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Agnes M. ‘Sis’ Stark

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Agnes “Sis” Stark of Calverton passed away at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead on April 27, 2022, at the age of 88.

She was born in Astoria, Queens, the daughter of Catherine and Dr. James DeRose. She graduated from St. Angela Hall Academy in Brooklyn and then received an undergraduate degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, N.Y. Agnes put her business degree to work on the “Today Show” in New York City after graduation.

She spent her summers in Laurel and there met Bruce Stark, her future husband. Shortly after marrying Bruce, she became a Marine Corps wife and moved to Quantico, Va., where Bruce was stationed as an officer.

They moved back to Long Island after their hitch and together started Stark Mobile Homes on Riverleigh Avenue. Sensing a good business opportunity shortly thereafter, they founded Glenwood Village with Doug and Diane Stark. Sis left the business to raise her two children, Brian and Sharon.

In the ’70s Agnes was a member of the Riverhead school board. She also co-founded, with her friend Mary Lundberg, the Riverhead Community Awareness Program. In the ’80s she went back to school and earned a master’s degree in social work. For a number of years she was employed by North Fork Family Service League, where she counseled many people.

Agnes had many diverse interests. She enjoyed playing bridge, working out and managing property. She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck and said her faith was the most important part of her life. She loved the New York Giants football team, the Mets and the Providence College Friars. Most who know her knew she loved a good political discussion. 

She loved Earl, her son-in-law, and Mary, her daughter-in-law, like her own kids. She also loved her two grandchildren, Kendall and Devin, and was always in the know as to their progress.

In addition, she is survived by her brother James (Toni) of Fort Meyers, Fla., her brother Joe (Rosemary) of Longwood, Fla., and her brother Robert of Laurel.

The family will receive visitors Monday, May 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church.

In lieu of flowers Agnes asked all those who can to contribute to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Riverhead CAP and Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation.

This is a paid notice.

The post Agnes M. ‘Sis’ Stark appeared first on Riverhead News Review.


Catherine Marangas

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Catherine Marangas passed quietly into the arms of her waiting Lord on April 28, 2022. She was 93 years old. 

Born and raised in the Bronx to Catherine (Heneghan) and John Curran, Catherine graduated from Walton High School and then studied to become a dietitian. On Sept. 3, 1949, Catherine married Theodore “Ted” Marangas and they raised their five daughters in Queens, N.Y., until moving the family to Mattituck, where she and Ted lived together until Ted’s passing in 2012.

While raising her family, Catherine pursued a career at North Fork Bank as an auditor and later retired from the admissions office of then-Central Suffolk Hospital (now Peconic Bay Medical Center) in Riverhead.

Catherine was a former president of the Fatima Guild at Sacred Heart Parish and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She was very proud of her involvement in politics and her attempts to run for office.

She always loved children, being most happy with a child on her lap. She will be remembered for her kindness, her great devotion to Mary and her gratitude to the many people who cared for her in her final years.

Catherine is survived by her daughters, Cathy Wilinski (Roman) of Southold, Theodora Tomao (Joseph) of Laurel, Alice Donlan (William) of Bangor, Pa., Eileen Rayeski (Thomas) of Downingtown, Pa., and Theresa Marangas of Cohoes, N.Y.; 19 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

A wake was held April 30 and May 1 at DeFriest Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. A Mass of Christian Burial took place May 2 at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. Catherine was laid to rest beside her husband at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue, N.Y.

Memorial donations may be made to Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation in Southold.

This is a paid notice.

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Lois E. Borman

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Lois E. Borman (née Stiles) of Riverhead, N.Y., passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022, at the age of 83. 

She was the beloved wife of the late Richard Borman; cherished mother of William Borman (deceased), Lauren Renken (Bruce) and Tamara Borman Flynn; adored grandmother of Courtney, Justin, Alexandra, Kelsie, Jacqueline and Daniel; proud great-grandmother of Kolten and Westley; and loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. She is reunited in Heaven with her parents, William and Esther Stiles, and her sister, Phyllis Bello. 

Lois was deeply devoted to her Christian faith and worshiped alongside her church family at First Congregational Church of Riverhead. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her primary focus in life. She loved them all deeply, as they did her. 

After retiring from the Freeport Public Schools (J.W. Dodd Middle School), she never slowed down. Lois was known for her volunteerism and always giving a helping hand to any person or animal in need. She was always on the move, ready to go out and celebrate life with her many and deep friendships in the Riverhead community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Private services will be held. Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead assisted the family.

This is a paid notice.

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Joyce O. Anderson

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Joyce O. Anderson of Riverhead died April 26, 2022, at Peconic Bay Medical Center. She was 60.

She was born July 16, 1961, in Riverhead, to Arthur and Cordell (Jackson) Anderson.

She graduated from Riverhead High School in 1979 and worked at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School in the cafeteria and at Brookhaven National Laboratory and did catering.

She was a member of Eastern Star Tyre Chapter No. 62. Family said she enjoyed bingo, gambling and cooking.

Predeceased by her parents and her sister, Patricia Robinson, she is survived by her sons, Wesley Chandler and Christin Harris, both of Flanders; and her siblings Arthur “Skip” Anderson of Flanders, Thomas Anderson of Pat­ch­ogue and Keith Anderson of Central Islip; and two grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, May 5, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Galilee Church of God in Christ in Riverhead. A funeral service will follow at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Eastern Star Tyre Chapter No. 62, P.O. Box 1364, Riverhead, NY 11901.

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David E. Yakaboski

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Riverhead resident David E. Yakaboski died May 1, 2022, at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 71.

He was born Nov. 1, 1950, in Port Jefferson, to Albin and Helen (Condzella) Yakaboski

He graduated from Riverhead High School in 1968 and worked as a farmer in Calverton and a grower at North Fork Nurseries.

Mr. Yakaboski married Cynthia Sobczyk in Riverhead in 2002.

Family said he enjoyed hunting, gardening and beekeeping.

Predeceased by his brother Richard, he is survived by his wife, his children, Diana Yakaboski of Calverton, Laura Yakaboski of Montrose, N.Y., Trisha Yakaboski of Calverton and Davi Lyn Shore of Riverhead; his brothers Albin, of Louisiana and George, of Riverhead; and seven grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, May 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will take place Thursday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Isidore R.C. Church.

Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association or Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

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William ‘Billy’ E. Demetriou

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William “Billy” E. Demetriou of Riverhead, N.Y., died peacefully on April 30, 2022. He was 64 years old.

Born July 10, 1957, he was predeceased by his father, William Demetriou, and is survived by his mother, Blanche, and his sister, Terri.

Billy and his father opened the East End Coin Shoppe on Main Street in Riverhead in 1978 and Billy continued to operate the business after his father’s passing in 2011. Billy was a lifelong New York Giants fan with season tickets and a New York Mets fan who enjoyed going to spring training in Florida for many years. He could be seen wearing his Giants hat and jacket on even the warmest days, and had an incredible memory for all game statistics.

In his Riverhead High School years, he was an avid golfer and tennis player, lettering in both, and played the drums in stage band. He later became a championship winning pitcher for Spicy’s in the Riverhead slow pitch league. Billy was also known for his love for lottery scratch-offs.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, May 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice or Kent Animal Shelter.

This is a paid notice.

The post William ‘Billy’ E. Demetriou appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Carol Ann Freeman

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Carol Ann Freeman, 84, of Mattituck, N.Y., passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 29, 2022. Her parents, Helge (a Swedish immigrant) and Anna, gave birth to her on April 14, 1938. 

Growing up, Carol enjoyed fishing and boating with her family on the Long Island Sound, time spent with her sister, Marion, and her favorite cat, Tippy. A highlight as a teenager was traveling to Sweden with her father to meet her relatives. Throughout her life she always aspired to be a nurse because she loved to help people. 

While in nursing school she met the love of her life, Ralph Nelson Freeman, on a skiing retreat in New Hampshire. They were soon married, on March 31, 1964. The absolute joy of her life was mothering her three children: Cheryl, Ralph and Heather. She also delighted in being a grandmother to her precious seven grandchildren. She spent countless weekends and vacations sailing with her family on the Peconic Bay.

Carol was a nurse manager at San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Greenport for over 30 years. She enjoyed helping her patients and families at the nursing home. She has been known in the community for her kindness, selflessness and compassion. She was known to be a great listener with a heart of gold. Carol was active in Eastport Bible Church and The Gideons International. 

Carol was widowed after 49 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Freeman of New York, her son, Ralph Freeman Jr. of Delaware, and daughter Heather Hughes, also of Delaware; her seven grandchildren: Linnea and her husband Zack, Myles, Erika, Teddy, Lauren, AnnaKate and Joshua; her sister, Marion Long of Arizona; and siblings-in-law: Carl and Colleen Freeman of Connecticut, Mike and Elaine Dunay of Connecticut, Scott and Dale Rahl of Connecticut, Bruce and Gail Freeman of Connecticut and Jon and Donna Freeman of Vermont.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Eastport Bible Church, 386 Montauk Highway, Eastport. Visiting with the family and light refreshments will follow. 

Tax-deductible donations in Carol Freeman’s memory may be sent to The Gideons International at gideons.org/donate.

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

This is a paid notice.

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Elizabeth M. Danowski

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Riverhead resident Elizabeth M. Danowski died May 1, 2022, at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside. She was 91.

She was born Dec. 26, 1930, in Calverton, to Frank and Bessie (Raynor) Guyer.

She was a Riverhead High School graduate and a homemaker, who family said loved gardening and birds and animals.

Predeceased by her husband, Isidore, her sons, Isidore Jr., Donald and Gerard; and her grandchildren Christopher and Sarah, she is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Krempa of Riverhead and Sandra Danowski of Mayfair Center, N.Y.; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Monday, May 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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Elizabeth Ann Andrews Vail

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Elizabeth Ann Andrews Vail died peacefully on April 20, 2022, at South Shore University Hospital on Long Island. She was 71.

She was born on May 31, 1950, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Amalia Andrews of Cutchogue. She married Carl Everett Vail III on Oct. 14, 1984. They settled in Cutchogue, N.Y. 

Elizabeth was an avid gardener and delighted in tending to the design of her gardens. She was an excellent cook and loved her dogs dearly. She enjoyed being at the beach, boating and taking walks in the neighborhood and in nature. 

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Carl; stepchildren Carl Everett of Southampton and Elizabeth and her husband, Maurizio, of Southampton; and her step-grandchildren Grace, Emma, Julia and Marco. She is also survived by her sister, Catherine, of Canaan, N.H.; her brother, James, and his wife, Muriel, of Peconic; nephews Brandon and Geoffrey; and niece Adelaide. 

The family would like to thank the Cutchogue Fire Department Rescue Squad and the South Shore University Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate and loving care and urge everyone to have regular colonoscopies to check for cancer.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held in the future.

This is a paid notice.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes assisted the family.

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Carol J. Rowe

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Carol J. Rowe of Baiting Hollow died May 4, 2022, at Stony Brook University Hospital. She was 74.

The family will receive visitors Monday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the funeral home, with the Rev. George Summers officiating. 

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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Rodney D. Anderson

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Rodney D. Anderson of Aquebogue died May 3, 2022, at East End Hospice Kanas Center for Hospice Care. He was 51.

The family will receive visitors Monday, May 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment will Riverhead Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Long Island Farm Bureau, the American Conifer Society or Kanas Center for Hospice Care.

A complete obituary will follow.

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Donald J. Santagato

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Donald J. Santagato was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He resided in Jamesport until 2008. He passed away in his sleep at home in the Hudson Valley on April 9, 2022. He was 79 years old. 

He received a master’s degree in business administration from Adelphi University, where he met his wife, Lorene, of 57 years.

He is survived by his wife, Lorene; his sons, Dominic, Victor and Steven; daughters-in-law Jeanna and Jeannette; and grandchildren Zofia, Gianna and Thomas Santagato.

He started his career as a teacher in Nassau County, where he quickly found himself restless being indoors five days a week. Some short years later, he switched directions, establishing his own construction and irrigation companies. 

Charismatic and an avid outdoorsman, Donald taught his sons the pleasure of the outdoors. He spent cherished years with them fishing on Peconic Bay as well as hunting on his land in Pennsylvania. He belonged to Riverhead Sportsman Club, The East End Surf Club and Moose Lodge, and was a life member of the NRA.

He was a master at fixing anything. He was an amazing son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Not a day went by when Don didn’t talk about how much his family meant to him.

We mourn his passing but will remember the great memories he leaves with us.

A private celebration of life will be announced and held in the near future.

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

This is a paid notice.

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Linda Ann McCullough

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Linda McCullough, a longtime North Fork resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 27, 2022, at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Born May 1, 1938, to Susanne and William Brun, Linda grew up in Fairfield, Conn. As a young woman, Linda participated in many youth activities, and she especially enjoyed swimming and figure skating.

Linda attended Bucknell University, where she majored in biology. There she met Norman McCullough, and the two were married in June, following their college graduation. Soon after, Linda and Norm started a family. Together they raised three sons, who were born while Norm attended medical school and completed his residency in Philadelphia, Pa. 

The early years were challenging, and Linda developed her own special brand of frugality, as well as the catchphrase “too much month left at the end of the money.” No matter the circumstances, Linda always provided a happy and loving home for her family.

In 1971, the McCulloughs came to Mattituck, where Linda managed and assisted in her husband’s medical practice. Linda enjoyed dancing, boating and skiing. Her purest joy, though, was always gathering with family and friends.

After retirement Linda and Norm relocated to Cutchogue. For several years they were very actively involved in grape growing, in partnership with a son.

Later in life, Linda enjoyed crossword puzzles and brain teasers, gathering with friends and family, and her favorite sport: combining sale prices and store coupons to get fabulous deals on everyday grocery items.

Linda was predeceased by Norm, her devoted husband of 52 years, in 2012, and by her sister, Nancy Brun. She is survived by her sons, Sam, of Cutchogue; Don, of Brattleboro, Vt.; and Bill, with his wife, Ani, of Miami, Fla. She leaves behind six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

McLaughlin-Heppner Funeral Home arranged for a private burial. Linda now rests beside her beloved husband at Calverton National Cemetery. 

Memorial donations in Linda’s honor may be made to the following charities: Peconic Bay Medical Center, Palliative Care Program, 1 Heroes Way, Riverhead, NY 11901 or Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Operation Renew, 201 Manor Place, Greenport, NY 11944.

This is a paid notice.

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Thomas Conway

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Lifelong Southold resident Thomas Arthur Conway died peacefully at home May 7, 2022. He was 81.

Tom was born June 20, 1940, in Greenport to Joseph and Julia (Dzen­kowski) Conway.

Tom graduated from Southold High School. He served in the Navy for four years. He was stationed in Naples, Italy, and as part of a plane crew transported supplies throughout the U.S. Naval bases in Europe.

After the Navy, Tom worked for 35 years for Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Calverton, N.Y., and St. Augustine, Fla.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was an avid lobsterman, plying his pots on the weekends. 

Tom is survived by his wife, his high school sweetheart Christine; two sons, William, of Southold and James, of Connecticut; his grandchildren, Erin, Abigail, Bridget and Sean Thomas Conway; and his brothers, Joseph, of Southold and Robert, of Florida.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. 

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold, with Father John Barrett officiating.

Interment, with U.S. Navy honors, will follow at St. Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery in Southold.

Memorial donations may be made to Southold Fire Department.

This is a paid notice.

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Barbara Memola

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Barbara Memola of Westhampton, formerly of Aquebogue, died May 4, 2022, at Kanas Center for Hospice Care. She was 83.

She was born May 25, 1938, in Aquebogue, to Leroy and Sophie (Fabrykewicz) Wells.

A 1956 graduate of Mattituck High School, she worked as a house cleaner on Eastern Long Island and was a volunteer for Weight Watchers.

Family said she enjoyed making homemade chocolate at Christmas and that she hosted exchange students from Germany.

Predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Ruthinowski in 1967 and Jack Memola in 2018, she is survived by her sons, Michael Wells of South Korea and John Ruthinowski of Virginia; her brother, Richard Wells of Greenport; and three grandchildren.

Interment will take place at a later date at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Peconic Bay Medical Center’s palliative care program.

McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead is assisting the family.

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Concetta M. Balzano

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Riverhead resident Concetta M. Balzano died May 6, 2022, at Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Riverhead. She was 94.

She was born June 9, 1927, in Brooklyn to Antonio and Beatrice (Zasa) Romano.

Family said she enjoyed cooking, cleaning, sewing and “feeding everyone.”

Predeceased by her husband, Jerry, in 2003, she is survived by her children, Andrew, of Riverhead, Anthony, of East Moriches, and Josephine, of Riverhead; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Family will receive visitors Tuesday, May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will take place Wednesday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

Memorial donations may be made to the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association or Peconic Bay Medical Center.

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Billy DePetris Sr.

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Riverhead resident Billy DePetris Sr. died May 4, 2022, in Quogue. He was 85.

Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton is assisting the family. 

A complete obituary will appear in a future edition.

The post Billy DePetris Sr. appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Renee R. Tetrault

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Calverton resident Renee R. Tetrault died May 7, 2022, at her home. She was 57.

She was born Oct. 2, 1964, in Southampton, to Arthur and Jacqueline (Sward) Lawall.

In 1982, she graduated from William Floyd High School. She worked as a hairdresser in the local area.

Family said she enjoyed going to the Riverhead VFW Hall and Polish Hall, feeding hummingbirds, dancing, music and doing crossword puzzles.

Predeceased by her parents and her husband, Alfred E. Tetrault III, in 2019, Ms. Tetrault is survived by her children, Jacqueline Barkman of Oneonta, N.Y., Amanda Beta of Colorado, Anthony Beta of Shirley and Adam Beta of Calverton; her siblings, Lauren Tuthill of Riverhead, Beau Lawall of Florida, Michelle Vargas of Florida, April Butler of Florida, Janet Walsh of Florida and Thomas, of New York; and four grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, May 12, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead.

A funeral service will take place Friday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Wading River Cemetery.

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

The post Renee R. Tetrault appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Kathy Di Pierro

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Wading River resident Kathy Di Pierro passed away peacefully at Stony Brook University Hospital on May 10, 2022.

On June 26, 1966, she became the bride of Nicholas Di Pierro and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Predeceased by her son Jay and grandson Joshua, she is survived by her husband, Nicholas; son Robert “Bobby” and his wife, Lisa; and Kathleen’s precious granddaughter, Isabella. Her siblings, William Ryan, Peggy Dykes, Eileen Finter and Rosemary Ryan, as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive.

The family received visitors May 12 at Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home in Wading River. A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 13 at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church in Wading River.

This is a paid notice.

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Elinor Murphy May

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Elinor Bernadette Murphy May was born on May 10, 1926, and died peacefully at home on May 14, 2022, at the age of 96, surrounded by loved ones. 

Elinor was born to Bill and Marie Murphy and grew up with her older brother and sister, also Bill and Marie, in Crestwood, N.Y. Following an idyllic and well-behaved childhood and a reportedly mischievous adolescence, she attended Georgian Court College. It was during that time that she met her only true love and partner for life, John May. The two married on Sept. 17, 1949. They made their first home in the iconic postwar suburb of Levittown. There Elinor began dedicating her long life to building community and family. 

Elinor and John’s first three children, Danny, Rob and Paul, were born while the family lived in Levittown, but soon more room was needed, so they moved the growing family to Roslyn, where their Red Ground Road neighbors became lifetime friends. Mal, Jeff, Kathy, Barb, Joan and Nancy joined the family during the Roslyn years. The children all attended St. Mary’s School, and the Mays became an integral part of the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish. At the same time, Elinor and John began spending more summer weekends on Long Island’s North Fork with their best friends, Bob and Nancy Pettit. The Mays built their cherished cabin at Cedar Beach next door to the Pettits in 1959, and also formed lasting connections with their Southold community of friends. 

In 1965, more space was once again sought, and the family found a sprawling old house on Hitchcock Lane in Old Westbury. The household happily added Peter, Jack and Suzy to the family. Elinor’s nieces and nephews were always as much a part of the family as their own children. Pam, Sharon, Kathy, Jerry and Jane Murphy along with Greg, Ken and Dave Judge, Karen Petillo, Curt, John and Debra Lundberg remain like siblings to Elinor and John’s children. 

Raising 11 children was all-consuming, but Elinor never neglected her many passions. She loved gardening, painting, beach time, ice skating and travel. She loved to swim, and competed in the Top Notch Triathlon multiple times, on a three-generation team. She was an accomplished pianist and participated in various church choirs and the North Fork Chorale. She shared her natural gift of writing as the founding editor of the church newsletter, The Grapevine. She also wrote the “Redground Report” for the Roslyn News.

Elinor considered her children-in-law, Peggy, Kate, Matt, Paul, Maureen and Melissa, as her own. She enjoyed doting on her growing brood of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she absolutely adored.

Elinor was generous to all and fun to be around, often befriending her teenage children’s friends, such as Lou, Andrea, Joanne and Rick. She also loved the family’s many pets: dogs, cats, a pony, a rabbit, even ducks. Every household Elinor lived in was full of life and love. 

Elinor never hesitated to invite those in her life who were in need of a home to live with the family. She is remembered for her quick wit and sarcasm, an art she perfected on her family. She is also remembered for graciously hosting celebrations of everything from graduation and cast parties to New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Twelfth Night, St. Patrick’s and Doldrums parties as well as wedding receptions for her children and grandchildren.

John and Elinor remained in Old Westbury until they moved permanently to Southold in 1988. There Elinor continued her many social and charitable interests, and added to those establishing a resource for her beloved VIPs (visually impaired persons.) 

Elinor was named The Suffolk Times’ 2001 Civic Person of the Year for her many contributions to the people of Eastern Long Island. 

Elinor lived with Lewy-body dementia for the last 12 years of her life. Her daughter Nancy has been Elinor’s dedicated, primary caregiver throughout, with the support and love of Elinor’s family, and by her loving caregivers, especially Pat Martin, who brought great joy to Elinor. The bright sparkle of Elinor’s blue eyes, her love of music and her enduring dignity defined her until she took her final breath. 

Preceded in death by her infant son Danny, her parents and siblings, her niece Jane, and by her husband, John, Elinor is survived by 11 children; six children-in-law; 29 grandchildren; five grandchildren-in-law; eight great-grandchildren; and countless friends and admirers. 

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, May 17, from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. A funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold, with interment immediately following. 

Memorial donations may be made to CAST (Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation).

This is a paid notice.

The post Elinor Murphy May appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

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