OBITS: Times Herald-Record 13 Apr 2005; Middletown, Orange co., New York

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Alvarez, Joseph
Joseph Alvarez, of Narrowsburg, a retired truck driver of 44 years for
Narrowsburg Lumber Co. and longtime resident of the area, died Sunday, April
10, 2005 in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 79. The son of the late Frank and
Caroline Barcella Alvarez, he was born August 24, 1925 in New York City, N.Y.
He was married to Elaine Cannon. A Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served
during WW II as a PFC, Joe was a member of the Company "C" 17th Armored
Infantry Battalion. He received the Purple Heart with Cluster. He was also a
member of the Narrowsburg Fire Dept., having served as a past chief. In
addition, he was a former member of the Tusten Lions Club. A family statement
reads, "He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, who took great pride in
his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed." Survivors include his wife
Elaine at home; one daughter, Linda Williams and her husband Michael of
Edgewater, Fla.; one brother Tony Alvarez of North Carolina; two
granddaughters, Heather Engler of Landisville, N.J. and Samantha Elliott of
Edgewater, Fla.; five great-grandchildren; and Elaine's four children from a
previous marriage, Barbara, Carol, Bill and John and her five grandchildren;
and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Laura Dexter
Alvarez who passed away on October 28, 1998. Visitation will be held on
Thursday, April 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 11
a.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 90 Main St., Narrowsburg. Funeral services
will be held Friday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home. The
Rev. Paul Hagedorn will officiate. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery,
Narrowsburg. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's
Association, Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Ste. 102, Poughkeepsie, NY
12604-4027 or to the Narrowsburg Fire Dept., PO Box 184, Narrowsburg, NY
12764.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Bayless, Clifford W.
Clifford W. Bayless, of Las Vegas, Nevada, a former resident of Marlboro, New
York, entered into rest on April 5, 2005. He was 81. Born February 11, 1924 in
Cornwall, New York, Clifford was retired from Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Muriel F. Bayless, a son, Gary W.
Bayless and his wife Barbara of Las Vegas, Nevada, a daughter, Beverly L.
Bayless of Ashburn, Virginia, 5 grand children and 3 great grandchildren.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Bigert Sr., Henry J.
Henry J. Bigert Sr., of Pine Island, a former onion farmer and retired
custodian for Orange County Residential Health Care Facility in Goshen and
lifelong area resident, entered into rest on Monday, April 11, 2005 at home.
He was 93. The son of Henry and Agnes Mroz Bigert, he was born November 12,
1911 in Florida, N.Y. He was married to the late Julia S. Daios Bigert. Henry
was a member of St. Stanislaus Church in Pine Island. A family statement
reads, "Dad was a loving father, grandfather and uncle who loved his
gardening, playing cards and family gatherings. He will be sadly missed by all
who loved him." Survivors include his two sons, Raymond Bigert and wife
Bernadette of Pine Island, Henry J. Bigert Jr. and wife Jean of Slate Hill;
five daughters, Dorothy Wright and husband Arthur of Dunnellon, Fla., Irene
Wilk of Flemington, N.J., Victoria Myruski and husband Lewis of Goshen, Julia
Gorczynski of Garfield, N.J., Patricia Crowe and husband Michael of
Middletown; daughter-in-law, Etta Bigert of Batavia, Ill.; 23 grandchildren;
32 great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a
son, Stanley Bigert. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday,
April 15 at St. Stanislaus Church, Pine Island. Friends may call Thursday,
April 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 690 County
Route 1, Pine Island. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Pine Island.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Island Volunteer Ambulance Corps.,
PO Box 264, Pine Island, NY 10969.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Gorton, Irene A.
Irene A Gorton, a lifetime area resident, died Saturday, April 9, 2005 at
Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus. She was 81 years old. The
daughter of the late Giuseppe and Julia Forrer Gerola, she was born March 2,
1924 in St. Michael's, Penn. On September 15, 1946, she married Walter Gorton
at North Congregational Church in Middletown. A family statement reads, "Mom
enjoyed traveling. Of the many places she visited, her favorites were Northern
Italy and England. She was an avid reader, our favorite chef, and was devoted
to her family, especially her grandchildren." Irene is survived by her loving
husband, Walter, at home; beloved children Scott and his wife, Giselle, of Los
Altos, CA, Julie Bomgardner and her husband, Carl, of Middletown; four
grandchildren Tiffany Bomgardner and her fianc‚, Courtney "CJ" Ferris Jr.,
Ryan Bomgardner, Nathan Gorton, and Katherine Gorton. She was predeceased by
her sister, Irma Alfredo. Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, April 13,
2005 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.,
130 Highland Avenue, Middletown. A funeral service of remembrance will be held
on Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow
in the family plot at Bloomingburg Rural Cemetery.

Published in the Times Herald-Record from 4/11/2005 - 4/13/2005.

Grimm, Diane Mary
Diane Mary Grimm, a resident of Newburgh all her life, died suddenly and
tragically on Sunday, April 10 in the Town of Cornwall. She was 36 years old.
The daughter of John A. and Shelby Davis Grimm, Diane was born on June 13,
1968 in Rochester, NY. A 1986 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy and a 1995
graduate of Orange County Community College, Diane was a New York State
Licensed paralegal and was self-employed in real estate services. She was a
member of St. Mary's Church in Newburgh. She is survived by her son, Nicholas
and daughter, Maureen (Chicky) Casiano at home with her parents in the Town of
Newburgh. Also her sister, Maureen and husband George Rivera of Newburgh;
brothers, Andrew J. Grimm and wife, Karen of Newburgh, Michael S. Grimm of
East Fishkill, NY, Matthew S. Grimm of Newburgh, Richard T. Grimm and wife
Christi of Shohola, PA as well as several nieces and nephews. Diane lived her
life with spirit and enthusiasm and will be greatly missed by her family and
friends. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Brooks
DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave. in Newburgh. A Mass to celebrate her
life will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 180 South Street
in Newburgh followed by interment in Cedar Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
the family has requested masses for Diane.

Published in the Times Herald-Record from 4/12/2005 - 4/13/2005.

Hahl, Eva Mae
Eva Mae Hahl, a retired nurses aide at Catskill Regional Medical Center, and
longtime area resident, died Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at her home. She was 65.
The daughter of Hannah Dunk Hahl and the late Charles Hahl, she was born
Augsut 12, 1939 in Salem, N.J. Survivors include her mother, Hannah Dunk Hahl
of North Branch; one brother James Hahl and his family of Roscoe; also her
extended family of Mike and Kim of North Branch; and Cindy and Cathy of
Hortonville. As per Eva's wishes, there will be no visitation or burial.
Cremation will take place at Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott. Memorial
contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Krattinger, Helen D.
Helen D. Krattinger McKim, a longtime resident of Middletown, passed away
comfortably on Sunday, April 10th after a courageous battle with leukemia at
the age of 71. Her lifelong companion "Ken" Keith McKim and she enjoyed many
happy years together prior to his passing less than a year ago. Helen retired
from ConEd offices in the Bronx as a Customer Service Manager. She was a
wonderful cook, enjoyed playing bingo, bowling with the ladies at Frontier
Lanes in Warwick, loved all animals, and opened her heart to everyone. A
family statement reads: "A devoted companion, mother, and grandmother, she was
one truly amazing and brave lady. She always looked to the goodness of others
and of the current situation. She fought the good fight and hopefully through
her treatment made a stride to help find a cure. We will all love her and miss
her always." Survivors include her sister Marguerite Roach of Long Island, NY
and all her family; stepchildren, Keith McKim of Pittsburgh, PA; Kathleen
Nourie of Sparrowbush, NY; Kevin McKim of Fort Lee, NJ. The list continues
with grandchildren; Tracey McManus, Becca Major, LeathAnn McKim, Heather
Schmuck, Elaine McKim, Emily McKim and eleven great grandchildren and her
special devoted dog, Max. A memorial service remembering her for all her
friends and local family will be held at the Mount Carmel Church on Thursday,
April 14th at 10 a.m. located at 90 Euclid Ave, Middletown, NY. In lieu of
flowers, please send a donation to help find a cure to the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society by either going online at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or by sending a
check to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4261,
Pittsfield, MA, 01202. Her eternal rest will be among her family members in
the Woodlawn Cemetery located in Bronx, NY on Wednesday, April 13th during a
private ceremony.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

McDonough, Marguerite
Marguerite McDonough, of Rt 300 in Newburgh, died Monday, April 11, 2005 at
home. She was 79. She was born January 15, 1926 in Kingston, a daughter of the
late Salvatore and Marguerite Fay Castiglione. A housewife, Mrs. McDonough
previously worked as a telephone operator. Surviving are her husband Harold
McDonough; two daughters, Dr. Monica McDonough and her husband Dr. Murali
Srinivasan and Marguerite McDonough; a son, Mark McDonough; two grandsons,
Robert and Christopher McDonough; two brothers Harry and Richard Castiglione;
a sister, Sally Hendrickson; many nieces and nephews also survive. One
brother, Vincent Castiglione died previously. Services and cremation were
private. Arrangements are by Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave.,
Kingston.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Menotti, Emma D.
Emma D. Menotti, of Narrowsburg, a retired seamstress for Katz Factory and a
longtime resident of the area, died Monday, April 11, 2005 at the Julia
Ribaudo Home, Lake Ariel, Pa. She was 97. The daughter of the late Arthur and
Annie Klein Dexter, she was born December 6, 1907 in Atco, Pa. She was married
to the late Adore Menotti. Emma was a member of the Tusten Senior Citizens and
the Lava Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. She loved sewing and was an avid card
player. She will be greatly missed. Survivors include one sister, Luella
"Corky" Tenbus and her husband John of Narrowsburg; as well as several nieces
and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Dorothy Murtha and Laura
Alvarez. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 13 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9
p.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 90 Main St., Narrowsburg. Funeral services
will be held Thursday, April 14 at 11 a.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home. The
Rev. Paul Hagedorn will officiate. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery,
Narrowsburg. Memorial contributions can be made to the Tusten Volunteer
Ambulance Corp., Narrowsburg, NY 12764.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Ranalli, Mary Mosca
Mary Mosca Ranalli, a housewife, died April 12, 2005 at Wingate of Ulster in
Highland. She was 93. The daughter of the late Pasquale Mosca and Gilda
Inello, she was born May 16, 1911 in New York City, N.Y. Survivors include
several nephews and niece; and sister-in-law Janet Mosca of Millbrook. She was
predeceased by her brothers, Andrew, Raymond, Arthur, John and Vincent Mosca;
sisters, Agnes D'Angelo, Edith Bochicchio and Ann Berletti; and husband Albert
M. Ranalli, who died in 1984. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 14 at the DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Rt 9W., Marlboro.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday in St. James Church,
Milton. Father Fred Kempfirl will officiate. Burial will be held on Thursday
in St. Mary's Cemetery, Marlboro.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

Schmittler, Joseph D.
Joseph D. Schmittler, of Chester, N.Y., a retired Bank Executive for 30 years
and a 32-year resident of the area, died April 11, 2005 at Orange Regional
Medical Center at Arden Hill Campus, Goshen, New York. He was 58 years of age.

The son the late Joseph and Stephanie Koczacko Schmittler he was born on
February 27, 1947 in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be missed by all
whose lives he touched.

Survivors include his wife Donna-Marie Schmittler at home, his daughters
Stephanie and her husband Joseph Hubner of Long Island, and Kristine
Schmittler of Las Vegas, Nevada and his son Joseph A. Schmittler of London,
England. Joe is also survived by his three grandchildren Mikayla, Joseph and
Sarah Hubner of Long Island and his brother Bernard Schmittler and his wife
Mary of New Jersey. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 14th from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday,
April 15, from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial
Centers, 139 Stage Road, Monroe, N.Y.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, April 16 at St. Columba R.C.
Church, 27 High Street, Chester, N.Y. at 10 a.m.

Cremation will be at Oxford Hills Crematory, Inc., Chester, N.Y.

Memorial contributions in Joseph's name may be made to the American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association, Hearts Gifts Processing Center, P.O.
Box 3049, Syracuse, New York 13220-3049.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial
Centers, 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York, Thomas F. Flynn, Licensed Funeral
Director.

Published in the Times Herald-Record from 4/13/2005 - 4/14/2005.

Shapiro, Leon
March 15, 1926-April 11, 2005 Leon Shapiro, of Tampa, Fla., formerly of
Middletown, a retired guidance counselor for Middletown High School and a
39-year resident of the area, died April 11, 2005 in Tampa. He was 79. The son
of the late Nathan S. Etta Yablonsky Shapiro, he was born March 15, 1926 in
Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Army during the final days of
World War II. Leon attended school in Brooklyn, N.Y. and graduated from
Midwood High School. He received a Bachelor's Degree from New York University
and a Master's Degree from SUNY New Paltz. He also held certificates in
Guidance Counseling and School Administration. Leon was employed as a teacher
of grades 5 through 9 in Levittown, N.Y., before becoming a guidance
counselor. He was a recreation specialist in Levittown, board member of the
Levittown Youth Committee and a Democratic Party Committeeman, Nassau County
and was appointed Director of the Nassau County Children's Shelter by County
Executive Eugene Nickerson. During his tenure in Middletown, Leon was a high
school guidance counselor and an elementary counselor visiting all the
elementary schools. He retired in 1988. He was a board member of the Seventh
Day Coffee House, member of the Family Advisory Council of Cornell Cooperative
Extension, Elections Chairperson of the Middletown Teachers Association,
delegate to the NYS Teachers Retirement System, member of the Orange County
Counselors Association and the NYSUT Retirees. Leon's incredible hobby was
artistic dance roller skating. He traveled to skating venues from Pensacola,
Fla., to Schenectady, N.Y. He was proficient at the bronze and silver levels
and many of the gold level skating dances. Leon is survived by his devoted
wife of 48 years, Edythe Rund Shapiro. He is also survived by his three sons
and their families: Joshua and Sandra Shapiro of Westford, Mass., Steven
Shapiro of Silver Spring, Md., and Robert and Louise Shapiro of Tampa, Fla. He
is survived by his brother, Joshua J. Shapiro of Long Island City; his six
grandchildren, Heather, Richard, Abby, Nathan and Laura Shapiro and Maria
Hodgins and his step-grandchildren, Bradley and Lindsey Price. He is survived
by his former daughters-in-law, Linda Hodgins and Betsy Trotta Shapiro; by his
brothers-in-law, Murray Rund (Mary) and Joel Rund (Mary-Jane) of San Diego,
Calif.; and loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Cremation was at the
convenience of the family. Memorial events will also be at the convenience of
the family. Donations may be made to Middletown High School, Horton Medical
Center, and to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Foundation
Inc., PO Box 550985, Tampa, FL 33655-0985 or to LifePath Hospice and
Palliative Care, 3010 West Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609. Arrangements by
Florida Mortuary Funeral and Cremation Service.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.

White, Shirley J.
Shirley J. White, a homemaker, died April 7, 2005 at Winthrop Hospital,
Mineola, N.Y. She was 76. The daughter of Thomas Bing and Irene Jackson, she
was born April 18, 1928 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She loved scratch off tickets and
playing lotto. A family statement reads, "Shirley was a loving mother and
grandmother." She was the widow of William H. White Jr. Survivors include her
four daughters, Lenore White and husband William Black of Yonkers, Jackie
Hardaway of Blooming Grove, Joanne and husband Darryl Howell of Brooklyn, Kim
and husband Michael Lewis of Floral Park, N.Y.; seven grandchildren, Joseph,
Ceylon, Jara and Chardonnay Howell, Kayla and Kristina Lewis, Chet Hardaway;
many nieces and nephews; and her loving dog, Benji. Visitation will be held on
Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the David T. Ferguson Funeral
Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville. Funeral services will follow at 1:30 p.m.
Cremation will be private.

Published in the Times Herald-Record on 4/13/2005.