Clemence (Clem) Frank of Liberty, formerly a 45-year resident of North Branch, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris. She was 91.
Ms. Frank was born Clemence Danon Eskenazi July 7, 1915 in Seattle, Washington. She was one of four children born to Suzanne and Morris Eskenazi, Sephardic Jews who immigrated to Seattle from Turkey in the early 1900’s. She was raised and educated in Seattle and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 1940, a time when very few women went on to college. While attending the University, she worked as assistant to the Director of the Jackson St. Settlement House and in her senior year, she was one of two graduating seniors who were chosen to participate in a special educational program in Edgewater Park.
Upon completion of her formal education, Mrs. Frank was appointed as a medical social worker at Kings County Hospital where she served for two years. In 1942, she became the Assistant Director of the Seattle Settlement House and was eventually appointed Project Services Supervisor for Health, Welfare and Educational Services for the City of Seattle Housing Authority, the youngest person to hold such a position.
In 1942, Clemence, met and married Hiram Frank, a Captain in the United States Armed Services who was stationed in Seattle before being sent overseas. In 1946 upon her husband’s return from the South Pacific, she gave up her position and returned with him to New York, his home state. For the next year or so the couple lived in the Bronx, where Mrs. Frank earned credits toward a Master’s Degree at the New School of Social Research in New York City.
In 1948, the Franks relocated and settled down in North Branch, New York, where she and her husband began a family and started a small egg farm which eventually grew into a successful family business. In 1974, Mrs. Frank was elected Director of the Northeastern Poultry Producers Council (NEPPCO). She was the first woman to be elected to the Board of Directors of any poultry trade association in the United States
During the next 50+ years, Clemence Frank became a tireless activist in her community’s behalf. She served extensively in leadership positions in community services, mental health, education, and community action groups, as evidenced by her many appointments to County and State Boards. She was a member of the Jeffersonville Youngsville Central School Board while her children were in school. She was a charter member of the Sullivan County Legal Aid Services. She was Chairman of the Sullivan County Mental Health Board and New York State Regional Committee for Mental Health Planning. She served on the Business and Mental Hygiene Advisory Boards of the Sullivan County Community College and was instrumental in successfully spearheading a Nursing School in Sullivan County. She was a charter member of the Sullivan County Commission to Help the Economy (CACHE) and was on the Board of the Sullivan County Narcotics Council. She served on the Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES) and the Sullivan County Anti Poverty Commission. In addition, Mrs. Frank was a member and sat on the Boards of Sullivan County Health Planning Council, The New York State Urban Development Corporation, and the Advisory Committee for Comprehensive Statewide Planning for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the list goes on.
In 1977 Governor Carey nominated Mrs. Frank to the Board of Visitors of Middletown Psychiatric Center. She was a member, past-President and Chairman of this Board for a number of years. In 1980 Clemence Frank received the Frank W. Masterson Award given by the Orange County Mental Health Association in recognition of her efforts in upgrading the mental health services for the people in Orange and Sullivan Counties. Mrs. Frank also received the Regional Howard Safer Memorial Award for distinguished service in the field of mental health and voluntarism. In 1985, four community organizations in two counties joined forces to honor Mrs. Frank’s significant contributions in the field of mental health and community volunteer work at a luncheon held at the Concord Hotel.
Perhaps, Mrs. Frank’s greatest achievement and certainly her most passionate endeavor in the later years was her untiring efforts in helping to establish a Regional Hospital in the Sullivan County area. Mrs. Frank’s dedication, leadership and financial endowments and that of many other similarly devoted community members, helped to bring about the Catskill Regional Health Center; their combined vision and commitment to the community‘s health care, turned a dream into reality. Mrs. Frank eventually served as a member of the Board of Trustees and eventually President of the Board for well over twenty years. Her long term association with the hospital included being elected to a fifth term as its President. She was, not only, the first woman to serve as president of this voluntary non-profit healthcare institution, but the only president to serve more than four terms.
Mrs. Frank dedicated much of her life to the needs of her community and helping those less fortunate. She was a selfless advocate for those who could not speak for themselves; a strong voice… a voice that now is silent. She will be missed.
Clemence’s brother Ike is deceased but she is survived by her husband of 64 years, Hiram Frank, of Liberty, and their three married children: daughter Susan married to Steven Albert of NYC, son Dr. Dana Frank married to Wendy of Baltimore, Maryland, son Hiram (HJ) Frank married to Susan living in Boca Raton, Florida and two sisters, Jauntey Halfon and Marcelle Adatto of Seattle, WA. Mrs. Frank is also survived by five grandchildren Leah 27, Andrew 25, Danielle15, Jessica 12, and Jacob 9. She was predeceased by her brother, Ike. She was a wonderful cook, homemaker, hostess, wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She was a Pioneer, a Woman’s Libber, a wonderful role model and a Woman for all Seasons.
A Memorial Service will be held this Friday October 27 at 11 a.m. at the Catskill Regional Medical Center 2nd floor Board Room. After the service the family will receive visitors later that afternoon and evening at their home at 51 Yaun Avenue, Liberty, NY
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that any memorial donations may be made to the Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), Clemence Frank Memorial Fund.
Barney McKiernan
Ret. Plumber, 79
Barney McKiernan of New Windsor passed away at home surrounded by his family Friday, October 20, 2006. He was 79.
The son of Bernard McKeirnan and Catherine Leonard McKiernan, Barney was born June 7, 1926 in Corlismore, Ballinagh, County Cavan, Ireland. He was married to Noreen A. King McKiernan
Barney was a retired plumber with the New York Transit Authority, New York City. He was a member of Ancient Order of Hibernians Orange County Div. 2 Cornwall, St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Cornwall-On-Hudson, Transportation Workers Union New York City.
Survivors include his wife, Noreen A. King McKiernan at home; son, Bernard McKiernan and his wife, Kelly of Liberty; daughters, Marie Fredericks and husband, Will of Newburgh, Patricia Rivers and her husband, Sean of Westfield, N.J.; two brothers, Frank McKiernan and his wife, Kathleen of New Rochelle, Terry McKiernan and his wife, Rose of County Cavan, Ireland; sisters, Noreen Barnickle of New Rochelle, Peggy McDonnell of England, Philamena Rogers of County Wexford, Ireland; grandchildren, Stephen and Madison McKiernan, William and Andrew Fredericks, Margaret and Brendan Rivers.
He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph McKiernan; and his sister, Mary McKiernan.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, October 23, at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Cornwall-On-Hudson.
Burial followed the Mass in St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh NY 12550.
Arrangements under the direction of Kevin Quigley of Quigley Bros. Funeral Home Inc.
Alice Coddington
Homemaker, 86
Alice Coddington, a homemaker and longtime area resident, died on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at Conway Medical Center, Conway, S.C. She was 86.
The daughter of Mike and Katie Sunday Repko, she was born on June 3, 1920 in Passaic, N.J.
Alice was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Liberty.
Survivors include her son, William Fendsack and his wife, Cynthia of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a niece, Alice Belovitz of Waymont, Pa.; three grandchildren, Kelli Curly, William Fendsack II and Brian Fendsack; and four great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Coddington; four brothers, Fred, Michael, Edward and John Repko and a sister, Helen Kushinski.
Her funeral mass was held on Monday, October 23 at St. Peter’s Church in Liberty. Monsignor Edward Straub officiated.
Burial was made in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Liberty.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church, 264 N. Main St., Liberty, NY 12754 or to the Alzheimer’s Assn., 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4060.
Funeral arrangements by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc., Liberty.
Cheryl F. Persten
Homemaker, 55
Cheryl F. Persten, a homemaker and a 40-year area resident died at her residence on Saturday, October 21, 2006. She was 55.
The daughter of the late Thomas and Esther Goldfarb Cigna, she was born on August 7, 1951 in Brooklyn.
Cheryl was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Monticello.
Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Geoffrey Persten at home; two sons, Scott Persten and his fiance, Morena Quinteros of Liberty and Brian Persten and his companion, Melissa VanDuser of Fallsburg; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends may call at Ramsay’s Funeral Home, 3534 State Rt. 55, Kauneonga Lake on Tuesday, October 24 from 11 to 1 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Rt. 17B in Bethel.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Oncology Unit at Catskill Regional Medical Center, P.O. Box 800, Harris, NY 12742.
Albert J. Muir
Korean War Vet
Albert J. Muir of Yulan, formerly of Sunnyside, died October 21, 2006.
He was a Korean War veteran and member of American Legion for over 50 years.
He was the beloved husband of Catherine (nee Scott); loving father of Richard O'Keefe and his wife, Roseann, and Colleen Kovacs and her husband, Andrew, and the proud grandpa of Ryan and Nicholas O'Keefe and Katelyn and Megan Kovacs. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Devoted son of the late Albert and Harriet Muir, he was also the loving brother of the late Harriet, Dorothy, Anna Mae, John and Robert.
Reposing at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, 43-07 Queens Blvd., Sunnyside on Tuesday, October 24, from 2-5 and 7-9:30 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Raphael R.C. Church on Wednesday, October 25 at 9:45 a.m., with burial to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.
The family requests donations to the American Legion Ambulance Corps, Eldred, NY 12735 would be deeply appreciated.
Joan L. Schick, 73
Retired RN
Joan L. Schick of Spring Brook, a retired registered nurse and a twelve year area resident died Thursday, October 19, 2006 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris after a long battle with cancer. She was 73.
The daughter of the late William and Vera Holmes Donhauser, she was born August 16, 1933 in Buffalo.
Joan was a member of the United Church of Roscoe, a member of the church’s auxiliary, and a member of the Town of Colchester Republican Club. She had been employed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph J. Schick at home; two sons, Joseph Schick and his wife, Sharlene of Fairlawn, N.J. and William Schick and his wife, Katrina of New York City; one sister, Doris Skinner of Bradenton, Fla.; three grandchildren, Joseph, Meaghan and Casey Schick.
Funeral services were Sunday, October 22 in the United Church of Roscoe, Roscoe. The Rev. Daniel Hulseapple officiated.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the United Church of Roscoe, Church Street, Roscoe, NY 12776.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Roscoe.
Ida Moshier Hasbrouck
Retired Teacher, 80
Born in Ellenville, in 1916, Ida Moshier Hasbrouck graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta., and attained an MA from N.Y.U.
She was married to Elberon Hasbrouck. She taught at Hartwick College. In Liberty, she joined the high school faculty as a teacher and director of guidance, then worked as the junior-senior high school principal, and later as assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum. In Binghamton, Ida served as the "Right to Read" director in Susquehanna Valley Central School in Conklin.
Ida was a strong advocate of education, and worked consistently on scholarship opportunities for people working toward education and health field degrees. She also helped establish the first mental health clinic in Sullivan County. Ida strove in her very active lifetime of work, church activity, and volunteer activity to help others reach their life and career goals and become contributing members of society.
She continued in volunteer activities toward this end in her retirement. At her home in Shell Point in Fort Myers, Fla., she was very active in volunteer work, mentoring, and with the Larson Pavilion Auxiliary. Ida touched many lives at Shell Point and will be long remembered.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one nephew; and two nieces, and their children.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Shell Point in Fort Myers, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Evelyn Davis Health Education Fund, The Larson Pavilion Auxiliary, 15071 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Orson Davis, Sr.
Ret. RR Lineman, 84
Orson J. Davis Sr., of Barryville and lifelong resident of the area, passed away quietly with his family by his side on Wednesday, October 18, 2006. He was 84.
The son of the late John H. and Julia Rutledge Davis, he was born in Milanville, Pa. on January 31, 1922.
Orson enlisted in the 94th Infantry 301st Division and fought under Major Battel. He served 3 1/2 years during WWII. After the war, he went to work for the Boy Scouts of America in Beaver Brook. Orson became a lineman for the railroad and retired after 41 years. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, loving the outdoors. His lifetime hobbies included cars and building things.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Leona C. Davis, his son, Orson Davis Jr. and his wife, Jeannette of Highland Lake; his daughter, Ruth Rollins of Barryville; his loving granddaughters, Yvonne, Heather, Caitlin, Alainna and Hannah; several nieces and nephews. They will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his nine brothers, Charles Russell, Frank, Wilson, John, Ezra, Harold, Vernon and Alfred and his four sisters, Florence, Alma, Nora and Marion.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 21 at Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home in Barryville. The Rev. Phyllis Haynes officiated.
Burial took place in Lackawaxen Cemetery in Lackawaxen, Pa.
Donations can be made to Eldred American Legion Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 63, Eldred, NY 12732 or Tusten-Highland Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eldred, NY 12732.
Violet Fulton
Homemaker, 75
Violet Fulton, a lifetime resident of Lake Huntington, passed away, Thursday, October 19, 2006 at Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris. She was 75.
The daughter of Emmet and Frances Case Dailey, Violet was born May 23, 1931 in Cochecton Center. She was married to the late Joseph Fulton who died in 1994.
Violet was a homemaker and a member of Cochecton Women's Club, Cochecton Ambulance Corps., and Lake Huntington Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include her children, Emmet Fulton of Bethel, Gary Fulton of Grahamsville, Bruce Fulton of Lake Huntington and Christina Fulton of Livingston Manor; two sisters, Jeanette Carito of Prompton, Pa. and Lilly Weiss of White Lake; one brother, Rich Dailey of Cochecton Center; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Sunday, October 22 at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Jeffersonville. Virginia Bossley officiated.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cochecton Ambulance Corps., Lake Huntington.
Memorial for
Alice McKoon Flipsen
Alice McKoon Flipsen, a longtime resident of Sullivan County died October 5, 2006. A small gathering for the interment of cremains will be held at the Halsey Cemetery in Long Eddy on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 10 a.m.
Arrangements by Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Callicoon.
Kenneth Bertholf, Sr.
Ret. Corrections Officer, 76
Kenneth G. Bertholf, Sr. of DeLand, Fla. and formerly of Liberty passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2006 with his loving family around him after a long battle with heart disease. He was 76.
Ken, born on November 22, 1929, was the son of the late Benjamin Bertholf and Loretta Cypert Bertholf of Divine Corners.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Caroline “Corky” Bertholf; daughters, Christine Budd of Edgewater, Fla., Elaine Booth and husband, Warren of Plattekill; Heidi Rowell and husband, Conrad of Griffin, Ga. and son Kenneth Bertholf, Jr. of DeLand, Fla; also surviving are brothers, Leo Bertholf and his wife, Alice of DeLand, Fla. and Albert Bertholf and his wife, Ruth of Divine Corners; grandchildren, Heidi Budd, Benjamin Budd, Jesse Bertholf and Amber Bertholf; great grandchildren, Garrett Barbosa, Emily Barbosa and Devin Budd.
He was predeceased by brothers, William, Raymond, Dedrick, Marvin and sisters, Loretta Muthig and Bertha Allison.
Ken and Corky lived in Liberty until 1971 when he moved to DeLand, Fla. He was employed many years in Liberty by the A&P Tea Company and was a fifty year volunteer fireman of Liberty Hose & Truck Company No. 2. Ken was instrumental in developing the Sullivan County Volunteer Firemen’s Underwater Recovery Unit in the mid 1960s.
After moving to Florida he became a corrections officer with Volusia County Department of Corrections, retiring in 1991. He was also a volunteer fireman for the DeLeon Springs Fire Department for over twenty five years during which time he served as Chief for several years.
During his retirement years, Ken and his wife, Corky, travelled extensively all over the entire United States, Alaska and Canada. When at home during the winter months, Ken spent time woodworking, teaching Scuba diving, and spending time with family.
It was always said that Ken never met a stranger. He will be missed not only by his family but by the many friends he has made over the years.
There will be no visitation and memorial services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to The Hospice of Volusia/ Flagler, 1250 South S.R. 15A, DeLand, Florida.
Marcella McKeon
Homemaker, 89
Marcella Binneweg McKeon, a resident of Jeffersonville since 1988, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at home. She was 89.
The daughter of Marcellus and Dorothey Leibe Binneweg, Marcella was born August 14, 1917 in Mineola. She was married to the late Edward McKeon, who passed away on February 29, 1980.
Marcella was a homemaker. She served in the Navy Waves during World War II. She was a member of V.F.W. Post #5808, Callicoon; Jeffersonville Lutheran Church; Jeff Senior Citizens, and the Ladies Auxiliary of West Islip Fire Department.
Survivors include her children, Kathleen O'Mara and her husband, Roy of Jeffersonville, James McKeon and his wife, Cynthia of West Islip and Patricia Spinicchia and her husband, Charlie of Cobleskill; her sister-in-law, Virginia Wright and her husband, Oliver of Mineola; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Linnea and Elyse O'Mara, Jeni-Leigh, James and Carolyn McKeon, Steven, Brian and Kelly Spinicchia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Monday at Christ Lutheran Church, Islip Terrace at 11 a.m. Burial was in Calverton National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550.
Donald Lake, Sr.
Contractor, 71
Donald Arthur Lake, Sr. of Cochecton, a self employed contractor and lifetime resident of the area died Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at CRMC in Harris. He was 71.
He was born on October 24, 1934 to the late William Howard and Virginia Brandt Lake in Callicoon.
He was a member of the Cochecton Men’s Club, Cochecton Fire Department, Red Fox Hunting Club, Alan Milk Post #7276 Veterans of Foreign Wars in Long Eddy and was a US Navy Veteran.
Survivors include two sons, Donald Lake, Jr. and Daniel Lake.
Burial of cremains will be Saturday, November 4 at 10 a.m. at the Hortonville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Maria Kovacs
Seamstress, 84
Maria Kovacs of Liberty, a seamstress and longtime area resident, died on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at her home. She was 84.
The daughter of the late Martin and Julianna Welker Roth, she was born on December 5, 1921 in Budapest, Hungary.
Maria was a Communicant of St. Peter’s R.C. Church in Liberty.
Survivors include her daughter, Julie DeFio and her husband, James, of Philadephia, Pa.; two grandchildren, Todd and Elizabeth DeFio, and four great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 25, 2006 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harris Funeral Home West Street at Buckley, in Liberty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 12 noon at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 264 No. Main Street, Liberty. Monsignor William Collons will officiate.
Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Cold Spring Road, Liberty.
Arrangements by the Harris Funeral Home, West St., Liberty.
