Dr. Walter R. Krefetz - September 20, 1946 ~ December 27, 2024

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 of his childhood sparked his lifelong love for music. He attended Boston University and then moved to New York City. On a trip back to Boston, he met the love of his life, JoAnn.

Walter graduated with the inaugural class of the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan. He and JoAnn married in 1975 and moved upstate to New York, where Walter opened his optometry practice. Beloved by his patients in Schenectady and Niskayuna, he treated many families for decades, raising his own family in the same community.

Walter and JoAnn were longtime members of Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady and instilled the importance of Jewish tradition in their children. His quick wit always lifted the spirits of those around him.

In 2017, Walter retired from his practice. He battled Parkinson's disease for over a decade with characteristic determination. During this time, he enjoyed trips and visits with his family and witnessed his grandchildren grow. Walter and JoAnn moved from Niskayuna to Albany during the pandemic.

They were deeply involved in a Parkinson's support group, where they found friendship and understanding from others facing similar challenges. Many dear friends, both near and far, provided unwavering support and comfort over the years, a gift the family cherished.

Walter is survived by his wife of 49 years, JoAnn; son, Joshua (Diana); daughter, Rachel Fyall (Chris); four granddaughters; brother, Elliott (Sharon); sister, Sarazita (the late Gerald); and 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

• 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).

Richard J. King1946 - 2024

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.

Terry Rupert - March 25, 1953 - March 1, 2024

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