Hall & Higgins Funeral Home

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patricia Lee Overly, on November 24, 2023. Patricia was born in 1932 and raised in Queens, NY, the second of six children of Emma and Lawrence De LaRue. Patricia left Richmond Hill school to pursue a position at AT&T until she met the man of her dreams, George T. Overly, Jr., who she married in 1952 at the height of the Korean War. In 1953 they were blessed with a son George T. Overly, III and a daughter Patricia Ann in 1956. Upon her husband's return from Korea they moved to Canaan, NY in 1954 where she has lived to her last days. Patricia is predeceased by her beloved husband,...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Everett Daniel Madden, 81, who passed in the comfort of his home on November 19, 2023 with his family and his wife of 42 years, Tammy, by his side. Everett was born May 9, 1942 to Lawrence & Betsey (Swarthout) Madden. A lifelong resident and current Town Councilman of Stephentown, Everett grew up on the family farm that his grandparents established on Madden Road. After graduating from Berlin Central School in 1960, Everett worked at Fuller Brush Company and sold encyclopedias to put himself through college at State University College at Buffalo. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in education, he taught industrial arts at...

Marguerite (Peg) McCauley, recently passed on October 31, 2023 from a long illness. She was born in Pittsfield MA on December 12, 1938. She graduated from New Lebanon Central School in 1956. Peg is predeceased by her parents Norman and Mable (Palmer) Engwer, and her eldest son, David Kennedy of St. Louis, MO; two brothers Nelson and Charles Engwer and a sister Norma (Engwer) Brands of Hickory, NC. Peg is survived by her two children Scott McCauley of Kentucky and Torey (Wendling) Cokcic of Florida; her sister Hazel (Engwer) Dewey of Woodstock, GA and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family will have a celebration of Peg's life to be announced at a later...

Allen E. Sicley, Sr., 94, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at the Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility in Pittsfield, MA. He was born in Sand Lake, NY on April 8, 1929, the son of the late John and Thressa (Maxon) Sicley. He was raised in Berlin, NY and was a graduate of Berlin High School, class of 1948. He married Marion C. Palmer on August 6, 1949 at the Stephentown Federated Church. Allen was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War serving aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Leyte. He was employed by the General Electric Co. in Pittsfield, MA and Schenectady, NY for over 37 years as a draftsman and transformer engineer before retiring in 1989. He later was a consultant...

Michael J. Morris, 70, died peacefully in his home with his family by his side after a challenging battle with ALS. The scientist in him led him to do extensive research to learn as much about the disease as possible. Michael is survived by his wife, Jennifer Jay Morris; his children, Jessica Lynn (Daryl Maxon) Rontey, Brian Michael (Jessica) Morris, Sarah Elizabeth (Zachary) Leonard and David Michael (Sarah Forsythe) Morris all of Stephentown; five grandchildren, Allie Elizabeth, Madison Dorothy, Aidan Peter, Mason Michael and Addie Evelyn. He is the brother of Anthony (Deborah) Morris and Mark (Lynn) Morris both of Stephentown, Joseph (Carol) Morris of Troy and the late John Morris. He...

WEST LEBANON, NY - Helena Ruth Cummings, 79, passed away at the Berkshire Medical Center on Monday, May 1, 2023. Born in Staten Island on October 11, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Gunnar and Ruth (Butler) Hermanson. Helen grew up in Staten Island and graduated from New Dorp High School in 1961. She worked at several banks over the next several years, including the Chase Manhattan Bank, First Niagara, and Berkshire Bank. In her free time she enjoyed reading her favorite books, playing on her computer, tending to the flowers in her garden, and spending time at Sacandaga Lake. While there was much that brought Helen joy, nothing made her happier than time spent with her family....

Norman Robert Rathbun, Sr., 79, lifelong resident of Hancock, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Born in Hancock on July 17, 1943, he was the son of the late Julius Rathbun and Olive White. Norman graduated from New Lebanon Central Schools in 1961. He worked as a dairy farmer on his own farm and at several local farms for many years. In his free time he could often be found keeping his property clear, mowing the yard, cutting firewood for the house, or working in the garden. He also enjoyed watching the wildlife from the porch. Norman was easy going, hard working, and an absolute pleasure to be around. Norman is survived by his children; Elizabeth (Michael) Farrell of...

Norman Robert Rathbun, Sr., 79, lifelong resident of Hancock, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Born in Hancock on July 17, 1943, he was the son of the late Julius Rathbun and Olive White. Norman graduated from New Lebanon Central Schools in 1961. He worked as a dairy farmer on his own farm and at several local farms for many years. In his free time he could often be found keeping his property clear, mowing the yard, cutting firewood for the house, or working in the garden. He also enjoyed watching the wildlife from the porch. Norman was easy going, hard working, and an absolute pleasure to be around. Norman is survived by his children; Elizabeth (Michael) Farrell of...

Sandra D. Gale, 79, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023. Born June 12, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Robert Dame and Bertha Northup Young. Sandy worked as a Quality Control Inspector for Becton Dickinson until her retirement. In her free time she loved tending to the flowers in her garden and reading her favorite books. She also had a soft spot for animals, especially horses. She will certainly be missed by all her family and friends. Sandy is survived by her two sons, Russell (Barbara) Gale, Jr. of Stephentown, NY and Matthew Gale of Holland, MA, her two granddaughters, Sonja (Jose) Rodriguez and Samantha (Charlie Osterhout) Gale, and her three great-grandchildren; Kristopher,...

STEPHENTOWN, NY - Judith "Judy" Charlotte Pierson, age 83, formerly of Stephentown, quietly passed away at Mt. Carmel Care Center in Lenox, Massachusetts on March 8, 2023. Judith was born in Elida, Ohio, daughter of the late Wayne and Ruth Teegarden Pierson. She graduated from Newark (Ohio) High School in 1957 and Bowling Green State University in 1961, where she was a member of the Mortar Board honor society and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. She received her MS degree in 1968 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Judith started her career as a teacher in Euclid, Ohio, before moving to Connecticut where she was a guidance counselor for Litchfield Public...

Stephentown - Lawrence G. Mullaly, 62, passed away at home on December 21, 2022. Born in Pittsfield on October 1, 1960, he was the son of the late John and Helen (Manns) Mullaly. Larry was raised in East Nassau NY. As a young man he spent his summers at his family cabin in Pike Bay, Canada. He was a proud member of Local 40 heat and frost insulators union for most of his adult life. Larry was a sincere and kind man who was known for his love of Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead. Larry had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. He had a passion for gardening, the outdoors and animals. Larry and Lori established the Misfits Farm at their home and cared for many animals over the...

Charles Douglas "Doug" Banker, 76, of Lebanon Springs, NY, passed away November 27, 2022 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born June 15, 1946, in Rochester, NY, to Charles Waters and Margaret Mary Scheidt Banker. Graduated Phoenix Central School 1964. Received B.S. Physics Le Moyne College 1968. Served US Army Signal Corps 1970-1973. Worked as engineer GE/Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin/General Dynamics. Retired as Senior Manager IT Operations 2006. Doug will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to community service and his passion for bringing people together through music. Predeceased by wife Ah-Nee 2013, brother Frank 1971, and sister Kathryn 2022. Survived by children, Margaret...

Stephentown - David D. Desormeaux, 80, of Stephentown, New York, went to his eternal home on November 10, 2022. Dave was born on March 4, 1942, in Cohoes, New York, the son of the late Jules and Lucy Desormeaux. Dave was married to his wife, Laurette, for 59 years and co-founded and operated Dave's Supermarket in Stephentown for 37 years. He was involved in the community as a deacon in the Catholic Church, as a volunteer firefighter, and as an emergency medical technician. He served in the US Army from 1962 to 1965, which brought him to Japan. Dave leaves behind his wife, Laurette; three daughters, their husbands; and eight grandchildren: Marie, Peter, Ryan, Christopher, Matthew, and...

Jo Soldato Raney, 75, passed away August 1, 2022. Born in Pittsfield on January 15, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Mario and Julia Soldato. Jo grew up in New Lebanon and was a 1965 graduate of New Lebanon Junior-Senior High School. She went on to attend UMass-Boston where she earned her Master's degree. She lived in Boston, Wareham, MA, California, and eventually settled back home in New Lebanon where she was an Art teacher and president of the Teacher's Union until her retirement. In her free time Jo loved to tend to her garden, read books, sew, and knit. She was always down for a good debate over just about anything. She could often be found with a smile on her face as she always...

Maria Zwack, of Stephentown, New York, passed away on April 19, 2022. Born in 1932 in the village of Bakonypoloske in Hungary, she was one of seven children of Frank and Ida Mohos, now deceased. She married Frank Zwack, who predeceased her on May 16, 2019, and during their 68 year marriage they raised two sons, Henry F. Zwack (Laura) and Frank J. Zwack (Deborah). She is also survived by five grandchildren, Bridget M. Roberts (Brian), F. Joseph Zwack (Amanda), Mark J. Zwack, Michael F. Zwack and John H. Zwack (Joella), and five great-grandchildren, Joseph M. Zwack, Malorie Zinc, Natalie M. Roberts, Benjamin H. Zwack and Elliott J. Zwack. Maria is also survived by her sisters Elza M....

STEPHENTOWN, NY - Anna F. Esposito, 91, a lifelong resident of Stephentown, died Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Fairview Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Great Barrington, MA. Anna was born in Pittsfield, MA on December 25, 1930, the daughter of the late John Esposito, Sr. and Mary Ezzo Esposito. She was employed by the New York State Dept. of Taxation & Finance in Albany for many years before retiring. Anna was a faithful communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Stephentown. She was an avid bowler at Larabowl Lanes in New Lebanon. She enjoyed traveling especially to Maine as well as spending time at the casino. She was a member of the Poestenkill Senior...

NEW LEBANON, NY - Matthew J. Larabee, 55, passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on Monday, February 7, 2022 surrounded by loved ones after suffering a cardiac event. Matthew was born on August 21, 1966 in Pittsfield, MA to Malcolm and Susan (Miller) Larabee. He was a graduate of St Joseph's High School in Pittsfield, and a lifelong employee in the family business, Larabee Fuel, Co. Inc. of New Lebanon. Matthew had a passion for helping others, which started in childhood, collecting funds for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. This developed into an annual carnival-style fundraising event, which was enjoyed by all. Matthew presented his donation yearly on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day...

Mary U. Volpi passed away peacefully on January 13, 2022 at the age of 95. She was born August 7, 1926, in Brooklyn, NY to Phillip and Mary McCarthy. Mary was fun loving, loved music, and was a member of the choir at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Lebanon, NY. At various times in her life, Mary worked as a teacher's aide and volunteered with community hospice. Mary and her husband, Frank, who predeceased her, lived in Stephentown, NY for most of their lives. Together, they had a family of 11 children. Mary also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She will certainly be missed by her family. In keeping with her wishes,...

Everette E. "Ted" Cooke, 82, died Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Fairview Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Great Barrington, MA. He was born in St. Albans, VT on July 16, 1939, the son of the late Everette Leland Cook and Kathryn Cooke. He was raised and educated in West Swanton, VT. He was a US Air Force veteran serving his country from 1956-1960. Everette was a certified orthotist and was the owner of Cooke & Burnell Orthopedics in Pittsfield, MA for over 35 years before retiring 5 years ago. He was an avid hunter and archer, reaching state championship level in archery at one time. He enjoyed dancing, country music and bowling. He also loved his...

Phyllis Hulbert, 74, of West Lebanon, NY, died on 7/20/2021 at Berkshire Medical Center after a brief illness. Born on April 18, 1947 in Great Barrington, a daughter of Natalie E. and William R. Huggins. Phyllis was a proud member of the Lebanon Valley Protection Association (LVPA) for 44 years. Her proudest moments were driving for the Greyhound Bus line out of Albany, NY as one of the first woman drivers as well as her 37 years of service with the New Lebanon School District as a bus driver. Phyllis is survived by her daughter, JoAnna Phillips (Todd) of Pittsfield; Sister Patricia Burnell of West Lebanon; Brother, William Huggins (Martha) of Pittsfield; Sister, Pamela Breen (George) of...

Leonard Joseph "Rocky" Brown, Jr., passed away at home on Sunday evening, July 11, 2021. Born in West Stockbridge, MA, on July 25, 1933, he was the son of the late Leonard and Norma (Zanconato) Brown. Rocky graduated from NLCS in 1953 and worked for Streater Industries for 30 years, starting as a cabinet maker and retiring as a plant manager. After retirement, he and his grandson started Taconic Valley Landscaping. He was also a substitute teacher, coached basketball and Little League in N.L. and Salinas, CA. Rocky served his country proudly in the US Navy as a member of the Seabees. He loved the Red Sox, Celtics, softball, basketball, bowling, fishing and camping. Rocky's greatest joy...