Our Obituaries

Catherine V. Kodgis, age 64, of Milford, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2008 at Newton Memorial Hospital in Newton, NJ.The daughter of the late George P. Williams and Catherine E. Stone Williams, she was born May 21, 1943 in Port Jervis, NY. She was married to the late Stanley Kodgis, Sr.Catherine was a Licensed Practical Nurse for Middletown Park Manor Nursing Home in Middletown, NY. She is a Member of St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Milford, PA.Catherine is survived by her daughter, Mischelle Kodgis of Milford, PA; her son, Stanley Kodgis, Jr., of Greeley, PA; several cousins, aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward J. Williams.Funeral services and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com or call 845-856-3312.

Lindsey Marie Antoinette Billman, age 15, of Port Jervis, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2008 in Port Jervis.She was born March 28, 1992 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of Peter and Denise Conklin Billman. Lindsey was a sophomore at Port Jervis High School and a former student at Trinity Catholic School. She was actively involved in many school activities; secretary of her sophomore class, member of the Varsity Volleyball Team, JV Softball, French Club, Interact, Drama Club, Peer Leader, SADD, The Women's School Choir, Whoosh Traveling Volleyball. Lindsey was a High Honor Student and member of the National Honor Society. She was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church and CCD of St. Mary's. Lindsey was a Pop Warner Cheerleader for the Port Jervis Little League and she volunteered her time to the Port Jervis Community and Bon Secours Community Hospital. She is survived by her parents at home; her maternal grandparents, William and Patricia Conklin of Port Jervis; her aunt and Godmother, Barbara Billman of Huston, PA; great-aunt, Elizabeth Gurski of Nazareth, PA; her uncle and Godfather, William Conklin Jr. of Port Jervis; aunts, Peggy and Lynann Conklin; cousins, Patrice and Arianna Munoz and Heather Conklin; and her extended family, Tracy and Michelle Margarum and children, Sue McDonald and her family. She had many friends "The Best and The Bad." She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Robert and Mary "Toni" Stellato Billman. A quote from her mother, "She was not only my daughter, but also my Best Friend."Friends may visit Tuesday, January 29 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. The vigil wake service will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 30, celebrating her life with a Mass of Christian Burial at 3 p.m. at St. Mary's RC Church, Port Jervis, NY. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lindsey Billman Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Denise Billman, 141 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com. 845-856-3312

Harry August Schildt, age 73, of Port Jervis, NY, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY.The son of the late August and Emma Haas Schildt, he was born in Queens, NY on July 11, 1934.Harry was a retired sixth grade mathematics teacher for the Port Jervis school system and at present a Tour guide for the Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, NY. Harry graduated from Stuyvesant High School in N.Y.C., and he furthered his education at Wagner College where he obtained his Master's degree in Education. He attended Brooklyn Law School for two years before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with the Army from 1957-1963.After discharge from the U.S. Army, he married his sweetheart, Dolores on September 26, 1959, in Zion Luthern Church in Brooklyn. Harry also attended Sullivan County Community College for three years taking the culinary program. He enjoyed cooking and baking and continued taking many different courses at Boces. He loved life and always wanted to learn something new. After retirement from teaching he joined the American Wine Society, and became active with the Brotherhood Winery. Harry enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife to many countries and most states and cruising to many destinations. He enjoyed wood working, music, playing his trumpet and taking organ lessons. He made the best wine and was called Mr. Fixerman as he could fix anything and everything. Harry was a member of St. Peter's Luthern Church, where he served on the Church Council, was Treasuerer of the Church and member of the Men's organization and usher for many years.Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores Boening Schildt (his beautiful bride) of 48 years. A loving son, Dr. Timothy Schildt and his wife, Susan of Albany, NY; two special grandchildren, Debra and Michael; his sister, Emma Bishon and her husband, Daniel of Flagler Beach, FL.; nephew, Kenneth Fritz; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Merriam Boening of Kingston, NY, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his loving son, Stephen Gregg Schildt, and also many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany.Visitation will be held Monday, January 28, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.Funeral services will be held Monday, January 28, at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place on Tuesday, January 29, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, NY.Arangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note, please visit knight-auchmoody.com or call 845-856-3312.

Commander John F. Hawkins of Port Jervis, NY, passed at Sugarland, Texas from complications of Alzheimer's. He was born July, 1917 at New Haven, CT, the son of the late John F. and Mabel Hawkins.John attended New Haven Schools through 9th grade and moved to Port Jervis in 1930. He graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1933, and enlisted with the U.S. Navy in 1935, training at Newport, RI. He joined U.S.S. Minneapolis CA36 in 1936, and served on and served on her until 1943 and saw seven major engagements in the Pacific. The Minneapolis had been stationed at Pearl Harbor since 1938 and was on patrol 7 miles outside the harbor on December 7, 1941, she was not attacked on that day. John was detached in 1943 to commission the U.S.S. Alaska and appointed Naval Officer Corps as Ensign. He saw four major engagements in the pacific on the Alaska. The U.S.S. Alaska was in the Yellow Sea at Tsengtao, China in an effort to ensure that the Nationalist Chinese under Chang Kai Chek would not be defeated by the Communist Chinese under Mao Tse Tung, when the peace treaty with Japan was signed.Following the war, John was trained in Mine Warfare and commanded a fleet of five sea going mine sweepers, and served as a Mine Warfare advisor to the Turkish Navy. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1963, moved to Port Jervis and taught Mathematics at the Port Jervis High School. He also served as Urban Renewal Director for the City of Port Jervis.John was a faithful member of the Grace Episcopal Church and served on the vestry. He enjoyed fly fishing and was a longtime member of the Fontenalis Fly Fishing Club, in Port Jervis.He was married first to the late Rachel L. Ray Hawkins and second to the late Sally Gillinder Cuddeback Hawkins. He is survived by his son, Richard Hawkins and his wife, Carol of Texas; two grandsons, Joshua and Daniel Hawkins; stepson, Samuel Mills Cuddeback and his wife, Meg of California; stepdaughter, Sarah Osmond Cuddeback Eagan and husband, Edward of California; step grandchildren: Elizabeth Mills Egan, Samuel Cuddeback Egan, Sara Storey Cuddeback, and Talia Storey Cuddeback; his sister, Jean Crine and her husband, Leslie of Port Jervis, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Harold "Kip" Hawkins.Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 26, at 12 noon at the Grace Episcopal Church, Port Jervis, NY, with the Rev. David Lee Carlson officiating. Private interment will take place at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Gene C. Parker, 61, of Port Jervis, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2008 at New York University Hospital, New York City. He was born on January 15, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY. Gene was a longtime employee of Veritas Therapeutic Community, Barryville, NY. He is survived by his wife at home, Catherine Parker; his son, Thomas and his wife Rebecca; his three daughters, Shannon, April and Angela; two sisters, Doris Joy and her life partner Judith Tracey and Madeline Langstaff; his extended family and friends; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilhelmina and Thomas Winters; and two brothers Thomas and Edward Winters. Friends may call Monday, January 21 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Prayers will be offered Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Matamoras, PA. The Rev. August Ricciardi will officiate. Interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Seminary, 201 Seminary Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com 845-856-3312

Lillian M. Paashaus, age 88, late of Port Jervis, NY, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY.Life-long resident of the area, Lillian was born December 14, 1919, in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late Russell and Molly Muller Schoonmaker. She married the late Paul H. Paashaus on August 5, 1944. Lillian was a Charter member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church, Port Jervis, where she was the Sunday school secretary, Sunday school teacher, and church pianist. Lillian was an accomplished seamstress who spent many years sewing for everyone in her family. She was a lover of music, books, and people.She is survived by her daughter, June Marie Quick and her husband, Everitt of Port Jervis, NY; her sister, Helen Phillips and her husband, Alvord of Port Jervis, NY; grandchildren: Walter Quick and his fiance, Penny; Kenneth Quick, Timothy Quick; Jeanne Stephens and her husband, Dennis; Paul Quick and his fiance, Sherry; and Rita Quick; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson, Joseph Quick; three sisters, and one brother.Friends may call Saturday, January 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 19, at 1 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Rev. Harry F. Paashaus, III will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Tammy L. Jennings-Torres, age 31, late of Middletown, NY and formerly of Port Jervis, NY passed away Sunday, January 13, 2008, at the Orange Regional Medical Ctr., Horton Campus, Middletown, NY.She was born on December 18, 1976 at Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Eugene Jennings, Jr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Southard Jennings.She is survived by her two sons, Michael C. Torres at home and Jeremy Magon of Port Jervis, NY; her father, Eugene Jennings and step-mother, Linda Jennings of Middletown, NY; one brother, Eugene Jennings, III of Newton, CT; two step-sister, Debbie Herbert and Stacey Smith both of Westtown, NY; two step-brothers, Mark Bolster of Fredicksburg, VA; and Ronald Bolster of Ganesvoort, NY; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.Friends may call Thursday, January 17, from 10-11 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Interment will take place at Wallkill Cemetery, Middletown, NY.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association Greater NYC Office, 149 Madison Ave. Room 701, New York, NY 10016.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Tammy Jennings-Torres age 31, late of Middeltown,NY and formerly of Port Jervis, NY passed away Sunday January 13, at Orange Regional Medical Ctr. Horton Campus, Middletown, NY. Friends may call 10-11am Thursday January 17 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home 154 E.Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. Funeral services will be held Thursday January 17 at 11 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E.Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Interment will take place at Wallkill Cemetery, Middletown, NY .Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY, 845-856-3312.
For directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com

Douglas C. Mason, age 81, late of Sparrowbush, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis.He was retired from the Erie Railroad, Port Jervis, and then later retired as Corrosion Technician for Columbia Gas Co., Sparrowbush, NY. A lifelong resident of the area, he was born in Sparrowbush on October 30, 1926, the son of the late John Mason and Freda Shock Mason. He married Marianne Holley Mason who survives. Doug served our country with the US Marines during WW II. He was an active member of the Men's Group of the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church; over 50-year member with the Sparrowbush Engine Co. 1, Sparrowbush Fire Dept; member of Port Jervis Lodge of Masons #328 F&AM, Port Jervis. Doug was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying the outdoors. He is survived by his loving wife Marianne Holley Mason; 3 daughters, Holly Townsend and her husband Jodi of E. Arlington, VT, Sharon Mason Judge and her husband Roger of Peru, VT and Michele Harrington and her husband Keith of Pawlet, VT; 2 sisters, Andre Zelno and her husband Ralph of Sparrowbush and Freda Moore and her husband Harold of Rio, NY; 1 brother, John Mason and his wife Madeline of Matamoras, PA; 2 grandsons, Jared Masker and Leon Townsend; 1 great-granddaughter Ella Masker Colon; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Conrad Mason.Graveside services will be announced at a later date. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. The Rev. Robert Mayer will officiate.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com 845-856-3312

Thomas G. Hoey, 53, of Port Jervis, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2008 at his home. A life-long resident of the area Tom was proprietor of the Sleep Shop, at Port Jervis.He was born in Port Jervis, NY on January 8, 1955, the son of the late John Hoey and Christine Gore Hoey, who survives. He married Emily Brewer Hoey. Tom was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, NY, longtime member of the Hawks Nest Hunting Club; and former member of Hose Co. #2, Port Jervis, Fire Dept., and was former Police Commissioner for the Town of Deerpark. A family statement read "Tom was a well-known and well-loved member of the community, with many friends. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, friend and a kind, compassionate man. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved and cherished his time in the woods and on the water, especially with his loyal and beloved retriever, "Abby". He is survived by his mother Christine Hoey of Port Jervis; his daughter Rachel Hoey of Brooklyn; his brother, Mark Hoey and his wife Jayne of Lucas, TX; his best friend Jane Albert at home, and their supporting family, Rick Frey and his wife Joette of Redding, PA and Michael Frey of Port Jervis; four grandchildren, Jake, Amanda, Alexa and Jett; 2 nephews, Michel Hoey and his wife Jaclyn and Daniel Hoey; his niece Kelsey Hoey; 1 great-nephew Jackson; his former wife Emily Brewer Hoey; as well as several aunts and uncles.Friends may call Sunday, January 13 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis. The vigil wake service will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Prayers will be offered Monday Jan. 14 at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's R.C.Church, Port Jervis. The Rev. George Hafemann will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.Memorial contributions may made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com 845-856-3312

Grace E. Lass, age 81, late of Port Jervis, NY, passed away Tuesday January 8, at Orange Regional Medical Ctr., Horton Campus in Middletown, NY.Grace was a retired coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H, in Middletown, NY.A lifelong resident of the area, she was born in Port Jervis, NY on June 3, 1926, the daughter of the late Daniel A. and Anna Van Eastenbridge Smith. She married William H. Lass, who survives.Grace is a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church in Port Jervis; member of the Deerpark Reformed Church Women's Group and choir member. She was a member of the Neversink Valley Grange in Huguenot, NY; former Cub Scout Den Mother in Huguenot; a 35-year Leader with the 4-H Club including the Horse Wranglers 4-H club, Port Jervis and the Neversink Valley 4-H Club.Grace is survived by her husband, William H. Lass at home; two sons, Daniel Lass and his wife, Elizabeth of Shutesbury, MA and William T. Lass and his wife, Pamela of Port Jervis, NY; two daughters, Bonny Lass of Godeffroy, NY, and Deborah Lass of Port Jervis, NY; six grandchildren: Mary Eberling and her husband, Edward, William J. Lass and his wife, Lauren, Meaghan Lass, Andrew Zenker, Alexa Lass and Julia Zenker; one great-granddaughter, Eva Eberling, and three nieces. She was predeceased by her sister, Christine Adams.Friends may call Thursday, January 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 11, at the Deerpark Reformed Church, East Main St., Port Jervis, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Ann Rost officiating. Interment will take place in Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY.Memorial contributions may be made in Grace's memory to the Deerpark Reformed Church, East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Vivian Dickson, late of Eldred, NY and long-time resident of the area passed away Tuesday January 1, 2008 at the Meridian Sub Acute Care Center in Wall, NJ. She was 94.Vivian was born on April 26, 1913, the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances Greening Vandermark. She was first married to the late Homer Head and second to the late Adrian Dickson. She was a member of St. Anthony's R.C. Church, Yulan, NY and a graduate of Eldred Central School, Eldred, NY.Vivian is survived by: her daughter Frances Head of Randolph, VA; a grandson, Thomas Mantos of Bradley Beach, NJ; a granddaughter, Marianne Mantos (with whom Vivian resided with) of Bradley Beach, NJ.A Prayer Service will be offered on Monday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral home, 154 E. Main St. in Port Jervis, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at St. Anthony's R.C. Church, Yulan, NY. The Rev. Anthony Moore will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Francis Cemetery in Narrowsburg, NY.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St. Port Jervis, NY for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com or 845-856-3312.

Mary J. Purtill age 73, late of Matamoras, Penna. passed away Friday December 28, at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY Mary was born on March 19, 1934 at Kingston , Jamaica, the daughter of the late Francis L. Casserly and Helen McCabe Casserly. She was a retired secretary for Kenneth B. Juechter, M.D., Bronx, NY. She was married to the late Joseph W. Purtill. Mary is survived by her son-John Purtill and his wife Regina of Matamoras, Pa., three daughters,Suzanne Fortunato and her husband Vincent of Poughkepsie, NY, Joan Chiodo and her husband John of Westchester, NY, Barbara Taggart and her husband Randy of Cold Spring, NY; six grandchildren, Joseph, Andrew, Michael, Louisa, Alena and Kristina. She is a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church. Wappingers Falls, NY. Milford AARP Chapter # 3455, Milford, Pa.; and a member of the Red Hatters Club. Friends may call Thursday January 3, from2-4 and 7-9pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY Prayers will be offered Friday January 4 at 9:15am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funral Home, 154 E. main St., Port Jervis, NY followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10am at St. Mary's RC Church, Port Jervis, NY Rev. George Hafemann will be the celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, NY Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Margaret A. Buhre, age 82, of Port Jervis, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2007 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus, Middletown, NY.Margaret was a retired advertising agent for the Tri-State Gazette and the Times Herald-Record for many years. She was born on October 4, 1925 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the daughter of the late Joseph P. Kelly and Mary Storrier Kelly. She was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Port Jervis and was married to the late George A. Buhre.Margaret is survived by her son: George A. Buhre III of Port Jervis; her daughter: Robin Badjun and her husband Richard of Ellenville, NY; her sister: Mazie Lewinsky of Secaucus, NJ; and several nieces and nephews.Friends may call Wednesday, January 2 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions, or to send a condolence not to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com 845-856-3312