OBITS: Times Herald-Record 8 Oct 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 Amador, Marciano Marciano Amador, a longtime area resident, died Friday, October 7, 2005 at Park Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Middletown. He was 82 years old. The son of the late Gregorio and Amparo Quitero Amador, Marciano was born October 26, 1922 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in both Cuba and New Jersey, before moving into the area in 1970. A family statement reads: "He was a quiet and hardworking man who was well respected in our community. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Taylor, his youngest grandchild, will miss his daily visits and trips to her red leaf maple tree." Marciano is survived by his beloved wife, Olga, at home; three sons: Manuel D. Amador and his longtime girlfriend, Patty, Marco A. Amador and his wife, Cynthia, both of Middletown, and Pedro Amador of Miami, Fla.; one daughter, Maria Elena Amador of Miami, Fla.; two sisters, Isabel Estrada and Aquilena Barselo, both of Miami, Fla.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Ave., Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown. Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Bruce, Russell Russell Bruce of Newburgh, a retired Butcher for the A & P Grocery Stores and a longtime resident of the area, died Friday, October 7, 2005 in Goshen, N.Y. He was 90. The son of Belt and Belle Bruce, he was born November 20, 1914 in Landrum, S.C. Bruce served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Philippines. He was a member of The Walden Baptist Church, and the American Legion in Newburgh. He was the widower of Pearl Bruce. A family statement reads: "Bruce was an avid fisherman, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and loyal friend to everyone." Survivors include his wife, Minnie VanLeuvan Bruce, at home; two stepdaughters, Pat Glass of Walden, and Midge Norman of Walden; two stepsons, Harry VanLeuvan of West Virginia, and Frank VanLeuvan of Tennessee; 20 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Harold and Vera Hillard of Thomasville, S.C.; and brother-in-law, John Sears of New Windsor. He was predeceased by a daughter, Sherron Wood; a sister, Kathrine; and a stepson Clarence VanLeuvan. Visitation will be Sunday, October 9, 2005 from 4-8 p.m. at the Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, N.Y. Funeral Services will be Monday, October 10 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, with the Rev James VanHouten officiating. Burial will be in Wallkill Valley Cemetery, Walden, N.Y. Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Ferrante, Margaret Margaret Ferrante, a homemaker and resident of Goshen, died Thursday, October 6, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Arden Hill Campus, Goshen, N.Y. She was 89. Daughter of John Menditto and Theresa Santonastaso Menditto, he was born September 13, 1916 in New York, N.Y. A former resident of New York City, N.Y., she was a member of St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Goshen, N.Y. She is survived by her husband, Salvatore Ferrante of Goshen; one son, Emanuel J. Ferrante of St. Charles, Ill.; one daughter, Katherine Pardo and her husband, Manuel, of Goshen; six grandchildren: Peter, Richard, Vincent, Gina, Lisa and Dina; three great-grandchildren: Luke, Griffin and Kristanna; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers: Victor, John and Peter; and two sisters, Mary and Anna. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church St., Goshen, N.Y. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen, N.Y. Interment will be in Wallkill Cemetery, Middletown, N.Y. Memorial contributions in Margaret's name may be made to St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen, NY 10924. Arrangements were made by Donovan Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Harrison, Leonard Leonard Harrison of Newburgh, died Tuesday, October 4, 2005 in Newburgh, N.Y. He was 74 years old. Leonard Harrison was born on October 25, 1930 in Mariana, Fla., the second oldest of six born to the late Theola Williams Harrison and Willie Harrison. He was a member of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Mariana, Fla. He was educated in the public school system of Jackson County, Fla. Upon completion, he entered the armed services and received an Honorable Discharge after serving his country for seven years in the U.S. Army. He then attended college in Miami, Fla. After two years he relocated to Newburgh, N.Y. where he's been a 40-year resident. He was employed at the United States Military Academy and retired after 30 years of service. Leonard was well-known in the Newburgh community and would lend a hand to anyone. He was an avid comic book reader and will always be remembered for his warm smile and quiet way. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He leaves to mourn two sisters, Mrs. Willola Barnes of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Mrs. Ella Arenas of Peru, Ind.; one brother, Matthew Harrison of Mariana; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Leonard was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Harrison, and a sister, Shirley Weston. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Brutus W. Hodge Funeral Home, 13 Chambers St., Newburgh, N.Y. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 12 noon in the funeral home with the Rev. George Smith officiating. Burial will be in Orange County Veterans Cemetery, Goshen, N.Y. Arrangements were made by the Brutus W. Hodge Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Lawlor, Henry J. Formerly of Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Henry J. Lawlor of Tafton, Pa., formerly of Wappingers Falls, entered into eternal rest Friday, October 7, 2005 at home surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 64. Son of the late Harry and Florence Kelly Lawlor, he was born February 13, 1941 in New York City. He wed Frances B. Connor on April 20, 1963 at St. John's Church in the Bronx. They remained happily married for over 40 years. "Hank" was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, who was loved by everyone that knew him. He was a selfless, giving person who always put others first. Family was always the center of his life. Although Henry was taken much too soon from us, he had a life full of accomplishments and achievements to be proud of. Mr. Lawlor served our country in the U.S. Air Force. He was also a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology. He went on to join the New York City Police Department where, in 1980, he was awarded the NYPD Medal of Valor. He remained there until his retirement from the 52nd Precinct in 1981. In other professions he was the Assistant to the President of Lighting and Electronics in Wappingers Falls, a manufacturing manager for IBM in Fishkill for 15 years until his retirement in 2002, and acted as former Dutchess County Legislator for District 7 from 1990-1993. Henry was very involved in his communities acting as former Warden of New York State Council, Knights of Columbus, Past Grand Knight of Wappingers Council 1646, member of Wappingers 4th Degree Assembly, Secretary to State Deputy James A. Foy in Beacon and Paul Esposito in Watervliet and former District Deputy for two terms. Hank lived life to the fullest; he loved to travel, especially to Arizona. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and loved to play golf. Besides his loving wife, Frances, at home, Henry leaves behind his son, Michael Lawlor and his wife, Karen, of Milford, Pa.; daughters, Christine Lawlor and son-in-law, Don Tompkins of Wallkill, and Patricia Dean and her husband, John, of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Lawlor; brothers, James Lawlor and his wife, Carole, and Martin Lawlor and his wife, Mary, all of Lanark Village, Fla.; sister, Patricia Lawlor of Tallahassee, Fla.; loving grandfather and Pop Pop to John Thomas Dean, Jr., Casey Lynne Lawlor, Shannon Ashley Lawlor, Madelyn Rose Lawlor, Sean Henry Dean, John Henry Lawlor II and Michaela Kelly Lawlor; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends. He was predeceased by his son, John Henry Lawlor on December 22, 2001. Family will receive friends on Monday, October 10 from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. at Straub Funeral Home, 55 E. Main St., Wappingers Falls, N.Y. The Wappingers Falls Council Knights of Columbus will hold a service at 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, October 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Henry's name to the American Cancer Society; or the Dyson Center, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 205 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10017; or Hospice St. John, 1007 Oak St., Pittston Twp., PA 18640. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit www.straubfuneralhome.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 10/8/2005 - 10/9/2005. MacDonald, James A. James A. MacDonald of Newburgh, a retired bus driver with 30 years of service to Carey Transportation, died Thursday, October 6, 2005 at home. He was 74. Son of the late Fauster and Viola MacDonald, he was born January 5, 1931 in New York City, N.Y. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1949 to 1951, and was a former member of the Auxiliary Police Department for Highway 1 in New York City. He is survived by his wife, Mary MacDonald, at home; two sons, Peter Russen of Bethlehem, Pa., and Scott MacDonald of Yonkers, N.Y.; six daughters: Elizabeth McConkley of Oklahoma City, Patricia McKay of Walden, Viola Treacey of Boca Raton, Theresa Del Bene of Yonkers, Veronica MacDonald of the Town of Newburgh, and Catherine Gomez of Wallkill; one brother, William MacDonald of El Paso, Texas; one sister, Maryann McConnell of Troy; 13 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Fauster MacDonald. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9 from 3-7 p.m. at the White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 N. Plank Rd. (Route 32), Town of Newburgh. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 10 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake R.C. Church, Route 52, Orange Lake, with Monsignor John Budwick officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor. Arrangements are by the White & Venuto Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 10/8/2005 - 10/9/2005. Maharay, Joan (Van Duzer) Joan Van Duzer Maharay, a homemaker and resident of the Bronx, formerly of Marlboro, died Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. She was 73. Daughter of the late Ellsworth Van Duzer and Anna Rowley, she was born December 26, 1931 in Newburgh, N.Y. She is survived by her sister, Carol Ann Nicklin and her husband, John, of Marlboro; a nephew, John Nicklin of Annapolis, Md.; and a niece, Allison Tobin of Colorado Springs, Colo. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 10, 2005 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, Marlboro, N.Y. Funeral Services will follow visitation at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Spierling officiating. Burial will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Middlehope, N.Y. Arrangements were made by The DiDonato Funeral Service, Inc. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Meckle, Clara A. Clara A. Meckle of Narrowsburg, a lifelong resident of the area, died Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at the Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, Honesdale, Pa. She was 98. The daughter of the late George and Anna Thone Daub, she was born October 5, 1907 in Cochecton Center, N.Y. She was married for 48 years to the late Lewis Meckle Sr., who passed away July 6, 1982. Clara was a member of St. Francis R.C. Church, Narrowsburg. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society; Tusten Senior Citizens Club; and the Lava Ladies Auxiliary. A family statement reads: "Clara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. her specialities were baking, needle work and the flowers in her garden." She is survived by three daughters: Betty Ann Rutledge and her husband, Raymond, of Tyler Hill, Pa., Judy Rutledge and her husband, Amos, of Tyler Hill, Pa., and Nancy Fraser and her husband, Donald, of Monticello; one son, Lewis Meckle Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of Narrowsburg; one sister, Henrietta Pierce of Lake Huntington, N.Y.; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Fred and Carl Daub; and by three sisters: Ann Rutz, Elizabeth Walter and Helen Bernas. Friends are invited to call on Sunday, October 9 from 4-7 p.m. and on Monday, October 10 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, Narrowsburg, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, Narrowsburg, N.Y., with the Rev. William Scully OFM officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Narrowsburg, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tusten Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rasmussen Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Pinto, Donald J. Donald J. Pinto, a resident of both Middletown and and Leesburg, Fla., went peacefully to God on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 in Leesburg, Fla., surrounded by his loving family following a strong and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 71. The son of the late Angelo and Lillian Walsh Pinto, he was born on October 9, 1933 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He moved to the Middletown area with his wife, Gertrude, in the 1960's. Don served as a Sergeant in the U.S Marine Corps. He was a retired Captain for the N.Y.S. Police Department, and was a member of the Former Trooper Association. Donald was also an active member of the Moose Lodge in Leesburg; the Boat Club; the Park Players, a drama and comedy club; and the Computer Club, all in Mid Florida Lakes. Some of his charitable work included cooking for local churches and organizing and running fundraisers for Hospice in Florida. A family statement reads: "Don was a very special, loving father and friend. He always tried to figure out how and what he could do for others. Everything he did was done with dignity, fairness and strength and he got a lot of respect for that. Don was quite the chef, a talented fisherman and a genius at computers. He got a lot of his knowledge from reading, and he always had a book and a camera in his hand. Don was also an avid outdoorsman who loved the wilderness. In addition to all of these attributes, Don was a stamp and coin collector." He is survived by his daughter, Susan Rollings and her husband, Ronald, of Middletown; his brother-in-law, Christopher Dorney and his wife, Barbara, of Westwood, N.J.; nephews, John Dorney and his wife, Kerri, of Mahwah, N.J. and Raymond Dorney and his wife, Julie, of Westwood, N.J.; as well as several other aunts, uncles and cousins. Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gertrude on August 30, 2001. Friends may call today, Monday, October 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Ave., Middletown, N.Y. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 11 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Euclid Ave., Middletown. Burial with military honors will be in the family plot at Cemetery of The Ascension, Monsey, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 419 East Main St., Middletown, NY 10940. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 10/8/2005 - 10/10/2005. Schembri, Anthony "Axerider" Anthony "Axerider" Schembri of Newburgh, a retired Safety Engineer for IBM, entered into rest on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at St. Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie. He was 62. Son of the late Ray and Rose Avis Schembri, he was born May 7, 1943 in Leicester, England. He married Justine Boucher on January 18, 1964 in Staten Island, N.Y., who survives at home. Anthony proudly served in the Army National Guard and attended Brooklyn Technical School. He was a Boy Scout leader, soccer coach, a member of the Bethlehem Rod & Gun Club, and co-founder of Rolling Thunder Chapter 3. A family statement reads: "Tony, fondly known by his many friends as the "Axerider", was a unique man. His integrity was his trademark, and was exemplified by all of his passions. For the thousands of lives he has touched, directly or indirectly, his life will be celebrated. Tony was well known for his patriotism and love for his adopted country. For the past 10 years, his work in Rolling Thunder has provided outreach services to local veterans. His close work with Senator Larkin allowed his chapter to promote the Purple Heart Stamp, and Tony was the catalyst to creating the Purple Heart Museum." In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Ray Schembri and his wife, Micky, of Ohio, and Paul Schembri and his wife, Theresa, of New Paltz; his daughters, Catherine Schembri and her husband, Andrew, of Newburgh, and Pamela Schembri of Newburgh; his sister, Felicia Schembri of Lewes, Del.; his grandchildren: Colin, Jordan, Emily, Frances, Mathieu and Christian; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was predeceased by his daughter, Deborah Schembri. Visitation will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, October 9 at the Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 10. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Anthony's name may be made to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, P.O. Box 207, Vails Gate, NY 12584. To send a personal condolence or for directions to the funeral home, please visit Brooks-DiDonato.com. Published in the Times Herald-Record from 10/8/2005 - 10/9/2005. Schrumpf, Lois Lois Schrumpf, a homemaker and lifetime resident of the area, died October 6, 2005 at home. She was 92. Daughter of the late Edgar and Verna Tice Aldrich, she was born February 4, 1913 in Callicoon, N.Y. She was the widow of Richard Schrumpf. Lois was a charter member of the Callicoon Center Fireman's Auxiliary, and a member of the Willing Workers of St. Paul's Reformed Church in Callicoon Center. She is survived by three daughters: Judith Klopp and her husband, David, of Wycoff, N.J., Karen Labouseur and her husband, George, of Liberty, and Debra Issman of Callicoon Center; five grandchildren: Alan Labouseur, Brian Labouseur, Michael Klopp, David Klopp, and Nicole Issman. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2005 from 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Jeffersonville, N.Y. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 10, 2005 in the funeral home with the Rev. Audrey Pedersen officiating. Burial will be in Callicoon Center Cemetery, Callicoon Center, N.Y. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to a charity of one's choice. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Van Zile, Arthur W. Arthur W. Van Zile of Warwick, an employee having retired from Midland Lumber & Supply in Warwick, died Thursday, October 6, 2005 at home. He was 79. The son of the late Arthur and Susan Van Zile, he was born June 8, 1926 in Monroe, N.Y. He was the widower of Margaret Van Zile. A veteran, Mr. Van Zile served in the United States Army during World War II. Survivors include his son, Rodney Stewart VanCourt of Tennessee; his daughter, Barbara Ann Petrocelli of Haskell, N.J.; and his niece, Virginia Patterson of Kingman, Ariz. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Irma Novinski of Goshen, and his caregiver, Debbie Doolan of Warwick. Visitation hours will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2005 at the Strong-Basile Funeral Home, 75 Main St., Warwick, N.Y. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 9 in the funeral home. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by the Strong-Basile Funeral Home. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005. Ward, Joan Joan Ward of Port Jervis, formerly of Rockland County, N.Y., passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2005. She was 69 years old. Joan was the beloved mother of Joann Burbridge of Mahwah, N.J. Friends knew her as the "Bird Lady" because of her passion for birds. It was Joan's wishes to be cremated and have a Memorial Mass afterward. Joan's Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 5 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes, N.J. To sign Joan's guestbook, please visit www.wanamakercarlough.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, N.Y. Published in the Times Herald-Record on 10/8/2005.