John A. “Sep” Sepenoski of Southold died Nov. 21, 2016, at San Simeon Nursing Home in Greenport. He was 77. 

Born in Greenport June 18, 1939, to Antone P. and Genevieve D. Sepenoski, he was a graduate of Southold High School Class of 1957.

On June 16, 1963, he married Susan (née Conway) at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold.

“Sep” lived his entire life on the North Fork where he was a farmer who grew potatoes and vegetables.

He served his community as a volunteer fireman with Southold Fire Department and was a communicant of St. Patrick R.C. Church.

Surviving are his wife Susan; six children, John P. Sepenoski of Southold, Lorraine Cornell (Cliff) of Southold, Ann Alvarado (JP) of Ridgewood, N.J., James Sepenoski (Cindy) of Southold, Susan Sepenoski (Brett) of Rumney, N.H. and Antone Sepenoski of Southold; a sister, Dorothy Stepnoski of Southold and fourteen grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Antone Sepenoski of Orient.

The family received visitors Nov. 25 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold where members of Southold Fire Department conducted firematic services. A private family funeral service was held Nov. 26, officiated by Father John Barrett, of St. Patrick R.C. Church.

Those wishing to remember John in a special way may make a donation to the Southold Fire Department or Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad.

This is a paid notice. 

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Barry W. Lehr

Barry W. Lehr of Southold died Nov. 23, 2016, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue. The lifelong North Fork resident was 82 years old.

He was born in Greenport Oct. 8, 1934, to Margaret (Smith) and David Lehr. In 1952, he graduated from Southold High School and later married Beverly Capon April 15, 1955, at First Presbyterian Church in Southold. Together they made their home in Southold.

Barry worked at Tryac Truck & Equipment and John Deere. He was a member of the Southold Fire Department and the Mattituck Gun Club for over 50 years and a former member of the Orient Gun Club.

Barry was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved traveling to Alaska. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were his pride and he was always showing off pictures of them.

Surviving are his wife, Beverly; his daughter, Jean Walters (Louis Sr.) of Southold;  his brother, Bruce Lehr of Southold; two grandchildren, David Kramkowski (Carolyn) of St. Charles, Mo., and Kristin Witczak (Chris) of Cutchogue; and four great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Kramkowski, Blake Witczak, Madison Witczak and Natalie Kramkowski.

Services will be held in the summer of 2017.

Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care or Southold Fire Department.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home is assisting the family.

This is a paid notice.

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Riverhead resident Joseph Knoechel, formerly of Sayville, died Nov. 27 at Peconic Bay Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility in Riverhead. He was 80.

The son of Joseph and Marie Knoechel, he was born March 10, 1936, in the Bronx.

Mr. Knoechel served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a forklift mechanic.

Family members said he enjoyed fishing and liked a good cigar.

Predeceased by his wife, Ann, in 2013, he is survived by his children, Joseph, of Riverhead and Laurie Mihalko of Mastic and two grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. Cremation will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, michaeljfox.org/tribute.

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Alexander Sznurkowski of Calverton and Jensen Beach, Fla. passed away Nov. 21 at the age of 75. 

For over 30 years, Mr. Sznurkowski served as a Nassau County police officer.

He was the loving husband of Pat; the cherished father of Michael, Jennifer Place and Robert and the adored grandfather of Brianna, Alexa, Kaitlyn, Bobby and Victoria.

A memorial visitation will take place Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, with a prayer service taking place at 3 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or East End Hospice.

This is a paid notice. 

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Joseph F. Singleton of Mattituck died Nov. 21, 2016, at Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue after a short illness. He was 80.

Born in Mount Kisco, N.Y., April 22, 1936, he was the son of Matthew Francis and Margaret (Clifford) Singleton.

For 50 years, Joseph served the communities and children of Long Island, as superintendent of schools and deputy superintendent of Western Suffolk BOCES.

He was also a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, where he was a member of the finance committee and also served as a board member for Mercy Haven.

Formerly of Huntington, he had been a Mattituck resident for the past 20 years.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Lou (née Keane); children Joseph F., Jeffrey (Jeannine), James (Natercia), Timothy (Jessica), Christopher (Jennifer); his sister, Eileen and ten grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son John.

The family received visitors Nov. 23 and 25 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 26 at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church by Monsignor Joseph W. Staudt. Interment followed at St. Patrick R.C. Cemetery in Huntington.

Memorial donations to Mercy Haven, 859 Connetquot Avenue, Suite 10, Islip Terrace, NY 11752 mercyhaven.org or North Fork Parish Outreach, P.O. Box 584, Greenport, NY 11944 would be appreciated.

This is a paid notice.

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Virginia Crossley Byrnes-Osler

Virginia “Ginny” Crossley Byrnes-Osler of Laurel, formerly of East Northport and Great Neck, passed away Nov. 26, 2016, at the age of 87.

Ginny was born May 26, 1929, and was the daughter of Agnes and Jack Crossley. She grew up in Great Neck, graduated from Great Neck High School and attended Marymount College.

After her marriage to Edward J. Byrnes, the “boy next door” and former kindergarten classmate, she settled in East Northport to raise her four boys.

Ginny worked for a group of gynecologists and was an active volunteer serving as an EMT in the Commack Ambulance Corps.

She retired to Laurel with her husband Ned and together they traveled around the world and were active members of North Fork Country Club in Cutchogue and Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck.

Ginny enjoyed entertaining – be it a bridge lunch, a meeting of the Minapauge or a dinner with friends and family. Whatever the occasion, Ginny was always sought out and welcomed for her humor in particular, but probably more so, for the gift of making you feel better for just having been with her. It’s nice to know there are such people that are especially nice to be with such very special people in these changing times.

At the age of 82 she fell in love once again and filled every moment with new adventures dancing on the arm of “Mr. Osler.” From riverboat tours in Europe, to a trip to the Grand Canyon with grandchildren, Ginny lived each day with Bill to the fullest. They were married on Jan. 31 of this year.

Ginny was the loving wife of Bill Osler; the widow of Edward “Ned” Byrnes; the mother of Jack (Laurie), Jim, who predeceased her, Tom (Karen) and Richard Byrnes (Michael McDyer, Drew Allt); the stepmother of Mark, Darryl (Mary), Bruce (Jennifer), Scott (Julie) Osler and grandmother of Megan (Andrew), Tim, Brian, Lauren and Emilee Byrnes and Sean, Bryan, Kyle, Boden, Brandon, Madison, Jordan, Ryan and Colleen Osler; great-grandmother of Anna; sister of Joan Sheehan and Barbara Kelling and sister-in-law of Ann Garman.

The family will receive visitors today, Thursday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck.

Memorial donations may be made to the Avon 39 Breast Cancer Walk, Boston 2107, team ‘Cuz we have Faith.

This is a paid notice. 

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Former Riverhead resident Arthur Flood Jr. of Central Islip died Nov. 22 at Southside Hospital. He was 57.

The son of Arthur Flood and Jessie Mae Belcher, he was born April 21, 1959, in Riverhead and attended Riverhead High School.

Mr. Flood was a landscaper at Hampton Hills Golf Course in Northhampton.

Family members said he enjoyed sports and golfing.

Mr. Flood is survived by his siblings Dennis Scrubbs, William Belcher Jr., Kenneth Belcher Sr., Darren Belcher, Ella Belcher, Dorris Flood, Brenda Flood and Charlene Flood.

The family received visitors Dec. 2 at McLaughin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a funeral service took place. Cremation was private.

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Robert A. Putney of Riverhead died Nov. 30 in Riverhead. He was 69. 

The son of Frank and Shirley Putney, he was born Feb. 21, 1947, in Roslyn and graduated from Division Avenue High School in 1965.

Mr. Putney repaired computers in the Riverhead area. He enjoyed computer games, computers and electronics and was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Mr. Putney is survived by his children, Robert, of Coram and Jennifer, of Holtsville; his former spouse, Virginia Putney; his brother, George, of Plainview and two grandchildren.

Cremation was private. Arrangements were in the care of McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead.

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Agnes (Novellino) Domino was born April 30, 1915, and passed away peacefully Dec. 1, 2016, in Middle Island.

She was the beloved wife of Michael B. Domino, to whom she was married for 70 years prior to his passing in 2012; devoted mother of Patricia Mott and Michael J. Domino; and the cherished grandmother of six and great-grandmother of eight.

Agnes will always be remembered for her steadfast devotion to her family. While quiet and self-deprecating, her inner strength and dignity made her a great role model for those fortunate enough to know her.

Visiting hours were held Dec. 4 at Mangano Funeral Home in Middle Island. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 5 at St. Francis Cabrini R.C. Church in Coram. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

This is a paid notice.

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Robert Emmett “Bob” Holley, of New York, N.Y., Greenport and Vero Beach, Fla., a prominent investment banking executive, died peacefully in Westhampton Beach on Dec. 1. 

Mr. Holley, born in Manhattan in 1932, was the devoted son of Robert A. And Eleanor M. Holley. He was a lifelong New Yorker. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School, Staten Island and Fordham University with a B.S. in accounting in 1954. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the mid-1950s.

Mr. Holley worked as a municipal bond trader at Merrill Lynch. At Paine Webber, he invented the concept of the unit investment trust, creating and heading that department. In this highly specialized field, his reputation for excellence grew to the point that he was widely respected, even revered, on the Street. Generous-hearted and impeccable in character, he served as a mentor and exemplar to many younger employees. He was described as “one of the true gentlemen in the business.” He served on the board of the Investment Company Institute, eventually becoming its chairman. Quietly philanthropic, he was active in the Kips Bay Boys Club, the New York City Police Department’s Emerald Society, and numerous other charities.

He was married to the late Barbara Collins, the genuine love of his life, for 46 years. Together, they went on frequent, miles-long walks all over Manhattan. They enjoyed their boat, the “My Way”. Their dogs, General Maxwell Taylor, Mindy and Samantha, were their hearts’ delight.

Mr. Holley will be best remembered for his unending spirit of generosity. He never missed an opportunity to do a kindness. He was a great listener and was blessed with the gift of storytelling. He loved books and was always eager to share his reading enthusiasms. In addition to his wife, family and friends, he loved British television detective series, ’21’ and Le Cirque, the NYPD, tennis, Dixieland jazz, The Royal Tattoo, the voice of Maria Callas, and chocolate ice cream.

Mr. Holley is survived by four nieces, a nephew, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mr. Holley will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to: NYC PBA Widows and Children’s Fund Attn: Joseph Alejandro Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association 125 Broad Street-11th Floor New York, NY 10004 or East End Hospice: www.eeh.org/ways-to-give/donate/?tab=Dedication

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home is assisting the family.

This is a paid notice. 

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Kathleen Ruth Lawrence Bellefontaine, 68, passed away Dec. 3, 2016, at the Riverside Nursing Home in Castleton, N.Y. after a long illness.

Kathleen “Kitty” was born in Riverhead to Charles “Chuck” and Estelle (Regula) Lawrence on March 15, 1948. She graduated from Riverhead High School and Ithaca College, where she received a degree in physical education.

Kitty was well-known for her outgoing and upbeat personality. She was always gregarious and could “light up a room” with her smile and happy disposition. She told funny stories and made us all laugh at family gatherings. Kitty liked bringing cheer to others and even through her last days, she had a smile and positive word for those around her. The nursing home staff often spoke of their affection for Kitty. They very much appreciated her unique blend of kindness, caring, and spunk.

Kathleen was the beloved sister of James Lawrence and his wife, Mimi of Texas and Charles “Chip” Lawrence and his wife, Gayle of R.I. She leaves her nieces, Fiona and Kira, and nephews, Jacob and Makk and five great-nieces and great-nephews. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Graveside services will be held at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church Cemetery in Riverhead, NY on December 9, 2016: Repast for family and friends afterwards; and a memorial service at a later time in Cohoes, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for research on non-Alzheimer’s dementia.

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Davida Martha Cheska of Greenport died Nov. 5, 2016, at San Simeon by the Sound in Greenport. She was 99 years old.

She was born Sept. 4, 1917, in Brooklyn to James and Germina Whyte and married John C. Cheska on June 26, 1938, in Brooklyn.

Formerly of Wantagh where she lived for 70 years, she was a member of the Wantagh Congregational Church.

She is survived by her son, John Charles Cheska, Jr of Southold; three grandchildren, Justin Cheska, Kerry Cushing and Kelcy Westhaver and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, John C. Cheska; son Thomas Cheska and sister Agnes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

This is a paid notice.

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Thaddeus R. “Rene” Bright” of Riverhead died Dec. 3 at his home. He was 54. 

The son of Samuel and Ednarlie (McKee) Bright, he was born May 6, 1962, in Plattsburgh.

Predeceased by his father, Samuel in 1993 and his sister, Ojetta, in 2002, Mr. Bright is survived by his mother; his his brothers, Edward, of Troy, N.Y., Samuel of South Carolina and Anthony, of Ohio.

The family will receive visitors Saturday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at McLaughin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. Cremation will be private.

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John Corazzini

John Corazzini, age 73, died peacefully at Stony Brook University Hospital on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. 

John was a lifelong resident of Greenport, a graduate of the Greenport class of 1956 and a proud graduate and loyal alumnus of Assumption College in Wooster Massachusetts, class of 1960.

John was a professional educator and spent his career as an english teacher and assistant department head at Riverhead Middle School. John loved good food, literature, history and was a knowledgeable and devoted fan of the theater.

Many loyal and loving friends whose lives he brightened through his caring way and his remarkable sense of humor survive John and will cherish his memory.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday Dec. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A 10 a.m. funeral mass will be held Monday, Dec. 12, at St. Agnes R. C. Church in Greenport. Burial will follow at St. Agnes R. C. Cemetery.

This is a paid notice. 

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Spiro Beletsis

On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, Spiro Beletsis passed peacefully at his Southold home. He was 56 years old.

Spiro was born June 20, 1960, in Flushing, Queens to Spiro and Joan Beletsis of East Marion, both of whom preceded him in death.

Spiro was the youngest of four children. He leaves behind his grieving and heartbroken sisters, Cleo, of Stony Brook and Stamy of Riverhead and his brother, John, of Sea Cliff, N.Y.

Spiro worked as a carpenter and took great pride in crafting beautiful works for friends, family and clients. Friends said there wasn’t a project Spiro couldn’t master. Spiro found great solace and satisfaction in his handiwork.

Spiro, who was divorced and had no children, was a kind, warm friend to all who knew him. He was quick with a quip and first in line to help a neighbor. Near the end of his parents’ lives, Spiro served as principal caregiver for both of them as they battled cancer. Spiro was a devoted and loving presence for his father, who was blind, and meticulously maintained his mother’s gardens at their home. Till the end, Spiro cared for his mom and dad daily.

Spiro enjoyed fishing, playing cards and gabbing till the wee hours with friends. He had a great wit, warmth and intellect.

Spiro worked for the betterment of Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church in Greenport, where he painted the steeple. He was proud of that spire which rises as a beacon in a place he loved so much.

Spiro was a greeter and cheerleader as he enthusiastically encouraged his special friends in recovery at AA meetings all along the North Fork. He would want all of them to succeed in their recovery.

Services for Spiro Beletsis will be held on Monday, Dec. 12, at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport from 4 to 8 p.m. Spiro will be remembered in liturgy and prayer on Tuesday, Dec. 13,  at 11 a.m. at his beloved Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church. As was his wish, he will be buried at East Marion Cemetery, united for eternity, alongside both his parents, whom he loved so much.

This is a paid notice.

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Peter Newcomb

Longtime Flanders resident Peter Newcomb of Hampton Bays died Dec. 10, 2016. He was 52 years old.

Peter was born Jan. 28, 1964, and grew up in Riverhead, graduating from Riverhead High School in 1985 and working maintenance jobs for several companies, including Grumman and Hess.

Predeceased by his father, Walter Newcomb Sr., in 1995, Peter is survived by his mother, Deedee Newcomb of Riverhead; his sister, Nancy King and her husband, Stephen; his brother, Walter Newcomb and Vicki Papp; his nephew, Robert Newcomb King and niece, Katie Rose King, and by many cousins.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a service will take place at 8 p.m., officiated by Pastor Sean Murray of First Congregational Church of Riverhead.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bread and More INN, First Congregational Church of Riverhead, 103 First St., Riverhead, NY 11901.

This is a paid notice. 

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Betty Lue Courtenay of Riverhead, age 90, passed away Dec. 12, 2016, peacefully at her home.

She was the beloved wife of the late William Courtenay; the cherished mother of Patricia Barrett, David Courtenay, and William Courtenay Jr. and the adored grandmother of six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Dec. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m.  at Tuthill Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memories of Betty Lue can be left on her memorial page, tuthillfh.com

This is a paid notice.  

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Peter N. Mongelut of Riverhead passed away Dec. 12, 2016. He was 80 years old.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara J. (née Conkel); the cherished father of Jennifer Ann (Timothy) Walter and adored stepfather of Eric (Adele) Baumack.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. Closing prayers will take place at the funeral home Friday, Dec. 16, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memories of Peter can be left on his Memorial page found at tuthillfh.com.

This is a paid notice. 

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Georgette Thurber of Knoxville, Tenn. passed away Dec. 12, 2016. She was 91.

Georgette was a nurse for John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson for many years.

She was the loving wife of the late Kenneth W. Thurber; the cherished mother of Ruth Smith and Kenneth A. (Alice Nance) Thurber; adored grandmother of Travis C. (Susan) and loving great-grandmother to Summer Smith and Hayden Smith.

The family will receive visitors Friday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a religious service will take place at 6 p.m. A private burial will take place at Wading River Cemetery.

Memories can be left on Georgette’s Memorial page by visiting Tuthillfh.com

This is a paid notice.  

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Donald James Troyan of Aquebogue died Dec. 5. He was 59. 

He was born Sept. 22, 1957, to Joseph and Wanda Troyan. He grew up on the family farm and family members said he always had a love for the game of baseball.

Mr. Troyan played baseball in high school and went on to play for St. Johns University, where he attended on a four-year scholarship. In 1977, his dream of being a professional player came true and he was drafted first pick to play for the Lynchburg Mets where he played for a few years before pursuing his career in teaching.

Mr. Troyan worked as a teacher for 29 years at Spring Hill Elementary in Spring Hill, Fla., until he had to retire early due to his illness.

Family members said he enjoyed thrift shopping and home remodeling, loved all things mid-century modern and was always there to help others.

Mr. Troyan is survived by his wife Jenn; daughters Melanie and Shannon Troyan; stepdaughters Amber and Heidi Fuchs; sister, Dorothy Dillon; brothers Dave, Steve and Ken Troyan; five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Saturday, Jan. 21, in Riverhead.

Memorial donations may be made to The Gardiner Home, Hospice at 1522 W. Myrtle Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

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