Our Obituaries

Harold G. Southard age 78 of Port Jervis, NY passed away February 27, 2018. He was born on February 22, 1940 in Wantage Township, New Jersey the son of Wilbert and Martha Kishpaul Southard. Harold worked as a caretaker over 40 years for Duke Mortimer at Westfall Farms, New Jersey. He was an active member of the Southard Racing Team. Harold married Shirley Donald who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his step-son Thomas Caldwell and his wife Luann of Port Jervis, his step-granddaughter Susann Caldwell, his nieces and nephews; Douglas Ulrichs and his wife Diane of Huguenot, NY, Barbara Bullock and her companion Ron Kalin of Port Jervis, Robert Ulrichs and his wife Denise of Sparrowbush, Michale Ulrichs and his wife Pam of Honesdale, PA, Wendy Smith and her husband Jim of Port Jervis, Anna Adkin and her companion Pat Hedge, Martha Anderson and her husband Randy of Port Jervis, Fred Southard of Virginia, Clairann Novaskoski and her husband John of North Carolina, Timothy Southard of Port Jervis, Gary Southard and his wife Ellen of Huguenot, Julie Southard of Matamoras, Gail Southard and Charles Southard both of Middletown, several great nieces and nephews. Harold ws pre-deceased by several sisters and brothers. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday, March 1st at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will beheld 11 AM Friday, March 2, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, with Rev. Don Coy officiating. 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 knigh-tauchmoody.com. >

Lois A. Pagano, age 84 of Port Jervis, NY, passed away February 27, 2018 at Milford, PA. She was born on April 16, 1933 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Dunn Clark. Lois married James A. Pagano, who pre-deceased her, on July 3, 1954. She was a member of Most Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Port Jervis and a former Den Mother for Pack #173, Port Jervis Cub Scouts. Lois is survived by her two sons, Stephen Pagano and his wife, Terri and Brian Pagano and his wife, Lisa, both of Sparrowbush; four grandchildren: Nicole and Nicholas Pagano, Jennifer Maillet and her husband, Adam, Michael Pagano and his wife, Kathryn; her six beloved great-grandchildren: Joshua, Samantha, Auron, Isyce, Amaya and Killian; her sister, Barbara Reilly of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; her brother, John Clark. She was pre-deceased by her son, Michael Pagano. Private graveside services will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Box 133, 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 B. Gafycz age 57 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday, February 23, 2018 at his home. He was born on March 8, 1960 in Venezuela the son of Dmytro and Maria Denec Gafycz . He is survived by his two brothers Bob Gafycz of Port Jervis, NY and Peter Gafycz of Jersey City, NJ, his two nephews Bobby and Victor Gafycz, his nieces Kathryn, Christina, and Elizabeth Gafycz. Interment will take place at Holy Spirit Cemetery, Goshen, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-AuchmoodyFuneral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.=

Melissa M. Goscinski, age 56 of Greeley, PA passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Scranton Regional Hospital in Scranton, PA. She was born on September 21, 1961 in Monterey Bay, CA and is the daughter of the late Clarence E. and Lorraine Harvey Aber. Melissa was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She worked as a stocking clerk for IGA Grocery in Hawley, PA. She was a member of the Rosa-Fleming VFW Post #161 in Port Jervis, NY. Melissa is survived by her husband Frank P. Goscinski of Greeley, PA; one sister: Linda Aber of Greeley, PA; one brother: Dennis Howell and his wife Darlene of Port Jervis, NY; several nieces and nephews; her four loving dogs: Polo, Cleo, Cocoa, and Taz. Services will take place privately at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Pike County PO Box 255, Milford, PA 18337 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

William W. Roberts age 85 of Matamoras, PA passed away on February 7, 2018 in Port Jervis, NY. He was the son of the late Henry G. And Minnie Romer Roberts and was born on March 7, 1932 in Port Jervis, NY. Bill worked for the A & P Tea Co for 37 years, the last thirty years in management. Since his retirement, he worked part-time for NAPA at Frank’s Auto Parts in Milford, PA. He proudly served our country with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Matamoras, a member and Past Master of the Milford Lodge #344 Free and Accepted Masons, a member and past president of the Lost Camp Hunting Club and a member of the Matamoras American Legion Post #0486. He volunteered for Bon Secours Hospital, the American Cancer Society and the Karate Tournament for the Milford Masonic Lodge. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and just being outdoors in the Pike County woods. He married Beverly MacFarlane Roberts on June 8, 1952, celebrating 65 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife at home, his daughter, Kathleen Roberts of Niskayuna, New York, and several nieces and nephews. Bill was pre-deceased by his sister Elizabeth Hobson and his brothers Alfred and Eugene Roberts. There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, 209 Ave H, Matamoras, PA. Rev. Diane Sommers will officiate. Interment will take place at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Matamoras, 209 Ave H, 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 knight-auchmoody.com.

Ruth VanLeuvan age 71 of Goddefroy, New York passed away February 13, 2018 at Park Manor Rehabilitation, Middletown, NY. She was born on July 18, 1946 in Middletown, NY the daughter of Franklin and Mabel Dousharn VanLeuvan. Ruth retired as an assembler from Kolmar Labs, Inc. in Port Jervis. She was a former member of the Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps for many years. Ruth is survived by her son Darryl Ward and his wife Ann of Cuddebackville, NY, her beloved grandchildren Ashlee and Tanner Ward, her two great grandsons, Landon and Grayson Wood, several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother Franklin, and three sisters Betty, Patricia and Hilda VanLeuvan. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at a later date at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cuddebackville Fire Dept., 19 State Route 211, Cuddebackville, NY 12729 or to the Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps., Box 133, 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.

Kenneth M. Vertucci age 77 of Glen Spey, NY passed away February 13, 2018 at Middletown, NY. He was born on January 12, 1941 in Jersey City, New Jersey the son of Michael and Doris Green Vertucci and grew up in Lodi, New Jersey. He proudly served our country with the US Marines. Kenneth owned and operated Ken Vertucci Drywall Co. in Glen Spey and was the co-owner of The Winner’s Circle sporting goods in Warwick, NY. He married Judith E. Taggart Vertucci who pre-deceased him. Kenneth is survived by his daughter Wendy Wheaton and her husband Richard of Marshfield, MA, his son Kent Vertucci of Charlton, MA, his five beloved grandchildren; Carly, Ryan, and Brooke Wheaton, Matthew and Megan Vertucci, his sister-in-law Marilyn Persico of Deerfield Beach, Florida, several nieces and nephews and his beloved pet dog Curly. He was pre-deceased by his brother Robert Vertucci. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to a local animal shelter. 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.

Jean V. Swingle age 84 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday, February 12, 2018 at Milford, Pennsylvania. She was born on September 30, 1933 in Port Jervis, New York. Jean married Chester “Chirp” Swingle who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her three daughters Linda Kent and her husband Stephen of Port Jervis, Lois Case and her husband Brad of Cuddebackville, NY, Beth Kehlenbeck of Port Jervis, her five sons, Dennis Swingle of Port Jervis, Jerry Swingle and his wife Jamie of Sparrowbush, NY, Timothy Swingle and his wife Maria of New York, Michael Swingle of Port Jervis, Jason Swingle and his wife Bobbi of Port Jervis, her brother Frank Oppelt and his wife May of Port Jervis, 14 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her granddaughter Megan. Services will be private. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.=

Donald K. Aber age 65 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, NY. He was born on August 9, 1952 in Port Jervis, NY the son of Leon C. Aber, Sr. and Beatrice Parker Aber. Donald co-owned Abers Country Market, with his brother Bill in Huguenot, NY. He later worked as a truck driver for First Fleet Trucking Co. in Middletown, NY. He is survived by his brother William Aber of Port Jervis, his sister Alice M. Aber of Clinton, Illinois, his daughter Eileen Betterley of Westtown, NY, three nieces and several cousins. Donald was pre-deceased by his brothers John Edward Aber, Esq., and Leon Aber. Memorial services will be held 12 o’clock Noon, Monday, February 19th , at the Hope Evangelical Free Church 300 First St., Matamoras, PA. Rev. Leonard “Butch” Gilpin will officiate. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Carolyn L. Blanke age 70 of Port Jervis, NY died Monday February 5, 2018 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was born on March 20, 1947 in Jersey City, New Jersey the daughter of Wilbur V. and Louise Carson Fahrenfeld. Carolyn was a 33 year resident of the area and retired as an assembler from Kolmar Labs, Port Jervis. Carolyn was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Port Jervis. She married Louis W. Blanke who pre-deceased her. Carolyn is survived by her two daughters Pamela Ann Ulrichs and her husband Michael of Honesdale, Pennsylvania and Denise Marie Ulrichs and her husband Robert of Sparrowbush, NY, her three sisters; Arlene LaFrance and her husband Richard of Wallkill, NY, Christine Countryman and her husband Brian of Walden, NY and April Fahrenfeld of Port Jervis, her beloved seven grandchildren; Ashley, Krystal, Johnathan, Robert, Christopher, Brandon and Joshua, two great grandchildren, Isabella Marie Orr and Hailey May Orr, several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 10:30 AM-11AM Monday, February 12 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Thomas Zahradnik officiating. Entombment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, New Jersey. 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.

William W. Roberts age 85 of Matamoras, PA passed away on February 7, 2018 in Port Jervis, NY. He was the son of the late Henry G. And Minnie Romer Roberts and was born on March 7, 1932 in Port Jervis, NY. Bill worked for the A & P Tea Co for 37 years, the last thirty years in management. Since his retirement, he worked part-time for NAPA at Frank’s Auto Parts in Milford, PA. He proudly served our country with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Matamoras, a member and Past Master of the Milford Lodge #344 Free and Accepted Masons, a member and past president of the Lost Camp Hunting Club and a member of the Matamoras American Legion Post #0486. He volunteered for Bon Secours Hospital, the American Cancer Society and the Karate Tournament for the Milford Masonic Lodge. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and just being outdoors in the Pike County woods. He married Beverly MacFarlane Roberts on June 8, 1952, celebrating 65 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife at home, his daughter, Kathleen Roberts of Niskayuna, New York, and several nieces and nephews. Bill was pre-deceased by his sister Elizabeth Hobson and his brothers Alfred and Eugene Roberts. There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, 209 Ave H, Matamoras, PA. Rev. Diane Sommers will officiate. Interment will take place at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Matamoras, 209 Ave H, 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 knight-auchmoody.com.

Karen Ridley, 73, of Sparrowbush, NY, passed away February 3rd, 2018 at home surrounded by her family after 3 years of treatment for metastatic melanoma. She was born on June 9th, 1944 in Passaic, NJ. She graduated from Passaic High School and continued her education at Penn State University where she earned her BA in English. She first worked as a technical editor for Thiokol Chemical Co. in Elkton, MD, a defense contractor of rocket motors. After moving to Sparrowbush, she worked as office manager at Eddy Farm Resort Hotel. She went back to school and graduated from Mount Saint Mary College with her Master’s Degree in Education. Karen retired as a special education teacher at the Port Jervis Middle School after more than 15 years. In retirement, Karen enjoyed travelling extensively in her motor home and the dog sport of Nosework. She was a member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association, former president of the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce, member and former chairperson of the Upper Delaware Citizens Advisory Council, and former president of the Tri-State Dog Obedience Club. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Edward Ridley, her mother Beulah Thornton Gammon, her son Douglas Ridley and his wife Ashley of Dover, NH, her daughter Deven Ridley Zahorsky and her husband Alex of Shohola, PA and their daughter Arya Zahorsky, her brother William B. Gammon III and his wife Karen of Clifton, VA, two brothers-in-law, Robert Ridley of Sparrowbush and Kenneth Ridley and his wife Jane of Ithaca, NY, several nieces, a nephew, cherished friends, and her beloved collies Trapper and Splenda. She was predeceased by her father, William B. Gammon Jr., and her older brother, Ronald Gammon. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7th from 2 – 6 PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8th at 11 AM at the funeral home. Rev. Christopher Boyd, Hospice Chaplain will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery in Sparrowbush, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark, 202 Route 209, Port Jervis NY 12771 or to the Solar Panel Fund at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 31 W Main 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

Viola M. Thurston age 96, a lifelong resident of Port Jervis, NY passed away January 30, 2018 in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was born on February 19, 1921 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Antonio and Minnie Innella Onofry. Viola married Harold Thurston who pre-deceased her. She worked with her husband Harold for many years known as “Mr.Raub” at the J.S. Raub Shoe Store in Port Jervis. Viola was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Port Jervis, a member of the Auxiliary of Rosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #161 and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Mercy Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Thurston Coleman of St. Petersburg, Florida, her two granddaughters Kelly Tigue and her husband Richard , Jennifer Henkel and her husband Dwayne, her great grandchildren Emily, Lauren, Eric, Abigail Tigue and Scott Henkel, several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother Richard Onofry, her sister Jean Horan, her niece Sharon Horan. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, 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.

Marion H. Guenther age 95 of Barryville, NY passed away February 2, 2018 at Honesdale, Pennsylvania. She was born in Barryville, NY on May 30, 1922 the daughter of Charles H. Lass and Veronica Campbell Lass. Marion married Clinton J. Guenther, Sr. who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her daughter Linda Anderson and her husband Kenneth of Barryville, her son Clinton J. Guenther, Jr. and his wife Maureen of Leland, North Carolina, her brother Charles H. Lass of the State of Florida, her beloved grandchildren; Scott Anderson and his wife Jennifer,Todd Anderson and his girlfriend Cassi, Jill Youn and her husband Philip, Colleen Hickman and her husband Eric, her great grandchildren; Owen, Julia, Hayden, Sydney, Lucas, Alec, Chloe and Emma, several nieces and nephews. Marion was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s R.C. Church, Yulan, NY and a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Yulan Fire Dept., Marion will be remembered most by her love for her family and friends. She was kind and compassionate and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. A Memorial Mass of Christian burial, to be announced at a later date will be held at Anthony’s R.C. Church, Yulan, NY. Rev.Joselin Pens Berkmans will be the celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Yulan Fire Dept., Box 127, Yulan, NY or to the American Legion Vol Ambulance Corps., Box 63, Eldred, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information or to send a condolence note tot he family visit knigh-tauchmoody.com.

Mabel Carey age 87 of Cuddebackville, NY passed away February 1, 2018 at her home. She was born on October 29, 1930 in Harriman, NY the daughter of Oliver Lee Stevens and Isabel Barnes Stevens. Mabel retired from Kolmar Labs, Inc in Port Jervis as a assembler. She married John Carey, Sr. who pre-deceased her. Mabel is survived by her daughter Bonnie Sue Ulrichs of Cuddebackville, her son John Carey, Jr. of Sparrowbush, her sister Shirley Ann Anderson and her husband Robert of Virginia, her beloved granddaughter Melissa Ann Ulrichs several nieces and nephews. Mabel was pre-deceased by her son, Oliver Lee Carey, two sisters, Margaret Margerum and Lillian Heidenreich, her three brothers Oliver Lee Stevens, Jr., Charles and Robert Stevens. Visitation was held 10AM -11 AM, Monday, February 5th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services followed at 11 AM at the funeral Home. Interment took place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Arrangements were 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

Maryann Boutelle, age 80 of Barryville, NY passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY. She was born on September 24, 1937 in Port Jervis, NY and is the daughter of the late John and Ruth Hull Trieber. Maryann is survived by her husband Frederick P. Boutelle at home, one son: Andrew Conklin and wife Sandra of Huguenot, NY; one daughter: Deborah Foster and husband Brian of Middletown, NY; two sisters: Ruth Clouse and JoAnn Howell; three grandchildren: one great-granddaughter, one great-great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews. Maryann was predeceased by her brothers John Trieber and Louis Trieber. Services will take place privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society 202 US-209, Port Jervis, NY 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