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Public Service

Obituaries
Police Sergeant From Westchester Dies At 41: 'Brought Immense Joy, Love' Police Sergeant From Westchester Dies At 41: 'Brought Immense Joy, Love'
Police Sergeant From Westchester Dies At 41: 'Brought Immense Joy, Love' A Westchester community is mourning the loss of a beloved police sergeant and son of a city leader who leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and dedication.  Patrick Breen, a Sergeant with the Yonkers Police Department and the son of Yonkers City Councilman Mike Breen, died at the age of 41 on Sunday, Dec. 15.  In an emotional post on Instagram, Mike Breen shared his family’s heartbreak, saying Patrick “brought immense joy and love into the lives of everyone who knew him” and would be “profoundly missed.”  “Being Patrick’s father has been the greatest honor of my life, an…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
White Plains-Bound: New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy White Plains-Bound: New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy
White Plains-Bound: New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy After months of training, dozens of new graduates of the Westchester Police Academy will soon begin serving communities throughout the county. The 49 new recruits graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy during a ceremony held at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center, the Westchester County Police Department announced on Friday, Dec. 6. They will now go on to work at seven departments in the county.  The new recruits will now be sent to the following Westchester departments: Westchester County PD: Shaun Blute, Frank Caparelli, Devin Furphy, Steven Hartog, Autumn …

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Army Veteran, Retired White Plains Firefighter Dies In Crash At 58 Beloved Army Veteran, Retired White Plains Firefighter Dies In Crash At 58
Beloved Army Veteran, Retired White Plains Firefighter Dies In Crash At 58 A beloved Hudson Valley resident, Army veteran, and longtime Westchester firefighter is being remembered for his larger-than-life personality, unwavering support for his family, and dedication to his community following his tragic death in a car crash. New, updated report - New Details Revealed In Fiery Taconic Parkway Crash In Putnam Valley That Killed Veteran Dutchess County resident Michael Fitzgerald of Fishkill died on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the age of 58 from injuries sustained in a crash on the Taconic State Parkway in the Putnam County town of Putnam Valley, according to his obi…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Trump Names Ex-SEC Chief To Replace Damian Williams As SDNY's Top Prosecutor Trump Names Ex-SEC Chief To Replace Damian Williams As SDNY's Top Prosecutor
Trump Names Ex-sec Chief To Replace Damian Williams As Sdny's Top Prosecutor President-elect Donald Trump is looking to replace Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, with a familiar face from his previous administration who hails from Pennsylvania.  Trump announced on Thursday, Nov. 14 that he would nominate Jay Clayton, who has no experience as a criminal prosecutor, to be the next US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Clayton, age 58, previously served as Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission from May 2017 to December 2020, a role in which Trump wrote he "did an incredible job." Before that, he…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
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.…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
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 …

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Former Town Board Member, Veteran From Westchester Dies Former Town Board Member, Veteran From Westchester Dies
Former Town Board Member, Veteran From 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…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Greenville District Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Greenville District Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint'
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Greenville District Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' The former chief of a fire district in Westchester who held the position for more than three decades is being remembered for his dedication to serving his community.  Daniel Raftery, the former chief of the Greenville Fire District, died on Sunday, June 16, the department announced. His age was not made public.  A longtime member of the fire district, Raftery originally joined in 1973 and rose to the rank of Chief in 1986. He continued to lead the district for 34 years until retiring in 2020.  In their announcement, the district described Raftery as an "admired and…

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by Ben Crnic
News
NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester
NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester A New York Senate proclamation honoring the life of a beloved former Northern Westchester fire chief was presented to his family months after his sudden death.  The proclamation, prepared by New York State Sen. Peter Harckham, was presented to the family of former Somers Fire Chef and Golden’s Bridge Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Baker, Sr. the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department announced on Thursday, March 13.  Earlier Report - Funeral Details Released For Former Somers Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Baker, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, March 9 at t…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Westchester Park To Be Named After Former Town Supervisor After His Sudden Death Westchester Park To Be Named After Former Town Supervisor After His Sudden Death
Westchester Park To Be Named After Former Town Supervisor After His Sudden Death A park and sports complex in Northern Westchester will soon be named in honor of a former town supervisor who died suddenly.  During a ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. the Granite Knolls Recreation & Sports Complex at 2975 Stony St. in Yorktown will be renamed after the town's former supervisor Tom Diana, who died on Friday, Jan. 5 at the age of 66 only days after being sworn into the position.  Earlier Report - Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana According to Yorktown officials, the park wil…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Update: New Fire Chief Takes Helm Of Department In Westchester Update: New Fire Chief Takes Helm Of Department In Westchester
New White Plains Fire Chief Claudio Petriccione Sworn In A new fire chief is now leading a Westchester department following the retirement of his predecessor.  Temporary White Plains Fire Chief Claudio Petriccione was sworn in during a ceremony held on Thursday, April 4, White Plains Public Safety announced on Friday, April 5.  Petriccione's appointment to the position follows the retirement of his predecessor, Douglas McMath, who retired earlier in April after two and a half years as Chief.  Earlier Report - White Plains FD Chief Douglas McMath Retires After 3 Decades Petriccione has been with the department …

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Funeral Details Released For Former Westchester Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Funeral Details Released For Former Westchester Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person'
Funeral Details Released For Former Westchester Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Funeral arrangments have been announced for a former Northern Westchester fire chief who spent nearly his entire life serving the public in both his career and as a volunteer.  A wake for Raymond Baker, the former chief of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, March 9 at the age of 64, will be held on Friday, March 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Beecher Flooks Funeral Home in Pleasantville at 418 Bedford Rd.  Earlier Report - Former Somers Fire Chief Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed' A Mass of Christian Burial will also be …

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Former Westchester Fire Chief Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed' Former Westchester Fire Chief Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed'
Former Westchester Fire Chief Dies: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed' A former fire chief who dedicated his time to several departments in Westchester is being remembered for his public service.  New, updated report - Funeral Details Released For Former Somers Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Raymond Baker Sr., the former chief of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, died on Sunday, March 10, the department announced on Monday, March 11.  The department did not release his age. Baker originally joined the Somers Volunteer Fire Department in 2007 and was an active member for seven years, serving as chief in 2014. He then joined the Goldens Bridg…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Longtime Trustee, Deputy Mayor Of Westchester Village Dies: 'Mentor, Friend' Beloved Longtime Trustee, Deputy Mayor Of Westchester Village Dies: 'Mentor, Friend'
Beloved Longtime Trustee, Deputy Mayor Of Westchester Village 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, …

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Never Mind: Admitted Vote Fraudster Withdraws Consideration For City Job In NY Never Mind: Admitted Vote Fraudster Withdraws Consideration For City Job In NY
Never Mind: Admitted Vote Fraudster Withdraws Consideration For City Job In NY Plans to appoint an admitted vote fraudster to a city job in Upstate New York have been scrapped following public outcry. In Rensselaer County, the Troy City Council’s Republican majority had chosen former Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield as their pick for Assistant City Clerk. The plan, first reported by Albany station CBS6, sparked criticism given that Schofield previously pleaded guilty to 12 federal counts of voter fraud in January 2023. Earlier Report: Voter Fraud: Rensselaer County Employees Cast Illegal Ballots During Election, Feds Say Democrat Sue Steele, the council…

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by Michael Mashburn
Obituaries
Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Westchester Town Supervisor Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Westchester Town Supervisor
Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Westchester Town Supervisor Funeral arrangements have been announced for a beloved Northern Westchester town supervisor who died suddenly just days after being sworn in.  A visitation for Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana, who died on Friday, Jan. 5 at the age of 66, will be held on Monday, Jan. 8 between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Yorktown Funeral Home located at 945 East Main St., according to his obituary.  Earlier Report - Yorktown Supervisor Thomas Diana Dies Suddenly: 'Was Incredible Friend To So Many' To help Yorktown residents travel to the visitation service, the town will provide a sh…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Supervisor Of Westchester Town Dies Suddenly: 'Was Incredible Friend To So Many' Supervisor Of Westchester Town Dies Suddenly: 'Was Incredible Friend To So Many'
Supervisor Of Westchester Town Dies Suddenly: 'Was Incredible Friend To So Many' The beloved supervisor of a Northern Westchester town has died suddenly, officials announced. Here's a new, updated report - Update: Funeral Details Released After Sudden Death Of Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana died on Friday morning, Jan. 5, Yorktown Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman announced.  Lachterman announced the news in a statement released on social media and the town's website.  "Tom was an incredible friend to so many. He was filled with energy, an open mind and heart, and a sense of duty and that influenced everything …

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Former Police Chief Of Department In Westchester, Veteran Dies Former Police Chief Of Department In Westchester, Veteran Dies
Former Police Chief Of Department In Westchester, Veteran Dies A former police chief from Connecticut who led a department in Northern Westchester is being remembered for his lifetime of public service. Fairfield County resident Fred Gambino, Jr. of Brookfield, the former chief of the North Castle Police Department, died on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the age of 86, the department announced on Monday, Dec. 11.  Born in White Plains in 1937, Gambino graduated from White Plains High School before going on to serve in the Marine Corps.  After this, he then began a long career in law enforcement by joining the New York State Police. He eventually joi…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Former Fire Chief Of Hudson Valley Department Dies: Had 'Legacy Of Service' Former Fire Chief Of Hudson Valley Department Dies: Had 'Legacy Of Service'
Former Fire Chief Of Hudson Valley Department Dies: Had 'Legacy Of Service' A Hudson Valley community is mourning the loss of a former fire chief who spent nearly his entire life serving the public. The Mahopac Fire Department in Putnam County announced the death of its former chief, Edward J. Scott, on Sunday, Oct. 8.  In addition to serving as the former chief, Scott had also served as the past President and Chairman of the Mahopac Board of Fire Commissioners. He also worked as a 911 dispatcher for Putnam County.  The Putnam County Sheriff's Office posted a memorial for Scott on social media. "We remember and honor his remarkable lifetime dedicated to public se…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Former Assistant Westchester DA Dies After Swim Event: 'Distinguished Public Servant' Former Assistant Westchester DA Dies After Swim Event: 'Distinguished Public Servant'
Former Assistant Westchester DA Dies After Swim Event: 'Distinguished Public Servant' Westchester is mourning the sudden loss of its former assistant district attorney who is being remembered for his generosity and his dedication to serving the public.  Retired Westchester Assistant District Attorney Patrick Moore died at the age of 62 on Saturday, July 29 following a Swim Across America Event at the Larchmont Yacht Club, CBS News reported.  Moore died at an area hospital after suffering a medical event in the water, the outlet said.  As the county mourns Moore's sudden loss, the Westchester District Attorney's Office is remembering him as a "devoted and…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Court Clerk, School Board Trustee From Westchester Dies: 'Woman Of Enormous Grace' Beloved Court Clerk, School Board Trustee From Westchester Dies: 'Woman Of Enormous Grace'
Beloved Court Clerk, School Board Trustee From Westchester Dies: 'Woman Of Enormous Grace' Two communities in Westchester are mourning the loss of a beloved court clerk and school board trustee who is remembered for her dedication to public service. Port Chester resident Anne Capeci, who served as Court Clerk for the Rye Town Justice Court and a trustee of the Port Chester school board, has died, Port Chester officials announced on Thursday, July 6.  Capeci served in her role as Court Clerk for almost 36 years, and spent three decades in her role as trustee, officials said.  She also spent much of her time supporting various charities and philanthropies, officials…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Flags Flown Half-Mast For Beloved Former Historical Society President In Westchester Flags Flown Half-Mast For Beloved Former Historical Society President In Westchester
Flags Flown Half-Mast For Beloved Former Historical Society President In Westchester A village in Westchester is flying all flags at half-mast to honor a beloved resident who dedicated her life to public service and helping those most in need.  Flags in Port Chester will be flown at half-mast from sunrise on Monday, March 27 until sunset on Tuesday, March 28 to honor Goldie Solomon, who died in March at the age of 96, Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino announced.  Solomon, who once served as both the president and vice president of the Port Chester Historical Society, was known throughout the village as being an outspoken advocate for first responders and the vil…

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by Ben Crnic
News
ID Released For 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Who Died Suddenly ID Released For 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Who Died Suddenly
ID Released For 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Who Died Suddenly The name of a 48-year-old member of a police department in Westchester County who died suddenly has been released.  Earlier Report - 48-Year-Old Yonkers Police Detective Dies Suddenly Detective Del Caraballo, a 16-year-veteran with the Yonkers Police Department, died on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19 in New York City after suffering a medical emergency while driving a vehicle, the department announced.  Yonkers officials mourned Caraballo's death and remembered him for his dedication to public service. "This detective was known and loved by many in the law enforce…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
'More Involved Than Most': Former Mayor Of Westchester County Town Dies 'More Involved Than Most': Former Mayor Of Westchester County Town Dies
'More Involved Than Most': Former Mayor Of Westchester County Town Dies A woman from Northern Westchester who dedicated much of her life to public service has died.  Former mayor Patricia M. Fox Reilly of Mount Kisco died on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the age of 91, according to her obituary.  Born in 1931 to former mayor J. Edward Fox, Reilly was raised to understand the importance of volunteering in one's community, and knew that she would one day serve her town much like her father, her obituary said.  "In Pat’s words- she was hatched, matched, and knew she would be dispatched from the big little Village, and wanted to do everything i…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Longtime City Official In Westchester To Retire After Decades-Long Run Longtime City Official In Westchester To Retire After Decades-Long Run
Longtime City Official In Westchester To Retire After Decades-Long Run A city official in Westchester who has served more than three decades announced his intention to step aside and retire at the end of the year. Chuck Strome III, who has been the New Rochelle City Manager since 2002, announced to the City Council that he plans to retire, staying with the city through Dec. 31, 2022, to assist with the transition. In 1989, Strome began his career in New Rochelle before ascending to become the Assistant City Manager/City Coordinator three years later in 1992. He was appointed as Deputy City Manager in 1995, and active City Manager in April 2002 before taking ov…

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by Zak Failla
News
Metro-North President Named Interim Leader Of LIRR Metro-North President Named Interim Leader Of LIRR
Metro-North President Named Interim Leader Of Lirr Longtime Long Island Rail Road President Phillip Eng announced that he will be stepping down after decades in New York State Public Service and he will be temporarily replaced by a familiar face. Eng, a Smithtown resident who has been working in public service for nearly 39 years, announced on Thursday, Feb. 10 that he was retiring in a letter sent to MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “I can retire knowing that I leave the LIRR well-positioned for continued success with a dedicated management team and a tenacious workforce who are delivering the best train performance in LIRR history while…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Former Deputy Westchester County Exec Larry Schwartz Resigns From MTA Post Former Deputy Westchester County Exec Larry Schwartz Resigns From MTA Post
Former Deputy Westchester County Exec Larry Schwartz Resigns From MTA Post One of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top advisors and loyalists has officially stepped away from his position on the MTA board. Current Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced that Schwartz, a Long Island native who also served as Deputy County Executive in Westchester and Suffolk counties, officially resigned from the transit board on Dec. 31 after announcing his intention to depart in October. Schwartz was nominated by Cuomo and joined the board in 2015. His term was scheduled to expire in 2023. He was his most senior advisor during Cuomo’s first term in 2011 and also served as the for…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Robert Murdock, Town Employee In Hudson Valley For 30 Years, Dies At 57 Robert Murdock, Town Employee In Hudson Valley For 30 Years, Dies At 57
Robert Murdock, Town Employee In Hudson Valley For 30 Years, Dies At 57 Robert Murdock Jr., who worked as a town employee in the Hudson Valley for 30 years, has died at the age of 57. The lifelong Rockland County resident was born in Suffern and was a graduate of Ramapo Senior High School. According to his obituary, Murdock worked as an assistant general foreman for the Town of Ramapo Highway Department. He began working as a town employee in 1991.  At age 18, Murdock began working with the Hillcrest Fire Company No.1, where he served two terms as chief from 1997 to 1999 and in 2021.  Additionally, he served as commissioner for the Molesto…

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by Nicole Valinote
Politics
Lt. Gov Calls Cuomo's Behavior 'Unlawful, Repulsive'; Albany DA Says Criminal Probe Ongoing Lt. Gov Calls Cuomo's Behavior 'Unlawful, Repulsive'; Albany DA Says Criminal Probe Ongoing
Lt. Gov Calls Cuomo's Behavior 'Unlawful, Repulsive'; Albany DA Says Criminal Probe Ongoing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top lieutenant had harsh words for him following the release of a report by independent investigators into allegations of sexual harassment by 11 women. New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 3 following the scathing report from the Attorney General’s Office that found him guilty of inappropriate touching, comments, and actions. Original story - Cuomo Sexually Harassed 'Multiple Women,' Including State Trooper, Scathing AG Report Charges “Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service," she wr…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Former Town Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 56 Former Town Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 56
Former Town Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies At Age 56 A former town supervisor in the area has died at the age of 56. Paul Hansut, who served as supervisor in the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County, died on Saturday, July 17.  Hansut, a former Town of Lloyd Police officer, City of Poughkeepsie Police detective, and a former Ulster County legislator, had pancreatic cancer “Paul was truly dedicated to his family, friends, and community and will be greatly missed,” according to a statement from the Town of Lloyd.  A former PBA President for the City of Poughkeepsie PBA the organization said it was saddened to learn of the loss: "Our thoug…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Westchester Woman Dies From Injuries In Sri Lanka Terrorist Attacks Westchester Woman Dies From Injuries In Sri Lanka Terrorist Attacks
Westchester Woman Dies From Injuries In Sri Lanka Terrorist Attacks A Northern Westchester native died from injuries sustained in the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks targeting Christians in Sri Lanka. "Chelsea Decaminada, a 2011 graduate of John Jay High School in Cross River and 2015 Duke University graduate, was in Sri Lanka on assignment with the Office of the General Counsel of the Commerce Department. She was 26. "It was our great hope that Chelsea would recover from her injuries," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in a statement. My prayers are with Chelsea’s family during this difficult time. "Chelsea devoted her life to public servic…

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by Joe Lombardi