OBITS: Times Herald-Record 17 Jul 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 Durbin, Robert E. Robert E. Durbin, of Newburgh, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2005 at the Fishkill Health Center, Beacon. He was 74. Son of the late Edward and Marie Waller Durbin, he was born on April 26, 1931 in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was a 1949 graduate of Williamsburg High School. He married Mary Clegg Durbin on March 16, 1957 in Ashton-Under-Lyne, England. They had been married for 48 years. Robert proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1951 until his retirement in 1971, after 20 years of service. After which he worked with the Civil Service, DEH, at West Point until 1996. He was a founding member of the Town of Newburgh Little League, and served as member of the Board of Directors, an umpire and coach. He was also an avid car racing fan. Survivors include his loving wife Mary at home; his sons, David L. Durbin and his wife Constance Alexander of Connecticut, Richard E. Durbin of Newburgh; his daughter, Cynthia Galvin and her husband James R. of Airmont, N.Y.; his sister, Barbara Swindell and her husband James of Westfield, Mass.; six grandchildren, Yvonne, Amanda, Daniel, Eric, Kathryn and Sarah; his aunt, Helen Huntington of Northampton, Mass.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Wright in 2002. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, at Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 12 p.m. in Spring Grove Cemetery, Florence, Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's name may be made to: American Heart Association, 301 Manchester Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or Habitat for Humanity, 745 Broadway, Newburgh, NY 12550. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/16/2005 - 7/17/2005. Fisher, Ervin "Lucky" Formerly of Middletown, N.Y. During the evening of Monday July 4, 2005, formerly Middletown resident, Ervin Fisher, passed away quietly at Conway Medical Center in Conway, S.C. He was 71 years of age. Known to his friends at "Lucky", or simply "Fish", Mr. Fisher was born in Maine on February 15, 1934, and most recently resided in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He served our country in the U.S. Navy, and in civilian life, served many years as a union construction foreman. He was married to the former Marie (Ledato) Ciaccio; and in addition to his wife is survived daughters, Julia Valle and Lisa Dawson, both of Lakeland, Fla.; stepsons, Alfonse Ciaccio of Canton, Pa., and Anthony Ciaccio of New Paltz, N.Y.; as well as 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service at the Wallkill Cemetery in Middletown, N.Y. at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 23, 2005. Arrangements were made by the Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, Inc., 40 N. Center St., Canton, Pa. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 7/17/2005. Laviano, Leona L. Leona L. Laviano, a homemaker and resident of Monroe, died July 15, 2005 at home. She was 80 years of age. The daughter of Frank and Catherine Longo, she was born April 11, 1925 in New York, N.Y. She was the widow of Vito Laviano, who predeceased her on March 2, 1986. Mrs. Laviano is survived by her loving children, Frank Laviano and his wife, Joanne, of Spring Valley, N.Y., and Laura (Laviano) Housman and her husband, Ken, of Framingham, Mass.; her devoted sister, Jeanne Rose and her husband, George, of the Bronx; her cherished grandchildren: Mia, Kyle and Jay Housman, Frank Laviano and his wife, Marie, and Robert Laviano and his wife, Helen; and two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Vincent Laviano. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by one brother and three sisters. Visitation will be held on Monday July 18, 2005 from 5-8 PM at the David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, N.Y. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00 AM in St. Mary's Church in Washingtonville, N.Y. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101. For further information or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.davidtfergusonfh.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 7/17/2005. Lehman, John Aza John Aza Lehman, a prominent Warwick resident and the founder of Lehman and Goetz Engineering, passed away July 16, 2005, after an extended illness. Mr. Lehman, born in New York in 1939 to Alvin and Hannah Lehman, was a graduate of the Choate School and Cornell University. A founding member of the Warwick Partnership for Quality Community Committee, John Lehman was instrumental in Warwick, receiving the first Quality Communities Grant from the State of New York. He also served on the Warwick Comprehensive Plan Committee and was active in addressing zoning and planning issues in the town of Warwick. He was also a leading member of W.A.R.D.: Warwick Against Radioactive Dump, which successfully fought the state of New Jersey's efforts to establish a radioactive waste facility in the Warwick watershed in the 1980s. John Lehman was a Nihon Goshen Aikido blackbelt and the founder of the Warwick Aikido School. John Lehman died at home early Saturday morning surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Lehman of Warwick; his daughter, Elizabeth Minvielle and her husband, Bob, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; his son, Alan Lehman and his wife, Kris, and their son, Jacob, of Carmel, Calif.; his son, Ari Lehman and his wife, Yoko, and their daughters, Nina and Sara, of Edgewater, N.J.; his son, Josh and his wife, Janna, of Manhasset, N.Y.; and his son, David and his wife, Janel, of New York, N.Y. He is also survived by his aunt, Lillian Rosen of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Memorial services will be at Temple Beth Shalom in Florida, N.Y. on Sunday July 17, 2005 at 2:00 PM. The family will be observing Shiva at their home from Monday, July 18 through Sunday, July 24. Donations may be made to the Alvin Lehman Foundation, Attn: Barbara Moore, 1 Mac Centre Dr., Building 2, Paramus, NJ 07653. Arrangements are under the direction of the 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 7/17/2005. McCue, Donald R. Formerly of Highland Falls, N.Y. Donald R. McCue, a parts manager for Capitol Construction Company in Bow, N.H., died Wednesday July 13, 2005 in Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia, N.H. He was 50. He was the son of the late Donald J. McCue and Diane Hollingshead McCue, he was born August 10, 1954 in Cornwall, N.Y. An eight year resident of Laconia, N.H. and 42 year resident of Highland Falls, Donald received a Bachelor's Degree in History from Albany State University and was a star Lacrosse player at Albany State and R.I.T. colleges. He was an avid collector of Napoleonic miniatures and participated in Napoleon War Games through the east coast. He is survived by his mother, Diane H. McCue of Laconia, N.H.; brother, Richard McCue and his wife, Kathy, of Fort Montgomery, N.Y.; a niece, Crystal Begins; a nephew, Matthew McCue; as well as cousins, aunts and uncles. Friends may call on Tuesday July 19, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls, N.Y. Funeral will be on Wednesday, July 20 at 10:00 AM in Grace Baptist Church, 54 Old State Rd., Highland Falls, N.Y. with Pastor Steve Snavely officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 54 Old State Rd., Highland Falls, NY 10928. Arrangements were made by the William F. Hogan Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/17/2005 - 7/18/2005. McNeil, Deborah S. Deborah S. McNeil, a retired Therapy Aide at Letchworth Village in Theills, N.Y., and resident of Newburgh, died Tuesday July 12, 2005 in St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall Campus. She was 60. The daughter of the late Walter T. McNeil and Virginia R. Hodge, she was born November 30, 1944 in Newburgh, N.Y. She is survived by one son, Theodore Cook, and one daughter, Deneen McNeil, both of Nashville, Tenn.; two brothers, Sidney T. McNeil of Newburgh, and Carlos A. McNeil of Cathedral City, Calif.; three sisters, Claudia F. Warren and her husband, Rudolph, of Newburgh, Ariana E. DeSouza and Khyle A. DeSouza, both of Nashville, Tenn.; and several nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 19, 2005 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Rhodes Funeral Homes, 259 Walsh Ave., New Windsor, N.Y. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Twila Rucker Caines officiating. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family. Rhodes Funeral Homes have been entrusted with professional arrangements. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/17/2005 - 7/19/2005. Nicklin, Franklin Case Frank Case Nicklin, a lifelong resident and retired farmer of Marlborough, died July 14, 2005. Frank passed in his home on Mount Zion Road in which he was born 94 years ago on January 19, 1911. He was the son of Sarah Augusta Baxter Nicklin and William Towers Nicklin who were also born and raised in Marlborough, N.Y. Frank lived his life as a hard-working farmer who loved his family, home and land. He knew every nook and cranny of the Marlborough's mountains as he walked it every day. He walked it quietly and reflectively, he walked it as a hunter and he walked it as a farmer holding the reins of his farm horse, Bill. He and his two brothers, Edmund and John cultivated the soils of the hillsides to grow the fruits that fed their families and people in far flung places. Frank's wit and dry humor was with him through out his life and even until the very end. He wove stories of family history, local lore and humor for all who came to his home. Every story was told with Frankie's unique curmudgeonly style, a wink and a twinkle of his blue eyes. His rapier wit and gentle heart will sorely be missed. Frank was an avid antiques collector and member of the Hudson Valley Bottle Club. Family members who carry his name forward include his devoted and loving wife Freda Wilklow Nicklin who still rules the homestead on the mountain with a loving but iron hand. All of his children, William F. Nicklin and his wife Adah residing in Newburgh, Janet Gardner and Elsie Nicklin-McKay and her husband Robert McKay also of Marlborough; six grandchildren, William Nicklin and wife Lisa, Jonathan Nicklin, Ryan Gardner, Rebecca Gardner, Colin McKay and Grace McKay. Frank also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Henry. Those who have passed on before him are his eight brothers, and sisters, Blanche Medeiros, Ralph Nicklin, Eva Kramer, John Nicklin, William Nicklin, Edmund Nicklin, Russell Nicklin and Donald Nicklin. Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 18 at the DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, in Marlborough. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at First Presbyterian Church of Marlborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Marlborough, PO Box 577, Marlborough, NY 12542 or the Marlboro Free Library, PO Box 780, Marlborough, NY. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/16/2005 - 7/17/2005. Parisi, Olga Marie Olga Marie Parisi, a lifelong resident of New Windsor, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2005 at home. She was 83. Daughter of the late Pasquale and Jenny Crudele Spignardo, she was born on May 16, 1922 in New Windsor. She was married to the late Joseph Parisi. A family statement reads, "Mom devoted her entire life to her children and grandchildren. Nothing gave her more joy than to have everyone around her table, filled with laughter and her home cooking. We will especially miss our Sundays with Mom." She was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church, New Windsor. Survivors include her son, Joseph Parisi and his wife Suzanne of Newburgh; three daughters, Gloria Parisi of Newburgh, Donna Palmer and her husband Bart of Newburgh, and Olga Galati and her husband Robert of Florida; her brothers, Ernest Spignardo and John Spignardo both of New Windsor; her sister, Antoinette DiTroccio of Wappingers Falls; her grandchildren, Danielle and Nina Parisi, George Butwell, Kasey McCarthy, Sara Gallo, Gina Barton, Robert and Anthony Galati, Nicole Weis; her great-grandchildren, Christian and Damian Galati, Dylan Glory McCarthy, Guilia Elisabetta Gallo, Alyssa Weis; her beloved niece, Margaret Spignardo and several other nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Olga was predeceased by her daughter, Caroline; her sister, Anna Nicotera and her brothers, Dominick and Pasquale Spignardo. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1-3 PM on Sunday, July 17 at Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, N.Y. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM in the funeral home. Cremation took place at Cedar Hill Crematory. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery in New Windsor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Olga's name may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550 or the American Cancer Society, 419 E. Main St., Middletown, NY 10940. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/16/2005 - 7/17/2005. Shapiro, Melvin Melvin Shapiro, a local businessman and longtime area resident, died Friday July 15, 2005 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He was 68. Melvin was born in Queens, N.Y. on March 20, 1937, the son of Hyman and Mary Tobias Shapiro. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra Kanecht Shapiro, at home; his daughter, Mary Davidson and her husband, Bruce, of Liberty; his son, Harold Shapiro and his wife, Lisa, of Plattekill; his sister, Sarah Goodstein of Potomac, Md.; and his ten grandchildren: Ashley, Mark, Bobby, Amanda, Cole, Stefani, Tifani, Jennifer, Nicole, and Erik. Graveside funeral services were held yesterday, Sunday, July 17, 2005 in Ahavath Israel Cemetery, Hy-San-Na Road, Liberty, N.Y., with Rabbi Marvin Goldman officiating. Funeral arrangements were made by the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, Inc., 186 Broadway, Monticello, N.Y. To send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/17/2005 - 7/18/2005. Slepian, Winifred Nellie Formerly of Middletown, N.Y. Winifred Nellie of Toms River, N.J., formerly of Middletown, entered into rest on Thursday July 14, 2005, at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y. She was 73 years old. She was born on September 12, 1931 to Stephen and Nellie Skotarczak in Schenectady, N.Y. Mrs. Slepian was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert B. Slepian; her sister, Lorraine Wheeler; and her brother, Lawrence Skotarczak. Bob and Winnie had shared their 47 years together with their three children and spouses: Lori (Slepian) and Andy Mulick, Michael and Camille Slepian, and Mark and Krystal Slepian. Nana will be forever missed by her ten grandchildren: Stephen, Curt, Kellie-Ann, Kristine and Danny Mulick; Catherine, Holly and Matthew Slepian; and Sarah and Sydney Slepian. Winnie is lovingly remembered by her sister, Harriet Pokzrywnicki, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff of Good Samaritan Home Health Care and the staff at the Horton Campus of Orange Regional Medical Center for their tender and loving attention to Winnie's every need. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at the Church of St. Andrew in Westwood, N.J. on Tuesday, July 19 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605 and/or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box E, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021, attn: Fred's Team. The family will receive their friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, N.J. on Monday, July 18 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 7/17/2005. Sokolofsky, Anne I. Formerly of Goshen, N.Y. Anne I. Sokolofsky of Fairport, N.Y., formerly of Goshen, died Friday July 15, 2005. She is survived by her husband, Stanley Sokolofsky, at home; one son, Michael Sokolofsky and his wife, Barbara; one daughter, Sheila Briggs and her husband, Charles; four grandchildren: Staci, Michael, John and Joseph; one great-grandson, Noah; her brother, Edward Knob and his wife, Lydia; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday July 18, 2005 from 4-7 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen, N.Y. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00 AM in St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen, N.Y. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Perinton Volunteer Ambulance Corp., 1400 Turk Hill Rd., Fairport, NY 14450. Arrangements were made by Donovan Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 7/17/2005 - 7/18/2005. Sosler, Georgia Georgia Sosler of Florida, N.Y., a retired Library Aide for the Florida Library, entered into rest on Friday July 15, 2005 at O.R.M.C., Arden Hill Campus in Goshen, N.Y. She was 82. The daughter of the late Joseph and Antonia Koutney Blazek, she was born April 22, 1923 in Bagley, Minn. She was the widow of Adam Sosler. Survivors include two loving daughters, Georgia Dillard of Virginia, and Linda Sosler of Florida, N.Y.; three granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter. Friends may call on Monday July 18, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Ave., Florida, N.Y. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 19 in the funeral home. Interment will be Florida Cemetery, Florida, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 102, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the 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 7/17/2005.