Our Obituaries

Janice "Jenny" Kolk age 53 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday March 23, 2012 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. Jenny was born on June 11, 1958 in Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, the daughter of Wiebe and Gertrude Scholier Dykstra. She was a registered nurse at the Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Ctr., Middletown, NY. Jenny was a faithful member of the Milford Bible Church in Milford, Penna. and a EMT with the Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corp. She married Ronald G. Kolk on March 22, 1980 and celebrated 32 years of marriage. Jenny is survived by her husband, Ronald Kolk at home, her 3 sons, Eric G. Kolk and his wife Debbie of Somerville, NJ, Michael Kolk and his wife Cissie of Louisa, Virginia, Brian Kolk and his wife Kayte of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, and a daughter Amanda Kolk at home. Jenny is also survived by her father Wiebe Dykstra of Butler, NJ and her mother, Gertrude Dykstra of Montague, NJ, 3 sisters, Chris Farber of Homer, NY, Ida Koetje of Caledonia, Michigan, and Sandy Ronco of Kinnelon, NJ, her brother, Hank Dykstra of Wantage, NJ, 6 grandchildren, Victoria, Kaycee, Abigail, Matthew, Kayden and Madelyn and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Sunday, March 25 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 Monday March 26th at 11 am at the Milford Bible Church, 110 Foxcroft Road, Milford, Pa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Milford Bible Church, 110 Foxcroft Rd., Milford, Pa. 18337. 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

Charles L. Curry age 89, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, passed away Wednesday March 21, 2012 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 31, 1922 in Matamoras, Penna., the son of the late Charles N. and Velma Smith Curry. Charlie graduated from the Matamoras High School and continued a four year machinist apprenticeship with the Erie R.R.. After a lifetime career he retired from the railroad industry as a Machinist Foreman. He proudly served our country with the U.S. Navy during WW II as a Fireman First Class on a Landing Ship Mechanized Vessel. He was a life time member of the Tri-State Naval Ship #7241, Port Jervis, a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the LSM Assoc. Charles was a charter member of the Hope Free Church in Matamoras. He attended the Minisink Reformed Church in Montague, NJ. Charles was an avid hunter, fisherman and woodworker. His garden gave family and neighbors a variety of produce throughout the years. Charles married Marilyn Frees Curry on February 8, 1947, celebrating 65 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn at home, 2 daughters, Eileen Dilger and her husband Dennis of Carlisle, Pa., and Marjorie Chase and her husband Gary of Milford, Pa., 3 sons, Daniel Curry and his wife Jane of Leesport, Pa., Raymond Curry and his wife Ruth Ann of Milford, Pa., John Curry and his wife Dorothy of Eldred, NY, 9 grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Danell, Becky,Charles, Morgan, Adam, Megan and Anthony; 8 great grandchildren, Gavin, Daisy, Jack, Connor, Caleb, Alexis, Aden and Landon; his sister, Marion Beyer and her husband Edward of Carlisle, Pa., his sister-in-law, Phyllis Curry and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Dorothy Daubert and his brother Douglas Curry. Funeral services will be private. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pike County Humane Society, 186 Lee Road, Shohola, Penna. 18458. 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

Virginia E. Ashworth, of Westbrookville, NY passed away on Wednesday March 14, 2012. She was the daughter of the late Daniel Clifford and Ethel Ashworth. Virginia is survived by her sister, Linda A. Bush and brother-in-law Dr. Parshall B. Bush of Athens, Georgia, nephews, Daniel P. Bush of Nolensville, Tenn., and Michael Hahn of Middletown, NY, and a niece Tina Lane of Port Jervis. Virginia was pre-decease by her sister Lois A. Hahn. Friends may call Tuesday March 20 from 10 am to 11am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis,NY. Funeral services will follow at 11 am at the funeral home. Interment will take place at the Westbrookville Cemetery, Westbrookville, NY. Remembrances may be made to the Westbrookville United Methodist Church, Westbrookville, NY 12785. for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Joey "AJ" Biccum age 58 of Montague, NJ and Port Jervis, NY, passed away Tuesday March 13, 2012 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. He was born on November 16, 1953 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of Delbert and Alma Norris Biccum. Joey was the Owner of AJ Biccum Stables in Montague and was a past member of the Monticello Horseman's Association. He was currently employed by Carpenters Union Local 279, Fishkill, NY. A family statement read " A proud father, devoted husband and loving son who always put his loved ones first. Joey was an avid gardener and a true outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. He was happiest in the kitchen with the smiles of those around him enjoying his food. He was a wrestling coach for the Montague State Liners and enjoyed traveling across the country with his sons. Joey was most proud when his sons' hands were in the air after a victory and this remains true with all of their accomplishments. A man of many words and witty humor, Joey was known to answer any question with a comedic metaphor. Joey had a way of inspiring those around him to do great things. He inspired his sons Joseph and Ryan to walk
their own paths in life. A soon to be Grandfather, Joey spent many days talking about plans for his granddaughter. Joey was an amazing husband who had selfless love for his wife Susan. They enjoyed spending their time laughing and talking about the little things. When they were together their love for one another could light up a room.
Together they truly were the definition of happiness. A lifetime resident of Port Jervis, New York, Joey could always be found smiling and talking with his hands around town with many of his friends. Joey was a social member of the Port Jervis Naval Ship and VFW 161, he will truly be missed. AJ married Susan Smith Biccum, who survives at home. He is also survived by his 2 sons, Joseph Biccum and his wife Nicole of Virginia Beach, Va., and Ryan Biccum at home., his parents, Delbert and Alma Biccum of Montague, NJ, 3 brothers, Gary Biccum and his wife Debbie of Glen Spey, NY, David Biccum and his wife Trudy of Matamoras, Pa., and Daniel Biccum of Montague, NJ, his mother-in-law Betty Smith of Port Jervis and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday March 17, from 2-4 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will take place at 3:30 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions 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 information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Michael "Uncle Mike" Trotta age 93 of Port Jervis, NY, Wednesday March 14, 2012 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. He was born on September 6, 1918 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Joseph and Rose Lombardo Trotta. Mike was a retired Hand Laster for Novelty Slipper Co., Port Jervis, NY. Mike celebrated 65 years of marriage to Mabel Lauer Trotta on July 14, 2011. He proudly served our country during WW II as a Staff Sgt. with the 747th Field Artillery Battalion, U.S. Army. He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, a member of Roosa-Fleming V.F. W. Post # 161, Port Jervis, a 73 year member of the Delaware Engine Co. #2, Port Jervis Fire Dept., a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645, B.P.O. E., a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Port Jervis, and a member of the Port Jervis Men's Bowling League. Mike was the last founding member of the Hawks Nest Hunting Club. He served as a former Alderman of the First Ward for the City of Port Jervis. A family statement read. "Mike was an avid Hunter, Fisherman, Golfer, loved gardening, and enjoyed playing softball and bowling for many years. Above all spending time with his nieces, nephews, friends and family, was most important to Mike. Michael is survived by his wife Mabel Lauer Trotta at home. His nieces and nephews, Pat and Nell Trotta, Sis Leeper, Joe and Barbara Trotta, Jim and Linda Trotta, Ann and Bob Lewis, Gerry and Mary Sacco, Jan Stevenson and Patrick O'Malley, Tisha and Butch Petito, Claudia and Jack Barry, his special nephew and best friend Chip Wilson and his wife Maura, his sister-in law Virginia Ridgely and her husband Louis of Bath, Maine. He was pre-deceased by his 2 sisters, Antoinette Wilson and Kay Sacco, 2 brothers, Dominick Trotta and Patsy Trotta. Friends may call Friday, March 16 from 3-7 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered Saturday , March 17, at 9:15 am 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. Rev. George Hafemann will be the celebrant. Interment will take place at Milford Cemetery, Milford, Pennsylvania. Memorial contributions 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 information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Warren A. Joergle, age 81 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Wednesday March 14, 2012 at Middletown Park Manor, Middletown, NY. He was born on July 31, 1930 in Liberty, NY, the son of the late Carl and Dorothy Stewart Joergle. Warren was a retired Produce Manager for the Port Jervis Grand Union Food Store. He married Dolores Pagano Joergle, who survives at home. He is also survived by his 2 sons, Carl Joergle , and Glenn Joergle and his wife Elisa, his daughter, Stacy Joergle-Gildea and her companion Richard Clapp, 3 grandchildren, Halle, Owen and Amber Joergle, his great grandson Adam King and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Marlene Knight. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. for information, directions or to send a condolence note tot he family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Carmella Cicerone age 84, of Milford, Pennsylvania passed away Sunday March 11, 2012 at Milford Senior Care , Westfall Township, Penna. She was born on July 21, 1927 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late Matthew and Lucia DeStefano Miglionico. Carmella was a retired Travel Agent for Joybar Travel Agency in Milford, Pennsylvania. She was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis for many years. Carmella is survived by her sister, Lucy Winters of Jupiter, Florida and several nieces and nephews including, Christine Hoey of Port Jervis, Marlene Jones and her husband Bill of Port Jervis, George Gore of Glens Fall, NY and Larry Gore and his wife Josephine of Queens, NY. Friends may call prior to prayer services Wednesday March 14, 2012 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Prayers will be offered at 10:15 am a the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis with Rev. George LaGrutta as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Ste. 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4060. 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

Marie E. Ponds, age 77 of Beach Grove, Tennessee and formerly a long time resident of Glen Spey, NY, passed away Thursday February 23, 2012 in Shelbyville, Tenn. Marie was born on December 13, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late William and Ethel Davis Daw. She was a retired clerk for the Port Jervis Grand Union. Marie was formerly married to the late Warren L. Ponds, Sr. A family statement read, " Marie had a smile that would light up our lives and eyes as blue as the summer sky. We will forever feel the warmth of her unconditional love wrapped around us in the beautiful crocheted blankets she made for her family. Marie believed as long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love she created is still here. Marie, you live on in the hearts of everyone you touched and nurtured while you were here. Marie lived a full life complete with laughter and sorrow. After the death of her son Bobby, she held onto each happiness of yesterday knowing it was a memory of tomorrow." She is survived by her 2 sons, Warren L. Ponds, Jr and his wife Ann of Huguenot, NY, and Steven Ponds of Smithville, Tenn., 2 sisters, Margie Wells of Long Island, NY, and Rose Schroeder of Eldred, 3 brothers, Larry Daw and James Daw, both of Tenn., and George Daw of Eldred, 8 grandchildren, Heather, Warren, Arianne, Lisa, Amiee, Julie,Kim and Louie, 8 great grandchildren, Austin, Tanner, Aiden, Stanley, Kyle, Robert, Regan and Griffin and several nieces and nephews. Marie was pre-deceased by her son, Robert R. Ponds, , her brothers, William and Arthur Daw and her sisters, Dorothy Daw and Frances Faljean. Friends may call Thursday March 8th from 2-4 and 7- 9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Graveside services will be held Friday March 9th at 1 pm at The Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey, NY. Rev. Richard Hotzler will officiate. 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

Marjorie J. Ranich age 87, of Sparrowbush, NY went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday March 5, 2012 at St. Teresa's Nursing and Rehabilitation Ctr., Middletown, NY. She was born on June 10, 1924 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late Sidney J. and Lillie McDermott Decker. Marjie descends on her paternal side from a long line of Colonial and Revolutionary Ancestors of the Minisink Valley, dating to the House of Windsor and Allington Castle in Kent, England. Her maternal ancestors immigrated to this country from Scotland and Ireland prior to the Civil War. She was an Honorary Member of the Wickham Methodist Church, Port Jervis, and a life time member of the Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis. She is also a 35 year member of the Old Mine Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Port Jervis, a member of the Dean Parker Chapter, Daughters of the Union, Lexington, Kentucky. Marjie was a local representative for Avon Products for 41 years. Marjie was known for her love of children, caring for them in her home for over 30 years. She was an avid reader,
loved geneolgy and a strong enviromentalist. She celebrated 43 years of marriage to Henry F. "Hank" Ranich, who survives at home. She is also survived by 2 daughters, Betsy DelSanto and her husband John of Boyd County, Kentucky, and Lorilee Gerlach and her husband Bill of Slate Hill, NY, her God daughter and niece, Nancy Koenig and her husband Peter of Port Jervis, a Special "Son" Tracy Sutera and his wife Jill of Otisville, 6 grandchildren, Cindy Stephenson, Greta Crank and her husband Chris, Michael Gerlach and his wife Katie, Jessica Petrovic and her husband Pavle, Kristen and Michelle Gerlach, 8 great grandchildren,Tonya, Justin, Ella Rose, Aaron, Abbie, Julia, Milan and Marko, 3 stepdaughters, Betty Backus and her husband Russell of Rapid City, S. Dakota, Elsie Barr of Winter Spring, Fla., and Judy Howey of Orlando, Fla., 5 Step-Grandchildren, Lisa, Charles E. , Charles, T., Melanie, and Sonja, 6 Step Great Grandchildren, her brother-in-law Robert Mills, 3 Sisters-in-law, Beverly Eldred, Marion and Carrie Mills, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Marjie was pre-deceased by her sister, Myrtle Fitzpatrick, 2 sisters-in-law, Lucille Conklin and Elizabeth Bloom, her brothers-in-law James Fitzpatrick, Donald and Richard Mills, Chester, Lawrence, and James Ranich, and her step-grandson Russell Backus.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 7 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 March 8 at 10:30 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. Rev. Robin Martineau will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wickham Methodist Church, 32 Bruce 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