McFerran, Albert E. LATHAM Albert E. McFerran III ("Big Al"), born September 9, 1950 the oldest son of the late Albert E. Jr. and Mary Pat McFerran of Albany, passed away of cancer, with his daughters by his side at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital on Tuesday, November 2. Born in Albany, he was a life-long resident of Latham. Al graduated from Troy High School in 1968. He earned a B.A. in Sociology while working full time to support his family. Al graduated from Siena College in 1974. He returned to The College of Saint Rose and obtained his teaching certificate in 1992. Al's sense of humor made him a unique individual. He was known as the life-of-the party for his one-liners and his ability to speak his mind regardless of the consequences. Al was well read and an advocate for social justice. He played varsity basketball and baseball at Troy High School earning a position on the varsity basketball team as a freshman. He continued his love of sports with his daughters as the coach of the original Latham Lassies Girl's softball team. This team won a New York State championship (1989). Al's career utilized his excellent communication skills to help individuals both as an Albany County probation officer, and later, with the New York State Office of Children & Family Services working with families in crisis. He enjoyed vacationing at Bolton Landing, Lake George and Misquamicut Beach, R.I. He loved to golf, go to the beach, the summer sun and listening to rock and roll surrounded by his family and friends. Al leaves his two loving daughters, Kristin McFerran-Ackner of Albany, Carrie Lynne McFerran Fairfax, Va.; and his former wife, Lynne Hartshorne-Venter of Goochland, Va.; his mother, Mary Pat McFerran of Albany; his siblings, Mary Kay (Nick) Dunn of London, England, Eileen (Jelane Kennedy) McFerran of Albany, Arthur (Nancy) McFerran of Litchfield, Conn, Barbara (Doug) Engel of Saugerties, Joseph (Pam) McFerran of Albany and Kevin (Lauretta) McFerran of Delmar. Al leaves behind many nieces, nephews and life-long friends who will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his sister, Anne Nardillo. Al's family would like to thank Dr. Zackon from NYOH practice and the wonderful and caring staff at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital for all their comfort and support throughout Al's illness. Family and friends are invited and may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. A memorial service to celebrate Al's life will be held on Saturday, November 6 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Al's family asks that contributions to help support this outstanding organization be made to Community Hospice, 295 Valleyview Blvd., Rennselaer, NY 12144. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com