Michael W. Branigan of Goshen, a former resident of Waldwick, N.J., and a senior systems developer for First Data Corporation of Montvale, N.J., died Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at his home. He was 47 years of age.
An honors graduate of Ramapo College, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Mr. Branigan was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1977-1980, and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
He is survived by his wife, Mona Scherreik Branigan, and two children, Elyse and Lauren, all at home; his parents, Robert and Jean Raffetto Branigan of Manahawkin, N.J; six sisters, Colleen Branigan of East Rutherford, N.J., Maureen Hockenbeck of Midland Park, N.J., Rita Delano of Hampton Bays, Peggy Darmiento of Ramsey, N.J., and Moira Scola of Wayside, N.J.; and a brother, Robert Brannigan Jr. of Callicoon Center.
Services and interment were private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation at Columbia University, c/o Robert Fine, M.D., 650 W. 168th St., Room 20-05, New York, N.Y. 10032.

Veta Inez Eason of Roscoe, a former resident of Middletown and a retired employee of Marbet Dry Cleaners, died Monday, December 6, 2004. She was 92 years of age.
The daughter of the late T. Vincent and Hazel Scott Foeller, she was born September 7, 1912, in Middletown. She was the widow of Ernest E. Eason.
Mrs. Eason is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and June Eason of Hiseville, Kentucky, and Ernest and Barbara Eason of Mims, Fla.; a sister, Adelaide Walters of Titusville, Fla.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Alicia Herrman, Lois Phillips and Hazel Markle.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, 72 W. Main St., Middletown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 102, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601-4027 or to the charity of one's choice.

Robert F. "Bobby G" Gonzalez of Sparrowbush, a bartender at Billy Baxter's in Monticello, died Thursday, December 9, 2004, at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. He was 67 years of age.
The son of the late Ernesto and Mary Kruger Gonzalez, he was born April 5, 1937, in New York City.
Mr. Gonzalez was a member of St. Peter's Church in Monticello and a former member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #1544 in Monticello.
He is survived by an estranged daughter, Lori Ann Kole; a grandson, Tyler Kole; a brother, Ernest Gonzalez and his wife, Christine, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a sister, Aggie Gonzalez of the state of Florida; an aunt, Veronica Lehman of Montgomery; a nephew, Dino Damelio; and several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Funeral Mass was offered on Monday at St. Peter's Church in Monticello with the Rev. Robert Ginel officiating.
Burial was made in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Sparrowbush.
Memorial contributions to the family would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements were made by the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home in Monticello.

Shirley A. Wood of Roscoe, the retired owner and operator of the Campbell Inn in Roscoe and a lifelong area resident, died Thursday, December 9, 2004, at her home. She was 85 years of age.
The daughter of the late James F. and Shirley McCune Wood, she was born October 7, 1919, in Roscoe.
Miss Wood had been a friend and supporter to the Roscoe Presbyterian Church, a former member of the Town of Rockland Planning Board and a former member of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed flyfishing and for several years hosted the Federation of Fly Fishermen at the Campbell Inn.
She is survived by three nieces, Ruth Wood Green of Roscoe, Joyce Wood O'Keefe of Livingston Manor and Patricia Wood Fietta of Port Byron; several grand-nieces and nephews, and their children. She was predeceased by two brothers, James Edgar Wood and his wife, Beatrice, and Harry B. Wood Sr. and his wife, Nettie, a niece, Margaret Wood Craumer, and a nephew, Harry B. Wood Jr.
Services were held Monday at the Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe with the Rev. Robert W. Hoag officiating.
Burial was made in the Riverview Cemetery in Roscoe.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Roscoe Presbyterian Church or the Roscoe Hose Co. #1, both at Roscoe, N.Y. 12776.

Rev. Patrick Henry Battista of Wurtsboro Hills, a blacksmith for over 27 years with the NY Renaissance Fair in Tuxedo, a pastor with the Celtic Christian Church and a longtime area resident, died Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at his home. He was 59 years of age.
The son of Josephine Tambone and the late Patrick Battista, he was born March 16, 1945, in the Bronx.
During his lifetime, Mr. Battista was also a member of the NYPD Mounted Division, a detective in Putnam County, a cleric for various local hospitals, belonged to the Orange County Police Benevolent Assoc., and was a member of the Clan McCloud.
He is survived by his mother of Cherry Hill, N.J.; a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Shelly Battista of Richlands, N.C.; a daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Jeff Zaffino of Rossville, Ga.; a brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Sofia Battista; three grandchildren, Cole, Samantha and Gianni; and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was offered on Saturday at St. Joseph's Church in Wurtsboro with the Rev. Peter Madori officiating.
Burial was made in the Sylvan Cemetery in Wurtsboro.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin Towers Scholarship Fund, 1505 Riverview Road, P.O. Box 297, Saint Peter, Minn. 56082
Funeral arrangements were made by the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home in Wurtsboro.

Beverly J. "Bev" Mitterwager of Callicoon, a retired Spanish teacher, died Sunday, December 12, 2004 at the Brighton Julia Ribaudo Care Center in Lake Ariel, Pa. with her family beside her. She was 61 years of age.
The daughter of the late Edward and Amelia Freyberger Callahan, she was born November 23, 1943 in Jersey City, N.J.
Mrs. Mitterwager taught at several schools throughout her teaching career, retiring from the Sullivan West Central School. She was a member and assistant organist of the United Methodist Church of Callicoon, a member and past treasurer of the United Methodist Women. She was associated with the new Glory to God Christian School in Liberty.
In a family statement, it was said, "She was very well-known throughout the community, which she loved. She touched the hearts of those who knew her. She loved to sew, bake, teach, play piano, and one of her greatest loves of all were her grandchildren. She showed us all the true meaning of courage and strength throughout her battle with cancer. She never tired of helping anyone. Her kind words and gentle spirit have touched so many. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother."
She is survived by her husband Kenneth Mitterwager, at home; a daughter, Jody Gilbert and her husband Paul, of Beach Lake, Pa.; two sons, Morgan Mitterwager and his wife Sheri, of Hankins, and Jason Mitterwager and his companion Laura Reed, of Liberty; three grandchildren, Paul Gilbert of Philadelphia, Pa., Jordan Gilbert of Beach Lake, Pa., and Benjamin Mitterwager of Hankins; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Elaine Callahan.
Friends may call on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, 34 Upper Main Street, Callicoon.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Holy Cross Church, Route 97, Callicoon with the Rev. Ignatius Smith, O.F.M. officiating.
Cremation will be made at the Twin Tiers Crematory in Endicott.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Brighton Julia Ribaudo Care Center, P.O. Box 97, Lake Ariel, Pa. 18436.

Helen Louise Russell of Monticello died suddenly Friday, December 10, 2004 at the Seelig Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. She was 66 years of age.
The daughter of the late Alexander and Helen Darvalics, she was born in Franklin, N.J.
She is survived by a daughter, Alexis Russell; a son, Louis Russell and his wife Judy; two sisters, Katherine Sandak and Elsie R. Darvalics; two brothers, Alexander Darvalics and Louis Darvalics; and three grandchildren, Alexis Russell, Casey Clouser, and James Clouser.
In keeping with Mrs. Russell's wishes, there will not be any funeral services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Monticello Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 564, Monticello, N.Y. 12701.
Funeral arrangements were made by the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello.