OBITS: Times Herald-Record 7 May 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 Cassidy, Ethel T. Ethel T. Cassidy, 93, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 3rd at the Delaware County Countryside Care Center. She was born April 21, 1912 in Newburgh, NY, the daughter of the late Oland and Zoe Rosecrans Townsend. She graduated from NFA in 1931 and attended St. Luke's School of Nursing. She married William F. Cassidy in 1936. In the mid 50's she got her LPN license and worked for the City of Newburgh as a visiting nurse. She also helped her husband at Cassidy's Pharmacy from 1960 until it was sold in 1976. She and her husband then moved to Downsville, NY where she worked for the Colchester Medical Center until her retirement. She was an active member of the Colchester Community Church for many years and was an avid bowler. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by one daughter, Lois C. Zuill and husband Francis of Downsvile, NY, two grandsons, Jeffery Billington and wife Laurie of Wagram, NC, Richard Billington and wife Mary of Guilderland, NY, and great grandchildren, Kayla Enck, Jack and Ellen Billington. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-three years, a son Robert Cassidy and a brother, Robert Townsend. A memorial service will be held at Colchester Community Church at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Town of Newburgh, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Dapra, Jennie A. Jennie A. Dapra, a homemaker and area resident, was called to be with the Lord on May 5, 2005 at Wingate Dutchess at Fishkill, N.Y. She was 94. Born Giacoma Graziano on January 20, 1911, in Villarosa, Sicily, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore S. Graziano and Marietta Bonsignore Graziano. She was the widow of Lawrence J. Dapra who passed away in 1983. On July 5, 1995, Jennie was selected as "Citizen of the Year" and was honored at Nicole's Restaurant at the second annual Independence Day Ball, sponsored by the Town of Highlands Community Development Council. Jennie was a member of the Highlanders Senior Citizens and was a senior citizen volunteer for 18 years; a volunteer for the Senior Citizen Lunch Program; a member of the Town of Highlands Homemakers; a second grand regent of the Catholic Daughters of America for 58 years; former member of the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps; a 10-year member of the Highland Falls Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary; a member of Sacred Heart Church and former member of the choir; and a volunteer for county and local cancer drives. Survivors include one sister, Jo Williams & her husband, Roger of Pickerington, Ohio; one daughter, Jacqueline J. Yarashefski & her husband Len of Highland Falls; four sons, Col. (Ret.) Lawrence G. Dapra & his wife Kay of Ft. Worth, Texas; Salvatore R. Dapra & his wife Linda of Stony Point; Lee A. Dapra & his wife Carol of Ft. Montgomery & George D. Dapra & his wife Elaine of Highland Falls; grandchildren Teddi-Ann Schmelz of Marlboro & William Ball of Lenexa, Kansas also survive her, along with 10 additional grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren & several nieces & nephews. She was also predeceased by a beloved daughter, Margaret Dapra Ball, who passed away in 1966. Friends may call on Monday, May 9 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls. A prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday in the funeral home. A Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Highland Falls at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10. The Rev. Jack Arlotta will officiate. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery, Highland Falls. Donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY 10928. Funeral arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls, NY. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Degan, Edward J. Formerly of Goshen, N.Y. Edward Joseph Degan of Chester and formerly of Goshen, NY, died unexpectedly on May 5th, 2005 at Arden Hill Hospital. He was 55. He was the eldest son of Joan M. Degan and the late Eugene B. Degan. He was born on June 21, 1949 at the old Goshen Hospital. A lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Degan graduated from Cardinal Farley Academy in Rhinebeck, NY. He graduated from Mt. St. Mary College in Emmitsburg, MD. Edward was an employee of the Stuart Dean Co., Inc. of New York City in Sales and Operations for over thirty-five years. Ed is survived by three children, Kate Degan of New York City, Edward and his wife Tara of Goshen and Patrick of Santa Monica, CA. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Liam, Maeve and Harry Degan. Ed is also survived by his former wife, Barbara Dimke Degan of Goshen. He leaves behind his mother Joan M. Degan of Goshen and five siblings, Mary Ann Degan of Coral Gables, FL, Eugene B. Degan Jr. of Goshen, NY, Micaela Wilson of Belmont, MA, Melissa Degan of Ithaca, NY, James Degan of New York City and several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. There will be a two day visitation held at Donovan's Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen, NY on Saturday, May 7th from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 9th at St. John the Evagelist Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be held at St. Columba's Cemetery in Chester, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements were made by Donovan Funeral Home in Goshen, NY. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Demetry, John John Demetry, beloved father and grandfather, and 49-year resident of Neversink, passed away peacefully in his sleep and into eternal life on Thursday May 5, 2005. He was 89. He was the son of the late Tessie (Humen) and Alex Demetry (Dmytryszyn), who came to America in 1912 from the Ukraine. He was born on January 20, 1916 in New York City. He was the widower of Mary Liszak Demetry, who predeceased him on December 13, 1999. They were married for 58 faithful and glorious years. Mr. Demetry was retired from the NYC Department of Environmental Protections Bureau of Water Supply in the Catskills where he worked as a laborer for 19 years until his retirement in 1979. During World War II, in service to his country, he worked as an airplane riveter for Gruman Aircraft in Bethpage, NY, working on the Navy's Hellcat F6F Fighter. Prior to residing in Neversink, Mr. Demetry worked for his father in four family restaurants: "Mike's Coffee Pot" at 14 Duane St.; "Willis Restaurant" at 224 Barclay & Washington Sts.; "Mike's Restaurant" at Second Ave. & 60th St.; and "Greenwich Restaurant" at 158 Reade St. Mr. Demetry was a pictorial photography student under the tutorship of famous photographer Adolph "Pappa" Fassbender and worked for a brief time as a still photographer for WPIX-Channel 11 in New York City. He also used his photographic talents in later years as a freelance commercial and wedding photographer in Sullivan County. He was a ticket seller/cashier at Monticello Raceway; a bellhop at Grossinger's Hotel; short-order cook at the Liberty Triangle Diner and a laborer for the Town of Neversink Highway Dept. He held memberships in the Neversink Fire Dept., Liberty Elk's Lodge and the Professional Photographers of America. He was also a member of St. Peter's Church in Liberty. Survivors include his daughter, Lorraine Petrocelli and her husband Frank of Liberty; 2 sons, Robert Demetry and his wife Joan of Warwick and dedicated caregiver Paul Demetry and his companion Lori Kole of Neversink; 5 grandchildren, Frank John Petrocelli of Middletown, Lisa Petrocelli of Astoria, Daniel Demetry of Newburgh, Jean Carrick and husband Joseph of Fort Dix, NJ and Sara Demetry of New Windsor; a great-granddaughter Jenna Rose Carrick; stepgrandson Michael Kornhoff of Greenville and a special friend Tyler Kole. He was predeceased by his brother Peter Demetry and his sister Marie Demetry. Friends may call at Ramsay's Funeral Home, 275 S. Main St., Liberty on Monday May 9, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday May 10, 2005 at St. Peter's Church in Liberty at 11:45 a.m. with Monsignor Edward Straub officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to the Neversink First Aid Squad, Neversink, NY 12765. Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay's Funeral Homes Inc., Liberty. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Demskie, Joseph A. 1940 - 2005 Joseph A. Demskie, 65, of Armer Road, Rock City Falls, died Thursday, May 5, 2005 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Born in Kingston, March 14, 1940, he was the son of Walter and Marion Demskie. He lived in Napanoch for many years and moved to Rock City Falls in 2003. He served in the United States Army. Joseph was a correctional superintendent at Woodbourne Correctional Facility for many years, retiring in 1996. He was a member of American Legion Cook Taylor Post in Ellenville and American Legion Post 234 in Ballston Spa. He attended St Mary's Catholic Church in Ballston Spa. Survivors include his wife of 40 years Patricia Demskie, his children Andrew Demskie and his wife Sandra of Rock City Falls, Julia Harrington and her husband Thomas of Rock City Falls, 5 grandchildren Alyson and Anthony Demskie, Alexandria, Jason and Joseph Harrington. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Town of Saratoga. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. (wwwarmerfuneralhome.com) Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. DiMetro, Jerry Jerry DiMetro, a lifelong area resident, died May 6, 2005 at Hudson Valley Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center. He was 87. The son of James DiMetro and Matilda, he was born March 20, 1918 in Milton. He was a member of the Mid Hudson Senior Citizens in Highland and was an avid trucker. Survivors include one son, James DiMetro of Highland; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one sister, Matilda T. Franciamore; four brothers, Frank, Joseph, Anthony and Samuel DiMetro. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 9 at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 38 Main St., Highland. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. For directions, please visit our website at www.torsonememorial.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Dollaway, Mabel Wickham Kirby Mabel Wickham Kirby Dollaway of Otisville, a lifelong area resident and a homemaker, died Friday, March 4, 2005 at Orange County Residential Health Care Facility, Goshen, NY. She was 89. The daughter of Clarence Wickham and Ruth Myers Wickham, she was born December 27, 1915 in Town of Wawayanda, NY. She married Elmer Kirby, deceased, then Charles Dollaway, deceased. She was a member of Ridgebury Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Raymond Kirby of Nineveh, NY and Robert Kirby and his wife Carol of Spring Hill, FL; one sister, Gladys Tompkins of Middletown; eight grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husbands, Elmer Kirby and Charles Dollaway, son, Richard J. Kirby, sister, Carolyn Congiolosi, brother, Clarence Wickham, grandson, Kenneth Kirby. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m on Monday, May 9, 2005 in the Cornelius, Dodd and Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY. Rev. William W. Wildeman will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to services. Interment will take place at Mt. Hope Plains Cemetery, Otisville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgebury Presbyterian Church, Slate Hill, NY. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Cornelius, Dodd and Connell Funeral Home, Middletown. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. DuVal, Joan M. Joan M. DuVal, Town of Newburgh area resident for 10 years, formerly of Queens, died May 5, 2005 suddenly at St. Luke's/Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh. She was 64. She was a sales employee with Caldor's in Queens, N.Y. The daughter of John Fields and Ann Maxwell Fields, she was born May 16, 1940 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Survivors include her husband John T. DuVal Sr. at home; one son John T. DuVal Jr. of Manhattan, N.Y.; one daughter Karen J. DuVal of Jersey City, N.J.; one grandson Michael A. DuVal. She was predeceased by one son James J. DuVal. Friends and relatives may call at the Funeral Home from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, May 7 and from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 8. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 9 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Cornwall-On-Hudson. Fr. Bernard P. Heter will officiate. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery in Cornwall. Funeral arrangements by: Kevin Quigley of Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St., Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY 12520 www.QuigleyBros.com Published in the Times Herald-Record from 5/7/2005 - 5/8/2005. Elliott, Mary A. Mary A. Elliott, of Cornwall, a retired Teacher & Realtor, died Thursday, April 28, 2005 at Bethel Nursing Home, Croton on Hudson. She was 85. The daughter of the late A.N. Singletown & Annie Metts Singleton, she was born January 12, 1920 in Ranger, TX and was the widow of the late Major Robert B. Elliott. She was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Cornwall Masonic Association and the Canterbury Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Bruce A. Elliott 2nd and his wife Donna of Kennett Square, PA and Philip J. Elliott and his wife Rita, of Verplanck, NY, a brother, A.C. Singleton of Abilene, TX, a sister, Joyce Woods of Everman, TX; four grandchildren, Alex Elliott of Toronto, Canada, Christopher Elliott of Kennett Square, PA, Brian Elliott of Verplanck and Taryn Elliott of Verplanck. Also several nieces and nephews. Calling hours at the James F. Lulves Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Ave. A, Cornwall on Hudson, NY will be held on Sunday, May 8 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, May 9 at 9 a.m. The Rev. Dan Russell will officiate. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by the James F. Lulves Funeral Home, Inc. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Kniffin, Edward A. Edward A. Kniffin, of Middletown, passed peacefully Friday May 6, 2005. He was 77. Born in Sussex, N.J. on March 15, 1928, he was the son of Edward D. and Stella Johnson Kniffin. He retired as a Orthopedic Technician at Manchester Orthopedic and was a retired carpenter. He served with the New York National Guard then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #544, Middletown and a past member of Town of Wallkill American Legion Post. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ida Elizabeth Simpson Kniffin at home, 2 daughters Sandra D. Mance of LasVegas, NV; Cynthia M. Fahy of Middletown, his son David B. Kniffin and his wife Cheryl of Middletown, 2 sisters Doris Cosco of Middletown; Connie Lindh and her husband Bill and brother Larry Kniffin and his wife Penny all of Wagram, N.C.; 8 grandchildren Kelly Mance, Michael Mance, James Mance of Las Vegas, Courtney Kniffin of New Paltz, Cassie Kniffin, Steven Fahy of Middletown; David Amato Gregory Amato of Montville, N.J.; great-granddaughter Kailee Kniffin of Middletown, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Lois Hine. Friends may call from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Monday May 9 at Morse Funeral Home Inc., 33 Railroad Ave, Middletown. Funeral Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Reverend Mark Alvis officiating. Interment will follow in Wallkill Cemetery, Phillipsburg, N.Y. Arrangements are under the guidance of Morse Funeral Home Inc., Middletown. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. McClellan, Rose Anna "Rose" Rose Anna "Rose" McClellan, formerly of Benkard Avenue in Newburgh, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at Orange County Residential Health Care Facility. She was 84. Born on February 11, 1921 in Bridgeport, Conn., the daughter of Hungarian Immigrants the late Markus and Theresa Koran. The family relocated to Roseton, N.Y. from Bridgeport, Conn. She is survived by several loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John Thomas "Jack" McClellan; a sister Elizabeth "Betty" Winfield and brother, James Koran. The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, May 10 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Coloni Funeral Home, 3001 Route 9W, New Windsor. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Father John Vondras officiating. Interment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. For guest book and directions, visit www.colonifuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005. Negri, Giovanni "John" Giovanni "John" Negri, a retired cement mason and longtime resident of the area, died Friday, May 6, 2004 at home. He was 84. The son of the late Luigi and Caterina Cordani Negri, he was born August 14, 1920 in Piacenza, Italy. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Newburgh and served in the Italian Army during World War II. He was also an active member of the Resistance Against Nazi Germany. He is the husband of Elena Sartori Negri. Survivors include his beloved wife Elena Negri at home; loving children, Luigi Negri of Florida and wife Patricia, Caterina "Cathy" Negri and husband David of Newburgh and Franco Negri and wife Karen of Fulton, Maryland; loving grandfather of John Carl Negri, Lisa Marino and husband David, Tanya Negri, Cristina Kirkpatrick and husband Brendon, Marisa Negri and Nicole Negri; loving great grandfather of Alexandria Negri and Giuliana Marino; beloved brother of Maria Sartori and Sister Maria Rita Negri, both of Italy, also many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Franca Camoni who died in 1998. Visitation will be on Sunday from two to six p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at White and Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd., Rte 32, Town of Newburgh. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, South St., Newburgh. Father William Scafidi officiating. Burial will be in St. Raymonds Cemetery, Bronx, NY. Arrangements are by White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd., (Rt 32), Newburgh, NY 12550. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 5/7/2005 - 5/8/2005. Peck, Milton C. Milton C. Peck of Glen Arden in Goshen, a Chief Electrical Engineer having retired from Orange and Rockland Utilities, died Thursday May 5, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Arden Hill Campus in Goshen, N.Y. He was 90. The son of Henry and Margaret Cunningham Peck, he was born on June 25, 1914 in Wurtsboro, N.Y. He was the widower of Vivian F. Peck. Mr. Peck was a Class of 1933 graduate of Middletown High School, as well as having graduated from Bliss Electrical Academy in Maryland. He was a member of the Monhagen Hose and Salvage Co. for over 60 years; he served as past president and had been honored as Monhagen of the Year. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Middletown. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Marion L. Peck, of Glen Arden; and his daughter, Donnalee Helhoski and her husband, Ronald, of Middletown. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tracey Helhoski and David Helhoski; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Gary M. Peck. Visitation hours will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon on Saturday May 7, 2005 at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc., 72 West Main St. in Middletown, N.Y. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 7 in the funeral home. Burial will be held at Sylvan Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Paul's United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, or to the Monhagen Engine Co., Scholarship Fund, c/o Advest, 90 Crystal Run Rd., Middletown, NY 10941. Arrangements were made by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 5/6/2005 - 5/7/2005. Wilson, Bruce "Boots" Bruce "Boots" Wilson, of Gardiner, NY, a manager of the Wallkill Valley School Bus Co. for 35 years and retired Operational Engineer for Local # 137, a lifetime area resident, died May 5, 2005 at home with his family by his side. He was 73. The son of Thomas Wilson and Sophie Jacquemin Wilson, he was born on April 7, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict, a member of the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club and a member of Patton Gun Club of Neversink. He is the husband of Terri-Lynne Greer Wilson. Survivors include his beloved wife at home; children: daughter, Michele Dewar of Suffern, NY, son, Bruce Wilson of Cleveland, OH, daughter, Misty Ismail of Stewartsville, NJ, daughter, Jenna Miller at home, son, Jade Greer at home; one granddaughter, Arwen Dewar of Suffern, NY; three grandsons, Thomas, Christopher and Nicholas Wilson of Cleveland, OH; two sisters, Carol Miles of Arkansas and Dorothea Ely of State of Florida, many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Monday, May 9, 2005 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, 1525 Burlingham Rd., Pine Bush, NY. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Robert B. Hewitt officiating. Burial will be in Bruynswick Cemetery, Wallkill, NY. Arrangements were made by the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, Inc., 1525 Burlingham Rd., Pine Bush, NY. For directions and information visit, www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/7/2005.