Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
September 2002
Newspapers courtesy of the Cairo Library. Retyped by Arlene Goodwin
Greenville Local
Sept. 5, 2002
Kenneth W. Rundberg
Kenneth W. Rundberg, 56, died at home in the Rundberg Homestead, with his loving family by his side, after a heroic battle with lung cancer. Ken was born May 3,1946, the youngest and most loving son of the late Helmi M. Rundberg and the late John Thure Rundberg of Queens and relocated to New Baltimore with his family at age five.
He was a graduate of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School. he served in the Navy Seabees Construction Battalion in Vietnam and Morocco, Africa. Ken worked as the operator of the Town of New Baltimore’s Wastewater treatment plant for 15 years, overseeing the major renovation of the plant this past year. He was an active member of New Baltimore Republican Club and enjoyed attending political functions with his wife. He volunteered in many facets of the community. He was a member of the American Legion, Cornell Hook and Ladder, the town parks committee and the maintenance of the Hannacroix Interpretive Trail and the Paper Mill Falls Trail and OSI trails along the Hudson and Hannacroix waters.
He also served for 11 years on the New Baltimore Antiques Machinery and Agricultural Festival Committee.
Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Kathy and her son Ron L. Gimondo and his companion Rosalyn Lombardo; his daughter Natalie Linger and her husband Patrick and their two children, Amanda Helmi Jean, aged three and William James, age seven months, who were the light of Ken’s life; his son, James Thure Rundberg and wife Suzanne and their children, Samantha, age four and Dylan, age one; also Natalie and James’s mother and Ken’s first wife, Christine LaRoose and husband Dennis of Ravena; sisters Viola Maziarski and husband Frank of Washington State, John L. Rundberg and companion Anne of Athens, Jeanette Golem and husband Donald of Pennsylvania, and two other siblings; and many loving nieces and nephews including his “adopted god daughter” Tina and her husband Scott.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Kenneth W. Rundberg to the New Baltimore First Responders and/or community Hospice of Columbia and Greene Counties. Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Ken’s life at the Rundberg Farm, 94 Washington Avenue, New Baltimore on Saturday September 7, between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m.
Arrangements were made under the direction of the Babcock Funeral Home in Ravena.
Greenville Local
Sept. 5, 2002
Stanley S. Taylor Memorial Service
Memorial Services for Stanley S. Taylor, age 79 of West Coxsackie, were conducted Sunday, September 1, 2002 at the Sopris Funeral Home, Inc., Rt. 9W Coxsackie. The American Legion Post 166 conducted a service followed by the Memorial Service conducted by Rev. Fr. John Moyna. Relatives and friends respectfully attended.
Stan died Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at the Community Hospice at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He graciously donated his remains to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College. He is survived by his wife, Marie (Scott) Taylor of Coxsackie, and children; Stanley Taylor, Jr. of Des Moines, IA, Linda Kilfoyle of Schenectady and Michael (Mary) Taylor of Coxsackie and his two brothers; David Taylor of Coxsackie and Robert Taylor of Hudson. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Jennifer Kilfoyle of Florida, Laura (Kevin) Betts of Athens, Adam and Justin Taylor of Des Moines, IA., and three great-grandchildren; Richard, Robert and Elizabeth. He was predeceased by a brother Philip and a sister Belle.
Greenville Local
Sept. 5, 2002
Peter J. Garbarini
Peter J. Garbarini, 90 years of Preston Hollow, New York, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2002 at the Child’s Nursing Home in Albany, New York, where he resided since 1999 due to failing health. Peter was born in New York City on October 31, 1911, son of the late John and Celestina Garbarini. He spent his youth in his family’s native Italy returning to the USA as a young man in his 20’s. Peter proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army as a cook in Ardennes and the Rhineland Central Europe. Mr. Garbarini worked for many years as chef for the Skyline, Jack’s Oyster House and Beverly Farm on weekends. He also was employed by Albany Co. Highway Dept. building many of the local stone walls seen around our bridges. Peter had a love for the land and nature and especially his garden. He also loved music and dancing. Peter was pre-deceased by his wife Dorothy (Mandraccia) Garbarini, several brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews in Italy.
Surviving are his beloved daughter, Celeste Garbarini and her fiancé Paul Saccoccie of Coxsackie, New York, a son, Peter J. Garbarini of Buffalo, New York, his former daughters-in-law, Kathleen Garbarini of Schenectady, New York and Alive Garbarini of Buffalo, New York, a sister Madeline Cedrini of Cornwallville, New York, six grandchildren, his great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4894 SR 81, Greenville, New York on Saturday, August 31, 2002 with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Knock Shrine.
Those who wish may contribute in Peter’s memory to Community Hospice of Albany Co., New Karner Rd., Albany, New York, 12205, a hospice of choice of Alzheimer’s Assoc., 85 Watervliet Ave. Albany, New York, 12206-2083.
Greenville Local
Sept. 5, 2002
Bertha Hess
Bertha Hess, 91 years, of Preston Hollow, New York, passed away at the Columbia-Greene Long Term Care in Catskill, New York, on August 29, 2002. She had also been a resident of St. Joseph’s in Catskill, New York for several years. She was born in New York City on February 9, 1911, daughter of John and Anna Smrkovsky. She was a former member of the Rensselaerville Sr. Citizens and worked in the Preston Hollow Post Office as a clerk for many years. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifton Hess in 1986.
Surviving are her step-daughter, Evelyn Mackey and her husband, Stannard of East Durham, New York, her step grandchildren, Eileen Ketcham, Rita Mackey and Catherine Calder and four step-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by four brothers, John, Fred and Charles Smrkovsky and Louis Turner.
Funeral services were held Monday from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery, Preston Hollow, New York. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Town of Rensselaerville Ambulance.
Greenville Local
Sept. 12, 2002
Mary A. Donohue
Mary A. Donohue, 95 years, of Norton Hill, New York, passed away September 5, 2002 at St. Patrick’s Home in Bronx, New York. Mary was born in County Cork, Ireland on December 3, 1906, daughter of the late Andrew and Mini Horan.
She was a homemaker and a devoted wife and mother. Mary was also a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband James J. Donohue in 1978.
Surviving are her daughter Kathleen Donohue of New York City, and her son, Brother James Donohue of Providence, Rhode Island.
Funeral services was from the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, on Monday, September 9, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John of the Baptist Church in Greenville. Interment followed in the Greenville Cemetery.
Greenville Local
Sept. 12, 2002
Phyllis Weremeichik August
Schoharie—Mrs. Phyllis Weremeichik August, 69, of Main Street, Schoharie, New York, died Saturday, September 7, 2002 at St. Peter’s Hospice in Albany.
Mrs. August was born October 17, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Ralph and Rose (Montano) Trezza. She had resided in Schoharie since 1900 and had previously lived in Rensselaerville and Long Island.
Phyllis, who was known for her beautiful smile, hearty laugh and encouraging words and helping hands, was a graduate of St. Edmunds Catholic School in Brooklyn. She later attended Maria College in Albany.
She began he career as a beautician in her mother’s beauty parlor. She then worked at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville as a receptionist. In 1979, she served as a member of the Albany Diocese Service Corp. In 1980, she was program director fro W.A.I.T.T. Houses, Inc in Troy and later became the executive director of HELP Center Inc. counseling highly problematic children. Later, she became a counselor at Monhonasen High School until her retirement in 1992.
After retirement, she and her husband, Ed, started their new adventure, creating the Wedgewood Inn, Bed and Breakfast in Schoharie. It was here that she was able to pursue her passion of gourmet cooking, gardening and being present to all God’s glorious feathered friends.
Phyllis was very active in St. Joseph’s R. C. Church in Schoharie as a communicant, Eucharistic minister and director of the Renew program.
Survivors include: beloved husband, Edward August, who she married June 19, 1994. She was a devoted mother of Valerie Kropp, and her husband Michael, of Delmar and Ronald Wertemeichik, of Medusa. She was best cooking nana in the world to grandsons Jeremy and Dylan.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a. m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at St. Joseph’s R. C. Church. Burial will be held privately. A fellowship was held following Mass in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, Phyllis requested donations be sent to St. Joseph’s Church, PO Box 514, Schoharie, New York 12157,; or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Upstate New York Vermont Chapter, 6 Automation Lane, Albany, N. Y. 12205.
Greenville Local
Sept.12, 2002
Margaret O’Connor
Margaret O’Connor, 68 years, of Freehold, New York, formerly of the Bronx, passed away on September 9 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York after a brief illness. She was born in the Bronx on June 3, 1934, daughter of the late Michael and Margaret (Corbett) Mulvihill. She was married to the late John O’Connor of Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick, Ireland for 44 years. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Parish in Durham, New York, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Woman’s Div.), and the Greenville Irish American Club. For the last eight years Margaret had been working at Gavin’s Golden Hill House in East Durham, New York.
Surviving are her loving children, Rev. Msgr. Desmond O’Connor of New York City, Brendan and his wife Susan of Mahopac, New York, Aidan and his wife Bernadette of Freehold, New York, Nuala Robinson and her husband Michael of Briarcliff Manor, New York, Deirdre Giancottie and her husband Scott of Fishkill, New York, Maura Fox and her husband James of Lake Mohegan, New York, Sean and his wife Kathy of Coxsackie, New York and Mairead O’Connor of the Bronx, also her beloved grandchildren, Kelly Giancottie, Cara and Patricia O’Connor, Erin and Kerrie Ann Fox, Kevin, Michael, Thomas, Aidan, Sean Eoin and William O’Connor, also her brother, Padraic Mulvihill and his wife Mattie of Jacksonville, Florida.
Funeral service will be Thursday, 10:15 a.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81 Greenville, with a Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. from Our Lady of Knock Shrine, East Durham. Friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Interment will be in the Greenville Cemetery. The Greenville Irish American Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians conducted services at the funeral home on Wednesday evening. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to Our Lady of Knock Shrine.
Greenville Local
Sept. 19, 2002
Douglas C. Vaccaro
Douglas C. Vaccaro, 54 years, of Preston Hollow, New York, passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, September, 15, 2002. Douglas was born December 12, 1947 in Port Chester, New York. He was parts manager of the Big “A” Auto Parts in White Plains, New York for many years.
Surviving are his fiancé Colleen A. O’Connor of Preston Hollow, New York; his son, Douglas C. Vaccaro Jr. of Tuckahoe, New York; his daughter, Terry of Long Island, New York; two sisters, Doreen Delaney of New Hampshire and Nancy Vaccaro of Georgia; and two grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Thursday, September 19, at St. John the Baptist Church, Greenville. Relatives and friends called at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, on Wednesday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
As to his wishes he will be cremated and interment will take place at the convenience of the family.
Greenville Local
Sept. 26, 2002 &
The Daily Mail
Sept. 23, 2002
Donald Wood
Donald Wood, 85 years, of Coxsackie, New York, passed away on September 20, 2002 at the Albany Medical Center. He was born in Durham, New York, on May 26,1917, son of the late Scott and Daisy (Millet) Wood.
He had been employed by the Potter Lumber Company in Preston Hollow, New York for 20 years and was also the former highway superintendent for the Town of Broome. He had served in the US Army during World War II being a paratrooper and was stationed in Georgia and Florida.
Surviving are his wife Goldie (Layman) Wood; six children, Walter Wood and his wife Ruth, Dona Blakeslee and her husband Edward, Gerald Wood and his wife Brenda, Lila Tompkins and her husband Edward, Stanley Wood and his wife Marcella, Bruce Wood and his wife Joanna; also 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Michael Tompkins, a great-grandson, Sheldon Wood; two brothers, Henry and Leland Wood; and two sisters, Dorothy Makely and Thelma Catlin.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28 at the Oak Hill Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Coxsackie Rescue Squad, Coxsackie, NY 12051
Arrangements were by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
Greenville Local
Sept. 26, 2002 &
The Daily Mail
Sept. 23/24, 2002
Oscar Stanton Winnie
Oscar Stanton Winnie, 79 years, of Oak Hill, New York, passed away at the DVA Medical Center in Albany, New York on September 21, 2002. He was born in Norton Hill, New York on June 23, 1923, son of the late Burton C. and Cora F. (Stanton) Winnie.
Stanton was a retired miller, having worked for Deans Catskill Valley Mills for over 49 years. He served in the US Army during World War II serving in the Ardennes and the Rhineland.
He was a member of the Oak Hill-Durham United Methodist Church and a former trustee, the church gave him a life membership as a trustee. He was also a former vice-commander and member of the Durham Valley Post No. 1416 American Legion and the Town of Durham Ambulance Squad. Stanton, when he was able, could always be found in one of the many local bowling leagues. He could always be counted on to make the strike or spare when needed. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
Surviving are his wife of over 50 years, Shirley (Vincent) Winnie; his two daughters, Nancy Taylor and her husband Thomas of Syracuse, New York, Irene Kiley and her husband John of Oak Hill, New York; six grandchildren and two brothers, Ralph Winnie of Seattle, Washington and Leland Brown of Norton Hill, New York. He was predeceased by a brother, Warren Winnie and a sister, Loretta Winnie.
Funeral service was Wednesday,
8:30 p.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81 Greenville, New York.
Friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30
p.m., prior to the service. Interment will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery
on Friday.
Greenville Local
Sept. 26, 2002 &
The Daily Mail
Sept. 24, 2002
Robert Cammer
Robert Cammer, 81 years, of Conesville, NY, passed away at his home on September 22, 2002. He was born in Conesville, NY on October 31, 1920, son of the late Cecil A. and Florence E. (Wade) Cammer.
Robert was a life long farmer, a member of the Schoharie County Farm Bureau, a former Town Councilman for the Town of Conesville, member of the Conesville Volunteer Fire Company and a former Fire Commissioner.
Surviving Robert are his wife, Kathleen (Rogers) Cammer; a daughter, Sharon Fancher and her husband Everett of Conesville, NY; a son, David Cammer and his wife Peggy of Conesville, NY; his grandchildren, Brian Fancher and his wife Karen, Darren Fancher and his wife Christine, Robert and Amanda Cammer; his great grandchildren, Dylan and Cole Fancher and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by a brother Sheldon Cammer and a sister, Marilyn Bedford.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Decker Funeral Home in Windham, NY. Friends may call at the Decker Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p.m.
Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery in Prattsville, NY. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Conesville Rescue Squad. Arrangement by the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY.
Greenville Local
Sept. 26, 2002 &
The Daily Mail
Sept. 24, 2002
Irene Busch
Irene Busch, 76 years, of Catskill NY. Passed away at the Eden Park Nursing Home in Hudson, NY, on September 22, 2002. She was born on April 21, 1926. She was a loving mother and enjoyed attending St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, NY, with her grand-daughter, Iva Gay.
Surviving Irene are her children; Jimmy Curless, Mary Bell, Howard Richardson, Henry Curless, Irving Curless, Colleen Osorio, Linda Curless and Edith Haas; her brothers, John Bryan, Ward Bryan, Irving Bryan and her sisters, Marjorie, Marion, Alice, Ruth and Grace. She was pre-deceased by a son, Eugene Curless Jr., who died serving his country in Vietnam.
Funeral services will be on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81 in Greenville, NY. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. As to her wishes, cremation will be at the Albany Rural Cemetery.
Greenville Local
Sept. 26, 2002 &
The Daily Mail
Sept. 24, 2002
Alice K. MacDougall
Alice K. MacDougall, 93 years, of Durham, NY, passed away at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Delmar, NY on September 21, 2002. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 17, 1909. She was a life long public school teacher.
Surviving is a sister, Gudrun Kartevold of Litize, P.A., two nieces and one nephew. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Douglas MacDougall in 1991.
A graveside service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Greenville Cemetery in Greenville, NY. Arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY.
Greenville Local
Sept. 26, 2002
Daniel P. McGouran
Daniel P. McGouran, 60, of Ramsey, formerly of Leonia, Sunday, September 22, 2002. Daniel was a Corporate Bonds Trader for Raymond James Financial in New York City for 43 years. Daniel was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Ramsey.
He was a former parishioner of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Leonia and a member of its Parish Council, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Carmel Council, 4th Degree Assembly Pope John XXIII, Cliffside Park. 3rd Order of St. Francis in Brooklyn, NY, member of the Corporate Bond Traders Club, Board member of the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood.
He was a member of the Republican Party County Committee, Past President of Leonia Men’s Neighborhood Club, Leonia Lions. He spent many years as a coach for baseball and basketball for Leonia Recreation, and was Vice President of the Spruce Run Neighborhood Association.
Survivors include his beloved wife Margaret “Pat” McGouran, devoted father of Suzanne, Daniel K. and Peter J. McGouran of Greenville, adored father-in-law of Rachel, cherished grandfather of Matthew and Kevin, dear brother of Michael McGouran. Arrangement by Mikatarian Funeral Home in Fort Lee, N.J.