French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home

01/12/2026

George P. Fox Sr 83 died on August 22, 2025. He was born at home in Ghent to Charles Fox and Yvonne French. He grew up in Canaan and lived most of his life in Chatham but recently moved to Georgia. He is survived by his 4 children George, Jr., Cynthia, George H and Craig, 7 grandchildren, 8 Great grandchildren, his sister Elizabeth (David) Chapman and brothers Charles, Fox, Jr and Michael Fox and nieces and nephew. Also, Stepchildren Barry and Timothy Jackson and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, a grandson and his wife Linda Burrows. George retired from Mohawk Valley Utility as an electrician and was a member of the East Coast Riders. Family and friends are invited on January 24th from 1 to 4pm at the Chatham Fire House for a celebration of his life. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

01/08/2026

Anthony M. Adamo died unexpectedly at home on January 5, 2026. Born in Flushing, New York on November 13, 1979 the son of Pauline (Petrone) Bottali and the late Edmund Adamo.
Anthony grew up in New Paltz, New York, after graduating he went on to be an electrician attending trade schools. He would become active in CSEA and work his way through the ranks currently the president of Region III CSEA.
Anthony liked sports enjoying the Yankees and as a devoted Dallas Copyboys fan. He loved his time with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Summer (Linn) Adamo, his step sons Gregory John and Anthony Joseph, his mother Pauline (Ronald) Bottali.
He was predeceased by his step son Dominick Vincent and his aunt Theresa Adamo.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, January 11th at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home 162 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, from 12-3pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 12th at 11 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church Gardiner, NY.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com

Anthony’s time with the CSEA
This was just released from CSEA Local 1000

CSEA is mourning the loss of Southern Region President Anthony Adamo, who passed away this week. He was 46.
“Anthony embodied what it means to be a union leader,” said CSEA President Mary Sullivan. “He believed deeply in standing up for working people and never hesitated to fight for his members. Anthony was an extremely passionate person and made a lasting impact on our union. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the countless members whose lives he touched.”
Born in Flushing, Queens, Anthony graduated from New Paltz High School. He started working at SUNY New Paltz in 1999. Shortly after he was hired at the college, Anthony stepped up as a union activist in CSEA’s SUNY New Paltz Local, beginning his work as a shop steward and grievance representative. In 2009, Adamo was elected local president, serving for 10 years. During this time, he served as the chair of our union’s Statewide Political Action Committee.
Anthony became Southern Region President in 2019 following the retirement of Billy Riccaldo. He was elected as region president in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. He also served as an AFSCME delegate and as Vice President of NYS AFL-CIO.
“Anthony was very close to my heart,” said Sullivan. “I had the privilege of mentoring him and watching him grow into a future leader of this union. His passing is heartbreaking for the brothers and sisters he served alongside, for the many friends he made across CSEA, and for all of us who loved him. We have lost not only a leader, but a dear friend and a true member of our union family.”

01/03/2026

Gloria Rapoport passed away on December 31, 2025, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in the Boston area, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Gloria had been living near family in an assisted living building in Newton, Massachusetts in recent years. She passed away of natural causes with her family by her bedside.
Born in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants Tema and Baruch Olenberg, Gloria spent her early years on Tiffany Street in the South Bronx being raised with her brother Hershel (Harry). She earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Brooklyn College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. Gloria began her career as a biology teacher, but she soon switched to working in biomedical research.
Gloria met Benzion Jacob Rapoport, a Holocaust survivor, on a blind date. A friend had told Ben that he had met the girl for him. Ben and Gloria married in 1957 and lived in Manhattan, first honeymooning in Nova Scotia and then, after setting aside some money, taking a driving honeymoon through Europe. They enjoyed spending time with numerous friends from their college and graduate school years.
Eventually the couple moved to Forest Hills, Queens, and Gloria took time off from her career to raise a family. She had a son, Aaron, and a daughter, Faye. With more love in their hearts, she and Ben adopted a third child, Lisa, from South Korea.
In 1968, the family moved north from New York City to the rural community of Canaan, New York. A talented artist and avid flower photographer, Gloria was inspired by the rural landscapes, wildflowers, and farming communities of upstate New York. Over the years she produced numerous drawings, card sets, and paintings. Watercolor was her favorite medium. Her paintings were featured in shows around the area, and one painting was purchased by a member of the Guggenheim family for the permanent collection of the Clark Museum in Williamstown.
As her children entered their high school years, Gloria began a second chapter in her professional career. She earned a second Master’s Degree in Special Education. She worked briefly at Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth in Canaan before teaching for 10 years at Taconic High School in Pittsfield.
After retiring from teaching, Gloria continued to enjoy drawing and painting, doing crafts, and traveling with her husband. Over the years she and Ben traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Israel, Russia, and Canada.
Gloria was known for her keen intellect and interest in current events, her kind nature, and for sharing cards, letters, knickknacks and thoughtful gifts with family and friends. When she made a personal connection, she maintained that connection for life. She also enjoyed classical music, historical documentaries, and watching gymnastics and figure skating.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Benzion Jacob Rapoport, her brother Hersh and his wife Marlene, and a number of cherished cousins and lifelong friends. She is survived by her son Aaron (Becky) Rapoport, Faye (Jean-Paul) Rapoport DesPres, and Lisa (Les) Rapoport, and her grandchildren Olivia Shoshanna Rapoport-O’Connor and Temma (Angel) Fletes. Gloria is also survived by her nieces Shari (Mike) Nitzan, Brynn (Dov) Sugarman, and Michele (Mike) Hollander, and their families. A burial will be held at the Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham, N.Y. at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 4.
Gloria Rapoport will be dearly missed by the family and friends who loved her. They are comforted by faith that she and Ben are reunited in love and peace, with their youthful health returned.
Condolences may be conveyed at

01/03/2026

Gloria Rapoport passed away on December 31, 2025, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in the Boston area, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Gloria had been living near family in an assisted living building in Newton, Massachusetts in recent years. She passed away of natural causes with her family by her bedside.
Born in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants Tema and Baruch Olenberg, Gloria spent her early years on Tiffany Street in the South Bronx being raised with her brother Hershel (Harry). She earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Brooklyn College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. Gloria began her career as a biology teacher, but she soon switched to working in biomedical research.
Gloria met Benzion Jacob Rapoport, a Holocaust survivor, on a blind date. A friend had told Ben that he had met the girl for him. Ben and Gloria married in 1957 and lived in Manhattan, first honeymooning in Nova Scotia and then, after setting aside some money, taking a driving honeymoon through Europe. They enjoyed spending time with numerous friends from their college and graduate school years.
Eventually the couple moved to Forest Hills, Queens, and Gloria took time off from her career to raise a family. She had a son, Aaron, and a daughter, Faye. With more love in their hearts, she and Ben adopted a third child, Lisa, from South Korea.
In 1968, the family moved north from New York City to the rural community of Canaan, New York. A talented artist and avid flower photographer, Gloria was inspired by the rural landscapes, wildflowers, and farming communities of upstate New York. Over the years she produced numerous drawings, card sets, and paintings. Watercolor was her favorite medium. Her paintings were featured in shows around the area, and one painting was purchased by a member of the Guggenheim family for the permanent collection of the Clark Museum in Williamstown.
As her children entered their high school years, Gloria began a second chapter in her professional career. She earned a second Master’s Degree in Special Education. She worked briefly at Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth in Canaan before teaching for 10 years at Taconic High School in Pittsfield.
After retiring from teaching, Gloria continued to enjoy drawing and painting, doing crafts, and traveling with her husband. Over the years she and Ben traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Israel, Russia, and Canada.
Gloria was known for her keen intellect and interest in current events, her kind nature, and for sharing cards, letters, knickknacks and thoughtful gifts with family and friends. When she made a personal connection, she maintained that connection for life. She also enjoyed classical music, historical documentaries, and watching gymnastics and figure skating.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Benzion Jacob Rapoport, her brother Hersh and his wife Marlene, and a number of cherished cousins and lifelong friends. She is survived by her son Aaron (Becky) Rapoport, Faye (Jean-Paul) Rapoport DesPres, and Lisa (Les) Rapoport, and her grandchildren Olivia Shoshanna Rapoport-O’Connor and Temma (Angel) Fletes. Gloria is also survived by her nieces Shari (Mike) Nitzan, Brynn (Dov) Sugarman, and Michele (Mike) Hollander, and their families. A burial will be held at the Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham, N.Y. at 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 4.
Gloria Rapoport will be dearly missed by the family and friends who loved her. They are comforted by faith that she and Ben are reunited in love and peace, with their youthful health returned.
Condolences may be conveyed at

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12/31/2025

John Fiorillo, a devoted public servant, healthcare strategist, and award-winning playwright, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 82. He died in Lenox, Massachusetts, just five months after the passing of his beloved wife, Anita Pitney Fiorillo. The two shared 56 years of marriage, homes in New York City and Chatham, NY, and a life rich in love, intellect, service, and adventure.

Born in the Bronx, New York City in 1943, John dedicated his career to improving lives through public policy, healthcare reform, and later, the arts. He began in the Executive Office of the President, serving as one of the original field officers for President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. He went on to hold senior leadership roles with the City of New York under Mayor John Lindsay, the Columbia University Medical Center, the American Health Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where he served as Senior Advisor from 1998 to 2002. In 1982, he founded The Health Strategy Group Inc., a healthcare consulting firm that advised over 200 public- and private-sector organizations. John was committed to service by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

John was also a gifted storyteller. After a successful career in public health strategy, he returned to his first love: theater. His early backstage work began as a teenage electrician at Carousel, the original production of The Fantasticks, and the New York Shakespeare Festival. Later, he became a playwright, writing more than 15 full-length and one-act plays, performed across the U.S. and in London. His historically-inspired Leonardo and the intimate Dancing Backwards, which explored aging and caregiving, were among his proudest works. His writing earned awards from the Ashland New Play Festival, Hudson Showcase Theater, and others. He was a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Playwrights and Directors Unit of the Actors Studio, and co-directed Plays in Progress in New York’s Hudson Valley.

John received a B.A. in English, Drama, and Political Science from New York University in 1963 and earned an A.M. in Economic History and American Civilization from Brown University in 1964. He remained deeply curious and intellectually engaged throughout his life. He found joy in storytelling, spirited debate, political discourse, jazz, the theater, and long conversations with friends and family. He loved fishing, playing the piano, and supporting many causes through his charitable giving. John and Anita established a family foundation, Pockets of Change, to support nonprofits in Africa, Latin America and across the United States. They also endowed an internship at Connecticut College for the Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts.

He is survived by his daughter, Alexandra D. Fiorillo of Denver, Colorado, and his granddaughter, Matilda “Tilly” Fiorillo, both of whom he adored.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Columbia County Recovery Kitchen: https://columbiacountyrecoverykitchen.org/how-to-donate/. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com

12/31/2025

ABELES--Sigmund Morton. Noted figurative artist Sigmund Morton Abeles passed away on December 21, 2025, of natural causes. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his daughter, Shoshanna Abeles, and his sons, David Abeles and Maxwell Abeles. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Gina Godwin Abeles. His marriages to Carolyn May and Friedrike Merck ended in divorce. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Nora M. Lavori; his cousin, Harriet Hollander of Florida; and other beloved extended family members. Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Abeles was brought to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the age of two by his mother, Henrietta Banner Abeles, who ran a rooming house on the road snowbirds took to Florida. One of his earliest memories was watching a car carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Bernard Baruch drive along the road in front of his home. A talented artist from a young age, he learned to draw from Life magazine and through visits to Brookgreen Gardens, where he drew figures from the many classical sculptures in their collection. As a student at the University of South Carolina in the early 1950s, Mr. Abeles participated in Civil Rights protests and received his degree in absentia. He attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine and later graduated from Columbia University with an MFA. After serving as an illustrator in the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, Mr. Abeles taught studio art at the Swain School in Rhode Island, Wellesley College, and Boston University. He was Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire, where he taught from 1970 to 1987. Mr. Abeles was a lover of animals, especially horses and dogs. While living in New Hampshire, he owned horses and rode daily - sometimes ba****ck - with his beloved dog, Kaethe, at his side. A talented gardener, both in New Hampshire and at his home and studio (once a firehouse) in Columbia County, NY, he loved rooting around in the soil. In the mid-1990s, Mr. Abeles and his family moved to New York City. After the attacks of September 11, he joined the Parks Mounted Patrol, saying it was "to protect my city." Known as a virtuoso draftsman, Mr. Abeles' work was figurative. He said, "If it doesn't have two eyes, I don't paint it." His work was realistic, with an expressionist cast. His friend, the late poet Charles Simic, wrote, "His art is Dionysian. He practices a passionate identification with his subject." Mr. Abeles was honored by his profession on numerous occasions, including a retrospective at The Century Association in 2019 and the Clinedinst Award from the Artists' Fellowship in 2017. He was elected to the National Academy of Design as a printmaker in 1977. His print Self Portrait with Cats was chosen for the Whitney Biennial in 1966. He was also a sculptor, worked in oils, and eventually gravitated to pastels. His work is held in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Boston Public Library, the Gibbs Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina, the Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, South Carolina, the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, and numerous academic, regional, and private collections. He was known as a gifted teacher and remained in touch with his students long after retirement. He served as a guest lecturer, visiting artist, and juror at dozens of arts institutions. He was a member of the faculty of the Art Students League through the winter of 2020. His archives are held at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Burial was held at the Chatham Rural Cemetery in Chatham, NY, under the care of French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to sigmund.m.abeles@gmail.com and donations in his memory may be made to Brookgreen Gardens, the Art Students League, or the Kaplan Family Residence Hospice in Newburgh, NY.

12/19/2025

Dorothy A. Marchetto passed away December 18, 2025 at Albany Medical Center with her family by her side. Born October 12, 1934 in Austerlitz, New York, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Grace Perry Anderson.
She attended Chatham Schools and along with her husband she built and operated Woodland Hills Campground in Austerlitz, NY from 1969 to 1983.
Dorothy enjoyed being an artist, loved gardening, woodworking, tag saling and being with family. She lived every day to the fullest.
She is survived by her children; Diane (Michael) Faucher of Pittsfield, MA., Joseph Marchetto Jr. (Stephen O’Reilly) of Hudson NY, Kevin (Karen) Marchetto of Kinderhook, NY and Suzanne (Michael) Gardella of Canaan, NY, grandchildren; Sarah, Michelle, Craig, Scott, Logan, Kristine, Jennifer, Michael and 8 great grandchildren and her beloved dog Buddy.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Marchetto Sr. sisters, Norma (Butch) Seddon and Janice Bartku and daughter-in-law Heather Marchetto.
Graveside service at the Austerlitz Cemetery at 11:30 on Monday, December 22, 2025.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Dorothy’s name to Saint Jude Hospital, www.stjude.org. or the Berkshire Humane Society. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

12/18/2025

Marie D. Bull (Manderino), a cherished mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, was born on June 1, 1932, in New York City.In 1952, she married William Bull, and together they raised six children. Their family later relocated to Chatham, New York, in 1971. Marie was predeceased by her husband, William Bull; her sons, Edward and Thomas; and her grandson, Charles H. Lotz. She is survived by her children, Donna Sikoski (Joe), Deborah Lotz (Charlie), Arthur Loughman-Bull (Maura), Cindy Nack, and her sister, Lucille Santa Maria. Marie leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at French Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, New York 12037. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

12/15/2025

Salvatore A. Laspada 70 of Chatham, NY passed away after a brief illness on December 13, 2025. Born April 16, 1955 in Manhattan, NY he was the son of Rosalie and Frank Laspada. He graduated class of 1974 at Dodge VOC high school. Then he went on to major in Accounting at Herbert H. Lehman College in Bronx, NY. Afterwards he married the love of his life Barbara A. Laspada whom he was married to for 48 years. Then he moved to Chatham, NY where he worked at L&B Products in Hudson, NY. He enjoyed wrestling, fireworks, the three stooges, music, car rides, and most of all his family.

Salvatore is predeceased by his loving wife Barbara. He leaves behind his daughters Maryann Laspada, Christina (Christopher) Rundell, and Kathleen Laspada. Also by the two that he held closest to his heart his granddaughter Amber Laspada and his grandson Charles Rundell. Along with his siblings Sarah Sorros of Spencertown, NY, Anthony (Carol) Laspada of Seal Beach, CA, and Giovanna Laspada of Ghent, NY.

Calling hours are Thursday December 18th, 2025 11:00am-12:30pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter, Blasl Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint James Church at 1:00pm

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Ghent Band. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.

12/03/2025

Carrie Foster Bither, 74, of Canaan, NY; Easthampton, MA; and Mesa, AZ, passed away on November 13, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on April 18, 1951.
Carrie worked for many years as a school nurse at Lenox Memorial High School and also served as a volunteer EMT with the Canaan Fire Company. After the passing of her husband, William Bither II, she continued to maintain their family farm in Canaan, NY for nearly 15 years. Following her retirement, she spent summers in Easthampton with her son William Bither III, his spouse AnnaMaria, and their family, and the rest of the year in Mesa—her “Happy Place”—where she enjoyed long walks and time with friends.
She is survived by her sons William Bither III of Massachusetts and David Bither of Missouri; her sister Pamela Foster; her mother June Foster; and nine grandchildren: Abriana, Ally, and Monica, children of William and AnnaMaria, and Luke, James, Rachel, Sarah, Paul, and Mark, children of David and Odessa. carrie was predeceased by her father Albert Philip Foster.
A graveside service will take place at Canaan Cemetery on December 13th at 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the Canaan Fire Department. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Carrie will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and positive spirit.

12/03/2025

Dawn Ellen Sartori, a beacon of kindness and warmth, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 67 in Albany, New York. Born on April 11, 1958, in Hudson, New York, to Ellwood and Bessie Mossman, Dawn's life was a tapestry of love, commitment, and joyous moments shared with family and friends.
Dawn's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her 46-year marriage to her beloved husband, Peter, was a beautiful partnership that stood as the foundation of their happy family. Together, they raised two daughters, Brook Sartori and Kayla (TJ) Malin, who brought Dawn immense pride and joy. She cherished every moment spent with her grandsons, Logan Pelkey, Ryan Malin, and Austin Malin, whose adventures and successes filled her heart with happiness.
Dawn's sisters, Carolyn Callahan and Cindy (Bruce) Tipple, shared in her journey, creating cherished memories that will forever be held dear. She was a beloved aunt to her nieces, Rebecca (Sean) Preusser, Angela Tipple, and Kelly Upright, and her nephews, Mark (Kristin) Tipple and Ed (Sue) Upright, as well as several grandnieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her guiding presence. Dawn was predeceased by her parents and her sister Debbie Gumprecht, who she held close in her heart.
Dawn's zest for life was evident in her varied interests. She was an avid country line dancer and enjoyed the thrill of concerts, with Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney being among her favorite performers. Her laughter and joy were infectious during dinners out with family and friends, and she cherished the quiet moments watching her favorite soaps with her daughter. Dawn's loyal companion, her dog Billie, was a source of constant delight and comfort.
A trip to Atlantic City was never complete without a meal at Chef Vola's, one of her favorite dining spots. Dawn also found solace and beauty in nature, with the New York Botanical Gardens holding a special place in her heart. Attending the orchid shows was an annual tradition that she looked forward to with great anticipation.
As we say farewell to Dawn, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Dawn's legacy of kindness, love, and friendship will forever remain a part of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Dawn’s name may be made to https://nyohfoundation.org/. Her services are private and under the direction of the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com. Dawn's life was a journey of love, laughter, and unwavering friendship, and her memory will continue to inspire us all.

11/30/2025

Jakob “Koby” Koch born in his beloved Villmergen, Switzerland, Koby emigrated to the U.S. in 1950. He took up farming with his aunt and uncle, Frances and Joe Michel, on Cotter Road in Old Chatham. He joined the East Chatham Fire Company and remained a member for more than 70 years. He also served in the Army from 1955 to 1958 and was stationed in Germany. During this time, he became a U.S. citizen. Other than his years in the Army, he lived on Cotter Road from 1950 until his passing. He worked in surveying and engineering, among other jobs, even helping with the construction of the Empire State Plaza. He made many, many wonderful friends over the years, with whom he celebrated holidays and shared great memories. A Jackson's Old Chatham House regular, he loved to converse over a Genny (later merlot) and spend time with friends and neighbors. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, among others in Switzerland, whom he loved dearly, as well as his "family" here in the U.S. He is at peace now, with restored vision, but will be missed tremendously by all who knew him and his generous heart. Friends may call at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home on Friday, December 5th from 3 to 6pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at St. James Church at 1:30pm. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.