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OBITUARIES / NEWS
DeCrescente Distributing Co. Mourns the Loss of its Patriarch MECHANICVILLE — Carmine “Carm” James DeCrescente Sr., the secondgeneration former president of DeCrescente Distributing Co, has passed away at 94 due to complications from COVID-19. Carm DeCrescente served in the U.S. Navy during World War II after graduating from Mechanicville High School. In 1948 he started working for the family business alongside his father, Angelo DeCrescente, growing the beverage supplier to 11 million cases per year through 20-plus acquisitions. Carm DeCrescente saw consolidation as the future of beer distribution. Through 22 acquisitions starting in 1986, the DeCrescente’s purchased small and large competitors, including Saratoga Spring Water and Arizona teas, to expand the company beyond traditional beer. His son, C.J, has been
running the business since 1997, but he has left behind many important philosophies and lessons about company culture, work ethic, and investments. Throughout the years Carm DeCrescente quietly donated to several charities. He was also a musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet at local restaurants, private golf clubs, and bars for many years. Carm DeCrescente was predeceased by his wife and business advisor of 60 years, Mary Cicchinelli, and his son Leo John Boyland. He is survived by his son C.J. DeCrescente Jr. and his wife Marybeth; sister Angela “Babe” Dugan; grandchildren Jessica Aiezza, Carmine DeCrescente III, Matthew DeCrescente, and Payton DeCrescente; and five great-grandchildren. A private burial with military honors will be held in the family plot at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Gloria J. Abbott
Week of December 24 – December 30, 2021
James Buchholz
BUSKIRK — Gloria J. Abbott, age 75, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at her home in Buskirk, NY. The family will be having a private celebration of life. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
GANSEVOORT — James Buchholz, age 57, passed away on December 9th, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital. A funeral service was held on Friday, December 17 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Charles Stephen (Chip) Lee
Colleen Ann Kirchhoff
STILLWATER — Charles Stephen (Chip) Lee, age 68, passed away on December 6th. A memorial celebration of Chip's life was held on December 11th at Longfellows Inn and Restaurant, 500 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Colleen Ann Kirchhoff (Nana), died on December 9th. A funeral service was held on December 18th at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs. Interment will be held at a later date in Queen of All Saints Cemetery. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
Gerald “Jerry” O. Lawyer GANSEVOORT — Gerald “Jerry" O. Lawyer passed away on Monday, December 6th at the age of 80 surrounded by family. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
George Potter GREENFIELD CENTER — George Potter died on December 4. A funeral service was held December 8th at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs. Interment was held at Middle Grove Cemetery, 400 Middle Grove Rd, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com
