Obituaries

David M. Church
Beacon, NY
January 27, 2010

David M. Churchill, Sr., 70 years old, of Beacon, formerly of Ossining and Carmel, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh. He was born September 5, 1939 in Ossining, NY, and was the son of the late David Lee and Ellen Reynolds Churchill.

David was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1957 to 1960 and was stationed in Germany. He was employed as a truck driver with Teamsters Local #456 in Elmsford, NY and drove for the Grand Union for eighteen years until his retirement in 1986. Following his retirement, he was employed by Dill’s Best Lumber in Brewster, NY until his retirement there. He had been a member of the Monitor Hose Fire Company in Ossining. He was an avid reader, especially newspapers, and was always interested in current events, history and military history. He also enjoyed going to casinos.

On June 13, 1959, David married Anna Maria Mager, who he met while stationed in Germany. Mrs. Churchill survives at home in Beacon. Besides his wife, David is survived by his beloved children, David Churchill, Jr. of Lake Carmel, Thomas R. Churchill and his wife, Jodie, of Copake, Diana Swart and her husband, Barry, of Pine Plains, Ellen Buehler of Wingdale and Tina Denota and her husband, Michael, of Fishkill; thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Churchill.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 31st from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Home, 1028 Main St., Fishkill and on Monday from 10 – 11 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be private at the discretion of the family.

To sign David’s guest book or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hudsonvalleyfuneralhomes.com

Robert "Turk" Daley
Pleasant Valley, NY
January 29, 2010

Robert “Turk” Daley, 78, a lifelong resident of Pleasant Valley, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 surrounded by his loving family.

Born March 18, 1931, he was the son of the late Louis Daley and Anna Jesoneak. He was a graduate of Arlington High School, Class of 1950. Mr. Daley was the owner and operator of Daley Enterprises, Pleasant Valley for 57 years. He was a life member of Pleasant Valley Fire Co.

Turk was an avid dirt modified racing fan and car owner that began when he drove at the Old Arlington Raceway and it continued owning his own race car. In recent years he enjoyed his time at the farm in Salt Point driving his tractor, making hay and taking care of the cows, and also his many trips to Florida. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy; his son Glenn and wife Cindy of Salt Point; his daughter Tammy Heotzler and her husband Ralph of Port Orange,FL.; a granddaughter, Tara Damron and husband Jeremiah of Salt Point ; a great grandson, Bradyn of Salt Point; a brother, Gordon Daley of Pleasant Valley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, L. Donald Daley. His kind hearted, generous, and unselfish spirit will be missed by all who knew him. There will be no calling hours but friends and family will be received Saturday 4-8 pm at the residence at 789 North Ave.

Memorial donations may be made in Turk’s memory to Hospice of Dutchess Co., or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home, Pleasant Valley.

Josephine Wilson
Monticello, NY
January 27, 2010

Josephine Wilson, of Monticello, passed away on Wednesday January 27, 2010 at the Skilled Nursing Unit at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. She was 74 years of age.

Born on June 20, 1935 in West Virginia, Josephine had worked as a housekeeper in Manhattan for many years.

She leaves behind her three sons, Brian Wilson of Fredericksburg, VA, James Wilson of Monticello and Joseph Wilson of Florida; her two daughters, Samantha Wilson of New York City and Marie Wilson of West Virginia; her sister, Phyllis Jackson of Hamilton, Ohio and her nine grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Monday February 1, 2010 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Ramsay’s Funeral Home, 55 St. John St. Monticello. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 1 PM.

Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery, Cold Spring Rd. Liberty, NY.

Arrangements are by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc. Monticello, NY 845-794-2700.

Carolyn M. Eltz
Williston, SC formerly of Hurleyville

Carolyn M. Eltz, formerly a longtime resident of Hurleyville NY, passed away after a long illness in Williston, SC. She was 80.

The daughter of the late Howard and Alice Doyle Murray, she was born on June 27, 1929 in Middletown, NY.

Carolyn had been employed as a clerk in the Hurleyville Post Office and had been a buyer for Sullivan Department Stores. She was a former member of the Cooperative Extension, a Girl Scout Leader and a member of the Rosary Society.

She is survived by her son, John Eltz and wife Joyce of Cooperstown, PA; her two daughters, Cathryn Eltz of Altanta, GA and Cristyn Moody and her husband Edward of Williston, SC. and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Floyd Eltz in 1998.

Burial of her ashes will take place at a future date in the family plot at Hurleyville Cemetery, Hurleyville, NY. Carolyn’s wishes were that her funeral services be private.

The Eltz family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Local arrangements are by Ramsay’s funeral Homes Inc. Liberty, NY.

Ralph Lloyd Gabriel
Cochecton, NY
January 18, 2010

Ralph Lloyd Gabriel, of lifetime resident of Cochecton, passed away at his residence on Monday January 18, 2010. He was 81.

He was the son of the late Charles Gabriel and Lydia Cochrane Gabriel and was born on August 22, 1928 in Cochecton, NY.

Ralph was a retired heavy equipment operator for the Town of Bethel Highway Department. He was a member of Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lake Huntington and was a former member of Sullivan County Co-operative Extension.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 57 years, Barbara Pearson Gabriel at home;
sons, Daniel Gabriel and wife Debra, Kenneth Gabriel and wife Diane and Christopher Gabriel and wife Sondra, all of Bethel; daughters, Cheryl Lynch and husband Peter of Woodridge, NJ, Lorraine Clifford and husband Patrick of Jeffersonville and Charlene Sullivan and husband Shawn of Middletown; a brother, Royden Gabriel and wife Dolores of Buena Vista, VA; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sons, James, Robert and Ralph; 2 brothers, Clifford and Donald and two sisters, Dorothy and Gladys.

Friends may call at Ramsay’s Funeral Home, 3534 Rt 55, Kauneonga Lake on Friday January 22, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.

His funeral mass will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010 at 10 AM at Lady of the Lakes Church in Lake Huntington, NY. Fr. William Scully will be the celebrant.

Burial will take place following the mass at Fosterdale Methodist Cemetery, Fosterdale, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.

Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay’ Funeral Homes Inc. Kauneonga Lake, NY.

Thomas R. Porter
Liberty, NY
January 18, 2010

Thomas R. Porter, a lifelong area resident, passed away at his home on Monday January 18, 2010. He was 63.

The son of the late Royal and Lillian Whipple Porter, he was born on February 25, 1947 in Loch Sheldrake, NY.

He is survived by his companion Rose Jones at home; two daughters, Emily Porter and Lena Porter, both of Middletown; four brothers, Royal Porter and wife Marge of Loch Sheldrake, John Porter and wife Mary of Oklahoma, Robert Porter and wife Valerie of Hurleyville and David Porter and wife Roje of Hurleyville; a sister, Lillian Dibble and husband Dave of Loch Sheldrake and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope, NY.

Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc. Liberty, NY.

Kenneth Lawrence Luft
Wappingers Falls, NY
January 18, 2010

Kenneth Lawrence Luft, 57, a resident of Wappingers Falls since 2001, formerly of Carmel and Yonkers, died at home surrounded by his family on Monday, January 18, 2010.

On January 1st of this year, he retired as Manager of Customer Service at the U.S. Postal Service Center in Poughkeepsie . He had worked for the U.S.P.S. for nearly 40 years.

Kenneth loved restoring antique cars, and most recently completed work on a 1930 Model-A Ford. He often attended various car shows throughout the region. In addition, he was a true handyman, and could always be found working on various projects throughout the house. He cherished time spent sitting on the couch, with his dog Rusty on his lap, watching his big-screen television.

Born in Bronxville on May 13, 1952, he was the son of Jerome and Blanche Byrne Luft. On February 22, 1998, he married Alice White at Assumption Church in Peekskill. Mrs. Luft survives at home.
Kenneth is also survived by his mother, Blanche Luft, of Poughkeepsie; his children, Denise Potter of Patterson, Bonnie Luft of Patterson, Kenneth Luft, Jr. of Carmel, and Kevin White of Peekskill; his sisters, Barbara Quatrocci & her husband Anthony of Yonkers, Joy Luft of Poughkeepsie, and Janice Gornie of Davenport, FL; his sisters-in-law, Ellen Luft of Lake Peekskill and Mary White of Pawleys Island, SC; his brothers-in-law, William White & his wife Joanne of Hopewell Junction and Joseph White of Peekskill; many nieces and nephews; and also many loving friends, especially those who gave their enduring support throughout the last year: Rob, Ellen, and Steve.

He was predeceased by his father, Jerome Luft, in 1992 and his brother, Clifford Luft, in 1999.
Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday at Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2678 South Rd., Suite 102, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

For driving directions & online condolences, visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

John Durham
Loch Sheldrake formerly of White Lake, NY
January 17, 2010

John Durham, 82, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday January 17, 2010 at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY.

John was born on December 19, 1927 in Manhattan to the late Sam and Julia Foss Durham.

John had a wonderful sense of humor and easily befriended the people he met. He had lived for a period of time in the Pacific Northwest and during his time there became an avid fan of the Seattle Sea Hawks and Mariners. In his youth, John enjoyed running and had won a number of medals in competition. He will be missed by many friends and his extended family at New Hope Community.

Visiting hours will be on Wednesday January 20, 2010 from Noon to 2 PM at Ramsay’s Funeral Home, 3534 State Route 55, Kauneonga Lake, NY. Funeral services will be a t 2PM at the funeral home. Fr. Ivan Csete will officiate.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Rt 17B, Bethel, NY.

Funeral arrangements by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc. Kauneonga Lake, NY.

Daniel E. Tinnelly
Greenville, NY
January 12, 2010

Daniel E. Tinnelly, of Greenville, NY died Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 Unexpectedly at his residence. He was 65.

Born in Bronx, NY on July 15, 1944, the son of the late James and Margaret Rice Tinnelly.
He retired as a food service worker at Middletown Psychiatric Center Middletown, NY., after 30 years

He is survived by his wife Sharon Viola Burns Tinnelly, at home; 3 sons Clifton Tinnelly of Otisville,
Daniel Tinnelly and Bryan Tinnelly of Greenville, 5 grandchildren Grandson Clifton Tinnelly Jr
Daniel Tinnelly Jr, Alisa Tinnelly, Tyler Tinnelly and Noah Tinnelly

He was predeceased by 2 brothers James Tinnelly and Jackie Tinnelly.

Friends are invited to call on Friday January 15th from 7 - 9 PM at Morse Funeral Home Inc, 33 Railroad Ave, Middletown, NY Funeral services will be celebrated at 8 PM with Reverend Daniel Hulseapple officiating. Cremation at Oxford Hills Crematory Chester, NY will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations in Dan's name may be made to the Morse Funeral Home Inc. to help defray funeral expenses.

Arrangements are under the supervision of Morse Funeral Home Inc, Middletown, NY 845 343 6918

Leah B. Mitchell
Rock Hill, NY
January 12, 2010

Leah B. Mitchell, a lifetime Sullivan County resident, died on Tuesday January 12, 2010 at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. She was 88.

The daughter of the late Ozzie and Gladys Halsey VanFradenberg, she was born on January 28, 1921.

Leah was a retired supervisor for Verizon in Monticello. She was a member of the Rock Hill United Methodist Church, New York Telephone Pioneers and the Rock Hill Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a former member of the Monticello Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Her son, Daryl “Butch” Mitchell and his wife Jerilynn of Rock Hill; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews survive her. Her husband, Alvin Mitchell and her son James Mitchell predeceased her.

Friends may call on Friday January 15, 2010 from 1-3 PM at Ramsay’s Funeral Home, 55 St. John St. Monticello, NY. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 3 PM with Rev. Roy Shaffer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc. Monticello, NY.

Myrna Sue Kiss
Monticello, NY
January 12, 2010

Myrna Sue Kiss, a lifetime resident of the area, passed away on Tuesday January 12, 2010 at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home. She was 74 years of age.

The daughter of the late Nate and Miriam Rosen Gersten, she was born on April 27, 1935 in Monticello, NY.

Myrna was a member of the Landfield Ave. Synagogue Sisterhood. She retired from her position as saleswoman at Marcia’s Clothing store in Monticello and Liberty, NY.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Aaron Arthur Kiss at home; her son Alan Kiss and his wife Adele of Monticello; her brother, Michael Gersten of Fallsburg and two granddaughters, Mollie Rath and her husband Kevin of Middletown, NY and Melissa Eberhardt and her husband Chris of Watervliet, NY.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday January 14, 2010 at Noon at Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery, Sunset Lake Rd. Liberty, NY.

The family will be sitting Shiva on Thursday, Friday and Sunday at the residence of Arthur Kiss, 37 Kinnebrook Park, Monticello, NY.

Arrangements by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc. Monticello, NY.