Richard L. Brisbane
November 12, 2012

Mr. Richard L. Brisbane, 64, of Hancock Street, Fort Plain, New York died Monday, November 12, 2012 at Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany following a long illness.
Born on February 27, 1948 in Margaretville, NY, he was the son of Glenford Davis and Dorothy Brisbane. Mr. Brisbane had been an area resident for over 40 years, previously residing in Margaretville. He obtained his GED while serving in the US Army.
Mr. Brisbane was a forklift operator for Select LLC in St. Johnsville, NY for many years.
He was honorably discharged from the US Army where he obtained a rank of SP5. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war and was stationed in Korea.
Mr. Brisbane enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his father, Glenford Davis; brother, Robert Davis and grandson, Zachary Brisbane.
Mr. Brisbane is survived by his mother, Dorothy VanDerlyn of West Shokan, NY; sons, Thomas Brisbane and Stacy of North Carolina, Jon Brisbane and Jessica of Fultonville, NY; daughter, Michelle Bain of Andes, NY; sisters, Gloria Quick, Bessie Payne, Nancy Smith; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Richard L. Brisbane may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mr. Brisbane at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.

James F. Looman
November 12, 2012

Mr. James F. Looman, 68, of School St., Nelliston, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2012 at Little Falls Hospital with his     loving family at his side after a long illness.
He was born on September 21, 1944 in the Town of Danube, son of the late  Velma (Harlow) Looman. On February 5, 1966 he was united in marriage with Denise Smith. They recently celebrated 46 years of marriage.
James worked for Agway for over 30 years. He was a very hard worker. Together  with  his wife Denise, they were  owners of Dee’s  Video in Fort Plain. Most of all, he was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife Denise; his 3 children: James S. Looman and his wife Glenda of St. Johnsville, Michelle Hext and Jay Putnam of Springfield Center and Renee Swank and her husband Joe of St. Johnsville; his seven grandchildren: Anthony and Kasie Hext, James C. and Aric Looman, Emile and Eryka Swank and Jamie Putnam; his brothers: Wayne Looman and his wife Brenda and Theodore Looman, and his sister Violet Harwick and her husband Robert and several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with James’ wishes there are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held Monday November 19, 2012 at 11am at Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda with the Rev. David A. Johnson officiating.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the 3rd floor staff at Little Falls Hospital for the loving and personal care they gave to James and his entire family. They went above and beyond! In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in James’ name be made to the H. C. Smith Benefit Club, 538 Crum Creek Rd, St. Johnsville, NY 13452  or to a local charity of your choice.
To offer an online message of sympathy please go to www.eneafamily.com. The family is being cared for by the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center St., St. Johnsville (518-568-2300), John P. Lewandowski Funeral Director.

Esther A. Gehring
November 13, 2012

Mrs. Esther A. Gehring, 94, formerly of Berthoud Street, Nelliston, New York died, Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at St. Johnsville Rehab and Nursing Center.
Born on April 23, 1918 in Fort Plain, NY, she was the daughter of Joseph Stefanacci and Assunta Rufoloni Stefanacci.  Esther was      educated at Fort Plain Schools and was a lifelong area resident.
Mrs. Gehring was employed as an inspector for Beech-Nut Corp. in Canajoharie for 16 years, retiring in 1980.  She also worked for the former Luxuray Knitting Mill in Fort Plain for 27 years.
She had been a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Plain since 1939 and was a member of the W.E.L.C.A. Ladies of the Church.
Mrs. Gehring was a member of the Fort Plain/Nelliston Senior Citizens and a member of the St. Johnsville Senior Citizens.
On June 4, 1938 in Fort Plain, NY, Esther was married to Charles T. Gehring, Jr.  He preceded her in death on March 28, 1973. She was also predeceased by her father and mother; step-father, Plinio Trombetta; daughter, Elsie J. Sanders; brother, Silvino Stefanacci;     sisters, Margaret Gehring and Alma Ouderkirk.
Mrs. Gehring is survived by her son, Dr. Charles T. Gehring, III of Altamont, NY; step-daughter, Yvonne Farley of Saratoga Springs, NY; sister, Virginia Vosburgh of Canajoharie, NY; 5 grandchildren; 7    great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 12:00pm at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 11:00-12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Mrs. Esther A. Gehring may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mrs. Esther A. Gehring at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.

Benjamin James Suits
November 9, 2012

Mr. Benjamin James Suits, 83, of Cutter Lane, Johnstown, New York died Friday, November 9, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam.
Born on September 21, 1929 in Palatine Bridge, NY, he was the son of John D. Suits, Sr. and Marguerite Foster Suits. He attended Nelliston School.  Benjamin was a resident of Johnstown for over 30 years.  Prior to moving to Johnstown he resided with his brother and sister-in-law in Ames, NY.
Mr. Suits was employed by Lexington Industries for over 30 years.
He was of Protestant faith.
Mr. Suits enjoyed movies, especially Westerns, handkerchiefs and baseball.  He liked to watch CSI and Law & Order.  Benjamin took pleasure in spending time with his nieces and nephews.  He really enjoyed going to Travers Restaurant and to Dunkin Donuts for coffee and munchkins.
He is predeceased by his brother, John D. Suits, Jr.
Mr. Suits is survived by his sister, Joyce Handy of Castleton, NY; sister-in-law, Helen F. Suits of Canajoharie, NY; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and family at Lexington.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family received relatives and friends on Tuesday from 10-11am at the funeral home.  
Burial took place in Fort Plain Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Benjamin James Suits may be made to the Lexington Foundation, 465 N. Perry Street, Johnstown, NY 12095, Attn: Wally Hart.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mr. Suits at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.