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Funeral Services Set For NY Officer Killed In Off-Duty Crash (Update)
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Officer Jose A. Santiago Sr., who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Route 17 in New York, police said.
Orange County resident Officer Santiago of Washingtonville, 65, died at the scene of the crash on Saturday, March 22, after his vehicle was struck head-on by a van that crossed into the wrong lane near Exit 113 in the Sullivan County town of Mamakating, according to New York State Police and Washingtonville Police Chief Brian Zaccaro.
His wife, Blanca Santiago, 64, was injured in the crash and remains hospitalized in stable condition at G…
Kitty Dukakis, Wife Of Ex-Presidential Nominee, Dies
Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts Governor and presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, died on Friday, March 21, at the age of 88, her family said.
Her son, John Dukakis, said in a statement that the mother of three died "surrounded by family."
She was born on December 26, 1936, and lived a full life fighting to make the world a better place and sharing her vulnerabilities to help others face theirs. She was loving, feisty and fun, and had a keen sensitivity to people from all walks of life. She and our dad, Michael Dukakis, shared an enviable partnership for over 60 years…
Retired Officer From Westchester Remembered: 'Respected, Committed'
A police department in Westchester is mourning retired Officer Robert J. Higle, a dedicated public servant who spent decades protecting his community and giving back in countless ways.
Higle, a lifelong resident of Sleepy Hollow, died on Saturday, March 15, after a courageous battle with multiple illnesses, according to his obituary. He was 70 years old.
Born on February 2, 1954, Higle graduated from Sleepy Hollow High School in 1972 before beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1980, he joined the Irvington Police Department, where he served with honor and d…
David Diaz, Award-Winning TV Reporter For Wcbs, Wnbc, Dies
David Diaz, whose career as an award-winning TV news reporter in New York City spanned three decades, has died.
He was 82.
His death, which occurred last week, was announced on Monday, March 17 by WCBS.
Following 15 years with WNBC-TV, Diaz spent 12 years at CBS New York.
A native of Puerto Rico, Diaz relocated to upper Manhattan during his childhood. He earned a master's degree from Columbia after graduating from City College and Fordham Prep.
In a video tribute to Diaz, CBS Evening News co-anchor Maurice Dubois described Diaz as "a reporter's reporter," and a quintessential…
Nita Lowey, Westchester Congresswoman For Decades, Dies
Nita Lowey, a powerful member of Congress for decades while representing parts of downstate New York, has died.
She was 87.
Lowey, who represented much of Westchester as well as Rockland County, died on Saturday, March 15 at her home in Harrison, her family announced, saying the cause of death was complications from metastatic breast cancer.
Lowey, a Democrat, served in Congress from 1989 until 2021 after deciding not to seek re-election.
She sponsored more than 500 pieces of legislation, with over 400 successfully enacted into law.
Her most significant achievement was her ten…
Westchester Girl, 14, Dies: Family To Set Up Scholarship Drive In Her Memory
Following the loss of 14-year-old Gia Deborah Gentile of Hawthorne, her family is determined to honor her memory by helping other high school students who show the kindness she so often demonstrated.
Gia, who was born in White Plains on June 9, 2010, died on Sunday, March 9, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and selflessness, according to her obituary.
Gia was known for her warm heart, boundless energy, and unwavering kindness. Whether she was excelling in academics, cheering as a flyer on the Westlake Varsity Cheer Team, or participating in student council and servic…
Freak Sledding Accident Kills Young Mother
A fun day in the snow turned into tragedy for a young Virginia family when a 26-year-old mother was killed in a freak sledding accident, leaving behind her husband and infant daughter, just as they were set to begin a new life, loved ones said.
Madelyn Nancy Lowe-Perdue, 26, of Chesapeake, suffered severe injuries in the accident on Thursday, Feb. 20, and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support her family.
"As many have heard or seen by now, there was a sledding accident," they said. "Many of our loved ones were hurt or in…
Mount Vernon Girl, 13, Dies: Remembered As 'Bright Light' By Community
A community in Westchester is grieving the loss of 13-year-old Avayah Almond, who died on Friday, Feb. 21.
Almond's death was announced on Monday, Feb. 24 by Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, who said she died from suicide.
"As a community, we must work together to support our young people and families who are suffering in silence or trying to navigate challenges and systems that are not easy," Patterson-Howard said, adding that Avayah was a "bright young light."
She also said Avayah's family, friends, and classmates are "devastated" by the loss.
In th…
100-Year-Old Mayor, America's Oldest, Dies
Vito Perillo, the 100-year-old mayor of a New Jersey borough, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, the borough announced.
Perillo was first elected mayor of Tinton Falls in 2017, at the age of 93 and re-elected in 2021. He was the oldest mayor in the country.
We at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office are saddened by the recent news of the passing of Tinton Falls Mayor Vito... Posted by Monmouth County Clerk's Office on Monday, February 24, 2025
"Respected and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him, Mayor Perillo led with wisdom, kindness, and a deep sense of duty," …
Former Flight Attendant, Philanthropist Killed In NY Murder-Suicide Remembered As 'Sweet Soul'
Loved ones are mourning the loss of a former American Airlines flight attendant and dedicated philanthropist from New York whose generosity and commitment to service touched countless lives.
Eileen Clifford, 68, was shot to death by her husband, William, at the couple’s Islip home on Parsons Landing early Thursday, Feb. 20, Suffolk County Police said. Mr. Clifford, 73, then fatally shot himself, as Daily Voice reported.
Investigators had not revealed a motive for the shootings as of Friday, Feb. 21.
Colleagues and friends remembered Eileen Clifford as a beacon of warmth and compassion, kno…
Police Sergeant In Westchester Dies Suddenly: 'Highly Respected'
A town in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of Sergeant Greg Walz, a highly respected law enforcement officer who served his community for nearly two decades.
Walz, a member of the Pound Ridge Police Department, died at the age of 55 on Friday night, Feb. 14 following a medical emergency, town officials announced on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Town officials remembered Walz as a dedicated officer:
"Sergeant Walz was a dedicated and highly respected member of our department, serving with honor, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our community for nearly 17 years," officials w…
Capitol Police Recruit Officer From Westchester Mourned After Death In Crash At Age 22
Christopher Katz, a 22-year-old Capitol Police recruit officer and Army Reserve lieutenant from Northern Westchester, is being remembered as someone who spent his life protecting others following his death in a crash earlier this month.
Katz, a 22-year-old resident of Crompond, died on Saturday, Feb. 1, in a car crash near the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glen County, Georgia. Katz, a recruit officer for the United States Capitol Police, was leaving the base with fellow officers when the accident occurred, according to his obituary.
A graduate of Walter Pan…
Sudden Death Of NY/CT Hockey Coach Cliff Gillman Spreads Shock
The hockey community across Connecticut and New York is reeling following the sudden loss Cliff Gillman, a coach who loved ones say leaves an indelible mark on young players.
According to his obituary on the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home website, Gillman, 41, of Cheshire, "spent his final day doing what he loved with those who he loved most: playing with the children in the neighborhood, spending quality time with his family, coaching, and playing hockey."
Born in Queens, NY, Gillman was raised in Mahopac, NY, and attended Trinity-Pawling Prep School, in Dutchess County, having developed …
Longtime Firefighter, Navy Veteran Born In Westchester Dies: 'His Spirit Lives On'
A longtime firefighter and US Navy veteran who dedicated a half-century to serving his Hudson Valley community has died.
Daniel "Danny" Hill, a lifelong member of the Lake Carmel Volunteer Fire Department in Putnam County, died on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the age of 86, the department announced on Monday, Feb. 3.
Born in Peekskill on Nov. 30, 1938, Hill grew up in The Bronx before spending the majority of his life in Lake Carmel, where he became a staple of the community.
Hill served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1961, before continuing a lifetime of service through the L…
Retired Westchester Firefighter Dies Months After Son Killed In Crash: 'Your Work Here Is Done'
White Plains is mourning the loss of retired firefighter James Patrick "Paddy" Fitzgerald, who died on Tuesday, Jan. 28, just two months after the tragic death of his son, Michael Fitzgerald, in a car crash.
Fitzgerald, a longtime Elmsford resident who was 81, served with distinction in the White Plains Fire Department, where he was stationed at Stations 1 and 2 and earned a Meritorious Service Award for saving a woman and child from a burning building in Yonkers while off duty, according to his obituary.
His commitment to public service extended beyond his firefighting career, …
Former Beauty Queen, Civil Rights Attorney Killed In DC Plane Crash: Remembering Kiah Duggins
The fight for justice does not end with Kiah Duggins.
Friends, family, and supporters are coming together to carry on the mission of the Harvard-trained civil rights attorney and incoming professor who was among the 67 on board the American Airlines plane that crashed over DC.
"She was a radiant light, a brilliant mind, and a fierce advocate for justice," Aisha Duggin wrote in a GoFundMe campaign set up after her death.
"A Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, abolitionist, and global traveler, Kiah dedicated her life to fighting for freedom, equity, and the liberation of marginalized c…
