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Pina Capobianco

Pina Capobianco passed away peacefully at her home on April 6, six days before her 96th birthday. She was the beloved wife of her late husband “Cappy”, the loving mother of Rosa Careccia and Peter Capobianco, and stepmother to Susan Capobianco Lyon.

She treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren Jeffrey Capobianco, Joseph Careccia, Nicole Doyle, Jack Careccia, Paul Capobianco and Stefanie Hahn and great grandchildren Callie, Delilah and Sebastian. She was a big, bold and beautiful character and loved to cook for her family and friends. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

Family has requested that donation be made in lieu of flowers to the Hope House Ministries in memory of Pina. https://www.hhm.org/donate-online/

The wake will be held on April 9 at Moloney’s Funeral Home, 523 Patchogue Rd, Port Jefferson Station from 3 p.m – 7 p.m. The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 10 at Infant Jesus Church, 110 Myrtle Ave, Port Jefferson at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at 3442 Route 112 in Coram. 

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Robert Joseph Duncan

Robert Joseph Duncan, known to all as Bob, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, at the age of 90.

Duncan was born in Brooklyn and was the youngest of four siblings. During his high school years, his family moved to Port Jefferson, where he graduated before attending Paul Reed Smith College in Upstate New York through their ROTC program. After college, he served in the U.S. Army for two years at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he worked as a driving instructor.

Duncan’s eagerness for business started from a young age. At just 10 years old, he had a paper route along the Brooklyn Navy Yard—unknowingly beginning a lifelong journey of hard work and entrepreneurship. After his time in the Army, he set his sights on the auto industry and worked his way up to purchasing a Shell gas station in town, a milestone that would change his life in more ways than one.

One day, a young woman named Shirley pulled into his station for gas, and Bob was her attendant. In a moment that would go down in family history, he forgot to return her gas cap—a small mistake that led to a lifetime of love. That fateful encounter sparked a beautiful relationship, and on May 22, 1960, they were married at Infant Jesus Church in Port Jefferson. Duncan and Shirley spent 64 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, and family.

Together, they built a thriving business, running an auto parts company for 40 years. At its peak, they owned six stores with over 50 employees across Long Island. Their most popular location was the NAPA Auto Parts store at 1515 Main Street in Port Jefferson—a cornerstone of the community. In the business world, Duncan was known as “The Great One”, a testament to his leadership, work ethic and ability to make everyone feel like family.

Duncan was also deeply involved in his community. He was an active church member, president of the Lions Club and a committed fundraiser for his parish, most notably raffling off a brand-new Ford LTC to support the church.

At the age of 65, he and Shirley Duncan retired from the auto parts business and stepped into what became their greatest joy—being grandparents. In 2017, they moved from their beloved hometown of Port Jefferson, NY, to San Diego to be closer to family.

In the later years of his life, Duncan became known by many as “Angel”. Whether at his assisted living facility or during trips to the VA Medical Center, he often joked that he was the easiest to care for—never complaining and always making people laugh. His quick wit, charm and warmth brought smiles to not just his family but also to fellow residents, staff and visitorsalike.

Duncan is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Shirley Duncan; his son David and daughter-in-law Sandra; and his cherished grandchildren, Robert, Christopher, William, and Nicole. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Tom, who remains forever in the hearts of his family. 

Duncan was a force of nature—charismatic without trying, kind, hardworking and always quick with a joke. He was loved by many and left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 26 in San Diego, California, with family and friends gathering to honor Bob’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Child Neurology Foundation in Duncan’s honor.

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José Valdivielso

José Valdivielso, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on March 4 at the age of 90. He was born on May 22, 1934 in Matanzas, Cuba. He was a resident of Port Jefferson Station.

José Valdivielso

Valdivielso was the cherished husband of the late Rosa and the loving father of Norma Torres, Debra Randazzo and the late Rachel Soto. He was a devoted grandfather to Michael Iturrino and Stephen Iturrino and a proud great-grandfather to Matthew, Joseph, Sarah and Cecelia Iturrino. His family was his greatest joy, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Valdivielso’s passion for sports was evident throughout his life. A former Major League Baseball player, he played as a shortstop for the Washington Senators and later the Minnesota Twins from 1955 to 1961. His career in baseball extended through the 1964 season. After his playing days, José continued his love for sports as a broadcaster with ESPN before transitioning to a successful career with White Rose.

A true Yankees fan, Valdivielso’s devotion to the game remained unwavering throughout his life. Beyond sports, Valdivielso was deeply committed to his faith and was an active member of Infant Jesus R.C. Church in Port Jefferson. His love for animals was also well-known, with his two beloved dogs, Sandy and Skippy, bringing him much joy over the years.

Valdivielso’s family will always remember the fond times spent together, especially during their vacations to Lake George, where he taught his children the joys of water skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Valdivielso’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy as a loving father, devoted husband, talented athlete and passionate community member will forever be cherished.

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Audrey Hirschmann

Audrey Eleanor Hirschmann passed away at home on Dec. 15, 2024. She lived in Strongs Neck for over 55 years. She is best known and remembered for having worked at the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library for over 40 years, where she was appreciated and loved by co-workers and patrons alike.

She grew up in Rockville Centre and attended Southside High School as well as The Southern Seminary Junior College for Women, where she majored in merchandising and was an award winning equestrian.

Upon graduating, she worked as a buyer in the bridal department for Lord & Taylor until marrying.  She is predeceased by her husband, William (Bill), to whom she was married in 1952 and passed in 2014, her son William Jr. (Billy) in 1982, and a long line of pampered dogs she and her husband cared for and loved throughout their marriage. She is survived by two daughters, Leslie Baffa of Stony Brook and Nancy Hirschmann of Philadelphia.

A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held April 4 at 5 p.m. in the community room of the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket. All are welcome to attend.

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Dick Rohman reading “The Night Before Christmas” to his granddaughter Eliza. Photo courtresy Rohman family.

Richard G. Rohman, “Dick Rohman” of Greenport passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 84.

Richard graduated from the Island Trees High School in Levittown in 1958 and served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1965.

In 1963, he married his wife, Jane Rohman. Together, they had two sons, Richard Rohman Jr. and Alexander Rohman. Richard is survived by his wife Jane, sons Richard and Alex and daughters-in-law Barbara and Rebecca. He was the cherished grandfather of Evan, Aidan, Lucas, Jacob and Eliza. He was also a fond uncle to George and Erica, and a loving brother-in-law to Connie.

Richard had a passion for sailing, fishing and skiing. He also built his own business that recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary. There are countless stories where he helps others over the years. His modest demeanor and positive attitude defined him as a great husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, brother-in- law, mentor, boss and leader. He impacted so many lives in a positive way and will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on April 5, Richard’s birthday. 

Richard will be fondly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Mary Beth Launders-Hydo

Mary Beth Launders-Hydo, of East Northport passed away on March 18 at 63 years of age. She was the beloved wife of William Hydo and loving mother of Stephanie Hydo; dear sister of William Launders; and devoted aunt of William Launders Jr.

Visiting hours will be held at Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport on Saturday, March 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m. Cremation will be private.

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Thomas Anthony Stanco

Thomas Anthony Stanco, 80, a Centerport resident for 50-plus years, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 28, surrounded by family. Affectionately known as Tom or Tommy, he was born Dec. 3, 1944, in Glen Cove and grew up in Oyster Bay and Locust Valley.

He married Linda M. Stanco in 1971, and had a successful career at Dun & Bradstreet, Grumman Aerospace Corporation and Suffolk County Board of Elections. 

Stanco always put loved ones first. He delighted in family gatherings, especially Sunday pasta nights, backyard barbeques, holiday celebrations and milestone events. Stanco was fun-loving and had a way of making people smile; he was always ready to tell stories, make a joke or grab a nearby object and pretend it was a hat.

An avid cook and fearless experimenter in the kitchen, he perfected recipes from eggrolls, vanilla custard and rum balls to fettuccini alfredo, baklava and buttermilk biscuits (which were the star of every holiday feast).

His other passions included gardening, cuddling his cat Latte, relaxing in Florida and Sag Harbor, playing solitaire, researching family genealogy, indulging in ice cream, discussing airplanes and vintage cars, scoring great deals at garage sales and being with family and friends.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Linda, daughter Jessica Rubano, son Matthew Stanco and grandsons Joseph Rubano and Michael Rubano.

Donations in his name can be directed to Last Hope Animal Rescue at lasthopeanimalrescue.org/donate-to-last-hope.

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uard Elijah Olaniyi in action against Yale on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. Olaniyi passed away on Thursday, Feb. 27 after a battle with brain cancer. Photo by Emma Harris/Statesman file

By George Caratzas 

Elijah Olaniyi, a former star for the Stony Brook University men’s basketball team died on Thursday, Feb. 27 after an on-and-off battle with brain cancer. He was 26.

More than 15 months ago, Olaniyi was diagnosed with a tumor on the right frontal lobe of his brain. After undergoing three different surgeries to remove it, it was revealed that the tumor had been cancerous. Olaniyi went through radiation therapy and declared himself cancer-free on Feb. 27, 2024. Late in 2024, Olaniyi was once again hospitalized, as the cancer returned.

Olaniyi was recruited out of Newark East Side High School in Newark, N.J., and lost his mother, Ruth Olaniyi, just two days after arriving at Stony Brook in 2017. Across four years with the Seawolves, Olaniyi distinguished himself as one of the best players in program history, averaging 12.2 points per game.

Nonetheless, he excelled on the court, serving as the sixth man for the Seawolves as a freshman. Appearing in every one of Stony Brook’s 32 games, Olaniyi averaged 7.8 points per game, on the way to being named the America East Conference’s Rookie of the Year.

He then took the next step forward as a sophomore, becoming a full-time starter and continuing his dominance. His production jumped, as he averaged 12.3 points per game and was named to the All-America East Third Team in the 2018-2019 season. His junior year proved to be his most fruitful, as he averaged 18.0 points per game. After his stellar 2019-2020 campaign, he was awarded with a selection to the All-America East First Team. 

The next year, Olaniyi took his talents south, transferring to the University of Miami for his senior year. After moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference, Olaniyi still found some success as he was good for 10.5 points per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA gave Olaniyi an additional year of eligibility, which he used to return to the north shore of Long Island for a graduate season as he pursued a degree in Business Management. 

In his final year of college basketball, Olaniyi dealt with a knee injury which sidelined him in the third game of the Seawolves’ season. Even upon returning to the court, Olaniyi took time off throughout the year to deal with mental health issues, something doctors later attributed to the tumor which they believe began to form during the 2021-2022 season.

After leaving Stony Brook, Olaniyi moved overseas, where he tried launching a professional career with the Basket-Ball Club Sparta Bertrange in Luxembourg. He played well in Europe during the 2022-2023 season, but was forced to medically retire on Dec. 6, 2023. 

In a statement to Stony Brook’s Statesman, Stony Brook Athletics said “We are completely shattered by the news of Elijah’s passing. Not only was Elijah a beloved member of our Seawolves family, he was a son, brother and friend who gave so much of himself to so many. Throughout his battle with cancer, he displayed the competitiveness and courage that he displayed on the basketball court. Although Elijah’s brave fight has peacefully come to an end, his legacy and the memories he left behind will endure forever.”

During their game against Hofstra the night of his passing, current members of the Seawolves wore a heart-shaped patch with the letter “E” in the center in Olaniyi’s honor. In emotional fashion, Stony Brook won that game over its cross-island rival by a final score of 59-56. 

“It’s hard because those of us that know Elijah and were part of his career and life, it’s difficult because he’s a kid, he’s a young man,” head coach Geno Ford said in a postgame press conference. “We knew it was coming because he had been battling this illness. He hung in there way longer than what was advertised, which was no shock because of the competitor and a warrior he was as a player.”

Olaniyi is survived by his father Festus, and five siblings: Samson, Gabriel, David, Esther and Hannah. 

George Caratzas is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

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Stock photo

Dr. Arthur Leonard Graff, FACS, of Scranton, N.C. passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 1. He  was 80 years old.

Arthur Leonard Graff

Dr. Graff was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 21, 1944, to the late Joseph and Doris Andersen Graff. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, Marnette Travia Graff. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Robert Graff and his wife Jennifer of Bloomington, Minn.; Matthew Graff of Newcastle, Maine, and his first wife, Dorothy Dreasen Graff; and Sean Burk of Belhaven, N.C.; as well as grandchildren Rachel Graff, Ella Graff, Kevin Graff and Ryan Graff and his fiancée Katie Cronin. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Graff.

Dr. Graff was a plastic and reconstructive surgeon for thirty years who started a four-man practice on Long Island where he also participated in cleft palate clinics and performed hand microsurgery. He was co-owner of a Port Jefferson restaurant where he learned to love cooking. After moving to North Carolina in 1996, Dr. Graff continued practicing medicine in Belhaven, where he gained coverage approval from the state of North Carolina for Medicaid patients with reconstructive needs. He also worked in the Emergency Department at Pungo District and Washington County hospitals.

Dr. Graff took pleasure in hunting in the Catskills and in his hunt club in North Carolina, deep-sea fishing around the world and attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. In retirement he enjoyed Nascar and F-1 racing, and would often be found walking his dogs along the Pungo River. In Hyde County, he was a member of the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department and served on various committees and boards throughout Eastern North Carolina. He traveled to many foreign countries with his wife but always looked forward to returning home to Scranton, a place he came to love. A devoted and supportive grandfather, he also cherished the friendships he made and kept in New York, North Carolina and England.

The family gratefully extends their thanks to the caring staff of Amedisys Hospice who allowed Arthur to spend his last days at his home, especially Kristen Battershell, RN, and Hattie Dixon.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Scranton Fire Department at 5224 Sladesville Credle Rd., Scranton, NC  27875.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

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Lilly Horner

Lilly Horner, of Centerport, passed away on Feb. 21, at 89 years of age. She was the beloved mother of Christian (Carolyn) Horner; loving grandmother of Michael (Carson Newton) Horner, Thomas (Dani) Brennan and Catherine Horner; and dear sister of Gunnhildur Sugurdardottir, Nannabjorg Sigurdardottir and the late Bergsveinn Sigurdsson.

Visiting hours were held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport on Feb. 24. Cremation was private. Donations in Lilly’s name may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

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