OBITS: Times Herald-Record 17 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 Cestaro, Nancy M. Nancy M. Cestaro, an administrative assistant for IBM, entered into rest on November 25, 2005 at home with her loving family at her side. She was 69. The daughter of the late Vincent and Helen Nida Cestaro, she was born November 14, 1936 in New York City. She was a member of Hollywood Antiques and Collectables in Hollywood, Fla. Survivors include her brother, John Cestaro of Newburgh; two sisters, Frances Butwell and husband, Kenneth, of Newburgh and Helena Cestaro of Newburgh; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two nephews, Vincent and Kenneth Butwell. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 19 at Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor. Arrangements under the care of Christian D. Garrison of the Doulin Newburgh Funeral Home Inc., 318 N. Montgomery St., Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/17/2005 - 12/18/2005. Doolittle, Lucinda Lucinda Doolittle, of Middletown, a homemaker and longtime area resident, died Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at home. She was 79. The daughter of the late Thomas and Gladys Lampson Decker, she was born on February 2, 1926 in Greenville, N.Y. She was the widow of Floyd William Doolittle Sr. Survivors include her children, Floyd W. Doolittle Jr. of Wallkill, Donald Doolittle of Circleville, David Doolittle and wife Margaret of Cocoa, Fla., Betty Doolittle of Fair Oaks and Joan Crawford and husband Benjamin of Middletown; her sister, Jean Fuller of Sparrowbush; her brothers, William Decker of Pine Bush and Lauren Decker of Pennsylvania; as well as 22 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her children, Sallie Ciceran and Joseph James Doolittle. Visitation hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 18 at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc., 72 West Main St. in Middletown. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Ralston-Lippincott -Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. Gerstmann, Ewald H. Ewald H. Gerstmann, age 87, died on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at Andover Sub Acute Rehabilitation Center in Andover. Born in Bremenhaffen, Germany in 1918, Mr. Gerstmann moved to the United States in 1921 settling and raising his family in Franklin. Mr. Gerstmann was a world renowned and published mineralogist and recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from Harvard. Founder of Gerstmann's Mineral Museum in Franklin, Mr. Gerstmann's mineral collections have been shown at the Smithsonian and have been an inspiration to many in the mineral collecting industry. The "Gerstmannite" mineral was named after him, acknowledging his profound and dedicated work in this field. Mr. Gerstmann was the former owner/operator of the Gerstmann Bottled Gas Co. in Franklin. He also worked as a Gold Seal Boiler Room Manager at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Newton Memorial Hospital and Reaction Motors in Rockaway, N.J. Mr. Gerstmann was predeceased by his brother Rheinold Gerstmann. He is survived by his wife Helen (nee Kotnok) Gerstmann; four daughters, Nancy Kraus of Montague, N.J., Patricia Eidukot and her husband John of Citrus Springs, Fla., Diane Trautlein and her husband George of Johnson, N.Y. and Karen Wreden and her husband Herb of Augusta, N.J.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main St., Franklin, N.J. on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 7:30 p.m., with personal reflections being offered at 7:30 p.m. Private cremation will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sterling Hill Mine Museum, 30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 21 at 11 a.m. at Sterling Hill Mine Museum, 30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, N.J. Funeral arrangements are by F. John Ramsey Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. Hamilton-Brunett, Betty Marie Mrs. Betty Marie Hamilton-Brunett, 60, of Farmville, Va. and formerly of New Paltz, N.Y., died Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in Richmond, Va. She was the Summer Programs Coordinator and employee of the campus post office at Hampden-Sydney College. Betty was the daughter of Ruth Ewers and John Edward Olson and is survived by her husband, Christian R. Brunett; a daughter, Angela Rathman of Illinois; five sons: Robert Hamilton of Oregon, Alexander Hamilton of New York, Shawn Brunett of Kentucky, Adrian Brunett of Illinois and Christian R. Brunett Jr. of Farmville; eight grandchildren; a sister, Deba Tappy of New York and her three brothers: John Olson of Wisconsin, David Olson of Michigan and Larry Olson of Missouri. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2005 at the Shorter Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Roland L. Grenouillou officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Oprah's Angel Network, P.O. Box 96600, Chicago, IL 60693 (www.oprah.com) Shorter Funeral Home, 1905 S. Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901 is serving the family. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. Leibowitz, Milton Milton Leibowitz of Pitcher, N.Y., born January 31, 1921, was called to his eternal rest on Saturday, December 10, 2005 at home in Pitcher. He was 84. He was the beloved husband of the late Minnie Leibowitz for 48 years. A devoted father of 11 children: Louis of Woodridge, Allen and wife Debby of Mountaindale, Steven of Brooklyn and Pitcher, Gail-Debbie and husband Robert of Brooklyn, Rachelle of Long Island, Barbara of Virginia, Elizabeth of Florida, Isidore-Terry and wife Mary Christine of South Carolina, Iris and husband Cory of Los Vegas, Nathan of Livingston Manor, Max and wife Cathy of Ferndale; one brother, Barnard; one sister, Molly; nephews; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving seven years during World War II with Honors. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts. He was laid to rest at Montefiore Cemetery on Long Island beside his wife Minnie on December 12, 2005. Funeral arrangements were made by Weinstein-Garlick-Kirschenbaum Chapels in Brooklyn. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. 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. Palmerone, Rose M. Rose M. Palmerone of Largo, Fla., formerly of Newburgh, entered into rest on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center, Clearwater, Fla. She was 91. Daughter of the late Joseph and Rosemary Seleci Congelosi, she was born on October 18, 1914 in Monmouth Junction, N.J. She was married to the late Horace Palmerone. When Rose resided in Newburgh, she was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. She is survived by her daughters, Rosemarie Murane and her husband William of Denver, Colo., Josephine McClintock and her husband William of Largo, Fla., and Ann Palmerone and her fianc‚ Brian Hunt of New Windsor; her brothers, Peter Congelosi of Florida, Gasper Cangelosi of New Windsor and Andrew Congelosi of Florida; her sisters, Jenny Sorbello of New Windsor and Millie Morales of Florida; her grandchildren, Edward, Peter and Alexander Murane, Bruce and Darren McClintock; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rose was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony and Joseph Congelosi; and her sisters, Mary Bianchi and Sarah Pettine. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, December 19 at Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20 at Sacred Heart Church, Newburgh. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/17/2005 - 12/18/2005. Scheinler, Norma Formerly of Newburgh, N.Y. Norma Scheinler, a retired teacher who taught business classes in Newburgh Free Academy as well as Tappan Zee High School, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005 in Fort Lauderdale. She was 101. The daughter of the late William and Jane McQuillan Kohl, she was born August 3, 1904 in Newburgh. She was a graduate of Plattsburgh State Teachers College and New York University. After retiring, she and her husband Curtis moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1971. She was the widow of Curtis Scheinler. Survivors include five nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Morris of Newburgh. There will be no visitation. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 at Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor. Arrangements are by White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd. (Rt. 32), Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/17/2005 - 12/18/2005. Severin, Raymond A. Raymond A. Severin, an area resident, died Thursday, December 15, 2005 peacefully at home at the age of 88. He was born November 24, 1917 in Syracuse, N.Y. He was the widower of the late Eleanore Severin who was an active volunteer with the Chester Twigs and Arden Hill Hospital. They lived in the Sugar Loaf area of Chester 32 years before they retired to the state of Florida. Raymond moved back to Orange County earlier this to year to be with family. Raymond was very proud of his service to his country. He was a veteran of the Normandy Invasion in World War II, having been a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Following the war, Raymond worked for American Metal Climax, in Manhattan as a Risk Consultant and was an extensive world traveler in his position. In his retirement, Raymond did various volunteer positions including bilingual literacy tutor and a mediator for the Florida State Attorney Mediation Program. Surviving are his children, Raymond Severin and daughter-in-law Kathy of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Barbara Barra and son-in-law Dr. Barry Reit of Bernardsville, N.J.; and daughter Judith Wood and son-in-law Terrence of Middletown. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Michael Severin and Christine Severin both of Raleigh, N.C., Scott Wood of Austin, Texas and Anita Wood of Middletown; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers Nicholas Severino and Frank Severino and one sister Connie Basilico. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, December 18 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Church in Chester. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Columba Cemetery, Chester. Memorial contributions in Raymond's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 419 East Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940. Arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. Swiat, Maryann Maryann Swiat, a lifetime resident of the area, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at Valley View Nursing Home, Goshen after a long illness. She was 42. The daughter of Stefan Swiat and Yanina Yaskorzynska Swiat, she was born Sept. 8, 1963 in Middletown. Survivors include her loving mother, Yanina at home in Bullville; loving sister, Henia Zanetti and husband Michael of Pine Bush; loving brothers, Andrew Swiat and wife Denise and Krystof Swiat and wife Susan all of Bullville; nine nieces and nephews; seven grandnieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Stefan Swiat and her sister Cecelia Swiat Valada. Visitation will be Sunday, December 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, 1525 Burlingham Rd., Pine Bush. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's RC Church, Bullville, with Father Patrick McGuigan, O. Carm officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in New Prospect Cemetery, Pine Bush. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's RC Church, Bullville or Valley View Nursing Home, Goshen, NY. Arrangements are by the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, Pine Bush. For directions or information, please go to: www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. Vandermark, Nora M. Mrs. Nora M. Vandermark of Port Jervis, a retired sewing machine operator at Jo-Jo's Manufacturing, Port Jervis and lifetime resident of the area, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. She was 62. She was born February 14, 1943 in Long Eddy, N.Y., the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. William James. She was the widow of the late Joseph E. Vandermark Jr.; he died June 16, 2004. She was a member of the Zephyr Antique Car Club and the Orange County Harley Owners Club. Surviving are her son: Joseph E. Vandermark III & his wife, Alice of Port Jervis; daughter: Penny McGaw & her husband, Walter of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother: Robert "Billy" James; two sisters: Barbara Dugan of the state of Florida, Mildred Olden of Port Jervis; sister-in-law: Debbie James of Sparrowbush; 6 grandchidren: Walter Jr., Brittany, Randy, Allyson, Heather and Carrie; also several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by 2 brothers: Ted and Elmer James and 4 sisters, Isabelle Ward, Marie Gray, Mable Strong and Beatrice Jennings. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main Street, Port Jervis on Monday, December 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Joseph Iannone officiating. Cremation will be at H.G. Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, Pa. Contributions made be made to the Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 133, Port Jervis, NY 12771-0133. 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 from 12/17/2005 - 12/18/2005. Von Ignatius, Walter L. Mr. Walter L. Von Ignatius of Port Jervis died Monday, November 28, 2005 in Matamoras, Pa. He was 82. He was born November 3, 1923 in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., the son of the late Arthur and the late Catherine Walsh Von Ignatius. He was the widower of the late June Shirley Von Ignatius. They were married June 28, 1947 and were wed for 53 years prior to her death in January of 2001. He retired in 1989 from the Port Jervis Housing Authority, Port Jervis, where he served as Executive Director. Walter also proudly served his Country in the United States Navy during World War II on a PT Boat in Squadron 30. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Port Jervis where he served as a Church Elder. Walter was a 1963 Graduate of Orange County Community College. In the 1980 s he won the Federal Energy Efficiency Award for his exceptional work at the Port Jervis Housing Authority. This award was one of only two given out nationwide to local agencies at that time. A family statement read: "Walter loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of his service to his country in World War II and loved to attend his PT Boaters reunions that were held around the country yearly. He also proudly served his church for many, many years. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him." Surviving are son: Walter L. "Terry" Von Ignatius of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; daughter: Sharon A. Henion of Acworth, Ga.; daughter-in-law: Nancy Von Ignatius of Matamoras, Pa.; son-in-law: Clement Henion of Acworth, Ga.; sister: Harriet Cotterill of Milford, Pa.; grandchildren: Karolyn Piatt & her husband Michael of Port Jervis, Walter T. Von Ignatius of Matamoras, Pa., Virginia Hartigan & her husband Patrick of Canton, Ga., Joanna Husson of Acworth, Ga.; great-grandchildren: Isabella Rose Piatt of Port Jervis, Sebastian Michael Piatt of Port Jervis, Katherine Hartigan of Canton, Ga., Matthew Patrick Hartigan of Canton, Ga.; also three nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by two brothers: Arthur & Norman Von Ignatius. Visitation will be today, Saturday, December 17 from 10 - 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Port Jervis. A memorial service will be held today, Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 8 North Broome Street, Port Jervis, with the Rev. Stephen Huston officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 60 Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements by Gray-Parker Funeral Home. 845.856.5191. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/16/2005 - 12/17/2005. Von Kampen, Sharon Y. Sharon Y. Von Kampen, of Ferndale, a lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris. She was 69. The daughter of the late John D. and Mabel O'Dell White, she was born February 14, 1936 in White Sulphur Springs, N.Y. Sharon had been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Clarence Hoyt VFW Post #9217, Liberty and a volunteer for the Sullivan County Advocates for Mental Health. Survivors include her husband Victor Von Kampen at home; a daughter, Terry Breithaupt and husband Gregory of Seattle, Wash.; four grandsons, Haven, Owen, Mason and Warren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, William in 1971 and a sister, Joan Huggler. Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty. Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home. The Rev. David McCarthy will officiate. Burial will be in the East Branch Cemetery, East Branch. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Liberty. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005. Wasser-Kaplan, Mary Mary Wasser-Kaplan, a 40-year resident of Newburgh and co-owner of Fish and Freinhar in Newburgh, entered into rest on Dec. 15, 2005 at Gurwin Home, Long Island. She was 89. The daughter of the late Elias and Eva Cohen, she was born on October 15, 1916 in Glasgow, Scotland. She was the wife of the late Jack Wasser and David Kaplan. She was a member of Congregation Agudas Israel for over 50 years. Survivors include her two sisters, Hannah Balkind of England and Pearl Neville of Scotland; nephew, Stanley and Iris Salomon; and many other nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Cong. Agudas Israel Cemetery. Cantor Endre Stamler will officiate. Burial will be in Congregation Agudas Israel Cemetery, New Windsor. Arrangements under the care of Christian D. Garrison of the Doulin Newburgh Funeral Home Inc., 318 N. Montgomery St., Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/17/2005.