James P. Dowling, PhD, of Rock Hill, a longtime area resident, died Thursday, December 21, 2006 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Horton Campus in Middletown. He was 79.
The son of the late James and Mary Tiernan Dowling, he was born May 25, 1927 in New York City.
A decorated veteran of World War II, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Antietam in the South Pacific. He was attached to Task Force 58 under the command of Admiral Nimitz.
He was a clinical psychologist in private practice in Rock Hill. During his career he held administrative and executive positions at Pius XXII, Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, St. Agatha's Home for Children, Spofford Detention Center and Jewish Childcare Services.
He was a strong childcare advocate recognized for his expertise in this field. He served on the Commission on Child Care under Mayor John Lindsay and the Commission on Child Abuse under Governor Cuomo. Jim also performed volunteer work at the New York Lighthouse for the Blind. He was an accomplished runner and marathon participant earning numerous medals and awards. Jim loved to sing and participated in community theatre and barbershop quartets.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, at home; two daughters, Kerry Dowling of Rock Hill, and Nancy Persons and her husband, the Rev. Larry Persons, of Thailand; three grandsons, Adam Rapp of Rock Hill, Evan Persons of California, and Drew Persons of Thailand; two brothers, Thomas Dowling and Edward Dowling; two sisters, Mary Jancheson and Anne Abbruzzese; a sister-in-law, Andrea Rollman; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Homiak.
He was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Dowling.
Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Ronald McDonald House Charities, One Kroc Drive, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Arrangements under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.

Valeda Ficarotta
Homemaker, 80

Valeda Ficarotta of Ferndale, a homemaker, died Thursday, December 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 Funeral Home.