Robert Prostler, 79, machinist, Korean War vet
VALATIE—Robert A. Prostler, 79, formerly of Hudson, died Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Barnwell Nursing Home.
Born August 10, 1931 in College Point, he was the son of the late Ruth (VanPatten) Prostler.
He was a machinist at the V & O Press in Greenport before retiring. He was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Hudson and served in the US Army during the Korean War.
He is survived by his son, Richard Prostler of Equador; his daughter, Robin Harpis of North Carolina; his sister, Esther Zukowski of Hudson; several grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (Griesser) Prostler, his son, Steven Prostler, three sisters, Mildred, Edna, and Evelyn, and his brother, Gene.
A calling hour will begin Friday, May 20, 5 p.m. at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home.
Services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 21 at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery. To leave online condolences, go to www.batesanderson.com.
Bernhard Petersen, 83, neighborhood grocer
STUYVESANT FALLS—Bernhard Petersen passed away Thursday, May 12, 2011 at home in Stuyvesant Falls surrounded by his family.
He was born October 30, 1927 in Tinningstedt, Germany to Jens and Anna (Greisen) Petersen.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margot (Radtke) Petersen; daughters, Susanne Petersen Sloan (Martin) of Lansingburgh, and Linda Petersen of Castleton; granddaughters, Marlena and Katarina Sloan; brothers, Otto Petersen (Vera) of Nesconset, and Arnold Petersen of Leck, Germany; niece, Karen Petersen Fitzpatrick (George) of St. James; and nephew, Ralph Petersen (Michele) of Hawley, PA.
Mr. Petersen followed in the footsteps of his oldest brother, Otto, and immigrated to the United States (Brooklyn) in 1954. Three years later, Margot also immigrated to the U.S. and they were married in January,
1957. The Petersen brothers went into partnership soon thereafter running Boyens Delicatessen in Manhattan together until 1963.
Mr. Petersen was always a country boy at heart and fell in love with upstate New York. He moved his family to the tiny hamlet of Stuyvesant Falls knowing it would be a special place to live and work.
Mr. Petersen and his wife purchased Barber’s Superette in 1963 and together they operated their small grocery store for more than 32 years, finally closing the doors in 1995. One could always find Mr. Petersen behind the counter, dressed in his white meat cutter’s apron ready to talk current events, history, politics, or just have a laugh and friendly conversation.
In addition, Mr. Petersen worked part-time for more than 15 years at the Columbia County Solid Waste Station in Greenport. His work ethic was exceptional. If help was needed, one could count on him to lend that helping hand.
Mr. Petersen enjoyed the outdoors and anything to do with nature. He and his wife traveled and saw many special places together and with their friends. In later years, one could see him on his bicycle riding through the town that he loved.
Mr. Petersen was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and past council president and also was a lifetime member of the Stuyvesant Falls Volunteer Fire Company #2.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Stuyvesant Falls at a date to be announced. Memorials donations may be made to The Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414 or to Emanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 96, Stuyvesant Falls 12174.
Helen Grasso, 87, loved horses, homemaker
GHENT—Helen Grasso, 87, formerly of Columbiaville, died Monday, May 16, 2011 at Whittier Nursing Home.
Born June 8, 1923 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Adella Weir.
Mrs. Grasso was a homemaker and a lifelong area resident. She had a strong love for all horses.
Surviving are her loving son, Gordon Grasso of New Paltz; one grandson, Joseph (Dana) Grasso of East Taghkanic; and three great-grandchildren, Lily, Willow and Martin Grasso, all of East Taghkanic.
She was predeceased by her husband, James Grasso; two sons, Paul and James Grasso; and her brother, Walter Weir.
There are no calling hours.
Graveside services were conducted May 19 at the Mellenville Union Cemetery. Send online condolences at www.batesanderson.com.