OBITS: Times Herald-Record 5 Feb 2005; Middletown, Orange co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives *********************************************************************** 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 Argento, Dolores Dolores Argento, a homemaker and longtime resident of the area, died Friday February 4, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital. She was 71. The daughter of the late Patsy and Ida Leombruno Cornicelli, she was born September 19, 1933 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the widow of George Argento. Survivors include two sons, Joseph Argento of Clintondale and George Argento, Jr. of New York City; one daughter, Anita Argento of the Town of Newburgh; two sisters, Nancy Colwell of New Port Richey, Fla., and Pat Lazzara of Hollywood, Fla.; four grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday February 6, 2005 from 5-8 PM in White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd. (Rte. 32), Town of Newburgh. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 7 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church in Plattekill with Fr. John Jaume officiating. Cremation will follow in Cedar Hill Crematory. Arrangements are by White & Venuto Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005. Decker, Jacqueline Jacqueline Decker, a homemaker and lifelong resident of the area, entered into rest on Thursday February 3, 2005, at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh, Campus. She was 53. The daughter of the late John B. and Emma R. Polhamus McKay, she was born June 13, 1951 in Newburgh, N.Y. Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Douglas L. Decker, at home; two daughters, Brenda Grunwald of Wallkill and Denise Mendiola and her husband, Gregory John, of Shalimar, Fla.; two sisters, Ruth Vrenburgh and her husband, Richard, of Tucson, Ariz., and Sandra Reed and her husband, Howard, of Durhamville, N.Y.; one brother, John McKay of Newburgh; four grandchildren: Jeffrey Decker, Kiera Brianne Grunwald, Ha'ani Mendiola and Napu Mendiola; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday February 6, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Engel Funeral Home, Inc., 5319 Route 9W, Middlehope, N.Y. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, February 7 at 10:00 AM, with Dr. Richard M. Spierling officiating, followed by burial where family and friends may proceed to Friend's Cemetery, Plattekill, N.Y. Arrangements are entrusted to Engel Funeral Home, Inc. For directions or to send a condolence note please visit www.engelfuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. DeSantis, Vincent Joseph Vincent Joseph DeSantis, of Middletown, New York, passed away, Thursday, February 3rd, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center at Horton. He was 79. Born in Middletown, New York on March 24, 1925, he was the son of Patsy and Rose Marino DeSantis. He retired as a heavy equipment operator and groundskeeper at Rockland Psychiatric Center, Orangeburg, NY. He then worked as a school bus driver for the Goshen School District. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, was a member of the Civil Service Employee Association, and was a past member of local bowling leagues. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Mary Pelc DeSantis, his son Gary DeSantis and his wife Terri, his granddaughter Jennifer DeSantis, and his brother John DeSantis all of Middletown, several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Rosemary DeSantis, his infant twin sister and two brothers. Friends may call Sunday February 6 from 3 - 5 PM at Morse Funeral Home Inc. 33 Railroad Ave., Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Middletown, NY at 11 AM on Monday, February 7th, with Monsignor George Valastro officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot in St Columba Cemetery Chester, New York. The family requested no flowers. Donations in Vincent's name may be made to St Joseph Catholic Church 149 Cottage St. Middletown or to the Charity of One's Choice. Arrangements are under the guidance of Morse Funeral Home Inc. Middletown, NY. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. Franciamore, Matilda "Tillie" Matilda "Tillie" Franciamore, a seamstress for Countess Mara in Highland, retiring in 1987 and a life long resident of the area, died February 3, 2005 at home. She was 84. The daughter of James DiMetro and Matilda, she was born February 5, 1920 in Milton, NY. She was married to Philip J. Franciamore on December 19, 1940 in New York City. He predeceased her June 3, 2002. She was a member of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Highland and the Mid-Hudson Senior Citizens. On February 5th she would have celebrated her 85th birthday. She was very proud of avidly walking twice a day right up until last summer. Survivors include two daughters: Matilda and her husband Joseph DelForno of Highland and Angela and her husband Richard McCarthy of Harwich, Mass; daughter-in-law, Margaret Franciamore of Kingston; six grandchildren: Debra Miller of Warrenton, VA, Darlene Morabito of New Paltz, Richard McCarthy of North Attleboro, Mass, Marlene Conklin of Gardiner, NY, Cara and Joseph DelForno of Highland; seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Frank, Joseph, Anthony and Samuel and one son, Andrew Franciamore. Calling hours are Sunday, February 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main St., Highland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Highland. Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Matilda's name. For directions, please visit our website at www.torsonememorial.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. Gaines, Katharine Formerly of Greenville, N.Y. Katharine Gaines of Middletown and formerly of Greenville, died Thursday February 3, 2005, at Campbell Rehabilitation Center, Campbell Hall. She was 82. She was born August 26, 1922 in Clarksville, Texas, the daughter of the late Gilbert Gordon and the late Ethel Pope Gaines. Katharine was a retired librarian for the N.Y.C. Public Library. She was a librarian for the Catskill, Ramapo Library and the SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology Library in New York City. She was a graduate of Texas State College for Women, Denton, Texas and Our Lady of Lake College, San Antonio, Texas. A family statement reads: "Katharine was a devoted environmentalist and wildlife advocate. She was a lifelong member of the Audubon Society, Orange County Environmental Organization and she was a sponsor of the Lower Hudson Interactive Children's Museum. She was a talented artist and her water colors were on display throughout Orange County. Although she had no surviving relatives, she died surrounded by loyal friends." Katharine was predeceased by her brother, Gordon Gaines, of Topeka, Kan., and her longtime companion, John Ferraro. Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at Manning Cemetery, Greenville, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to any wildlife or environmental society. Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. Hansen, Raymond R. Raymond R. Hansen, a retired employee for Amthor's Welding in Walden, N.Y., and lifelong resident of the area, died Friday February 4, 2005, at home. He was 75. The son of Hans Peter and Nettie Mae Carney Hansen, he was born October 13, 1929 in Dyberry, Pa. He was an Army veteran. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing and playing cards. Raymond is survived by his wife, Dorothy Kruseck Hansen, at home; one son, Raymond Edward Hansen and his wife, LouAnn, of Mooresville, N.C.; two daughters, Gail Ambrosetti and her husband, Joe, of Newburgh and JoAnn P. Hansen of Newburgh; four sisters: Mary Gwyziewyz of Pennsylvania, Jessie Gillespie of Walden, Juanita Testa of Wallkill and Alice Ellison of Florida; six grandchildren: Alice Rae Kurman, Keith Kurman, Jason Doolittle, Amanda Hansen, Rachel Hansen and Kristen Hansen; two great-grandchildren, Iris Rose Kurman and Rebekah L. Robinson; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers: Peter, John, Carl, Leo and Robert Hansen. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM on Monday February 7, 2005, in Walden Methodist Church, West Main St., Walden, N.Y., with the funeral services to follow at 4:00 PM in the church. Cremation will be in Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to Walden Methodist Church. Arrangements were made by Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc., 39 Orchard St., Walden, N.Y. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 2/5/2005 - 2/7/2005. Luger, Gaetana "Ida" Gaetana "Ida" Luger, a retired housekeeper for Ethel Bates for over 30 years, entered into rest on Thursday February 3, 2005, at Orange Regional Medical Center, Arden Hill Campus in Goshen, N.Y. The daughter of the late Modestino and Anna Vitolo Cipoletti, she was born July 31, 1920, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was 84. Mrs. Luger was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Tavern, N.Y. Survivors include her husband, John Luger, at home; one daughter, Elaine Niski of Kempner, Texas; one grandson, Thomas Niski and his wife, Bianca, of Germany; one great-granddaughter, Vanessa Niski; seven sisters: Virginia Barone and her husband, Michael, Nancy Stiesi and her husband, Walter, Margaret Bennett and her husband, Bill, Carol D'Amico, J. Mary Williams and her husband, Bob, Louise Ramondino, and Mickie Pirretti; two brothers, George Cipoletti and his wife, Pat, and Joseph Cipoletti and his wife, Carmella; two sisters-in-law, Michele Cipoletti and Polly Luger; two brothers-in-law, Sam Petrocelli and William Luger; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters: Christina Cipoletti, Amelia Petrocelli and Jennie Ficco; two brothers, Constantine and Vincent Cipoletti. Funeral service will be held at Tuesday February 8, 2005 at 11:00 AM in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 614 Station Rd., Rock Tavern, N.Y., with the Rev. John L. Vance officiating. Friends may call on Monday, February 7, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Ave., Florida, N.Y. Interment will be in Wallkill Cemetery, Phillipsburg, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 614 Station Rd., Rock Tavern, NY 12575, or to the charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, or for directions please visit www.purtafuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. Samilo, Olga Mrs. Olga Samilo of Glen Spey, died Thursday February 3, 2005, in St. Joseph's Place, Port Jervis, N.Y. She was 86. She was born March 2, 1918 in Ukraine. She was a member of St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Glen Spey, N.Y. Surviving her are one daughter, Anna Kapczak and her husband, John, of Glen Spey; two sons, John Samilo of California, and Michael Samilo of Seaford, N.Y.; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis on Sunday, February 6, from 2-4 PM, with a Panachyda Service being held at 4:00 PM in the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 7, with a 10:00 AM Liturgy Mass in St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Glen Spey with the Rev. Mark Hirniak officiating. Burial will be at Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 447 High Road - Co. Rte. 41, Glen Spey, NY 12737. 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 2/5/2005. Smith, Roberta Jean Roberta Jean Smith, of Ellenville, a life long resident and a retired addiction counselor for the New York State Middletown ATC, died February 4, 2005 in Benedictine Hospital. She was 52. The daughter of Robert and Jean Jansen Smith, she was born February 24, 1952 in Ellenville. Survivors include her son, Michael Sheridan Smith of Ellenville; her sister, Lorraine and her husband Jose Montanez of Ellenville; her brother, George Smith and his wife Natalie Smith of Clever, Missouri, his nieces and nephews: Corrinne Montanez of West Point, Desiree Montanez of Ellenville, Shawn Smith of St. Lewis, MO, Sara Huffman of Branson, MO, his aunt Mary Anne Morehouse and her husband William Sr. of West Coxsackie, NY. A Memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Loucks Funeral Home, Inc., 79 N. Main St., Ellenville. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home, 79 N. Main St., Ellenville, NY. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. Vilardi, Joan Joan Vilardi of Middletown, NY, a homemaker and a longtime resident of the area, died Thursday, February 3, 2005 at the Einstein Medical Center in the Bronx. She was 69. The daughter of the late Edward and Susan Stenger Christianson, she was born May 5, 1935 in Brooklyn. Survivors include her husband Joseph Vilardi at home; daughter, Joan Bartoli and husband Cosmo of Middletown; sisters: Mary Dowling of Long Beach, NY and Helen Christianson of Chelmsford, Mass, also nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by son, Joseph Vilardi Jr. and three brothers: Michael, William and Edward and one sister, Frances. Visitation will be Saturday, February 5, 2005 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, February 6, 2005 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St. Walden. A Funeral Mass will be Monday, February 7, 2005, 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 103 Jackson St., Fishkill, NY. Burial will be in Fishkill Rural Cemetery in Fishkill, NY. Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005. Werner, Rosemary A. Witt Rosemary A. Witt Werner, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died on Tuesday February 1, 2005, at Shorrock Gardens, Toms River, N.J. A lifelong resident of Port Jervis, she taught in the Port Jervis City Schools for 25 years. She was 81. Born in Port Jervis on March 11, 1923, she was the third daughter of Frank and Emma Callahan Witt, and the granddaughter of Jacob Callahan, who tended Lock 35 of the Delaware and Hudson Canal in Spring Glen. The first in her family to attend college, Mrs. Werner graduated from Elmira College in 1945 with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. She worked as a chemist in the Kolmar Laboratories in Port Jervis for several years. Following her marriage and the birth of her five children, Mrs. Werner earned her Master's Degree in Education from New Paltz State Teachers College in 1959. From 1959 until 1985 she was a sixth grade teacher at the Church Street School, the Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School and Port Jervis Middle School; and served as principal of the Port Jervis summer school program for several years. After her retirement, Mrs. Werner missed the classroom and returned to teaching as a substitute teacher. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, David J. Werner. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Catherine Groslimond of Atlanta, Ga., and by her children: John M. Werner and his wife, Kathy, of Hurley, David F. Werner and his wife, Paula, of Stockbridge, Ga., Kathryn Zlomek and her husband, Peter, of Cary, N.C., Paul Werner of Prattsburgh and Susan M. Werner of Toms River, N.J. She is also survived by five grandchildren, several nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by one sister, Frances Braisted. Mrs. Werner was a devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly to ensure that all five of her children earned college degrees. She was very proud of their accomplishments and all of her grandchildrens' endeavors. In addition, she and her husband traveled extensively throughout the United States, as well as Europe and Japan. Funeral services were private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 453 Route 211 E., Suite 305, Middletown, NY 10940-2206. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 2/5/2005.