Making the Case for Halfmoon Zip Code – by P. Bardunias

Senator Chuck Schumer came to Halfmoon last week to help Town officials advocate for this fast-growing town to have its own ZIP code.   The press conference centered on several concerns, the most urgent being the need to establish clear street addresses for first responders who often struggle to find the location of a distress call in Clifton Park or Halfmoon.    Clifton Park-Halfmoon Fire Chief Art Hunsinger said, “A new ZIP code for Halfmoon is necessary for emergency services…. we should not have to wait for a tragedy to happen in order for Halfmoon to get its own ZIP code.”  Hunsinger also pointed out that, when placing grant applications, the local emergency services organizations “lose grant money every year because they are sharing locations with other Fire Departments.”

The entire article is in the Feb. 26 issue.

Donald A. Watrobski – 63

MECHANICVILLE – Donald A. Watrobski, 63, of Pawling Ave., died suddenly at his home, Saturday, March 22nd, after being stricken. Born in Troy, November 8, 1950, his is the son of Stanley and Clara Ceremuga Watrobski of Halfmoon.  A 1968 graduate of Shenendehowa School, Don was still working for Momentive Performance Products of Waterford.  Previously he worked for General Electric’s Silicone Prod Div. of Waterford, stating in 1969.

A 35 year active member of the Mechanicville Fire Dept.(MFD), Don was Fire Chief from 1996-97, former President of MFD, former Captain of W.B. Neilson Hose Co. # 4 of MFD, and a very involved supporter and trainer of young fireman of MFD for years.

An avid New York Yankee and New York Giants fan, Don enjoyed golfing in the Mechanicville Golf Club’s Senior league, and looked forward to retiring this summer and playing golf on a more frequent basis.

Though a big man all his life, Don had a soft heart and friendly way, and enjoyed working with the community youth. 

Years ago, Don was a member 7 year member of the NY Army National Guard.

Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife of 43 years Loreen Roy Watrobski, his three children: Cindy (Marjorie) Watrobski of Long Island City, Jeremy Watrobski and Karey Watrobski both of Mechanicville.  Don was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild (boy) in August of 2014.  Also survived by sisters: Carol (Tom) Haigh of California, Cathy Watrobski of Latham and Christine (Steve) Bemis of Clifton Park along with his brother Douglas (Darcy) Watrobski of Waterford, along with nieces, nephews and his in-laws and families.

Don was predeceased by brothers David and Daniel Watrobski.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at Noon at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, 121 No. Main St., Mechanicville.  Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Tuesday from 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Mechanicville Fire Dept., PO Box 484, Mechanicville, 12118.

To leave condolences and for directions visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com