Our Obituaries

PAUL A. BRISLIN Montague, N.J. Paul A. Brislin, a retired registered nurse for St. Francis Hospital in Port Jervis, licensed masseur, and lifelong area resident, died Monday, October 25, 2004 at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis. He was 94. The son of the late Hugh and Mary OToole Brislin, he was born September 5, 1910 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He was the widower of Florence Kiernan Brislin who passed away on May 1, 2004. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Chapel, Pequannock, N.J. and Knights of Columbus Council #471, Port Jervis. Paul was a former horse Jockey, racing at various tracks including Belmont, N.Y. His hobby was Fly-Tying pins to be placed on ladies hats and coats. Survivors include three sons, Paul M. Brislin and his wife Rosemary of Montague, N.J., Thomas Francis Brislin of Montague, N.J., James F. Brislin and his wife Darlene of Greeley, Pa.; three grandchildren, Matthew, Joseph, and Christina Brislin; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, October 28 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. A Rosary Service will be held at 8:15 p.m., Thursday in the funeral home. Knights of Columbus Services will be conducted Thursday evening as well. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m., Friday, October 29 at the funeral home followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Chapel, Pequannock, N.J. The Rev. Fisher will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. Contributions may be made to Bon Secours Community Hospital, Same Day Surgery Unit, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

GRACE LEHN Port Jervis, N.Y. Grace Lehn, a life-long area resident, and a retired Inventory Supervising Clerk, for Kolmar Labs, Inc., Port Jervis, died Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at Bristol Glenn Health Care, Newton, N.J. She was 96. The daughter of the late George Berthel Dilling and Mary Evans Dilling VanAuken, she was born October 17, 1908 in Brooklyn. She was first married to the late Cecil Davis and secondly to the late Benjamin Lehn. She was a member of The Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis; a member of the choir of the church; and a member of River Valley Chapter #33, Order of the Eastern Star, Port Jervis. Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Tangen and her husband, Robert, of Garfield, N.J.; her daughter-in-law, Joyce Davis of Sparrowbush; five grandchildren, David, Jonathan and Ronald Tangen, April Dudko and Jean Dow; seven great grandchildren; and one niece, Mary Decker. She was predeceased by her son William Davis; her grandson, Eric Tangen; her sister, Jessie Courtright; and her brother, John Chisholm. Friends may call on Friday, October 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Eastern Star services will be held on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Cassidy officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

DONALD J. CLAYTON Port Jervis, N.Y. Donald J. Clayton of Port Jervis, a longtime area resident, and a retired High School Teacher after 33 years of service for the Port Jervis School System, died Friday, October 15, 2004 at home. He was 57. The son of the late John R. and Bernadette O'Keefe Clayton, he was born July 13, 1947 in Honesdale, Pa. He was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Matamoras, Pa. He was a Eucharist Minister; member of New York State Education Dept. Regional Leader - Business and Marketing; New York State Education Dept. - Test Development; member of Business Educator's of Mid-Hudson, Board of Directors and Treasurer; member of the Business Teachers' of New York; member of New York State United Teachers Assoc.; Charter member of Board of Directors of the Orange Co. New York School Employees' FCU; member of Orange Co. New York School School Employees FCU - CEO/Manager; member and past president of Westfall Lions Club. Donald was a graduate of Bloomsburg State University achieving his B.S. Degree in Business. He continued his education at Scranton University receiving his Masters in Business administration. A family statement read "Don was a loving, husband and father, who enjoyed and lived life to its fullest. He was an avid golfer, runner, and cyclist. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife at home, Susan A. Fritz Clayton; two sons, Christopher M. Clayton of Brooklyn and Daniel Clayton of Philadelphia, Pa. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann Margaret Clayton. Friends may call on Sunday, October 17 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral service will be held on Monday, October 18 at 9:15 a.m. at funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Matamoras, Pa. The Rev. John J. Turi will officiate. The vigil wake service will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc, Port Jervis. Contributions may be made to The ALS Assoc., 116 John St., New York, NY 10038; or the Muscular Distrophy Assoc. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

JEROME "UNCLE JERRY" PICHERT Glen Spey, N.Y. Jerome Pichert of Glen Spey, a longtime area resident, and a retired electronics engineer, died Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at Elant Nursing Home, Goshen. He was 89. "Uncle Jerry", as his friends called him, was the son of the late Jerome and Rose Mazac Pichert, and was born February 10, 1915 in London, England. He arrived at Ellis Island at only 47 days old. His father was a custom ladies tailor and managing editor of a Czech monthly magazine, "The Astorian". His family lived in New York City for 3 years and then the next 18 years they resided in Astoria, Queens. At the age of 5, Jerome was involved in the Delnicky Americky Sokol, Astoria branch, a Czech cultural and gymnastic organization. At age 18, he was their recording secretary, keeping the minutes in the Czesky language. He was also a lifetime member. He attended Bryant High School in Long Island City. His higher education was obtained at Bridgeport Engineering Institute, an evening college in Bridgeport, Conn. In 1936, he took a position with Machlett Laboratories in Springdale, Conn. as a product development engineer. A position he held for 20 years. He was a veteran member of the Springdale Volunteer Fire Co., having held the position of secretary and president. He was also active in the suburban Stamford Kiwanis Club, also holding the office of president. He married the former Margaret Elizabeth Smith on July 23, 1950 at a small ceremony in New Canaan, Conn. In 1956 he moved his family to Centerport, Long Island for a position with Amprex Electronic Corp., X-ray division which is a subsidiary of North American Phillips Co. While there he was credited with several patents in the x-ray vacuum tube field. Since 1945 and before it was incorporated, he was an active member of the Lumberland Fire Company. He served under Edward Bisland, Miller Fagley and Gordon Wertzel. He served Lumberland on several boards in particular as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for 10 years. A member of the Lumberland Lions Club, serving as vice president in 2002, he received the prestigious citation of Lion of the Year for 2003. He was a longtime member of the Buckeye Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and travel. He traveled extensively throughout his retirement through western Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He also visited the island of Tahiti. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Pichert, at home; one son, Jerome Wayne Pichert and his wife, Laurie, of St. Paul, Minn.; three grandchildren, Alexandra Rose Pichert, Matthew Dylan Pichert, and Christian Thomas Pichert, all of St. Paul, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cheryl Bellmont and his sister, Bertha Kudola. Friends may call on Saturday, October 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. The Lumberland Lions will conduct services on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Burial will be in Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., Port Jervis. For more information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

MARGARET "MAGGIE" RUEGNITZ Greeley, Pa. Margaret "Maggie" Ruegnitz, a longtime area resident, and a homemaker, died Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at the Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, Pa. She was 94. The daughter of the late Irving and Willetta Black, she was born August 20, 1910 in Rockford, Ill. She was the widow of Raymond S. Ruegnitz. She was a member of the Barryville United Methodist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Sally VanDam and her husband, Bill, of Greeley, Pa.; five grandchildren, Scott, Bobby, Lori, David and Roseanne; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Jerry S. Ruegnitz, on August 12, 2004. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 24 at 1 p.m. at The Barryville United Methodist Church, Barryville. The Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to The Barryville United Methodist Church, Barryville, NY 12719. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

JOHN ROSS COKELETTE Milford, Pa. John Ross Cokelette, of Sunrise Lakes, Milford, Pa., lifelong resident of Pike County, a retired carpenter for Sunnyland Inc., Dingman's Ferry, Pa., died Saturday, October 9, 2004 at his home. He was 54. The son of Marjorie Cokelette-Konkol and the late Ferris "Jack" Cokelette, he was born December 10, 1949 in Port Jervis, N.Y. John was a graduate of Delaware Valley High School, class of 1968. He served his country, joining the US Air Force from 1969-1973, stationed in England at which time he became a "Volunteer" for the Boy Scouts of America, which lead to long and enjoyable years as a Scout Leader. While in England, he played Semi-Pro Soccer with he Sky Kings. John was a volunteer for many activities which involved our youth. He was co-founder of the Eastern Pike Youth Assoc., coaching Middle School Soccer at DVS, Assistant Coach for wrestling in the Port Jervis School District; and Little League Coach, Milford, Pa. He was a well-loved coach and friend to all children he was involved with. His priority was that all children should have fun while they learn. John was a veteran of the US Air Force, Viet Nam. He was also a member of the 124th Orange Blossoms, Company K, The Devis Brigade of NY. These were Civil War enactments he enjoyed with his sons, his brother Lee and his father. He was an EMT with the Port Jervis Vol. Ambulance Corps.; member of the Viet Nam Veterans Assoc. of Milford, Pa.; member and past master of the Matamoras Masonic Lodge #752 (year 1979); and member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Dingman's Ferry, Pa. Above all, John's biggest accomplishment in life was his three children. He will be missed by all. "Dad, we love you. So long for now." Survivors include his daughter, Michelle Weber and her husband Joseph of Shohola, Pa.; two sons, Benedict Cokelette, US Army Ft. Riley, Kansas and his wife Nicole Smith-Cokelette and William Cokelette, US Army, Ft. Hood, Texas (both sons completed a year tour in Iraq); his mother, Marjorie Cokelette-Konkol of Matamoras, Pa. He was married to Diane Gulla-Cokelette who survives; his companion, Cathy Arnett and adopted family, Anna Lee, Chase and Gage; one brother, Leland Cokelette Sr. and family of Matamoras, Pa.; one sister, Nanette Lemke and family of Little Rock, Ark.; his grandson, Joey Weber; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, October 13 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 14 at the funeral home. The Rev. Neal Neilsen will officiate. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to the Cokelette family, c/o his daughter, Michelle Weber, 769 Route 434, Shohola, PA 18458. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

DR. JOHNNIE ARMSTRONG McCULLOUGH Port Jervis, N.Y. and Calgary, Alberta, Canada Dr. Johnnie Armstrong McCullough, a retired pediatrician and longtime resident of Port Jervis, died Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was 93. The daughter of the late Dr. John Irvine Armstrong and Ollie Walton Connell Armstrong, she was born March 8, 1911 in Kirkwood, Atlanta, Ga. She was married to Dr. Robert W. McCullough, who predeceased her in 1974. Dr. Johnnie was a member and elder of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis. She sang in the Church Choir and was a member of the Greater Consistor. She served as Sunday School Superintendent for 8 years. Dr. Johnnie held the first Ham Supper in the Church to raise funds for the purchase of much needed tables and chairs for the Sunday School program. She was a member of the Board of Managers for the Port Jervis Home For the Aged and was also an honorary staff member of Mercy Community Hospital, Port Jervis. Dr. Johnnie said her parents greatly influenced her and supported her decisions. Dr. Johnnie attended public schools in Franklin, Tenn., Lewisburg, W. Va., and Fincastle, Va. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1928. She received an A B degree from Randolph-Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, Va. in 1932, and her M.D. degree from the University of Virginia Medical School in Charlottesville, Va. in 1936. She served a one year internship at Johnston-Willis Hospital, Richard, Va. from 1936-37, and completed a two year residency in Pediatric at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va. in 1939. She practiced Pediatrics in Decatur and Atlanta, Ga. from 1941-44 while her husband served at Lawson General Hospital during World War II, moved to Daytona, Fla. when her husband transferred to Welch Convalescent Hospital there, and from Daytona moved to Port Jervis in 1946 where she practiced until 1974. After her retirement Dr. Johnnie continued to serve others as a volunteer at the hospital, and visited former patients and church members in several local nursing homes. She enjoyed walking, riding horseback, the great outdoors and she especially enjoyed her summer outings at her beloved Canadian Lake home. Survivors include two sons, William C. McCullough and his wife, Lori, of E. Lebanon, Maine and Douglas T. McCullough of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; her brother, John I. Armstrong of Oakton, Va.; four grandchildren, Sarah Poffenroth and her husband, Trevor; Margaret Ellen McCullough, Marcie Yager and her husband, Stephen, Colin R. McCullough and his wife, Jennifer; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be announced at a later date and will be held at the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis. The Rev. Ann Rost will officiate. Burial will be in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis. Contributions may be made to The Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

ROSA M. SANCHEZ Brooklyn, N.Y. Rosa M. Sanchez, a self-employed interior designer, passed away Friday, October 1, 2004 at the Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn. She was 62. The daughter of the late Ramon Gomez and Ana Laureano DeChiara, she was born July 30, 1942 in Puerto Rico. Survivors include her husband, Alfred Sanchez at home; her stepfather, Louis E. DeChiara of Port Jervis; her sister, Estebania Badillo of Deltona, Fla.; two brothers, Rafael Gomez of Middletown and Louis DeChiara of Port Jervis; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Ramon Gomez and Jose Gomez. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Monday October 4 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 5 at the funeral home. The Rev. August Ricciardi will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Sparrowbush. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

DOROTHY F. HUFF Matamoras, Pa., Dorothy F. Huff, a retired school teacher for the Port Jervis School System, and a lifelong area resident, died Thursday, September 30, 2004 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was 88. The daughter of the late Louis M. Gordon and Mary Collins Gordon, she was born June 24, 1916 in Ogdensburg, N.J. She was the widow of Francis V. Huff. She attended St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Matamoras, Pa.; was a member of the New York State Retired Teacher's Association, and was vice chairwoman of the Erie Depot Society, Port Jervis; active member of the Presbyterian Players of the First Presbyterian Church; Dorothy was instrumental in acquiring the Erie Caboose as a Historical Treasure to be placed on Jersey Ave. in Port Jervis. After her retirement Dorothy maintained private tutoring for students. A family statements reads: "As an actress, teacher, musician, comedian, and a beloved spouse, mom and true friend to many, Dorothy Frances Huff fulfilled her role as a good and decent soul. She could never pass by a child without speaking a happy compliment or saying words of encouragement. She gave us inspiration, hope, and the courage to carry on in the face of adversity. "Dorothy will be so missed by those of us who love and treasure her company. We are happy to have had her in our lives, but deeply saddened by her passing. We hope and pray that Heaven will open its door to her and that she will find a genuine happiness there. "To Dorothy we raise our glasses of Scotch high in salute and say, 'Vel, so long!' We love you, Dot!" Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Myers and her fiance, Casimir Krol of Matamoras, Pa., and Carol Kraeft of Greeley, Pa.; one grandson, James C. Smith; one great-granddaughter, Brianna Phoenix; and several nieces and nephews. Private graveside services will be held October 2 at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Long Eddy. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Long Eddy. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Memorial contributions in Dorothy's memory may be sent to her family to be distributed to the charity of the family's choice, c/o Marilyn Myers, 806 Ave. L., Matamoras, PA. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com