Our Obituaries

John H. Doss, Sr. age 76, of Port Jervis, New York passed away on May 22, 2020 at home. He was born April 9, 1944 in Port Jervis, New York, the son of Harold and Florence (Keller) Doss. John retired to Florida with his wife of 27 years, Frances, and recently returned to the Tri-State area to be closer to his family. He was an avid musician for over 50 years and played with Ray Henry's Nitelife Band throughout the area. He served in the US Navy and was an active member and past Commander of American Legion Post #514. John was past Worthy President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. He was communicant of St. James the Greater R.C. in Montague, New Jersey. John is survived by his children; Jeanneene Ludemann and her husband Fred of Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, John H. Doss, Jr. and his wife Amanda of Coplay, Pennsylvania, his beloved grandchildren Taylor and Hunter Ludemann, Ian Storer, Tiffany and Daenerys Doss, Ryan and Thomas Conners, his brother Michael Doss and s wife Audrey and several nieces and nephews, his sister-in-law Alice Drew. John was predeceased by his wife Frances R. Doss, and his brother Robert H. Doss. Services will be announced at a later date at the convenience of the family. 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 knight-auchmoody.com.

Ann S. Mosher age 89 of Milford, PA passed away May 27, 2020 at the Milford Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Milford, PA. Ann was born on April 23, 1931 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of the late Egbert and Alice Sheare Tanner. In her earlier years Ann was one of the original waitresses at the iconic Flo-Jean Restaurant in Port Jervis. Thereafter, she worked in retail sales of women’s fashion achieving managerial positions with both Montgomery Wards and Robert Hall. After leaving retail sales Ann worked as an assembler for Kolmar Labs, Inc. until her retirement. Whatever the job she was known by her peers to be an exceptionally hard worker! She enjoyed ceramics, Chinese cooking and shopping for whatever she considered fashionable, all of which she excelled at! Though very meticulous in maintaining a fashionable appearance Ann was equally capable of hard work in the kitchen preparing her favorite meals and extensive traditional dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas. These holiday meals will never be the same without her touch! Up until recent years she and Edson enjoyed annual winter vacationing in Florida and August getaways to Maine for the freshest lobster! She was an active member with the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks, #645, B.P.O.E. Ann first married the late William VanSickle and then Edson D. Mosher, Jr., who survives at home. She is also survived by her son , Robert Panuto and his wife Yongjing of Wurtsboro, NY, her daughter Susan Hogan of Milford, PA, her twin sister Alice Pagano and her husband Joseph of Milford, , her sister Joan Wagner of Port Jervis, her beloved grandchildren; Robert Panuto, Brianne, John Josd, her beloved great granddaughter Kaitlyn, her stepson, Clark Mosher, of Albany, California, her sister-in-law MaryJane Tanner of Tannersville, PA, several nieces and nephews. Ann was pre-deceased by her brother John Tanner and her son-in-law Michael Hogan. Due to the health crisis, with love and respect to Ann’s family and friends, services will be private. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Ann’s husband Ed and her family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Milford Senior Care for their kind and compassionate care given to Ann during her stay at the facility. Memorial contributions may be made to The Tribute Program, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, or to send a condolence to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

John J. Milne, Sr. age 91, of Milford, Pennsylvania passed away on May 20, 2020 in Middletown, NY. He was born on July 3, 1928 in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Alexander and Anna Dunne Milne. John retired as a building manager for the Riverhouse Realty Corp., Inc., in New York City, NY. He was married to Mary T. Curnyn Milne, who pre-deceased him. He is survived by his two sons, John J. Milne, Jr., of Milford and his wife, Debra, and Kevin Milne of San Francisco, California; his daughter, Susan Milne, of Dublin, California; his three sisters, Bernie Keogh and Teresa Milne of Killaloe, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, and Patricia Cramp and her husband, Richard, of Dublin, Ireland; his beloved grandchildren, John C. Milne and Alexandra Milne; and many nieces and nephews. Due to the pandemic, with love and concern for John’s family and friends, services will be private at this time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul RC Church, Lords Valley, Pennsylvania and will be announced 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.

Lou Ella Rowe age 87 of Sparrowbush, New York passed away peacefully May 21, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Lou Ella was born on December 11, 1932 in Port Jervis, New York the daughter of Louis and Della Edwards Lane. In her earlier years, Lou Ella owned and operated Rowe’s Tavern on Pike Street and Rowe’s Store on Kingston Avenue in Port Jervis, with her late husband William ”Bounce” Rowe. She then worked for Kolmar Labs, Inc. until her retirement. She was a faithful member of the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church, a dedicated member, Past Matron and Past Grand Officer of the River Valley Chapter, #33, O.E.S. Lou Ella was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sparrowbush Fire Dept. She shared her passion of crocheting, sewing and making crafts with her family and friends and loved making things for others. She also enjoyed working in her yard. She married William “Bounce” Rowe who pre-deceased her in 1976. Lou Ella is survived by her son, James R Rowe and his wife Bernadette of Glen Spey, her two daughters, Debra Rowe and her husband Kenneth Kent of Sparrowbush and Linda Koferl of Matamoras, PA , her sisters, Gertrude Manwaring of Port Jervis, Elinor Conklin of Port Jervis and Carol Staerker and her husband Michael “George” of Eldred, her brother Eugene Lane of Matamoras, her beloved grandchildren; Brandee Rowe, William Koferl and his wife Beth, Michael Koferl and his wife Heather, her beloved great grandchildren, Travis and Ashleigh Koferl, several nieces and nephews, her very special friend Patti Horner and her faithful cat, “Peanut”. Lou Ella was pre-deceased by her sister, JoAnn Morgan and her son-in-law James Koferl. Due to the health crisis with love and respect to Lou Ella’s family and friends, services will be private at this time. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church, PO Box 596, Sparrowbush, NY 12780 or to the Sparrowbush Engine Co, PO Box 530, Sparrowbush, NY 12780. 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.

"Billy" William R. Schoonmaker, Jr., age 49 of Middletown, NY passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 at home. He was born on June 1, 1970 in Middletown, NY and is the son of Bill Schoonmaker, Sr. and Lillian Knapp who both survive. William worked as a book printer for over 30 years with the best boss at Royal Firework Press in Unionville, NY. He married Wanda Tera Schoonmaker who survives at home. William is survived by his son Shayne Schoonmaker and wife Kambria, one daughter Kyla Schoonmaker; step-children: Ashlee, Brooklin (Mike), Timothy, Cassie, CJ, Taren, and Julianna; grandchildren: Phoenyx and Kyra, Wyaitt, Nadia, Noah, Alex, Leah, Catherine, Avalee, Rhylan, and 1 on the way; Grandmother: Helen Groen; several Aunts and Uncles; His sister Carol (Johnny), nephew Matthew and niece Lilliana. He will be greatly missed by his dysfunctional "BYOB" family- Jeff, Sanchez, Root, Mel, Issa, Jimmy, and more. He was the greatest Husband, Dad/Pops, Son, brother, and friend we could wish for. Cremation will take place privately at the convenience of the family. 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

James H. Kinzel, Sr., age 88 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Friday, May 15, 2020 at his home. He was born on March 1, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Hugo G. and Inez P. Schall Kinzel. Jim proudly served our country from 1953-1956 with the US National Guard. He retired as a shipping and receiving clerk from Channel Master, Inc. in Ellenville, NY after many years of dedicated service. Jim married the love of his life, Alice M. Sexton, on June 29, 1957, who survives at home. He is also survived by his two sons, James Kinzel, Jr. and his former wife Shelia of Port Jervis, and Kenneth Kinzel, Sr. and his wife Penny of Greenville, Virginia, his sister Mildred Micham of Toledo, Ohio, his two brothers, Clarence Kinzel of Petersburg, Michigan and Dale Kinzel, Sr. and his wife Nancy of Toledo, Ohio, his four beloved grandsons; Preston and wife Kathleen, Tyler and wife Melanie, Kenneth, Jr. and Joshua, his beloved great granddaughters, Madison and Allyssa, several nieces and nephews. Jim was pre-deceased by his sisters, Inez Dickerson, June Foote and Grace Feldman. Due to the health crisis, with love and respect to Jim’s family and friends, services will be private. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial contributions may be made 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, or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Lance W. Briggs, age 65 of Matamoras, PA, passed away on April 28, 2020 in Vero Beach, FL. He was born on July 20, 1954 in Jersey City, NJ, the son of the late Edward Blydenburgh and Eleanor Furno Briggs. Lance attended Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Staatsburg, NY. He served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1975-1999. His first assigment was aboard USS Seattle AOE3. He was stationed at Submarine Base in Groton, CT, Naval Hospital at Bethesda Camp Smith, Peekskill, NY with the Seabees and Fort Schuyler in Bronx, NY with the Marines. He received full retirement in July 2000. Lance was a Teamster #445 member, retired switcher and truck driver for TRR Carriers and Wakefern Food Co. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan J. Tinsman Briggs whom he married on June 14, 1992; two sons, Jason Briggs and his companion, Danielle Cuti of New Windsor, NY, and Justin Briggs of Clearwater, FL; his beloved grandson, Zachary Briggs; his sister, Deidra Hedrick of Irmo, SC; three brothers, Lonnie Briggs and his wife, Jodi of Lake of the Ozarks, MD, Edward Blydenburgh of of Shickshinny, PA, Alexander Blydenburgh and wife, Kim of Shickshinny, PA; Aunt Ethel "Becky" Furno of Cary, NC; his father-in-law, William Tinsman Sr.; brother-in-law, William Tinsman, Jr.; his beloved "fur babies,” Holly the Beagle, and Dolley the Golden Retriever; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. Lance is further survived by his shipmates of the USS Seattle AOE Veterans Assoc. He was a current board member and has not missed a reunion since 2011. He has many great memories of the special friends they have become to both he and Susan. Lance was predeceased by his step-mother, Cecelia Blydenburgh; brother, Lloyd Briggs; sister, Dawn Hedrick; and granddaughter, Brianna Briggs. Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Lance’s name to: Marines Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. For information, or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Janice R. Sheely age 97 of Fostertown, (Newburgh) New York passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 at the Valley View Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Goshen, NY. Janice was born on August 17, 1922 in Fostertown, New York the daughter of Guernsey and Elma Griggs Sheeley, Sr. In her earlier years she worked as a care giver for many families. Janice ws pre-deceased by her brother Guernsey “Jack” Sheeley, who also spent a large part of his life in Fostertown. Janice enjoyed her afternoons at Valley View with her close friends Pastor TJ Reid and Jackie. Janice will be interred in the Griggs family lot at Fostertown Cemetery in Fostertown 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, please visit knight-auchmoody.com.

William “Bill” Applegate, of Montague, New Jersey passed away Friday, May 8, 2020 at the age of 49 at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Bill was born October 8, 1970 in Newton, NJ to William and Janet Jennings Applegate. Bill worked the dock for Yellow Freight, Inc. in Pine Brook, NJ. Bill loved his Harley and to ride whenever he could, he also loved to hunt and fish. Bill is survived by his wife Kerry McCallion Applegate, son Philip Applegate, and mother Janet Applegate at home, as well as his Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Richard and Marge McCallion of Middletown, NY and his very special pet chocolate labs “Kody” and “Kassie”. Bill was predeceased by his father William Applegate and his brother David Applegate. Due to the health crisis, with love and respect to Bill’s family and friends; services will be private. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 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 more information, or to send condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Alfred E. Houghtaling, Jr. age 96 of White Sulphur Springs, NY passed away Thursday, May 7, at the Sapphire Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Goshen, NY. He was born on March 6, 1924 in Vernon, New Jersey, the son of Alfred E. and Mildred Paddock Houghtaling, Sr. He proudly served our country during WW II with the US Army. Al retired as a heavy equipment operator for Cohen Pools, Inc. in South Fallsburg, New York. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying the great outdoors. He was a gifted writer and was the author of 21 books. Al was pre-deceased by his first wife Marjorie Groom Houghtaling and his second wife Evelyn Houghtaling. He is survived by his son Alfred E. Houghtaling, III and his wife Dori of Cuddebackville, NY, his brother Rudy Houghtaling and his wife Marilyn of Liberty, NY, and his daughter-in-law Doris Brink of Otisville. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; Carol Tunney and her husband John , Tammy Oriani and her husband Edward, Lisa Phillips and her husband Forrest, Edward Houghtaling, Jr. and his wife Paula, Cindy Sunnekalb and her husband Kevin, and Thomas Brink, his beloved 16 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Alfred was pre-deceased by his daughters Carol Ann Houghtaling and Marjorie Jones, and his son Edward Houghtaling. He was also pre-deceased by five of his grandchildren; Cheryl Houghtaling, Charles Brink, Jr., Frank “Butch” Jones, Daniel Jones and William Jones, his sisters, Louise, Iva, Joan, and Janet, his brothers, Monroe, Warren and Pierson. Due to the health crisis, with love and respect to Al’s family and friends, services will be private at this time. Cremation will take place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, PA. A celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later date. The Houghtaling family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Sapphire for their compassionate and professional care shown to Al. Memorial contributions may be made to a Veteran’s Organization 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.

Edith D. Grieve age 88 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, Brant Lake, NY and formerly of Waldwick, New Jersey passed away May 5, 2020 at the Twin Cedars Senior Living Facility in Shohola, Pennsylvania. Edith was born on July 9, 1931 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She retired as a nursery school teacher in Fairlawn, New Jersey. Edith was a member of the Hope Free Evangelical Church in Matamoras. Her late husband, Robert C. Grieve was the Pastor of the Church. In her earlier years, along with her husband, they were very active with the Waldwick Vol. Ambulance Corps. They also were members of the Emergency Volunteer Program at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Edith was a little lady with a HUGE heart. There wasn't anyone that met Edith that didnt love her, and if you were welcomed into the "family" you could be sure you were there forever! She loved puppy dogs and birds and all animals big and small and she loved nature. She loved streams and mountains and walks in the woods and nature in general. She marvelled at all things natural. She loved to go for a walk right after a snow storm. She loved her family dearly but most of all, she loved her Lord and now she is in his presence.Edith was pre-deceased by her husband, Pastor Robert C. Grieve. She is survived by her two daughters; Betty Grieve of Brant Lake, NY and Sharon Corris and her husband Joe of Vernon, New Jersey, her son Rob Grieve and his wife Carol of Sedalia, Colorado, and her beloved two grandchildren, Gabby and Greg. She is also survived by her two very special friends, Robert Christensen of Shohola and Angela Perez of Waldwick, New Jersey. Private interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, 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.

Lance W. Briggs age 65 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away April 28, 2020 in Vero Beach, Florida. A complete obituary will appear at a later date in the Tri-State Gazette by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. knight-auchmoody.com.

Eileen Conklin age 74 of Wurtsboro, NY passed away May 4, 2020 in Middletown, NY. Eileen was born on October 11, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY the daughter of Abraham and Rose Levitch Israel. She worked as teacher’s aide for the Monticello School District. Eileen married Gary Conklin, whom she is survived by at home. She is also survived by her daughter Laura Mann of Arizona, her son David Mann of California, her step-daughter Dawn Smith and her husband Homer of New York, her step-son Gary Conklin, Jr. of South Carolina, her sister Rhoda Mascolo and her husband Frank of Rock Hill, NY, her beloved seven grandchildren, Aziel, Joaquin, Julianna, Valerie, Charlotte, Madison and Logan, several nieces and nephews. Services will be private at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, Goshen, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main 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 a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Lance W. Briggs age 65 of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away April 28, 2020 in Vero Beach, Florida. A complete obituary will appear at a later date in the Tri-State Gazette by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. knight-auchmoody.com.

Helen J. Carney age 93 of Milford, Pennsylvania passed away April 30, 2020 at the Milford Health & Rehabilitation Facility in Milford, Pennsylvania. She was born on September 7, 1926 in Passaic, New Jersey. Services are private. Cremation took place at HG Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Knight-auchmoody.com.

Willie Bryant age 86, of Port Jervis, NY passed May 3, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Place, Port Jervis, NY. He was born on December 23, 1933 in Spartanburg, South Carolina the son of Bill and Annie Gist Bryant. Willie retired from M. Genzale Plating Co. in Franklin Square, New York after many years of dedicated service. He is survived by his sister Lillie Coleman of Port Jervis, a host of several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Services are private. 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.

Liselotte “Lottie” Hof age 96 of Barryville, New York passed away April 30, 2020 a the Milford Rehabilitation & Health Care Facility in Milford, Pennsylvania. She was born on September 4, 1923 in Germany the daughter of Ludwig and Stefanie Mayer. Lottie retired from Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Yonkers, NY. She was a member of St. Jacobi’s Lutheran Church in Shohola, Pennsylvania. Lottie married Karl C. Hof who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her daughter Carolyn “Lyn” Desseauve of Barryville and her husband Gerard of Lyon, France, her son Karl Hof and his wife Donna of Tafton, Pennsylvania, her beloved grandchildren; Christofer, Daniel, Susan, Elizabeth, and her nephew, Al Phalen. Due to the health crisis, with love and respect to Lottie’s family and friends, memorial services will be held at a later time. Cremation took 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.