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Memoriam
We celebrate the lives of fellow 46ers who are now climbing the celestial hills, wishing them peace.
2020
Steven Allen #653
Warren McLane #298
Obituary: Warren McLane dies at 102
Warren Jay McLane, 102, of Niskayuna, died Sunday, May 10, 2020. Warren was born April 12, 1918, and lived in the Schenectady area all his life. He graduated from Purdue University in Indiana and worked as a GE engineer for over 40 years. Warren loved the outdoors and hiking. He was an early member of the ADK 46ers, the 298th person to climb all 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks, which he completed in 1943.
He is survived by his wife Austra (also an ADK 46er) and son Kevin McLane, and nieces and nephews Beth Rooney, Bruce, Bernard, Michael, Shelby, Osasha, Erica and Ellsie Fertal.
A visitation will be held at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Ave., Schenectady from 9:45 to 10:30 am, Friday, May 14, prior to a graveside service at 11 am at Memory Gardens in Colonie, NY. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required, and viewers are limited to 10 at one time in the funeral home. If you would like to send memories to the family, email them to brooney150@gmail.com.
https://www.bondfuneralhome.com/
Clark Gittinger #103W
Norman Clark Gittinger
1930 - 2020
Niskayuna - Norman Clark Gittinger, 89, passed away peacefully at Ellis Hospital on Saturday, March 28, 2020 after a short illness.
He was born in Pueblo, CO on September 23,1930, the son of James Allen Gittinger and Muriel Clark Gittinger. He attended public schools and graduated from the University of Colorado with a MS in Electrical Engineering. He was immediately hired by General Electric where he had a career of 37 years with the Global Research & Development Center, formerly the General Engineering Lab. He received many patents. He received a master's degree from RPI. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. Following retirement in 1989, he volunteered with a group of GE Volunteers (formerly GE Elfuns) repairing talking book machines for the New York State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. He designed a special unit for testing amplifier boards which was shared nationally. He did this until his death.
His love of music took him to the Schenectady Light Opera Company where he volunteered for many years in set construction and stage crew. He also enjoyed the Schenectady Symphony, the classical programs at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and occasional trips to the new Metropolitan Opera Company.
He was an amateur radio operator with the call sign KG2AO and was a member of the Schenectady Amateur Radio Association frequently volunteered for public service events. For a couple of years, he was also the editor of the club newsletter and received the Boughton Award for outstanding service, He built his first radio when he was about 10-and it still works.
Clark lived a full life enjoying many outdoor activities. He was an avid hiker. He was an Adirondack Forty-Sixer and one of the first to climb them all in the winter. He was also a New England 4000 Footer a New Hampshire 4000 Footer and a Northeast 111er. He also completed the Catskill 3500. He completed the Northville Lake Placid Trail in 2 sections. With his wife, he completed the Appalachian Trail. In Colorado, he hiked 39 of the 14,000 foot peaks. One time, while working in California, he climbed Mt. Whitney the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. With a friend and a guide, he summited Mt. Rainier. He also enjoyed canoeing and cross country skiing. He was a Charter Member of the Schenectady Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, and served as Chairman of the Outings Committee and the Trails Committee during the 60's. He was also a member of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers, The Catskill 3500 Club, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Appalachian Mountain Club and the Schenectady Wintersports Club.
He was a World Traveler. He visited all 50 states and starting in November, 1999 he and his wife enjoyed a four month seven continent millennium cruise celebrating New Year's 2000 at a Tango Restaurant in Buenos Aires. He has been on several trips to Europe and South Africa, to Antarctica 3 times and a few trips in the High Arctic- preferring Arctic regions to the tropics or big cities. At one time, he and his wife spent 3 weeks in New Zealand and climbed part way up Mt. Cook.
He is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife, Mildred of 38 years, his sister-in-law, Ruth Hyde of Rochester, NY and his many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held when we can once again get together.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to: the University of Colorado, Engineering Foundation, Boulder, Colorado 80309; St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1229 Baker Ave., Schenectady, NY 12309; the Adirondack Mountain Club, 814 Gogigins Road, Lake George, NY 12845 or The Adirondack Forty-Sixers, 29 Maine Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12903.
Arranagements by Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, NY 12304
To plant a tree in memory of Norman Gittinger, please visit Tribute Store
Donald T. Greene #1949
Penny Wiktorek #1584
Gilbert E. 'Gil' Dannenberg #2017
New Comer Family Obituaries - Gilbert E. 'Gil' Dannenberg 1934 - 2020
Gilbert Dannenberg, 85, of Queensbury, died suddenly March 14th. Born June 13, 1934, he was the son of the late Christian and Naomi (Wands) Dannenberg.
Following graduation from Broadalbin Central High School, he continued his education at SUNY Oneonta, where he was freshman class president, student body president and earned the Outstanding Graduate Award.
Gilbert went on to earn a Masters Degree in Science from Union College.
During his 33 year teaching career, he planned and led student tours to Europe, directed a gifted student mathematics program, organized and operated an independent summer school, as well as directed a Counselor Training Program at Camp Chingachgook.
In 1976 his biography appeared in Outstanding Leaders in Elementary and Secondary Education.
As a licensed NYS Guide, Gil hiked all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks, and completed 1000 miles on the Appalachian Trail. On one or more of these occasions, he was accompanied by one or more of his children, whom he always treasured as his hiking partners.
During retirement he entertained with his portable keyboard at senior centers and retirement homes, delivered meals on wheels, helped senior citizens with medical needs, and volunteered tutoring at local schools.
In the 1990's Gil published a book based on the lighter side of teaching, "Candid Classroom", which was featured by "The Humor Project" of Saratoga Springs.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth, siblings, Eugene, Christian Jr, Charles, and Christina.
Gil is survived by his sons James (Larissa) and Michael, sisters, Jean and Jane, as well as 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchilden. He deeply loved all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Services & Gatherings
New Comer - Colonie Area (518-456-4442) is assisting the family.
2019
Lois Smith #1321
Lois B. (Eleanor) Smith
CHILI - Passed away on October 30, 2019 after a long battle with illness. Lois was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 18, 1937. After high school Lois attended nurses training at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, New Hampshire, and graduated as a Registered Nurse. During her nurses training, she met her future husband Douglas Smith. Following her training they were married and moved to Madison, Wisconsin so her husband could continue to work toward his Ph.D. During their time in Madison she bore two sons, David and Bruce.
Following his completion of studies, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where her daughter Barbara was born. They relocated to Webster, NY when her husband went to work for Kodak. While living and raising her children in Webster, Lois founded the Webster Montessori School. She was deeply involved with the Webster Baptist Church, which included a period when she was the church Moderator. Lois's major accomplishment was to see to the development of her children who all became doctors. Following a separation with her husband in 1998 she moved to Chili, NY. She has been active at the Passerine Bird Banding station at Braddock Bay, the Genesse Land trust annual garden tour, and WXXI Public Broadcasting as a volunteer. Lois is also an ADK 46er, having climbed all 46 of the Adirondack Peaks over 4000 feet. She loved canoeing and white-water kayaking, and all things natural. She traveled widely to Africa, India, and Australia and had a deep passion for elephants. Lois designed and helped build a natural wildlife pond in her back yard which is certified by the National Wildlife Association.
Lois is survived by her three children, David, Bruce and Barbara, their spouses, Jeni, Tami and Lynn and three granddaughters, Sara, Brianna, and Emma; her brothers, Karl and Mark Becker and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is being planned for November 15, 2019 at 11:30 AM at the Lodge #1 at Braddock Bay Park in Greece, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lollypop Farm or the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory in her name.
2771 Chili Avenue 426-7830
Fred Whalen #6925
Gerald Carozza #2445
George M. Amedore #1354
George H. Amedore
1947 - 2019
SARATOGA SPRINGS: George H. Amedore, age 72, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019 from Lewy Body Dementia.George was born on April 22, 1947, the son of the late Carl and June Amedore. George attended Schenectady Schools graduating from Mt. Pleasant. While there, he competed in wrestling and had many undefeated seasons. George was a Boy Scout, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.After graduating from SUNY-Albany he worked for Saratoga Schools as a school psychologist. Continuing his studies, he earned an Ed.D. in Educational Administration. He then served as principal of the Division Street School where he was loved by children and staff alike. He was a great advocate for Special Education students, integrating them into the regular classroom long before it was common practice. Dr. “A”, as students called him, then became Assistant Superintendent of South Glens Falls school district and a few years later took the job as Superintendent in Plattsburgh where he stayed for nine years until he retired in 2002. George was also Scout Master for Troop 16 in Saratoga, served as District Chairperson for two years and he served on the AAA Board of Directors for several years. Always active George hiked the 46 Peaks (46er) of the Adirondacks, camped, mountain biked, skied and golfed with his buddies at McGregor Golf links. He also taught skiing at Alpine Meadows in Greenfield, NY and Gore Mountain.As he moves on to Heaven, he leaves many who love him here; his wife of 38 years, Annie A. Amedore; stepsons, Mitchell (Sheri), Todd (Tina); grandsons, Ethan, Alex and the late Andrew; his brother Tom (Maria); a large Amedore family of cousins and many golf and ski buddies. His ashes will be sprinkled on April 22, 2020 on Whiteface Mountain.The family extends a thank you to the staff of Home of The Good Shepherd in Malta for their extraordinary care in the past three plus years.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY. Family and friends may call from 9:00 am to 9:45 am prior to the service at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of George to the Alzheimer’s Association of Albany.
Michael W. Stone #4358
Mimi Moulton #3148
Dallas Cain #1411
Dr. Richard L. Erenstone #683
Dr. Richard L. Erenstone
Dr. Richard L. Erenstone, of Lake Placid, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on the evening of Dec. 29, 2019. He had bravely battled against stage 4 cancer for five years. The diagnosis did not prevent him from living his active lifestyle until recently, when the disease finally overwhelmed his body.
Dr. Erenstone was born July 25, 1947, in Rochester, son of Morton and Adele Erenstone and older brother to Anne (Erenstone) Karpinski. During his active childhood he developed a love for skiing, the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid in particular, where he would later make his home. He also became an Eagle Scout, a point of honor throughout his life, instilling values that he proudly passed to his children and grandchildren. Dr. Erenstone met his wife Denise in Oregon while attending optometry school at Pacific University. The couple soon moved to Lake Placid, where they together started his optometric practice, which became known as Mountain Vision Center. In time they welcomed their son, Jeffrey, and daughter, Brook. During his life, Dr. Erenstone was known for being a dedicated and compassionate optometrist, avid skier and Ironman triathlete.
Dr. Erenstone loved exploring the Adirondack Mountains as well as traveling to adventurous destinations with his family and friends. His dedication to the community has a lasting impact through his founding of the North Country Association for the Visually Impaired, the Lions Club of Lake Placid, Boy Scouts of America, Adirondack Mountain Club and the Adirondack 46ers. Dr. Erenstone particularly enjoyed welcoming visitors and new residents to our community through his work as a Nordic ski patroller, trail steward and good neighbor.
Dr. Erenstone was a dedicated optometrist in this area for 47 years. He began as an independent optometrist but later joined the Eye Care for the Adirondacks practice. He was known for his thorough examinations and his attention to the needs of each individual patient.
Dr. Erenstone is survived by his wife Denise; son Jeffrey; daughter Brook; their spouses Debbie and Taylor, respectively; his grandchildren Holly, Tyler, Canyon and Isla (all of whom affectionately called him Pae); his sister Anne; and his dogs Spirit and Chestnut.
A celebration of Dr. Erenstone’s life will be held Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in the Great Room of the Crowne Plaza at 101 Olympic Drive, Lake Placid. The family will be receiving visitors at 2 p.m. The service will be at 3 p.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Dr. Erenstone’s memory to the North Country Association for the Visually Impaired, 22 US Oval, Suite B-15, Plattsburgh, NY 12903, www.ncavi.org.
The M.B. Clark Inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory or leave condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.
Paul Beyer #3214
Robert L. Carson #249
Robert L. Carson, age 93, a longtime Glenville resident, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Saratoga Springs with his family at his side. He was born on May 28, 1926 in Marion, Indiana, the son of the late Leslie Carson and Yevonne Williams Carson. Robert was educated in the public schools in Indiana and Maryland. Robert was proud to serve with the 6th Armored Division of the US Army in France and Germany during WWII. Robert continued his education attending Purdue University where he earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1950. He then went to work for General Electric as an engineer and engineering manager in the Large Steam Turbine Department for 40 years prior to retiring in 1990. Robert was an avid hiker. He was a member of the Adirondack 46-R Club, having climbed all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks. He loved to ski, sail, canoe, kayak and play tennis. He was an accomplished craftsman, having made many very special pieces of furniture. One of "Papa's" greatest joys was playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him and were touched by him. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Norma M. Carson; daughter, Cynthia Mushroe (Michael) of Spring Lake, Michigan; sons, Dr. Eric Carson (Kathleen) of Saratoga Springs, David Carson (Diane) of Mahopac, NY; seven grandchildren, Kathleen O'Brien (Daniel), Robert Mushroe, Thomas Mushroe, Jenna Hiltz (Alan), Michael Carson, Brian Carson, Chelsea Carson; three great-grandchildren, Liam and Lily O'Brien and Hailey Hiltz; two sisters, Carolyn Jones of Muncie Indiana, and Delores Bray of Mesa, Arizona; several nieces and friends who will miss him dearly. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, followed by a 3 p.m. memorial service at Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Robert can be made to the Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Rd, Burnt Hills, NY 12027. Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
