Obituaries
from the
Greenville Press
May
2007
Transcribed by Carol Golden
Obituaries provided by Sylvia Hasenkopf
May 3, 2007
DAVID C. BRINKERHOFF
State trooper
New York State Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff, 29, of Coxsackie, was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, April 25 in the Town of Middletown.
He was born in Dunkirk August 29, 1977, the son of Karen and Robert Howard and Ruth and Roy Brinkerhoff of Buffalo.
Trooper Brinkerhoff was a graduate of the University of Albany and received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marist College.
He trained as a trooper in Buffalo and was assigned to Troop F in Catskill. He was a member of the State Police’s elite Mobile Response Team.
While attending the University at Albany, he was director of medical services at the campus.
Trooper Brinkerhoff enjoyed skiing and loving his German shepherds. He also loved playing the trombone while in school.
He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Besides his parents, surviving are his wife, Barbara A. (Rhodes) and baby daughter Isabella Grace Brinkerhoff; two brothers, Michael and wife Laurie and Daniel and wife Molly, all of Buffalo; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Helen Rhodes and Benjamin and June Rhodes; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Debbie and Kurt Moeckel.
Interment was in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Coxsackie.
Contributions in Trooper Brinkerhoff’s memory may be made to the Isabella Grace Brinkerhoff Fund, c/o the New York State Trooper Foundation, 3 Airport Park Boulevard, Latham 12110.
Arrangements were with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie.
May 3, 2007
PAULINE ‘POLLY’ CORNELL
Active in Legion Auxillary
Pauline E. “Polly” Cornell, 58, of Greenville, left for a better place to fly with the angels on Saturday, April 28.
She was raised in the military with two brothers, Rick and Aubrey Nash, and two sisters, Martha and Dorothy Haase. She saw places, only to settle down in Greenville and marry her husband Michael J. Cornell. Together they raised three daughters, Wendy, Melissa and Krystal.
During that adventure they also gained a friend they would never forget, Thomas “Tucker” Vance.
Polly ran her own accounting business, drove a school bus for the Greenville Central School District and was a very active member of the Greenville American Legion Post # 291 Auxiliary.
While keeping quite busy, she was able to welcome her two sons-in-law, Richard D. Bridges and Jerry W. Santucci, only to be blessed again with three grandchildren, Amanda, Marcus and Corbin.
Interment is Friday, May 4 at 1 p.m. in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Greenville American Legion Post # 291 Auxiliary, P.O. Box 132, Greenville 12803.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 3, 2007
ARTHUR STIEFEL
Purple Heart recipient
Arthur Stiefel, 86, of Greenville, died Monday, April 23, at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany.
He had served in the Army and received a Purple Heart.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Marie Stiefel; his nieces, Arlene (Robert) Gesslien and Dorothy Castaldo; his nephew, John (Arlene) Stiefel, Donald Smith and Ron (Pam) Smith; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
As to his wishes, services were at the convenience of the family under the direction of Cunningham Funeral Home, Greeneville.
May 3, 2007
JOAN TOBIAS
Corrections employee
Joan Adele (Mackey) Tobias, 69, of Bethany Village, West Coxsackie, died Tuesday, April 24 at the St. Peter’s Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.
She was born June 5, 1937 in Catskill, the daughter of the late Donald H. and Gertrude (Naab) Mackey.
Prior to her retirement, Joan had been employed by the state Department of Corrections at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Deborah E. and Thomas F. Keenan of Delmar, a son, Charles J. Tobias Jr. of Rockland, MA; a sister, Adrienne (Mackey) Saucer of Whiting, NJ; two grandchildren, Kayleigh Tobias and Ashley Tobias-Sweatt and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her husband Charles J. Tobias Sr. predeceased her on October 5, 1978.
She was cremated at the Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands.
Arrangements were with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie.
May 10, 2007
RODNEY W. HINGLE
LILCO lineman
Rodney W. Hingle, 88, of Greenville, died Sunday, May 6 at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson.
He was born January 26, 1929 in Baldwin, Long Island, the son of the late Chester and Ella (Rowley) Hingle.
Rodney served in the Army during World War II in the European Theater in France.
He was a lineman for the Long Island Lighting /company until his retirement.
Surviving are his wife, Alice (Varjabedian) Hingle; two daughters, Nora and Linda Hingle; his son, Kevin and wife Kristina; grandson Keith Hingle; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and family friends Walter and Lisa Grunwald.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Roland and Albert Hingle.
Funeral services are today, May 10, at 10 a.m. from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.
Interment is in the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
Those who wish may contribute in Rodney’s memory to the Greenville Norton Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund.
May 10, 2007
ELLA KABATER
IBM retiree
Ella L. Kabater, 74, of Inverness, FL, formerly of Cairo, died Wednesday, May 2 in Florida.
She was born in East Kingston September 9, 1932 the daughter of the late Bertalam and Harriet P. (Post) Moritz.
Ella moved to Raleigh. NC, to Beverly Hills in 1987, and lived in Iverness for the past year and a half.
Ella was a member of the Beverly Hills Community Church and the Beverly Hills Civic Association. She enjoyed reading, cooking, entertaining and traveling, especially cruises.
She retired from IBM as a senior administration specialist.
Survivors include her niece, Helen O’Neill of Ogdensburg, NJ.
Besides her parents, Ella was predeceased by her husband, Andrew in 1969.
Interment was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Catskill.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Citrus County.
Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
May 10, 2007
ELSIE C. NEBEL
Excellent cook
Elsie C. Nebel, 75, of Westerlo, formerly of Greenwich, CT, died suddenly at her home on Wednesday, May 2.
She was born in Greenwich, CT, on September 2, 1931, the daughter of the late Frederick and Elsie (Olson) Walters.
Elsie, a loving mother and grandmother, enjoyed many different kinds of crafts, loved animals and gardening, would go shopping at the drop of a hat and was well known for her cooking.
Surviving are a son, Robert Nebel; three daughters, Christine Hoffman, Linda Sylvestri and Karen Webb; three brothers John, Charles and Robert Walters; three sisters, Ethel Brower, Irene Scheck and Helen White; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased in 1991 by her husband, Ottomar Nebel.
A memorial service takes place Saturday, May 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.
Interment is at the convenience of the family.
May 10, 2007
MALVERN STITELER
Army paratrooper
Malvern Clair Stiteler, 73, of Climax died Friday, May 4 at his home.
He was born in Smicksburg, PA, March 23, 1934, the son of the late Virgil C. and Bessie (Gray) Stiteler.
He was a supervisor for the State Telephone Company in Coxsackie.
He served in the Army from 1955 to 1957 as a paratrooper.
He was active in the community, serving as a past chief and chaplain of the Medway-Grapeville Fire Co., a member of the Lamp Lighters and the Ridge Runners Club and as Deacon in the Medway Congregational Church.
He also was a member of the Earlton Fish and Game Club and the American Legion in Pennsylvania.
Survivors include his wife, Lois LaMar (Foster) Stiteler; two sons, Jeffrey K. and Elizabeth Stiteler of Coxsackie and Joshua C. Stiteler of Climax; a daughter, Bambi L. and husband David Hotaling of Earlton; two brothers, Kenneth and Robert Stiteler, both of Pennsylvania; five sisters, Janet Seger, Virginia Seger, Dorothy Stiteler, Barbara Sutter and Ruth Bussard, all of Pennsylvania; grandchildren Cody Stiteler and Andrew Blodgett of Coxsackie and Austin Gray-Hotaling and Lacie Hotaling of Earlton; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Walter and Keith Stiteler.
Memorial services take place today, May 10, at 11 a.m. at the Medway Congregational Christian Church, with Pastor Dennis Gardner officiating. Calling precedes the service at 10 a.m.
The New York State Military Forces Honor Guard conducts services in his memory at the church.
Private cremation took place at the Albany Rural Crematorium, Menands.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Medway-Grapeville Fire Co., Route 51, Hannacroix 12807, or to the Medway Congregational Church, Route 26, Climax 12042.
Arrangements were with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie.
May 17, 2007
CHRISTOPHER DEGIOVINE
Killed in Iraq
Cpl. Christopher DeGiovine, 25, formerly of Essex Junction, VT, was killed Thursday, April 26 in Fallujah, Iraq, by an improvised explosive device while patrolling in an amphibious assault vehicle with his unit, 2nd AABN Alpha Company 3rd PLT 2nd Marine Division.
Chris had only 21 days in country when the incident occurred, having been deployed with his company on April 5.
Born in Burlington, VT on November 28, 1981.
Chris was raised by his dad in Essex Junction, graduated from the Essex Educational Center (high school) and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Champlain College in Burlington, VT.
He and his high school sweetheart, Rachel, moved to Denver, CO, where they were both employed. Chris was always motivated by all things military. He joined the United States Marine Corps in December 2005. He and Rachel married one week prior to Chris’ boot camp in San Diego, CA. He excelled in boot camp in marksmanship. After additional training, he was promoted (meritoriously) to corporal or NCO with less than one year of service on December 2006.
Chris was dedicated to win the War on Terrorism and fully supported the mission. He loved his Marine Corps experience and planned to make it a career.
Burial with full military honors was in Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery, Colchester, VT.
Contributions in Chris’ memory may be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057. Those who wish may forward their online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were with John D. Workman A.W. Rich Funeral Home, Essex Junction.
May 17, 2007
ALLEN DAY
Formerly of Rensselaerville
Allen Day, 63, of Nott Terrace, formerly of Albany and Rensselaerville, died at St. Clare’s Hospital on Tuesday, February 20.
He was born December 5, 1943, the son of Evelyn (Davis) Morrison and grandson of Allen H. and Helen (Borthwick) Davis. His mother predeceased him in 1977.
Living in Rensselaerville in his younger days, he was fondly known as “Posey” by his many friends.
A graveside service is conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19 in the Rensselaerville Cemetery on Methodist Hill Road.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 17, 2007
MILDRED G. NETHAWAY
Country singer
Mildred G. Nethaway, 69, of Freehold, died at Eden Park Nursing Home in Catskill on Wednesday, May 9.
She was born in Gayhead October 13, 1937, the daughter of the late Harry and Minnie (Smith) German.
Millie had worked at Star-Syn in East Durham and Ingalside Farm in Greenville. She at times also sang with the country band the Good Old Boys led by her brother-in-law Frank Payne, who died this past January. She also was a lover of nature.
Surviving are her husband of 46 years, Raymond Nethaway; two nephews, Gerald Payne and Glenn Payne and wife Denise; and two great-nieces, Stephanie and Ashley Payne.
Her sisters, Leta Payne and Murial German, predeceased her.
Interment was in the Freehold Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in her memory to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414, or to cancer research. (Envelopes are available at the funeral home.)
Arrangements were with Cunningham, Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 17, 2007
DUWAYNE STATHAM
Standout GCS pitcher
Duwayne “Duke” Statham, 66, of Catskill, died at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany on Thursday, May 10.
He was born in Rensselaerville November 5, 1940, the son of Olive (Cook) LaBonte and the late George Statham Sr.
Duke was a member of the Greenville Central School Class of 1959 and was one of the best baseball pitchers to have played for the school.
He served in the Army and was stationed in France. He had worked at Condor and Catskill Cadillac in Catskill before his illness.
An avid fan of the old Brooklyn Dodgers, he was also known for his great barbecued chicken. He enjoyed fishing and fished whenever he could.
Besides his mother, surviving are his son, Scott Statham (Elizabeth) of Earlton; two daughters, Debbie Rolleri (Raymond) of Schoharie and Dawn Sieburg (Brian) of Cairo; his brother, Dennis Statham (Violet); a stepbrother Steve Statham; three stepsisters, Diane and Patricia Statham and Beverly Notarnicola; grandchildren Kandis and Justin Millett, Randy, Jessica and Brooke Sieburg, Michael Tritto, and Ashley, Christopher and Dana Statham; and two nephews, Brian and Dennis Statham II.
He was predeceased by his step-brother, George Statham Jr.
Burial was in the Potter Hollow Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in Duke’s memory to the Hospice Program, VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany 12208.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 24, 2007
MANUEL J. COMINOS
Celebrating the life of a gentleman’s gentleman
By Patricia A. Cominos
Manuel J. Cominos, a Greek was born on June 9, 1920, in Smyrna (now Izmir), Turkey
To Jonathan and Angela Cominos, and died on Monday, April 16, 2007 at Kaaterskill Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Catskill.
In his twenties, he, feeling such love and appreciation toward his aunt and uncle (Stella and Charles Pittas) for helping him escape (at the age of 3, during a Turkish pogrom) to America, returned to help his uncle in his Mayflower Sweet Shop in the late 1940s—after spending a few years away—four years as a sergeant (cryptographer) in the United States Army air Corps on Guam during WW II, and two years at NYU in New York, where he developed an even greater love of theater, film, politics and literature.
Everyone who knew Manuel knew that he was one of the most intelligent, well read, witty, politically astute and knowledgeable men that they would probably ever meet.
He loved people, yet was well known for some of his more humbling remarks to them: “Park it, Clark (or whomever)!” for instance—or “Buy up, or get out; this is no picnic area!” And, all the teenage customers, whether from Catskill Public School or Saint Patrick’s Catholic School, would listen, pay attention and somehow understand that this 5-foot, 2-inch “tyrant” loved them all—and he did. In his dying days, he got to meet Bean from Catskill and Company (The Mayflower) and among many wonderful things, told her, “I used to complain a lot about the kids—we had a rowdy crowd, but now that I look back on my time in the Mayflower, the good part was that I was surrounded by youth.”
He loved the kids. He loved people of all ages. He loved to converse, to inquire, to argue politics—take a position, hear theirs, and then challenge them to back their position up with facts and evidence.
Conversations with Manuel were always stimulating, at least from his end. The rest would be up to you. He made you think. He made you angry sometimes, but in the end he made you want to seek him out for another conversation, another witticism, another sound piece of advice, another (wink) b.s. story. (He called the Mayflower his stage.)
He was a gentleman’s gentleman—gracious, charming, considerate, compassionate, generous and understanding. Even after 12 long years in the nursing home, he would to me, “Patricia, I haven’t had a bad life,” and I know that he sincerely meant that. And I would think “No Manuel, you haven’t, considering you worked 14-hour days for most of your life for very little pay, and never complained—that you spent your “retirement years” in a nursing home in a wheelchair and with the lost of your ability to take part in your favorite hobby—reading. It hasn’t been bad because you have been so good to others, positively affected so many young lives. Not a bad life, indeed.” This, my dear people, was a man—one of the best.
On Saturday, June 9, what would have been his 87th birthday, a celebration of his life takes place at Catskill and Co. (The Mayflower) during an open house memorial from 3 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Come help us say “Easy!” (his version of farewell) to Manny.
May 24, 2007
CHRISTIAN L. MARTENS
Former town supervisor
Christian L. Martens went quietly with God after an extended bout with cancer on Sunday, May 20.
Christian was born in 1936 in Hempstead, Long Island. He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1954 and served in the Navy for four years as an electrician’s mate aboard the USS Cambria, APA 36, with the 6th Fleet.
After his discharge from the Navy he joined the Long Island Lighting Company. He worked in maintenance and control room operation of the E.F. Barrett Power Station for 10 years.
He enjoyed playing in the softball league at Jones Beach.
From 1969 to 1996, Chris worked as a master electrician in Greene County.
He volunteered his time to the Freehold Volunteer Fire Company. He gave over 35 years of dedicated service to Freehold as a firefighter and as the company’s treasurer. He also was an active member of the Catskill Mountain Electric League and the Greenville Republican Club.
Chris was an avid supporter of the local community and served on the Greenville Town Board from 1989 to 1995 and was elected supervisor in 1996 after finished the previous supervisor’s term. During his time in office he was motivated to preserving the small town quality of life in Greenville.
Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Eleanor; his three children, Suzanne Cumm, husband Rick and children Lauren, Emma and Spencer; Nicole Ryan, husband Tim and children Katherine, Nathan, Timmy and Shannon; and Christian Martens, wife Laurie and children Anna, Sarah, Julia and Sophia; his sister, Doris Stuart and husband Dave; and five nieces and nephews, Cindy Schiller, Mark Stuart, Timothy Stuart, Amy Brock and Steven Stuart and their families.
Funeral services, along with services by the Freehold Volunteer Fire Company, took place at Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
Interment is at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society on Chris’s behalf. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
May 24, 2007
BETTY M. HIGGINS
Museum volunteer
Betty M. Higgins of Ulster died Tuesday, May 8 at home.
Born in Toronto, Canada, she was a daughter of the late Cecil G. and Evangeline (Ainsworth) Booth.
She had retired from IBM Kingston and was a volunteer for the Iroquois Museum at Howe Caverns.
She attended Grace Community Evangelical Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Barbara J. Sturtecky of Lake Katrine, Susan R. Higgins of Kingston and Deborah J. Sanchez of Kerhonkson; two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Arrangements were with the Henry J. Bruck Funeral Home, Kingston.
May 31, 2007
JAMES DANNER SR.
‘Jimmy D’
James Peter Danner Sr., 53, of Greenville, known to many as “Jimmy D,” died suddenly on Sunday, May 27.
He was born in Brooklyn October 25, 1953, the son of the late James L. and Veronica (Byrne) Danner.
His parents died when he was very young. Not graduating from high school, he had risen against the odds and became a successful businessman.
He created and operated the largest tow truck company in Brooklyn, sold it and moved to Greenville with his wife and two sons, here again creating a successful transporting business.
At a young age he built his dream home and his dream life, He was a longtime member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Co, and was a black belt in martial arts. He loved his race car buddies and Texas Holdem was a hobby he enjoyed. He loved life, played hard and lived it to the fullest.
Surviving are his wife, Debra (Malone) Danner, sons James P. Danner Jr. and John M. Danner, and brother, Daniel Danner
Services take place at a later date.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 31, 2007
CLYDE FILKINS
The interment for Clyde L. Filkins, who died on February 17, is Saturday, June 2 at 11 a.m. in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
All relatives and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 31, 2007
LOLITA BOOMHOWER COURTS
Devoted mother, sister
Lolita Boomhower Courts 40, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 16.
She is the daughter of Mamie Zibura Strong and Edward Ernest Boomhower Jr., and the stepdaughter of John G. Strong.
Lolita moved to California with her brothers and mother Mamie in 1980 from New York and became a true California girl who embraced the Golden State with great exuberance.
She was the mother of twin boys, age 3½, Jesse James and Jack Edward Courts; sister to Curtis Frank Boomhower and Bradley Edward Boomhower and wife Tracy; and aunt to Bradley and Elizabeth Boomhower. She also is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of Lolita’s life takes place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bank of the West, c/o Jesse James and Jack Edward Courts Education Trust, Petaluma, CA.
The family has been assisted by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory.
May 31, 2007
DOUGLAS MCCARTY
CSX conductor
Douglas James McCarty, 61, of Hannacroix, died suddenly on Tuesday, May22 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.
He was born in New York City August 22, 1945, the son of Elizabeth (Gordian) McCarty of Hannacroix and the late Francis McCarty.
He was raised in the Nyack/Tappan area. In 1962 he and his parents moved to Hannacroix, where he has resided for 45 years.
Douglas served in the Army from 1965 to 1967 and in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967. He was a member of the New Baltimore American Legion Post #1416.
He retired in 2005 as a conductor with CSX Railroad in Selkirk after 37 years of service.
He was an avid gardener and master craftsman with oak, building many beautiful pieces of furniture. He was a master at woodworking and refurbishing antique cook stoves.
Besides his mother, surviving are his wife, Dorothy a. (Feth) McCarty, his childhood sweetheart whom he married in 1966; his daughter, Brenda A. and husband Michael M. Spinner of Ravena; a brother, Eugene and wife Ellen McCarty of Tappan; a sister, Irene and husband Bill Scott of Greenville; two grandchildren, Matthew M. Spinner and Andrew A. Spinner, both of Ravena; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a brother, Frank.
Interment with full military honors was in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Coxsackie.
Arrangements were with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie.
May 31, 2007
HARRIET MAE PECK
Greenville graduate
Harriet Mae Peck, 77, of Westerlo, died on Friday, May 25, after a long courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born in Dormansville May 14, 1930, the second eldest child of 17 born to the late Theodore and Lena (Fisher) Lounsbury.
She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Dormansville (the firehouse) until Greenville Central School was built and it was from there that she graduated.
She could tell you many stories of her childhood, from her grandfather’s two oxen that were used to plow the fields, to riding in a horse and buggy.
Harriet would always mention that if you don’t have family, you have nothing at all. Her other concern was what the great-grandchildren would be like when they grow up, because of all that time had changed and what values they would have.
She was the wife of 56 years to Robert Peck; mother of Robert Peck Jr., Deborah Parker (Bill), Sharon Timmis (Harry), Pamela Boehlke and Susan Davis (Joseph); sister of Janice Lounsbury, Betty Jean Mueller, Sandra Ross, Patrick, John, William, Dennis and Terry Lounsbury; and grandmother to 17 and great-grandmother to 18.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Wanda Ciccone; granddaughter Dana Bushnell; sisters Janet Berkhofer and Marjorie White; and brothers Theodore, Harold, Lloyd, Clyde, Thomas and Roger Lounsbury.
Burial was in the Onesquethaw Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Dormansville United Methodist Church.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
May 31, 2007
PHILIP STEELE
Broadway performer
Philip J. Steele, 71, of Greenville, died at his home on Tuesday, May 22.
He was born in Miami, FL, February 15, 1936, the son of the late Oscar and Angela (Tristano) Steele.
Philip was educated at the Julliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied voice. He performed with the New York City Opera Co. and various opera companies throughout the country. He also performed on Broadway in the Phantom of the Opera for several years.
He also was a private teacher of voice in Teaneck, NJ, for several years.
Serving in the Army, he participated in the Nevada Atom Bomb testing program and was honored as the base soldier of the month on two occasions.
Survivors include his brother, James Steele of Union, CT; a sister, Angela Steel of Brooklyn; two nieces, Dina Wilson and Linda Soriero; and a nephew, Edmund Soriero.
Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
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