Applebee Funeral Home

06/16/2026

Michael E. Safford

Michael E. Safford, age 64, passed away at home on Thursday, June 4, 2026 after an undiagnosed, untreated illness. Born in Kentucky at Fort Knox May 12, 1962 he is survived by his mother Joan McMillen Luhrs (Arthur) and the late Thomas E. Safford.

Michael was employed by tNY State at the Office of General Services as a small engine Mechanic before retiring. He enjoyed biking, mechanics, the outdoors and living the simple life.

Michael was the loving father of Walter E. Safford; beloved brother of Marie Safford and Michelle Carson (Lowell). He is also survived by 2 nephews and his best friend, Pete Bradt

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20th 2026 from 12:00 to 4:00pm at the Bethlehem Masonic Lodge #85, 241 Kenwood Ave. Delmar, NY 10254

Donations in Michael's memory may be made to the American cancer society, www.cancer.org.

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06/16/2026

Christina Heilmann

Halfmoon - Christina M. Heilmann “Tina” age 78, formerly of Delmar and Wilton Manor of Florida passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026 from Alzheimer’s. She was the daughter of the late George and Anna Fennell Heilmann

Tina graduated from Bethlehem High School in 1966. She then went on to further her education graduating from Albany Junior College and SUNY Plattsburg. She then went on to teach 3rd grade at Shaker Rd. Elementary School and eventually moving to Florida and teaching at Miramar Elementary School before retiring.

Tina is survived by her brother Marty Heilmann (Joan), her sister Connie Dickinson; nieces, Holly Camillo (Joe), Nikole Heilmann, Kellie Parker (Rodney Dickson); her nephew, Jim Parker (Shirley): great nieces, Kaitlyn Dickson and Gabby Dickson and her best friends Helen and Mark Tomaso.

Tina enjoyed skiing back in the 70’s and did a lot of traveling over the years.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Thursday 11:00 to 12:30 before the service.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tina’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/northeasternny.

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06/15/2026

Diana & Thomas Lutz

Diana Lutz (née Leone), daughter of the late Anthony and Anna (Mauro) Leone, passed away May 27, 2026. Born in Schenectady, New York on March 18, 1943, she moved with her family to Colonie and graduated from Colonie High School in 1961. She met and married Thomas Lutz on October 10, 1964. Diana worked for NY Telephone (later Verizon) until her retirement. She loved spending time with family, treasured holidays—especially Christmas—and took great joy in planting and meticulously caring for her spring flowers. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Lutz (d. November 23, 2024).

Thomas Lutz was born November 12, 1944, to the late Leo and Mary Lutz. He served in Vietnam and later worked as a manager with The Hartford Insurance Company before serving as a lobbyist for the insurance industry in New York. Thomas enjoyed fishing, his Pierce Arrow, and was an admirer of Ted Williams; he was also known for keeping an immaculate lawn. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Joseph Lutz.

They are survived by their niece Renea Duell (Craig) and nephew Brian Leone (Tina), and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Services were private.

We encourage you to remember them in a way that works best for you.

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06/15/2026

Frances R. Radzyminski

Frances R. Radzyminski, 91, of Delmar, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on June 13, 2026.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Frances Betlewicz.

Frances was predeceased by her husband, Henry Radzyminski; her parents; and her sister, Helen Klimek, and her husband, Edward.

A lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Frances attended St. Casimir's School and graduated from Vincentian Institute, where she formed many treasured, life-long friendships. She also developed a deep and abiding Roman Catholic faith that remained a guiding force throughout her years and was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar.

Following high school, Frances began her career performing laboratory work for New York State and later at the Albany Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. After marrying Henry, she devoted herself to raising their five children in Delmar. She was a constant presence in their lives, supporting their education and extracurricular activities. Frances later returned to the Albany VA Hospital, built a respected career, and retired after many years of dedicated service.

Family was always at the center of Frances's life. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from gathering her family together, celebrating milestones, and creating lasting memories.

Frances also embraced life with curiosity and adventure. Beginning at age eighteen, she developed a passion for travel. She explored destinations throughout Europe, Canada, Alaska, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, often aboard the cruise ships she loved dearly. A devoted patron of the arts, she enjoyed attending theater performances, frequently traveling to New York City for Broadway productions. She especially cherished escaping the cold Upstate New York winters to spend time with family in Florida.

Frances is survived by her children, Irene Bohuslavsky, David (Julie) Radzyminski, Edward (Patricia) Radzyminski, Stephen Radzyminski, and Eric (Sharon Finn) Radzyminski; her grandchildren, Helen Bohuslavsky, Kyle Radzyminski, Corey (Cassidy) Radzyminski, Tyler (Sierra Scavo) Radzyminski, Kayla (Austin Fox) Radzyminski, and Emma Radzyminski; and her great-grandchildren, Juniper and Zuri Radzyminski.

She is further survived by her nephews, Theodore Biernacki and Andrew (Jerri) Biernacki; and by many beloved extended family members, including Mary Macbeth, Doug and Carol Bohuslavsky, Susan Radzyminski, and numerous friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, warmth, and friendship.

Frances will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, her adventurous spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar, NY on Friday June 19, 2026 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Church or the American Cancer Society.

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06/13/2026

Jeffrey P. Smith

Jeffrey P. Smith of Albany unexpectedly passed at home on May 12, 2026.

Jeff was born on January 7, 1948. After graduating from West Springfield High School in Massachusetts, Jeff worked as a carpenter. Moving to Albany, Jeff continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College receiving his drafting degree. Working for Green Island Homes, Jeff continued his education to earn an architecture degree. Jeff worked as an architect for the State of New York, a challenging career. He enjoyed his work and did a lot of side work designing homes for many clients. These clients include his father and stepmom who built a home in Bolton Landing where the whole Smith family came together to enjoy each other’s company on Lake George.

Jeff enjoyed time with his family and friends. Much of that time was on Lake George boating, hiking and barbecuing on the islands. Jeff enjoyed many evenings with his Albany area friends at Hill Street Cafe. He was always willing to offer and pitch in to help design, repair and assist in any way with his family and friends in building projects. This included working with his brothers and Dad on the 1957 mahogany Century Coronado boat owned by his dad. He was a professional craftsman and had a high standard of workmanship in his brownstone home in Albany. He loved remodeling his beautiful home. I am very thankful to Jeff for all he taught me while working with him on many projects.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, William B, Smith Jr. and his stepmom of many years Virginia May Smith; his sisters, Sherrie Kaitlyn Smith and Stacey Jean (Smith) Calcano of Branford, Connecticut; and his bio-mom, Marjorie Reynolds Smith of Riverside, California.

Jeff is survived by his brother, Rodney Smith of Honolulu, Hawaii, his daughter, Elizabeth Garcia, her husband and her daughter of Leander, Texas; his brother, Brian F. Smith and wife, Carole of Wallingford, Connecticut and their children Adam of Wallingford, Connecticut, Renee Markiewicz, her husband, Brian, and their children Morgan and Jordan of Connecticut, Joel Smith and his wife Jennifer of Middlefield, Connecticut; brother, Michael Smith of Louisiana, his children, Michael Smith, Jr, Meagan and Jaime Smith; sister, Kimberly (Smith) Morneault and husband Scott of West Hartford, Connecticut, Kimberly’s sons, Zachary Smith Grabko of New Britain, Connecticut and Colton Torres Smith and wife, Kelleanne of New Britain, Connecticut; brother, David P. Smith and wife, Nancy Bicknell Smith and their children Amanda Fortin, her husband, Trevor, their daughters Kailyn and Peyton, and Thomas Smith, all of North Troy, Vermont; brother, William B Smith, III of Westfield, Massachusetts; Stacey’s daughter Carly Calcano of North Haven, Connecticut, and Charles Stark of Washington State.

A celebration of life will be held at the Hill Street Cafe in Albany, New York at a date and time to be announced. Those who wish to remember Jeff in a special and community important way may donate to Patroon Land Foundation LTD, c/o Gary Salisbury, President, Ketchum Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186.

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06/12/2026

Meredith Ellis

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Meredith Kane Ellis at the age of 39, who passed away peacefully on the morning of June 11th 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born in Rochester New York and raised in Glens Falls Meredith lived a life filled with kindness, generosity, and an appreciation for the natural world. She earned her Bachelors degree from Saint Lawrence University in conservation biology, where a passion for protecting the environment flourished. In the summer before her senior year Meredith participated in a study abroad program in Kenya that would help shape the course of her life. There she met the love of her life Bryan Ellis. Following graduation they set off on a winding adventure taking them from living in Colorado, attending graduate school in Syracuse and later settling down to create a life together in Delmar to raise a family.

Meredith found joy in tending her garden, exploring hiking trails, camping, and hosting family and friends. She especially treasured sharing these experiences, and some of her favorite places such as the Adirondack Mountains and Acadia National Park creating countless cherished memories. Meredith loved to bring people together especially in her home. She delighted in hosting family during the holidays, holiday parties with friends, and backyard cookouts. Meredith had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved.

More than anything, Meredith loved her family. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a cherished daughter, and a beloved sister. Her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Meredith is survived by her husband, Bryan Ellis and her daughter, Madeline Ellis; her mother, Lucie Kane; her father, Bill Kane; and her brother, Bobby Kane (Tabby). She also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will deeply miss her presence and carry her memory in their hearts.

Though her time with us was far too short, Meredith’s love, strength, and spirit will continue in those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Meredith’s family will receive visitors at the Applebees Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar on Thursday June 18th from 5-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kelly's Angels in her memory. https://www.kellysangelsinc.org/donate-ka

Meredith will be forever loved, missed, and remembered.

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06/07/2026

Annette M. Schiavo

Annette M. Schiavo, 95, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2026, at Teresian House in Albany, NY. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend whose gentle spirit and warm heart touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Annette was born on April 27, 1931 in Buffalo, the daughter of the late Fred Bellanca and Frances (Trapani) Bellanca. She graduated from Holy Angels Catholic School in Buffalo and pursued her creative talents to become an Interior Decorator. Her career path eventually led her to work as a real estate agent with Lori Bruel Real Estate in Delmar, where she was known for her integrity, kindness, and commitment to helping others find their perfect homes.

Family was the cornerstone of Annette’s life. She found immense joy in summers spent at the family camp at Hills Pond, a place filled with friends, laughter, stories, and treasured memories. She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. Her humble garden blossomed alongside her love for flowers, reflecting her tender care and nurturing nature.

Annette’s social circle included her vibrant Bridge Club, where she enjoyed spirited games of bridge, and the Bethlehem Tennis Association, where she shared her love of tennis. Annette was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan. These hobbies brought her friendship, competition, and joy, enriching her days beyond measure.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Salvatore D. Schiavo. Annette’s legacy lives on through her devoted daughters Lori Sheehan (Robert), Linda Frangella (Nicholas), and Angela McCarty (Keith). Her grandchildren—Michael Sheehan (Kristyn), Daniel Sheehan (Lea), Mary Thomas (Anthony), Laura Sheehan, Lisa Frangella Wysocki (Trevor), Jennifer Frangella Lee (Matthew), Matthew McCarty (Emily), Gregory McCarty, and John McCarty—remember her as a pillar of strength and unconditional love. She also leaves behind fourteen great-grandchildren who were the sparkle of her later years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery. Contributions in Annette's memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 So. Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

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06/06/2026

Thomas Christian Mammen

Delmar resident Thomas Christian Mammen, aged 79, died June 2 in St. Peter’s Hospital following a brief illness.

Born November 28, 1946, in Brooklyn, he was a son of William J. Mammen and Elizabeth M. Carrington Mammen.

Tom grew up in Brooklyn, Levittown and Massapequa, NY. He graduated St. Dominic’s High School in Oyster Bay. He graduated from Siena College in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in French. His French minor came in handy years later when Deirdre and Tom got stuck in the middle of a strike demonstration when they visited Paris. He subsequently received a Juris Doctorate degree from New York Law School while teaching English at St. Agnes High School in Rockville Center. He spent many hours on the Long Island Railroad commuting during law school. He worked for the NYS Department of Labor as an Administrative Law Judge for 33 years. During a job interview he was asked what his proudest accomplishment was and he responded it was the family that he and his wife, Deirdre, had created. His biggest regret in life was that he had devoted too much time to his job when he could have spent it with Deirdre, Kate and Chris.

On July 5, 1980, he married Deirdre Dugan in Clinton, NY, in a wedding ceremony that his sister Beth, who attended many, said was the most beautiful one of all. Deirdre and Tom lived in Manhattan and Brooklyn before settling in the Albany area in 1983.

In keeping with the tradition of his native Brooklyn, he was a Dodgers fan. He and his brother, Bob, shared a story of attending a game at Ebbets Field where they saw Jackie Robinson after the game and he waved to them. After the Dodgers abandoned Brooklyn, Tom and his family with the exception of his brother, Bill, became diehard Mets fans. The love for the Mets was later shared with Deirdre, Kate and Chris.

Tom was known for his quick wit, encyclopedic knowledge, and love of crossword puzzles and Sudoku. His children, nieces and nephews remember him for his kindness, silliness and love for them.

Tom had hoped to spend more time with the people he loved: Deirdre; his wonderful children: Kate Mammen and Chris Mammen; Chris’ wife, Madalyn Zielinski; his adored grandchildren, Ben, Emmy, Trey and Ellis Mammen; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Beth and Robert Sheehan, Judie and Sam Lund and Ellen Mammen; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Elaine Mammen, Maire Dugan, Siobhan Dugan, Bonnie Dugan Bentley, Darby O’Brien and her husband Kevin Marken, and Frank and Sue O’Brien; his nieces and nephews and their families: Andrew and Anne Lund (Matt and Josh); Lily Sheehan and Chris Nichols (Cal); Rob Sheehan; Mark Lund; Will Sheehan and Allegra Crespi (Luca); Julia Mammen; Megan O’Brien and Dave Cowart (Gabe and Spencer); Brendan and Cari O’Brien (Finn, Cian, Summer and Swan); and Ryan Dugan; and his cousins and their families: Ed and Barbara Mammen; Mary Mammen Lyons; Anne Mammen Hermida; and Joe and Liz Mammen.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Bill and Bob, parents-in-law, Pat and Frank Dugan and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Maeve and Frank Dugan.

Donations may be made in his name to the ACLU, Siena College or food and shelter charities. There will be a private interment ceremony for the family at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.

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06/05/2026

William F. Hornick

William Foster Hornick passed away on June 5, 2026, in Clarksville, New York at the age of 80. He was the son of Joseph Stephen Hornick and Cecilia Bernadette Aton Hornick. He was born in his childhood home in Ashley, Pennsylvania during a significant snowstorm. He was named for his maternal grandfather, William Foster Aton.

He was a graduate of Wyoming Memorial High School in Pennsylvania at the top of his class. At Wyoming, he formed many friendships which lasted his entire life. William attended King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He graduated from King’s College in 1967 with a Bachelors of Arts in French/Education.

William taught French and English at Romulus Central School in New York from 1967-1968. It was during that time that he met his future wife, Marie Funicello, an English teacher at another Finger Lakes area high school. William went on to work for General Mercantile Industries in New York City as an investigator before his marriage in 1971. Following a short stay at Korvettes in Colonie, he went to work as a consultant for the former Institute on Man and Science, in Rensselaerville, New York. At the Institute on Man and Science he would hold the positions of Director of Special Projects, planning the summer seminars and Senior Research Associate. He wrote and edited numerous reports, studies and books on a wide range of topics.

In 1983, William returned to teaching and earned his Master’s Degree at the University at Albany. In 1985, he was hired by LaSalle Institute in Troy. During his tenure, he taught seven and sometimes eight levels of French. In 2001, he was named Chair of the Foreign Language Department. While teaching, he published articles on teaching second languages to students with dyslexia, presented at conferences, and earned a scholarship to study at the University of Montreal. He was often recognized by his students and was selected multiple times by the class valedictorian as the most influential teacher. He was always grateful for the letters and visits from former students sharing their accomplishments with him.

Upon his retirement in 2008, William became active in various historical associations. He also kept a promise to himself to return to the hobby of collecting Modern Library editions of classic books. William made numerous contributions and discoveries to the Modern Library’s collector’s website. His collection totals 3,300 books, a third of which are first editions. William often told his students, “The universe is infinite in every direction; choose one.” William attempted to choose them all.

William was predeceased by his parents, his brother John and his wife Nancy, his brother Joseph and his wife Jerri, his sister Sharron, his beloved goddaughter Deborah and his cherished wife of 50 years, Marie Funicello Hornick. He is survived by his son, Daniel and his partner Shannon and their family, Sierra and Elizabeth and great-granddaughter Alara and his son, Adam and his wife Jennifer and the joys of his heart, his grandchildren Brian and Jillian. William asked that his obituary note the boundless pride and infinite respect for Daniel’s and Adam’s character and achievements. The family would also like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate team of the St. Peter’s Hospital Hospice Unit who cared for William in his final days.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 4PM to 7PM at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in New Salem will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in his memory to LaSalle Institute, 174 Williams Road, Troy, NY 12180 or the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company Rescue Squad, PO Box A Clarksville, NY 12041.

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06/03/2026

We're proud to sponsor this year's Fun Day, benefiting the Bethlehem Community Fund.

Join us for an afternoon of music, activities, and food at Bethlehem Town Park. It's a great time for the whole family.

📅 Sunday, June 7
🕑 2–5 p.m.
📍 Large Pavilion, Bethlehem Town Park
🎟️ $20 per family | Rain or Shine
Grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bcf-fun-day-at-the-park-tickets-1987647083934

Please share so friends and neighbors don't miss out!

- Jay & Tom
Owners & Funeral Directors

Bethlehem Chamber
Town of Bethlehem, NY
Bethlehem NY Families
Bethlehem Local News & Events