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  OBITUARY ARCHIVES Established 1891 Callicoon, New York  
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December 21, 2004

James V. Barnhart
DOT Mechanic, 47

James V. Barnhart of Craig, Colo., a mechanic for the Colorado Department of Transportation, died Saturday, December 11, 2004, in Denver, Colo., following a short illness. He was 47 years of age.
The son of Elizabeth Lightfoot Barnhart Wilde and the late Daniel Barnhart, he was born May 13, 1957, in Kingston.
He was raised and attended school in Stone Ridge, graduated from Rondout Valley Central High School and attended Cobleskill State University of New York where he obtained an A.A.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Mr. Barnhart lived in various places in Pennsylvania and Kansas prior to moving to Ft. Lupton, Colo., and in the early 1990s moved to Craig, Colo. He also had his own business called Medium Truck Specialists.
In a family statement, it was said, "He enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, guns and reloading and cooking his original recipe for top round and ribs on his grill. He was a former member of the Craig Rural Fire Protection District Fire Rescue."
He is survived by his wife of six years, Cathy Rowe Barnhart, at home; a daughter, Mary Barnhart of Phoenix, Ariz.; a son David Barnhart, stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Base in Washington; two stepdaughters, Kayla Rowe and Britney Dillon, and a step-son, Nicholas Rowe, all of Craig, Colo.; his mother and step-father, Elizabeth and Earle Wilde of Jeffersonville; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Kate Barnhart and her husband, David Jalanti, of Hudson and Ruth and Raymond Schussler of Waterloo, and their two children, Jason and Kristen; his father-and mother-in-law, David and Carol Rowe of Craig, Colo; a sister-in-law, Kim and her husband, Jody Lenahan of Craig, Colo., and their children; and many other relatives in New York State.
Services were held Thursday at the First Christian Church with Al Cashion officiating
Interment was made in the Craig Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Horizon's Specialized Services of Craig, c/o Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, Colo. 81625.

Helen E. Luckey
Democrat Corresp., 83

Helen E. Luckey of Kenoza Lake, a lifelong area resident, a homemaker and a former longtime correspondent for the Sullivan County Democrat, died Wednesday, December 15, 2004, at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home. She was 83 years of age.
The daughter of the late Rudolph and Irene Aureila Smith Schwartz, she was born May 5, 1921, in Bethel. She was the widow of William F. Luckey.
Mrs. Luckey was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and its Ladies Aid in Kenoza Lake, the Bluebirds Home Extension Group of Fremont Center, a 26-year 4-H leader of the Hummingbirds in Kenoza Lake, a charter member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the H. Russell Kenyon Post #5808, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Callicoon, a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Sullivan County Council Auxiliary, VFW; and a 30-year member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty.
She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Linda and Ray Ferber of Callicoon, Dawn and Doug Carlin of Central Islip, L.I., and Cheryl Armbrust of Hankins; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Kim and DeAnne Luckey of Richland Center, Wisc., and Craig and Robin Luckey of Kenoza Lake; 15 grandchildren; three strep-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Helen Schwartz of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Pierson "Pete" Schwartz.
Friends may call at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Jeffersonville on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Services were held on Monday at the United Methodist Church in Kenoza Lake with Pastor Wm. Haggarty officiating.
Burial was made in the Kenoza Lake Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church, Kenoza Lake, N.Y. 12750.

Otto G. Tegeler
Ret. Undertaker, 85

Otto G. Tegeler of Damascus, Pa., a retired undertaker, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004, at the Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, Pa., after an illness.
The son of the late Clarence "Claire" and Mary Vail Tegeler, he was born in Scranton, Pa. He was the widower of Elizabeth Porr Tegeler who died in 1997.
A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served as a medic in the 320th Medical Batallion of the 95th Infantry Division. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Bronze Star. He owned and operated Tegeler's Funeral Home in Damascus, Pa., from 1955 to his retirement in 1977.
Mr. Tegeler was a member and past Master of Delaware Lodge No. 561, Free and Accepted Masons in Callicoon, and a member of the Keystone Consistory and the Irem Temple in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
He is survived by two daughters, and sons-in-law, Janet and Brad Topolewski of South Berwick, Me., and Linda and Rob Guinan of Callicoon; three sisters, Alice Jenkins of Honesdale, Pa., Evelyn Glatz of South Portland, Me., and Irene Tegeler of Honesdale, Pa.; and six grandchildren, Mark, Ryan, Kim and Kara Topolewski, Heather Clark and Jeremy Guinan. He was predeceased by a brother, Fred Tegeler.
Services will be held at noon on Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Father Ignatius Smith, OFM, of the Holy Cross Church in Callicoon, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brighton at Julia Ribaudo Home, Lake Ariel, Pa. 18436.

Margaret Jacobi
Homemaker, 83

Margaret Jacobi, a resident at the Gerda Wolfe Adult Home at Skinners Falls, died Thursday, December 16, 2004. She was 83 years of age. She was the widow of George Jacobi.
Mrs. Jacobi was a longtime summer cabin resident of Hillside Acres in Milanville, Pa.. Her youngest son, Philip Jacobi, has been a full time resident of Sullivan County since 1973.
A memorial weekend celebration dinner is planned for a later date. Please RSVP to 887-4424. Both Mrs. Jacobi and her husband were veterans of World War II and remained members and leaders of the American Legion Post in Forest Hills, Queens.
No further information was submitted.

Edwin ‘Taterbug’ Tyler
Plumber/Electrician, 59

Edwin J. "Taterbug" Tyler of Milanville, Pa., a disabled plumber/electrician and a lifelong area resident, died Friday, December 17, 2004, at his home. He was 59 years of age.
The son of the late Kenneth A. and Eva Jane Edsall Tyler, he was born March 13, 1945, in Callicoon.
Mr. Tyler was a member of the Appalachian Bluegrass Fiddle Association (ABFA). He was also a member of the Nobody's Band.
In a family statement, it was said, "He was a giving man, his door was always open to anyone that needed him. He had a great gift/passion for music, nature and people. He used these gifts to entertain, educate and relate with people. He played music at many local establishments but also entertained at many nursing homes for the elderly. He also shared his knowledge of nature with many school students in the classroom. He loved nature walks, Indian artifacts and was a Shaman. He was a local hero in many eyes. He will be missed by all that knew him."
He is survived by two brothers, Gary R. Tyler of Milanville, Pa., and Kenneth A. Tyler of Toms River, N.J.; a sister, Nancy Nieratko of Forest City, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Rasmussen Funeral Home in Narrowsburg on Wednesday from 2 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m.
Services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will be made in the Milanville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Taterbug Memorial Fund, c/o Rasmussen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 155, Narrowsburg, N.Y. 12764.

Ursula Good
Community Volunteer

Ursula Good of Monticello, very involved in community affairs and an active volunteer, died Monday, December 20, 2004, at the Seelig Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris.
Funeral arrangements are being made by the Ramsay's Funeral Home, 66 St. John Street, Monticello, and were not complete at press time.

Alma Ida Dirie
Homemaker, 100

Alma Ida Dirie of Hortonville, a homemaker and a lifelong area resident, died Sunday, December 19, 2004, at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home in Roscoe. She was 100 years of age.
The daughter of the late Henry and Barbara Boehmer Werlau, she was born July 12, 1904, in Hortonville. She was the widow of William John Dirie.
Mrs. Dirie is survived by five grandchilden, Wendy Adams, Wanda Weigelt, Arthur Dirie, Jay Dirie and Michael Dirie; 10 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Edna Moore; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, William Dirie, and a grandson, John Dirie.
There will be no visitation.
Cremation was made at the Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott.
Burial of the cremains will be made in the Hortonville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Delaware Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 238, Hankins, N.Y. 12741.

Ida Kuritsky, 92

Ida Kuritsky of Harris, the oldest resident at the Center for Discovery, died Friday, December 17, 2004, at the Otis Armstrong House in Harris. She was 92 years of age.
The daughter of the late Isaac and Mary Marion Kuritsky, she was born March 23, 1912, in the Bronx.
In a family statement, it was said, "She loved life and had an infectious smile and feisty personality. She was known for her strong will and sense of independence, and never hesitated to speak her mind. Ida was loved by many, and respected by all. She will be deeply missed."
She is survived by a sister, Sylvia Schneller of Richmond, Kty.; a niece, Cecile Schubert of Richmond, Kty.; and two nephews, Paul and Robert Schneller. She was predeceased by two sisters, and a brother.
Services were held Sunday at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home in Monticello with Rabbi Ben Zion Chanowitz officiating.
Burial was made in the Jewish General Aide Cemetery in Harris.

Kenneth J. Yonker, 85
Ret. Westinghouse Emply.

Kenneth J. Yonker of Hermitage, Pa., a former resident of Woodridge, died Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at the home of his daughter in Canfield, Ohio. He was 85 years of age.
The son of the late Frank Michael and Ellen Vernooy Yonker, he was born July 11, 1919, at the family home, "Orchard Grove," in Woodridge. He was the widower of Julia "Judy" Opalenik Yonker, who died November 24, 2004.
Mr. Yonker attended Woodridge public schools and upon graduation from Bliss Electrical School, University of Maryland, College Park, Md., he was employed by the Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., in Sharon, Pa., where he worked until his retirement in 1982.
A U.S. Navy veteran, he served in the Pacific Theatre of War during World War II, from 1944 to 1946, assigned to the NATC Bainbridge, USN Tadcen Shoemaker and the USS Casco.
He was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church.
Mr. Yonker is survived by two daughters, Andrea Yonkers Evans and her husband, Richard, of Canfield, Ohio, and Linda Yonkers Swope of Houston, Tex.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth J. "Bird" Jr. and Carlotta Yonkers of Charleston, W.Va., and Francis S. and Laurie Yonkers of Flower Mound, Tex.; an adopted daughter, Anna Marie Yurkovich Roncevic and her husband, Jim, and their twins, Michael and Michelle, all of Boston, Mass; five grandchildren, Lauren Evans of Houston, Tex., Lydia Evans of Cleveland, Ohio, Kenneth Francis Yonkers of Charleston, W. Va., Carson Francis Yonker and Leland Harris Yonkers, both of Flower Mound, Tex.; two nieces, Ellen Muscarella Monroe and her husband, Russ, of Austintown, Ohio, and Deborah Muscarella of Atlanta, Ga.; and a nephew, Frank Irwin and his wife, Laurie, of Anchorage, Alaska. He was predeceased by two sisters, Edith Yonker Irwin and Marion Yonker Muscarella.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, Ohio 44512 or to St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church Building Fund, 2230 Highland Rd., Hermitage, Pa. 16148.

Katherine Bryda
Ret. Insurance Clerk, 85

Katherine Bryda of Cochecton, a retired office clerk for Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. and a longtime area resident, died Friday, December 17, 2004, at her home. She was 85 years of age.
The daughter of the late Michael and Pauline Delipski Shewchuk, she was born October 7, 1919, in Manhattan.
Mrs. Bryda was a member of St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Chruch, a member of the Cochecton Senior Citizens Sunshine Club, the Town of Cochecton Ambulance Corps and the Women's Community Club of Cochecton.
In a family statement, it was said, "She was proud of her four paintings that are on display at the government center. She was a loving wife, mother and friend and she will be missed by all that knew her."
Mrs. Bryda is survived by her husband of 65 years, Stanley Bryda, at home; a son, Craig Bryda and his children, Craig and Addie; three daughters, Karen Peeble and Eric Grant, Paulette Kaniecki and her husband, Chester, and Diane Hanlon and her husband, Bruce; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Rev. Richard Bryda.
Friends may call at the Rasmussen Funeral Home in Narrowsburg on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
A Panakhyda Service will be held Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
Services will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Glen Spey.
Burial will be made in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan County, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, N.Y. 12550 or to St. Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Glen Spey, N.Y. 12737.

Robert Countryman
Owned Trucking Co., 81

Robert Countryman of Daytona Beach, Fla., the retired owner of Countryman Trucking, a skilled carpenter and electrician, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004. He was 81 years of age.
The son of the late Solomon and Nellie Rosenkranse Countryman, he was born June 23, 1923, in High Falls.
Mr. Countryman was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a distributor expediter at IBM in Poughkeepsie and started the trucking company after he retired from IBM.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlotte G. Moon Countryman, at home; a son and daughter-in-law, John L. and Elaine Countryman of New Paltz; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and George Byles of Greely, Canada, and Sandra and Angelo Santiamagro of Wallkill; a brother, Harold Countryman of New Paltz; two sisters, Helen Meddaugh of Rosendale and Nora VanLeuven of New Paultz; a sister-in-law, Almeda Burnett of Ulster Park; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Tillie Moon of Largo, Fla.; four grandsons, Angelo Santiamagro of Wallkill, Richard Rugar of Florida, Robert Countryman of Rock Hill and Michael Hecht of Boulder, Colo.; two granddaughters, Evonne Santiamagro of Wallkill and Catherine Grange of Kingston; two step-grandsons, Robert Hecht of Milton and Steven Hecht of Wallkill; and a step-granddaughter, Susan Hecht of Highland. He was predeceased by a sister, Catherine Countryman, and a brother, Edward Burnett, his paternal grandparents Nicholas (Junker) Yonker and Veronica (Kehm) Kame; and maternal grandparents, Albert and Kate Sheeley Vernooy.
Funeral services were held on Monday at the Copeland funeral Home in New Paltz.
Burial was made in the New Paltz Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, Md. 20852-9813.

Michaela Coombe
Stillborn

Michaela Elizabeth Coombe, the stillborn daughter of Richard Jr. and Karen Cone Coombe of Grahamsville, died Wednesday, December 15, 2004, at the Horton campus of the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown.
She is survived by her parents, a brother, Patrick Richard Coombe and a sister, Rebecca Kathryn Coombe, all at home; her paternal grandparents, Richard and Phyllis Coombe of Grahamsville, her maternal grandparents, Dr. James and Sally Cone of Napanoch; her great-grandmother, Ethel Coombe of Grahamsville; an uncle, Kevin Cone; a cousin, Delaney Rose Cone; an aunt, Elizabeth Coombe and her husband, Stuart Kopplin; and cousins, Andrew and Henry Kopplin.
Private graveside services and burial were held at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Daniel Pierce Library Building Fund, P.O. Box 268, Grahamsville, N.Y. 12740.

Joseph C. Dickman
Construction Wkr., 34

Joseph Charles Dickman of Bloomingburg, a construction worker and a longtime area resident, died Thursday, December 16, 2004. He was 34 years of age.
The son of Charles and Karen Hanninen Dickman, he was born November 4, 1970, in the Bronx.
In a family statement, it was said, "To our beloved son, brother and friend, may he rest in peace."
He is survived by his parents of Bloomingburg; three brothers, his twin, John Dickman of Middletown, Robert Dickman of Circleville and Charles Dickman of Bloomingburg; a sister, Samantha Dickman of Bloomingburg; three nieces and a nephew, Amanda, Stephanie, Brianna and Evan; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, 72 W. Main St., Middletown on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Services will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Burial wil be private.

Page Parnett
Entrepreneur, 46

Page Parnett of Bethel, a self-employed entrepreneur and operator of an antiques business and cleaning business in Sullivan County for many years, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 15, 2004. She was 46 years of age
The daughter of Arthur Seay and the late Rose Gilmore Seay, she was born November 26, 1958, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
A graduate of high school in Fort Lauderdale, she attended college in both the state of Florida and in New York.
In a family statement, it was said, "A gifted gardener, lover of animals and cherished friend to many."
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dave Parnett, and a son, Ian, both at home; a daughter, Ellen, of New York City; her father of Virginia; two brothers, Jackson Seay of Hawaii and Dr. Hobson Booth of West Virginia; and many, many friends.
Services were held Monday at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Jeffersonville.

Anna Suffern
Homemaker, 84

Anna Suffern of Bloomingburg, a homemaker and a lifelong area resident, died Sunday, December 19, 2004, at the Orange County Residential Healthcare Facility in Goshen. She was 84 years of age.
The daughter of the late Hugh and Maggie Lockwood Sutton, she was born May 1, 1920, in Middletown.
Mrs. Suffern was a member of the Community Methodist Church of Bloomingburg.
She is survived by her husband, George Suffern, at home; five children and their spouses, Wayne and Sofie Suffern of Bloomingburg, Carol and Thomas Stueber of Pine Bush, Bruce Suffern of Bloomingburg, Joyce and Bill Davis of Huguenot and Martha and Dennis Derry of Newburgh; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the DeWitt Funeral Home 64 Center St., Pine Bush on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Services will be held at 10 a.m on Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Hewitt officiating.
Burial will be made in the Circleville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 203, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601-4027.

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