Tag:

Obituary

Van Ritshie, Beloved MTA Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies Van Ritshie, Beloved MTA Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies
Van Ritshie, Beloved MTA Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies If you’ve ever hopped a train or scanned a radio in these parts, chances are good you’ve heard the velvety smooth voice of Van Ritshie. The longtime Hudson Valley radio host and voiceover artist, whose voice guided MTA commuters for decades, died Sunday, Nov. 3, at a Dutchess County hospice center in Poughkeepsie. He was 80 years old. “The Family of Van Ritshie is sad to announce that ‘The Voice of the Hudson Valley’ has passed on to be with Jesus after a brief illness surrounded by family,” reads his obituary. After earning his communications degree at Queensborough Community College in Q…
Former Chief Of Fire Department In Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' Former Chief Of Fire Department In Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed'
Former Chief Of Fire Department In Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' The beloved former chief of a Westchester County fire department is being remembered for serving his community for six decades.  Joseph Marsek, the former chief of the Ardsley Fire Department, died on Monday, Nov. 4 at the age of 81, according to his obituary.  According to the department, Marsek was a Life Member who served for 60 years.  "Joe was a mentor to all of us and loved by so many. He will be sorely missed," the department wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, Nov. 5.  Born in 1943, Marsek was a lifelong Ardsley resident who graduated from C…
Beloved Longtime Northern Westchester Hardware Store Employee Dies At 67 Beloved Longtime Northern Westchester Hardware Store Employee Dies At 67
Beloved Longtime Northern Westchester Hardware Store Employee Dies At 67 A business in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of a former employee who spent more than four decades leaving a large impact on people during something as routine as a hardware store visit.  Pleasantville resident Cindy Hite, who spent more than 40 years working at Berger Hardware in Hawthorne, died on Monday, Oct. 14 at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer, according to her obituary.  Born in White Plains in 1957, Hite graduated from Westlake High School in Thornwood in 1975 before going on to earn her associate's degree at Westchester Community College in Valhalla.&n…
Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others'
Westchester Native, Mom Of 3 Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering after their matriarch, a mother of three boys, died late last month.  Jhoseline Nelson, of Trumbull, died surrounded by her family on Sept. 29, her obituary said.  The Westchester County native from Port Chester leaves behind three sons — ages 13, 11, and 6 — and a husband of 17 years, Raney Nelson Jr. She was known for her fierce love of her family, her openness to anyone in need, and her compassion, according to her obituary. "From her earliest days, she was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, a…
Chappaqua's Ronald Tumpowsky, 49, Founded NYC-Based Monolith Marketing Chappaqua's Ronald Tumpowsky, 49, Founded NYC-Based Monolith Marketing
Chappaqua's Ronald Tumpowsky, 49, Founded Nyc-based Monolith Marketing Ronald Seth Tumpowsky, beloved husband, father, and friend, died at the age of 49 on Friday, July 19, 2024.  He is survived by his wife Jennifer Powell Tumpowsky and two sons, Robert Henry Tumpowsky and Harrison Powell Tumpowsky of Chappaqua, his brother Paul Adam Tumpowsky of New York City, and his father Roy Stuart Tumpowsky of Delray Beach, FL. Ron was born and raised in Rye Brook, NY and completed a Bachelor of Arts and Economics from Colgate University. A natural athlete and teammate, Ron competed at an elite level in both basketball and soccer throughout high school, and was a go…
Grandmother Kills Ex-Daughter-In Law Who Was Teacher In Westchester In Murder-Suicide: Reports Grandmother Kills Ex-Daughter-In Law Who Was Teacher In Westchester In Murder-Suicide: Reports
Grandmother Kills Ex-Daughter-In Law Who Was Teacher In Westchester In Murder-Suicide: Reports A 45-year-old New Jersey native and Westchester County, NY middle school teacher was shot and killed by her ex-husband's 65-year-old mother, who then turned the gun on herself in New York City, multiple news outlets say. Marisa Galloway — who hails from Wildwood, NJ and worked as a special education teacher in Ardsley, NY — was shot and killed by Kathleen Leigh near Gracie Mansion on Friday morning, July 26, NYPD brass said at a news briefing later that day. The NYPD said it happened amid a custody battle between Galloway and her ex-husband, whose mother was identified as Leigh, over their …
Westchester Police Officer Killed In Crash Remembered For His 'Zest For Life' Westchester Police Officer Killed In Crash Remembered For His 'Zest For Life'
Westchester Police Officer Killed In Crash Remembered For His 'Zest For Life' A 23-year-old Westchester County police officer who died in a Hudson Valley crash is being remembered for his smile and zest for life. Original Report: 'Happy-Go-Lucky' Westchester Police Officer Killed In Highlands Crash Christopher Bernal, a lifelong resident of Port Chester resident and a police officer with the Village of Port Chester, died on Sunday, July 7, in Orange County in the town of Highlands in the motorcycle crash. He attended King Street Elementary School and Corpus Christi Middle School in Port Chester and graduated from Port Chester High School in 2018; Christopher …
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber
Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber A 23-year-old Westchester man killed in a crash on a busy parkway is being remembered as a successful electrician who excelled at repairing computers and was always there for those who needed him. Mamaroneck resident Logan Spillane was killed in a crash on the Sprain Brook Parkway in Greenburgh on Saturday, May 18 around 1:30 p.m., New York State Police announced. 23-Year-Old Man Killed After Being Ejected From Car On Busy Parkway In Westchester Born in 2001, Spillane was a 2019 graduate of Rye High School and went on to become an electrician, which he took great pride in, according t…
Beloved Life Member Of Northern Westchester Fire Department Dies: 'Will Be Greatly Missed' Beloved Life Member Of Northern Westchester Fire Department Dies: 'Will Be Greatly Missed'
Beloved Life Member Of Northern Westchester Fire Department Dies: 'Will Be Greatly Missed' A Northern Westchester fire department is mourning the loss of a beloved life member who is remembered for his dedicated service and sardonic sense of humor.  Longtime Bedford resident and Bedford Fire Department life member Peter Perez died on Sunday, May 5 at the age of 90, according to his obituary. Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Perez spent three decades working with the US Postal Service.  He was also a Benevolent Founder of the Bedford Fire Department, where he was a longtime member and former secretary.  In his role as secretary, Perez often wrote up the departm…
Retired Detective Who Served In Westchester For 25 Years Dies Retired Detective Who Served In Westchester For 25 Years Dies
Retired Detective Who Served In Westchester For 25 Years Dies A community in Westchester is mourning the loss of a retired police detective who served with dignity for decades.  Keith Dooley of Little River, South Carolina, who served as a detective with the Port Chester Police Department for 25 years, died on Monday, Feb. 5 at the age of 71, according to his obituary.  Born in 1952, Dooley graduated from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains in 1970 and joined the Air Force before eventually beginning a career in law enforcement with Port Chester Police.  He remained with the department for 25 years and was recogni…
Beloved Northern Westchester Business Owner Dies At 69 Beloved Northern Westchester Business Owner Dies At 69
Beloved Northern Westchester Business Owner Dies At 69 A community is mourning the loss of a Hudson Valley woman who once owned two popular businesses in Northern Westchester and was known for her love of crafting.  Putnam County resident Diane Callahan-Caro of Brewster died on Friday, Jan. 19 in Newark, New Jersey at the age of 69, according to her obituary.  Born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1954, Callahan-Caro went on to graduate from Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak in 1972 before earning her bachelor's degree from Briarcliff College.  Years later in 1978, she married John Caro in Peekskill and together, they live…
Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Northern Westchester Dies At Age 66 Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Northern Westchester Dies At Age 66
Popular Realtor, Youth Sports Coach In Northern 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…
Beloved Mom From Northern Westchester Dies At 45: 'Heart Bigger Than The Moon' Beloved Mom From Northern Westchester Dies At 45: 'Heart Bigger Than The Moon'
Beloved Mom From Northern Westchester Dies At 45: 'Heart Bigger Than The Moon' A much-loved mother from Northern Westchester is being remembered as a selfless, delightful person who was always ready to spend her time helping others. Thornwood resident Christina Nassar died on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the age of 45, according to her obituary. Born in 1978, Nassar was raised in Yonkers before eventually marrying Kal Nassar in 2007 and moving with him to Thornwood. There, they welcomed their three children, Nicole, Christopher, and Joseph.  Those who knew Nassar knew that she was a deeply caring mother who always went out of her way for others, especiall…
Former Briarcliff Resident Burt Erickson Passes Away at 100 Former Briarcliff Resident Burt Erickson Passes Away at 100
Former Briarcliff Resident Burt Erickson Passes Away at 100 Burt Erickson, 100 years young, formerly of Briarcliff Manor and Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2023 at the Veteran’s Association Nursing Home in Montrose, where he received wonderful care. Burt was born on March 8, 1923 in Chicago, the son of Frances and Burton Erickson. He was the oldest of three children. He was predeceased in death by his sister Gertrude “Trudie” Hodges and his brother Jerome “Jerry” Erickson. Burt married the love of his life Rita Marie Jerome on Dec. 27, 1952. They were married 61 years until her death on April 17, 2014. Burt is survived by his dau…
Westchester Native, Business Owner Dies At 62: 'Lived For Adventure' Westchester Native, Business Owner Dies At 62: 'Lived For Adventure'
Westchester Native, Business Owner Dies At 62: 'Lived For Adventure' A Hudson Valley resident who owned a business in Westchester is being remembered for his sense of adventure and his countless escapades into the great outdoors.  Putnam County resident Steven Dorazio of Mahopac died on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the age of 62, according to his obituary.  Born in Port Chester in 1960, Dorazio was raised in the village and eventually graduated from Port Chester High School in 1978. Although he later moved to Putnam County, he remained tied to his hometown by becoming the owner of Port Chester-based Dazco Heating and Air Conditioning Corp.&n…
Beloved Gift Shop, Pharmacy Owner From Northern Westchester Dies: 'Wonderful Person' Beloved Gift Shop, Pharmacy Owner From Northern Westchester Dies: 'Wonderful Person'
Beloved Gift Shop, Pharmacy Owner From Northern 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…
Police Officer From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 53 Police Officer From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 53
Police Officer From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 53 A Hudson Valley police officer is being remembered for his dedicated service to both his local community and his country.  Putnam County resident Daniel Bruno of Mahopac died on Thursday, June 22 at the age of 53, according to his obituary.  Born in 1969 in Mount Kisco, Bruno graduated from Somers High School before serving his country with the US Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged, he then began school at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry with the intent of becoming a veterinarian.  However, Bruno soon found another calling and pivoted to becoming a police offic…
Parks, Recreation Employee From Westchester Dies At 52: 'Would Light Up Room' Parks, Recreation Employee From Westchester Dies At 52: 'Would Light Up Room'
Parks, Recreation Employee From Westchester Dies At 52: 'Would Light Up Room' A parks and recreation employee who worked for a city in Westchester is being remembered for his ability to bring joy to others and his love of the water.  Lifelong Yonkers resident John Patterson died on Saturday, April 29 at the age of 52 with his family by his side, according to his obituary.  Born in 1971, Patterson attended schools in Yonkers and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1989. After this, he went on to attend the National Tractor Trailer School in Liverpool, New York, earning his CDL-A with all endorsements.  After working numerous jobs, he eventually …
'Our Shining Light': 26-Year-Old Westchester Native Killed In Crash Remembered 'Our Shining Light': 26-Year-Old Westchester Native Killed In Crash Remembered
'Our Shining Light': 26-Year-Old Westchester Native Killed In Crash Remembered A 26-year-old Connecticut woman born and raised in New York who was killed in a single-vehicle crash is being remembered as a "beautiful, sweet soul." New Haven County resident Jessica Anne Bulfaro, of Milford, who was born in Westchester County and lived in Putnam County, in the town of Carmel, died on Thursday, April 20 when she lost control of her silver 2021 Subaru Impreza and struck two utility poles in Newtown, said the Newtown Police.  She was born on Thursday, August 22, 1996, in White Plains, to her parents Stephen and Jeanette (Santorelli) Bulfaro. After graduating hi…
Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies
Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies A former fire chief and lifelong Northern Westchester resident who dedicated much of his life to firefighting has died.  Yorktown Heights resident Arthur Orneck, who served as the Chief of the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department between 1986 and 1987, died on Tuesday, April 4 at the age of 74, according to his obituary.   Born in White Plains in 1948, Orneck lived his entire life in Yorktown Heights and worked as a professional firefighter for the Greenville Fire District in Scarsdale for 20 years before retiring in 2000.  Additionally, he was also a 58-year…
Longtime NYPD Officer, Attorney From Hudson Valley Dies At Age 56 Longtime NYPD Officer, Attorney From Hudson Valley Dies At Age 56
Longtime Nypd Officer, Attorney From Hudson Valley Dies At Age 56 A beloved former NYPD officer from the Hudson Valley who dedicated much of his life to serving the department in various roles and practicing his faith has died.  Putnam County resident John Welch, of Mahopac, died on Thursday, April 6 at the age of 56, according to his obituary.  Born in the Bronx in 1967, Welch graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy before earning a bachelor's degree and a law degree from St. John’s University in Queens.  Welch then began a career in law enforcement and joined the NYPD, serving as a police officer for 26 years before being as…
Former Detective Sergeant From Northern Westchester Dies: 'Always There To Help' Former Detective Sergeant From Northern Westchester Dies: 'Always There To Help'
Former Detective Sergeant From Northern Westchester Dies: 'Always There To Help' A former detective sergeant from Northern Westchester who was dedicated to helping people any way he could has died.  Joseph Cindrich of Somers died on Thursday, March 16 at the age of 69, according to his obituary.  Born in 1953, Cindrich began his policing career with the Rye Police Department in 1978, serving there for two years before then joining the New Castle Police Department in 1980.  There, he stayed for nearly 20 years before retiring in 1998. Cindrich spent most of his career as a Detective Sergeant, his obituary said.  Friends and family remember …
'Go-To-Guy': Patrol Officer Of Sheriff's Office In Hudson Valley Dies 'Go-To-Guy': Patrol Officer Of Sheriff's Office In Hudson Valley Dies
'Go-To-Guy': Patrol Officer Of Sheriff's Office In Hudson Valley Dies A sheriff's office in the Hudson Valley has announced the death of one of its own.  Special Patrol Officer Timothy J. Stewart of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office died on Monday, Jan. 30, leaving behind his wife and son, the Sheriff's Office announced.  Stewart joined the Sheriff's Office after spending 29 years with the City of New York Police Department, which he retired from in 2019 as a detective.  He then spent years stationed at the Putnam County Office Building, where he was known for giving a "welcoming hello" to the building's visitors, the Sheriff's Office sa…
Owner Of Popular Westchester Pizzerias, Father Of 4 Dies Suddenly At Age 52 Owner Of Popular Westchester Pizzerias, Father Of 4 Dies Suddenly At Age 52
Owner Of Popular Westchester Pizzerias, Father Of 4 Dies Suddenly At Age 52 The owner of several popular Westchester County pizzerias who could often be found enthusiastically cheering on his children at their little league games has died. Eastchester resident Mike Provenzale died on Friday, Dec. 23 at the age of 52, according to his obituary.  Born in Toronto, Canada in 1970 before his family eventually settled in Eastchester, Provenzale graduated from Eastchester High School in 1988.  After graduating, Provenzale went on to begin several eateries across the county. After some hard work, he opened Scarsdale Pizza Station at 36 and then op…
Popular Educator From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 68 Popular Educator From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 68
Popular Educator From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 68 A beloved educator from Northern Westchester who worked in Connecticut known for her dedication to her family has died.  Edna Rose Ventarola of Ossining died on Monday, Nov. 14 at the age of 68, according to her obituary.  Ventarola was born in 1954 and raised in the Bronx, graduating from Lehman College, her obituary said.  Pursuing a career in early childhood education, Ventarola served as the director of Creative Playtime in Scarsdale and also directed the Head Start program in Port Chester, according to her obituary.  Ventarola also later served as s…
Greenburgh Elementary School Teacher Sr. Pastor Quincy Wright Left A Lasting Legacy Greenburgh Elementary School Teacher Sr. Pastor Quincy Wright Left A Lasting Legacy
Greenburgh Elementary School Teacher Sr. Pastor Quincy Wright Left A Lasting Legacy Long time Westchester County educator, Sr. Pastor, and retired Master Teacher Quincy Wright recently passed on September 30, 2022 after a long terminal illness.  Sr. Pastor Quincy Wright taught fifth and sixth graders tirelessly for over 20 years at his alma mater RJ Bailey Elementary School in Greenburgh. His Home-going service was a celebration of life, and many traveled far and wide to pay respect to an “Effective Communicator” known for his practical and dynamic teaching style. The family wishes to thank everyone for their condolences and strong support during this time. You may…
Longtime Business Owner From Westchester Dies At Age 64 Longtime Business Owner From Westchester Dies At Age 64
Longtime Business Owner From Westchester Dies At Age 64 A former corrections officer and business owner from the Hudson Valley died on Monday, Oct. 24.  Westchester County native Steven E. Sassone, Sr., who was born in Yonkers, died at the age of 64, according to his obituary.  A resident of Putnam County, Sassone, of Mahopac, attended Lincoln and Saunders high schools in Yonkers, and also owned the Sassone Service Center in the city in addition to owning and operating Sassone Towing, his obituary said.  Sassone also worked as a corrections officer for the Westchester County Department of Corrections, and was a pa…
Northern Westchester Native Who Was All-America Collegiate Athlete Dies At Age 48 Northern Westchester Native Who Was All-America Collegiate Athlete Dies At Age 48
Northern Westchester Native Who Was All-America Collegiate Athlete Dies At Age 48 A Northern Westchester native who was a standout athlete in both high school and college has died. Alison Relyea, who grew up in Briarcliff and graduated in 1992 from the Hackley School in Tarrytown, was 48 years old, according to her obituary. She died on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Evelyn’s House hospice facility in Creve Coeur, Missouri. For the past 11 years, she lived in Chesterfield, Missouri, her obituary said. She graduated from Gettysburg College in 1996 and the University of Maryland School of Nursing, where she received her BSN degree, in 1998.  Throughout her younger years…
Westchester Man Known For 'One-Of-A-Kind Sense Of Humor' Dies At Age 34 Westchester Man Known For 'One-Of-A-Kind Sense Of Humor' Dies At Age 34
Westchester Man Known For 'One-Of-a-kind Sense Of Humor' Dies At Age 34 A Westchester County man who died at the age of 34 is being remembered for his kindness and sense of humor. Michael Patrick Gainor died on Wednesday, Oct. 5, according to his obituary. Gainor was born and raised in New Rochelle, and he also had ties to Westerly, Rhode Island, his obituary said. After graduating from New Rochelle HighSchool, he joined Samson Management, where he worked for the rest of his life. "Michael was known for his genuine good nature and one-of-a-kind sense of humor," his obituary reads. He is survived by his parents, Michael Gainor and Nina Shawn Gainor;…
Westchester Man Known As 'Free Spirit, Avid Athlete' Dies At Age 44 Westchester Man Known As 'Free Spirit, Avid Athlete' Dies At Age 44
Westchester Man Known As 'Free Spirit, Avid Athlete' Dies At Age 44 A Westchester County resident known for his love of sports and adventurous spirit has died at the age of 44. John Theodore Grandefeld, of Eastchester, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 24, according to his obituary. He was born in New Rochelle and spent summers in his childhood at the Larchmont Shore Club. "John was a free spirit and an avid athlete," his obituary reads. "During high school he played soccer, hockey and tennis and always took advantage of all life’s experiences. He loved traveling, hiking, fishing, camping - which was his favorite - and on occasion gold mining in Alaska.…