Our Obituaries

Nancy Fitzpatrick Koenig age 73 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at her home with her husband by her side. Visitation and memorial services will be announced at a later time and will be held at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. Arrangements will be published in the Tri-Sate Gazette and the Times Herald Record by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. knight-auchmoody.com.

James D. Williams age 58 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the home of his daughter, Kristen in Port Jervis. Jamie was born on February 7, 1960 in Port Jervis, NY the son of John F. Williams, Sr. and Theresa Curran Williams. James worked for the City of Port Jervis ,Dept of Public Works and later as Flager for Tree Preservation, Inc. in Rockland County. He married Tammy Johnson Williams who pre-deceased him. James is survived by his daughter Kristen Williams of Port Jervis, his son James P. Williams of Port Jervis, his sister Karen Markle and her husband Daniel of Glen Spey, his brother John F. Williams, Jr. and his fiancé Emma of Glen Spey, his beloved grandchildren, Azure and Uriah, several nieces and nephews, his pet dog and best friend Ginobli. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Novaleigh Talmadge infant daughter of Taylor Talmadge of Port Jervis, NY passed away January 22, 2019 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY. She is survived by her mother Taylor Talmadge, her maternal grandmother Rhonda Flood and her companion Donald Conklin of Port Jervis, her maternal great grandfather Wayne Flood of Port Jervis, her aunt Brittany Talmadge of Port Jervis, two uncles Zachary Talmadge and Matthew Celinko, several great aunts and uncles. Novaleigh was pre-deceased by her maternal grandfather Greg Talmadge, and maternal great grandmother Candace Flood. Services were private at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Arrangements were by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. To send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

John “Jack” T. Bowden age 75 of Dover, New Jersey and Pond Eddy, New York, died Jan. 25, 2019 in Dover, New Jersey. Visitation: 2-5 PM, Tues. Jan. 29th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Services: 11 AM Wed. Jan. 30 at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Glen Spey Cemetery. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com

Nancy L. Mills age 70 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away January 22, 2019 in Milford surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 3, 1948 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of John and Dorothy Fee Lombardo. Nancy worked as a secretary for the Law Firm of Cohen, Bavoso and Fox in Port Jervis. She later co-owned and operated R&N Liquors in Port Jervis with her husband until her retirement. Nancy was a parishioner of St. Mary’s R.C. Church and a life member of the Business & Professional Women's Club in Port Jervis. Nancy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and cherished friend to many. Her kind and loving spirit touched the lives of all. She had a passion for jewelry and would never turn down a chance to dance. Dressed to perfection from head to toe, she was a beautiful blue eyed, blond haired gal. The most enjoyable time for Nancy was being with her amazing friends and family. She will be missed by many and loved by all. Nancy leaves behind her loving husband of 30 years, Robert J. Mills of Matamoras, Pa; two daughters, Sandra L. Polanis and her husband, Tim of Houston, Texas and Tina M. Everett and her husband, Jamie of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, her beloved grandchildren; Jocelyn and Riley and close extended family. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Sunday, January 27th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered 9:15 AM Monday January 28 at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Mary’s R.C.church, Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis. A repass will be held at the Port Jervis Elks Lodge after services. Memorial contributions in Nancy's name may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

David C. Simmons, III age 70 of Port Jervis, NY passed away January 22, 2019 at home. He was born on July 10, 1948 in Port Jervis, NY the first born son of the late David C. Simmons, Jr. and Kathryn E. Monahan Simmons. David graduated from Port Jervis High School with the class of 1966. He was an ALL DUSO Tackle for the Red Raiders and was named the League’s Defensive Player of the Year. David continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan University where he also played football and wrestled. After graduation from Wesleyan University he returned to Port Jervis and taught sixth grade at the Anna S. Kuhl School with the Port Jervis School District for 33 years until his retirement. He also served as an assistant varsity football coach for 33 years and as head wrestling coach from 1989 to 2007. He posted a dual meet record of 157 and 98 with 4 National Conference Regular Season Championships and four National Tournament Championships. He was instrumental in numerous OCL and 28 Section 9 Championships teams, 13 NewYork State Tournament Place Winners and one State Champion. Ten of his wrestlers reached the 100 career win mark. In the year 2001 his team finished 2nd at the New York State Wrestling Championships. David remained involved for many years with the wrestling program as a scorekeeper and “unofficial advisor”. During his 33 years he was a faithful Assistant Football Coach under Joe Viglione and then under Bob Corvino. During that time he was part of 23 Port Jervis Football Championships. In addition to his teaching and coaching careers Dave worked with the City of Port Jervis Recreation Program for more than 20 years. David was inducted to the Coaches Wall Of Fame in 2014. He was an active member of the Port Jervis Fire Dept., Delaware Engine Co. #2 since 1970. David is survived by his loving and dear wife Carol-Lynn Eccleston Simmons and his pet dog “Buddy" at home, his beloved daughter, Tracy-Lynn Drew and her husband J.R. of Port Jervis, his best friends and beloved grandsons, Jordan Taylor Drew and Justin Michael Drew, whom he idolized. He is also survived by his brother Timothy J. Simmons and his wife Linda of Port Jervis, his sister-in-law Carla Simmons of Port Jervis, several cousins, nieces and nephews including his special niece Kim Wortman and her husband Rick, Ryan and Matthew Simmons and his great nephew Eric and his great niece Ashley, his brothers-in-law Alan Eccleston and his wife Colleen, Craig Eccleston, Richard Eccleston, and his sister-in-law Diane Dawson. He was pre-deceased by his brother Dennis Simmons in 2016. A family statement read, “ David was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and coach. He was strict but fair in his teaching career and in life. His grandsons adored him and he was devoted to them. They respected his opinion and advice and will miss him terribly. He was loved by the young men he coached for 33 years. They knew they could turn to him for guidance with their lives and always sought out the best in them. He was a wonderful father to Tracy and she will miss him everyday. I know I have lost my best friend who was always on my side and who was always there for me no matter what life brought us. I will love and miss him the rest of my life.” Visitation will be held 3-9 PM Friday, January 25th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, Jan. 26th at the funeral home with The Rev. Canon David Lee Carlson officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771. David and Carol wanted people to remember "always be loving and kind to all animals, teach this to your children, it starts at home.” 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.

Russell L. Van Horn, Sr. age 74 of Port Jervis, NY passed away January 19, 2019 in Middletown, NY. Russ was born on August 5, 1944 in Port Jervis the son of the late Luke R. Van Horn, Sr. and Dorothy Maillet Van Horn. He retired from New Jersey Transit Railroad as a conductor after many years of dedicated service. Russ attended the Deerpark Reformed Church in Port Jervis. Russ was a social member of the Roosa-Fleming V.F. W. Post # 161, Port Jervis and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Russ is survived by his three daughters, Tammy Long and her husband Robert of Port Jervis, Christine Van Horn of Lords Valley, PA, and Bryanna Decker of Port Jervis. Russ is also survived by his son, Russell L. Van Horn, Jr. of Port Jervis, his 11 beloved grandchildren; Krista, Heather and Jenna Van Horn, Terry McMurray, Haley Long, Matthew Potter, Joseph Weber, Jr., Selena Skellenger, Brooklyn Spofford, Braylyn Decker, and Lucas Bragg, his great grandchildren; Kaira, Aiden, Liam, Mia, and Athena brothers; James Van Horn and his companion Tina Skinner of Sparrowbush, Luke R. Van Horn, Jr. and his wife Michelle of Huguenot, William Van Horn, Sr. and his wife Shirley of Huguenot, Roger Van Horn and his wife Karen of Port Jervis, his two sisters; Linda Van Horn of Port Jervis, Maryann Bloom and her husband Warren of Westbrookville, and several nieces and nephews. Russ was pre-deceased by his brother Edward Van Horn and his sister Irene Williams. Visitation will be held 11 AM-12 Noon, Friday, January 25th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main Street, Port Jervis, NY. Memorial service will follow at 12 Noon at the funeral home with Rev. Michael McKelvey officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, ATTN: Donations, PO Box 375, Walden, NY. 12586. 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.

Diane M. Horan age 85 of Mason, Ohio and formerly a life long resident of Port Jervis, NY passed away December 14, 2018 at her home. She was born on February 14, 1933 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Rudolphe and Zelma E. Bisland Berthiaume. Diane worked as a secretary Rudolphe Berthiaume Real Estate in Port Jervis. She was a member of St. Mary’s RC Church, Port Jervis. Diane married William P. Horan who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her daughter Karan Horan, Esq. and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother John R. Berthiaume. Services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Diane’s name 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, or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Robert “Roy” Hinshalwood age 87 of Otisville, NY passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Sapphire Nursing Facility, Goshen, NY. Memorial services will be announced at a later date and will be held at the Faith Reformed Church in South Centerville, NY. A complete obituary will be published at a later date by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY knight-auchmoody.com.

Carol Caswell Markiewicz age 96 of Port Jervis passed away on January 12, 2019 at her home. She was born in Port Jervis on July 29, 1922 . Carol graduated from Port Jervis High School with the class of 1940. Growing up she became an avid and skilled roller skater and later taught roller skating to the local Girl Scouts at Joyland Beach during the 1950’s in order for them to achieve their rolling skating badge. She was an avid reader and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles for many years. Carol was married to her husband Frank for 56 years prior to his death in 1998. During the early to late 1950’s she worked at the local General Telephone Office as a daytime operator and later as the office’s night operator. From the middle 1960’s to the middle 1970’s she worked for the Urban Renewal Agency as an executive secretary and administrative assistant, retiring in 1977. After her retirement she and Frank spent many happy winters at the Hideaway Campgrounds in Ruskin, Florida. She is member of the Clara Bradley Lodge; former chairwoman of there Sullivan Avenue School, P.T.A.; a member of the Port Jervis Women’s Democratic Club; a member of the Port Jervis Democratic Committee. Carol was pre-deceased by her father A.L. “Dick” Caswell and her mother Mary Ryan Terwilliger , her step-father Harry Terwilliger, her step- mother Fanny Romer Caswell, her brothers; Clifford (Helen) Caswell, H. Victor (Adeline “Bunny” ) Caswell, W. Howard (Frances) Caswell and her grandmother Nora Kellam Ryan. Carol is survived by her children; Linda Adams and her husband John, Frank “Bud” Markiewicz, John V. Markiewicz and his wife Donna, and Cathy J. Davenport and her husband Dennis, nine grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews including her her special nephew W. Howard Caswell and his wife Brenda Sue. Visitation and services will be private at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY. Memorial contributions in Carol’s memory may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. 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.

Charlotte DeGroat age 80 of Sparrowbush, NY entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on December 24, 1938 in Lafflin, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Burns and Thelma Graham Houck. Charlotte married her lifelong best friend Harold DeGroat on May 12, 1956, who survives at home. She was the former owner of DeGroat’s Country Store in Sparrowbush and she retired from Andmore Sportswwear, Inc and Walmart. She was the most kind hearted person one could ever meet, her arms were open to everyone. She was loved by everyone who had the opportunity to meet her. She was an avid Bingo player. Charlotte was the loving mother to Michael DeGroat and his wife Valerie of Port Jervis, Kenneth DeGroat of of Port Jervis, Susan Shauger and her husband Charles of Port Jervis, Charlene Van Horn and her husband Luke of Sparrowbush, loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren, Michael, Kristen, Breanna, Dustin, Bryan, Matthew, Scott, Dylan, Alicia, Lizzy, Sarah, Tiffany and Katie Decker who pre-deceased her, eight great grandchildren; Sabrina, Allie, Michael, Jr., Evalina, Saige, Logan, Matthew, Jr., and Bryson, loving sister to Jack Houck and his wife Arlene of Westbrookville, William and Robert Houck, who pre-deceased her, sister-in-law to David and Terry DeGroat and Robert DeGroat all of Port Jervis, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held 10:30 AM-12 Noon , Thursday, January 17th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E.Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at the funeral home. Rev. Billy Clark will officiate. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Katie Decker Memorial Scholarship Fund, 9 Thompson St., Port Jervis, N 12771, the Alzheimers Foundation.org, or to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 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.

Wayne C. Collins, Sr., age 68 of Cuddebackville, NY passed away Monday, January 7, 2019 in Port Jervis, NY. He was born on June 24, 1950 in Middletown, NY and is the son of the late Elizabeth Collins. Wayne proudly served our country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as an Equipment operator for the Highway Department in the Town of Wallkill, NY. Wayne is survived by his daughter Jeanne Pulos of Godeffroy, NY, two sons; Wayne C. Collins, Jr. of Cuddebackville, NY, and Michael Collins of Godeffroy, NY, four grandchildren; Ashley, Cody, Branden, and Dylan, two great-grandchildren; Skyler, and Caiden; his brother Robert Collins, his niece. He is predeceased by his brother Norman Collins. Wayne was a member of the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post 161 in Port Jervis. Graveside services will take place Monday, January 14, 2019, 11:00am, at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY, 10924. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post 161, 47-51 Owen St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the American Cancer Society, 121 Executive Dr., New Windsor, NY 12553. 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

Evelyn A. Livingston age 95 of Eldred, NY passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 at her home. She was born April 24, 1923 in Eldred, NY and is the daughter of the late Charles and Lena (Hill) MacIntyre. Evelyn married Joseph B. Livingston who predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter JoAnn Wadhwa and husband Dr. J.C. Wadhwa of Eldred, NY; six grandchildren: Lisa, Stacey, Kris, Eric, Tara, and Nicole; four great-grandchildren: Rachael, Dylan, Inder, and Asha. Evelyn was predeceased by her son William Livingston and two sisters, Betty Getz and Esther Gothard. She was a member of the Eldred Congregational Church in Eldred, NY where she was the treasurer and Sunday school teacher for fifty plus years, member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Eldred Congregational Church, and was the trustee for Sunshine Hall Library in Eldred, NY. Visitation will take place from 10-11am on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Eldred Congregational Church, 8 Proctor Road, Eldred, NY 12732. Funeral services will follow at 11am with Rev. Susan Storms officiating. Burial will take place at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Eldred, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eldred Congregational Church, PO Box 116, Eldred, NY 12732. 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

Caroline Justine Amundsen age 88 of Port Jervis, New York passed away January 1, 2019 at Kingston, New York. She was born on February 2, 1930 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. She married Walter V. Amundsen who predeceased her. She is survived by her stepson Daniel Amundsen of Asheville, North Carolina, very close family friends; Mary and John Gelomino of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, Marlena and Joe Donato of Holly, Pennsylvania and Paul Wiserich of Matamoras, Pennsylvania. Caroline Justine was a member of Science of Mind. Cremation took place at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be sent to the Port Jervis,/Deerpark Humane Society, 202 US 209, Port Jervis, New York 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York.. For information, or to send a condolence note to the family please visit knightauchmoody.com

A. David Bird age 80 of Sparrowbush, NY passed away January 6, 2019 in Port Jervis, NY. He was born in Pougkeepsie, NY on May 30, 1938 the son of the late Howard and Mary Appleton Bird. David retired from the Port Jervis School District as an Industrial Arts Teacher after many years of dedicated service. He was a faithful member, former trustee and Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Port Jervis. He is an active member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Masons, #328 F&AM, and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Grand Lodge of Masons, He is also a charter member of the New York StateTechnology Education Assoc. and The Mid-Hudson Retired Teachers Association; Dave served a a former Troop Committee Member for Tropp #78 and a former merit badge counselor with The Boy Scouts of America. David married Janet Durfey Bird who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his three sons; Howard D. Bird and his wife Carolyn of Dingmans Fery, PA, Carlton D. Bird and his wife Paula of Otisville, NY, and Thomas D. Bird of Sparowbush. He is also survived by his sister Priscilla Wendover of Hyde Park, NY, his beloved grandchildren Sarah and Kaitlin Bird, one niece and two nephews. Visitation be will be held from 10:00-11:00 am in the First Presbyterian Church. Memorial services will follow at 11 AM Thursday, January 10th in the First Presbyterian Church, 60 Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Ann Akers will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 60 Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #161, 47 Owen St., Port Jervis, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send. Condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

William David (Carlos) Prohira Formerly of Port Jervis, New York, died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 unexpectedly at home in Okeechobee Florida. He was 61. He was born on April 4, 1957 in Port Jervis, NY the son of Emil and Annabelle Prohira. Bill worked Construction most of his adult life. Billy loved and lived a simple life, a Kind and Gentle man. Family was everything to him, no matter the time and distance he always found comfort in knowing his family was happy. He leaves behind two children Jenni and Joshua Prohira who meant the world to him. He will truly be missed, and forever in our hearts. He is predeceased by his parents. Surviving are Daughter Jenni and Son Joshua Prohira: His siblings: John Prohira, Delphine Forster and husband Bill, Regina Smith and husband Billy, Christine Rohrer and husband Jeff and Lori Ey and her husband Jim: and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private. For Information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.knightauchmoody.com

Oliver "Obie" Decker died December 31,2018 in Port Jervis, NY, after a brief illness. He was 76. He was born October 27,1942 in Port Jervis, NY the third of eight children of Oliver and Bernice Quick Decker. He was a loving husband to Kathleen Southers Decker, who survives him. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on Jan 6. He was a wonderful father to his four daughters, Kim Gallo and her husband Joe, Jill Decker and her companion Dan Hosking, Jody Scholz and her husband Willi and Holly Schure and her companion Dave Butler. He was a proud and fun loving “Pop"to Billy Miller, Megan Cassidy, J.D., Oliver and Max Gallo,Willi Cody Scholz, Dakota and Hunter Schure and Katie Decker,who predeceased him, as well as his seven great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sisters , Mary Cuddy and her husband Jim and Gloria Corey, several nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws. He was also predeceased by his brothers Charlie and Bill Decker, and his sisters, Doris Rowe, Helen Rake and Donna Fuller, as well as his great grandson, William. Obie was a true sportsman and especially loved to hunt and spend time in the woods. He was a 30 year member/owner of Mamakating Hunting Club. He also loved Nascar, his Buffalo Bills and his little dog “Jack." Obie was a remarkable, outgoing, hardworking man. He was generous with his time and his many skills to family, friends and anyone who needed help. He will be missed beyond comprehension and will be for ever in our hearts. Visitation will beheld 10:30 AM- 12 Noon, Monday, January 7th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made tot he Katie Decker Memorial Scholarship Fund, 9 Thompson St., Port Jervis, NY 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.