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Community Service

Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint'
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' The former chief of a fire district in Westchester who held the position for more than three decades is being remembered for his dedication to serving his community.  Daniel Raftery, the former chief of the Greenville Fire District, died on Sunday, June 16, the department announced. His age was not made public.  A longtime member of the fire district, Raftery originally joined in 1973 and rose to the rank of Chief in 1986. He continued to lead the district for 34 years until retiring in 2020.  In their announcement, the district described Raftery as an "admired and…
Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions
Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions A former pediatric nurse from Long Island could avoid jail time after confessing that she raked in over $1 million selling forged COVID-19 vaccine cards and opioid prescriptions. Julie DeVuono, age 51, of Amityville, pleaded guilty to filing forged vaccination record cards, laundering the criminal proceeds from selling the cards, and filing false prescriptions for opioids in Suffolk County Court in September 2023. According to prosecutors, DeVuono charged her customers $220 or $350, depending on the year, between June 2021 and September 2022 for entering their false vaccine information into…
NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester
NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester A New York Senate proclamation honoring the life of a beloved former Northern Westchester fire chief was presented to his family months after his sudden death.  The proclamation, prepared by New York State Sen. Peter Harckham, was presented to the family of former Somers Fire Chef and Golden’s Bridge Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Baker, Sr. the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department announced on Thursday, March 13.  Earlier Report - Funeral Details Released For Former Somers Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Baker, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, March 9 at t…
Public Servant Who Dedicated Life To Less Fortunate In Westchester Dies Public Servant Who Dedicated Life To Less Fortunate In Westchester Dies
Public Servant Who Dedicated Life To Less Fortunate In Westchester Dies A Westchester woman who spent decades working toward helping the less fortunate through various organizations and churches is being remembered for her effectiveness and big heart.  Lola Daniels Hunter of Elmsford died on Sunday, May 12, according to her obituary. Her age was not made public.  Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Hunter eventually moved to Westchester, where she entrenched herself in her community through various committees and organizations. This included eight years as President of the White Plains Greenburgh Chapter of the NAACP; Board Membership in the Greenbur…
Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies
Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies A beloved firefighter, baseball coach, and Navy veteran from Northern Westchester is being remembered for his longstanding dedication to helping his community.  Banksville resident Preston Pratley died on Monday, May 27 at the age of 79, according to his obituary.  Born in 1944, Pratley was born in Greenwich and later moved to Banksville after marrying his wife, Geraldine Kerslake, in May 1968.  A graduate of St. Mary's High School in Greenwich, Pratley was a Navy veteran who also became a proud member of Local #38, Sheet Metal Workers.  He was also…
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor These students have a date with the president. Six graduating seniors from New York were among just 161 high school students across the country to be selected as a US Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for students. Established in 1964, the award recognizes distinguished seniors who have shown exceptional accomplishments in areas like academics, leadership, and service to their school and communities. The program was later expanded to include students in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and in career and technical education fields. In the Empire State, the…
Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68 Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68
Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68 A former fire chief from Northern Westchester who dedicated most of his life to his department is remembered for always helping his community.  Longtime Ossining resident Raymond Lips, the former chief of the Millwood Fire Department and life member, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, April 9 at the age of 68, according to his obituary.  Born in 1955, Lips graduated from Ossining High School in 1973 and earned an Associate's Degree from Westchester Community College before joining Otto A. Lips Electric, the family business.  In addition to his career, Lips was a lifelong …
Beloved Retired Police Sergeant From Westchester Dies: 'Steadfast Patriarch' Beloved Retired Police Sergeant From Westchester Dies: 'Steadfast Patriarch'
Beloved Retired Police Sergeant From Westchester Dies: 'Steadfast Patriarch' A community in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of a beloved former police sergeant who left quite a lasting impact.  Retired Ossining Police Sergeant Richard Parthemore Sr. died in Florida on Monday morning, Jan. 29, the department announced on social media.  Parthemore joined the Village of Ossining Police Department in 1968 and dedicated himself to serving his community until he retired from the Town of Ossining Police Department decades later in 1988.  Serving Ossining ran in Parthemore's family, as his brother, Jeffery, and son, Richard Part…
Lifelong Firefighter, Westchester Native Dies: 'His Legacy Will Undoubtedly Live On' Lifelong Firefighter, Westchester Native Dies: 'His Legacy Will Undoubtedly Live On'
Lifelong Firefighter, Westchester Native Dies: 'His Legacy Will Undoubtedly Live On' A Hudson Valley resident who spent decades protecting his community as a firefighter is being remembered for his selflessness and outgoing nature.  Putnam County resident Dennis Rotenberg of Garrison died on Saturday, Jan. 13 at the age of 71, according to his obituary.  Born in the Northern Westchester city of Peekskill in 1952, Rotenberg attended Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak and went on to work with City Carting of Westchester for three decades.  After moving to Garrison, he joined the Garrison Volunteer Fire Company in May 1985 and served as a firefighter f…
Retired Sergeant, Former Youth Coach In Westchester Dies Retired Sergeant, Former Youth Coach In Westchester Dies
Retired Sergeant, Former Youth Coach In Westchester Dies A retired police sergeant who served a village in Westchester for close to four decades is being remembered for his lifelong dedication to the youth of his community.  The death of retired Youth Sgt. Rocco Plateroti was announced by the Port Chester Police Department on Wednesday, Jan. 17 in a post on social media.  Plateroti served the village of Port Chester for 36 years before retiring, the department said.  During this time, he became known for his willingness to help the village's youth, becoming both a mentor and a coach.  He was also often seen at Port…
First Female Mayor Of Village In Westchester Dies: 'She Will Long Be Remembered' First Female Mayor Of Village In Westchester Dies: 'She Will Long Be Remembered'
First Female Mayor Of Village In Westchester Dies: 'She Will Long Be Remembered' A woman who made her mark on history by becoming the first female mayor of a village in Westchester is being remembered for her consistent dedication to her community and her always-present kindness. Eileen (Downing) Pilla, who was the first female mayor of Tarrytown from 1987 to 1999, died on Monday, Dec. 18 at the age of 91, according to her obituary.  Born in Tarrytown in 1931, Pilla attended Good Counsel Academy in White Plains, where she began her lifelong tendency to involve herself in countless activities. After graduating, she went on to attend the Washington Sch…
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze A city in Westchester is mourning the loss of a beloved firefighter who is being celebrated for his bravery and dedication to his community.  Mount Vernon Firefighter Lamont “Wise” Killian, Jr., died from heart-related issues on Monday, Dec. 11 at the age of 51, city officials announced.  According to the US Fire Administration, Killian had been off-duty since collapsing at the scene of a residential fire on June 22, 2019, when he suffered a heart attack.  Killian's city is now remembering him as someone who was always prepared to help people.  "Your bravery …
Firefighters, First Responders To Receive Tax Breaks In Westchester Thanks To New Law Firefighters, First Responders To Receive Tax Breaks In Westchester Thanks To New Law
Firefighters, First Responders To Receive Tax Breaks In Westchester Thanks To New Law To recognize them for the services they provide to their communities, volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in Westchester will receive property tax breaks thanks to a new law. The legislation, signed into law by County Executive George Latimer on Thursday, Dec. 14, creates guidelines for property tax breaks for past and current volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members as well as their spouses, according to county officials. "This law recognizes the sacrifices made by our volunteers and provides meaningful support for their service," Latimer said, adding, "We are proud to…
Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Westchester Dies At Age 66 Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Westchester Dies At Age 66
Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Westchester Dies At Age 66 An award-winning Hudson Valley real estate broker who lived in Northern Westchester is being remembered for the impressive services he provided to his community as well as his dedication to coaching young athletes in several sports leagues.  Yorktown Heights resident and prominent real estate broker John Kincart died on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the age of 66 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary.  Kincart was known for his professional career in real estate, becoming the number-one agent for the firm Houlihan Lawrence in both the Yorktown School District since…
Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community
Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community Students at two Westchester schools were treated to a visit from the grandson of famed activist and politician Nelson Mandela, who encouraged them to take some time to give back to their communities and stand up for others.  Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, visited the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School and Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Nov. 21, Mount Vernon City School District officials announced. During his visits to the schools, Mandela discussed his grandfather's legacy and his activism efforts and also participated…
Beloved Gift Shop, Pharmacy Owner From Westchester Dies: 'Wonderful Person' Beloved Gift Shop, Pharmacy Owner From Westchester Dies: 'Wonderful Person'
Beloved Gift Shop, Pharmacy Owner From Westchester Dies: 'Wonderful Person' A business owner who was well-known in Northern Westchester is being remembered for always coming to the aid of those in need.  Ossining resident Dolores Frustace, also known as "Miss Dee," died on Sunday, Oct. 15 at the age of 80, according to her obituary.  Over the years, Frustace became a fixture of her community by owning her gift shop, “The Village Emporium," located on Main Street. She also later co-owned the Hudson Pharmacy in downtown Ossining, her obituary said. Her loved ones remembered her as someone who was quick to help others.  "Dee was a wonde…
Village Justice From Westchester Dies After Cancer Battle: 'Exemplary Human Being' Village Justice From Westchester Dies After Cancer Battle: 'Exemplary Human Being'
Village Justice From Westchester Dies After Cancer Battle: 'Exemplary Human Being' A community in Westchester is mourning the loss of its village justice who was well-known for being a trusted source of wisdom for those who came to him.  Hastings-on-Hudson resident Joseph DiSalvo, who served as Village Justice since 2004 and Acting Village Justice before that since 1988, died at the age of 71 on Saturday, July 1, Mayor Nicola Armacost announced.  DiSalvo, who served as a judge until the week before his death, split his time between practicing law in Westchester with Bronxville-based Nobile, Magarian & DiSalvo, LLP, and serving as Village Justice fo…
Business Owner From Westchester Dies At 58: 'Giving, Thoughtful Soul' Business Owner From Westchester Dies At 58: 'Giving, Thoughtful Soul'
Business Owner From Westchester Dies At 58: 'Giving, Thoughtful Soul' A Northern Westchester man who grew his family business into an award-winning enterprise is being remembered for his willingness to give back to both his loved ones and his community. Eugene “Bud” Hammer III of Katonah died on Tuesday, June 13 at the age of 58 after a brave battle against leukemia, according to his obituary. Born in White Plains in 1964, Hammer graduated from Pace University with a bachelor's of business administration in Marketing before going on to begin a career with Atlantic Westchester, Inc., a Bedford Hills-based heating, ventilation, and air conditioning business tha…
Westchester Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People' Westchester Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People'
Westchester Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People' A well-known Westchester County woman killed in a crash is being remembered for her "genuine interest in other people" and for her love of the community where she was born. Christine Kenney O’Rourke, age 70, died tragically on Sunday, June 11 near her Yonkers home when she was struck by a car driven by a White Plains woman while on one of her daily walks. Since her death, her family has received an outpouring of support from the community and the many people she held dear. Born in Yonkers, Chris’ love for her hometown was deep and abundant, according to her obituary. She attended Sacred H…
Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed' Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed'
Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed' A former chief of a fire department in Northern Westchester who remained active in serving the community has died.  Irwin Schriro, the ex-chief of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, died on Sunday, March 5 at the age of 63 following a short illness, the fire department announced.  Originally joining the department in 1987, Schriro served as chief from both 1999-2001 and 2011-2014. He remained an active member up to his death and had finished qualifying a new driver on her first piece of fire apparatus just before his illness, the department said. During his…
Ready To Shovel Snow? A Few 'Angels' Are Needed In This Westchester Town Ready To Shovel Snow? A Few 'Angels' Are Needed In This Westchester Town
Ready To Shovel Snow? A Few 'Angels' Are Needed In This Westchester Town With such a mild winter, not many volunteers have been needed to shovel snow for those who can't. That all changed on Tuesday, Feb. 28 with snow coming down in droves in some areas of Westchester, including Greenburgh. Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said the "Snow Angel" program has put out the call for high school-aged teens to assist those who may need volunteer hours and are interested in shoveling out seniors in need.  "It’s been such a mild winter, we haven’t needed any Snow Angels yet this season," said Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. The snow angels program is …
'Good Friend, Mentor': Beloved Deacon From Westchester Dies 'Good Friend, Mentor': Beloved Deacon From Westchester Dies
'Good Friend, Mentor': Beloved Deacon From Westchester Dies A beloved Deacon and former store owner from Westchester known for serving his community in times of need has died.  William "Deacon Billy " Vaccaro of Port Chester died on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the age of 89, according to his obituary.  A graduate of Port Chester High School, Vaccaro first served with the US Army in Korea before returning home and joining the family business, Vaccaro's Supermarket, which he operated with his brothers Joseph and Anthony for 25 years.  It was at this supermarket that Vaccaro helped many people earn their first work experience through b…
Former Supervisor of Westchester County Town Dies After Illness Former Supervisor of Westchester County Town Dies After Illness
Former Supervisor of Westchester County Town Dies After Illness A man from Northern Westchester who was known for his dedication to serving his community has died after battling an illness.  Former Cortlandt Town Supervisor Charles DiGiacomo died on Thursday, Dec. 29 at the age of 82, according to his obituary.  Originally a native of Ossining before moving to Cortlandt Manor, DiGiacomo graduated from Ossining High School in 1958 as class president before earning his bachelor's degree from Pace University. He then went on to in the US Army Reserves as a Second Lieutenant.  Following this, DiGiacomo began a career with Exxo…
Former Police Chief From Westchester County Dies On Christmas Day Former Police Chief From Westchester County Dies On Christmas Day
Former Police Chief From Westchester County Dies On Christmas Day A former police chief who served a community in Westchester County for more than 40 years has died.  Joseph DelBianco, the former chief of the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, died on Sunday, Dec. 25 at the age of 93, according to his obituary.  A member of the department for 43 years, DelBianco eventually became chief and led modernization efforts during his tenure, including the addition of computers in all police vehicles and the hiring of the village's first female officers. He also created the Bay Constable Position to run the village's Harbor Police Unit, his obituary said. …
'Most Difficult News': Police Department In Westchester Mourns Death Of Officer 'Most Difficult News': Police Department In Westchester Mourns Death Of Officer
'Most Difficult News': Police Department In Westchester Mourns Death Of Officer A police department in Northern Westchester is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own.  Gregory Jones, an officer with the Peekskill Police Department, died on Thursday, Nov. 24 at the age of 48, according to his obituary.  A native of Orange County, Jones was born and raised in Middletown and earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill before beginning his law enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, his obituary said.  Jones later transferred to the Peekskill Police Department, where he stayed for…
NY Doctor Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns, Ordered To Pay $245,212 NY Doctor Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns, Ordered To Pay $245,212
NY Doctor Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns, Ordered To Pay $245,212 A New York doctor will avoid prison after admitting that he filed false tax returns. Albany County resident Ehab Kodsi, age 56, of Watervliet, was sentenced to pay $245,212 in restitution and pay an additional $25,000 fine Thursday, Nov. 3, in federal court in Albany. The sentence followed Kodsi’s guilty plea to filing a false tax return and admission that he deliberately underreported revenue from both his pain management company in Queensbury, in Warren County, and his real estate company between 2015 and 2018. He was also accused of improperly deducting personal and business expenses.…
Beloved Teacher Who Graduated From High School, College In Westchester Dies Suddenly At Age 64 Beloved Teacher Who Graduated From High School, College In Westchester Dies Suddenly At Age 64
Beloved Teacher Who Graduated From High School, College In Westchester Dies Suddenly At Age 64 A beloved teacher and longtime Hudson Valley resident has died at the age of 64. Dutchess County resident Michael Ambron, of Fishkill, died suddenly of heart failure at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie on Tuesday, July 26, according to his obituary. Ambron grew up in the Bronx, and he graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers. He went on to earn degrees from Manhattan College and Iona College, his obituary said. For 25 years, he worked for IBM in East Fishkill and Southbury, Connecticut, and he served as director of programming, according to his obituary.  In …
Six Brand-New High School Grads In NY Rush To Battle Blaze After Getting Diplomas Six Brand-New High School Grads In NY Rush To Battle Blaze After Getting Diplomas
Six Brand-New High School Grads In NY Rush To Battle Blaze After Getting Diplomas Six brand-new high school graduates rushed to battle a fire shortly after receiving their diplomas. On Long Island, the Port Jefferson Fire Department announced that the department responded to a garage fire on Arlington Avenue in Port Jefferson shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24. Officials said six of the responding firefighters had just completed their graduation from Port Jefferson High School. "In the midst of taking pictures with their families, they responded to the firehouse to handle the alarm," officials said. The fire department said no one was injured in the blaze, and …
Westchester Businessman, Accomplice Sentenced For 'Scan And Skip' Scheme Westchester Businessman, Accomplice Sentenced For 'Scan And Skip' Scheme
Westchester Businessman, Accomplice Sentenced For 'Scan And Skip' Scheme A Northern Westchester businessman and former public official has been sentenced for running a "scan and skip" scheme with an accomplice that net them nearly $15,000 worth of merchandise from Home Depot, authorities announced. Eric DiBartolo, age 60, of Yorktown, and Cortlandt Manor resident Tyrone Bass, age 59, will avoid time behind bars after pleading guilty to misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of stolen property. Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah announced on Thursday, Dec. 16 that the two were each sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, 50 hours of co…
Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Westchester Dies Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Westchester Dies
Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Westchester Dies A lifelong Hudson Valley resident who was a beloved high school coach, and teacher, as well as the chief of a local fire department, and a standout college athlete in Connecticut, has died. Northern Westchester resident Michael Repp, of Somers and formerly of Katonah, died on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at age 82 at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco.  He was born in Orange County on May 15th, 1939, in Cornwall, to the late Michael and Irene Repp. He was raised in Katonah, attended Saint Mary’s School in Katonah, and was a member of the first graduating class from John Jay High S…
Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson Dies Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson Dies
Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson Dies This story has been updated. Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, who has led the department for more than 20 years, has died. Anderson, age 73, of Pawling, died in his sleep on Wednesday, Sept. 29, according to officials. Anderson, who started his career with the Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 1, 1970, as a deputy sheriff worked his way up the ladder and was elected sheriff in 1999 and took office in January 2000. “We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," said Undersheriff Kirk Imperati. "This is a tremendous loss for all of us. "Sheriff Anderson f…