Our Obituaries

Ara Anooshian, age 88, of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday April 20, 2012 at his home. He was born on February 10, 1924 in New York , NY the son of the late Vartan and Perouz Sarkisian Anooshian. Ara was accepted as a member of the first graduating class of 1941 of the High School of Science, Bronx, NY. This distinguished school graduated several Nobel Prize Winners. Upon graduation, he enlisted during WW II with the United States Army. Ara's military service was recognized by the United States: "By direction of the President and under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, a Bronze Star was awarded to Private First Class Ara Anooshian 12190146, Company A, 54th Armored Infantry Battalion, United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States at Pellingen, Germany on 7 February 1945. When the main road into Pellingen was rendered useless by the enemy, Private First Class Anooshian, rifleman, as a member of a reconnaissance patrol, braved intense hostile fire to find an alternate route into the town and lead reinforcements to relieve a besieged forward element. His exemplary conduct reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces of the United States." After his military service Ara continued his education at New York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the school of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. Ara then attended New York Law School while working as an accountant. Upon graduation, he received his Juris Doctor and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1953 and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1954. In the mid 1950's, Ara began his solo law practice in Port Jervis as the Law Office of Ara Anooshian. He was later joined by his wife Marion as the firm of Anooshian & Anooshian and continued their practice until retirement. Ara was a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church in NYC, a member of the Port Jervis Lions Club, a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645, B.P.O. E., a member of The Port Jervis Library Board, and a member of the Orange County, Port Jervis, and New York State Bar Associations. Ara married Marion Keshian Anooshian who pre-deceased him on October 4, 2008. He is survived by his son, John S. Anooshian, Esq. and his wife Cynthia Ruggerio, Esq. of Haddonfield, New Jersey, his brother, Armen Anooshian and his wife Connie of Las Vegas, Nevada and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Alice Kassabian and his brother-in -law and sister-in law, V. Edward and Elizabeth Keshian. Friends may call Wednesday April 25, 2012 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Interment will follow at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Armenian National Committee of America, 1711 N St., N.W, Washington, D.C 20036-2801 (anca.org) or 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

Raymond F. Markle, Jr. age 65 , "The Mayor of West End". passed away Wednesday April 18, 2012 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. He was born on October 13, 1946 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Raymond F. Markle, Sr. and Florence McCreery Markle. Ray retired from Gillinder Brothers Glass Co., in Port Jervis, and was also a retired brakeman for the Erie R.R in Port Jervis. He was best known as the former owner and operator of Markle's Handy Corner Store in Port Jervis for many years, now called Buckley's Corner. He was an avid racing fan of the Orange County Fair Speedway and a strong supporter of Len & Jo's Racing Team as well as the Van Inwegen and Davey Werber Racing Teams. He loved to hunt with his family members and was a former member of the Mongaup Hunting Club , and an avid Mets Fan. He was a member of Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Port Jervis and a lifetime member of Hose Co. # 5, Port Jervis, Fire Dept.. A family statement read " Raymond always gave and never asked for anything." Raymond married Barbara Clarke Markle, who survives at home. He is also survived by his 2 daughters, Tammy Gegory of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Kimberly Markle of Port Jervis, 3 sisters, Helen Meloi and her husband Charles of Sparrowbush, NY, Catherine Fuller and her companion Tom Biondi of Port Jervis, Marie Woodruff and Robert of Mill Rift, Pa., his brother, Daniel Markle and his wife Karen of Pond Eddy, NY, 2 grandchildren, Kyle and Kayla Gregory and 2 great grandchildren Johnathan Gregory and Shayla Miller, and his close family friend, Davey Werber of Brewster, NY. Friends may call Monday April 23, from 4-7 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered at 5 PM, Monday, with Rev. George LaGrutta officiating. Firematic services will follow, conducted by the Port Jervis Fire Dept. . Interment will be private. 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

Dee Dee Backus, 68, a lifelong resident of Port Jervis/Greenville Township passed away suddenly April 13th, 2012 at home.
Dee Dee, a retired Minsink Valley School teacher, was born on June 16th, 1943 to Mabel Jaggie Shields and the late Kenneth David Shields of Port Jervis, NY. Dee Dee was a 1961 graduate of Port Jervis High School and a 1965 graduate of Oneonta State Teachers College – earning her degree in teaching education; a beloved passion she enjoyed for over 35 years.
Dee Dee was a wonderful passionate woman. One of her passions in life was the collecting and sharing of antique postcards of the tri state area. She belonged to the Half Moon Postcard Club and she chaired their annual international postcard show for over 30 years. Dee Dee had a tremendous love of local history and was always happy to share everything she had with others. Most recently she co-chaired a seminar at Orange County Community College of the Encore Presentation of local Port Jervis history.
Throughout the years, Dee Dee was actively involved in many community organizations. She was president of Minisink Valley Little League, Co-Chair of the Minisink Cares Program; involved in the Port Jervis Centennial Committee, Land of Lenape Historical Society, Shohola Railroad Society, past member of Orange County Antique Auto Club, Chaired VFW Post #3175 Memorial Day Services, chaired the Town of Greenville Assessment & Review Board. She was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church and most recently actively involved in the food pantry of St. Mary's Parish.
One of her latest loves was the flight of Vin Fiz. The Vin Fiz Flyer was an early Wright Brothers Model EX pusher biplane, that in 1911 became the first to cross the North American continent by air.
Dee Dee was an amazing woman, full of life and love for all. She was always there to lend a helping hand.
A note from her family – You have always loved us unconditionally. You have taught us to be the people we are today. Though this loss pains our hearts we are grateful for the time we had. You were the best Mom and Wife and we will miss you always. We love you so very very much.
In addition to her mother, Mabel Shields, her husband of 43 years, Edward L. Backus at home; a daughter, Bridgette and her fiance Anthony Barlotta of Port Jervis and a son, Brian, survive her. Friends may call Wednesday April 18, from 2-4 and 7- 9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered Thursday , April 19, at 9:15 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY , 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 St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. 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

Frederick "Poppy" Conklin, Jr age 78 of Port Jervis, NY passed away on Saturday April 14, 2012 at Orange Regional Medical Ctr., Middletown, NY. He was born on September 15, 1933 in Godeffroy, NY, the son of the late Frederick C. and Carrie Conklin. Fred was a retired carpenter for Local 279, in Newburgh, NY. He was a former member of Howard Wheat Hose Co. #, Port Jervis Fire Dept. A family statement read, " Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed spending his vacations with his family and grandchildren. He loved to watch his grandson Buck, perform his taxidermy talents a his taxidermy shop in New Jersey, he enjoyed babysitting his 2 great grandsons and spending time with all of his family." Fred married Lucille Mills Conklin who pre-deceased him. He then married Joan Nelson Conklin, who survives at home. He is also survived by his 2 sons, Scott Conklin and his wife Linda of Montague, NJ, and Gary F. Conklin of Port Jervis, 3 grandchildren, Amanda, Scott, and Tanya, his great grandson Landon, 3sisters, Henrietta Crawn , Cordelia D'Stefano and Lois Conklin all of Port Jervis, 2 brothers, Jessie Conklin and William P. Conklin both of Port Jervis, 2 stepsons, Duncan Wiltse of Port Jervis and John Wiltse of Milford, Pa., and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his infant son Dean Martin Conklin and his sisters, Margie Morgan and Elsie Oppelt. Friends may call Thursday April 19 from 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held Friday April 20, at 10:30 AM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. 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

Marie A. Roach age 83 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday April 6, 2012 at the Orange Regional Medical Ctr., Middletown, NY. She was born on December 31, 1928 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late Joshua Aber, Jr and Bessie Conklin Aber. Marie married John "Jack" Roach, who pre-deceased her. Marie retired as a stock clerk for Jamesway Dept. Store in Montague, New Jersey. She is survived by her 2 sons, Steven C. Roach of Port Jervis, NY and John Roach of Phoenix, Arizona, her sister Betty Ricena of Mifflinville, Pennsylvania and 2 grandsons, Jamie Brace and Zachery Roach. Services were private at the convenience of the family. Cremation took place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, Pa. Arrangements were 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.

Lillian M. McBride age 72 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday April 6, 2012 at Achieve Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility, Liberty, NY. She was born on November 8, 1939 in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Denzel A. Arnold and Sophie Zielazienski Arnold. Lillian married Ralph "Mic" McBride, who pre-deceased her. She was a retired seamstress for Andmore Sportswear, Inc., Port Jervis. Lillian was a communicant of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis. She is survived by her son Wayne McBride and his wife Gwen of Cuddebackville, NY, her daughter Brenda Quick and her husband Scott of Port Jervis, 6 grandchildren, Crissy, Rebecca, Andrew, Courtney, Cassie, and Travis, several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services were private at the convenience of the family. Cremation took place at HG Smith crematory, Stroudsburg, Pa.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis, Fire Dept., P.O. Box 1002, 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

Eileen V. Comfort age, 74 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Wednesday April 11, 2012 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was born on June 2, 1937 in Newark, New Jersey the daughter of the late Elwood L. Houston and Eileen Fleming Houston. Eileen graduated from Montclair State College earning her associates degree in cosmetology. She owned and operated Eileen's Hair Fashion in Nutley, NJ and later taught cosmetology at Bergen Tech at Moonachie, NJ. Eileen then worked for Mickey's Beauty Shop in Matamoras, Pa, until her retirement. She was a dedicated life member and Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tri-State Naval Ship, #7241, and the Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #161, both of Port Jervis. She was also a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645 B.P.O. E. Eileen was the recipient of many awards as a patriotic instructor for VFW Post 161 and the Post 7241. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Eileen is survived by her long time companion, Robert H. Gibbs at home, her son George Malizia and his wife Colette of Bergenfield, NJ, her daughter, Tamara Malizia and her companion James Curtin of Dumont, NJ, her sister, Barbara Frey of Middletown, NY, her brother John Houston of Montana, 6 grandchildren, George, Anthony and Alyssa Malizia, Andrew and Michael Capano and Mathew Gibbs; 10 great grandchildren, her niece Sheri Nicholson and her nephew, Steve Brigham and several great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Eileen was pre-deceased by her son, Leonard Malizia. Friends may call Sunday, April 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. The Tri-State Naval Ship and the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post, Ladies Auxiliaries will conduct services Sunday Afternoon at 3:15 pm at the funeral home. Elks services will be held Sunday evening at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Monday April 16 at 11 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Rev.Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, Pa. 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

MARINE CPL. HENRY FRANCIS “HANK” RANICH
March 3, 1916 - April 4, 2012
Sparrowbush, NY
Marine Corporal Henry F. “Hank” Ranich , age 96 deployed to Heaven to join his fellow Marines guarding the streets of gold on April 4, 2012 at Orange Regional Medical Center after a short illness.
He was born March 3, 1916 in Glen Spey, NY, the son of the late Henry J. “Joe” and Bertha E. Schwarz Ranich.
Hank began his musical career at a young age. He and his siblings were introduced to musical instruments at the Port Jervis Salvation Army, where they were given used instruments and lessons. He never forgot the lessons learned or the kindness given to him by the Salvation Army both in PJ and during his service with the Marines in the Pacific Theatre during WW 2. While serving in Japan, he was present soon after the Atom Bomb was dropped and often spoke of the gratitude of the Japanese refugees for the help extended to them by the US Marines. He remained faithful to the Marine Corp. and all other Veterans by playing taps at funerals and memorial services whenever requested.
Hank was a member of Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis for over 80 years; an Honorary member of Wickham Church, Port Jervis, where he remained active until his recent illness; the VFW and was instrumental in the organization of the Tri-State Naval Ship, Port Jervis, established in 1946. He was considered the Founding Father of the Broome St. Traveling All-Star Band, marching in parades, attending weekly practices and tutoring and training children. He and his wife of 43 years, Marjie who pre-deceased him on March 5, 2012 directed the children’s choir at Drew Church for many years.
Hank is survived by five daughters, Betty Anne Ranich Backus and her husband, Russell of Rapid City, So. Dakota, Judy Anne Ranich Howey, of Orlando, Florida, Elsie Anne Ranich Barr of Winter Springs, Florida, Lorilee Frances Ranich Gerlach and her husband, Bill of Slate Hill, NY and Betsy Mills DelSanto and her husband, John of Boyd County, KY. A special “son” Tracy Sutera and his wife Jill of Otisville, NY. A special Niece Nancy F. Koenig and her husband Peter of Port Jervis.
Eleven grandchildren, Lisa Barr Ciolkosz and her husband, Michael, St. Cloud, Fl., Charles E. Barr Jr., Orlando, Fl., Charles T. Howey Jr., Orlando, Fl., Melanie Howey Hagan, Winter Springs, Fl., Sonya Howey Danner and her husband Scott, Denham Springs, LA., Cynthia DelSanto Stephenson, Loch Sheldrake, NY, Greta DelSanto Crank and her husband Chris, Grayson, KY, Michael Gerlach and his wife, Katie, Sparrowbush, NY, Jessica Gerlach Petrovic and her husband Pavle, Toronto, Ontario Canada, Kristen and Michelle Gerlach, Middletown, NY.
Fourteen great-grandchildren, AJ and Brittney Carter, Travis Costello and Christopher Ciolkosz, Brandon and Mariah Danner, Julia Gerlach, Milan and Marko Petrovic, Tonya Ward, Justin Wishart, Ella Rose Detzauer, Aaron and Abbie Crank and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Hank was pre-deceased by his Grandson Russell Robert Backus; three brothers, Chester and his wife Jennie; Laurence and his wife Eileen; James and his wife Helen; his sister, Elizabeth Ranich and her husband Carl Bloom; and his Sister-in-law Myrtle and her husband Jim Fitzpatrick.
Friends may call Tuesday April 10 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held
Wednesday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m, at the funeral home. Rev. Robin Martineau will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wickham Methodist Church, 32 Bruce St. Port Jervis, NY 12771.
Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Walter H. Hoffman age, 89 of Cuddebackville, NY passed away Wednesday April 4, 2012 at the Orange Regional Medical Ctr., Middletown, NY. He was born on June 18, 1922 in the Town of Greenville, NY, the son of the late Charles and Alberta Rowe Hoffman. Walter was a retired Dairy Farmer and also a retired Shipping Supervisor for Jonas Haies Plumbing Supply Co, in Middletown, NY. He was a past member of the Cuddebackville Sportsman Association, a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose #2036 , Town of Mamakating, a member of the New York State Dairyman's League, a Past Fire Commissioner for the Cuddebackville Fire Dept., and a former member and Trustee of the Cuddebackville School Board. Walter married Olive Culver Hoffman, who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his son, Wayne Hoffman of Cuddebackville, 2 Daughters, Donna Nolte and her husband Richard of Valley Cottage, NY, and Sharon Breitweiser and her husband Frank of Cuddebackville, NY, his sister, Vivian Benjamin of Westbrookville, 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Gregory, Frank, Tim, Andy, Shawn, Annie, Katie, Stephanie and Walter, 18 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Walter was pre-deceased by his brother, Ralph Hoffman. Friends may call Monday April 9th form 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 10 at 10:30 AM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.,. Rev. Robert Elliott of the Milford Bible Church will officiate. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of Donor's Choice. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information,directions or to send a condolence note tot he family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Hélène Walder Smith, Westfall twp., Pa., died peacefully at home on April 4, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was 100 years old.
Born in Bronx, NY, on April 2, 1912, to Swiss natives Paul and Hélène (Borner) Walder, she was raised in the Bronx and later Danville, Pa., where she graduated from Danville High School in 1931. She received her Bachelor's degree in teaching from Beaver College (Arcadia University) in 1935. While attending Beaver College, she was involved in the Glee Club, the French Club, the Beaver College Review, the May Day Committee, and was House President. She spoke often her time there, and had many wonderful memories. She was awarded the Theodora Proser scholarship for music study in Philadelphia, where she appeared on radio and on stage. She continued her studies at Penn State and was just a few credits shy of a Master's degree. It was there she met her fellow student and future husband, Dr. J. Glenn Smith, Ed.D., in 1938. They were married in 1941.
Hélène taught French and English at several small schools before moving with her husband to Wilkinsburg, where she taught at the Monroeville Jr. High for 14 years. She was also a professional soloist with a beautiful voice. Glenn and Hélène retired to Westfall in 1985.
Hélène was a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Philanthropic and Educational Organization, the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (past president), and the Order of the Eastern Star. She volunteered at The Columns in Milford, the Neversink Museum, and the Lunch Bunch. She loved singing, sewing, playing bridge, baking, entertaining, and enjoying her flower garden.
Surviving are her two daughters: Linda Timm, her caregiver and with whom she resided, and Hélène Shippen and son-in-law Richard Shippen, of NJ; four grandchildren: Reid Shippen and wife Stephanie, TN; Dr. Heather Cianciola and husband Dr. James, MO; Christi Timm and James Timm of Westfall; three great-grandchildren: Eleanor and Avery Shippen, and Evan Cianciola; two nieces and a nephew and their families: Sandy Schoenholtz, Alex Walder, and Pam Camishion; many relatives across this nation and in Switzerland, in particular four cousins and their families: Russ Borner, Dot Duncan, Rosie Meerbott, and Ed Walder; and numerous wonderful friends and neighbors, especially Keith and Pat Startup and Audrita Rybak.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; her doting brother, Paul Walder Jr.; her dear sister, Marge Walder; sisters-in-law, Marian Martin and Wilma Linkey Walder; son-in-law, Marvin Timm; and infant grandson, Glenn Shippen.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Compassionate Care Hospice, in particular to Liz, Katrina, and LaJoyce, and to Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Kauffman.
Funeral services at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home will be announced at a later date, with the Rev. Robert Elliott, Milford Bible Church, officiating. Interment will be in the Forty-Fort Cemetery, Forty-Fort, Pa., at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Arcadia University (450 S. Easton Rd., Glenside, Pa., 19038), The Columns Museum (308 Broad St., Milford, Pa., 18337), the Humane Society of Pike Co. (PO Box 255, Milford, Pa., 18337), or to the Westfall Twp. Vol. Fire Dept (PO Box 154, Matamoras, Pa. 18336). 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