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Morgan Taylor, Renowned Kids Musician, Cartoonist From Region Dies At Age 52
If you aren’t familiar with Morgan Taylor’s music, that’s okay given you most likely are not in the New York musician's target demographic.
But chances are some kids you know have jammed out to the Columbia County singer, songwriter, and cartoonist’s work while watching his award-winning Gustafer Yellowgold video series, or at one of his many live performances around the country.
The two-time Grammy nominee, who lived in Chatham with his wife and two sons, died Thursday, Aug. 11, at the age of 52 following a brief illness, according to his obituary.
Born in Kettering, Ohio on Sept. 5, 19…
Man Found Dead In Cove Worked With NYC Opera, Became Chef
A man whose body was found in a Long Island cove has been identified as a former employee of the New York City Opera and a chef who had a lifelong passion for music.
Keith Viagas, of Sag Harbor, died on Saturday, Aug. 6, from drowning near his home in Sag Harbor Cove. He was age 63.
Viagas grew up in Franklin Square, attending both John Street School and H. Frank Carey High School, where he appeared in musicals, according to his obituary.
His late father, Anthony Viagas, was a jazz musician, and Viagas lived in a home filled with music.
"At one point Keith would be pl…
'Life Of The Party': Longtime Special Ed Teacher In Capital District Dies At Age 68
A longtime educator in the Capital District is being remembered for her ability to connect with her students.
Joan Murray, of Albany, died Monday, Aug. 1, at the age of 68 following a “courageous battle” with pancreatic cancer, according to her obituary.
Born in Albany on Aug. 25, 1953, to John and Loretta, Murray graduated from Marylrose Academy in 1971 and D’Youville College in Buffalo in 1975, her obituary said. She earned her master’s degree from the College of St. Rose.
“Joan was always active - the life of the party,” her memorial said. “She welcomed everyone into her home and had …
'He Was A Self-Starter': Teen Killed In Hit-Run Westchester Crash Remembered As Hard Worker
A popular Westchester teen who was killed by an alleged hit-and-run driver is being remembered as a self-started and hard worker.
Christopher Jack “CJ” Hackett, age 16, of Yonkers, died on Thursday, Aug. 4, after being struck while riding his scooter on McLean Avenue in Yonkers on Wednesday, Aug. 3.
Born in White Plains, and raised in Yonkers, CJ was about to begin his junior year at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, said his obituary.
When it came to academics and good grades Christopher excelled, his obituary said.
He was a self-starter. When his homework was c…
Hudson Valley Woman Who Was Skilled Paralegal, Mother Of 3 Dies At Age 59
A Hudson Valley woman who worked as a paralegal for decades and who was a mother of three has died at the age of 59.
Deborah Jeanne Butts Tomanocy, of Pleasant Valley, died at home on Saturday, July 23, according to her obituary.
Butts Tomanocy was born in Poughkeepsie, and her family showed their cows with 4H at the Dutchess County Fair for many years.
She was also crowned the Dutchess County Dairy Princess in 1980, her obituary said.
"Debbie was a skilled paralegal for Patrick J. Flanagan, Esq, in Norwich, New York, with whom she worked for seventeen years," her obituar…
College Student In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 20
A Hudson Valley college student has died at the age of 20.
Orange County resident Kailas A. Ferrari, of Cornwall, died at home on Saturday, July 23.
The daughter of Paul W. and Tammy A. (Sharp) Ferrari, Kailas was born in Middletown, according to her obituary.
A student at SUNY New Paltz, Ferrari was majoring in international relations with a minor in Asian studies.
"Kailas was smart, beautiful, and loving," her obituary said. "Thoughtful, kind and generous; talented, creative and hard-working."
She was a natural linguist and writer; a diligent student with a desire to travel and e…
'One Of The Good Ones': Well-Known Business Owner In Capital District Dies At Age 65
Tributes are pouring in for a longtime business owner in the region who died this month following a battle with cancer.
Herkimer County resident George Pulver Jr., of Little Falls, died Tuesday, July 19, at the age of 65 while surrounded by his wife and children, according to his obituary.
Born in Hudson, Pulver was well-known around Columbia County for running his family business, Pulver’s Glass, for more than 40 years, his memorial said. He retired in 2017.
The shop, located on Green Street in Hudson, was started by Pulver’s grandfather in 1914 and is still in business today under the o…
