Our Obituaries

Amiello Joseph Amato entered into rest at home with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 27th, 2019. He was 87. The son of Jospeh and Philomeia De Angelo-Amato he was born August 18, 1931 in Port Jervis, New York. Joe was known to many as Sonny. He was an honorably discharged United States Army Veteran who proudly served his country in Germany during the Korean War. He was a general manager of several Orange County Grand Unions, an Administrator and member of board of directors at Orange County AHRC, and Town of Wallkill Parking Enforcer and Court Officer. Joe was an established member, President and trustee of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society in Port Jervis. Joe married Marilyn Gillespie on August 1, 1954., who pre-deceased him in 2004. A family statement reads, “the most important thing to Joe was his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren and his extended family. He will forever be in our hearts and sadly missed by all.” Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Amato, his son, Joseph Amato and daughter in law Judy Amato, grandchildren - Jessica, Joelynn and her Tom, Jeanine, Jennifer, Juli and Joey, his son, John Amato, grandchildren -Amiello, John and Nick, his daughter, Eileen and son in law Matt Zepf, grandchildren - Kelly and Matt, his daughter, Michelle and son in law Tracy Margarum, grandchildren - Tracy and his wife Michelle, Anthony and his wife Kayla and Amanda, his great grandchildren; Tommy, Jayse, Tony, and Jayrd, his brother, Michael and sister in law Henrietta, his nephew, Richie and his wife Shawn, his sister in law, Ginger Craig and several nieces and nephews He was pre-deceased his sisters, Madeline Delaney and Josephine King, and sister in law Joanne Ross. Family and friends may call on Friday, March 1st from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Knight Auchmoocy Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York. Mount Caramel services will be held at 6:30pm at the funeral home. Prayers will be offered 11 AM Saturday March 2, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon at Saint Mary’s Church at Port Jervis. Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Pall bearers are Joseph and Joe Amato, Matt and Matt Zepf, and Tracy and Tracy Margarum. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors. 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.

John “Jay” Aschoff age 81 of Pond Eddy, formerly of Port Jervis passed away Feb. 24, 2019 in Nazareth, PA. Memorial services will be announced at a later date by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. knight-auchmoody.com

Harry C. Welch, Jr. age 87 of Port Jervis, NY passed away at his home on Saturday, February 23, 2019. He was born on June 11, 1931 in Poughkeepsie, NY the son of the late Harry C. Welch, Sr. and Lucy Traver. Harry proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a repair man in the Oil Industry in Poughkeepsie, NY. Harry is survived by his wife Carolyn L. Sickles Welch at home, his son Harry C. Welch, III and wife Rose of Hyde Park, NY, his step-son Robert Harbeck and his wife Nicole of Milford, PA, his step-daughter Heather Powers and husband David of Poughkeepsie, NY, six grandchildren; Willow Welch, Camron and Nathan Harbeck, Adrianna, Deanna, and Julianna Powers. He was predeceased by his sister Alice Hummel and his brother Robert Welch. Cremation will take place privately at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 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 please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Virginia H. Collis age 87 of Eldred, NY passed away January 31, 2019 in Liberty, NY. She was born in Wellstown, NY (Eldred) on July 22, 1931 the daughter of Edgar and Marjorie Wells Hill. Virginia retired from the New York State of Transportation in Syracuse, NY as a real estate supervisor. She is an active member of the North Milford Congregation of Jehovah’s Witness, Milford, Pennsylvania. Virginia married Edwain J. Collis who survives. She is also survived by her three nephews, her brother-in-law Donald German of Eldred, her cousin Berniece Haas of Eldred. Virginia was pre-deceased by her sister Nancy German. Memorial services will be held. 2 PM Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 100 Shinhollow Rd., Port Jervis, NY. David Salmond will give a talk. Interment will be private. 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.

William Witzel age 69 of Sparrowbush, NY passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 in Port Jervis, NY. He was born on June 10, 1949 in the Bronx, NY, the son of Albert A. And Grace Fumia Witzel. Bill proudly served our country with the US Army during the Vietnam War. He retired as a truck driver from Prestige Toyota in Ramsey, New Jersey. He was an active member with the Sparrowbush Fire Dept. William married Lee-Ann Sengstacken Witzel who survives at home. He is also survived by his sister AnnTerpening and her husband Gene of Sparrowbush, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was pre-deceased by his brother Robert Witzel, his sister Grace LaForge and his niece Debbie Terpening. Cremation took place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA. Memorial services will be held in the spring. 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.

Jacqueline “Jacki” Tescione age 59 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away February 20, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Stroudsburg, PA, with her loving family at her side. Jacki was born on March 20, 1959 in Hackensack, New Jersey the daughter of the late Joachim “Jack” and Millicent Puglisi Tescione. She graduated from Port Jervis High School and continued her education at Manhattanville College where she achieved her BA. Jacki was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, Matamoras, Pennsylvania and a member of the Altar & Rosary Society of the church. She worked as a project manager for Epicore, Inc. in Newburgh, NY. Jacki, known by her family as the “Broadway Princess”, had a thirst for life, and knowledge. She loved her family and friends deeply, and had a willingness to help others. She inspired generosity , and acts of kindness . Jacki was passionate about the arts, traveling, reading, and enjoying life. Jacqueline is survived by her loving sister Christine DeNella and her husband Lou of Matamoras, her nephews Kristopher DeNella and his wife Stacie and Dominick DeNella, her great nephew Mason DeNella, and several cousins including Angela Brenner and Janet-Lee Tuttle. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Monday, February 25 at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church 307 Ave. F, Matamoras, PA. Rev. Joseph Manarchuck will be the celebrant. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Jacki’s name to the American Heart Assoc., PO Box 417005, Boston, MA. 02241-7005. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, or to send condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Nancy Aber Wharton age 57 of Port Jervis, NY passed away February 14, 2019 at her home with her husband by her side. She was born on June 19, 1961 in Port Jervis, the daughter of the late Charles J. and Corrinne Martini Aber. Nancy worked as a senior systems analyst for Dow-Jones in Campbell Hall, NY. She graduated with the class of 1979, Port Jervis High School. Following graduation Nancy attended Orange County Community College achieving her Associates Degree. She continued her education at Trinity College of Natural Health in Warsaw, Indiana, attaining her Doctorate in Naturopathy. Nancy was ordained in Full Gospel Ministry. She was a member of the National Association of Certified Natural Health Professionals and was a Master Herbalist. Together with her husband Jim, they owned and operated Quantum Wellness. Nancy is survived by her husband James Wharton at home, her sister Corrinne “Candy” Stanzl and her husband Frank of Port Jervis, her beloved nieces and nephews; Jeffrey Aber, Frank C. Stanzl, Christopher Stanzl, Laurie Powrie and her husband Chuck, Elaine Call and her husband Joe, her sister-in-law Denise Aber-Ramsey and her husband Dan of Scottsdale, Arizona, her brothers-in-law Joseph Wharton and his wife Belinda of Largo, Florida, William C. Wharton and his wife Delayne of Tyngsboro, MA, several great nieces and nephews. Nancy was pre-deceased by her brother Charles E. Aber. Visitation will be held 2:30-6:00 Tuesday, February 19th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St.,Port Jervis, NY. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s name to Hospice of Orange & 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 knight-auchmoody.com.

Robert J. Tschudy age 82 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away February 14, 2019 In Port Jervis, NY. Bob was born on May 21, 1936 in Port Jervis, the son of Robert H. and Emily Reitz Tschudy. He was a graduate of the Matamoras High School, class of 1954. Bob retired from the Grand Union Food Stores in Port Jervis and Milford, Pennsylvania after many years of dedicated service. Robert married Shirley Eccleston on November 6, 1966, who survives at home. He is also survived by their adopted son Jimmy Ellison and his wife Robin of Matamoras, his brother-in-law Robert Eccleston and his wife Patricia of Port Jervis, his nieces Christine Bohn and Judy Stone and his beloved cat Ben. Bob was a faithful member of the Drew United Methodist Church and a head usher of the church. Every Saturday, together with his wife Shirley, Bob enjoyed participating in the “Helping Hands Food Pantry at the Drew Church. He was a dedicated 56 year member of the Milford Lodge of Masons, treasurer since 1988 and Past Master. He was also a member of the River Valley Chapter #33, O.E.S. and Past Patron, a member of the Matamoras-Westfall Historical Society and the Matamoras-Westfall Republicn Club, a member of the Deerpark Seniors, the Leisure Seniors, AARP and the Golden Age Seniors. Bob was an avid sports fan enjoying football, basketball, soccer and especially baseball. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 pm Monday, February 18th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Eastern Star services will be held at 3 PM Monday and Masonic services will be held at 7 PM Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Tuesday, February 19th at the Drew United Methodist Church, 49-51 Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Paul Zorn and Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis. Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Drew United Methodist Church, “Church Budget”, 49-51 Sussex 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.

James A. Mills age 74 of Port Jervis, NY passed away peacefully February 12, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on November 23, 1944 in Port Jervis, NY the son of Alfred and Esther Mills. He retired as a laborer for Union Local # 17 in Newburgh, NY. Jim married Margaret Agrella Mills who survives at home. He is also survived by his sons, Jason Mills and his wife Andrea of Port Jervis, Jimmy and Jeffrey Mills, William McLaughlin and his wife Laura of Florida, NY, Christopher McLaughlin of Port Jervis, his daughter Carol McLaughlin Nivens of Port Jervis, his beloved grandchildren; Ryan, Alyssa and Jenna McLaughlin, Lauren and Johnny Nivens, Nicholas McLaughlin, Matthew and Kris Strucic, Donna Castro, Isabella and Lucca Mills, his sister Mary Stempert, his brothers Robert and William Mills, several nieces and nephews. Jim was pre-deceased by his daughter Margaret McLaughlin Strucic. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions 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, or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Lucy V.S. Conklin age 87 of Edgewater, Florida and formerly a resident of Port Jervis, NY passed away peacefully February 12, 2019 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Lucy was a former member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Port Jervis. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Leonard Conklin, her parents Raymond and Dorothy Van Sickle and her siblings, William Van Sickle and Marion Mulvaney. She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Teske of Edgewater, Florida, Margery Pulsinelli of Port Jervis and son Leonard Conklin of Woodridge, NY. She was blessed with eight loving grandchildren; Brian (Sandra) Teske, Diane (John) Crowley, Anthony (Melissa) Pulsinelli, Pamela Conklin, Angela (Diego) Prieto, Rebecca (Keith) Buck, Matthew Conklin and Vincent(Brianna) Conklin, 15 great grandchildren; Will, Drew, Emmalise, Anthony, Casey, Cheyenne, David, Jason, Julia, Kailey, Sonia, Emma, Robert, Cohen and Bennett, several nieces and nephews. Lucy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Private interment will take place in the Spring 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 or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Donna J. Jennings age 83 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away February 10, 2019 in Port Jervis, NY surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Libertyville, Illinois on March 1, 1935 the daughter of the late Edward and Martha Buski Krase. Donna loved to quilt, make various needlecraft items and enjoyed baking. In her earlier years Donna was an active member with the Otterkill Engine Co., Ladies Auxiliary. Donna married Robert H. Jennings who survives at home. She is also survived by her two daughters Denise Aumick and her husband Stephen of Wallkill, NY, Joanne Warren and her husband Mark of New Hampton, NY, her two sons Robert M. Jennings and his wife Judy and Christopher Jennings all of Campbell Hall, her beloved grandchildren; Kimberly Miller, Mark Warren, Jr., Heather Cousin and Christopher R. Jennings, her great grandchildren; Maggie, Hope, Lucas, Abigail and Aubree, several nieces, nephews and her very dear and close friend Linda McCombs. Memorial services will be held 12 Noon Thursday, February 14th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E.Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to the Otterkill Engine Co., 13 Maybrook Rd., Campbell Hall, NY 10916 or to Go Red For Women, www.goredforwomen.org. 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.

Dolores J. Joergle age 84 of Port Jervis, NY passed away February 7, 2019 at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis. Dolores was born on October 24, 1934 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Joseph J. Pagano and Marion Weiser Pagano. She married Warren A. Joergle who pre-deceased her on March 14, 2012. Dolores worked for over 40 years as a medical secretary for Dr. Harry Faller and Dr. Craig Brown in Port Jervis until her retirement. She is survived by her two sons Carl F. Joergle of Port Jervis and Glenn Joergle and his wife Elisa of Montague, New Jersey, her daughter Stacy Joergle-Gildea and her companion Richard Clapp of Port Jervis, her beloved grandchildren Amber, Halle, and Owen Joergle, her great grandson Adam King, her brother-in-law James Knight of Port Jervis, her sister-in-law Maryann Pagano of Deltona, FL, several nieces and nephews. Dolores was pre-deceased by her sisters Marie Asprea and JoAnn Leon, her brothers William and Vincent Pagano. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA. 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.

Virginia H. Collis age 87 of Eldred, NY passed way Thursday, January 31, 2019 at The Achieve Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Liberty, NY. She was born on July 22, 1931 in Wellstown, New York (Eldred), the daughter of Edgar and Marjorie Wells Hill. Virginia married Edwin J. Collins, Jr. who survives. She is a member of the North Milford Congregation of Jehovah’s Witness, Milford, Pennsylvania. Memorial services will be announced at a later date 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.

Pamelia “Pam" B. Long age 61 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Monday, February 4, 2019 at The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, Newburgh, NY. She was born on November 17, 1957 in Port Jervis, NY. Pam worked as an insurance broker for Rhulen Insurance in Monticello, NY for many years. She presently worked as a switchboard operator for Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. Memorial services will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Long family c/o Nicole Long, 15 Bennett St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com. >

Joseph H. Sexton, Jr. age 52 off Billings, Montana and formerly of Port Jervis, NY passed away January 31, 2019 in Billings, Montana. He was born on April 5, 1966 in Hartford. Connecticut the son of Joseph H. Sexton, Sr. and Betty Hathaway Sexton. Joe graduated from The Port Jervis High School with the class of 1984. He loved to party, have a good time with his friends and watch wrestling. He had a great sense of humor and usually had everyone laughing with his funny stories. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Betty Sexton of Port Jervis, his son Alexander and his wife Brianna, his grandson Jaxson and his former wife Terese Peek Sexton all of Port Jervis. He is also survived by his daughter Crystal and her mother Kim Williams of Billings, Montana, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Joe was pre-deceased by his sister Tammy Lynn Sexton and his nephew, Brandon Joseph Sexton, his paternal grandparents John H. Sexton and Jessie Dekorte Sexton Buddenhagen, his maternal grandparents Richard Hathaway and Catherine Carter Hathaway, his aunt Dorothy Simkins and recently by his aunt Lois Kampka Nagy. Graveside services will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY at a later date. 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.

Frank “Dennis” Naples age 72 of Milford, Pennsylvania passed away February 1, 2019 in Port Jervis, NY. Dennis was born on September 19, 1946 in Passaic, New Jersey the son Frank Naples, Jr. and Elizabeth Hudock Naples. He worked as and operating engineer for Local Union #825 in Springfield, New Jersey. Dennis married Sherry Rhinesmith Naples who survives at home. He is also survived by his two sons F. Dion Naples and his wife Nicole of Bloomingdale, New Jersey and David Naples of Wayne, New Jersey, his sister Sharon Naples of Ringwood, New Jersey, and his beloved two granddaughters Sonia and Nadia. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. 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.