Kresge, G. Ellen

ALBANY — G. Ellen Kresge entered eternal life on Thursday, July 7, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on September 26, 1936, in Cohoes, she attended grade school at St. Agnes in Cohoes, followed by high school at the Academy of Holy Names in Albany. Her caring spirit led her to pursue a career in nursing. She received her B.S.N. from The College of Saint Rose in 1958 and spent 26 years working as a registered nurse at Albany Medical Center.

Married on June 18, 1960, Ellen spent 62 beautiful years alongside her husband Walter F. Kresge. The couple greatly enjoyed traveling and created lifelong memories exploring Europe, China, and Costa Rica. Later in life, Ellen, and her husband frequented Florida during winter months where they enjoyed the sunshine and comradery of others visiting their community. Ellen and her husband also shared a fondness for golfing and watching their favorite golfers compete in the PGA Tour. She further extended her love for golf by playing in local women’s leagues. Ellen and her husband took up skiing early on in their relationship and passed down the love of the sport to her children and grandchildren who still frequent the mountains every winter. She enjoyed several other hobbies, such as making delicious pies for holiday meals, sewing, and watching the Boston Red Sox.

More than anything, family was the shining light of Ellen’s life. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Jim and Alan, and raised them with unconditional support. Ellen also leaves behind several grandchildren whom she

Leary, Fredric Donald "Doc"

"Fred" Sr.

SAHUARITA, Ariz. — Fredric Donald Leary Sr., "Doc," "Fred" was born in Albany on May 25, 1935, and died in Sahuarita, Ariz. on Friday, July 2, 2022, after spending 87 years with us on Earth. Fred passed away peacefully in his home at 4:58 a.m. after a six-year battle with colon cancer.

Fred was predeceased by his mother, Ethel and father Jack; mother-in-law Regina and father-in-law, Zephir, brother Jack; and sister-inlaw, Mary Alice. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeannine; his children, Leigh, Fredric Jr., Timothy (Kelly), Terrence (Terri), Kevin, and Kathleen; his nephew, J. (Cailin); his grandchildren, Conor, Aisling, and Aidan O’Leary, Zephir, and Wyatt Leary, Derek Leary (Kim), Shelby Ford (John), and Aubrey Leary; his nephew’s children, Fiona and Liam Leary; his great-grandchildren, Elin and Jack Leary, Gavin and Braydon Ford; and his dog, Rae.

Fred graduated from Manhattan College in 1956 and then took the boat to Ireland where he completed his medical schooling at University College Galway in 1961. He and his wife, Jeannine (Chagnon), were married August 27, 1960.

Upon graduation, Fred did his internship at Albany Memorial Hospital. In the late 1960s, when essentially all doctors were in solo/ individual private practices, Dr. Leary was a visionary and a true businessman, joining Dr. Howard Westney and Dr. Richard Heinig to form what would become the first true group practice of family physicians in the northeast. He became the managing partner of what would be known as Latham Medical Group and held that position for over 20 years.

He took a short break when he proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1968. He was the medical director of the CB base in Gulfport, Miss., where he helped build the dispensary. He retired in 1968 as a lieutenant commander. Upon his return to Albany, he also developed and headed the Family Medicine Department at Albany Memorial Hospital. He then helped develop Century Same Day Surgery and became its first medical director. Doc was always involved in the local community as the physician for the Town of Colonie and New York State Police. He had an avid interest in sports medicine and was "Doc" on the sideline for Pop Warner football and Shaker High School football. After his sons completed their high school sports, he became involved with Siena Men’s Basketball as the team physician for nine years (1985 1994), eight of which were with coach Mike Deane with whom he developed a longlasting friendship.

Fred "partially retired" to Sahuarita, Ariz. and the warmer climate in 1994, where he continued to practice family medicine in Green Valley for another 14 years for Cigna until they closed, and then Carondolet until he retired fully in 2008. Doc was a man of few wasted words but was known by his patients to be a caring, compassionate, and present force in their lives. He was extremely gifted in the art of listening and diagnostics for patients with complicated issues.

Doc loved his family and all his patients. He loved gardening and spending time at Cape Cod. Until his sight started hampering his game, Fred would be found on the

course with his pipe in his mouth working on his game. He was a scratch golfer in his younger days and decided to become a doctor instead of a professional golfer. His happiest times were spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed throwing huge parties in his backyard on Turner Lane, and enjoyed when his kids’ friends would "stop by." His and Jeannine’s house was always open to all to come visit.

Fred was under Hospice care since January 2020 and they were amazing in helping him navigate his end-oflife journey. The family would like to thank his care providers and support group for their amazing care and compassion.

In typical Fred fashion, it was never about him. Per his request, there will be no fanfare, just a private family celebration of life in Cape Cod.

In lieu of flowers, for anyone wishing to honor Fred, please donate in his name to Hospice Family Care, 275 W. Continental Road, Suite 195, Green Valley, AZ, 85622.