Our Obituaries

William J. Ashworth, a lifelong resident of the area, died Saturday February 26, 2005 at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y.He was a retired partner of J.E. Ashworth Sons Blanket Mill in Westbrookville, N.Y. and a retired general mechanic for the Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, N.Y.Mr. Ashworth was a member of the Westbrookville United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Westbrookville Fire Department, and a U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II with the 35th Sea Bees. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #1266 in Wurtsboro, N.Y. and member of the C.S.E.A.The son of the late Albert P. and Jessie C. Paterson Ashworth, he was born September 1, 1917 in Westbrookville, N.Y.He is survived by his wife, Leona M. Schlund Ashworth, at home; twin daughters, Marlene Roe and her husband, Robert, of Westbrookville, and Darlene Rassiga and her husband, Jake, of Westbrookville; and three grandsons: William Attreed, Brian Hogencamp and his wife, Dr. Toni Ann, and Dean Hogencamp and his fiancée, Jennifer Bunce.He was predeceased by a sister, Luella Ashworth.Friends may call on Tuesday March 1, 2005 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM at the Westbrookville United Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at 2:30 PM with the Rev. Louise Thomas officiating.Burial will be private in the Spring, with interment in the Westbrookville Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to: Westbrookville United Methodist Church, Box 242, Westbrookville, NY 12785 or Westbrookville Fire Dept., Box 263, Westbrookville, NY 12785. For information, directions or to send a condolence note, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

William P. Horan, of Port Jervis, a lifelong area resident, and retired coordinator for New York State at Albany, died Saturday February 26, 2005, at the Bethesda North Hospital, Montgomery, Ohio. He was 76.The son of the late Vincent P. Horan and Mae O'Malley Horan, he was born July 13, 1928 in Port Jervis, N.Y.He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was also a member of the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post #161, Port Jervis, the Gray Beards, and the Korean War Veterans Association.Survivors include his wife, Diane Berthiaume Horan, at home; one daughter, Karan Horan, Esq. of Cincinnati, Ohio; two brothers, Rexford Horan and his wife, Marlene, of Port Jervis and Robert Horan of Port Jervis; and several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his brother, Vincent Horan.Friends may call on Wednesday March 2, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y.Funeral will be Thursday, March 3 at 10:15 AM at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, with the Rev. Dennis Dinan officiating.Prayers will be offered Wednesday afternoon with Father Dennis as the celebrant.V.F.W. will conduct services Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM.Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, N.Y.Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.For information, directions or to send a condolence note, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

Mary Ellen Powrie, a retired housekeeper with Mercy Community Hospital in Port Jervis and a lifelong area resident, died February 26, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. She was 70.The daughter of John J. and Alice Leonard Powrie, she was born August 20, 1934 in Port Jervis, N.Y.She was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Port Jervis.Survivors include one son, Charles Powrie and his wife, Laurie, of Port Jervis; three sisters: Ann Powrie of Port Jervis, Agnes Masters of Port Jervis and Lorraine Seeber of Matamoras, Pa.; two brothers: Patrick K. Powrie of Tacoma, Wash., and Andrew Powrie of Westcoville, Pa.; two grandchildren, Kelsey Lynn Powrie and Erin Diane Powrie; and several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Powrie and Jack Powrie; and a sister, Agnes Monahan.Friends may call Tuesday March 1, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y., with prayers to be offered in the evening.The funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 2 at 10:15 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, with the Rev. Anthony Ignaci officiating.Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, N.Y.Contributions may be made to St. Mary's R.C. Church, 46 Ball St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.For information, directions or to send a condolence note, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

Angela M. Ricciardi, a retired assembler for A&W Products, Port Jervis, and lifelong resident of the area, died February 24, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. She was 88.The daughter of the late Donato and Maria (Petrulla) Ricciardi, she was born May 22, 1916 in Port Jervis.She was a member of St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Matamoras, Pa. and of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Port Jervis.Survivors include several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by six brothers, Mike, John, Tony, Rocky, Joe, Carmine and three sisters, Rose, Catherine and Millie.Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, February 28 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. and prayer services will be held at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.Prayers will be offered at the funeral home Tuesday March 1 at 9:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Matamoras, Pa. The Rev. August Ricciardi will officiate.Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

Vincent J. Dalesandro, a retired foreman for Bonded Film Storage in Fort Lee, N.J. and resident of the area for many years, died February 22, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. He was 80.The son of Anthony Dalesandro and Caroline Romano Dalesandro, he was born May 18, 1924 in New York City.He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church and a veteran of WW II, US Army.Survivors include his wife, Josephine Vento Dalesandro, at home; one son, Vincent F. D'Alesandro of Alexandria, Va.; two sisters, Jeannette Bruno of Queens and Adele Faraj of Boston, Mass.Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, February 24 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held today at 10:15 AM, Friday, February 25 at the funeral home followed by an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis. The Rev. Dennis Dinan will officiate.Prayers will be offered Thursday afternoon at the funeral home.Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Lyman E. Emrich, a retired superintendent for the Borough of Matamoras Municipal Water Authority, and lifelong resident of the area, died Thursday February 17, 2005, at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, N.J. He was 83.The son of the late Edward Emrich and Esther Fickett Emrich, he was born March 6, 1921 in Freemont Center, N.Y.He is the widower of Vivian Bode Emrich.A member of the Hope Evangelical Free Church in Matamoras, Pa.. He was also a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645 B.P.O.E., Milford Lodge of Masons #344, the Matamoras Rod and Gun Club, Slate Stone Hunting Club, N.R.A. (National Rifle Assoc.), the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post #161 in Port Jervis, and the Pike County Republican Committee. He was also a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army Air Force and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He was a tail gunner with the 447th Bomber Squadron, flying 13 missions over Berlin.He is survived by two daughters, Vicki Emrich Gokay of Matamoras, Pa., and Gwen Rutan of Palm Harbor, Fla.; two sisters, Earlene Ardler of Montague, N.J. and Gladys Clements of Milford, Pa.; his longtime companion, Leona Alein; four granddaughters: Emily Gokay, Elizabeth Gokay, Kristin Pereria, and Sarah Rutan; and several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by two sisters, Winifred Hansen and Gloria Foy.Visitation will be Sunday February 20, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y., with Masonic services to be held at 7:30 PM, followed by VFW services at 8:00 PM.Funeral service will be Monday, February 21 at 3:00 PM in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Grieve officiating.Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, Pa.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.For information, directions or to send a condolence, please visit knight-auchmoody.com. Funeral arrangements were made by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

Josephine Tunney, Co-Owner of Tunney's Lamp Shop, Sparrowbush, NY and a life-long area resident, died at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY on February 18, 2005. She was 81.The daughter of the late Natale Piccolo and Edna Crisi Piccolo, she was born April 17, 1923 in Highland Falls, NY.She was married to the late Joseph P. Tunney.Mrs. Tunney attended Most Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and was a member of Sparrowbush Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.Survivors include one son, John Tunney and wife Carol of Sparrowbush, NY; two daughters, Patricia Flannery and husband Michael of Monroe, NY and Margaret Tunney of Easton, PA; two sisters, Ann Ziffino of Port Jervis, NY and Mary Billman of Port Jervis, NY; one brother, Joseph Piccolo of Matamoras, PA; four grandchildren: Regina Peterson, Colleen Susta, Joseph Tunney and Colin Tunney; five great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.She was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas Ruff and Alfred Piccolo.A family statement read: "Josie loved working with antiques in and out of her business and conversing with others about them. She was a hard worker who had a terrific sense of humor. Above all was her love for her grandchildren and family. 'Love ya all the day."A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 21, 2005 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Port Jervis, NY. Father Antony Ignaci will officiate.Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.Contributions may be made to Ladies Auxiliary Fire Dept., Sparrowbush, NY 12780.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Michael J. Ogrodnick, a retired freight conductor for the Erie-Lackawanna Railway Co. of Port Jervis, and lifelong resident of the area, died February 16, 2005 at Carrington Place in Matthews, N.C. He was 81.The son of the late Joseph Ogrodnick and Sophie Babey Ogrodnick, he was born May 25, 1923 in Port Jervis, N.Y.He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis, the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645, B.P.O.E., and was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, serving in World War II.He is survived by his wife, Rose Ingrassia Ogrodnick, at home; four sons: Joseph of Port Jervis, James of Charlotte, N.C., Michael of Waxhaw, N.C. and Nicholas of Matthews, N.C.; one daughter, Linda Gilmore of Indian Trail, N.C.; one brother, John Ogrodnick of Matamoras, Pa.; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by one brother, Peter Ogrodnick; and three sisters: Annie, Katherine and Mary Ogrodnick.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 19, 2005 at 10 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, N.Y. with the Rev. Dennis Dinan officiating.Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, N.Y.Memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 23, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.For directions, information or to send a condolence, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com. Arrangements were made by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

Dorothy Mae Hamilton, a retired elementary school teacher and longtime area resident, died Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in Mesa, Ariz. She was 98.The daughter of the late John Middleton and Theresa Mae (Hooker) Middleton, she was born April 16, 1906 in Port Jervis.She was the widow of Lewis Hamilton whom she was married to for 62 years.She was a member of the Sanctuary of the East Valley Church, Mesa, Ariz. Music was a big part of Dorothy's life. She was very talented on the piano, playing for 90 years. Dorothy also enjoyed needlework and kept her mind active with acrostic puzzles. She taught grammar school in New Jersey for several years. She and her husband moved to Mesa, Ariz. in 1960.Survivors include Irene Hazelton and husband George of Port Jervis; one great-niece; and one great-nephew.Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 23 at 11 a.m. at Minisink Cemetery in Montague, N.J. The Rev. Angelo Farleo will officiate. Burial will follow in the cemetery.Contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

Isabelle M. Adler, a retired seamstress for Kaplan and Lipman, Co. in Port Jervis, and lifelong area resident, died February 14, 2005 in Holly Hill, Fla. She was 94.The daughter of Joseph Hoffman and Irma Edelkraut Hoffman, she was born October 7, 1910 in Passaic, N.J.She was the widow of Paul R. Adler.Survivors include one daughter, Marilyn Adler of Holly Hill, Fla.Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, February 21 at Minisink Cemetery in Montague, N.J.Burial will be held in Minisink Cemetery.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

George R. Mongrella, Jr., of Port Jervis, a dispatcher for J & L Taxi, Port Jervis, NY and a long time area resident, died Thursday, February 10, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. He was 52.Born in Newark, NJ on November 23, 1952, he was the son of George R. and Dolores Zarra Mongrella.He was the husband of Janice Vitiello Mongrella, who survives.Survivors include his wife at home, Janice Vitiello Mongrella; his parents, George and Dolores Mongrella of Bellville, NJ; two sons: Michael A. Mongrella and his wife Kaity of Port Jervis and Mark Mongrella at home; one daughter, Marie Grace Miles and her husband Charles of Port Jervis; three sisters, Theresa, Laure and Madelyn; one brother, Gerard Mongrella; his paternal grandmother, Theresa Mongrella; three grandchildren, Stacy, Jordan and Sarah and several nieces and nephews.Friends may call at Monday, February 14, 2005 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 15 at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis. The Rev. Antony Iqnaci will officiate.Interment will be private.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home Inc. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

Evelyn B. McPeek, a retired fashion designer and lifelong area resident, died Monday, February 7, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was 84.The daughter of the late Edmund and Ida Lewis Boswell, she was born November 18, 1920 in Paterson, N.J. She was married to the late Daniel S. McPeek Jr. who was District Game Protector for Pike Co., Pa.She was a member of the Matamoras United Methodist Church, the Tabitha Guild and the United Methodist Women of the Church. She graduated from Dunkirk High School of NY and Fashion Academy of RCA in New York City where she modeled and was a fashion designer. She later became an assistant teacher in the fashion designing field. While married to her husband, she also assisted him in office with the Game Commission.Survivors include two daughters, Carol Losee and her husband Dayne of Matamoras, Pa. and Joanne Reggio and her husband August of Deerpark; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Kelly, Jennifer Kurowski-Curan, Erik Kurowski, Richard Reggio and Nicole Reggio; five great-grandchildren, Erin, Danielle and Jamie Kelly, Cyrus and Faith Reggio; and several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by a sister, and one brother. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9p.m., Wednesday, February 9 at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 10 at the funeral home. The Rev. Glenn Scheyhing will officiate.Spring interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, Pa.Contributions may be made to the Matamoras United Methodist Church or the Matamoras Fire Department, Matamoras, PA 18336.For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

Brian E. Taylor, a utility worker for Gillinder Bros. Glass Factory in Port Jervis, and lifelong area resident, died Sunday, February 6, 2005 in the Town of Deerpark. He was 38.The son of the late Monty Taylor and Julia Phillips Taylor, who survives, he was born August 23, 1966 in Port Jervis.Survivors include his wife, Sabrina Samaroo Taylor at home; mother, Julia Phillips Taylor of Godeffroy; son, Brian Taylor at home; daughter, Kayla Taylor at home; four brothers, Monty Taylor of Port Jervis, Dale Taylor of Huguenot, Charles Taylor of Cuddebackville and Shane Taylor of Port Jervis; three sisters, Joanne Taylor of Huguenot, Peggy Johnson of Port Jervis and Robin Buhler of Goshen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, February 8 at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 9 at the funeral home. The Rev. Stephen Huston will officiate.Burial will be in Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville.Memorial donations may be made in Brian's name for his children, c/o Robin Buhler, 16 Orange Ave., Goshen, NY 10924.For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com