Memorials

Friends and family of Rotary Members have been memorialized through donations to the Foundation in their names.  Among these are:

Joseph M. Coyle – Beloved and Cherished Husband, Devoted Son and Grandson, Ever Helpful and Loving Brother, Esteemed Uncle, Fabulous Intermediate School Math Teacher, Dedicated Fisherman and Tennis Player, Inveterate Joke and Story Teller, Nationally Recognized Chili Maker, Personification of Decency, Courtesy, Gentleness and Caring; Joe’s wit, intelligence and kindness continue to inspire the many who knew and loved him. 

Barbara Curnow –2018 -Barbara was a valued Rotary member since 2014 and wife of Rotarian Gary Curnow. Barb was active in all aspects of Rotary, from service activities to social events. She was a strong supporter of the Northville Rotary Foundation and was responsible for many generous contributions to the Foundation.

She was the definition of kindness, caring, and generosity.  Barb was a meticulous homemaker known for her festive holiday celebrations and also a compassionate caregiver for family members in their time of need.  She was loved by all and will be missed.

As a result of their love and respect for Barbara, many donations were made to the Foundation in her memory that helped create a yearly endowed scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery  Community College.

Dr. Clem Gritsavage – After the War, Dr. Clem Gritsavage wanted to have his own practice in a rural area.  The Northville Chamber of Commerce was looking for a doctor to replace Dr. Grant, who had served Northville for decades.  The Chamber somehow connected with him and convinced him to open here.  In the Spring of 1947 he came with his wife Hazel and his young daughter and son and opened a practice on Bridge Street.  He retired from private practice in 1966. 

During his time here, he had an office in our house and also made house calls.  At that time, local ambulances were hearses and they would stop at the house, which was the local trauma center, or he would go to accidents 24/7, if needed, as there were no EMTs. 

Richard E. Hammond

Maria Heise – 2022-  Maria was Northville Rotary’s Assistant Governor for a number of years.  She kept u s up to date on eh activities and offerings of both District 7190 and Rotary International.  She was valued and respected by all the members of our club and participated in many of our meetings, Woodworking and Fine Arts Shows and Christmas parties to name a few events.  

Maria graduated from Schalmont High School and worked as a branch manager at 1st National Bank of Scotia for for many years.  She was very active in the Saratoga Rotary Club which was her home club.

Richard Durling –Richard Durling was a Photographer in South Glens Falls, NY from the 1960’s – 2000’s. He owned and operated his own business, Moreau Studio. He took pictures of kids in elementary school, little league, Senior portraits, family groups, weddings, and other events. He had a way of capturing people looking their best, usually smiling after he told them a funny joke.

He was a Rotarian where he enjoyed supporting the community and the comradery of his colleagues. He and his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret, would visit friends every summer in Northville. They would visit the public beach, walk around town and enjoy a cookout on their friends’ porch. He always remarked about what a quaint place it was.

After he retired, he took up golf and enjoyed playing with family and friends. His golf group always enjoyed his good nature and positive spirit. Five years ago, my wife and I bought a cottage in Northville. I often think about my dad while playing golf, walking downtown, or sharing a meal with friends and family on our porch. I think it would make him smile to see us all enjoying Northville, the quaint Adirondack town that he and my mom enjoyed so much.

Pricilla Horesco – 2019 -Priscilla was honored with a Paul Harris Award for her over 40 years of service to Rotary and the community. She was a well- known volunteer at many Northville Rotary events and gladly worked behind the scenes doing what had to be done to make the event a success.

She taught high school mathematics in Connecticut for over 30 years. After moving to Northville, Priscilla tutored many local children as well as substituted at the school.  Finally, her love of math led to a teaching position at Fulton-Montgomery Community College where taught mathematics there for five years.

When Priscilla was diagnosed with cancer she became very involved with many cancer organizations as a volunteer spokes person. She made it her mission to visit everyone she knew that had cancer. She would bring refreshments and spent a good part of her day visiting. She embodied the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”.

As a result of their love and respect for Priscilla, many donations were made to the Foundation in her memory that helped create a yearly endowed scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery  Community College.

Linda Kinum – 2021-  Linda was leader in the Rotary Club of Northville and attended the Rotary Leadership Institute..  She organized Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for those in need in cooperation with the Fulmont Community Action Agency of which she was the Site Coordinator for many years.  Rotary provided the turkeys and other items.  She helped develop the Rotary Wreath program in which children were provided gifts by Rotarians at the holidays.

She was instrumental in getting artists for the early Woodworking and Fine Arts Shows. Linda served as club historian and provided each President with a scrap book of their year as leader.  We missed Linda at Rotary even before her untimely passing.

Andrew Oiestad – 2020 – Andy was a valued member of the Northville Rotary Club.  He was always willing to volunteer for service activities, especially for the Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend each July.  In addition, his generosity in supporting the Northville Rotary Foundation led to two challenges where he pledged a very generous amount if the club members could match it.  We met each challenge. 

Barbara Hull Owens – 2015 – Barbara was involved in Rotary as a “RotaryAnn” or wife of a Rotarian for many years and then as a Rotary member in her own right.   Barbara never missed a Rotary meeting. She was active in the Methodist Church and was the mother of Rotarians Charles Owens and Carol Smith.

Lucia Sabatini Puglia – 2016 – Mother of Rotarian Susan Owens and mother-in-law of Rotarian Charles Owens.  

Carl Reece – 2019 – Gift from James Conkling.  Carl was an active member of the Northville Presbyterian Church.  

Beth Smith – 2018 – Beth was a retired elementary teacher and vital part of the Northville Rotary who worked along-side her long time Rotarian husband Bob on many service activities.

Beth was selfless to all – family, friends and strangers.  She always put everyone else before her and it was genuine!  She spent more time and energy thinking, worrying and taking care of everyone.  She wanted everyone to be together and happy.  She saw the best in all of us and did not judge people for their faults.

Beth enjoyed the little things.  She seemed happiest for the moments spent together with family sharing conversation and meals.  Holidays were important and she made sure family was together.  She enjoyed making others feel special.

Beth loved kids and grandkids.  She found joy and peace with kids while reading a book, playing a game, going for a walk, teaching them to bake, knit, crochet or sew.  She somehow did that after many years of teaching elementary students.

As a result of their love and respect for Beth, many donations were made to the Foundation in her memory that helped create a yearly endowed scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery  Community College.

Janet Taylor – 

President Ken Adamczyk sent these touching words to our Rotary family……

She (or he) is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone,

Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,   

Or you can be full of the love you have shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone,

Or you can cherish the memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what Barb would have wanted:

Smile, Open you eyes, Love and Go On.