Wallace Jay Voegel Sr. of Riverhead passed away May 20, 2020. He was 73 years old.

He was born Dec. 24, 1946, to Wallace and Lydia (Gould) Voegel and grew up in Levittown and Floral Park. He worked construction and, in his later years, worked as houseman for the Mattituck Fire District. He was a member of the Mattituck Fire District and a past member of the Port Jefferson Fire Department.

Jay, as he was known by everyone, lived for his family and loved to watch his grandchildren play sports. He was, by far, their biggest fan.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon; his two sons, Wallace Jay Voegel Jr. (Brett) of Mattituck and Christian William Voegel (Anneen) of Cutchogue; and his daughter, Margaret Voegel Dufour (Andrew) of Baiting Hollow. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Rachel and Benjamin Voegel, William, Andrew and Julianna Voegel and Noah, Henry and Emmett Dufour.

The family plans a celebration of his life at a later date. Donations may be made in remembrance of him to FASNY Firemen’s Home.

This is a paid notice.

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William J. Keller Jr. of Riverhead died April 23, 2020. He was 72.

He was born April 18, 1948, in Greenport, to William and Elizabeth (Case) Keller.

He graduated from Riverhead High School in 1966 and worked as an information operator with Verizon.

Mr. Keller was predeceased by his brother Robert and sister Kathy Moodie.
He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Keller of Florida and siblings Ruth Muschamp of Riverhead, Christine Hilliker of Mattituck and James Keller of Vancouver, Canada.

Cremation was private. McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead assisted the family.

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Calverton farmer Howard E. “Howie” Lewin died May 20, 2020, at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 67.

Born July 23, 1952, in Riverhead, he was the son of Ernest and Priscilla (Reeve) Lewin. He was a 1971 graduate of Riverhead High School and a 1973 graduate of SUNY/Cobleskill.

Howie was owner/operator of Lewin Farms. His family said he “not only loved his family but also devoted himself to his farm.”

He is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Darrow; his children, Erick (Amy) and Brian (Katherine) Lewin; his grandchildren, Hailey, Jackson, Elizabeth and Jonathan; and his sister, Pamela Sivano.

Interment took place at Baiting Hollow Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.

This is a paid notice.

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Lois Lengenfelder of Riverhead died May 25, 2020, at her home. She was 89.

Born Sept. 4, 1930, in Queens, she was the daughter of George and Lillian Martyn. She worked as a real estate agent in Greenport.

She is survived by her husband, Gustav; her children, Craig and Geoffrey (Janet) Lengenfelder; and one grandchild, Kurt.

Interment will take place at East Marion Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.

This is a paid notice.

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Riverhead resident Ruth B. Williamson died May 21, 2020, at Peconic Bay Medical Center. She was 93.

Born Feb. 12, 1927, in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of Frank and Charlotte (Rutenberg) Schindler.

Predeceased by her husband, James, in 2010, she is survived by her children, Carolyn Semon, Robert Williamson and Laura Lee Williamson; and one grandchild.

Inurnment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.

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Marianne Aksamit of Riverhead died May 14, 2020, at Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was 87.

She was in Huntington Dec. 13, 1932, to Harold and Ann (Fin) Noonan.

Ms. Aksamit was a homemaker.

Predeceased by her husband, John C. Aksamit, in 2005, she is survived by her son, Jon.

Inurnment took place at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements were in the care of Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.

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Noel de la Motte of Jamesport died May 11, 2020, at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. She was 77.

She was born Dec. 19, 1942, in Jamaica, Queens, to Charles and Anna (Koldrick) de la Motte.

Ms. de la Motte earned a master’s degree and worked as a music teacher in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

She is survived by her brother, Charles, and her good friend Carol Grzywinski.

No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. Online condolences may be left at manganofh.com.

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Esther Zumbo passed on to her heavenly home on May 30, 2020, at the age of 94 at home in Jamesport, N.Y.

She was born June 11, 1925, in New York City to parents Frank and Mary Dolores Fortunato.

Esther was a resident of Jamesport for 28 years. Prior to that she lived on Staten Island and in Brooklyn, N.Y.

She had worked at Young and Rubicam Advertising Agency in the finance department in her younger years and returned to the same department 20 years later after her first husband, Joseph Aveni, passed away suddenly, so she could continue raising her four children.

Esther married her first husband, Joseph Aveni, on October 19, 1947, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She married Domenico “Dominic” Zumbo on July 18, 1983, several years after her first husband died. She met Domenico “Dominic” at a ballroom dancing group, and the two of them began to enjoy each other’s company.

She is survived by Domenico, her husband of 36 years; her daughters, Joan Aveni and her partner, Roland Chapdelaine, Mary Beth Ruscigno (Anthony) and Anne Marie Pierce (Michael); and her son, Joseph Aveni (Joni); as well as her grandchildren, Jacqueline Spencer (Charles), Dan Ruscigno (Jessica), Elizabeth Aveni, Joseph Aveni, Sean Pierce (Britney) and Ken Pierce; and great-grandchildren Victoria Spencer, Emilia Ruscigno, Harley Pierce and Lance Pierce; Dominic’s son, Paul Zumbo (Bernadette); their children and grandchildren; and Dominic’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Anna Grasso and Madeline Joy.

Esther was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed crocheting and ballroom dancing. She was deeply rooted in her Roman Catholic faith, serving as an extraordinary eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart Parish-Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mattituck, N.Y., and never missed daily Mass and Miraculous Medal Novenas even while working in New York City.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 5, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, with Msgr. Joseph W. Staudt officiating. Burial is private for immediate family only at St. Charles Cemetery-Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Amityville, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Padre Pio Foundation at padrepio.com would be appreciated.

Arrangements were entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

This is a paid notice.

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Beatrice Phyllis Carter Butler, Queen mother matriarch, longtime Philadelphia educator and noted church organist and choir director, has ascended. She was 98 at the time of her passing, remembered by all who knew her as an ebullient burst of positive energy.

Mrs. Butler was born Jan. 15, 1922, in Philadelphia, the oldest child of Floyd and Pearl Carter. Floyd Carter worked in the shipyards in Philly and Pearl worked as a housekeeper. Beatrice and her siblings all showed promise as musicians from an early age, Beatrice in particular relishing her piano lessons from a teacher she recalled as “Mr. Ferguson.” At age 13, she was enrolled at the prestigious Granoff School of Music, whose alumni include Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane. At age 15, Beatrice’s career as a faith-based musician began as she became the pianist and assistant organist at White Rock Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

According to her family, she had the hands of a blues player, fingertips padded like piano hammers, and one could discern how she pounded out the troubles of her day as she pulled the chord progressions together to play standards such as “Precious Lord.”

Beatrice graduated from West Philadelphia High School. She met her future husband, Benjamin Butler Sr., at White Rock and married at the age of 18.
The newlywed Butlers started their family at the League Island Homes in South Philadelphia, and Beatrice gave birth to three children: Joan, Dorothy and Benjamin Jr.

In 1948 the Butlers left Philadelphia and relocated to Long Island, N.Y., settling down in Cutchogue, a rural farming community on the East End of the island. Beatrice quickly found her bearings in the work force, obtaining employment at a duck farm and later working at a Grumman factory. She also found a new church home, joining Unity Baptist Church in Mattituck, N.Y., pastored by Reverend Willis Hobson and Bassey McCain. Beatrice served as the organist and pianist at Unity for 20 years.

As her children began their adult lives, she returned to Philadelphia to care for her parents. Beatrice became the music director and organist for Holy Cross Baptist Church, led by Reverend Joseph H. Beatty, where she served for over 40 years. Upon returning home, Beatrice embarked on a career as a paraprofessional in the Philadelphia public school system, working with special education students for 25 years. Even in her retirement, former students stayed in regular contact with her, a testament to her efficacy as an educator.

Beatrice’s stature as a musician continued to grow, and according to her younger sister Pearl Williams, who herself found notoriety as a jazz vocalist, Beatrice’s name was synonymous with well-known musicians in Philadelphia. She became a sought-after accompanist for soloists throughout the city, and after retiring from her duties at Holy Cross, played for several other area churches, most notably Vine Memorial Baptist Church and Transfiguration Baptist.

Her acumen as a musician also took her on the road; she was a 30-year member and attendee of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference; she was also a lifetime member of the National Association of Negro Musicians. Beatrice’s work and her steadfast character garnered her a host of longtime friends in New York, Philadelphia and beyond.

Beatrice’s husband, Benjamin Sr., passed in 1999, and she retired from playing and relocated to Long Island, taking up residence with her son, Benjamin Butler Jr., and daughter-in-law, Sonja Butler.

In her final days she was cared for at the Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Riverhead, N.Y. Beatrice peacefully transitioned on May 6, 2020.

Her passing was preceded by the transition of two of her sisters, Hazel Hancock and Mildred Halliburton, and one brother, Robert Carter. Her eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and scores of nieces and nephews will all miss what her nephew Michael Hancock articulated about her: “She spoiled us rotten, her smile would light up a room, her joy would warm your soul and her love was felt by everyone who knew her!”

This is a paid notice.

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DeWitt Warner was an impressive man in many ways: his devotion to his wife and church, his involvement in a potato chip factory, his passion for music, his love for the rich soil that he toiled on for much of his life as a potato farmer. His life story paints a portrait of steadiness and reliability.

That story sadly concluded May 4 when Mr. Warner’s 96 years on this earth came to an end. His stepson, Edward Cheslak of Baiting Hollow, said he died of complications from COVID-19.

Mr. Warner, a lifelong Baiting Hollow resident, was buried May 23 next to his wife at a family plot at the same Baiting Hollow Cemetery he had been involved in maintaining for several decades.

Over the course of his life, Mr. Warner saw so many changes. At the time of his birth, Sound Avenue was a one-lane dirt road people traveled on by horse and buggy. He lived to see the space age. In his lifetime, 16 American presidents served in the White House. He saw changes to his beloved community.

Rev. Stanley Knavel of Baiting Hollow Congregational Church said Mr. Warner once alluded to those changes by telling him, “You know, Stan, we’re growing houses now where we used to grow potatoes here.”

That was the crop Mr. Warner was so well associated with. He was a potato farmer until 1952 when he and other family members formed the Warner Potato Chip Co., which was renamed Treat Potato Chip Co. in 1962 and existed until 1972, according to Mr. Cheslak.

People still have fond memories of those tasty potato chips, packaged in blue and orange bags marked “Treat Potato Chips by Warner.” The factory on Sound Avenue that produced those chips and other snacks was a popular school-trip destination for youngsters, a treat in itself.

An advertisement in the Islip Bulletin, dated Aug. 30, 1962, and titled, “Pop Warner Chips In,” detailed some history of that potato chip business. (Mr. Warner’s daughter, Holly Ramey, identified “Pop Warner” as Austin Warner Sr., DeWitt’s father, by his photo atop the ad).

“We got to like potato chips so much I figured out I could save money by building a potato chip plant,” read the advertisement.

“That’s what we did. Built it right in the middle of our potato fields in Riverhead 10 years ago.”

The advertorial continued: “The thriving towns of Nassau and Suffolk Counties have sprung up, deeply rooted among Long Island’s potato fields. Spuds became our middle name and a lot of folks hereabouts won’t look an Idaho potato in the eye … This past spring we enlarged our family circle by inviting the Treat Potato Chip folks to join us. Right when we were celebrating the marriage of the Warner and Treat names, our Riverhead plant burned to the ground. (You never saw so many roast potatoes in your life!)

“Takes more than that to keep a potato man down! We’ve rebuilt the plant … It’s now the most modern in the whole potato chip world.”

Following the sale of the business, DeWitt Warner farmed briefly before retiring for six years, according to a family history. He un-retired in 1979 to work in his brother Austin’s nursery business before retiring for good in 1990.

The man behind the potato chips was part of the bedrock of Baiting Hollow Congregational Church, the same church he was carried into in his mother’s arms 96 years ago. Mr. Warner was a church trustee for eight years, president of the Baiting Hollow Cemetery Association for several decades and ran the annual church barbecue for 21 years.

A handyman, Mr. Warner had a gift for repairing items, mechanical, electrical or otherwise. “If he put his mind to it, he could do just about anything,” said his brother, Austin Warner Jr. of Baiting Hollow, owner of Warner Nursery in Calverton.

DeWitt Warner also shared his passion for music with the church, twice installing the church organ, the second time after a carpet was put in.

What’s really remarkable, though, is he could also play the organ. What was so remarkable about that?

“He didn’t read music,” Rev. Knavel said. “He just played by ear. Phenomenal.”

DeWitt Warner had an ear for music, if not an eye for it.

Mr. Cheslak said DeWitt Warner not only had an organ installed at his home, but he even hollowed out part of the attic so he could run speakers up to it and use it as a reverberation chamber.

DeWitt Warner had musical talent, according to Rev. Knavel, who said, “He could play at the Riverhead Theater, trust me.”

DeWitt Warner was remembered for the loving devotion and care he showed to his wife, Esther, after she was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Cheslak, Esther’s son, said DeWitt Warner “put in a massive amount of time and effort while already in his 90s himself to provide a really genuine, loving, constant care … He was wonderful with her.”

Rev. Knavel witnessed some of those tender moments himself, whether it was DeWitt Warner hugging and consoling Esther or giving her ice chips out of a cup to wet her mouth.

Esther died Sept. 14, 2018.

Less than two years later, they are once again side by side.

Said Rev. Knavel, “His music has stopped, but the melody still lingers.”

The post DeWitt Warner, 96, was potato farmer and more appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

DeWitt Warner was an impressive man in many ways: his devotion to his wife and church, his involvement in a potato chip factory, his passion for music, his love for the rich soil that he toiled on for much of his life as a potato farmer. His life story paints a portrait of steadiness and reliability.

That story sadly concluded May 4 when Mr. Warner’s 96 years on this earth came to an end. His stepson, Edward Cheslak of Baiting Hollow, said he died of complications from COVID-19.

Mr. Warner, a lifelong Baiting Hollow resident, was buried May 23 next to his wife at a family plot at the same Baiting Hollow Cemetery he had been involved in maintaining for several decades.

Over the course of his life, Mr. Warner saw so many changes. At the time of his birth, Sound Avenue was a one-lane dirt road people traveled on by horse and buggy. He lived to see the space age. In his lifetime, 16 American presidents served in the White House. He saw changes to his beloved community.

Rev. Stanley Knavel of Baiting Hollow Congregational Church said Mr. Warner once alluded to those changes by telling him, “You know, Stan, we’re growing houses now where we used to grow potatoes here.”

That was the crop Mr. Warner was so well associated with. He was a potato farmer until 1952 when he and other family members formed the Warner Potato Chip Co., which was renamed Treat Potato Chip Co. in 1962 and existed until 1972, according to Mr. Cheslak.

People still have fond memories of those tasty potato chips, packaged in blue and orange bags marked “Treat Potato Chips by Warner.” The factory on Sound Avenue that produced those chips and other snacks was a popular school-trip destination for youngsters, a treat in itself.

An advertisement in the Islip Bulletin, dated Aug. 30, 1962, and titled, “Pop Warner Chips In,” detailed some history of that potato chip business. (Mr. Warner’s daughter, Holly Ramey, identified “Pop Warner” as Austin Warner Sr., DeWitt’s father, by his photo atop the ad).

“We got to like potato chips so much I figured out I could save money by building a potato chip plant,” read the advertisement.

“That’s what we did. Built it right in the middle of our potato fields in Riverhead 10 years ago.”

The advertorial continued: “The thriving towns of Nassau and Suffolk Counties have sprung up, deeply rooted among Long Island’s potato fields. Spuds became our middle name and a lot of folks hereabouts won’t look an Idaho potato in the eye … This past spring we enlarged our family circle by inviting the Treat Potato Chip folks to join us. Right when we were celebrating the marriage of the Warner and Treat names, our Riverhead plant burned to the ground. (You never saw so many roast potatoes in your life!)

“Takes more than that to keep a potato man down! We’ve rebuilt the plant … It’s now the most modern in the whole potato chip world.”

Following the sale of the business, DeWitt Warner farmed briefly before retiring for six years, according to a family history. He un-retired in 1979 to work in his brother Austin’s nursery business before retiring for good in 1990.

The man behind the potato chips was part of the bedrock of Baiting Hollow Congregational Church, the same church he was carried into in his mother’s arms 96 years ago. Mr. Warner was a church trustee for eight years, president of the Baiting Hollow Cemetery Association for several decades and ran the annual church barbecue for 21 years.

A handyman, Mr. Warner had a gift for repairing items, mechanical, electrical or otherwise. “If he put his mind to it, he could do just about anything,” said his brother, Austin Warner Jr. of Baiting Hollow, owner of Warner Nursery in Calverton.

DeWitt Warner also shared his passion for music with the church, twice installing the church organ, the second time after a carpet was put in.

What’s really remarkable, though, is he could also play the organ. What was so remarkable about that?

“He didn’t read music,” Rev. Knavel said. “He just played by ear. Phenomenal.”

DeWitt Warner had an ear for music, if not an eye for it.

Mr. Cheslak said DeWitt Warner not only had an organ installed at his home, but he even hollowed out part of the attic so he could run speakers up to it and use it as a reverberation chamber.

DeWitt Warner had musical talent, according to Rev. Knavel, who said, “He could play at the Riverhead Theater, trust me.”

DeWitt Warner was remembered for the loving devotion and care he showed to his wife, Esther, after she was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Cheslak, Esther’s son, said DeWitt Warner “put in a massive amount of time and effort while already in his 90s himself to provide a really genuine, loving, constant care … He was wonderful with her.”

Rev. Knavel witnessed some of those tender moments himself, whether it was DeWitt Warner hugging and consoling Esther or giving her ice chips out of a cup to wet her mouth.

Esther died Sept. 14, 2018.

Less than two years later, they are once again side by side.

Said Rev. Knavel, “His music has stopped, but the melody still lingers.”

The post DeWitt Warner appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Geraldine Mary Christman of Jamesport died May 28, 2020. She was 55.

Geraldine was born Aug. 21, 1964, in Tanga, Tanzania, to Aileen (O’Gorman) and Dr. Kevin McCormack. She attended school at Loreto Convent in Wexford, Ireland, and at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Ireland.

On Dec. 3, 1988, Geraldine married the love of her life, Michael J. Christman, in Montauk, N.Y., and together they had three children.

Geraldine lived in many places throughout her life, including Tanzania, Africa; Wexford, Ireland; Montauk; Sag Harbor, N.Y.; Shelter Island, N.Y.; Southold, N.Y.; New Suffolk, N.Y.; and most recently in Jamesport for the past four years.

She was a self-employed dog breeder, running her company, Christman’s White Goldens. She was a member of St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold. Above everything else, Geraldine loved her family and was a full-time “Supermom.”

Predeceased by her brother James, Geraldine is survived by her husband, Michael J. Christman; children, Michaela Christman, Michael Christman and Nicole Christman; and siblings John McCormack of Washington, D.C., Patricia Pushaw of Malibu, Calif., and Michelle McCormack and Michael McCormack, both of Wexford, Ireland.

A private family visitation will take place at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where religious services will be held, with Father John Barrett officiating.

This is a paid notice.

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Frank D. Macksel of Riverhead died May 31, 2020. He was 72.

A drive-by visitation will take place Friday, June 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead.

Internment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Riverhead.

A complete obituary will follow.

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Dr. James R. Giambalvo, 94, lifelong resident of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and Jamesport, N.Y., died on June 4, 2020, at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

He was born on March 5, 1926, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Pellegrino Giambalvo and Ida (Romano) Giambalvo. Jim graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y., and Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa.

Affectionately known as “Dr. G,” he served his country as a medical technician in the United States Army during World War II, and again in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict as an OB-GYN physician stationed at Mitchell Field Air Force Base in Uniondale, N.Y. Dr. G began his medical training at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was a dedicated OB-GYN physician at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre for over 35 years. During his career, Dr. G. dedicated his time as an OB-GYN clinician with the Nassau and Suffolk County departments of health and was a former president of the Nassau County and Suffolk County medical societies.

In addition to his parents, Dr. G was predeceased by his sister, Rose Ferrara. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Elizabeth (Gurtatowski) Giambalvo; four sons, James and wife Mary of Oceanside, N.Y., Gerard and wife Peg of Fairfield, Conn., Peter, of Jamesport, N.Y., and John and wife Judy of Laurel, N.Y.; and his two daughters, Joan, of Southold, N.Y., and Rosanne, of Cliffside Park, N.J. He was the adored grandfather of nine and great-grandfather to five.

Dr. G was an avid fisherman, clam digger, bridge player and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Family visitation will be held at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, followed by funeral services, officiated by Father Peter Narkiewicz. Interment will be at Calverton National Cemetery.

Gifts in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, 14300 Main Road, Mattituck, NY 11952.

This is a paid notice.

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Carolyn “Cally” Alar Schmersal Rhodes peacefully passed away in May 2020 with her children at her side. She was born in Riverhead, N.Y., in 1921 to Christopher and Gretchen Gaffga Schmersal.

Cally attended school in Riverhead and Cortland Normal School, where she majored in physical education.

In February 1948, Cally and Staff Sgt. Theodore E. Rhodes married at Grace Episcopal Church in Riverhead. They started life together as a military couple and were stationed first in the Philippines and then Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before returning to Long Island to raise their family. Ted predeceased her in 1975.

Cally loved teaching and spent her career on Long Island teaching both first grade level and high school physical education. In 2003, she was inducted into the Blue Waves Hall of Fame for her exceptional athleticism.

After retirement in 1976, Cally moved to West Pawlet, Vt., where she was an avid golfer and gardener. She was known for refinishing beautiful antique trunks. She split her time between Vermont and Charlotte, N.C., moving to Charlotte full-time about 20 years ago.

Cally is survived by her three children, Marjorie Wilson, Constance Grady and Theodore N. Rhodes; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by baby daughter Carol, who was born in April 1953 and passed away in December 1953.

She is remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother with a feisty and independent spirit.

This is a paid notice.

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With great sadness, we announce the passing of Ella Lemmen Lawless, age 87, at Brookdale, Ormond Beach, Fla. A longtime Florida resident, Ella went peacefully in her sleep Sunday night, May 31, 2020.

Born in East Moriches, N.Y., Aug. 5, 1932, Ella attended and graduated from East Moriches schools and continued her education to become a licensed cosmetologist in New York, N.Y. She married Matthew Lawless Oct. 28, 1951, and they moved to Riverhead, N.Y., and raised eight children.

In 1980, Ella and Matt moved to Florida, first to Brooksville, then Deland, finally settling in New Smyrna Beach. Sadly, Matt passed away July 31, 2001, only months before their 50th wedding anniversary.

As a woman ahead of her time, Ella began her career as a hairstylist in Jamesport, N.Y., and continued to find new successes for her creativity in interior decorating and fashion design. Later in life, her artistic talents blossomed as she fell in love with watercolor painting, becoming a multi-award-winning artist and beloved teacher, active in the New Smyrna Beach arts community. She continued to experiment with her art through acrylics and mixed media.

Ella will be remembered to her family and friends as loving life, laughs and ice cold moscato wine. She was always up for the next adventure — close to home (Zephyrhills) or far away (Italy), it didn’t matter as long as there would be fun, good food and good times. But most of all, she loved her family and spent as much time with them as she could.

Ella is survived by her eight children: Deborah Lawless, Susan Lawless (Richard) Glassman, Matthew (Juliana) Lawless, Diane Lawless (Joseph) Cabalquinto, Kathleen Lawless, Michael (Karen) Lawless, Richard (Nancy) Lawless, Kerri (Scott) Lawless; 15 grandchildren: Samantha, Lauran, Kathryn, Zoe (Susan), Matthew, Kristina (Matthew), Isabel, Seth (Diane), Michael (Kathleen), Jennifer, Sarah, Michael (Michael), Annabeth, Marycate, Jamilyn, Rac (Richard) and Camille (Kerri); and three great-grandchildren: Abe, Anika and Irene.

She is also survived by her siblings Josef (Janet) Lemmen, Elizabeth Hamlin and Erick (Janet) Lemmen.

Due to current health concerns, the service will be planned and confirmed for a future date.

This is a paid notice.

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James M. Slater of Riverhead passed away at the Kanas Center For Hospice Care June 5, 2020. He was 67.

He was born Feb. 23, 1953, to Constance Bobinski Pettit and Murray Slater. He graduated from Riverhead High School in 1972 and went on to New York Institute of Technology. He spent most of his career as a land surveyor.

Jimmy awed his family and friends with his artistic ability, earning awards from the Maryland Decoy Competition for his incredibly detailed duck carvings. He was an avid Yankees fan. He loved gardening, the outdoors and skiing with family.

Predeceased by his mother, father and stepfather, Robert Pettit, Jimmy is survived by his aunt, Diane Stark; and cousins, Barbara Woodhull (George), Diane M. Stark, John Stark Jr. (Jessica), Tracy Stark-James (Christopher) and Michelle Stark-Hulse (William).

A private burial service will be held Thursday, June 11. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home.

This is a paid notice.

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Richard Allen Kowalski Sr. of Riverhead died June 3, 2020, at his home. He was 73.

He was born March 7, 1947, in Greenport, to Chester and Wanda (Hanko) Kowalski.

Mr. Kowalski worked for Suffolk County Vector Control.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Sassok); and his children, Richard Jr., William and Tina.

Services have not been scheduled at this time. Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead assisted the family.

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Bernard Langhorne Sr. died June 13, 2020, at Hamptons Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was 80.

He was born April 23, 1940, in Cumberland, Va., to Andrew and Bertha (Goff) Langhorne.

He worked as a laborer for Local 66.

Family members said he enjoyed dancing, race cars and working.

Mr. Langhorne was predeceased by his son Ricky. He is survived by his wife, Eloise (née Langhorn), of Riverhead; his children Bernard Jr. of Mastic, Tara Lee of Riverhead, Chris Langhorne of Powhatan, Va., Charles Langhorne of West Virginia; his siblings, Sherman Langhorne, Anna Lee Harris and Tom Langhorne; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. Interment will follow at Riverhead Cemetery.

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José “Pepe” Acosta of Aquebogue died June 14, 2020. He was 66.

Mr. Acosta was a longtime salesman at P.C. Richard in Riverhead.

The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, where funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m., with Caren Heacock officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to North Fork Animal Welfare League.

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