Obituaries
from the
Greenville Local
October 2006
Newspapers courtesy of Sylvia Hasenkopf. Retyped by Colleen Maresca
ANNA M. JACKSON
October 5, 2006
Anna M. Jackson, 83 years, of Preston
Hollow, New York, passed away at the Country Care Center in Delhi, New York, on
September 29, 2006. Anna Mary Galligan was born in Brooklyn, New York on
September 30, 1923. She was the eldest of three children with two younger
brothers, Lawrence and Eugene, neither of whom married or had children.
Her parents were both Irish immigrants. Her
father was a conductor for the railroad. Her mother died when Anna was around
eight years old and Anna virtually raised her brothers from that time, cooking
and cleaning for the family and making sure that her brothers and herself got to
school and home each day while her father worked long hours supporting his
family.
Owen Galligan, Anna’s father, never
remarried and by all accounts his marriage was a deep love match. Anna reported
that he never recovered from the death of his young and beautiful wife. Anna’s
eyes always filled with tears when she recalled her father, tears of deep love
and respect. She described that in her time and under their circumstances, other
fathers would have placed their children up for adoption, but Owen did
everything he could to keep his family together.
As a young woman, Anna was very beautiful,
like her mother, pencil thin with raven black hair. She worked for
Alexander’s, a large department store, in New York City and often traveled
with her close friends. In her early 30’s, on a visit to the Catskill
Mountains for a vacation with her father, she met Kermit Edgar Jackson. He was
immediately smitten by the beautiful and strong-willed Anna. She often told the
story of going on a spur of the moment date with him. He asked her to take a
walk with him and she, not knowing this handsome country boy, secretly picked up
a large rock and placed it in her purse, not knowing if she might need it later
for self defense.
However, she did not, and after that walk
they were inseparable and Kermit often visited her at her apartment whence she
lived with her father in New York City. They were married in November of 1953.
The marriage was a strong one, both hard working and kind and honest and devoted
to their family. Anna always looked like a school girl in love whenever Kermit
walked into a room. She loved him profoundly.
They had three children; Gail Anne born in
1955, Patricia Ann born in 1959, and Kermit Eugene born in 1963.
Anna adapted quickly to life in the country
and she loved her husband’s home. Known from that time as Anne or occasionally
as Annie, she raised three children kindly and lovingly. Anne opened an antique
shop in the porch of the home the family moved into in 1963 in Cooksburg and
worked daily aiding her husband’s thriving real estate business (Kermit
Jackson Realty). She did all of the banking for the business and expanded her
antique business greatly. The
family traveled widely to Florida and Maine each year and once to Jamaica.
Anne was a high school graduate, but
self-educated in many ways. She was an avid reader and very interested in local
politics, especially when Kermit Edgar ran for and was elected to Justice of the
Peace and then Town Supervisor for the Town of Rensselaerville. She believed
strongly in education and offered all three of her children full college
education and support during those years. Gail and Patricia took advantage of
that opportunity.
Anne was a Roman Catholic and had a deep
reverence for the saints. She would often pray to them for aid with lost objects
and she was deeply spiritual in a non-dogmatic way.
When Patricia moved to Colorado in 1977,
Anne immediately arranged for Gail and her to visit her there. Patricia returned
to New York in 1978 to attend the State University of New York when Patricia and
Anne continued their antique business together and shared their deep love of
antiques and collecting. After Patricia moved to Colorado again in 1984, Anne
visited her several more times, but altitude sickness began to make visits
prohibitive.
Anne developed Alzheimer’s disease during
the stressful time leading up to her husband’s death in 1987. By the early
1990’s, her dementia was very advanced. Anne died on Friday, September 29,
2006, which is most fitting, as it is the Feast of St. Michael, the warrior
angel of truth and power.
Anne is survived by her eldest daughter,
Gail Anne Jackson and her daughter, Vanessa Nodine. Gail is a special education
teacher in Denver, Colorado. She is also survived by her middle daughter,
Patricia Anne and her two children, Aryana and Raphael. Patricia is a
psychotherapist, mediator and published writer living between Centennial,
Colorado and upstate New York. She is also survived by her youngest son, Kermit
Eugene Jackson and his daughters, Michelle and Amanda.
Anne lifted herself out of poverty, and
through a loving marriage to a good man, she was a good and loving mother. She
was a brilliant woman with a great sense of humor. The last 20 years of her life
were marked by terrible tragedy and we are most grateful that she now rests
peacefully at last in the arms of her Creator. Mom, we love you and thank you
for everything, especially your role-modeling of a loving marriage, your deep
love of God, your intuitive abilities that we and our children inherited, your
love of the natural world and your strong and non-conforming Irish spirit.
Funeral service will be Friday, 10:30 a.m.
from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York, with a Mass
of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church. Friends may call
at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Potter
Hollow Cemetery.
DENIS O’CONNELL
October 5, 2006
Denis O’Connell, 67, died Thursday,
September 28, 2006 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany after a courageous battle
with cancer.
He was born March 4, 1939 in Scartaghen,
County Kerry, Ireland, son of the late Denis and Elizabeth (O’Brien)
O’Connell.
He came to the United States in 1960 and
worked as a construction laborer. For the last 32 years, he worked as a
maintenance man at Gavin’s Golden Hill House in East Durham.
In addition to his parents, Denis was
predeceased by two brothers, William and Edmund.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years,
Agnes of Athens; three daughters, Mary Firstiun and husband, Michael, of
Catskill, Elizabeth Cruz and husband, Michael, of Florida and Agnes Noel of
Athens; three grandchildren, Michael Firstiun, Keith Noel and Julianne Noel;
three brothers, Patrick and wife, Mary, of Ireland, John and wife, Julia, of
Ireland and Joe and wife, Denise, of Pennsylvania; five sisters, Brigid Faughnan
of Queens, Mary Donohoe of Connecticut, Eileen Mulvey and husband, Jim, of
Valley Stream, Elizabeth Maille and husband, Ray, of Florida and Catherine
Martin of Kingston; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends called at the Richards
Funeral Home in Cairo on Sunday, October 1. The funeral Mass took place Monday,
October 2, at Our Lady of Knock Shrine in East Durham, followed by interment in
the Athens Rural Cemetery.
Donations in Denis’ memory may be made to
St. Peter’s Community Hospice Inn, 315 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY
12208.
CARL ANDERSON
October 5, 2006
Carl Anderson, 84 years, of Greenville, New
York, passed away at the Eden Park Nursing Home on September 24, 2006. He was
born in Sodermanland, Sweden, on January 23, 1922, son of the late Gustav and
Thyra (Eckstrom) Anderson.
Carl was a graduate of New Town High School
in Elmhurst, New York and the Alexander Hamilton Institute in New York City. He
served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Naples Foggia, North
Apennines and the Rome Arno Campaigns. He received the European African Middle
Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was the treasurer of the local church in
Valley Stream and donated his time at Christmas by playing Santa Claus
throughout Nassau County. He loved baseball and coached and managed several
teams. He was a professional drummer and was well known as the Scandinavian
Drummer. He was also a past commander and life member of the V.F.W. Post No. 455
and a Mason for over 40 years in the Valley Stream Lodge F. & A.M.
Surviving are two sons, Richard Anderson and
his wife, Sandra, of South Hampton, New York, Carl E. Anderson and his wife, Ann
Marie, of Greenville, New York; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His wife, Ruth Viola (Thornquist) Anderson predeceased him.
Funeral service was Tuesday at the
Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. As to his wishes,
cremation was at the Albany Rural Cemetery with interment in the Greenville
Cemetery.
DR. JAMES ROWAN
Restorer of Hush Hush
October 12, 2006
Dr. James Rowan died of cancer on August 27,
2006 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. He was 71. Dr. Rowan was an
internationally acclaimed academician, researcher and specialist in the
treatment of epilepsy. He held distinguished professorships in Neurology and
Neurophysiology at NYU-Mt. Sinai where he was Co-Director of the Comprehensive
Epilepsy Center, and at the Bronx Veteran’s Hospital where he was Chief of
Neurology and Director of the Neurology Research Center. He also held
appointments at Columbia University College of Medicine and the Albert Einstein
College of Medicine.
The author of twelve books on the diagnosis
and treatment of epilepsy, he was chief investigator with Dr. Eugene Ramsey of
the Veteran’s Hospital in Miami of a 10 year study of epilepsy in the elderly.
Their study, conducted at ten sites around the country, revolutionized this
treatment in the elderly. His book, “The Brainstorms Healers,” was written
for patients and their families. Dr. Rowan was also author of many articles,
chapters, and peer review studies on the subject of epilepsy.
James Rowan was born in Los Angeles and
raised in Ohio. He attended Massachutes (sp) Institute of Technology and
Stamford University School of Medicine. About 1980, Dr. and Mrs. Rowan purchased
the Augustine Prevost house in Greenville from George Vanderbilt and began a
restoration project that spanned several years. The house is now on the National
Register of Historic Houses and is the yearly site of a fundraiser for the
Greenville Library. In 1993, Hush Hush, as the house is called, celebrated its
200th birthday.
Dr. Rowan will be interred in Locust
Cemetery on Maple Avenue in Greenville. Land for the cemetery was donated by
Major Prevost and member of the Prevost family are buried there. His wife, a
step-son, David Korn, of Manhattan, a sister-in-law, Joan Garofalo, of Freehold
and several cousins in Ohio, survive him.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday,
October 22nd at 2 p.m. at Locust Cemetery, Maple Avenue, Greenville.
All friends are welcome to attend.
DEBORAH T. WAGNER
October 19, 2006
Deborah T. Wagner, 55 years, of East Durham,
NY, passed away at the Columbia Memorial Hospital, NY, on Oct. 9, 2006. She was
born in New York City on Sept. 25, 1951. She and her husband, David, operated
the D. Wagner Group, a printing company in East Durham, NY.
A memorial service was held at the
Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY, on Thursday, October 12. As
to her wishes, she was cremated at the Albany Rural Cemetery.
Surviving are her husband, David; her son,
Robert, and daughter, Janette Dawn.
PETER LOUNSBURY
October 19, 2006
The family of Peter Lounsbury announces with
heartfelt sadness his passing on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at his home, following a
gallant and determined fight against heart disease and cancer.
Peter was born in Oak Hill, NY, on April 8,
1929, son of the late Willett E. & Florence (Baitsholts) Lounsbury. He was a
graduate of Greenville Central School. For over 45 years, Peter owned and
operated Lounsbury Appliance with dedication, pride and loyalty. This business
was started by his father, Willett, in 1931. Upon his retirement in January
1991, his son, Bruce and daughter-in-law, Susan, carried the family business
into the 21st century.
Peter served his country well during the
Korean conflict, 1951-1952. The American Legion became an important part of his
life as he held multiple offices at Post, County, District, State and National
levels for well over 40 years. As the NYS Department Vice Commander in 1986,
Peter represented the 26 counties of northeastern New York State. Peter was a
regular “bluccap” Legionnaire from start to finish.
The strength and grace with which Peter went
about his life was an inspiration to his wife, his beloved children and
grandchildren. Friends and colleagues lives are better for having known him.
Peter is survived by his loving and devoted
wife of 53 years, June (Tallman) Lounsbury, two cherished daughters, Lynne &
husband Charles (Chuck) Zwickel of Catskill and Judy Lounsbury of Durham, CT; 2
very caring sons, Peter, Jr. (Skip) and wife, Rose, of Wilmington, DE and Bruce
and wife, Susan, of Oak Hill.
Very endearing grandchildren, Steven &
Victoria Zwickle, Eric Englehart, Anna Lounsbury, Michael Lounsbury & Meghan
Lounsbury-Waddell and husband, William Waddell, will miss their beloved
“Papa”.
Peter was predeceased by his parents and
brothers, Willett Earl in 1941 and Earnest Paul in 2003.
Also surviving are his sister, Betty Jean
Cerrik of Tyringham, MA and brother, Donald Lounsbury, of East Durham, NY.
Funeral service was held on Monday, October
9, 10 a.m., at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, NY. Friends
were invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m. The American
Legion Memorial Service was held Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Cremation and burial in the Onesquethaw Cemetery, Clarksville, NY, will be at
the convenience of the family. Those who desire, may contribute in his memory to
the Durham Valley Post #1416 American Legion.
ARLEEN J. BARKER
October 26, 2006
Arleen Joyce (Eileen-Sis) Barker, of
Newburgh, New York, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2006, at St. Luke’s
Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus. She was 55.
Daughter of Kathleen Butler Williams and the
late David Williams, she was born on May 20, 1951 in Catskill, New York. A
family statement reads, “You are always walking through our hearts and minds.
You were the best mom, daughter, sister and friend anyone could ask for.”
Arleen was a 1970 graduate of Greenville Central High School.
She is survived by her daughters, Brandi
Barker of Roscoe, New York and Kathrene Barker of Newburgh; her brother, Terry
William and his wife, Dawn, of Greenville, New York; sisters, Nancy Palmer and
husband, Ronald, of Hannacroix, New York, Janice O’Leary and Raymond Martin of
Athens, New York; granddaughter, Eryn Dutcher; niece, Becky Palmer; nephews,
Kyle O’Leary and Zeb Barker. She was married to James Barker who survives in
Peekskill. She was predeceased by her brother, David C. Williams, and her
sister, Sandra Williams.
Visitation was Monday, October 16, at Brooks
Funeral Home, Newburgh. A graveside service took place at 12 noon on Tuesday,
October 17, at Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, New York.
Memorial donations may be made to the
Arthritis Foundation, New York Chapter, 122 East 42nd St., 18th
Floor, New York, NY 10168-1898.
Arrangements were under the direction of Brooks Funeral Home. To send a personal
condolence or for donations to the funeral home, please visit BrooksFH.com or
call 845-561-8300.
DIANNE M. FRASCO
October 26, 2006
Dianne M. Frasco, 64 years, of Cornwallville,
New York, passed away at Eden Park Health Care in Catskill, New York, on October
22, 2006. She was born in Flushing, New York, on February 18, 1942, daughter of
the late Pascal and Anne (Tierney) Frasco. She was a member of the Durham-Oak
Hill U.M. Church and enjoyed helping out at the Good Tidings Bible Camp and also
enjoyed taking care of children.
Surviving are three sisters, Naida Frasco of
Cornwallville, New York, Linda Campbell and her husband, Thomas, of Jefferson
Valley, New York, Gail Frasco and her significant other, Gary Reilling of
Melville, New York; and a brother, Richard Frasco and his wife, Sandra, of
Cornwallville, New York.
Funeral service will be Thursday, 11 a.m.,
at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York. Friends called
at the funeral home on Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Winston
Cemetery, East Durham, New York. Those who desire may contribute in her memory
to the Durham-Oak Hill U.M. Church.
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