Our Obituaries

Norma Zwerdling age 89 of Matamoras, PA passed away June 27, 2017 at Milford, PA. She was born on June 2, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY the daughter of Nathan and Esther Smolowsky Joffe. Norma retired as a supervisor for Reeve’s International Importers in Pequannock, NJ and Edward Engineering in Pompton Plains, NJ. She married Herbert Zwerdling who pre-deceased her. Norma is survived by her daughter Barbara Sherr of Matamoras, PA, her son Jeffrey Zwerdling and his wife Kathy of Anoka, MN., her grandchildren Michael Dwan and his wife Vanessa, Patrick Dwan and his wife Jennifer, Chad Zwerdling and his wife Stacy, her beloved great grandchildren; Garrett and Shawn Dwan, William and Maxwell Zwerdling, her brother-in-law Arthur Zwerdling of Little Neck, Queens, several nieces and nephews and her beloved pet dog “Mazie”. Norma was pre-deceased by her three sisters, Jeanette, Ethel and Frances. Interment took place at Montefiore Cemetery, Queens, NY with Rabbi Steven Ziskind officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Eastern 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 knight-auchmoody.com.

John David Mills age 63 of Montague, New Jersey passed on June 25, 2017 at Middletown, NY after the most courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 4, 1953 in Smithtown, NY the son of the late Jeremiah and Jean Bloxom Mills. John was eternally devoted to his wife of 40 years, Diane. He spent his career working as a mechanic and most recently retiring as a service manager from the Port Jervis Auto Mall. He loved riding his ATV and often participated in fundraising ride events. He enjoyed going to the casinos and was a huge Giants fan. John was a member of the Hudson Valley Dog Club and the K-9 Bandaiders where he worked with his therapy dogs, Gibbs and Gracie. He was a strong supporter of Golden Retriever Rescue. John touched the lives of countless people. He was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone and forged lasting friendships. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife Diane Sakowsky Mills at home. He is also survived by his two daughters Jennifer Mills of Montague and Melissa Yadanza and her husband Christopher of Milford, PA. He was blessed with three grandchildren Claryssa Mills, Tyler and Addison Yadanza, his sister Pamela Stansberry and her husband Randy, his best friend Frank Rzeczkowski, four nephews, their families and countless friends. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday, June 28 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held 7 PM Wednesday evening at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Thayer officiating. 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, 154E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knightauchmoody.com.

Agnes E. Clouse, age 100 of Highland Lake, NY passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, Honesdale, PA. She was born on September 4, 1916 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, the daughter of Arch and Mary Fry. Agnes married George Clouse who pre-deceased her in 1969. She is survived by her son, Herman G. Clouse of Highland Lake, NY; her beloved grandsons: Erik Clouse and his wife, Beth of New City, NY and Jason Clouse and his wife, Rachel of Littleton, CO; her great-grandchildren: Drew, Kaylee, Khloe, Donovan and Laurel. Agnes was pre-deceased by her daughter-in-law, Joanne Clouse. Services and interment will be private at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Eldred, 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 or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Emilie M. Mayer, age 80 of Montague, NJ passed away on June 17, 2017 at Newton Memorial Hospital in Newton, NJ. She was born on July 12, 1936 in Newark, NJ and is the daughter of the late John Mayer and Sophie Houge. Emilie was a member of the New Apostolic Church in Montague, NJ. She is survived by her son Walter Klein of Cave Creek, AZ. 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

Ross E. Sharp age 53 of Middletown New York passed away on June 18, 2017 at Montefiore Hospital, Bronx, NY. He was born on April 21, 1964 in Port Jervis New York and is the son of the late Thomas A. and Thelma Hunter Sharp. Ross is survived by his longtime companion and former wife Christine Sharp who resides at home; two sisters; Penny Sharp of Port Jervis, NY and Kathleen Sharp-Green and husband Michael of Woodridge, NY; several cousins; and his best friend Jerry the Cat. Memorial Services will take place at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771 on July 1, 2017 at 2:00pm with Rev. Amy Garrett officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to AA, General Service Office, PO Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.knightauchmoody.com

After 90 years of a great life Gaspar Arcilesi has now moved on to mow God’s green lawn in heaven. He leaves behind his loving wife Marie of 67 years. He is also survived by his four thankful children; JoAnn Hovanec and her husband Peter, Debra Riddle and her husband Gary, his son Carl Arcilesi and his wife Kana, Gina Arcilesi, his beautiful grandchildren; Pete, David, Lauren, Gabriella, Carl M., Ashley, Derrick, Kenny, Michael, and his beloved nine great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his loving granddaughter Tammy Riddle. He may not have always been the sweetest man, but you knew he loved you and was always there for you. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, 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 knight-auchmoody.com.

Robert E. Hockenberry age 86 of Port Jervis, NY passed away June 13, 2017 at Middletown, NY. He was born on September 14, 1930 in Port Jervis, the son of Delbert G. and Harriett Newman Hockenberry. Robert proudly served our country during the Korean War with the US Army. He retired from Mercy Community Hospital in Port Jervis after many years of dedicated service. He was a faithful member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, an Elder and a Deacon with the Consistory of the Church. He was a member and Past Master of the Port Jervis Lodge of Masons, #328 F& AM; a Past Patron of The River Valley Chapter #33, O.E.S; and Past District Grand Lecturer with the Orange, Rockland and Westchester District, O.E.S. and a life member of Excelsior Hose Co. #5, Port Jervis Fire Dept. Robert was married Esther C. Crane Hockenberry who pre-deceased him May 25, 2016. He is survived by his son David Hockenberry and his wife Karen of Milford, PA, his daughter Carol Bianchi of Exeter, PA, five grandchildren; Monica, Casey, Catherine, Lea and Jamie; five great grandchildren; Jacob, Coral, Nicholas, Aayden and Joseph, several nieces and nephews. Robert was pre-deceased by his three brothers, Harold, Charles and Delbert and two sisters, May and Mildred. A repast, celebration of his life, and luncheon will be held 12:30 PM Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Deerpark Reformed Church Fellowship Hall, Port Jervis, NY. Interment will take place at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, Goshen, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Deerpark Reformed Church, 30 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, 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.

John “Jack” Adams Bullis, Sr. Age 79 of Huguenot, NY passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born on August 1, 1937 in Port Jervis, NY; the son of the late Leonard and Alice Adams Bullis. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School from kindergarten through the eighth grade and Port Jervis School 9-12, continuing his education at Orange County Community College. He proudly served our country from 1956-1960 with the US Navy. Jack retired as an instructor and Quality Assurance Electronic Specialist for Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey. He married Janice Somarelli Bullis who survives at home. He is also survived by his son John A. Bullis, Jr. and his wife Mimi of Matamoras, PA, his two daughters, Janine Shearer and her husband Tim of Huguenot, Jennifer Morse and her husband Adam of Huguenot, his beloved grandchildren; Jessica, Crystal and Hanna Bullis, Timmy and Jillian Shearer, Andrew and Brandon Morse, his sister Jeanne Elston of Port Jervis, his sister-in-law Nancy Somarelli of Huguenot, several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sisters Patricia Ey and Marguerite Perkowski and his brother-in-law Frank J. Somarelli, Jr. Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., P.O Box 15829 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. The Bullis family would like to send a sincere thank you to the Veterans Administration of Sullivan and Orange Counties and a special thank you to the Port Jervis VA Clinic. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. To send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Walter N. Roucken, age 72 of Port Jervis, NY passed away on Tuesday June 6, 2017 at his home in Port Jervis. He was born on March 7, 1945 in Port Jervis, NY the son of the late Stanley and Evelyn Hyatt Roucken. Walter owned and operated Roucken Christmas Center and Nursery in Port Jervis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970. Walter was a member of the Drew United Methodist Church in Port Jervis. He was a proud member of the Planetary Society, national and worldwide. A star AURIGA was renamed to his name in 2003 and recorded in the star registry in Switzerland. Walter also attained a New York State X-Ray Technician License prior to opening Roucken Christmas Center. He is survived by his wife Jeanne Lynn Van Gorden who resides at home; one son: Joseph Roucken of Hamden, CT; one daughter: Michelle DiSanto and husband Tony of Brigantine, NJ; one brother Wayne Roucken and wife Victoria of Dushore, PA; two grandchildren: Lauren and Anthony DiSanto. Walter was predeceased by his granddaughter Christine DiSanto. Visitation will be held on Friday June 9, 2017 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771 from 11:00am-1:00pm. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm at the Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Cassidy officiating. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery in Cuddebackville, NY with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to CURED Foundation: PO Box 32,Lincolnshire, IL 60069. 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

Sharon A. Rothschild age 61 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Port Jervis. She was born on January 1, 1956 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of the late Irving Rothschild and Marianne Baird Armour who survives. Sharon worked as pharmacy technician at Rite Aid Pharmacy, Port Jervis, NY. Sharon was a loving and caring mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend to all. She is survived by her daughter Lauren Marrero and her son Carlos Marrero both of Port Jervis. She is also survived by her mother Marianne Baird Armour of Port Jervis, her brother William Weed, two sisters Catherine Bugiada and her husband David and Victoria Weed all of Tennessee, two grandchildren; Anthony Martin and Gianna Grosso, several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her loving step-father John Weed. Visitation will be held 2:30-4:30 PM, Wednesday June 7, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered 4:30 PM Wednesday at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis Vol Ambulance Corp., PO Box 133, Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the American Cancer Society Suite 307 B, 419 E. Main St., Middletown, NY 10940. 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.

MARJORIE ELEANOR AMES GOFF February 7, 1930 - June 2, 2017 Formerly of Monroe and Wallkill, NY Marjorie Eleanor Ames Goff, a longtime resident of Washington, Maine, and the Hudson Valley, passed away on June 2, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was 87 years old. Born on February 7, 1930 in Jefferson, ME, Marjorie was the daughter of George and Louise Lincoln Ames. She spent her younger years as the member of a prominent lumber family in Washington, ME. After graduation from Erskine Academy in 1947 and Gates Business College in 1949, Mrs. Goff married the love of her life, William True Goff, Jr. in 1952. When her husband returned from the War, they traveled with their young family during his career with Central Line. In 1960 she and her husband moved their growing family to Monroe, NY and then to Wallkill, NY, where they raised their six children. Through years of football games, Scouts, band practice, family dinners, and trips back to Maine, Marjorie was a loving, accepting, and generous presence - the rock of her family. Upon retirement, she and Bill retired back to their homestead on Washington Pond in Maine, where they enjoyed many years of happiness, relaxation, and visits from their family. Marjorie was a woman who loved unconditionally and lived a life of quiet generosity. Her quiet, gentle nature combined with her loyalty and determined strength made her a true blessing and a joy to be around. She was the glue that held her large family together through thick and thin; she passed that bond to them and they remain closely knit to this day. Marjorie was a woman who was happiest behind the scenes, pulling the strings to make things work and others feel special. She never forgot a birthday and always remembered her family’s special occasions with gifts, calls, and visits. Her Christmas Eve gatherings are among the fondest memories of her children and grandchildren. Among her many talents were playing the piano, crocheting blankets, and baking. She was famous for her baked goods and made the best pies ever. She always remembered everyone’s favorites and often prepared delicious treats for their special occasions. Marjorie was also a long-time member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Lake View Chapter #179, a fraternal, charitable organization associated with the Masons. Mrs. Goff dedicated her life to her family and leaves a legacy of love and devotion. She was predeceased by Bill, her adored husband of 60 years, and is survived by their six children: William True III and Emily of Littleton, CO, Vicki and Bill Gentile of Milford, PA, Randy and Kathy Goff of Middletown, NY, Tammy and Joe Argento of Clintondale, NY, Greg and Cathy Goff of Clifton, VA, and Jeff Goff of Alexandria, VA. To cherish her memory, she also leaves her 13 loving grandchildren: Kyle Goff, Ruthanne Goff, Michael Gentile, Anthony Gentile, Christine and Sal Caminito, Bernadette and Anthony Alpi, Matthew and Rita Goff, Caitlin and Chad Lakeman, Christopher Argento, Jessica Argento, Brandon Argento, Ryan Goff, and MaryKate Goff. She was also the proud great-grandmother of eight: Sophia and Noah Gentile, Serenity Terwilliger, Giuliana Funk-Argento, Luca and Clara Caminito, Nicolas Goff, and Jake Alpi. Survivors also include her brother, Robert (and Delores) Ames and sister, Linda Ames; sisters-in-law: Carol "Patty" Ames, Mary Peabody, Sandra Pierce, and Dorothy “Dot” Kaler; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, brothers, and sisters: Anita Curtis, Benjamin Ames, and George Ames, Jr. She will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her, but her legacy will live on through the children and grandchildren who adored her. Services were held privately at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Amy Garrett officiated. Burial will take place at The Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to The Order of the Eastern Star, Lake View Chapter #179, OES, 227 Waldoboro Rd., Jefferson, ME 04348. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; for information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

MICHELLE M. JONES January 1, 1977 - June 1, 2017 Huguenot, NY Michelle M. Jones, age 40 of Huguenot, NY, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY. She was born on January 1, 1977 in Middletown, NY, the daughter of Timothy and Nannette Marcel Long. Michelle worked as an assembler at Kolmar Labs in Port Jervis. She is survived by her husband, Jason H. Jones at home; her daughter, Kendra Jones; two sons, Kolin and Kurtis Jones; her parents, Timothy and Nannette Marcel Long; her step-mother, Loismay VanOrden; two sisters, Cassandra Long and Crystal Flood; two brothers, Tim Long, Jr. and Chris Long; along with several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 12 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 6th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; for information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com