John T. Schmitt of Mattituck died suddenly on Monday, June 8, 2020.
He was 56 years old.

John was born on March 18, 1964, in Huntington, N.Y., to Suzanne (née Muller) and Philip S. Schmitt. After graduating from high school, John joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1984 to 1988.

Though beginning his career as a diesel mechanic and an HVAC technician in San Diego, Calif., John moved to Mattituck, N.Y., 25 years ago to be closer to his family.

Predeceased by his wife, Cynthia Caprise-Schmitt, John is survived by his parents, Suzanne and Philip Schmitt; his brother, Christopher Schmitt; nephew and niece Phillip and Faryn Schmitt; aunt Barbara Muller and uncle Donald Muller; and his partner, Leslie Anne Wright.

Though often fooling some with his “bad boy” demeanor, John will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his warm heart and generosity of spirit.

The family has chosen to remember John’s life privately at this time. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. Until then, memorial donations in John’s name to the following foundation would be much appreciated: LiveOnNY Foundation, 460 West 34th St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attn: Heidi Evans, or liveonny.org/donate/donation.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

This is a paid notice.

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Rebecca C. Havens of Hampton Bays, formerly of Riverhead, died June 11, 2020, at East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Westhampton Beach. She was 66.

Born Dec. 2, 1953, in Riverhead, she was the daughter of John and Helen (Brown) Barnes.

Ms. Havens graduated from Riverhead High School and worked as a teacher’s aide with the Westhampton school district. 

She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Ozdogru and Angela Havens, both of Shirley; siblings Sue Vega, Tim Barnes, Jack Barnes, Vicki Brown and Kim Barnes; and one grandson.

The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. Cremation was private.

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Irene Marshall of Mastic Beach, formerly of Riverhead, died June 17, 2020, at Westhampton Care Center. She was 94.

Born June 22, 1925, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., she was the daughter of Bill Duff and Murda Rich. 

Ms. Marshall worked as  housekeeper at the Salem County (N.J.) courts. She was a member of Open Arms Church in New Jersey. Family said she enjoyed fishing, cooking, singing and reading the Bible and she “always wanted to help everyone.”

Predeceased by her husband, James, and a daughter, Cynthia, she is survived by her children Minnie Walker of Virginia, Doris Sanders-Dacus of Riverhead, Helen Louise Boggs of Mastic Beach, Cressie Blakes of Riverhead, Deborah Collins of Florida and David Marshall and Felicia Pehlivan, both of Washington; siblings Gertrude Jones of Westhampton, Jean Broun of Virginia and Bill Duff of Florida; 28 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, followed by a funeral service at noon. Interment will take place at Riverhead Cemetery.

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Jacqueline Penney, known to all as Jackie, passed away peacefully the morning of June 18, 2020, in her distinctive Cutchogue studio — a renovated 1840s red barn on North Street. Jackie is survived by her two beloved children, Debbie Penney and her husband, Steve Zaluski of Mattituck, and Bill Penney and his wife, Robin; and Jackie’s (Mimi’s) two grandchildren, Megan and Ryan Penney of Southold and New Hampshire.

Jackie is also survived by hundreds of her art students. She had a passion for teaching and was particularly gifted in inspiring others to develop their own creative capacity to “see.” 

Her incredible career has spanned her 90 years, beginning with an experience in kindergarten when she put her crayons on the radiator and was enthralled by watching the colors melt. Later she won a scholarship to the Phoenix School of Design in New York City and also attended the Black Mountain College in North Carolina and The Institute of Design in Chicago. 

Her list of awards is lengthy; she has written five books, including “Me Painting Me: A Memoir,” published in 2012. She is listed in the “Who’s Who of American Women Artists & Teachers” and her award-winning self-portrait, entitled “Me Painting Me,” is in the permanent collection of the National Association of Women Artists, housed at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University.

In 1999, Jackie won a National Competition sponsored by Watercolor Magazine and was invited with other awarded artists to a week at the Forbes Trinchera Ranch in Costilla County, Colo. Her work is on display in nine permanent collections as well as in the homes of thousands who have purchased her work over these many years. 

Her life was more than her amazing body of artwork and awards and publications. She had a light and mischievous spirit, which was contagious, and anyone who met her knew they would never quite “see” the same, nor be the same after their encounter. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jacqueline Penney Art Scholarship Fund at Mattituck High School, 15125 Main Road, Mattituck, NY 11952.

There will be a final showing and sale of all of Jackie’s artwork at Jacqueline Penney Art Studio, 270 North Street, Cutchogue, N.Y., on July 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. Those interested can contact dpenney@optonline.net for a private invitation to this event.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

This is a paid notice.

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Janet A. Boyle of Riverhead, N.Y., passed away on June 18, 2020, at the age of 85.

She was born on Oct. 7, 1934, in Flushing, Queens, to Luke and Matilda (Sheehan) Janke.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carr Boyle Jr. She is survived by four children, James (Pat), Daniel, Deborah Peterson (James) and Robert (Kristin); nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy Doelger and Lorraine Piel.

A private graveside service will be held in the near future.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home.

This is a paid notice.

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Riverhead resident Harvey Allen Feit died June 20, 2020, at age 77.

Born Jan. 15, 1943, he was the son of Benny and Rose (Garonzik) Feit.

Mr. Feit was a professor at Suffolk County Community College and a U.S. Navy veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Becker; children, Matthew, Jonathan and Leor; stepchildren, Miranda and Allyson; and six grandchildren.

Services were private. Arrangements were in the care of Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.

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Natalie Ann Keller-Schoen of Riverhead died June 20, 2020, at her daughter’s residence in Riverhead. She was 75.

She was born in Southampton Aug. 24, 1944, to Joseph A. and Natalie L. (Punda) Keller.

She graduated from Riverhead High School in 1962 and attended phlebotomy school.

Ms. Keller-Schoen worked as parish secretary for St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport for five years.

She was a member of the Riverhead Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Family members said she enjoyed walking on the beach and helping out at the St. Isidore R.C. Church food pantry.

Predeceased by her parents, Ms. Keller-Schoen is survived by her daughter, Laura J. Donohue; her sister, Marlene D’Apice of Florida; and grandchildren Kyle P., Kathryn R. and Sean J. Donohue.

Visiting hours will take place Thursday, June 25, from 3 to 7 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A service will take place Friday, June 26, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead, Father Robert Kuznik officiating. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Riverhead.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice.

This is a paid notice.

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Audrey R. Bartlette of Riverhead died June 22, 2020, at Peconic Bay Medical Center. She was 77.

She was born in Virginia March 18, 1943, to Moses and Queen (Hobson) Taylor.

Ms. Bartlette worked as an assembler at Hazeltine.

Family said she enjoyed sewing, bingo, playing the daily numbers and bowling in a local league.

Predeceased by her husband, Russell, Ms. Bartlette is survived by her daughter, Sharon Bartlette of Middle Island; her sister, Shirley Winslow of Riverhead; and six grandchildren.

Visitors will be received Friday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to noon at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Interment will be at Riverhead Cemetery.

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Arlene R. Bridges of Southold died at home Monday, June 15, 2020. She was 85.

Arlene was born on May 2, 1935, in Bronx, N.Y., to Rose (Nevola) and Joseph Vorisek. On April 21, 1956, she married the love of her life, Robert J. Bridges, in New York City and together they had two children. They lived in Garden City, N.Y., for over 40 years before retiring and moving to Southold to be closer to their grandchildren.

Predeceased by her husband, Robert “Bob,” Arlene is survived by her children, Stacy Clausen (Jeff) of Southold and Mark Bridges (Peggy) of West Babylon; and grandchildren Robby Clausen, Kyle Clausen, Dylan Clausen and Andrew Clausen.

A private family visitation took place at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated June 22 at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold, with Father John Barrett officiating. Private interment took place at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Arlene’s name can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

This is a paid notice.

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Barbara J. Marczewski of Riverhead, formerly of Greenport, died June 24, 2020. She was 68. 

She was the beloved wife of Macy W. Marczewski; cherished mother of Clint (Stephanie) Marczewski and Dawn (Tom)Cockerill; and adored grandmother to Dahlia, Trevor and Brett. A sister, Sandra (Thomas) Rinehart, and brother, Michael Pekunka, also survive.

Barbara was born Oct. 15, 1951, to Mitchell Pekunka and Anna Mysliborski. She graduated from Greenport High School and received her degree at SUNY/Cobleskill. She was an active member with the Greenport Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, serving as treasurer for many years. 

Barbara enjoyed playing darts on the Triangle Yacht Club team and was an avid Yankees fan. She also enjoyed everything Disney, along with her gardening. 

The family has chosen a private cremation; a memorial service will be planned for a future date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to American Cancer Society.

This is a paid notice.

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James Miller Sr., affectionately known by many as Jim, “The Old Boy” and as “Pops” to his beloved family, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, N.Y.

Jim is survived by his cherished wife, Barbara, and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this coming August. He is also survived by their six children, James Miller Jr. and his wife, Deborah, Dr. Barbara Gaines and her husband, Dr. John Gaines, Glen Miller and his wife, Susan, Mark Miller and his wife, Biriçim, Tracey Orlando and her husband, Vincent, and Jenniffer Wheeler and her husband, Charles; his loving 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and was awaiting the birth of his second great-grandchild. Jim is also survived by his brothers Richard and Dave Miller and sister Loretta LaManna and their respective spouses; his surviving brother-in-law, John Mayer; and surviving sister-in-law, Rosemary Miller; as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Jim had an impact on countless lives and left a legacy that stretches far beyond what any of us truly know. His ability to mentor and inspire anyone through invaluable life lessons has led to thousands of connections and memories. James was known for his fierce dedication to family, sharp wit, optimistic intellect, and his raw grit and determination. Jim’s life philosophy was, “Nothing bad ever happens — we just need to find the opportunities in everything.” Every day he showed that through hard work, fairness, and adjusting your perspective, anyone can rise above a difficult circumstance and succeed.

Jim felt it was the duty of older generations to lift up younger ones. He would often use the image of a father holding a child on his shoulders to illustrate this idea. He believed that what we learn over time isn’t meant for us to hold onto for ourselves, but rather share to help others overcome and build their own success in life.

His incredible 85 years began on March 30, 1935. Jim was born to parents Harry and Cecilia Miller at home in Merrick, N.Y. Growing up with next to nothing, Jim’s tenacity and character were forged in humble beginnings, motivating him to persevere against all odds. After running various businesses ranging from spackling and home construction to commercial fishing, he ultimately used his ingenuity and ambition to build a world-renowned environmental company, Miller Environmental Group, and was a co-founder of the globally operating firm National Response Corporation (NRC).

Right up to his recent hospitalization, Jim worked every day and remained relevant and vital. Despite having left school after 11th grade, Jim’s real-life experience and inventive mind led to the founding of multiple companies, organizations and associations. Although he had a severe case of dyslexia, his natural intellect and creative problem solving allowed him to develop and patent several inventions. He always felt “seeing things backwards was a gift” that enabled him to attack problems from an entirely different approach than others. While he has received many awards over the years, his most treasured accomplishment was his children and grandchildren.

Beyond all of his life’s success, Jim was still a humble and simple man. He was most in his element on the water with a fishing pole in hand. He took joy in reeling in a “big one” and sharing a good fishing story. He would teach his life lessons with a line in the water waiting for a fish to bite. Jim will be terribly missed by his family and dear friends, but there’s no doubt he’s looking down on us shaking his head with that side smile saying, “This isn’t something bad, I’ve lived well. But, YOU have more to do. Now go and find that opportunity.”

The Old Boy’s life story was memorialized in the biography “Nothing Bad Ever Happens,” penned by Ben Cosgrove.

The family will be holding a private visitation. Graveside prayers and burial will be held Thursday, July 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Main Bayview Road in Southold. Family and friends are invited to attend the cemetery. Please be advised, masks must be worn and social distancing is required.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of James Miller may be made to Seatuck Environmental Association, where funds will be used to support the construction and maintenance of migratory fish passages on the Peconic River. For more information please see the Coster-Heppner Funeral Home website, www.northforkfuneralhome.com.

This is a paid notice.

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On June 28, 2020, Richard R. Prieto passed away at Peconic Landing in Greenport, N.Y. He was 88 years old.

The only child of Ada and José Prieto, he was born March 23, 1932, in Manhattan, N.Y. As a boy, Richard summered in Southold, where he helped his father build a cottage in Laughing Water, thus cementing a lifelong love for the North Fork.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954. After his service, he commenced his career in the printing industry and went on to open his own business, Nation Printing.

A former member of the North Fork Country Club, he enjoyed his retirement playing golf, and was also an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dolores; their two sons, Richard Jr. (Julia), of Southold, and Andrew, of Westbury, N.Y.; five grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is assisting the family.

This is a paid notice.

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Dorothy Winters Mathisen went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 28, 2020.

She was born in Midland Park, N.J., and lived in Eastport, Long Island, for 29 years before moving to Florida in 1994.

She attended the Katherine Gibbs School in New York City and graduated from Southampton College, where she obtained her master’s degree. Dorothy was a legal secretary at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for 20 years and taught in the Riverhead School District for 16 years. She was a professional soprano soloist and sang in concerts and many churches in New Jersey and New York.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Stanley Mathisen, who passed away in 1998, and a brother, Raymond Winters. She is survived by her two nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the Glades Presbyterian Church, 21121 Judge Winikoff Road, Boca Raton, FL 33428.

Interment will be held at the Wyckoff (N.J.) Reformed Church Cemetery Monday, July 6, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff.

This is a paid notice.

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Jean M. Konkel, longtime Mattituck resident, died Wednesday, June 24, 2020. She was 93 years old.

Jean was born on June 13, 1927, in Freeport, N.Y., to Jennie (White) and Stephen Carroll Carpenter. On June 3, 1946, she married the love of her life, William O. Konkel, and together they had two children.

Jean was a member of Mattituck Presbyterian Church. She was a stay-at-home mom and, above all else, loved caring for her family.

Predeceased by her husband, William Sr., in 1993, Jean is survived by her sons, William Jr. of Dix Hills, N.Y., and Thomas, of Navarre, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A private family funeral service was held at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, followed by interment at New Bethany Cemetery in Mattituck.

This is a paid notice.

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Elaine E. Cuddy passed away on June 29, 2020, at her home in Mattituck after an extended illness.

She was the daughter of Madeline (Berry) O’Brien and George O’Brien and grew up in Merrick, N.Y. She, her husband and three sons moved to Mattituck in 1969.

Born in Floral Park, N.Y., on Feb. 3, 1938, Elaine was an educator, avid reader, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She held two master’s degrees and was a high school biology and chemistry teacher, initially at Ithaca, N.Y., and then at Southold High School. Elaine became head of the Southold science department, although she was the only woman in that department. Her students recognized her as an extraordinary teacher and dedicated the yearbook to her.

Most of her adult life, Elaine suffered from severe arthritis, yet, in addition to teaching, raised her three sons. She was an educator and assured her sons were college graduates, but was most proud that her four granddaughters will all receive college degrees.

After retiring, Elaine resumed her passion for flowers and gardens, which were evident at her residence. When circumstances permitted, she enjoyed traveling and social gatherings with close friends.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charles; her three sons, Paul (Denise), Keith (Rose) and Michael; four granddaughters, Shannon, Megan, Kelly and Erin; and her sister, Gail Brick. Two brothers predeceased her.
Elaine and her family would be grateful to have trees planted in her honor and memory.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 3, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

This is a paid notice.

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Gustav “Gus” Hegner died June 30, 2020, at his Jamesport home. He was 85.

Mr. Hegner was born Jan. 31, 1935, in Germany. He worked as a deli clerk with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. He was a member of the Jamesport Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife, the former Geraldine Mulhand.

Visitors will be received between 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Tuthill Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, with a prayer service at 4. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Jamesport Cemetery. Those who wish to attend closing prayers may meet at the funeral home at 9:30.

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Terry Lee Edwards was born in Riverhead on Oct. 27, 1959. He was a 1978 Riverhead High School graduate. He died on June 25, 2020, at his home in Cebu, Philippines.

Terry was predeceased by his father, Robert K. Edwards Jr. He is survived by his sons, Joshua and Timothy, and daughter, Rebecca, all of Riverhead. He is also survived by his mother, Marcy Aschenbach Edwards of Inverness, Fla., and Baiting Hollow; his brother, Robert K. Edwards (Nancy) of Center Moriches; his sister, Marcy Pace (Gerald) of Citrus Springs, Fla.; and his nieces and nephews.

This is a paid notice.

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Jadwiga Bogdziun of Riverhead died July 6, 2020, at Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Riverhead. She was 84.

She was born Feb. 17, 1936, in Poland, to Jozef and Jozefa (Mitukiewicz) Bogdziun.

Ms. Bogdziun worked as a seamstress for Southampton Laundry. She was a member of the choir at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead.

Predeceased by her sister, she is survived by her family in Poland.
Interment will take place Thursday, July 9, at 9 a.m. at St. Isidore R.C. Cemetery in Riverhead.

McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead is assisting the family.

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Dora M. Moore of Riverhead died July 5, 2020, at Peconic Bay Medical Center. She was 51.

She was born Jan. 15, 1969, in Riverhead, to Jerry and Dora (Trent) Moore.

She graduated from Riverhead High School and worked as a health care aide.

Predeceased by her father in 1985, she is survived by her mother, who resides in Riverhead; her husband, David Wilson of East Hampton; her children, Lawrence, of Riverhead, and Myia and Destinee Baker of Riverhead; her siblings, Willie and Latish Moore; and one grandchild.

The family will receive visitors Monday, July 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a service will follow at 11 a.m. Cremation was private.

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Former Riverhead resident Justin Brett Ligon died in Virginia at the age of 32.

Visitors will be received Saturday, July 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A service will immediately follow.

Interment will take place at Riverhead Cemetery.

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