Obituaries
from the
Greenville Press
October 2008
Transcribed by Carol Golden
Obituaries provided by Sylvia Hasenkopf
October 2, 2008
THOMAS VANCE
Navy veteran
Thomas “Tucker” Vance, 62, died Sunday, September 28 at Sunny Hill surrounded by his family.
He was born in Albany June 3, 1946, the son of Martha (Palmer) Vance and the late Franck Vance.
Tucker served in the Navy during the Vietnam era and was a member of Greenville American Legion Post 291 and VFW Post 3559 in Florida.
He was well known for his witty sense of humor and always had a wisecrack or joke ready. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Besides his mother, survivors include his sisters, Audrey Reed of Boise, ID, Suzanne Downs of Clifton Park and Lynnda Capellan of Middletown; and his “adopted” families, the Cornells and Nicholsens.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a brother, Larry Vance.
Interment, to which relatives and friends are invited, is today, October 2, at 4 p.m. in the Greenville Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
October 2, 2008
PAUL L’ANTIGUA
Special ed teacher
Paul A. L’Antigua, 94, died Thursday, September 18 at the home of his niece, Mary “Bunny” Detlefsen, in Hannacroix.
He was born in Malden, MA, November 10, 1913, the son of the late Edward and Emily (Costella) L’Antigua.
Born and bred in the Boston area he was a 1931 graduate of Rindge Tech, Cambridge, MA. He was a special education instructor at the Fernald School in Waltham, MA, until his retirement.
Paul was appointed by Governor Volpe in 1968 to the Advisory Board on Comprehensive Health Planning for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He sought compensation for client workers at state institutions.
He was an honorary member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Cape Cod Chapter, a charter member of Cape United Elderly and a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in South Yarmouth, MA.
Paul was a longtime resident of West Yarmouth, MA, where he was cited for his outstanding service to the people of Yarmouth, and was instrumental in the building of the senior center and the fuel emergency fund.
Paul was married 67 years to Phyllis D. Stickney, who died in 2003. There were a team and noted as such.
Survivors of “Uncle Paul” include his many nieces and nephews; a brother, Kenneth L’Antigua; and a sister, Merideth Burke of Sun City West, AZ.
A graveside service takes place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 4 in Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover, MA.
Donations in his memory may be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.
October 2, 2008
LUDMILLA REINWALD
Legion auxilian
Ludmilla “Milli” Engelmann Reinwald, 77, of Acra, died in the early morning hours of Friday, September 12 after an extended illness.
Milli was born in Czechoslovakia on February 1, 1931. On March 30, 1951, she married Rudolf Reinwald and a year later emigrated from Germany to the U.S. In 1968 they moved from the Bronx to Acra, where they built their home and raised their family.
Milli worked in the Cairo-Durham schools as a kitchen aide for 10 years.
She was a member of the Cairo American Legion Auxiliary and loved gardening, dancing, cooking and baking for friends and family.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Rudi Reinwald; her daughters, Lillian Helmedach and husband Joseph, and Theresa Reinwald and fiancé Don Schelling; a brother and three sisters in Germany; grandchildren Joseph and Alicia Helmedach Jr., Tracey and J.R. DelVecchio, Rudy Helmedach and Gregory Reinwald; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were with Richards Funeral Home, Cairo.
October 2, 2008
CARL SMITH SR.
Korean War veteran
Carl D. Smith Sr., 78, of South Westerlo, died at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany on Friday, September 26.
He was born in Medusa March 10, 1930, the son of the late Delos and Mamie (Edwards) Smith.
Carl served his country in the Army with A-Battery in the 38th Field Artillery during the Korean Conflict, receiving the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars.
He retired from the Albany County Highway Department, having worked in the Voorheesville section as a stores clerk.
Carl was an active member of Greenville American Legion Post 291, the Tri-Town VFW Memorial Post 722, the U.S. Korea Foundation, the 2nd Indian Head Division, James Austin Lodge 557 F&AM, the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Albany, the Cyprus Shrine in Albany and the Cyprus Motor Patrol, and a 44-year member of the Norton Hill Wildlife Club.
He enjoyed bowling, golf and gardening, and having a good time with his many friends. He will be missed by his loving family and the many friends that he leaves behind.
Surviving are his wife, Gertrude “Trudy” (Elpel) Smith; a son, Carl “Chip” Smith Jr. (Julianne) of Durham; two step-grandchildren, Dylan and Jeremy Weremichick; a brother, Rossie Smith (Shirley) of Greenville; a sister, Marie Losee of Rome; a niece, Linda White; two nephews, Kevin Smith and Gerald Losee; and his stepmother, Gene Smith and her daughter Sherri Gray.
Services and interment were conducted at the Gerald Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in his memory to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene or to the Westerlo Ambulance Fund.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
October 2, 2008
JOSEPH MARAFIOTI SR.
Former fire chief
Joseph J. Marafioti Sr., 84, of Catskill died Monday, September 29 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, where he had been a patient since September 27.
He was born in Catskill April 24, 1924 to the late Carmello Harry Marafioti and Carmela Yannone Marafioti.
Upon graduation from Catskill High School in 1941, he entered the U.S. Navy, where he served as radioman second class until his discharge on February 7, 1946. During that time, he served on 11 naval vessels, earning the European Theatre Ribbon with two stars, American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
He married the former Armida Marie “Amy” Lappa on October 23, 1954.
In 1984, he retired from the Catskill Post Office where he had been a postal carrier since his naval discharge.
He was a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors’ Association, a life member of Osborn Hose Co. 2, and past chief of the Catskill Fire Department.
Mr. Marafiori is survived by his three children, Mrs. Edward (Daria) Kostek of Schenectady, Joseph J. Marafioti Jr. and his wife Kelly of Coxsackie and Lisa Marafioti of Albany, four granddaughters, Jessica Kostek, Elizabeth, Meghan and Erin Marafioti; a sister-in-law, Dolly Cavicchioni and brother-in-law, Stanly Lappa, both of Catskill, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Amy Marafioti on May 17, 2004; their infant James; and his sister, Catherine DeBenedictus, in 1994.
A Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated today, October 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Coxsackie with interment following in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In appreciation to the staff of the ER and CCU departments, the family would suggest contributions to Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Building Fund. Electronic condolences may be posted at www.millspaughcamerato.com.
Arrangements are with Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, Catskill.
October 2, 2008
The Family of Edward V. Morris
Would like to thank all in attendance, especially Ed’s
friends at the American Legion Post 291
For military honors at the wake and cemetery; friends and neighbors at Country
Estates; and also to the Greenville Rescue Squad, Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s,
Cunningham Funeral Home and Fr.
Jim Schiffer. Sincerely, Annie Morris
October 9, 2008
ARTHUR BEATTY JR.
Pearl Harbor survivor
Arthur Beatty, Jr., U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, retired, died at the age of 85 on Wednesday, September 8 in Rhode Island.
Born January 21, 1923 at Clinton Corners, he was the son of the late Arthur and Lillian (Smith) Beatty.
Art attended school in Coxsackie and graduated from Greenville Central School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy to learn to fly airplanes.
He was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway. During his 30-year career in the Navy, he flew almost everything with wings, and a few without.
Art is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn (Pitney) Beatty of East Greenwich, RI; a brother, Kelton Beatty of Pleasant Valley; a sister, Anita Van Ness in Coxsackie; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Warren; and three sisters, Mrs. Fred (Roweana) Bailey, Mrs. Earl (Marguerite) Simpkins Sr. and Mrs. Gordon (Norma) Baker.
Art’s cremated remains were placed, with military honors, in the Rhode Island State Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI.
Arrangements were with Sopris-Murray Funeral Home, Greenville.
October 9, 2008
WILLIAM D. IRVING
Business owner
William D. Irving, 80,of Greenville, died at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, Albany, on Saturday, October 4.
He was born in San Francisco, CA, on February 15, 1928, the son of the late William and Jennie (Myers) Irving.
He was a self-employed barber in California before he left to join in the family business, The Westerner in Greenville, where he worked for many years.
He had a great love for good movies and automobiles and loved traveling all over the country. He was well known for his storytelling.
Surviving are his wife, Jeanette (Cartwright) Irving; a son, Donald Irving; a daughter, Kathleen Slenniken; a stepdaughter, Theresa Patrick; and a brother, Richard Irving.
Services are at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are with A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
October 9, 2008
THEODORE A RIETH
Active in community
Theodore A. Rieth, 78, died Monday, September 29 after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer.
Born June 13, 1930 in Manhattan, he was the son of the later Erna Remmers Rieth and August G. Rieth, who owned a candy store in Harlem.
Rieth first came to the area during school holidays. In the 1940s his parents bought a farm in Hanncroix. He graduated from high school in 1948, a member of the first centralized class of the Coxsackie-Athens School District.
He met June Alice Dollery in 1947 while still in high school. They were married in 1953 and had three children, Robert, Frederick, and Debra. They built his current home after clearing the land and having each board milled for building.
In 1994, just prior to their 41st anniversary, June died from complications stemming from diabetes.
Rieth’s employment career began at Montgomery Wards. He also worked briefly for the state Department of Public Works. He was then employed by McKinney steel as a junior draftsman. After honing his skills as a draftsman, he began working for the Robert A. Keasbey Company.
There he worked his way up through the ranks to become Albany branch manager. After 38 years he retired as company vice president and a member of the board of directors.
He was a longtime manager and board member of the Hudson Valley Little League and Ravena Babe Ruth.
In 1996, Sandy Racey became his dear companion. Together with their faithful Yorkshire terrier Ike, they spent winters in Florida and traveled throughout the U.S. in Rieth’s RV. They shared many interests, including gardening and attending antique sales and flea markets. They were active members of the Holiday Rambler RV Club.
During his retirement years, he busied himself by becoming involved in a local chapter of the Elks Club. He was also on the board of directors of the Chestnut Lawn Cemetery.
Besides Sandy, survivors include his son, Robert Rieth and his children Benjamin, Logan and Jaclene of Selkirk; son and daughter-in-law Rick and Laura Bruno Rieth and their children, Gabrielle, Erienne and Daulton of Ravena; his daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Gary Barkman and their children Kohlton and Garrett of Selkirk; his sister-in-law, Gertrude Prater of Glenmont; special friends Michael Palmer and Virginia Macarelli of Ravena and Peg Barkman of Glenmont; and his nieces and nephews.
Burial was in Chestnut Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wildwood Foundation, 2995C Curry Road extension, Schenectady 12303.
Arrangements were with Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena.
October 9, 2008
MARGARET DALTON
Avid golfer
Margaret H. Dalton, 78, of Alcove died Tuesday, September 30 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, Albany.
Marge retired after many years of service as secretary to Assemblymen Jack McEneny and the late Richard Connors.
She was an avid golfer and was a member of Sycamore Golf Club.
Survivors include her son, Douglas K. Dalton of Alcove; daughter Nancy E. (George) Dalton-Buck of Florida; and sister-in-law Ann Greene of Alcove.
She was predeceased by her husband, James J. Dalton.
Contributions in Marge’s memory may be made to the Coeymans Hollow First Responders, P.O. Box 147, Coeymans Hollow12046 or to the Ravena Rescue squad, P.O. Box 144 Ravena 12143.
Arrangements were with Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena.
October 23, 2008
DEBRA MC CANN
Snowmobile enthusiast
Debra M. McCann, 47, of Westerlo, died at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn on Wednesday, October 15.
She was born in Camp Lejeune, NC June 10, 1961, the daughter of William and Donna (Walsh) Leggett.
Debbie was self-employed, operating Debbie’s Cleaning Service and McDee’s Ts.
An avid outdoors person, she was a member of the North Wind Riders Snowmobile Club and served as treasurer. She also loved to draw and gardening.
Besides her parents, surviving are her husband, Donald McCann; two sons, David and Dillian
Mc Cann; a sister, Cindy Rogers (Allen); two nieces, Daniella and Sierra; and three nephews, Travis, Ryan and Justin.
Interment was in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
Those who desire may contribute in her memory to Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany 12205.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
October 23, 2008
RONALD GOSSE
Outdoorsman
Ronald F. Gosse, 65, of New Baltimore, died Monday, October 13 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.
Ron was a 1962 graduate of Bethlehem Central High School.
He had worked for Conrail and owned several construction businesses throughout the years.
Ron was a member of the R-C Sportsman’s Club, and enjoyed car racing, motorcycles and boating.
Survivors include his wife, Shannon Hillicoss Gosse; a son, Ronald F. Gosse Jr. of Rensselaer; grandsons Adam and Zachary Gosse; a sister Joan Bess of Coxsackie; and a brother, Albert Gosse of Selkirk.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Helen Gosse.
Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.
Arrangements were with Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena.
October 23, 2008
WILLIAM EVANCHUK
Vietnam veteran
William Evanchuk, 62, of West Coxsackie, died Tuesday, October 14.
Born in New York City, he lived in the capital district area most of his life.
He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Bucci-McTague Post #1530 American Legion.
He was employed by the state Department of Labor for 34 years and later by Coxsackie Transport Co. as a driver.
Surviving are his sons, Mark W. Evanchuk and wife Jill of Schenectady and Darren M. Evanchuk of Boston, MA; his brothers, Thomas J. Evanchuk of South Burlington, VT, and John F. Evanchuk of Stillwater; his grandchildren, Cassandra and Christopher Evanchuk; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, William and Anne (Solowey) Evanchuk, and his wife, Sharon S. (Coakley) Evanchuk, predeceased him.
Interment was in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.
Those desiring may send a remembrance in William’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1 Mustang Drive, Cohoes 12047.
Arrangements were with Lasak and Gigliotti Funeral Directors, Albany.
October 30, 2008
DOROTHEA QUACKENBUSH
Pharmacy co-founder
Dorothea V.”Dotty” Quackenbush, 92, of Greenville, died Wednesday, October 22 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Care Center of Guilderland.
She was born in Albany May 4, 1916, the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Collins) McTague.
After graduating from St. Joseph High School in Albany, Dotty worked as a bookkeeper for McKesson and Robbins Drug Co., where she met her husband Bill.
After marriage she and Bill moved to Plattsburg, where they started their large family. They moved to Greenville in 1949, with their first five children and cofounded the Greenville Pharmacy. Bill ran the drug store while Dot worked at home. Their family soon grew to 10 children.
After Bill died in 1979, Dot became a permanent member of the Greenville Pharmacy staff until the family business was sold in 2000.
She was a faithful parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she served as a catechist and as a member of the Rosary Altar society and the Catholic Daughters of America.
In the closing years of her life, Dot suffered from a variety of physical ailments. Throughout her many joys and challenges, she remained faithful to the Lord Jesus, whom she strove to serve devotedly her entire life.
Surviving are three daughters, Mary Keyes (Don), Judith Reischer (Thomas) and Bernadette Sharkey (Frank); five sons, William T. III (Kathleen), Mark (LuAnn), Michael P. (Marilyn), Matthew F. and the Rev. Daniel Quackenbush; 28 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband William Quackenbush Jr., she was predeceased by sons Edward and Joseph Quackenbush, and siblings John (Eileen), Peggy Bushek (Emil), Sally Slattery (Bob), William (Kate), Joseph (Julia), Mary Theresa Hawkins (Phil) and Patricia McTague.
Burial was in the Greenville Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.
October 30, 2008
MARGARET COLE
Former tax collector
Margaret “Margie” Cole has temporarily terminated her affair of 64 years with L. Russell Cole, to be resumed at another time in another place.
Margie, at age 85, died peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25.
She was born February 27, 1923 to the late Donald and Helen (Jordan) Lockwood in Gloversville.
Margie and Russell were married October 21, 1944 and lived in Cairo for their entire marriage.
Margie was tax collector for the Town of Durham for more than 25 years. She was a life member of the East Durham Volunteer Fire Auxiliary and a past member of the Greene County Fire Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 380 and the Catskill Valley Grange.
She leaves at home her husband Russell; daughters Meredith Lake (Tom) of Spotsylvania, VA, and Linda Larsen (Robert) and Laurie Jennings (David), all of Cairo; grandchildren Jamie Lake, Robert R. Larsen, Michelle Van Pelt (Chad), and Amanda, Tracey and Russell Jennings; and great-grandchildren Monica and Alisha Bodine and Cole Van Pelt.
Calling hours are Saturday, November 1 from2 to 4 p.m., with a service immediately following at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville. The Rev. Victor Nelson, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church of Cairo, officiates.
Thos who desire may contribute in her memory to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene., 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414, or to a charity of your choice.
October 30, 2008
MITCHELL MUCINSKY
Marine Corps veteran
Mitchell A. J. Mucinsky, 93, of Freehold, formerly of Bethel, CT, died Sunday, October 26 at Kaaterskill Care, Catskill.
He was born in Yonkers June 20, 1915, the son of the late Edward and Sophie (Iskra) Mucinsky.
Mitchell joined the Marine Corps in 1941, a week after Pearl Harbor, and was discharged a technical sergeant in 1945.
After his discharge from the service, he worked all his life as a journeyman electrician, being a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union #488 in Bridgeport, CT.
He had attended the Sounders Trade School.
He and his wife of 65 years, the former Mary McCarthy, enjoyed many hobbies and crafting. The crafting work was donated to hospitals and senior citizens centers. She predeceased him in 2006. He was also predeceased by a son, Mitchell Mucinsky.
Surviving are a son, Edward Mucinsky; a granddaughter, Lisa Maxwell (Michael); and grandson, Steven Shelly.
Friends may call at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville, from 6 to 8 p.m. today, October 30. Additional services will be in Danbury, CT.
Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the VAMC-Adult Day Health Program, Att.; Sandra Osborne, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany 12208.