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In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2020

There are a couple of old sayings that sum up our feelings when important people in our lives pass away.

The “ranks are thinning,” you will hear, as well as that “the cemeteries are filled with irreplaceable people.”

In the year 2020, amid the global coronavirus pandemic, we’ve heard these sayings often.

The following is a list of obituaries published by the News-Review for Riverhead area residents and public figures who died in 2020.

Click on the name of the deceased to read more about their life:

A

José ‘Pepe’ Acosta

Bonnie G. Adams

Robert Thomas Adipietro

Florence ‘Happy’ Agoglia

Marianne Aksamit

Frances I. Alec

Robert Gary Aleksander Sr.

Richard Edward Allen

Adele M. Ambrose

Jane Ameden

Betty R. Angstadt

Nerieda Antonick

Henry J. Arbeiter

Laura Elizabeth Atkins

Lykara M. Atkins

Charles J. Au

Nannie Virginia Ayers

B

Thomas J. Barrett

Audrey R. Bartlette

Theodore O. Beebe

Kathryn P. (Kellar) Belbey

Lafayette T. Bernard

Julia Ann McLaughlin Blom

Joseph Conrad Bobinski

Jadwiga Bogdziun

Barbara Jean Bogue

Walter R. Bonczyk

Edward Joseph Bonn

Kathy L. Booker

Mary J. Bowen

Henry James Boyd

Janet A. Boyle

Marie M. Bradensten

James O. Branch

Arthur J. Breen

Arlene R. Bridges

Frank Raymond Brown

Sabrina J. Brown

Scott Herrick Brown

Edward J. Bruzdoski

Wesley Bullock

William Buniski

Michael E. Burden

Jennifer M. Burgess

Beatrice Phyllis Carter Butler

James L. Butler

C

Dorothy M. Caggiano

Alerio A. Cardinale

Leroy Carroll Jr.

Fred Moore Carter II

Aniello ‘Neal’ D. Catapano

Peter Joseph Cenotti Sr.

Rufus Chandler Jr.

Susan T. Chiaramonte

Geraldine Mary Christman

Rosalie M. Ciletti

Mary Lou Cleary

Allen Goldsmith Cox

Richard Craven

Elizabeth A. Creighton

Elaine E. Cuddy

Michael Edward Curley

Mary Czelatka

Joseph W. Czulada Jr.

 D

Vincent J. Daley

William J. D’Ambrosia

Evelyn Daniels

Veronica Davis

Noel de la Motte

Dariel Demetriou

Michael DeNicolo

Lois E. DeWall

Walter DeWall

Richard D. Diem

Joseph DiGregorio

Katherine Domaleski

June J. Donahue

Arline M. Doppel

Robert M. Doremus

Phyllis G. Dupree

E

Dr. Constantino Economos

Elizabeth Edwards

Terry Lee Edwards

Wayne Ehlers Jr.

Alec Edward Elak Jr.

Estelle Wells Evans

 F

Harvey Allen Feit

Helen ‘Daisy’ Finne

Mary M. Fioto

Katherine ‘Kay’ Grathwohl Fisher

Mary Anna Fisher

George Edward Freeman

Stephanie Frost-Kujawski

 G

William H. Gaines

Alice H. Galka

Elizabeth (Bette) Gambino

James R. Giambalvo

Ronald Giffin

Anthony ‘Tony’ Giordano

Joan D. Golden

Francis J. Goroleski

Peter J. Grattan Jr.

Anthony (Tony) Grodski

Carolyn J. Guyton

H

Robert J. Hall

Linda B. Hanna

Ned Harroun

 Rebecca C. Havens

Audrey H. Hazzard

Gail Heck

Gustav ‘Gus’ Hegner

Karen Ann Helinski

Ann D. Hemblo

Lenard ‘Sonny’ H. Henderson

Arthur Nelson Hendrickson

John Hernandez

Curtis Eugene Highsmith Sr.

Thomas Lee Hill

Russell L. Hillman

Harry Andrew Hodgins

Robert L. Hollis

Larry E. Holeman

Susan Lynn Horn

Jay A. Hulse Jr.

Lorraine E. Hulse

I

Mary Ignasiak

J

Allen Jackson

Walter J. James

Lorraine Johnson

Richard Allen Johnson

Russell E. Jones

Larry Judd

K

Mary Ann Kaelin

Robert J. ‘Ducky’ Kaelin

Walter R. Kaelin Jr.

Glenn Barry Kantor

Paul A. Kapustka

Sarah E. Kasprzyk-Quick

William J. Keller Jr.

Natalie Ann Keller-Schoen

Cecilia T. Kenny

Michael J. Kielkowski

Mary Klatt

Barbara Kleczkowska

Barbara J. Kobielski

Jean M. Konkel

Eleanor Koroleski

Richard Allen Kowalski Sr.

Arthur V. Krafve

Harry J. Kratoville Jr.

Louise C. Kratoville

Ingrid Kretschmer

Donald Kruel

Constance Rita Kwasna

L

Bernard Langhorne Sr.

Ella Lemmen Lawless

Lois Lengenfelder

Howard E. ‘Howie’ Lewin

James Lewis Jr.

Rosaria Maria Liberatore

Justin Brett Ligon

Lynn Renee Ligon

Rosella Mae Lopez

Linda M. Lorenz

Russell F. Lowell

Katherine R. Lucas

Mary Amend Lundberg

James Joseph Lyons

M

Stella Mackno

Frank David Macksel

John George Madsen

Chester R. Majeski

John J. ‘Jack’ Malone

Irene G. Maltese

Barbara J. Marczewski

Constantinos ‘Gus’ Markotsis

Irene Marshall

Dorothy Winters Mathisen

 James Joseph Mazzaferro Sr.

Kathryn Mazzaferro

William A. ‘Bill’ McCartin

Samuel O. McCoy

Ralph A. McElheny

Linda L. McKay

Gertrude Catherine McLean

Joan Kaelin McNulty

Aubrey Mealy Jr.

Margaret E. Mebus

William A. Meyer

Mary Ann Michalecko

Zachee Michel III

Anna C. Mickaliger

James Miller Sr.

Joseph Thomas ‘Sonny’ Miller

Peter H. Miller

John A. Monahan

Pamela D. Monique

Marilyn J. Montague

Dora M. Moore

Louis R. Moore

Kathy R. Morse

Ethel R. Mosley

Christine K. Muchowski

Victoria Ann Mulcahy

George J. Mullen Jr.

Michael Francis Murphy

N

Eugenia Nappo

Shirley C. Nash

Jeffrey H. Nelson

Kenneth Nelson

Bernard F. Niecko

Mary S. Nixon

Margaret Noone

Elmer E. ‘Zeke’ Normandin III

O

Daria Blanche Okrasinski 

Walter ‘Sonny’ O’Kula

Dorothy A. Oldani

William H. Oliver Jr.

Marne Olsen

Leonard J. Orlando

Regina Anne Orlowski

Maureen C. Ostermann

P

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Pace

Veronica Palamidessi

 Joan Valentine Pantaleo

Philomena ‘Minnie’ Patti

Ann R. Pavlakis

Margaret Rose Pawlik

Robert Joseph Pekar

Jacqueline Penney

Clarence B. Perkins

David Barner Peterson

Marianne Pinney

Cynthia Lynne Piro

Richard R. Prieto

R

Harriett Rogers Rackett

Lana Y. Randall

Deborah J. Reeve

Carolyn ‘Cally’ Alar Schmersal Rhodes

Janet L. Richardson

Efrain ‘Frank’ Rivera

Ava Dee Robinson

Diane S. Robinson

Elaine R. Robinson

Margaret Robinson

Mary F. Roche

Malcolm A. Rogers Jr.

Carl Martin Rohn

Sylvia Rouse

William P. Ruland

Gloria (Rylander) Russell

S

Dawn Sadowski

Patricia R. Satkoski

Ellen M. Saunders

Irene ‘Yippy’ Sawastynowicz

John T. Schmitt

Carl (Chuck) H. Schneider

George D. Schoenberg

Lewis M. Schumejda Jr.

Rita M. Schwenker

Peter S. Seebeck

Joseph Thomas Sheppard

Joseph H. Sieminski

James M. Slater

Allen Smith

Douglas Alan Smith Sr.

Paul R. Smith

Patricia Ann Sosnowski

Dennis A. Soverall

Jane Crabtree Stark

William E. Stark

Lourdes Starke

Edwin M. Stelzer

Andrew C. Stulsky

Bronislaus ‘Bruno’ Swiatocha

Edna Sydlowski

Felix B. Szczepanik

T

Laura Ann Tague

MaryAnn Tague

Walter O. Taylor

Mary Cornelia Theoharides

Marilyn J. Thompson

Frank Tommasini

Rodney W. Trappen

William E. Trent

Anastasia Mary Troyan

John F. Troyan Jr.

Artemios V. Tsismenakis

Louis Tuleja

Doris Turbush

U

Patricia Underwood

Reginald G. Underwood Jr.

V

Carol A. Van Houten

Joseph Frederic Verrecchio

Wallace Jay Voegel Sr.

W

Donald Everett Wagner

David Carney Walker

Harold F. Walters

Norman H. Wamback

DeWitt Y. Warner

Christopher S. Washington

Carl Clemens Weaver

 John A. Wilcenski Sr.

Joyce M. Wilkins

Ruth B. Williamson

Harold William Wilsberg

Brian Michael Wines

Elizabeth Anne Wiwczar

Victoria A. Woolley

George Juno Worthington Jr.

George J. Worthington Sr.

Mary Frances Worthington

Hilary E. Wowak

Y

Robert E. Yeomans

Z

Cecelia E. Zaleski

Frank J. Zaneski

Stanley R. Zaweski Jr.

Lawrence B. Zebroski

Esther Zumbo

Editor’s Note: This list was compiled from obituaries submitted to the Riverhead News-Review by families of the deceased and area funeral homes. Obituaries not submitted to us for publication and news stories were not included.

The post In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2020 appeared first on Riverhead News Review.


Marianna Buczynska

Marianna Buczynska of Riverhead died Dec. 31, 2020. She was 87.

The family will receive visitors Monday, Jan. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will take place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead, with Father Robert Kuznik officiating. Interment will follow at St. Isidore R.C. Cemetery in Riverhead.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Isidore R.C. Church, 622 Pulaski St., Riverhead, NY 11901-3038.

A complete obituary will follow.

The post Marianna Buczynska appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Helen M. Baccash

Helen M. Baccash, a part-time resident of Riverhead since the 1950s, died Dec. 20, 2020. She was 100.

She was born Helen M. Zadernuk in Brooklyn on Dec. 31, 1919. Helen was a pioneer; she was one of the first female graduates of Long Island University School of Podiatry, in 1941. She married Adolph Baccash in 1946 in Brooklyn. 

Helen was a doctor and a mother to many, and had four children. Predeceased by her husband, Adolph, and daughter Jeanne, she is survived by her children Patricia, Edward and Joseph. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This is a paid notice.

The post Helen M. Baccash appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Margaret Ann Noone

On the morning of Dec. 29, 2020, Margaret Ann, matriarch of the Noone family and lifelong Mattituck resident since 1945, passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., on May 20, 1937, Margaret was the youngest child of Thomas P. Hale and Gertrude S. (Franklin) Hale. Margaret grew up in a loving household alongside her sister, Eileen H. (Hale) Peters, and brothers, Thomas F. Hale and George R. Hale. 

Margaret, a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, N.Y., married Thomas E. Noone on May 18, 1968, in Uniondale, N.Y., and together they started a loving 40-year marriage and family consisting of four children, eventually expanding to three in-law children and 10 grandchildren. In 1976, Margaret and her family moved from the Bronx to Norwalk, Conn., where she worked for the Board of Education for 20 years. Between managing her husband’s electrical contracting firm, raising her children and working full-time, Margaret cultivated an ever-expanding group of friends, which included the McGuiness and Kaslove families.

Retiring in 2005, Margaret and husband Thomas moved to their Mattituck home in order to be closer to their extensive social network of family and friends, which includes the Peters, Condon, Toner, Lynaugh, Kayton, Falco and Murphy families. Sharing a common nickname with several of her friends, Margaret was often referred to as “one of the Peggys.” 

Throughout her life Margaret, Peggy or Pebby (to a select few) enjoyed coordinating large annual Christmas parties and gatherings, ensuring family and friends always remained close. Margaret’s love of traveling, dancing, laughing, singing and quilting was only seconded by her devotion to those she cared for most deeply, namely her family and friends. When the weather permitted Margaret, the avid tag sale patron, scoured the North Fork hunting for the best deals. In her later years Margaret reveled in her role as “Grandma” to her grandchildren: Daniel, Ryan, Lauren, Keegan, Haley, Kaitlyn, Thomas, Gabriella, James and Emma.

With her passing Margaret reunites with her husband Thomas, parents, family and friends in heaven, where she’ll undoubtedly continue in her role as festivities coordinator. Margaret’s memory will continue through her daughter, Kristin; “her boys,” Billy, Patrick and Tommy; daughters-in-law Jennifer and Belinda; grandchildren; sister Eileen; family and friends.

The family received friends Jan. 3 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 4 at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven R.C. Cemetery in Hawthorne, N.Y.

This is a paid notice.

The post Margaret Ann Noone appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Elizabeth (Quidas) Woodhull

Elizabeth (Quidas) Woodhull of Aquebogue died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Prescott Valley, Ariz., on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. She was 93. 

She was born in Baiting Hollow Aug. 12, 1927, to Emma (Frase) and Frank Quidas. Predeceased by her husband, Sterling “Buster,” and sister Augusta Gauchat, she is survived by her sister Albertine Guild; her son, Robert (Ann); daughter, Janet Hersh (Monte); granddaughter Beth Blander (Michael); grandson Matthew Hersh (Iwona); and six great-grandchildren: Mason, Roslyn, Scarlett, Annabella, Sarah and Andrew. 

Liz loved being with her family and friends. When she was not attending or volunteering at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, she could be found working in her yard and gardens, doing needlework or baking something to share.

A memorial service will be held in spring 2021.

This is a paid notice.

The post Elizabeth (Quidas) Woodhull appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Muriel Esther Corwin

Muriel Esther Corwin of Flanders passed away at the age of 92 at the Westhampton Care Center on Feb. 27, 2020, after a brief illness. Muriel was born March 26, 1927, as the youngest of four children of Thomas and Margaret (Case) Stein of Shelter Island Heights, N.Y. During World War II Muriel graduated from Shelter Island High School in a class of just 14 students. After graduating, she moved to Riverhead to work in the Office of the County Clerk, where she became an exceptionally fast typist, a skill she maintained for years to come. She was married to the late Frank M. Corwin, Jr. for 64 years and she died on the 71st anniversary of their 1949 wedding.

Muriel was a passionately opinionated person and was blessed with an agile mind right up to her passing. She loved nurturing young children and animals. She and Frank shared a lifelong interest in nature and animals. They rescued and raised wild birds, rabbits, geese, goats, a pig and dogs. For 35 years, Muriel devoted considerable effort to raising and breeding lovebirds. She enjoyed creating birds that developed novel feather coloration, which were sought after by others.

She was a devoted mother to Beverly S. Corwin Reeves (Craig) of Golden, Colo.; Jeffrey T. Corwin (Linda) of Afton, Va.; and Todd M. Corwin (Mimi) of Flanders, N.Y. She loved and enjoyed being with her grandchildren, Gregory C. Askin of D’Arcy, British Columbia, Canada, Elisabeth “Betsy” Askin Sharp of Golden, Colo., Brianne G. Corwin Angelopolis (Nicholas) and Kiersten M. Corwin of Flanders and Patrick B. Corwin (Diana) of Houston, Texas; and her great-grandchildren, Kye Boux-Askin of D’Arcy, B. C., Canada, and Olive Sharp of Golden, Colo. Muriel was a strong proponent of higher education, encouraging and taking pride in having her three children and her grandchildren win scholarships and attend college.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be a simple family graveside service to celebrate and honor Muriel’s life sometime in 2021 when is it safe to do so, given the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. 

Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead assisted the family.

This is a paid notice.

The post Muriel Esther Corwin appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Deborah Epple

Aquebogue resident Deborah Epple died Jan. 3 at the age of 63.

She was born Jan. 30, 1957, in the Bronx, to Mary (Bathon) and Joseph Shea.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Brockport University in 1979 and married Andrew Epple in Central Islip on June 8, 1990.

Ms. Epple worked in Suffolk County government, retiring after 29 years.

She was a member of St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead and volunteered with Suffolk County Make-a-Wish, Long Island Cares and Peconic Bay Medical Center. Family members said she enjoyed reading and crafting and was an avid sports fan.

Predeceased by her parents, Ms. Epple is survived by her husband and her sisters, Cathy Brennan, Ginny Michiels and Terri Shea, all of Suffolk County. Also surviving are her sister-in-law Andrea Epple, brother-in-law Donnie Epple, six nieces and nephews and 11 great-nieces and -nephews.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass will take place Thursday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church. Cremation was private.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice.

This is a paid notice.

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Valerie June Zambriski

Valerie Zambriski of Tweed Heads West, New South Wales, Australia, passed away at Griffith University Hospital in Southport, Queensland, Australia, on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. She was 74. 

The daughter of Viola and Frank Zambriski and sister of Frank Jr., she was born at Southampton (N.Y.) Hospital on April 6, 1946.

Valerie was a 1965 graduate of Riverhead High school. At the age of 21 she opened her own florist business, Second Street Greenhouses, in Greenport, N.Y. She dearly loved her business, as it gave her the belief that she could succeed in whatever she put her mind to. Valerie loved being creative in her pursuits. She always had an amazing garden, loved making artwork out of stained glass and mosaics, among other crafts.

Valerie moved home a few times, from New York to Virginia, Florida then to New Zealand and later to Australia. Wherever she was she made her home warm, safe and beautiful. Yet she always missed Long Island and told many stories from her past, friends and family history there.

Among her survivors are her two daughters, Laurinda and Carleen Janlewicz, who both currently live in Australia and cherish their Mom more than anything.

A memorial ceremony will be held in Australia on Jan. 10, 2021, and a second one will be held in Riverhead, N.Y., at a later date.

This is a paid notice.

The post Valerie June Zambriski appeared first on Riverhead News Review.


Anthony Leone

Anthony Leone of Moriches, a former longtime Mattituck resident, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. He was 72 years old.

Anthony was born March 2, 1948, in Queens, N.Y., to Sylvia (Caramanica) and Dominick Leone. Raised in Queens, he attended Queens College after high school, where he attained his bachelor’s degree. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Angela Rose Londino, in Queens and together they had four children, eventually making their home in Mattituck.

Anthony worked as a commercial lender for 47 years with Bridgehampton National Bank, American Community Bank and Bank of New York. He was also a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck.

Predeceased by his wife, Angela, in May 2019 and by siblings Louis Leone and Domenic Leone, he is survived by his children Alissa Hardcastle of Center Moriches, N.Y., Anthony Leone (Amanda) of Venice, Fla., Denise Krane (Jason) of Sound Beach, N.Y., and Frank J. Leone (Cynthia) of Plainview, N.Y.; grandchildren Martin, Alexis, Nicole, Emerson, Kayla, Roman, Sophia, Olivia, Sienna and Jolie; and sister Elena Peskin (Harvey) of Floral Park, N.Y.

Private family visitation took place at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 30 at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, officiated by Monsignor Joseph Staudt. Interment followed at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cut­ch­ogue.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a COVID-19 relief fund of one’s choice would be appreciated.

This is a paid notice.

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Phyllis Kandell

Phyllis Alperin Pearlman Kandell of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and formerly of Remsenburg, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2020. She was 92 years old.

Phyllis was one of a kind. She was known by family members as Mom, Bop, Ima and, most endearingly, as Phy Phy, to all those who loved her.

Phyllis was married on Nov. 19, 1950, to Wallace Kandell, who passed away Oct. 22, 2001, and is survived by her three loving sons, David Kandell (Jill) of Quogue, N.Y., Robert Kandell (Mary Anne) of East Quogue, N.Y., and Adam Kandell (Wendy) of Freehold, N.J. Family was paramount to Phyllis, who treated all of her “daughters-in-love,” as she called them, as if they were her own. Phyllis is also survived by six grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally. She had a special place in her huge, loving heart for each and every one of them: Joshua Kandell, Gregory Kandell, Aimee Kandell, Jacqui Kandell, Samantha Kandell and Jonathan Kandell. 

Phyllis was unbelievably well rounded, and traveled the world with Wally to places like The Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids and the African safari lands. She was knowledgeable about the cultures and lifestyles of many places worldwide, and with that knowledge she was a historian of immense aptitude. Thus her ability to do the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle in record time, in pen no less, she was so sure of her answers. She was a voracious reader and loved to challenge the kids and grandkids with games of Scrabble and Boggle. In her later years, she kept herself preoccupied with her games of solitaire.

Phyllis accomplished so much and touched so many lives in her 92 years. She was an artistic marvel, mastering watercolor and oil painting, sketching, ceramics and calligraphy. Her unique design was chosen by Central Suffolk Hospital (now Peconic Bay Medical Center) as their official logo, and she was honored to paint a long-lasting mural on the wall of the pediatric ward, which uplifted the young patients being treated there. A vast number of her paintings now hang on her family’s walls as a tribute to her talent and everlasting memory.

Philanthropic beyond words, Phyllis served as a pink lady volunteer at Central Suffolk Hospital and was an original founder of the Eastern Long Island Chapter of Hadassah, now known as Pioneer Chapter of Hadassah, in Westhampton Beach, N.Y. She remained a lifetime member. She was also a contributing writer for the Hampton Chronicle (now Southampton Press) newspaper.

Phyllis had a passion for food as well. She dined in some of the most exotic countries and restaurants of the world. She was best known for making her signature stuffed cabbage and original cucumber salad and those close to her raved of her penchant for dark chocolate. Sometimes, she would eat a chocolate dessert … before eating her dinner. She always ingratiated herself to others by wanting to know about their lives and loved ones. Having grown up in the midst of the Great Depression, she had deep-seated feelings for those less fortunate and was very giving to all.

At many special family celebrations over the years, Phyllis was always given the floor to dance solo to Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, singing “New York, New York.” Of course, she unabashedly floated around the dance floor in one of her notable silk scarves, perfectly put together with her signature red lipstick. Priceless!

Phyllis loved to tell the story of the time that she went to see her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, on Oct. 5, 1941, and witnessed the infamous Game 4, when Brooklyn was one strike away from evening the World Series with the New York Yankees. With two outs, Dodger catcher Mickey Owen dropped a third strike, allowing the Yankees to rally and win the game and eventually the Series. Phyllis told everyone for years afterwards that she cried all the way home from Ebbets Field. Now it is our turn to shed a tear for Phyllis, but more importantly, to celebrate a life lived to the fullest which touched so many.

Predeceasing Phyllis was her husband of 50 years, Wally, and her daughter-in-love Doreen Lapidus Kandell.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Hadassah.org with a reference to Pioneer Chapter in memory of Phyllis Kandell.

This is a paid notice.

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Kayaker who died in Peconic Bay remembered for adventurous spirit

An 18-year-old kayaker whose body was recovered from Peconic Bay Saturday night is being remembered for his gentle and adventurous spirit.

“I never felt like I had to worry about him,” Raistlin Ruther’s mom, Laura Gandara, recalled in an interview Monday morning. “Ever since he was a little boy, he was kind, considerate, compassionate. He kind of considered himself a loner, but he was so, so loved.”

Raistlin had shoved off in his blue kayak at about 8 a.m. from West Street in South Jamesport and was reported overdue to return to the Riverhead Town police by 4 p.m.

According to Ms. Gandara, her son was an experienced kayaker who was prepared with a wet suit, life jacket and other gear. He phoned his grandmother, with whom he lived in Riverhead, to let her know he had crossed the bay. “It was such a nice day — he sounded really good, but something happened after that,” Ms. Gandara said, her voice cracking.

A search was commenced a short time later that ultimately drew emergency crews from multiple East End fire and police departments, as well as helicopters from the Suffolk County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard station on Cape Cod.

Image may be NSFW.
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Raistlin pictured in his Class of 2020 Riverhead High School photo.

Shortly before 9 p.m. the Coast Guard helicopter located the missing man’s kayak in eastern Peconic Bay. A short time later a Southold Town police search boat located the body of the man, who was wearing a life jacket according to a Coast Guard spokesperson.

According to Southold police, Raistlin’s body was found in Southampton Town waters, just west of Robins Island. A dry bag with the man’s cell phone inside was located on the shore at Meschutt Beach in Hampton Bays.

“We’re all just shocked and sickened,” said Amy Wells, a cousin of Ms. Gandara’s. “He was so sweet, always an outdoorsman,” she said, adding that he’d frequently post Tik Tok videos documenting his outdoor adventures and boxing hobby.

Ms. Wells said Raistlin had just graduated from Riverhead High School in June and had been working at the local Agway while thinking of starting a career in carpentry.

Ms. Gandara, who lives in Murrieta, Calif., said Raistlin briefly lived with her, her husband and their two young sons but returned to Long Island to live with his grandparents because he missed living on the water.

Speaking from a rest stop in Tennessee, Ms. Gandara, who was on her way to New York Monday, said her son’s interest in anything to do with sailing and marine life stemmed from a love of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series he enjoyed as a child.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Raistlin pictured with his mother, Laura Gandara. (Courtesy photo)

“He’d say ‘I want to sail, I want to sail,’ so I took him for lessons at the Mattituck Yacht Club. He completely loved it,” Ms. Gandara said. A few years later, he navigated local waters in his own Sunfish, she said.

In addition to a love of water sports, Raistlin loved hiking, fishing, boxing and playing the piano. In high school, he completed the BOCES carpentry program and was a member of ROTC, his mother said, which motivated him to stay fit and avoid drinking or drugs. “He used to drink coffee then one day thought ‘I think I’m addicted,’ and stopped,” Ms. Gandara said, letting out a little chuckle.

His aunt, Carissa Sexton, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the family’s travel expenses, funeral services and ultimately, a scholarship in Raistlin’s memory. “To lose someone like him is so difficult to accept. When Raistlin left us, a little piece of us all left with him,” Ms. Sexton wrote on the page, which had raised over $22,000 by Monday afternoon.

Ms. Gandara said memorial services are planned for Thursday, Jan. 7, in Wading River, though additional details were not immediately available. The results of an autopsy are still pending, though she believes Raistlin died of hypothermia.

“He was 18 and I’m 41 and I depended on him more than he depended on me,” she said quietly. “He was so independent. He really is my rock.”

The post Kayaker who died in Peconic Bay remembered for adventurous spirit appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Patricia Claire Repetti

Patricia Claire Repetti of Riverhead passed away peacefully at her home Jan. 3, 2021, surrounded by her family, at the age of 85. 

Born Patricia Claire Ellwood on Feb. 9, 1935, in Southampton, to Albert T. and Claire J. (Shableski) Ellwood, she attended Riverhead schools and graduated in January 1952. Post-graduation she worked as a secretary for Raffee Law Firm until starting her family. She worked as a title searcher and then for the County of Suffolk until her retirement.

Patricia married the love of her life, Anthony C. Repetti, on Nov. 7, 1981, and they were blessed with 22 beautiful years together.

Predeceased by her parents, her husband, Anthony, and her brother, Roger Ellwood, Patricia is survived by her four children, Thomas J. Goodwin (Sandra) of Riverhead, Kathleen Luce (Hallock) of Riverhead, Patricia A. Goodwin of Central Islip and Laurie J. Koplinka of Riverhead, along with her stepson, Anthony J. Repetti of Woodside. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Hal and Michael Luce, Thomas and Nicole Goodwin, Gregory and Hillary Koplinka and Ann Marie, Janine and Matthew Repetti. Her two great-grandchildren, Hailey Luce and Nathan Goodwin, were her shining stars.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Jan. 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, East End Hospice or St. Isidore R.C. Church.

This is a paid notice.

The post Patricia Claire Repetti appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Evelyn V. McConlogue

Evelyn V. McConlogue of East Marion passed away at home with family on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. She was 92.

Evelyn was born in her childhood home in South Ozone Park on May 25, 1928. Her memories and stories of her childhood revolved around her family, her summers on a farm in Centereach and her “second home” at the American Legion up the street. 

Evelyn was a hard worker who worked throughout her life. She earned a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology upon graduation from high school but didn’t think that her family could afford the supplies, so she declined and went right to work. She was a gifted and sought-after seamstress who worked in New York City’s fashion district. In later years she worked as a real estate agent and took great pride in trying to match people with their “forever” homes. 

Her devotion to service and volunteerism was a driving force throughout her life. She was active in the American Legion, starting as a junior member, for over 80 years. Evelyn was a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary at Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803 in Southold. Until the end she enjoyed the monthly updates from the Legion and if asked to vote on anything to do with supporting the community or our troops, her answer was always a resounding “YES!”

Evelyn was also an active participant in her church, serving as a member of a variety of groups at St. Anthony’s in Queens, St. Bernard’s in Levittown and St. Agnes in Greenport. Her faith was such a strong part of who Evelyn was, as was her love of family. 

Evelyn met the love of her life when she was 19 years old. Her first date with Daniel McConlogue was to the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. They were married for 69 years and his passing three years ago was something she never fully recovered from. Their loving relationship and marriage remain a source of great joy to those who knew them. It is a source of great comfort that they are together again. Their love and affection for each other brought people closer to them and they loved being with family, friends and neighbors who were “family.” She was often heard calling friends and family with a joyful greeting of “It’s Evelyn, your friendly ‘checker-upper’!” followed by an hour-long chat. 

They raised their children in Levittown and in the early ’70s they built their own house in East Marion. Evelyn was proud to say that she had her own tool belt! 

She is survived by Daniel (Rose) of Fort Myers, Fla., Maureen Cordts of Yorba Linda, Calif., Agnes (Phil) Ferro of Setauket and Liam (Galina), of Easton, Pa.; 11 loving and devoted grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and an extended family of nieces and nephews, with whom she had an extremely close relationship. She struggled deeply with the loss of her sons Patrick and Joseph (aka Joby). In a Christmas letter she wrote two years after the loss of Joby, Evelyn shared this excerpt from Alexander Papaderos regarding the “meaning of life”:

I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have, I can reflect light into the dark places of this world — into the black places in the hearts of men and women — and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of life.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport. Interment will follow at East Marion Cemetery.

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

This is a paid notice.

The post Evelyn V. McConlogue appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Doreen J. Walters

Doreen J. Walters of Greenport died at home on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. She was 67.

Doreen was born Dec. 14, 1953, at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport to Ruth (Coutts) and David E. Walker.

On April 25, 1981, Doreen married the love of her life, Joseph Walters, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport, and together they had two children, making their home in Greenport.

Doreen was a stay-at-home mother and grandmother and loved her children and grandchildren dearly.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph; children, Jennifer Poole (Chris) and Alyssa Walters (James Baer); and grandchildren, Chris Jr., Brock, Devon, Jackson and Nolan.

The family has chosen to remember Doreen’s life privately at this time.

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

This is a paid notice.

The post Doreen J. Walters appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Matthew M. Rolle

Matthew M. Rolle of Aquebogue died Jan. 3, 2021. He was 36.

Memorial visiting hours will take place Sunday, Jan. 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cut­ch­ogue. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers.

The post Matthew M. Rolle appeared first on Riverhead News Review.


Shirley A. Wise

Shirley A. Wise was born Nov. 7, 1937, in Chester, S.C., to Thomas L. Bagley and Isabel Carter. She entered into eternal rest Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at the Acadia Center in Riverhead, N.Y.

Shirley was married to the late George Wise. Due to an unhealthy marriage, she left South Carolina to start a new life for herself in Riverhead, where she lived for many years. 

She was an assembly worker for the chemical plant also known as TruTech in Riverhead for most of her life until she was forced into early retirement in 1998 due to a heart attack.

Shirley was preceded in life by her daughter Brenda Wise, her sisters Tommie Mae Collins and Marcina Strider, her brother L.S. Bagley and her grandson Michael Baker.

Shirley leaves to be remembered and to cherish loving memories two daughters, Rosetta Baker and Della Wise Marshall of Riverhead; son-in-law Greg Marshall; her aunt, Shirley Sims of Baltimore, Md.; and her sister-in-law, Frances Bagley of Connecticut. Also surviving are grandchildren Shirley Renee and Warren Gordon, Joseph Baker and Torrence (“Fella”) Langhorne, all of Mastic, N.Y.; Vera (“Angel”) and Adekunle (“Kay”) Babatunde of Riverhead; Sherriel and JoJo Thomas of Riverhead; Sharicka Calloway of Center Moriches, N.Y.; Jeremy Wise of Mastic; Robert (“BJ”) Mahoney of Mastic; Chaelin Smalls and Delmus (“Treach”) Wise of Riverhead; and a host of nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-grandchildren, cousins and friends.

Shirley wants no one to mourn her death but rejoice knowing she’s in a better place with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She’s in a better home with no mask where she can finally say, “I’m free at last.”

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, where visitation will take place Thursday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon and a prayer service will begin at noon. Burial will follow at Washington Memorial Park in Mount Sinai, N.Y.

This is a paid notice.

The post Shirley A. Wise appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

David S. Branch

David Swem Branch, 84, of New Canaan, Conn., and Peconic, N.Y., passed away on Dec. 21, 2020, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. He is remembered for his intelligence, warmth, charisma, kindness, sense of humor and readiness for adventure.

David was married for 50-plus years to Elizabeth “Betty” Branch. He was a loving and proud father of his son, Richard Frederick, and daughter-in-law, Katherine, of Wilton, Conn., and adoring “PopPop” of Abigail and Evan. He is missed by his lap cat Delilah, the latest in a long line of beloved animals that began with his childhood dog Specky. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick VanCleft Branch and Margery Swem Branch, and his brother, Kenneth V. Branch of Merritt Island, Fla.

Born April 25, 1936, in Binghamton, N.Y., he graduated from Binghamton Central High in 1954 as “the boy most likely to succeed.” He was awarded a four-year scholarship and attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., where he was president of Phi Delta Theta and the Inter-Fraternity Council, and the recipient of the George Wharton Pepper Prize, awarded by vote of the faculty and students to the senior “who most nearly represents the Lafayette Ideal.” Graduating in 1958 with a B.S. in business administration, he followed with an MBA in finance and accounting at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

David began his career as an accountant at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y., and later transferred to Eastman Chemical Products in Kingsport, Tenn., and New York City, in sales and marketing. In 1966 he joined Fairchild Publications in New York City, where he rose to senior vice president and publisher of numerous trade and professional publications. He remained at Fairchild through its incorporation into a division of CapCities/ABC, retiring in 1990. In 1992 David was recruited by Thomson Financial Services of Toronto to lead its Financial Information Group, which included American Banker and The Bond Buyer newspapers, as well as the group’s other banking and financial-related media. He retired from Thomson in 1996.

While he was successful in business, friendships were more important to David. His classmates at Lafayette, his colleagues from Eastman, Fairchild and CapCities and Thomson became his friends over his lifetime. In his retirement, Friday meetings at the New Canaan Senior Men’s Club became a ritual for him. He enjoyed the camaraderie of its members and found new friends through the group’s varied activities.

Following the stock and bond markets was a lifelong avocation. He scoured annual reports, financial newspapers and magazines, and afternoons found his TV tuned to Bloomberg and CNBC. He pursued his love of history, participating in classes at Norwalk Community College and traveling the country visiting Civil War battlefields.

Boyhood summers spent in the Adirondacks fostered his love of the outdoors. His first date with his future wife was an invitation for a descent from the top of the New Jersey Palisades to the Hudson River. That, and a 1965 baby blue Buick Skylark convertible, sealed the deal for Betty. David was a hiker, skier, swimmer, tennis and paddle player who traveled the world to enjoy these pursuits. Never alone, he always had friends and family along to enjoy the adventures with him. Skiing out West with his son or the “New Canaan Ski Club” was always a treat for him.

He liked nothing better in Peconic than sharing his love of boating, kayaking and tennis with his family, neighbors and friends. A perfect day for David began with a walk on the beach, a game of doubles with neighbors and friends, and a boat ride around Peconic Bay. In later years he relished collecting seashells, rocks and tidal pool treasures with Abby and Evan. Evenings began on the porch with family, friends, peanuts, pigs in a blanket and ice cold beer. A medium-rare hamburger with mayo on the side would undoubtedly follow.

No dinner was complete without David leading a rendition of the “Binghamton town song” (which no one from Binghamton has never heard) and a round of his father’s card game Boo-Boo. His colorful scorekeeping, complete with declarations of who was the “Big Be-head and the Big Behind,” brought raucous laughter from friends and children alike, only making David’s signature smile grow wider.

The family will be forever grateful and never forget the love, thoughtfulness and care of Elaine Spence and Maureen Dixon, who were David’s companions and caretakers. His smile when he was with them said it all: He loved them and was nurtured by them. The family thanks the staff at Bridges of Norwalk for their care of David while he was a resident. They kept his spirit alive and we are grateful.

A celebration of David’s life will be held in New Canaan when it is safe to gather again.

David can be remembered by donations to the New Canaan Land Trust, 58 Pine St., New Canaan, CT 06840, or Future 5, 135 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT 06902.

For online condolences, please visit hoytfuneralhome.com.

This is a paid notice.

The post David S. Branch appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Frances M. Madzelan

Frances M. Madzelan died Jan. 3, 2021, at her home in Riverhead. She was 58.

Ms. Madzelan was born May 15, 1962, in Riverhead to Stanley and Annette (Hubbard) Madzelan.

She was a postal worker for the U.S. Postal Service in Riverhead.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Gilles Bouchard.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.

The post Frances M. Madzelan appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Matthew Mark Rolle

Matthew M. Rolle died peacefully with his family by his side on Jan.4, 2021, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Matthew was born on April 1, 1984, in Charleston, S.C., to Mark and Kay Rolle. Matt’s family left Charleston in 1986 and returned to the North Fork of Long Island, where his father was raised. Matt lived on Kraus Road in Mattituck for five years with his brother, Michael, who was born in 1987. The family moved to Cutchogue in 1991, when Mark and Kay purchased their current home.

Matt attended school K-12 in the Mattituck/Cutchogue School District. In high school, Matthew received numerous awards and honors while playing baseball, basketball and soccer; he was the Male Athlete of the Year for Mattituck in 2002 and also was named to the All County Team for baseball. Matt then attended Lewis University, located just outside of Chicago, where he earned a partial baseball scholarship at the NCAA Division II level. He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2007 and then returned to his hometown of Cutchogue.

After returning home, Matthew started a small detailing business and began bartending at many local restaurants. In 2008 he joined the Cutchogue Volunteer Fire Department. He became an active and involved member, joining their Panthers Racing Team, playing the bass drum in the marching band and being certified in water rescue and RIT (rapid intervention team). He was lieutenant of truck 8-5-7 and chairman of the chicken barbecue in 2014. He was honored by the Cutchogue Fire Department in 2011 as the Probationary Firefighter of the Year.

Matt loved to hunt and fish. He often shared those times with his brother, Mike, and Kay’s father, Clinton. He spent many hours of hunting and fishing with his Grandpa and Mike on the “North Forty” in Corrigan, Texas, a family property near Kay’s hometown.

Matt met Haley (Willumsen) in 2012 while playing in a volleyball league in Mattituck. They married on Sept. 10, 2016, at Cedars Golf Course in Cutchogue. Before their marriage, Matt was hired by the Riverhead School District in the buildings and grounds department, where he remained employed until his death.

Matt and Haley welcomed their son, Clayton Matthew, on Dec. 19, 2016. Their world was quickly turned upside down when Matt was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in February of 2018. Against all odds, they welcomed their miracle daughter, Lylah Sloan, on Jan. 6, 2020.

From February of 2018 to January of 2021, Matt, with Haley by his side, fought this horrible disease. The support from family, friends and the entire community enabled Matt to put up his best fight, knowing that his family was taken care of. Matt and Haley will be forever grateful for that help.

Matt was predeceased by his grandparents Walter and Jean Rolle; step-grandmother, Florence Rolle; his aunt Diane Rolle-Miller; and grandparents Clinton and Alma Burchfield of Texas.

Memorial visiting hours will take place Sunday, Jan. 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cut-ch-ogue. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers.

This is a paid notice.

The post Matthew Mark Rolle appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Janet E. Doughty

Janet E. Doughty of Warwick, N.Y., died at her home on Dec. 27, 2020, at the age of 98. 

The daughter of Sherwood M. Tuthill and Vivian A. Hallock, she was born on Mar. 31, 1922. A 1940 graduate of Riverhead High School, she attended the McDowell School, where she studied fashion design and illustration. She worked for a year before her marriage in 1942 to J. Donald Doughty. Janet and Don were longtime residents of Jamesport, where they raised their family till their move to Warwick in 2005.

In addition to being a talented artist and seamstress, Janet was a craftswoman and avid tennis player well into her 80s. During her 15 years in Warwick she enjoyed making pressed-flower greeting cards for her many friends, old and new.

She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Korsower, and husband Michael of Sugar Loaf, N.Y.; her son, David Doughty of Utica, N.Y.; her granddaughter, Zoe N. Dolce of Sugar Loaf; and her sister, Betty Ebetino of Venice, Fla. She was predeceased by her husband, Don.

Janet will be missed by her family and friends for her cheerful, upbeat personality and her kind, sweet nature.

This is a paid notice.

The post Janet E. Doughty appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

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