Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
January 2007
Newspapers courtesy of Sylvia Hasenkopf. Retyped by Colleen Maresca.
January 4, 2007
ELIZABETH “BETTY” SAPIENZA
Elizabeth “Betty” Sapienza, 82, of Albany, New York, formerly of Greenville, New York, passed away at the Ann Lee Home in Albany, New York, on December 28, 2006. She was born in New York City on July 15, 1924, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Moore) O’Dea.
She was a bank teller having worked at the National Bank in Coxsackie in Greenville, New York. Betty will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother and a friend to many. She was predeceased by her first husband, Carmine Mastroianni, and a son, Charles.
Surviving are her husband, Joseph Sapienza; a daughter, Elizabeth “Betty” Malanga and her husband, Joe; a son, Anthony Mastroianni and his wife, Susan; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was Sunday, December 31, at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Saturday. Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to 1 West Wing at the Ann Lee Nursing Home.
The family would like to thank the caregivers on 1 West Wing at the Ann Lee Nursing Home for their help and loving care of their mother and grandmother.
January 4, 2007
HEDWIG MAHLER
Hedwig Mahler, 98, formerly of Durham, New York, a resident of the Masonic Home in Utica, New York, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica, New York, on December 25, 2006. She was born in Germany on August 31, 1908, daughter of the late George and Anna (Klusmeyer) Meyer.
A lifelong homemaker, she was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Marantha Valley Chapter O.E.S. She was predeceased by her two husbands, John Niebuhr and Diedrich Mahler.
Surviving are a cousin, Alvina Klamt and many friends and neighbors.
As to her wishes, there was no calling hours. A graveside service was held Saturday, December 30, at the Greenville Cemetery.
Arrangements were by the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York.
January 4, 2007
ANTONIO A. PUORRO
ATHENS—Antonio A. Puorro, age 67 years, of Rte. 385, Athens, died December 31, 2006 at North Shore Hospital, Manhasset, L.I., New York. He was born in Italy on June 15, 1939 and was the son of the late Constantino and Maria (Marrone) Puorro.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 6, 2007, 9:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, Cairo, with the Rev. Fr. James Borstelmann the Celebrant.
Interment will follow in the family plot of the New Athens Rural Cemetery.
Antonio was an area resident since 1973. He loved softball and hunting. He also adored his grandchildren. At the time of his death, he was affiliated with the Evergreen Disposal Co.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane A. (Lobato) Puorro of Athens; four sons, Anthony (Kim) of Earlton, Joseph (Marcia) of Athens, Mario (Penny) of Canisteo, NY, and John (Bonnie) of New Baltimore. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Joseph, Taryn, Anthony, Kerry, Stephanie, Samantha, Braden and Adam. Stateside, he was predeceased by a brother, Peter of NJ, one of eight children.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo, Friday, Jan. 5, 2007 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
January 11, 2007
JOSEPH BERNIAZ
Joseph Berniaz, 98, formerly of Route 31, Round Top, New York, died Monday, January 8, 2007, at the Eden Park Health Care Center, Catskill, where he had been a resident for the last year and a half.
Born July 18, 1908 in Austria, he was the son of the late Anton and Antonia Berniaz.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
An area resident since 1973, Mr. Berniaz was a communicant of the Sacred Heart Church in Cairo.
He enjoyed playing the accordion and gardening.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Grace and Leonard Asaro of Cairo and Catherine and Fred Tupone of Staten Island; four grandchildren, Leonard Asaro, Joseph Asaro, Eric Tupone and Lisa Dodge; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ann.
Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at the Sacred Heart Church in Cairo.
Interment with full military honors will follow in the family plot of the Round Top Cemetery.
January 11, 2007
RUTH FORD RADICK
Ruth Ford Radick, 98, of DeBary, Florida, formerly of Oak Hill, New York, passed away at the Orange City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Ruth was a homemaker born in Austerlitz, New York, and moved to Florida from Oak Hill, New York, where she had lived for over 70 years. She was a member of the Valley Chapter NO. 38 O.E.S. of Oak Hill, New York and had received a 75-year membership pin. She was a past District Deputy and the O.E.S. New York State Champain in 1975 when Marion Kopko was Grand Matron. She also enjoyed Pinochle and attending the activities of her children. She was a volunteer for several local organizations and especially enjoyed volunteering at the many church functions of the Oak Hill Durham U.M. Church.
Surviving are two sons, George and Lionel Ford, both of Deltona, Florida; a brother, Roger Webster of Westfield, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her two husbands, Leo Ford and Charles Radick and her two sisters, Elsie and Rachel.
Services will be held at the Deltona Memorial by Pastor Will Furlong and a graveside service is planned for late spring at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Oak Hill, New York.
Arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.
January 11, 2007
ALFRANZINA URSO
Alfranzina Urso (95) of Coxsackie, New York, formerly of Freehold, New York, passed away at the Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill, New York on January 6, 2007. She was born in New York City, New York on May 15, 1911, daughter of Michael and Josephine Crapanzano.
She was a lifelong seamstress having worked at the Landmark Dress Shop in New York City and then at dress shops in Catskill and Coxsackie, New York. She loved cooking and nature, especially the many wild birds that she loved to feed. She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband, Salvatore Urso; a brother, Bobby Day; and two sisters, Mildred LaRosa and Lillian Battle.
Surviving are two sons, Jack Urso (Lucy) of Coxsackie, New York, Michael Urso (Rosalie) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Salvatore Urso, Roseanne Carpenter, and Michael Urso; also seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York with a Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.
January 11, 2007
DARLENE M. YARUM
Darlene M. Yarum, 68 years, of Bethany Village, West Coxsackie, passed away January 5, 2007 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York.
She was born in Schenectady, New York on September 11, 1938. Darlene was predeceased by her husband, Franklin, in 1986.
Prior to her retirement, she was a claims adjuster for the Prudential Insurance Company. Darlene had been an area resident for 26 years and a communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church of Coxsackie. She loved collecting frog figurines and loved her family and friends.
Survivors include her son, Wayne Smith of Coxsackie and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Smith of Clifton Park; also two brothers, William Samtaluski and wife, Donna, Ronald Samtaluski and wife, Sharon; a sister, Sharon Kazda; a grandson, Christopher Smith; and two nieces, Sandra Camp and Charlene and Chad Samtaluski. Also surviving is her dear pet, Mokey, the cat.
Memorial service was Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. at W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc., 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, with Sister Mary Mazza officiating. Relatives and friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Cremation took place Saturday at the Albany Rural Crematorium, Menands, New York.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Jude’s Community Hospice or the American Cancer Society may be made. Envelopes can be obtained at the funeral home for your convenience.
January 18, 2007
RAYMOND OLIVER HALL
Raymond Oliver Hall, 76, of Alcove, died Sunday, January 14, 2007 at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany after a brief illness.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Ray has lived in Alcove for the last 37 years. He was employed as a brakeman and conductor by both Amtrak and Conrail, retiring in 1990. Ray was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the William Dale O’Brien Marine Corps League in Albany, the 2nd Marine Division, Troy Chapter of Korean War Veterans, North Albany Post 1610 American Legion and the Alcove Seniors.
Ray is survived by his wife, Patricia Kaperka Hall; his children, Janice (Joseph) Lake, Pamela Wright and Thomas (Mary Jo) Hall; his grandchildren, Miranda (Ron) Burns, Zachary Burns, John Kruppenbacher, Melissa Orlick, Jessica, Jennifer, Duncan and Matthew Wright, Alexis Hall and Thomas Hall, Jr.; and his great-granddaughter, Samantha Pederson. Ray was predeceased by his daughter, Karen Dolobach and son-in-law Robert Wright.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Saturday, January 20, at 11 a.m. at Freedom Chapel, County Route 111, Alcove.
Memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 1250 Broadway, Suite 2001, New York, NY 10001, will be appreciated.
Arrangements by Caswell Funeral Home, Ravena.
January 18, 2007
NINA A. FORSELL
GILBOA—Nina Forsell (90) formerly of Mace Road, Gilboa, passed away at the Dutch Manor, N.H. in Rotterdam, NY on Jan. 10, 2007. She was born inn the Town of Broome on July 28, 1916, daughter of the late Jared and Allie (Cook) Wood. A life long homemaker, she loved cooking and gardening. She was a member of the Hilltoppers and the Broome Center Chapel Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Herman Forsell, Sr. and a son, Robert Forsell. Surviving are a son, Herman Forsell, Jr. (Lillian) of Albany, NY, 4 step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren and a sister, Julia Mann of Schoharie, NY. Funeral services were held Sat. 11 a.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Sat. from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment followed in the Potter Hollow Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Broome Center Chapel Church or to a charity of one’s own choice.
January 18, 2007
MARJORIE INGALLS
Marjorie Ingalls (95) of RD Greenville, New York, passed away at the Good Samaritan Lutheran HCC on January 15, 2007. She was born in Ashland, New York on August 25, 1911, daughter of the late Scott and Harriett (Salisbury) Clark.
She was married to Norton Ingalls on June 25, 1932 and together they operated a poultry farm business near Lambs Corners. They retired and sold the farm in 1966, when they built a new home. Her husband Norton predeceased her.
Surviving are a daughter, Roberta Ingalls of Cheyenne, Wyoming; a son, David and his wife, Arlene, of Medusa, New York; two grandsons, Michael Duncan (Jennifer) of Medusa, New York, and Mark Duncan (Megan) of Rensselaer, New York; three great-grandchildren, Cody, Emily and Scott Duncan; also longtime friends and caregivers, Willie and Gaye McCafferty.
As to her wishes, services will be at the convenience of the family and she will be buried next to her husband in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland, New York.
Arrangements are by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.
January 18, 2007
FRANCIS PAYNE
Francis (Frank) Payne, 77 years, of Greenville Center, New York, passed away at his home on January 14, 2007. He was born in Albany, New York on November 6, 1929, son of the late Francis J. and Elizabeth (Baumis) Payne. Frank served his country in the US Army.
Frank was retired, having been employed at Clifford B. Hannay & Sons in Westerlo, New York. He played the button accordion, harmonica, spoons and sang with “The Squeeze-Play Accordion Band” and “The Good Old Boys Band”, playing locally for many years. He was seen frequently in the summer at the Greenville gazebo in the park.
Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Leta (German) Payne in 2005; and a brother, Richard Payne.
Surviving are his two sons, Gerald Payne and Glenn Payne (Denise); two granddaughters, Patty Wagoner (Carl) of Wells River, Vermont, and Betty LaChapalle of Green Island, New York.
Funeral service will be Thursday, January 18, 11 a.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Freehold Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Frank’s memory to the Greenville Center Baptist Church, Greenville Center, New York, 12083.
January 18, 25, 2007
ROSE E. MUTKE
Rose E. Mutke (nee Heimbauer) 85, of Stony Point, formerly of Freehold, New York, passed away on January 15, 2007 at Nyack Hospital. Rose was born August 22, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York. She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin G. Mutke on May 22, 2004.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Joanne Albert; son-in-law, Keith R. Albert; and grandson, Gregory K. Albert, all of Stony Point. Rose is also survived by her sister, Joan Ockovic of Lake Ronkonkoma and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours were Wednesday, January 17, at the Higgins Funeral Home, Route 9W, Stony Point, New York. Religious services were also held Wednesday at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be held at Greenville Cemetery on Friday, January 19 at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.
January 25, 2007
EDWARD A. SWART, JR.
ATHENS—Edward A. Swart, Jr., 63, of Mud Lane, Athens, died suddenly Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at home, after a short illness.
Edward was an employee of NAPA in Hudson prior to his retirement in 2006. He served in the United States Army National Guard of New York and as a reservist. Edward was a longtime, active member of the West Athens-Limestreet Fire Company. He enjoyed working and tinkering on cars, bowling and fishing.
Mr. Swart is survived by a son, Edward A. Swart III and his wife, Patricia, both of Athens; a daughter, Gail Swart of Ravena; and five grandchildren, Alan, Allysea, Matthew, Adam and Alexander.
Cremation was performed at Park View Cemetery in Schenectady.
Graveside funeral services with full military honors will be held springtime at the Town of Catskill Cemetery.
January 25, 2007
EVAH JANE MACK
Evah Jane (Deyo) Mack, 82 years, of Greenville, New York, passed away on January 18, 2007 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany, New York. She was born in Cairo, New York, on September 6, 1924, daughter of the late Frank and Genevieve (Townley) Deyo.
Evah was a lifelong homemaker and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her children, Shirley and Edward Hillicross, seven brothers and one sister.
Surviving are her husband, Philip Mack, of Greenville, New York; children, Carol (Tussie) (Goff) Wilsey and her husband, Don, of Latham, New York, Sandy Goff of Albany, New York, Sidney Goff of Oak Hill, New York, Sharon (Goff) Donnelly of Earlton, New York, Phyllis (Mack) Morehouse of Glenmont, New York, Lina Mack of Greenville, New York and Dan Mack and his wife, Jane, of Ghent, New York; a brother, Garfield Deyo of Medway, New York; a sister, Geraldine Barber of Scotia, New York; ten grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville, New York.
Those who wish may contribute in Evah’s memory to the Center for the Disabled, 314 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
January 25, 2007
ERIC R. GRUNWALD
Eric R. Grunwald, 86, of Westerlo, New York, entered into eternal rest on January 17, 2007 after a brief illness. He was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on May 24, 1920, son of the late Erich and Mathilda (Krokeck) Grunwald. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Navy on the USS Lap Wing. An electrician, he was a 50 year member of I.B.E.W. 363 in Harriman, New York; also a member of Hiawatha Grange 1480, past president and trustee of the Hilltown Seniors, an H.C.R.C. Food Pantry volunteer and a member of Greenville American Legion Post No. 291.
Surviving are his wife, Toni (Monaco) Grunwald; five children, Ricky Grunwald (Shirlene) of Waldon, New York, Michael Grunwald (Eileen) of Northfield, Massachusetts, John Grunwald (Donna) of South Westerlo, New York, Eileen Hallock of Amsterdam, New York, and Jeanne Hansen (Robert) of Walton, New York; also 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Matilda Magnetta (Alfred); two brothers, Norman Grunwald (Margaret) and Ernest Grunwald.
Funeral service was held Saturday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Saturday prior to the service. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to Hiawatha Grange 1480, P.O. Box 81, Westerlo, NY 12193.
January 25, 2007
WALTER J. HEFFERNAN
WINDHAM—Walter J. Heffernan, Esq., formerly of Windham, died on Jan. 17, 2007 at the River Glen Health Care Facility in Southbury, Conn.
He was born in Brasher Falls, to Richard and Clara Heffernan.
He graduated from St. Lawrence University and after serving four years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, he earned his law degree from Fordham University. After establishing his law firm and practice in Windham, he attained his jurisprudence degree. He was on many civic organizations that contributed to the growth and development of the Windham Community. This includes being an original owner of the ski area known as Windham Ski Mountain. He was a member of the Greene County Bar Association and a former trustee of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. He was an accomplished fly fisherman and he enjoyed pheasant hunting with his cherished weimereiners.
He was married to the late Kathleen Heffernan and is predeceased by his brother, Robert Heffernan, and his sister, Mary Heffernan (Nizza.
He is survived by his sister, Rita Foote, of Ridgewood, N.J.; and his two daughters, Christine Heffernan of Brunt Hills, and Maureen Heffernan-Rich of Windham. Also survived by two granddaughters and five great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours were Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at Decker Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Windham.
A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Windham.
Interment followed in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland.