Beloved Deputy Sheriff In Dutchess County Known For His Love Of Dinosaurs Dies Beloved Deputy Sheriff In Dutchess County Known For His Love Of Dinosaurs Dies
Beloved Deputy Sheriff In Dutchess County Known For His Love Of Dinosaurs Dies A much beloved deputy sheriff in the region known for being a part-time comedian and his love of dinosaurs has died after a courageous battle with cancer. Nicholas Gasparre, age 36, a lifelong Hudson Valley resident, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Nov. 15, surrounded by his family, friends, and his brothers and sisters of the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. He began serving the country as a volunteer firefighter for the Beekman Fire District. According to his obituary, he also served in the US Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal during the war on terrorism. …
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 …
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Hudson Valley Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Hudson Valley
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After Murder-Suicide In Hudson Valley 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 …
Police Records Employee In Dutchess County Known For Sense Of Humor Dies Police Records Employee In Dutchess County Known For Sense Of Humor Dies
Police Records Employee In Dutchess County Known For Sense Of Humor Dies A longtime Hudson Valley police records employee known for her engaging personality has died at 68. Dutchess County native Dorinda R. 'Rindy' Germano, of Poughkeepsie, died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Monticello. Born in Poughkeepsie, Rindy lived her 68 years with a "contagious zest for life and a heart brimming with kindness," according to her obituary. Professionally, Rindy was a dedicated record keeper for the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department from 2003 until her death.  "Her meticulous nature and unwavering integrity made her a…
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…
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…
Memorial Set For Hudson Valley Teen Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others Memorial Set For Hudson Valley Teen Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others
Memorial Set For Hudson Valley Teen Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others 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…
Former Town Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies Former Town Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies
Former Town Supervisor In Hudson Valley Dies A former town supervisor in the Hudson Valley has died following an illness. Orange County resident Thomas F. Nosworthy Jr, of the town of Wallkill, died on Monday, Sept. 9, at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. He was 84. The son of the late Thomas F. Nosworthy Sr. and Beatice Nosworthy, he was born on May 10, 1940, in New York City, according to his obituary.  Tom was a US Navy veteran who served active duty with NORAD in the Pacific during the Cold War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1181. Following his time in the Navy, Tom worked for Bell Telephone, GTE, an…
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In Dutchess County Home Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In Dutchess County Home
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In Dutchess County 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 …
Fallen Detective From Hudson Valley Was About To Be A Grandfather Fallen Detective From Hudson Valley Was About To Be A Grandfather
Fallen Detective From Hudson Valley Was About To Be A 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…
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…
11-Year-Old Girl Struck, Killed By Car In Region 11-Year-Old Girl Struck, Killed By Car In Region
11-Year-Old Girl Struck, Killed By Car In Region Friends and strangers from across the region have come together and donated to help a family bury an 11-year-old girl hit and killed by a car. The incident occurred in Sullivan County around 8:50 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, on Route 52 in the Lava area of the town of Tusten. The girl, identified as Delana Weyandt of Lave by her big sister Sophia Weyandt, said the accident occurred as they were "walking, and we went to cross the road safely. "We looked both ways and held each other's hand," Sophia said in a GoFundMe. "A driver came speeding, and before I could move her, it was too late. He hit …
'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash 'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash
'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash The community is rallying around the family of a beloved elementary school principal in the region who was killed in a car crash. Saratoga County resident Nicholas Criscone, age 50, of Charlton, died Saturday, July 20, when his vehicle went off Stage Road in Charlton, struck a tree, and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to New York State Police. Earlier Report: Scotia Elementary Principal Nicholas Criscone Dies In Crash News of Criscone’s death sent shock and sadness through the halls of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District in Schenectady County, w…
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 …
'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.…
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament Five people killed in a small plane crash in New York have been identified as members of a family who were in the region for a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, the site of the sport's Hall of Fame and Museum. The single-engine Piper PA-46 went down in Catskill Park around 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30, in the small Delaware County village of Sidney. According to the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane had departed from Oneonta about 20 minutes earlier. Drones, ATVs, and helicopters were used during the hours-long search, leading to the discovery of debris and, ultimately, to th…
Beloved Northern Westchester High School Student Dies At Age 16 Beloved Northern Westchester High School Student Dies At Age 16
Beloved Northern Westchester High School Student Dies At Age 16 A 16-year-old Northern Westchester high school student is being remembered for her determination to keep working and learning throughout her courageous battle with cancer.  Brooke Audrey D’Aleo, a student at John Jay High School in Lewisboro, died on Thursday, June 27 at the age of 16 after a battle with leukemia, according to her obituary.  Born in 2007, D’Aleo began life as a joyful baby, "always smiling and giggling," her obituary said. As the years went on, she grew into a role model for her younger sister and best friend, Paige, and became known for her selflessnes…
Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Westchester Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Westchester
Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Westchester Community members came together to honor the memory of a 6-year-old boy and his mother who were killed while walking to a Westchester school.  A funeral Mass was held on Friday morning, June 28 at the St. Augustine Church in Larchmont for Mamaroneck residents Michael Donovan Volpe, age 6, and his mother, 43-year-old Molly Murphey Donovan, who were both killed on Thursday, June 20 after being struck by a school bus while walking to the Mamaroneck Avenue School.  Earlier Report - New Update: IDs Released Of Mother, Child Struck, Killed By School Bus In…
'Total Shock': 34-Year-Old Air Force Veteran Killed In Capital Region Crash Had 'Heart Of Gold' 'Total Shock': 34-Year-Old Air Force Veteran Killed In Capital Region Crash Had 'Heart Of Gold'
'Total Shock': 34-Year-Old Air Force Veteran Killed In Capital Region Crash Had 'Heart Of Gold' Tributes are pouring in for a beloved Air Force veteran following his untimely death in the region. Albany County resident Michael Furch, age 34, of Guilderland, died following a single-vehicle crash on I-787 in Albany on Thursday, June 20. New York State Police said Furch was operating a motorcycle when he lost control and struck a concrete barrier while exiting I-787 on the flyover ramp to I-90. He was ejected from the bike and landed on the shoulder of I-787 northbound below. Furch was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier Report: Fatal Crash: 34-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In …
'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life' 'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life'
'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life' Natalie Gillis saw much of the world in her 34 years, most of it from the air. The pilot from Toronto, Canada died Monday morning, June 17, when her twin engine Piper plane crashed just moments after taking off from Albany International Airport. Gillis, the aircraft’s sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Colonie Police. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB. Earlier Report: Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Albany Airport Her employer, KASI Aviation Services, confirmed her death in a Facebook tribute posted Thursday morning, Ju…
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22 'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22
'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22 Heather McNamara, who stole hearts across the tristate area after undergoing groundbreaking cancer surgery as a child, has died at the age of 22. The Long Island resident from Islip Terrace died Saturday, June 1, due to multiple organ failure after spending months hospitalized in intensive care from a bacterial infection, her mother Tina announced. McNamara became a familiar face to many in 2011, when she appeared in a commercial for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. In the black and white spot, the then 7-year-old recounted how two hospitals turned her family away before Dr. Tomoaki Kato ag…
New Update: 25-Year-Old NYPD Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Crash Was 3-Year Veteran New Update: 25-Year-Old NYPD Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Crash Was 3-Year Veteran
New Update: 25-Year-Old Nypd Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Crash Was 3-Year Veteran A 25-year-old New York City Police officer from the Hudson Valley who was killed in a crash is being remembered as a dedicated officer with plenty of success already under her belt during her three years of service. Putnam County resident Juliana N. Torsiello of Putnam Valley, a member of the New York City Police Department, was killed in an Orange County crash on County Road 51 in the town of Hamptonburgh hamlet of Campbell Hall on Friday, May 24 just before 6 p.m., New York State Police announced. Earlier Report - 25-Year-Old Woman Who Was NYPD Officer Killed In Hudson Val…
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life'
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' A beloved US Army veteran from the Hudson Valley who dedicated much of his time and effort toward helping his fellow troops is being remembered for his large personality and ability to form a lasting bond with anyone.  Putnam County resident Luke Rathschmidt of Mahopac died unexpectedly in South Carolina on Saturday, May 18 at the age of 38, according to his obituary.  Born in 1986, Rathschmidt was a proud US Army veteran who served in Iraq in the 82nd Airborne Division.  His time in the military left a lasting impression on him that shaped much of the rest of…
Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber
Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber A 23-year-old Westchester man killed in a crash on a busy parkway is being remembered as a successful electrician who excelled at repairing computers and was always there for those who needed him. Mamaroneck resident Logan Spillane was killed in a crash on the Sprain Brook Parkway in Greenburgh on Saturday, May 18 around 1:30 p.m., New York State Police announced. 23-Year-Old Man Killed After Being Ejected From Car On Busy Parkway In Westchester Born in 2001, Spillane was a 2019 graduate of Rye High School and went on to become an electrician, which he took great pride in, according t…