Sullivan County Democrat
O n l i n e  E d i t i o n
www.sc-democrat.com National Award-winning, Family-run Newspaper info@sc-democrat.com
  OBITUARY ARCHIVES Established 1891 Callicoon, New York  
home  |  archives
December 22, 2006

Walter R. Fuller Jr.
Ret. Rural Route Carrier, 69

Walter R. Fuller Jr. of Sparrowbush, a retired Port Jervis rural route carrier and lifelong resident of the area, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. He was 69.
The son of the late Walter R. Sr. and Louise E. Conklin Fuller, he was born February 20, 1937 in Port Jervis.
He was a member of the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church; Postal Workers Union; CSEA, and the Retreads Motorcycle Club. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his wife, Jean M. Decker Fuller, at home; five sons, Walter R. Fuller III and his wife Margo of Port Jervis, Keith A. Fuller and his wife Claire of Newport, Vt., Michael A. Fuller and his wife Dawn of Pond Eddy, Mark R. Fuller and his wife Ronda of Port Jervis and Joseph J. Fuller and his fiancée Tammy of Barryville; a daughter, Daphne Ann Fuller of Sparrowbush; two brothers, Edward Fuller and his wife Margie of Port Jervis, and LeRoy Fuller of North Carolina; two sisters, Arlene Stewart and her husband Tom of Port Jervis, and Susann VanNostrand of Matamoras, Pa.; 13 grandchildren, Rachel, Stephanie, Amanda, Matthew, Ryan, Brittany, Mark, Sarah, Brandilee, DeSire, Jasmine Marie, Seth and Nicholas; nine great-grandchildren, Jordon, Nicolas, Logan, Lily, Cameron, Sage, Jayce, Keegan and Taja; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Louis and Gary Fuller.
Friends may call from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, December 22 at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main Street, Port Jervis.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 23, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Mayer officiating.
Burial will be made in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrowbush Fire Dept., Main St., Sparrowbush, NY 12780.

Ruben Ruiz
Retired Food Server, 64

Ruben Ruiz of South Fallsburg, a retired food server at Grossingers and the Concord Resorts and a longtime area resident, died Saturday, December 16, 2006 at his home. He was 64.
He was born December 5, 1942 in Puerto Rico.
Survivors include his wife, Yamila Ruiz, at home; one son, Pedro Ruiz of South Fallsburg; two daughters, Soraya Ruiz Abderrashman of New York City and Isént Yanera Ruiz of Puerto Rico; one brother, Jose Negron of Puerto Rico; two sisters, Magie Negron and Lydia Negron, both of Puerto Rico; one grandson, Isuel Estrada Ruiz; one granddaughter, Verushka Jimenez; and one great-grandson, Hector David Gonzalez Jimenez.
A Memorial Mass was held Thursday at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Broadway, Monticello. The Rev. Robert Ginel will officiate. Burial will be made in Puerto Rico.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home West St. at Buckley, Liberty.

Helen Duffy Jones
Homemaker, 92

Helen Duffy Jones of Milanville, Pa., a homemaker and longtime resident of the area, died Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, Pa. She was 92 years of age.
The daughter of the late John and Nellie Moloney Jones, she was born January 6, 1914 in Brooklyn. She was the widow of Nathaniel Jones who died in 1995.
A family statement said, “A loving mother and grandmother, she was a big part of our lives. She will be greatly missed by all.”
She is survived by three children, Robert of New Jersey, Ronald and his wife Joann of Milanville, Pa., and Maureen Leslie of Clarks Summit, Pa.; five grandchildren, Chad Jones, Linda Farrah, Richard Leslie, Caroline Leslie, and Kelly Pergolese; and five great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a son, Roger Jones, and a brother.
Funeral services were held Thursday at St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church in Narrowsburg with the Rev. William Scully officiating.
Burial was made in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Ste. 102, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4027.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rasmussen Funeral Home, Narrowsburg.

Despina Ashmead
Cashier, 61

Despina Ashmead of Monticello, a longtime cashier for the Monticello Trading Post, died Saturday, December 16, 2006 at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Newburgh. She was 61.
The daughter of Joseph and Katherine Agoratus Blanchard, she was born July 23, 1945 in Bayshore. She was the widow of Charles Ashmead.
Survivors include her daughter, Randi Malachowski and her husband Dariusz of Cockeysville, Md.
She was predeceased by a brother, William Blanchard.
Cremation was made at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay's Funeral Homes Inc., Monticello.

Veronica A. Johnson
Manager, 59

Veronica A. Hasbrouck Johnson of Middletown died peacefully Monday, December 18, 2006 at her residence. She was 59.
The daughter of the late Adrian R. Hasbrouck and Mary M. Piegel Hasbrouck, she was born September 5, 1947 in Middletown.
She was employed as a manager at Saxony Manor Apts., Middletown. She was a caring unselfish person who always put everyone else first.
She is survived by her loving companion, Eugene R. Lemieux of Middletown; a beloved daughter, Christina A. Terranova and her husband, Gino, of Middletown; two cherished granddaughters, Gianna C. and Isabella E. Terranova of Middletown; her devoted mother, Mary Hasbrouck; three sisters, Elizabeth M. Zanetti and her husband, Frederic, Valerie C. Hasbrouck, and Maryann P. Skrobanski and her husband, Richard, all of Middletown; three brothers, Paul R. Hasbrouck of Monticello, and John S. Hasbrouck and Robert E. Hasbrouck of Middletown; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middletown.
Burial was made in St. Joseph Cemetery, Middletown.

Vernon C. Sutherland
Retired Mechanic, 77

Vernon C. Sutherland of White Sulphur Springs, a lifelong area resident, died Monday, December 18, 2006 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 77.
He was born April 8, 1929 in Liberty to the late Edward and Linda Pease Sutherland.
He was a retired mechanic for Local 825 Operating Engineers Union in Newburgh, a member of the White Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church, and a 42-year member of the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department, and the former president and commissioner of the White Sulphur Springs Fire District.
Survivors include his wife, Norma Pelton Sutherland, at home; a son, Gregory Sutherland and his companion Jutta of White Sulphur Springs; three daughters, Debbie Smith of Cape Coral, Fla., Denise Brasington of Tucson, Ariz., and Cherie Meci and her husband, Norman, of Middletown; eight grandchildren, Kim Prior, Karen Scuderi, Raymond C. Smith, Ryan Smith, Sacheen Yates, Kaila Brasington, Kayia Thomas and Joshua Meci; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son, Gary Sutherland and a brother, Chandler Pease.
Cremation was made at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 22, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the White Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church. The Rev. Bridgette LeConey will officiate.
Funeral arrangements by Ramsay's Funeral Homes, Inc., Liberty.

Rosemary Doty
School Monitor, 51

Rosemary Doty of North Branch, a lifelong area resident and a school monitor at Roscoe Central School, died Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at her home. She was 51.
The daughter of Frederick and Eleanor Carney Knack, she was born April 16, 1955 in Callicoon.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Doty, at home; her children, Terri Cron of Long Island, Karin Steffens and her husband Dale of North Branch, Suzanne Doty and Douglas Doty, both of Kenoza Lake; four brothers, Larry Knack of Callicoon, Michael Knack of North Branch, Daniel Knack of Liberty, and Kevin Knack of Pa.; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Jeffersonville.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at the funeral home.

Joseph S. Brutkiewicz
Ret. Sgt. of Hospital Police, 73

Joseph S. Brutkiewicz of Lackawaxen, Pa., a longtime resident of the area, died Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at home. He was 73 years of age.
The son of the late John and Cathrine Kakoska Brutkiewicz, he was born November 23, 1933 in Brooklyn.
He was a retired sergeant of Hospital Police employed by Health & Hospice Corporation in New York City, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Merchant Marine during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Paternal Order of the Police.
In a family statement, it was said, “A loving father and grandfather, he will truly be missed by his family. A special thanks to Hospice for the great care he received.”
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charolette Struss Brutkiewicz; five sons, Walter, Kevin, Steven, John, and Stan; and four grandchildren, Samantha, Joey, Kasey and Max.
Cremation was made at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel, Pa.
Funeral services will be private.
Funeral arrangements are by Rasmussen Funeral Home, Narrowsburg.

John A. Figluizzi
Ret. Warehouse Manager, 55

John A. Figluizzi of Monroe and Orlando, Fla., a warehouse manager having retired from Continental Pet Technology in Kissimmee, Fla., died Friday, December 15, 2006 at Nyack Hospital. He was 55.
The son of Dolores Simpson and the late Salvatore Figluizzi, he was born December 10, 1951 in the Bronx.
John served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971-1974.
Survivors include his mother, Dolores Simpson and her husband, William, of Monroe; his grandmother, Adelaide Pietri of Monroe; his daughters, Sherry Lee Feltman and her husband, Erik, of Orange, Conn., Alyson Leinhouser and her husband, Victor, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Alicia Figluizzi of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Angela Figluizzi of Middletown, and his wife, Tonya Jo Figluizzi of Tennessee; his brother, Salvatore Figluizzi of Woodridge; his sister, Susanne Jette-Leslie of Gardiner; his grandsons, Louis, Bryce, Zachary, Logan, Shayne and Jayce; his dear friends, Robert and Debbie Conroy; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sharyn Elaine Decker Figluizzi; and his sister, Frances Figluizzi.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Monroe.
Burial was made in Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., PO Box 7E, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
Arrangements made by Lippincott Funeral Home.

Florence Christian
Homemaker, 87

Florence Christian of Liberty entered into rest on December 20, 2006 in Middletown Park Manor. She was 87.
The daughter of Charles and Flora Ballam Dowell, she was born April 16, 1919 in Granthnia Linc’s England. She was the widow of Leonard William Christian.
She was a homemaker, a member of the Parksville-Livingston Manor Church, the British War Veterans of America, the New York Branch British Legion (NYC), and the British War Veterans of America-Nassau Branch of the Royal British Legion (NYC). She was a past president of Golden Park Senior Citizens of Liberty, and a member of the Livingston Manor Senior Citizens.
Survivors include her three sons, William Christian of Livingston Manor, Anthony Christian of Queens and Edward Christian of New Windsor; her daughters include Florence Marshall and Ann Saunders of Largo, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her two sisters, Alice Blissett and Emily Dickson, both of England.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Parksville United Methodist Church or to the Salvation Army.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 26 at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale.
Arrangements are under the supervision of Herbert C. Bryant Funeral Home.

George W. Johnston
Co-Business Owner, 82

George William "Sonny" Johnston of Claryville, a lifelong resident of the area, died Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at home. He was 82.
The son of George W. and Dorothy Wallace Johnston, he was born December 15, 1924 in Maybrook.
The co-owner of the Oliverea Ostrich and Emu Ranch in Claryville, he was also the founder of Johnstons Toyota.
Sonny was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II on the submarine Sea Lion. He was a member of the Dennis Akerley V.F.W. Post #8648 in Neversink; Wallkill Masonic Lodge #627, and served on the Planning Board for the Town of Denning.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Ackerley Johnston at home; two stepsons, Robert Houghtaling and Dale Houghtaling, both of Claryville; two stepdaughters, Bonnie Smith of Hyde Park and Brenda Dusia of Galena, Md.; four step grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by one brother, Walter "Mader" Johnston and two sisters, Lorena Sporski and June Hess.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2006 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc., 39 Orchard St., Walden.
Funeral services will be held Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Cremation will be in Cedar Hill Crematory in Newburgh.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice, Inc., 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401.
Arrangements are by the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc.

John A. Figluizzi
Ret. Warehouse Manager, 55

John A. Figluizzi of Monroe and Orlando, Fla., a warehouse manager having retired from Continental Pet Technology in Kissimmee, Fla., died Friday, December 15, 2006 at Nyack Hospital. He was 55.
The son of Dolores Simpson and the late Salvatore Figluizzi, he was born December 10, 1951 in the Bronx. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971-1974.
Survivors include his mother, Dolores Simpson and her husband, William, of Monroe; his grandmother, Adelaide Pietri of Monroe; his daughters, Sherry Lee Feltman and her husband, Erik, of Orange, Conn., Alyson Leinhouser and her husband, Victor, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Alicia Figluizzi of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Angela Figluizzi of Middletown, and his wife, Tonya Jo Figluizzi of Tennessee; his brother, Salvatore Figluizzi of Woodridge; his sister, Susanne Jette-Leslie of Gardiner; his grandsons, Louis, Bryce, Zachary, Logan, Shayne and Jayce; his dear friends, Robert and Debbie Conroy; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sharyn Elaine Decker Figluizzi; and his sister, Frances Figluizzi.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Monroe. Burial was made in Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., PO Box 7E, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
Arrangements by Lippincott Funeral Home.

Florence Christian
Homemaker, 87

Florence Christian of Liberty entered into rest on December 20, 2006 in Middletown Park Manor. She was 87.
The daughter of Charles and Flora Ballam Dowell, she was born April 16, 1919 in Granthnia Linc’s England. She was the widow of Leonard William Christian.
She was a homemaker, a member of the Parksville-Livingston Manor Church, the British War Veterans of America, the New York Branch British Legion (NYC), and the British War Veterans of America-Nassau Branch of the Royal British Legion (NYC). She was a past president of Golden Park Senior Citizens of Liberty, and a member of the Livingston Manor Senior Citizens.
Survivors include her three sons, William Christian of Livingston Manor, Anthony Christian of Queens and Edward Christian of New Windsor; her daughters include Florence Marshall and Ann Saunders of Largo, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her two sisters, Alice Blissett and Emily Dickson, both of England.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Parksville United Methodist Church or to the Salvation Army.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 26 at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale.
Arrangements are under the supervision of Herbert C. Bryant Funeral Home.

Valeda Ficarotta
Homemaker, 80

Valeda Ficarotta of Ferndale, a homemaker, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006 at the Achieve Rehab & Nursing Facility in Liberty. She was 80. The daughter of the late Victor and Lela Carroll LaMar, she was born October 23, 1926 in Illinois.
She is survived by two sons, Thomas Ficarotta and his wife Kathleen of Pine Bush, and Joseph Ficarotta of Yonkers; a daughter, Victoria McKune and her husband John of Ferndale; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Anthony Ficarotta. Cremation was made at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay’s.

top of page  |  home  |  archives