Our Obituaries

Dixie Lee Masker, 69, of Matamoras, Pa., a retired Trimmer for H&M Knitting Mill, Port Jervis and lifelong resident of the area, died Monday, July 23, 2007 at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis.The daughter of the late Albert and Phoebe DeVore Robbins, she was born April 3, 1938 in Sussex, N.J.She was a member of the Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis.Survivors include her husband, Harmon Masker at home; two sons, Ron Masker and his wife, Anna of Milford, Pa. and Bill Masker of Matamoras, Pa.; six grandchildren: Kimberly, Karli, Kristin all of Regina, SK, Canada, and Tyler, Kyle and Alayna Masker, all of Milford, Pa.; six sisters: Peggy Hayes and Grace Carmody, both of Middletown, Joan Dubies of Port Jervis, Laura Potter of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., Betty Masker of Matamoras, Pa. and Margie King of Easton, Md.; three brothers: Albert Robbins of Fulton, N.Y., John Robbins of Keyville, Va. and James Robbins of Davie, Fla. and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Harmon Masker, Jr. and four brothers: Donald, Fred, Jack and William Robbins.Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 11 at 11 a.m. in The Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis. The Rev. Robert Cassidy will officiate.Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, Pa.Contributions may be made to The Drew United Methodist Church, 49-51 Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis.

ZaZa I. Van Tuyl, 93, a lifelong resident of the area and a homemaker, died Monday, July 23, 2007 at St. Teresa's Nursing Home, Middletown, N.Y.The daughter of the late Ira and Susie Conklin Turner, she was born November 12, 1913 in Conklin Hill, Pa. She was a widow of Howard Van Tuyl.She was a member of The Pond Eddy United Methodist Church.Survivors include three sons: Kenneth Van Tuyl and his wife, Joyce of Barryville, N.Y., Edward Van Tuyl and his wife, Marcie of Highland Lake, N.Y., and Roger Van Tuyl and his wife, Harriett of Barryville, N.Y.; 16 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Ernest D. Van Tuyl and three brothers: Donald, Harold and Irving Turner.Friends may call on Wednesday, July 25 from 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y.Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. Burial will be in Van Tuyl Cemetery, Hillside, N.Y.Contributions may be made to The Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, Pond Eddy, N.Y.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

Robert L. Blumhagen, loving husband, father, and grandfather, a lifelong resident of the area and retired from Grand Union Food Store, Milford, Pa. after 45 years, died Monday, July 23, 2007 at University Hospital, Newark, N.J. He was 64.The son of the late Christian and Dorothy Balmos Blumhagen, he was born October 2, 1942 in Sussex, N.J.A family statement reads: "Bob loved to collect farm equipment, tractors and antiques."Survivors include his wife at home, Lorraine Mineau Matthews; two sons, Chris Blumhagen of San Diego, Calif. and David Matthews of Homestead, Fla.; two daughters, Marisa Flynn and husband, Cole of Las Flores, Calif. and Vikki Hendershot and husband, Bill of Montague, N.J.; three sisters: Joan May and husband, Bill of Tallahassee, Fla., Janet Burtis and husband, George of Lander, Wyo. and Betty Knight and husband, Roy of Lady Lake, Fla.; five grandchildren: Christian and Daryn Flynn, Billy Hendershot, Chad and Summer Matthews and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Herman Wheaton.Friends may call on Friday, July 27 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Grieve officiating. Interment will be private.Contributions may be made to The Montague FD, Clove Rd., Montague, NJ 07827 or to the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, Branchville, N.J or the American Cancer Society.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.

Charles E. Nicodemus, a resident of Port Jervis for the past 20 years, formerly of Lancaster, Pa., died July 21, 2007 in Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, N.Y. He was 62.The son of Robert L. Nicodemus and the late Emma Pearthree, he was born May 16, 1945 in Lancaster, Pa.Charles was an Electrician for Local 414 in Reading, Pa. He was also a member of the New Milford United Methodist Church in New Milford, N.Y.A family statement reads: "Charlie's love of woodworking will be remembered in all his wonderful gifts to his family and friends. Our travels out West and down South brought him miles of pleasure to visit with family and friends. Charlie was a quiet man of great humility and love of God and country. He has left us many beautiful memories. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again."In addition to his father of Conestoga, Pa., survivors include his wife, Barbara J. Nicodemus, at home; two sons, Charles E. Nicodemus of St. Augustine, Fla., and Christopher Nicodemus of St. Simon Island, Ga.; three daughters: Joleen Nicodemus, Melissa Nicodemus and Maxine Nicodemus, all of St. Augustine, Fla.; two stepsons, Charles Morris and his wife, Heather of Bangor, Pa., and Donald Morris and his wife, Christina of Suwannee, Ga.; one stepdaughter, Danielle Sweezy and her husband, Richard of Pequannock, N.J.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth Wallick of Boise, Idaho, and Roberta King of Conestoga, Pa., and several nieces and nephews.Friends may call at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. on Tuesday, July 24, from 7 to 9 p.m.Funeral services will be held Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Duncan Trueman officiating. Burial will be in Penn Hill Friends Meeting House of Wakefield Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to Drew, Michael, Taylor Foundation for Needy Children, c/o 402 Rich Walter Ave., Shippensburg, PA 17257.Arrangements are by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.; www.Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Mary E. Norton, 78, of Matamoras, Pa., a homemaker and a resident of the area for many years, died Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the Milford Senior Care in Milford, Pa.The daughter of the late Frank Williams, she was born September 30, 1928 in Port Jervis, N.Y. She was the widow of Walter S. Norton.Survivors include one son, Walter L. Norton of Dallas, Pa. and one granddaughter, Sarah Norton.Friends may call on Tuesday, July 24 from 10-11 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 24 at 11 a.m. with Rev. August Ricciardi officiating.Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, Pa.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home.

Visitation for Joanne Clouse, age 64, late of Highland Lake, N.Y., will be held Friday, July 13 from 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony's R.C. Church, Yulan, N.Y. with the Rev. Anthony Moore officiating. Interment will take place at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Eldred, N.Y.Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or to charity of donor's choice.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Elizabeth "Betty" Orlando, a lifelong resident of the area, entered into rest on Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the Warrenton Overlook Health & Rehabilitation Center in Warrenton, Va. She was 78.The daughter of the late Irving J. and Gertrude Sparling Hughson, she was born July 12, 1928 in the Town of Greenville, N.Y. She was the widow of Antonio "Bub" Orlando.Betty was a retired Sewing Machine Operator for Mulhame Vestment Co. in Milford, Pa. She was a member of the Milford Bible Church in Milford, Pa., and attended the Drew United Methodist Church in Port Jervis, N.Y. She was a member of the Port Jervis Seniors; Port Jervis A.A.R.P., and life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tri-State Naval Ship #7241 in Port Jervis.Betty is survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by six brothers and five sisters.Friends may call on Tuesday, July 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Neal Windermute officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, N.Y.Memorial contributions in Betty's name may be made to: Milford Bible Church, Milford, PA 18337, or Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis, NY 12771.For information, directions or to leave a condolence note, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com

Michael Joseph Scully, 56, of Sparrowbush, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2007.Son of Betty Scully and the late Christopher John Scully, he was a beloved husband, intensely proud father, brother, uncle, and friend of many.He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Luverne; a son, Michael Jr. of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Christina Scully of Royal Oak, Mich.; brothers, Christopher J. Scully of Eldred, N.Y. and James Scully of Bakersfield, Calif. and sisters, Dr. Janice Scully of DeWitt, N.Y. and Barbara Scully of Burbank, Calif.Mike was a lifelong resident of the Port Jervis area. With his wife, he created, owned and operated the Port Jervis Diner and Scully's Restaurant. After selling Scully's, he worked as a cook at the Otisville Correctional Facility, a job he enjoyed immensely.Mike loved being outdoors, was a fisherman and wildlife enthusiast. Mike's courage, sense of humor, smile and spirit will forever inspire all who knew him. He has touched many over his lifetime with his generosity, compassion and dedication to helping others.Mike would have liked to thank his friends and family for helping him over the course of his illness; particularly Ed and Doretta Reiss and Marilyn Sigretto.In Mike's name, donations can be sent to The Joan Scarangello Foundation to Conquer Lung Cancer. This foundation commits itself to increasing awareness and funding research for the world's leading cancer killer, with a focus on non-smoking-related lung cancer. Contributions can be sent to The Joan Scarangello Foundation, 27 Union Square West, Suite 304, New York, NY 10003, phone: 212-627-5500, fax: 212-627-7594.Alternately, donations can be sent to the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark, 202 Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771.Friends may call at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. today, Thursday, July 5 from 2-4 p.m.Services and interment will be private.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. www.knight-auchmoody.com

Leonard Keyes, Jr., 64, a lifelong resident of the area, died Monday, July 2, 2007 at James J. Peters Veterans Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y.Son of Dorothy Smith Keyes of Port Jervis, and the late Leonard Keyes, he was born April 2, 1943 in Port Jervis, N.Y.He is survived by son, Leonard Keys III of Middletown, Damon Keys of Limon, Colo., Jr. Keys of Moravia, N.Y., and Michael Keys of Middletown; three grandchildren: Jr. Keys, Halle Keys and Alana Nicole Keys; brothers: Salih Talib (Robert Keyes) of the Bronx, N.Y., Nelson Keyes and wife, Paula of Queens, N.Y., Eric Keyes and wife, Deborah of New Windsor, Steven Keyes and wife, Nelly of Palmsdale, Calif., and Bryan Keyes of Port Jervis, and sisters: Diana Keyes of Richmond, Va., and Sheryl Beach of New York City. He is also survived by cousin, Edward Keys, Jr. of Port Jervis; aunts: Mary Keys of Port Jervis, Belle Fisher of East Orange, N.J., Helen Walker of New Bern, N.C.; uncle, Robert Smith and wife, Fran of Sumter, N.C.; cousin, Roberta Glinton, and family, and several nieces, nephews and other cousins.He was predeceased by two brothers, Michael Keyes and Gary Keyes; two nieces, Simone and Tiffany, and nephew, Kenny Beach.He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the 1960's. He was a member of the Wickham Methodist Church in Port Jervis and he worked for many years at Kolmar Labs in Port Jervis, as a cosmetic technician. Friends may call Thursday, July 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held Friday, July 6, at 3:30 p.m. in the Wickham Methodist Church, 32 Bruce St., Port Jervis, N.Y. with the Rev. A. Robin Martineau officiating. Interment will be private.For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Robert K. Felter, Sr., 93, of Basking Ridge, N.J., a retired manager for A&P and a resident of the area for many years, died July 2, 2007 at the Mennonite Home in Lancaster, Pa.Son of the late Frank Felter and Gertrude Quick, he was born July 20, 1913 in Forestburg, N.Y. He was a widower of Anna Mortimer Felter.He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during World War II. He was a member of Sparrowbush United Methodist Church, and member of V.F.W. Post 8745 in Whiting, N.J.Survivors include two sons, Robert K. Felter of Lancaster, Pa. and James D. Felter of Basking Ridge, N.J.; one daughter, Patricia Crawford of Sparrowbush, N.Y.; four brothers: Lester Felter of Port Jervis, Harrison Felter of Sparrowbush, N.Y., Fred Felter of Port Jervis, and Donald Felter of Sparrowbush; 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers: Richard Felter, William Felter and Frank Felter and two sisters, Effie King and Marie Cuddeback.Graveside services will be held tomorrow, July 3, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Pine Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Robert Mayer will officiate.Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, N.Y.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.