Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
December 2005
Newspapers courtesy of Sylvia Hasenkopf. Retyped by Colleen Maresca
December
1, 2005
JANET
B. ELDERD
WESTERLO---Janet
B. Elderd, 68 years, of Westerlo, New York, passed away at the Hospice Inn at
St. Peter’s Hospital on November 17, 2005. She was born in Bridgeport,
Connecticut on January 22, 1937 daughter of the late Burton and Mildred (Walkley)
Lundberg. Janet was a former claim’s adjuster for Blue Cross-Blue Shield. She
was the proprietor of the Idle Hour Kennel & Grooming Shop in Westerlo and
co-owner of the Gin & Jan Boutique. She was also a member and past president
of the Hudson Valley Poodle Club, a member of the American Sewing Guild, the
First Baptist Church of Westerlo and the Rebecca Independent Order of the Odd
Fellows. She loved traveling with her sister Ginny and her poodles. She will be
remembered as a loving mother and grandmother and a friend to all who knew her.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, George Elderd, Sr.,
Surviving
are a daughter, Suzzanne Ives and her husband, Philip; two sons, George Elderd,
Jr., and his wife Marcia, Stuart Elderd and his wife Crickett all of Westerlo;
her grandchildren, David, Jay and Bradley Ives; Amanda, Ashley, Andrew, Joshua
and Kaylynn Edlerd and Austin Kipp; a brother, Richard Lundberg; three sisters,
Virginia Potter, Linda Stein and Nancy LeClerc and several nieces and nephews.
A
memorial service was held Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Westerlo
followed by interment at the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
Those
who desire may contribute in her memory to the First Baptist Church of Westerlo.
Arrangements were made by the Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville.
December
1, 2005
SELMA
BIRGIT LINDEN
Selma
Birgit Linden, 94 years, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on November 24, 2005
at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in northern
Sweden on July 11, 1911, daughter of the late Per August and Selma O. (Neilsen)
Linden.
Miss
Linden arrived in the USA at the age of eight years. She attended Columbia
College, was a member of Vasa Barnan, Swedish cultural group, earned prizes and
scholarships to return to Sweden as a member and teacher of their singing
groups. She was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, once known as the
“Jenny Lind” of Brooklyn.
Miss
Linden worked as an executive secretary/administrative assistant in a Wall
Street brokerage firm. She was a member of a Vermont ski club and a member of
the Salem Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York. Besides her parents, Selma was
predeceased by her two sisters, Charlotte Alice (Linden) Bostrom and Gertrude
(Linden) Lunden; a brother, Holgar Linden; and a nephew, Carl Roger Lunden.
Miss
Linden is survived by her five nieces, Anita (Lunden) Swann, Marcy (Bostrom)
Hynes, Sharon (Linden) Tremain, Patti (Linden) Coopersmith and
Priscilla (Linden) D’Agostino; a nephew, Donald A. Bostrom; several
grandnieces and grandnephews in the USA and several beloved cousins in Sweden
and many good friends in Brooklyn and her friends and pastor in the Norwegian
Christian Home and Health Center where she spent the last two years of her life.
A
funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 4 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church in Oak Hill, New York. Friends may call at the Cunningham
Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will
follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory
to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
December
1, 2005
DANIEL
JOSEPH MAHONEY
GREENVILLE---Daniel Joseph Mahoney, 82 years, of Greenville passed away on November 18, 2005 at the St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany, New York. He was born May 29, 1923 in Rushy Park, Ballylongford, County Kerry, Ireland, son of the late Daniel and Catherine (Bunyan) Mahoney. Mr. Mahoney was a former Irish Footballer who played for County Kerry during the early 1950’s. He was employed by the NYNEX Telephone Co. for 35 years, retiring in June of 1985. Mr. Mahoney and his wife Marylyn were Foster parents for 35 years. Dan was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He had a terrific sense of humor, keen wit and a love of family and life that will be remembered by his family and all who knew him.
Daniel
is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marylyn (Gray) Mahoney; a daughter, Mary
Mahoney both of Greenville; a son, Thomas Mahoney and his wife, Patricia of
Athens, New York; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Daniel and Patrick Mahoney;
foster son, Stanley Waldron; a sister Brenda Mahoney; brothers Timothy Mahoney
and his wife Mary in Ireland; Richard Mahoney; sisters-in-law Lore (Michael)
Mahoney; Patricia (Raymond) Gray; brothers-in-law, John Gray and his wife Judy;
Robert Gray and Raymond Young. Many loved nieces and nephews, close and dear
friends Patrick and Kay Culhane, the O’Connor family and James Layman.
Funeral
services were held Monday from the Cunningham Funeral Home with a Mass of
Christian burial at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville. Interment
followed at the Greenville Cemetery.
Those
who wish may contribute in Dan’s memory to the Greenville Food Pantry, St.
Peter’s Hospice or the Greenville Rescue Squad.
December
1, 2005
PHILIP
(TOM) PALMER
WYNANTSKILL---Philip
(Tom) Palmer, 57 of Wynantskill passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2005.
Born
in Catskill, he was the son of the late Philip J. and Louella H. Palmer. He
graduated from Greenville Central High School in 1966 and served his country
from 1967 through 1970 in the U.S. Army. Tom worked for over 35 years with the
New York State Department of Transportation, from where he retired. Mr. Palmer
bowled at the Sunset rec. for over 10 years and enjoyed his Tuesday night poker
game.
Tom
is the beloved husband of Mary Ellen Palmer. He is the father of Kevin (Marie)
Palmer of Westerlo, Craig Palmer of Westchester, Amy Palmer of Westerlo and
Kelly (Charles) Lozensky of Catskill. He is the brother of Beverly (Reid) Condon
of Westerlo. He is the grandfather of Krystle and Brooke LaTorte and Zachary
Lozensky; and by his niece Cheryl (Jeff) Lee of Westerlo.
Funeral
services will be private at the convenience of the family. There will be no
calling hours.
Memorial
contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 7 Washington
Square, Albany, New York, 12205 in memory of Philip T. Palmer.
December
8, 2005
CORNELIUS
P. (NEIL) KRAFT
Cornelius
P. (Neil) Kraft, 88 years of Greenville, New York, passed away on December 2,
2005 at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. He was born in
Hoboken, New Jersey on December 6, 1916, son of the late Herman and Dora (Gronemann)
Kraft.
Neil
served his country during World War II in the US Army Air Force in the European
Theater. He continued to serve his country with a 20 year military career in the
US Air Force and retired in 1963. Neil went on to Lockheed Aircraft working
there for 10 years and as a custodian at the Greenville Central School for 10
more years.
Neil
was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir. He
was also a member of the Coxsackie Senior Citizens and loved to travel. Besides
his parents, Neil was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Kraft.
Surviving
are his sister, Lillian (Mickey) Hauge of Greenville, New York; three nieces,
Linda De Francisco, Arlene Valentine and Karen Haley; two nephews, Glenn Hauge
and Robert Kraft; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral
service was Monday, December 5 at the Cunningham Funeral Home 4898 SR 81,
Greenville, New York. Friends called at the funeral home Sunday evening.
Interment was in the Greenville Cemetery.
December
8, 2005
JOHN
McALOON
John
McAloon, 50, of South Westerlo, New York passed away on November 25, 2005 after
a 17 month battle with cancer. He was born on January 2, 1955 in Taunton,
Massachusetts to John and Mary McAloon. He leaves behind his loving wife of 22
years, Cynthia; three children, Rebecca 16, Patrick 15, Nola 11; three sisters,
Elizabeth Whelden, Joan Meyers, Marianne Dyke and his dear friend Christopher
Marston.
As
a young boy, he attended St. Mary’s School, Taunton High School, and was an
altar boy at St. Mary’s Church. He received a Veterinarian Bachelor of Science
degree from the University of Massachusetts. Throughout his college years he
worked teaching handicapped children to ride horses. His love for children
brought him into the field of education where he taught at Woodsville High
School and Alvirne High School, both located in New Hampshire. He was awarded
teacher of the year for the state of New Hampshire his first year teaching. He
was also a logger in British Columbia, a real estate agent, owned his own
landscaping business and construction company, K.C. Development.
In
1991, he moved to New York to work for Trans World Systems. He was the only
person in the history of the company to become regional manager of the year two
years in a row. Ending his career as a dedicated field advisor for Tremco
Company out of Cleveland, Ohio.
While
residing in New York he was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in
Patchogue. He served as a deacon, vice president of the Couples Club, Sunday
school teacher, member of the Promise Keepers, Habitat for Humanity; Vacation
Bible School ministry, and spent numerous hours putting together Thanksgiving
baskets for the needy.
His
strongest dedication in life was to his family. Those wishing to remember John
and his family in a special way may send contributions to the children’s
college fund: The Bank of Greene County, c/o Rebecca, Patrick and Nola McAloon,
Attn: Mail Dept. PO Box 688, Greenville, NY
12083-0688.
In
July, a church service will be held as a “Celebration of his Life” at South
Westerlo Congregational Church in New York with a reception to follow at his
family’s home in South Westerlo, New York.
Arrangements
by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.
December
8, 2005
FRANCES
K. DIETZ
Frances
K. Dietz, age 88 died November 20, 2005 at The Pavilion in Catskill, New York.
Mrs. Dietz was born in New Baltimore in 1917, the daughter of Arthur and Edna
(Griffin) Kniffen. She was a 1937 graduate of the State College in Albany. She
was the Editor of Publications for the research arm of the New York State
Department of Health. She was an active member of the New Baltimore Reformed
Church and of the Greene County Historical Society. A former New Baltimore
historian, Mrs. Dietz served on the Bicentennial Committee for the town.
She
was married on April 4, 1942 to Walter P. Dietz. Mr. Dietz died December 6,
2003. She is survived by two daughters, Margaret D. Meyer, Ph.D and her husband
Robert Meyer, MD of Fort Pierce, Florida, and Ellen R. Dietz and her husband
Walter Bourguignon of Glenmont, New York. She is also survived by her
brother-in-law, Robert Parsons of Middleburgh, New York and numerous nieces and
nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Doris Kniffen Parsons.
A
memorial service was held Tuesday, December 6 at the New Baltimore Reformed
Church. Rev. Susan Kerr officiated. There was no calling hours and burial
was private at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial
donations in Mrs. Dietz’s name be made to either the New Baltimore Reformed
Church or the Greene County Historical Society at the Bronck Museum.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Sopris-Murray Funeral Home,
9 Main Street, Ravena, New York.
December
15, 2005
JOYCE
HULL
OAK
HILL—Joyce Hull, 82, of Oak Hill, died peacefully on December 9, 2005
following a short illness.
She
was born at home on January 31, 1923 in Bates Hollow, New York, the daughter of
the late Howard and Mary (Engle) Poultney; and step daughter of Marie (Mackey)
Poultney. On May 1, 1940, she married her beloved husband, Ralph Hull. They
began farming on Pucker Street near Potter Hollow and moved to a farm between
Oak Hill and Durham in 1944.
Joyce
was very devoted to her family, especially to her son, Dwight, who had cerebral
palsy and required a great deal of love, patience and care, She did her best to
ensure that he received a good education despite his disability. Physical
therapy requiring daily, bi-weekly and weekly trips to Albany for many years,
which enabled him to gain independence to live a good life. Next to her family,
Joyce loved the farm, especially the cows. She systematically named the cows and
knew every one of them by name. She loved going to the barn, helping Ralph with
the milking and feeding the calves and did so until the age of 75.
Joyce
was a member of the Oak Hill-Durham United Methodist Church and past member of
the Bates Hollow Church. Joyce was a 62-year member and past treasurer of Potter
Hollow Grange No. 1555 and relished each and every Grange friend she made. She
was a certified foster parent and also had a number of foster children and
foreign exchange students live with her family. She was the honorary
“American” mother/grandmother of Alain Bouillon and family of Greenville.
She was also an honorary member of the Greenville F.F.A.
Joyce
had a knack of knowing named and dates. She could readily tell you when you were
born, married, how many children you had, their names and birth dates. Joyce
loved to chat on the phone with her many friends. She lovingly kept a
descriptive diary since the age of 14, which was referred to often. These were
her hobbies.
Survivors
include her husband of 65 years, Ralph Hull; son, John Hull and wife, Charlene
(Lutes) of Oak Hill; daughter, Janet Nelson and husband Erik Nelson, Jr. of
Rensselaerville; seven grandchildren: Brian Hull and partner Alex Taylor or
Albany, Darcy Hull and partner Audrey Buisson of France, Gloria Hull and
husband, Justin Hilgendorff of Round Top, Christine and Carly Hull of Oak Hill,
Stephen Nelson and wife, Patti (DiSalvo) of Cairo, Holly (Nelson) and husband,
R. Chris Ullstrom of Preston Hollow; three great-grandchildren: Erika and Krista
Ullstrom, Elliott Hull-Buisson; three step-great-grandchildren: Susan Gardiner,
Karen Gardiner, and Kathleen
Gardiner; and three step-great-great-grandchildren: Dante and Dean DeRosa, and
Ian Gardiner. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A
loving son, Dwight Hull, and three sisters; Norma Armstrong, Violet Lorett and
Viola Hazelton predeceased her.
Funeral
services were held Monday from the Cunningham Funeral Home followed by interment
at the Potter Hollow Cemetery. Those who desire may contribute in her memory to
the Oak Hill-Durham United Methodist Church.
December
15, 2005
VIVIAN
J. THEISS
OAK
HILL---Vivian J. Theiss, 84 years, of Oak Hill, New York (formerly of Woodhaven,
NY) passed away on December 9, 2005 at the Venice Regional Medical Center in
Venice, Florida due to complications from the chronic illness scleroderma.
Vivian
was born in New York City on June 13, 1921, daughter of the late Herbert and
Mildred (Kley) Jelley. She was a homemaker and the ultimate hostess. Vivian will
be remembered for her smile, enthusiasm and joy of life. She embraced each day
with a powerful Christian faith and love of family and friends. She was a
lifetime member of the Emanuel United Church of Christ in Woodhaven, New York
and a member of the Eastern Star.
She
was predeceased in 1983 by her loving husband, Henry A. Theiss, Sr.
Surviving
are her two loving children, Henry A. Theiss, Jr., and his wife Linda of
Claverack, New York; her daughter, Jayne Vadyak and her husband, Andrew; her
granddaughters, Jill Dean and her husband, Tom; and Aimee Vadyak Montanye and
her husband, Carl; her grandsons, Henry John Theiss and Andrew Michael Vadyak
and his wife, Kimberly; great-granddaughters, Morgan and Olivia Dean;
great-grandsons, Andrew Peter, Hadley and John Vadyak and William Montanye;
brothers-in-law, Dan and Phil Theiss; sisters-in-law, Ruth Tobin and the late
Eileen, Teddy and Freda Theiss. Vivian is also survived by her dear friend and
companion, Dick Wallace.
Funeral
services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at the Cunningham
Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville. Friends may call at the funeral home on
Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in the Brookside Cemetery in Preston
Hollow.
Those
who wish may contribute in Vivian’s memory to the Emanuel United Church of
Christ, 93-12 91st Avenue, Woodhaven, New York
11421.
December
22, 2005
MICHAEL
BODI
EAST
GREENBUSH—Michael Bodi, 93, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at his
daughter’s home.
He
is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Irene (Molnar-Farkas) Bodi;
three children, Michael (Patricia) Bodi of East Greenbush, Karen (Robert) Bolte
of Rensselaerville and John (Barbara) Bodi of Springville; and five
grandchildren.
Born
and trained as a blacksmith in Hungary, Michael came to the United States in
1929. Through hard work and patriotism, he truly lived the American dream and
was always willing to share his good fortune with others. A generous man in
life, so was Michael in death. He donated his body to the Anatomical Gift
Program at Albany Medical College to help further medical science and education.
Michael
was a member of the Hungarian Hall and an active member of his church, and had a
great passion and talent for singing. Most of all, Michael will be remembered
for the love he showed his family and friends and for his complete devotion to
his wife, Irene.
A
memorial service for Michael will be scheduled later. The family welcomes
friends and family to join them in thanking Community Hospice of Albany for
their wonderful support by sending contributions to Community Hospice of Albany,
445 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205.
December
22, 2005
DORIS
M. CLICKMAN
NORTON
HILL---Doris M. Clickman, 83 years, of Norton Hill, New York passed away on
December 14, 2005 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York. She was born in
Westerlo on October 11, 1922, daughter of the late Herman and Dora (Peck)
Palmer.
Doris
was a file clerk for the Pioneer Life Insurance Co. in Greenville until her
retirement. She was a member of the Medusa Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary.
She loved bowling and her flowers. Doris was a member of the Greenville-Norton
Hill United Methodist Church. Doris will be remembered by her family as a loving
wife, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by a daughter, Lorraine
Vancura, a great-grandson, Clifford Chase V and a brother, Earl Palmer.
Surviving
are her husband, John Clickman of Norton Hill; two daughters, Janice Chase and
her husband, Clifford, III and Karen Bell-Winans and her husband, David, all of
Medusa; ten grandchildren: Sally Lounsbury, Clifford Chase IV, Robin Welsch,
David Chase, Brian, Ryan and Randy Tryon, Kimberly Anderson, Kenneth Bell, Jr.
and Kandice Sutton; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral
services were held Saturday, December 17 at the Cunningham Funeral Home followed
by interment at the Westerlo Rural Cemetery.
Those
who wish may contribute in Doris’ memory to the Greenville-Norton Hill U.M.
Church Building Fund, Route 81, Norton Hill, New York
12083.
December
22, 2005
LYNNETTE
MARIE PANTORI
Lynette
Marie Pantori, 42 years, of Winnsboro, South Carolina, passed away suddenly at
her home in Winnsboro, South Carolina on December 13, 2005. She was born in
Bayshore, New York on August 17, 1963, daughter of Lawrence Pantori, Jr. and
Lynda (Constantine) Proctor.
Surviving
are her mother and stepfather, Lynda and William Proctor of East Durham, New
York; her father, Lawrence Pantori, Sr., of East Islip, New York; her
grandfather, Anthony Pantori, Sr., her four sisters, Annete McCrimmon, Christine
Palumbo, Denise Pantori and Paula Gardner; her brother, Lawrence Pantori, Jr.;
and several aunts, uncles nieces and nephews and cousins.
Funeral
service was Monday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville. Interment was in
the Potter Hollow Cemetery.
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