Obituaries

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William F. Bengston

William F. Bengston, PhD, 75, of Port Jefferson passed away peacefully at his home on April 16 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Margaret, his two children Brian and Elizabeth along with their spouses, four grandchildren, as well as his brother and sister. 

Bill was a man of immense humor, curiosity and intelligence who loved his family dearly.  He was a professor of statistics and research methods at St. Joseph’s University for 40 years, a researcher and an author.  He had so many passions — he loved music and to play tennis and table tennis, he swam competitively, he loved to sail and he dedicated a lot of time to his community as a library and school board member.

Bill was trustee of Harborfields Public Library from 1982 to 1986 and involved in construction of their new library. From 1988 to 1998 he was trustee of Port Jefferson Free Library and involved in a major expansion and renovation of the library building.

He was trustee on the Port Jefferson Board of Education from 2000 to 2006 and served several terms as board president. During this time he was involved in the design, expansion and renovation of both the Elementary School and Middle School/High School libraries.

His healing research produced the first successful full cures of transplanted mammary cancer in experimental mice with the hands-on technique that he helped develop. His research continued over forty-plus years, and he has numerous peer reviewed academic publications.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the Society for Scientific Exploration for which he was the president of from 2010 to 2022.  https://scientificexploration.org/Donate

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Yoshiko Takeshita

Yoshiko Takeshita, age 88, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24 at Sunrise of East Setauket from Alzheimer’s Disease.  Her many family members and friends remember her as an outstanding, deeply kind person who always remained humble and sought to benefit others.

Yoshiko grew up in Kitakyushu, Japan and received a Bachelor of Arts from the Japan Women’s University in Tokyo.  In 1969, she, her husband Masaru and her children immigrated to the United States.  

While raising her 3 children, Yoshiko worked various full-time jobs, achieved a Master of Science from Stony Brook University, and became a licensed nurse practitioner at the Stony Brook University Hospital.

Specializing in oncology, Yoshiko cared over decades for patients afflicted with cancer and other diseases.  SBU Hospital and her patients frequently praised her invaluable contributions.  

She retired in 2002 and still remained remarkably busy, both physically and mentally. She engaged in innumerable volunteer activities with a multitude of organizations, and enjoyed hobbies and spending time with her grandkids. 

Yoshiko also globe-trotted, especially for her beloved hiking, mountaineering and outdoor adventures!  She even climbed the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro at age 66!

Sadly, her husband Masaru passed away on Sept. 4, 2021 from COVID-19.  She is survived by her children, Konomi, Hayata and Yuhei, and her grandchildren, Kenta, Mariko, Ryohei and David.  

Her exemplary service to other people, strong independence, love of nature, and determined work ethic, continue to brighten and guide the lives of those she left behind.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of Setauket. Please visit www.bryantfh.com to sign the online guestbook.

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Sunny Bateman

Sunny Bateman passed away peacefully on May 5, at age 80 after a courageous battle with cancer and later complications. 

Born on Dec. 14, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Mildred and Howard Strecker, Sunny’s abundant love continues through her husband Lee Bateman; children Debbie, Michelle, Brad, Brooke, Kim and Scott; grandchildren Brady, Wyatt, Sunny, Quinn, Caroline, Hank, Matilda, Scarlett, Noa, Aden, Tyler, Kiersten, Charlie, Anna, Luke and Alex; and great grandchildren Jackson and Monroe. She is also survived by her brothers Robert and Billy Strecker, sister-in-law Jayne Strecker, nieces Megan and Janine, and nephews Robert and Derek.  

The family extends their deepest gratitude to her friends, family and the incredible team at Stony Brook University Cardiac ICU for their compassionate care during Sunny’s  final days.

In honor of Sunny’s love of art and her generous spirit,  memorial donations to the Reboli Art Center (rebolicenter.org/donate) in her name would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Sunny was welcomed into eternal peace by her beloved father and mother Howard and Mildred Strecker, her aunt and uncle Roy and Pearl Hoffer, her cousin Ronald Hoffer, her son Chad Bateman and her dear friends Catherine Loper and Lydia Simms, who all meant so much to her.

Service will be held this Friday May 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Rd, East Setauket. Please visit Bryant Funeral Home (https://www.bryantfh.com/) for details.

This article was updated on May 7, 2025.

By Sabrina Artusa

Harold J. Sheprow, six-term mayor of the Village of Port Jefferson, passed away on May 1 at age 95, surrounded by family. 

Sheprow was born Dec, 25, 1929, in Queens to Harold Sheprow Sr. and Gladys Petrie. As a teenager, he joined the Merchant Marines and became chief engineer at 18. Upon his return, he was drafted in 1954 to serve in the Korean War. On Feb. 9, 1957, he married Margaret Mary Katherine Kerr (Peggy) with whom he spent 68 years. 

He then began working at Grumman Corporation, requiring he and Peggy to move to Port Jefferson Village from New Jersey in 1961. As an engineer, he worked on aircrafts like the F14 Tomcat, eventually retiring in 1990. 

Upon moving to the village and paying to take his family to the beach, he was galvanized to get involved in village politics, first as a member of the Planning Board, then as a trustee and finally as mayor. 

Sheprow was mayor for a total of 12 years — his lengthy tenure showcasing his dedication to serving his community, transcending his role as mayor and extending throughout his life. 

Under Sheprow’s leadership, the village acquired the 170-acre Port Jefferson Country Club. He worked tirelessly for almost a decade to achieve his vision of a Port Jefferson where residents could have a private property they could call their own. 

Famously, he attended a party where he made a connection to the country club’s owners. The acquaintance introduced him to the estate owners of the property. In a meeting, they agreed to lease the property to the village. They signed a $1 bill, sealing the agreement until a proper contract could be made. 

The country club, an acquisition that required years of effort and planning and some spontaneous creativity, now bears his name.

Former Director of Recreation and Parks Ron Carlson said he was working in town hall while Sheprow was on a phone call with attorneys from Winston estates. “He came into my office, sat down, and said ‘Ron, guess what’,” Carlson said. “I said, ‘What?’ He said you may not believe this, but we are going to buy that golf club.”

“He said he wasn’t positive, but I think he was,” Carlson added. “He knew deep down that the village would vote ‘yes’ to the acquisition.”

Father Francis Pizzarelli, who formed Hope House Ministries while Sheprow was mayor in 1980, said Sheprow’s “creative genius” and “tender heart” helped make the village what it is today.

“He was a law-and-order tough guy but I was always amazed with him,” Pizzarelli said. “He was always thinking and he would think outside the box.”

Sheprow also worked to open the waterfront for public use through the development of Danfords Hotel & Marina in 1986, making the village less “heavily industrious” and developing a sense of place, former Mayor Margot Garant said. 

As a father of six and an active golfer, Sheprow understood the need and value of recreational services in the village. 

“What was very fun about him was he was very pro-recreation and parks,” Carlson said.

Indeed, he organized a bus service to ferry residents to the beach during the summer; he held Halloween parties at the Village Center; he promoted sports programs to make the athletic fields more accessible, with fields booked almost every day of the week; and even formed a team with other village employees, participating in softball and bowling games against the Village of Patchogue employees.

He strived to make the village a pleasant place to live, full of beauty, recreation and accessible parkland. His leadership style inspired his successors, including Garant.

“He was a man for everybody. He wasn’t pretentious. You always felt comfortable around Hal,” she said. “He never made any situation feel like it was something that couldn’t be handled. He wasn’t mayor for title or prestige, he was mayor for helping the people.” 

Pizzarelli said that, although Sheprow was hesitant to support Hope House Ministries at first, he gave Pizzarelli the opportunity to argue his case and actively listened to other positions. 

“He was always open-minded, and that is what always impressed me,” Pizzarelli said. “Whatever you brought to him, even though he may push back, he allowed you to push back to him so he could have a better understanding of whatever the issue was you were bringing to him.” 

The Village of Port Jefferson made a social media post after Sheprow’s death, stating that the Sheprow family is “lightened by the fact that he was resting comfortably in his final moments, surrounded by loved ones.”

In an interview by Chris Ryon and Mark Sternberg in 2023 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the incorporation of the village, Sheprow said, “Being a mayor for Port Jefferson has got to be the most exciting experience anybody, laymen, could have. There is no better. I don’t care what you do in Port Jefferson, whether you go water-skiing, whatever you do, golf…nothing. Nothing is better than this — working in the Port Jeff government.”

Sheprow served as mayor from 1977 to 1985 and 1987 to 1991. His daughter, Lauren Sheprow, continues his legacy as mayor. He is survived by his wife Peggy; daughters Madelyn and Lauren; sons Dennis, Warren, Glenn and Brendan; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Ralph and Warren and son Neil Harold. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope House Ministries of Port Jefferson. Visitation was on May 6 at Moloney’s Funeral Home in Port Jefferson Station. The funeral Mass was held on May 7 at St. Charles Chapel, 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson. Graveside service was be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Port Jefferson following the Mass. 

 

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Maureen Sonya Gray-Singh

Maureen Sonya Gray-Singh, also known as “Sonya”, owner of Elegant Affairs in Port Jefferson Village, finished her earthly journey on April 20, 2024.  She is survived by her husband Joga, son Ranjeet, daughter Baljit and three beautiful grandchildren, Aryan,  Arjun and Spreet. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica, attended school in Jamaica and England and finished at Stony Brook.

 A loving daughter, she came to America looking for her father, who was in the US Army. She went from base to base until she found him. She learned the importance of generosity after a  challenging period and always enjoyed helping someone as much as she could. When things looked bleak, she would say, “Don’t worry, everything is going to work out–I don’t know how– but it is going to be okay.”

After Sonya lost her leg and became wheelchair-bound, she realized how hard it was to go anywhere when you have to depend on others.  So, she started a nonprofit service to help disabled people who needed a ride.

Her love for kids made her a permanent contributor to children’s hospitals and small soup kitchens. She always encouraged young people to get a good education. 

Working for the US government inspired her to volunteer teaching English as a second language.  In 1985, she started “Elegant Affairs” with little money, but with her hard work and determination, she made it a success while working at her regular job at night and keeping the store open every day. 

She always wanted to help wherever she could and was one of the first members on the board of directors of the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District, nominated by then-Mayor Strong with Mr Carmine and a few others.  At the end of the mayor’s term, she was honored for their excellent work. When Mayor Grant brought the idea of the “Dickens Festival”, she and lots of other businesspeople volunteered and worked hard to make it a success.  Sonya was best described as a woman of courage, determination, resilience who always had a positive attitude and hard-working ethics.

Adrian Gilmore. Photo from Facebook

By Steven Zaitz

Adrian Gilmore, Shoreham-Wading River High School’s girls varsity soccer coach, has died at the age of 42.

Gilmore, who led the team to two Long Island championships and one New York State championship during her 13 years as coach, collapsed at Albert G. Prodell Middle School on April 22, where she was a sixth-grade teacher. Suffolk County Police arrived at the school at 100 Randall Road in Shoreham a few minutes before 3 p.m. and shortly thereafter, a Rocky Point emergency vehicle rushed Gilmore to John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson. Gilmore died two days later – the cause is unknown at this time.

Gerald Poole, superintendent of the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District issued a statement that read: “For 20 years, Adrian Gilmore was not only a dedicated and passionate educator, but an outstanding coach, mentor and source of inspiration to many generations of SWR colleagues, families and students. More than her impressive achievements, Adrian will be remembered as a mentor for other coaches and teachers, a passionate advocate for children and a trusted colleague whose impact reached far beyond school walls. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives that she touched as a teacher, coach and community leader. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Ava Gengler is a senior captain who fought for a state title this year with Gilmore and her Lady Wildcat teammates. Gengler was a varsity player for Gilmore for four years and will attend the University of Miami in the fall. She remembers Gilmore as not just an effective coach of X’s and O’s, but a caring and compassionate leader.

“I’ll never forget my freshman year — I had a panic attack right before one of our biggest games, and instead of focusing on winning, she stayed with me the entire time, making sure I was okay,” Gengler said. “It was in that moment she showed me how much she truly cared about us as people, not just athletes, and how special of a person she was. Her loss is heartbreaking for all of us, but we’re coming together to honor everything she stood for and everything she gave us.”

Gilmore, whose maiden name was Adrian Weger, was a graduate of William Floyd High School, class of 2000, where she was a standout in both soccer and track and field. She went to Concordia College in Westchester County and was a four-year starter for the Concordia soccer team.  In 2006, she became a teacher in the SWR school district and in 2012, she was named the Wildcats girls varsity soccer coach.

She met her husband Timothy Gilmore while at Concordia where he was an outstanding baseball player. The couple married in 2009 and they had three children —  Kayla, 18, a freshman lacrosse player at the University of Maryland;  Cameron, 13, and Colby, 3. A GoFundMe page has been set up to financially assist the devastated family. 

Gilmore’s friend Charisse Jamroz organized the page and on it she says, “Adrian’s life was a beautiful reflection— full of grace, strength, and a deep love for others. She poured her heart into everything she did, whether she was raising her children, nurturing her students, or guiding her athletes.”

The page has raised over $162,000.

Superintendent Poole also said in his statement that the SWR district will be honoring Gilmore, “as we reflect and remember her legacy. In the meantime, please keep Adrian’s family and friends in your thoughts. Together, we will continue to support one another with compassion as we navigate this loss as a school community and school family.”

In addition to coaching the varsity team, Coach Gilmore was involved in local youth lacrosse developmental leagues around the Shoreham area.

 In 2019, the Lady Wildcats won the New York State title by beating upstate Spencerport 2-0 and Gilmore was named as East Regional Coach of the Year. In the spring of 2021, Gilmore’s girls were a perfect 12-0 in the COVID-shortened season and they outscored their opponents by an astounding aggregate of 61-5. The Wildcats have made it to the Long Island Championship game every year for the last three years.

“Having Mrs. Gilmore as both my teacher and soccer coach honestly changed my life,” said Gengler. “She pushed me to be better — not just as a player or student, but as a person. She was tough, but it was the kind of tough that made you stronger. She taught me what it means to be disciplined, to never give up, and to always give my best. At the same time, she had this really compassionate and caring side.”

A viewing for Adrian Gilmore was held on April 30 at Moloney-Sinnicksons Moriches Funeral Home in Center Moriches and a Mass was held on May 1 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center Moriches. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her parents Cathleen and Gary Weger and her brothers Mathew, Christopher and Joshua. 

If you wish to make a donation, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-her-honor-supporting-a-devoted-mother-teacher-coach 

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Hildegard McDowell

Hildegard “Hilda” McDowell passed away peacefully at her home in Venice, Florida, on April 14 at the age of 92.

Born on January 23, 1933, in Rechnitz, Austria, to Dr. Hugo and Elsa Graner, Hilda was a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to New York in 1939. She grew up in Elmhurst and graduated from Newtown High School.

In 1955, Hilda married James “Jim” Stephen McDowell. Together they built a loving home on Howard Street in Port Jefferson Station where they raised five children during their 54 years of marriage.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: James McDowell, Denise McDowell, Elizabeth Randall and Stephen McDowell. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Marina Roberts, Katie Johnson, Jason Randall, Dr. Matthew Randall, Shaun McDowell, Lauren Scanlon, Kevin McDowell and Kyle McDowell. In addition, she is survived by 14 great-grandchildren: John, Hallett, Floris and Sylvain Randall; Clare and Henry Scanlon; Alexandra, Cora, Otis and Ethan Roberts; Ellie and Zachariah Johnson and  Shane and John McDowell. 

Hilda is also survived by her brother Otto Graner.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim and her son Brian.

Hilda found joy in coloring, painting, crafting, crocheting and sewing. She was a proud member of the Moose Lodge and a life member of the Terryville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

A celebration of Hilda’s life will be held in Mt. Sinai, NY. 

Her legacy of resilience and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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Michael Cary Wallace

Michael “Mike” Cary Wallace passed on April 4 at the age of 85. The son of Mildred and Adrian Wallace, he was born on December 31, 1939, and grew up in Stony Brook. After graduating from high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for four years. He was stationed in Europe during the Cold War.

After returning home, he met and married Barbara, and they settled down in their beloved home next to the Setauket Mill Pond where they lived for the next 50 years. During that time, he furnished their home with restored antiques and hand-made cabinetry, filled their yard with flowers and maintained a large garden. In his later years, he rebuilt and restored three Model A Fords which he proudly drove in local parades as well as when he went out to buy a cup of coffee.

Wallace was a member of the Frank Melville Memorial Park board, the Three Village and Port Jefferson historical societies and volunteered and restored clocks for the Port Jefferson Spinney Clock Collection. He was also an usher at the Infant Jesus Chapel.

Barbara enjoyed cooking, and Mike fully enjoyed eating her gourmet food. They took frequent trips to New York City to eat at their favorite Italian restaurants, see plays, and attend the opera. They also traveled extensively in Europe. When someone they knew died, their reaction was often to say, let’s go to Italy again. They appreciated their time together and made the most of it.

Most of all, Mike will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family. Mike is survived by Barbara, his beloved wife of 57 years, his daughters Chrissie, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and his son-in-law John, and was a proud grandfather of Jack, Rose, and Annie.

Mike was a proud supporter of his daughter “Wiz” in her many years of playing softball, basketball and tennis. He never missed a game if he could help it, and was often seen pacing beyond the outfield walls. Mike and Jennifer enjoyed going to yard sales and shared a love of antiques and furniture restoration. Mike was extremely proud of his grandchildren, and his face lit up when he was able to speak to them on the phone during the final days of his illness. His children and grandchildren grew up believing that they could achieve anything, because he always seemed to know how to do and fix everything.

The funeral was handled by Bryant Funeral Home with burial at St. James Churchyard Cemetery in Setauket.

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Dr. Walter John Henry

Dr. Walter John Henry of Port Jefferson passed away on March 23, eight days before his 98th birthday. Henry was born in Brooklyn, to Walter William and Elizabeth Henry on March 31, 1927. He attended Boys High School in Brooklyn. After completing his high school education, he entered the medical program at Columbia University, went on to graduate from New York Medical College in 1952 with a specialty in thoracic and vascular surgery.

He had a love of music, playing the saxophone and clarinet in the Columbia University marching band. His memory of Columbia’s unlikely victory over the U.S. Military Academy at West Point was a favorite he liked to regale.

He took his musical talents, formed a band and played the resorts in the Catskills and various venues in New York City.

He began his surgical career as a ship’s surgeon, working on two ships and was honorably discharged from his duties from the Santa Rosa in 1955. While working at the New York V.A. Hospital in 1962, he met the love of his life, Nurse Nancy Medor. They married two years later and ultimately built their forever home in Belle Terre, NY. They had two children, Walter John Henry Jr. (Wally) and Susan Elizabeth Prewitt.

Henry is survived by his wife, Nancy; two children, Wally and Sue; grandchildren, Jordan, Caroline, Zachary, Ella and Walter John Henry III; and his sister, Patricia Godfroy.

Patricia Godfroy had interests in writing, history, fishing, travel and sailing. He taught his son to sail. When Wally took an interest in racing, they took to racing their sailboat together. The racing bug really caught on and in 1992, Wally was on the crew that won the America’s Cup.

Henry retired after 31 years as Chief of Surgery from St. Charles Hospital. As to how he felt about retirement, he said, “what I do miss is daily contact with patients, doctors, nurses and office/hospital personnel”. During his tenure at St. Charles Hospital, both he and wife, Nancy were bestowed the Theodore Roosevelt Award by the hospital for outstanding and exemplary service.

As to the patients he touched in his lifetime, he was very proud to receive the gift of the following words:

Doctor’s Hands

I never knew that hands could be

So gentle, kind and true

Until I watched their skill perform

The blessed tasks yours do.

No artist ever plied his brush

With love of art so pure;

No sculptor ever used his tools

With strokes so deft and sure.

I think God blessed your kindly hands

From ages past and dim

Because he loves the work you do

In partnership with him.

Henry’s greatest joy came from spending time with family. He and Nancy sailed in New England and at their second home on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. They played tennis and took many cruises. Retirement allowed ample time to spend with their children and grandchildren.

Visitation took place on Sunday, March 30 at O.B. Davis Funeral Home in Port Jefferson Station.

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Maureen McCormick

Maureen Teresa McCormick, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, passed away peacefully on April 21 at home in Northport. She was 91 years old. Maureen grew up in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. She loved being surrounded by her family and dancing on the weekends. Right after high school, she met her husband, Harold McCormick, who quickly swept her off her feet and they were happily married surrounded by friends and family. They had three sons, Steven McCormick, Michael McCormick and Russell McCormick. During this time the family had moved out to Commack and they started building their forever home in Northport. 

Maureen proudly worked at Carvel as a manager. She also worked at A&S, a local department store. Maureen always had a great eye for fashion. They loved going to New York City and catching Broadway shows. They also enjoyed traveling and went to Hawaii, Germany, Italy, France and, of course, Ireland. One of their favorite places to go was Disney World in Florida. This was a tradition shared with their sons and grandchildren. After having three boys, Maureen and Harry were overjoyed to have four granddaughters, Sherri, Stephanie, Christina and Alyssa. Maureen spoiled her granddaughters by taking them on vacations and trips to the city, treating them to nail and hair appointments, and buying them dresses and clothes. Her granddaughters loved spending time at her house in the pool.

Maureen and Harry were great entertainers. They often had parties in their home and hosted many friends and family. Holidays were also a special event that ended in front of the fireplace. Due to their love of travel, Maureen and Harry organized a trip to the Catskills (Friar Tuck) every February for the PBA. Maureen was the ultimate organizer and everyone raved about the trip. After the trip ended, Maureen and Harry would organize trips for family and friends to Woodloch Pines, Cranwell, Gurneys and Mills Falls. Maureen and Harry also celebrated major birthdays and events by inviting family and friends to local restaurants. As Maureen got older, she never lost her partying spirit. She would go out to eat whenever she could and was always ready for Happy Hour. Maureen and her oldest granddaughter continued to see shows at the Engeman Theatre in Northport up until her passing. Maureen was a pillar of the Northport community. Everyone knew her name and she loved spending time and talking with everyone in the village. All who knew Maureen loved her joy, warmth and generosity. 

Most importantly, Maureen was very spiritual. One of her treasured memories was meeting the Pope at the Vatican. She went to church every Sunday, including this past Easter Sunday. She invited Father Walter to Cranwell to celebrate her and Harry’s wedding anniversary every year. As we celebrate her amazing life on Earth, there will be another celebration in Heaven as our loved ones welcome her home.

Visitation will be held at Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport, on Monday April 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. and  7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass is on Tuesday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Centerport. Entombment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Center Moriches.