OBITS: Times Herald-Record 23 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 Ackerman, Arbutus Arbutus Ackerman, a retired metal polisher for RMS and P. Inc., and longtime area resident, died December 21, 2005 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. She was 83. The daughter of the late William and Sarah Mae Reynolds Strickland, she was born March 5, 1922 in Kingston. She was a member of IBEW Local #1968. She was the widow of Harry Ackerman. Survivors include her son, Arthur Dave Smith Sr. and wife Carmen of Peekskill; daughters, Nettie Lake and husband Andy of Walden, Josephine Weygant and husband Frank of Wallkill; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Ferne M. Payne and grandson, Andy Lake. There will be no public visitation. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Plattekill Fire Dept. c/o Rescue, PO Box 219, Plattekill, NY 12568. Arrangements by White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd. (Rt. 32), Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Altschuler, Pearl Pearl Altschuler, beloved wife and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 19, 2005. Pearl was the daughter of the late Hyman and Anna Maketansky. She was born on June 8, 1916 in New York City. Pearl is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Ralph; one brother, Mel Maketansky of Palm Springs, CA; her four children, Ethel (Cookie) Roth of Brooklyn, Barbara and her husband Nick Coppola of Kingston, Barry and his wife Anne Altschuler of Scottsdale, AZ, and Shelley and her husband Harold Marcus of Mountaindale; their nine grandchildren, Amy and Dror Siama, Jeremy Roth, Andrew and Lauren Coppola, Benjamin Coppola, Ian, Trevor, and Scott and Sahrah Marcus; and their three great-grandchildren, Isaac and Lily Siama and Bracha Leah Marcus; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Lillian and Irving Whynman; her brothers Aaron and Bernard Maketansky; and her sister-in-law Vivian Maketansky. Services were held Wed. Dec. 21 at Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 1652 Central Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710, (914) 793-3800 with burial at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, N.Y. Because of her caring nature, and her love for people, memorial contributions can be made to the American Red Cross for the victims of hurricane Katrina, or to a charity of your choice. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Bartal, Aurelia Irene Aurelia Irene Bartal, a lifelong resident of Orange County, died on December 21, 2005. She was 90. She was born on June 17, 1915 in Newburgh to the late John and Louisa Bartal. Aurelia was a retired school teacher for the New Windsor School. She was a graduate of NFA and SUNY New Paltz where she received her MA and did some graduate work. She was a member of the NYS Teachers Association, the New Windsor PTA and the recipient of the New Windsor PTA Founders Day Award. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 23 at 10 a.m. at the Cemetery of the Highlands. Interment to follow in Cemetery of the Highlands. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Coloni Funeral Home, 3001 Route 9W, New Windsor. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Craft, John L. "Jack" John L. "Jack" Craft, a longtime Beacon resident, entered into rest December 21, 2005, at Wingate at St. Francis, Beacon. He was 79. He was born in Newburgh on December 23, 1925, the only child of Harry J. and Helen Miller Craft. On February 1, 1948, in the rectory of St. John the Evangelist Church, he married the former Angelina "Angie" Vallo. Mrs. Craft survives at home in Beacon. Mr. Craft graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in January 1943. He was a US Navy veteran serving during World War II. He was also a member of the Southern Dutchess Country Club for many years. On February 8, 1948, he began electrical engineering courses at New York University. In March 1951, while a senior at NYU, he received honorary keys and inductions into Tau Beta Pi, a national honorary engineering fraternity, and Eta Kappa Nu, a national honorary electrical engineering fraternity. He received a BEE cum laude from NYU on June 6, 1951. In June 1959, he received an MEE from Syracuse University. On June 11, 1951, Mr. Craft began a 40+ year career with IBM. He transferred from data systems to IBM research in 1954 and in 1956 was promoted to Senior Engineer, Manager. In 1959 Mr. Craft joined a research group in machine language translation. The group designed Russian translation systems, one of which was a centerpiece for the IBM exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair. Upon completion of the translation project, Mr. Craft transferred back to the Data Systems Division in Poughkeepsie. He received a first plateau invention achievement award for seven patents. In 1967, he transferred to the Components Division, East Fishkill. For his contribution, in 1989, Mr. Craft was awarded a Components Division Outstanding Contributions Award. During his career, he authored several technical publications. In January 1992, Mr. Craft retired. After retirement, he managed the family investment portfolio. In addition to his wife, Mr. Craft is survived by his sons, Gregory Craft, and his wife, Linda, Glenmont, N.Y., and Matthew J. Craft, Poughkeepsie; grandchildren, Jessica Craft, John G. Craft and Christina Bernhard. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2005, at Halvey Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Willow Street, Beacon. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, December 24, at St. Joachim's Cemetery, 303 Washington Avenue, Beacon, with Pastor Tony Beck officiating. Donations in memory of Mr. Craft may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 1 Arquilla Drive, Beacon, NY 12508. To send the family a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.halveyfh.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Curesky, Francis Francis Curesky of Modena, a driver for Wallkill Correctional Facility, Wallkill and a lifelong resident of the area died Wednesday, December 21, 2005 in Goshen due to complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 72. The son of the late Mitchell and Agatha Puchalski Curesky, he was born April 11, 1933 in Wallkill. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, past member of the Wallkill Volunteer Fire Dept., C.S.E.A. and A.A.R.P. A family statement reads: "He had a 'heart of gold,' was a kind and generous person, always willing to help family, friends, neighbors and even strangers at times. He loved to attend auctions and flea markets with friends and enjoyed taking the elderly out for dinner and a car ride. His recently acquired 'family' at the Campbell Hall Rehabilitation Center states that he was a very special, wonderful person. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him." Survivors include his sister Marion C. Wydra and her husband Joseph of Goshen; brother Mitchell Curesky Jr. and his wife Mildred of Goshen; nephews Mark Wydra and Mitchell Curesky III; nieces Melani Jo McClennan, Deborah Memmelaar, Denise Sanchez, Darlene Curesky; several grandnephews and nieces. Visitation will be Monday December 26, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Wallkill Funeral Home, 12 Bona Ventura Ave. (Route 208), Wallkill. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday December 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Route 44-55, Gardiner. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Church, Gardiner or Patrick M. D'Aliso Foundation, 84 Walton Terrace, Monroe, NY 10950. Burial will be in St Charles Cemetery in Gardiner, N.Y. Arrangements were made by Wallkill Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Edelman, Mary Mary Edelman of Napanoch, a life-long resident, and a supervisor for OTB, Ellenville, died December 21, 2005 in the Ellenville Regional Hospital. She was 68. The daughter of Lester and Elizabeth Brennen Merritt she was born on March 7, 1937 in Middletown. Survivors include her husband, Robert Edelman, at home, her grandson, Jon Evans, at home, two brothers: James Merritt of Villages, Fla. and Richard Drake and his wife, Margaret, of Newburgh, her sister Jean Guevera and her husband, Joe, of Hayward, Calif., two sisters-in-law: Gay Merritt and Mary Merritt, both of Middletown. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was predeceased by her daughter, Alison Edelman, and her brother, Wilbur Merritt. Friends may call at Loucks Funeral Home, Inc., 79 N. Main Street, Ellenville, on Friday, December 23, from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home, Inc., Ellenville. Donations in her memory may be sent to the Ellenville First Aid and Rescue Squad, Webster St., Ellenville, NY 12428 or to a charity of one's choice. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Gilnick, Daniel J. Daniel J. Gilnick passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 27, 2005 with family at his side. He was retired from the New York Telephone Company where he was employed as a Service Technician in Special Services as a teletype communications specialist. The son of Bessie Cooper and Frank Gilnick, he was born in Newburgh on November 13, 1923, and resided in Leptondale for the last 55 years. Daniel was predeceased by his beloved wife Marion who passed away December 8, 2002, and by his only son, Robert, who passed away August 1996. He is survived by his loving daughter, Kathy Swenson, and her husband, Glenn, of Wallkill and five grandchildren; Jennifer Stillitano and her husband, Paul, of Hopewell, N.J., Christopher Swenson of Newburgh, and Cody, Justin and Eliza Gilnick of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by his precious great-granddaughter, Sara Stillitano, who was the light of his life. Also surviving is one sister, Frances Dabroski of New Windsor, and many nieces and nephews. Daniel proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the 45th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He fought in the European Theater, which included the Battle of Anzio. Having been captured by the German army in France, he was held for eight months as a POW in both Stalag 4B in Chemnitz, Germany and Stalag 12 in Limburg, Germany. While in the camps, he was assigned to work on the railroads during one of Europe's harshest winters. Having been wounded before being captured, Daniel was the recipient of numerous medals including the Purple Heart. A family statement reads: "Dad was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, (Papa and Great Papa) His endless devotion and generosity to his family was immeasurable. His reputation as a devoted worker was well known and admired by all who knew him. His great-granddaughter Sara (who was born in 2003) made his last few years a joy. The wonderful memories we have of Dad will live on always." Funeral services were private with the Reverend Richard Spierling officiating. Entombment at Cedar Hill Mausoleum was also private. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Anthony V. Cracolici of the Hudson Valley Funeral Home, Inc., 239 Quassaick Avenue, New Windsor. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Orange in Hudson Valley, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/22/2005 - 12/23/2005. Lonstein, Sylvia Sylvia Lonstein, a longtime resident of Ellenville, and the widow of Nathan Lonstein who passed on Dec. 22, 1997, died Thursday, December 22, 2005 in Kingston, N.Y. She was 97. Sylvia was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 30, 1908, the daughter of the late Joseph and Minnie Portman Goldberg. She was longtime member of Congregation Anche Tzaydik in Ellenville. She is survived by her two sons, Marty Lonstein and his wife Phelene of Ellenville and Gary Lonstein and his wife Harriet of Sebring, Fla.; her daughter, Minnie Wainer and her husband Bernard of Ellenville; her six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Sylvia was predeceased by her four brothers and one sister. She was also predeceased by one great-grandchild. Graveside funeral services will be held today, Friday, December 23, 2005 at 1 p.m. in Anche Tzaydik Cemetery, Route 209 Wawarsing, N.Y. Rabbi Marvin Goldman will officiate. Funeral arrangements by Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc., Ellenville. For further information, directions or to send the family a condolence note, visit our Web site at www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Oliwa, Stefania Stefania Oliwa, the former head of housekeeping for the Pines Hotel in South Fallsburg and longtime resident of the area, died Monday, December 19, 2005 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. She was 79. The daughter of the late Leon and Sophie Czarnobaj, she was born June 1, 1926 in Poland. She was the widow of Stanley Oliwa who predeceased her in 1983. Ms. Oliwa was involved with various community service projects including the elections. She attended Immaculate Conception Church in Woodbourne. She is survived by two sons, Peter Oliwa of Parksville and Theodore Oliwa of South Fallsburg; four brothers, Walter Black of Middletown and Raymond Nash, Charles Czarnobaj and Peter Czarnobaj all of England. She was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Czarnobaj. There will be no visitation and cremation will be held at Cedar Hill Crematory in Newburgh. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., 149 Madison Ave., Room 701, New York, NY 10016. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Paffendorf Jr., Herbert W. Herbert W. Paffendorf Jr. of Gardiner, N.Y. died Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus. He was 76. Son of the late Herbert and Lucy Travis Paffendorf, he was born on September 4, 1929 in Newburgh. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Coutant Paffendorf, his sons: Andrew Paffendorf of Auburn, Wash., Chris Paffendorf of San Diego, Calif., Richard Quilter of Monroe, N.Y., and Scott Quilter of Cape Cod, a brother, Bruce Paffendorf of New Windsor, N.Y., a daughter, Pamela Quilter of Cape Cod, a grandson, Alexander Charles Paffendorf, and cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Monday, December 26, 2005 from 4-7 p.m. at White & Venuto (Rt. 32) Funeral Home, 188 N. Plank Rd., Town of Newburgh. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at noon at the funeral home. The Rev. Jack Hyatt will officiate. Cremation will follow in Cedar Hill Crematory. Arrangements by White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd. (Rt. 32), Newburgh. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 12/22/2005 - 12/23/2005. Quiat, Bethany Bethany Quiat (1951-2005), daughter of Sam and Shirley Quiat, longtime former residents of Mountaindale, N.Y., died December 15, 2005 at her home in Sunrise, Fla. Bethany is survived by her mother; a brother, Michael and a sister, Gloria. Ms. Quiat was a graduate of Fallsburgh High School where she excelled in a wide variety of sports. She had a great love of horses and poetry and had lived in diverse regions of the country. Ms. Quiat had worked for the past three years as a manager at Global Response Corporation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to your local animal shelter. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Rosen, Hilda Formerly of Monticello, N.Y. Hilda Rosen, 84, of Atlanta, GA and formerly of Monticello, died December 21, 2005. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, David Rosen; daughters, Judith Goldberg of Atlanta, Ga., Beverly Rosen of Albany, N.Y.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Rosalyn Sharoff of Monticello; brother, Albert Rosenblatt of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1925 Century Blvd, Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345. Graveside services will be Friday, December 23, 2005 in Atlanta, Ga. Arrangements by Green Lawn Jewish Funeral Services at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, Atlanta. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Rowley, Robert Formerly of Newburgh, N.Y. Robert Rowley, a food service worker, died December 17, 2005 in Tampa, Fla. He was 58. The son of the late Thomas W. Rowley and Mary Kelly-Morgan, he was born in November 28, 1947 in Newburgh, N.Y. He attended NFA in Newburgh, N.Y. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Rowley of Tampa, Fla., his mother, Mary Kelly-Morgan of Newburgh, son Robert Brian Rowley of New Windsor, N.Y., two brothers: Thomas G. Rowley and William Rowley, both of Newburgh, sister Yvonne Conklin of Newburgh, sister-in-law, Paula Rowley of Newburgh and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Monday, December 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Brutus W. Hodge Funeral Home, 13 Chambers St., Newburgh. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at noon at the funeral home. Elderess Eula Mae Brock will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in New Windsor. Arrangements were made by Brutus W. Hodge Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005. Sculley, Joseph Francis Joseph Francis Sculley died surrounded by his family on December 21, 2005 at the Arden Hill Campus of Orange Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was 80 years old. The son of Vincent and Ann McVeigh Sculley, he was born on April 4, 1925 in Newburgh, N.Y. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Patricia McCullom, who died in 1969. He is survived by his loving wife, Fran Morris Sculley, and his devoted daughters, Maryanne Sculley and her husband, Warren Hatch, of New York City and Jacquelyn Sculley-Pellegrino and her husband, John Pellegrino of Goshen, N.Y. Survivors also include his brother, John V. Sculley, his godson and nephew, Anthony Sculley and his wife Pat, and his nieces Kathleen Sculley, Ellen Hayden and Rose Sculley-Hawver and her husband, Claude Hawver, all of Newburgh. He is also survived by his step-grandsons: Matthew, Alex and Thomas and five grand nephews and nieces: Michael, Kristopher, Brendan, Beth, Hope, in addition to many cousins and close friends in Newburgh, New Windsor and the state of Florida. Joe was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Newburgh. During World War II, Joe proudly served his country in the 171st Battalion of the U.S. Navy Seabees in Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and other Pacific areas of conflict. He was a member of the Iron Workers Local 417, the Osiris Country Club and was the last proprietor of Sculley's Tavern which his grandfather opened in downtown Newburgh. Joe richly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and his good humor and smile brightened all of our lives. He never met a person he didn't like. During his illness, he expressed his gratitude to God for all he had been blessed with in life. Visitation will be Friday, December 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Doulin Newburgh Funeral Home, Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 24 at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Newburgh, with Monsignor John Budwick officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor. Donations may be made in Joe's memory to St. Patrick's Soup Kitchen, 55 Grand St., Newburgh, NY 12550, or to the Newburgh Ministry, 9 Johnson St., Newburgh, NY 12550. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 12/23/2005.