Mary L. Novack (1920 – 2019)
GHENT—Mary L. Abitabile Novack, 99, a lifelong resident of Hudson, died Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Whittier Nursing Home.
Born February 15, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Filippo and Francesca (Gentile) Abitabile.
She worked for many years at the Universal Match Factory as a receptionist and greeted every visitor in great style with a bright smile, humor and friendly conversation. She loved her job as she loved her life. For a period of time under Mayor Yusko, she was the Commissioner for the Aged and she also enjoyed her membership and good times with everyone involved with the Sons and Daughters of Italy. She was a loving aunt, who along with her brothers and sisters, was devoted to her extended family.
Mrs. Novack was predeceased by her husband, Frank Novack; two brothers, Antonio “Tiney” Abitabile and Paul Abitabile; sisters, Julia Gallo and Rose Quigley.
She is survived by: many nieces and nephews, Patricia Quigley Jarvis, William J. Quigley, Jr., Phillip Abitabile, Fran Abitabile, Paul Abitabile, Maureen Abitabile, Rosemary Tanzillo, Frances Gallo, Catherine Gallo and Anthony Gallo. She was predeceased by niece, Susan Abitabile and nephew, John Gallo.
She most loved the time she shared with her family including: Sunday family dinner traditions in earlier years when she helped serve the homemade pasta, meatballs and homemade wine; birthday and holiday celebrations large and small through many decades and the celebration of many regular daily “happy hours.” She loved music and traveled every weekend with her husband to listen to him play the drums and to dance with him in the Catskill Mountains. She was always there to support her father and mother throughout her adult life and cared for them with devotion in their last days. She is also survived by many great- and great-great nieces and nephews who had opportunities to witness and build memories to share with future generations. Many will always remember her for her famous reply to every story they shared with her as she grew older, “Oh my god, isn’t that just wonderful,”
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 27, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Services follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mrs. Novack’s memory to a charity of choice.
Anthony M. Lazzara (1980 – 2019)
HUDSON—It is with great sadness that his family announces the unexpected passing of Anthony Michael Lazzara.
He died peacefully in his home November 20, 2019 at the age of 39.
He is survived by: his parents, Joseph Lazzara, II, and Carol Lazzara; siblings, Jennifer Schindler, Joseph Lazzara, III, Angelo Lazzara and Tanya Middleton; many nieces and nephews, whom he adored.
His family is devastated by this loss; his joyfulness is already greatly missed.
Mr. Lazzara loved movies, games, and lively conversation. He had a huge heart and was very generous to those around him. He has taught so much about making memories and making friends and loved ones smile. His time was too short, but he made his moments count.
Visitation and a funeral were at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson, November 24. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Claudia E. Gleason (1942 – 2019)
CHATHAM—Claudia E. Gleason of Chatham passed away November 19, 2019.
Born August 21, 1942 at Queens General Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Adam W. Hahn.
She worked for the Columbia Rensselaer Telephone Company and Taconic Telephone Company for 18 years combined—first as a telephone operator for 10 years and then a supervisor for 8 years. She then worked for the NYS Assembly for 24 years until her retirement.
Mrs. Gleason was a longtime member of St. James Church in Chatham.
She is survived by: her beloved husband, Raymond S. Gleason Jr.; her son, Douglas Brian Holt; sisters, Marilyn Pratt of Maricopa, AZ, Valerie Payton of Catskill and Hilary Petith of Hillsdale; brothers, Randy Hahn of Chatham and Gregory Hahn of Chatham Center; stepson, Joel Gleason; granddaughter, Ashley; several nieces and nephews and best friends, Debbie Hahn Ostrowski, Valerie Payton and Diana Zacarolli
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Arnold Holt, Sr.; her son, David Arnold Holt, Jr., and her brother, Leroy Hahn.
At her request there will be no formal services. Memorials in her name may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414. Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
George W. Warnefeld (1946 – 2019)
RHINEBECK—George W. Warnefeld, 73, a longtime resident of Tivoli, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born March 18, 1946 in Rhinebeck, he was the son of the late George and Katherine (Diehl) Warnefeld. He married Sharon Shaler, April 8, 1995 at St. Paul’s Trinity Parish, Tivoli. She survives at home in Tivoli.
For many years and until his retirement, Mr. Warnefeld worked as an engineer with CSX, based in Selkirk. He was a member and treasurer of Monumental Lodge #374, F&AM in Tivoli and a parishioner of St. Paul’s/Trinity Parish in Tivoli.
In addition to his loving wife, Sharon, he is survived by: a stepson, Rudy Firmbach, III, of Kinderhook; his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and David Cleaveland of Tivoli; his step- grandchildren, Allyson and Ryan Firmbach; his nieces, Corinne (Matthew) Grant of Rhode Island, and Kristen Cleaveland of Brooklyn; his grandnieces and nephew, Elise and Alexander Grant; along with extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at St. Paul’s/Trinity Parish, Tivoli. The Reverend Masud Ibn Syedullah officiated. Burial was in Red Church Cemetery, Tivoli.
Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Warnefeld’s memory to the Monumental Lodge #374, F&AM, P.O. Box 309 Tivoli 12583, or to St. Paul’s/Trinity Parish, Woods Road, P.O. Box 68, Tivoli 12583.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook. To sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Ethel P. Klein (1934 – 2019)
RHINEBECK—Ethel Pitcher Klein, age 85, went home to be with her Lord November 12, 2019 at the Ferncliff Nursing Home.
Born in Tivoli, August 30, 1934; she was the daughter of the late Edward V. and Ethel M. (Minkler) Pitcher.
She is survived by: two daughters, Donna Schulze of Germantown and Karen Klein of South Carolina; a son, Charles Klein of Nevis; and sister, Ellen Feller (Robert Jr.) of Red Hook. Also surviving are grandchildren, Sarah Gerlach (Dan), Michelle Schulze, Kelly Schulze, Mark Nordfors and Charles M. Klein; great-grandchildren, Benjamim Nardone, Madeline Nardone, Lorelei Higley, Adrian Higley, Sadie Gerlach, Jesse Nordfors, Brittany Nordfors; nieces, nephews, cousins, and “little man,” her feathered friend.
Her family was the love of her life. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Edward J. Pitcher in 1985. She was also predeceased by her beloved furry friend, Sophie, and feathered friend, Sweet Pea. Her life was changed and transformed when she gave herself to her Lord in the 1990s. Ms. Klein was baptized at Sepasco Village August 10, 1997. She enjoyed stamping tracts for GBFC and she was proud to have completed the Bible correspondence course. Her favorite hymn was “In the Garden.” Her favorite verses were psalms 91 and 23. She loved to read and feed the birds outside at Ferncliff. She loved to go to Clermont State Park with Sophie and relax and read. She loved yard sales.
Her family thanks the 3A staff and the recreation department at Ferncliff; Hudson Valley Hospice; and Pastor and Donna Cirone for their love and support.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. at Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Rhinebeck with Pastor Frank Cirone officiating. Donations may be made in her name to Grace Bible Fellowship Church or to the ASPCA. Arrangements under the direction of the Traver and McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.