Our Obituaries

Sheila M. Roberts, age 67 of Sparrowbush, NY, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 at her home. She was born in Montague, NJ, the daughter of George H. and Leila M. Quick Kurtz. Sheila worked for ten years at Spangenberg’s Grocery in Port Jervis. She retired as an assembler from Kolmar Labs, Inc., in Port Jervis and from Sanmar Clothing Co., as an order processor in Reno, Nevada. She married Henry R. Roberts who predeceased her. She is survived by her sons: Anthony Roberts and his wife, Kelly of Sparrowbush, Thomas Roberts of Fernley, NV, Mark Roberts of Port St. Lucie, FL; her daughters: Heather Roberts Ramsey and her husband, Aaron of Myrtle Beach, SC, Megan Roberts of Charlotte, NC, Melissa Roberts Brantley and her husband, Keith of Union, MS; her three sisters: Barbara Ogrodnick and Beth Morris, both of Sparrowbush, Nancy Howell of Port Jervis; her brother, George Michael Kurtz of Port Jervis; 21 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Julie Ellison and Betty Reilly; her brothers: Thomas, David and Daniel Kurtz. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Eatern Div., 121 Executive Dr., New Windsor, NY 12553. 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 knightauchmoody.com

Michael T. Hogan age 57 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Port Jervis. He was born on March 22, 1959 in Middletown, NY. Michael worked for the Electricians Union Local #3 in New York City, NY. He was an active member with the Port Jervis Elks Lodge #645, B.P.O.E. Michael married Susan Ann Panuto Hogan who survives at home. He is also survived by his son John Josd of New Jersey, his grand daughter Katelynn Josd of Warwick, NY, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ed and Ann Mother of Milford, PA, his brother in-law Robert Panuto and his wife Yongjing of Wurtsboro, NY, several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday, December 28th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Elks memorial services will be held 7 PM Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, December 29th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Rev. Vincent Odikanoro will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, nY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks, Port Jervis Box W, Port Jervis, NY 12771. 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 knightauchmoody.com.

Lovie Gentles, age 85 of Westbrookville, NY passed away on December 25, 2016 at her home. She was born on April 1, 1931 in Emmett, West Virginia. Lovie is the daughter of the late Alonzo and Katie Riley Swift. She worked as a hair stylist at Lovie’s Beauty Salon in Middletown, NY. Lovie is survived by her daughter Sharon Cash and her husband Rodrick of Mongaup Valley, NY; four grandchildren: Tosha Ramos, Richard, Rodrick, Jr., and Phillip Cash; six great-grandchildren: Kelton, Michelle, Thomas, Neviya, Nia, and Nyaira; her beloved nephew Donald Somerville; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 10:00-11:00am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. Burial will take place at Westbrookville Cemetery in Westbrookville, NY. Arrangments have been entrusted to Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.. For information. directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Margaret E. Slaughter age 74 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday, December 23, 2016 in Port Jervis after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 23, 1942 in Port Jervis the daughter of the late George W. and Margaret E. Kline Hankins. Margaret was a graduate of the Port Jervis Class of 1961. After graduation she worked as a bookkeeper for Rudolph’s Jewelry Store in Port Jervis. She retired as shift supervisor for Burger King in Port Jervis after 25 years. Margaret was a former member and Sunday School teacher at the Deerpark Reformed Church and a former Brownie Leader. She married William J. Slaughter, III who pre-deceased her in 1997. Margaret is survived by her three daughters; Elizabeth Adams and her husband Richard of Pond Eddy, NY, Lori Hosking and her husband Douglas of Greeley, PA, Victoria Harris and her husband William of Port Jervis, her four brothers; George E. Hankins and his wife Barbara of Goshen, NY, Bill Hankins and his wife Kathy of Port Jervis, John Hankins and his wife Dora of Port Jervis, Jim Hankins and his wife Marty of Hudson, New Hampshire, two grand daughters, Angela and Kristen, her grandson Douglas, Jr., several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister Marie Hankins. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday, December 27th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, December 28 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Rev. William A. Harris will officiate. Interment will follow at Westbrookville Cemetery, Westbrookville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the cancer charity of your choice. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Manuel Perry and his staff at the Crystal Run Oncology Group for their compassionate care shown to Margaret during her illness. 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 knightauchmoody.com.

Katherine “Katie” Innella age 93 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Place, Port Jervis. Katie was born on April 3, 1923 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Peter and Lillian May Conklin. She retired as a seamstress from Little Tots and Novelty Slipper in Port Jervis. Katie married Lee Shafer who pre-deceased her and then John Innella who also pre-deceased her. She is survived by several nieces and nephews including Gene Taylor of Huguenot, Patricia Roescher and Peggy LaChance both of Tennessee, Sharon LaChance of Florida, Barbara Besson of Middletown, Diane Babcock of Florida and Ronald LaChance of Westbrookville, NY. Katie was pre-deceased by all her siblings. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, December 22, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Patt Kauffman will officiate. Interment will follow at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, 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.

Steven P. Drapala, age 68, of Port Jervis, N.Y. passed away on December 15, 2016 in Middletown, N.Y. with his loving family by his side after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born in Port Jervis, N.Y. to the late Stanley and Odile Girouard Drapala on July 29, 1948. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Anna Giovanniello Drapala, their son Steven and his wife Ashley of Port Jervis, N.Y., two daughters Tina Machado and her husband Dito of Milford, Pa. and Suzanne Drapala and her fiancé Andrew Haniuk of Glen Spey, N.Y. He is also survived by Michael Drapala (Brother) and his wife Sandy of Bradenton, Florida, David Drapala (brother) and his wife Bernetta of Port Jervis, N.Y., Louise Limbacher (sister) and her husband Carl of Northport, N.Y. He is also survived by Mary Giovanniello (mother-in-law) of Port Jervis, N.Y. and his beloved Grandchildren Mia, Preston, Landon, Ryder, Paris and Peyton Machado, Skyler Haniuk, Audriana and McKenna Drapala who he loved and cherished. Steven also had several nieces and nephews. Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army’s Charlie Company, 1/5, 1st Air Calvary Division, in Vietnam & Cambodia, during the Vietnam War. He & his combat brothers discovered & took the largest arms cache (on May 5th, 1970, in Cambodia) ever discovered in the Vietnam War. He was awarded 2 Bronze Star medals. one was awarded for heroism & valor for his actions on March 8th, 1970. Steve retired from the Metro North Railroad working out of Campbell Hall as maintenance foremen. Steve was a member of the St. Mary’s R.C. Church of Port Jervis, N.Y. as well as an active member of the Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #161 in Port Jervis, N.Y. Steve was a fun-loving guy who people gravitated to. He was well liked and respected within the community. He was often the life of the party laughing and telling jokes & stories. He loved life & made the best of every situation. His joys were hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, and riding around town in his Mustang. But most of all, Steve loved his family and the time that he could spend with them. Especially his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. Their “Pop-Pop” was one-of-a-kind & he will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y. on December 18, 2016 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Prayers will be offered at the Funeral Home at 1:45 PM on Monday December 19, 2016. Followed by a mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Port Jervis, NY at 2:30pm. Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Jervis, N.Y with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made on Steve’s behalf to the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post #161 located on 47-51 Owen St., Port Jervis, N.Y., 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Earleen E. Ardler age 91 of Venice, Florida and formerly life-long resident of Montague, NJ passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in Sarasota, Florida. She was born in Fremont Center, NY, the daughter of Edward and Esther Fickett Emrich. Earleen worked as a beautician at the beauty salon of Ebba Pierce. She and her late husband owned a dairy farm as well as school busses which they each drove for Montague school system. Earleen also retired from Selective Risk Insurance Co. in Branchville, NJ as a policy examiner. She was a faithful member of the Minisink Reformed Church in Montague and a member of the Reformed Church Women's Group, a former member of the Montague Grange, a member of the Montague and Sandyston Seniors, a member of the Montague Fire Dept. Ladies' Auxiliary, and a member of the Port Jervis AARP. Earleen married John E. Ardler who predeceased her in 2008. She is survived by her daughter Karen Cherepy and her husband Louis of Venice, Florida, her son Karl Ardler and his wife Ann of Lakewood, NJ, her sister Gladys Clements and her husband Michael of Palm Coast, Florida, her two grand daughters Andrea Cherepy, Lora Cherepy and her husband Victor Oliveira, her two great grandchildren Liam and Olivia, several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 10 AM-11 AM Monday, December 19th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM at the funeral home. Rev. Ann Rost will officiate. Interment will take place at the Montague Reformed Church Cemetery, Montague, NJ. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For more information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knightauchmoody.com.

Carolee Berger Wilkin Munson born March 31, 1942 passed away October 26, 2016 after a two year courageous battle with cancer. Her husband Robert Munson predeceased her in January 2016. She was the daughter of the late Carol Berger (Hoskings) and Fred Willard Berger. She worked as an RN for over thirty years and touch many lives. Carolee had many interests, traveled the world, and was always looking for a new adventure but whenever she would speak of "home" it was the woods of Millrift, PA. She was a loving, loyal, strong, honest mother, daughter, wife, grandma, and friend to those that she knew and loved. She is survived by her Sister Sally Berger, daughter Melissa Wilkin Hathaway, Step Daughter Janine Munson Fenton, Step Son Robert J. Munson, grandchildren Noah Hathaway, Savannah Hathaway, Robert Knight, Yasmin Williams A graveside service will be held on December 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm to lay to rest her ashes and the ashes of her late husband Robert Munson at the Mil Rift Cemetery, Mill Rift, PA. 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 knightauchmoody.com.

Robert Munson, age 70, of Venice , Florida and formerly of Wallkill, NY passed away on January 2, 2016 at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida. He left behind his wife and best friend of over 25 years, Carolee (Berger Wilkins) Munson, who has since gone to join him in eternity. He is survived by his daughter Janine (Munson) Fenton and her husband Victor, his son Robert J Munson of Middletown, NY, stepdaughter Melissa Wilkins of Alabama, grandchildren Robert Knight, Yasmin Williams, Noah Hathaway, and Savannah Hathaway, and many close friends. Robert was a New York State correction officer for many years in Ulster County NY until he retired to Venice, Florida. He was a volunteer firefighter, served in the U.S. Army, was a member of the Shriners, and the Masons. He loved to cook, travel, play cards and had quite a passion for knowledge and adventure. He loved roller coasters, motorcycles, and hang gliders. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a big heart and loved to help others. He will be missed dearly. Graveside services for Robert and his late wife Carolee will be held 2PM Wednesday, December 21st at the Mill Rift Cemetery, Mill Rift, Pennsylvania. Arrangements ar bey 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 knightauchmoody.com

Patricia Anne Hulse, age 81, of Rio, NY passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was born on July 30, 1935 in East Orange, New Jersey the daughter of Harold and Alice Acton Cortright. Patricia retired as an assembler from Kolmar Labs, in Port Jervis. Patricia married Lowell T. Hulse on June 7, 1953, who survives at home. In addition to her husband she is survived by her daughter Sharon Siegel and her husband Stanley of Port Jervis, sons Lowell T. Hulse, Jr. and his wife Debbie of Stuarts Draft, Virginia and Douglas W. Hulse and his wife Denise of Glen Spey, daughters Peggy L. Tyler of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Laurie L. Hulse of Watertown, New York, and Patricia A. French and her husband Mark of Greene, New York; her brother Walter Cortright and his wife Donna of Floral City, Florida; her beloved grandchildren, Brian Siegel and his wife Melissa, Kevin Siegel and his wife Karen, Brandy Hulse, Lowell T. Hulse III and his wife Carol, Peggy Tyler, Dani Bonet-Hulse, Jessica Bonet-Hulse and her husband Youssef, Sarina LeMay and her husband Kevin, Sierra DeZalia and her husband Sean, Shawna Bailey and her husband Eddie, and Rebecca Hulse; her great grandchildren Emma, Johnny, Kate, Braden, Grace, Lowell IV, Cody, Allie, Azaleea, Michael, Samantha, Galexi, Mackenzi, Natalie, Wyatt, Dallas, Sean, Aniras, Colton, Ransom, Tarek and Aaron; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Patricia was pre-deceased by her brothers Robert and Carl Cortright. Patricia enjoyed writing poetry about her life and family. She believed poetry was a beautiful way to give and leave a little of herself. She was an artist of portraits, tole and country scenes in oil. She loved living in rural Rio with her backyard sanctuary for wild animals, including chipmunks and birds she fed from her hands. Pat was a very talented artist with a great love of nature and God. She considered God as the greatest artist and this was evident in her artwork and her life. She was a member of Guardian Angel Artists, a group of decorative artists whose mission is to give a spiritual lift to people who are going through difficult times by sending them, anonymously, a handcrafted angel. Above all, Pat had tremendous love for her family. Visitation will be held 11 AM-12 Noon Thursday, December 8th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 12 Noon at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home with Rev. Patt Kauffman officiating. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, 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 tknight-auchmoody.com.

Tina Marie Mahoney age 58 of Middletown, NY passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at her home. She was born on January 5, 1959 in Bronx, NY the daughter of Louis and Gladys Jordan Mazzariello. Tina worked as a Laboratory Technician at Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s R. C. Church in Matamoras, Pennsylvania. Tina married Michael J. Mahoney who survives at home. She is also survived by her son Michael J. Mahoney of Milford, PA, her four brothers, Michael Mazzariello of Dingman, PA, Louis Mazzariello of Milford, PA, Frank Mazzariello of Milford, John Mazzariello and his wife Evona of New York, NY, her three sisters Louann Auche of Newburgh, NY, Jody Mowery of Newport News, Virginia, Michelle Reinhardt of North Kingston, Rhode Island, several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 2-4 PM Wednesday, December 7th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Rev. Alfred Vito 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 knightauchmoody.com.

Julie J. Yerkes, age 57 of Cuddebackville, NY passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. She was born on September 17, 1959 in Albany, NY and is the daughter of the late Joe Gallo and Mary Lou Hadlick who survives. Julie worked as a LPN at Crystal Run Healthcare in Middletown, NY. She spent a lot of time in Florida on the beaches and was an amazing mother, person, and friend. Julie loved dancing, laughing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was always the life of the party. She married Mark K. Yerkes who pre-deceased her. Julie is survived by her two sons: Mark K. Yerkes, Jr. of Cuddebackville, NY and Ryan Yerkes and his wife Kelly of Cuddebackville, NY; one daughter: Shannon M. Yerkes of Glen Spey, NY; five grandchildren: Mark III, Zoey, Kendall, Julianna, and Riley, her three brothers, Joseph Gallo and his wife Kim, of Cuddebackville, Geno Gallo of Huguenot, Thomas Gallo of Port Jervis; her sister Renee Reed of Port Jervis, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved grand puppies. Visitation took place on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 from 3:00 - 4:00pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc 154 E. Main St. Port Jervis, NY 1277. Services will follow at 4:00pm at the funeral home with Rev. Paul Ansbro officiating. Cremation will take place at HG smith Crematory in Stroudsburg, PA.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Ida R. Lissner age 79 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday, December 2, 2016 at Twin Cedars, Shohola, PA. She was born on May 10, 1937 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Luigi and Marianna Vallone Cordisco. Ida retired as an assistant court clerk for the City of Port Jervis. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Port Jervis, a member of the Catholic Daughters, Court Madonna, #114, Port Jervis, and a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Port Jervis. Ida married Bartholomew “Charlie” Lissner who survives at home. She is also survived by her son Michael Lissner and his wife Krista of Sparrowbush, her daughter Jane Lissner of Dover, New Hampshire, her beloved grandchildren Christopher and Megan Lissner, her sister Janet Tyborowski and her husband Chuck of Matamoras, PA, her brother Richard L. Cordisco and his wife Beverly of Port Jervis, her brother-in-law Daniel Corcoran of Sparrowbush, her sister-in-law Mary A. Lissner of Grahamsville, her nieces and nephews, Dominic Cordisco and his wife Amy, Danny Corcoran and his wife Jeanne, Eileen Batzel and her husband Gary, Sheila Rodriguez and her husband Kevin. She was pre-deceased by her sister Elizabeth Corcoran. Visitation will be held 2-5 PM Sunday, Dec. 4th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Catholic Daughters will conduct services at Sunday, at the funeral home. Prayers will be offered 9:15 AM Monday, December 5, 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. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 46 Ball St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. 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