a graduate of the former Nott Terrace High School and Mildred Elley Business School.

She was formerly employed by the state as a secretary.

Mrs. Stevens was a volunteer with the Carman Volunteer Fire Department Women's Auxiliary.

She was a member of St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church.

Mrs. Stevens was the widow of George J. Stevens.

Survivors include a son, James T. Stevens of Amsterdam; two daughters, Anne E. Fowler of Schenectady and Karen L. Keenan of Saratoga, and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
 

Ruth Cunningham
March 12, 1997

Ruth E. Cunningham, 97, formerly of First Avenue, Broadalbin, died Wednesday afternoon at the Masonic Home in Utica.

Born Oct. 8, 1899 in Broadalbin, she was the daughter of William A. and Mary Emily Bartlett Burr and attended school in Broadalbin. She moved to Toledo, Ohio, and completed her education. She graduated from the Mary Law Kindergarten College in Toledo in 1920. At one time, Mrs. Cunningham was a teacher in Toledo. Later, she moved back to Broadalbin where she was employed at the Crossley Glove Co. She resided in Broadalbin for most of her life. In 1994 she moved to Cato, where she lived with her son. She resided at the Masonic Home since December of 1996.

Mrs. Cunningham was a member of the Broadalbin Baptist Church.

She was predeceased by a son, William B. Cunningham, in 1973.

She married Lawrence L. Cunningham on Aug. 7, 1926. He died Dec. 18, 1967.

Survivors include a son, Richard L. Cunningham of Cato; a daughter, Mary M. Tricozzi of Broadalbin; nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home Inc., 38 W. Main St., Broadalbin, with the Rev. Matthew Collins officiating. Spring burial will take place at the Broadalbin Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacandaga Bible Conference in Broadalbin.
 

Roseann Stewart
March 12, 1997

Miss Roseann M. Stewart, 68, of Hallmark Nursing Centre, died Wednesday at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady.

Born in Nelliston, Miss Stewart lived in Syracuse most of her life. She was a resident of Hallmark for the past 15 years.

Miss Stewart was a valedictorian graduate of Fort Plain High School and received a degree in business administration from Syracuse University. She was executive secretary to the credit manager of the John Deere Co. in Syracuse.

Miss Stewart was a member and former president of the Professional Women's Business Club in Syracuse and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Colonists.

She was conference officer of the Wesleyan Service Guild of the First United Methodist Church in Syracuse and a member of the Fort Plain United Methodist Church. 

Survivors include two sisters, Helen Friderici of Schenectady and Cynthia Stewart of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and two brothers, Archie Stewart of Johnstown and Walter Stewart of Florence, Ky.

Miss Stewart has made an anatomical gift to the Albany Medical College.

A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hallmark Nursing Centre or the Niskayuna Reformed Church Heritage Fund.

Arrangements are by the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.
 

Jacob "Jack" Adelman
March 11, 1997

Jacob "Jack" C. Adelman, 90, formerly of Gloversville, died Tuesday at New Reflections Adult Care Facility in Sun City, Ariz.

Born in Gloversville, Mr. Adelman was a graduate of Gloversville High School. he lived in the Gloversville and Amsterdam areas for most of his life, moving to Arizona in 1972.

For 30 years, Mr. Adelman was the former president of the Adelman Leather Co. in Gloversville, retiring in 1972.

He was a member of the Knesseth Israel Synagogue, B'nai B'rith, Jewish Community Center and Pine Brook Golf Club, all in Gloversville.

He was married to Merriam Schaffer Adelman for 57 years.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Gary Adelman of Buffalo; two brothers, Sidney and Morris Adelman, both of Gloversville and two grandchildren.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the Knesseth Israel Cemetery in Gloversville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Knesseth Israel Synagogue, 34 W. Fulton St., Gloversville.

Arrangements are by Hollenbeck Funeral Home, Gloversville.
 

Victor Caponera
March 11, 1997

Victor A. Caponera, 78, of Loudonville, died Tuesday at home after a long illness.

Born in St. Johnsville, Mr. Caponera lived in Glens Falls for several years before moving to Loudonville in 1968.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, serving on Guam and the Philippines.

Mr. Caponera was the superintendent of the Green Island Construction Co. of Colonie for many years, retiring several years ago.

He was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church.

He was married to Ida Tarantelli Caponera.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Carol Howard of Loudonville and Anne Marie Ruggio of Oswego; three sons, Philip S. and Victor A. Caponera Jr., both of Colonie and Roland J. Caponera of Latham; a sister, Rena Buccaferno of Little Falls; a brother, Joseph Caponera of St. Johnsville; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 9 a.m. Friday at the Bowen Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church, 1 Maria Drive. Entombment will be at St. Agnes Mausoleum, Menands.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by the Copeland Funeral Home of New Paltz.
 

Leeona Ambrosino
March 12, 1997

Mrs. Leeona C. Ambrosino of Gloversville, died Wednesday at her home.

Born in Cedarville, Mrs. Ambrosino lived in Gloversville most of her life.

She was a glove maker at Rubin Glove Co. before retiring.

Mrs. Ambrosino was a member of Sacred Heart Church.

Survivors include her husband, Cosimo Ambrosino; a son, Robert J. Ambrosino of Austin, Texas; and a daughter, Sheila Ambrosino of Gloversville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at the Sacred Heart Church. Entombment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to charity.

Arrangements are by the John W. Finocan Funeral Home.
 

Dorian Alvord
March 11, 1997

Dorian E. Alvord, 81, of Ridge Road, Broadalbin, died Tuesday at Saratoga Hospital after a short illness.

Born in Schenectady, Mr. Alvord lived most of his life in the Capital District.

He was a deliveryman for Manly Auto Supply in Saratoga for nearly seven years, retiring in the mid 1980s.

His wife, Dorothy Smith Alvord, died in 1986.

Survivors include a son, Gary W. Alvord of Alpaus; a brother, Robert Alvord of Texas; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at the Baxter-Andrew Funeral Home, 40 N. Brandywine Ave., Schenectady.

There are no calling hours.

Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
 

Clara Andrews
March 13, 1997

Clara T. Andrews. 76, of Lincoln Avenue, Amsterdam, died this morning at the Mount Loretto Nursing Home following a long illness.

Born May 2,1920 in Amsterdam, a daughter of Amidio and Concetta Bucci DiBartolomeo. Mrs. Andrews was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She was first employed for the General Electric Co. and later as a seamstress for the Hanover Dress Shop until retiring. She was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

Her husband, Robert Andrews, died Oct. 29, 1990.

Mrs. Andrews is survived by a son, David R. Andrews of Amsterdam; a sister, Hilda Blizinski of Schenectady; a granddaughter, Dawn Andrews of Amsterdam, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Rossi Funeral Home, 11 Mohawk Place, Amsterdam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary's Church. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made the Alzheimer's Disease And Related Disorders.
 

Leonard Hogan
March 13, 1997

Leonard W. Hogan, 75, of Honey Hill Road, Woodland Trailer Court, Fort Plain, died Thursday morning at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown after a long illness.

Born Feb. 5, 1922 in Kingston, he was the son of the late Charles and Minnie Chase Hogan. He was educated in Kingston.

Mr. Hogan was a self-employed dairy farmer in Fort Plain until 1974 when he worked for Palatine Dye until 1982. He then worked at Keymark in Fonda for 10 years, retiring in 1992. Mr. Hogan lived in Little Falls at one time and lived in Fort Plain since 1937.

He married Mary Hibbard Hogan on March 6, 1943. She died Feb. 2, 1976.

Survivors include four sons, James L. Hogan, Ronald W. Hogan Sr., and Joseph A. Hogan, all of Fort Plain, and Gary B. Hogan of St. Johnsville; three daughters, Jean M. Hazzard and Mary L. Hogan, both of Oppenheim, and Joyce I. Humphrey of Little Falls; a brother, Paul Hogan of Ephratah, and his companion, Alta Beyer of Fort Plain; 21 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at the Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center St., Fort Plain, with the Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. Burial will take place in the Fultonville Village Cemetery at a later date.

Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 126, Canajoharie, 13317.
 

William Phelps
March 13, 1997

William F. "Horse" Phelps, 64, of Theodore Roosevelt Apartments, Amsterdam, died Thursday morning at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital.

Born Sept. 8, 1932 in Schenectady, he was the son of George and Emily Barrett Phelps.

Mr. Phelps was educated in Amsterdam schools and was a 1950 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School.

He was employed as a construction laborer for Union Local 157, Schenectady, and most recently, as a school bus driver for Paul Neznek Inc., Amsterdam.

Mr. Phelps served with the U.S. Air Force for four years and was honorably discharged in 1956.

He was a former member of the Amsterdam Recreation Basketball League, the Amsterdam City Dart League and the Amsterdam City Bowling League.

Survivors include four brothers, Roy Phelps and Robert "Pete" Phelps of the Town of Florida, Joseph Phelps of the Town of Amsterdam and Daniel Phelps of Amsterdam; four sisters, Rose Kwiatkowski of Hagaman, Shirley Bubniak, Virginia Agresta and Inez Gibson, all of Amsterdam, and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the Riley Mortuary Inc., 110 Division St., Amsterdam, with the Rev. Robert E. Doxey, pastor of St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating. Spring interment will be in Green Hill Cemetery, Amsterdam.

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the William F. Phelps Memorial Gift Fund.
 

James Bullett
March 12, 1997

James T. Bullett, 47, of Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, Conn., died Wednesday in New York City after a long illness.

Born on Aug. 16, 1949 in Amsterdam, the son of Phyllis Lyons Bullett of Milford and the late Kenneth J. Bullett. 

He was a lifelong Milford resident prior to moving to New York 10 years ago. He was a 1967 graduate of Jonathan Law School, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State College with a bachelor of science degree and received a master's degree in environmental education from Southern Connecticut State College.

He was a former member of the Columbian Squires of the State of Connecticut.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his maternal grandmother, Gladys Schwartz of Amsterdam; two brothers, Neil Bullett and Brian Bullett, both of Milford, a sister, Kathleen Catalano of Milford and two nephews.

Funeral service will be conducted at 8:15 a.m. Saturday from the Doyle-Sefcik Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, and at 9 a.m. in St. Ann Church with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Kings highway Cemetery, Milford.

Calling are are Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
 

Burton Dolan
March 13, 1997

Burton "Burt" Dolan, 74, of 15 Church St., St. Johnsville, died Thursday at his home.

Born Feb. 23, 1923 in West Turin, he was the son of the late Clifford E. and Mary K. (Birant) Dolan. He was a graduate of Constableville High School and lived for many years in the St. Johnsville area.

Mr. Dolan was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, enlisting on Feb. 1, 1943, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 17, 1945, with the rank of Sergeant.

For many years until his retirement in 1988, Mr. Dolan was employed at Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp. in Canajoharie.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Church.

He married Rose Papa on Nov. 26, 1940.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Peter Dolan of St. Johnsville; a brother, Michael Dolan of Rome; two sisters, Mary Alm of Syracuse and Margaret Fowler of Boonville; a grandson and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in St. Johnsville.Cremation will take place at the Leatherstocking Crematory in Cherry Valley.

There are no calling hours.

Arrangements are by the Smith-Woody and Enea Funeral Home, 9 Center St., St. Johnsville.
 

Rose Verde
March 13, 1997

Mrs. Rose Fiorito Verde, 69, of Harrower Lane, Amsterdam, died Thursday afternoon at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam after a short illness.

Born July 18, 1927 in Gloversville, she was the daughter of Antonio and Carmela Carbonelli Fiorito. She moved to Amsterdam in 1951.

She was a graduate of the Gloversville High School and the Gloversville Business School.

Mrs. Verde was employed as a secretary by the Fulton County 4-H and later as a secretary to the patent attorney at the General Electric Co. in Schenectady. She retired several years ago.

She was a member of the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, the Century Club, and a member and past vice president of the Town of Amsterdam Democratic Club.

Mrs. Verde was a former communicant of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Gloversville.

She married John G. Verde on June 30, 1951.

In addition to her husband, survivors include four sons, John A. Verde of Slingerlands, Michael A. Verde of Canton, Conn., Thomas J. Verde of Redwood City, Calif., and Anthony P. Verde of Amsterdam; her mother, Carmela Carbonelli Fiorito of Amsterdam; five grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 149 S. Main St., Gloversville. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Johnstown, in the spring. 

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Betz Funeral Home Inc., 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation in care of the funeral home.
 

Robert Russ
March 13, 1997

Robert C. Russ, of Maxwell Drive, Niskayuna, died Thursday at St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady after a long illness.

Born May 22, 1925 in Schenectady, he was the son of Clarence and Clara Harrison Russ. He was a graduate of Draper High School and attended Siena College.

Mr. Russ was employed as an accountant for the Tax Department for the State of New York for more than 25 years. He retired in 1988.

He was a member of the Lishakill Reformed Church and a member of the State of New York Tax Department Alumni Association.

Mr. Russ was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Survivors include a brother, Alfred W. Russ of East Orange, N.J., three nieces and one nephew. He is also survived by his dear friend, William D. Forgione of Niskayuna.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Light's Funeral Home Inc., 1428 State St., Schenectady, with the Rev. Thomas Ondra, pastor of the Lishakill Reformed Church, officiating. 

A calling hour will precede the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in Hagaman Mills Cemetery
 

Catherine Purzycki
March 13, 1997

Mrs. Catherine Krempa Purzycki, 77, of Arthur Street, Schenectady, died Thursday at home after a short illness.

A lifelong Schenectady resident, Mrs. Purzycki and her husband operated Hank's Tavern on Turner Avenue, from 1967 until retiring in 1993.

She was a charter member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge 2157 Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the former Polish National Alliance Council 53 May Club.

Mrs. Purzycki played the bass fiddle and was a member of the first all-female orchestra in Schenectady during the 1940s.

She was a communicant of the Church of St. Adalbert and a member of its Altar-Rosary Society.

Her husband of 51 years, Henry S. Purzycki, died in 1994.

Survivors include a son, Robert Purzycki of Boston, Mass., a daughter, Kathleen Purzycki of Schenectady, two sisters, Mary Szpak of Mount Loretto Nursing Home in Amsterdam, and Sophie Wajda of Poughkeepsie; and a brother, Dr. John S. Krempa of Schenectady.

Funeral services will be conducted at 8:15 a.m. Saturday at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., followed at 9 a.m. at the Church of St. Adalbert, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Burial will be in St. Adalbert's Cemetery.

Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady or to the Church Restoration Fund.

Arrangements are by the R.J. DeLuccia Funeral Service.
 

Ronald Cokelet
March 12, 1997

Ronald W. Cokelet Jr.. 23, of Fish House Road, Galway, died Wednesday at home.

Born in Amsterdam, Mr. Cokelet was a lifelong area resident.

He attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School and Amsterdam High School.

Mr. Cokelet worked in the maintenance department of Sam's Club, Latham Farms.

He was a communicant of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church in Hagaman.

Survivors include his mother, Joan Trainor Cokelet; four sisters, Maria A. Wojna of San Francisco, Constance B. Stockowicz of Schaghticoke, Christina L. Garland of Ballston Spa. and Michele D. Mone of Mechanicville; and a step-brother, Michael T. Garrick of Galway.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Stephen's Church in Hagaman. Spring burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Hagaman.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, 12205.

Arrangements are by the Richard J. Ryan Funeral Home in Galway.
 

Raymond Coons
March 12, 1997

Raymond J. Coons, 67, of Rosenburg Road, Sharon Springs, died Wednesday at Bassett Hospital of Schoharie County at Cobleskill after being stricken at home.

Born in Cobleskill, Mr. Coons was a lifelong county resident.

He worked in the warehouse of the Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp. in Canajoharie, retiring in 1991.

Mr. Coons was a former member of the Canajoharie Eagles Aerie and the Canajoharie Moose Lodge.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

Mr. Coons attended St. John's Lutheran Church.

He married Vivian Van Dewerken Coons on Jan. 6, 1953.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Mary and Christine Lippman, both of Hudson; a stepbrother, Gerald Hellijas of West Sand Lake and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home, 1 Chapel St., Cobleskill. Burial will be in Slate Hill Cemetery, Town of Sharon.

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad.