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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. 

Pleasantville resident Cindy Hite. 

Photo Credit: Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services

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. 

Soon, Hite became an important fixture at Berger, where she became "the embodiment of customer care," her obituary said. 

"With her unique, larger-than-life presence, no one could deny her ability to soften the grouchiest of individuals or fussiest of kids - she disarmed anyone and everyone with her infectious smile," her obituary read. 

Her memorable presence was certainly noted by Berger Hardware, which posted a touching tribute to Hite on social media: 

"She was family to us, and her presence will forever be missed. Thank you, Cindy, for all the joy and love you brought to our lives," the store wrote. 

Outside of her job, Hite often visited her many friends, including her best friend of more than half a century, Susie. She also loved her pets, Doris and Bailey, enjoyed her morning coffees, and closely followed the New York Mets and Jets teams. 

She was also quite the fan of Mickey Mouse: "Anyone could see that right away by her clothes or her tattoos...Mickey, Mickey, Mickey!" her obituary read.

"She would not want us to mourn but to remember her good-natured, independent free-spirit. She was a treasured person, dearly loved, and will be truly missed by all," Hite's obituary continued. 

She is survived by her sister, Denise; her brother, Jim; her niece, Debbie; her nephews Joe, Clifford, and Evan; several cousins; and countless friends. 

No funeral service has been announced. 

Hite's full obituary can be read by clicking here. 

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