Obituaries from the
Greenville Press

July 2007

Transcribed by Carol Golden
Obituaries provided by Sylvia Hasenkopf

July 5, 2007

ELEANOR WEINLICH
Retired teacher

Eleanor M. Weinlich of Greenville died peacefully at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland on Thursday, May 31.

She was born Ellen M. Cusick in New York City on July 30, 1913. 

Eleanor earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Hunter College. 

She volunteered as a nurse’s aide at a French hospital during World War II and worked as an executive secretary to both a president and vice president at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.

She married Rudi Weinlich in 1948 and raised four children. She worked as a first grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in Bayside until her retirement. 

Eleanor had many interests and was particularly involved with ecumenical issues and the United Farm workers. She and her husband volunteered in a senior residence in Greene County.  She was an avid reader and knitter, and loved opera.

Survivors include her husband, Rudi; son John and wife Karen of Greenville; a daughter Anne and husband Richard on Long Island; grandchildren Alex and Ariana and daughter Ellen and husband Eric on Cape Cod; a sister in Texas; and many nieces.

Burial was in St. Charles Cemetery on Long Island.

Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

July 5, 2007 

JAMES DANNER
In memory of James Danner (Jimmy D)

Jim’s family would like to cordially invite you to attend his memorial being held on Saturday, July 7, 2007 from 4-7 pm.  Rain or shine.

Jim wanted a celebration of his life instead of a usual wake.

Please join us and be part of this special gathering located at his home at 244 Route 88, Greenville.

July 12, 2007

JAMES P. DURNIN
NYPD retiree

James Patrick Durnin of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, passed away on Monday, June 25.  He was 81 years old.

Always referred to as “Big Jim,” he was a World War II Navy veteran, 23 years retired from the New York Police Department and 20 years retired as head of security of Rockefeller Center, Radio City.

He loved music, singing, animals, gardening and dancing.  He and his wife Kit received first place awards at the annual police ball several times over for dancing.

Big Jim, known to greet people with the “Hi Pal,” was a New York Giants fan.

Survivors include his children, James P. Durnin of North Carolina, Diane P. Doyle (Hugh) of East Durham, Deborah A. Landau of Locust Valley, Thomas Durnin (Gina) of Hazlet, NJ, and Patricia A. Durnin, Matthew Durnin (Helainie), and Denise Durnin, all of Brooklyn; and grandchildren James, Thomas and Joseph Reynolds, Jason Durnin, Nicole, Eleanor and Julian Eckander, Ryan and Tyler Durnin, Matthew Durnin, and Julian and Alexandra Durnin.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Catherine “Kit” 16 months ago.  He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Bernard Landau, and 13 brothers and sisters.

A Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Angels Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn with a full police honor guard and mounted police officer stopping to pay tribute in front of his home. 

Burial was in The Resurrection in Tottenville with full Navy honors.

July 12, 2007

DONALD BARBER
Retired contractor

Donald H. Barber, 71, of Greenville, OH, formerly of East Berne, died Wednesday, June 13 at Wayne Hospital in Greenville.

He was born December 1, 1935 in Schenectady to the late Howard and Hazel (Phelps) Barber.

He was a retired contractor and served in the U.S. Army.

Donald was a member of the V.O.S.A., Albany V. A. Performing Choir in Albany and the Altamont American Legion Post. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Westerlo, the New York State Grange and the Westerlo Fire Department.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Dara and John Buchy of Greenville, OH, Shelly and Michael Taylor of Belleville, IL, Nancy and William Barber of Binghamton and Laurel and Robert Scudder of Fredonia; grandchildren Michael Jr. and Connie, Dayna and Chris, Allan, Daniel and Erin, Julie, Joshua, Erin, Ashley, Kyle, Katelyn, Jacob, Samantha and Aaron; two great-granddaughters, and his former spouse, Raye Saddlemire of Westerlo.

A memorial service takes place Saturday, July 14 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Westerlo, with the Rev. Don Lyon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Brethren Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, OH 45331 or to St. Paul Lutheran Church Worship and Music Fund, 131 East Fourth Street, Greenville, OH 45331.

Arrangements are under the direction of Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, OH. Condolences for the family may be sent to [email protected].

July 12, 2007

RANDY CURLESS
Friend to all 

Randy Curless, 30, of Earlton, died at St. Peter’s Hospital on Wednesday, July 4.

A big “Teddy Bear”, he was a friend to all he met.

Surviving are his mother, Linda Curless-Maurer, his siblings, Tonya, Anthony, Robert and David Dingman, Joey Merrit, Christopher Maurer and Jennifer Cline; his stepfathers, Anthony Dingmans Sr. and George Maurer; sister-in-law Jennifer Maurer; nieces Isis Dingman and Chloe Maurer; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Eugene and Irene (Busch) Curless Sr.

Graveside services were in the Rensselaerville Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

July 12, 2007

EVERETT M. KELLAM
Well driller

Everett M. Kellam, 86, of Ravena died Sunday, July 8 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.

Everett was born in Schodack, the son of the late Clinton and Rose Mickel Kellam.

In 1974 he retired from the New York State Power Plant after 25 years of service.  He also drilled wells for many people in the Ravena area.

Survivors include his children, Julie (Bob) Williams of Stuyvesant, Gary (Missy) Kellam of Hadley, and Brad (Bonnie) Kellam of  Selkirk; sisters Mary Kellam and Phyllis Skidmore, both of Greenville; stepdaughter Carol (Brad) Jordan of Amsterdam; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Lilian Kellam of Hannacroix, Elaine Kunz of Georgia, Florence Kins of Ravena, Margaret Davis of Greenville and Rose Kins of Clarksville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Everett was predeceased by his wives Florence and Mildred, daughter Linda Cornell, son Randy Kellam, grandson Steven Kellam, sisters, Olive Schnare and Francis Mahler and brothers Maynard, Roy and Donald Kellam.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m., today July 12 from Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena.  Calling precedes the service at 10 a.m.

Contribution in memory of Everett may be made to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany 12205.

July 19, 2007

PAUL O. ERDTMANSKY
Laboratory technician

Paul O. Erdtmansky, 72, of Greenville, died at his home on Thursday, July 5.

He was born in Leverkusen, Germany, on January 22, 1935.

Paul was employed by Sterling Winthrop Laboratories in Rensselaer until his retirement.  He later worked for Albany Medical Center as a laboratory technician.

Surviving are his wife, Boonya; his stepdaughter, Crystal Lee Ziomber; a sister, Brigette Hauschild and her husband Richard of Germany.

As to his wishes, Paul was cremated and he will be returned to Germany to be interred with his family.

Arrangements were under the direction of Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

July 19, 2007

MICHAEL J. MCGLYNN
Retired driver

Michael J. McGlynn, 79, of Greenville, died at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany on Thursday, July 12.

He was born in Ireland on October 28, 1927, the son of the late Patrick and Bridget (Mitchell) McGlynn.

Mike was retired from the New York City Transportation Authority, having been a bus driver.

He served in the Army, joining less than a year after he immigrated from Ireland.

An avid New York Mets fan, he also loved playing golf and cards (the Irish 25), and could be found calling the numbers for Bingo at the Knights of Columbus hall.

He also was very active in the Greenville Irish American Club, the Greenville Volunteer Fire Co. as a fire policeman, Greenville American Legion Post# 291, Our Lady of Knock Council 6439 Knights of Columbus and the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre.

Surviving are his wife, Mary (Mullen) McGlynn; four sons, Brian, Thomas, Michael and John McGlynn; a daughter, Anne McGlynn; four stepdaughters, Eileen Coghlan, Ann Tuohy and Mary and Nora Lally; three stepsons, Joseph, James and Kevin Tuohy; a brother Patrick McGlynn; two sisters, Bridget and Margaret McGlynn, and 27 grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Bridget (McInerney) McGlynn, and a stepson, Michael Tuohy.

Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenville Rescue Squad or to the Greenville Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 332, Greenville 12083.

July 19, 2007

RUDOLPH ZITZ
Businessman

Rudolph M. “Rudy” Zitz, 62, of Alcove, died Saturday, July 14 at home surrounded by his loved ones after a long illness.

Born, raised and educated in Brooklyn, he was the son of Rudolph W. Zitz of Staten Island and Adelaide Pravata of Brooklyn.

He moved with his family to Catskill, where he met the love of his life, the former Kathleen Lindskoog, and began a family.  They returned to Brooklyn for eight years before settling in Alcove in 1971.

Zitz owned and operated several successful businesses.  He was a member and past president of the Northern Catskill Pigeon Club.

Besides his wife and parents, surviving are two children, Deneen Byrne of Alcove and Justine Blood of Canajoharie; four grandchildren, Dara and Dustin Bryne and Sarah and Zachary Blood; a great-granddaughter, Kassidy Ava Green; 10 brothers and sisters; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and several close friends.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Albany 12211, or Community Hospice of Albany county, 445 New Karner road, Albany 12205.

Arrangements were with Caswell Funeral Home, Ravena.

July 26, 2007

BETTY BARNETT
Thrift shop volunteer

Betty Barnett, 80, of South Westerlo, formerly of Rushville, IN, died at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany on Monday, July 23.

She was born in Louisville, KY, on August 28,1926, the daughter of the late Lunsford and Gertrude (Haehl) Bullock.

Betty had helped her husband Robert run the family business, Hoosier Dairy Products, located in Westville, IN.

She was a member of the DAR, the PEO, the Greenville United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

Known as one was always “on the go”, she was always making crafts, sewing and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  She enjoyed baking and was an avid reader.  She loved the companionship and sense of helping others while working at the Elliott House Thrift Shop in Norton Hill.

Surviving are her husband, Robert Barnett; three daughters, Jane Scrafford (William) of South Westerlo, Dean Ann Fowler (Stephen) of Brookfield, CT, and Martha Hodges (Douglas) of Manchester, TN; a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Thrope of Rushville, IN; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are today, July 26, at the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church.

Cremation will be at the Albany Rural Cemetery and interment in Rose Hill Cemetery in Rushville, IN.

Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

July 26, 2007

HERBERT HENTSCHEL JR.
Mechanic

Herbert Hentchell Jr., 73, of Hannacroix, fondly known by all as “Unk,” died at the DVA Medical Center in Albany on Sunday, July 15.

He was born in New York City December 6, 1933, the son of the late Herbert and Berta (Bussett) Hentschel Sr.

He had worked at Albright’s Garage and the Ravena Central School as a mechanic and later operated heavy equipment in his own business.

A “jack of all trades,” he could fix just about anything that he was asked to.

Herbert served in the Army from 1953 to 1955.

Survivors include his sister, Anita Pforte; a nephew, Albert “Woody” Pforte; a great-niece, Natasha; great nephews, Zachary, Max, and Dustin; and special great-nephew Kevin.

As to his wishes, he was cremated and will be interred at the Saratoga National Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

July 26, 2007

CHARLES MCDERMOTT SR.
Stock car racing fan

Charles “Hammerhead” McDermott Sr., 78, of Westerlo, died at his home on Tuesday, July 17.

He was born in Knox June 18, 1929, the son of the late Charles and Ethel (Gibbs) McDermott.

Charles, fondly known as “Hammerhead,” owned McDermott’s Garage in Westerlo.  He loved stock car racing and drove car #92 at Clearview Speedway and car #98 in many ice car races.

He enjoyed many activities, including hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycles and snowmobiling.  Charlie was a member of the Helderberg Riders Motorcycle Club and the North Wind Snowmobile Club.

Survivors include his wife, Joan (Slingerland) Mc Dermott; sons Dennis McDermott and wife Phyllis, Charles McDermott Jr. and wife Terri, and Kevin McDermott and wife Kelli; a daughter, Connie Arnold and husband Ron; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Harold McDermott, and a sister, Mildred Storm.

As to his wishes he was cremated and interred in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery under the direction of Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.

Those who wish may contribute in Charlie’s memory to the Westerlo Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 12, Westerlo 12193.

July 26,2007

ROSE RABL
Bank assistant VP

Rose M. Rabl, 92, of Coxsackie, died Sunday, July 22 at the Kaaterskill Care Center in Catskill, where she had been a resident since August 22, 2006.

Born in Ridgewood, Queens, on February 12, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Louise (Schmuck) Sterbenz.

Mrs. Rabl moved to the Coxsackie area in 1948 and was employed as assistant vice president for the National Bank of Coxsackie for 35 years.

She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Coxsackie and a member of the Altar Rosary Society and the Business and Professional Women.

She enjoyed music, baking and preparing floral arrangements.  She also enjoyed playing cards and traveling.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Patricia Rabl of Queensbury; a daughter, Dolores Helmer of Coxsackie; three granddaughters, Nicole and Jeffrey Giebelhaus of Hurley, Cherisse and Austin Young of Averill Park and Erika and James Omohundro of Madison, WI; and six great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 10 a.m. today, July 26, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church of Coxsackie with the Rev. John Moyna, pastor, officiating.

Interment follows in the family plot in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414, or to the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington Square, Albany 12205.

Arrangements are with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie.