OBITS: Times Herald-Record 30 Mar 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 Brooks Sr., Robert G. Robert G. Brooks Sr., of Montgomery, N.Y., a licensed operating engineer for Local 94, working at Cushman and Wakefield in New York City, died Monday, March 28, 2005, in Middletown. He was 42. The son of Andrew P. Brooks Sr. and Janice L. Thompson Brooks, he was born January 1, 1963 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Montgomery, Montgomery Volunteer Fire Dept. and its Benevolent Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemans Association and Local 94 Operating Engineers, New York. He was an avid golfer. A family statement reads: "He loved and cherished his bride and 5 children dearly as well as being deeply patriotic in his love for our country." Survivors include his wife Shannon Badolato Brooks at home; daughter Desire‚ Rose Brooks; sons Robert G. Brooks Jr., Patrick F. Brooks, Maxwell A. Brooks, Gabriel E. Brooks all at home; his parents Andrew P. Sr. and Janice L. Thompson Brooks of Bellmore, N.Y.; brother Andrew Brooks II Medford, N.Y.; sisters Verna Brooks Bellmore, N.Y., Ruthann Brooks Huntington Station, N.Y.; brothers William Brooks of Bellmore, N.Y., James Brooks of Island Park, N.Y.; sisters, Janice Cavota of Bellmore, N.Y., Geraldine Freel of Long Beach, N.Y., Esther Brooks of Island Park, N.Y.; and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, March 31, 2005 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at The Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, N.Y. Funeral Services will be Friday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at Walden Fire House, Old Orange Ave, Walden. The Rev Herbert C. Strait Jr. will officiate. The Rev James VanHouten will conduct firematic services Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Brick Church Cemetery in Montgomery, N.Y. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Brooks Family Fund, c/o Walden Savings Bank, PO Box 690, Montgomery NY 12549. Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Capaci, Lawrence Francis Lawrence Francis Capaci, Esq., CPA, of Ledgewood, N.J., "a dedicated, loving father and grandfather., died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at Morristown Hospital in Morristown, N.J. He was 70. Born in Montclair, N.J., he lived in New York, N.Y. and Greenville, N.Y. before moving to Ledgewood 2 years ago. He was an entrepreneur, attorney and CPA. He maintained the practice of Lawrence F. Capaci, Esq., Attorney at Law in Clifton, N.J. before retiring in 1995. He enjoyed gardening, backgammon, fine arts, birds, reading and cooking. He is survived by his fianc‚e Julieta Cerrato of Forest Hills, N.Y.; one son, Harold of Minot, N.D.; six daughters, Linda Luther of Green Pond, N.J., Corinne Capaci-Dilks of Lakeland, Fla., Idamae Renne of West Paterson, N.J., Rodie Fattaruso of New Egypt, N.J., Lauren Hirtes of Ledgewood and Pamela Fricke of Wantage, N.J.; two sisters, Alyce Fitzsimmons of Wayne N.J. and Carol Schiavo of Phoneix, Ariz.; also survived by 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, Main Road, Landing, N.J. Visiting will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, April 1 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. For those desiring, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the National Democratic Party. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Donald, William Brewster "Big Edsel" William "Big Edsel" Brewster Donald, a former entertainer with the Big Edsel Band, entered into rest on Friday, March 25, 2005 at Veterans Hospital, Bronx, NY. He was 62. Son of the late Cornelius and Amy Brewster Donald, he was born October 15, 1942 in Newburgh. Mr. Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Survivors include his wife, Rosemary Donald; two sons, Tylor Donald and his wife, Jeri of St. Louis, MO and Cristian Donald and his wife, Lee of Newburgh; a daughter, Heather Donald of Tacoma, WA; a sister, Amy Levy of CA.; four grandchildren, Ashlee and Taylor Donald of Newburgh, Gwynedd and Ahana Donald of St. Louis, MO.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Faron and grandparents, Arthur & Ruth Brewster. Visitation will be from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 at Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550. Military honors will commence at 8 p.m. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill, Newburgh. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Donald Family. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 3/29/2005 - 3/30/2005. Dunne, Anita J. Anita J. Dunne, a 32-year area resident, and retired manager, stock advisor, I.B.M., Armonk, N.Y., died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at her residence. She was 86. The daughter of the late Frederick S. Flick and Sophie M. Beck Flick, she was born November 18, 1918 in Philadelphia, Pa. She was a member of St. Anastasia Church, Harriman; Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Middletown; R.C.I.A. Team at St. Anastasia Church, Harriman. Survivors include her husband, Raymond W. Dunne of Rock Tavern; daughter, Anita L. Dieckmann of Newburgh; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two daughters, Carole Ann Young and Dorothy Walsh. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, March 31 at the Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe. Prayer services will be held at 8 p.m., Thursday in the funeral home. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, April 1 at St. Anastasia Parish Church, Route 17 M., Harriman. Burial will be in St. Anastasia Cemetery in Harriman. Contributions may be made to the Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc., For the Hospice Residence, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Inc. Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. George, Mildred K. "Millie" Mildred K. "Millie" George, of Port Jervis, a former home health aide with Wellcare and resident of the area for many years, died Monday, March 28, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. She was 57. She was born November 29, 1947 in Newburgh, N.Y., the daughter of the late Joseph and the late Mildred Stilson Smith. "Millie loved life. She had an artistic ability with hobbies and crafts and enjoyed walking through flea marts and caring for animals." She is survived by her husband, Arthur George & his companion, Jennifer Arner of Largo, Fla.; her companion of 15 years, Fred J. Decker Sr. of Port Jervis; 2 sons, Troy A. Conklin of Erwin, N.C., John H. Tuet of state of Florida; 2 daughters, Marie of Rockland Co., N.Y., Rosemarie of Pennsylvania; 2 brothers, Lester King of Sarasota, Fla., Henry Guyette of Newburgh; 2 sisters, Ruth Conklin of Port Jervis, Stella Gilson of Acworth, Ga.; several grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main Street, Port Jervis on Thursday, March 31, 2005 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville. 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 3/30/2005. Gisiano, Philip J. Philip J. Gisiano died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at home with his family around him. The son of John and Anna Oddo Gisiano, he was born on February 14, 1920 in New York City. He was predeceased by his brother John. Phil is survived by his loving and devoted wife Ethel, at home, daughters Marianna Greco of Pine Bush, Debra and her husband Jerry Howard of Highland, sons Philip and his wife Dana of Kingston and Stephen Kneeter and wife Madalyn of Milton. His grand children are Michael, Christina, Matthew, Jared, Gregory, Bryan, Adam, Daniel and Norah. His nephew John and wife Mary Jane of North Carolina. Phil was Town Justice of Plattekill for 19 years and worked for 36 years at IBM. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He served his community on the Highland Board of Education, Plattekill Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals. He was also a member of the Lions Club of Plattekill and Highland. With his parents and brother, he owned the Belle Clare Boarding House, and the Gisiano Night Club in Port Ewen. Phil served in the Armed Forces as a member of the 19th Photo Division, serving in the Pacific Theater from 1942-1946. He was a member of the local American Legion. Friends may call on Wednesday March 30, 2005 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday March 31, 2005 from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Michael Torsone Memorial Home Inc., located at 38 Main Street, Highland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday April 1, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Highland. Interment will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Gardiner, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Hospice, 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401. For directions go to the website www.torsonememorial.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Grohoski, Agnes Prochazka Agnes Prochazka Grohoski, a lifetime area resident and a school teacher, Goshen and Florida School Districts, died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center-Horton Campus, Middletown, NY. She was 89. The daughter of Frederick Prochazka and Agnes Vajgl Prochazka, she was born September 7, 1915 in Durlandville, NY. She was married to the late Joseph R. Grohoski. She was a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Goshen; an Elder in the First United Presbyterian Church, Florida, NY; former Grange member. Her education started in a two-room school in Durlandville, NY. She graduated S.S. Seward Institute, Florida, NY, went on to the Normal School in Farmingdale, NY; began her teaching career in a two-room school house on Lower Road in New Hampton and later she returned to teaching in the Goshen School District. She obtained her Associates Degree from Orange County Comm. College, Middletown, NY. Agnes retired from the S.S. Seward institute, Florida, NY. Agnes was also active in the family produce operation in Goshen. Survivors include two sons: William F. Grohoski and his wife Katherine Fahn of Goshen, Lee M. Grohoski and his wife Frances of Lodi, NY; daughter, Geraldine (Gerie) Dunn of Middletown; two sisters, Marie Vavricka of New Hampton and Eugenia Duffy of South Salem, NY; four grandchildren, Jason and Joseph E. Grohoski, Leza and Marc Fahn, many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Agnes was predeceased by four brother, Bedrick, Fredrick, Otto and George Prochazka; two sisters, Agnes 1st and Bertha Kaul. Funeral 10 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2005 at First United Presbyterian Church, Florida, NY. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Florida, NY. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Heather Brown-Huston. Visitation at Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen, NY, on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Agnes' name may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, Florida, NY or a charity of one's choice. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 3/29/2005 - 3/30/2005. Hoag, Arthur K. Arthur K. Hoag, a resident of Roscoe Nursing Home, formerly of Turnwood and Livingston Manor, NY, died on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at the Nursing Home. He was 95. The son of the late Harvey H. and Florilla A. Davidson Hoag, he was born on March 18, 1910 in Lew Beach, NY, Town of Hardenburgh. Arthur was the widower of Lorna B. Knickerbocker Hoag. He was a farmer, both dairy and cauliflower in Delaware County and Livingston Manor for over 40 years. His last 28 years he spent at Balsam Lake, Turnwood, NY. Family Statement: "Dad led a life of hard work on his farms. He achieved his pilot's license in 1948. He made an exciting trip to Alaska with a friend in 1970. He enjoyed his games of chess, checkers, and dominoes with his children, and grandchildren. He was well-known for his excellent memory both past and present." Arthur is survived by his sons, John "Jack" Hoag of Florida; David W. Hoag of Livingston Manor; and one daughter, Mary Lee Hoag-Lerich of Mesa, Arizona. He has 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Arthur is also survived by one sister-in-law, Olive Hoag formerly of DeLancey, NY; a cousin, Reverend Robert Hoag of Middletown, NY and several nieces an nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, William "Bill" Hoag and a sister, Alice Marie Bryden. Cremation will be take place at Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to the Lorna B. Hoag Memorial Scholarship Fund (Perseverance Award) at LMCS C/O David W. Hoag, PO Box 239, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Arrangements are under the direction of Herbert C. Bryant Funeral Home, for further information go to: www.colonialbryantfuneralhome or call 845-439-4333. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Jennings, William T. William T. Jennings, of Horton, a former employee of Bard-Parker in Hancock, N.Y., and lifelong area resident, died Saturday, March 26, 2005 at his home. He was 60. The son of Evelyn Wayman Jennings and the late Blake Jennings, he was born August 21, 1944 in the town of Colchester, N.Y. William was a former member of the Cooks Falls-Horton Fire Company. He was an avid hunter. Survivors include his mother, Evelyn Jennings of Horton; his wife, Laura Jennings of Roscoe; three daughters, Lisa Lorah and her husband Fred of Williamson, N.Y., Crystal Jennings of Utica, N.Y. and Hope Jennings of Roscoe, N.Y.; one son, Tom Jennings of Dundee, N.Y.; one sister, Ilene Baden and her husband John of Callicoon, N.Y.; one brother Wayne Jennings of Tennessee; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Blake and one brother Blake Jr. Visitation will be Wednesday (today) March 30 from 10 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. in the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave., Roscoe. Lucille Freyer will officiate. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Roscoe. Memorial contributions may be made to the family at PO Box 323, Roscoe, NY 12776 or the American Heart Association, 419 E. Main St., Room 309, Middletown, NY 10940. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harris Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Michaelis, Kurt Kurt Michaelis, a music translator, C.F. Peters, New York, N.Y., died Monday, March 28, 2005 at Glen Arden Health Care Center, Goshen. He was 91. The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis, he was born October 13, 1913 in Berlin, Germany. He was the widower of Theresa Michaelis. Survivors include his brother, Walter Michaelis of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen. Deacon Louis Baerga will officiate. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 419 East Main St., Middletown, NY 10940. Arrangements by Donovan Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Pliotis, George P. George P. Pliotis, of Newburgh, a former carpenter for the Carpenters Local Union #19 in Newburgh and longtime area resident, entered into rest Tuesday, March 29, 2005 in St. Luke's Hospital, Newburgh. He was 82. Son of the late Panayiotis and Konstantina Pliotis, he was born August 10, 1922 in Sparta, Greece. George was a former member of the Parish Council and faithful volunteer for St. Nicholas Church where he was a member since 1957. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Valerie Pliotis; his son, Pano Pliotis and his wife Fiona of London, England; his daughter, Dina Pliotis of Manhattan; two grandchildren, Helena and George Pliotis; two brothers; one sister; and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by five siblings. The family will receive their friends from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 at the Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, with a Trisagion service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 31 in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Newburgh. Burial will follow in Woodlawn 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 on 3/30/2005. Ravel, Ida Josephine (Mercier) Mrs. Ida Josephine Ravel (Mercier), of Highland Lake, died Friday, March 25, 2005 at home. She was 71. She was born July 14, 1933 in East Patterson, N.J., the daughter of the late James and the late Louise Bove Siano. She was married to the late William J. Ravel; he died in 1997. She was married earlier in life to the late Ronald C. Mercier, he died in 1996. Surviving are sons: Ronald J. Mercier Jr. and his wife Phyllis of Highland Lake, Kenneth J. Mercier of Glouster Twp., N.J.; stepsons: Kenneth R. Ravel and his wife Mary of Marlton, N.J., Thomas and his wife Debbie of Riverside, N.J., Jay and his wife Debbie of Florida; stepdaughter: Paula DeLasantos of Florida; sister: Julia Rinaieri of Metutchen, N.J.; 18 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her stepson David Ravel, her brother Pat "Patsy" Siano, and her sister Marie Larger. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at the St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 25 Beaver Brook Rd., Yulan, N.Y. Fr. Anthony Moore will celebrate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550, or St. Anthony of Padua Church, 25 Beaver Brook Rd., Yulan, NY 12792. Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Route 97, Barryville, N.Y. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Rosario, Rosa Rosa Rosario, of New Windsor, died on March 28, 2005 at St. Theresa's Nursing home. She was 100. Born on October 15, 1904 in Puerto Rico to the late Emilio and Felipa Rosario. Rosa is survived by her loving son, Charles Rodino of Highland, N.Y.; dear sister, Leonci Flores of Plattekill; dear brother, Eulalio Rosario of Puerto Rico; cherished grandson, Charles R. Rodino of Queens. She was predeceased by a brother Silverio Emeric and a sister Carmen Rosario. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday March 31, 2005 from 6-9 p.m. at Coloni Funeral Home, 3001 Route 9W, New Windsor, N.Y. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday April 1, 2005 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 55 Grand Street, Newburgh. Interment to follow in Calvary cemetery Newburgh. For guest book and directions visit www.colonifuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Schweer Jr., Robert H. Mr. Robert H. Schweer Jr., of Montague, N.J., a retired baker with Yellow Cottage Bakery, Branchville, N.J. and a longtime resident of the area, died Monday, March 28, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus, Middletown, N.Y. He was 83. He was born December 29, 1921 in Newark, N.J., the son of the late Robert H. and the late Jennie Cooperwhite Schweer Sr. He was a member of St. James The Greater R.C. Church, Montague, N.J; Roosa-Fleming VFW Post No. 161, Port Jervis; Montague Senior Citizens and AARP. He was also an Army veteran of World War II. Surviving are his wife: Evelyn Kiernan Kerwin Schweer at home; son: David Schweer of Wind Gap, Pa.; daughter: Betty Lee Wilson & her husband, John of Zionsville, Pa.; 3 brothers: Martin Schweer of Freehold, N.J., Howard Schweer & Donald Schweer of Hawley, Pa.; 7 Grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; also niece & nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Weymouth Schweer. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main Street, Port Jervis on Friday, April 1, 2005 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. VFW services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2005 with prayers at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. in St. James The Greater R.C. Church with the Rev. A. Richard Carton officiating. Burial will be at Hainesville Cemetery, Hainesville, N.J. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. James The Greater R.C. Church, 75 River Road, Montague, NJ 07827. 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 3/30/2005. Smith, Rodney C. Rodney C. Smith, ("Smitty"), a Custodial Technician at Frost Valley YMCA, died unexpectedly Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005 at his home in Hurleyville. He was 61. The son of the late Alan and Avis Godell Smith, he was born on December 9, 1943 in Montpelier, VT. He enjoyed fishing, and his employment at Frost Valley YMCA, where he received the employee of the month award, and being home with his family. Survivors include: his wife of 14 years, Suzanne Smith at home; two sons, Christopher and Benjamin Smith, both of Vermont; four daughters, Penny Smith of Illinois; Christine Smith of Upstate, NY; Lillian Weeden and her husband Paul and Shirley Calyer and her companion, Donald Belsito, all of Woodbourne, NY; four brothers; two sisters; 18 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, Nathaniel C. Shutters, Jr.; two nephews, Brent Graves and Charles Smith both of Vermont; a son-in-law, Charles Caylor. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (today), March 30, 2005 at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 Main Street, Woodbourne, NY. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2005 at the funeral home. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Newburgh, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to family: C/O Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, PO Box 520, Woodbourne, NY 12788. Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information, call or go to: www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com or 845-434-7363. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Valenti, Attilio Attilio Valenti, of Newburgh, died on March 28, 2005 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 79. Born on September 15, 1925 in Sicily Italy to the late Francisco and Carmelina Guggino Valenti. Attilio married Gina LoCicero in Italy on February 20, 1955. After they got married the moved to the United States to start a new life as husband and Wife. Attilio was the former owner of Lino and Attilio Barber shop where he worked for 36 years. Survivors include his devoted wife of 50 years Gina of Newburgh; loving son Frank and his wife Jennifer of Delmar N.Y.; dear brother Dominico Valenti of Sicily, Italy, Umberto Valenti of Genoa, Italy; loving sister Teresa Valenti of Sicily, Italy and Gina Reina of Sicily, Italy; cherished granddaughter Sarah.He is also survived by a niece Patricia in Genoa, Italy; nieces Maria and Lena; nephews Salvatore and Ignazio in Sicily, Italy. He was predeceased by a daughter Lina Valenti. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday March 31, 2005 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Coloni Funeral Home, 3001 Route 9W, New Windsor, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church Newburgh. Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Association, 407 East Main St., Middletown, NY 10940 or the Alzheimer's Association, Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Ste. 102, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4027. For Guest book and directions visit www.colonifuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005. Wodka, Leonard Middletown, N.Y. Leonard Wodka, of Middletown, died March 28, 2005 at the Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus. He was 81. The son of Bessie Feinberg and Morris Wodka, he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 16, 1923. A resident of Middletown since 1957, he was the owner of Lance Decorators in Middletown. He ran a successful home decorating business for 46 years until suffering critical injuries in an automobile accident on March 29, 2003 which claimed the life of his beloved wife, Sylvia. He was an Army veteran of World War II, an active member of Temple Sinai, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. "Poppa" loved spending time with his grandchildren and boating. He courageously battled many debilitating health problems from his accident until his death. He is survived by his children, Dr. Michael Wodka and his wife Marcia of Middletown, Martin Wodka and his wife Jessica of Monroe; grandchildren Adam, Laura, David and Ariella; and sister, Marilyn Leonard of Boynton Beach, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, (today) March 30, 2005 in Temple Sinai, 75 Highland Ave., Middletown. Rabbi Joel Schwab will officiate. Interment will be in the Temple Sinai Cemetery in Circleville. Shiva will be observed through Thursday at the home of Dr. Michael Wodka in Middletown and resume on Sunday at the home of Martin Wodka in Monroe. Memorial contributions in Leonard's memory should be made to the Tucker Center for Cancer Care of the Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus, 60 Prospect Ave., Middletown, NY 10940. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelius, Dodd and Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, N.Y. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 3/30/2005.