Mildred Amarnick (1917 – 2013)
HILLSDALE—Mildred Amarnick, a devoted wife, mother and “bubbi” with an unparalleled zest for life, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 14 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Hillsdale. She was 96.
A social person, she would strike up a conversation with any stranger. She was active and loved to dance, play tennis and win at cards. She was a striking beauty, always dressed in coordinated and colorful outfits. And she prized her health, staying fit and clear of mind until the end.
“Health is wealth,” she liked to say.
She was born in Philadelphia, June 11, 1917, to Russian-Jewish immigrants Harry and Dora Watz, the third of five children.
She worked for the U.S. Mint for a decade before marrying the love her life, Irvin Amarnick. They were married for 36 years and raised two children, Cecelia and Richard.
Mrs. Amarnick liked to go to synagogue and led the local chapter of Hadassah, a women’s volunteer organization. She volunteered regularly around Philadelphia. She liked to travel on far-away cruises and on the train to upstate New York to see her children and grandchildren whom she adored and who knew her as “bubbi.”
For the last nine years of her life, she moved into the country home of her daughter and son-in-law, Cecelia and Robert Elinson, who took care of her. She would often visit the senior center and library in Philmont. Until the very end, she kept her positive attitude, never complaining about herself, talking with everyone she met, and never hesitating to tell those people exactly what she thought.
Mrs. Amarnick was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin and her son, Richard.
She is survived by her daughter, Cecelia, her son-in-law Robert and her daughter-in-law, Batsheva Fenster. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Zusha Elinson, and Sarah and Robert Blum.
Friends are warmly welcomed to a service at the Elinson home, 190 Harlemville Road in Hillsdale at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 17, followed by internment at the Harlemville Rural Cemetery.
Everyone is welcome to come back to the residence at 1 p.m. to break bread and share stories. Donations in Mrs. Amarnick’s name may be made to the Philmont Public Library or Hadassah.
Gordon Ray Russell (1948 – 2013)
BEACON—Gordon Ray Russell, 64, of Tivoli and a longtime area resident, died Monday, August 12, 2013 at the Castle Point VA Hospital.
For many years, Mr. Russell worked on track maintenance for Conrail. He also worked as a truck driver for the Town of Clinton, and as a self-employed painter.
Mr. Russell was a member of Red Hook-Rhinebeck Lodge 2022 BPOE in Red Hook, the Harris Smith Post 524 American Legion in Tivoli and the Germantown Sportsmen’s Club.
He served in the United States Army in 1968.
Born November 17, 1948, in Rutland, VT, he was the son of the late Guy and Leola (Fielder) Russell, Sr.
He married Cheryl Burns, who predeceased him February 14, 2011.
He is survived by: his son, Keith Russell of Germantown; his daughter, Marcie Russell of Rhinebeck; his grandchildren, Gordon, Stephanie and Karl Russell; his two brothers, Guy and Gerald Russell, both of Rhinebeck, along with his extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes, Friday, August 16. Burial was in St. John’s Reformed Church Cemetery, Red Hook.
Memorial donations may be made to the Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook 12571. To sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Paul Costa (1943 – 2013)
CLAVERACK—Paul Costa, 69, of Claverack passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013.
He was born October 3, 1943 in Sicily.
Many people will remember Mr. Costa from L’Oro D’Italia (the Italian Store) in Hudson, later from Paulie’s Pizzeria in Livingston and from the Nutrition Center in Philmont. He loved hunting, cooking for people and gardening.
Mr. Costa leaves behind: his two daughters, Maria (Matthew) Gerber and Tina (Anthony) Germano; former wife, Marie Costa; six grandchildren; two sisters, Josie Galatioto and Frances (Frank) Traficante; one brother, Mario Costa; five nephews and three nieces.
He will be greatly missed by many, but especially by his girlfriend, Deborah Deerfield; good friends, Earl Buffa and Pat Eger, and his best friend and hunting buddy, Tim Alvarez.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Maria Costa; a sister-in-law, Patricia Costa, and a brother-in-law, Michele Galatioto.
Per his request there will be no wake or funeral.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., September 14, 2013 at the Churchtown Firehouse, 2219 County Route 27.
Memorial charitable contributions may be made to: The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage 11714, www.lustgarden.org or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, www.pancan.org.
Arrangements were with Simple Choices, Inc., Albany.
Herbert Rivenburg, Jr. (1938 – 2013)
HUDSON—Herbert Rivenburg, Jr., 75, of Hudson, died Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born February 3, 1938 in Germantown, he was the son of the late Herbert and Dorothy Rivenburg.
He was employed on the Saul Dansky Farm for many years and worked for Fabiano and Son until his retirement.
Mr. Rivenburg is survived by: his beloved wife, Beverly (Madison) Rivenburg of Hudson; his devoted children, Herbert, III, (Bonnie) of Valatie, Marc of Mellenville and Michael and Amy, both of Hudson; three loving sisters, Violet Reyes and Marian McGee, both of Hudson, and Betty VanBenschoten (Ronald) of Chatham; two grandsons, Michael, Jr., of Claverack and Damian of Pittsfield, MA; a granddaughter, Christina of Philmont; a great-grandson, Martinique of Philmont; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Merritt.
There will be no services at this time.
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