Obituaries
- Dec 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Dr. Walter R. Krefetz, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Friday December 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 20, 1946 in Chelsea, MA to Morris and Minnie (Cohen) Krefetz, he grew up in a triple-decker house with his extended family. The R&B groups that formed the soundtrack of his childhood sparked his lifelong love for music. He attended Boston University and then moved to New York City, only to meet the love of his life JoAnn on a trip back to Boston. Walter graduated with the inaugural class of the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan, and he and JoAnn married in 1975. Together they moved to upstate New York where Walter opened his optometry practice. He was beloved by his patients in Schenectady and Niskayuna, where he raised his own family and treated many of the same families for decades. Walter and JoAnn were longtime members of Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady and instilled the importance of Jewish tradition and continuity in their children. Walter’s quick sense of humor always lifted the spirits of his friends, family, and patients.
In 2017, Walter retired from his practice. His characteristic determination allowed him to battle Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, during which he enjoyed trips and visits with his family and saw his grandchildren grow. During the pandemic, he and JoAnn moved from their longtime home in Niskayuna to Albany. Walter and JoAnn were deeply involved in a Parkinson’s support and caregivers community where they made true friends who understood and shared their struggle. Many dear friends from near and far provided support and comfort to Walter and JoAnn over many years, a gift which was appreciated beyond words. Walter is survived by his wife of 49 years JoAnn, his son Joshua (Diana), his daughter Rachel Fyall (Chris), his four granddaughters, his brother Elliott (Sharon), his sister Sarazita (the late Gerald), and his nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Walter can be made to Help for Parkinson’s, 505 Crooks Grove Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or www.helpforpd.org. Donations can also be made to the Congregation Agudat Achim general fund.
Funeral services will take place graveside on Sunday, December 29th at 1:00 pm at Agudat Achim Cemetery, 100 Mt. Stuart Road, Schenectady (in Rotterdam)
- Dec 4, 2024
- 2 min read
Halfmoon – Richard J. King, 78, of Halfmoon, NY, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Van Rensselaer Manor following his battle with Parkinson's.
Richard was born in Troy, NY in 1946 a son of the late Franklin A. and Angeline M. (DeConno) King. He was also predeceased by a nephew, Jeffrey Redwine.
Richard graduated from Heatley High School in Green Island, NY with the class of '65. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served dutifully and with distinction until his honorable discharge in 1967. While enlisted, he earned several medals of distinction, including rifle mastery of both the M-14 and M-16, a Vietnam Service Medal, and a National Defense medal. After Richard's discharge he went to work for the Selkirk General Electric plant, working as a Hazardous Material Handler on the loading docks, a position he held for over 20 years.
When Richard was not at work, he had many hobbies. He was an active member of the Drum Corps for many years and enjoyed bird watching and hunting. Richard enjoyed taking trips and made it a point to try new restaurants wherever he went. He always enjoyed eating, but as much as he loved to eat, he also loved to cook. He was especially known for his mastery of his mother's eggplant parmesan recipe, a frequent request at different functions. While travelling, Richard enjoyed being near the water. Sitting on the beach, hiking the mountains near a stream, or simply fishing, if it was near the water, Richard was at peace. He also enjoyed some quieter times at home, reading about history or astronomy, listening to all kinds of music, collecting baseball caps, and not so quietly cheering on his beloved New York Yankees. Richard was also deeply passionate about aiding others with Parkinson's Disease. Above all else, Richard loved his family and friends.
Richard is survived by his wife: Cynthia J. Petker; a son: Jason (Kathryn) Kelts; a grandson: Alexander; his twin sister: Katherine (Robert) Haskin; another sister: Donna (Randy) Redwine; his niece: Rachel Collet; a nephew: Matthew (Lisa) Haskin; and three great nieces and nephews: Connor (Laci) Haskin, Kiera Haskin, and TJ Collet.
A visitation for Richard will be held from 10:00 am until 12 Noon on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065, followed immediately by a funeral service at Noon. Burial will take place at GBHS Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY after the funeral.
Donations may be made in memory of Richard to Help for Parkinson's, 505 Crooks Grove Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, or online at helpforpd.org.
- Mar 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Our Parkinson's community has lost a special friend, Terry Rupert. Terry and his devoted wife Ellen have been active members for many years. Those who had the privilege of witnessing Terry's devoted boxing at Schott's, and Ellen's steadfast support there, will remember him as a strong, caring and joyous part of the Schott's PD group. His obituarty appears below.
Rupert, Terry A.LOUDONVILLE - Terry A. Rupert, 70, of Loudonville, New York died peacefully at home on Friday, March 1, 2024, due to Parkinson's disease. He was born in Albany, N.Y. on March 25, 1,953 to Dr. Arthur W. Rupert and Jean (Morrison) Rupert. Terry attended Albany Public Schools and was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College. He was owner and operator of Holland Trucking Company and TA Rupert Enterprises in Watervliet, N.Y. and worked for many years at the Freihofer's Baking Co. He was a train and Mack truck enthusiast and a member of the Hudson Mohawk Chapter of ATHS. Terry is survived by his wife, Ellen (Igoe) Rupert; his daughter, Claire Rupert (Tyler Cowan); and his brother, Peter Rupert; brother-in-law, Al Lundquist; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Timothy Rupert; and sister, Judith Lundquist. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Terry's family on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, N.Y. Funeral service on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands immediately following the service. The Rupert family wishes to thank Terry's primary caregiver Dawn, as well as Rose, Danielle and Denise. Special thanks to Community Hospice and the Staff of M5 at Albany Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to https://www.helpforpd.org/donate or https://www.hopesoars.org/donations-to-hope-soars-fund-for-parkinson-s-research.html
. Condolence page and more information may be found at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com