Greenville Press Obits July 2005

Obituaries from the
Greenville Press

July 2005

Transcribed by Melanie Fisher Citty
Obituaries provided by April Saccoccio


July 7, 2005              

KURT DISTEFANO

Kurt DiStefano, 28, of Cary, NC, formerly of Cairo, died Monday, June 27.

Born in Catskill May 3, 1977, he graduated with honors from Cairo-Durham High School and received a degree in computer technology while living in Cary, NC.

He was an accomplished writer, musician and songwriter.

Survivors include his mother JoAnn Marie Walther of Cary, NC; his father James DiStefano of Catskill; sister Tamra Blake of Raleigh, NC, McAne DiStefano of Lynbrook and JeLan DiStefano of Oakdale; brother Daniel Blake of Stafford, VA; maternal grandparents John and Josephine Johnson of Catskill; paternal grandmother Elizabeth VenDriesco of Leeds; three nieces and three nephews.

He was predeceased by this maternal grandfather, John P. Walther.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, 500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

Arrangement were with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Cary, NC.


July 7, 2005         

MARIE WITT 

Marie H. Witt, died at her home, with her family nearby, on Tuesday, June 28.

She was born Anna Marie Hasbrouck to Ella (Lamar) Hasbrouck and John J.C. Hasbrouck in Manhattan on September 7, 1917.  She grew up in Flushing with two brothers, John and Howard.

Witt attending Flushing School of Nursing and graduated with honors, achieving a major life goal.

She served in the Army during World War II as a nurse overseas in England and France.  She was discharge as a first Lieutenant.  And received the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

While in a USO line for Coca Cola in Reims, France, she met Bob Witt and shortly thereafter they were married and blessed with five children, achieving another life goal.

When her husband died in 1962, she started a new chapter in her life.  While she finished raising her family, she moved to Greenville to help her brother run Hijopa Farm.  She continued maintaining the farm until brother John’s death in 2000.

Witt was a member of the Greenville American Legion Post # 291.

Survivors include her children, Donna Tiffany and husband Tim Miller, Lynda Witt, Barbara Witt and Husband Michael Gribben, Robert Witt and wife Mary Ann, and Patricia Hamilton; her grandchildren, R. Martin Witt, Maxwell Tiffany-Miller, Gabriel Tiffany-Miller, Samara Tiffany-Miller and Elizabeth Hamilton: a brother, Howard Hasbrouck and wife Ruth; and three nieces, Joan Lucian, Patricia Hasbrouck and Barbara Renaud.

Services will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534.

Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


July 14, 2005     

ROBERT HANNAY

Robert D. Hannay, 64, of Westerlo, died Monday, July 11 at his home following a brief illness.

Born in Westerlo April 10, 1941, son of the late Dwight C. Hannay and surviving mother Doris E. (Velie) Hannay, he spent most of his life in Westerlo.  Hannay was married June 29, 1963 to Marilyn J. Stark.

Hannay spent six years serving in the U.S. Army National Guard.  He was a member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Department, president of the Westerlo Rural Cemetery Board, a Helderberg Medical Association Board member, as well as a lifetime member of the NRA.

A 1963 graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University, Hannay worked as  vice president of marketing at Hannay Reels from 1963-1996.

He served as a deacon, trustee, Sunday school superintendent and leader of youth activities for many years at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn J. Hannay; his children, Scott R. Hannay and wife Beverly of Westerlo, Sherri L. (Hannay) Gerhardt and husband Stephen of Grand Ledge, MI, Shaun R. Hannay and wife Diane of Westerlo and Michael D. Hannay and wife Gayle, also of Westerlo; a sister, Carol (Hannay) Guilzon and husband David of Westerlo; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A grandson predeceased him.

Interment will take place in Westerlo Rural Cemetery.

A memorial service will take place Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Westerlo, P.O. Box 130, Westerlo 12193.

Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


July 14, 2005            

BEVERLY MINER

Beverly R. (McCauley) Miner, 65, died Saturday, July 9 at Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill.

She was born in St. Joseph, MO, and graduated from Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School.

Miner had resided in West Coxsackie since 1970.  She was a member of the Alcove Assembly of God church, the New Baltimore American Legion Auxiliary and the Earlon Fish and Game Club.

She enjoyed sports and out doors activities.

Survivors include her children, Denise Wilsey of West Coxsackie and John (Charlene) Miner Jr. of Catskill; her mother, Cleata Beers of Millerton; her sisters, Opal Rosas of Millerton and Catherine Auclaire of South Carolina, a brother Samuel McCauley of Maine; her grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan and Megan Wilsey; and her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her husband John H. Miner Sr., and a daughter Debora Ann Miner, Predeceased her.

Interment was in Chestnut lawn Cemetery, New Baltimore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alcove Assembly of God Church, 137 Country Route 111, Alcove 12007.

Arrangements were with Caswell Funeral Home, Ravena.


July 14, 2005    

ANDREW TURNIER

Andrew Daniel Turnier, 50, of Coxsackie Village, died Wednesday, July 6 at his residence.

He was born in Catskill September 5, 1954, the son of the late Andrew and Josephine (Medwid) Turnier.

A lifelong area resident, he was an auto body mechanic employed by various automotive companies in the area. 

Survivors include his sisters, Doris and husband Thomas Brennan of Binghamton, Elaine Turnier of Catskill and Rose and husband Lew Hall of Myrtle Beach, NC; a nephew, Lewis Hall Jr. or Myrtle Beach; and an Aunt in Austria.

Internment will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Coxsackie.

Memorial donations may be made to Coxsackie Rescue Squad.

Arrangement were with the Sopris-Murray Funeral home, Coxsackie.


July 14, 2005                         

BRANDON BEECHERT

Brandon Adam Beechert, 9, of Catskill, died Sunday, July 10.

He was born in Hudson on March 2, 1996, the son of Glenn E. Beechert of Maplecrest and Kathleen (Perez) Beechert of Catskill.

Brandon was a student at the Langdon School and was “heaven’s special child, and angel among us.”  Besides his parents, Survivors include his brothers Daniel J. and Andrew J. Verga of Catskill; a sister Elizabeth N. Beechert of Maplecrest; and his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations in Brandon’s memory may be made to his family.

Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


July 14, 2005              

JAMES MCDONALD

James E. McDonald, 51, of Catskill, formerly of Germantown, died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 6 at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson.

He was born in Hudson October 3, 1952, the son of the late William E. and Mona K. (MacDonald) McDonald.

He was a graduate of Germantown Central School.

Prior to being disabled, McDonald was a carpenter on construction in Florida.

He enjoyed working with wood and making birdhouses.

Survivors include his companion, Colleen Holloway of Athens; a son, Jason of Palenville; four brothers, Joseph of Virginia Beach, VA, Donald of Colorado, Phillip of Dripping Springs, TX, and Shane of Germantown; four sisters, Jane McDonald of Los Angeles, Mary L. Clark of West Coxsackie and Monica McDonald of Albany; and several nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, William and George, and two sisters, Kimley and Sharon, predeceased him.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Valley View Cemetery, Germantown.

Arrangements are with Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Germantown.


July 14, 2005                      

WILMER START

Wilmer H. Start, 86, of Greenville, died Sunday, July 10 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.

He was born in Fletcher, VT on November 21, 1918, to Carl S. and Alma (Driscoll) Start.

Start was a farmer who worked at various farms throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Debra (Matthews) Start; his children, Dolores, Marion, Bobby, Kathleen, Carl, Glenda, Audrey and Gregory; his stepbrother, Rodney, stepsisters Juanita and Lynn; 18 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Brothers Ralph and Gerald Start and Sister Katherine Duprey predeceased him.

Private cremation will take place at the Albany Memorial Crematory.

Arrangements are with Decker Funeral Home, Windham.  


July 14, 2005          

ANDREW WOYTOWICH III

Andrew J. Woytowich III, 50, of Yonkers, died at home on Friday, July 8.

He was born in Yonkers on September 15, 1954, the son of Andrew J. Woytowich Jr. of Yonkers and Gloria (Hoscoe) Kirschbaum of Greenville.

Besides his parents, survivors include his five children, Andrew, Daniel, Vicki, Mary and Grace; a brother, Victor Woytowich of Athens; two sisters, Dolly Connelly of Yonkers and Beatrice Auld of Ohio; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville on Tuesday, July 19 at 10 a.m.

Interment follows in the Greenville Cemetery.

There are no calling hours.

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


July 14, 2005    

ANGELO MANZI

Angelo T. Manzi, 91, formerly of New Boston Road, York died Saturday, July 9 at Mark Wentworth Home in Portsmouth.

He was born in the Bronx on January 1, 1914 the son of Joseph and Lucy (Lanotti) Manzi.

He was within shouting distance of Yankee stadium. He was a graduate of Annunciation Parochial School in Manhattan.

Manzi built his own house in Greenville and had lived there for 50 years with his wife Florence, before moving to York in 1999 to be closer to his sons.

He had enjoyed fishing and when he was younger, was an avid baseball players and a fan until the last inning.

Manzi had served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930’s. He had worked as a mechanic for 30 years for Bob Martin Foreign Auto, Capital Buick and Yeoman’s Garage.  He retired a supervisor of the service and auto body department of Orange Motors of Albany in 1981.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Debora Manzi of Cape Neddick and Thomas and Suzanne Manzi of York; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Florence (Schnackberg) Manzi, who died in October 2004 and by a son Joseph John Manzi, son died in 1987.

Services will be private.  Arrangements are with the Lucas and Eaton F.H. of York.


July 14, 2005      

EILEEN SNOW 

Eileen Ida (Trabin) Snow, 85, of Greenville, died Monday, July 11 at Albany Medical Center.

Born in Yonkers February 20, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Paul Tarabini and Ella (Downey) Trabin.

Snow lived in Earlton from 1961 to 1979.  She and her late husband developed and operated the Earlton Hill Campsites.  She had lived in Greenville in recent years.

Survivors include her sons, Richard M. Snow and wife Marilyn of Greenville and William D. Snow and wife Patricia of Hannacroix; a daughter, Karen Sifuentes and husband Ramiro of Arizona; four grandchildren, Jeff Snow of Greenville, Kevin Snow of Virginia, Heather Ferrara of St. Johnsville and Mark Ferara of Sprakers; and nine great-grandchildren.

The Rev. J. Moyna celebrates a Mass of Christina Burial today, July 14, at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church Coxsackie.

Burial follows in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Coxsackie, next to her late husband Donald M. Snow, who predeceased her on June 16, 1981.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Center of Albany Medical Center, Mail Code # 65, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany 12208, or to a charity of one’s choice.

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


July 14, 2005      

GERARD SPENCER

Gerard A. (Baron) Spencer, 86, died Wednesday, July 6 at the Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albany.

He was born July 14, 1918 in Forest Hills, Long Island, the son of the late William and Mary Louise ( O’Hara) Spencer.

Spencer moved to Athens as a child and was employed as a welder by Grumman-Aerobilt in West Athens for most of his adult life.

In his youth, he spent a lot of time of the river.  He worked on tour boats out of New York City to Bear Mountain. He loved the water and was an excellent swimmer.  His historical knowledge of the Hudson River was outstanding.

Spencer enlisted in the Army during World War II and was stationed at West Point from 1939 to 1945.  While there he served as Honor Guard for Frank D. Roosevelt’s funeral.

He was a member of the American Legion, elks Club and the Purling Rod and Gun Club.  He was a member and former chief of the Athens Fire Department, and a communicant of the St. Patrick’s Church in Athens.

He was a well known personality in Greene County, having tended bar at the Catskill Country Club, Red’s in West Coxsackie and the Athens Hotel.

Survivors include his daughters, Suzanne Spencer Lava of Loudonville and Mary Louse Lawson of Myrtle Beach: his companion Gladys Andrus of Coxsackie; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 19 North Franklin Street, Athens 12015.

Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Athens.


 July 14, 2005                            

ARTHUR MAXWELL SR.

Arthur Arnold Maxwell Sr., 87, of Binghamton, died Sunday, July 3 at Columbia-Greene Long Term Care in Catskill, where he had been a patient since June 14.

Born in Coxsackie March 26, 1918, he was the son of the late Orville and Ruth (Brandow) Maxwell.

Maxwell served in the Army during World War II and earned the Victory Medal.

He lived in Greenville most of his life and moved to Binghamton 45 years ago.  He was employed as a construction worker for many years.

Survivors include his daughters, Bessie M. Vincent of Leeds and Ruth W. White of Cairo; a son, Arthur W. Maxwell of Westkill; a stepdaughter, Patricia Spry of Binghamton; Grandchildren Brenda Wase, Dawn White, Roger Vincent, Rebecca Smith, Edna Crewell, Edward Maxwell, Timothy Rivenburg, Lois Rodriquez, Richard Rivenburg, Marie McCuster and Steven Woodbeck; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Edna Mae Perry, in 1998, and his second wife, Louise Gustinger in December 2004. A stepchild, Louis Gustinger, Brothers Ernest, Harold and Gordon, Sister Evelyn and grandson Arthur Maxwell also predeceased him.

Private cremation took place at the Albany Rural Crematorium, Menands, Graveside services took place in the Cairo Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.


July 21, 2005     

BARBARA ANN TEATOR

Barbara Ann Teator, 62, of Durham, died Monday, July 18 after a 10 year fight against cancer.

She was born in Catskill July 25, 1942, the daughter of George Kerr and the Late Lorraine (Wallace) Kerr.

Teator was a 1964 graduate of SUNY Postsdam.  She was a school teacher for 28 Years, the bulk of them with the Cairo-Durham Center School District.

In addition to focusing on her family and teaching, she led a 4-h group, coached Durham Youth Soccer teams, was an adviser for the Cairo-Durham cheerleading squad and tutored many children with their math.

She also enjoyed decorating her home, reading, movies and especially tending to her beautiful gardens.

Besides her father, survivors include her husband, Raymond Teator; her children, Sharon Hayner and husband Ken or Half Moon and William Teator and wife Kim of Falls Church, VA; her siblings, Ron Kerr of Poughquag and Mary Susan Kerr Welter of New Paltz; four grandchildren, Jessica and Joshua Hayner and Kendra and Alexander Teator; and 10 nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother in 1976, and brothers George J Kerr in 1991 and Robert W. Kerr in 2000.

A Mass of Christina Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham.  Interment follows in Potter Hollow Cemetery.

Friends may call at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville, today, July 21, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Memorial donation may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414, or the Town of Durham Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Box C Oak Hill 12460.


July 21, 2005             

CAROL COONS 

Carol Evan Coons, 59, of Surprise, died at her home on Sunday, July 17 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Flushing October 21, 1945, the daughter of the late John Nicholas and Lottie P. (Florek) Skula Jr.

Coons was employed as a secretary for the Greenville Central School District for 17 years.

She loved NASCAR, especially Dale Jarrett.  Elvis was one of her passions.  She also enjoyed boating, camping, motorcycles and bonfires.

Coons was known for her crafting of Musical Clowns, which she made with her mother.

Survivors include her son, Ronald Coons Jr. of Surprise; her daughter, Tracy (Timothy) Couse and grandson Tyler and Trent Couse of Huntersville, NC; her brothers, Nicholas (Elenor) Skula of Farmingdale and Terry (Joan) Skula of East Berne; and a sister, June (Norman) Channing of Surprise.

Besides her parents, a brother, James Skula, predeceased her.

Funeral services are today, July 21, at 1:30 p.m. form the Surprise-Murray Funeral Home, 11877 Route 9W, Coxsackie.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.


July 21, 2005           

GERTRUDE BENJAMIN

Gertrude Emily Benjamin, 75, of Phoenicia, died Wednesday, July 13 at Benedictine Hospital, Kingston.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, October 26, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William and Gertrude (McCardle) Rouillard.

She was a longtime resident of Lanesville, where she and her husband raised their eight children.

Her family and her faith were paramount to her.  She spent time reading Christian books and was talented at canning and preserving food to provide for her children.

Survivors include her children, Janet Volker of Platte Cove, Debra and Carol Benjamin of Hunter, Bonnie Benjamin of Mount Tremper, Frank Benjamin Jr. of Tillson, Kathy Benjamin of Coxsackie, Al Benjamin of Scottsdale, AZ, and Raymond Benjamin of New York City; 17 grandchildren, Heidi Lewis, April Scott, Michael Busch, James Ruoff Jr, Austin Benjamin, Jessie Ruoff, Andrew Benjamin, Carina Crory, Frank Benjamin Jr., Kelly McMullen, Randy Jay Ostrander Jr., Christopher Benjamin, Adam Ostrander, Christine, Alexis and Vanessa Benjamin, and Luke Weller; and six great-grandchildren, Elijah, Zane, Nelson, Daniel, Logan and Jayden.

The Rev. Christopher Berean celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis de Sales Church, Phoenicia.

Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Jewett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shandaken Ambulance Squad.

Arrangements were with the E.B. Gormley Funeral Home, Phoenicia.


July 21, 2005              

RAYMOND WEISS

Raymond J. Weiss, 72, of Au Sable Forks, died Monday, July 11 at CV-PH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

He was born in Queens February 18, 1933, the son of the late Charles J. and Rose (Lenhardt) Weiss.

Weiss retired as a maintenance worker for the State Department of Corrections in Coxsackie.

He served in the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post # 504 of Au Sable Forks.

He had resided in Silver Lake for more than 25 years.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Alicia Weiss of Cairo; his companion, Sue Terry of Silver lake; a sister-in-law, Delores Weiss of Palenville; two grandchildren, Logan Weiss and Colin Weiss of Cairo; three step-grandchildren, Mike, Kim, and Hope Beatty; and his nephews and their families.

His wife, Sandra J. Weiss, Charlie Weiss and Adeale Englehardt, predeceased him.

Interment was in the Palenville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 504, Au Sable Forks 12912.

Local arrangements were under the directions of Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Catskill.


July 21, 2005             

EDWARD MOFFITT Jr.

Edward John Moffitt, 61, of Purling, died Monday, July 11 in the Columbia Memorial Hospital emergency room in Hudson.

Burial was in the Round Top Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.


July 28, 2005                        

ARTHUR DYNES

Arthur P. Dynes, 69, of Greenville, died Monday, July 25 at Albany Medical Center.

He was born in County Tyronne, Ireland, on April 20, 1936, the son of the late Arthur and Annie (McGrath) Dynes.

Dynes came to America as a young man and worked for 20 years with the New York City Transit Authority (MABSTOA) until his retirement.

He was a member of the Greenville Irish American Club and The Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre.

He was well known in the Greenville and East Durham communities as a talented musician and vocalist who played for years at the Fern Cliff in East Durham and at dances for the Greenville Irish American Club and many other engagements here and in the city.

Dynes loved his home and could be seen working around the house and its grounds.

Survivors include his partner of many years, Linda VanWagenen of Greenville, his wife, Philomena (Donnelly) Dynes of Yonkers; his sons, Kevin Dynes of New York City and Stephen Dynes of Yonkers; his daughters, Sioban Musollino of Mahopac, Dolores Hofhine of Stamford, CT, and Sharon Durkin of the Bronx; and his brothers and sisters, Hugh Dynes of Dobbs Ferry, and Michael and Peter Dynes and Ester Christman of Coal Island, County Tyronne, Ireland, Rose brothers of Dungannon, County Tyronne, Ireland, and Maureen Everitt of England.

He also is survived by four grandchildren, Sydney and Christian Hofhine and Lauren and Caitlyn Mussollino; and several nieces and nephews.

Two brothers, Terrance and Vincent, predeceased him.

A Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham.

Calling is today, July 28, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.


July 28, 2005                         

WANDA CICONE

Wanda G. Ciccone, 52, of Freehold, died at home with her family by her side on Monday, July 25.

She was born in Albany February 18, 1953, the daughter of Robert and Harriett (Lounsbury) Peck of Westerlo.

She was a homemaker, mother and grandmother.

Besides her parents, survivors include her daughter, Eressa Budz and husband Casimir of Freehold and Eowyn Pepitone and husband Benedict of Stanley, NC; her son, Eric Ciccone and wife Karen of Cardiff by the Sea, CA; a brother Robert Peck Jr.; four sisters, Deborah Parker, Sharon Cimmis, Pamela Boehlke and Susan Davis; a granddaughter, Haley Ciccone; and a grandson Adam Budz.

Funeral services are Friday, July 29, at 12:30 p.m. from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.  Interment follows in the Onesquethaw Cemetery.  Calling precedes services from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Those who wish may contribute in Ciccone’s memory to Community Hospice of Columbia- Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.


July 28, 2005                         

CARROLL LEE JONES

Carroll Lee Jones, 70, of Camanche, IA, died Sunday, July 17 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, IA after a long illness.

He was born in Clinton, IA, on January 3, 1935 to Edward and Blanche Jones. 

Jones received an associate’s degree in electrical engineering from Valparaiso University.  He was employed as a computer programmer with IBM for 28 years, retiring in 1990.

He served two years in the Naval Reserve.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia (Olson) Jones, formerly of Rensselaerville; two sons, Mark (Nancy) Jones of Fulton, IL and Andrew (Rita) Jones of Amsterdam, Netherlands; and two daughters, Laura (Michael) Jones of Wappinger Falls and Jenny (Jason) Winch of Wilmington.

He also survived by four grandchildren.

Visitation was Thursday, July 21, at the Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and a memorial service was held on Friday, July 22 at the Evangelical Free Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.


July 28, 2005                        

MARC FRAIM

Marc L. Fraim, 21, of Greenville, died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, July 20.

He was born in Troy on June 30, 1984, the son of Mark Fraim and Victoria (Lessard) O’Donnell.

He was a machine operator for Package Pavement in New Baltimore.

Fraim was an avid basketball fan, especially the Lakers, and enjoyed snowboarding.

Besides his parents, survivors include his wife Erin (Palmer) Fraim; a daughter, Brooklynn Lael Fraim; a stepdaughter, Madison Michelle Lyles; is stepfather William O’Donnell; his maternal grandparents, William Lessard and Mary Dinelle; his paternal grandmother, June Sunkes; four sisters, Jennifer Ogilvie, Danielle Mann and Kara and Angela Fraim; a brother, Justin Fraim; tow stepbrothers, Joseph and Christopher O’Donnell; and Aunt and godmother Valerie Grugan.

Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to his daughter Brooklynn’s college fund.

Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


July 28, 2005                         

SALVATORE DEMARCO

Salvatore Mario “Sunny” DeMarco, 78, son of Phillip and Lucia (Ippolito) DeMarco, died on Friday, July 15 after many years of managing his heart disease.

He was born in Garfield, NJ, to parents who were immigrants as teens from Italy.  He was the youngest of six children and the last surviving sibling.

DeMarco was an active dancer and bowler with his wife while employed at Presto Locks in New Jersey.  He was an avid sports fan, especially of his children’s teams and the New York Yankees.  The Yanks beat Boston just hours before he died.

He was predeceased by his wife Helen just two years ago and lived with his daughter; Linda DeMarco, MD, and her husband, Lee Ramsdell, since that time.

He is also survived by his tow step-grandchildren, Erin and Courtney; his son, Salvatore Jr. and wife Kathy and Children Loren and Sonja of Concord, MA and his youngest son Darren of Florida.

Services are at the convenience of the family.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414, or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


July 28, 2005                         

WILLIAM ENGLER Jr.

William R. Engler Jr. 27, of Earlton, formerly of Saylorsburg, PA died suddenly on Wednesday, July 20 at Albany Medical center.

He was born in Allentown, PA, on March 5, 1978, the son of William R. Engler and Lucinda (Frable) Engler.

Engler was a 1996 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and earned an associates degree in accounting.  He was employed by MetLife in Albany.

He was an active member of the Medusa Volunteer Fire Company and a member of the APA Pool league.

He had a keen interest in tropical fish, loved hard rock music and was an avid reader with a love of books.

Survivors include his mother, Lucinda Engler of Greensboro, NC; his father and stepmother, William R. and Lynne Engler Sr. of Kunkletown, PA; his daughter, Siri Engler of Medusa; his fiancée, Melissa Katz of Earlton; a sister, Sherie Church and husband Curt of Independence, IN; two stepsisters, Jolynne Lane and Melissa Snyder; his maternal grandmother, Katherine Stratton; his paternal grandmother, Lorraine Engler; and two nieces, Tiffany and Alice Church.

Memorial donations may be made to his family to help with expenses in care of the Rev. Warren Beeman, 307 Camp Medusa Road, Medusa 12120.


July 28, 2005                         

JOHN HRASKA

John M. Hraska, 67, of Athens, died Thursday, July 21 at Community Hospice of Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson.

Born in New York City, November 27, 1937, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Balaga) Hraska.

Hraska had been a resident of Athens since 1964.  He loved hunting, fishing, and landscaping, and was a member of the Athens Republican Club.

He also was well known for his knowledge of rural water treatment.  Prior to his retirement, he was the technical manager for the New York State Rural Water Association in Claverack.

Survivors include his wife, Anna (Kryzan) Hraska; his son, James W. Hraska of West Nyack; his daughter, Loretta M. Galewaler of Cairo; his stepdaughter, Stephanie Karous of Georgia; and five grandchildren, Kadie and Virginia Galewaler, and John, James and Joseph Hraska.

Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Coxsackie.

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


July 28, 2005                         

FLOSSIE KLERSY

Flossie Ila (Widerman) Klersy, 93, of Westerlo, died in Tampa, FL, on Friday, July 22.

She was born in Westerlo June 3, 1912, the daughter of the late Perrin and Frances (Brate) Wideman.

Klersy was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Westerlo, was an AWANA leader and a Sunday school teacher at People’s Baptist Church in Albany for many years.

She also participated with the Hilltown Seniors Group, served as a volunteer with the Red Cross and had worked for Stanley Home Products.

Survivors include her five children, Henry J. Klersy Jr., and wife Donata, Wilhelmina Frances Ellermets and husband Arne, Alida Caroline Ellermets and husband Heiki, Dorathy Jane Soto and husband Robert, and Perrin (PC Klersy and wife Linda; a special nephew Richard VanIderstine and his family; 20 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Henry J. Klersy Sr., died on December 2, 1980.

Funeral Services are at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 30 at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo.  Calling is Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, New Salem.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions are requested in her memory to the First Baptist Church of Westerlo memorial Fund, P.O. Box 130, Westerlo 12193.

Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


July 28, 2005                      

NORAH GALLAGHER

Norah Rooney Gallagher, 82, formerly of Catskill and Bedford, MD, died in West Roxbury, MA on Thursday, July 21.

She was born in Lecklasser, Ballintrillick, County, Sligo, Ireland, on February 18, 1923.

Survivors include her children, Deirdre Gallagher Simonds and husband Robert of Dedham, MA, Margaret Roehl and husband Stephen of Des Plaines, IL, Martina Gallagher of Kinderhook, Eleanor Kelly and husband Steven of San Antonio, TX, John Gallagher and wife Ellen of Ashland, MA, Noreen Gallagher of Dayton, OH, and Tara Farrell and husband Daniel of Sayville; and sister Margaret Travers of Sligo, Ireland.

She is survived by her grandchildren Keith Liston of Des Plaines, IL, Renee Mercier of Sausalito, CA, Brendon Liston of Chicago, IL, Jennifer Rulison of New Baltimore and Ryan Quinn of Elizaville; Great-grandchildren Alexander, Caitlin, Jillian, Sarah and Michael; and many nieces and nephews in Ireland an the United States.

She was the wife of the late Liam Gallagher, with who she shared 44 years of marriage.

Burial was St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill.

Memorial donations may be made to the Buddy Coholan Center for Adult day Healthcare, 121 Washington Street, Medford, MA 02155.

Arrangements were with Traver and McCurry Funeral Homes, Catskill.


July 28, 2005                         

BARBARA CONNER

Barbara Connor, 83, of Cairo, died Thursday, July 21 at her residence.

She was born Feb 13, 1922 in Boston, MA, to Eunice Ruth Goodspeed and John J. Cleary.

Survivors include her brother Robert Cleary of Monroe Township, NJ; her sisters, Eunice Lawless of Salam, AZ and Haze Winters of Forestville, MD: her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Edward Young of Nesconset; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Sharon Wolfram of Longwood, FL; a son Frank Doscher of San Francisco, CA; a daughter-in-law and her husband, Janet and Ewald Schwarzenegger of Cairo; a niece and her husband, Gerry and Ken Elsbree of Greenville; grandchildren Kathy Gallagher, Michael Young, Morgan Schwarzenegger, Suzanne Basinger, And Scott and Skip Wolfram; her godchildren, Erick and Aaron Schwarzenegger; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael and Lauren Gallagher, Sloan Schwarzenegger, Justen Wolfram and Seth Basinger.

A memorial service is planned Saturday, July 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Cairo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish foundation or St. Jude’s Hospital.

Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.


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