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Well-Respected Judge, Westchester Native 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…
HS Coach, Personal Trainer From Capital 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…
Melanie, NJ 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 …
Lifelong Hudson Valley 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…
