Our Obituaries

Lina Scheidegger passed away peacefully on March 22 at the age of 89. Lina was a resident of Montague for over 60 years, but had most recently resided at The Chelsea at Brookfield in White Twp, NJ. Lina was born on March 10, 1930 in Jenaz, Switzerland. She married her late husband, Walter, in 1953 and they immigrated to Montague the same year. Lina enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, knitting, flowers, wildlife, and was known for her homemade bread. She was a faithful member of the Minisink Reformed Church in Montague, having served as deacon, food pantry coordinator and in many other roles over the years. She was a volunteer for VITA, preparing income taxes for those in need, delivered Meals on Wheels, volunteered at Bon Secors Hospital and worked part time for Montague Township as Welfare Director. Earlier she was also very active in 4H programs and the PTO. She was honored as Montague Twp. Senior Citizen of the Year. Lina is survived by four daughters, Berta Scheidegger of Delray Beach, FL, Evalina Erbe of Hightstown, NJ, Kathy Muscat and husband Steve of White Twp, NJ, and Margrit Thomassen and husband Leonard of Grant, FL. She is also survived by her sister, Katharina Schiesser of Switzerland and eight grandchildren, David, Matthew and Amelia Erbe; Stephanie, Rebecca and Caroline Muscat; and Leonard and Travis Thomassen as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Richard in 1965, her husband Walter in 1991, and her brothers Rudolph Flury in 2018 and Joos Flury in 2013. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 29, from 4 to 6 PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St, Port Jervis, NY. Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 2 PM at Minisink Reformed Church, 346 River Rd, Montague, NJ. Rev. Michael Sweeney will officiate. Interment will follow at the Minisink Cemetery, Montague, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to Minisink Reformed Church, PO Box 1787, Montague, NJ 07827 or to Alzheimer’s NJ at alznj.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

Madeline Ann Mason, age 86, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away March 20, 2019 at Belle Reve in Milford, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her four sons. She was born on February 18, 1933 in Port Jervis, New York. She was the daughter of the late George and Mary Amato Soletro. Madeline worked for the office of the Prothonotary in Milford, Pennsylvania. She was married to John B. Mason for 61 years before his passing in 2015. Madeline is survived by her four sons; John B. Mason and his wife Tria of Milford, Pennsylvania, Scott Mason and his wife Robin of Andover, New Jersey, Gary Mason and his husband Kevin Thornhill of St. Petersburg, Florida, Jay Mason and his wife Jenine of Wantage, New Jersey, her beloved grandchildren; Ryan, Adam and his wife Brynn, Sean and his wife Jess, Jeffrey, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Anthony, William and Rebecca, her great granddaughters; Zoey and Makayla, several nieces and nephews including her special niece Sally Harmon of St. Petersburg, Florida. Madeline was pre-deceased by her sister, Ann Stellato and her brother Michael Soletro. The family would like to thank the staffs at Belle Reve and Karen Ann Quinlan for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held 3-7 PM Tuesday, March 26th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 27th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 104 Bennett Ave., Milford, PA 18337 or to the Pike County Humane Society, PO Box 255, Milford, PA 18337. 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.

Joseph W. Search age 63 of The Town of Greenville, NY passed away February 28, 2019 at his home. He was born May 20, 1955 in Franklin, New Jersey the son of Joseph W. and Alberta Shauger Search. Joseph is survived by his four sisters; Joseline Search of Sussex, New Jersey, Aldene Hovencamp of Monticello, NY, Janet Potter and Nancy Search both of Scranton, Pennsylvania, his two brothers Michael and Dean Search both of Scranton, his special cousins, Timothy and Carol Search, with whom he lived for over 30 years, cousins Steven, Cheyanne, Trinity, Adrianna, Dakota, Linda and Francis, several nieces and nephews. Joseph was pre-deceased by his brother Waldo Search. A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at a later date. 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 or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Norma Jean Gibbons age 66 of Port Jervis, NY passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY. She was born on May 20, 1952 in Brooklyn, NY and is the daughter of the late John and Jessie Dekorte Sexton. Norma Jean worked as an assembler at Kolmar Labs in Port Jervis, NY. She married Bernard E. Gibbons who survives at home. Norma Jean is also survived by her four brothers; James Sexton and wife Nancy, Thomas Sexton and wife Irene, Joseph Sexton and wife Betty, and Robert Sexton and wife Sue; two sisters; Betty Sczerba, and Alice Kenzel and husband James. Norma Jean was predeceased by her two brothers John and Edward Sexton and her sister Lucielle Sexton. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM, Wednesday with Pastor Sarah Samson officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery at a later date. 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

Paul R. Schields age 83 of Pine bush, NY formerly of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away Friday, March 15, 2019 in Montgomery, NY. He was born on April 29, 1935 in Port Jervis, NY the son of Nicholas and Hazel M. Burrows Schields. Paul proudly served our country with the US Army from 1958-1960. He married Carol Ann Weicker Schields who pre-deceased him. Paul retired as a shipping clerk from Altec Lansing in Milford, Pennsylvania. He was one of the founding members of the Westfall Police Dept., a member of the Westfall Fire Dept., a member of the Port Jervis Lodge of Masons #328 F & AM, a member of the Devore Quinn American Legion Post #486, Port Jervis, a member of the North American Fishing Club, a life member of the NRA, a life member of the Matamoras Rod & Gun Club, The Slatestone Hunting Club and a contributor to the St. Labre Indian School. Paul was a an avid hunter and fisherman who taught many. He is survived by his daughter JoAnn Schields at home, his beloved granddaughter BreAnna L. Schields at home, his daughter Paula Schields of Fort Mills, South Carolina, his sister-in-law Janet Schields of Port Jervis, his nephew Donald N. Schields and his wife Jeanmarie of Port Jervis, his niece Lynn Kozen of Manahawkin, NJ. Paul is also survived by several cousins including Nancy L. Schields and Robert Schields. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 5-7 PM Monday, March 18 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Firematic services will be held at 6:30 PM. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, March 19th at he funeral home. Interment will follow with military honors at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, Pennsylvania. Memorial contributions may be made tot he Westfall Fire Dept., PO Box 154, Matamoras, PA 18336 or to a charity of Donor’s Choice. 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.

Don C. Reed, 76 of Glen Spey, NY passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. He was born in Glen Spey, NY on June 19, 1942 the son of Charles and Doris Sannwald Reed. He proudly served our country during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army. Don worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Lumberland Highway Department. He was a member of the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, the Lumberland Fire Department, the Glen Spey Rod & Gun Club and the NRA. Don always kept himself busy making bird houses and being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. If something needed fixing or if someone needed help, Don was the one there. Don married Jean Wolfinger on August 23, 1964 celebrating 54 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Jean at home, his son Don Reed, Jr and his wife Shannon of Port Jervis, his daughter Debby Hoffman and her husband Jim of Port Jervis, his beloved grandchildren who he loved so deeply, Hillary Storms and her companion Richard Fisher, Logan Hoffman and Zachary Ellert. Don was one of 11 children. He is survived by his sisters, Dare Thiele, Corinth McCooey and her husband Bill, his brothers; Lon Reed and his wife Nancy, Laurence (Shorty) Reed and his wife Karen, Rory Reed and his wife Terry, Jay Reed and his wife Pat, Chris Reed and his wife Stephanie. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law; Linda Koferl, Dolores Miller, Judy Reed and several nieces and nephews. Don was pre-deceased by his brothers; Ron , Lory, Mark Reed, Jim Koferl and his brother-in-law Pete Thiele, his sisters-in-law Barbara Merrihew and Georgann Quick. Memorial services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday March 16th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will take place in Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Lumberland Fire Dept., PO Box 91, Glen Spey, NY 12737 or the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, 122 Berm and Church Rd., Pond Eddy, NY 12770. 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.

Rotha Pedlock age 91 of Port Jervis, NY entered into eternal rest on March 9, 2019 in Milford, Pennsylvania. She was born on July 30, 1927 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Alvord Phillips, Sr. and Olive Mason Phillips. She married Joseph J. Pedlock on November 23, 1947 and he pre-deceased her in 2002.Rotha retired from the cafeteria department of the Port Jervis School District in 1991. She is survived by her loving daughter Sue DiGiantommaso of Port Jervis, her twin brother Richard Phillips, her sister Carol Tufano of Matamoras, PA, her beloved grandchildren; Gina Lamoreaux, Tony DiGiantommaso and his wife Nancy, John DiGiantommaso and his wife Missy and their father John DiGiantommaso, Adam Hallock, Joanna Everett and Sarah Rauch and their father James Hallock, her great grandchildren; Monica, Austin, Sophia, Justin, Gianna, Gemma, Jenna, Paige, Robby, Ty, Caleb, Anna and Sarah, and her sister-in-laws Helene Phillips of Port Jervis and Renee Pedlock of Matamoras, PA and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rotha was pre-deceased by her daughter Olivia Hallock, her sister Madge Benjamin and her brother Alvord Phillips, Jr. A family statement read “ Rotha was loving and caring to her family, she cherished each and everyone of them. She was known to many as the “sweet lady”, she will be greatly missed.” The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bon Secour Hospital and Milford Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM Thursday, March 14, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 PM at the funeral home. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Tribute Program, PO Box 1000 Dept. 42, Memphis, TN. 38101-9908 or the Humane Society of Port Jervis / Deerpark, 202 US-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.

On Saturday, March 9, 2019, John P. Codichini, loving husband and father of two, passed away at age 40. John was born on June 28, 1978 in Port Jervis, NY to Richard and Mary (Purcell) Codichini. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2001. John was a Lead Engineering Outage Specialist for Amtrack Railroad in Manhattan, NY and prior to this he was Supervisor of Train Operations for New Jersey Transit where he worked for 16 years. John also worked at Gino’s, his family's restaurant until it closed in December 2011. On June 24, 2017 John married Brittany Martone. John had a passion for serving his community and assisting others. He is the captain of the Westfall Fire Department and was a former Second Assistant Chief. John selflessly dedicated his life to the firehouse and to serving the community for over 25 years. John is survived by his wife, Brittany, his son Christopher Gino, his stepson, Jacob Brink, his parents Richard and Mary Codichini of Matamoras, his sister Amanda Meltzer and her husband Steven of Stony Brook, Long Island, his paternal grandmother Annette Codichini of Matamoras, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Robert and Debra Mills of Port Jervis, two sisters-in-law Angela and Courtney Martone both of Port Jervis, his brother-in-law Robert Mills of Port Jervis, his grandmother-in-law Linda Owen of Port Jervis, several aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gino. Visitation will be held 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm Tuesday, March 12 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Firematic services will be held 7:30pm, Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, March 13th in the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westfall Fire Dept., PO Box 154, Matamoras, PA 18336. John was passionate about the need for community volunteers in order to keep local Fire and EMS stations strong. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note, please visit knightauchmoody.com

John “Jay” E. Aschoff, 81, of Pond Eddy, New York, formerly of Port Jervis, passed away on Sunday, February 24 at his daughter’s home in Nazareth, PA. The son of Josephine (Coniton) and Frank E. Aschoff, he was born March 20, 1937 in Port Jervis, New York. Jay was a retired mason from BAC Local 5. He was a member of the “NRA” and the Smokey Ridge Hunting Club. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nothing more than hunting or fishing or spending time on Lake Ontario. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Stasa and her husband Jeffrey of Nazareth, PA, Kelly Murphy of Philadelphia, PA and Kyle Aschoff of Lakeville, MN; his four grandchildren, Travis and Quinn Stasa and Reaghan and Patrick Murphy; and several nieces, nephews and his dear cousin, Jane Halpern. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother, William Aschoff. Visitation will be Friday, March 15 at 10-11 AM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM at the Funeral Home. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Luke’s Hospice, 801 Ostrum St., 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

William F. Simons age 90 of Port Jervis, NY entered into eternal rest March 1, 2019 in Port Jervis, NY surrounded by his family. Bill retired as a conductor from Conrail Railroad in Hoboken , New Jersey after many years of service. He was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Port Jervis and a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainman. He married Catherine Livingston on April 17, 1949 celebrating 69 years of marriage, who survives at home. He is also survived by his daughters Sally Simons of Midlothian, Virginia, Kelly Yeager and her husband John of Bedford, Pennsylvania, three brothers; David “Butch” Simons of North Carolina, Jerry Simons and his wife Barbara of New Jersey, John Simons and his wife Louise of Nevada, three grandchildren; Jonathan Yeager and his wife Beth, Jennifer Yeager, Hannah Yeager, US Airman, US Air Force, several nieces and nephews. William was pre-deceased by his two sisters Joyce Henderson and Isabelle Harmon. Visitation will be held 11 AM-12 Noon Tuesday, March 5 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at the funeral home with Rev. Matthew Newcomb officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 46 Ball St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Mean St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.