Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
April 2005
Newspapers courtesy of the Cairo Public Library. Retyped by Maureen Schandert
April 7, 2005
DONALD W. POWELL, SR.
GREENVILLE---Donald W. Powell, Sr. died on March 31, 2005 after a courageous fight with cancer at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. Don was 83 years old, and is survived by his brother, Cliff Powell, Sr. of Leeds, New York; four children Marjorie Powell of Niskayuna, New York; Donny Powell of South Westerlo, New York; Diane Spinner of Hannacroix, New York and Scott Powell of Cornwallville, New York. Also surviving are four grandchildren JC and Jodi Powell and Dan and Renee Spinner.
Don served in the United States Navy, First Marine Division Seabees “paving the way to Japan” based in Guadalcanal from 1942 –1945. While serving the Navy he traveled through Cuba, Panama, Balboa, New Caledonia, Australia, New Guinea and Coodenough Island. Don was extremely proud to have a grandson currently serving in the Marines.
Don was a long time resident of the Town of Greenville and many will remember Powell Oil Burner Service, his many years of umpiring for the Community Youth League and sponsoring of a local bowling team. Don retired from NYS Department of Transportation in 1983.
Calling hours will be Saturday, April 16, 2005 from 10 to 11 AM with a service beginning at 11 AM at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, New York 12083 followed by a burial with military honors in the Greenville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the American Legion Post 291, Maple Avenue, Greenville, New York 12083.
April 7, 2005
DONALD C. PELTON
Donald C. Pelton died March 29, 2005 at Climax, New York.
He was born November 8, 1936 in Albany, New York, son of Arthur C. Pelton and Catherine Barney Pelton.
Donald attended St. John’s Academy in Rensselaer, New York. He was a machinist by trade and was retired at the time of his death. When he lived in Albany he attended Our Lady Help of Christian’s Church. For many years he was active in Boy Scouts Troop No. 70. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. For several years he played trumpet in his brother Arthur’s band. Donald was employed as a machine operator for many years at Shaffer Brewery in Albany, New York.
He is survived by his brother, Arthur Pelton, Sr. of Sand Lake; his brother-in-law, Ray Cohen; nephew, Arthur Pelton Jr.; niece, Sgt. Sandra J. Pelton; his son and several grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Pelton Cohen.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie, New York.
April 7, 2005
ROBERT D. THOMPSON
Robert D. Thompson, 76 of New Baltimore, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2005 at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Robert was born in Yonkers and had lived most of his life in New Baltimore. Robert and his late wife owned and operated Quality Floor for many years.
Robert was predeceased by his wife, Dorothea Hallenbeck Thompson on March 11, 2005. Survivors include his daughters, Dorothea Mangini and Sandra Crowell; sons, Robert (Diane), Harvey (Kathy), Richard (Lorraine), Timothy (Karen), Gregory and Matthew Thompson; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held Monday, April 4 at Elmwood Cemetery, Route 9W, Selkirk with Rev. Stephen Giles officiating. Contributions in memory of Robert to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 would be appreciated.
April 14, 2005
MARY B. SMITH
FREEHOLD---Mary B. Smith, 83 years, of Freehold passed away April 9, 2005 at the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York. Mary was born October 26, 1921 in Climax, New York daughter of the late Manley and Grace R. [Ryder] Burgess. She was a lifelong resident of Greene County. Mary was a devoted wife and homemaker. She was pre-deceased by a brother Charles Burgess.
Surviving is her husband Earl Smith of Freehold, two sisters, Althea Kummer and Katherine Morse and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service from the Cunningham Funeral Home was Wednesday, April 13. Mary is laid to rest at the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Mary’s memory to the Grapeville Baptist Church or the Greenville Rescue Squad.
April 14, 2005
ROBERT A. DEAN, SR.
EAST DURHAM---Robert A. Dean, Sr., 63 years, of East Durham, New York passed away April 4, 2005 at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. He was born in St. Albans, Queens, New York on November 26, 1941 son of the late Bernard and Mary [Riley] Dean. Robert served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had a Bachelors degree in the Criminal Justice field and served on the New York City Police force for 25 years until his retirement. Robert was a member and Past Commander of the Durham Valley American Legion Post #1416, a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernian’s and past member of the Emerald Society. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Knock Shrine. Robert was pre-deceased by six brothers, William, Bernard, John, Thomas, David and Raymond.
Surviving are his wife Marie [Tagliavia] Dean of East Durham, New York, a son Robert A. Dean Jr., a daughter Denise Dean both of Albany; two brothers Charles Dean of Freeport, Long Island and Patrick Dean of Finksburgh, Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 9, from the Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham. Internment will be in the Winston Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Robert’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Albany, New York 12211 or the Town of Durham Ambulance Squad.
April 14, 2005
CLIFFORD C. APPLE
Clifford C. Apple, 73, of South Bethlehem, beloved husband of Joan (Murray) Apple for 47 years, died peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital Sunday evening, April 10, 2005.
Born in Brooklyn, New York July 8, 1931, he was the son of the late Chester W. and Katherine Apple, stepmother Esther Apple. He was predeceased by his sister, Doris. He was a loving husband, father and devoted grandfather.
Cliff served in the US Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by the Pullman Company in Chicago, Illinois, D & H Railroad and NYC Railroad before joining John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company where he retired after many years of service.
Clifford was a member of Selkirk Fire Companies 1, 2 and 3. He served as President, Assistant Chief, Fire Police and headed several committees before becoming a veteran member due to his illness. He also served 10 years as Fire Commissioner for the Selkirk Fire District. He was a past member of the Bethlehem Volunteer Ambulance Service and New York State Fire Chiefs Association. He was also a member of the Albany County Volunteer Fireman’s Association, Albany Country Fire Police Association, Town of Bethlehem Fire Commissioners Association, and Town of Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Officers Association.
Cliff was a recent recipient of the “Fireman of the Year Award” from the Selkirk Fire Company No. 3. He volunteered with the Hudson Valley Little League and Troop 81 Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed spending his free time with family traveling with his grandchildren to their many sporting events and was an avid Yankee fan.
In addition to his wife Joan Apple, Cliff was survived by his children, Connie Stalker (Patrick Rowe) of Colonie, Cathy (Bob) Filkins of Glenmont, Curtis “Butch” Apple (Sheri Weber) of Selkirk, Christopher Apple (Amanda Jones) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Craig (Trisha) Apple of Colonie. Survivors also include his brother, Richard (Ginger) Apple of London, England, stepsister Mary Halloran of Clifton Park, stepbrothers, James (Pat) Reil of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, and Walter Reil of Albany; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Katie) Stalker, Gregory Stalker, Beth Anne and Patrick Filkins, James Apple, CJ, Kyle and Cameron Apple. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and great friends who will miss him dearly.
Relatives and friends were invited to call on Wednesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061 or to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Albany, NY 12211
April 14, 2005
FRANCES LOUISE KUMMER
Frances Louise (Millett) Kummer passed away after a short illness at Albany Memorial on April 6, 2005. Francis was born October 6, 1933. She was predeceased by her husband, John H. Kummer.
Sis was a lifelong Coxsackie resident. She worked out of her home for many years as a homemaker and babysitter. An avid walker, she could be seen all over Coxsackie and the outskirts, setting a brisk pace.
Frances (Sis) is survived by her three children, Joyce A. Kummer of Cortland, New York, Linda L. Witbeck of Ravena, New York, and Ernst L. Kummer of Standish, California; also two sisters, Armeta Cozza, Hudson, New York, and Lenora Gabriel, Stottville, New York.
Sis also leaves behind three grandchildren, Danielle Kummer, Justin and Travis Witbeck; and four great-grandchildren, Carson, Shawn, Maverick Witbeck and Brooklyn Schmidt.
Her beautiful smile and presence will be greatly missed.
Relatives and friends were invited to attend calling hours at The W. C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, Sunday, April 10.
Funeral services took place Monday, April 11 at 9a.m. at the W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, with Rev. Fr. J. Moyna officiating.
Interment followed in the family plot of The Catskill Town Cemetery.
April 14, 2005
KATHLEEN J. MUSIAL
Kathleen J. Musial, age 49 of Red Creek, New York, formerly of Coxsackie, died at her residence on Friday, April 8, 2005. She was born in Troy, New York, the daughter of George L. and Frances R. Brooke Locke of Red Creek, New York.
Kathleen was a graduate of Coxsackie-Athens High School and Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Potsdam. She had been a schoolteacher. She was married on December 29, 1978 to Steven Musial who survives at home.
In addition to her devoted husband and parents, she is survived by their four loving children, Stephanie Musial of Oswego, New York, Mary Kathleen Musial, Nathaniel Musial and Christopher Musial, all of Red Creek; her brother, Leslie Locke of Troy, David Locke of Coxsackie, James Locke of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Douglas Locke of St. Augustine, Florida; sister, Susanne Williams of Daytona Beach, Florida, and in-laws, Joseph and Diana Musial of Coxsackie. She is also survived by her aunts, uncles and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Locke in 1972.
Kathleen was a member of the Lighthouse Community Fellowship in Red Creek. She loved children and was president of the Red Creek PTA and served on the Red Creek School Improvement Team. She had been active in Girl Scouting and was a former member of the D.M. Hamilton Steamers Ladies Auxiliary.
Calling hours were Sunday at the Colvin-Robertson-Norton Funeral Home, 5925 New Hartford Street, Wolcott, New York. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday at the Lighthouse Community Fellowship Church, 3483 Route 89, South Butler.
Additional calling hours were Tuesday at the Sopris Funeral Home, Inc., 11877 Route 9W, Coxsackie. Graveside services were Wednesday 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Coxsackie. Rev. Stanley Slager of Gospel Community Church officiated.
Memorial donations in Kathleen’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research, 260 Osborne Road, Albany, New York, 12211.
April 21, 2005
DONALD EARLE SMITH SR.
RAVENA – Donald Earle Smith, Sr., 75, died peacefully at his home after a lengthy illness on April 14, 2005. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 9, 1929, Don is the son of the late Frederick James and the late Irabelle McDonald Smith. Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, the late Louise Greiner Smith of Selkirk [formerly of Worcester, Massachusetts] who died in 1974.
Don is survived by three daughters and two sons: Kristine Johnson Libertucci of Worcester, Elaine Johnson Hamlin, wife to Alan of Ravena, and Kathleen L. Smith of Santa Rosa, California; Phillip J. Smith of Worcester and Donald E. Smith Jr. husband to Katha of Blue Earth, Minnesota. Don was also predeceased by two sons, the late William Scott Smith of Selkirk and the late Leonard R. Johnson of Cherry Point, North Carolina [formerly of Selkirk].
Don was adored by his nine grandchildren: Kristie, Shannon, Regina, Conchetta, Scott, Victoria, Kristen, Kiana and Stacey; Don had six beloved great-grandchildren: Brandy, Brittany, Logan, Amber, Ella and Delaney. Don leaves a brother, Frederick S. Smith of Wellington, Connecticut and a sister, Barbara L. Smith of Worcester. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
Don graduated from South High School and attended Worcester State College, both in Worcester, Massachusetts. He majored in Math, with a minor in Art History and played college football. Don lived most of his life in upstate New York but his passionate love for the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park never faded. Don first settled in Albany, later moving to Selkirk where he raised his family. Don worked as a Route Salesman for Freihofer Bakery and Borden’s Ice Cream. He coached both Pop Warner football and Hudson Valley Little League baseball. Don retired from the Maintenance Department at the Hilton Inn, now Crown Plaza in Albany, a little more than 9 years ago. He spent the last three decades residing in Ravena.
Don loved to share jokes with friends and family around the card table; he loved to read, to watch ballgames and old movies. He had an impressive memory of world history and enjoyed a trip-of-a-lifetime 10 years ago when he traveled to Greece, Israel and Egypt. One of his more recent enjoyments was watching the Red Sox finally win the World Series! He will be remembered by all who knew him for his great political rhetoric, his wonderfully kind nature, his hilarious sense of humor and loving generosity.
Funeral services were conducted on Monday, April 18 at the
Caswell Funeral Home, Ravena with Rev. Alan Baumback, pastor of Grace United
Methodist Church officiating. Burial
followed in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to the Community
Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205.
April 21, 2005
STEVE ONDREK
COXSACKIE – Steve Ondrek, 81 years, of Coxsackie, New York passed away on April 11, 2005 at the St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany, New York. He was born in Alcove on July 23, 1923, son of the late Harry and Helena [Pericek] Ondrek. Steve was a self-employed automotive mechanic at Ondrek’s Garage until his retirement and had worked at Hass Garage in Coxsackie prior to starting his own business. He loved helping people and fixing things. Steve also loved his outdoor animal friends, feeding and taking care of all of them. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his first wife Elsie [Smith] Ondrek, two brothers Joseph and John Ondrek and a sister Helen Ondrek.
Surviving are his wife Isabelle [Degrace] Ondrek of Coxsackie, his step-children Margureite Nichol, Georgette Galvin, Richard Colombe and Louis Colombe, five step-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were April 15, 2005 from the Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville and interment was at the Manorkill Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Steve’s memory to the Ravena Rescue Squad or the Coxsackie Rescue Squad.
April 21, 2005
BETTY L. HAACK
FEURA BUSH – Betty L. Haack, 60 passed away on April 14, 2005 at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ALS. Betty was the daughter of the late Anthony and Margaret Penington Cozzy. She had been an accounting clerk for the New York State Department of Health.
The family of Betty Haack would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Cooper and Barbara Adams, Patty Ladange, Brian Shea, Shella McGee and Sister Ann.
Betty is survived by her husband Patrick J. Haack. Betty is the mother of Patrick D. Haack and Anthony J. Haack and his wife Licia all of Selkirk; sister of Dwight Cozzy of Minnesota and the late John Cozzy; and grandmother of Trevor and Brendon Haack. Also survived by five nephews and three nieces.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, April 18, 2005 at St. Johns/St. Ann’s Church after calling hours at the Durant Funeral Home in Glenmont. Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont.
Contributions in Betty’s memory can be made to either the ALS Regional Center at St. Peters Hospital, 315 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or to Community Hospice of Albany County, 455 New Karner Road, Albany 12205.
April 28, 2005
OSCAR S. WAY
NEW BALTIMORE – Oscar S. Way III, formerly of Catskill and New Baltimore, died on December 4, 2004 in Houston, Texas at age 78. He was the husband of the late Ingeborg [Winkler] Way and the late Eleanor [Rogg] Way. His parents were the late Oscar Way, Jr. and Mildred Whittaker Way. His brother, Charles Way of Spring Lake, Florida also predeceased him.
A veteran of the U.S. army, Oscar married Ingeborg Winkler while stationed in Vienna Austria. In 1964 he helped establish and was a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 140 in New Baltimore, New York. He was also a member and one-time Master of the Mason Lodge of New Baltimore. Oscar worked for more than 20 years as a guard at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility, Coxsackie before retiring.
He is survived by a brother, Victor Way of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sons, Sanford [Marcia] Way of Rochester, New York and Richard [Allene] Way of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren Brian Way of Denver, Colorado, Christina [Mike] Hudon of Providence, Rhode Island and Bradley [Amie] Way, Andrea Way and Laura [Derrick] Vaughan all of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
Interment services were held Monday, April 18 at the Town of Catskill Cemetery, formerly Jefferson Rural Cemetery, in Catskill from the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home also located in Catskill.
April 28, 2005
PHILIP J. PALMER
GREENVILLE – Philip J. Palmer, 81 years of Greenville, New York passed away at the Eden Park Nursing Home in Catskill, New York on April 25, 2005. He was born in Westerlo on June 21, 1923, son of the late Laverne and Cora [Cutler] Palmer. Philip had retired from the New York State Department of Transportation having worked out of the Voorheesville station. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving and caring father, grandfather and friend. He was pre-deceased by his wife Louella [Clickman] Palmer and a brother Perciva Palmer.
Surviving are a son Philip T. Palmer and his wife Mary Ellen of Wynantskill, New York; a daughter Beverly Condon and her husband Reid of Greenville, his grandchildren Cheryl Lee, Amy Latart, Kelly Lazensky, Kevin and Craig Palmer; his great-grandchildren Vicoria Slingerland, Krystal and Brook Latart and Zachary Lazensky.
As to his wishes there will be no services and cremation was at the Albany Rural Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by the Cunningham Funeral
Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville.
April 28, 2005
SPRING INTERMENT
IRA “ROGER” GERMOND
Spring interment for Ira “Roger” Germond, who passed away January 19, 2005, will be Saturday, Mary 7 at 12 noon in the Manorkill Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet at the cemetery.
April 28, 2005
SPRING INTERMENT
GLENROY SWEET
Spring interment for Glenroy Sweet, who passed away on March 1, 2005, will be Thursday, May 5 at 11 a.m. in the Greenville Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet at the cemetery.
Home Table of Contents Vital Records Home Page