OBITS: Times Herald-Record 13 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 Eck, Frances L. Frances L. Eck, 85, of Ellenville, a lifelong resident, and a domestic for the Marvin family for over 50 years, died May 8, 2005 in Ellenville. The daughter of Fred and Maude Osterhout Eck, she was born September 21, 1919 in Lackawack. She was a life member for over 52 years of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #253, Ellenville and a member of the Ellenville Reformed Church. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Mrs. Frank Eck of Woodbourne; 10 surviving nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews; great-grandnieces and nephews; and great-great-grand nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday at Loucks Funeral Home, Inc., 79 N. Main St., Ellenville. The Rev. Jay Vogelaar will officiate. Burial will be in the Furman Cemetery, Yeagerville, N.Y. Donations, in her memory, may be sent to the Ellenville Reformed Church, 188 Canal St., Ellenville, NY 12428. Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Fedorka Sr., Michael J. Michael J. Fedorka, Sr., a lifelong resident and retired Supervisor and Master Mechanic for the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, died Tuesday May 10, 2005 at Orange County Residential Health Care Facility. He was 92. The son of the late Roman and Julia Fedorka, he was born October 28, 1912 in Scranton, Pa. Michael graduated from St. Mary's School in 1926 and went to work for the Erie R.R. at age 14. At the time of his retirement he was a Master Mechanic in the car department. He was a former member of the Neversink Engine Co., Port Jervis Fire Department; the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645 B.P.O.E.; and a member of Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Port Jervis. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Orange County Residential Health Care Facility for their love and affection. Michael is survived by his wife of 72 years, Josephine Romaine Fedorka; two sons, Michael Fedorka, Jr., at home, and Roman J. Fedorka and his wife, Jeanette of Port Jervis; four grandchildren: Michael Roman, Susan, Josephine and Dawn; two great-granddaughters, Amber and Melanie; one brother, John Fedorka of Matamoras, Pa.; one sister, Helen Scales of Matamoras, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Fedorka and Nickolas Fedorka. The funeral will be private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will also be private. Arrangements were made by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. www.Knight-Auchmoody.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Greenberger, Harold Harold Greenberger, 86, of Ellenville, a lifelong resident and a retired plumber for the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, died May 11, 2005 in the Ellenville Regional Hospital. The son of Henry and Sarah Rosenwasser, he was born February 1, 1919 in Summitville. He was a member of the Anche Tzaydik Synagogue, the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Binghamton, the Fallsburg Lodge #1122 F & AM, American Legion Cook-Taylor Post #111, and The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No 8959. Hank served in the US Army during WW II. Survivors include his wife Pauline Ceader Greenberger at home; two sons, Edward Greenberger of Wurtsboro and Dale Greenberger of Ellenville; a daughter Merri White of Kerhonkson; his brother Milton Greenberger of the Bronx; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Anche Tzaydik Cemetery, Wawarsing. Rabbi Marvin Goldman will officiate. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice Inc., 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401. Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home, Inc., 79 N. Main St., Ellenville, NY 12428. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Hanlon, Raymond Raymond Hanlon, a self-employed restaurant supplier and longtime resident of the area, died Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital, Newburgh surrounded by his family. He was 78. The son of Joseph and Anna Shobolik Hanlon, he was born January 27, 1927 in Yonkers, N.Y. Survivors include his wife, Cora Huddleston Hanlon at home; four sons, Raymond Hanlon and his wife Beth of Palm Beach, Fla., Bruce Hanlon and his wife Diane of Cornwall, N.Y., Gary Hanlon and his wife Pamela of Jackson, N.J., Todd Hanlon of Manhattan; two daughters, Beverly Keese of Newburgh, N.Y., Debbie Hanlon of California; one brother Thomas Hanlon of Long Island; his best friend, his dog Rocky; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two stepsons, Larry Scarzfava of Slate Hill, Thomas Scarzfava of Middletown; one stepdaughter, Toni Scarzfava of Boston. He was predeceased by brothers, Joseph and Robert Hanlon and a sister, Margie Hanlon. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, May 13 at Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, 39 Orchard St., Walden. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Chapel, Montgomery. Burial will be in Brick Church Cemetery in Montgomery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Chapel or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Gridley-Horan Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Holmes, Kathie J. Kathie J. Holmes, an 8-year area resident, died Wednesday May 11, 2005 at her daughter's residence. She was 74. The daughter of the late Richard Rieken and Alice Steck Rieken, she was born June 4, 1930 in Little Ferry, N.J. The widow of Frank William "Bill" Holmes, Sr., she worked as a dispatcher for the New Milford Police Department in New Milford, N.J. for over 25 years before retiring in 1993. Kathie was raised in New Milford, N.J., where she resided for 56 years before moving to Pomona, N.Y. in 1986. A family statement reads: "She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Besides raising a family. she performed her civic duties with pride. She will be sadly missed by all." She is survived by one son, Frank W. Holmes, Jr. of Billerica, Mass.; two daughters, Joanne M. Abrams of Highland Falls, and Kathijane "KJ" Holmes of Brooklyn, N.Y.; one brother, Richard Rieken of Chatumal, Mexico; three sisters: Alice Ross of Fort Montgomery, Eleanor Cole of Prattsburgh, N.Y. and Emma Barthold of Dundee, N.Y.; five loving grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Friday May 13, 2005 at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls, N.Y. The funeral will be Saturday, May 14 at 11 AM in the United Church of the Highlands, 341 Main St., Highland Falls, N.Y., with the Rev. Judy Sibley officiating. Cremation will be at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope, N.Y. and burial of the cremains will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Funeral arrangements were made by William F. Hogan Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Lybolt, Anne M. Anne M. Lybolt, a lifelong area resident died Thursday, May 12, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center Horton Campus. She was 76 years old. The daughter of Myron and Elizabeth Madden Simpson, Anne was born April 21, 1929 in Middletown. A family statement reads, "She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and especially grandmother." Anne is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Albert R. Lybolt at home; one son, Michael J. Lybolt and his wife, Kim, of Albany, NY; two grandchildren Tyler and Marleah; as well as her extended family, Joseph and Diane Ryback of Morganton, NC, and their children, Alex, Brad, Nathan, Grace, Emily, and Charles; as well as Nicholas and Caitlin Torrado of Middletown. A funeral service of remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, May 14 at 1:15 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown. The Rev. Tim Woodard will officiate. Burial will follow in Wallkill Cemetery, Phillipsburg, N.Y. Arrangements are under the Direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. McConnell, Walter L. "Mudcat" Mr. Walter L. "Mudcat" McConnell of Milford, Pa., owner of Walt's Auto Sales, Port Jervis, and lifelong resident of the area, died Tuesday May 10, 2005 at Newton Memorial Hospital in Newton, N.J. He was 72. He was born October 10, 1932 in Port Jervis, N.Y. A member of the Port Jervis County Club, Walt was an avid golfer. He was a bowler and sponsored several leagues as well as playing and sponsoring softball teams. A graduate of the Matamoras High School, he was a former owner of the West End Tavern and former manager of the Colonial Inn. A family statement reads, "Walt was a great person...all class. He never thought of himself. He would always put everyone else first." He is survived by his spouse, Theresa and her children: Joseph Senese of Dingman's Ferry, Pa., Anne Mabee of Sparrowbush, and Ralph Senese of Pine Bush; four grandchildren: Joseph Senese, Jr. of Milford, Pa., Ralph Senese of Pine Bush, Zachery Roach of Port Jervis and Jonie Senese of Glen Spey; and also his cats, Little Cat and Snowball. Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main St., Port Jervis on Saturday May 14, 2005 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 14, 2005 at 2:00 PM in the funeral home. Cremation will be at the H.G. Smith Crematory in Stroudsburg, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to: Humane Society Of Port Jervis/Deerpark, Inc., 202 Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 5/12/2005 - 5/13/2005. Minor, Edwin T. Edwin T. Minor of Newburgh, a retired foreman for Star Expansion in Mountainville, entered into rest Tuesday May 10, 2005 in St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus. He was 80. Son of the late Alfred and Florence Minor, he was born May 4, 1925 in Walton, N.Y. Edwin was a member of Masonic Lodge 627, Wallkill; he previously attended the Masonic Lodge in Newburgh; and VFW Post 1161 in the Town of Newburgh. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Elsie Conners Hughes Minor; two daughters, Kathy Byrne and her husband, Wes, of California, and Gail Hughes of Newburgh; grandchildren, Dillon Byrne, Beth Anschultz, Mara O'Brien, Michelle Lippman, Scott Brundage, Stacy Torres; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Audrey Ferguson; his brother, Allen Minor; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Minor, and son, Robert Hughes, III. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 13 at the Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A VFW service will take place at 6:15 p.m. and a Masonic service at 7 p.m. A funeral service will take place 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 5/12/2005 - 5/13/2005. Mitchell Jr., Charles F. MSC Charles F. Mitchell, Jr. USNR - ret., a longtime Middletown resident, died Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at O.R.M.C., Horton Campus. He was 72 years old. The son of the late Charles F. and Margaret Bauer Mitchell, Charles was born September 17, 1932 in Brooklyn, N.Y. A decorated veteran of U.S. Navy, he proudly served his country for 23 years. He was retired from Teamsters Local 807 and the NYS Dept. of Corrections. Charles was a member of many organizations including: Veterans of Foreign War, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Navy League, Plank owner of the USS Luzon, Boy Scout Order of the Arrow, and Member of the Republican National Committee. Pop was a man who loved his country, his wife of 47 years, his children and his grandchildren. He was a man that embraced life, and had an extended family of kids, including Elisa Turoff Rosenbloom, Dee Durland, Donna Hajduk Zuidema, all his children's friends and the Valentin's. He loved to be in the outdoors, enjoying all of nature. He would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He left an impression on the community and on the world. He will be missed forever and never forgotten. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Ann at home; one daughter, Deborah Ann Bonfanti and her husband Edward of Middletown; one son, Charles F. Mitchell IV and his wife Laura of Warwick; six grandchildren, Maria and her fianc‚ Nolan Groom, Stefanie and Edward Bonfanti, Sydney, Liam and Colin Mitchell; one great-grandchild, Nolan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Theresa Conover. Family and friends may call on Friday, May 13 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 149 Cottage Street, Middletown. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Charles' name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 5/12/2005 - 5/13/2005. Speakman, Kathryn Ryan Kathryn Ryan Speakman, 92, a homemaker and 39-year resident of Hankins, New York, died Sunday, May 8, 2005 at Abington Memorial Hospital in Warminster, Pennsylvania. The daughter of the late Edward and Alice Carr Ryan, she was born February 22, 1913 in New York City. She was the widow of Paul L. Speakman. Mrs. Speakman spent several years of her youth in Hankins and moved back here in 1966 with her beloved husband, Paul. She was very active in her community. She participated in bake sales, penny socials, and other fundraising activities for the community and was a friend of the Hankins-Fremont Fire Department and the United Methodist Church of Hankins. She was a member of Holy Cross Church in Callicoon and was known as the "50-50 Lady" for selling the chances each Sunday for many years. Children knew her as "Aunt Kitty" and "the Candy Lady." She was a member of Holy Cross Altar and Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters, and was an Honorary member of The Knights of Columbus. Remember her always with a twinkle in her eyes and enough love for everyone. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald P. and Josephine Speakman of Warminster, Pa.; three grandchildren Robert C. Speakman of Warminster, Pa., Michael P. Speakman and his wife, Frances, of Horsham, Pa., and Kathryn R. Speakman of Arlington, Va.; and a sister-in-law, Betty Ryan, of Hilton, N.Y. She was predeceased by a brother Edward Ryan and by a sister Loretta Canavan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Callicoon. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 16, 2005 at Holy Cross Church in Callicoon, N.Y. with Father Ignatius Smith, OFM officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Callicoon, New York. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church, P.O. Box 246, Callicoon, NY 12723. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Viserta, Rose R. Rose R. Viserta, a lifelong resident and retired Manager for Western Union Telegraph Co. in Middletown, N.Y., died Tuesday May 3, 2005 at Newton Memorial Hospital in Newton, N.J. She was 83. The daughter of the late Joseph Salvati and Josephine Korn Salvati, she was born July 9, 1921 in Middletown, N.Y. Rose was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis; member of Port Jervis Seniors, and A.A.R.P. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Joseph L. Viserta, whom she married on April 28, 1946; one son, Joseph R. Viserta and wife, Jean, of Middletown; one daughter, JoAnne Viserta-Galinisand and husband, Edward, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; one sister, Letitia DeGraw of the state of Florida; three grandchildren: Joseph Viserta, Joanna Ward, and Jenna Viserta; two great-grandchildren, Vincent and Susan Viserta; two cousins, Rose Korn and Letitia Rielly; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers: Charles, Anthony and Michael Salvati. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Monday May 16, 2005 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, with a vigil wake service to be held at 8:00 PM. The funeral will be held Tuesday May 17 at 11:15 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon in St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, with the Rev. Dennis Dinan officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Middletown, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans Assoc.) Funeral arrangements were made by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions or to send a condolence, please visit www.Knight-Auchmoody.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005. Whipple, Roger Roger Whipple, 64, of Kingsport, passed away Tuesday (May 10, 2005). He was born in Middletown, NY and attended Otisville High School. Roger was a graduate of Orange County Community College and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was employed with Tennessee Eastman Company in 1970 where he worked in Research and later as a Systems Analyst until his retirement in 1998. Roger was active in the local, state and national youth soccer and the Tennessee State Soccer Association. His parents, Clyde and Jessie Whipple and a brother, David A. Whipple preceded him in death. Survivors include his former wife, Susan Whipple, Kingsport; three sons, David G. Whipple, Knoxville, Michael Whipple and wife, Valerie, Olney, MD, and Peter Whipple and wife, Holly, Kingsport; three grandchildren, Bailey, Lauren and Preston Whipple; one sister, Nancy Neumann and husband, Roger, Horseheads, NY; two brothers, Bruce Whipple and wife, Barb, Nebo, NC and Doug Whipple, Suffern, NY; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Dan Clark officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Pete Whipple, Dave Whipple, Michael Whipple, Doug Whipple, Bruce Whipple, Ken Taylor, and Ron Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be the Tri Cities Soccer Referee Association. Memorial contributions may be given to the Tri-Cities Referee Association, Dave Murry, Treasurer 209 Lochridge Bend, Kingsport, TN 37663. E-mail condolences may be sent to hamlettdobsonter.net Published in the Times Herald-Record on 5/13/2005.