Applebee Funeral Home

10/23/2026

Dolores D. Masta

Dolores (Deutsch) Masta, a loving mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of five, passed away peacefully on the evening of October 19, 2026.

Dolores grew up in the greater Pittsburgh area and often shared fond memories of her childhood on Neville Island. She attended Brentwood High School, where she met her future husband, John A. Masta. Together, they raised three children: Vickey, Laurie, and Marty.

Lovingly known as Dodie to family and friends, she was an avid golfer who loved shopping and was famous for her incredible baking skills.

Spoiling her grandchildren was her favorite pastime. This often included candy for breakfast, followed by beating anyone who dared challenge her to a game of checkers. Dodie also happily filled many roles during driveway roller hockey games, serving as goalie, defenseman, national anthem singer, and pregame chef.

Dodie passed away just two days before the arrival of her fifth great-grandchild. We’re sure she was giving him a high five as she left the game just as he was making his debut!

The family will celebrate her life in a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, please consider a joyful day of celebration with your family. Dodie would approve.

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10/20/2026

Richard B. Wagner

Richard "Richie" Wagner , a US Army Veteran, passed away October 17, 2026 at the age of 87. Born in Troy, NY Richard was proud of the discipline and purpose he found during his service in the Army.

After his service he built a career in the hospitality industry. He will be remembered by his customers for his humor and generosity.

Richie was predeceased by his wife Martina, with whom he shared their love of the Adirondacks, especially Stony Creek, NY.

Richard is survived by his niece Katherine Wagner and her sons as well as his many friends, especially Jim Werthmuller and Alice Lochman.

The family would like to thank the Samuel Stratton VA Medical staff , especially Dr Doug Denette, and the HCR Health care who provided much support and care to Richard in his apartment in Glens Falls. Finally our thanks to the Delmar Nursing Home for their loving care in his final months.

In lieu of flowers donations in Richie's memory may be made to Big Brothers & Big Sisters, www.bbbssadk.org.

Richard would say in Irish...goodbye...Slán leat...to all his in-laws in Ireland and thank you for his greatest gift, your sibling, Martina.

A committal service with Military Honors will be held 12:00 noon, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville.

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10/20/2026

Joyce O'Day

SLINGERLANDS - Joyce Severson O’Day of Slingerlands died Tuesday, October 6, 2026. She was 86 years old.

She was born in Albany, NY, graduated from Voorheesville High School and attended the evening division of Albany Business College and Sage College.

Joy worked as a buyer for Whitney’s Department Store in Albany, Montgomery Wards Personnel Office, and worked in Data Processing for the United Papermakers and Paperworkers International Headquarters located in Menands, N.Y. for 13 years. She then worked for the Federal Highway Administration for 21 years, first in Delmar and then in the Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building in Albany. She volunteered at the Watervliet Arsenal in the Retired Services organization and was Recording Secretary. She was a member of the New Scotland Historical Society and worked in their museum.

Joy was a World Traveler and loved all of Europe. She also traveled coast to coast in the USA and Hawaii. She also loved gardening, biking and church work. Joy was a longtime member of the Methodist Church in Voorheesville. Later in life, she was a member of the First Assembly of God on Krumkill Road.

Mrs. O’Day is the widow of Col. E. A. O’Day and she is also predeceased by her son Terence Scott Sellnow, formerly of Green Island, N.Y. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Kimball of W. Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

Mrs. O’Day will be laid to rest next to her husband Col. E.A. O’Day at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Joy’s memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humaine Society, www.mohawkhumane.org or to the First Assembly of God, 477 Krumkill Rd. Albany, NY 12203.

10/19/2026

Dolores A. Fitzgerald

Dolores Ann Fitzgerald 92, passed away on October 15, 2026. One of five children, Dolores was born to William and Catherine Rosenberger in Albany, New York, where she was a graduate of Cathedral High School--where she courageously walked 3 miles to and 8 miles home in the snow.

She married her beloved husband William T. Fitzgerald Jr. on November 5, 1955 and raised five children in a house outside of Albany. After retiring from the New York State Thruway Authority in 1996, she eventually moved to Alpharetta, Georgia to be with her favorite child, Kelly. There, she spent her golden years in the company of her children and grandchildren, all of whom learned the hard way and knew her by her beloved title “Noney.”

Above all, throughout her life, Dolores treasured time with her family and friends. She cherished parties and conversation, never forgot a birthday, and loved cooking for anyone who had the good fortune of ending up in her kitchen. On any given day, girlfriends could be sitting at her kitchen table while she gave them a home perm. They had so much fun smoking and gossiping, they may not have even noticed that they all ended up looking alike.

Friends and family will remember Dolores for her contagious sense of humor and her larger-than-life personality. She entered a room with a hip sway and a little shoulder shimmy, giving American Bandstand a run for its money. She favored a sassy quip and when asked what was for dinner she would reply “$%? #, now eat it.” While her family ate that dish a lot, having all inherited her trademark sense of humor, they knew it was made with love.

A proud Catholic, Dolores loved the Lord and while striving to be the perfect follower, commoners were relieved to learn she was one of them when she got caught doing 34 in a 25. She devoted herself to her family and often put her struggles aside to help others. She gave regularly to the Church and Catholic charities and never forgot to pray to St. Anthony whenever something was lost. Ultimately, the rosary was her force, and she passed away with it in her hand.

She was an awesome mom, a fun Noney, and was excited to dance through the gates to finally be home.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Thomas Fitzgerald Jr., and her son, Shawn Fitzgerald. She is survived by her four children, William Fitzgerald III (wife Claudia), Timothy Fitzgerald (wife Debbie), Kelly Fitzgerald, and Darrin Fitzgerald; her nine grandchildren, Will (wife Susan), Patrick, Stephen (wife Mac) Jack, Megan, Charlie, Caitlin, Kelsey, and Catherine; her sister, Mary Lou Gattuso.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am Friday, October 23, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl. Delmar. The Family will receive visitors at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar from 8:30 to 9:30am on Friday before the Mass. Interment will be in calvary cemetery, Glenmont.

We are forever grateful to the wonderful nurses and staff of The Oaks Memory Care Unit and Caritas Hospice who cared for Dolores with such dignity and tenderness. You brought comfort, laughter, and genuine love to her days, and we will always be thankful.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org or St. Jude’s Children Hospital. www.stjude.org.

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10/18/2026

A wonderful evening celebrating education, community, and dedication at the St. Thomas the Apostle School Gala. ✨

We were privileged to attend and support the bright future of our local students. Warmest congratulations to Guests of Honor Bob and Pat Ricchiuti, and thank you to all who made this memorable night possible.

10/15/2026

Abigail Claire Applegate Fisher

Abigail Claire Applegate Fisher, known to family and friends as Abi, died in Albany, New York on October 5, 2026 at age 38. She is survived by her parents Charles Fisher and Mary Applegate, her sister Virginia Fisher, her niece & nephew Sonia & Liam Fisher Taub, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She died as the result of a head-on collision in which the other driver crossed the median into her lane. Despite being airlifted to Albany Medical Center, and excellent care from all medical and nursing staff, she died four days later. It is a source of great comfort to her parents that they were able to act according to Abi's wishes and make her organs and tissues available to recipients who needed them.

Abi was born in Amherst MA, where she spent the first four years of her life before she and her family moved to the Capital Region. She attended the Emma Willard School, from which she graduated in 2006, followed by Smith College, graduating in 2010 with a degree in Mathematics. She then returned to the Albany area and earned an MBA at SUNY Albany in Information Systems.

After working in Albany for several years in health information technology, Abi moved to a mountain village in Costa Rica, where she worked remotely in a technology position, and as a part-time massage therapist. She loved Costa Rica and was planning to become a citizen and live there permanently. In the meantime, she returned to the Capital Region and worked as a business analyst at NYSTEC, a technology consulting firm that works with state agencies to improve their operations. Among other roles, she was on a team that helped the Office of Mental Health to develop an electronic medical record system to link its inpatient and outpatient care centers

She lived near Schenectady on the shore of beautiful Mariaville Lake and spent many happy hours at the Plotterkill Preserve very close to her home.

Abi loved to sing. During high school and college she sang in acapella groups: the Twelve Tones at Emma Willard and the Smithereens at Smith.

She will be remembered always as a loving, generous and devoted friend and family member who lit up the room wherever she went. She was close with dear friends she had known since elementary school, as well as those she had connected with only recently.

Abi was an activist, especially for issues of peace and justice in Palestine and for environmental causes. The morning of the accident she was on her way to a rally to block a gas pipeline near her home.

Donations in her honor can be made to organizations supporting either of those causes.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21st at 1pm at the Albany Unitarian Universalist Society at 405 Washington Avenue in downtown Albany.

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10/12/2026

Albert A. DiBernardo

Albert A. DiBernardo, age 83, passed away on October 10, 2026. He was born in Albany, NY, on November 10, 1942. He was the son of Albert and Matilda (DeFlavis) DiBernardo. Al was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and a proud member of the Marine Corps Reserve for 8 years. He was a journeyman electrician and retired member of IBEW Local 724/236 for over 55 years.

Al was the beloved husband of Patricia M. (Lawson) DiBernardo for over 62 years, and loving father of James A. DiBernardo and Lisa A. (DiBernardo) Zanella and her husband Philip. He was the brother of the late Costante "Henry" DiBernardo and dear brother-in-law of Eleanor Siy and the late Larry Siy, and Edwin H. Lawson and his wife, Alicia Lawson, and Joan DiBernardo. He is also survived by his grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl. Delmar. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, 9:00 to 10:30am at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Al’s memory to the Albany City Mission, www.capitalcityrescuemission.org, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. would be appreciated.

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10/08/2026

Kenneth E. Steenbuck, Jr.

Kenneth E. Steenbuck, Jr., age 81, passed away Wednesday, October 7th 2026 at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center surrounded by his family. Born in Amityville, NY he was the son of Kenneth Steenbuck and Elizabeth Steenbuck.

Ken has been a Capital District resident since 1989. He was a US Coast Guard Veteran and a long time Ham radio operator. He was one of the founding members of The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club in 1974. His call sign was WA2SUB. He was also former member of the Babylon Fire Dept. Ken loved the weather and was a weather Spotter with WRGB channel 6. He worked in plumbing, electronics and was a jack of all trades. He was always tinkering with something.

Ken was the beloved husband of Shirley Leis Steenbuck. Loving father of Lisa Grant of Delmar and Michael Steenbuck (Eileen) of Coeymans. Brother of Susan Brooks and Cathy Siena. He is also survived by his grandchildren, James, Kevin, Rebecca, Jesse, and Rachel. He is also survived by several furbabies.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 10th 2026 from 12:00 to 3:00pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar. The visitation will conclude with US Coast Guard Military Funeral Honors and remembrances from family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Free To Be Me Rescue, www.freetobemerescue.org.

10/03/2026

James J. McSharry

James John McSharry, Ph.D., a prominent scientist and professor, devoted husband and father, and loving grandfather, entered eternal life on September 29, 2026. He was born May 28, 1942, to John Thomas McSharry and Marie Weakland McSharry. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers John Thomas II and Joseph (Joe), and his beloved wife of 57 years, Marti. He is survived by his children, Karen (Henry) and Patrick (Julie); his grandchildren, Fiona McSharry, Emily Meier, Grady McSharry, and Allison Meier; and his sister, Marie, and her family, along with his nephews and nieces.

Family lore is that Marti taught James everything he knew about Microbiology while she was a med tech and he was a doctoral student at the University of Virginia (MS '67, Ph., D. '71). The Yankee fell in love with the Southern Belle with a strong independent streak, and the rest is history. They married at the University Chapel, and Karen was born later that year, leaving both sets of grandparents wondering how the student and stay-at-home mother would survive. Stubborn and determined to their cores, they not only survived but also thrived. Patrick was born two short years later, and once Jim finished his doctorate, the family moved to New York City, where Jim completed his postdoctoral work at Rockefeller University. Jim always loved the City and even reveled in the chore of bringing the family laundry back and forth to their fifth-floor walk-up.

Jim moved to Bethlehem in 1973 to become a Professor of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology at Albany Medical College, where he could continue his research. He developed a passion for teaching that matched his dedication to research. Jim's core expertise was in developing rapid, highly sensitive diagnostic techniques for complex viruses, including HIV, RSV, and influenza. He was Professor Emeritus at Albany Medical College and worked for a time at Ordway Research Institute. Early in his career, he also served as an adjunct biology professor at St. Rose. He was a fellow and served on the American Society for Microbiology Board of Directors, allowing him to learn from and collaborate with peers around the globe. He was a longtime benefactor of his undergraduate alma mater, Manhattan College (BS, '65).

In his spare time, Jim devotedly followed the Fighting Irish and enjoyed reading nonfiction—mostly about science, but also about history and politics. Jim taught his children how to body surf at his beloved Jersey Shore, participated in Scouts with Patrick, and enjoyed taking the extended family to Ocean City, Maryland, where he stood watch over the grandkids in the ocean, flew kites with them, and watched the world go by from the balcony.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers Jim was blessed to have: Kim, Mo, CeCe, Nellie, and Shaniek. In lieu of flowers, Jim may be honored through a gift to Friends of Bethlehem Seniors (Friends of Bethlehem Seniors | Formerly Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.).

A memorial service will be held at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar on Saturday, October 17 beginning at 2:00 pm.

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10/01/2026

Ann Byer

Ann Schako Byer, 96, formerly of Delmar, New York, passed away peacefully in her beloved home state of Vermont, surrounded by family on September 30, 2026.

Born on May 24, 1930, Ann was the only child of John and Tillie (Tekla Gambal) Schako, proud immigrants from Eastern Europe, and was raised in the beautiful little Vermont town of Proctor. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1948 and moved to Albany, NY to attend Albany Medical School Nursing Program with 3 classmates. Upon earning her degree and becoming a Registered Nurse, Ann served as the head nurse in the Maternity Unit of Albany Medical Center.

It was in Albany that Ann met Edward T. Byer Jr., a handsome lifeguard at the city's Mid-City Pool. After first pointing out to Ann that food was not permitted at the water's edge, Ed eventually asked her on a date. They married in Proctor on August 31, 1952, beginning a life together that would span nearly six decades.

Ann and Ed started their family with their first daughter (Debbie) and son (Brad) in the Albany area before moving to both Clifton, NJ, and Liverpool, NY for Ed’s expanding career. They finally settled in Delmar, NY in 1961, where they added another son (John) and daughter (Lisa) to the growing family.

Although raising four children became the central part of Ann's life, nursing remained important to her. For years, she continued to work as a private-duty nurse, caring for patients and families in their homes. Throughout her advanced years, she was always quick to remind healthcare providers that she was an RN. Her instinct to care for others extended well beyond her professional life. When family members became ill or needed help, Ann was often the person who stepped in, caring for her parents and others through times of sickness and need. Both of her parents eventually came to live in the family home as they grew older. This was a central lesson she shared through example with her children and shaped their devotion to Ann in providing the same loving care as she aged.

In 1974, Ed, with Ann by his side, founded Brooks-Byer Associates, a commercial insurance firm, which eventually became a true family business, with their sons as integral members of the team. Over the years, Ann filled a variety of roles, including office manager and bookkeeper, working alongside Ed until their retirement.

Ann was a devout member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, helping lead the parish fashion show, attending daily Mass, and forming a unique bond with the parish priests. Her faith remained an important part of her life as she aged.

After decades of hard work, Ann and Ed retired in 1994 to spend time with their family, travel, and enjoy time at the beloved family camp on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont and their beachside apartment in Marco Island, Florida, which became a second home with treasured friends and memories. A trip to Poland, Ann’s mother’s homeland, stands out as a special journey where they connected with family and created a lasting bond that bridged the loss felt due to immigration.

Ann always enjoyed the companionship of beloved pets, especially the family dog, Noopy, who was single-mindedly devoted to her and whose memory remained fresh with her through the many decades since his passing in 1977. She also had a special bond with her children’s dogs, including Buddy, Jake, and Tucker. They each loved Nanny and cherished time with her.

Ann loved her grandchildren, Ava and Elliott, Brad’s children, whom she cherished spending time with during their childhood and grew exceedingly proud of as they grew into adults. She was blessed to know her great-grandson, Elliott’s son Brooks, who showered Nanny with love and the kindest heart a 5-year-old could have. She was also blessed by Debbie and Gary’s boys, Adam and Brian Peck, and Adam’s sons Aaron and Tyler, who brought great joy to Ann.

After 58 years of marriage, Ed passed on July 3, 2009. Ann remained in Delmar and eventually moved into assisted living, where she enjoyed life and made new friends. During those years, her daughter Debbie and her late husband, Gary, played an especially important role in helping manage Ann’s healthcare needs and ability to remain independent, connected, and supported. She was also greatly supported by her son Brad, who was always on hand to help manage Ann’s needs. Brad faithfully visited his mother on Thursday evenings since Ed’s passing, a practice that continued into the last week of Ann’s life. Her son John and husband, Mac, visited often and were caring and loving participants in Ann’s care.

In 2021, Ann returned to her home state of Vermont to be near her youngest daughter, Lisa and her partner, Mike, in Bennington. She was well loved and cared for by the staff of Clare Bridge at Brookdale Fillmore Pond, and the family is grateful for the care she received. Lisa became a constant presence in the final 5 years of Ann’s life, ensuring her health, happiness, and connection to family. The family was particularly happy to surprise Ann with a 93rd Birthday celebration, bringing together all the important people in her life, a memory they will always hold dear.

With the daily stresses diminished, Ann’s time in Bennington was happy and comfortable, and she remained in high spirits until the very end, flashing her gorgeous smile, always with a sparkle in her eye. Her family is grateful for the extra time they had with Ann in her advanced years, and she never ceased to amaze them with her strength, wit, and intelligence.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Edward T. Byer Jr.; her parents, John and Tillie Schako; and her beloved son-in-law, Gary Peck. She was also predeceased by her father-in-law, Edward Byer, Sr., and her sisters-in-law and their spouses, Charlotte Alston (Ed), Marjorie Whitcomb (Herb), Helen Alston (Jack), Rosemary Sweetser (Jess), Harriett Byer, and Marilyn Husselbeck.

She is survived by her four children, Deborah "Debbie" Byer Peck of Copake, New York; Brad Byer and his partner, Flora Hurteau, of Albany, New York; John Byer and his husband, Malcolm "Mac" Lippert, of Jericho, Vermont; and Lisa Byer and her partner, Mike Baker, of Bennington, Vermont. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ava Byer of Atlanta, GA, Elliott Byer and his wife, Miranda, of Troy, New York; Adam Peck (Lynn) of Philmont, New York; and Brian Peck (Suzanne) of Brewster, NY; her great-grandchildren, Brooks Byer, Aaron Peck and Tyler Peck; many nieces, nephews and members of her extended family; and her special cousin Irene Cook of Plano, Texas, and Irene's family.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, October 5 from 4 to 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 am Tuesday, October 6 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Entombment will follow in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont.

Contributions in Ann's memory may be made St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (st.jude.org)

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