Anthony W. Connolly
Retired Construction & Maintenance Worker, 77

Anthony W. Connolly of Hancock and Candor, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord early in the morning on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at his home. He was 77.
Tony was an amazing artist who leaves behind a legacy of photographs, wood carvings, paintings and writings. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always put his family first. His family was proud of his steadfast determination in the face of declining health.
Tony had an unending fascination with learning and the outdoors. He was an avid reader, loved history, vintage automobiles, collecting cameras, and was a great collector of many unique items. He was a creative problem solver and great story teller. Tony was a U.S. Army Veteran and a former construction worker and maintenance worker who retired from Celotex and continued his career at Hancock Central Schools.
Tony is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Helen Roth Connolly of Hancock, now Candor; daughters, Cheryll (Robert) Berg of Candor and Susan (Peter) Mobijohn of Kerhonkson; and son, Joseph Connolly of Texas; eight grandchildren, Peter, Sara, and Clara Berg, Jolan, Danielle, Melanie, and Nakia Mobijohn, and Nathaniel Connolly; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He leaves behind his faithful canine companions, Jack and Jill.
Tony was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Connolly; and brother, Thomas K. Connolly Jr.
A memorial service will be held at a future date in Hancock at the family’s convenience.
Arrangements are by the E.M. Fahey Funeral Home in Hancock, www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com

Helene ‘Chaja’ Mason
July 6, 1935 - May 8, 2011

Helene “Chaja” Mason, formerly of Monticello, NY, and Paris, France, died peacefully on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway, NY. She was 75.
Helene, whose birth name is Chaja, was the daughter of Rachel Gartner and her adoptive father, Joseph Madalinsky. She was born in Paris, France on July 6, 1935.
When her mother died she was placed in an orphanage in order to save and protect her from the Nazis. While there she was put to work making hats. After the war was over, her Aunt and Uncle sent for her to come to the United States. She arrived in New York through Ellis Island on a ship called “The Vulcania” on January, 24, 1951.
In spite of all her hardships she was able to smile and laugh readily, loved to paint, and had a passion for singing her favorite French song, “La Vie en Rose.”
Survivors include her son, Albert Mason of Montague, NJ, and her loving daughter, Darlene Mason Edelman and her husband, Mark, of Cohoes, NY.
A private burial was held on Monday, May 16, at Mt. Richmond Cemetery in Staten Island.
Donations for Helene may be made to the Hebrew Free Burial Assn., 224 W. 35th St., Room 300, NY, NY 10001; www.hebrewfreeburial.org, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Philip Miller
July 19, 1915 – May 17, 2011

Philip (Phil) Miller died on May 17, 2011 at his home in Sunrise, Florida, with his devoted wife, Shirley, at his side.
Phil was born on July 19, 1915 in New York City, the son of Yetta and Isaac Miller. When he was a young child the family moved to Loch Sheldrake where his brothers, Sam and Sol and sister, Betty were born.
As a young boy Phil worked in the family hotel. He served in the United States Army stateside during World War II training officers to put pontoon bridges together for river crossings.
Phil married Alice Laufman in 1949 and had two children, Stephen and Ivan. After Alice’s death in 1982, he married Shirley Stausmire in 1985. He had one grandson, Ben Miller, of whom he was extremely proud.
Phil was a self-made businessman who owned a succession of successful businesses throughout his life. His first business was Miller Ice and Coal and he retired from III Guys Concrete, a business his son Stephen owned. He also owned Phil Miller Construction, Luzon Ready Mix Concrete Corporation, Town Sanitation and Miller Paving. He was also a partner of M&N Explosives and M&N Construction.
Phil loved Sullivan County and had many lifelong friends there whom he greatly enjoyed being with. He was a member of the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department and a Fire Commissioner for 50 years. He was also a member of Congregation Anschei Hurleyville. In his later years Phil and Shirley moved to Sunrise, Florida, where they appreciated many happy years until a few months before his death.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, who took loving care of him at home during his illness; his son, Stephen, and daughter-in-law, Susan; his son, Ivan, daughter-in-law, Kay, and grandson, Ben; his brothers, Sol Miller and Sam Miller; his nephew, Michael Goldstein; and stepson, Robert Stausmire and his wife, Julie, and their children, Zachary Brock and Kari Lynn. He was predeceased by his first wife, Alice and his sister, Betty Miller.
Funeral services were held Thursday, May 19 at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello.
Burial followed at the Hurleyville Synagogue Cemetery.
The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of Susan and Stephen Miller in Woodridge.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Vitas Hospice who helped Shirley with Phil’s care during his illness.
Donations in Phil’s memory may be made to Vitas Charitable Fund, 5420 Northwest 33rd Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309or to the Sullivan ARC Foundation, Guardianship Fund, 162 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information please visitwww.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com