Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Region: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Region: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed'
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Region: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' A Hudson Valley police department is mourning the line-of-duty loss of a beloved sergeant who collapsed and died mere moments after completing his shift.  In a statement on Saturday, April 20, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the death of Brewster Police Sergeant Richard Gurniak, who collapsed after hanging up his keys after his shift during the early morning hours on Saturday.  Despite efforts to save his life from a fellow Brewster officer and two members of the Sheriff's Office, Gurniak later died at Putnam Hospital from a heart attack at the age of 57. A…
Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Region Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire' Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Region Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire'
Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Region Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire' A sheriff's office in the Hudson Valley is mourning the loss of a retired sergeant and Army veteran who always followed his passions while also making time to serve his community.  Putnam County resident Doug MacCrae of Brewster died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17 at the age of 67, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, April 19.  Known for his long career in law enforcement, MacCrae served with the Sheriff's Office as a Deputy and Sergeant for 25 years. He was also a Youth Officer and played a large role in developing Putnam's School Resource Progr…
Beloved Owner Of Popular Deli In Region Dies Beloved Owner Of Popular Deli In Region Dies
Beloved Owner Of Popular Deli In Region Dies A well-known business owner from Northern Westchester is being remembered for constantly dropping what he was doing to help others with no questions asked.  Chappaqua resident Richard Lange died peacefully at White Plains Hospital on Tuesday, April 9 at the age of 87, according to his obituary.  Lange, who owned Lange's Little Store and Deli at 382 King St. in Chappaqua for several decades, was a familiar face to many in the hamlet.  Born in 1936 in Wanna, Germany, Lange grew up on his grandparents' farm and immigrated to the US in 1956.  A few years later, in April 19…
Nor'easter: Woman Killed In Region By Fallen Tree ID'd As Wife Of Yankees Exec Nor'easter: Woman Killed In Region By Fallen Tree ID'd As Wife Of Yankees Exec
Nor'easter: Woman Killed In Region By Fallen Tree ID'd As Wife Of Yankees Exec A woman who was killed after a tree fell on her car as a Nor'easter swept through the region has been identified as a 50-year-old mother and wife of a New York Yankees executive. New, updated report - Yankees To Dedicate Season To Woman Killed In Armonk The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 in Northern Westchester County. The 2021 Toyota had been northbound on Route 128 between School Street and Leisure Farm Drive, according to the Town of North Castle Police. The woman has been ID'd as Catherine Tusiani, a resident of Armonk and the wife of Michael Tusiani, …
Beloved Firefighter In Region Dies At 26: 'Rising Star' Beloved Firefighter In Region Dies At 26: 'Rising Star'
Beloved Firefighter In Region Dies At 26: 'Rising Star' A fire department in the Hudson Valley has announced the death of a 26-year-old member who is being remembered for the positive mark he left on everyone he knew.  New, updated report - Support Pours In For Family Of Brewster's William May Putnam County firefighter William "Billy" May of the Brewster Fire Department died on Friday, March 29 at the age of 26, the department announced on Saturday, March 30. According to his department, May became a Brewster firefighter in February 2020 at age 22 and quickly became a "rising star who brought the best out of everyone he inte…
Area National Guard Members Killed In Helicopter Crash Return Home; Funerals Set Area National Guard Members Killed In Helicopter Crash Return Home; Funerals Set
Area National Guard Members Killed In Helicopter Crash Return Home; Funerals Set Two New York National Guard members killed in a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that claimed three lives received a hero’s welcome in their hometowns. The remains of Casey Frankoski and John Grassia arrived at Albany County’s Army aviation facility in Latham at around 3 p.m. Monday, March 18. Gov. Kathy Hochul and other local leaders stood in silence as flag-draped caskets carrying the 28-year-old Frankoski and 30-year-old Grassia were loaded into waiting hearses. Earlier Report: National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash “The service and sa…
Longtime Deputy Fire Coordinator In Region Dies At 81 Longtime Deputy Fire Coordinator In Region Dies At 81
Longtime Deputy Fire Coordinator In Region Dies At 81 Friends, family, and the fire community are mourning the loss of a longtime Hudson Valley deputy fire coordinator who died at 81. Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator John Kryger of Garnerville died on Monday, March 18. Kryger has been the Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator since 2004 among several other accomplishments including a retired New York City firefighter, a former County of Rockland Fire instructor, a life member of the Rockland County Firefighters Association, and a member of the Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association, Safety Officers Association, and Fire Police Associ…
Aspiring Pharmacist Killed By Train In Region Remembered For 'Kindhearted, Gentle Spirit' Aspiring Pharmacist Killed By Train In Region Remembered For 'Kindhearted, Gentle Spirit'
Aspiring Pharmacist Killed By Train In Region Remembered For 'Kindhearted, Gentle Spirit' Tributes are pouring in for the family of a 22-year-old man who was struck and killed by a passenger train in the region. Rensselaer County resident Kevin Ackerman, age 22, of Castleton-on-Hudson, died Wednesday, March 6, after being hit by an Amtrak train in the town of Schodack. New York State Police said the incident happened at around 8:45 a.m. near the intersection of River Road and Hamilton Way, just yards from the Hudson River Foods warehouse. Earlier Report: 22-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Amtrak Train In Schodack Ackerman suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the…
7-Month-Old From Region Who Died From Heart Defect Was 'So Amazing, Strong,' Mom Says 7-Month-Old From Region Who Died From Heart Defect Was 'So Amazing, Strong,' Mom Says
7-Month-Old From Region Who Died From Heart Defect Was 'So Amazing, Strong,' Mom Says Nalon Billingsley touched a lot of lives during his short time on this earth. The baby boy from Albany died Friday, Feb. 23, following a seven-month battle with a congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot, his mother Sha’Dasia Alston told Daily Voice. It actually consists of four different problems that affect the heart’s structure, disrupting blood flow to the rest of the body, according to Mayo Clinic. The condition is usually diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth. In Nalon’s case, he also suffered from pulmonary atresia, meaning the valve between his heart and lung…
Navy Vet, Father Of 2 From Region Dies At Age 57 Navy Vet, Father Of 2 From Region Dies At Age 57
Navy Vet, Father Of 2 From Region Dies At Age 57 A Navy veteran from the Hudson Valley who had a crucial role in a Northern Westchester business is being remembered for his kind heart.  Orange County resident Eugene “Gene” Guido of Highland Mills, died peacefully at the age of 57 while surrounded by family members on Friday, Feb. 16, according to his obituary.  Born in 1966 in the Bronx, Guido went on to serve in the US Navy and eventually became the director of pre-construction for Armonk-based Touchstone Builders.  Guido was also known as a loving husband to his wife, Rose, and an always-caring father to his ch…
Beloved Longtime Trustee, Deputy Mayor Of Village In Region Dies: 'Mentor, Friend' Beloved Longtime Trustee, Deputy Mayor Of Village In Region Dies: 'Mentor, Friend'
Beloved Longtime Trustee, Deputy Mayor Of Village In Region Dies: 'Mentor, Friend' A beloved former village trustee and deputy mayor from Northern Westchester who dedicated decades of her life to public service is being remembered for her exemplary leadership. The death of longtime Croton-on-Hudson resident and former deputy mayor Ann Gallelli was announced by village officials on Monday, Feb.12.  Gallelli, who lived in the village for half a century, spent more than 35 years serving her community in roles on several boards and commissions, including the Board of Trustees, the Planning Board, the Waterfront Advisory Committee, the Water Control Commission, …
Beloved Mother Of 3 From Region Dies At Age 50 Beloved Mother Of 3 From Region Dies At Age 50
Beloved Mother Of 3 From Region Dies At Age 50 A Hudson Valley mother of three has died at the age of 50. Dutchess County resident Jennifer J. Strang-Thrasher, of Wassaic, died on Sunday, February 4, at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Strang-Thrasher, born in Connecticut in the town of Sharon in Litchfield County, was a graduate of Dover High School and Dutchess Community College.  She was a direct care worker at Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook, for 30 years, according to her obituary. In addition to her mother, Boonie (Coons) Strang of Wassaic, and her husband, Daryl Thrasher of Poughkeepsie, she is s…
‘He Was Just Wonderful’: Tributes Pour In Following Death Of Longtime Teacher In Region ‘He Was Just Wonderful’: Tributes Pour In Following Death Of Longtime Teacher In Region
‘He Was Just Wonderful’: Tributes Pour In Following Death Of Longtime Teacher In Region Loved ones and former students are mourning the loss of a longtime teacher in the region. Albany County resident Walter Lipka, of Cohoes, died Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the age of 86 at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. His death followed a two-month battle with sepsis, according to his obituary. A native of Cohoes, Lipka served in the US Army as a military police officer in the early 1960s. He later received his bachelor’s degree in art education from Suny New Paltz and a master’s degree in Studio Art from UAlbany. His love for art landed him a teaching job in the Cohoes City School Distric…
Lifelong Resident In Region Dies At Age 47 Lifelong Resident In Region Dies At Age 47
Lifelong Resident In Region Dies At Age 47 A longtime tech worker in the Hudson Valley died at the age of 47 at his home. Jamie Brian Paterson of Hyde Park, a lifelong Dutchess County resident, lived in of Hyde Park and was born in Poughkeepsie to Daniel M. Paterson and Linda J. (Steele) Paterson. Paterson graduated from FDR High School in Hyde Park in 1994 and then from Dutchess Community College. He was a longtime employee of Southern Westchester BOCES in Rye Brook where he worked in their IT department as a systems engineer, according to his obituary. When he was not working, his obituary said Paterson enjoyed camping, bowling,…
Well-Respected Judge From Region Dies Well-Respected Judge From Region Dies
Well-Respected Judge From Region Dies A popular and well-respected Hudson Valley judge has died. Dutchess County Judge Gerald V. Hayes of Poughkeepsie, age 82,  had been battling lymphocytic leukemia for three years. Hayes, who died on Saturday, Jan. 27, was a man of deep faith, hard work, great sacrifice, profound wisdom, remarkable accomplishments, and the highest character, his obituary said. Hayes originally studied to become a priest but changed his mind and received his juris doctorate from Fordham Law School in 1968. Shortly after he went to work as Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan.  In 1971, his obit…
Beloved Business Owner In Region Dies At 69 Beloved Business Owner In Region Dies At 69
Beloved Business Owner In Region 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…
HS Coach, Personal Trainer From Region Dies At Age 34; Remembered As 'Kind, Genuine' HS Coach, Personal Trainer From Region Dies At Age 34; Remembered As 'Kind, Genuine'
HS Coach, Personal Trainer From Region Dies At Age 34; Remembered As 'Kind, Genuine' Students and colleagues are mourning the loss of a beloved high school football coach and personal trainer from the region following his untimely death. Columbia County resident Michael LaCasse, of Hudson, died Friday, Jan. 19 at the age of 34 following a brief illness, according to his obituary. LaCasse was a 2007 graduate of Hudson High School, where he developed a passion for athletics, lettering in football, baseball, and track, his memorial said. He went on to get his bachelor’s degree in human biology/pre-physical therapy from Albany’s Sage College before launching his own personal t…
Support Pours In For Family Of Girl From Region Killed In Crash Support Pours In For Family Of Girl From Region Killed In Crash
Support Pours In For Family Of Girl From Region Killed In Crash The community is rallying to help cover funeral expenses for a Hudson Valley girl killed in a crash that also left another teen in critical condition. Nanuet Girl Killed, 17-Year-Old Critically Injured After Car Crashes Into Parked Truck Rockland County resident Sabrina Villagomez, age 15, of Nanuet, was killed on Sunday, Jan. 21 when the car she was a passenger in hit the back of an oil tanker in the Bronx. New York City Police say the driver of the car, who hasn't been identified, was allegedly attempting stunts that are done during street takeovers. Family friend Katherine Gonza…
Melanie, Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76 Melanie, Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76
Melanie, Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76 Melanie, a folk singer-songwriter whose music took her from the Jersey Shore to international success in the 70's, has died at 76 years old. Melanie Safka died on Tuesday, Jan. 23, according to a Facebook post by her family. A cause of death was not given. The Long Branch native was born on Monday, Feb. 3, 1947, her IMDb page said. Her children called her a powerful performer and loving parent. "She was one of the most talented, strong, and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that," Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred said.  "Our world is …
'His Loving Nature Shined': Lifelong Resident Of Region Dies At Age 26 'His Loving Nature Shined': Lifelong Resident Of Region Dies At Age 26
'His Loving Nature Shined': Lifelong Resident Of Region Dies At Age 26 A lifelong Hudson Valley resident who demonstrated raw talent for playing guitar and could always be found out in nature is being remembered for his kindness and warmth.  Jake Collins of the town of Wallkill in Orange County died on Friday, Jan. 19 at the age of 26, according to his obituary.  Born in Westchester County in 1997 in the town of Mount Pleasant, Collins had started a career as a truck driver for Schneider Trucking in New Jersey.  Collins was known for "being like an angel" and could always be found hiking or reading. He was also talented at guitar and was …
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Region Dies At Age 33 ‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Region Dies At Age 33
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Region Dies At Age 33 Tributes are pouring in for a beloved New York Army National Guard member from the region following her untimely death. Heather St. Pierre, formerly of Troy in Rensselaer County, died at her Cambridge home in Washington County on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the age of 33, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given. Born in Albany, St. Pierre graduated from Hoosic Valley Central School in 2008, where she holds school records in pole vaulting and track. She later obtained a criminal justice degree from Bryant & Stratton College. St. Pierre was a member of the Military Poli…
Highland Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70 Highland Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70
Highland Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70 A popular lifelong Hudson Valley former fire chief and catering business owner known for his love of cooking has died at the age of 70. Ulster County resident Michael B. Hackett, of Highland, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15. He was born on Sunday, June 7, 1953, in Poughkeepsie, to the late Francis and the late Rita (McGrath) Hackett, according to his obituary.  He was a resident all of his life. He was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls and a member of St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, his obituary said,  Retired from Geodis/IBM of Poughkeepsie…
Cause Of Death Released For Popular Actor, 50, Who Grew Up In Region Cause Of Death Released For Popular Actor, 50, Who Grew Up In Region
Cause Of Death Released For Popular Actor, 50, Who Grew Up In Region The cause of death has been released for a popular actor who was born and grew up in the region. The death of Alec Musser, age 50, was announced last weekend on Instagram by his fiancée Paige Press, who lived with Musser in Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Officer, Musser died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. "His fiancée last knew him to be alive on the evening of Friday, Jan. 12 when she had gone to bed," the medical examiner said. "On the morning of Saturday, Jan. 13, she awoke and went to find the decedent seated …
Port Ewen 17-Year-Old Victim In Double-Fatal Crash Was 'Easy To Love' Port Ewen 17-Year-Old Victim In Double-Fatal Crash Was 'Easy To Love'
Port Ewen 17-Year-Old Victim In Double-Fatal Crash Was 'Easy To Love' Friends and family members are remembering a 17-year-old teen killed in a double-fatal crash as loving sports and his family. Jack J. Noble, of the hamlet of Port Ewen, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 8, during the collision in Ulster County around 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 8 on Route 28 in the town of Shandaken. A native of Kingston, Jack was a junior at Kingston High School. He was an honor roll student and a Varsity athlete, his obituary said. Related story - 16-Year-Old Killed In Double-Fatal Hudson Valley Crash Remembered As Being ' Incredibly Thoughtful' "He loved lacrosse, soccer, a…
'Smile, Laugh Were Contagious': Businesswoman, Mom From Region Dies At 43 'Smile, Laugh Were Contagious': Businesswoman, Mom From Region Dies At 43
'Smile, Laugh Were Contagious': Businesswoman, Mom From Region Dies At 43 A businesswoman and mother who was a lifelong New York resident has died at the age of 43. Kimberly A. Hallenbeck was born in Westchester, lived in Orange County, and worked on Long Island. Her death, on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, came after a two-year battle with cancer, according to her obituary. A resident of the town of Newburgh, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. Hallenbeck III and Elizabeth (Burns) Laurie, who was born on July 1, 1980 in Bronxville. She worked as a loan mortgage originator for Contour Mortgage in Garden City. She had "a smil…
Police Officer In Region Dies On Duty, Road Closures Planned For Funeral Police Officer In Region Dies On Duty, Road Closures Planned For Funeral
Police Officer In Region Dies On Duty, Road Closures Planned For Funeral The death of a man who served over 20 years with a police department in the region has shocked the community. Senior Sargeant Christopher Filli, age 50, died while on duty with the Hudson Police Department on Friday, Jan. 12 in Columbia County, his colleagues announced. Filli, who was from the city of Hudson, suffered a medical emergency while on his shift that day. Further details about the incident have not been released. He was one week shy of his fifty-first birthday.  His career with the city’s police department began in October 2001, when he was hired as a school resource of…
Popular Actor Who Grew Up In Region Dies At Age 50 Popular Actor Who Grew Up In Region Dies At Age 50
Popular Actor Who Grew Up In Region Dies At Age 50 A popular actor who was born and grew up in the region has died. Alec Musser was 50 years old.  Click here for a new, updated story: Cause Of Death Released For Popular Actor, 50, Who Grew Up In Region He died Friday night, Jan. 12 at his home in Del Mar, California, north of San Diego.  A cause of death has not been released. His death was announced Saturday, Jan. 13 on Instagram by his fiancée Paige Press. Musser appeared on the ABC-TV soap opera "All My Children," playing the role of Del Henry after joining the cast in the summer of 2005, following a first-place f…
16-Year-Old Killed In Double-Fatal Shandaken Crash Remembered As 'Incredibly Thoughtful' 16-Year-Old Killed In Double-Fatal Shandaken Crash Remembered As 'Incredibly Thoughtful'
16-Year-Old Killed In Double-Fatal Shandaken Crash Remembered As 'Incredibly Thoughtful' A 16-year-old boy from the region who was killed in a horrific four-vehicle crash with a tractor-trailer is being remembered as being "fiercely loyal" to his family and "incredibly thoughtful.'  Dillon Tyler Gokey, of Kingston, died around 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 during a four-vehicle crash on Route 28 in the town of Shandaken. Click here for a new, related story: 17-Year-Old Victim In Hudson Valley Double-Fatal Crash Was 'Easy To Love' A Kingston native, he was a junior at Kingston High School where he was consistently on the highest honor roll and played on the varsity baseball tea…
27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Region Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip' 27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Region Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip'
27-Year-Old Former HS Hockey Player In Region Dies Suddenly On His 'Dream Trip' A former high school hockey player in the Hudson Valley who was a well-known videographer and environmental enthusiast died while on a "dream trip" to Chile to hike the Patagonia region of the Andes Mountains. Rockland County native Brian Kilduff, age 27, of West Haverstraw, died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 29 after becoming ill while in Chile. He was born in Suffern, on Wednesday, March 20, 1996, and graduated from North Rockland High School where he played hockey, according to his obituary. "Everyone who knew Brian knew how much he loved hockey," his obituary said. He went on to recei…
'He Loved His Job': Fox News Radio Anchor, NY Resident Matt Napolitano Dies At Age 33 'He Loved His Job': Fox News Radio Anchor, NY Resident Matt Napolitano Dies At Age 33
'He Loved His Job': Fox News Radio Anchor, NY Resident Matt Napolitano Dies At Age 33 Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a rising star in the broadcasting world following his untimely death. Fox News Radio reporter and anchor Matt Napolitano died Saturday, Dec. 23 at the age of 33, his husband Ricky Whitcomb confirmed. “With a heavy heart I have to share that my husband @MattNapolitano passed away yesterday morning,” Whitcomb said in a Christmas Eve post on X. “He loved his job and he loved bringing the news to your radios and televisions. An honest journalist who truly cared about facts. “You can thank him for the last-minute Jets win today.” In a memo se…
'She Was Always Kind': 19-Year-Old College Student From Region Dies After Cancer Battle 'She Was Always Kind': 19-Year-Old College Student From Region Dies After Cancer Battle
'She Was Always Kind': 19-Year-Old College Student From Region Dies After Cancer Battle Friends and family are mourning the loss of a beloved college student from the region following her death from cancer. Saratoga County resident Sophia John, of Ballston Spa, died Monday, Dec. 18, at the age 19 after a short battle with leukemia, according to her obituary. John graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 2022 and was a sophomore at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she was majoring in corporate finance and accounting. At Bentley, she was a member of the Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi and held a spot in its recruitment team. Relatives described John as an a…