Our Obituaries

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