Obituaries
from the
Greenville Press
November 2006
Transcribed by Sylvia Hasenkopf
Obituaries provided by April Saccoccio
November 2, 2006
James J. Coyne
Coxsackie Town Judge
James J. Coyne, 74, of Coxsackie, died suddenly on Friday, October 27 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born in New York City on June 4, 1932, the son of the late James and Mary (Martin) Coyne.
James had been an area resident since 1963 and was a devoted communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Coxsackie.
He served in the Navy from 1951 to 1955, and was a marketing manager for Freihofer Baking Company of Albany.
James was a past president and treasurer of the Earlton Fire Company of Albany.
At the time of his death, he was a Coxsackie town justice. He also was a member of the Coxsackie American Legion Post #166 and the Greene County Magistrates Association.
Survivors include his wife, Edna F. (Bruns) Coyne; three sons, James E. Coyne and wife Susan of Ohio, Edward Coyne and wife Sandi of Texas and John Coyne and wife Bernadette of Coxsackie; two daughters, Mrs. Raymond (Catherine) Pacifico of Cairo and Elizabeth Coyne of New Jersey; a sister, Mary Coyne of New York City; and nine grandchildren, James, Caitlin and Lauren Pacifico, and James, Erin, Michael, Samantha, Emily and Connor Coyne.
Interment with full military honors was in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Coxsackie.
Arrangements were with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Coxsackie.
November 2, 2006
Donald Dunn
Trucking company owner
Donald E. Dunn, 72, of Cornwallville, died Sunday, October 29, at his home.
Born in Manhattan, October 5, 1934, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Piel Dunn.
Donald served in the Navy from 1951 to 1955. He had been an area resident for the past 31 years.
Before retiring, he had owned and operated Robert’s Express Trucking in Cornwallville.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, was a storyteller and a gourmet cook.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria P. (Ramirez) Dunn; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael and Janice Dunn of Holbrook, Long Island, Sean and Gloria of Flushing and Robert Dunn of Claverack; five daughters and two sons-in-law, Joann and Andrew Fanno and Karen and Kenny Parlatore, all of Long Island, Cathy Tivenan and Tricia Tivenan, both of Brooklyn, and Patricia Dunn of Queens; a brother, Robert Dunn of Lng Island; and 11 grandchildren.
A son, Donald, predeceased him.
A memorial service takes place Saturday, November 11 at the family residence with the Rev. Retta Lykens, pastor of the Cairo United Methodist Church, officiating. Calling precedes services.
Private cremation tool place at the Albany Rural Crematorium, Menands.
Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
November 2, 2006
Merrill Mosley
Legionnaire
Merrill Mosley, 75, died Sunday, October 29, at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albay, after a long illness.
He was born in New Baltimore, the son of the late Charles J. and Gertrude H. (Jeune) Mosley Sr.
Merrill was educated in Albany and worked as a foreman for the City of Albany, Department General Services for 16 years, retiring in 1988.
He was a member of the North Albany American Legion Post.
Survivors include his wife, Bessie (Van Alstyne) Mosley; four daughters and sons-in-law, Brandy L. and Scott Stevens of Catskill, Barbara J. and Richard Sitcer of Coxsackie, Bridget and Donald DeNyse of Delanson and Bonnie and David Wajda of Vooheesville; a son, Leroy Eck of Rotterdam; a sister, Doris Kallner of Glenmont; 10 grandchildren, Chelsea, Richie, Scott, Heather, Rachel, Matthew, Kristie, Laura, Joshua and Brianna; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Two brothers, Andres M. Mosley and Charles J. Mosley Jr., predeceased him.
Funeral services are today, November 2, at 9:30am from Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany.
Interment is in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.
November 9, 2006
Edmond E. Bennett
Army Air Corps veteran
Edmond Edward Bennett, 76, of Jasper, FL, formerly of Windsor, VT, died Sunday, October 29.
Born in Medway January 15, 1930, he was the son of the late Edward Edmond and Elizabeth Ann (Wildey) Bennett.
Edmond was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps who served in Japan and the Philippines. He was a retiree of the Cone Blanchard Machine Company of Windsor, VT.
He was a longtime member of the Elks, most recently in the Lake City, FL, Lodge. He also was an avid ham radio operator (N1TJN)
Surviving are his two children, Lawrence (Char) Bennett of Jacksonville, FL, and Gail Bennett of Northford, CT; two grandchildren Paul David (Vanessa) Bennett and Nicki Elizabeth Bennett (Erik) Johnson; two sisters, Alice (Frank) Ellsworth of Greenwood Lake and Nan (Paul) Roesch of Glens Falls and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Blanche Carol Belanger Bennett, infant son Edmond Edward Bennett, Jr; brothers Harold and Bruce Bennett and sisters Gloria Bennett Medert and Greta Bennett Stott.
His wake takes place at Parker Bros. Memorial, 2103 Broadway, Watervliet on Friday, November 10 from 6 until 8pm. A graveside service is at 10am Saturday, November 11, in Memory’s Garden, Colonie.
Donations may be made to a charity of choice or to the American Heart Association. For online guest registry and directions, visit parkerbrosmemorial.com
November 9, 2006
Jeffrey Giammattei
Sports enthusiast, coach
Jeffrey S. Giammattei, 29, of Au Sable Forks, died Wednesday, November 1.
He was born in Greenville and raised in Richmond, MA, where he attended Monument Mountain High School and later graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh. He is the son of Paul E. and Mary Jeanne Giammattei of Pleasanton, CA.
Jeff was a certified tennis instructor and was deeply involved in youth tennis. He was a former head coach of the varsity tennis team of Plattsburgh High School and also coached the boys and girls varsity tennis team at Peru High School.
He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who loved tennis, skiing, golfing, soccer, basketball, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and water skiing. He was eager to share his enthusiasm of spirits with the youth of the community.
Besides his parents, surviving are his siblings, Theresa Bricker of Needham, MA, Paul J. Giammattei of Hoboken, NJ, and Lynn Giammattei of Britol, RI; a niece, Sidney Bricker; a brother-in-law, Todd Bricker; a sister-in-law, Julianne (Stewart) Giammattei; his companion Lori Parrow and her children TJ and Kobe of Au Sable Forks; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Visiting hours are Friday, November 10 from 7 to 9pm at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville.
A Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at noon Saturday, November 11 at St. John the Baptist Church, Route 81, Greenville. Interment follows in the Greenville Cemetery.
A memorial service also takes place Friday, November 10 at 10amat Holy Name Church in Au Sable Forks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeffrey’s name to the Greater Plattsburgh Community Tennis Association, 2559 Lakeshore Road, Chazy 12921.
November 9, 2006
Angela R. Hearns
Retired teacher
Angela R. Hearns, 91 of Totowa, NJ, formerly of Cornwallville, died Friday, October 3, at St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Totowa.
She was born in Jersey City, NJ, on October 13, 1914, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Stockhammer) Keegan.
Angela graduated from the Savage School of Physical Education in New York City and received a degree in education in Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ.
She taught in the Edgewater Public Schools and several private schools, and retired from the Academy of Saint Aloysis, Jersey City, NJ in 1971.
She was a member of the Durham Valley American Legion Post #1416 Auxiliary.
Surviving are her daughter, Catherine M. Adelman (Thomas) of West Baldwin, ME; two sons, Timothy W. Hearns (Adriana) of Wyckoff, NJ, and Joseph P. Hearns (Elizabeth) of Bloomfield, NJ; a sister, Gertrude Johnson of Tom’s River, NJ; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
She was predeceased by her husband, Paul F.X. Hearns in July; brothers Richard and William Keegan; and sisters Marie and Elizabeth Keegan.
Interment is in the Cornwallville Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
November 9, 2006
Joseph E. Rachun
Construction worker
Joseph E. Rachun, Jr., 63, of Coxsackie, died Tuesday, October 31 at his home.
He was born in Brooklyn, April 16, 1943, the son of the late Joseph E. and Mary (Bureski) Rachun.
He had been employed by Matter Construction in Coxsackie.
Survivors include his girlfriend Victoria L. Maurer of Coxsackie and a brother, Albert Bureski of Florida.
Arrangements were with W.C. Brady’s Sons Inc. Funeral Home, Coxsackie.
November 9, 2006
Eleanor Von Burgsdorff
Antiques dealer
Eleanor Von Burgsdorff, 89, of Oak Hill, died Monday, November 6 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.
She was born in Brooklyn May 9, 1917, the daughter of the late Robert and Florence Gottschalk.
Eleanor was an antiques dealer. She and her husband Albert owned Valley Antiques in Oak Hill.
Surviving are her husband, Albert; two daughters, Janet Boertlein of Greenville and Joan Jarosak of Nowalk, CT; a grandson, Robert Rotzol; a granddaughter, Karen Carman; a great-grandson, Justin Carman; and a great-granddaughter, Faye Rotzol.
Funeral services are today, November 9, at noon from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville. Calling precedes services from 10am to noon.
Interment is in the Greenville Cemetery.
Those who wish may contribute in Eleanor’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Oak Hill.
November 9, 2006
Craig S. Wallace
Accident victim
Craig S. Wallace, 23, of Greenville, died Monday, October 30 from injuries received in a car accident on Route 81 in the Town of Greenville.
He was born in Queens on June 24, 1983, the son of Rosemary (Lucas) Wallace and the late Craig Wallace.
Craig had attended Cobleskill Community College and was unemployed at the present time.
Besides his mother, surviving are his stepmother, Carla Kelly of Greenville; two sisters, Heather Colletta and Jennifer McManus; two brothers, Daniel and Robert Ryan; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Friday, November 10 at 10:30am from Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. John the Baptist Church.
Friends may call at the funeral home today, November 9, from 4 to 8pm. Cremation will be at the Albany Rural Cemetery with interment in the Greenville Cemetery.
November 16, 2006
Viola Agovino
Wedding gown designer
Viola E. Agovino, 89, of Freehold, a resident of Kaaterskill Care in Catskill, died Tuesday, October 31 at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson.
She was born in Brooklyn May 5, 1917, the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Antoinette (Pica) Sica.
Viola had been an area resident since 2001 and was communicant of Sacred Heart Church of Cairo. She loved to cook, watch old movies and sew.
She designed and manufactured wedding gowns for Lord and Taylor in new York City, At one time in her life, her wedding gown was on display in the United Nations building.
Survivors include a daughter Mrs. Edward (Lola) D. Migliaccio of Freehold; a daughter-in-law, Fran Agovino of New Jersey; and five grandchildren, Billy Agovino, Eddie Migliaccio, Eddie Agovino, Eika Oakley and April Pellegrino.
Her husband William predeceased her on January 6, 2001. She also was predeceased by her son William, brother Laurence Sica and sisters Clara Calabrese, Ann Milano and Jean Cattolico.
Interment was in the Catskill Rural Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
November 16, 2006
Barbara E. Beutel
Legal Secretary
Barbara E. Beutel, 54, of Round Top, died Wednesday, November 8 at Community Hospice at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson.
She was born in Queens July 19, 1952, the daughter of Martha (Takacs) Beutel of Round Top and the late Carl Beutel.
Barbara was at one time a legal secretary with the law office of Rapport Meyers. She was employed at a later date by Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson as assistant director of the Human Resource Department.
Barbara had been an area resident since 2004, and was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Novitiate.
She loved sewing, photography and sculpturing. She also was an avid traveler and loved to work on the computer.
Besides her mother, survivors include two sisters, Jeanne Beutel of Round Top and Mrs. Howard (Nancy) Prince of Wantaugh; and a niece, Rachel Prince of Wantaugh.
Burial was at St. Joseph’s Novitiate Cemetery, Round Top.
Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Novitiate, Round Top 12473.
Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
November 16, 2006
Leland Cunningham
Funeral Director
Leland A. Cunningham, 93, of Greenville died at the Hospice Inn of St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany on Saturday, November 11.
He was born in Greenville July 25, 1913, the son of the late Lester and Elizabeth (Spees) Cunningham.
He was a graduate of the Greenville Free Academy, Albany Business School and the Worsham School of Embalming. A lifelong funeral director, he and his stepfather, A.J. Cunningham, and now his son, Curtis A. Cunningham, have operated Cunningham Funeral Home for 108 years.
Lee was active in the community he called home. He was a member of the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Co. and the Greenville Rotary Club.
A 70 year Mason, he was a member of James Austin Lode #557 F&AM. He also was a former director and caretaker emeritus of the Greenville cemetery.
Lee also was a former Greenville town councilman and Greene County coroner, a former director of the National Bank of Coxsackie and a former member of the advisory board of the State Bank of Albany.
An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the Albany Ski Club, the 70-Plus Ski Club and the Out-A-Fit Hunting Club. He also enjoyed playing tennis and won several medals at the Senior Games as well as many medals for his downhill skiing. He was also known to enjoy a good game of poker.
One of his proudest moments was being named the Greenville Rotary Club’s Man of the3 Year in 2000.
Serving hundreds of families during his career, he would like to be remembered as the man you did not want to meet, but after meeting him he was your friend for life.
Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Gertrud (Trudy) Cunningham; two daughters, Carol Reed and husband Don, and Judith Swartwout; a son Curtis and wife Nancy ; a sister Dorothy Braly; eight grandchildren, Debbie Cooke, Donna Lee, Christina deRozier, Ruey Bryan and husband William, Leslie Graziano and husband Steve, Kelliw Swarwout, Michael Swartwout and wife Kimberly, and Cindra Stiles and husband Jeffrey; nine great-grandchildren, Zachary Lee, Christopher and Steven deRozier, Carly and Cody Bryan, Daniel and Michael Stiles and Shea and Cooper Swartwout; and three step-grandchildren, Jason Reed, Tammy Darrow-Wray and Bruce Darrow.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, A.J. Cunningham, brother Earl Cunningham, first wife Clarice (Palmer) Cunningham, grandson R.I. Cooke, great-grandson J.J. Stiles and son-in-law Robert L. Swartwout.
Interment is in the Greenville Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, the Greenville Rescue Squad or to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital.
The family extends thanks to the Rev. Thomas Carney, caregiver Georgianna Alix, the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s and to friends for their prayers.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
November 16, 2006
Stanley J. Kieszkiel
Former IRS agent
Stanley J. Kieszkiel, 78, of Freehold, died at his home on Monday, November 13.
He was born in Tuckahoe on July 14, 1928, the son of the late Bejamoin and Dora (Duczwick) Kieszkiel.
Stanley had retired from the US Justice Department and was a former IRS agent.
He was very active in the Freehold community, as a member of the Freehold Volunteer Fire Co., as a fire policeman Greenville American Legion Post #291, the Freehold Cemetery Board and a member and treasurer of the Freehold Congregational Christian Church.
He also was a former assessor and a member of the Board of Assessment Review for the Town of Greenville.
A lover of nature and the outdoors, he was a black powder enthusiast and loved trout fishing, tying his own flies, hunting and his beagles.
He was in the Army for seven years, serving in Korea, and was discharged as a first lieutenant.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth (Batroh) Kieszkiel; a daughter, Michele Kieszkiel and husband Robert Gorney; a son, Stanley J. Kieszkiel of Waldorf, MD; and grandchildren Jenna and Benjamin.
He was predeceased by a brother, Frank Kieszkiel.
Funeral services are Friday, November 17 at 11am at the Freehold Congregational Christian Church.
Calling is today, November 16, from 4 to 8 pm at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville. The Freehold Volunteer Fire Co. and the Greenville American Legion conduct services at the funeral home at 7 and 7:30 pm respectively.
Interment is in the Freehold Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the Freehold Congregational Christian Church or the Freehold Volunteer Fire Co.
November 16, 2006
Doris V. Ormsbee
Fire auxilian
Doris V. Ormsbee, 83, of Medusa, died Thursday, November 9 at Eden Park Health Care Center in Catskill.
She was born in Westerlo July 15, 1923, the daughter of the late Herbert and Grace (Shultes) Lamb Sr.
Doris was very active in her local community and was a charter member of the Medusa Volunteer Fire Auxiliary. She also was a member of the Lambs Corners United Methodist Church and a member and deacon of the Medusa United Church of Christ.
Survivors include her daughters, Janet Case and husband Ronald of Medusa, Katherine Kearney and husband Claude of East Durham and Valerie David and husband Todd of South Westerlo; four sisters, Marguerite Duraski, Clara Waldron, Gladys Gridley and Joan Badell; two brothers, Herbert Lamb Jr. and Frederick Lamb; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Walter L. Ormsbee in 1993, and by two sisters, Esther Lamb and Marion Caubet.
Interment is in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland.
Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Medusa Volunteer Fire Co.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
November 16, 2006
Elizabeth K. Sinnott
St. Pat’s graduate
Elizabeth K. “Betty” Sinnott, 74, of Saugerties died Wednesday, November 1 at Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, after a brief illness.
Born in Cementon March 7, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Alice (Kuncus) Kirlauski.
A lifetime area resident, Betty attended Catskill High School and Graduated from St. Patrick’s Academy in 1950. She worked for many years for the Marriott Corporation in Malden as a waitress.
She was a former member of the Saugerties Bowlers Club Friday Night Knights of Columbus League, and was a volunteer with the Saugerties Babe Ruth League during the summer baseball tournaments. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Glasco.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph l. Sinnott, with whom she recently celebrated her 56th wedding anniversary; two sons, Joseph L. Sinnott Jr., of Acra and Mark L. Sinnott of Saugerties; a daughter, Kathleen A. Kiniry of Saugerties; two sisters, Mary Capobianco and Agnes Notarnicola, both of Cementon; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Sinnott; a brother Michael Kirlauski; and three sisters, Patricia Cheeseboro, Alice Gaulas and Anna Nepsie.
Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Barclay Heights, Saugerties.
Arrangements were with Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc., Saugerties.
November 22, 2006
Steven Andrus
Rensselaerville resident
Steven Clifford Andrus, 45, of Rensselaerville, died Saturday, November 18 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.
He was born in Catskill December 16, 1960, the son of Ernest Clayton and Barbara (Thompson) Andrus.
Besides his parents, surviving are his wife, Deidre; children Steven and Shannon Andrus and Kimberly Ricci; grandchildren Madison and Taylor; stepmother Saundra; brother Ernie Andrus; in-laws Dutch and Marion Bryan, brothers-in-law Larry and wife Kathe, and Randy and Michelle Bryan; stepsister Cathie Carrano; and several nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Rensselaerville Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 121, Rensselaerville 12147, or the Rensseaerville Fire and Ambulance Service, PO Box 182, Rensselaerville 12147.
Private cremation took place at the Albany Rural Crematory, Menands.
Arrangements were with Decker Funeral home, Windham.
November 22, 2006
Aurelio Ferraino
Teacher, counselor
Aurelio “Rudy” R.A. Ferraino died Friday, November 10 at Saratoga Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Dominick and Rosina Ferraino.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York and his master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University, Rudy went to work as a child psychologist in Palisades Park.
Rudy continued his graduate work in special education at Columbia University and, after receiving his teacher’s certification, he accepted a teaching position in special education for the New York City Board of Education. Rudy furthered his education by specializing in guidance counseling at Queens College and eventually took a position as a guidance counseling at Queen’s College and eventually took a position as a guidance counselor at PS109 in Queens. He eventually accepted an assistant principal position at PS74 in Brooklyn, where he remained until his retirement in 1982.
After his retirement, Rudy and his wife Elizabeth moved to Westerlo, where he resided until his death.
Rudy was a past member of the Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs and a member of the American Psychological Association.
He especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoors person who enjoyed gardening and bird watching.
Rudy shared his wife’s enthusiasm for the arts, following the New York City Ballet and Opera from their years at Lincoln Center and more recently at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Survivors include his son, Robert G. Ferraino and wife Barbara; his granddaughter, Nicole Bruno and husband Lawrence; his grandson, Robert M. Ferraino and wife Donna; great-granddaughter Michelle Ferraino; great-grandsons Patrick and Michael Bruno; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth “Betty” T. Ferraino, who died in July; his brother, Leo Ferriano; sisters Amelia Backlund and Viola Davenel; and his infant daughter, Elizabeth Lee Ferraino.
Interment was in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs 12866.
Arrangements were with New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, Colonie.
November 22, 2006
John Kiley Sr.
Korean Conflict veteran
John “Jack” Kiley, 73, of Oak Hill, died at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany on Friday, November 17.
He was born in Schenectady February 16, 1933, the son of the late Charles and Elsie (Hortsmeyer) Kiley.
Jack served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and received a Purple Heart, Korean Service Ribbon and one star, the U.N. Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
He was a former member of the Cairo-Durham School Board and a former director of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association.
He also enjoyed his farm and working with the local 4-H clubs teaching snowmobile safety.
Survivors include his wife, Velma (Powell) Kiley; a son, John Kiley Jr. of Kingston; three daughters, Sissy Myhre and husband Bruce of Oak Hill, Jacqueline Pinnella of Oak Hill and Patricia Kiley of Round Top; two brothers, James Kiley of Florida and William Kiley of Massachusetts; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a godchild, BobbiLynn Cunningham of Durham.
Those who desire may contribute in Jack’s memory to the Disabled Veterans, the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
November 22, 2006
John F. Vetter
Postal service retiree
John F. Vetter, 88, died early Sunday morning, November 19, at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson.
Born in Woodhaven June 24, 1918, he was the son of the late John and Annie (Taylor) Vetter.
During World War II John served overseas with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. After the war he was employed by the Postal Service until his retirement on 1975, and later worked for Shepard’s Farm and American Thermostat.
He was a member of the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church since moving to the Greenville area in 1975. John loved to greet his church family each week, arriving precisely at 9:20am for the 10am service and not leaving before picking up stray bulletins in the pews.
He had served the community by delivering for the Meals on Wheels program and filled in for Santa Claus at the Church Mouse Nursery School.
John will be best remembered for his ability to fix anything in his won unique way, being on time (which meant 15 minutes early) and making sure everything was always in its place.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Doris V. (Anderson) Vetter; his children, Richard Vetter and wife Laraine, Robert Vetter and wife Donna, James Gallagher, Thomas Gallagher and wife Mary Lou and Nancy Tumey and husband Colin; grandchildren Michael Vetter and wife Julieen, Viktoria Vetter, John Vetter and Tricia, Jeffrey Vetter and wife Nicole, Lyndsey Gallagher, Dana Gallagher, Jennifer Tumey and Brian Tumey; and great-grandchildren Jacob, Shayla, Shelby, Cody, Macie, Rachel and Joshua.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Freda (Arnhold) Vetter; a son, John F. Vetter Jr.; and a sister, Lillian Vetter.
Funeral services are today, November 22, at 11am at the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church in Norton Hill. Interment is in the Greenville Norton Hill United Methodist Church, PO Box 599, Greenville 12083, or to the Greenville Rescue Squad.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.