Our Obituaries

Ryan M. McCann, 24, was taken from us unexpectedly on July 29, 2011. Ryan is the son of Michael and Melissa McCann, of Port Jervis, the brother of Cassandra, Nicole, Joshua, and Cody of Port Jervis, and the father of the beautiful Bryanna McCann and, yes, he snuck his name into hers somehow. He was our devilishly charming, steel-blue eyed, impulsive, wondrously kind-hearted, son, brother, and daddy. You left us without saying goodbye and we miss you tremendously.
He is survived by his family, at home; his grandparents, Harry (Brud) and Elizabeth Lynch, of Port Jervis, William McCann and Nancy Fine-McCann, of Broadway, VA., and Peter Osborne, of Easton, PA; great aunt, Joan Donahue of Port Jervis; aunts and uncles, Susan and Jack Scully, of Eldred, William and Sandy Lynch, of Prunedale, CA, Mary Grace Carlton, of Port Jervis, Patty and Brendan Hess, of Port Jervis, Tom and Gina McCann, of Port Jervis, and Megan McCann, of Broadway, VA; his companion, Kasey Ouellette, of Glen Spey; and numerous cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his special aunt, Marie Perkowski, his uncle, Michael Carlton, and his grandmother, Janis (McCann) Osborne. I’m certain Ryan and Uncle Mike are flying down Aunt Re’s hill on a sled, Aunt Re’s inside making hot chocolate and Grandma J’s writing it all down to work it into the plot of the next Great American novel she’s writing.
Ryan attended Trinity Catholic School through the 6th grade, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, and Port Jervis High School, where he graduated in 2005. He received a certificate in Basic Residential Electricity from Orange Ulster BOCES, and was last employed at Summit Research Labs in Huguenot, New York. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Port Jervis where he served as an altar boy, and received his first communion and his confirmation.
Always the inquisitive child, Ryan started out his school career at the age of 5 by pulling the fire alarm to see what it did. He found out quickly when all of the fire trucks arrived. It was the start of a long and lovely relationship with principal Carol Doll, who gave him the honesty award at his 6th grade graduation for always owning up to his mischief. His eyes were as blue as the sky and sparkled whenever he laughed, which we all did when he’d spin one of his grandiose tales. He always had a plan, or a scheme, or an angle that was going to be his ticket to getting out of here and making a better life for himself and his baby girl.
Always the impulsive child, he could run like the wind and often did. Sesame Place, Times Square, Disney World, our house, it didn’t matter, when the train stopped, Ryan jumped off, with or without us. He was kind to a fault and his heart was as bottomless as the ocean. He would do anything for anyone that he thought was his friend (which was pretty much everyone). He always remembered everyone’s birthday (and Christmas) and always found a way to give everyone a gift, even when he wasn’t really able to. He got the clerk to throw in the vase for the chocolate roses for Grandma’s birthday, and negotiated a package price for all 20 roses rather than pay for each one individually.
He loved a family party, and never failed to be the gracious host. His birthdays were a week long event, or so it seemed. One of our favorite memories are of the bread and butter hors d’oeuvres that Ryan painstakingly made and served to everyone at a family Christmas party at the age of about 7. I’m also fairly certain that was about the time he played what is locally the best “Fritz” the Nutcracker has ever seen.
He adored his mother and he was her boy. And he WAS a boy. He would walk across the top of the swing set 10 feet in the air as if it were a tightrope at the circus. To him it was a four lane highway and he was strolling down the middle of it, no fear, not a care in the world. His kindergarten teacher told us he would jump from desktop to desktop to desktop. They were the one-piece, combo desk/chairs that would topple over if you put too many books on them let alone a moving child. He never missed a step or a desktop, landing safely on the other side of the room on an unfortunately regular basis. He was like lightning in a hockey rink, and when he did fall down, his mom always kissed his skinned knees, bandaged his cuts, gave him a hug and a kiss, and forgave him for cross-checking. Ryan, we love you and we hope you’ve found peace.
Friends may visit Tuesday, August 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York, and are asked, if they would like, to bring a short note, reflection, happy memory or thought of Ryan and/or a small personal item to be included in a memory box for the family. Prayers will be offered at 9:15 am Wednesday, August 3 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 46 Ball Street, Port Jervis, New York, with Rev. George Hafemann officiating.
Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, New York.
Donations may be made to the family, c/o Michael McCann, 25 Main Street, Goshen, New York 10924, for the benefit of Bryanna’s education.
Arrangements are by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York. For directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family please visit knight-auchmoody.com

Robert J. DeGraw age 82 of Port Jervis, NY passed away July 26, 2011 at the Methodist North Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. He was born on January 15, 1929 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Harry C. and Ada Edwards DeGraw. Bob was a retired Glass Specialist for Gillinder Brothers Glass Factory in Port Jervis. He was a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis, and a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645 B.P.O.E.. He proudly served our country during the Korean War with the US Army. Bob married Marguerite Cleary who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his son, Douglas DeGraw and his wife Christine of Atoka, Tenn, his daughter, Theresa Summa and her husband John of Parsippany, NJ, his brother Richard DeGraw and his wife Diana of Port Jervis, 4 grandchildren, Scott, Matthew, Rachael and Jack, several nieces and nephews and his long time friend, Frances Card. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Harold Degraw and his sister, Rita Maney.
Friends may call Sunday July 31, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Ellks services will be held Sunday evening at 7:30 pm at the funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Monday August 1 at 10:30 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Ann Rost will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, att: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Tx, 75265-0309 or to the Friends of the Port Jervis Public Library, 138 Pike St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.,154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

Jay L. Ellis age 78 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Tuesday July 26, 2011 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. Jay was a retired Veterinarian Assistant for Lederle Labs, Inc in Pearl River, NY. He was an active ember of The Grace Episcopal Church, Port Jervis. He proudly served our country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army. He is also a member of the D.A.V., a member of The Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #137, Montrose, NY and the Sons of the American Legion in Waddington, NY. A family statement read " Pop loved to be around people and make them laugh, he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him." He married Mary Dostal Ellis, who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Diane Sebastian and her husband Rob of the Town of Greenville, NY, and Susan Clark and her husband Chuck also of the Town of Greenville, his son, Charles M. Ellis of Nanuet, NY, 6 grandchildren, 2 sisters Barbara Price and Shirley O'Neil both of Rome, NY, several nieces nephews, cousins and many special friends. He was pre-deceased by his Son Christopher J. Ellis, 6 brothers and 2 sisters.
Friends may call Friday July 29 from 9:30am to 10:30 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Prayers will be offered at 10:30am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 11am at The Grace Episcopal Church, Port Jervis, NY. Rev. David Lee Carlson will officiate. Interment will take place the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, Goshen,NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 2000 L St., N.W. , Suite 410, Wash., D.C. 20036. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Gary T. Ulrichs age 52 of Cuddebackville, NY passed away Saturday July 23, 2011 at Port Jervis. He was born on February 23, 1959 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Kenneth and Beatrice Southard Ulrichs. Gary was a self-employed Mechanic for Small Engine Repairs. Every Christmas Gary enjoyed donating gifts to the Cuddebackville Fire Dept. to be distributed to those in need. . He married Bonnie Sue Carey, who survives at home. He is also survived by his daughter, Melissa Ann Ulrichs at home, 3 brothers, Douglas Ulrichs of Huguenot, Robert Ulrichs of Sparrowbush, and Michael Ulrichs of Huguenot, his sister, Sharon Reyes and her fiancé Arthur Mann of Port Jervis, his mother -in-law Mabel Carey of Cuddebackville, and several nieces nephews. He was pre-deceased by 2 brothers Danny and Ronald Ulrichs. Friends may call Tuesday July 26, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held Wednesday July 27 at 10:30 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

David E. Gochenour, age 62, passed away Thursday, July 21st, 2011. He was a lifelong resident of Sparrowbush, NY and Mohican Lake in Sullivan County, NY. He was born June 6th, 1949 in Port Jervis,to Walter and Inez Clark Gochenour. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He was a past Chief and Past Commissioner of the Sparrowbush Dept. He was a member of the VFW in Eldred, N.Y.
David was President of The Mohican Lake Rod and Gun Club. He is survived by
his loving wife, Rebecca (Becky), his son, David and his wife Trinity of Glen Spey
his daughter, Lynn at home,and his granddaughters, Marissa and Hailey, his sister-in-law Karen Chromy of Latham, New York and several nieces and nephews.
He will be sorely missed by all of the lives he touched. He loved his grandchildren
more than anything. Private services are to be held by family. We will miss you
Pop! We will always carry your memories in our hearts.
Memorial contributions may be may to a charity of donors choice.
Arrangements by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port
Jervis, New York. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit Knight-auchmoody.com

Charles A. Helt age 86, of Hawley, Pa. and formerly of Port Jervis, passed away Tuesday July 19, at Milford Senior Care Health Care Facility, Westfall Twshp, Pa. He was born on August 11, 1924 in Paterson, New Jersey, the son of the late Warren and Catherine Fenwick Helt. Charles was a retired Cloth Carter for the Calvert Coat Co. in Middletown, NY. He proudly served our country during WW II with the U.S. Army. Charles married Marion E. Skinner Helt, who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his son, Michael Helt and his wife Terry of Hawley, Pa., 3 grandchildren, Michael, Jr., Andrew, and Rebecca, 7 great grandchildren, Jayden, Emily ,Michael, III, John, Julia, Kylie, and Nicole and several nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Ann Carol Vonderhorst Durland age 69 of Highland Lake, NY passed away Monday July 18, 2011 at her home. She was born on December 4, 1941 in Calicoon, NY, the daughter of the late Carl E. and Eleanor Williams Vonderhorst. Ann was a retired secretary for Kimley-Horn Associates for 17 years in Virginia Beach, Va. In her later years she was the Acting Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Highland, NY. Ann graduated from Rochester Business Institute and was a member of Professional Secretaries International. Ann always enjoyed her work as a professional secretary in both her careers. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved to knit and embroider, her family and friends have all been recipients of her work. In younger years she loved to go dancing,loved to bowl and loved Disney World. She has also been a friend of Bill W. for over 30 years. Ann loved her family....she loved life, and we will miss her. She was a member of the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Highland Lake Fire Dept.. Ann is survived by her daughter, Carol May Flynn and her husband Gary of Hurleyville, NY, her son, Nathan Coe Durland, III and his wife Tammy of Keeseville, NY, 6 grandchildren Tara, Shannon, Nathan,Rachel, Kylie, and Colin, her sister, Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst of Pond Eddy and 2 nieces, Margie and Becky.
Memorial Services will be held Friday July 29 the at 4 PM at the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, 122 Berme Church Rd, Pond Eddy. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pond Eddy United Church, P.O. Box 145, Pond Eddy, NY 12770 or to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh,NY 12550. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Mickilina McMahon age 79, of Port Jervis, NY passed away June 26, 2011 at Bon Scours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was born on September 30, 1931 in Summit, New Jersey. Micki was often seen in Port Jervis walking, no matter how inclimate the weather would be. Many times she would walk from Port Jervis to Milford. She survived by her many close friends and especially her landlords, Dan DellaVecchia and Jimmy Hillman of California, all who were so kind to her. Graveside services and interment were held at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY on Friday July 15, 2011, with Rev. Vincent Odikanara officiating. Arrangements were by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St.,Port Jervis, NY

GARY L. FREY
DECEMBER 3, 1947-JULY 4, 2011
SPRING HILL, FL
FORMERLY OF GLEN SPEY, NY

FREY, Gary L., age 63 of Spring Hill, Florida passed away Monday, July 4, 2011 at his home, with his loving family by his side Born in Port Jervis, NY he moved to Spring Hill 10 years ago from Glen Spey, NY.

He was a Supervisor of Structures for the New Jersey Transit Railroad, a Fire Chief for 13 years with the Lumberland Fire Company, former Boy Scout Leader, Little League Manager, a former member of the Elks Lodge in Port Jervis, NY and the Moose Lodge in Spring Hill, Fl, and Methodist by faith. Gary enjoyed golfing, fishing, and remained a lifelong fan of the NY Giants and the NY Mets.

He was predeceased by his father: William E. Frey and brother: William C. Frey. He is survived by his wife: Barbara; sons & daughters-in-law: Michael Frey of Spring Hill, Fl; Steve & Michele Brigham of Westtown, NY; Richard & Joette Frey of PA; daughter & son-in-law: Sheri & John Nicholson, Jr. of Culpeper, VA; mother: Iva I. Frey of Sparta, TN; brother: Larry J. Frey of Sparta, TN; grandchildren: Zachary & Kimberly Nicholson, Courtney Brigham, and Jake, Amanda, Alexa & Jett Frey.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday July 16, 2011 at the VFW Post 161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis NY at 2 o’clock p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HPH Hospice 698 South Broad Street, Brooksville, Fl 34601 Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Velma U. Trotta age 91, of Port Jervis, NY passed away Thursday July 7, 2011 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. She was born on July 26, 1919 in Port Jervis, the daughter of the late William and Christianna Livingston Flieger. Velma was a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis. A family statement read " Velma was "Nana" to everyone and was loved by everyone that she came in contact with." She married Pasquale "Pat" Trotta who pre-deceased her. Velma is survived by her son Pat Trotta and his wife Edith " Nell" of Port Jervis, her daughter Velma "Sis" Leeper of Port Jervis, her brother William Flieger of Cuddebackville, her sister, Joan Conklin of Port Jervis, her eight grandchildren, Sue Depew and husband Bob, Vicki Vicchiariello and her husband Mike, Mark Trotta and his wife Heather, Debbie Leeper (Gloria), Randy Leeper and his wife JoEllen, Brenda Leeper, Kenny Leeper (Mario), Bobby Leeper(Kim); 9 great grandchildren, Randy (Megen), Melissa (Mike), Bryan(Ariel), Nicole and husband Danny, Michael, Brittany, Steven, Olivia and Corey, her great great grandchild, Mia and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-ceased by her brother Russell Flieger and her sister Frances Amato.
Visitation was Friday from 4-8 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Funeral services will be today , Saturday July 9, at 10 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc, 154 E. Main St. Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Ann Rost will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of donor's choice. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Ellen T. Dayka age 83, of Glen Spey, NY passed away Wednesday July 6, 2011 at her home. She was born on September 11,1927 in Norwich, England, the daughter of the late John and Gertrude Carr. Ellen married John T. Dayka, who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Dayka of Glen Spey, her son, John Dayka of New Paltz, NY, 5 grandchildren, Anja, Gweneth, Matthew, Christopher and Allison and several nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in Norwich, England. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Ninetta German, age 84 of Eldred, New York, passed away Tuesday July 5, 2011 at the Sullivan County Adult Care Facility, Liberty, NY. She was born on April 20, 1927 in Clay City, Illinois , the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Dolly May Birget Scammahorn. Ninetta retired from the Cafeteria Dept. of the Eldred Central School in Eldred. She was a member of the North Milford Congregation of Jehovah's Witness, Milford, Pa. and she was affiliated with the Congregation of Liberty, NY.
Ninetta married Frank German, who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her 2 sons, Donald German and his wife Nancy of Eldred, NY, Fred German and his wife Mitzi of Hot Desert Springs, California, her daughter, Frieda Lehr and her husband Dana of Fayetteville, N.C., her brother Charles Scammahorn of Illinois, several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her 3 sisters, Mary, Hazel and Helen and 2 brothers, Norman and Glenn Scammahorn. Memorial services will be held Saturday July 9, at 12:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Shin Hollow Road, Port Jervis, NY. Fred German will officiate. Interment will be private. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.