Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
May 2007
Transcribed by Sylvia Hasenkopf
May 3, 2007
Pauline E. “Polly” Cornell
Pauline E. “Polly” Cornell – Feb. 8, 1949 – April 28, 2007: I’ve gone to a better place to fly with the angels. I lived a very full life with a lot of love, joy, family and friends.
Raised in the military with my two brothers, Rick Nash and Aubrey Nash and two sisters, Martha Haase and Dorothy Haase. I saw places, only to settle down in Greenville, New York, and marry my beloved husband, Michael J. Cornell. Together we raised our three daughters, Wendy, Melissa and Krystal. During that adventure we also gained a wonderful friend, who we could never forget, Thomas “Tucker” Vance.
I ran my own accounting business, drove a school bus for Greenville Central School and was a very active member of the Greenville American Legion Post No. 291 Ladies Auxiliary. While keeping quite busy, I was able to welcome by two sons-in-law, Richard D. Bridges and Jerry W. Santucci. Only to be blessed again with my three grandchildren, Amanda, Marcus, and Corbin. I could never put into words the wonderful life I lived and the love and joy I felt from friends and family, but know that I love you and thank you for all you’ve done for me. Now, I will watch over all of you.
Calling hours were at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York, on Wednesday from 4 to 7:30pm followed by a service by the Greenville American Legion Post No. 291 Ladies Auxiliary and a funeral service with the Rev. Thomas Carney officiating. Interment will be Friday, 1pm in the Greenville Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to the Greenville American Legion Post No. 291 Ladies Auxiliary, PO Box 132, Greenville, NY 12083.
May 3, 2007
Arthur Stiefel
Arthur Stiefel, 86 years, of Greenville, New York, passed away on April 23, 2007 at the Stratton, VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. He served in the U.S. Army and received the Purple Heart.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marie Stiefel; his nieces, Arlene (Robert) Gesslien and Dorothy Castaldo; his nephews, John (Arlene) Stiefel, Donald Smith, Ron (Pam) Smith and several great-nieces and nephews.
As to his wishes services were at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY 12083.
May 3, 2007
David C. Brinkerhoff
Coxsackie – Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff, age 29 years, of Barrus Road, Coxsackie, died suddenly April2 5, 2007, in the town of Middletown.
He was born in Dunkirk, NY, August 29, 1977, and was the son of Karen and Robert Howard and Ruth and Roy Brinkerhoff of Buffalo, NY.
Funeral services took place Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at 11:00am at The Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue, Delmar. Pastor Mark Mueller officiated the funeral service.
Interment followed in the family plot of The St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Cosxackie, NY.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife Barbara. A (Rhodes) and baby daughter Isabella Grace Brinkerhoff of Coxsackie, two brothers, Michael and his wife Laurie, and Daniel and wife Molly both of Buffalo.
Also survived by his mother-in-law and father-in-law Mary Helen Rhodes and Benjamin and June Rhodes, his brother-in-law Debbie and Kurt Moeckel.
He is a graduate of The University at Albany and received his master’s degree at Marist College and in public administration.
At the time of his death, he was assigned to Troop F Catskill, he trained as a trooper in Buffalo, NY and also was a member of The NYS Elite Mobil Response Team of The NYS Police, he also was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. While attending The University at Albany, he was director of Medical Services at the campus. He enjoyed skiing and loved his german shepherds. He also loved playing the trombone while in school.
Relatives and friends were cordially invited to attend calling hours at the WC Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, on Monday, April 30, from 2-7 and 7-9pm and also on Tuesday May 1, 2007, from 2-4 and 7-9pm.
Contributions in his memory may be made to The Isabella Grace Brinkerhoff Fund, c/o The NYS Trooper Foundation, 3 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY, 12110.
May 3, 2007
Joan Adele (Mackey) Tobias
West Coxsackie – Joan Adele (Mackey) Tobias, aged 69 years, of Bethany Village, West Coxsackie, NY, died April 24, 2007, at The St. Peter’s Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY.
She was born June 5, 1937, in Catskill, NY and was the daughter of the late Donald H. and Gertrude (Naab) Mackey.
Funeral services took place Saturday, April 28, 2007, at 12:00 Noon, with Pastor Robert Granger of The First United Methodist Church of Coxsackie, officiating.
Private cremation took place Monday, April 30, 2007, at The Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands.
Relative and friends were cordially invited to attend calling hours at The WC Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, on Friday, April 27, and also on Saturday April 28, 2007.
Joan is survived by a daughter Deborah E. and Thomas F. Keenan of Delmar, one son Charles J. Tobias, Jr. of Rockland, Mass, two grandchildren Kayleigh Tobias and Ashley Tobias-Sweatt, also survived by a sister Adrienne (Mackey) Saurer of Whiting, New Jersey. Many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the NYS Dept. of Correction, at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility, Coxsackie, NY.
Contributions in her memory may be made to The Columbia Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Rod, Hudson, New York, 12534.
May 10, 2007
Frank Sledzianowski, Sr.
Feura Bush – Frank Sledzianowski, Sr., age 79 years, of Feura Bush, died April 30, 2007, at The Samuel S. Stratton, VA, Medical Center, Albany, NY.
He was born January 30, 1928, in New Windsor, NY, and was the son of the late Walter and Minnie (Dubois) Sledzianowski.
Funeral services were Friday, May 4, 2007, at 8:00pm, at The WC Brady’s Sons, Inc., Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, with Rev. Carolyn Lewis, Pastor of the The Second Reformed Church of Coxsackie, officiating. Following the 8pm Funeral Service, the NYS Military Forces Honor Guard conducted services in his memory at the funeral home. He is survived by three sons Frank Sledzianowski, Jr. of Feura Bush, Walter Sledzianowski of Troy, and Frederick Sledzianowski and his wife Rose of Catskill, three daughters Peggy Sledzianowski of Cairo, Bernice Jordan of Feura Bush, and Deborah Sledzianowski of Troy.
Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Mary, M. (Staples) Sledzianowski who pre-deceased him on Jan. 13, 2007. Also pre-deceased by three brothers Stanley, William and Ronald Sledzianowski, and a sister Francis Perkins.
He served in The Merchant marines from 1944-1945. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as an upholsterer for The State Upholstery in Newburgh, NY. Also he earned an associated degree in substance abuse counciling, where he was a counselor in the A.A. in the Greene County Region.
Relatives and friends were cordially invited to attend calling hours at The WC Brady’s Sons, Inc., Funeral Home, 97 Mansion St., Coxsackie, on Friday, May 4, 2007, from 2-4 and 7-9pm.
Private cremation took place Saturday at The Albany Rural Crematorium in Menands.
Contributions in his memory may be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box #3049, Syracuse, NY, 13220-3049, or to the American Lung Association of NENY, 3 Winners Circle, Ste. 300, Albany, NY 12295.
May 10, 2007
Charles “Skip” Swartout
Charles L. “Skip” Swartout, Sr. entered eternal life Thursday, May 3, 2007 at his residence in New Baltimore. Skip was born and raised in Coeymans. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War and was a life member of the Coeymans Fire Co. In 2005 Skip retired from the R-C-S School District.
Survivors include his wife, Donna L. Swartout; children, Tina L. (Kenny) Burns, Donna I. (Frank) Chmielewski, Angela E. Swartout and Charles L. Swartout, Jr.; mother Louise T. Swartout; sister Ella Ruso; grandchildren, Kendra, John and Jacob Burns, Rose, Brady and Emma Chmelewski; Timber and Orenda Swartout; and nieces Allison Wagner and Tara Burns. Skip was predeceased by his father, Frank L. Swartout.
Funeral services will be held 10am Tuesday at the Grace Covenant Church, Rte. 9W, Ravena. Burial will follow in Grove Cemetery, Coeymans. Friends may call at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena on Monday from 4 to 8pm. Contributions in memory of Skip may be made to the New Baltimore First Responders, PO Box 200, New Baltimore, NY, 12124 or the Coeymans Fire Co.
May 10, 2007
Cpl. Christopher R. De Giovine, USMC
Cpl. Christopher DeGiovine, 25, formerly of Essex Jct., Vermont, born in Burlington, Vermont on November 28, 1981, died on April 26, 2007 in Fallujah, Iraq from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while patrolling in an AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) with his unit, 2nd AABN Alpha Company 3rd PLT 2nd Marine Division. Chris had only 21 days in country when the incident occurred.
Chris is survived by his loving wife Rachel (Young) DeGiovine of Jacksonville, North Carolina and his devoted father, Ray DeGiovine of Essex Jct., Vermont. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Camille DeGiovine of Greenville, New York, his Uncle Don DeGiovine and his wife Marilyn of Auburn, New York, his Uncle Bill DeGiovine of Greenville, New York, cousins Barbara Fenton and her children, Nicholas and Kyle, and Diane DeGiovine, her husband Fred Bush and their children, Chelsea and Alex. Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Othello DeGiovine in 1984. Chris is also survived by his in-laws; Rachel’s grandparents, Andrew and Kathleen Greeneo of Alburgh, Vermont, Rachel’s parents, Lawrence and Pamela Young of Essex Jct., Vermont, and Rachel’s siblings Lawrence Young, Caroline and Jeremy Williams and Melissa and Abraham Begins.
Chris was raised by his dad in Essex Jct., Vermont, graduated from the Essex Educational Center (high school) and went on to receive a BS in Criminal Justice from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. He and his high school sweetheart, Rachel, moved to Denver, Colorado where they were both employed. Chris was always motivated by all things “military”. He joined the United States Marine Corps in December 2005. Rachel and Chris were married one week prior to Chris’ boot camp in San Diego, California. He excelled in boot camp in marksmanship. After additional training, he was promoted (Meritoriously) to Corporal or NCO with less than one year of service on December 2, 2006. He deployed with his company to Iraq on April 5, 2007 and was killed in action on April 26, 2007.
The sorrow felt by Chris’ family and friends is indescribable. He was dedicated to win the “War on Terrorism” and fully supported the mission. He loved his Marine Corps experience and planned to make it a career. Semper Fi.
Visiting hours were held Friday May 4, at A.W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, where additional shuttle parking was provided from Essex High School parking area. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday May 5 in the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel on the campus of St. Michael’s College, Colchester with the Reverend Brian J. Cummings, S.S.E. officiating. Burial followed at Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery, Colchester, Vermont, where full military honors were accorded the U.S. Marine.
Memorial contributions in Chris’ memory may be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd. Suite 102 PMB 609 Oceanside, CA, 92057. Those who wish may forward their online condolences www.awrichfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by John D. Workman A.W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main St. Essex Jct., VT 05452.
May 10, 2007
Rodney W. Hingle
Greenville – Rodney W. Hingle, 88 years, of Greenville, NY passed away Sunday, May 6, 2007 at the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY.
He was born January 26, 1919 in Baldwin, L.I., NY, son of the late Chester and Ella (Rowley) Hingle, Rodney served in the US Army during WWII in the European Theater, in France. He was a Lineman for the Long Island Lighting Co. until his retirement. He was pre-deceased by two brothers; Roland and Albert Hingle.
Surviving are his wife, Alice (Varjabedian) of Greenville, NY, his two daughters Nora and Linda Hingle, his son; Kevin and his wife Kristina, his grandson; Keith Hingle, several nieces and nephews, cousins and close family friends; Walter and Lisa Grunwald.
Funeral service will be 10am, Thursday, May 10, 2007 at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY 12083. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm.
Interment will be in the Saratoga national Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.
Those who wish may contribute in Rodney’s memory to the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M. Church Building Fund.
May 10, 2007
Malvern Clair Stiteler
Climax – Malvern Clair Stiteler, age 73 years, of Climax, NY died May 4, 2007, at his residence.
He was born in Smicksburg, PA, March 23, 1934, and was the son of the late Virgil C. and Bessie (Gray) Stiteler.
Memorial services took place at The Medway Congregational Church, Route 26, Climax, with Pastor Dennis Gardener of The Medway Congregational Church, Climax, officiating, on Thursday, May 10, 2007 from 10:00am to 11:00am, one hour prior to the 11:00am Funeral Service at the church.
The N.Y.S. Military Forces Honor Guard conducted services in his memory at the Medway Congregational Church, Climax, following the 11:00am Funeral Service.
Survivors include his wife Lois LaMar (Foster) Stiteler of Climax, two sons Jeffery K. (Elizabeth) Stiteler of Coxsackie, Joshua C. Stiteler of Climax, a daughter Bambi L. (David) Hotaling of Earlton, two brothers Kenneth and Robert Stiteler both of PA, five sisters Janet Seger, Virginia Seger, Dorothy Stiteler, Barbara Sutter and Ruth Bussard all of PA, five grandchildren Cody Stiteler of Coxsackie, Andrew Blodgett of Coxsackie, Austin Gray Hotaling, Lacie Hotaling of Earlton, also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by two brothers Walter and Keith Stiteler.
During his lifetime, he was a supervisor for The State Telephone Company in Coxsackie, he served in The United States Army from 1955-1957 as a Para Trooper, he was a past chief of The Medway Grapeville Fire Co., chaplain to the fire company, Deacon in The Medway Congregational Church, a member of The Camp Lighters, The Ridge Runners Club, The Earlton Fish and Game Club and The American Legion in PA.
Private cremations took place Monday, May 7, 2007, at The Albany Rural Crematorium, in Menands.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of The W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc., Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, NY.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Medway Grapeville Fire Co. Route 51, Hannacroix, NY, 12087.
May 17, 2007
Nota W. Winnie
Ravena – Nota E. (Irving) Winnie, 84, died peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2007 at Resurrection Nursing Home in Castleton after a long illness.
Born in Cairo on May 21, 1922. She was the daughter of the late John and Hazel Townsley Irving. Mrs. Winnie was raised and educated in Athens. Many years ago, she worked at General Electric making missile covers. She also worked as a seamstress at many of the former dress factories in Coxsackie and Ravena. Mrs. Winnie resided in New Baltimore for most of her married life, and in Ravena with her daughter for several years. She enjoyed sewing and growing flowers.
Wife of the late Donald Winnie Sr., she is survived by three children, Donald (Maryanne) Winnie Jr. of Nassau, Joan (Robert) Vernol of Ravena and Ronald (Shirley) Winnie of Climax; nine grandchildren, Donald, Mark and Michael Winnie, Barbara Zampella, Sandy Phillips, Cherie Vernol, Angela Croote, Mandy Allen and Jacob Winnie; six great-grandchildren; five siblings, Alma Wikerson of Climax, Charles Irving of Ravena, Louis Irving of Coeymans Hollow, Blanche Nunziato of Ravena and Eugene Irving of New Baltimore; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Winnie was predeceased by two brothers, John and Laverne Irving and one sister, Betty Hales.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service on Saturday, May 19 at 11am at the Caswell Funeral Home, 64 Martins Hill Road (Route 143), Ravena, with Pastor Steven W. Peiffer officiating. Burial of ashes will follow on Chestnut Lawn Cemetery, New Baltimore.
Memorial donations to the Wildwood School, 2995 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY 12303 will be appreciated.
May 17, 2007
Allen Day
Allen Day, 63, of Nott Terrace, formerly of Albany and Rensselaerville, New York, passed away at St. Clare’s Hospital on February 20, 2007. He was born on December 5, 1943, son of Evelyn (Davis) Morrison and grandson of Allen H. and Helen (Borthwick) Davis. Living in Rensselaerville in his younger days he was fondly known as “Posey” by his many friends. His mother predeceased him in 1977.
Graveside service will be 1pm Saturday, May 19, at the Rensselaerville Cemetery on Methodist Hill Road, Rensselaerville, New York. Arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.
May 17, 2007
Mildred G. Nethaway
Freehold - Mildred G. Nethaway, 69, of Freehold, NY passed away at the Eden Park Nursing Home in Catskill, NY on May 9, 2007. She was born in Gayhead, NY on Oct. 13, 1937 daughter of the late Harry & Minnie (Smith) German. Millie had worked at Star-Syn in East Durham, NY and at Ingalside Farm in Greenville, NY. She at times also sang with The Country Band “Good Old Boys” led by her brother-in-law Frank Payne who passed away in January of this year. She was also a lover of Nature. She was pre-deceased by her two sisters, Leta Payne and Murial German.
Surviving are her husband of 46 years Raymond Nethaway, two nephews Gerald Payne and Glenn Payne (Denise), and two great nieces, Stephanie and Ashley Payne.
Funeral services took place Tuesday, May 15, 11:00am at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, NY. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 6 to 9pm. Interment will be in the Freehold Cemetery. Thos who desire may contribute in her memory to the Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty St. or to Cancer Research (envelopes available at the funeral home).
May 17, 2007
Duwayne “Duke” Statham
Catskill – Duwayne “Duke” Statham, 66, of Catskill, NY passed away at the Stratton DVA Medical Center in Albany, NY on May 10, 2007. He was born in the Town of Rensselaerville on Nov. 5, 1940 son of Olive (Cook) LaBonte and the late George Statham, Sr. Duke was a member of the G.C.S. Class of 1959, and was one of the best baseball pitchers to have played for G.C.S. He served in the US Army and was stationed in France. He had worked at Condor and Catskill Cadillac in Catskill, NY before his illness. An avid fan of the old Brooklyn Dodgers he was also known for his great barbecued chicken. He enjoyed fishing, and fished when ever he could. He will be missed by his many friends and family.
Surviving are his mother Olive (Cook) LaBonte, a son Scott Statham (Elizabeth) of Earlton, NY, two daughters, Debbie Rolleri (Raymond) of Schoharie, NY, Dawn Sieburg (Brian) of Cairo, NY, his grandchildren, Kandis and Justin Millett, Randy, Jessica and Brooke Sieburg, Michael Tritto, Ashley, Christopher and Dana Statham, a brother Dennis Statham (Violet), two nephews Brian and Dennis Statham 2nd, also a step brother Steve Statham, and three step sisters, Diane and Patricia Statham and Beverly Notrnicola. He was pre-deceased by a step-brother George Stratham, Jr.
Funeral services were Monday 1:30pm at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, NY. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Monday, 11:30am to 1:30pm prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Potter Hollow Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to Hospice Program, VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, 12208.
May 24, 2007
Christian L. Martens
Christian L. Martens, on Sunday, May 20, 2007, went quietly with God after an extended bout with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Eleanor; his three children, Suzanne Cumm, with her husband Rick and their three children, Lauren, Emma and Spencer; Nicole Ryan and husband Tim along with their four children, Katherine, Nathan, Timmy and Shannon; Christian Martens and his wife Laurie and their four girls, Anna, Sarah, Julia and Sophia; his sister Doris Stuart and her husband Dave; five nieces and nephews, Cindy Schiller, Mart Stuart, Timothy Stuart, Amy Brock and Steven Stuart and their families.
Christian was born in 1936 in Hempstead, Long Island, New York. He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1954. He served in the US Navy for four years as electrician’s mate aboard the USS Cambria, APA 36, with the 6th fleet. After his discharge from the Navy, he joined the LI Lighting Company. For ten years he worked in Maintenance and Control Room Operation of the E.F. Barrett Power Station. He enjoyed playing in the softball league at Jones Beach.
From 1969 to 1996 Chris worked as a master electrician in Greene County. He volunteered his time to the Freehold Volunteer Fire Company. He gave over 35 years of dedicated service to Freehold as a fireman and as their treasurer. He was an active member of the Catskill Mountain Electric League and the Greenville Republican Club.
Chris was an avid supporter of the local community and served on the Greenville Town Board from 1989 to 1995 and was elected town supervisor in 1996 after finishing the previous supervisor’s term. During his time in office he was motivated to preserving the small town quality of life in Greenville.
Funeral service was Wednesday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home prior to the service. The Freehold Volunteer Fire Company conducted services at the funeral home on Wednesday. Interment was at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Cancer Society on Chris’ behalf. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
May 31, 2007
Douglas James McCarty
Hannacroix – Douglas James McCarty, age 61 years, of Hannacroix, died suddenly May 22, 2007, at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, NY.
Douglas was born on Aug. 22, 1945, in N.Y.C., and was raised in The Nyack/Tappan area, and was the son of the late Francis McCarty and Elizabeth (Gordian) McCarty of Hannacroix.
In 1962 he and his parents moved to Hannacroix where he has resided for 45 years. Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, at 11:00am at The St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Cosxackie, with Rev. Fr. John Moyna, Pastor, the celebrants.
Interment will follow in the family plot of The St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Coxsackie, with full military honors.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours at The WC Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, NY on Thursday from 5-7pm.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife Dorothy A. (Feth) McCarty of Hannacroix, whom he married in 1966 who was his childhood sweetheart, also survived by his daughter Brenda A. and her husband Michael M. Spinner of Ravena, a brother Eugene and his wife Ellen McCarty of Tappan, NY, a sister Irene and her husband Bill Scott of Greenville, two grandchildren Matthew M. Spinner and Andrew A. Spinner both of Ravena. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He served his country in The United States Army from 1965-1967.
He was a member of The American Legion Post #1416 of New Baltimore. He was a member of The American Legion Post of New Baltimore.
He retired in 2005 from CXS Railroad in Selkirk, as a conductor after 37 years of service. He was an avide (sic) gardener, and master craftsman with oak-building many beautiful pieces of furniture, he was a master of woodworking refurbishing antique cook stoves.
Besides his father, Douglas was pre-deceased by his brother Frank.