Our Obituaries

Warren L. Gardner of Huguenot, N.Y., a retired supervisor at Otisville Correctional Facility in Otisville, N.Y. and a life-long area resident, died at home on December 27, 2005. He was 81.
The son of the late Warren A. and Hilda Brooks Gardner, he was born on October 10, 1924 in Marathon, N.Y.
Warren was a member of Calvary Bible Church in Port Jervis. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy. He served 22 years on the Town of Deerpark Planning Board, was a life member of Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #161, Port Jervis, a charter member of the Huguenot Fire Department, founded Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scouts Packs in Huguenot, and was a former member of the New York State Grange.
Survivors include his wife, Grace Gardner at home, his eight sons: George Gardner of Shreveport, La., Warren Gardner, Jr. of Milford, Conn., Reginald Gardner of Matamoras, Pa., William J. Gardner of Waterloo, N.Y., Wilson Gardner of Mechanicsburg, Pa., William Gardner, Paul Gardner of Cypress, Calif., Donald Gardner of Huguenot, N.Y., Cpl. David Gardner, U.S. Marines, Jacksonville, N.C., 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be private at the convenience of the family.
A memorial service will be held at a late date.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Bible Church, Huguenot Rd., Port Jervis, NY 12771.
For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com
Funeral Arrangements made by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York.

Jack F. Tedrick, a retired Licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor for the states of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, retiring in 1984 from the City of New York Department of Environmental Protection after 34 years of service and resident of Allen, Texas, formerly a lifelong resident of Port Jervis, died December 25, 2005 at Victorian Gardens, Skilled Nursing Facility in Allen, Texas. He was 87.

The son of the late Michael J. Tedrick and Sarah McCooey Tedrick, he was born May 7, 1918 in Port Jervis, N.Y.

He married the late Ann P. Delfino Tedrick on July 9, 1944. She passed away on January 7, 1990.

Jack was a graduate of New York State Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y., Class of 1940. He was a veteran of World War II, Tech. Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force. A member of St. Jude R.C. Church in Allen, Texas, he was a former member of Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Port Jervis. Jack was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 471, Port Jervis; member of Metoque Hunting Club; the National Rifle Association; the New York Civil Service Retired Employees Association; and the Port Jervis Country Club.

He is survived by one son, John (Jack) M. Tedrick and his wife, Susan, of Cary, N.C.; his daughter, Jayne A. Hoey and her husband, Mark, of Allen, Texas; grandchildren: Ryan Tedrick of Cary, N.C., Michael Hoey and his wife, Jaclyn, Daniel Hoey and Kelsey Hoey, all of Allen, Texas; niece, Allyson Malo and her husband, Bob; nephew, Warren Wagner, Jr.; brother-in-law, Warren Wagner; sister-in-law, Josephine Delfino Garguilo Freeman, all of Port Jervis.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Tedrick Wagner.

Friends may call at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. on Wednesday evening, December 28 from 7-9 p.m.

The Knights of Columbus will conduct services at the funeral home on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The Vigil Wake Service will take place at 8 p.m.

Prayers will be offered on Thursday, December 29 at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Port Jervis with the Rev. Sahayaraj Arokiasamy officiating.

Burial will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Allen, Texas; Knights of Columbus, Council 471, Port Jervis, NY 12771; or the National Stroke Association.

Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Muriel Meyer, a homemaker and lifelong resident of Matamoras, Pa., died Thursday, December 22, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, N.Y. She was 91.

A daughter of the late Lyall and Rissa Spangenberg Schaffer, she was born August 13, 1914 in Port Jervis, N.Y.

She was the widow of John P. Meyer, who passed away on August 22, 1994.

She is survived by one son, John Meyer and his wife, Patricia, of Matamoras, Pa.; one daughter, Carol Warren and her husband, Charles, of Billerica, Mass.; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Audrey Viserta.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be private.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. For information or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Savey J. "Sare" Orlando, a retired Police Sergeant for 39 years with the City of Port Jervis Police Department, retiring in July 1, 1982, and lifelong resident of Port Jervis, died Friday, December 16, 2005 at Belle Reve Nursing Facility in Milford, Pa. He was 90. The son of the late Frank and Rose Ziffino Orlando, he was born May 16, 1915 in Port Jervis, N.Y. He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis; member of the Port Jervis P.B.A.; a veteran of World War II, serving as a Chief Petty Officer with the U.S. Coast Guard, Aids to Navigation; and member and past President of the Port Jervis School Board. Savey was a baseball (shortstop), football (end), and basketball (guard) standout at Port Jervis High School in the early 1930's. He excelled at all three sports being named All-DUSO League in each. Later, after graduation in 1933, he would become one of the finest high school, college, and semi-pro basketball referees anywhere, and one of the few to hold an International License permitting him to referee in many different countries. Savey grew up on Lumber Street in "The Acre" during his childhood years. He was one of nine little Orlandos and was destined to be a good athlete right from the start. Savey used to wear a pair of "lucky overalls" to all the games. Once he left them home because Port was going to be eating at a high-classed place after an away game. Coach Al Chase wouldn't let the team leave town until Savey went home and put on those pants. He went home and put on those pants and Port won the game. Savey, although a player during the "bloos" days, was a big advocate of sportsmanship. Following graduation, Savey went to work in a shoe factory but found time to referee games in the Y.M.C.A. on Pike Street. The fun was coming to an end though, because civilian Savey was about to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard. He began at Curtis Bay in Baltimore in 1941, was sent to police school at Fort McHenry and to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. in 1942. Savey worked full time at the police station beginning in 1945.He is survived by his wife, Alice Stewart Orlando, at home; one daughter, Judith Anne Adams of Warwick; one sister, Patricia Coleman of Port Jervis; and one nephew, Gary Coleman of Port Jervis. Prayers will be offered on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 12:15 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 1 p.m. in St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, with the Rev. Dennis Dinan officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a note of condolence, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.
Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., Port Jervis, New York.

James Wong, a retired insurance clerk for the State of New York in New York City, and longtime resident of the area, died Friday, December 9, 2005 at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, N.Y. He was 75.

Son of the late John and Jennie Ng Wong, he was born October 19, 1930 in New York City, N.Y.

He is survived by five brothers: David Wong of New York City, Reginald Wong of of Los Angeles, Calif., Jack Wong of New York City, Raymond Wong of New York City, and Samuel Wong of New York City. He is also survived by his extended, and loving families: the Longwell and Fuller families; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers: Harley Wong, George Wong and Benjamin Wong; and his longtime companion, Douglas Longwell.

Friends may call on Thursday, December 15, 2005 from 4-8 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 16 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Rosemary Keener officiating.

Burial will be in Rural Valley Cemetery in Cuddebackville, N.Y.

For information, directions or to send the family a condolence, please visit www.Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Funeral Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., Port Jervis, N.Y..

Margaret "Midge" Riggs, a proprietor of the Unique Shop & Sales in Godeffroy, and longtime resident of the area, died Sunday, December 11, 2005 at her home. She was 66.

The daughter of the late Frederick A. Wendt, Sr. and Margaret Rennie Wendt, she was born September 10, 1939 in Queens, N.Y.

Midge was a talented artist, poet, and quilter. She enjoyed making her crafts and giving them to people as gifts. She also restored furniture in her spare time.

She was a past president and active member of "Pot pourri" on access 8 TV for 14 years with her own program. She was a Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Deerpark; Dog Control Officer and Activities Director for the Town of Deerpark; and member of the Board of Directors for the Port Jervis Deerpark Humane Society.

She is survived by one brother, Frederick A. Wendt, Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Charlton, Mass.; one sister, Roseann L. Crane of Godeffroy; and five nephews: Timothy, Frederick, Jeffrey, Scott and Eric.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions in Midge's name may be made to Port Jervis Salvation Army, Ball St., Port Jervis, NY 12771, or the Port Jervis Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. For information, directions or to send a condolence note, please visit www.Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Francis J. Weber of Glen Spey, a retired equipment operator for Sullivan County Dept. of Public Works, Barryville, and a life-long area resident, died Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, N.Y. He was 90. The son of the late John Weber and Margaret Fahlsbush Weber, he was born in November 17, 1915 in Glen Spey. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Conklin Weber, at home, two daughters: Joan Kearney and her husband, Robert, of Glen Spey and Ann Kestler and her husband, David, of Glen Spey; two sisters: Louise Greening of Glen Spey and Agnes Rhoades of Port Jervis; four grandchildren: Patricia, JoAnn, John and Matthew, three great-grandchildren: Kristie, Kaitlin, and Michael, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be private. Private funeral services will be held at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main Street, Port Jervis with the Rev. Anthony Moore officiating. Burial will be in the Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main Street, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lumberland Fire Dept., P.O. Box 91, Glen Spey, NY 12737. To send a condolence note to the family, visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

The Reverend C. Frank Tonkinson, a retired Methodist Minister of Sussex United Methodist Church, Sussex, N.J. and a life-long area resident, died at home on December 4, 2005. He was 90.

Son of the late Cecil P. Tonkinson and Frances M. Chamberlin Tonkinson, he was born on March 29, 1915 in London, England. He was married to Ada Dorothy Meyer Tonkinson.

Rev. Tonkinson was a graduate of Drew Seminary. He was a member of the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church where he was a former Deacon and served with the Methodist Youth Fellowship as a leader and taught Sunday School, was Minister of the Libertyville and Colesville United Methodist Churches in Sussex, N.J., acting interim Pastor at Pond Eddy United Methodist Church. When Rev. Tonkinson retired, he moved to Brooksville, Fla. to serve as the visiting Pastor of the Brooksville United Methodist Church, where he was a choir member and taught Bible Study Classes. He was a member of Port Jervis Masonic Lodge #328 F & AM, Town of Lumberland Fire Department, and a member of the Port Jervis Lions Club. Rev. Tonkinson was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. Rev. Tonkinson had a part in every wedding ceremony of his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ada Dorothy Tonkinson at home; one daughter, Lynn Tonkinson Brent and her husband, Peter, of Poughkeepsie; one son, Kenneth Tonkinson and his wife, Gloria, of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; 5 grandchildren: Laurie Brent Schiavone, Peter J. Brent, Jr., Michael J. Brent, Scott T. Tonkinson, the Rev. Gregory Tonkinson; 11 great-grandchildren: Maxwell, Garrett, Jacob, Nathan, Emmilee, Aubree, Ryan, Megan, Caden, Bailey and Malia, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers: Robert and John Tonkinson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 10, at 11 a.m. at the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, Berme Church Rd., Pont Eddy, N.Y. with the Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst, the Rev. John Dow and the Rev. Gregory Tonkinson officiating.

Burial will be in the Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey, N.Y.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, Berme Church Rd., Pond Eddy, NY 12770.

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

Louis E. DeChiara, a retired mechanic for ConEdison, Indian Point, Peekskill, and longtime area resident, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005 at the Florida Fish Memorial Hospital, Orange City, Fla. He was 77. The son of the late Louis and Louise Pigluiccia DeChiara, he was born September 7, 1928 in the Bronx. He was the widower of Ana Laureano DeChiara. He served his country during the Korean War in the US Army. Louis enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and the Foxwoods many times. Survivors include two sons, Louis J. DeChiara and wife Jackie of Port Jervis and Ralph Gomez and wife Nellie of Middletown; one daughter Estebania Badillo and husband Nelson of Deltona, Fla.; one brother Nathan DeChiara and wife Mary of Holly Springs, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Thomas Gomez, Ralph Gomez, Michael Gomez, Christopher Gomez, Jennifer Badillo, Stephanie Badillo, Jeffrey Badillo and Alex DeChiara; one great-grandson, Matthew Vlaisavljevik; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by daughter, Rosa Sanchez and two sons, Raymond and Jose Gomez. Friends may call on Monday, December 5 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis. A vigil/wake service will be held Monday at 3 Lp.m. at the funeral home. Prayers will be offered Tuesday, December 6 at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial will at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's RC Church, Port Jervis. The Rev. Sahayaraj Arokiasamy will officiate. Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush. Funeral arrangements were made by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Aileen M. Poje, a retired floorlady for Andmore Sportswear in Port Jervis and lifelong area resident, died November 30, 2005 at home. She was 89. The daughter of the late Frank Markle and Mary VanGorder Markle, she was born July 30, 1916 in Pond Eddy. She was a member of Sacred Heart RC Church, Pond Eddy and the Altar and Rosary Society and Lumberland Seniors. Survivors include her husband, Frank Poje at home; one sister, Veronica Adams of Seneca Falls, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Raymond Markle. Friends may call on Friday, December 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Sat. December 3 at Sacred Heart RC Church, Pond Eddy. The Rev. Anthony Moore will officiate. Interment will be at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Eldred. Funeral arrangements were made by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.