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OBITUARIES: Camarda, Barton, Johnson, diMonda, Horkan, Aluisio, Drake

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Anna Camarda (1931 – 2023)

Anna Camarda

OLD CHATHAM—Anna Camarda (nee Nicastro) passed peacefully in her sleep August 9, 2023 at the age of 91.

Born September 3, 1931 in Palermo, Italy, she was the daughter of Graziella Nicastro (nee Di Marco) and Giuseppe Nicastro, both of Palermo.

She immigrated to the United States in 1948 to be married. She ultimately raised three children on her own while working in New York City’s Garment District as a seamstress. Taught to cook by her grandfather and father-in-law, she owned and operated two successful restaurants in Brooklyn and owned The Starlight Motel and Restaurant in Catskill with her second husband, who was the love of her life. They retired to Palm Bay, Florida, in 1981 where she made her home until 2019 when she moved to Old Chatham to live with her daughter.

Affectionately known as “Hurricane Anna” by friends and family, she was a strong and fiercely independent nurturing woman. Her energy (and voice) filled every room she entered. She was well-known and well-loved—especially for her cooking.

Her beloved husband, Carlo Camarda, predeceased her in 1988. She is survived by: her sisters, Gaetana Gentile of New Jersey, Rosalia Mora of Arizona, and sister-in-law, Graziella Nicastro of Brooklyn; her children, Maria Cosenza (Jim Johanson), Joseph Cosenza (Paulette Fagone), Mario Cosenza (Kim Poytner); 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to https://www.dailybreadinc.org, 817 East Fee Avenue; Melbourne, FL 32901 attn: Claudia, or to an

animal shelter of choice. For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com

Shirley H. Barton (1946 – 2023)

ANCRAM—Shirley Hall Barton of Ancram, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully with family at her side, August 8, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

The daughter of Priscilla and Fred Hall, she was born in Canaan, CT, September 19, 1946. Following graduation from Housatonic Valley Regional High School she attended nursing school affiliated with Pittsfield General Hospital in Massachusetts.

She and Gerald Barton were married March 5, 1966. While beginning to raise a family, she also was able to fit in driving a public school bus in Copake, which she did for a decade. Later she managed the Hotchkiss School book store, a job she held for about 25 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by: her son, Jeffrey and his wife Lisa, and their son Brandon and his wife Liz, and son Ryan; her son, Michael and his companion, Melissa, and their sons Michael Jr. and his wife Kayla, and Kyle; her brother, Dan Hall and sister, Pat Graf.

Her family acknowledges the outstanding care and support she received at Kimball Farms Life Enrichment Program in Lenox, MA. A graveside ceremony will be conducted August 18, 2023, 1 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery, North Main Street, Pine Plains. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Pine Plains.

Alan B. Johnson (1952 – 2023)

A.J. Johnson

ALBANY—Alan “A.J.” B. Johnson, 71, of Claverack passed away unexpectedly August 7, 2023 at Albany Medical Center. He was born June 11, 1952 in Mt. Kisco to the late Nelson and Marjorie (Williams) Johnson.

He worked for 50 years at Verizon Telephone as a watch engineer. His grandfather was the first African American Harley Davidson dealer on the east coast. This led to his appreciation for motorcycles and led him to become a thrill rider. Speed was not a fear for him. He was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast who also enjoyed watching Nascar. He was also an avid pool player and has been in the local league since 1998. In addition, he was a long-time leader of Boy Scout Troop 752.

He is survived by: his wife of 42 years, Joan Johnson; his two sons, Nelson and his fiancée Kristina Otty and Brian Johnson; his two granddaughters, Jazmine and Cierra Johnson and his brother, Michael Johnson.

In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his brother, Edwards Johnson.

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will be Sunday, August 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

Scott D. diMonda (1968 – 2023)

Scott diMonda

GREENPORT—Scott D. diMonda, 54, of Greenport died Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at his home. Born in Meadowbrook, November 28, 1968, he was the son of Patricia Vanderoef of Greenport and the late Ceaser diMonda.

He was a corrections officer for several years with the NYSDOCCS and recently the owner of Tactical Warriors in Greenport. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will be greatly missed by: his beloved wife, Tammy L. (Burnett) diMonda; sons, Morgan diMonda (fiancee Brianna) and Taylor diMonda; daughter, Danielle (Jon) Monson; stepdaughter, Krista (Nick) Halvax; his brother, Michael Vanderoef; sister, Vanessa Vanderoef and his grandchildren, Isabella and Viora Monson, Peyton and Watson Halvax, Charlotte Rose diMonda, and Luca Lanphear-diMonda. Calling hours and funeral services will be Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport.

Michael J. Horkan (1963 – 2023)

Michael Horkan

ALBANY—Michael J. Horkan, retired lieutenant of the Poughkeepsie Police Department, age 60, of Ghent, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Albany Medical Center.

Born in Rhinebeck, February 5, 1963, he was the son of the late James and Jean Horkan.

He is survived by: his sisters, Pat (Svend) Beecher of Rhinebeck, Madeline Whittaker of Hudson, Theresa Horkan of Hampton Bays and Jean Horkan of Hillsdale. He was predeceased by his brother, James Horkan, lll. Survivors also include his loving nieces, nephews, great-niece, great-nephew, cousins and so many friends. He will be dearly missed by all.

His infectious sense of humor, generosity, family values and kindness were attributes that made him special. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, August 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. from the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 17, 9 a.m. from the St. James R.C. Church, Chatham. Interment follows in the St. John’s Reformed Church Cemetery in Red Hook.

Any donations may be made to the Cancer Society or the PBA in Mr. Horkan’s memory. To send online condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com.

Robert A. Aluisio (1949 – 2023)

HUDSON—Robert Allen Aluisio, 74, of Hudson died Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Born in Yonkers, January 9, 1949, he was the son of the late Emerico and Grace (Ingui) Aluisio. He was a landscaper with Flowering Gardens in Copake Falls for many years until his retirement. He is survived by: his beloved wife, JoAnn E. (Blanchard) Aluisio at home; sons, Robert Aluisio, Jr., Kenneth VanAlphen, Jr., and Randy VanAlphen; daughters, Tammy Mayer and Kendle Pulver; his brother, Emerico Aluisio, Jr.; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, Greenport.

David M. Drake (1961 – 2023)

Matt Drake

ALBANY—David Matthew “Matteo” Drake passed away surrounded by family in Albany, August 9, 2023. He battled Muir-Torre Syndrome cancer for nearly two decades and bravely outlived multiple prognoses. He was a vibrant person, loving friend and dedicated father.

“Matt” was born to James and Susan Drake November 18, 1961 in New York City, where, May 14, 1988, he married his devoted, loving wife, Ida. Soon after, they moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where they had their only son, Adrian Drake.

In the spring 2001, the small family of three made the grand trek across the country to Columbia County where they spread their roots. He biked the roads of Columbia County, supported the Chatham Panthers at their sporting events, used his carpentry and supervisory skills at a Bill Stratton Building Co. job-site, and made memories with friends and family at his home.

On Facebook, his revelations inspired readers, especially other cancer patients, to deal with the emotional upheavals accompanying a terminal prognosis and live each moment fully.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Lynn Drake. He is survived by: his mother, Susan Samuels Drake; brothers, Tom Drake (Joan Jones) and Christopher Wood-Drake; sister, Amalia Wood-Drake Shook; wife, Ida, and son, Adrian James Drake.

Although he and his family did not spend their entire lives in Chatham, his presence in the community will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The public is invited to a celebration of his life, Saturday August 19, 1 p.m. at Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham.

Donations in his name would be welcomed by Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cancer Research Foundation. For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com

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