Obituaries

Beverley Jean (Allen) Carlsen

Ret. Registered Nurse, 54

Beverley Jean Carlsen of Grahamsville, a coronary care registered nurse at Community General Hospital, Harris, and a lifelong resident of the area, died Tuesday. Aug. 13, at Community General Hospital. She was 54.  The daughter of Josephine Smith Allen Burch and the late Robert Allen, she was born April 23, 1942. Ellenville.  She was a member of Grahamsville United Methodist Church, Grahamsville; former den mother for Cub Scout Pack 87, Grahamsville; and a former New York State Nursing Association Representative.  Survivors include her husband, Frank D. Carlsen, at home; her mother of Grahamsville; four sons, Keith A. Carlsen of Reston, Va., Kurt A. Carlsen of White Sulphur Springs, Gary D. Carlsen of Galway, and Dale D. Carlsen of Woodridge; one sister, Paula Rae McCardell of Walden; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Calling hours were held Thursday evening at Loucks Funeral Home. Ellenville. Services were held Friday. Aug. 16, at Grahamsville United Methodist Church, the Rev. Lorraine Ackerman officiating. Cremation was held at the convenience of the family.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Grahamsville United Methodist Church Grahamsville, N.Y. 12740.  (Middletown Record dated August 15, 1996)

Rev. Newton B. Ford
Ret. Methodist Minister, 75

Rev. Newton B. Ford, a six-year resident of Middletown, a retired Methodist minister who served the Callicoon Charge for eight years in the 1960s and most recently was Pastor of Visitation at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Middletown, died unexpectedly Wednesday, April 19, 2000, at his home. He was 75 years of age.  The son of the late Newton B. and Hazel Jarvo Ford, he was born June 24, 1924, in Troy.  A World War II veteran of the United States Army, he served as a medic during the Battle of the Bulge in the European Campaign.  Before entering the ministry in 1962, Rev. Ford was a business owner and was involved in politics in Green County where he served as supervisor in the Town of Ashland. During his ministry, he served churches in the communities of Callicoon, Fremont, Hankins, North Branch, Grahamsville, Highland Mills, Mountainville and Stamford.  Rev. Ford was a former Mason and volunteer fireman. He served as chaplain in the fire companies in various communities where he served as a minister. He had also served as a volunteer in local ambulance corps in several communities.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bernice Ford, at home; a daughter, Nadine S. Bravo of Central Valley; a son, Neil R. Ford of Pine Bush; a sister, Doris Ryan of Maryland (N.Y.); three granddaughters, Christine Ford, Cynthia Ford and Catherine Ford; and three nephews.  There will be no visitation.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 60 West Main Street, Middletown, with the Rev. Barbara Brand James officiating. Interment will be made at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Wyndham Cemetery in Wyndham.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 60 West Main Street, Middletown, N.Y. 10940.

Robert McNamara Sr.
Correctional Offc., 63

Robert Earl McNamara Sr. of Sundown, a 17-year correctional officer at the Eastern New York Correctional Facility in Napanoch and a former construction worker and mechanic, died Monday, September 25, 2000, at the Albany Medical Center in Albany. He was 63 years of age.  The son of the late Raymond Joseph and Viola Louise Crowfoot McNamara, he was born June 30, 1937, in Bridgeport, Conn.  He was a member of the Ellenville Elks Lodge #1971, and the National Rifle Association.  He is survived by five children, Mark McNamara of Sundown, Sherry Romano of Saddle Brook River, N.J., Robert McNamara Jr. of Richmond, Va., Daniel McNamara of Long Beach, Miss., Debra McNamara of Sundown; a brother, Raymond McNamara Jr. of Napanoch; six grandchildren, Bobby, Jennifer, D.J. Kimberly, Mikey, Tyler, and Shawn; a sister, Joyce Schweiss of North Haven, Conn.; his companion, Grace Furman, at home; his former wife, Betty Jane McNamara of Hartford, W. Va.; and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Thursday at the Loucks Funeral Home in Ellenville with the Rev. Lorraine Coscia Ackerman officiating.  Cremation was private.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, New York Affiliate, Inc., Mid-Hudson Region, P.O. Box 3910, Kingston, N.Y. 12401-0992.

Bertha E. Allison
Ret. Teacher's Aide, 68

Bertha "Betty" E. Allison of Neversink, a retired teacher's aide for the Tri-Valley School District, died Monday, June 19, 2000 at her home. She was 68 years of age.  The daughter of the late Benjamin and the late Loretta Cypert Bertholf, she was born March 12, 1932 in Divine Corners.  Mrs. Allison is survived by her husband of 48 years, Karl Allison; two sons and daughters-in-law, Karl S. and Joanie Allison of Glasco, and Tim and Suzanne Allison of San Diego, CA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Martha Lee and Buster TerBush of Grahamsville, and Karen and Mike Wolfe of Neversink; three brothers, Albert Bertholf of Divine Corners, and Leo and Ken Bertholf of Deland, FL; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Bill, Mike, Dick, and Raymond Bertholf, and a sister, Loretta Muthig.  A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 26, at 10 a.m. in the Church of Immaculate Conception, Rte 42, Woodbourne. The Rev. John J. Lynch will officiate.  Burial will be made in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Orange-Sullivan Hospice, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550.  Funeral arrangements were made by the Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley, Liberty.

Helen H. Aldrich
Ret. Teacher, 87

Helen H. Aldrich of Grahamsville, a retired school teacher and a lifelong area resident, died January 6, 2001, at the Sullivan County Adult Care Center in Liberty. She was 87 years of age.  The daughter of the late Benjamin and Mable Fuller Hill DeWitt, she was born September 25, 1913, in Eureka. She was the widow of Zophar Aldrich.  Mrs. Aldrich was a member of the Grahamsville United Methodist Church, a former editor of The Townsman, and a member and former secretary of Revonah-Lincoln Chapter No. 433, Order of the Eastern Star, in Liberty. She taught school in the Salt Point one-room schoolhouse that is now a dedicated community park named the Aldrich Park.  She is survived by a step-daughter, Marie Patten of Schenectady; a sister, Evelyn Huntsberger of Grahamsville; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by three brothers and a sister.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Loucks Funeral Home, Route 209, Ellenville, with the Rev. Lorraine Coscia Ackerman officiating.  Burial will be made in the spring at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Grahamsville First Aid Squad, Grahamsville, N.Y. 12740. 

Raymond Curry Sr.
Ret. Laborer/Mech., 62

Raymond "Ray" C. Curry Sr. of Neversink, a retired laborer/mechanic for the New York City Board of Water Resources and the owner of the Curry junkyard in Neversink, died on Monday, December 24, 2001, at the Seelig Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 62 years of age.  The son of the late Chandler P. and Dora  Schoonmaker Curry, he was born June 17, 1939, in Neversink.  Mr. Curry took great pleasure in collecting cars all of his life. He loved all stock car racing and especially enjoyed watching his children race.  In a family statement, it was said, "It will never be the same without him."  He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sarah Audrey Akerley Curry, at home; 11 daughters and their spouses, Trudy and Alan Unger, Ramona and Charlie Howe, Shelly Curry and her companion, Rich Lowe, Susan and John Bankich, Rebecca and Donald Horner, Kami Curry and Heather Curry, all of Neversink, Rhonda and Matt Grimm of Swan Lake, Jodi Curry and her companion, Jim Torrens, of Briscoe, Rachel and Chuck Renaudette of Liberty and Heidi and Evan Reimer of Cochecton; nine sons and their spouses, Raymond Curry Jr., Billy and Dawn Curry, Gerald and Denise Curry, Timothy and Pam Curry, Matthew and Kathy Curry and Dale Curry, all of Neversink, John Curry of Woodbourne, Brad and Billie Jo Curry of Parksville, and Paul and Kathleen Curry of Liberty; 43 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Curry and his wife, Karen, of Neversink, and Donald Curry and his wife, Diane, of Harpursville; a sister, Virginia Wagner and her husband, Bob, of Bremen, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a daughter, Beatrice Mae Curry Hendrickson.  Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at the United Methodist Church in Grahamsville with the Rev. Lorraine Ackermann officiating.  Cremation will be made at the Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Neversink Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Neversink, N.Y. 12765.

Robert Kyrk
Ret. Custodian, 83

Robert Kyrk of Liberty, a retired custodian for the Tri-Valley School District, and the former owner of a sanitation business, died Sunday, January 6, 2002, at the Seelig Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 83 years of age.  The son of the late Elmer and Myrtle Dumond Kyrk, he was born February 22, 1918, in Liberty. He was the widower of Marie Turner Kyrk who died in 2000.  Mr. Kryk was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church. He is survived by four sons, John Kyrk of California, Donald Kyrk of Liberty, William Kyrk of Binghamton and Arnold Kyrk of Livingston Manor; two daughters, Janet Snyder of Binghamton and Roberta Kyrk Chavez of Ohio; a sister, Frances Gorton of West Virginia; eight grandchildren, Peter, Kathi, Randy, Michelle, Patricia, Rebecca, Amy and Jordan; and a great-granddaughter, Rachel. He was predeceased by two brothers, George Kyrk and Richard Kyrk, and two sisters, Cora and Maybelle.  Cremation was private.  Burial of the cremains will be made in the spring in the Claryville Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements were made by Ramsay's Funeral Home in Liberty.

John A. McGill Jr.
Ret. Hardwareman, 67

John Allen McGill Jr. of Grahamsville, a lifelong area resident, a retired hardware store owner and a former employee of Avon Products in New York City, died Monday, January 28, 2002, at his home, after a long battle with cancer. He was 67 years of age.  The son of the late John Allen Sr. and Evelyn Brooks McGill, he was born June 24, 1934, in Nyack. He was the grandson of the late Helen Howard and William Edward Brooks and Patrick and Mary Edith Bowden McGill and was a ninth generation American. Mr. McGill was a 3-year veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Far East Asia in both the U.S. Army Map Service and Army Intelligence. He was an exempt member of the W.S. Johnson Fire Department in Garnerville. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Marion Bissert McGill, at home; a brother-in-law, Fred Bissert of Las Vegas, Nev.; two nephews, John Bissert of Colorado and Michael John McGill of Florida; two nieces, Nancy Bissert of Long Island and Valerie Ann McGill of Florida; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Dirk John McGill and a sister, Linda Evelyn McGill.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. McGill donated his body to the Albany Medical College.  Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Center St., Ellenville, N.Y. 12428; the Garnerville Methodist Church, Bridge St., Garnerville, N.Y. 10923 or to Hospice, Inc., 34 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Roy Dymond Sr.
Ret. Supt. of Hwys., 70

Roy Dymond Sr. of Sundown, a retired Superintendant of Highways for the Town of Denning and a lifelong area resident, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at his home. He was 70 years of age.  The son of the late Isaac and Bertha Wright Dymond, he was born October 3, 1931, in Sundown.  Mr. Dymond was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Myrtle Warren Dymond, at home; five sons, Roy Dymond Jr. of Sundown, Donald Dymond, W. Scott Dymond and Douglas Dymond, all of Grahamsville and Matthew Dymond of Woodbourne; eight daughters, Elma Dunn of Bethany, Conn., Barbara Dymond of Napanoch, Bertha Dymond of Kerhonkson, Cindy Mickelson of Grahamsville, Caroline Clark of Peekamoose, Lori Smith of Concord, Calif., and Faith Dymond and Janet Dymond, both of Sundown; a brother, Arthur Dymond of Napanoch; a sister, Beatrice Schumann of Sundown; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, a daughter, two grandsons and a great-grandson.  Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Loucks Funeral Home, Route 209, Ellenville, with the Rev. Jay Vogelaar officiating.  Burial will be made in the Furman Cemetery in Yeagerville.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Inc., 34 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Roy Dymond Jr., 46
Ret. Corrections Offc.

Roy Dymond Jr. of Sundown, a former corrections officer at Eastern New York Correctional Facility in Napanoch and a lifelong area resident, died Saturday, May 11, 2002, at his home. He was 46 years of age.  The son of Myrtle Warren Dymond and the late Roy Dymond Sr., he was born June 18, 1955, in Ellenville. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Dymond is survived by his mother of Sundown; four brothers, Donald Dymond, W. Scott Dymond and Douglas Dymond, all of Grahamsville, and Matthew Dymond of Woodbourne; eight sisters, Elma Dunn of Bethany, Conn., Barbara Dymond of Napanoch, Bertha Dymond of Kerhonkson, Cindy Michelson of Grahamsville, Caroline Clark of Peekamoose, Lori Smith of Concord, Calif., and Faith Dymond and Janet Dymond, both of Sundown.
Services were held Wednesday evening at the Loucks Funeral Home in Ellenville with the Rev. Jay Vogelaar officiating.

Kenneth Johnson, 52

Kenneth W. Johnson of Boring, Oreg., a former resident of Neversink, died Friday, January 17, 2003, at Providence-St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oreg. He was 52 years of age.  The son of Vera and Roe Johnson, he was born December 25, 1950, in Liberty.  Mr. Johnson was a 1968 graduate of Tri-Valley Central School in Grahamsville. He attended Cobleskill Ag and Tech College and then enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving from 1970 to 1975. After his tour of duty, he relocated to the state of Oregon.  He is survived by his 13-year-old son, Forrest W., at home; his parents of Neversink; two brothers, Stephen Johnson of Oneida and Robert Johnson of Brewerton; two sisters, Nancy Allison of Ashland, Mass., and Dusseldorf, Germany, and Roberta of the state of Florida; eight nieces and a nephew.

James Bonnell Jr.
Ret. Correc. Offc., 63

James M. Bonnell Jr. of Grahamsville, a lifelong area resident and a retired lieutenant for the New York State Department of Corrections at the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Woodbourne, with 36 years of service, died Sunday, February 16, 2003, at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston. He was 63 years of age. The son of the late James M. Sr. and Retha Edwards Bonnell, he was born March 1, 1939, in Bradley.  A U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1961 to 1963, he was a member of the Grahamville Reformed Church and Liberty Elks Lodge #1545.  In a family statement, it was said, "Jim was an avid camper and outdoorsman. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and we will all miss him."  He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sally Lyons Bonnell, at home; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Patricia Bonnell of Divine Corners; a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Donovan Krzyzak of Bloomingburg; three brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law; four  grandchildren, Ashlyn, Noah, Wade and Hope; a niece, a nephew and several cousins.  Friends may call at the Ramsay's Funeral Home, 275 S. Main St., Liberty, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Ruter officiating.  Burial will be made in the spring at the Rural Cemetery in Grahamsville.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Reformed Church of Grahamsville, Grahamsville, N.Y. 12740 or to the Hospice Foundation, 34 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Martha Hatch
Ret. Teacher, 90

Martha Adelaide Littler Hatch of Duxbury and Pembroke, Mass., a retired teacher and a former resident of South Fallsburg, died Monday, January 19, 2004, at the Bay Path Nursing Center in Massachusetts. She was 90 years of age.  The daughter of the late James Henry and Margaret Adelaide Coltrane Littler, she was born December 30, 1913, in West Grove, Pa. She was the widow of Frederick A. Hatch.  A 1935 graduate of Ithaca College, she earned a degree in drama and then applied for a teaching position. After she retired from Tri-Valley Central School, she moved to Massachusetts.  She is survived by a daughter, Linda Hatch and Michael of Pembroke, Mass.; two granddaughters, Kalen Faye Dow and Lindsay Allison Dow of Waterbury, Vt.; four siblings, Dr. J. William Littler of New York City, Theodore C. and his wife, Helen Littler, of Seekonk, Mass., Catherine Stephens of Manlius and Robert Littler of Jacksonville; and a brother-in-law, Vincent H. Stratton of South Fallsburg and Pembroke, Mass.  Services were held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Monticello on Saturday.
Burial was made in the Rock Ridge Cemetery in Monticello.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 15 St. John St., Monticello, N.Y. 12701. 

Arline Hufnagel
Ret. Postal Clerk, 69

Arline Hufnagel of Napanoch, a retired postal clerk of the United States Post Office in Napanoch and a 43-year area resident, died Monday, January 26, 2004, at the Kingston Hospital. She was 69 years of age.  The daughter the late James and Alexandria Mykulm Kain, she was born January 19, 1935, in Yonkers.  She is survived by her husband, Joseph A. Hufnagel, at home; two sons, Edward J. Hufnagel of Napanoch and Fred J. Hufnagel of Grahamsville; and several grandchildren.  Cremation was private. 

Vincent Dubas
Ret. Carpenter, 42

Vincent Dubas of Rhinebeck, a retired carpenter for Local #255 in Middletown and a lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, February 25, 2004, at Thompson House in Rhinebeck. He was 42 years of age.  The son of Richard Sr. and Josephine Davonzo Dubas, he was born July 1, 1961, in Copiague.  A 1980 graduate of Tri-Valley Central School, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, motorcycle rider and race car driver. Everyone who knew him loved his sense of humor and practical jokes.  He is survived by his parents of Grahamsville; his former wife, Shelly Curry of Claryville; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Debbie Dubas of Neversink and Ronald and Terry Dubas of Bethel; a sister and brother-in-law, Chris and Peter Cully of Mountaindale; a niece, Anita Grace Dubas; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation was private.

Kathryn Krom
Ret. Waitress, 88

Kathryn Krom of Grahamsville, a retired waitress at Finch's in Grahamsville, died Monday, March 1, 2004, at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. She was 88 years of age.  The daughter of the late Joseph and Ida Brooks Sheeley, she was born May 10, 1915, in Pautaukunk. She was the widow of George Krom.  Mrs. Krom was a member of the Grahamsville Reformed Church and the Ladies Aid of the church.  She is survived by a sister, Effie Everett of Neversink; three children and their spouses, Helen Mickelson and William Mahnken of Grahamsville, John and Iva Krom of Neversink and Robert and Patty Krom of Grahamsville; a daughter-in-law, Ann Krom of Grahamsville; her grandchildren, Cathy Mickelson, Michael and Lori Mickelson, Robert and Beth Mickelson, Ronald and Alexa Mickelson, Lisa Krom, Steven Krom, Colleen Krom, Amanda Krom, Eileen Krom, David Krom, Lynn and Joe Moore and Kevin Krom; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her church family and friends. She was predeceased by a son, Richard Krom, four sisters and three brothers.  Friends may call at the Loucks Funeral Home, Route 209, Ellenville, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Grahamsville Reformed Church, Route 55, with the Rev. Paul Z. Ruter officiating. 

Michael Kocijanski
Emply. of NYC DWS, 38

Michael Adam Kocijanski of Grahamsville, an employee of the Department of Water Supply for the City of New York, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, at the Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. He was 38 years of age.  The son of Ted and Pauline Kocijanski, he was born August 5, 1965, in Liberty.  He is survived by his parents; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Theresa Kocijanski of Monticello and Jim and Fran Kocijanski of Reno, Nev.; two nieces, Katherine and Meghan; and other relatives.  Services were held Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Grahamsville with Pastor Lorraine Ackerman officiating.  Burial was made in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, Grahamsville, N.Y. 12740 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 628, Monticello, N.Y. 12701

Lena F. Krum
Ret. Store Mgr., 91

Lena F. Krum of Grahamsville, a retired store manager of Grahamsville and a lifelong area resident, died Friday, April 30, 2004, at the Seelig Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. She was 91 years of age.  The daughter of the late Fred and Bertha Stickle Turner, she was born in Pleasant Valley, South Fallsburg, on February 10, 1913. She was the widow of Raymond C. Krum.  Trained by Ma Bell, she worked as a night telephone operator in Fallsburg and was co-owner with her husband of the Krum Family Store in Grahamsville. She was a member of the Grahamsville PTA, the Grahamsville Bridge Club, the Claryville Quilting Club and the Dutch Reformed Church in Claryville.  Mrs. Krum is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, James and Betsy Grimley Krum of Buffalo; a daughter, Barbara K. Mahnken of Grahamsville; a sister, Elizabeth M. Fraser of Monticello; five grandchildren, Lauralee Krum Sirhal, James Raymond Krum, Scott W. Mahnken, Todd J. Mahnken and Stacey M. Engels; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson, Jason Krum, and two brothers, Gorton L. Turner and Harry Turner.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 Main St., Woodbourne, with the Rev. Paul Ruter officiating.  Burial will be made in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.

Evelyn D. Huntsberger
Homemaker, 94

Evelyn D. Huntsberger of Grahamsville, a homemaker, musician, and a lifelong area resident, died Saturday, June 19, 2004 at her home. She was 94 years of age.  The daughter of the late Ben and Mabel Fuller Hill, she was born February 24, 1910 in Eureka. She was the widow of John M. Huntsberger.  Mrs. Huntsberger began teaching in 1929 in the two-room schoolhouse in Grahamsville, and was involved in teaching for many years in the Tri-Valley School area. She later taught at the Unionville School, where one teacher taught all grades and all subjects including music, art and physical education. In addition, teachers did their own janitorial work and took care of first aid in emergencies. Her last year of teaching was at the South Hill School from 1939 to 1940. She retired in 1942, and spent time in Battle Creek, Mich. where her husband was stationed. Returning to Grahamsville, she worked for many years as administrative secretary to the first supervising principal at the Tri-Valley Central School, and also served as a clerk of the school board, administrative assistant, and business manager of the school district.  Mrs. Huntsberger was a member of the United Methodist Church in Sundown, and played music there for many weddings, as well as at the Grahamsville Methodist Church. She was a published poet and co-founder of the Alchemy Club, an artist, and photographer who showed much talent. She volunteered at the community newspaper, The Townsman, and assisted in the publication of local poetry in The Alchemist. She was an inspiration to many, whether piloting a plane, fishing in a mountain stream, or encouraging those younger than she to do something special with their lives.  She is survived by a cousin, Eugene Fuller; her caregiver, Pat Maas; and the many people in the community whose lives she touched. Her family roots were in Sundown.  A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17 at the Grahamsville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Lorraine Coscia Ackerman officiating.  Memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church in Sundown.  Funeral arrangements were made by the Loucks Funeral Home, Inc. in Ellenville.

George M. Knox Jr.
Plumber, 43

George M. Knox Jr. of Neversink, a plumber for the Eastern Correctional Facility in Napanoch and a lifelong area resident, died Saturday, July 24, 2004, at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. He was 43 years of age.  The son of George Sr. and Rose Ann Bowers Knox, he was born January 16, 1961, in Liberty.  Mr. Knox was a member of the Grahamsville Reform Church and the Neversink Fire Department. He was president of the Cherry Ridge Hunting Club, coached the Tri-Valley Little League for many years and was also a member of the Sullivan County Sportsmen's Federation.  In a family statement, it was said, "He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son and brother."  He is survived by his wife, Mary, and three children, George III, Jill Marie and Daniel Patrick Knox, all a home; his parents of Neversink; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Greg and LaurieAnn Knox of Neversink and Andrew and Sabra Knox of Abilene, Tex.; a sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Thomas Huebar of Plattsburgh; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  Friends may call at the Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 Main St., Woodbourne, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Grahamsville Reform Church with the Rev. Paul Ruter officiating.  Interment will be made in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia, Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., 3rd Floor, White Plains, N.Y. 10605. 

Wesley C. Ackerley
Accountant, 71

Wesley C. Ackerley of Liberty, an accountant and co-owner of Ackerley & Pearsall Accounting, died Monday, September 6, 2004 at the Seelig campus of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 71 years of age.  The son of Margaret McGuire Ackerley and the late Arnold Ackerley, he was born August 6, 1933 in Curry.  Wes was a lifelong area resident, a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, and a member of the National Society of Accountants.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret Ackerley of Jeffersonville; four brothers, Richard Ackerley of St. Paul, N.C.; Eugene Ackerley of Grahamsville; Arnold Ackerley, Jr. of Hurleyville; and Donald Ackerley of Hope Mills, N.C.; six sisters, Marian Wegman and Marjorie Fairbairn, both of Swan Lake; Caroline Johnson of Fayetteville, N.C.; Virginia Kiefer and April Malara and her husband Robert, all of Jeffersonville, and Cindy Barber and her husband Edward of White Lake; several nieces and nephews; his longtime business partner Sherry Pearsall and her children Lena and William; and his dear friend, Audrey Wilson.  He was predeceased by a brother, Roy, and a sister, Joy D. Ackerley.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Liberty Vol. Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 105, Liberty, N.Y. 12754.  Funeral arrangements were made by the Harris Funeral Home of Liberty.

William 'Bill' Kelly
NY Tele. Engineer, 71

William "Bill" Kelly of Sarasota, Fl., an outside plant engineer for New York Telephone Co., died Friday, September 10, 2004. He was 71.  He was born on June 25, 1933 in the Bronx. He moved from Grahamsville in 1999 to Sarasota, Fl. He was in the USMC in the Korean War and recieved the Korean Service Medal. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Sarasota, Fl.  His survivors include a wife, Bonnie of Sarasota, a daughter, Lori Wadeson of Georgia, three sons William A. Kelly of Ohio, Steven F. Kelly of Virginia and Craig A. Kelly of Maryland, two sisters Betty Duerr of New York and Helen Kelly of Massachusetts, a brother Ed Kelly of New York, and four grandchildren.  Visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2004 at Palms Funeral Home in Sarasota, Fl. from 6 to 8 p.m.. Services will be held at Friendship Baptist Church of Sarasota, Fl. Burial will be after the services at Palms Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions will be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida at 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, Fl. 34238 or Friendship Baptist Church 5700 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, Fl. 34232. 

Michael Dean Smith
Correction Officer, 47

Michael Dean Smith of Grahamsville, a Correctional Officer at Eastern New York Correctional Facility, Napanoch and a lifetime area resident died on Monday, October 18, 2004 in the Thompson House, Rhinebeck. He was 47.  The son of Franklin and Lois Tobias Smith he was born on August 1, 1957 in Liberty.  Survivors include his parents of Grahamsville, his wife Judy A. Morris Smith at home, son Michael G. Smith, daughter Amanda K. Smith, son Ryan T. Smith and granddaughter Jenna Kimberly Donovan all of Grahamsville, brother Keith and his wife Diane Smith of Swan Lake, brother Peter Smith and his companion Nettie Haas of Grahamsville, sister Bonnie Maus and her husband Alton of Sherburne, several neph- ews, nieces, aunts and uncles also survive.  There will be no visitation. A graveside service was held on Thursday at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery. Rev. John G. Wall officiated. Arrangements were made by Loucks Funeral Home, Inc., Rt. 209, Ellenville, NY 12428.  Donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Suite 6, Albany, NY 12205.

Annabell V. Holmes

ANNABELL V. HOLMES, of Grahamsville, a retired music teacher at Tri-Valley Elementary School, died December 1 at Benedictine Hospital, Kingston. She was 51. Born July 5, 1943, New York City, she was raised by her grandparents, the late Peter and Anna Varga.  She was a member of the Catskill Sweet Adeline’s.  She is survived by her husband, Christian Holmes, at home; and one daughter, Juliana Holmes of Watertown, Conn.  Services were held December 3rd at Loucks Funeral Home, Ellenville. Burial was in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.  (From the files at Sullivan County Historical marked in pen 12/94)  (Headstone at Grahamsville Rural Cemetery is marked and Dec. 1, 1994)

 Herbert L. George, Jr., 27

        Herbert L. George Jr., 27, Sundown, died at Albany Medical Center on Saturday following an auto accident.  He was born at Liberty, Nov. 13, 1935, the son of Herbert L. and Esther George. He was a lifelong resident of Sundown.  He graduated from Tri-Valley Schools, Grahamsville and the Hudson Valley Technical College, Troy.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Woodbourne, and a veteran of the Korean War.  Survivors are his parents, a brother, Vincent L. George of Nichols, N.Y., four sisters, Mrs. Ruth Cichinelli of Sundown, Mrs. Evelyn Kane Borwich of Maine, Mrs. Linda Greenwald and Miss Alberta George both of Cobleskill, 12 nieces and nephews.  (Sullivan County Democrat dated Nov. 22, 1962)

 Lt. William H. Grey, 25

 Funeral services for 1st Lieut. William H. Grey, 25, USAF, killed in a California airplane crash April 10, will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the Methodist Church, Grahamsville.  Lt. Grey, born in Cornwall Oct. 18, 1937, was the son of Russell E. and Dorothy George Grey.   He was married Jan. 30, 1960, at Shelburne, Vt. to Joan Ramsdall Hays.  He was a member of the 84th Air Training Squadron of the 151st Air Training Wing. He was graduated from the University of  Vermont, 1960, and had served as co-captain of the college football team.  He was a member of Sigma Phi, president of the Boulder's Society while at U. of V. and a member of the United Presbyterian Church of East Greenwich, N.Y.  Surviving are his wife, one son, Warren; and a daughter, Gail; all of California; his mother, Mrs. Dorothy Grey, Grahamsville; two brothers;  1st Lieut. James H. Grey at NSR Air Base, Morocco, and Charles E. at Grahamsville; a sister, Mrs. Joan Wood, Morrisville, N.Y., and his paternal grandfather, William S. Grey of Liberty. Burial will be in Claryville Cemetery.     Friends may call at Louck’s Funeral Home, Grahamsville, Wednesday from 2 to 9 p.m.  (Republican Watchman dated Thursday Apr. 18, 1963)

 Charles E. Grey, 16

 Funeral services for Charles E. Grey, 16, a senior at Tri-Valley Central School, Grahamsville, who died Friday at Liberty Loomis Hospital, were held Monday at the Grahamsville Methodist Church, the Rev. Harry Meyers officiating. Burial was in Claryville Cemetery.  He was born in Cambridge, N.Y., Oct. 25, 1946, the son of Russell E and Dorothy George Grey. He was a member of the Grahamsville Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Tri-Valley Central School varsity baseball, football and basketball teams.  Surviving are his mother; a brother, Capt. James H. Grey stationed at Francis Air Force Base, Cheyenne, Wyo., a sister, Mrs. Robert Wood of Napanoch; a paternal grandfather, William S. Grey of Liberty; and several nieces and nephews.  The Grey family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tri-Valley Central School scholarship fund or the Grahamsville First Aid Squad.  (Republican Watchman dated Sept. 26, 1963)

Grant A. Finch

OBITUARY: CITRUS HEIGHTS, CALIF

A Mass of Christian Burial for Grant A. Finch, 73, who operated Finch's Restaurant in Grahamsville from 1949 to 1973, was celebrated at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Citrus Heights, California at 9:30 A.M. on December 26, 1979. Mr. Finch died on Dec. 22, 1979 after a short illness.  Surviving Mr. Finch is his wife, Margaret A. Finch of 6921 Winlock Ave., Citrus Heights Calif.; three sons, Bruce of Sacramento, Gene of Bekchertown, Ma.; Robert of Dallas, Tx., and a daughter, Margaret Anderson of St. Paul Minn. Also surviving is one brother, Jack of West Davenport, N.Y. and two sisters, Grace Redmond of Los Gatoe, Ca., and Velma Korver of Auburn, Ca.  Burial took place in the Calvary Cemetery, Sacramento. (From the files at Sullivan Co. Historical-dated in pen Townsman, Jan. 3, 1980)

Earl Coddington (class of 1960) died December 2nd 2007