Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
November 2006
Retyped by Colleen Maresca
Obituaries supplied by Sylvia Hasenkopf
November 2, 2006
JAMES J. COYNE
COXSACKIE---James J. Coyne, age 74 years, of 20 Mystery Court, Coxsackie, died suddenly October 27, 2006, at The Albany Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness.
He was born in N.Y.C., June 4, 1932, and was the son of the late James and Mary (Martin) Coyne.
Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Coxsackie, with Rev. Fr. John Moyna, Pastor, the Celebrant.
Interment followed with full military honors in the family plot of St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Coxsackie.
James has been an area resident since 1962, and was a devoted communicant of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Coxsackie. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955, he was a marketing manager for Freihofer Baking Company, also a past volunteer, an avid golfer and a great patriot.
At the time of his death, he was the Coxsackie Town Judge. Also a member of The Coxsackie Post #166 American Legion. He was a member of The Green County Magistrates Association.
He is survived by his wife, Edna F. (Bruns) Coyne of Coxsackie; three sons, James E. Coyne and his wife, Susan, of Ohio, Edward Coyne and his wife, Sandi, of Texas, John Coyne and his wife, Bernadette, of Coxsackie; two daughters, Mrs. Raymond (Catherine) Pacifico of Cairo, Elizabeth Coyne of N.J.; a sister, Mary Coyne of NYC; nine grandchildren, James, Caitlin and Lauren Pacifico, James, Erin, Michael, Samantha, Emily and Conner Coyne.
Relatives and friends were cordially invited to attend calling hours at The W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, NY, on Sunday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
November 2, 2006
DONALD E. DUNN
Donald E. Dunn, 72, of Nuzio Road, Cornwallville, died Sunday, October 29, 2006, at his residence.
Born October 5, 1934 in Manhattan, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Peil Dunn.
He served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955.
He had been an area resident for the past 31 years.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Dunn owned and operated Robert’s Express Trucking in Cornwallville.
He was a member of the D.A.V., was a storyteller and a gourmet cook.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria P. Ramirez Dunn of Cornwallville; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael and Janice Dunn of Holbrook, Long Island, Sean and Gloria of Flushing, Queens County, and Robert Dunn of Claverack; five daughters and two sons-in-law, Joann and Andrew Fanino of Long Island, Cathy Tivenan of Brooklyn, Karen and Benny Parlatore of Long Island, Patricia Dunn of Queens, and Tricia Tivenan of Brooklyn; a brother, Robert Dunn of Long Island; and 11 grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son, Donald.
Calling hours will be held prior to services November 11 at the residence of the family.
Memorial services will take place 2 p.m. November 11 at the family residence with the Rev. Retta Lykens, pastor of the Cairo United Methodist Church, officiating.
Private cremation took place at the Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo.
November 9, 2006
ELEANOR VON BURGSDORFF
Eleanor Von Burgsdorff, 89 years, of Oak Hill, New York, passed away on November 6, 2006, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 9, 1917, daughter of the late Robert and Florence Gottschalk.
Eleanor was an antique dealer. She and her husband, Albert, owned Valley Antiques in Oak Hill, New York. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Surviving are her husband, Albert Von Burgsdorff of Oak Hill, New York; her two daughters, Janet Boertlein of Greenville, New York, and Joan Jarosak of Norwalk, Connecticut; a grandson, Robert Rotzol; a granddaughter, Karen Carman; a great-grandson, Justin Carman; and a great=granddaughter, Faye Rotzol.
Funeral service will be Thursday, November 9, 12 p.m. at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends may call at the funeral home, prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will be in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Eleanor’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Oak Hill, New York.
November 9, 2006
JEFFREY S. GIAMMATTEI
Jeffrey S. Giammattei, 29, of AuSable Forks, New York, died Wednesday, November 1, 2006. He was born in Greenville, New York, raised in Richmond, Massachusetts, where he attended Monument Mountain High School and later graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Jeff is the beloved son of Paul E. and Mary Jeanne Giammattei of Pleasanton, California.
He was a former head coach of the varsity tennis team of Plattsburgh High School and also coached the boys and girls varsity tennis team at the Peru High School. Jeff was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who loved tennis, skiing, golfing, soccer, basketball, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and water skiing. He was eager to share his enthusiasm of sports with the youth of the community.
Jeffrey is survived by his siblings, Theresa Bricker of Needham, Massachusetts, Paul J. Giammattei of Hoboken, New Jersey, and Lynn Giammattei of Bristol, Rhode Island; one niece, Sidney Bricker; brother-in-law, Todd Bricker; sister-in-law, Julianne (Stewart) Giammattei; companion Lori Parrow and her children, TJ and Kobe of AuSable Forks.
Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his unique, endearing, fun loving personality. He will always be loved and remembered.
Visiting hours will be at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville on Friday, November 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 12 noon, at St. John the Baptist Church, Route 81, Greenville, New York. Interment immediately following at the Greenville Cemetery. A memorial service will also be held at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Church in AuSable Forks on Friday, November 10. Jeffrey was a certified tennis instructor and was deeply involved in youth tennis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeffrey’s name to the Greater Plattsburgh Community Tennis Association (GPCTA), 2559 Lakeshore Road, Chazy, NY 12921. Contact person: Debra LaPorte, (518) 420-9194, [email protected].
November 9, 2006
ANGELA R. HEARNS
Angela R. Hearns, 92 years, of Totowa, New Jersey, formerly of Cornwallville, New York, passed away Friday, October 3, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Totowa, New Jersey. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on October 13, 1914, daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Stockhammer) Keegan.
Angela graduated from the Savage School of Physical Education in New York City and received a degree in Education from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. She taught in the Edgewater Public Schools and several private schools and retired from the Academy of Saint Aloysis, Jersey City, New Jersey in 1971.
She was a member of the Durham Valley American Legion Post No. 1416 Ladies Auxiliary. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul F.X. Hearns in July of 2006; her two brothers, Richard and William Keegan; and two sisters, Marie and Elizabeth Keegan.
Surviving are her daughter, Catherine M. Adelman (Thomas) of West Baldwin, Maine; two sons, Timothy W. Hearns (Adriana) of Wyckoff, New Jersey, and Joseph P. Hearns (Elizabeth) of Bloomfield, New Jersey; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and a sister, Gertrude Johnson of Tom’s River, New Jersey.
Friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, on Monday, November 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment was at the Cornwallville Cemetery on Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, Totowa, New Jersey on Monday.
November 9, 2006
CRAIG S. WALLACE
GREENVILLE--- Craig S. Wallace, 23 years, of Greenville, NY, died suddenly on Oct. 30, 2006 of injuries received in a car accident on Route 81 in the Town of Greenville. He was born in Queens, NY on June 24, 1983, son of Rosemary (Lucas) and the late Craig Wallace. Craig had attended Cobleskill Community College and was unemployed at the present time.
Surviving are his mother, Rosemary L. Wallace; his step-mother, Carla Kelly, of Greenville, NY; two sisters, Heather Coletta and Jennifer McManus; two brothers, Daniel and Robert Ryan; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Friday 10:30 a.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY, with a Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Cremation will be at the Albany Rural Cemetery with interment in the Greenville Cemetery.
November 9, 2006
DR. HANS WERNER LEEDS
MEMORIAL SERVICE, NOV. 18
CATSKILL--- There will be a memorial service for Hans W. Leeds, MD, on Saturday, November 18 at 2 p.m. in the Greene County Medical Arts Building at 159 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, New York. Please use the front entrance.
Dr. Hans Werner Leeds, 95, of Largo, Pinellas, Florida, died on Sunday, August 6, 2006. He was born on January 26, 1911 in Wilhelsburg, Germany.
He was a physician for 69 years and in the 1930’s was physician for baseball icon, Babe Ruth. Unable to complete medical school in Nazi Germany, he graduated from the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland in 1936 and shortly after, migrated to the United States. His parents soon followed arriving via South America where the family settled in New York City.
He and his wife, Blanche, along with their young children, settled in Catskill in 1949. He eventually became chief anesthesiologist at Greene County Memorial Hospital, Catskill, New York. He served in this position until his retirement in 1987 while also maintaining a private practice in family medicine at 152 Broad Street, Catskill, New York.
He was a member of the staff at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, New York; a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine; the American Medical Association; Greene County Medical Society; and the New York State Medical Society. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII serving as a captain and was an avid skier, skiing into his 70’s. He was also an avid soccer fan.
He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Blanche Ramer Leeds, who died on March 25, 2005. He is survived by two sons, Bryan, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and Allen of Clearwater, Florida; a daughter, Michele Leeds of Palm Harbor, Florida; and a cousin, Margaret Hoffman of New York City.
November 16, 2006
LELAND A. CUNNINGHAM
Leland A. Cunningham, 93, of Greenville, New York, passed away at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York on November 11, 2006. He was born in Greenville, New York on July 25, 1913, son of the late Lester and Elizabeth (Spees) Cunningham. He was a graduate of the Greenville Free Academy, Albany Business School and the Worsham School of Embalming. A lifelong funeral director, he and his stepfather, A.J. Cunningham, and now his son, Curtis A. Cunningham, have operated the funeral home for 108 years.
Active in the community he called home, he was a member of the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M. Church, a charter member of the Greenville Vol. Fire Co. and the Greenville Rotary Club. A 70-year Mason, he was a member of James Austin Lodge No. 557 F. & A. M. He was also a former director and caretaker emeritus of the Greenville Cemetery, a former Greenville Town Councilman, a former Greene County Coroner, a former Director of the National Bank of Coxsackie and a former member of the Advisory Board of the State Bank of Albany.
An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the Albany Ski Club, the 70+ Ski Club and the Out-A-Fit Hunting Club. He also enjoyed playing tennis, winning several medals at the Senior Games and also won many medals for his downhill skiing. He was also known to enjoy a good game of poker. One of his proudest moments was being named the Greenville Rotary Club’s Man of the Year in 2000.
Serving hundreds of families during his career, he would like to be remembered as the man you did not want to meet, but after meeting him, he was your friend for life. He will be missed by his loving family, friends and the community who loved him.
Surviving are his loving wife of 41 years, Gertrud (Trudy) Cunningham; two daughters, Carol Reed and her husband, Don, Judith Swartwout; a son, Curtis and his wife, Nancy; a sister, Dorothy Braly; eight grandchildren, Debbie Cooke, Donne Lee, Christina deRozier, Ruey Bryan and her husband William, Kellie Swartwout, Michael Swartwout and his wife Kimberly, Cindra Stiles and her husband Jeffrey; nine great-grandchildren, Zachary Lee, Christopher and Steven deRozier, Carly and Cody Bryan, Daniel and Michael Stiles, Shea and Cooper Swartwout; also three step-grandchildren, Jason Reed, Tammy Darrow-Wray and Bruce Darrow.
He was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, A.J. Cunningham; a brother, Earl Cunningham; his first wife, Clarice (Palmer) Cunningham; a grandson, R.L. Cooke; a great-grandson, J.J. Stiles; and his son-in-law, Robert L. Swartwout.
Funeral service was 12 noon Wednesday, November 15, at the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M. Church. Friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home on Tuesday from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral on Wednesday. Interment in the Greenville Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M. Church Building Fund, the Greenville Rescue Squad or to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Special appreciation to Rev. Thomas Carney, caregiver Georgianna Alix, the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s and to all our friends for their prayers.
November 16, 2006
DORIS V. ORMSBEE
Doris V. Ormsbee, 83 years, of Medusa, New York, passed away at the Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill, New York on November 9, 2006. She was born in the Town of Westerlo on July 15, 1923, daughter of the late Herbert and Grace (Shultes) Lamb, Sr.
Very active in her local community, she was a charter member of the Medusa Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Aux., member of the Lambs Corners U.M. Church, and a member and deacon of the Medusa United Church of Christ. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Surviving are three daughters, Janet Case and her husband, Ronald, of Medusa, New York, Katherine Kearney and her husband, Claude, of East Durham, New York, Valerie Davis and her husband, Todd, of South Westerlo, New York; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Marguerite Duraski, Clara Waldron, Gladys Gridley and Joan Badell; two brothers, Herbert Lamb, Jr. and Frederick Lamb; also several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter L. Ormsbee in 1993 and two sisters, Esther Lamb and Marion Caubet.
Funeral service was Sunday, 3 p.m., at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4989 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the funeral.
Interment was Monday at 10 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland, New York. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Medusa Vol. Fire Co.
November 16, 2006
HELEN B. ENCK
Helen B. Enck, 78, of Durham, died Sunday, November 12, 2006, at home, surrounded by her family.
Born in 1928 in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of parents who emigrated from Poland and Germany.
She and her husband, Robert, moved from Queens to Greene County in 1969.
Mrs. Enck, who was fluent in Polish, was very proud of her Polish heritage and especially the Polish Pope John Paul II. In 1996, she traveled to the Vatican to meet the Pope and made him laugh.
She worked in various capacities at the Cairo-Durham School.
Mrs. Enck was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Cairo and as her health declined, received Holy Communion in her home from her daughter, Jacquelyn. Her daughter, Helen Hogan, a registered nurse, provided nursing care, allowing Mrs. Enck to stay at home with her family.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Robert E. Enck; three daughters and sons-in-law, Judith Enck and Mark Duclea, Helen and Dan Hogan and Jacquelyn Enck Sigda and Walter Sigda; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Judy Enck; six grandchildren, Reed Dunlea, Stephen and Debbie Enck, Kathleen, Stasiu and Anne Sigda; and a great-grandson.
She was predeceased by a son, John, in 1996.
Calling hours were Tuesday at Richard’s Funeral Home, Bross St., Cairo.
The funeral was held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, Mountain Avenue, in Cairo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Church Building. The family requests no flowers.
November 16, 2006
STANLEY J. KIESZKIEL
FREEHOLD—Stanley J. Kieszkiel, 78 years, of Freehold, NY passed away at his home on Nov. 13, 2006. He was born in Tuckahoe, NY on July 14, 1928, son of the late Benjamin & Dora (Duczwick) Kiezskiel. Stanley had retired from the Federal Government Justice Dept. and was a former IRS Agent. Very active in the Freehold community, he was a member of the Freehold Vol. Fire Co. as a Fire Policeman, the Greenville American Legion Post #291, the Freehold Cemetery Board and member and Treasurer of the Freehold C.C. Church. He was also former Assessor and member of the Board of Assessment Review for the Town of Greenville. A lover of nature and outdoors, he was a Black powder enthusiast who loved trout fishing, tying his own flies, hunting and last, but not least, his beagles. He served his country in the US Army for 7 years, serving in Korea and being discharged as a 1st Lt.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth (Batroh) Kieszkiel; a daughter, Michele Kieszkiel and her husband, Robert Gorney; a son, Stanley J. Kieszkiel of Waldorf, MD; also two grandchildren, Jenna and Benjamin. He was predeceased by a brother, Frank Kieszkiel.
Funeral service will be Fri. 11 a.m. at the Freehold C.C. Church in Freehold, NY. Friends may call at the Cunningham Funeral Home on Thurs. 4-8 p.m. The Freehold Vol. Fire Co. and the Greenville American Legion will conduct services at the funeral home on Thurs. eve. 7 & 7:30 p.m., respectfully. Interment will be in the Freehold Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Freehold C.C. Church or to the Freehold Vol. Fire Co.
November 23, 2006
PATRICIA A. SEYMOUR
HANNACROIX—Patricia A. Seymour, 62, of Hannacroix, found peace on Monday, November 13, 2006, at Kaaterskill Care Center in Catskill.
Born in Brooklyn on November 5, 1944, she is daughter of Charles A. Mohr of Esperance and the late Marie Myne Mohr. Patricia and her family came to New Baltimore when she was a young girl. She later graduated from Ravena-Coeymans High School. In recent years, Patricia was a homemaker; previously, she worked in Ames Department Store and Bumby’s Deli.
In addition to her father, Patricia is survived by her husband, Shane Seymour; her children, Todd Van Wormer of Loudonville, Duane Van Wormer of Hannacroix and Marcie Van Wormer of Coxsackie; her grandchildren, Joshua Van Wormer, Deven Van Wormer, Tyler Brockett and Alyssa Van Wormer; her siblings, Charles A. Mohr, Jr., of Hannacroix, Dennis Mohr of Troy, David Mohr of Esperance and Donna Mohr of Coeymans; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were conducted on Friday, November 17 at Caswell Funeral Home, Ravena, with Pastor Justin Hansen of Alcove Freedom Chapel, officiating. Burial followed in Grove Cemetery, Coeymans.
November 23, 2006
ROSARIO MULTARE
Rosario (Roy) Multare, age 64 years, of Leeds Athens Road, Athens, New York, died November 19, 2006, at his residence.
He was born in Italy, October 25, 1942, and was the son of the late Fortunato and Maria Multare.
He has been an area resident for the past 35 years, and was employed by the Town of Athens Highway Department for 25 years. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and was an avid dog lover.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Darrel (Joanne) M. Leone of Michigan; Mrs. Frank (Maryanne) Giambiona of Selkirk; also three brothers, Nicolo, Frank and Salvatore, all of Athens; four sisters, Catarina Siciliano of Bronxville, New York, Francesca DiPiazza of Athens, Maria Multare of Athens, and Rosa Vignonna of Yonkers; also two grandchildren, Keehgan and Caelan.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours at the Richards Funeral Home, 28 North Vernon Street, Athens, New York, on Friday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Athens, at 10 a.m. with Father James Borstelmann officiating.
Interment will follow at the family plot of the New Athens Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home for your convenience.
November 23, 2006
STEVEN CLIFFORD ANDRUS
Steven Clifford Andrus, age 45, of Rensselaerville, New York, died on November 18, 2006 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, New York. He was born on December 16, 1960, the son of Ernest Clayton Andrus and Barbara (nee Thompson) Andrus in Catskill, New York.
He is survived by his wife, Deidre; his children, Steven and Shannon Andrus and Kimberly Ricci; grandchildren, Madison and Taylor; his father Ernest and stepmother Saundra; and his mother, Barbara Andrus. He is also survived by his brother, Ernie Andrus. He is the son-in-law of Dutch and Marion Bryan; brother-in-law of Larry and his wife Kathe, Randy and Michelle Bryan. He is also survived by his step-sister, Cathie Carrano; and several nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Rensselaerville Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 121, Rensselaerville, NY 12147 or the Rensselaerville Fire and Ambulance Service, PO Box 182, Rensselaerville, NY 12147.
Private cremation took place at Albany Rural Crematory, Menands, New York on Monday, November 20.
Arrangements were by Decker Funeral Home in Windham, New York.
November 23, 2006
JOHN (JACK) E. KILEY SR.
John (Jack) E. Kiley, 73, of Oak Hill, New York, passed away at the Stratton DVA Medical Center in Albany, New York on November 17, 2006. He was born in Schenectady, New York on February 16, 1933, son of the late Charles and Elsie (Horstmeyer) Kiley.
He served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and received the Purple Heart Medal, Korean Service Ribbon with one star, the UN Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
He was a former member of the Cairo-Durham School Board and a former director of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association. He also enjoyed his farm and had enjoyed working with the local 4H Clubs in teaching snowmobile safety.
Surviving are his wife, Velma (Powell) Kiley; a son, John Kiley, Jr. of Kingston, New York; three daughters, Sissy Myhre and her husband, Bruce of Oak Hill, New York, Jacqueline Pinnella of Oak Hill, New York, and Patricia Kiley of Round Top, New York; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a Godchild, BobbiLynn Cunningham of Durham, New York; two brothers, James Kiley of Florida and William Kiley of Massachusetts. He was predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Michael Kiley.
Funeral service was Tuesday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday prior to the service. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, the American Lung Association or to the American Heart Association.
November 23, 2006
JOHN E. VETTER
John F. Vetter, 88, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, November 19, 2006, at Columbia Memorial Hospital. John was born June 24, 1918 in Woodhaven, New York, son of the late John and Annie (Taylor) Vetter.
During World War II, John served overseas with the US Army and was honorably discharged. After the war, he was employed by the postal service until his retirement in 1975 and later worked for Shepard’s Farm and American Thermostat.
He was a devoted member of the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church since moving to the Greenville area in 1975. John loved to greet his church family each week, arriving precisely at 9:20 a.m. for the 10 a.m. service, not leaving before picking up stray bulletins in the pews. He had served the community by delivering for the Meals on Wheels program and filled in for Santa Claus at the Church Mouse Nursery School. John will be best remembered for his ability to fix anything in his own unique way, being on time (which means 15 minutes early), and making sure everything was always in it’s place. His family loves him dearly and he will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Doris V. (Anderson) Vetter; and his children, Richard Vetter and his wife Laraine, Robert Vetter and his wife Donna, James Gallagher, Thomas Gallagher and his wife Mary Lou and Nancy Tumey and her husband Colin. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael Vetter and his wife Julieen, Viktoria Vetter, John Vetter and Tricia, Jeffrey Vetter and his wife Nicole, Lyndsey Gallagher, Dana Gallagher, Jennifer Tumey and Brian Tumey; and his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Shayla, Shelby, Cody, Macie, Rachel and Joshua. He was predeceased by his first wifem, Freda (Arnhold) Vetter; a son, John F. Vetter, Jr. and a sister, Lillian Vetter.
Funeral service was Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Greenville-Norton Hill, U.M. Church in Norton Hill, New York. Friends called at the church on Tuesday. Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M. Church, PO Box 599, Greenville, NY 12083 or to the Greenville Rescue Squad.
Special thanks to the members of the ER and ICU at Columbia Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care and to Rev. Thomas Carney and Pastor Jody Spiak for their care of the family.
November 30, 2006
DENNIS L. BURKE
Dennis L. Burke, 62, of Greenville, New York, formerly of Freeport, New York, passed away at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn on November 23, 2006. He was born in Freeport, New York on June 16, 1944, son of Margaret (Schwan) Burke and the late LeRoy Burke.
He was a former senior frame administrator for Verizon in Freeport, New York. He also was a former member and past captain of Hose Co. No. 1 in the Freeport Vol. Fire Co.
Surviving are his loving wife, Jeanne (Korn) Burke; his mother, Margaret Burke; his beloved children, Dennis Burke (Jennifer) of Leeds, New York, Stephen Burke (Kristina) of Greenville, New York; two grandchildren, Ryan and Kaylee Burke; two sisters, Diane Fell (Christopher), Shelley Burke and a niece, Olivia Fell.
Funeral service will be Saturday, 12 noon at the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M. Church, Norton Hill, New York. Friends may call at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York on Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Greenville Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital or to the Greenville Vol. Fire Co.
November 30, 2006
MILDRED R. FELLOWS
SAUGERTIES—Mildred R. Fellows, 83, of Elm Street, died Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at the Ten Broeck Commons Nursing Home, Lake Katrine after a brief illness. Born June 3, 1923 in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Freida Stang Rupplein. She was a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and earned her Masters Degree from the University of Albany. A Saugerties area resident for many years, she taught Home Economics at the Greenville Central School System from 1951-1980. Prior to that, she taught at the Hunter-Tannersville School System.
She was a member of the Saugerties Atonement Lutheran Church and served as the Church Organist for many years. She was the accompanist for the Treble Choraliers and the Catskill Glee Club. She was a member of the Saugerties Garden Club and volunteered with the Literacy Program at the Saugerties Public Library. She was a talented seamstress and made most of the costumes for school plays in Greenville. During the Christmas Holiday Season, she hosted at her home, caroling parties each December. She served as an Assistant to her husband, Donald Fellows, who was the editor of the Saugerties Post Star. Predeceased by her husband, Donald S. Fellows, she is survived by dear friends, Laura Palmer of Westerlo, Helen Brown of Greenville, Ging Lagman of Queens, Marilyn Brackett, Ella Bernerd and William Nichlaus all of Saugerties. Her funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Atonement Lutheran Church on Market Street in Saugerties. Arrangements are under the direction of the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc., corner of John and Lafayette Streets, Saugerties.
Family suggests donations in her memory be made to the Saugerties Atonement Lutheran Church or the Catskill Animal Sanctuary.
November 30, 2006
VINCENT A. GERMANI
Vincent A. Germani, 60, of Westerlo, New York, passed away suddenly at his home on November 22, 2006. He was born in New York City on April 11, 1946, son of Lucy (Robasco) Germani and the late Vincent Germani.
He had been an equipment coordinator for the Albany County Department of Public Works in Voorheesville, New York. He enjoyed his work; was an avid fan of NASCAR and collected NASCAR and Lionel Train memorabilia. He also enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Surviving are his loving family, his mother, Lucy Germani; his wife, Josephine (Proscia) Germani; his children, Vincent Germani (Ruthie) of Westerlo, New York, David Germani (Sara) of Westerlo, New York, Stephanie Audino (Keith) of Berne, New York, Jennifer Gibbs (Brian) of Berne, New York; also nine grandchildren; a brother, Gene Germani; a sister, Hilda Gerhard (Glenn); a nephew, Matthew; and niece, Christina.
Funeral service was Monday from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church. Friends called at the funeral home on Sunday. Interment was in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
November 30, 2006
HERBERT A. STIEFEL
Herbert A. Stiefel, a leading executive in the field of dermatology for over 60 years, died on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, at South Miami Hospital in South Miami, Florida of complications associated with leukemia. He was 79.
Herbert was born in Montclair, New Jersey, on January 25, 1927, to August C. Stiefel and Lili Stiefel (nee Koch), both originally of Offenbach, Germany, He graduated from Middleburg Central High School and attended Yale University. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in England.
During his 62-year career with Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., Herbert helped the family firm grow into the world’s largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology.
As president of Stiefel’s International Division throughout most of his career, he was responsible for all of the company’s operations and growth outside the United States. He lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the United States during his long and successful tenure at Stiefel, which today employs more than 3,000 people across 30 countries and sells its products in nearly 100 nations. Herbert retired from the company in March 2006.
He was a longtime member of the Catskill Glee Club and a charter member of the Yankee Male Chorus, a choral group which has toured New England annually since 1951. Earlier this year, the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania announced that its planned dermatology wing, currently under construction, will be named in his honor.
He is survived by his daughters, Barbara, Catherine, Mary, Christine and Linda, and his grandchildren, Erik Schmollinger, Lili Stiefel and Warren Stiefel. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York, on Wednesday, November 29. A family only burial will take place the following day. Those who wish to are welcome to make a donation in his memory to the charity of their choice.