Howard Wesley Ennes, Jr. (1917 – 2014)
FORT BRAGG, CA—Howard Wesley Ennes, Jr., was born in Asheville, North Carolina, July 10, 1917 and died September 22, 2014 at his home in Fort Bragg, surrounded by family. He was 97 years old.
Mr. Ennes is survived by: his four children, Judy Ennes of Brooklyn, Jokhanah Ennes of Seattle, WA, Linda Pack of Fort Bragg, CA, and Michael Ennes of Riverdale; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Ennes was a life-long fighter for justice and public health, focusing on social action and the sharing of information. As a young man in Washington D.C., he became active in the American Youth Congress where he met Eleanor Roosevelt who was an inspiration throughout his life. In 1942, while attending George Washington University, Mr. Ennes met and married his first wife, Sylvia Bahar, who died at the end of 1965.
After college he joined the U.S. Public Health Service. During World War II he served in the Navy Medical Department and worked in VD prevention for servicemen. After the war he obtained a Master of Public Health from Yale University, and served as director of health education in Buffalo, and also as executive editor of public health reports for the Surgeon General’s Office. The family moved to New York in 1953 where Mr. Ennes set up the Bureau of Health Education at the Equitable Life Assurance Society. In 1969, he became a vice-president with oversight of corporate social responsibilities and health and community service for the Equitable.
Mr. Ennes was involved with both national and international organizations focused on health education. He was a distinguished fellow and president of the Society for Public Health Education and served as president of the International Union for Health Education from 1962 to 1965, during which time he presided at the fifth International Conference on Health and Education in Madrid.
In 1969 Mr. Ennes married Marion Dusoir and in 1977 he retired from the Equitable. They moved to Columbia County and became involved in that community. Mr. Ennes served as editor of his wife’s weekly nature newspaper column. After her death in 2002, Mr. Ennes assembled and published an illustrated collection of the columns titled, Nature’s Way.
Mr. and Mrs. Ennes moved to Fort Bragg, California, in 1996 and became active in the Alliance for Democracy and Occupy Mendocino. He was celebrated as a “Local Peacemaker” in 2007, and his 95th birthday was celebrated as a fundraiser for the Redwood Coast Senior Center. He continued to support Occupy Mendocino and other progressive efforts and arts organizations on the Mendocino Coast until his health limited his ability to participate.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m. at the Redwood Coast Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Mr. Ennes’ example be followed and generous donations be made to support the local health, human rights and arts organizations of one’s community.
Elizabeth C. Thomas (1927 – 2014)
HUDSON—Elizabeth C. Thomas, 87, of Stuyvesant died Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born May 4, 1927 in Stuyvesant, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Irene (Kripps) Gelhorn.
Mrs. Thomas worked at the Fort Orange Paper Company in Castleton for many years and was a member of the ladies auxiliary of the Stuyvesant Fire Company and the ladies aid of St. John’s Church.
She is survived by: her sister, Ruth Novak of Kinderhook and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Maynard “Chesty” Thomas; her brothers, Wesley, Harold and Elmer Gelhorn and her sister, Doris Hoose.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, County Route 26A, Stuyvesant, with Pastor Dan Cohn officiating. Burial will follow in Firwood Cemetery, Stuyvesant . There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, County Route 26A, Stuyvesant 12173.
Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
Glenn C. Wallace (1932 – 2014)
ALBANY—Glenn C. Wallace, 82, of Kinderhook died Thursday, October 2 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.
He was born August 27, 1932 in Glens Falls, to George and Elizabeth (Moynihan) Wallace.
He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, attended The College of the Holy Cross, and Albany Business College. There, he met his wife, Arlene (Avery) Wallace. They were happily married for 57 years.
After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Wallace entered the insurance business. He retired from the Travelers Insurance Company in 1989. From there he served as Columbia County Republican Election Commissioner for 11 years. He also served as a constituent service representative for Senator Saland, as well as an assistant sergeant-at-arms for the New York State Senate. Mr. Wallace ended his career working as a
special investigation officer for the New York State Department of Insurance Fraud.
He was a hard-working man who shared his many talents and leadership skills with his community. For more than 60 years, he was deeply committed to the Boy Scouts of America, serving the Twin Rivers Council in many capacities from scoutmaster to Mahikan District Advancement Committee chair. Mr. Wallace had great
fondness for BS Troop 113 of Kinderhook, its Eagles, and for all scouts. Also close to his heart was the Marion Stegmann Fund which he and his wife chaired for many years. The fund continues to touch many lives within the community that Mr. Wallace loved.
His influence extended throughout the community. The Friends of Lindenwald, Kinderhook Town Council, John J. Curran Knights of Columbus, Kinderhook Palmer Engine and Hose Company and the Kinderhook Sportsmen’s Club benefitted from Mr. Wallace’s guidance, participation, and support. He was a valued member of the Kinderhook Elks Lodge 2530, where he also served as exalted ruler. Mr. Wallace was actively involved in the Republican Party at the town, county and state levels. He was a devoted and loving family man. He was predeceased by his wife,
Arlene. He is survived by: his daughter, Linda (Robert) Wheeler of Kinderhook and their two children Sean and Sarah; and son Mark (Maria) Wallace of Clearmont, FL, and son Nicholas. Another family member close to his heart was his cousin, David Toomey, of Fort Edward.
Mr. Wallace was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Parish and St. Joseph Spiritual Life Center. His life was devoted and dedicated to caring for his family, friends,
and his community. Mr. Wallace’s family wishes to thank the many people whose friendship, love, and support meant so much to him. Included are his doctors and
the staffs of St. Peter’s Hospice and Interim Home Health Care. “A very special thank you is given to Diane and Barbara.”
Friends may call at the Raymond Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, Sunday, October 5, 4 to 7 p.m.
Mr. Wallace’s life will be celebrated with a Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, Monday, October 6 at 11 a.m. followed by burial in the Linlithgo Reformed Cemetery in Livingston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion Stegmann Fund, P.O. Box 514, Kinderhook 12106.
Philip LaManna (1941 – 2014)
ALBANY—Philip LaManna, 73, of Gallatin passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital.
He was born January 23, 1941 in White Plains, the son of Thomas and Mildred (Russo) LaManna.
Mr. LaManna was a mechanic, and owner and operator of Millerton Auto.
On April 10, 1961 in Baltimore, MD, he married Louise (Gasparrini) LaManna. She survives him at home.
In addition to his loving wife of 53 years, survivors include: three daughters, Tracy Moody of Churchtown, Sherry Morganelli of Hauppauge and Dawn Kipp of Copake; three sons, Michael LaManna of Bohemia, Philip T. LaManna of Smithtown and Christopher LaManna of North Babylon; a sister, Jenny Curry of Lindenhurst; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several in-laws and friends.
Calling hours are Saturday, October 4, 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 5, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains.
A funeral service will be held Monday, October 6, 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with Deacon Jackie Jefferson officiating.
Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains.
Memorial contributions are requested to Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, 315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany 12208 or to assist the family, c/o Peck & Peck Funeral Home, P.O. Box 15, Pine Plains 12567.
To sign the online register visit peckandpeck.net.
George N. Newkirk (1953 – 2014)
NIVERVILLE—George N. Newkirk, 61, of a lifelong resident of Niverville died Thursday, October 2, 2014 at his home.
Born June 8, 1953 in Albany, he was the son of the late Thomas E. and Mary (VanDewal) Newkirk.
Mr. Newkirk was a devoted husband, father, brother and son. He was a lifelong resident of Columbia County and a friend to many.
Mr. Newkirk was employed for the past 12 years with M. Sher & Sons Inc. of Albany, as a high voltage electrician and foreman. He was a member of the local IBEW243. The family would like to thank the management of M. Sher & Sons Inc. for the sincere kindness and understanding that was shown to Mr. Newkirk throughout this past year.
He was a lifetime member of the NRA, an avid sportsman and a member of the Kinderhook Sportsman Club. He took great pleasure in shooting with family and friends and was proud of his collection of guns.
Mr. Newkirk was also a motorcycle enthusiast, riding most of his life. He enjoyed woodworking and was a skilled and talented craftsman. Having purchased his family homestead, he spent the last several years remodeling it into the beautiful home it now is.
Mr. Newkirk enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family. He was always quick with a smile and a funny story to tell. He found humor easily and extended a helping hand readily. He had many friends and has left his footprints throughout the area with the many projects he worked on for others.
Mr. Newkirk cherished his son Kenny and spent a great deal of time teaching him and giving him knowledge to carry on with. Kenny adored his father and over the years his father also became his best friend. They were blessed to have the last several years working side by side to intensify an already strong bond.
Mr. Newkirk was the happiest he had ever been in his life, living with his wife, Debbie, whom he loved dearly, working on his home and spending time with his son, his family members and his grandchildren. Many evenings you would find him outside in the garage crafting something new for his home. He was a hard worker, a devoted family man and a beloved brother.
He is survived by: his wife, Deborah (Shook) Newkirk; one son, Kenneth Newkirk of Niverville; two step-sons, Guy Gauthier and Larry Kilmer, both of Valatie; five siblings, Thomas Newkirk of Freehold, David Newkirk of Greenport, Veronica Turner of Whitehall, Michael Newkirk of Middlebury, VT, and Elizabeth Holten of Colonie; step-grandchildren, David, Ryan and Adam; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Jeanne Carpenter and his brother, William Newkirk.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 8, 6 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with the Reverend George Fleming officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association.
