Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

09/24/2025

Constance King Murphy

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Constance King Murphy, 87, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 26, 1938, in Saratoga Springs, the daughter of the late Congressman Carleton J. King and Constance Roddy King of Brooklyn, New York.

Mrs. Murphy graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1956, where she was active in many clubs and sports. She went on to graduate from The College of Saint Rose in 1960 and later attended Albany Law School, where she met her husband, James A. Murphy, Jr. Together they made their home in Saratoga Springs and at Lake Desolation in Greenfield.

She took great pride in supporting her father’s successful campaign for Congress, speaking on his behalf to communities throughout the 20th Congressional District of New York State. She also campaigned on behalf of her husband during his two terms as Mayor of Saratoga Springs.

Mrs. Murphy was deeply engaged in civic and community life. Up until the time of her passing, she was a dedicated volunteer at the Saratoga Hospital’s Radiation Oncology Center and comforting patients there brought her much happiness. Over her long lifetime in Saratoga Springs, she was involved in many activities including the Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital, the Saratoga County swimming program, vice chair of the Town of Greenfield Republican Committee and served as the president of the Birch Run board of director’s homeowner’s association. After her children were grown, she became a real estate agent and enjoyed helping young people find affordable homes. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed matches at area clubs as well as in Montserrat where she and her husband spent many winters.

Her greatest joy, however, came from her family. She loved watching her five grandchildren grow up and she was always their biggest supporter and “cheering section”

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James A. Murphy Jr.



Mrs. Murphy is survived by her three children: James A. Murphy III (Laurie) of Saratoga Springs; Colleen Murphy Columbo (Richard) of Greenwich, Connecticut; and Constance Murphy Maddry (Tyler) of Great Falls, Virginia. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Caroline Kip Murphy, Claire Montgomery Murphy, Conor James Maddry, Richard James Columbo, and Ryan Murphy Columbo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Saratoga Springs at a later date. Burial was private in the family plot at Middle Grove Cemetery in Greenfield. There will be no calling hours. All arrangements, including services and interment, are private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Murphy’s memory may be made to the Saratoga Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, c/o Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

09/23/2025

Kenneth Dunn

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Kenneth Dunn, one month shy of his 95th birthday, passed away peacefully at home in Saratoga Springs on September 20, 2025, after a brief illness.

Kenneth was born on October 30, 1930 in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, son of Elizabeth and Matthew Dunn.

Kenneth fondly recalled his time as a young man working at several major newspapers in Manhattan. He moved on to a career as a highly respected distribution executive with Schaefer Beer, Gallo Wines, and Efco Products Inc.

Among Ken's proudest achievements was his time serving in the US Air Force from 1952-1956, where he gathered many memories and stories of service. He carried this camaraderie over to many years of his later life. He reached out to and established correspondence with many veterans with similar service experiences, often assisting or collaborating with his fellows on military and aviation research and articles. As further expressions of his interest in history, he donated unique artifacts to the Brooklyn Historical Society, worked on vintage radio sets, and preserved historic recordings and news reports. Few moments in Kenneth's life passed without classical, jazz, or traditional blues music playing in the background. He curated a diverse collection of first edition 78 rpm records, loved to travel, displayed an impressive collection of fine art, and was a discerning and avid wine aficionado.

Kenneth will be deeply missed and always cherished by his wife, Virginia; his children, Diane Bass (Gary) of Alexandria Bay, NY, and Richard Roder (Pepe) of San Diego, CA; his granddaughter Sarah Grant (Steven); his grandsons Matthew Bass (Hayley) and Garrett Bass (Kristen); and great grandchildren Sawyer and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald “Donnie” Dunn.

A private memorial service for immediate family will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Donations in Kenneth’s memory may be made to K9sforWarriors.org.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

09/23/2025

Philip G. Liska

August 19, 1946 – September 13, 2025

A long road home, Philip G. Liska finished his journey on September 13, 2025, where he was reunited with his father. At last, exchanging the breath of life for eternal peace.

Born August 19, 1946, in Ballston Spa, Philip's life was both simple and complex. Growing up in Saratoga, he was a St. Peter’s Academy graduate. He developed a passion for construction while working alongside his father Alex in the Saratoga Springs area, ultimately building several of his own homes independently. He eventually became a carpenter for General Electric in Schenectady where he worked for 37 years.

Marrying his wife Virginia (Jones) in 1971, the couple lived in the Saratoga/Galway/Ballston Spa area their entire marriage, having one daughter, Chrissy and one grandchild, Megan. An only child himself, Philip, was predeceased by his mother, Virigina Wilkins, and his father, Alex Liska, who he missed tremendously.

Philip was an amazing provider, protector, and a valuable influence, teaching lessons that could never be learned otherwise. Although he was unable to find much joy in his lifetime, there were moments that lit him up. He found comfort and loyalty within his wife, loved working with his hands, particularly building and using a hammer. He found solace in classic cars, enjoyed nature and fishing, and loved reading about the Civil War and the Alamo. On good days, his humor and sarcasm could fill a room, and his deepest passion was tinkering in the garage listening to the Rolling Stones. With hair like Elvis, the swagger of Mick Jagger, and a lifetime wardrobe of Johnny Cash black, he carried his own kind of style and spirit.

We release him with love for the good moments we shared and love for the lessons that came through our hardships. We pray you rest now, Philip. May you find peace as you reunite with your “people” in a place where there are no more battles to fight.

The family would like to thank all the special people who helped through this process by sitting at bedside, helping to do healing work to help his transition, providing care, support, or a simple check-in.

A special thank you to the Wesley staff that were able to see through his disease and connect with him on a deeper level, and to Heather and Lisa from Community Hospice who provided invaluable support for Philip and the family during his final days.

Services will be held at a later date.

09/22/2025

09/21/2025

“Amazing Grace” performed by the City of Albany Pipe Band at Speckled Pig’s Oktoberfest block party in Ballston Spa yesterday

09/19/2025

Bug’s 13th Boston Terrier Parade will commence at 11am on Sunday, September 21 from the Spirit of Life statue in Congress Park with a stroll down Broadway and a pup after party at Bailey’s! Donations are requested to help support Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. Sign up will begin at 10:15 and all dogs are welcome!

09/16/2025

Patricia A. Hodge

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Patricia A. Hodge, 78, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and dedication. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 5, 1947, she spent her early childhood in Merrick, Long Island, where her family settled when she was very young. Patricia thrived in the Merrick Public Schools, graduating from S.H. Calhoon High School in 1965, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego in 1969. At Oswego, she found lifelong friendships and a sense of sisterhood when she joined the Phi Lambda Phi sorority, and in 1967 she met Tom Hodge, who would become her husband and partner in life and business.

After college, Patricia began her career as an elementary school teacher in Ballston Spa, where her patience and creativity inspired countless young students. In April 1970, she married Tom, and together they embarked on entrepreneurial ventures that showcased her exceptional talent for communication and strategy. She launched a public relations firm focused on real estate, and Patricia later served as Marketing Communications Manager at Delmar Publishers, elevating the company’s brand and outreach. In the early 1980s, she founded Summit Marketing in Saratoga Springs, building a thriving advertising and marketing agency that she led with vision and integrity until her retirement in 2008.

Outside of work, Patricia was happiest on the slopes or the water. She embraced winter with spirited ski trips to the mountains and spent summers boating. She adored her dogs, who were constant companions on her adventures, and her home was a haven for friends and family who gathered to share her generosity and laughter.

Patricia’s influence endures in the students she taught, the clients she guided, and the community she enriched. She is survived by her husband, Tom Hodge, her brother Hank Casazza and his wife Bette, and a wide circle of sorority sisters, former colleagues, and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Her life was a testament to passion, perseverance, and the joy of connection, and those who knew her will carry her spirit forward in everything they do.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373).

Burial will be private.

Online remembrances may be made at

Our staff is committed to Serving local families with dignity and respect. Answering your personal concerns and inquiries in a clear, confidential, and responsible manner. Meeting the emotional as well as financial needs of each family we serve. William J. Burke Sons

09/16/2025

Actor Robert Redford passed away this morning at the age of 89 at his home in Utah.

Redford’s illustrious career once brought him to the Village of Ballston Spa, where he filmed a scene on Front Street for “The Way We Were,” a romantic drama directed by Sydney Pollack and released in 1973. The film was a box office hit and won 2 Academy Awards for Best Original Dramatic Score and Best Original Song.

The Ballston Spa scene features Redord’s character beckoning Barbra Streisand's character to cross the street and chat with him. They have a conversation near a restaurant built for the movie in front of the present-day Medberry Inn & Spa.

09/15/2025

Order tickets for the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes now! https://www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/general/

09/10/2025

NASCAR driver Ross Chastain signs autographs this afternoon at Market 32 in Malta.

Chastain is an eighth-generation watermelon farmer, hence the giant melon in the foreground.

Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

09/10/2025

SPORTS NEWS: The Saratoga Central Catholic Saints girls varsity soccer team will play two night games this fall at Skidmore College's Wachenheim Field.

The games will be held on:
Friday, 9/19 vs. Germantown
Friday, 9/26 vs. Gloversville

Both games begin at 7pm. There is no admission to watch the games and free parking is available close to Wachenheim Field on Skidmore’s campus.

Photo of Wachenheim Field via Skidmore College.

SCC Saints Athletics