OBITS: Times Herald-Record 13 Dec 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 Barreto, Natividad "Naty" Natividad "Naty" Barreto of Newburgh, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2005 at Park Manor Senior Center. She was 87. Daughter of the late Lope and Cruz Badillo Barreto, she was born on November 16, 1918 in Moca, Puerto Rico. A family statement reads: "In loving memory of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We know that in our hearts she is resting in peace and taking care of us as our guardian angel, as she has always done for all of us. We love you always and you will be missed, but we know that we will all be together again. So for now, we all will give you our blessing and prayers. La Bendicion Mami." She is survived by her children: Mercedes Javier, Juan Barreto, Samuel Barreto, Carmen Barreto, Patria Villanueva, Elba Negron, Carmen Hunt, and Raul Barreto; her sister, Anna; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers: Juanito, Freddie and Gregory. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13 at the Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14 at St. Patrick's Church, Newburgh. Burial will follow in St. Raymond's Cemetery, the Bronx. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/12/2005 - 12/13/2005. Bertholf, Patricia A. "Patty Ann" Patricia A. "Patty Ann" Bertholf, of Middletown, a homemaker and lifelong resident of the area, died Sunday, December 11, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus, Middletown. She was 64. The daughter of the late William G. Sr. and Hilda Wisher Bertholf, she was born on October 30, 1941 in Middletown. Survivors include her children, Mary Ann Bertholf, Bernice Majors and Suzanne Bertholf all of Middletown; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her sisters and brothers, Carolee Johnson and husband Dennis, Linda Bertholf Scott and husband William Jr., Barbara Bertholf, Phillip Bertholf Sr. and wife Melody all of Middletown and William Bertholf and wife Debbie of Liberty; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation hours will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, December 15 at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc., 72 West Main St. in Middletown. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Wallkill Cemetery in Phillipsburg. Arrangements are by the Ralston-Lippincott -Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Bruetsch, Helen Helen Bruetsch, a homemaker, died December 11, 2005 at Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris. She was 89. The daughter of Joseph and Mary Rausch Aigner, she was born August 17, 1916 in Brooklyn. She was the widow of Irwin Bruetsch. She was a member of St. George's Church, Jeffersonville. Survivors include her children, Brenda Varanelli and husband Frank of LaHabra, Calif., Theodore Bruetsch of Cobleskill, George Bruetsch and wife Lynn of Monticello, Carl Bruetsch and wife Eileen of Cochecton; two sisters, Sophie Werling of Richmond Hills, Judy Asdrubale of San Francisco, Calif.; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Tuesday, December 13 at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Jeffersonville from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 14 at 11 a.m. at St. George's Church, Jeffersonville. Father Ignatius Vu will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Youngsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeffersonville First Aid Squad. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. DiChiara, Robert C. Robert C. DiChiara, a 15-year area resident, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2005 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, N.Y. He was 33. The son of Lynn DiChiara, he was born on January 27, 1972 in Staten Island. A family statement reads, "Robert enjoyed reading, cooking, art and playing pool. He was an amateur musician who taught himself to play the guitar and a computer enthusiast who did programming. He was also an avid video game player and was a loving and devoted father to his two daughters." Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Lynn and Arthur Washburn of Phillipsport; a brother, Daniel Kaufman of Phillipsport; his fianc‚, Elizabeth Diamond of Ellenville; maternal grandmother, Frances DiChiara and his godmother, Lorraine DiChiara, both of Staten Island; 2 daughters, Amber Diamond and Dejanira DiChiara of Ellenville; 3 special friends, Jay Morales and James Kalish, both of Ellenville and Tonya Chapman of Loch Sheldrake; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends may call at Ramsay's Funeral Home, 275 S. Main St., Liberty on Wed. Dec.14 from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope. Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay's Funeral Homes Inc., Liberty. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Gironda, Jo Ann Pierce Jo Ann Pierce Gironda of Montgomery, a secretary for ALOS and a lifetime resident of the area, died December 11, 2005 at home. She was 58. The daughter of Hobart and Irene Pierce, she was born April 10, 1947 in Middletown. She was the niece of Clifford and Evelyn Pierce of Vermont. She married Vito Gironda on November 2, 1968. She was a member of the First Reformed Church in Walden. A 33-year resident of Montgomery and a member of the Board of Directors of CROC (Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer). She worked for ALOS in Montgomery as a secretary and was a former assistant tax collector and assessor clerk for the Town of Montgomery. She was a founding member of the All Night Graduation Party for Valley Central High School. Jo Ann battled cancer for the past 6« years, as her family quotes, "She was a fighter and always fought any obstacles in her life. She never complained about any new treatments or procedures that she would have to go through. She would not give up her fight with cancer. She lived for her grandchildren." She was loved by her family, grandchildren and everyone that was ever around her. She will be deeply missed by all. . . Survivors include her husband Vito Gironda at home; son Michael J. Gironda and his wife Renee R. of Montgomery; daughter Christine I. Gironda and her fianc‚ David A. Oberhauser of Montgomery; grandchildren Michaela Ann Gironda and Christopher Joseph Gironda; sisters Carol Pierce and partner Paula Ward of Davie, Fla. and Jan Pierce Felter and husband Stephen of Binghamton; sister-in-law Elizabeth Donato and husband Stephen of New Windsor; father-in-law Frank Gironda of Newburgh; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Hobart and Irene Pierce; two grandchildren Lauren Rose and Michael Joseph Gironda Jr. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 15 at the First Reformed Church, Scofield St., Walden. Burial will be in Wallkill Cemetery, Phillipsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CROC, P.O. Box 860, New Hampton, NY 10958, Montgomery Fire Department, P.O. Box 8, Montgomery, NY 12549 or Hospice of Orange, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Goldblatt, Ethel K. Ethel K. Goldblatt passed away on December 9, 2005. Born January 21, 1925 in Braznell, Pa., to Susana and Zigmond Koynock, Ethel was raised in a loving family with her three siblings: Margaret, Helen, and William. In the rolling Pennsylvania hills, Ethel developed a love for the beauty of nature and a reverence for life. Moving from her rural life to the city of Pittsburgh, she continued her education and met and married Dr. Jacob Goldblatt in 1945. She was employed by Heinz Corporation, Honus Wagner Company and Schubert Theatre. Ethel traveled with her husband, Major Jack Goldblatt, while he served in the U.S. Air Force. They ultimately moved to Monroe in 1954, where she lovingly raised her family. Ethel had many accomplishments in her life. First and foremost, she dedicated herself and brought love, support and enrichment to her family. As an accomplished artist in watercolor, oil paintings, and sculpture, she held memberships and offices in many professional art organizations, exhibited nationally in juried and invitational shows and galleries, and was the recipient of prestigious awards. Her art is sensitive and life-affirming, while embodying Ethel's passion and reverence for life. Her work reflects her heart, soul and spirit. Ethel was also a natural athlete with a passion for skiing, swimming, hiking, tennis and especially golf. She won a West Point Championship and was the Monroe Country Club Champion for many consecutive years. She placed a high value on education and knowledge, continuously furthering her studies. Ethel remained active in duplicate bridge placing 64th in the 2004 World Bridge Federation pairs tournament; was an active member of the Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism, and past president of the Monroe PTA. Surviving are her husband, Dr. Jack Goldblatt of Monroe; her son, E. Michael Goldblatt and his life partner, Celia Kingsbury, of Burlington, Vt.; her daughter, Janis Goldblatt and husband, Russell Sanders, of Ft. Collins, Colo.; her daughter, Donna Gillis and husband, Hudson Gillis, of Loch Sheldrake; her granddaughter, Rachel Leilani Gillis of Boulder, Colo.; her two step-grandchildren, Jennifer Sanders Cycoski and Craig Sanders; and her sister, Margaret Costello and brother, William Koynock, both of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at the Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism with Rabbi Garry Loeb officiating. Contributions in Ethel's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, Orange Regional Medical Center at Goshen, or any organization of your choice. Arrangements are by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, Monroe, N.Y. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/12/2005 - 12/13/2005. Hooper, Edward J. Edward J. Hooper of Blooming Grove died Monday, December 12, 2005. He was 26. The son of John D. Hooper and Kathy Rose Hooper, Ed was born January 16, 1979. He spent the past 26 years learning, laughing, and doing his favorite activity, reading. He was a big hearted, compassionate person who wanted to experience everything life had to offer. He enjoyed writing, rooting for his beloved Red Sox and Giants, talking politics, and cared deeply about animals. He was a member of the Washingtonville High School track and cross country teams and graduated from Washingtonville in 1997. He also attended Rockland Community College. He leaves behind his mother, Kathy; father, John; grandfather, Edward Rose of Campbell Hall; two brothers, William Hooper and his wife, Kimberly, of Chester and Daniel Hooper of Blooming Grove; aunts and uncles: Robert and Patricia Rose of Stony Point, Pamela Rose of Washingtonville, Richard Rose and Darcy Martin of Hurley, James and Julie Rose of New Windsor, William and Kimberly Rose of New Paltz; and many cousins. He will be deeply missed by everyone that loved and cared about him. Visitation will be held today, Wednesday, December 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North Street, Washingtonville. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 15 at noon in the funeral home with Pastor Mau officiating. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund to be set up at Washingtonville High School, c/o Lisa Raggo, 54 West Main St., Washingtonville, NY 10992. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/13/2005 - 12/14/2005. Kitson, June Amanda (Robertson) Our dear and cherished mother went home to be with our Lord, her mother and father, her husband, and other loved ones on December 9, 2005. June Amanda (Robertson) Kitson, 84, of Warwick and Monroe, and formerly of New Britain and Newington, Conn. was the daughter of the late Sander and Emma Robertson, and the widow of Joseph Rylah Kitson, Jr. The hallmarks of our mother's life were her abundant joy, and her ability to speak to the heart with great love, kindness and compassion. Those persons who were fortunate enough to know her were blessed by her ability to listen and to uplift the spirit with her love and positive attitude. Our mom will be so sorely missed by all of her family members and numerous friends and acquaintances who knew her and also loved her. During our mom's life, she was a nutritionist, secretary, and a volunteer for many churches and organizations. However, the real testament of whom our mom was, was her ability to instill faith and hope in the hearts of all she encountered. June is survived by her four daughters and their husbands: Susan and Francis Schmaus, Lori and Philip Lade, Marlene and Patrick Arlotta, and Sandra and Nicholas Schneider. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren: Nicole, Joelle, Dylan, Jonathyn, Chelsea, Kaitlyn, Meagan and Daniel; and her great-grandchildren: Christian, Tyler, Baylee, Trystan and Peyton; her brother, Alan Robertson and his wife, Mildred, of Newington, Conn. and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her. Her sister, Gladys Childs, predeceased her. Funeral services are Friday, December 16 at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, New Britain. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Calling hours are Thursday, December 15 from 5-8 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Donation may be made to the Klingberg Family Centers, 370 Linwood St., New Britain, CT 06052. Please share a memory or note of sympathy with June's family at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Miller, Doris Mary Formerly of Newburgh, N.Y. Doris Mary Miller of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Newburgh, died on Friday, December 9, 2005 at Desert Lane Care Center. She was 83 years old. Doris was born March 3, 1922 in Newburgh, N.Y. She was a retired Library Clerk at the Newburgh Free Library. Doris was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Harold E. Miller, in 2003. She is survived by her daughter, Mariann Roberts and her husband, William, of Las Vegas, Nev.; one son, Thomas Miller and his wife, Cheryle, of Tallahassee, Fla.; one sister, Agnes Valleau of Newburgh; and several nieces and nephews. Internment will be in Florida National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Palm Mortuary - Jones, 1600 S. Jones, Las Vegas, NV 89146; 802-464-8420. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/12/2005 - 12/17/2005. Postal, Lionel Carl Lionel Carl Postal of Loch Sheldrake, died Monday December 12, 2005 at Catskill Regional Medical Center. He was 70. He was the son of Martin and Frances Zwerdhey Postal. He was born December 22, 1934 in Brooklyn. Survivors include his sister Leah of the Bronx and his nephew Gary Hayman and his wife Marge of Hewlett, N.Y. and his family and friends at New Hope Community. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. with services starting at 11 a.m. at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne. Interment to follow in the Woodbourne Reform Church Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, Woodbourne. For further information contact us at 845-434-7363 or www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Ryan, Sharon Sharon Ryan, a freelance model and aspiring actress, entered into rest suddenly on Sunday, December 11, 2005 in Melbourne, Fla. She was 34. Sharon spent most of her life in this area, having moved to Florida six years ago. The daughter of Frank and RexAnne Benfer Foti, she was born in Newburgh on October 5, 1971. She was a member of various church programs involved in helping impoverished individuals. Survivors include her loving and devoted parents at home; one brother Greg Ryan and his fianc‚e Theresa Kelly of Manhattan; grandparents: grandmothers, RuthAnn Benfer Cosman and her husband Cal, Mary Foti and her husband Joseph, Theresa Ryan; several aunts, Donna Mead and her husband David, Theresa Clavio and her partner Phil Masciola, Shelly Ryan and Kelly Ryan; several uncles, Charles Benfer and his wife Nancy, Douglas Benfer and his wife Catherine, Robert Benfer, Dominick Foti and his wife Rosemarie, Joseph Foti; and several cousins. Sharon was predeceased by her birth father, Charles Ryan and her grandfather, Charles Frederick Benfer. Visitation will be private and at the convenience of the family. Sharon's smile would light up a room. Her charisma and laugh warmed our hearts. Sharon was deeply religious and involved in many church programs. Her kind heart and caring ways touched so many. Cremation will be private. Funeral arrangements by Engel Funeral Home Inc., 5319 Rt 9W, Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Sheehan, Charlotte V. Charlotte V. Sheehan of Walden, a retired accountant for St. Luke's Hospital and Montgomery Nursing Home died Saturday, December 10, 2005 in Newburgh. A lifetime resident of the area, she was 88. The daughter of Frank and Charlotte Brown Sheehan, she was born April 4, 1917 in Walden. She was the oldest living member of the First Reformed Church of Walden where she was active in all the women's organizations and sang in the church choir. She served as treasurer of both the Sunday School and Woman's Guild. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Town of Montgomery Food Pantry. Survivors include her sister Dorothy Reichle and her husband Julien of Walden; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Albert C. Sheehan. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005. Soro, Fay L. Fay L. Soro, age 90, the daughter of the late Dominick Crudele and Carmela Cimorelli Crudele, she was born in Newburgh on March 26, 1915. She was the widow of Edward Soro Sr., who passed away in 1995. Fay will be missed by her sons, Edward Soro and his wife, Gail, of New Hampton, N.Y., and Robert Soro of Newburgh; her grandchildren: Joann Soro and her husband, Michael Gale, of New Hampton, Karen Brown and her husband, Daniel, of Unionville and Christina Soro of New Hampton; her great-grandchildren: Stephan Soro, Austin Gale, Michael Gale, Lauren Brown, Daniel Brown and Ashley Brown. She will also be dearly missed by her sister, Rose Crudele-Gondolfo of Newburgh. Fay was predeceased by her brothers: Dominick, Patrick, Anthony, Fred and John Crudele; sisters, Julia Crudele-DiLemmo and Susan Crudele-Wein; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Middletown Dialysis Center, Arden Hill Hospital and a special thank you to the staff at Valley View Nursing Center for the care given to Fay. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, December 15, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Coloni Funeral Home, 3001 Route 9W, New Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/13/2005 - 12/14/2005. Umberto, Joseph Anthony Mr. Joseph Anthony Umberto of Milford, Pa., a longtime resident of the area, died Thursday, December 8, 2005 at Lewis Gale Hospital, Salem, Va. He was 74. He was born April 1, 1931 in Manhattan, N.Y., the son of the late Carmine and the late Rose Magaldi Umberto. He was the former owner of C & E Trucking & Warehouse in New Jersey and retired owner of Phillips Police Equipment in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a member of the Marsh-Kellog American Legion Post #139, Milford and Mountain Laurel V.F.W. Post #8612, Milford; also a member of St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Milford, Pa. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Qualiaroli Umberto, at home; son, Richard Umberto and his wife, Eileen, of Elliston, Va.; daughter, Lorianne Witte and her husband, Andrew, of Woodbury, Conn.; sister, Paulette Grimaldi and her husband, Anthony, of Manahawkin, N.J.; four grandchildren: Melissa, Alicia, Isabella and Ava Lynn; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main St., Port Jervis on Monday, December 12 from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, December 13 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. V.F.W. services will be held Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 with a prayer at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Milford, Pa., with the Rev. Gerald Mullaly officiating. Burial will be at Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to your local veteran's organization or to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/12/2005 - 12/13/2005. Van Hage, Margaretha F. Margaretha F. Van Hage, of Goshen, a school teacher having retired from Pine Island Schools in the Warwick Valley School District and longtime resident of the area, died Saturday, December 10, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Arden Hill Campus in Goshen. She was 79. The daughter of the late William and Grace Riepma Turksma, she was born on April 14, 1926 in Holland. She was the widow of Nicholas Van Hage. Together they owned as well as labored on the Van Hage Dairy Farm on Maple Avenue. She was a member of St. John RC Church in Goshen, the Catholic Daughters and the Warwick Valley Teacher's Association. Survivors include her children, Nicholas Van Hage and wife Jan of Goshen and William Van Hage and wife Shari of Monticello; grandchildren, Nicholas, Matthew, Peter and Elisabeth, Bryson and Brianna, Kristen and William Jr.; as well as several nieces and nephews. Visitation hours will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14 at the Lippincott Funeral Chapel, Inc., 107 Murray Ave., Goshen. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 15 at St. John RC Church, Murray Avenue in Goshen. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery in Goshen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163. Arrangements are by the Lippincott Funeral Chapel, Inc. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/13/2005.