Francis Surrano, 91, WWII vet, Democrat, devout Catholic
LIVINGSTON—Francis P. “Sox” Surrano died Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at the Livingston Hills Nursing Home.
Born in Athens, June 26, 1919, he was the son of the late Charles and Carrie Ann (Frisbee) Surrano.
He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the US Army 101st Airborne during World War II, as a glider co-pilot in Operation Overlord (the D-Day invasion) and in actions in France, Holland, Austria and Germany, for which he received a Purple Heart. Honorably discharged, he returned to Hudson and to his sweetheart Rose Margaret Torchia.
They were married in Hudson, April 21, 1946. He was a longtime master welder at Foster’s Refrigeration and then began his second and most enjoyable career tending the grounds at Olana.
Mr. Surrano was a lifelong Democrat and served several terms as alderman, representing Hudson’s Second Ward. He served in the Ground Observer Corps and in the National Guard of New York. He was a member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, the Men’s Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Hudson City Volunteer Fire Company.
Mr. Surrano lived as a devout Catholic, was a loving husband and father, and a steadfast friend. He was a kind and caring man, who thought of others before himself. He was an avid Yankees fan, and they could rouse great emotion within him. He also loved his cars, but the greatest joy of his life was his grandchildren Christopher and Danielle.
He is survived by: Rose, his loving wife of 65 years; his daughter, Donna (John) Vadnais; grandson, Christopher; his daughter, Kathleen Keute; granddaughter, Danielle; his brother, Ralph Surrano; his nephew, Bill Fisher, who was always there for him; and many other nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Charles and Johnny, and his sisters, Clara, Natalie, Jane, Elvira and Margeurite.
A memorial service was held March 19, 2011, under the direction of the McDonald- Valenti- Richards Funeral Home. Deacon Charles O’Neill officiated. A reception followed at the Livingston Hills Nursing Home. Donations may be made in Mr. Surrano’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Daniel Theiss, 84, firefighter, WWII vet
HUDSON—Daniel M. Theiss, 84, formerly of Durham, died Monday, March 14, 2011 at the Firemen’s Home.
Born March 12, 1927 in Rensselaer, he was the son of the late Henry J. and Anna (Hartman) Theiss.
Mr. Theiss was the owner/operator of Dan’s Electrical Service in Durham. He served in the US Navy during World War II, earning the American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal. He was a life member of the Oak Hill/ Durham Volunteer Fire Company, a member of the American Legion Post 1416, and a member and past president of the Greene County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Surviving are his brother, Philip J. Theiss of Greenville; his sister, Ruth Tobin of Long Island; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Thelma (Bell) Theiss and two brothers, Henry and William.
Services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011, 11 a.m. in the Firemen’s Home Chapel, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson.
Burial will be in the Firemen’s Home Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Firemen’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson 12534, or to Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Helen Hoffman, 82, homemaker, life member of auxiliary
HUDSON—Helen Rose (Pontillo) Hoffman, 82, of Hudson, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011 at her residence.
Born October 19, 1928 in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late John and Teresa Pontillo.
Mrs. Hoffman was a homemaker and previously worked at Stewarts, Columbia Memorial Hospital and the Firemen’s Home. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Hudson and a life member of H. W. Rogers Hose Company #2 Ladies Auxiliary.
She was predeceased by a son, James Hoffman, and three sisters, Mildred Pontillo, Camella Pontillo and Mary Bauhoff.
Mrs. Hoffman is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles Hoffman, Sr. of Hudson; two sons, Chuck (Alice) Hoffman of Greenport and John Hoffman of Hudson; two brothers, Albert (Rachel) Pontillo of Wisconsin and Frank Pontillo of New York City, and her sister, Josie Aiello of New York City. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Shannon Hoffman of Wilmington, NC, and Shawn, James, and Patrick Hoffman, all of Hudson, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were March 22 at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.