Beloved Village Employee Dies Suddenly In Westchester: 'True Ambassador' Beloved Village Employee Dies Suddenly In Westchester: 'True Ambassador'
Beloved Village Employee Dies Suddenly In Westchester: 'True Ambassador' A community in Westchester is mourning the sudden loss of a senior center employee who dedicated herself to caring for others and organizing activities to make her home a better place.  The untimely death of Nina Jones, a well-known staff member at the Port Chester Senior Community Center, was announced by the village on Sunday, Nov. 10. Her age and cause of death were not made public.  According to village officials, Jones was "an integral member" of the center and worked to "make each day in the center a great one" for seniors. To do this, she often helped organize trips and programming l…
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…
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Hudson Valley State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker who died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region will be honored at a memorial service in his hometown. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. Rockland County resident Dariel Vasquez, age 18, suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Par…
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley  Dies Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley  Dies
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley Dies A sheriff's office is mourning the loss of a beloved K9 who dutifully served the public for several years while still keeping a playful side.  In an announcement on Monday, Nov. 4, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office PBA revealed the death of K9 Satch, who served the county for more than seven years.  After beginning his career in January 2015 with his handler, Deputy Christopher Tompkins, Satch went on to become certified in tracking, evidence search, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and explosive detection.  In a post on social media memorializing the fallen …
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…
Memorial Planned For Beloved Real Estate Developer From Northern Westchester After Sudden Death Memorial Planned For Beloved Real Estate Developer From Northern Westchester After Sudden Death
Memorial Planned For Beloved Real Estate Developer From Northern Westchester After Sudden Death Friends and loved ones will soon gather to remember the legacy of a prolific New York real estate developer and Williams College graduate who spent years redeveloping industrial properties and transforming communities in the process. A memorial is set to be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 to celebrate the memory of Joseph Cotter, a resident of the Northern Westchester County hamlet of Purdys in North Salem, who died on Monday, Oct. 25 at the age of 66 following a heart attack. The service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, located at 463 Hawth…
Beloved Longtime Hardware Store Employee From Pleasantville Dies At 67 Beloved Longtime Hardware Store Employee From Pleasantville Dies At 67
Beloved Longtime Hardware Store Employee From Pleasantville 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…
23-Year-Old Army Soldier From Westchester Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void' 23-Year-Old Army Soldier From Westchester Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void'
23-Year-Old Army Soldier From Westchester Dies After Cancer Fight: 'Left Huge Void' Community members are coming together to support the family of a 23-year-old Westchester man who died following a hard-fought battle with cancer.  White Plains resident Matías Ayala died on Wednesday, Oct. 9 after courageously fighting cancer for two years, according to his obituary page.  Although he eventually lost his fight, Ayala faced multiple chemotherapy rounds, radiation, and surgery, never losing his will to fight, according to family friend Ninfa Monges, who created a GoFundMe fundraiser in the days after Ayala's death to collect donations for his fam…
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Westchester Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Westchester
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Westchester A community in mourning following the tragic death of a beloved schoolteacher in an apparent murder-suicide at her Westchester home is finding the silver lining in remembering her massive impact on countless young students.  Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, according to Yonkers Police. Earlier Report - Retired Nypd Officer, Teacher Found Dead After Murder-Suicide At Yonkers Home O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot …
Beloved Firefighter Dies After Over 25 Years Of Service In Hudson Valley Beloved Firefighter Dies After Over 25 Years Of Service In Hudson Valley
Beloved Firefighter Dies After Over 25 Years Of Service In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley fire department is mourning the loss of one of its active members who served his community for more than a quarter of a century.  The death of Robert "Link" Linkenhoker was announced by Putnam County's Brewster Fire Department on Wednesday, Oct. 16. His age and cause of death were not made public.  According to the department, Linkenhoker joined the department in 1998 and continued serving up to his death.  Other members of the department gathered at Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster on Wednesday afternoon as Linkenhoker arrived. More details ab…
Ethel Kennedy, Matriarch Of Nation's Most Famous Political Family, Dies At 96 Ethel Kennedy, Matriarch Of Nation's Most Famous Political Family, Dies At 96
Ethel Kennedy, Matriarch Of Nation's Most Famous Political Family, Dies At 96 Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of America's most famous political family, died Thursday, Oct. 10. She was 96.  Ethel Kennedy was wife to Robert "Bobby" Kennedy Sr., sister-in-law to President John F. Kennedy, and mother to 11 children, including former presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  She suffered a stroke at her home last week, her grandson, former Rep. Joe Kennedy said on X, formerly Twitter.  It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke su…
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…
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Bella Trezza’s final act of generosity will help others live. Just days after the 17-year-old high school senior and aspiring nurse from Babylon was taken off life support following a car crash that killed two others, doctors removed her organs to help three strangers in need. An honor walk was held at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, before Trezza’s kidneys and liver were recovered, LiveOnNY confirmed to Daily Voice. Earlier Report: 'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled Long Island Intersection “Two women in their 30’s received her ki…
17-Year-Old Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others Remembered As 'Modern-Day Renaissance Man' 17-Year-Old Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others Remembered As 'Modern-Day Renaissance Man'
17-Year-Old Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others Remembered As 'Modern-Day Renaissance Man' A teen who died in a single-vehicle Hudson Valley crash is being remembered for having an "Old Soul" and being a modern-day Renaissance man. Related Story: Minisink Valley Community Rallies To Support Family Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Crash Orange County resident Jack Braun of Slate Hill, a hamlet of Wawayanda, died in Sullivan County around 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, on Route 17 West in Mamakating in a single-vehicle crash. According to his obituary, Braun, a student at Minisink Valley High School, was born an ‘old soul' and was passionate about history, film, and music.  His…
Lifelong Firefighter Who Served Northern Westchester Department For Over 60 Years Dies Lifelong Firefighter Who Served Northern Westchester Department For Over 60 Years Dies
Lifelong Firefighter Who Served Northern Westchester Department For Over 60 Years Dies A fire department in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of one of its beloved life members who spent more than six decades helping his community.  The death of David Brown, a life member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department, was announced on Sunday, Sept. 22. His age was not made public.  Brown originally joined the department in March 1963 and served for a total of 61 years. During his decades as a firefighter, he served as an engineer in 1966; a secretary from 1967 to 1972 and 1980; as Vice President from 1981 to 1993; as President from 1993 to 1997; and on the Board of D…
Beloved Town Employee, Firefighter From Northern Westchester Dies At 62 Beloved Town Employee, Firefighter From Northern Westchester Dies At 62
Beloved Town Employee, Firefighter From Northern Westchester Dies At 62 A much-loved town employee from Northern Westchester who spent more than two decades serving the public as a firefighter has died.  John Scott Parker, who worked as North Salem's Assistant Building Inspector and spent over 20 years with the Katonah Fire Department, died on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the age of 62 following a battle with cancer, according to his obituary.  Born in Sept. 1962, Parker was known for living his life to the fullest and always seeking new challenges to solve, his obituary said. Friends and loved ones knew him for his passion for motorcycles, fishing, and dr…
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In Hudson Valley Home Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In Hudson Valley Home
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In Hudson Valley Home James Earl Jones, the beloved actor and voice behind one of cinema's most memorable villains, died Monday, Sept. 9, at his home in Dutchess County, Variety reported.  The "Field of Dreams" star was 93. No cause of death was given.  Jones, a Pawling resident, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. From the Broadway stage, the silver screen, and a galaxy far, far away, the Mississippi-born actor had a range that few others could replicate.  He was a large man but could play gentle and meek characters, and his baritone voice could be calm and reassuring like in "The Lion …
'Dawson's Creek' Actor With Ties To Region Dies At 51 'Dawson's Creek' Actor With Ties To Region Dies At 51
'Dawson's Creek' Actor With Ties To Region Dies At 51 An actor with ties to the region who was known for roles on several popular television shows such as "Dawson's Creek" is being remembered for his enduring positivity following a battle against an eating disorder.  Actor Obi Ndefo died on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the age of 51 after a long illness, his sister Nkem Ndefo announced in a social media post on Monday, Sept. 2.  "Tragically, Obi’s heart gave out in his longstanding battle against the eating disorder orthorexia," Nkem Ndefo wrote in a post on X, adding, "As his family, we share this news to bring attention to …
Longtime Westchester Firefighter Dies: 'Unwavering, Selfless' Longtime Westchester Firefighter Dies: 'Unwavering, Selfless'
Longtime Westchester Firefighter Dies: 'Unwavering, Selfless' A longtime Westchester County firefighter from Connecticut who dedicated himself to serving others for seven decades is being remembered for his selflessness and bravery.  Fairfield County resident Richard Nickerson of Greenwich died on Sunday, Sept. 1 at the age of 92 with his family by his side, according to his obituary.  A member of the Port Chester Fire Department's Putnam Engine & Hose Co. #2 for 70 years, Nickerson was known for his dedication to helping people.  Born in 1932, Nickerson went on to become the owner and operator of Nickerson P.C.…
Fallen Westchester Police Officer Was About To Become Grandfather Fallen Westchester Police Officer Was About To Become Grandfather
Fallen Westchester Police Officer Was About To Become Grandfather Richard Cunningham was a decorated police officer, but he's being remembered for his work outside of uniform following his sudden death last week.  Northern Westchester resident Cunningham, age 60, of Peekskill, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 31. He had been serving as a detective with the Greenburgh Police Department. He left behind a wife and three adult children. His obituary said that at the time of his death, Cunningham was about to become a grandfather. Police have not disclosed the cause of his death.  Cunningham was born in the Bronx in 1964 and joined the…
Westchester County Grieving Death Of Longtime Police Detective Westchester County Grieving Death Of Longtime Police Detective
Westchester County Grieving Death Of Longtime Police Detective A 60-year-old police detective who has served the Westchester County community for 35 years died suddenly this week, authorities said.  The Greenburgh Police Department announced the death of Detective Richard Cunningham, of Peekskill, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in a Facebook post.  The department did not provide a cause of death but said it was sudden.  It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Detective Richard Cunningham, who has served for over 35... Posted by Town of Greenburgh Police Department NY on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 The comments …
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…
Former Town Board Member, Veteran From Northern Westchester Dies Former Town Board Member, Veteran From Northern Westchester Dies
Former Town Board Member, Veteran From Northern Westchester Dies A community in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of a former Town Board member who dedicated much of his life to public service.  Yorktown resident and former Town Board member Anthony Grasso died on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the age of 96, town officials announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14.  Born in 1927, Grasso served two years in the military and spent 18 of those months stationed in Germany at the headquarters of the 66h Medium Tank Battalion of the Second Armored Division.  He eventually returned home to Yorktown and went on to serve one term on the Town Board from 1985 t…
Vigil To Be Held For Fallen 26-Year-Old Firefighter From Hudson Valley Vigil To Be Held For Fallen 26-Year-Old Firefighter From Hudson Valley
Vigil To Be Held For Fallen 26-Year-Old Firefighter From Hudson Valley A candlelit vigil will soon be held to honor the memory of a 26-year-old firefighter from the Hudson Valley following his untimely death in Connecticut.  A vigil for Putnam County resident William "Billy" May of Brewster, who died on Friday, March 29, in Danbury at the age of 26, will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the field at Grace Life Community Church at 520 Route 312 in Brewster.  The memorial will be public and will be a way for community members to remember him during the week of what would have been his 27th birthday, according to hi…
Retired Officer, Former Athletics Director From Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' Retired Officer, Former Athletics Director From Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed'
Retired Officer, Former Athletics Director From Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' A police department in Westchester is mourning the loss of one of its retired officers who committed himself to helping young athletes for decades.  The Eastchester Police Department announced the death of retired Officer Alex Bonci on Monday, July 22. His age was not released.  An over 40-year veteran of the department, Bonci served from 1979 until his retirement in 2020.  In addition to his career as a police officer, Bonci was also known as an important figure to student-athletes in Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Edgemont, where he served as an athletic directo…
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6 Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6 Fairfield County resident J. Michael Cline, the founder of Fandango and other startups, who died from an apparent suicide after falling from the 20th floor of a luxury hotel in Manhattan, was a father of six. Cline, age 64, a homeowner in Greenwich, died around 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, at the Kimberly Hotel on 50th Street, said the New York City Police Department. "Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious and unresponsive male with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position. An investigation remains ongoing," NYPD said.  Original report: Fandango Founder Fr…
HS Student Killed In Crash At Westchester Shopping Center Was Beloved Baseball Player HS Student Killed In Crash At Westchester Shopping Center Was Beloved Baseball Player
HS Student Killed In Crash At Westchester Shopping Center Was Beloved Baseball Player A 16-year-old high school student from Westchester who was killed in a crash is being remembered for his love of baseball and his role as a mentor to young summer campers.  New Rochelle resident Aidan Galeano, age 16, was killed in a crash that happened just after midnight on Saturday, July 13, in New Rochelle at the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center at 1062 Wilmot Road, New Rochelle Police Captain J. Collins Coyne said on Wednesday, July 17. Earlier Report - ID Released For HS Student Killed In Crash At Shopping Center In New Rochelle Born in 2008, Galeano spent hi…
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 …
First African American Westchester County Legislator Dies: Was 'Revered Figure' First African American Westchester County Legislator Dies: Was 'Revered Figure'
First African American Westchester County Legislator Dies: Was 'Revered Figure' Westchester is mourning the loss of its first African American County Legislator known as an iconic figure who fought for civil rights and equality for all.  Former Westchester County Legislator and Yonker resident Herman Keith died on Saturday, June 22 after a long illness due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease, Westchester County officials announced on Wednesday, July 3.   Keith, who Westchester officials called a "revered figure," was originally from Alabama and served in the US Army, eventually rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He later moved to …
Longtime Firefighter, Marine, Navy Veteran From Westchester Dies: 'An Icon' Longtime Firefighter, Marine, Navy Veteran From Westchester Dies: 'An Icon'
Longtime Firefighter, Marine, Navy Veteran From Westchester Dies: 'An Icon' A beloved firefighter and veteran from Westchester is being remembered for his lifetime of service to others and his legendary clam-shucking skills.  Rye Brook resident Raymond Nethercott, the most senior member of the Port Chester Fire Department's Washington Engine & Hose Co. #4, died on Wednesday, June 26 at the age of 92, according to his obituary.  Born and raised in Port Chester, Nethercott graduated from Port Chester High School before going on to serve in the US Navy between 1951 and 1955. Nethercott also served in the Marines, his obituary said.  Once …
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion' 'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion'
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion' Tributes are pouring in for a beloved NYPD officer who was killed alongside three others in an alleged drunk driving crash at a New York nail salon. Emilia Rennhack was off duty and getting her nails done when an SUV came barreling through the front window of Long Island’s Hawaii Nail & Spa, located in Deer Park on Commack Road, on Friday afternoon, June 28. Rennhack was pronounced dead at the scene alongside the salon’s owner, Jiancai Chen, age 37, of Bayside, Queens, according to Suffolk County Police. Also killed were Yan Xu, age 41, and Meizi Zhang, age 50, both of Flushing, Queens.…