OBITS: Times Herald-Record 12 Aug 2005; Middletown, Orange co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Times Herald-Record http://www.recordonline.com Bierstine, Josephine "Jutzi" Josephine "Jutzi" Bierstine, of Wantage, N.J., a Retired Switchboard Operator with Selective Insurance in Sussex, N.J., entered into rest on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at Compassionate Care Hospice, Dover, N.J. She was 71. The daughter of the late Louis and Anna Bozek Osczepinski, she was born on March 19, 1934 in Florida, N.Y. She was an avid bowler with the Tri-Town Ladies Bowling League of Warwick, N.Y. A very attentive card player with the 4 O's Card Club of Goshen, N.Y. Also a member of the Living Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus Church, Pine Island, N.Y. and St. Monica's Church, Sussex, N.J. And a frequent traveler to various shrines of her favorite saints. A Family Statement Reads: "Mom devoted most of her time to her children & grandchildren. Her happiest moments were when she was surrounded by her family at the holiday table, enjoying her delicious home cooked goodies." "Mom, you were always there for us. We will always love you and remember you. You will always be in our thoughts." Survivors include: 2 sons Edward "Skip Jr." Bierstine Jr. of Greenville, N.Y. and Anthony "Tony" Bierstine of Wantage, N.J.; 4 grandchildren Nicole, Edward III, Alanna, Jeremy; and brother Stanley Osczepinski Sr. & wife Florence of Goshen, N.Y.; 2 sisters Irene Rogowski & Caroline Madura both of Goshen, N.Y.; sister-in-law Agnes Osczepinski of Pine Island, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers Joseph, Frank, Louis & Albert Osczepinski formerly of Goshen & 3 sisters Loretta Sadowski formerly of Newark, N.J., Alexandra Labanowski & Theresa Sobiech formerly of Goshen, N.Y. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2005, in St. Joseph's Church, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921 with her two other sisters, Alexandra Labanowski & Theresa Sobiech by her side. Friends May Call on Monday, August 15, 2005 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, or for directions please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Brown, Walter "Jim" Mr. Walter "Jim" Brown, of Sparrowbush, a former industrial mechanic at C & D Charter Power, Huguenot and lifetime resident of the area, died Thursday, August 11, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. He was 48. He was born April 26, 1957 in Middletown, N.Y., the son of James Brown and Shirley Hendershot Brown. To Jim, his family was his first priority and his children made him very proud every day. He also loved to ride his Harley and would say "A bad day in the rain is better than a good day at work." He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth "Liz" Kortright Brown at home; father: James Brown of Huguenot, NY; mother: Shirley Brown of Huguenot, NY; 2 sons: Jason N. Brown & his wife, Dawn of Port Jervis, NY, Joseph Brown of Middletown, NY; daughter: Bethann O'Brien & her husband, Steven of Port Jervis, NY; 3 brothers: Larry Brown & his wife, Colleen of Circleville, NY, Peter Brown & his wife, Lisa of Waco, TX, Jason Brown & his wife, Donna of Cuddebackville, NY; sister: Laura McKee & her husband, David of Micco, Florida; a sister-in-law: Tina Cokelette & her husband, Lee of Matamoras, Pa.; 3 grandchildren: Zachary Brown, Kaitlynn Brown and Hailey Brown; also several nieces & nephews. Predeceased by brother: Mark Brown, who died July 8, 2002. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis on Sunday, August 14 from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert E. Foster officiating. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, N.Y. A Poker Run to benefit the family will be held on Sept. 17, 2005 from the Huguenot Fire House. Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Corcoran Sr., Thomas Joseph Thomas Joseph Corcoran Sr., a worker for the Teamsters Union for 25 years, Tillcon (TrapRock) for six and resident of the area for many years, died August 11, 2005 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie. He was 60. The son of the late John and Helen Platt Corcoran, he was born December 28, 1944 in Queens, N.Y. He married Marie Vetrano on April 24, 1965 in Queens. He was an avid sportsman and Dallas Cowboy Fan. His hobbies were movies and spending time with his grandchildren. A family statement reads, "Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who sacrificed all his life for his family. He never complained and worked all his life so that his children and wife could have everything they ever wanted. 'No' was not in his vocabulary no matter what the situation. He would give you the shirt off his back and he could always make you smile with a joke. You never knew what to believe. He was loved by so many and will never be forgotten." Survivors include his wife Marie Vetrano Corcoran at home; sons, Thomas and Colleen Corcoran Jr. of Milton, Peter Corcoran of Milton, Scott and Tammy Corcoran of Milton, Nicholas Corcoran of Indianapolis, Ind.; daughters Kellianne Corcoran of Milton, Kathleen and Brian Keane of Newburgh; grandsons Thomas Corcoran III of Milton, Matthew Corcoran of Milton, Ryan Corcoran of Milton; granddaughter Shannon Corcoran of Milton; sister Helen Paola of Long Island City, N.Y.; brothers Michael and Pat Corcoran of West End, N.C. and Joseph and Gloria Corcoran Long Island City; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother John Corcoran. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, August 14 at DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Rt 9W, Marlboro. Funeral Services will beheld at 10 a.m., Monday, August 15 at St. James Church. Father Fred Kempfirl will officiate. Burial will follow on Monday in St. Mary's Cemetery, Marlboro. Arrangements DiDonato Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 8/12/2005 - 8/13/2005. Edwards, Festus Festus Edwards, a taxi driver in Newburgh and former employee at West Point Military Academy, died August 4, 2005 in Newburgh. He was 68. The son of the late Thomas and Murdie Royal Edwards, he was born April 4, 1937 in Clinton, N.C. He was the widower of Patricia Alice Smith. Survivors include son, Festus Lee Edwards Jr. of Munich, Germany and wife Manuela; daughter Cassondra Denise Hill and James; grandchildren, Jasmine Lynette Hill, Shavon Patise Edwards, James Maurice Hill, Dennis Jerome Hill, Marcus Allen Hill, Anthony Thomas Hill, Shannon Edwards, Leroy Edwards; great-grandchildren, Netaj Maurice Hill, Omari Edwards, Yenise Jaivon Hill, Mariah Victoria Hill; brothers Thomas Edwards, Luther Edwards and wife Clara Lee, sisters, Shirley Edwards Wilkinson, Flossie White all of North Carolina and sister Alyce Payne of Washington D.C.; godson, Eric Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by sister, Beulah Hargrove. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 13 at New Hope Baptist Church, Mill St., Newburgh. Services will follow at 11 a.m. in the church, with Dr. Coleman Briggs officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Middlehope. Arrangements by Brutus W. Hodge Funeral Home, 13 Chambers St., Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 8/11/2005 - 8/12/2005. Greiner, Mark J. Formerly of Ramsey, N.J. and Hewitt, N.J. Mark J. Greiner of Roscoe, N.Y., formerly of Ramsey, N.J. and Hewitt, N.J., died Saturday, August 6, 2005 at home. He was 46. The son of the late William and June Stegen Greiner, he was born July 20, 1959 in Suffern, N.Y. Mark graduated from Ramsey High School and was a scholarship graduate of the Lincoln Technical Institute in Union, N.J. He was an avid fisherman and previously drove Street Stock cars at the Orange County Fair Speedway. In a family statement, "He will be remembered by those who knew him for his generosity, kind heart and great sense of humor." Survivors include his brothers, Bill Greiner of Hewitt, N.J. and Walter Greiner of Lincoln, Vt., and four nephews. He was predeceased by his parents. Funeral Services will be private. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave., Roscoe, N.Y. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Keeler, Clyde L. Clyde L. Keeler, a retired telephone technician for Con-Tel of Port Jervis, and lifelong area resident, died Thursday, August 11, 2005 at his home. He was 83. The son of the late John and Rena Cullen Keeler, he was born July 31, 1922 in Port Jervis. He served his country during WW II as a machine gunner and radio operator in the US Air Force. He was a member of the 8th Airborne, 105th Bomber Group and flew 35 successful combat missions over Germany in a B-17 Bomber. Clyde was a member of the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post #161. During the Koren War, he would send and receive messages on his HAM Radio letting loved ones know that their relatives in the war were all right. Clyde relayed many messages during this time. His HAM Radio call number was W2NQW. He was a member of the Tri-State Rod and Gun Club and also an avid Blue Grass Music fan, playing the banjo, guitar and harmonica. He loved to jam with his family. Survivors include his wife at home, Alice Edwards Keeler; one son Gary W. Keeler and wife Nancy of Port Jervis; one daughter Lynn A. Merusi and husband Fred of Montague, N.J.; four grandchildren, Erin and Meghan Keeler, Sarah A. Merusi and a grandson who preceded him in death, Dominick E. Merusi. He was also predeceased by a brother Stanley Keeler and sister Lulu Keeler. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, August 14 at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made to the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post #161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Labanowski, Alexandra Alexandra Labanowski, of Goshen, a homemaker and lifelong resident of the area, entered into rest on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at St. Claire's Hospital, Sussex, N.J. She was 83. The daughter of the late Louis and Anna Bozek Osczepinski, she was born on February 14, 1922 in Florida, N.Y. She was married to the late John S. Labanowski Sr. She was a member St. Joseph's Church, Florida, N.Y.; St. Joseph's Church Rosary Society, Florida, N.Y.; and the 4 O's Card Club of Goshen, N.Y. Survivors include: son John S. Labanowski Jr. & wife Jean of Goshen, N.Y.; daughter Patricia Nemetz & husband John of Milford, Pa.; brother Stanley Osczepinski Sr. & wife Florence of Goshen, N.Y.; two sisters Irene Rogowski, & Caroline Madura, both of Goshen, N.Y.; sister-in-law Agnes Osczepinski of Pine Island, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Joseph, Frank, Louis & Albert Osczepinski, formerly of Goshen & three sisters Loretta Sadowski formerly of Newark, N.J., Josephine "Jutzi" Bierstine formerly of Wantage, N.J. & Theresa Sobiech, formerly of Goshen, N.Y. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2005 in St. Joseph's Church, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921 with her two other sisters, Josephine "Jutzi" Bierstine & Theresa Sobiech by her side. Friends may call on Monday, August 15, 2005 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Florida. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church Restoration Fund, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, or for directions please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Santerre, Betty M. Betty M. Santerre, a housewife and retired registered nurse, of Goshen, N.Y. died Wednesday, August 10, 2005 in the Elant Nursing Care Center in Goshen. She was 87. The daughter of Vernon Ball and Edna Livengood Ball, and stepmother Genevieve S. Ball, Betty was born on Monday, April 22, 1918 in Goshen, Indiana. She graduated from Indianapolis Methodist Hospital and worked at Clifton Nursing Home in Swansea, Mass., Home for the Aged in Fall River, Mass., and New Clifton Nursing Home in Somerset, Mass. Survivors include husband, Roland Santerre of Goshen, five sons, Michael Santerre and wife Regina of Sundance, Fla., Roger Santerre and wife Kim of New Paltz, Charles Santerre and wife Kim of West Lafayette, Ind., James Santerre and wife Lynn of Melrose, Mass., Peter Santerre and wife Jennifer of Lynn, Mass., six daughters, Annette McDonald and husband Bruce of Anacortes, Wash., Jeanine Joyce and husband John of Newburgh, Suzette Tanguay and husband Tom of East Taunton, Mass., Celeste Santerre and husband Dennis Davis of Bremerton, Wash., Mary Santerre and husband Larry McInnes of Ashland, Mass, Phyllis McCullum and husband Kevin of Plattsburgh, N.Y., 26 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her brother, John Ball. There will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evengelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen. Internment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Serwan, Linda A. Linda A. Serwan, 65, died August 8, 2005. A Memorial service was held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel, Clayton, N.C. The Rev. Pat Chisenhall officiated. She was predeceased by her sister, June Boice and brother Jeffery Wilkie. She is survived by her husband Edward Serwan; sons, John North of Clayton, Timothy North of Dickinson, Texas, Anthony North of Bloomingburg, N.Y.; mother Ethel Odendahl of Clemmons, N.C.; brothers Roberts Wilkie of Walton, N.Y., Gerald Wilkie of Mocksville, Joe Serwan of New Jersey; sister Annie Serwan of Mocksville; 10 grandchildren. Flowers are appreciated. Arrangements by McLaurin at Pinecrest, Funerals and Cremations, Clayton. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Shauger, Ida "Mary" Ida "Mary" Shauger, age 77, late of Sparrowbush, a longtime area resident, died Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at Middletown Park Manor. Mary was born the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Mae Shauger on July 17, 1928 in Ogdensburg, N.J. A family statement reads, "Mom was a very loving, giving lady who always wanted to help others. She gave of herself to family and friends alike." Mary is survived by eight children and their families, Diane Williams of Sparrowbush, grandson Tom Guerriere of Reno, Nev., great-grandson Tyler Guerriere and his mom Tammy Filardi of LaGrangeville. Carol Struble and husband Lyn of Middletown, grandson Scott Struble and wife Melissa, granddaughter Alexis Kirschner of Slate Hill, predeceased by granddaughter, Melissa Lyn Struble. Wanda Schumaci and husband Michael, grandchildren Blair and Michael all of Greenville. Terry Brunell and fianc‚ Tim Griffith of Sparrowbush. John Shauger of Sparrowbush, David Brunell and wife Diane, grandchildren David Brunell Jr., Ruben Parto, Vicki Irving, Jeffrey Kinney, great-granddaughter, Tatiana Parto all of Port Jervis. Joseph Brunell of Middletown, grandson David Halls of Patterson, N.J. Daniel Brunell his fianc‚e Kelly Shannon, granddaughter Sarah Ann all of Sparrowbush. One surviving brother Wesley Shauger and wife Mamie of Franklin, N.J. Predeceased by four sisters and three brothers. Several nieces and nephews surviving. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday August 13 at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral services will be held Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Melvin Millar will officiate. Interment will take place at Ridgebury Cemetery, Ridgebury, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005. Sobiech, Theresa Theresa Sobiech, of Goshen, N.Y., a former Clerical Worker for Orange County Dept. of Social Services, Goshen, N.Y., entered into rest on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at St. Claire's Hospital, Sussex, N.J. She was 72. The daughter of the late Louis and Anna Bozek Osczepinski, she was born on September 2, 1932 in Florida, N.Y. She was the wife of Ted Sobiech Sr. She was a member of the Living Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus Church, Pine Island, N.Y.; the 4 O's Card Club of Goshen, N.Y. She was also a volunteer at St. Anthony's Hospital, Warwick, N.Y. Survivors include: 3 sons Ted Sobiech Jr. of Pine Island, N.Y., Thomas Sobiech & wife Robin of Pine Island, N.Y., Leon Sobiech & wife Alice of Texas; brother Stanley Osczepinski Sr. & wife Florence of Goshen, N.Y.; 2 sisters Irene Rogowski, & Caroline Madura, both of Goshen, N.Y.; sister-in-law Agnes Osczepinski of Pine Island, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren Blaise, T.J., Nicholas, Christian, Tommy, Amanda Seidell, Kayla & Michael Gorczynski, Talin & Victoria Sobiech; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers Joseph, Frank, Louis & Albert Osczepinski formerly of Goshen & 3 sisters Loretta Sadowski formerly of Newark, N.J., Alexandra Labanowski formerly of Goshen, N.Y. & Josephine "Jutzi" Bierstine formerly of Wantage, N.J. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2005, in St. Joseph's Church, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921 with her two other sisters, Alexandra Labanowski & Josephine "Jutzi" Bierstine by her side. Friends May Call on Monday, August 15, 2005 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Pine Island, N.Y. Memorial Contributions may be made to Bon Secours Warwick Healthcare Foundation, C/O St. Anthony's Community Hospital, 15 Maple Avenue, Warwick, NY 10990. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, or for directions please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/12/2005.