Our Obituaries

Lowell Thomas Hulse passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at his home in Rio, NY. He was born on December 31, 1931 in Cahoonzie, New York the son of Harry and Blanche King Hulse. Lowell retired as a self-employed painter, wallpaper hanger, and builder with L.T. Hulse Contracting. Lowell married Patricia Anne Cortright Hulse on June 7, 1953, the love of his life, who died on December 6, 2016. Lowell is survived by their six children Sharon E. Siegel and her husband Stanley of Port Jervis, Lowell T. Hulse, Jr. and his wife Debbie of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, Peggy L. Tyler of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Laurie L. Hulse of Watertown, New York, Patricia A. French and her husband Mark of Greene, New York, and Douglas W. Hulse and his wife Denise of Glen Spey; his brother Richard Hulse of Greenville,Tennessee; their 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; his great grandchildren Emma, Johnny, Kate, Braden, Grace, Lowell IV, Cody, Allie, Azaleea, Michael, Samantha, Galexi, Mackenzi, Natalie, Wyatt, Dallas, Sean, Aniras, Colton, Elliot, Ransom, Tarek and Aaron; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lowell was pre-deceased by 11 of his siblings Henry Hulse, Wilton Hulse, Elizabeth Hulse Tidd, Millard Hulse, Douglas Hulse, Doris Hulse Beck, Gladys Hulse Harford, James Hulse, Leonard Hulse, Mildred Hulse O’Connor, and Olive Hulse Fitzpatrick. Lowell was a veteran of the Korean War, stationed in Pusan, Korea, serving with the US Army. He was a Life Member of VFW Post 161 and James C. Bilz American Legion Post 685. He loved his family and his country deeply. Lowell lived a life of service. He left school at an early age to help his parents and serve his country. His life was all about his family. He worked hard as a contractor to give his family all he could. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter, and enjoyed every moment spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved and honored his country, saluting and wearing his special hats, shirts, and jackets and always displaying pride in his overseas military service. Visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. Thursday, February 23 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. 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. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Sparrowbush Engine Company, 79 Main St, Sparrowbush, NY 12780 or to the Port Jervis Vol Ambulance Corps., Box 133, Port Jervis, NY 12771 for their amazing service and for always being there. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Douglas F. Walters age 80 of Sparrowbush, NY passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. He was born on May 24, 1936 in Callicoon, NY the son of Francis and Helen McGuire Walters. Doug proudly served our country from 1956-1960 with the United States Air Force. He worked as a salesperson at Austin Auto Parts Store in Port Jervis. He was a member of the West End Reformed Church in Port Jervis. Doug was a talented artist and had a strong sense of ingenuity. He could assess a situation and provide an implement to remedy the problem. Douglas is survived by his three nieces Mandi Walters of Huguenot, NY, Jamie and Teri Walters both of Binghamton, NY, his great niece Taylor Walters, his cousins Ronald, Jerome and Norman Bauer and his special friends, Coe and Lottie Durland. He was pre-deceased by his brother Gerald “Jerry” Walters. Services will be private. Interment will take place at Holycross Cemetery, Callicoon, NY at a later date. 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.

Eleanor R. Dilger age 95 of Matamoras, PA passed away February 6, 2017 at Bethlehem, PA. She was born on February 3, 1922 in Paterson, New Jersey the daughter of Harold E. and Jennie Weigel Allen. Eleanor retired from W.T. Grant Dept. Store in Port Jervis. She was a faithful member of St. Peter' Lutheran Church in Port Jervis. Eleanor married Jack W. Dilger who pre-deceased her in 1994. They were married for 48 years and were devoted to each other. Eleanor moved to Lehigh Valley to be closer to her daughters and loved spending time with them and her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her four daughters, Barbara Yellak and her husband Charlie of Bethlehem, PA, Jackie Goyanes and her husband Frank of Bethlehem, PA, Kathy Piccolo and her husband Mario of Coopersburg, PA and Deanne Oakes and her husband Alfie of Naples, Fl. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be private at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, PA., at the request of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Hospice House, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015. 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.

Lois H. Simpson age 83 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday, February 13, 2017 at Milford, PA. She was born on August 2, 1933 in Montgomery, NY the daughter of Milton S. and Helen Bodle Hasbrouck. Lois graduated from Orange County Community College and continued her education at Cortland State Teacher College where she earned her Bachelors in Education. She taught second grade in the Port Jervis School District. Lois worked as a partner with her husband Dr. Frank Simpson at the Tri-State Veterinary Hospital which they owned for many years. She was a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis, a charter member and co-founder of the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, a member of the Port Jervis Antique Study Club, a member of the Neversink Valley Area Museum, a member and former leader of the Port Jervis 4-H Club. She was an active member and instrumental in the formation of the Port Jervis Council Of The Arts and the Port Jervis Arts Walk. Lois was responsible for sponsoring numerous artists' receptions and introducing new artists works into the community. She was also a member and founder of the River Valley Arts Guild. She married Dr. Francis A. Simpson who survives at home. Lois is also survived by her son Bruce F. Simpson of Port Jervis, her daughters, Sheri Emery and her husband Bob of Poolesville, MD, Lisa Szydlow and her husband Kenneth of Bethlehem, PA., her brother Preston Hasbrouck of Saratoga Springs, NY, her beloved grandchildren; Samantha and her husband Michael, Thomas, Benjamin, Nathan, Emma and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother Milton Hasbrouck. Visitation will be held 1-3 and 5-7 PM Friday, February 17th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Memorial services will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 18th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will take place at a later time at Bruynswick Rural Cemetery, Shawangunk, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860; to the River Valley Arts Guild, RVAG Treasurer, 19 Godeffroy Rd., Huguenot, NY 12746 or to the Neversink Valley Area Museum, Port Jervis Box 263, Cuddebackville, NY 12729. 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-auchmody.com.

Barbara A. Merrihew age 77 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday, February 13, 2017 at St. Joseph's Place, Port Jervis, NY. She was born on June 3, 1939 in Port Jervis the daughter of Fred "Fritz" and Elsie Henion Wolfinger. Barbara married Robert Merrihew, Sr., who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her daughters Marilyn Daubenschmidt and her husband Bill of Harrisburg, PA, Cheryl Merrihew of Stuart, FL, and her son Bob Merrihew of Port Jervis. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Vaneza and Angela, two great grandchildren, Kayla and Jolyna, her two sisters, Dolores Miller of Wolverine Lake MI, Jean Reed and her husband Don of Glen Spey, several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister Georgeann Quick. Barbara had a very special relationship with her niece, Debby Hoffman. Debby has been a wonderful friend to her and they shared a mutual friendship. Barbara's life was committed to her family and she was well disciplined in her habits to live a life of her choosing. In lieu of flowers, let your family know how much you love them and show them gratitude in the benefit and struggle of life. Memorial services will be held 1 PM Friday, February 24th 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, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

At daybreak on a beautiful snowy morning, February 9, 2017, Larry Weyant rode a snowmobile to heaven with his gleeful angels in tow. Larry was born on November 7, 1948, to Charles and Helen (Gutowski) Weyant in Middletown, NY. He lived a full and busy life, never taking much time to rest. He knew life was too short and there was so much hard work and play awaiting. As a young man, he proudly fought for his country during the Vietnam Era. He was retired from Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center, and sold Jeeps for G.I. Fuller American Motors Sales and Service for many years. He hunted, he fished, he loved all animals, he could even operate tanks! He held records in track and field, played football and wrestled in high school; traveled for the YMCA winning tournaments in the martial arts; was on the U.S. Rifle team for the Army. He knew more about the U.S. Constitution and history than most, and had his own opinions about politics that were hard to dispute -- because he wouldn’t let you! Most of all, he was truly loyal and selfless to all his family and friends. Larry fought a long, tough battle with cancer until the very end. To the amazement of those around him, he never gave up. Larry is survived by his loving wife Linda Ritchie Weyant, daughter Jennifer Weyant Corcoran and her husband Timothy Corcoran. In addition, he leaves his mother Helen, brother Gary and his wife Carol, nephews Craig Weyant and Eric Weyant; sister-in-law Alice Weyant, nieces Jessica Eli and Sara Weyant. He leaves behind a very special group of friends that never left his side. His constant four-legged companion Abbey will also miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his father Charles, brother Barry, and several close friends whom he never forgot. A blessing service and memorial will be held for Larry on Sunday, February 19, at 11 a.m. at the Eagles Nest, 58 Eagles Nest Rd., Bloomingburg. All friends are welcome to share their favorite pictures, stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, donations would be sincerely appreciated for the local Disabled American Veterans Unit, 10 Dikeman Dr., Goshen, NY 10924; or for the Humane Society of Middletown, 142 Bloomingburg Road, Middletown, NY 10940. Larry carried this Apache blessing with him and would have wanted to leave it with all those he knew until he meets you again: “May the sun bring you new energy by day, May the moon softly restore you by night, May the rain wash away your worries, May the breeze blow new strength into your being, May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.” 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.

Thomas Steven Earley passed away after a short, courageous battle with cancer on February 5, 2017 at home, with his family by his side. He was 69. Tom was born March 29, 1947 in Morristown, NJ, the son of the late Matthew and Louise Earley. He was married to his beloved wife, Anne Sweeney Earley for forty years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Force, as a Specialist Four during the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: He distinguished himself on February 7, 1968 while participating in a heliborne rescue mission for the overrun and besieged Special Forces camp at Lang Vei. His personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the great credit upon himself, the Special Forces, and the United States Army. On discharge from the Army, he began his 35 year career as a district manager for Suburban Propane. After retirement he worked a year at Eastern Propane. Tom was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Port Jervis, NY for 40 years. He was also a member of the Roosa Fleming VFW Post 161, Port Jervis. He was the co-founder of the AAU Basketball League in the Tri-State Area, a member of the High Point Country Club Golf League, The Howard Wheat Auxiliary, and the Packard Club. Upon his retirement, he was an avid antique car enthusiast with a love for his 1940 Packard Club Sedan. He regularly entered and attended Cruising PJ and other car shows. In his spare time, he refurbished antiques, specializing in old trunks. Most of all he was an enthusiastic cheerleader for his children’s activities. He was a beloved husband, father and Papa. He touched the lives of all his family and friends and his love will remain with us always. His loving smile, kindness and strength will be greatly missed. Tom is survived by his loving wife Anne, his daughter Colleen Earley Cyrek and husband Adam of Shohola, PA, his son Matthew Earley of Virginia Beach, VA, and daughter Christine Earley Buda and husband Jordan of Sparrowbush, NY. He is also survived by his twin brother Matthew Earley and wife Susan of Allenwood, NJ and sister Ellen McCollum and husband Richard of Providence, RI. Tom is also survived by his brother-in-law Joseph Sweeney and wife Karen of Matamoras, PA and sister-in-law Tee Velasco and partner Howard Glantz of Saratoga Springs, NY. He is also survived by his precious grandsons, Brennan and Connor Cyrek and Cameron Buda. Tom is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 3-7 PM Thursday, February 9th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered 10:15 AM Friday, February 10th at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis. Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Interment will follow with military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. The Earley family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Dinsmore, Dr. Eanelli and staff. Also, the staff of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. (West Team), especially Margaret & Susanna, for their professional and compassionate care shown to Tom. Memorial Contributions in Tom’s name may be made to the Roosa Fleming V.F.W. Post 161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771 and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. 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.

Janet Marie Cole (Wilson) passed away on February 5, 2017 surrounded by family at her home in Port Jervis, NY. She was born on June 24, 1935 to LeRoy and Marie Cole in Susquehanna, PA. She proudly attended Susquehanna University and earned a four year degree in 1957. During that time, she worked as a waitress for Eddy Farm Hotel and Resort in Sparrow Bush, NY. Afterwards, she began her career as a first grade teacher for the Delaware Valley School District, where she was a proud educator for 30 years until her retirement in 1990. Teaching was not only a profession for Janet; it was a passion and a way of life. When at a grocery store or a restaurant, former students would often approach “Mrs. Wilson” and would recall their fond memories of tapping maple trees, pressing leaves, and catching tadpoles and watching them grow in to frogs. She proudly looked on and told her former students that she now did those things with her grandkids, pointing to them with beaming pride. It is safe to say that her lessons reached well beyond the classroom and made lasting impressions on everyone who knew her. After retirement, Janet enjoyed many world travels, most notably to Alaska, England and Scotland. She also visited nearly every American state in her motor home, taking her grandkids on many of her adventures. She enjoyed many winters in Florida, where she was a member of the Red Hat Society. As a railroad engineer’s daughter, she kept the American railroading tradition very close to her heart; talking about steam engines to just about anyone who would listen. She was also very fond of cooking and baking, dedicating nearly every Sunday to watching “In the Kitchen with David” with her daughter and granddaughters. Janet was also a very proud American. She jumped at the chance to boast about her children and grandchildren’s service in several US Military branches. She proudly displayed the American flag outside her home and had many patriotic symbols displayed at all times. Even in the midst of her illness, she insisted on travelling out on November 8, 2016 to proudly fulfill her American duty and cast her vote for President. Janet is survived by her son Bill Wilson his wife Debbie, and her daughter and care taker Penny Bickell and her husband Duane. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Susan Lowery on January 3, 2017. Janet was a proud Grammy and was blessed with nine grandchildren who were her absolute pride and joy. They are Kayla Gori and her husband Lido; Kelsey Bickell and her companion Tyler Doss; Timothy Wilson; William McCarten and his wife Erin; Robert McCarten and his wife Jennifer; Stephanie Stout and her husband Chris; Courtney Shloss and her husband Peter; Meghan Hazzard and her husband Alex; and Brittany Lowery and her companion Brandon Fisher. Janet also has fifteen great-grandchildren; Kaiden, Benjamin, Bailey, Sabrina, Avery, Wyatt, Cheyenne, Matthew, Makayla, Ryan, Garrett, Savannah, Grace, Katelyn and Owen. She was also a proud Grammy to her “grandpuppies” Madden, Paisley, and Shelly. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery in Cuddebackville, NY at a later date. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Janet's name to The Veteran’s Memorial Park and Recreation Center of Airport Park, 10 Avenue I, Suite 1, Matamoras, PA 18336. 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.