History & Staff

At Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, we have provided customizable memorial services for over 150 years. We hope to provide support and care while delivering life celebrations that help families find the peace they deserve.

If you’re seeking a beautiful celebration of life in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas, we invite you to learn more about where we came from and the dedicated people behind our work.

Canajoharie

Lenz & Betz Funeral Home has been serving the residents of western Montgomery County for the past 80 years. Originally located on West Grand Street, in the Village of Palatine Bridge, the home named, Lenz Funeral Home, was started by Donald Lenz, Sr. in 1929. In 1937, the business was relocated to 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, to accommodate the growing Lenz family. The building was purchased from William B. Smith of Arkell & Smith Sack Company. 

In 1976, Donald Lenz, Sr. passed away and ownership was passed to his son, Donald Lenz, Jr., who was working by his side at the time. The business continued to flourish until Donald Lenz, Jr. passed away unexpectedly in 1989. The business was then acquired by the Betz Funeral Home of Amsterdam and renamed Lenz & Betz Funeral Home in 1990.


Amsterdam

Issac Shuler, a cabinet maker, began his funeral career in 1860. It was taken over by W. Max Reid, a famous local historian. Upon his death in 1913, Raymond Johnson and Ed Lindsay purchased the business. It became known as the Funeral House of Johnson-Lindsay. David Bellinger purchased the business in 1978. 

Vincent Rossi purchased the former Sargalis Funeral Chapel in 1979. He merged with Johnson-Lindsay in 1984. It became known as Rossi Funeral Home. Both businesses combined with the Betz Funeral Home in 1998.

The Betz Funeral Home, Inc. had served Amsterdam and the surrounding area for the past 58 years. John G. Betz worked in his youth at Johnson-Lindsay Funeral Home and formed his own business on Mohawk Place in 1939. His sons, Jack and David Betz, joined the business in the 1970's. Situated at its present location of 171 Guy Park Avenue since 1947, the funeral home had been an integral part and contributor to the community in both civic and public affairs.

In 1995, the Betz Funeral Home, Inc. in Amsterdam underwent extensive renovation, providing a quality facility to its families. In 2023, the funeral home's name changed to Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home - Amsterdam.

Fultonville

In the 1970's, Allen Jackson, along with his father, opened the Jackson Funeral Home in Fonda. Later, Allen Jackson purchased the Todd Funeral Home in Fultonville. He closed the funeral home in Fonda and renamed the Fultonville location "Jackson & Todd Funeral Home". Allen Jackson stayed on as the manager until his unexpected death in 1991.

In 1987, the Betz Family purchased the funeral home in Fultonville and was known as Jackson & Betz Funeral Home. In 2023, the funeral home's name changed to Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home - Fultonville.

Lenz & Betz Funeral Home has been serving the residents of western Montgomery County for the past 80 years. Originally located on West Grand Street, in the Village of Palatine Bridge, the home named, Lenz Funeral Home, was started by Donald Lenz, Sr. in 1929. In 1937, the business was relocated to 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, to accommodate the growing Lenz family. The building was purchased from William B. Smith of Arkell & Smith Sack Company. 

In 1976, Donald Lenz, Sr. passed away and ownership was passed to his son, Donald Lenz, Jr., who was working by his side at the time. The business continued to flourish until Donald Lenz, Jr. passed away unexpectedly in 1989. The business was then acquired by the Betz Funeral Home of Amsterdam and renamed Lenz & Betz Funeral Home in 1990.

Recognized as a vital part of the history of the Mohawk Valley, the facility at 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie was completely renovated beginning in the summer of 2006. Originally constructed in the 19th century, the building was restored to its original beauty preserving its historical presence in the Village of Canajoharie. Completed in June of 2008, the facility now has a large spacious chapel with seating for 125 and is completely handicap accessible.

Today, Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home - Canajoharie continues its tradition of excellence in funeral and cremation services to the residents of Western Montgomery County. We continue to offer superior services at affordable prices.

Gloversville

In service to its neighbors for over 100 years, Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home - Gloversville is proud of its community heritage. Willard B. Walrath founded W.B. Walrath & Company in 1911. Over sixty years ago, Walrath & Bushouer Inc. was formed by a partnership between Willard B. Walrath and Harry J. Bushouer. The addition of Willard’s son, Douglas Walrath, came some years later. Richard Reed became owner of the funeral home in 1968 following the untimely deaths of the partners. John Stewart began his career with the business in 1978 and the name was changed to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home. Today, Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home - Gloversville continues to provide dignified personal service to its community with the traditional values passed down through generations of service.

Our Staff’s Dedication to Respectful Care

A funeral, or memorial service, should provide family members and loved ones with the chance to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life well-lived. At BRBS, our goal is to create exceptional services and experiences that fulfill the wishes of your loved one. Our experienced Funeral Directors provide guidance on the crucial first steps toward healing.



John J. Stewart
Sr. Licensed Funeral Director/Assistant General Manager

John Stewart has been helping families at the funeral homes since 1979. He was a 1975 graduate of Gloversville High School and also Hudson Valley Community College in 1981. He became a Licensed Funeral Director in 1982. He purchased both Walrath & Bushouer, Inc. and Jeffords Chapel in 1992, later changing the names to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home and Jeffords & Stewart Funeral Home. In 2004, he and his partners merged their five businesses to form Betz, Rossi, Bellinger and Stewart Family Funeral Homes. John continues to serve as an active Funeral Director as well as Location Leader. 

He is a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville, where he is a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Perpetual Eucharistic Adorer and Secretary of the Holy Name Society. He is a 35 plus year member the Concordia Club, The Eccentric Club and 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. John serves as a member of the Board of Directors Mountain Valley Hospice Foundation. He is a Trustee of Prospect Hill Cemetery Association and is a member of the Mount Carmel Cemetery Committee. He has recently served as a Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Mountain Valley Hospice Board and the former Patriot Federal Bank Board. He also served as a Division Chairman of United Way of Fulton County.

John and his wife, Sari, a Registered Nurse Supervisor, have five children: Brandon, Brittany, Bradley, Brian and Brody. They enjoy traveling and attending sporting events together.



Jack Betz
Licensed Funeral Director

An Amsterdam native, John Mead "Jack" Betz graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in the class of 1972. While growing up in Amsterdam, Jack spent many weekends with his grandparents, the late Warren and Emily Mead, on the Mead Farm in the Town of Florida. He still has a close connection to the Town of Florida through his cousin, Supervisor Eric Mead, Commissioner of the DPW of Montgomery County and owner of the Mead Farm.

Jack began his distinguished career in funeral service alongside his late father and brother, David, at Betz Funeral Home. He has a degree in Mortuary Science from Hudson Valley Community College and has been a New York State Licensed Funeral Director for over 48 years. 

Under his leadership, the family-centered business grew to include four locations. Today, Jack continues to provide exceptional funeral services at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Funeral Homes in Montgomery and Fulton counties. He remains dedicated to upholding the Betz family tradition of providing compassionate and affordable funeral services to families in their time of need.

Jack served on the Board of Directors of the Amsterdam Red Cross, was a trustee of The Foundation of St. Mary’s Hospital for nine years, was a trustee of Liberty Enterprises for over 14 years, and was an advisor to the Fairview Cemetery. He is a former Amsterdam Kiwanis Club member president and sat on the board of Directors for many years.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys sailing and boating on Lake George with his wife, Debra, their four adult children, and seven grandchildren. He is a NY Giants football fan through and through.



Jessica M. Leach
Licensed Funeral Director

Jessica spent the first part of her life growing up in Mayfield, she attended Mayfield Central Schools, later graduating on the President's List from Hudson Valley Community College with an Associates in Mortuary Science. In 2011 she received her Funeral Directors License. She is am a member of The Forrester's Club as well as a yearly participant in Relay For Life representing Team Hope, Faith and Love.

“I find great honor in helping families through one of the most difficult times in their lives. There is nothing more rewarding than being a Licensed Funeral Director.”

Starting in the nursing field directly out of high school quickly helped me realize my love of helping those in need. After watching and aiding patients during the last parts of their lives and building relationships with their families I became interested in funeral service. I then decided to change my career path and pursue a degree in Mortuary Science. I began my funeral directing career as a Resident Funeral Director at Bond Funeral Home in Schenectady. I quickly realized I had found my calling and learned many valuable things during my time there, one of them being the desire to serve my community closer to my hometown of Mayfield. It is with great appreciation to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger and Stewart Family Funeral Homes that I am now able to serve my friends and family and the families of others in this area that I call home.



Ninja Sagarese
Licensed Funeral Director

Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, but raised in Amsterdam NY, Ninja is the first Hispanic funeral director to join the BRBS family. Serving as an assistant manager to a local gas station and a department manager at a local retail store Ninja knew she wanted to work with people but on a more nurturing level. She obtained her certification for nurse’s aide in 2008 and spent over 5 years devoted to serving the geriatric residents at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville NY., on both the East and West side as well as in the rehabilitation unit. Knowing that she had more to offer her genuine benevolence, empathy, and ability to comfort those in need inspired her to follow her mother’s footsteps and become a funeral director. In 2014 she graduated from Hudson Valley Community College working very hard and fiercely overcoming many obstacles to obtain her A.A.S degree with honors. Earning places on both the Dean's and President's list. 

“Having been raised in this community I take a lot of pride and honor in being able to assist family and friends in a way that not many can. It has been one of the most meaningful roles I have ever taken part in. The families I have met along the way are more than just families that I have served, but they have become friends. Though I cannot lessen their grief I am committed to helping families memorialize their loved ones in a way they will always treasure. The funeral service industry is changing and evolving and as a cremation specialist, I am proud to be part of a firm that not only understands these changing trends but is adapting to them to better serve our community. It is empowering and motivating to work for a firm that truly cares about the community they serve like my fellow colleagues at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger, & Stewart do. Their sincerity in all that they do makes me admire and value my place within this team."

Ninja is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and a member of The General Federation of Women's Club-The Century Club happily volunteering her time and efforts where a need arises. She resides in Amsterdam with her family. As proud animal lovers they share their home with their dogs, reptiles and their cat. Ninja enjoys bow hunting, target practicing, snowmobiling, and loves spending time on her motorcycle in the warmer weather. Her absolute favorite motto in life is, “Pay it forward.” and will go above and beyond her measures to selflessly do just that for anyone.



Richard L. Boice
Licensed Funeral Director

Richard is a third generation Funeral Director, working from a young age at his family owned, Boice Funeral Home in Amsterdam. He graduated in 1976 from the New England Institute of Anatomy in Boston, MA. In 1978 he served his residency at the prestigious Frederick Funeral Home in Albany, NY, after which he received his license from New York State. He returned to his family business as manager and operated the business until 1998. He then accepted a positon with Service Corporation International as a Prearrangement Counselor, responsible for securing funds for advance funeral services for 11 funeral homes in Albany, Glens Falls and Schenectady.

In 2002, following the death of his wife Betsy, Richard left the funeral business to work in the private sector. In June of 2014, Richard joined the family of director’s at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart. 

“I am proud and humbled to be part of such a wonderful organization that cares deeply about the community. It is self-rewarding to be serving families again in my home town.”

Richard served his country from 1969 to 1974 with the 109th MAC Air National Guard, Scotia, NY and was honorably discharged in 1974. He is a 40+ year member and Past Exalted Ruler of B.P.O.E. #101 and is currently serving as Trustee; he is past President of the Amsterdam Rotary Club and former USS Swimming Official; and is a parishioner of St. Stanislaus’ Church. Richard is still very active in community events. His hobbies include antique cars, hunting, skiing and Auto Art. He lives in Hagaman with his wife Stephanie and they have three grown children.



Erin Salie
Licensed Funeral Director

Born in San Diego, CA to a Navy family Erin grew up all over the U.S. relocating to her mother’s native area in 2004. She graduated from Mayfield Central Schools in 2010 before attending Fulton Montgomery Community College. She transferred to The State University at Canton where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Funeral Services Administration in 2016. Erin has been employed by Betz, Rossi, Bellinger and Stewart Family Funeral Homes since 2015 and has been a Licensed Funeral Director since 2018.

Erin’s passion for education has persisted over the years. She completed coursework to become a Certified End of Life Caregiver in 2020, received certification as a Green Burial Council Practitioner in 2021, and was a 2022 graduate of the Northeast Funeral Service Partnership’s Leadership Academy. Erin was honored to be included in the Daily Gazette’s “Outlook 2021” for her work in green burial and sustainable death care.

Currently she serves on the New York State Funeral Directors Association Bridge Commission, is a Board Member of the Soroptimist International of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, is a member of Fulton and Montgomery Counties Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Committee and was recently invited to serve on the Board of Trustees at the Canajoharie Library and Arkell Museum.

Her main passions are art, history, literature, and education. She is an avid reader and a gifted homemaker who loves crafting and enjoys spending time with her family, especially when it involves hosting brunch and making espresso. “My greatest joy in life has always come from taking a bad situation and making it better, Mary Anne Evans wrote ‘What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other’ I try to live that quote every day.



Stacy Vertucci
Licensed Funeral Director

A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Stacy grew up in Fonda and is a 2007 graduate of Fonda Fultonville High School.

She attended Hudson Valley Community College, where she graduated in 2009 and became a licensed funeral director in 2014. Stacy initially joined the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart team in 2011. After leaving funeral service for a few years to raise her children, Stacy returned in 2023.

In August of 2018, Stacy attended the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills in Springfield, Missouri, where she received her Advanced Postmortem Reconstruction Surgery certificate, and in August of 2020, she received her MBIE through the British Institute of Embalmers.

Stacy is dedicated to the art and practice of embalming and has a strong commitment to always providing the most cutting-edge skills available in the industry to every family we serve. She continually seeks opportunities to learn from colleagues and attends educational seminars to further her abilities in the field whenever possible.

Stacy resides in Fonda with her daughter, Caleigh Grace and son, Angelo. Her spare time is filled with watching her kids play sports, riding their four-wheelers, being outside, attending school functions, and spending as much time as she can with her kids.




Alice Smith
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Born and raised in Canajoharie, New York, Alice’s interest in funeral service began in high school when she learned that her mother studied Mortuary Science in college. This discovery prompted Alice to delve into the field, leading to a pivotal two-week internship with HFM BOCES at our location. Quickly realizing her love for the funeral industry, Alice applied for a job after graduating from Canajoharie High School in 2019. Throughout college, she maintained a part-time job as a funeral associate while navigating through schooling. Alice graduated from Hudson Valley Community College at the top of her class in 2021 with an associate degree in Mortuary Science, becoming the first in her family to serve in the funeral profession. After completing her residency through Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, she became a licensed Funeral Director in March 2023.

Alice is now a full-time funeral director, and her number one priority is to serve every family as if they were part of her own.

Alice moved to the South Side of Amsterdam in 2022 and loves being so close to the community she serves. She spends her time off trying new restaurants or attending local festivities with her husband, Hunter. She enjoys spending quality time at home with Hunter, their dog, and three cats.



Sydney Boyle
Licensed Funeral Director

Born and raised on a farm in Ravena, New York, Sydney is a 2012 graduate of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School. Sydney knew she wanted to pursue a career in Funeral Services from the age of fourteen, so she enrolled in Hudson Valley Community College right out of high school. She graduated from the Mortuary Sciences Program with an Associates of Applied Sciences in 2014.

“When I was in Middle School, my grandmother passed away from cancer. Having seen her in her room at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn after her passing, I found great comfort at her wake. She once again looked like the woman I spent so much time with growing up, who always wore her hair and make-up just so, but had been unable to for the past summer due to her sudden diagnosis. Once I had time to process my grief, I realized I wanted to offer that same comfort to people in their time of grief.”

Sydney began her career in Funeral Services at Bond Funeral Home in Schenectady, where she served her residency and earned her New York State Funeral Director’s License in 2017. She joined the team at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart in February of 2019 after having worked with many of the staff while volunteering in the area.

In her free time Sydney participates in various community events, advocates for pre-planning funerals, as well as informing people about natural burials and all they entail. She has been a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association since 2016, and serves on the New Baltimore AgFest Planning Board alongside many of her family members, who host the festival yearly on their farm.

Sydney resides in Delanson with her husband Kevin. Sydney is a life-long animal lover, she and her husband share their home with their Olde English Bulldogges Eowyn and Rosie, their cats Pixel, Clem, and Laszlo, as well as a leopard gecko named Naga, a corn snake named Chili, and several chickens. The couple enjoys spending their time with their extended families, helping out on the farm, hunting, and traveling whenever they can.




Kate Bernhoft
Funeral Attendant


Kate resides in Fultonville with her husband and their two beautiful children. She is currently studying at Hudson Valley Community College in their Mortuary Sciences program. She is proud to be a part of the BRB&S family and to learn from their skilled team.

"I suddenly lost my dad when I was a young adult. I want to be a part of the support system for others during these challenging moments in their lives. Even the smallest gesture of love and compassion can make a great difference. My dad was a very positive role model in my life and influenced my empathetic and caring nature."

Kate has worked in the healthcare field for most of her adult life. Although she is new to the area, Kate is involved in various community events, and especially enjoys attending events hosted by the Fonda-Fultonville School District with her children.

In her down time, Kate can be found hiking and enjoying the outdoors with her family and their sweet dog, Milo. She also loves reading, antiquing, museums, weekend trips, and game nights with the family.



Vicki L. Betz
Office Manager

A native of Amsterdam, NY, Vicki has been involved in the funeral industry for nearly 30 years. She has two children; Jessica and Jason and two fantastic grandchildren; Melody and Samuel. She loves the outdoors, nature and spending time with family.

“Over the years I have seen the funeral industry change, but what has never changed is the need to give our families the very best options and service they deserve at a time when they need it most. Giving compassion, care and dedicated service
to each family served is our daily goal.”



Rebecca Chrisman
Administrative Assistant

A 1998 graduate of Broadalbin High School Rebecca resides in Amsterdam with longtime boyfriend David. Together they enjoy bird watching, gardening, cooking, playing computer games & spending time with family.

Rebecca joined the staff of Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart in 2006, and has been an integral part of the office.

“It has been an honor to be accepted as part of the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes family. I enjoy being part of history & memories made every day here. I am excited to be able to have a small part every day in helping families in their most difficult time.”