Margarete B. Dallas (1936 – 2020)
ALBANY—Margarete B. Dallas, 84, of Catskill, formerly of Philmont, died peacefully Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Albany Medical Center.
Born in Darmstadt, Germany, January 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Ludwig and Karoline (Ruppert) Werner. She earned a high school equivalency diploma in 1977, then earned an associate’s degree in human services from Columbia-Greene Community College.
She was a counselor at the Philmont Hearth for many years. She will be greatly missed by her family, including: her sons, Allen (Susan) Dallas and Erick Dallas; daughters, Barbara (Heinze) Stein, Cynthia (Ray) Hutchings, Daniela (Floyd) Dallas, Elizabeth Dallas, Heide Dallas and her significant other Joseph Best; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Albert N. Dallas, as well as her siblings, Helmut and Liesel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, February 4 at St. James Church in Chatham with Fr. Gary Gelfenbein officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Church Cemetery in Philmont. Arrangements were with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. To leave online condolences visit www.saccofuneralhome.com
Shirley A. Morrison (1938 – 2020)
GHENT—Shirley Anna Morrison of Stottville passed away January 28, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born October 22, 1938 to Edna and Clinton Winters.
She is survived by: her four beautiful daughters, Penny Mabb (Jack), Bonnie Werner (Eddie), Candace Madison and Tammy Charron (David); her husband, John Morrison and her sister, Doris Lomax. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Morrison worked in healthcare for many years serving the people of her community. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading romance novels, playing bingo, bird watching, going out to play and traveling. She was known for her great sense of humor, her infectious smile, and her kind spirit.
Memorial services will be held February 29, 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, 369 Warren Street, Hudson. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at American Legion Post 187, 107 County Route 25, Stockport.
Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Carolyn E. Briggs (1963 – 2020)
ALBANY—Carolyn Elizabeth (Thorn) Briggs, LPN, of Hudson died peacefully under the care of Hospice at St. Peter’s Hospital, January 29, 2020 at the age of 56.
She is survived by: her parents, Joe and Lois Thorn of Chatham Center; her son, Lucas Briggs of Hudson; her step-daughters, Kelley Demarest of Stuyvesant, Elizabeth Briggs of Niverville; by her siblings, Susan Ray of Kinderhook, Jay Thorn of Chatham Center, Jeffrey Thorn of Albany and Jimmy Thorn of Tallahassee, FL; by her brother and sisters-in-law, John Ray, Nadia Thorn and Abby Thorn; by her son-in-law, Jack Demarest; her nephews and nieces, Ian Ray, Jordan Thorn, Morgan Thorn and Reid Thorn.
She was born July 22, 1963 in Bayshore. She graduated Chatham High School in 1981 and continued her education with a degree in nursing from Columbia-Greene Questar III in 2000. She married Wayne Briggs of Stockport in 1995. She worked at Millbrook Kitchens in Nassau as a cabinetmaker; Kozel’s in West Ghent as a waitress and spent 18 years at the Firemen’s Home in Hudson as a nurse and supervisor. She carried on her family heritage as her maternal grandmother was also a nurse and Ms. Briggs inspired many others to become nurses.
She enjoyed her coworkers and was considered “a people person.” She had a passion for caring for the first responders who lived at the Firemen’s Home and had a special gift for working with those who had dementia. Everyone appreciated her as a nurse and was deeply grateful for her caring ways and sense of humor. She had a deep love for the residents she cared for, her children, her family, her friends and nature. She loved animals, especially cats, her garden, summertime, outdoor recreation, and the ocean.
Visitation time will be Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the FASNY Firemen’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson. A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to: Chatham Area Recreation Project (CARP) at P.O. Box 162, Chatham 12037 or PayPal to: CARPfunds@gmail.com. To share a memory or send a condolence: FASNY Fireman’s Home, ATTN: Carolyn Briggs, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson 12534 or email: Kwendling@FASNY.com.
Carol Ann Derfner (1944 – 2020)
KINDERHOOK—Carol Ann Derfner, 75, of Kinderhook passed away January 20 peacefully in her sleep at home.
Born in San Diego to Mildred and Robert Parmley, she attended El Camino College. In the 1970s and 1980s she served as executive director of the Anchorage Arts Council, president of the Alaska Arts Coalition and chairperson of the Alaska Women’s Political Caucus.
In 1982 Ms. Derfner became special assistant to Alaska Governor William Sheffield, overseeing boards and commissions. She was instrumental in forging pioneer legislation for women’s rights and domestic violence protection.
In 1986, she transitioned to New York City as a fundraiser for the Arts and Business Council and the Cathedral St. John the Divine. As president of C.W. Shaver & Co., Ms. Derfner supervised fundraising campaigns for the Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and the Miami City Ballet, among many others. She moved to Old Chatham in 2005 to lead the Shaker Museum and Library.
Recently, she led a retired life of writing, gardening and volunteering at the Edna St. Vincent Millay Society at Steepletop. She garnered the 2010 Hudson Valley Writers Guild award for Short Fiction and was published in the anthology, “The Times They Are a-Changin’: Women Remember the ‘60s & ‘70s”. Ms. Derfner enjoyed a rich life full of colorful experiences and wide-ranging interests. Her friends will remember her sharp intellect, love of cuisine, storytelling, writing and curiosity. She felt a deep compassion for animals and her recent relationship with her dog, Frank was one of her most joyous periods.
She is survived by: her daughter, Tessa (with her spouse, Angela Mendez); brothers, Randy (Denise), Bob (Janice) and Norman (Suzie); sisters, Gail (Jim) and Alison (Jay); nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Chad, Cindy, Brandon, Sarah, Cheyanne, Bethany, Bobby Jr., Brady, Kirby, Grant and Julia. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Robert Parmley, and brother, Danny.
Her daughter extends gratitude to her mother’s Kinder Farm family: Anne, Ed, Molly and Judy Hamilton; Robin Imschweiler; and Maggie and Neena Engler; Luisa Lazo of New York City; and the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home of Valatie. Memorial donations may be made to: Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue, Inc. (www.nebostonrescue.com) or the Millay Society at Steepletop (www.millay.org). A celebration of Ms. Derfner’s life will be held in August at her home garden in Kinderhook. Visit carolderfner.forevermissed.com to leave condolences and see memorial updates.
Elsie DeGarmo-Smith
FRAMINGHAM, MA—Elsie Mae Borden DeGarmo-Smith of Framingham, MA, died January 25 at the age of 91 at Saint Patricks Manor, where she lived since 2018.
Widowed twice by the age of 38, she raised five children in Pine Plains, while building a successful sales business during an era when women still generally worked in the home.
A woman of deep religious faith, upon retirement she cared for developmentally-challenged adults in her home in Pine Plains for nearly 20 years. She relocated to Towson, MD, where she lived until 2017.
She is survived by: her five children, Lindley DeGarmo (Sarah Finlayson) of Tarrytown, Mark DeGarmo (Jan Hanvik) of New York City and Ancram, Todd DeGarmo (Nancy Scheemaker) of Shushan, Susan Tonkiss (John) of Framingham, MA, and James Smith (Denise) of Hudson; nine grandchildren; and a brother, Miles Borden of Kings Park.
Born in Kings Park to Bessie and Miles Borden, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Kings Park High School and from the Plattsburgh State Teachers’ College with a BS degree in nursing. She later obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Albany State Teachers’ College. She became a nurse teacher at Pine Plains Central School, where she met and married Lindley Spicer DeGarmo, a high school mathematics teacher. Upon his death from cancer in 1960, she returned to teaching, serving as a middle school guidance counselor in Poughkeepsie. In 1962, she married James Edward Smith, a business teacher at Pine Plains. Upon his death from Hodgkin’s Disease in 1967, she began a highly successful career at Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, the publishers of World Book Encyclopedia. Propelled by her dynamic personality and passionate belief in education, she rose quickly, become World Book’s top national sales representative in 1967 and 1968. She went on to become a motivational speaker for them, managing and training others nationwide. She managed to balance her business with a deep devotion to her family. She encouraged her children to develop their unique talents and follow their passions, and never left any doubt of her love for and pride in them. Elsie was known for her energy and compassion. She was an active member and lay preacher of the Pine Plains Methodist Church for 57 years. She was an exuberant singer with a joyous soprano. She loved to entertain and always made a point of including the elderly and the lonely. As she succumbed to increasing dementia in her final years, she maintained her sweet personality and loving nature to the very end.
A memorial service in celebration of Mrs. DeGarmo-Smith’s life will be held at the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, April 25, 2020 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Pine Plains United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 317, Pine Plains 12567; Towson Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson, MD 21204; or The Plymouth Church in Framingham, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA 01701.
Ralph J. Tiano, Jr. (1957 – 2020)
STUYVESANT—Ralph J. Tiano, Jr., of Stuyvesant passed away peacefully February 1, 2020 at the age of 62 at home surrounded by his loving family.
He graduated from Hudson High School Class of 1975 and attended St. Cloud University and also served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of Hudson Elks Club and the Philmont Rod and Gun Club.
He formerly worked at Herringtons for 17 years and Preseveration Tree. He was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman with a love for life. Mr. Tiano had a contagious smile and laughter that brought joy to everyone he encountered. He leaves behind: his loving and devoted wife, Suzanne (Hendler) Tiano; mother, Helene Craft and stepfather, William Craft; father, Ralph Tiano, Sr., and stepmother Ruth; devoted brother and best friend, Christy Tiano (Rita) and “Uncle Buck’s” cherished nephews Christy and Drew Tiano; his stepbrother, Doug Scrodin (Donna); loving sons, Ryan and Shawn Tiano and devoted stepdaughters, Jennifer and Rachael Harvender and his beloved companion, Callie, who always brought smiles and joy and gave him comfort. Mr. Tiano’s family thanks Kevin Sweet for being his rock and being there lifting his spirits during his illness.
Visitation services will be held at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Celebration will be conducted Friday, February 7, 2020, 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Joseph, Route 9, Stuyvesant, with burial following at Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Everlasting Hope Animal Rescue 180 Prach Road, Hillsdale 12529 or Community Hospice of Columbia Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414. His family thank his Hospice caregivers for all their support and the excellent care they provided in his final days.
Michael G. Scaramellino (1932 – 2020)
KINDERHOOK—Michael G. Scaramellino “Pop” of Kinderhook, formerly of Granite Springs, passed away after a short illness Monday, January 20, 2020. He was 87 years old.
With his family he co-owned and operated Sorrento Restaurant at the Riverfront in Peekskill for many years.
He was born October 6, 1932 in Brooklyn to Agnello and Raffaela Scaramellino. On June 10, 1956 he married Marie Babey at the Assumption Church in Peekskill.
He his survived by his wife of 63 years, Marie; his daughter, Michele and John Haley of Ghent; his son, Michael and Karen Scaramellino of Dover Plains; his grandson, Michael James and Olivia Scaramellino, and granddaughter, Angela and Daniel Tompkins. He was “Great Pop-Pop” to Adalynn, Brelynn and Chelsea.
“Mikey” was a bartender at Sorrento Restaurant for many years, where he loved making drinks and customers laugh and smile. He also enjoyed working at the Somers Town Hall. He took pride in taking care of his property, floating in his pool and having a cold Budweiser on his patio. When they moved to Kinderhook, he again made new friends with his quick wit and sense of humor, loved meeting new people and making them smile with his simple but crazy one liners.
He loved his many nephews and nieces. He is survived by his sister, Helen Christian of Granite Springs, and brother Salvatore Scaramellino of Cortlandt Manor. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Louise Emery, Francis Scaramellino and brother, Anthony Scaramellino, who was killed in action during WWII (Battle of Iwo Jima).
A one of kind guy, husband, father, friend and family member, his euphemisms, mischievous and witty expressions made his family and friends laugh till they cried, but he also had a soft gentle kind of way about him.
He was a parishioner of Saint James Roman Catholic Church in Chatham and a lifelong member of the Peekskill and Kinderhook Elks. He had many dinner outings over the years with fun-loving Gourmet Club members frequenting fine food establishments; friends and memories he treasured his entire life. His loving family relishes many wonderful holiday memories, as well as many great vacations, enjoyed together. He loved every pet and animal he ever met. “Head toward the light Pop and we’ll all look forward to seeing you again on the other side.” A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted January 24 at the Assumption Church. Burial followed at the Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers send donations to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org, Arrangements were with Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, 313 North James Street, Peekskill.
Scott S. Fuchs (1940 – 2020)
RHINEBECK—Scott S. Fuchs died January 26 at age 79.
He was born in Washington, D.C., a city he always held dear, August 19, 1940. His parents, Mary Blank and Morris L. Fuchs were both immigrants to the U.S. from Eastern Europe. He attended Shepherd Elementary School and graduated from Coolidge High School in 1958. He attended Carnegie Tech (and don’t call it Carnegie Mellon) in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated in 1962 with a degree in theater arts. He spent his college summer years working at various summer stock theaters and tents, mostly in New England.
He moved to New York City and was hired by CBS as an associate producer. He worked on shows like Captain Kangaroo, Junior Miss Pageant, What’s My Line, I’ve Got A Secret and Sol Hurok Presents. He fell in love with the city’s history and architecture, a love he maintained and cherished for the rest of his life. When a new book about NYC was published he had to have it for his collection. He was the best tour guide a visiting friend could have.
In 1969 he felt the need to travel and set off for Europe eventually settling in Mijas, Spain, where he lived a long-haired “hippie” lifestyle typical of the late 60s—early 70s. After a few years, he returned to reality in New York, and began behind the scenes work in the theater often in the capacity of box office treasurer. The Shubert Organization, the New York State Theater and the City Center were three of the organizations he served.
A mid-life course correction turned him to his real passion, books and publishing. He was employed by several Manhattan bookstores, became head of sales at Golden-Lee Books, led the sales and marketing staffs at Viking-Penquin, and finally, the director of sales at Random House.
Among many local activities, he was a support member of the Taghkanic Volunteer Fire Company, a past trustee of the Claverack Library, a former board member of the Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle and a Friend of The Mills Mansion in Staatsburgh. He also served for several years at the Mansion as a docent and volunteer.
He loved all dance, especially ballet, the symphony, traveling, Thai food, any beach anywhere, touring the estates and mansions of the Gilded Age, and rummaging in dusty used-book stores. And napping.
His husband and partner of 42 years, Tom Detwiler, survives him.
Memorial donations may be made to the Claverack Free Public Library, P.O. Box 417, Claverack 12513.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck. www.dapsonchestney.com
Br. Joseph Ash (1942 – 2020)
VALATIE—Brother Joseph Ash, CSC, 77, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, passed away January 30, 2020 at St. Joseph Center.
Born in New York City, he graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx and shortly thereafter became a candidate for the Brothers of Holy Cross at St. Joseph Juniorate in Valatie. He entered the novitiate there in August 1960 and made his first profession of vows August 23, 1961. At the beginning of his ministry, Brother Joseph spent nearly 15 years directing food services at various Holy Cross locations. In the process, he also earned a business diploma in 1967 from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. From his generous kitchen, Brother Joseph served his Brothers and young candidates and novices in formation at Valatie from 1961 through 1970, except for two one-year assignments in Rochester and Flushing. Then, he ventured to Italy to serve as a prefect at Notre Dame International School in Rome. He returned to the United States in 1974 to direct food services at Pius XII in Chester for a year, and then served at Moreau Hall in North Easton, MA, for two years. While in North Easton, he completed his undergraduate studies at Stonehill College. In 1979, Brother Joseph began a 36-year career as a beloved teacher, dean of discipline, coach and campus minister at St. Edmond’s Academy in Wilmington, DE. For many years, he was director of the local community of religious Brothers. In 2011, Brother Joseph celebrated his 50th anniversary as a Brother of Holy Cross and in August 2016, he retired to St. Joseph Center in Valatie, NY. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Center, Valatie. The wake will be held Friday, February 7, 2020 at 7:15 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11 a.m. followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery and a luncheon. Those who plan to attend the luncheon should call the center at 518-784-9481 so there will be plenty– as “Brother Joe” would want.
James A. Vining, Jr. (1949 – 2020)
GREENPORT—James A. Vining, Jr., 70, of Greenport passed away suddenly at his home Tuesday January 28, 2020. “Jim” was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and “Poppa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Born November 1, 1949 in Hudson, he was one of three sons of Victoria (Iaccino) and James Vining, Sr.
A 1967 graduate of Hudson High School, he continued his education, earning an associate’s degree in accounting from Albany Business College. He also proudly served his country from 1969 to 1972.
Mr. Vining’s greatest joy was his family, and every cherished moment he was able to spend with them. His career in the automotive industry was extensive, including working at Central Auto Parts, Pitcher’s Central Auto Parts, Catskill Auto Parts, Vining’s Used Cars, and Auto Parts Unlimited. Upon retiring, he continued to work at Art Omi, and for his son, Vining’s Carpentry and Services.
In his spare time, Mr. Vining enjoyed tinkering in his garage, as he had a vast interest in old cars. He also enjoyed bowling in many leagues at Hendrick Hudson Lanes, was in the APA pool league, loved music, especially the Beatles, and playing the guitar. He was a fan of the New York Giants, and Yankees, and also enjoyed an occasional nip of Jack Daniels. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
Mr. Vining was predeceased by his mother Victoria (Iaccino) Vining.
Left to cherish his memory are: his father, James A. Vining Sr.; wife, Teena (Alonge) Vining; children, James A. Vining, III, (Rose), Teena Vining-Graf (Thomas) and Anthony Vining, Sr., (Melanie); grandchildren, Joshua, Christopher, Gregory, Meagan, Natalie and Anthony Vining, Jr., Kaitlyn Fein, Joseph and Emma Downey, and Nicole Downey Rosario; two brothers, Robert (Kathy) and Ed (Donna) Vining; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation at the Bates & Anderson- Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson was February 3. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, or Hudson Fire Department Central Station.
Barbara I. Lansing (1941 – 2020)
CLAVERACK—Barbara I. Lansing, 78, of Claverack passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020.
She was the daughter of the late E. Grant and Florence Brown of Richmondville.
She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Harold Lansing, Sr., and by her sister, Patricia Keber.
She is survived by: her brother, Edwin Brown; sister, Margaret Stahl; son, Harold S. Lansing, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Candace Lansing; daughter, Valerie Lansing; son-in-law, Lawrence Fingar and three grandchildren, Anthony, Mackenzie and Quennell.
Mrs. Lansing graduated from Richmondville High School and Cobleskill College. She retired in 1996 from the NYS Correction Facility in Hudson, where she was food administrator. She had a love of quilting, needlework and plants. There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Mary E. Miller (1952 – 2020)
RHINEBECK—Mary E. Miller, 67, of Clermont passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born October 4, 1952, in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late Richard Elderkin and Mary (Cooper) Zietz. Her stepfather, Marvin Zietz of Poughkeepsie was a loving and integral part of her life and their family since she was a little girl.
She married Orland Miller June 19, 1992 in Red Hook. He survives at home in Clermont with their beloved dog “Millie”.
For many years, she worked as a nurse at Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie.
Mrs. Miller loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed vacationing in Cape Cod and the Carolina coast.
In addition to her loving husband and stepfather, she is survived by: her children, Brandi Powers of Savannah, GA, David (Sherice) Powers of Livingston, Mari Powers of Clermont, Brandon (Mary) Powers of Germantown, Ryan Meagher of Clermont and Orlana (Bradley) Miller-Toombs of Pine Plains; her brother, Richard (Wendy) Elderkin of FL; her grandchildren, Lizajayne, Jeramiah, Willow, Sparrow, Dylan, Luke, Molly, Presley, Landen, Addysen and Alivia; along with her extended family and friends.
Her sister, Linda Hunt predeceased her.
Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Prayers will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association of NY State, 155 Washington Avenue, Suite 210, Albany 12210, www.alanys.org.
To sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Grace E. Drbul (1941 – 2020)
LIVINGSTON—Grace E. Drbul, 78, of Livingston passed away the morning of January 28, 2020 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born July 5, 1941 in Rhinebeck, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Margaret (Schaffer) Doyle.
She worked as a manager at Kmart in Poughkeepsie and retired after 32 years of service.
She enjoyed attending yard sales, fishing, gardening, writing poetry and cooking for her family. In her 30s, Mrs. Drbul was awarded a medal for being the best in New York State in Woman’s Archery. She also enjoyed taking trips to casinos with her husband, Paul Drbul who she married July 20, 1985 in Hudson. He survives at their home.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Drbul is survived by: her daughter, Lori Rockefeller (Dan) Proper; her stepdaughter, Lisa (Don) Stuber; her stepson, Paul (Terri) Drbul; her grandchildren, Krystle and David Skinner, Samantha Pugsley, Paul G. Drbul and Zachary Van Wagner; her great-granddaughter, Anjelina Skinner; many loved ones and friends.
In addition to her parents, her brother, David Righetti and her stepdaughter, Tereasa Van Wagner, predeceased her.
Friends called at the Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, www/stjude.org/memorial.
To sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Elvin C. Rodriguez (1954 – 2020)
GREENPORT—Elvin Cruz Rodriguez, 65, of Joslen Commons Greenport passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020 at his home.
Born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, April 25, 1954, he was the son of the late Merquiades and Carmen Cruz Rodriguez. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was disabled during his service. He was a laborer with Atlas Metal Works in Hudson and was a member of the Hudson Elks Lodge #787.
Mr. Rodriguez is survived by: two sisters, Ada and (Robert) Garcia, Nancey Cruz; two daughters, Brenda (Miguel) Cruz, Nikita (Pete) Cruz; two sons, Elvin (Shamira) Cruz and Alvin Cruz; grandchildren, Michael, Marciel, Analiese and Novela Cruz, Anthony and Miguel Santana, Aisha Cruz, Nataliya Wise, Aubriana Riozzi and Jaxyn Meyre; many relatives in New York and Puerto Rico.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. His remains will be buried in the family cemetery in Puerto Rico. To leave online condolences visit www.saccofuneralhome.com
Anne W. Abrams (1921 – 2020)
HIGHLAND—Anne Wells Abrams, 99, of Latham passed away peacefully in her sleep February 1, 2020 of natural causes at Wingate Nursing Home.
She was born and raised in New York City, January 16, 1921 to Oscar and Emma Wells. She married the late William F. Abrams of Chatham and they settled there. It was a place, since childhood summers, she always held dear, later moving to Woodstock. After her husbands passing, she moved to Latham, where she lived for the past 33 years. A lifelong, feisty Democrat, in younger years, she was active in the Democratic Party along with her husband. She was employed for many years at Kingston Hospital before retiring in 1987.
Mrs. Abrams was a most energetic and remarkable person. Despite her age, she lived independently until this past year.
She loved to cook, and most importantly, she loved her children, grandchildren and the generations that followed. She is survived by: her two daughters, Linda Mancuso (Lou), Lisa Morgan (Mike); son, Chris Abrams; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many relatives of Chatham who she held so dear.
Her last selfless act was her wish that her body be donated to Albany Medical College for study.
A remembrance service will be held at French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham at a future undetermined date with eventual burial to follow at Chatham Rural Cemetery. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com. The family thanks the staff of Wingate Nursing Home for all their care and concern for Mrs. Abrams this past year.
Daniel F. Kelleher (1952 – 2020)
CHATHAM—Daniel F. Kelleher of Paxton, MA, passed away January 29, 2020 with his family by his side.
He was born in Pittsfield, MA, May 5, 1952.
He leaves: two loving and loyal sons, Curran (Nita) and Sean and granddaughter, Kareena.
His career as a chief engineer included radio stations in the North East from WGRG in Pittsfield, MA, to WPLR in New Haven, CT, and many radio stations in between where he applied his vast technical skills.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 7 from noon to 1:30 pm with prayers following at French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Interment will follow at the Cemetery of the Evergreens, New Lebanon. In lieu of flowers contributions in Mr. Kelleher’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice or Emanuel Radio Network, 19 Chatham Street, Worcester, MA 01609; WICN, 50 Portland Street, Worcester MA 01608; 90.5 WICN Public Radio or WIOX 91.3FM, P.O. Box 100, Roxbury, NY 12404. For full obituary, directions or to convey a condolence visit frenchblasl.com.
