Tasha Williams
Artist, 41
Tasha Elizabeth Williams, age 41, of Delaware, Oh., formerly of Equinunk, Pa., died Sunday, January 11, 2009.
She was born on August 26, 1967 in Columbus, Ohio, the eldest of Robert and Karynn (Lovett) Williams of Chesterville. Raised on a small farm near Chesterville, she graduated as valedictorian of Highland High School Class of 1985.
On scholarship, she graduated with Honors in English Literature, with Minors in Philosophy and Dance from Long Island University. During her college years, in the Theatre Dept. she met her life companion and husband of 20 years Richard Grunn.
Tasha taught ballet, creative movement, and music at Third Street Music School, Turtle Bay Music School and The Neighborhood School in New York City. Thereafter, she and her husband and his brother, Peter Grunn, owned and operated “The Sault Falls Inn” in Braman, Pa. for over ten years.
She continued her teaching and commitment to children, when she founded, owned, and operated The Braman Arts Conservatory in Callicoon, N.Y. The conservatory offered classes in theatre, dance, art, writing, and language as well as a performing arts series that featured local, national, and international performers. She received numerous awards and recognition from the states of New York and Pennsylvania, for her inspiring work with children and adults through the arts, and her many cultural contributions to the Upper Delaware River Community. In 2004 she was named as one of the “outstanding women” making a difference in the Upper Delaware Region.
She will be remembered for her many different talents, each family member and friend recognizing and appreciating each one’s uniqueness. Her luminescence will live on in all who knew her. Quite the hostess and a true Pollyanna, she was dedicated to every endeavor with an unmatched intellectual prowess. A fairy goddess that will forever dance on the moon.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is also survived by children: Dylan Thomas, Corinna Elizabeth, Sullivan Cooney, and Sheridan Porter Grunn, siblings: S. Tyler (Jennifer) Williams of Georgetown, KY, S. Teal (Shari) Williams of Williamsport, Tia M. Williams of Charlotte, NC, W. Tennyson Williams of Chesterville; paternal grandmother Marie Williams of Groveport; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Memorial contributions to The Braman Trust, (the children’s scholarship fund), 190 W. William St., Delaware, Ohio 43015.
A celebration of her life will be held in Callicoon this spring when the trees bud and the lilacs bloom.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
John W. Culligan, 65
John W. Culligan of Hamden, NY, passed away at home on January 11, 2009.
He was born October 18, 1943 to the late Norman and Laura (Lynn) Culligan.
Mr. Culligan was born and raised in Monticello, graduating from Monticello High School in 1962 and moving to Highland Falls, NY before eventually retiring to “his mountain” in Hamden.
John was a member of the Monticello Police Department for 12 years, as well as their firearms instructor. After reaching the rank of Sergeant, he moved on to work at Tuxedo Park and eventually retired from The State of New York Safety Department at Letchworth Village.
He was an accomplished artist and cartoonist, always doodling in his younger years and spreading laughter with his personal take on everything from politics, to history, the guy down the street. His two passions were cooking and his mountain in Delaware County where he hosted many picnics and parties that gave him the opportunity to cook for the masses. To pass the time since his retirement, he became an avid history researcher and collector, with a special interest in the Old West and local history. With his skills on the computer, he has made friends from around the globe.
John is survived by his wife of 27 years, Joann (Jusino) Culligan; his two brothers Norman Culligan and his wife Evelyn, and James Culligan and his wife Ann; his 5 children, David Culligan and his partner Tracy Cullen, Laura Class and her husband Thomas, Joseph Jusino, John A. Culligan, and Noel Rainbolt and her husband Richard; 13 grandchildren, Nichole Meyer, Kendra Libbee, Catherine Class, Jennifer Poteralski, Ryan Culligan, Ryan Poteralski, Jessica Culligan, Jennifer Jusino, Tory Jusino, Justin Jusino, Joel Jusino, Dominick Jusino and Heidi Rainbolt; as well as 2 great-granddaughters, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and his loyal Golden Retriever, Mackey.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 15 at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway, Monticello, NY, with Rev. John Thomason officiating. A memorial service and the scattering of his cremains will take place on “his mountain” in the spring.
Memorial contributions made to the family would be appreciated, and can be directed to P.O. Box 17, Hamden, NY 13782.
Arrangements were under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com
Suzanna Melicharek
Ret. Office Manager, 92
Suzanna Melicharek of Jeffersonville, NY, a retired office manager and an area resident since 1990, died Friday, January 9, 2009 at the Sullivan County Adult Care Center in Liberty, NY. She was 92.
The daughter of the late Martin and Elizabeth Ryba Melicharek, she was born December 11, 1916 in Manhattan.
She was a member of the Holy Trinity Slovak Church in New York City.
She is survived by one sister, Olga Cutler of Jeffersonville, NY; a sister-in-law, Verna Melicharek; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by a brother, Martin Melicharek, and by a brother-in-law, William Cutler Sr.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church, 334 East 20th St., New York, NY 10003 or to the Warthburg Foundation, Warthburg Place, Mt. Vernon, NY 10052.
Arrangements were made by Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., Callicoon, NY.
