Our Obituaries

Mary Rita Cortright, age 76, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.  She was born on December 11, 1943, in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Dorothy Simmons Meany.  Mary Rita worked as a waitress for the Warrington Country Club in Warrington, PA.  In her earlier years she worked as a customer service associate for the Port Jervis Grand Union.  She was a faithful member and altar server of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Matamoras, PA, and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Madonna, #114, Port Jervis.  Mary Rita loved to watch the sunset over the beaches of Cape Cod and Cape May.  She was an avid reader, usually reading a book each day, and she often involved family members when completing her daily crossword puzzles.  She enjoyed baking and making delicious desserts and breads from her mother’s favorite recipes.  She would generously give these “goodies” to her friends and neighbors.  Above all, spending time with her grandchildren gave her the greatest joy.  Mary Rita is survived by her husband, David W. Cortright, at home; her son, Brian Cortright, and his wife, Lauren, of Richlandtown, PA; her daughter, Lucretia O’Dell, and her husband, Raymond, of Wappingers Falls, NY; her brother, Jack Meany, and his wife, Kathy, of Terre Haute, Indiana; her beloved grandchildren, John Joseph, Sean, Caroline, and Jack; her step grandchildren, Michael, Frank, and Raymond; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was predeceased by her sister, Lucretia Welling.  Due to the COVID pandemic, a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later time at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, Matamoras, PA.  Rev. Joseph Manarchuck will be the celebrant.  Interment will take place at St. Columbas Cemetery, Chester, NY. Services will be announced by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY, 12771.  Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Port Jervis, NY.  For information, or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

Peter Kuiken, age 89 of Glen Spey NY.

 He was born Austerely March 7, 1931; Lived honorably; Died peacefully November 22, 2020

Pete was born in Fairlawn, New Jersey and was raised on the family farm in Wayne, NJ to parents Richard and Lena, the fifth child of six. Pete was the loving husband of his dear wife Phyllis for over 69 years. He is survived by her and their four children: Cheryl DeBonte and her husband Jeffrey of West Milford, NJ, Lynn Driscoll and her husband Lee of Monterey, TN, Peter Kuiken  and his wife Tamara of Johnson City, TX,  Laurie Byrnes and her husband Charles of Magnolia, DE. His legacy includes seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  Peter was a faithful member, Deacon and Elder of the Pompton Lakes Reformed Church, the Deerpark Reformed Church in Port Jervis, and the South Centerville Reformed Church.

Pete enjoyed travelling to all corners of the US, especially the mountains of the west. An avid hunter whose adventures took him to the Rocky Mountains and hills and forests of NY, PA, and upper New England. A fishing enthusiast who fished the Rio Reservoir, and lakes and streams of the Adirondacks and Maine. He had a way of persuading his wife and children that these outings were “family vacations”.

His woodworking hobby saw him build many fine pieces of furniture for their home. Pete enjoyed watching (and yelling) at the NY Yankees, listening to all types of music, playing pool, and sipping a good scotch on the porch. 

 Due to The COVID  Pandemic memorial services will be announced at a later date by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Orange & Sullivan County Hospice, 800 Stoney 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 he family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Mary Ann Montes age 69 of the Town of Greenville, NY passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on June 28, 1951 in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ross and Carol Obey Joslin.  Mary Ann worked as a beautician.  Later in life she worked for Wal-Mart in Westfall Township, Pennsylvania,  She was a communicant of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Port Jervis.  Mary Ann married  Jesus Montes, who pre-deceased her in 2008.  She is survived by her two daughters, Rebecca Montes and her companion, Craig Rose of Walden, Dyana Montes of Greenville, her sister, Peggy Armstrong  and her husband Rick of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, her brother, Kenneth Joslin and his wife  Audrey of Boyceville, Wisconsin, her beloved grandchildren; Alexis and her husband  Aaron, Danielle, Lucas, Keelan,  Hayley, John Jesse, Willow and her great grandson, Kaius, several nieces and nephews.  Mary Ann was pre-deceased by her brother Brian Joslin and her nephew Aaron Joslin. Services will take place at later date. 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.

Ryan L. Everett age 24 of Matamoras Pennsylvania went missing in mid October.  Unfortunately he was found deceased Thursday, November 19, 2020 in Palmyra Township, Pennsylvania.  He was born on August 4, 1996 in Port Jervis, NY.  Ryan worked for Balchem Pharmaceuticals in Middletown, NY.  He is survived by his mother, Beth Cherry of Matamoras, his two sisters, Meghan  Cherry and Courtlyn Everett, and his brother John Everett all of Matamoras. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Allan and Linda Cherry of Matamoras,  his nephews, Samuel and Jason and his nieces, Jenelle and Madelyn, his long time companion, Brittany Rivera, several aunts, uncles, his very close friends, Omar and Geraldine Quintos, Anthony Nestico and a host of close friends Ryan made while employed at Kolmar Labs, Inc. in Port Jervis.  Ryan had a strong love for cats.  He was an avid video gamer and enjoyed competing with his many friends.   Memorial services will be announced at a later date in the spring by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Ryan’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.

Jill Jones (Chant), 69, of Port Jervis, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2020 in Newburgh, NY. Jill was born March 10, 1951 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late Fred and Loretta Horton Chant. Jill graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1969.  She went on to obtain her Licensed Practical Nurse diploma and worked for the beloved, Dr. Julia Keniston M.D. for fifteen years. Jill continued her life in the service of caring at Mercy Community Hospital in Port Jervis and then the remainder of her career at Unlimited Care, Inc.  She was always filled with jubilance and happiness and could always find a reason to celebrate.  

Jill is survived by her son Matthew Dorcas and his wife Dawn and their children Declan and Devlen, of Matamoras, PA, her daughter Stephanie Diaz and her husband Edison and their children Caleb, Madeline and Andrew, of Westfield, New Jersey, Jill’s sister Mary Catherine Walker and her husband Barry of Rochester, NY and her sons Jason and Ethan and Jill’s husband Gary, at home.  Jill was blessed to have three lifelong best friends that were like sisters, Diane Heater, Pamela Dillmuth, and Georgie Kuykendall as well as a host of very special friends.

Jill was a passionate volunteer with the Port Jervis Elks Lodge, #645, B.P.O.E. and served two terms as a Past Exalted Ruler. She was devoted to the community and her love of her hometown.  She will be missed by her many family and friends.

Graveside services will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY where she will be laid to rest with her parents.  Rev. George Baker will officiate.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Port Jervis Lodge of Elks #645, Children’s Christmas Program, 35 US Hwy, 6, Port Jervis, NY 12771.  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.

Marie E. Barth age 91 of Port Jervis, NY died Nov. 16, 2020 in Port Jervis. Visitation:  11AM-1 PM, Wed. Nov. 18, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Services:  1 PM Wed. Nov. 18, at the funeral Home.  Interment : Pine Grove Cem., Matamoras, PA.  Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home.

Laura Jean Krause age 86, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on November 9, 2020 at home with her family by her side.  She was born on May 27, 1934 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of Raymond and Isabelle Dunlap Aumick.  Upon Isabelle's death Laura was raised by her loving aunt, Frances Aumick of Matamoras. Laura married Norman D. Krause on  September 28, 1952, and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Norman pre-deceased Laura on March 15, 2017.  She is survived by her three sons; David Krause and his wife Sharon of Matamoras, Richard Krause and his wife Kathy of Syracuse, and Steven Krause of Milford, PA, her two sisters, June Losee of Matamoras, and Rayola Warren and her husband Bill of Florida.  Laura is also survived by her beloved grandchildren; Jennifer Lawless and her husband Chris, Jillian Krause and her husband Derek, David Krause, Jr.,  Katherine Ryder and her husband Ronnie,  and Megan Krause, her three great grandchildren, Clara Jean and Jacob Lawless, and Viviana Krause, her Goddaughter Jane Olver Storm, her former daughter-in-law, Patrice Krause, several nieces, nephews, and a host of special friends including, Anne Decker, Joan Myers, and Barbara Walters. Laura owned and operated Laura’s Hobby & Craft Shop in Matamoras for many years, specializing in ceramics. She was a member of The River Valley Chapter, #33, O.E.S. Above all of Laura’s accomplishments, Laura adored spending time with her grandchildren the most.  She will be sadly missed.  Laura’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Residential Hospice and all the wonderful caregivers during her illness.  Interment will take place in May 2021 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, 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.  

Wendy M. Odonits age 55 of Port Jervis, NY passed away suddenly, Friday, November 6, 2020 at Good Samatarian Hospital, in Nyack, NY.  Wendy was born on February 17, 1965 in Queens, NY the daughter of the late Gilbert and Claudia Gilbert Odonits.  She worked as a cashier for the Family Dollar Store on Jersey Ave., in Port Jervis.  Wendy is survived by her long time companion, Tracy Martin at home, her two sons, Christopher Odonits of Manhattan, NY, and Alexander Martin at home.  She  is also survived by her two sisters, Karen Larson of West Palm Beach, Florida,  and Audrey Rodriques of Otisville, NY, her two brothers, Gilbert Odonits of Port Jervis, and Joseph Odonits of Otisville, and several nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by her sister Laura Robinson.  Services will be private at the convenience of the family.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens 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 note to the family visit knightauchmoody.com.  

Jack Spiezio, 79 of Greenville, Port Jervis, New York, passed into eternal rest on November 7, 2020.  Jack was born in East Meadow, New York on February 25, 1941.  He was the son of the late Salvatore and Margaret Spiezio.  Jack grew up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy. They were married for 59 years until his passing. Jack was a Master Machinist and owner of Port Jervis Machine shop in Port Jervis. He was an avid hunter and gardener.  Jack is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Salvatore Spiezio and his wife Andrea. Margaret Spiezio and her companion Sean.  He survived by his grandchildren Jack and Jenna Spiezio. Jack is also survived by his siblings, sister Florence Newell and her husband Kenneth and brother Vincent Spiezio and his wife Geraldine; and by several nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.  He was preceded in death by his parents, in laws, Uncles Anthony and Frank, Aunt Teena, their spouses and his brother-in-law Alexander.  

The greatest joy of Jack’s life were his grandchildren Jack and Jenna.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, November 12, 2020 at St. Mary’s Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Port Jervis.  Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark, https://www.pjhumane.org/donate, (845) 856-3677.

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.   

Sally Ann Martin

May 31, 1935 – November 4, 2020

Sparrow Bush, NY

Sally Ann Martin, age 85 of Sparrow Bush, NY, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY.

Sally was born May 31, 1935 in the Bronx, NY, to Victor and Florence Karp. Sally married Martin Lee Berger on November 24, 1956. Early in their relationship, the two taught ballroom dance together. They had two children, Fred Martin and Laura Martin, who survive Sally along with her grandchildren, Ellery Martin-Gleason and William Martin-Gleason, and Fred’s wife, Angela Guerrero.

In the early 1970s, Sally divorced and brought her two children from Manhattan, NY to Woodstock, NY. She created a happy and secure home for the three of them. She owned a vintage clothing store, worked as a bookkeeper, and served as a restaurant hostess. She built a business in the center of the Woodstock village, Sally Martin Flowers.

After her two children were grown, Sally met the love of her life, Dolores “Dee” Hodges. The two of them were inseparable for more than 30 years. Dee took them traveling to the beach (Sally’s favorite place) and held big gatherings of friends. Every year for her birthday Dee would throw Sally a party. Dee treated Sally like a queen. 

Sally took great joy in their relationship and in the birth of her two grandchildren (Fred’s children). 

In her later years, Sally’s health declined and Dee took care of her. 

After a short and valiant fight with cancer, Dee passed away on October 9, 2020. Sally passed peacefully of a broken heart just 26 days later with her two children by her side. 

Sally lived a full and vibrant life. Her smile and wit gave joy to many. We will miss her dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside memorial at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the Woodstock Artists Cemetery, in Woodstock, NY.

Contributions in honor of Sally may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Dolores “Dee” Hodges  age 70 of Sparrowbush, NY passed away Friday, October 9, 2020 at Garnet Health, Middletown, NY.  Dee fought a courageous battle with melanoma. She was born on May 11, 1950 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of the late Herbert and Lucy Andriack Ulrichs.  Dee owned and operated 3-2-1- Building Co. in New Paltz, NY.  She led a life of service to others and was always willing to help anyone in need.  Dee is survived by several cousins including Thomas Rombousek of Sparrowbush, her goddaughter, Jay Armstrong of Sparrowbush, her dear friend Sally Martin, for whom she has devoted her past many years as her caregiver.  She was pre-deceased by her sister Lucy M. Basta, who also died of cancer less than a year ago and Cathera Lane, a devoted friend.  Family and friends are invited to attend  graveside services, 11 AM, Saturday, November 7, 2020  at the Woodstock Artists Cemetery, in Woodstock, NY.  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.

George W. Davenport, age 83, of Johnson, NY passed away November 4, 2020 at Middletown Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Middletown, NY. He was born on April 26, 1937 in Englewood, NJ.  He was the son of Edgar and Emma Adel Davenport. He spent his early years in Port Jervis and Greenville, NY, and worked with his father at the family garage.  He then moved on to work for Ford Motor Co. in Mahwah and Metuchen, NJ, and retired as a millwright after many years of dedicated service.  George was a devoted husband and father.  His strong work ethic and sincere honesty were what he was best known for by family and friends. He could be seen almost any day traveling on his backhoe on the local roads, or tinkering in his garage.  He was an avid race fan, and spent many Saturday nights at the Orange County Speedway.  

George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie Ward Davenport, a daughter, Bonnie Orlowski (Michael) of Warwick, NY and grandchildren Greg Orlowski, Anne McGuire (Max), and Katherine Cinibulk (Peter), a daughter, Connie Henke (Paul) of Gardiner, NY and grandchildren Josh Henke (Krystal), Zach Henke (Samantha), and Ben Henke, and a son, John Davenport, of Mt. Laurel, NJ and grandchildren Jared Davenport, Maddy Davenport, Justin Davenport, and Mason Davenport.  He is also survived by his great grandchildren; Max McGuire, Michael McGuire, Remington Henke, and Charlie Rose Henke, a brother, Edgar Davenport and his wife Barbara of College Grove, TN, and several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his sister, Adele Behr. 

A private graveside service will be held at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Jervis, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1002 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 note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.