Rev. Canon Stephen Jesse Dibble
Priest-in-Charge, 85

The Reverend Canon Stephen Jesse Dibble was born in Sanitaria Springs on November 23, 1923. He passed away peacefully at his home in Liberty on October 11, 2008. He was the youngest of five children of Harry Glenn Dibble and Lucy Adella Callender Dibble. In his early years, he attended Colesville/Harpursville Public schools. During World War II, he was stationed in the Pacific in the U.S. Navy holding the rank of Pharmacist Mate. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and a graduate degree from Adelphi University, Garden City. Additionally, he received a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin, and attended classes at Albany State Teacher’s College, New York University and Columbia University in New York City, and Oxford University in England. He was ordained to the Diaconate of the Episcopal Church in the spring of 1953 and to the priesthood later that year.
Throughout his life, Father Dibble faithfully served as rector, pastor and priest-in-charge of numerous parishes from New England to Virginia including St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Astoria, the Episcopal Heritage Center, Washington, D.C., St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Alexandria, Va., and St. Andrew of Scotland Church, Alexandria, Va. He retired as priest-in-charge of Blessed Sacrament Anglican Catholic Church, Liberty in 2005. He previously served as Provincial Secretary, and at the time of his death was President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of the Resurrection, Anglican Catholic Church. During a period of semi-retirement, Father Dibble frequently contributed articles printed in the Anglican Catholic Church’s publication “The Trinitarian.” Among his numerous affiliations, he served as Chaplain to the Sons of the American Revolution, The Society of Colonial Wars, and The Society of Colonial Lords of Manors in America.
In the late twentieth century he was receivd at the White House by President William J. Clinton to welcome Mother Teresa on her visit to America. Through the years he was a world traveler. His last pilgrimage was to England in 2005 to visit the Shrine to Our Lady to Walsingham. At that time he was able to join the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at Cambridge University for high tea.
He is survived by one brother, Harry A. Dibble of Binghamton; four nephews and five nieces, Charles A. Ryerson, Plainfield, Vt.; Darryl Dibble, Port Crane; Alan Dibble, Binghamton; Lawrence A. Dibble, Orlando, Fla.; Elizabeth Mucich; and Dorothy Ellen Griffin, Catskill; Linda Oona, Gansevoort; Mary Ellen Fayerman, Tavares, Fla.; and Jean Krajewski, Fernandina Beach, Fla; also numerous grand-nieces and nephews.
In addition to his spiritual affiliations, Father Dibble was a historian, archivist, genealogist, teacher, and mentor. In later years, he greatly enjoyed reading, traveling and visiting with family members and clergy friends. His life was punctuated by a unique sense of humor. Most notably he will be remembered by family and friends as a man extremely generous with his time and support. He was unfailingly helpful during grave challenges and difficult times. He performed baptisms and marriages for many of his nieces and nephews, and provided spiritual and emotional support when loved ones and friends were laid to rest. To his family, Father Dibble remains a beloved uncle in the fullest sense. He has also been a true blessing in the lives of his many friends.
During the last few months of his life, Father Dibble and his family have relied upon the kind assistance of his friends The Rev. Father Robert and Barbara Konvalin, devoted caregivers Dawn, Abby, James, Kathy, Kelly and Michele, as well as the extremely capable and loving care of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Their kindnesses will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Blessed Sacrament Anglican Catholic Church’s Father Stephen J. Dibble Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 111, Liberty, NY 12754; Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550; or the Sullivan County Adult Care Center, P.O. Box 671, Liberty, NY 12754 would be greatly appreciated.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday, October 20 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley Avenue, Liberty.
The Requiem Mass will be held at noon on Monday, October 20 at St. James Church, 55 Delaware Drive, Delhi.
Interment will follow in St. James’ Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Harris Funeral Home, Liberty.

Emanuel Gellman
Attorney, 85

Emanuel Gellman of Wilmington, N.C., formerly of Monticello, passed away October 15, 2008 after a short illness. He was 85.
He was born May 15, 1923, in Monticello, son of the late Morris and Jennie Gellman.
Emanuel graduated from Monticello High School, where he was captain of the basketball team. He enlisted in the US Army during W.W.II, fought in the European theater, and was wounded and awarded several medals including two Purple Hearts before he received an honorable discharge.
He attended St. Lawrence University and graduated Brooklyn Law School with an LL.B. in 1951. He was a practicing attorney for over 50 years and served as Village Justice of Monticello, Attorney for the Town of Bethel and District Attorney of Sullivan County.
He was active in the Elks, Jewish War Veterans, and the NY State Bar Association as well as past member of Landfield Avenue Synagogue and Temple B'Nai Israel of Wilmington.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Gellman of Wilmington; daughter, Dr. Michelle Appelbaum and son-in-law, Joel Appelbaum of Bullville; grandson, Edward Appelbaum of Miami, Fla.; daughter, Lauren Gellman Tucker, and son-in-law, Sheldon Tucker; and granddaughter, Masha Jessica Tucker of Wilmington, N.C.; and also by his sister, Eva Saffron of NY; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie and Morris Gellman; brothers, Samuel and Issac; and sister, Lillyan Machson.
A funeral service will be held at Coble Ward-Smith, 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC at 11:00 am Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.
Burial will take place at B'Nail Israel Cemetery following the service.
Family and friends are invited to join us at Coble Ward-Smith on Friday or at the Gellman residence, 7702 Monarch Drive, Wilmington following the burial.

Rose Kurke
Retired School Aide, 90

Rose Kurke, a retired school aide from the Bronx, died Sunday, October 12, 2008 at her home in Loch Sheldrake. She was 90.
The daughter of the late Hyman and Lena Edelman, she was born August 29, 1918 in New York City.
She is survived by her husband, Leonard Kurke, at home; a son, Stanley Gross of Suffern; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Irving Edelman of the Bronx; and a sister, Mildred Behm of Cutchogue, Long Island.
She was predeceased by a son, Allan; and a brother, Louis.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 16 at the Hurleyville Synagogue, Hurleyville.
Burial followed at the Hurleyville Synagogue Cemetery in Hurleyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home of Monticello.