Daily Mail Obits February 2007

SAUGERTIES – Norma C. Ponko, 80, of Mountain View Avenue, Saugerties, died Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007 at the Kingston City Hospital, N.Y., after a lengthy illness.

Born Sept. 14, 1926, in Queens, N.Y., she is the daughter of Louise Baumuller Wipper of Saugerties and the Late Joseph Wipper.

A lifetime area resident she was employed for many years as a secretary in the offices of John Sauer, Art Simmons and Glen Genthner.

She was a member of the Saugerties United Methodist Church and was always helping out during church suppers.

Predeceased by her husband, Steve Ponko, surviving besides her mother is one sister: Joan Ferraro of Saugerties. One Grandson: Jason Tyler of Saugerties and two nieces.

Her funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc. corner of John and Lafayette streets, Saugerties, with the Rev. Dr. Duane Buddle, pastor of the Saugerties United Methodist Church officiating.

CATSKILL – Leocadia “Lottie” Belsky, 94 of 2 Gardiner St., Catskill, died Monday, Jan 29, 2007, at Livingston Hills Nursing Home, Livingston, New York.

Lottie was born in Likens, Penn. and raised in Shamokin, PA. She was employed by the Arrow Shirt Company, and later owned and operated a beauty salon. Lottie was avid ceramist and quilter. She was predeceased by her spouse of 52 years, John Kenneth Belsky, who died on Nov. 19, 1984. Lottie has been a Catskill resident since 1985 to be near her family.

Lottie is survived by her daughter, Florence, E. (Dr. Joseph R. Sr.) of Catskill; she was the loving grandmother of Donald, Joseph Jr., James, Kathleen, Karen, Ronald, Susan, William and Christopher; devoted great-grandmother of Thomas, Dominick, Joseph R. III, Paul, James, Matthew, Abigail, Ava, Anna, Nicholas, Anthony, Michael, and Erica.

Relatives and friends may call at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 157 Bridge St., Catskill.

CATSKILL – William A. Greene, 75, of Catskill, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at St. Peter’s Hospital where he had been a patient.

Born in Hunter on Jan. 1, 1932, he was the son of the late Ernest and Violet Osborne Greene. HE served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal from Aug. 5, 1952 to July 15, 1954. He was a carpenter foreman at Hunter Mnt. prior to his retirement. He was a avid fisherman and woodworker.

He is survived by his wife, Madeline Kelch Greene of Catskill; son, William J. Greene and his wife Carol Greene of Catskill; sister, Mrs. Ronald (Arlene) Gabriele of Catskill; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his niece, Gail Marie Gabriele, and brother, Ernest Greene in June of 2006.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home at 139 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, with Rev. Phyllis Skidmore, pastor of the High Hill Methodist Church, officiating.

Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 7 – 9 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the High Hill Methodist Church or the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene.

CATSKILL – Helen Mann, 63, of Catskill, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007 at Kaaterskill Care in Catskill.

She was born Aug. 31, 1943 in Nyack, N.Y., the daughter of the late Henry and Beatrice DeGraw.

Helen was employed as a housekeeper for the Lindemann family of Catskill for many years.

Mrs. Mann is survived by five children, Helena Mann of Peekskill, Lloyd Mann of Catskill, Donna Geer of Hudson, Harold Mann of Catskill, and Roxanne Mann of Cairo; three brothers, Walter DeGraw of Cairo, Robert DeGraw of Spring Valley and Richard DeGraw of Bloomingburgh; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 9 at Kaaterskill Care Nursing Home, 161 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

CATSKILL – Sophie Ann Shea, 79, of 27 James Place, Catskill, died suddenly Feb. 3, 2007 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.

Funeral services under the direction of the Traver & McCurry Funeral Home are currently incomplete.

CATSKILL – Sophie Ann Shea, 79, of James Place, Catskill, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.

Born Dec. 15, 1927 in Catskill, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette Acquaviva Annese.

She was a communicant at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Catskill and a member of the Catskill Garden Club and Greene County Women’s League for Cancer.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Geoffrey and Rebecca Shea of Hudson and David and Cyndi Shea of Connecticut; a brother, Joseph Annese of Catskill; two sisters, Antoinette Fallarino of Catskill and Rose Brancale of Toms River NJ; three grandchildren, Sara Shea of Hudson, Philip Shea of Hudson and Michael Shea of Watertown, Conn.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gerard Shea, on Feb. 28, 2003; and a brother, Michael Annese.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Traver and McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill with Rev. Richard Jacobs officiating.

Interment will be in the spring at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill, at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Garden Club, Catskill, NY 124154.

LEEDS – Elizabeth Ellett, 92, of Leeds, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at her residence.

Born June 11, 1914 in East Orange, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Frances VanderWerf Hansson.

For many years, Mrs. Ellett was employed as a seamstress at the Atlanta Knitting Mills until their closings when she became a home health care aide with Greene County Department of Aging.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, William and Betty Ellett of Catskill and David and Karen Ellett of Greenville; seven grandchildren’ several great-grandchildren’ several great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Eston Ellett, in 1999; a sister, Marian Hansson; and a brother, Henry Hansson.

Private cremation was conducted Monday at the Albany rural Crematorium under the direction of the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, 139 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

There will be no funeral services but electronic condolences may be posted online at www.millspaughcamerato.com.

CATSKILL – Jan H. Holmes, 68, of Embought Road, Catskill, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 at her residence after a long illness.

Born March 22, 1938 in Hollywood, Calif., she was the daughter of Swanton Dalton and Jeanette Monroe Dalton.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Holmes was a data processing agent for the Prudential Insurance Company of New Jersey.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol E. Holmes of Palenville and Janet C. Holmes of Massachusetts.

Private cremation services will take place Monday at the Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo.

EAST DURHAM – Webster “Webb” Jennings, 89, of East Durham, formerly of Greenville, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at his home after a long illness.

Born Jan. 27, 1918 in Norton Hill, he was the son of the late Aaron and Jean Farquhar Jennings.

A lifelong carpenter retiring in 2005, Mr. Jennings was also employed at Shepard Farm and he and his wife operated the “House on the Hill” resort.

He was a former member and past president of the Greenville Central School Board of Education and a member of the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church.

Mr. Jennings was also a life member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company and a former member of the Westerlo Ambulance Squad and a former member and past master of the James Austin Lodge F.&A.M. An avid Yankees fan, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Marie Roe Jennings; a daughter and son-in-law, Jane and James Crossett; a son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Donna Jennings; a brother, Russell Jennings; five grandchildren, Kimberly Page (Charles) Mark Jennings (Maria), Michael Biskupich (Romi), Becky Riley (Stephen) and Zachary Crossett; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, John and Walton Jennings; and two sisters, Dorothy Mahoney and Wilhelmina Yeomans.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church in Norton Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund.

ELKA PARK – Frances M. Menzie, 80, of Elka Park, formerly of New Rochelle, Westchester County, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at the Benedictine Hospital in Kingston.

Born Oct. 24, 1926 in New York City, she was the daughter of the Late Charles F. and Emlie Frank Winson.

Mrs. Menzie was a homemaker and worked with the local Department of the Aging Meals on Wheels in Greene County.

She was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club of New Rochelle, Ladies of Charity Arch Diocese of New York and the Garden and Botanical Society of the Bronx.

Survivors include her husband, John J. Menzie of Elka Park; four sons, Charles A. of Servern, MD, Joseph N. Menzie of Garrison, Westchester County, John F. Menzie of Cortland Manor, Westchester County, and Joshua P. Menzie of Lake Carmel, Putnam County; two daughters, Ann Marie Holzhauer of Westport, Essex County, and Barbara J. Procario of Cold Spring, Putnam County; a sister, Emily Judge of New Rochelle; 17 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Aston Basagic Funeral Home, 7742 Main St., Hunter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday at the immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Haines Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Frances deSales Restoration Fund, Elka Park, NY 12427.

NEW BALTIMORE -- Jevne Arthur Rhenisch, 94, of New Baltimore, died Sunday, Feb 4, 2007, at the Samuel S. Stratton Veteran’s Medical Center in Albany.

Born Dec. 7, 1912 in Oak Park, Ill., he was the son of the late Arthur R. and Eveline Jevne Rhenisch.

He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and also in Korea.

Mr. Rhenisch joined the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. of Newark, NJ and traveled widely throughout the United States setting up management systems.

He was active in the boy Scouts and was one of the founders of the Wheaton College Black Hills Research Center.

He was a member of the Sons of Norway, Fram Lodge and Men’s Garden Club of Albany.

Survivors include his wife, Milada Kratky, whom he married in 1947; and a daughter, Madelyn B. Rhenisch of Boston, Mass.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion St., Coxsackie.

CATSKILL – Phyllis Beatrice Smith, 79 of Catskill, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at Kaaterskill Care Skilled Nursing and Rehab, where she had been a patient since Jan. 22.

Born Aug. 10, 1927 in Springfield, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Midor David and Grace I. Decker Bleau.

Mrs. Smith was a telephone operator in Catskill for New York Telephone for many years.

She was a life member of Hose Co. Ladies Auxiliary, Catskill Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Greene County VFALA and Hudson Valley VFALA.

Survivors include a son, John D. Smith of Bradenton, Fla.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet Marie Beza of Concord, Calif., Barbara Ann and Michael Roccio of Coxsackie and Holly Jane and Greg Martin of Coxsackie; seven siblings, Marjorie Quinn, Elva Connors, Helen Floutin, Sandy Tefft, James (Betty) Bleau, Richard (Dot) Bleau and Robert (Bonnie) Bleau; six grandchildren, Geoffrey Smith of Kingston, Ashley Smith of Saratoga Springs, Heather Mullen of Concord, Calif., Rhiannon Rice of Coxsackie, Adam (Karen) Martin of Dover Plains and Ashlee Martin of Dover Plains; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Henry Smith, on March 17, 2003; and seven siblings.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home at 139 Jefferson Heights in Catskill and will be announced later in the month.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice and electronic condolences may be sent to www.millspaughcamerato.com.

ATHENS – Michael J. Zanchelli, 48, of South Franklin Street, Athens, died suddenly Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.

Born Dec. 9, 1958 in Catskill, he was the son of A. Michael and Maryjane Roeben Zanchelli of Athens.

He was a lifetime resident of Athens, a graduate of Coxsackie-Athens High School and a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church of Athens.

At the time of his death, Mr. Zanchelli as employed as a correctional officer at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility. There for 25 years, he was due to retire in early summer.

He was rifle and range officer for the Dept. of Corrections and taught many firearms courses in the Greene County area. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors, and his hobby and expertise was in firearms. He also taught safety courses for area youth.

He was very active in the Athens Girls Softball Team, the development of the Play Scape playground on Route 385 and was a member of the Athens Village Planning Board.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Natalie A. Johnson Zanchelli of Athens; two sons, A. Michael Zanchelli III of Ravena and Austin Zanchelli of Athens; three step children, Jordan, Kayleigh and Jenna Davis, all of Athens; a brother, Joseph Zanchelli of Coxsackie; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Maria and Mario St. John of California and Jane and Stephen Houghton of Plattsburgh; two grandchildren, Anthony and Desirea Iamunno; and many cousins, aunt, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 t 9 p.m. Thursday at the Richards Funeral Home, 28 North Vernon St., Athens.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Athens, with the Rev. Shaw officiating.

CATSKILL – Samuel Janiero “Doc” Dunn, 93, of Albany, and former long-time Catskill resident, departed this life on Friday, Feb. 3, 2007, at Albany Memorial Hospital.

Doc spent his early years in Harlem, N.Y. He moved to the Catskill, N.Y. area during the early 1940ss. Doc remained in Catskill until he relocated to Albany in August 2002.

On Sept. 14 to 15, 2002, Doc was honored by the Greene County Legislature as an American citizen who served during World War II as a merchant marine. He was also featured in the Dec. 24, 2003 Times Union article as a “man who considered himself rich in memories.”

Doc loved people and he loved life. He traveled all over the world and had many stories to share about his wonderful experiences. He would often tell us about his days in Harlem selling ice, riding the boxcars, cooking at the Catskill Mountain resorts, and traveling all over the Continental USA and Europe. Doc was an extremely kind man who always had a kind word for everyone. His hobbies included fishing, photography, talking on the phone, and walking.

Doc leaves to mourn his passing six great-grandsons, Arthur Brantley Jr., John Brantley, Jerome Brantley, Janiero Brantley, Michael Brantley, Artis Brantley; four great-goddaughters, Sharon Blanks, Ruby Brantley, Carlotta Brantley, Paula Gaddy; two goddaughters, Mary Keith and Lucy Spann; five godsons, James Hughes, Howard Hughes, Harry Hughes, Lyle Hughes, Lenny Hughes; and many special friends including Randy Fried, Billy White, Mark Krstovich, Dick Tannenbaum, Danny Fried, the DiStefano’s, the Flaum’s, in addition to a host of other family and friends.

He was predeceased by special friends, John and Lucy Hughes, and his other godchildren, Shirley Brantley, John Hughes Jr., William (Clarence) Hughes, Henry Hughes, Flossie Freeman, and Charles Hughes.

Funeral Services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

CATSKILL – Elizabeth Ellett, 92, of Leeds, died Feb. 4, 2007 at her residence.

Born June 11, 1914 in East Orange, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Frances VanderWerf Hansson.

She was employed as a seamstress at the Atlanta Knitting Mills until their closing when she became a home health care aid for the Greene County Department of the aging.

Mrs. Ellett is survived by two sons, William (Betty) Ellett of Catskill and David (Karen) Ellett of Greenville; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister, Marian Hansson; brother, Henry Hansson; and husband, Eston Ellett in 1999.

Private cremation was conducted on Monday at the Albany Rural Crematorium under the direction of the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, 1139 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

CATSKILL – Celia Elizabeth Morrissey, 83,of Cairo, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.

She was born March 5, 1923 in Balendereen, County, Galway, Ireland, the daughter of the late Thomas and Katherine (Clasby) Connell.

Celia emigrated to the United States in 1947. She was married to Joseph J. Morrissey in October, 1962, who predeceased her on Nov. 19, 2004.

Formerly of Flushing, Queens, Celia moved to the Catskill area in 1982. She was a communicant at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.

Mrs. Morrissey is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Cynthia Morrissey of Cairo; three grandchildren, Sean, Stephen, Thomas Morrissey, all of Cairo; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call at the Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m.

GREENVILLE – David J. Baitsholts Sr., 72, of Rensselaerville died with his family by his side and in the home he was born in on Feb. 6, 2007.

He was born in Rensselaerville on May 28, 1934, the son of the late James D. and Lucy (Rivenburg) Baitsholts.

David enjoyed driving his truck and running his dairy/maple syrup farm until the onset of his illness. He served his country during the Korean conflict. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid John Deere collector.

Surviving are his wife Sandra J. (Barkman) Kropp-Baitsholts; six children, Ronald (Stacey) Baitsholts, lucy Ann Pough-Bender, Ralph (Linette Dohman) Baitsholts, Raymond (Cheryl) Baitsholts, Lisa (Robert III) Jordan, David (Rene) Baitsholts; two step children, Michael (Evelyn) Kropp and Ty (Jeanne) Kropp. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Janice (David) Bowdish; two brothers, Lawrence (Dianna) Baitsholts and Robert (Magdalin) (Lindy) Tallman.

He was predeceased by a sister, Mac Baitsholts, stepson Todd A. Kropp and stepdaughter Michelle Kropp.

Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.

Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Community Hspice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, N.Y. 12205

HANNACROIX – Peter D. Coons, 64, of Hannacroix, formerly of Hudson, died Feb. 6, 2007 at the hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital.

He was born in Hudson on March 5, 1942 to the late Glenwood D. and Mary (Lubianetsky) Coons.

He was the father of Christopher and Edward Coons, and the brother of Cathy Halloran.

Calling hours will be Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Route 8, Greenville.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday morning at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville.

SAUGERTIES – Peter Groenhof, 87, of Old Kings Highway, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 at the Kingston City Hospital, Kingston after a brief illness.

Born June 29, 1919 in Clifton, N.J., he was the son of the late Peter and Nellie VanDermaas Groenhof and his late stepfather, Marinus DeJonge.

A veteran of World War II where he served in the United States Army, 4^th Division Engineer Battalion at Normandy and Utah Beach during D-Day. He was awarded the Purple Heart. An area resident since 1951 he previously resided in Clifton, N.J. He was employed for over 40 years as an iron worker with Local 417 out of Newburgh.

During that period of time he worked on the construction of the Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge, Saugerties High School, Kingston IBM plant and the Saugerties Solite Plant. He retired in 1973 and worked in Modent, Saugerties, in the sales department until 1992 and then for 15 years at Tower Products in Saugerties.

He was a charter member of the Asbury-Katsbaan Fire Department and a past fire commissioner. He was a member, elder and deacon of the Katsbaan Reformed Church. A member of Ulster Lodge 193 F & AM, a former member of the Blue-Kats Men’s Club and the Saugerties Dartball League. He loved birds, gardening and family gatherings.

Survivors include his wife, the former Olga Block with whom he recently celebrated their 55^th wedding anniversary; three daughters: Mrs. Wes (Jill) Finger of Saugerties, Mrs. (Bonnie) VanBenschoten) and Mrs. Karim (Nancy) Nice of Apex, N.C.; one son: Richard P. Groenhof of Cleveland, Texas; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews will also survive.

His funeral procession will form 1:15 p.m. Saturday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc. corner of John and Lafayette streets thence to Katsbaan Reformed Church were at 2 p.m. his funeral service will be held by the Rev. James Alley Pastor.

SAUGERTIES – Emmy M. Kleemann, 84, of Harry Wells Road died Tuesday, February 6, 2006 at the Golden Hill Health Related Facility, Kingston, New York after a lengthy illness.

Born October 6, 1922 in Germany. She was the daughter of the late Karl and Martha Arnhold.

An area resident for over 51 years she previously resided in Ghent, New York. She was a member of the Saugerties Senior Citizens Club #2 and a former member of St. John’s Rosary Altar Society.

Survivors include her husband, Robert G. Kleemann; one son, Robert G. Kleeman, Jr. of Saugerties, a daughter, Barbara Stenson of West Bloomfield, Michigan; a daughter-in-law, Joanne Kleemann of Saugerties; one brother, Karl Arnhold of Brodnay, VA; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Frieda Vetter and Agnes Lenehan; and one brother, Ernie Arnhold.

Her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc., corner of John and Lafayette Streets with the Rev. Howard Smith, pastor of the Highwoods Reformed Church officiating.

SAUGERTIES – Allen E. Lund, 86, of Church Road, died Feb. 5, 2007 at the Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck.

Born July 22, 1920 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Nelson and Agnes Elston Lund.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy on board the Destroyer USS Eberle.

Honorably discharged in 1946, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, the American Theatre Medal, the European Theatre Ribbon with one star and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star.

An area resident for many years, he was employed for more than 30 years at IBM in Kingston and Poughkeepsie as a Quality engineer retiring in 1985. He was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and served on the Troop 32 Boy Scout Committee in Saugerties. He was also a member of the High Woods reformed church.

Survivors include his wife, the former Gertrude M. Winter; three sons, Vern A. of Detroit, Gary W. of Texas and Mark A. Lund of Kingston; two daughters, Allene Way of Texas and Karen Bauer of Kansas; brother, Lloyd Lund of Maine and Anita VanVoorhis of Woodstock; six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc., corner of John and Lafayette Streets with Rev. Howard Smith, pastor of the High Woods Reformed Church, officiating.

Interment with full military honors by the Saugerties American Legion Post No. 72 will be held in the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Saugerties.

HANNACROIX – Peter D. Coons, 64, of Hannacrois, formerly of Hudson, died Feb. 6, 2007 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital.

He was born in Hudson on March 5, 1942 to the late Glenwood D. and Mary (Lubianetsky) Coons.

He was a member, past commander, past adjutant and financial officer of the Greenville American Legion Post No. 291.

He was known to tinker around and do odd jobs, and will be missed by his many friends and family.

Surviving is his long time companion Carol Wickham; sons, Christopher Coons and wife Janice of Johnsonville and Edward Coons and wife Wendee of Arizona; four grandchildren, Madeline, Molly, Keaton and Colin; sister, Cathy Halloran of Poughkeepsie; nephew, Ryan Halloran; and niece, Jennifer Halloran.

Funeral service will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville; with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church.

The Greenville American Legion will conduct services at the funeral home on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.

SAUGERTIES – Robert E. Gardner, 87, of Village Drive died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007 at the Ulster County Health Related Facility, Kingston, N.Y.

Born July 19, 1925 in Patterson, N.J. he was the son of the late Joseph and Katherine Campbell.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. An area resident since 1956 he had previously resided in New Jersey. He was employed for over 35 years at the Grand Union Corp. as an auditor. He retired in 1987. A graduate of Rutgers University he was active in Saugerties Town Affairs, he served as a Saugerties town councilman during the Supervisor Schovel Administration as the budget officer. HE was a member of the Saugerties Democratic Party and worked on several of Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s campaigns. A life member of the Saugerties American Legion Post 72, a member of the Ulster Lodge 193 F&AM, active in scouting he was a former Eagle Scout and served as scoutmaster of Troop 130 in Saugerties. He served the Rip Van Winkle Boy Scout Council as a Merit Badge Counselor and led several 100 mile hike, canoe and bicycle outings.

Predeceased by his wife Sonja in 1998, survivors include two daughters: Barbara E. Carrubba of Saugerties and Kathy-Jo Karanza of the Town of Ulster. Three sons: Allen F. and Steven J., both of Spokane, and Jeffrey E. Gardner of Saugerties. One brother: Kenneth Gardner of Ontario, Calif. Five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was predeceased by two grandsons: Michael and Bobby Gardner.

His funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, corner of Lafayette and John streets, Saugerties, N.Y.

COXSACKIE – Darwin H. Grant, 77, of Stacey Road, Coxsackie, died Feb. 8, 2007 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law.

Born in Granville on July 11, 1929, he was the son of the late Howard and Lucy (LaFoy) Grant.

Darwin was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He was a long standing member of the Coxsackie Sportsman’s Club and the N.R.A.

He is survived by two sons, David Grant of Earlton, and Darwin (Buck) Grant and wife Debra of Ravena; four daughters, Debra LaMarche and fiancé Dennis Plant of Coxsackie, Dianne and husband Jeffrey Bell of Texas, Robin Johnson and husband Brian of Greenville, and Kate Downes of Earlton; brother, Melvin Grant of Troy; sister, Marion Clairmont of Delaware; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours at the W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Mansion Street, Coxsackie, on Monday from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Retta Lykens officiating.

Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the family plot of the Riverside Cemetery, Coxsackie.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Community Hospice, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414.

Greenville – Timothy Canastra, 48, of Oak Hill, died suddenly at St. Peter’s Hospital emergency room on Feb. 9, 2007.

He was born in Kingston on Feb. 1, 1959, son of the late Elmer and Patricia Canastra.

Tim was a real down-to-earth New York Giants fan, a fan of NASCAR and stock car racing and was active in Go Kart racing.

He was also active in the Durham Little League, having been a coach for more than 25 years.

A friend to all, he will be missed by his loving family and community for which he did so much.

Surviving are his wife Deborah (Lang) Canastra; two sons, Timothy Canastra Jr. and Michael Canastra; a daughter, Caitlyn Canastra; two brothers, Elmer Jr. and Anthony Canastra; two sisters, Michelle Post and Colleen Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

ATHENS – Catherine Mary Gabriele, 98, of North Washington Street, Athens, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, at Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill.

Born Dec. 17, 1908 in Kingston, she was the daughter of the late Felix and Mary Coccari Ambrose.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald F. and Arlene Gabriele of Catskill; three daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and William Maher of Catskill; Teresa and Raymond Prevost of Clifton Park and Mary Ann and Richard Peters of Athens; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank M. Gabriele, on Oct. 27, 1986; and a granddaughter, Gail Gabriele, on Nov. 16, 1989; seven brothers; and one sister.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

Funeral services will be held 8 to 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Kingston.

WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Martha Margaret Lang, 72, of Williamsburg, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, surrounded by her family.

Born May 5, 1934 in New York, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Anita Benedetto.

Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Anita and Gary Rasmussen and Lisa Lahm; three sons, Paul and Anne Lang, Brian Lang and Marie and Timothy and Renee Lang; a sister, Anne DelVecchio; two brothers, John and Gregory Benedetto; 13 grandchildren, Scott Rasmussen, Lauren Leon, Marc Rasmussen, Nicholas Lang, Andrew Lang, Catherine Lang, Rachel Lang, Jason Lang, Daniel Lahm, Ryan Lahm, James Lahm, Kevin Lahm and Sherry Helton; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. G. Edward Mowry, 7274 Joseph Lewis Road, Hayes, VA 23072; or Hospice House and Support Care, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

SAUGERTIES – Dorothy A. VanValkenburgh, 75, of Saugerties, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, at the Benedictine Hospital in Kingston.

Born March 5, 1931 in Woodland Valley, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Freida Irwin.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Norman J. VanValkenburgh of Saugerties; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Louise of Middletown, PA; a son-in-law, Ronald Blessing of Aiken, S.C.; a sister, Gertrude Muller of Phoenicia; one granddaughter, Airron McLeod of Grovetown, GA; and two great-grandsons.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Airilee Blessing; a sister, Elsie Mae Cross; and two brothers, Valmer Cross and W. Robert Cross.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Airilee’s Fund, c/o Janet Volker, P.. Box 177, Elka Park, NY 12427.

CATSKILL – Anna Birznieks, 94, of Catskill, died Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Eden Park Health Care Center where she had been a patient since December 20, 2000.

Mrs. Birznieks was born in Rauna, Latvia on January 13, 1913. She and her family immigrated to the United States in 1950.

A former resident of Acramdale, she had been a glove seamstress in Hudson prior to retirement.

Mrs. Birznieks is survived by her son, Edmunds V. Bunkse of Landenburg, PA; and two grandchildren, Andrej Bunkse of Phoenix and Marguerita Bunkse.

A committal service will take place in April at the Latvian Cemetery in Elka Park under the direction of the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home at 139 Jefferson Heights in Catskill. Electronic condolences may be posted at www.millspaughcamerato.com.

GREENVILLE – Irene (Brooks) Leanza, 79, of South Westerlo, NY, wife of the late Anthony Leanza, mother of Robert, Kenneth and Audrey Leanza and the late Mary and Joseph Leanza; grandmother of Wendy, Christopher, Adam and Michael Leanza, sister of Lynn Wolf and the late Margaret Hall.

Funeral service is Tuesday 10:30 a.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church.

CATSKILL – Mrs. Iona Makris, age 102, of 14 Rams Horn Drive, Catskill, died Thursday, February 15, 2007 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.

She was born February 12, 1905 in Athens, the daughter of the late Lester and Anna (Alvord) Jeune.

Iona owned and operated Makris’ Restaurant in Catskill for many years. She later was employed by big Scoot, Jamesway and the Van Etten School District in Van Etten, New York prior to retirement.

Mrs. Makris is survived by three children: Ethel Kugler of Catskill, Robert Reither of Catskill and Glen Reither of Margaretville; a sister, Versa Spence of Catskill; five grandchildren, Scott Reither, Jeff Reither, Mark Kugler, Sherry Kugler and George Dale Cotich; and eight great-grandchildren, Mara Kugler, Eric Kugler, Morgan Reither, Madison Reither, Tanner Reither, Cooper Reither, Kurt Heidemann and George Cotich; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Makris was predeceased by her husband Ernest Makris; a daughter, Norma Louise Cotich in 1953; and seven brothers and sisters, Beulah Thompson, Ebenezer Jeune, Ethel Merritt, Norman Jeune, Mabel Jackson, Gertrude Greene and Leon Jeune.

Private cremation was performed at Park View Cemetery in Schenectady, New York. A memorial is planned in the spring.

CAIRO – Edith M. Abrams, 83, of Brookside Mobile Home Park, South Cairo, died Feb. 16, 2007 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Born Aug. 24, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Grant and Ethel (Winters) Pulis.

Edith was an employee of Hans and Gretel’s in East Durham for many years prior to her retirement.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rudolph Abrams in 1991; and her sister, Harriet Mattice on Sept. 14, 2006.

Mrs. Abrams is survived by a son, Harry Abrams and wife Corinne both of South Cairo; a sister, Jolene Erceg of Cairo; two brothers in-law, Anthony Erceg of Cairo and Gordon “Mac” Mattice of Florida; three grandchildren, Melissa Cameron of Freehold, Sherry Raynor of Cairo and Stanley Florek Jr. of Freehold; five great-grandchildren, Samantha McArthur, Courtney McArthur, Noel Raynor, and Amber Florek, Isaiah Florek; nieces, nephews and goddaughter, Deborah Kamecke of Catskill; Sandra Palmer of Florida, Janet Espel of Florida, Linda Mattice of Florida, and Nancy Karklin of Cairo; and several great-nieces and great-nephew.

Relatives and friends may call at Traver and McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, on Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.

WESTERLO – Clyde L. Filkins, 89, of Westerlo, died Feb. 17, 2007 at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany.

Born July 9, 1919 in Berne, he was the son of the late Fred H. and Nettie F. (Skinner) Filkins.

Clyde was a retired rural postal carrier and worked out of the Westerlo Post Office.

He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army, having served in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon and the W.W.II Victory Ribbon. Clyde was a POW from 1944-1945 and an active member of the American EX POW Association.

He was also a charter member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Co. and a former member of the Westerlo Rescue Squad.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret (Peg) Storm Filkins; nieces and nephews, Janice (Fred) Bassler of Berne, Robert (Roberta) LeBuis of Barneveld, Marlene (Dennis) Boomhower of Westerlo, Donald (Donna) LeBuis of Illinois, Charis (Dennis) Cummings of Wilton, Dennis LeBuis of Selkirk, Lee Croiser of East Berne, Richard (Wendy) Storm of Clarksville, Raymond (Karen) Storm of East Berne; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Route 81, Greenville.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. prior to service.

Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the South Berne C.C. Church, the Westerlo Reformed Church or the Town of Westerlo Rescue Squad.

ATHENS – Marion J. Garbasz, 83, of 4 Water St., Athens, and resident of the Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill, died Feb. 16, 2007 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Born in New York City on Nov. 19, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Max and Flora (Kenchatt) Blasewitz.

She moved to Athens as a young child and later owned and operated the Athens Hotel with her husband Bill from 1949 to 1986.

Marion was known for her cooking that made the Athens Hotel an outstanding restaurant.

She was a member of the Athens Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, Catskill Lady Elks No. 1341, Coxsackie Athens Senior Citizens and a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church of Athens.

Survivors include her two sons, Stanley Garbasz of Wisconsin and William (Ellen) Garbasz of Massachusetts; daughter, Susan (Herman) Reinhold of Virginia; seven grandchildren, Blake, Nick, Heide, Max, Nate, Kory and Chris.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call at the Richards Funeral Home, 28 North Vernon St., Athens, on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Athens with Rev. Fr. James Borstelmann officiating.

Interment will follow in the family plot of the New Athens Rural Cemetery, next to her late husband, William S. Garbasz, who predeceased her on July 29, 2001.

CATSKILL – Bessie Sherman, 84, of Jefferson Heights, Catskill, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, at Columbia Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born Dec. 6, 1922 in Marbletown, she was the daughter of the late Simon R. and Laura E. Wood Sutherland.

She was a member of the Catskill United Methodist Church, a 56-year life member of the Catskill Elks Auxiliary and 379^th Bomb Group W.W. II Association.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Ronna and George Quinn of Catskill and Cindy and Andrew Davis of Catskill; two brothers, Percy and Norman Sutherland, both of Catskill; a sister, Thelma Sutherland of Catskill; five grandsons, Michael Quinn, Christian Quinn, Andrew Davis Jr., Ian Quinn and Jourdyn Davis; two great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Sherman, on June 7, 2003; two brothers, Herbert Sutherland and Oscar Sutherland; and four sisters, Agnes Steward, Frances Bates, Margaret Sutherland and Alice Powell.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at the united Methodist Church, 40 Woodland Ave., Catskill.

Officers and members of Catskill Elks Lodge are requested to meet at the church.

Spring interment will be held at the veteran’s section of the town of Catskill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill United Methodist Church Music Memorial, 40 Woodland Ave., Catskill, NY 12414.

CATSKILL – Catherine “Kay” Nuzzola, 80, formerly of Catskill, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007 at Braintree Manor in Braintree, Mass., following a long illness.

Born May 28, 1926 in Patterson, N.J., she was the daughter of the late James and Ella Margroff McDonald.

Mrs. Nuzzola married Michael R. Nuzzola in 1967 and they moved to their home on Clark Street in Catskill. Upon his death on Aug. 3, 1964, she moved to 17 Prospect Ave.

Mrs. Nuzzola was a buyer for the gift shop in the Memorial Hospital in Catskill for many years prior to its closing.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Patricia Nuzzola of Newton, Mass.; an a step-grandson, Tyler Nuzzola Ross of Newton, Mass.

Private cremation was conducted at the Forest Hills Crematorium in Massachusetts under the direction of the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home in Braintree, Mass.

Private interment will take place at the George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus, N.J.

Local arrangements were provided by the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, 139 Jefferson Heights, Catskill. Electronic condolences may be posted at www.millspaugh-camerato.com.

HANNACROIX – Carole L. Wickham, 72, of Hannacroix, died Monday, Feb. 19, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Delmar.

Born Dec. 2, 1934, in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Werner O’Neill.

Mrs. Wickham was a charter member of the Albany County Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, a charter member of the Coeymans Hollow Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, Vice-president of the Greenville Golden Years Club, a member of the Cairo Golden Age Group and a member of the Ravena Senior Bowling League.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Gerard “Jerry” and Donna Wickham of Hannacroix; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Michael Ferguson of Westerlo and Denise and Paul Rainis of Dudee; six grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Blanche O’Neill of Maryland and Robert and Maryanne O’Neill of Greenville; a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Roger Caldwell of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Wickham, and significant other, Peter Coons.

A mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Albany or the Coeymans Hollow Vol. Fire Co.

CORWALLVILLE – William H. Woodcock, 58, of 811 Hervey St., Cornwallville, died suddenly, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007 after a brief illness.

Born Dec. 22, 1948, in Engelwood, N.J., he was the son of William E. and the late Mary Caroline Wall Woodcock.

An area resident for 23 years, Mr. Woodcock was employed at C.S.X. Railroad Transportation Company.

On Feb. 20, 2007, he would have celebrated his 35^th wedding anniversary with his wife Kathleen V. Bauer Woodcock of Cornwallville.

Besides his wife and father, survivors include four sons and one daughter-in-law, Matthew and Monica Woodcock of Illinois, Timothy Woodcock or Fort Plain, Daniel Woodcock of Cornwallville and Brian Woodcock of Cornwallville; a daughter, Caitlin Woodcock of Cornwallville; a sister, Bonnie Alhanti of New Jersey; and two grandchildren, Nathan and Erin.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo.

Private cremation will take place today at the Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands.

CATSKILL – Mary Ann DiPerna, 85, of Catskill, died peacefully at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, with her family at her side on Monday, Feb. 19, 2007.

She was born Nov. 7, 1921 in Glasco, the daughter of the late Carlo and Caroline (Apa) Pieruzzi.

Mary, along with her brother, John Michael Pieruzzi, resided in Glasco until the untimely death of their young mother Caroline. Mary was then raised by their loving step-mother Josephine Pieruzzi, Carlo’s new wife where they began their new life in Athens, New York so that the young children could be surrounded by loving members of the entire Apa family. Mary attended Athens Public School.

On September 22, 1946 she married Cosmo Damian DiPerna at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Catskill. Mr. DiPerna survives at home in Catskill.

Mary was a member and faithful communicant at St. Patrick’s for over sixty years and served on the Mothers’ Club of St. Patrick’s Academy.

Mrs. DiPerna was employed at the Athens Pocketbook Factory, Atlantic Knitting Mills in Catskill and retired after 18 years from Waterfalls Laundry in Catskill, New York.

Mary has been a resident of Kaaterskill Long-Term Care in Catskill since July, 2006 where she received loving care and compassion from the entire staff.

Mary was a kind caring and loving mother and grandmother. She had a compassionate heart and will be missed by family and friends.

Mary is survived bye her husband of sixty years, Cosmo Damian DiPerna of Catskill; a daughter, Linda DiPerna Sassone and her husband Joseph of Poughkeepsie; a son Carlo Anthony DiPerna and his wife Jo of Frederick, Colorado; a sister Rose Etta Lennon of South Cairo; a brother Michael Pieruzzi and his wife Mary of Athens; her sister-in-law Peggy Pieruzzi of Athens; an aunt, Adeline Blasewitz of Athens; an uncle Joseph Apa of Burnt Hills, NY; two sister-in-laws Mary Rizzi DiPerna and Louise M. DiPerna, both of Catskill; five grandchildren, Joseph Damian Sassone and his wife Eleni of Hoboken, NJ, Anthony Michael Sassone of Poughkeepsie, Jessica Carter and husband Matthew, Carli Jo Roberson and husband Joshua and Jovan Marie Rhodes and husband Rocky, all of Colorado; seven great grandchildren, Marianna Linda Sassone, Marco Joseph Sassone, both of Hoboken, NJ, Ysabella, Mikayla and Blake Carter and Taylor and Davin Roberson, all of Colorado; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Relatives and friends may call at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill on Friday 4-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home followed by a 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Bridge Street, Catskill. Rev. John L. Moyna will be officiating.

Born Oct. 1, 1943 in Prattsville, he was the son of the late Marvin and Virginia Clark Rion.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Barbara Jaeger Rion; daughters, Lisa and husband Edwin Zimmerman Jr. and Christine “Chrissy” and husband Jim Thorington; son, Robert “Bob” and wife Sandi’ grandchildren, Kyle and Kendal Thorington, and Robert Rion; brothers, Dan and Charlie Rion; sisters, Theodora Cline and Ruth Van Loan; several brother and sister-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Decker Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Windham.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at he Windham Methodist Church with Pastor Elliot Oakes Officiating.

HUNTER – Frances R. Thorpe, 75, died at her home in Haines Falls on Feb. 18, 2007.

She was born on Sept. 7, 1931, in Manhattan to the late Harold and Antonia Ross.

She married and moved to the Mountaintop with her husband, the late Henry W. Cramer, during the 1950s, where they established their farm and home in Jewett. Frances was one of the original founders of the Jewett Ladies Auxiliary for the Jewett Fire Department, and also enjoyed a career as a district manager for the Avon Products Co. After moving to Haines Falls, she was actively involved in real estate sales and rentals. Her love for the Mountaintop and its people was always evident and appreciated. Survivors include her two sons, grandchildren, Marc and Melissa Cramer of Saugerties.

Her wishes were for any memorial donations to be made, to be made to help unfortunate and underprivileged animals.

A suggestion would be to support the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Rd., Hudson, N.Y. 12534.

LEEDS – Maurice Leary, 82, of Potic Mountain Road, Leeds, died Feb. 20, 2007 at Columbia Memorial hospital in Hudson.

Born Nov. 4, 1924 in Urhan, Eyeries, Beara, County Cork, Ireland, he was the son of the late Maurice and Mary (Driscoll) Leary.

Maurice was the past president of the A.O.H. Division Five in Park Slope, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 572, the Greenville Irish-American Club and a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Catskill.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mrs. Nora “Nettie” (O’Sullivan) Leary on Dec. 18, 1998; two sisters, Christine Harrington and Mary Shea; and three brothers, Timothy, Richard and John Leary.

He is survived by three sons, Maurice R. Leary of Staten Island, Terrence P. Leary of Vermont and Jeremiah J. Leary of Park Slope; daughters, Mary Margaret Lattari of Maine; brothers, Patrick Leary of Ireland, Jeremiah Leary of Yonkers and Daniel Anthony Leary of Ireland; sister, Evelyn O’Donoghue of Ireland; 10 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may call at the Traver and McCurry Funeral Home, Jefferson Heights, Catskill on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church in Catskill with Father Jeremiah Nunan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial in Maurice’s name may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414.

February 23, 2007

Marybeth Measley-Fisher
Day care provider

SAUGERTIES – Marybeth Measley-Fisher, 46, of Elm Street, died Feb. 22, 2007 at the Benedictine Hospital in Kingston after a five year battle with ovarian cancer.

Born March 8, 1960, she was the daughter of Aileen McDonagh Measley and the late Ernest Measley.

She was a graduate of Washingtonville High School and attended NYU and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan.

She was a self-employed day care provider.

A Saugerties area resident since 1998 she previously resided in Mahopac.

Besides her mother of Saugerties, survivors include her daughter, Katie L. Fisher of Saugerties; two sons, Thomas M. and John T. Fisher, both of Saugerties; two sisters, Lynne Sangaline of Ulster Park and Susan Rabkin of London, Ontario.

Her funeral procession will form 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., corner of John and Lafayette streets, Saugerties; thence to St. Mary of the Snow Roman Catholic Church were a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Rev. Christopher Rerean.

February 24, 2007

Dorothy B. Banta
American Valve Co. employee

COSXACKIE – Dorothy B. Banta, 85, formerly of Dederick’s Trailer Park, West Coxsackie, New York, died Feb. 22, 2007, at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home, in Albany, where she has been a resident since 1994.

She was born in Coxsackie, Sept. 14, 1921, and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Myrtie (Applebee) Newbury.

Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Walter and also her son Walter H. Banta in 1997.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Evelyn Stark of Sebring, Fla, three grandchildren Jennifer Breslin of California, Diana Robinson of Florida, and Donald Hotaling of Selkirk, also two grandchildren Schyler and Casandra Rousayne, both of Tennessee.

Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the American Valve Co., of Coxsackie.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the W. C. Brady’s Sons Inc., Funeral Home, 97 Mansion St., Coxsackie. Private cremation services took place at the Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands, on Feb. 23, 2007.

Interment of her remains will take place at a later date in the family plot of the Chestnut Lawn Cemetery in New Baltimore.

February 24, 2007

Catherine Maffel (Maffei) (on February 25 her obituary listed her name as Maffei, otherwise it is exactly the same)
Restaurant hostess

CATSKILL – Catherine Mary Maffel (Maffei), 90, of Leeds, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 at the Columbia Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient since Jan. 17, 2007.

Mrs. Maffel (Maffei) was born in Charleston, Mass., on Feb. 28, 1916, to the late William and Mary Jennings Kedian. She was a high school graduate and was employed as a restaurant hostess at Schraffs in New York City in her younger years. She married John Joseph Maffel (Maffei) on Oct. 15, 1939 and they resided in Feddes Mobile Home Park during their retirement.

Mrs. Maffel (Maffei) is survived by her niece, Concetta “Tina” Clark of Staten Island as well as several ear friends including Joan Greene of Leeds.

She was predeceased by her husband John on Nov. 27, 1993.

A prayer service will be held on Monday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. in the Remembrance Chapel of the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home at 139 Jefferson Heights in Catskill.

The rev. John L. Moyna, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Coxsackie will officiate with the interment following in the veteran’s section of the Town of Catskill Cemetery.

Friends are invited to call at the funeral home at 9 a.m. prior to the service.

Electronic condolences may be posted at www.millspaughcamerato.com.

February 25, 2007

Mary M. Frisbee
Former Athens resident

HUDSON – Mary M. Frisbee, 80 of Garden Apartments in Hudson, formerly of Third St. in Athens, died Feb. 23, 2007 at her residence.

Born in Newton Hook on June 28, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Domenick and Agnes (Scott) Merante.

She had been employed at the Kadin Bros. Pocketbook Co. of Athens and was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church of Athens. She was also a past member of the Morton’s Hose Co. Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by two sons, George Palmatier and wife Patricia of Ghent, and Domenick Palmatier of Albany; brother, Tony and wife Laura Merante of Hudson’ sister, Santa Harvey of Livingston; two grandchildren, Ann Marie Davis and Michael Palmatier; two great-grandchildren, Emma Stalker and Nicholas Palmatier; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call at the Richards Funeral Home, 28 North Vernon St., Athens from 4-8 p.m. Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Church in Athens with Rev. Fr. James Borstelmann officiating.

Interment will follow in the family plot of the New Athens Cemetery, next to her late husband Charles J. “Chubby” Frisbee, who predeceased her on Feb. 23, 1991.

February 25, 2007

Sadie C. Northrup
Sports shop owner

PURLING – Sadie C. Northrup, 86, of 425 Mountain Ave., Purling, died Feb. 24, 2007 at Eden Park Health Care Center where she had been a resident since January.

Born in England on March 27, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lily (Sumner) Naish.

An area resident for more than 45 years, Sadie was a life member of the Cairo Hose Co. Ladies Auxiliary and the Catskill Lady Elks No. 1341.

She was a former member of the Cairo Rotary, Cairo Chamber of Commerce, Purling Rod and Gun club, and life member of the American Legion and VFW.

She was the Co-owner and operator of Northrup’s P.S. Sports Shop in Purling.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Philip Northrup of Purling; a niece, Arlene and husband Arlo Jennings; and nephew, Ronald and wife Susan Naish of North Carolina.

The family requests that there be no calling hours.

Funeral services will take place Thursday at Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross Street, Cairo, with Rev. Retta Lykens, pastor of the Cairo United Methodist Church, officiating.

Private interment will follow in the family plot of the Round Top Cemetery.

February 28, 2007

Rose Mary Bray
DMV clerk

CATSKILL – Rose Mary Bray, 63, of Catskill, died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007, at Columbia Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient since Friday.

Born in Catskill Aug. 28, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Josephine Picardi Bray.

She was a graduate of St. Patrick’s Academy and had been employed as a clerk at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Albany until her illness.

She was a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Catskill and enjoyed ceramics.

Survivors include her brother, George Bray of Saugerties; a sister, Ruth Stott of Leeds; eight nephews, Robert W. Stott, Theodore C. Stott, George Bray, Michael Bray, David Bray, Frank proper, John Proper and Jamie B. McKowen.

She was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Proper.

Calling hours will be 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Patrick’s Church in Catskill with the Rev. john L. Moyna, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Coxsackie, officiating.

Interment will follow in the Town of Catskill Cemetery.

February 28, 2007

Khalil Khalil Ghanem
Born in Lebanon

CATSKILL – Khalil Khalil Ghanem, 75, of 107 Bridge Street, Catskill, died Feb. 26, 2007 at his home.

Born May 15, 1931 in Beirut, Lebanon, he was the son of the Late Khalil and Nazleh (Farrhat) Ghanem Sr.

Khalil emigrated to the U.S. in 1974.

Formerly of Freeport, Long Island, Khalil has been a Catskill area resident since 1989.

Khalil was a member of the Greenville congregation Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses.

He was predeceased by a sister, Rose Habr.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mrs. Elbiza (Svornos) Ghanem of Catskill; son, Francois Ghanem and wife Ann Marie of Athens; two daughters, Patricia Munroe, and Paola Shultis and Husband Gus of Catskill; a sister, Jeanette Ghanem of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Jasmin Muniz, Patrick Shultis, Steven Shultis and Zahira Munroe; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call at Traver and McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, on Wednesday from 204 and 7-9 p.m.

Private cremation will be performed at Park View Cemetery in Schenectady.

A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Route 81, Greenville.

February 28, 2007

Eleanor Jacob
Lifelong homemaker

GREENVILLE – Eleanor Jacob, 80, of Potter Hollow, N.Y., died at St. Peter’s Hospital, on Feb. 26, 2007.

She was born in New York City on July 1, 1926, the daughter of Herman and Elsie Gronwaldt.

A lifelong homemaker, she was predeceased by her husband David Jacob Sr. and her son David Jacob Jr.

A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; she will be missed by her family and many friends.

Surviving are two sons, Arthur Jacob (Rosalie) of Union City, N.J., Douglas Jacob (Donna) of Earlton, N.Y., two daughters, Lorraine Dowdall (James) of Middleburgh, N.Y., Kathleen Albertson (Charles) of Hensonville, N.Y., 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and brother Richard Presedo of Florida.

Funeral service will be Friday, 8 p.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, N.Y.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, 2 to 8 p.m. prior to the service.

Spring interment will be in the Potter Hollow Cemetery.

February 28, 2007

Theodore W. Reich
Teacher, avid baseball fan

LAGUNA WOODS, Calif. – Theodore W. Reich, 77, of Laguna Woods, CA went to be in the arms of Jesus on January 26, 2007.

Born on March 26, 1928, the youngest of the large family of Anton and Julia (Spring) Reich, Theodore was born in Gayhead, NY in Greene County. The family had purchased a farm in Gayhead after moving from Yonkers.

Mr. Reich graduated from Catskill High School in 1945, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

As a youth his great love was baseball and he spent many days at the Polo Grounds watching his favorite player, New York Giants Hall of Famer Mel Ott. While playing ball in the service he was recommended for a spring training tryout with the Giants where he met the great Carl Hubbell who had become director of player development following his Hall of Fame career as a pitcher.

Upon the encouragement of the then pastor in Catskill, Rev. Vernon O. Nagel, Ted attended Central College in Pella, Iowa where he met and married Ruth Bentley of Illinois. They both majored in education and had long teaching careers in the Orange County, CA school system. The couple recently celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.

One of Ted’s favorite moments from college days was on the afternoon of October 3, 1951 when the Giant’s Bobby Thompson won the National League pennant with a dramatic home run known as the “Shot Heard Round the World.” He created quite a stir on the quiet Northwestern campus as he ran into his classroom echoing the words of Giants announcer Russ Hodges, “The Giants won the pennant! The Giants won the pennant!”

An avid sports enthusiast, Ted enjoyed cycling and coached various youth sports programs. On one occasion a basketball team he coached played at the Los Angeles coliseum, home of the NBA’s Lakers.

The Reichs were longtime and early members of the Garden Grove Community Church in Garden Grove, CA, founded in 1955 by Dr. Robert Schuller. They were involved in many church ministries and Dr. Schuller personally officiated at Ted’s memorial service held on January 30^th at the Crystal Cathedral. Nephew Brian Post and his wife Beatrice flew from Texas to provide special music at that service.

In addition to his wife, Ruth, Mr. Reich is survived by a daughter Jill and her husband, Peter Stuck and their three children, Thomas, Mark and Daniel of Laverne, CA; a son Jeff and his wife Molly of Santa Clarita, CA; two sisters, Theresa Fischer of Santa Rosa, CA and Frieda (Mrs. Harold) Post of Catskill; a brother George of Lincolnshire, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Reich was predeceased by three sisters, Helen Hanna, Elsa Laeske and Elizabeth Feger; and three brothers, Anton Jr., Rudolph ad John.

Contributions may be made in Mr. Reich’s memory to the Avant Missions (formerly Gospel Mission Union). Mr. Reich’s daughter Jill and her husband Peter Stuck were previously missionaries to Ecuador for GMU and are now involved with Avant Missions, while living on the west coast. Mr. Reich’s son Jeff and his wife Molly are also active in various Christian ministries.