Our Obituaries

Richard (Ricky) Williams, age 62, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021 in Bergen County, NJ.  Ricky was born April 19th, 1959 to the late Irene (Van Horn) Williams and Richard (Dick) Williams of Elmwood Park, NJ.  He is survived by his brother Kenneth Williams Sr. of Belvidere, NJ and neice Kellie Williams also of Belvidere, NJ.  Ricky is also survived by the following Uncles;  Jim Van Horn of Sparrowbush, NY, Luke & Bill Van Horn, both of Huguenot, NY, Roger Van Horn of Port Jervis,  his aunts: Linda Van Horn of Port Jervis and Maryanne Bloom of Westbrookville, NY.  He is also survived by many cousins in the Tri State area.  In addition to his parents he was pre-deceased by an infant sister, Joyce Linda Williams, his nephew Kenneth Williams Jr and his sister-in-law, Joan Williams.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Cremation will be handled by the Conte Funeral Home in Elmwood Park, NJ.  Local arrangements are by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home of Port Jervis, NY. Fo information or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

 

Charlotte J. DiMaggio age 91 of Providence, Rhode Island and a long time resident of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, passed way Saturday, June 19, 2021 in Cranston, Rhode Island.  She was born on October 27, 1929 in New York City, NY, the daughter of Charles and Anne Juris Rapp.  Charlotte retired as a medical records secretary at Bon Secours Community Hospital, in Port Jervis.  She married  Thomas DiMaggio, who pre-deceased her.  Charlotte is survived by her two sons, Thomas DiMaggio of Providence, Rhode Island and Joseph DiMaggio and his wife  Debra of Cascade, Maryland, her beloved grandchildren; Thomas, Christopher, Joshua and Ashley, several great grandchildren, one great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews..  She was pre-deceased by her daughter, Suzanne DiMaggio.  Visitation will be held 3-7 PM, Thursday, June 24, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  Graveside services will be held 11 AM, Friday, June 25, at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimers Assoc. 225 N. Michigan Ave.,  Fl 17, Chicago, Ill.  60601.  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. Decker, age 84 of Sparrowbush, NY passed away, January 8, 2021 in Brooksville, Florida.  Graveside services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, June 26th at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.  Rev. Amy Garrett will officiate.  Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  knight-auchmoody.com

Peter M. Coyne age 82, of Milford, Pennsylvania and formerly of Middletown, NY, passed away  June 19, 2021 at home.  He was born on February 1, 1939 in Leenane, Ireland, the son of Michael and Mary Joyce Coyne.  Peter followed in the footsteps of his sisters coming to America and first residing in the Bronx NY with his new wife Winifred.  As a butcher he ultimately opened his first butcher shop, Pete's Meats.  Upon moving to Middletown, he continued to work as a butcher for numerous companies and once again opened his second butcher shop, P&D Meats, until his retirement. He was a fan of his beloved Mets and Jets and was fondly referred to as, 'The Original Lefty' when he would play golf with his friends. His quick wit and charm made him a fast friend and fondly remembered by many. He was a very devout and faithful member of St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Milford, PA. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pope John Paul. II Council, #13935, Milford, PA. Peter married Winifred Ryan Coyne, who pre-deceased him on August 14, 2017.  He is survived by his three sons; Michael Coyne and his fiancé Felicia Van Doran of Milford, PA, Patrick Coyne  and his wife Brenda of Danbury, CT.,  and Peter Coyne and his wife Lori of Hawthorne, NY, his three brothers; Thomas Coyne and his wife Mary, Padraig Coyne and his wife Catherine, Gerald Coyne, his sister Kathleen Chatten and her husband Patrick, all of Ireland, his beloved seven grandchildren; Claire, Emma, Dillon, Jackson, Mackenzie, Mia, and Maeve, several nieces and nephews, and a host of close friends.  Visitation will be held  4-7 PM Tuesday, June 22, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  Prayers will be offered 12:30 PM, Wednesday, June 23, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Milford, PA. at 1:30 PM  Rev. Joseph Manarchuck will be the celebrant.  Interment will follow at Milford Cemetery, Milford, PA.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice, 100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 110, Mechanicsburg, PA. 17050 or to The American Cancer Society, 110 W Harford St., 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

Marjorie Bloom age 101, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania passed away Sunday, June 13, in Warwick, NY.  She was born on March 7, 1920 in Port Jervis, NY,  the daughter of Edward and Lottie Brown Bloom.  Marjorie retired as a secretary from the  Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation  in Milford, PA (Penn Dot), after many years of dedicated service.  She was a lifetime and faithful member of the Hope Evangelical Free Church in Matamoras. Marjorie is survived by her cousins, Susan Briggs of Matamoras, William Tinsman, Jr. of Matamoras, Robert Johnson and his wife Maryann of Matamoras, James Williams, III and his wife Michelle of Canton, Georgia, and Nancy Drussell and her husband William of Timonium, Maryland. She will also be missed by the “children”, Holly and Dolley, who she always asked about during her stay in assisted living and long term care.  Marjorie was pre-deceased by her cousins, who were like siblings to her, William Tinsman, Sr., Frances Williams, Charles Tinsman and Catherine Johnson. Marjorie was a world traveler and traveled extensively with her childhood and life time friend Marilyn Schroeder. She was devoted to her family, had a great sense of humor, and will be greatly missed.  Memorial services will be held 1 PM, Friday, July 16, at the Hope Evangelical Church, 300 1st St., Matamoras, PA. Rev. Butch Gilpin will officiate.  Interment will be private at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, PA.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Evangelical Free Church, 300  1St Street, Matamoras, PA 18336.  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.

Raymond B. LeBourdais age 93 of Narrowsburg, New York passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at the Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, Pennsylvania.  Raymond proudly served our country during WW  II with the US Navy.  Services are private. Interment will take place at St. Charles Cemetery, E. Farmingdale, Long Island, NY.  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

Jeffrey Stewart Elston age 59, of Hankins, NY and formerly a life long resident of Matamoras / Port Jervis, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his home.  He was born on February 13, 1962 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of Robert Elston and the late Lillian Melnick Elston. He  graduated from Delaware Valley High School,  Studied Social Studies at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, and also  studied at SUNY Orange. He Graduated in 1998.  Jeff worked as a  security guard for the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon, NY. He  was a former Caseworker II at Pike County Children & Youth Services. Jeff also spent many years working in Hackettstown, NJ at M & M Mars candy company. History was his passion, and researching family genealogy was one of his favorite pastimes. He was very proud of the lives that he touched while working with the children in various youth services. He found great satisfaction helping others. He was a substitute teacher for many years in the local school systems. Another passion he had was anything to do with the Fire Departments and related collectables... He loved to travel and did so all over the country when he was able to.

He was a life member of the Westfall Fire Dept., Westfall, PA.  He is survived by his father Robert Elston and his wife Shirley of Matamoras, PA, his two brothers; Michael Elston and his wife Amy of Dingmans Ferry, PA, and Glen Elston and his wife Joyce of Matamoras, PA, several nieces and nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved dog and companion, Flipper, and his best friend Adam and friend Jim. as well as countless others. He was a gentle soul with such a kind heart, he will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. Services will be private.   Memorial contributions may be made in Jeff’s name to the Westfall Fire Dept,  PO Box 154, Matamoras, PA 18336.  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.

Dale R. McGregor age 76 of Cuddebackville, NY passed away June 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by family and his loyal k9 companion Jake.  He was born on June 21, 1944 in Margaretville, NY the son of Richard and Beryl Sprague McGregor.  Dale retired to be a busy old man. He married Brenda Lynch McGregor, who survives at home.  He is also survived by his son Rick McGregor and Angela of Delanson, NY and three daughters; Lisa McGregor of Davenport, NY, Katherine VanZandt and her husband Andrew of Davenport, NY, Meghan McGregor-Lass and her husband William of Sparrowbush, his beloved grandchildren; Cassidy, Jordan, Hailee, Hunter, Abby and “borrowed” Riley.  Dale was pre-deceased by his two sons, Daniel P. and Dale C. McGregor.

 He was an active member of the Huguenot Fire Company where he was serving as the Lieutenant of Fire Police. In 2018, Dale was recognized as the Firefighter of the year.

Dale loved to hunt with his children, making them climb mountains far and wide for "that" elusive buck. He loved to fish, but did not have the patience to let the hook hit the water. In his many years of racing ,he may have lost some races, but never lost his lead foot. Dale's love of Halloween and scaring the bajeebers out of people was a life long passion, and lives on through his children. If in need of wisdom or laughs, join Dale around the campfire with a glass of Jack. Dale was a meticulous man, especially when mowing lawn. If not on his lawn tractor, usually you could find him in his wood shop. "Just don't mess up the grass" 

 A Firematic service and a celebration of Dale’s life will be held  Saturday June 19th 3pm at the Huguenot Fire House, Route 209, Huguenot, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Huguenot Fire Company.  431 Route 209, Huguenot, NY 12746.  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.

Kenneth Alfred VanTuyl, Sr. of Barryville New York died peacefully at home  on Wednesday June 9^th, 2021 in Hospice Care with his family surrounding him.

He was a resident of the Town of Lumberland his entire life.

Ken was born on September 26^th, 1935 to the late Howard VanTuyl and the late Zaza (Turner) Van Tuyl.

He proudly served our country upon joining the U.S. Army in 1954 with his brother Ernest VanTuyl.   They went to boot camp together at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  

Ken worked for the Sullivan County Department of Public Works (DPW) first as a MEO, then he was the youngest foreman on the county; then he retired as Maintenance Superintendent in 1991.  After retiring, he worked for Robinson Saw Mill in Hillside and then at the Sullivan County Transfer Station in the Town of Highland a few days a week.

His fondest hobby was deer hunting.  He belonged to the Eldred Mountain Stream Rod and Gun Club and the Shohola Rod and Gun Club.  Ken served on the Planning Board  for the Town of Lumberland and was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Joyce (Staerker) VanTuyl;  his five children: his daughter, Pam Bucksbee and her husband Fran, of Troutman N.C.; his daughter Dawn VanTuyl of Eldred, NY, his son Kenneth Alfred VanTuyl, Jr. and his partner Jacqui Tobin, of Yulan, NY; his son Daniel VanTuyl of Barryville, NY and his daughter, Connie-Jo Donahue of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Ken is further survived by his beloved 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are his brother Edward VanTuyl and his wife Marcie of Rockport, Texas and Roger VanTuyl and his wife Babe of Barryville NY and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Ernest VanTuyl and his (Ernie’s) wife Honey of Barryville, NY.  Memorial services will be held  11 Am Tuesday, June 15th, at the pond Eddy United Methodist Church, Berme Church Road, Pond Eddy, NY.  Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate.  Interment will follow with military honors at the VanTuyl Cemetery in Hillside. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, PO Box 145, 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.

William A. “Bill” Gerlach age 62, of Slate Hill, NY , passed away June 9, 2021 at home with his family by his side.  Bill was born in Suffern, NY, the son of Karl and Valerie Cristello Gerlach.  He worked as an electrician for The I.B.E.W.  Local #363, in Harriman, NY.  Bill was an avid fisherman and enjoyed cooking.  He celebrated 41 years of marriage to Lorilee Ranich Gerlach, who survives at home.  Bill is also survived by his parents, Karl and Valerie Gerlach of Melbourne Beach, Florida, his son, Michael Gerlach and his wife  Katie of Poughkeepsie, NY, his three daughters; Jessica Gerlach of Serbia, Kristen Olmos and her husband Anderson of Hanscom AFB, Massachuesetts, and Michelle Gerlach at home, his brother Michael Gerlach ands wife Lisa of Jupiter, Florida, his sisters; Rosemarie O’Connor and her husband Robert of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Valerie Bolster and her husband Ron of Murrells Inlet, S.C., his beloved seven grandchildren; Julia, Milan, Marko, Gianni, Giorgio, Londyn and Lilliana, several nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law Betsy DelSanto and her husband John of Kentucky. Visitation will be held 11AM-1 Pm, Friday, June 18, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  Funeral services will follow at 1 PM, Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in William’s name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.  Arrangements are by the Knight-AuchmoodyFuneral  Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  For information, directions or to send condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Sherry “Sue” Day Oliver Ropke, age 73 of Matamoras, PA and life-long resident of Port Jervis, NY passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at home with her family by her side.  She was born on May 11, 1948 in Port Jervis, NY the daughter of the late  Frank E. and Janice Van Aken Day.  Sue was a long time restaurateur.  She owned and operated the Oak Tree Inn at the Port Jervis Country Club, until her retirement.    Sue married Fred Ropke, who pre-deceased her on December 2, 2019. She is survived by her two sons; Bill Oliver and his wife Tina of Mesa, Arizona,  and Jeffrey Oliver of Brooklyn, NY, her brothers; Frank E. Day, Jr. and his wife Janet of Sparrowbush, Kenneth Day and his wife Deborah of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jon Day of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, William Pfundheller and his wife Mary of Elizabethtown, PA, her sisters; Dale Engle of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Michele Hunter and her husband Greg of Philadelphia, Georgianna Schafer of Deland, Florida, her beloved grandchildren; Joshua, Carly, Noah and Grace, and several nieces and nephews.  Sue was pre-deceased by her brothers, James A. Day and David M. Day, Sr.  Services  and cremation 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.

Everitt Quick age 80 of Port Jervis, NY passed away February 11, 2021. Please  join us for a celebration of Everitt’s life to be held 2 PM, Saturday, June 19th, 2021 at his home.  Bring a chair, a beer and a story.  Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York.   knight-auchmoody.com

Dorothy May Corey (nee Sweetman) passed away peacefully at UConn Health Center on Saturday, May 22, 2021.  Dot was 93.  She was born in Paterson, NJ, the oldest daughter of Leonard Sweetman and Dora (nee Taylor).  She is survived by her sisters Dolores Muhlback and Joyce Hook, her daughter Tracy Reed (David), and her son Leonard Corey (Constance).  She was a loving grandma to Tracy’s children, Michael and Abigail, and Len’s children, Ian and Owen.  Dot was predeceased by her husband Leonard, her brother Jim and sister Irene Young.  Dot was kind, loving, gentle, patient, understanding and forgiving, and she loved her family and her God above all things.  A woman of deep faith, she was raised in the First Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ by a devout mom and dad.  During her final seven years in Reading, MA she was a regular on Sundays and special occasions at the First Congregational Church of Reading.  She loved to sing the old hymns.  She loved to sing, period.  She loved the crooners.  Perry Como was her favorite.  Dot had a beautiful voice, singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow at her 90^th birthday party with a passion that belied her years.  She also loved food, especially food cooked for her by her loving daughter-in-law, Connie.  Dot had a particular love of ice cream.  Dot’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Leonard, in a private ceremony in Glen Spey, NY.  She rests now with the saints.  Donations may be made in Dot’s memory to the First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA 01867 or Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St., #19, Malden, MA 02148. 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.

Diana Mae Bensley age 71, of Port Jervis, NY passed away on  May 31, 2021 Kindred Hospital in Dover, NJ.  She was born on October 21, 1949 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of Alva and Doris King Conklin.  Diana retired as a home care aide for Anytime Home Care in Middletown, NY.  Mom loved Elvis, Bingo and cooking big holiday meals for her family, she enjoyed the beach and doing her puzzles! One of her favorite songs she enjoyed was, “Purple rain” by Prince. Diana married Lawrence Bensley, Jr. who pre-deceased her.  She is survived by her three daughters; Trina Bensley and her partner , Dustin Clutz of Fort Myers, Florida, Tosha Bensley and her husband Alexander Kemmlein of Naples, Florida, Bobbi Jo Bensley of Port Jervis, several sisters and brothers, three grandchildren, Haley Thorburn, and Chloe and Axel Kemmlein, several nieces and nephews.  Diana was pre-deceased by her daughter, Angel Bensley and her husband Lawrence Bensley Jr.   Visitation will be held 11AM-12 Noon, Thursday, June 3, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.  Funeral services will follow at 12 Noon Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate.  Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY.  Please remember me as you wish. I know in my heart I was always a kind and gentle person, never greedy.  I would give the shirt off my back or anything I have left, except money, as I never had much of that. Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Assoc., , NY, NY Office, 333 7th Ave., 17 th Floor, NY, NY 10001.  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.

 

 

Richard “Dick” Pendell    (Rio, NY)
Richard B. Pendell Jr. of Loris, SC passed peacefully after a long illness on April 20, 2021. The son of the late Myrtle (Whitaker) and Richard B. Pendell Sr., Dick was born December 21, 1936. He was 84.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Irene (Harford) Pendell at home, daughter Renie Ralston, son-in- law T.J. and granddaughter Kacie of Texas and son B.J. Pendell, daughter-in-law Crystal and granddaughters Kylee, Alyssa, Hanna and Caitlyn of Virginia, sisters Jane Brace and Alda Pendell both of Matamoras, PA, brother-in- law Rudy Harford and sister-in-law Billie Mae Case, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dick spent a happy childhood in Rio, graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1954 and then proudly served in the US Army. He was a Korean War veteran. Dick had many innate talents and areas of interest that were evident throughout his professional and personal life. One of his greatest joys and past times was stock car racing at Orange County Speedway; another was deep sea fishing.
Dick had a big personality and bigger laugh. He was known for one-liners, corny but make you laugh anyway jokes and giving nicknames that stuck. He spent his life surrounded by family and friends. His loss is felt deeply by many but the joy of knowing and loving him remains.
In line with his wishes, there will be no service or memorial. His cremains will be spread at the family’s convenience.
To celebrate his life, share a memory online or donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org 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.