Leo J. Kelly of Liberty, a retired corrections officer with the NYS Department of Corrections and with 25 years service at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility and a lifelong area resident, died Friday, September 3, 2004. He was 88 years of age.
The son of the late John L. and Nora O'Keefe Kelly, he was born June 22, 1916, in Parksville. He was the widower of Rita Moser Kelly.
Mr. Kelly was a proud member of the "greatest generation," having served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was a member of St. Peter's Church and the Clarence Hoyt Post No. 9217, Veterans of Foreign Wars, both in Liberty. He was a former member of the Liberty School Board and a former member of the Town of Liberty Assessment Review Board.
In a family statement, it was said, "Leo made and kept many friends over his 88 years. In his bike shop, he brought smiles to hundreds of children. Leo will always be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, thoughtful man who invested himself in others. He cared and shared. We are grateful for his life. May God bless him."
He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas J. and Rae Ann Kelly of Allyn, Wash., Terrence "Terry" and Elaine Kelly of White Sulphur Springs, and Timothy P. and Carol Kelly of Liberty; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Ellen Kelly of Kingston and Edward "Mike" and Melvina Kelly of Jeffersonville; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas J. Kelly, and two sisters, Irene Wale and Elizabeth Hamlin.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Tuesday at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Liberty with Monsignor Edward Straub officiating.
Burial was made in St. Peter's Cemetery in Liberty.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Ramsay's Funeral Home in Liberty.

Robert J. Stein of White Sulphur Springs, a retired musician and band leader and a longtime area resident, died Saturday, September 4, 2004, at his home. He was 71 years of age.
The son of the late Murray J. and Constance Sakell Stein, he was born June 19, 1933, in New York City.
A member of the musicians union, he had been a college music professor and choir director where he conducted many concerts. Mr. Stein was a member of the Sea Plane Pilots Association and an avid flyer, having his own private runway. He was also a member of the Volvo Sports America Club and enjoyed his antique car collection of P1800 Volvos. Mr. Stein was a gun collector, a horse trainer and raised sheep.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lucille H. A. Lange Stein, at home; two sons, Clifford L. Stein and his wife, Lisa, of White Sulphur Springs, and Russell L. Stein of Rock Hill; two daughters, Deborah J. Stein of Monticello and Connie A. Stein of New York City; a sister, Kathy Pokorny, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at New Jersey Medical School, of Brooklyn; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Arthur Stein.
Services were held Tuesday at the Harris Funeral Home in Liberty with the Rev. David McCarthy officiating.

Esterita "Cissie" Blumberg of Liberty, the weekly columnist of "These Are The Days" for the Sullivan County Democrat, died Friday, September 3, 2004, at her home. She was 76 years of age.
The daughter of the late Elmer and Rose Braverman Rosenberg, she was born and raised in the Catskill Mountains. She was the widow of Larry Blumberg, her best friend, with whom she once owned and operated the Green Acres Hotel in Lake Huntington and later in Loch Sheldrake.
Mrs. Blumberg graduated from Syracuse University (Phi Beta Kappa) and attended Columbia University, majoring in English Education.
Her fond memories were captured in her popular book, "Remember the Catskills – Tales of a Recovering Hotel Keeper." She lectured throughout the country bringing the history and culture of the Catskill experience to life for diverse audiences. Cissie's humor and story telling ability were legendary. She was interviewed by Terry Gross on "Fresh Air," National Public Radio on July 1, 1997. In a report on May 8, 1997, the New York Times reported that "Cissie Blumberg has this way . . . young at heart and full of Catskill tales." Comedians Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason and Red Buttons reviewed her book noting, "I am pleased to know the Catskill hotels and towns will live on in this book." When asked why she wrote, Cissie explained, "It is my hope that from a compilation of 45 years of memories and meises (stories), the hotel owners, the guests, the staff, the vendors and trades people, the entertainers, relatives, friends and neighbors will be preserved with all their color, humor and individuality intact."
Mrs. Blumberg was active in progressive politics and community affairs, following in the footsteps of her father, who was one of the first socialists elected to the New York State Assembly, as well as the executive vice president of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She ran for Congress, was on the Board of Education, and was appointed by the Governor of New York State to serve on the Board of Visitors for Rockland Psychiatric Center. She served on the Board of Directors of the New Hope Community, the Sullivan County Community Service Board and was a charter member of the Sullivan County Mental Health Association. Mrs. Blumberg served as president of the Catskill Regional Medical Center – Auxiliary Division, and was a member of the Sullivan County Community College Foundation board, as well as vice president of the Board of the Associated Mutual Insurance Company. She wrote a book chronicling the history of this unique organization. She was also president of the Co-Operative Federal Credit Union.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Noelle Blumberg of Pepper Pike, Ohio; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Michael Goldbas of Simsbury, Conn.; second mother of Kris Ohlson; five grandchildren, Matt, Jamie, Joanna, Jessie and Jake; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Harriet Rosenberg.
Services were held Wednesday at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home in Monticello.
Burial was made in the Workman Circle Branch #281 Cemetery in Glen Wild.
Memorial contributions may be made to any group working to unseat George Bush or to the New Hope Community (agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities), Box 289, Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. 12759.

Boksul Hong of Newburgh, a graduate of the Korean Police Academy, died Friday, September 3, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital in Newburgh. She was 74 years of age.
The daughter of the late Heungjoon Kim and Myungsook Park, she was born February 29, 1930, in Korea.
Mrs. Hong was a member of the Mid-Hudson Korean United Methodist Church and the Seokwang Korean Presbyterian Church of Goshen.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Master Youngki Hong and Onsook-Hong of Monroe, and Grand Master Inkee Hong and Songhui Hong of Woodridge; a daughter and son-in-law, Yeonhee Kim and Sang Hyun Kim of Middletown; a sister, Jung Soon Kim of Middletown; two brothers, Youngbae Kim of Fairfax, Va., and Ikbae Kim of Seoul, Korea; a sister, Jungok Kim of Seoul, Korea; six grandchildren, R. Joonyi Hong and S. Joonho Hong of Monroe, Angel J. Hong and Ashley J. Hong of Woodridge, and Towan Kim and Taehun Kim of San Francisco, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held Tuesday at the Mid-Hudson Korean United Metho-dist Church with the Rev. Sungin Jin and Byung Youp Choi officiating.
Burial was made in the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Robert John "Bobby" Matteini, a painting contractor and 5-year area resident, died Monday, September 6, 2004 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 42 years of age.
The son of Raoul J. and Carol A. Sheid Matteini, he was born on January 6, 1962 in Englewood, N.J.
Mr. Matteini attended the White Lake Reformed Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by his parents of Sanford, Fla.; two brothers, Russell J. Matteini and his wife Michele of Lake Mary, Fla., and Raoul J. Matteini II of Monticello; and one niece, Sierra Rose Matteini.
Visitation was held Thursday at the White Lake Reformed Presbyterian Church. Funeral services were held at the church with the Rev. David Coon officiating.
Burial was made in the Stewart Cemetery, Kauneonga Lake.
Memorial donations may be made to the Faith Hall Building Fund; c/o White Lake Reformed Church, P.O. Box 208, White Lake, N.Y. 12786.
Funeral arrangements were made by Ramsay's Funeral Homes, Inc. in Kauneonga Lake.

Helen S. Maurer died Thursday, August 12, 2004 at the Bon Secours Maria Manor, a skilled nursing facility in St. Petersburg, Fla. She had suffered a massive brain hematoma in late May. She was 84 years of age.
The daughter of Ila and Frank Bury, she was born July 29, 1920 in Fremont Center. She was the widow of Lawrence Maurer who died in 1967.
Mrs. Maurer was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a supporter of the Fremont Center Memorial Day parade. She spent her early adult life in Hortonville and Callicoon, and moved to St. Petersburg in 1981.
A homemaker while her children were young, she worked at the old Victory Market, delivered mail, and worked at the Villa Roma when the boys were older. She also contributed her time and energy to various community affairs.
She is survived by two sons, Gary C. Maurer of Leeds, Me., and Hugh F. Maurer of So. Royalton, Vt.; one sister, Emily Hodge of Livingston Manor; and two grandchildren.
Cremation was made in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Burial of the cremains will be made at the Hortonville Cemetery on Saturday, October 16 at 11 a.m.
At her request, there will be no flowers, just a simple recognition, appreciation, and celebration of her life.

Wesley C. Ackerley of Liberty, an accountant and co-owner of Ackerley & Pearsall Accounting, died Monday, September 6, 2004 at the Seelig campus of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 71 years of age.
The son of Margaret McGuire Ackerley and the late Arnold Ackerley, he was born August 6, 1933 in Curry.
Wes was a lifelong area resident, a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, and a member of the National Society of Accountants.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret Ackerley of Jeffersonville; four brothers, Richard Ackerley of St. Paul, N.C.; Eugene Ackerley of Grahamsville; Arnold Ackerley, Jr. of Hurleyville; and Donald Ackerley of Hope Mills, N.C.; six sisters, Marian Wegman and Marjorie Fairbairn, both of Swan Lake; Caroline Johnson of Fayetteville, N.C.; Virginia Kiefer and April Malara and her husband Robert, all of Jeffersonville, and Cindy Barber and her husband Edward of White Lake; several nieces and nephews; his longtime business partner Sherry Pearsall and her children Lena and William; and his dear friend, Audrey Wilson.
He was predeceased by a brother, Roy, and a sister, Joy D. Ackerley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Liberty Vol. Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 105, Liberty, N.Y. 12754.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Harris Funeral Home of Liberty.

Florence May Freer Raffa, a lifelong Neversink resident and homemaker, died Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at her home, with her husband of 74 years beside her. She was 92 years of age.
The daughter of the late Jane Velie and Charles Edward Freer, she was born on December 26, 1911 in Neversink. She married Joseph Raffa on October 8, 1929 in Avon, Ct.
She was a member of the Grahamsville United Methodist Church and the former Neversink Methodist Church. A charter member of the Neversink Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and the Neversink First Aid Squad, she was also a member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
She is survived by her husband, at home; one son, Harry J. Raffa and his wife Audrey of Little Falls; one daughter, Joan Langton and her husband Edward of Lake Katrine; a sister-in-law, Lucille Freer of Middletown; seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by four brothers, Dr. Arden Freer, Harry Freer, Charles Freer, and Stanley Freer; six sisters, Addie Leroy, Beatrice Pomeroy, Bertha Wirth, Grace Claude, Helene Edwards, and Evelene Kiel; and one grandson, Steven Langton.
Visitation was held on Thursday at the Ramsay's Funeral Home in Liberty.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Grahamsville United Methodist Church, Route 55, in Grahamsville, with the Rev. Maybell Rensi and Rev. Lorraine Coscia Ackermann officiating.
Burial will be made in the Neversink-Fallsburg Cemetery in Neversink.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Neversink First Aid Squad, Neversink, N.Y. 12765.

Caroline Kroeger, a resident of Baldwinsville, died peacefully on Saturday, August 28, at home. She was 74 years of age.
She was born on October 27, 1929.
In a family statement, it was said that "She lived a full life. She asked that she not be mourned, but remembered for the fullness of her life. Relatives like to think of her walking quietly with the wolves now, in spirit, as she did in life.
"In her own words, she said, 'A quiet walk in the woods is the finest tribute you can pay me.'"
She is survived by three daughters, Linda, Brenda, and Donna.
Funeral arrangements were made for the convenience of the family.

Helen M. Miller, a lifelong area resident and retired waitress for the Triangle Lounge in Liberty, died on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at the Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility in Liberty. She was 79 years of age.
The daughter of Gustave and Della Terwilliger Johannemann, she was born January 4, 1925 in Willowemoc. She was the widow of Emil Miller.
Mrs. Miller was a member of St. Peter's Church in Liberty. Her real love of life was her passion for golf.
She is survived by three sons, Emil Miller of Miramar, Fla., John Miller of Marysville, Calif., and Edward Miller of Portsmouth, N.H.; two daughters, Ann Friedman and her husband Steven of Liberty, and Judith Smith and her husband Charles of Hampton, Va.; a brother, Claude Johannemann and his wife Bertie of Livingston Manor; a sister, Madlyn Schwartz of Holly Hill, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Keenan, Thomas, April, and Erick Miller, Carey Friedman, and Lucas and Caitlin Smith. She was predeceased by her four brothers, Emil, Gustave, Robert, and Edward; and a sister, Rose Minati.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:45 p.m. on Friday at St. Peter's RC Church in Liberty.
Cremation was made at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Attn: Memorial Dept., 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Funeral arrangements were made by Ramsay's Funeral Home Inc. of Liberty.

Jean F. Andreassen, of Davenport, died Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at AO Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta. She was 67 years of age.
The daughter of Burton and Lillian Bischoff Bogert, she was born on May 16, 1937 in Callicoon. She was the widow of John M. Andreassen, who died on July 2, 2004 after 47 years of marriage.
Mrs. Andreassen was a congregant of the Davenport United Methodist Church and its women's organization, where she served as treasurer; the Senior Citizens Club and the Davenport Historical Society. She loved living in the country in the home her husband built, where she actively sewed and quilted, made jellies and jams and especially enjoyed tole painting.
She is survived by her mother, Lillian Bogert, of Youngsville; a son and daughter-in-law, Evan and Linda Andreassen and a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Randy Mowers, all of Oneonta; five grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Kristen, Jeffrey, and Kayla; and two brothers, Warren Bogert of Youngsville and Leslie (Dian) of Jeffersonville; two sisters, Betty Everett of Neversink and Rose (Donald) Clark of Bethel; a sister-in-law, Lila Morelli, and an aunt, Dagmar Colella, both of Scotia; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 10, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the Davenport United Methodist Church, Davenport with the Rev. Nola Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Davenport Cemetery, Davenport.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Davenport United Methodist Church, Davenport.
Arrangements are made with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Davenport.

Carl Freer, a resident of Adairsville, Ga., formerly of Napanoch and Jeffersonville, and a retired employee of the Rome, Georgia Sewer and Water Department, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at home. He was 73 years of age.
The son of Archibald and Edith Goughlin Freer, he was born September 7, 1930 in Ellenville.
Survivors include his wife, Ann Freer, at home; his son, Alan Freer; two stepchildren, Ken and Christy; two brothers, Paul Freer and his wife, Louise, of North Carolina and James Freer and his wife, Ryliss, of Youngsville; several grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held in Georgia on September 3.

Harriet E. Mudge of Roscoe, a homemaker and area resident for over twenty years, died Monday, September 6, 2004 at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home, Roscoe.
The daughter of the late Purdy and Geneva Flagg, she was born September 7, 1922, in Cape Cod, MA.
Harriet had been a member of the Sullivan County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and was known as "Grandma Mudge" to the students of the Roscoe Central Elementary School.
She is survived by four sons, Henry Mudge, Jr. and his wife Gerry of California, George Mudge of Wyoming, James Mudge and his wife Cindy of So. Carolina and Arthur Mudge and his wife Deborah of Ferndale; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She was predeceased by her husband Henry Mudge and a daughter, Mary Mudge.
Memorial services will be Friday, September 10, 2004 at 10 a.m. in the Harris Funeral Home on West St. at Buckley, Liberty. Monsignor William Collins will officiate.
Burial will be in the Long Island National Cemetery, Pinelawn.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave., Roscoe.

Harold Boustead of Jeffersonville, a retired home interior decorator, died Thursday, September 9, 2004 at home. He was a resident of this area for 47 years.
He was born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England on April 6, 1913 to Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Tortuise Boustead.
Mr. Boustead was a firefighter in the Coventry section of London during World War II.
He was predeceased by his wife Freda Wright Boustead.
Survivors include one daughter and one son, both of Jeffersonville, and three grandchildren.
Cremation will be at Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott.

Blade Stephen Sommer, of Atlanta, Ga., died on Thursday, September 2, 2004 at Eagleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. He was 5 months old.
The son of Brett and Sophia Serrano Sommer, he was born on March 30, 2004 in Columbus, Ga.
He is survived by his parents, Brett and Sophia Sommer of Ft. Benning, Ga.; his maternal grandmother, Luz Chico and stepgrandfather, Estaban Mendez of Liberty; maternal grandfather David Serrano and his wife Juana of Monticello; his paternal grandparents, Rochelle and David Sommer of New Jersey; his maternal great-grandparents, Juan and Sonia Chico of Liberty; a brother, Trey Sommer of Ft. Benning, Ga. and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at Ramsay's Funeral Home 275 S. Main St. Liberty on Saturday, September 11, 2004 at 1 p.m. Rev. David McCarthy will officiate.
Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery, Liberty.
Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay's Funeral Homes Inc. in Liberty.