Our Obituaries

Donald W. DeStefano age 47 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Sunday November 27, 2011 at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY. He was born on January 5, 1964 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Donald DeStefano and Cordelia Conklin DeStefano. Donald was a Truck Driver for Yellow Freight in Maybrook, NY. He is survived by his Mother, Cordelia DeStefano of Port Jervis, 4 sons, Kristofer Michael DeStefano and his wife Kimberley of Havelock, N.C., Matthew James DeStefano of Chadds Ford, Penna., Joshua Richard and Jeremy Donald DeStefano both of Morehead City, N.C., his sister, Sharon Leonard of Fayetteville, N.C., his brother Michael D. Destafano and his wife Patricia of Glen Spey, NY, 3 grandchildren, Kallie Marie, Krista Adell, Kanly Rose and several nieces and nephews. A family statement by his son Matthew, read, "Everything happens for a reason, I believe that now. When one door closes another one opens." Friends may call Wednesday Nov. 30, 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 Thursday December 1 at 2 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. 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

Carlo F. Caputo age 63 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Sunday November 20, in Middleotwn, NY. He was born on November 19, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Frank Caputo and Rose Centrone Caputo, who survives. Carlo proudly served our country during the Viet Nam War with the U.S. Army. In his earlier years he worked as a Transit Clerk for the NYC Tranist Authority and later as a Shipping Clerk for Andmore Sportswear, Inc., in Port Jervis. He was a communicant of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, and a member of the Roosa -Fleming V.F. W. Post #161, Port Jervis. He enjoyed baseball and was an avid Mets Fan. He is survived by his Mother Rose Caputo of Port Jervis, 2 sisters, Rosetta Caputo and Frances Usischon both of Port Jervis, his brother Dominic Caputo of Middle Village, Queens, 2 nieces, Donna Rose Case and Theresa Eckert, his great nephews, Killian Case and Colton Eckert and several cousins. He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Kenneth Usischon. Friends may call Wednesday, November 23 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. The vigil wake service will be held Wed. at the funeral home. Prayers will be offered Friday November 25 at 9:15am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made to Roosa-Fleming V.F. W. Post #161,47-51 Owen 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

Helen Kestler Oyangen age 78 of Sparrowbush, NY passed away Sunday November 20, 2011 at her home. She was born on October 12, 1933 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of the late Charles and Emma Kran Schultz. Helen formerly owned and operated Sparrowbush Oil Co. with her late husband Al Kestler. She was a member of the Sons of Norway. Helen married William "Al" Kestler, who pre-deceased her and then married Harry J. Oyangen , who survives at home. She is also survived by her 2 daughters, Deborah Elliott and her husband Stuart of Boone, Iowa and Jane Kestler of Cleveland, Ohio, 2 grandchildren, Heather Eime and Bill Hitt, her stepchildren, Roy and Erik Oyangen of Schenectady, NY, Steven Oyangen of Boston, Mass., and Mona Oyangen Faggione of N.C.; 4 Step-grandchildren, Brian, Lisa, Anthony and Bridgette, and her cousin Horace Schultz of Port Jervis. Friends may call Tuesday Nov. 22 from 3-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 . Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 10:30am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY12550 or to the American Cancer Society, 419 E. Main St., Suite 307 B, Middletown, NY 10940. 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

Wayne E. Stevenson, Sr. age 85 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Tuesday November 15, 2011 at his home. He was born on July 13, 1926 in Port Jervis, the son of the late Harry H. and Ella Teeter Stevenson. Wayne was a retired Custodian for the Delaware Valley School District and the Milford School in Milford, Penna. He was a member of Delaware Engine Co. #2, Port Jervis Fire Dept. and a member of the Eldred Rod & gun Club. Wayne married Hazel A. Hallock Stevenson, who survives at home. He is also survived by his 2 daughters, Barbara Trotta and her husband Joseph of Port Jervis, and Patricia Crisafi and her husband Sal of Little Meadows, Penna., 2 sons, Wayne Stevenson, Jr. of Port Jervis, and Michael Stevenson and his wife Rhonda of Port Jervis, his sister, Helen Stucker of Port Jervis, 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Frank Stevenson, his 3 sisters, Marjorie Boyden, Nora Polanis, Josephine Murnan and his grandson, Joseph Trotta. Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, 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

BARNES Bennett H, 88, of Okeechobee, FL, formerly of Cuddebackville, NY died Wed, Aug. 10, 2011. Graveside Services will be held 1:30pm Sat, Nov. 19, at Howells Cemetery, Howells, NY. Knight-Auchmoody FH 856-3312.

Judith C. Quick, 71, of Port Jervis, NY died Sat, Oct. 8, 2011. Graveside Services will be held 3pm Fri, Nov. 18, at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Rev. Woody Mather officiating. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody FH 856-3312.

Dale R. Taylor age 48 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday, November 14, 2011 at his home. He was born on October 27, 1963 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Monty and Julia Phillips Taylor. Dale was a self-employed construction worker. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was formerly married to Pauline Roussos, who survives. He is also survived by his son, Travis Taylor of Cuddebackville, 3 sisters, Robin Buhler and her husband John of Goshen, NY, Peggy Johnson of Middletown, and Joanne Taylor of Port Jervis, 3 brothers, Monty Taylor and his wife Tammy of Port Jervis, Shane Taylor and his wife Laurie and Charles Taylor all of Port Jervis, his sister-in-law Vicki Roussos of Cuddebackville and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his son Dale Taylor, Jr. and his brother Brian E. Taylor Funeral services will be held Wednesday November 16, at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, Port Jervis. Rev. Stephen Huston will officiate. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made 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

Elsie W. Dean
June 6, 1927 - September 3,2011
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Formerly of Sparrowbush, New York
Elsie W. Dean (Jeanne) of Hilton Head Island, SC, and formerly of Sparrowbush,NY died Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, with her family and faithful cat, Noel at her side. She was 84. The daughter of the late Edith and Albert Walter, she was born in Queens, NY.
Jeanne married George Niles Dean on August 7, 1949 and moved to the Port Jervis area, later settling in Sparrowbush, NY. Jeanne and George built two businesses, a home where family and friends were welcome to gather and feast on Mom’s fabulous cooking, a legacy of commitment, hard work and love which was passed on to three generations thus far. Jeanne and George then moved to Hilton Head Island upon retirement. Jeanne was predeceased by George exactly 19 years to the date.
Survivors include her three children, David Dean and his wife Michele of Sparrowbush, NY, Sharon Briggs and her husband Allan of Cape Vincent, NY, and Sandra Entrup and her husband Scott of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Six grandchildren, Alyson Rutigliano and her husband Joe, Erin Dean, Scott Briggs, Sarah Peale and her husband Arthur, Dean and Mark Entrup. Three great-grandchildren, Slayton, Riley and Kira Peale. One sister, Edith Walter, nieces Marsha Greenman, Jacqueline Forte, and nephew Matthew Forte.
Graveside services will be held Saturday November 26th,2011 at 11:00 at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Sparrowbush, NY
Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771
Funeral arrangements by the Knight -Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St.,Port Jervis, NY for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Debra J. Theodore age 58 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday November 14, 2011 at her home. She was born on December 31, 1952 in Port Jervis, the daughter of the late Crawford and Margaret Durden Wheelus. Debra worked for Kolmar Labs, Inc., in Port Jervis as a Document Control Clerk. She was a member of the Neversink Valley Area Museum in Cuddebackville. Debra married Frederick C. Theodore, who survives at home. She is also survived by her daughter, Adista L. Theodore, at home, 2 sisters Betty Donnelly and her husband Russell of Sparrowbush, NY and Gayle Linnington and her husband Joseph of Morrisville, Penna. and several nieces and nephews. Debra was pre-deceased by her sister, Brenda Gillette. Friends may call Wednesday, November 16, from 10 -11 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. 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

Marian E. Beach age 93 of Warwick, NY and formerly of Tioga Center, NY, passed away Monday November 7, 2011 a the Schervier Pavillion, Warwick, NY. Marian was born on December 1, 1917 in Tioga Center, NYand was raised in Owego,NY, the daughter of the late Walter and Lillian Emerson Myers. Upon her marriage to the Late John Beach, Marian moved to Sayre Penna and lived there the remainder of her life Marian was a retired Registered Nurse at the Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY. She is survived by her son, John Beach and his wife Gayle of Milford, Penna., her daughter, Marian Louise Boutet and her husband John of Rochester, NY, 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral
Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Patt Kauffman will officiate. Interment will take place at the Tioga Point Cemetery, Tioga, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sayre Vol. Ambulance Corps, Sayre, Penna. 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

Mary J. Eisler age 81 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Saturday November 5, 2011 at St. Joseph's Place, Port Jervis, NY. She was born on May 9, 1930 in Dover, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Franklin and Susan Cherbrauck Mc Martin. Mary married Howard M. Eisler who pre-deceased her in 1989. She is survived by her long time companion, Dwayne Conklin, her 6 sons, Otto Banghart and his wife Blanche, Kenny Banghart and his wife Joyce, Christian Banghart and his companion Tara McCann, all of Port Jervis, Ed Mackerly and his wife Annette of Huguenot, and her husband Edward of Huguenot, NY, Joseph Drake and his wife Eddie of Texas and Ben Banghart; 5 daughters, Sue Murphy and her husband Edward of Huguenot, NY, Carol Gould and her husband John Ewing of Sneads Ferry, N.C.; Rose Antcliff of Port Jervis, Ethel Rossnagle and her husband Brian of Port Jervis, Mary Cramer and her husband Lee of Port Jervis; 34 grandchildren, several great and Gt. Gt. Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mary was pre-deceased by her son, John Banghart and grandson, Edward Murphy. Friends may call Wednesday November 9 form 9:30am to 11 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held at 11am a the funeral home. 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 tot he family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Edith V. Humphries age 100, of Yulan, New York , passed away Friday November 4, 2011 at The Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. She was born on October 4, 1911 in Barryville, NY, the daughter of the late Joseph A. Guenther and Frieda Meyer Guenther. Edith married Harold Humphries,Sr. on November 11, 1938 and has pre-deceased her. She is survived by her sister Viola Clancy of Verona, New Jersey, her sister-in-law Marion Guenther of Barryville, her nieces, Linda Anderson and her husband Ken, Helen Quick, Barbara Murphy and her husband Peter, Pam Clancy Thoennessin and her husband Rick, her nephews, Clinton Guenther, Jr. and his wife Maureen, and Ted Clancy and many great, and great great nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her son, Harold Humphries, Jr and her sister, Frieda Fleiger and Helen Liefert and her brother, Clinton J. Guenther. Private services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family. 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 tot he family visit knight-auchmoody.com

V. Edward Keshian age 88 a life long resident of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday November 4, 2011 at his home. He was born on June 24, 1923 in Port Jervis, the son of the late Arshag and Bayzar Bayneian Keshian. Ed married Elizabeth "Betty" Torpey Keshian who pre-deceased him. He was a retired Self-employed Real Estate Broker and Insurance Broker in Port Jervis. Ed was a graduate of Port Jervis High School and a graduate of Rutgers University. He proudly served our country during WW II with the US Army Air Corp. Ed was a member of the American Legion, Middletown, NY, Port Jervis Kiwanis Club, Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645 B.P.O.E., Port Jervis Lodge of Masons # 328 F& AM, Port Jervis Salvation Army, Port Jervis Chapter of the American Red Cross, He was a Director of the Pop Warner Football, and organized Pop Warner Football games between Port Jervis teams and teams from other areas. He was a Coach for the Port Jervis Basketball League, and a member of the Friends of the Port Jervis Library. Ed organized concerts and entertainment for fund raising for local civic and charitable organizations. He was also the recipient of many plaques and trophies for his organizational efforts. He is survived by his nephew, John S. Anooshian and his wife Cynthia and his brother-in-law Ara Anooshian and several cousins. Ed was pre-deceased by his sister Marion Keshian Anooshian Friends may call Tuesday November 8th, from 10-11am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made 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 tot he family visit knight-auchmoody.com