OBITS: Staten Island Advance 8 Sep 2005; Staten Island, Richmond 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: Staten Island Advance Death Notices http://www.statenislandadvance.com/ Argenio, Edward Edward Argenio of Tottenville on September 6, 2005. Beloved husband of Susan. Loving father of Alex, Gabrielle and E.J. Dear brother of Jimmy. Funeral from The John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc. 28 Eltingville Blvd, (at Eltingville Station) on Saturday 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Our Lady Help of Christians Church10 A.M. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday and Friday from 2-4 and 7-10 P.M. www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/9/2005. Berggren, John R. John R. Berggren of Rosebank on September 7, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Florence A. (nee DeLuccia). Devoted father of John M. and William G. Berggren. Cherished grandfather of Robin, Jodi, Kelli, Cindi, John, William and Julianna. Adored great-grandfather of Katherine, Matthew, Samantha, Zachary Ryan, Shelby, Travis, Amanda, Allison, Matthew, Allysa, Christina, Nicolette and Danielo. Dear uncle of Bruce, Susan, Harold, Selma, Peter, James, Eddie and Linda. Family and friends will be received at the Martin Hughes Funeral Home, 530 Narrows Road South at Britton Avenue, Friday and Saturday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Service in chapel Saturday 3 P.M. Interment Monday Moravian Cemetery 10 A.M. Martin Hughes Inc. Funeral Home. Family Owned & Operated Since 1885 www.SilLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/10/2005. Cascio, Santo Santo Cascio on September 5, 2005. Beloved husband of Anna Marie. Loving father of Sarah (Georg) Dauterman, Jacqueline Greivis and Joseph (Margaret Cascio). Dear grandfather of Kerry (Mark) McGrew, Stephen Greivis, Georg J. Denise) Dauterman, Annamarie Dauterman, Christa and Joseph Cascio. Dear great grandfather of Angelica, Isabella, Katharina and Mark A. Fond brother of Anthony Cascio, Clara Vittore, Frank Cascio and the late Mary DeSalvo. Reposing at A. Azzara Funeral Home Inc., 183 Sand Lane, South Beach, S.I. Funeral Mass at Holy Rosary Church Friday 9:30 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Visiting Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. A. Azzara Funeral Home., Inc. Family Owned & Operated since 1900 www.SILive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/7/2005 - 9/8/2005. DeHaven, Steven E. Steven E. DeHaven of Staten Island, born September 17, 1930, died Monday, September 5, 2005. Also known as "Poppy". He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Survived by his loving wife Violet, daughters June, Beverly, Susan and Lauren. sons Thomas and Steven, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday Septemer 10, at 12 P.M. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 672 Drumgoole Road, East, S.I. There will be a reception immediately following in the church rectory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to either the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross, Katrina Fund. Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated since 1841 www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/9/2005. DeRosa, Teresa Teresa DeRosa of Oakwood on September 7, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Jerry. Beloved mother of Jennie Misiti. Cherished grandmother of Danielle and Jason Baglio. Loving great grandmother of Jason J. and Justin. Fond sister of Carmela, Anna, Maria, Laura, Antoinette and Pasquale. Reposing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Friends may call Thursday 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday St. Clare's Church 11 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. www.SiLive.com / obitss Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/9/2005. Dillon, Dorothea Dorothea Dillon of New Springville on September 7, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Daniel J. Loving mother of Daniel Dillon, Theresa Fenfert, William Dillon, Kathleen Fenfert, John Dillon, Eileen Mullucks and Patricia Dillon. Also survived by thirteen grandchildren. Funeral from Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave., Castleton Corners on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Family Church 11 A.M. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday 7-9 P.M. Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 . www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/10/2005. DiSarro, John SARRO John Di Sarro of Castleton Corners on September 7, 2005. Dear brother of Albert Di Sarro, Filomena Fusco, Carmella, Aiello, Maria Alfano. Also survived by 13 nieces and nephews. Funeral from Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Avenue, Castleton Corners on Saturday. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers and Mass Cards, contributions to your favorite charity would be appreciated. www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/9/2005. Ferrara, Joseph A. Joseph A. Ferrara, a 74 of Toms River died September 6, 2005. Devoted father of Joseph V. and Vincent J. Loving brother of Edward. Visitation is Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at Oliverie Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Road Manchester. Funeral services are Saturday 9:30 A.M. at The funeral home with entombment to follow at Ocean County Memorial Park Cemetery, Toms River. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund C / O The American Red Cross P.O. Box 7101, Shrewsbury, N.J. 07702. Condolences may also be sent online via our company website at www.oliveriefuneralhome.com www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 9/8/2005. Friscia, Charles J. FRISCA Charles J. Friscia of Annadale on September 7, 2005. Beloved husband of Estelle. Loving father of Maria Puglia, Amelia Palmiotto and Marlene. Adored grandfather of Danielle, Neil, Vanessa, Jacalyn and Amanda. Funeral from the JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS, on Saturday at 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Clare's Church 9:45 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take pace on Thursday and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.silive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/9/2005. Henderson, Mary A. Mary A. Henderson on September 5, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Eugene W. Henderson. Loving mother of Holly Ciaravino and Gene Henderson and mother in law of Richard and Pamela. Cherished grandmother of John, Erin, Justin and Amanda. Fond sister of Robert and William Connelly and Elizabeth Hansen. Also survived and loved by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Saturday 8:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Charles Church 9:15 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Thursday 7-9 P.M. and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/7/2005 - 9/9/2005. Mascari, Walter Walter Mascari of New Brighton on September 3, 2005. Beloved father of Dylan A. Mascari. Cherished son of Joan and the late Anthony Mascari. Dear brother of Joan Mosco, Emily Frazier, Marie Tamayo, Rachele, Anthony, Sylvester, Henry and John Mascari. Also survived by a close family friend Stanley H. Cox. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, Friday 10:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Paul's Church 11 A.M. Committal private. Friends will be received Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. K. Terrance McGinley, Director, Harmon Home for Funerals Locally Family Owned and Operated Staten Island's only member of the International Order of the www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/7/2005 - 9/8/2005. McClammy, Diane Spivey Dianne Spivey McClammy of New Brighton on September 5, 2005. Wife of the late Booker McClammy. Daughter of the late Caroline Spivey. Also survived by a host of relatives and friends. Funeral Service Saturday 11 A.M. Glorious Church, 236 Hamilton Avenue. Interment Rosehill Cemetery. Viewing at Church Saturday 10-11 A.M. Joann Scamardella Licensed Funeral Home www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/9/2005. McGrath, Genevieve Genevieve McGrath of West Brighton on September 6, 2005. Beloved aunt of Lawrence Murray. Dear sister of the late Ellen and Francis McGrath and Marjorie Murray. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton Friday 9:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Peter's Church 10 A.M. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Queens NY Friends will be received Friday morning 8:30-9:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, mass cards in Genevieve's memory would be appreciated. K. Terrance McGinley, Director, Harmon Home for Funerals Locally Family Owned and Operated Staten Island's only member of the International Order of the www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/7/2005 - 9/8/2005. Shali-Ogli, Rosemary C. Rosemary C. Shali-Ogli of Sidney, New York formerly of West Brighton on September 7, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Paul I. Shali-Ogli. Loving mother of Esther Shali-Ogli and Beatrice Bishop. Dear sister of Raymond Reisert. Cherished grandmother of Paul A. and Jacob I. Shali-Ogli. Long time friend of Edward Oxford. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, on Monday 9:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Peter's Church 10 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, N.Y. 13823 would be appreciated. K. Terrance McGinley, Director, Harmon Home for Funerals Locally Family Owned and Operated Staten Island's only member of the International Order of the www.SiLive.com / obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/8/2005 - 9/11/2005. Wainwright, Stanley J. WAINRIGHT Stanley J. Wainwright, 76, of Green Brook, NJ, died on September 5, 2005, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ. He was born in Staten Island, NY. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth Wainwright who died in 2004. He is survived by his son William S. Wainwright of Randolph, NJ, and his daughter Darlene and her husband Michael Wroblewski of Green Brook, NJ, his brother David Wainwright of Brookfield, Conn. and Donald Wainwright of Littleton, Col., and his sister Doris Wainwright of Colorado. His grandchildren William and Victoria Wainwright, Michael, Matthew and Mark Wroblewski. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday 8 P.M. at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen, NJ. Visiting will be Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will be private. Donations are accepted in his name to: The Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251 Denville, and N.J., 07834. www.SiLive.com / Obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 9/7/2005 - 9/8/2005. TONIA STEWART, 39 Volunteer at Goodhue, Jewish Community Center Thursday, September 08, 2005 Tonia Monique Stewart, 39, an accountant who loved animals and reading, died Monday at her West Brighton home of a heart attack. Born in Manhattan in 1966, Ms. Stewart was brought to the Bronx, where she lived for 17 years, graduating from Christopher Columbus High School and Jefferson Business School for Accounting. For 17 years, Ms. Stewart worked as an accountant with Merrill Lynch in Manhattan. She stopped working last year. While commuting to work on the Staten Island Ferry in 1983, Ms. Stewart met Samuel M. Thomas Sr. Later that year, the couple moved to West Brighton. A volunteer in her community, she helped children at Goodhue Center in New Brighton for four years and served as an assistant counselor at the Aberlin/North Shore Jewish Community Center in Tompkinsville for almost two years. Ms. Stewart enjoyed baby-sitting her niece, five nephews and great-nephew. "She loved cooking and was always trying new recipes. She enjoyed family gatherings and would always be the host," said her mother, Barbara Santana. An animal lover and avid reader, Ms. Stewart was especially fond of Stephen King novels. Ms. Stewart was a member of St. Philip's Baptist Church, Port Richmond. Her partner, Samuel Sr., died in 1998. In addition to her mother, Barbara, surviving are her son, Samuel Jr.; a brother, Raymond Santana; two sisters, Crystal Daniels and Mari-Ann Brownell, and her maternal grandfather, Hue Tatham. The funeral service will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Scamardella Funeral Home, West Brighton. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Linden, N.J. STEVEN DeHAVEN, 74 MGM manager interested in marketing, psychology Thursday, September 08, 2005 Annadale resident Steven Edward (Poppy) DeHaven, 74, a former marketing and promotions manager for MGM in Las Vegas and Manhattan, died Monday in Lily Pond Nursing Home, Arrochar, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Providence, R.I., Mr. DeHaven also lived in 2004 Massachusetts, Chicago, Manhattan, Las Vegas and Phoenix, Ariz., before moving to Staten Island in 1980. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Boston College, and for several years worked in marketing and promotions for MGM. He stopped working there in the late 1970s. Mr. DeHaven enjoyed cooking and traveling, and would read several books a day. He had a keen interest in marketing and psychology. He was a parishioner of Messiah Lutheran Church, Annadale. His daughter, Susan Warner, who met her father only three years ago after trying to learn his identity for almost 15 years, remembered his intelligence and depth. Even though I lost him, I'm so grateful I found him, she said. He was a great storyteller. He would draw caricatures of all the MGM cartoons. He was philosophical. He was a very personal and personable person. He could get along and talk to anybody. In addition to his daughter, Susan, surviving are his wife of 25 years, the former Violet Mraz; two sons, Thomas Fallick and Steven DeHaven; three more daughters, June Tabeek, Beverly Leath and Lauren DeHaven; seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Mr. DeHaven's grandson, Gregory Leath, died 11 years ago. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in Messiah Lutheran Church. The arrangements, including cremation, were handled by the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. STANLEY WAINWRIGHT, 76 New Brighton native, engineer enjoyed playing golf Thursday, September 08, 2005 Stanley J. Wainwright, 76, of Green Brook, N.J., a native Staten Islander and retired mechanical engineer, died Monday in Overlook Hospital, Summit, N.J. Mr. Wainwright grew up in New Brighton and moved to Castleton Corners in 1955. He settled in Green Brook in 1964. For 30 years, before retiring in 1996, he worked as a mechanical engineer for Elliot Co. in Mountainside, N.J. Mr. Wainwright also served as a member of the Green Brook School Board for a decade and as its president for several of those years. He later volunteered his time for different board subcommittees. A graduate of Curtis High School, Mr. Wainwright earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from the City College of New York, Manhattan, in 1959. He later taught classes at the school. He also served with a U.S. Army counterintelligence unit during the Korean War. "My dad was exceptionally intelligent, extremely logical and dedicated to any project he was involved in," said his daughter, Darlene Wroblewski. A member of the local Republican Club, Mr. Wainwright enjoyed playing bridge, deep-sea fishing and golfing. His wife of 52 years, the former Ruth Schweitzerhof, died in 2004. In addition to his daughter, Darlene, surviving are his son, William S.; two brothers, David and Donald; a sister, Doris Wainwright, and five grandchildren. The funeral service will be today at 8 p.m. in the Sheenan Funeral Home, Dunellen, N.J. The arrangements include cremation. + RAYMOND DECKER, 101 Longevity attributed to athleticism and disposition Thursday, September 08, 2005 Former Staten Islander Raymond T. Decker, 101, a telephone installer and athlete who lived on the North Shore for 70 years before retiring to Whiting, N.J., died Saturday in Community Medical Center, Toms River. Born in Mariners Harbor, he also lived in Westerleigh and West Brighton before moving to Castleton Corners in 1942. For 47 years, Mr. Decker installed telephones for the former New York Telephone Co., Manhattan. He retired in 1968 and relocated to Crestwood Village in Whiting in 1973. An avid athlete, he was a member of the Albions Club, a sports group that organized basketball, baseball, football and other games among its members. He also played tennis at the Westerleigh Tennis Club and was a close friend of Elmer Ripley, a Staten Island basketball great, who also was the namesake for Mr. Decker's own son, Rip. Mr. Decker played golf well into his 80s. His daughter, Jean Anderson, attributed her father's longevity to his athleticism and his wonderful, sweet disposition. Mr. Decker enjoyed watching sports of all kinds and was a fan of the New York Mets. He also loved spending time with his family. He was a great guy and we loved being with him, said his daughter. Mr. Decker's wife of 69 years, the former Meredith Madeley, died in 1997. In addition to his son, Rip, and his daughter, Jean, surviving are four granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren. The arrangements, including cremation, were handled by the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, Whiting. JOYCE DONO, 66 Nursing home assistant played classical piano Thursday, September 08, 2005 Retired nursing assistant Joyce Dono, 66, of Midland Beach, died Monday in Golden Gate Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Meiers Corners. Born Joyce Doherty in Newark, N.J., she was reared in Canarsie, Brooklyn. She kept a pet horse, Rusty, in her backyard there and often rode through the neighborhood. She attended high school in Brooklyn, but left four months before graduation to marry John Dono at the age of 18. Mrs. Dono settled in Midland Beach 35 years ago. She worked briefly as a computer data technician in Brooklyn before devoting herself to making a home for her family. She taught her children to read on their Brooklyn stoop, and used to peek in at them during their school lunchtime. When Mrs. Dono retired in 2004, she had been a nursing assistant at the Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Castleton Corners, for 24 years. She loved her work at what she affectionately called, 'The Lake,' and was well-liked by the patients there, said her daughter, Frances Chelli. Mrs. Dono was a classically trained pianist who loved to cook -- she was famous for her meatballs and gravy -- and was a fan of the cartoon characters Betty Boop and Tweety bird. A fan of country music and oldies, she visited the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., with her daughter. She also went on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean with friends and co-workers from Clove Lakes. Mrs. Dono was a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary's R.C. Church, Midland Beach. She was a witty, funny, simple, gracious woman, said her daughter. Mrs. Dono's husband, John, died in 1987. In addition to her daughter, Frances, surviving are her companion of 10 years, Corrado Costa; her three sons, John, Anthony and Thomas; three sisters, Joan Genna, June Waters and Jackie Testa, and 12 grandchildren. The funeral was yesterday from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass in St. Margaret Mary's Church. Burial followed in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. JOSEPH FERRARA, 74 Prudential Insurance worker liked playing poker Thursday, September 08, 2005 Joseph A. Ferrara, a retired insurance company employee, died Tuesday at his home in Toms River, N.J. He was 74. He was a generous, kind, thoughtful and honest man, said his son, Vincent J. He was a great father, husband, and a man of integrity. Born in the Bronx, Mr. Ferrara was brought to Rosebank as a child and moved to Eltingville in 1958. He relocated to Toms River 40 years later. For 32 years, Mr. Ferrara worked in sales for Prudential Insurance Co. in New Springville. He retired in 1993. Among his interests, according to his family, was playing Texas Hold 'em Poker. His wife of 45 years, the former Nancy Licastri, died in 2002. In addition to his son, Vincent J., surviving are his son, Joseph V., and his brother, Edward. The funeral service will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester, N.J. Burial will follow in Ocean County Memorial Park Cemetery, Toms River. JOHN DiSARRO, 82 Air pollution inspector, Merchant Marine veteran Thursday, September 08, 2005 Longtime Staten Islander John DiSarro, 82, of New Brighton, died yesterday in Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Castleton Corners, where he had resided for four months. Mr. DiSarro was born in Hibbing, Minn., in 1922, and settled in New Brighton with his family three years later. A graduate of Curtis High School, he worked as an inspector in the city's office of air pollution until 1984, when he retired. Mr. DiSarro loved to travel and drove cross-country once each year to visit family in California. He also visited Vinchiaturo, Italy, to see his parents' birthplace. During World War II, he was in the U.S. Merchant Marine in South Africa. Surviving Mr. DiSarro are his brother, Albert; his three sisters, Filomena Fusco, Carmela Aiello and Maria Alfano, and 13 nieces and nephews. The arrangements, including burial in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp, are being handled by the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. JAMES McLERNAN, 75 Was honored in Florida for his passion for the arts Thursday, September 08, 2005 Silver Lake native James McLernan worked in sales and real estate before becoming a patron of the arts. On Aug. 24, the 75-year-old died at his home in Miami Beach, Fla., after a six-year battle with lung cancer. A graduate of Curtis High School, he earned a business degree from Pace University, Manhattan, Mr. McLernan began a career in Manhattan and Los Angeles with the former THIS WEEK magazine -- he was head of ad sales for the western United States before moving to Key West, Fla., in the early 1970s. While there, he successfully pursued the buying and selling of real estate. Mr. McLernan was also the first president of the Founders Society at the Tennessee Williams Fine Art Center and served on the boards of the Key West Art & Historical Society and the Old Island Restoration Foundation. He was a founding member of Last Stand, a land preservation organization, and served as its president from 1989 to 1992. In 2004, Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekley honored Mr. McLernan by proclaiming Jan. 26 as James McLernan Day for His enduring and dedicated patronage of the arts; countless hours of political activism and stewardship; resolute concern for and active preservation of our environment and his good-hearted cultivation of a community of worthy friends. Mr. McLernan moved to Miami Beach in 2004. His family said he will always be remembered for his passion for art and his upbeat, positive demeanor. He was a people person who took great pleasure in entertaining friends and was famous for the parties he threw at sunset from his Key West home. He was loved and will be missed greatly by people all over the world, said his sister, Margaret Barry. In addition to his sister, Mr. McLernan is survived by six nieces and nephews. A memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday at noon in Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Tompkinsville. The arrangements, including cremation, were handled by the Riverside Memorial Chapel, Miami Beach. GENEVIEVE McGRATH, 91 Kept her mind sharp by solving crossword puzzles Thursday, September 08, 2005 Genevieve McGrath, 91, of West Brighton, a retired secretary, died Tuesday in St. Elizabeth Ann's Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, Stapleton, where she had resided since April. Born on Staten Island, Ms. McGrath lived on Hoyt Avenue in West Brighton from 1925 until 2004, when she entered Sts. Cosmas and Damian Adult Home, Mariners Harbor. After graduating from Curtis High School in 1932, she worked as a secretary for Muralo Co., a provider of paints and coatings, at its former New Brighton and Manhattan offices. She worked her way up to become the company president's secretary. For 20 years after that, Ms. McGrath worked as a secretary for John Ritzenthaler, president of a Manhattan textile company. And in 1970, she began working as a secretary for oil, cosmetics and communications research analysts at Paine Webber in Manhattan. She retired in 1990. According to her nephew, Lawrence Murray, she solved the Staten Island Advance crossword puzzle every day to keep her mind sharp. Ms. McGrath also read the comics and the obituaries daily. A religious woman, she would sometimes recite the Nine Hour Novena for the Infant of Prague and also recited the rosary daily, as well as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Ms. McGrath was a parishioner of Sacred Heart R.C. Church, West Brighton, for almost 80 years. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter's R.C. Church, New Brighton. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Queens. EMMA ELLIOTT, 95 Liked to cook, play cards and listen to gospel music Thursday, September 08, 2005 Longtime Stapleton resident Emma Elliott, 95, a homemaker, died Aug. 27 in New Vanderbilt Rehabilitation and Care Center, Clifton. Born Emma Mapson in Wilmington, N.C., she was brought to Norfolk, Va., when she was 10 years old and lived there for more than 40 years. Mrs. Elliott then relocated to Brooklyn in 1966 before taking up residence in Stapleton in 1973. She and William H. Elliott were married in 1926, when she was 17. Mrs. Elliott took pride in caring for her family, her son, Melvin, said. She was a regular Virginia mother who looked after her children. She made sure we went to school every day, and that we stayed nice and clean, he said. Aside from spending time with her family, Mrs. Elliott enjoyed cooking, playing cards and listening to blues and gospel music. Her husband of 31 years, William, died in 1957. In addition to her son, Melvin, surviving are her sons, Leon, George and Charles Elliott; her three daughters, Barbara Brown, Delores Mosley and Yvonne Williams; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Stradford Funeral Home, Tompkinsville. Burial will follow in Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake. DOLORES RETERSDORF, 58 Mother of 6 worked in communications, health care Thursday, September 08, 2005 Former Staten Islander Dolores R. (Dodie) Retersdorf, 58, of Gloversville, N.Y., a retired health-care coordinator, died Tuesday at home. Born Dolores R. Hoyt in Fort Wadsworth, she relocated to upstate Schenectady in 1968 and settled in Gloversville in 1970. Mrs. Retersdorf worked at a number of jobs while rearing her six children. She began at the former New York Telephone Co., working for several years as an information operator and a business representative on Staten Island, in Brooklyn and in Schenectady. She left in 1971 to devote herself to her family. Mrs. Retersdorf returned to the workforce in 1974 and was employed through 1977 in the business office of Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. She remained at home from about 1978 through 1992, when she became an aide for the Gloversville Enlarged School District. Mrs. Retersdorf was employed there until about 1995, when she began work as a health-care coordinator at the Lexington Center, a rehabilitation and health-care facility in Johnstown. She devoted herself to her patients -- especially those who had suffered traumatic brain injury, and her care and concern were very evident in her work, her family said. She retired last year due to health reasons. Mrs. Retersdorf attended St. Joseph Hill Academy in Arrochar and St. Peter's Girls High School in New Brighton. She graduated from Bishop Burke High School in Gloversville, while boarding there. She later attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Johnstown. Mrs. Retersdorf was a Brownie troop leader for several years in the mid-1970s in Gloversville. She also was a former officer of the Johnstown Women of the Moose. She became engrossed in her children's sporting events and attended as many as she could. Mrs. Retersdorf was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mount Carmel R.C. Church, Gloversville. I first laid eyes on Dodie 42 years from the date of her death, said her husband of 37 years, J. Scott Retersdorf. Dodie's family and many friends will miss her dearly. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Retersdorf is survived by her two sons, Alan F. and Brian C.; her three daughters, Robyn M. Morrell, Debbie L. Smigen and Jaime D. Retersdorf; a brother, Clifford B. Hoyt II, and four grandchildren. Her son, Scott J., died in 2000. The funeral will be Saturday from the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church. Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. ARLENE SLOBODA, 69 Loved spoiling grandchildren, tending rose gardens Thursday, September 08, 2005 Former Staten Islander Arlene Sloboda of Toms River, N.J., a Realtor, died Monday of lung cancer at her daughter's home in Holmdel, N.J. She was 69. The former Arlene Fratt was born in Brooklyn and was brought to Staten Island as an infant. She lived in various Island communities while she was growing up. While attending Curtis High School, she and her girl friends founded and sang in the "Johnson Sisters Vocal Group." After graduating, Mrs. Sloboda attended Pace Secretarial School, Manhattan. In 1959, she and Rudolph Marino were married and the couple moved to Great Kills. Mr. Marino died in 1978. A classical pianist, Mrs. Sloboda was accepted by the Juilliard Conservatory of Music, Manhattan, but opted not to attend, preferring to devote her time to her family. In 1973, she relocated to New Jersey and reared her children in various communities in Monmouth County. Mrs. Sloboda lived in Aberdeen, N.J., for about 15 years before settling in Toms River in 2001. At the time of her death, Mrs. Sloboda had been a Realtor with Weichert Realtors in New Jersey for 20 years, working in Aberdeen, Brick and most recently, Toms River. She was a parishioner of St. Luke's R.C. Church, Toms River, and was a member of the Golf and Women's Clubs at Greenbriar Woodlands, the Toms River adult community where she resided. Mrs. Sloboda kept rose gardens at every home she lived in. She enjoyed cooking Italian cuisine and was known for her cheesecake and her signature "Nanny's Coffee Cake." She loved going to the beach at the Jersey Shore, watching movies, shopping, golfing and spoiling her grandchildren. "She used to say, 'You can have anything you want when you're with Nanny,'" said her granddaughter, Laura DeLucia. She spoke to her family every day. "Over the past few months, she prayed with her children and grandchildren. As her last act, she wanted to be sure her family would join her in heaven," said her daughters, Laura Marino-Cole and Lisa DeLucia, who said Mrs. Sloboda had taught the family to stay close and to enjoy life. In addition to her daughters, Laura and Lisa, Mrs. Sloboda is survived by her husband of 25 years, Frank; her two sons, Rudolph and Richard Marino; two stepsons, Tony and Frank Sloboda; a stepdaughter, Sue Serden; a brother, Joseph Fratt Jr.; 12 grandchildren, and five step-grandchildren. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Waitt-Nelms Funeral Home, Morganville, N.J., with a mass at 11 a.m. in Calvary Chapel Old Bridge (N.J.). Burial will follow in Holmdel Cemetery.