Brenda Lee Barna (1967 – 2012)
COPAKE—Brenda Lee Barna, 45, of Main Street, Copake, passed away Wednesday September 19, 2012 at her residence.
She was born February 4, 1967 in Great Barrington, MA.
Prior to her illness, she was employed as a healthcare provider.
She is survived by: her daughter, Lacee Lexus Barna-Bessette of Copake; her parents, Fred and Dorothy Barna of Dover Plains; her fiancé, John Rafferty of Hillsdale; her sister and brother-in-law, Jodi and Earl Lord of Wingdale; two nieces, two great-nieces; a great nephew and her canine companions, Reese and Teddy.
Graveside services were held Saturday September 22, 2012 at St. Bridget’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Our Lady of Hope Parish, 8074 State Route 22 in Copake Falls.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to assist the family, c/o Peck and Peck Funeral Homes, P.O. Box D, Copake 12516.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Matthew B. Fitting (1981 – 2012)
ITHACA—Matthew Bennettt Fitting, 31, passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of September 19 at his home.
He was born in Utica, March 18, 1981. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, where he wrestled and won several awards in his weight class. He played varsity soccer at CBA during all of his high school years. In 2009, Mr. Fitting graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with highest academic honors. A student at Ithaca College, soon to complete his degree in exercise science, he was also a full-time employee of Lowe’s in Ithaca. Mr. Fitting was a gifted writer and artist, as well.
He was a lover of the simple life and nature. He was never happier than when he was climbing up or diving off a gorge, swimming, hiking, fishing or camping. Animals also held a special place in his heart. He especially loved his dogs, Busta, Wolfgang and Shorty. He was an ardent fan of the rock group, Further, an off-shoot of the Grateful Dead, and was in the audience during many of their concerts.
Mr. Fitting is survived by: his parents, Gordon and Susan Fitting of Delmar; his aunt, Martha Bennett of Cicero; his uncles, John and David Fitting of Columbiaville; several great aunts, great uncles, cousins and several cherished friends. His family and friends were precious to him. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, John and Mildred Fitting, and his maternal grandparents, Donald and June Bennett.
The family sends special thanks to Dr. James D. Chang, Mr. Fitting’s cardiologist, mentor and champion.
For those who prefer an alternative to flowers, a memorial contribution in his memory may be made to Dr. Chang’s heart research. Donations may be sent online by visiting: bidmc.org/giving, or checks can be sent to: Office of Development, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue (BR), Boston, MA 02215. Checks should be made payable to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), with a notation, “In Memory of Matthew Fitting.”
His funeral took place Monday, September 24 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Joslen Boulevard, Greenport. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home in Valatie.
John “Jack” Scannell (1928 – 2012)
HUDSON—John “Jack” Scannell, 84, of Ghent passed away September 19, 2012 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born May 15, 1928 in Montclair, NJ, he was the son of the late Ignatius and Helen Rader Scannell.
He spent his early years in New York City and moved to Ghent at 15. He worked for the next 20 years at his family’s dairy farm. He then worked the next 25 years as a union carpenter.
Mr. Scannell was an active member of the House of Praise Church in Castleton for the past 25 years. He also enjoyed traveling, gardening and reading.
He leaves behind: his wife of 45 years, Janet Lackmann Scannell; his children, Deborah (Mark) Huston of Ghent, Tara (Dan) Oakes of Rochester and John (Amanda) of Ghent; his grandchildren, Maggie Huston, Madeline, Benjamin and Collin Oakes and Clara Scannell; his brothers, Robert, William and Thomas; his sister, Margaret McGrath and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Scannell was predeceased by his daughter, Janine; his son, Kevin and his brother, James.
A religious service was held at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham on Saturday, September 22. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Scannell’s name may be made to the Chatham Rescue Squad. To send online condolences visit www.frenchblasl.com.
