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Jean Sparozic passed Jan. 12.

Jean Sparozic passed Jan. 12 in West Newbury, MA. He was 93, and had residences in Huntington, Port Washington and Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Sparozic was the beloved husband of the late Joyce Dendievel Sparozic; the loving father of Jill Morrison, Suzy Sparozic, and Wendy Dirkes; the adored grandfather of Jonathan and Ryan; and the dear brother of Marie Gunderson.

Jean Sparozic with his late wife Joyce Dendievel Sparozic.

Reposing at Austin F. Knowles, Inc. Funeral Home, located at 128 Main St. Port Washington Friday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. Graveside service is Saturday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. at Nassau Knolls Cemetery.

For over 40 years, Sparozic was owner of Amoureuse Couture, a 7th Avenue Evening Gown Mfg. Amoureuse Couture in NYC, making glamorous custom formal gowns for such notables as Mamie Eisenhower, wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Opera singer, Beverly Sills, Kathryn Harken (the wife of Zero Mostel), Rudy Giuliani’s second wife, Donna Hanover for President George H.W. Bush’s inauguration, a Saudi Prince’s daughter, Rose Mary Clooney, amongst celebrity clients, with a Fashion Show at Studio 54 in its heyday. He also sold gowns to such stores as Saks, Hirshleifer’s on Miracle Mile, and many more around the country. Before opening his own company, he worked with Bill Blass and Oleg Cassini amongst others notable fashion industry giants.

His life began Sept. 3, 1926 in Masny, France. As a child he was educated at a convent with his sister and his mother, a devout Catholic had high hopes he would enter the seminary. Sparozic had other ideas and wanted to become a merchant sea captain and see the world. At 16, that dream became a reality when he joined the French Merchant Marines during World War II, making close to 40 trips to the U.S. and other ports of call. Many times, the ships carried American soldiers and supplies back to war torn France and other sea ports. The first time, each time after he came to New York Harbor, he would never forget the sight of seeing the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom.

While in New York City, during free time, he would visit the USO French Canteen, where he met his future bride, Joyce Dendievel, a beautiful, young British and French fashion designer. Joyce was fluent in French and was a volunteer at the canteen for the war effort. Jean had tickets to Radio City Christmas Show and the romance bloomed. Joyce was smitten with Jean’s French accent and Johnny Depp good looks. After several trips back and forth to France, at 19 years old, Jean decided he wanted to make a life with Joyce in the U.S., and they were married. Not knowing English, it was rough at first finding work. After moving to Port Washington to live with Joyce and her family, Jean worked for a time at Shield’s Plumbing. The couple moved to New York City and he would find himself working at the Waldorf Astoria in the kitchen, until he visited Joyce’s company, and she helped him find work in the garment district. He became fascinated with the pattern makers and started taking night courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he became proficient in pattern making and tops in his field. At this point, in 1958, Joyce had become a mother to the three girls, and his wife had saved enough to buy a home. In 1966, he started Amoureuse Couture, and the rest is history. He continued taking courses of all sorts well into his 50s. Jean didn’t retire until in his 80s, acting as a consultant and head pattern maker for other firms in New York City’s Garment Center, including Land’s End, and other top brands.

Around this time, Jean also was able to help bring his mother, step-father, sister and her children from Algiers which was war torn from French Algerian War at the time, to live in Port Washington, as well.

Sparozic was an avid sailor and kept his boat moored at the Port Washington Town Dock, taking his family out sailing and fishing. The couple had spent many summer’s in Montauk camping and fishing, as well. Jean’s other love was restoring old Mercedes Benz in his spare time, well into his 80s, and traveling. He will be sorely missed.

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Stock photo

When, last autumn in Rhinebeck, New York, Lorraine Barbra Lindner exited this earth, little did she know what a stir she would cause locally in her beloved home of some 40 years.

Lorraine Barbra Lindner

She was 92. She was my mother, and all her life she served the poor.

She taught me that and she taught me how. She also instructed me about the niceties of giving gifts, her favorite activity. For this, she always kept a calendar, besmirched with the daily jottings of people for whom she cared — always sending them presents for their every occasion. She did this faithfully and methodically. In fact, never did a day pass that she did not give someone something.

And, guess what she left behind for me? Her only silver crucifix ring! Now I display it handsomely upon that left-hand pinky finger where she also used to wear it. In truth, it is my only connection to her, this little silver memento, and I shall always cherish it.

Moreover, I still mourn her and her cause, which was to give gifts to what seemed to be all the living world.

Despite her practice of generosity, she lived in a world of her own — always thinking about the little guy, while indulging her fantasy of Christian hope and charity to all. She did this one blessed person at a time, as I also want to say and do. For mom was a great neighbor to have; everyone who visited her home in Port Jefferson village was treated with utmost courtesy and welcome. 

But all of this is ended now that she has greeted eternity. Therefore, as her son, I now praise this 5 foot 2, blue-eyed Irishwoman and solemnly swear it has been a distinct privilege to have shared your friendship and expert care. 

For caring would be the best thing you would do. So, I reached out at your Infant Jesus funeral Mass of Christian burial, touching your casket with both my hands. Now I bid you a fond goodbye — even as you, gift giver, say so long to friends and family, knowing as we all do how very true it is that — just as you taught us all during your long life. And we shall all meet you again upon our own lives’ end. 

But for now, it will have to be goodbye, gift giver, my friend. See you in
heaven, Mom. 

George Lindner is a Port Jefferson Station resident.

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Frank Henn

Frank J. Henn of Holtsville passed Dec. 31, 2019. He was 93.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II and was the beloved husband of the late Elaine.

In addition, he was the cherished father of James (Virginia), Pamela (Patrick) O’Keeffe, Joanne (Thomas) Dethloff and Kevin (Theresa); the loving grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of five; and the dear brother of Dorothy Leskody, Joan Ruberti and Donald (Barbara). He is further survived by many other family members and friends.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mark’s R.C. Church in Shoreham, and interment followed with military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Robert Desmond III

Robert T. Desmond III of Miller Place passed Dec. 5, 2019. He was 37.

He was the beloved son of Robert and Patricia; the cherished brother of Allison (Alan) Gandt and Kyle (Jennifer); and the loving uncle of Drew and Molly Gandt.

He is additionally survived by many other family members and friends.

A religious service was held at First United Methodist Church in Port Jefferson, and interment followed at Sea View Cemetery in Mount Sinai.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Kaitlyn Schaal

Kaitlyn Anne Schaal of Mount Sinai died Oct. 15, 2019. She was 19.

She was the cherished daughter of Doreen Kremens and Richard; the beloved sister of Megan, Richard and Ryan; and the loving granddaughter of Virginia (the late Richard) and the late Nicholas and the late Dolores Roche.

She is additionally survived by many other family members and friends.

A religious service was held at the Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place, and interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Karen Johnston

Karen Johnston of Ridge passed Dec. 23, 2019. She was 45.

She was the beloved wife of Richard; the loving mother of Timothy, Matthew and Megan; the adored daughter of Nancy and the late Harold Rischowsky; and the devoted sister of Mark (Lisa) Rischowsky. She is further survived by many other family members and friends.

Service was held at Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place, and interment followed at Washington Memorial Park cemetery in Mount Sinai.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Vincent Juliano

Vincent Juliano of Rocky Point passed on Dec. 29, 2019. 

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. In life after the war, he became an avid RC airplane modeler, a New York City special education teacher and an Alcon Canadian sales manager.

He was the beloved husband of the late Lillian; the cherished father of John (Jennifer), Vincent (Sharon), Linda (Jeff), Ken and Chris (Cathy); and the loving grandfather of six. He is additionally survived by many other family members and friends.

Service was held at Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place, and interment followed with military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

John Lynch

John (Jack) Lynch died Dec. 9. He was 96 years old.

Jack was born in New York City. He studied at Catholic University of America and Manhattan College. He joined the Levittown school district in 1952. He later became a principal in upstate New York. He opened the Cherokee Street Elementary School in the Connetquot Central School District in 1969. 

After retirement, he played softball with the Brookhaven softball league and tennis at the Old Field Club. He was a member of the Stony Brook Yacht Club, enjoying leisure times with fellow retirees. He sang in the choir at St. James R.C. Church in Setauket and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Jack loved spending time with his nine grandchildren. During the last year, he danced with three of his granddaughters at their weddings.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Maryellen; and two sons, John and Brian, and their wives, Nancy and Susan.

Isabel Stevens

Isabel L. Stevens (née Farrell) of East Northport died Dec. 18. Stevens was a former switchboard operator at Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, 899 Court Morning Star, and a devoted lifelong N.Y. Mets fan. Beloved wife of the late Robert; loving mother of Robert (Joanne), Jean (Peter) Sabia and Susan (Kevin) Luning; devoted grandmother of Andrew Sabia, Steven Sabia, Kelley (Ryan) Nimmo, Sean, Jessica Luning and Melissa and Kevin Luning; cherished great-grandmother of Declan Nimmo; and caring aunt of Eileen (Arthur) Fredrickson. Repose was held Dec. 22 at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 23 at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, East Northport. Interment followed at St. Philip Neri Cemetery. 

Clifford E. Bishop

Retired Norwood Avenue Elementary School Principal Clifford E. Bishop died Dec. 23 at 85 years of age. He served as principal for the Northport school for over 25 years. Beloved husband of the late Margaret; loving father of Bruce (Chantal), Mary Ann (Richard) Duryea, Joan (Stephen) Perrone and Kelly (Terrance) Motherway; cherished grandfather of Sean, Matthew, Julie, Jillian, Anthony, Jack, Declan and Maggie; dear twin brother of Robert (the late Ellie); and fond brother of Virginia (the late Billy) Killoran, Dorothy (Arthur) Capeci, George (Kathy) and the late Warren (Mary). Visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport Dec. 26. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 27 at St. Philip Neri Church, Northport. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. In Cliff’s memory donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research would be appreciated: www.michaeljfox.org/donate/our-goal-urgently-needed-cure?smcid=ap-a1b1R0000086fHf.

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Locals Look Back on RP Teacher, Coach, Administrator and Icon

Michael Bowler, middle, was renowned as a RP lacrosse coach. Photos from Rich Acritelli

By Rich Acritelli

Just recently, Rocky Point Union Free School District lost the wonderful presence of longtime teacher, coach, advisor and administrator Michael Bowler, who passed away Dec. 1.  This legendary coach of 47 years had accumulated 447 wins as the only lacrosse coach Rocky Point had ever known. While Bowler was always a notable figure who taught, coached and mentored the students of the school, his unique background of honor, service, kindness and loyalty was established some 72 years ago.

Michael Bowler in his early days. Photo from Rich Acritelli.

Bowler was born Feb. 14, 1947, to Paul and Marie Bowler. He was raised in Hicksville with his brother Kevin and his two sisters Meg and Stephanie. During World War II, his dad was a Marine Corps fighter pilot who fought in the Pacific, where he was able to fly near one of the greatest baseball hitters of all time, Boston Red Sox icon Ted Williams. After the war, the senior Bowler was involved in business and his mother was an elementary school teacher. As a kid, Bowler attended Catholic school, where he loved playing football and basketball. Since religion has been a cornerstone of this family, Bowler served as an alter boy at St. Ignatius Elementary School. Later, Bowler attended St. Dominic’s High School in Oyster Bay. He was a four-year honor student, a featured running back on the football team and a major leader on the golf squad. His most crowning achievement was meeting his high school sweetheart and later wife, Helene, at the age of 16. Just recently, they renewed their wedding vows for their 50th wedding anniversary.

In 1965, Bowler graduated from high school and moved on to King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He studied history and education and was later a vice president of the student council and the president of the senior class. Shortly after graduating, he married Helene on Aug. 23, 1969, and was quickly hired as a social studies teacher at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip where he taught history and theology. It was there Bowler began his lifelong passion of coaching, starting with the  junior varsity football team. In this rather busy time, Bowler enlisted in the New York Army National Guard for six years. Since his youth he was always in leadership positions, so it was no surprise that Bowler became a heavy truck operator and a platoon sergeant within a motor company. It was at this time Bowler and his wife welcomed their oldest son Brendan into the family Aug. 19, 1972.

In 1973, Bowler was hired at Rocky Point High School,where he continued teaching social studies and was offered a coaching position in lacrosse, a position that would shape the rest of his life. While Bowler was a well-rounded athlete, lacrosse was a new game for him. For the rest of his life, Bowler was always a student of a sport that saw him evolve into one of the finest high school coaches in New York. Bowler grew into a major faculty member that was in charge of the social studies department and was a senior class adviser who organized major trips to Montreal, Canada, and to Walt Disney World in Florida. He ran school dances, the battle of the classes, the senior picnic, prom and dinner from 1976 to 1995 and 2002 to 2003. For a decade, he also coached the varsity girls cross-country team. Bowler ran with his team and demonstrated a strong flair for pushing his students to do well at long-distance running. Like that of lacrosse, he was a devoted leader that had won several league titles and a coach of the year award from 1978 to 1988.

Michael Bowler, middle, was renowned as a RP lacrosse coach. Photos from Rich Acritelli

By 1985, the Bowler family grew to three more boys through the addition of Sean, Kevan and Michael All of them attended school at Infant Jesus in Port Jefferson before moving onto St. Anthony’s in Huntington. On top of his busy teaching and coaching schedule, to earn extra money for his family Bowler delivered beer, moved people’s homes and even transported libraries within the city and Long Island to different locations. At night, Bowler went back to school at C.W. Post to earn his administrative degree. He was quickly promoted as an assistant principal at Rocky Point middle and high schools. Armed with a big smile and a can-do attitude, Bowler was responsible for discipline, hiring teachers, scheduling staff and students and being a constant presence at all school functions.  He mentored teachers like Brooke Bonomi to constantly support the students around him within every imaginable task and activity.  Often, when one observed Bowler’s desk, it was often messy and full of papers dealing with every possible concern that can occur within a school. Even as he held an administration position, Bowler continued to coach the lacrosse team, where he had a positive impact inside and outside of this school.  

After several years of working with younger athletes, establishing intramural programs, and coaching the junior varsity team, by 1978 his squad had its first full varsity season. With an energetic demeanor, Bowler instructed a green group of athletes toward attaining an 11-8 record. This was the start of many outstanding decades that saw the Rocky Point Eagles be one of the finest programs within their league, county and on Long Island. In 1985, after several years of hard work, the Eagles captured their first county title. Bowler reached the pinnacle of success within the sport, as he eventually guided his players to a 2008 New York State Championship. For all of his devotion, Bowler was awarded numerous coaches of the year awards through his league and county and he was honored with being the Man of the Year in sports through Times Beacon Record and the local Rotary Club. 

In 2014, Rocky Point lost a hard fought game to Lynbrook, where the team came extremely close to making it to the state tournament. Ever the master communicator, Bowler made a detailed speech about the strengths of this group and the importance of giving their all to a contest and still being proud of themselves, even when some goals are not achieved. John Fernandez was a 1996 graduate of Rocky Point, a member of the West Point lacrosse team and close confidant of Bowler. He was severely wounded during the Second Gulf War in Iraq. This talented player openly recalled Bowler “never screamed or belittled a player, lost his cool or uttered profanity on the field. His success in coaching has come from his ability to encourage and get players to ask the most from themselves, not from others.”

Over the years the incredibly personable man established solid relationships with college coaches all over this nation. His “boys” played on every athletic college level at schools like Albany, Adelphi, Brown, Colgate, Dartmouth, Delaware, Hofstra, Manhattan, Stony Brook, Towson, Trinity, Wagner and Wesleyan. In larger numbers, his players served in the armed forces as they played within every service academy team. It is said Rocky Point has more captains that lead the West Point team than any other high school in America. Rocky Point guidance counselors Matt Poole and Jimmy Jordan always marveled at Bowler’s ability to fully understand the college recruiting and admissions process. For decades, Bowler drove his students on numerous trips in New England and the East Coast. Often the case, he quietly took money out of his own pocket for the sake of his players. Just this past year alone, former Rocky Point standout Peter LaSalla was a freshman and faceoff man on the University of Virginia lacrosse team. This local kid that just played for Bowler was a key member of a team that recently won the 2019 National Championship.

It is with a heavy heart that Rocky Point school district mourns the difficult loss of an individual that always made time for his family, friends, students and players. Even as he retired from his administrative position in 2004, Bowler continued to coach lacrosse until his declining health conditions forced him to retire from this position. Bowler leaves behind the love of his best friend Helene who spent countless hours at the school rooting for his teams, along with his three boys Brendan, Kevan and Michael. There is undoubtedly a special place in heaven for Bowler who is surely united with his second oldest son Sean, who passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease, otherwise known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2005. The family loved Sean’s girlfriend Adena Herskovitz, who as she was attending Yale Law School had taken care of him after he was diagnosed with ALS. While the Bowler’s are dominated by all boys, Adena truly represented the lone daughter of this family. As with Sean, Adena was recently at the bedside of Bowler to ensure that he was properly receiving the correct medical attention at Sloan Kettering in Manhattan.

Like that of Brooklyn native and Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, who was a devout Catholic, teacher, coach, mentor and loyal member of his church, Bowler truly resembled the traits of this historic figure, of living his life for the love of his family, God and the Rocky Point Eagles. For decades, Bowler was a major member of the Infant Jesus Parish in Port Jefferson where he could be seen assisting with the weekly and Sunday Masses. At times, it is my custom to speak with Father Francis Pizzarelli of Hope House and Infant Jesus. With a big smile, Father Frank always described the devotion of Bowler who always enhanced others within his church and team. The priest recalled how Bowler even coached his family members. Always with a hectic schedule, Bowler and his wife took care of a special needs young man and his home over the last several years. Never did the Bowlers ever seek any type of attention for always putting others first — it was not their way. From his youngest moments, Bowler and his family “selflessly” aided others with a tremendous smile, kindness and heart.

Up until his death, Bowler dearly loved his family, team, community and church. He leaves behind a “tribe” of six grandsons, who he was immensely proud of seeing during his visits to Massachusetts and Colorado. Like that of his players, he followed their every lacrosse movements and was happy that they were all well-rounded student-athletes. In the summers, the family vacationed on Block Island where they looked forward to being together. While lacrosse was always a passion for Bowler, the athletic tradition has been passed onto all of his sons, who were all tough college players that later became high school coaches. His two older grandsons are devoted students who are currently playing for Duke University and Marist College. At a gathering that was held at the Bowler home after the cemetery services, the younger grandsons were running around the house with their football helmets on. They were catching passes from Bowler’s brother Kevin in the backyard of his home.  Like their grandfather, they flashed a brilliant smile as they were running around and tackling each other.  

At this sad time, as the Bowler family came together and at several points during this trying week, they could be heard laughing at colorful memories of this unique man.  At the church service at Infant Jesus Church in Port Jeffeson, his younger son, Michael, soundly recalled the dynamic ways and “quirks” of his father that had given so much to all those around him. It was hard to find a seat or place to stand as family members, neighbors, friends, current and former teachers, players and coaches all gave a final goodbye to a person that garnered so much affection. And these accounts that were creatively stated by Michael produced a large roar of laughter from the crowd. Each in turn  easily recalled the genuine ways of this former husband, parent, family member, educator, coach, church member, neighbor and veteran.

At the final wake services, where there were close to a thousand people that stood on line to share the numerous positive qualities of Bowler, 2010 high school graduate Michael Muller addressed the true meaning of this man. In front of a packed house, Muller, a graduate and a lacrosse player from Dartmouth College, said his life would have been vastly differently if it was not for the constant presence and guidance of “Coach Bowler.” Muller echoed the sentiments of this North Shore community that truly appreciated the dedication of Michael P. Bowler, who always looked to enhance the school district. 

The life of this “Renaissance man” could be summed up through the words of Lombardi who told his own players, “Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him.  It’s something we call heart power.  Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop short of success.”  

Through all of his amazing deeds to his family and school, Bowler has surely lived up to a high benchmark of excellence on and off the field.

Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.

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Mary Bifulco

Mary Bifulco, of Ridge, passed away Nov. 25. She was 92.

She was the beloved wife of the late Frank; cherished mother of Frank (Patti), Richard (Katie) and Donna DiGregorio; loving grandmother of Bradley (Rae), Lisa (Sam), Danielle (Michael), Lauren, Kristin (Matthew) and Daniel (Mallinda); and great-grandmother of Veda, Enzo, Ryan, Haley, Claire, Abigail and Jack. She is survived by many other family members and friends.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Francis Cabrini R.C. Church, and interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Harry Weiner

Harry Weiner, a Port Jefferson resident for 44 years, passed away Dec. 8 and was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery Dec. 11. He was 89.

Weiner was born in Brooklyn in 1930 and led a long and interesting life. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He also served as a Foreign Service officer in Portugal and Brazil in the 1950s and ’60s. In the early 1970s, Weiner served as assistant dean at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In 1975, Weiner began teaching as a professor at SUNY at Stony Brook’s W. Averell Harriman School for Management and Policy and also served as the school’s dean. He taught there for more than 40 years and was a favorite of students. After retiring as an emeritus professor, Weiner continued living in Port Jefferson until 2019. He pursued many hobbies such as tennis, pool and the study of languages. As a child he spoke Yiddish, and in the Foreign Service he became fluent in Portuguese. In the last 15 years, he became an avid self-taught student of Spanish and achieved a high level of proficiency.

He is survived by his sons Robert, Daniel and Alex; his daughter Joan; their spouses; and 11 grandchildren.

Weiner and his wife, Shirley, who passed away earlier this year, will be greatly missed by their friends and large extended family.

Vincent Marino

Vincent Marino of Hull, Massachusetts, formerly of Northport, died Nov. 26 at 65 years of age. Beloved son of his late parents Vincenza and William; cherished brother of William Marino (Kathy), Margaret Marino, Marian Marino (Marc Lucier), Mary Frances Marino (Edward Thompson) and Martin Charles Marino; and loving uncle of William, John, James, William, Abigail, AnnaMaria, Francesca and Rebecca. Visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A funeral Mass was celebrated  at St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church. Burial followed at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Island.

Henry Grana

Henry “Hank” Grana of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Northport, passed away Nov. 21 at 87 years of age. Beloved husband of Jean for 58 years; loving father of Donna Koons (Lee) and Laura Grana; treasured poppy of Julia and Caroline; dear brother of the late Frank, Jack and Manuel; and survived by brothers Ferdinand (Buddy) and Robert Grana.

As a talented baseball player throughout his youth in Brooklyn, he played tirelessly and earned the nickname Hooks. He was a loyal employee of Bear Stearns for 42 years before his retirement in 1992.

Visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Philip Neri R.C. Church in Northport. Interment followed at Genola Rural Cemetery in East Northport.

Anthony J. Morreale

Anthony “Tony” J. Morreale of East Northport died Dec. 3 at 86 years of age. Loving husband of Sheila; beloved father of John (Jackie) Morreale, Michael (Mary) Morreale, Mark (Jeanine) Morreale and Lisa (Dan) Bevilacqua; cherished grandfather of Michelle, Kevin, Catherine and Michael; and dear brother of Lucille Werkmeister. Visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Philip Neri R.C. Church in Northport. Private cremation followed. Interment of ashes will take place Friday, Dec. 13, at Calverton National Cemetery at 2 p.m.

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Michael Bowler

Michael Patrick Bowler, of Port Jefferson Station, passed Dec. 1. He was  72.  

Michael devoted his life unselfishly to the care of his family and those in his community. He was a passionate longtime educator and lacrosse coach at Rocky Point High School, having helped coach the 2008 team to win a state championship. He was the beloved husband of Helene for 50 years. 

In addition, he was the loving father of Brendan (Amy), Kevan (Andrea), Michael (Ann), and the late Sean (Adena Herskovitz).  “Silly Willy” grandfather, better known as “Poppy” who unconditionally loved John, Michael, Brian, Donny, Brodie and Rory; and the devoted brother of Kevin (Jennie), Stephanie and Meg Malangone. 

Friends may call at the Bryant Funeral Home, located at 411 Old Town Road, East Setauket.  Visiting hours are Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m.  A Mass will be celebrated  Friday, Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Infant Jesus R.C. Church in Port Jefferson. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Smithtown.  

Donations to Ride for Life, ALS Association and Hope House Ministries would be appreciated. Visit www.bryantfh.com for more information.

Christine M. Spalletta 

It is with profound sadness to announce the sudden passing of Christine Spalletta of Northport Nov. 11. Raised in a large Irish Catholic family in Oyster Bay, she was born as the second daughter to the late Robert J. and Josephine Barnett. She will be forever loved and missed by her three children, Dawn (Kenny) Bennett, Theresa (Chris) Moore and Steve Spalletta, and seven adored grandchildren, Hailey, Brayden, Julia, Noah, CJ, Jamieson and Makenna. She is also survived by nine siblings, Jody (Don), Patty (Greg), Elie (Mike), Anne (Tom), Bob, Katie (Alan), John (Susan), Tom (Marie) and Jane (Bernie) as well as many nieces and nephews. Chris cherished her dear friends Betty, Pat, Jackie and Jackie and her oldest friends Loretta and Charlene (Oyster Bay High School Class of 1963). Christine’s greatest joy was being with her grandchildren.

Patrick Perpignano 

Patrick Perpignano of Northport died Nov. 14 at 76 years of age. He was the beloved husband of Carroll; loving father of Lisa Marshall (John), Kristin Perpignano (Jeremy Norris) and J. T. Glancy (Lisa); cherished grandfather of Devin, John, Lily, John, Lauren and Diana; and dear brother of Giovanna Perpignano. Visitation was held at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport Nov. 19. A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 20 at St. Philip Neri R.C. Church, Northport; private cremation followed. In Patrick’s memory donations to American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Linda Ringen 

Linda Ringen of Daytona Beach, Florida, formerly of Northport and Port Jefferson, died Nov. 23. She was the beloved wife of Peter; loving mother of Peter (Martha) Ringen Jr. and the late Ronald Ty Ringen Sr.; and cherished grandmother of Ronald Ty Ringen Jr., Alicia Kelly Ringen, Justin Ringen, Chelsea (Timothy) Atkins, Joshua Ringen and Grace Ringen. Visitation and funeral services were held Nov. 30. Closing prayer was held Dec. 1. Interment followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Port Jefferson. 

Daniel Donovan 

Daniel Donovan of Kings Park died Nov. 24 at 55 years of age. He was the beloved father of Kelly Zimmermann and her husband Daniel, Patrick Donovan and Shannon Donovan; loved by Dee Donovan; cherished grandfather of Mason; and loving brother of Colleen Kirsop (Ken), James Donovan (Trish), Robert Donovan (Valerie) and the late Michael Donovan. Visitation was held Nov. 30 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. Private cremation followed. In Dan’s memory donations to Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, 505 Main St., Northport, NY 11768, would be appreciated. 

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File photo from Stony Brook University

An award-winning scientist, grandmother, aunt, mother and wife, Dr. Lina Obeid, died Nov. 29 at the age of 64 after a recurrence of lung cancer.

Lina Obeid spending time with her granddaughter Evelyn. Photo by Marya Hannun

Born in New York and raised in Lebanon, Obeid was a State University of New York distinguished professor of medicine and the dean of research at Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, where she conducted research on cancer and aging. In 2015, she was named as one of The Village Times Herald’s People of the Year along with her husband Dr. Yusuf Hannun.

A Celebration of Life memorial service for Obeid will take place Dec. 7 at Flowerfield in St. James from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and will include remarks and a reception. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors.

SBU faculty appreciated Obeid’s scientific, administrative and mentoring contributions, as well as her engaging style.

Michael Bernstein, interim president of SBU, said Obeid was “very well liked and respected” and that her loss leaves a “big hole” at the university.

Obeid “oversaw our research programs, specifically the core facilities on which all our laboratory scientists depend, for sample analysis, for microscopy of cells” among other areas, Dr. Kenneth Kaushansky, dean of Renaissance School of Medicine wrote in an email.

He lauded Obeid’s personable approach, which he said, “rubbed off on many people,” creating a “renewed sense of optimism in our ability to impact all three missions: research, teaching and clinical care.”

Obeid and Hannun, who is the director of the Stony Brook Cancer Center, knew each other in high school, started dating in medical school and were married for 36 years. The couple recently shared a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th International Conference on Bioactive Lipids in Cancer, Inflammation and Related Diseases in October. The award represents the first time a woman received this honor.

Supriya Jayadev, who was a graduate student in Hannun’s lab at Duke University and is the executive director of Clallam Mosaic in Port Angeles, Washington, called Obeid a “role model” for women in science. “Not only was she a strong leader with the ability to compete in a male-dominated field, but she retained her femininity and grace.”

Daniel Raben, a professor of biological chemistry at Johns Hopkins Medicine, has known Obeid and Hannun for more than two decades.

“She had a huge impact on the sphingolipid field because of the contribution she made,” Raben said. “It’s a huge loss. She was a giant.”

Dr. Maurizio Del Poeta, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at SBU, knew Obeid since 1995.

“I once asked her if she had any advice for my grants to get funded,” he recalled in an email. Obeid suggested she didn’t know how to get funded, but that his work wouldn’t get funded if he didn’t submit proposals.

She “never took ‘no’ for an answer. She would insist and insist and insist again until she [would] persuade you and get a ‘yes,’” he added.

Del Poeta said Obeid did a “marvelous” job enhancing research facilities, while she was a “caring physician” for veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center.

Obeid and Hannun were co-directors of a National Institutes of Health program in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, which this year received a grant renewal for another five years.

Obeid’s daughter Marya Hannun recalled her mother as “warm, honest, and funny” without being cynical. Marya said her mother cared about everyone around her and was rooting for them to succeed.

“During my childhood, she taught me that nothing was impossible if you are determined and gutsy.”

— Mayra Hannun

“During my childhood, she taught me that nothing was impossible if you are determined and gutsy,” Marya Hannun wrote in an email.

She suggested her mother was passionate about food, which shaped how they lived and traveled. When the family visited Greece, Obeid swam out for sea urchins, cracked them on rocks and ate them on the beach. She was a passionate cook who learned from her mother, Rosette, who wrote a Palestinian cookbook.

The Hannun family laughs “about how we plan out holidays around food and spend
our meals talking about the next meals,” Marya wrote.

Obeid was part of one of the first class of women admitted into the International College High School. She earned her bachelor of arts at Rutgers University, but was also creative as a child and interested in fashion and design.

“Anyone who [saw] her wouldn’t be surprised,” Marya said.

Obeid is survived by her husband, her parents, Rosette and Sami, her nieces and nephews, her triplet children and her two grandchildren.

Obeid and Hannun’s daughter Reem is married to Dr. Khaled Moussawi and lives in Baltimore. Awni and his wife Kathy Hannun have two children, Evelyn and Yusuf, and live in New York City.

Binks Wattenberg, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University, believes that “people like [Obeid] only come along a few times in one’s lifetime.”

In an email, he recalled how she had a
“way of looking into your eyes and persuading you to do an experiment that she thought absolutely had to be done.” He appreciated her enthusiasm, which made Wattenberg feel as if he was doing “absolutely
essential work.”

Obeid regularly invited her researchers for meals at her house, where they felt as if they also joined the family, said Dr. Gerard Blobe, a professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine who earned his doctorate in Yusuf Hannun’s lab over 20 years ago.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations in Obeid’s name to the Stony Brook University Cancer Center. Potential donors can access the site at cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu/giving.

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Nancy Richard.

Nancy Richard died tragically Monday, Dec. 2, after being struck by a car driven by her husband, Peter, who was backing out of their driveway at their Fort Salonga home.

After walking her grandchild to the bus stop, Richard was returning to her home at 9 Concord Drive, when she was struck by a 2015 Mercedes S550 at 7:30 a.m.

Nancy Richard, 79, was transported to Huntington Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Peter Richard, 83, was not injured.

Suffolk County police state that the vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

The accident occurred just a little more than one year after the family donated more than $3.5 million to establish the expansion of the pediatric emergency care unit of Stony Brook University Hospital. The Stony Brook Children’s Hospital lobby was named in the family’s honor in recognition of that gift. The university has acknowledged the couple’s philanthropic effort has meant better services for the families and children on Long Island.

“Nancy Richard was a remarkable friend of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and all of us send our heartfelt condolences to Peter and the entire Richard family,” said Dr. Kenneth Kaushansky, senior VP for Health Sciences and dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.

The couple’s daughter Susan Habberstad, a St. James resident, had played an important role in identifying Stony Brook Children’s Hospital as a worthwhile project to support. In a profile posted on the university’s website, she recognized her parents’ strong family values and how the donation instilled a strong sense of pride:

“My parents’ priority in their life is their children,” Habberstad stated. “And it’s not just their kids; it’s their grandchildren, it’s everybody’s kids. Everybody’s kids are so important, and they are Nanny and Pop to everybody. They’re Nanny and Pop to hundreds of kids.”

Peter Richard was the longtime executive vice president of the P.C. Richard & Son chain of appliance and electronics stores. The retailer has serviced Long Island for more than 110 years. Peter is the grandson of the store founder Pieter Christian (P.C.) Richard. The business today has 66 showrooms in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, three distribution centers and two service centers.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Nancy Richard’s memory to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital at stonybrook.edu/childrenshospitalgiving.

Funeral services have not yet been announced.

 

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Gloria Schuerlein

Gloria Isabelle Schuerlein, of Farmingville, died Nov. 7. She was 90.

She was the beloved wife of the late Clement Schuerlein. 

She was also the loving mother of Gloria Murphy (Eugene), Mary Knabbe (John), Clement Schuerlein (the late Sally), Michael Schuerlein (Valerie), Joseph Schuerlein (the late Ruthann), John Schuerlein (Diane), Eileen Montleon (Charles), Susan Cupas (Nick), Richard Schuerlein (Alison), Loretta Gilmour (Frank), James Schuerlein (Susan), Ann Barton (Thomas), Christine Smalkin (Rick), Elaine Hayes (Michael), Katherine DiSunno (Lonnie), Maureen Collins (Thomas) and Margaret Lester (Daniel); the cherished grandmother of 39; great-grandmother of 37; proud sister of Jerry Shaw and Kenneth Shaw; and was the fond sister-in-law and best friend of Beverly Shaw. 

Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian burial was held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church in Ronkonkoma, while interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place and Vigliante family. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Ronald LaFroscia

Ronald G. LaFroscia, of Ridge, passed Nov. 7. He was 87.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann, and loving fiancé of Edna Vega.

He was the adored father of Patricia Ann Raybould, Christine (Richard) Landers and Laurette Jean (William) Leonard; the cherished “grampy” of Richard, Brian (Amanda), Jeana (Steve), Colleen, Kelly (Nick), Terri (Steve), Shannon (Matt) and Caroline; and was the special great-grampy of Madison.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mark’s R.C. Church in Shoreham, and interment followed with military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Robert Flieger

Robert M. Flieger, of Middle Island, passed Oct. 30. He was 93.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army in the Korean War, and was the beloved husband of Eileen.

In addition, he was the cherished father of Karen Conlin, Thomas (Joanne) Flieger, and Robert (Alison) Flieger; the loving grandfather of Kelly, Sarah, Emily, Cindy, Chelsea, Paul and Adam; and great-grandfather of Julia, Miles, Abby, Lucy, Dawson. He is survived by many other family members and friends.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at the Infant Jesus R.C. Church in Port Jefferson, and interment followed with military honors at Calverton National Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place. An online guest book at www.branchfh.com.

Gloria Barna 

Gloria Barna of Northport passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Nov. 10. The love of her life Johnny Barna predeceased her. She was the loving mother of Joseph (Connie) Barna, John (Diane) Barna, Anna (Mark) Pollaci, Gloria (James) Byrne and Anthony (Patricia) Barna; cherished grandmother of John Daniel Barna, Jennifer Leone, Christopher Barna, Gina Pollaci Yankow, Joseph Pollaci, Lucinda Harmonay, Stephen Harmonay, Delaney Harmonay, Travis Byrne, Christina Barna, Michelle Barna and Anthony Barna; and loved and adored great-grandmother of Rebecca, Elyssa, Giacomo, Adriana, Matteo, Sophia, Joseph, Lilla and Stella. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to: Father Patrick Devine, Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, c/o Joseph Pollaci, Nucor Construction, 117 W. 28th St., New York, NY 10001.

Lucy S. Pollichino 

Lucy S. Pollichino died on Nov. 3 at 91 years of age. She was the beloved wife of the late Matteo P. Pollichino; loving mother of Janet (Robert) Molan, Robert (Gina) Pollichino, Paul (Danine) Pollichino and Steven (Carol) Pollichino; cherished grandmother of six (Allison, Matthew, Amanda, Paul, Michael and James); and dear great-grandmother of two (Lucas and Anthony). Visitation was held at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport, on Nov. 7. A Mass was celebrated Nov. 8 at St. Philip Neri R.C. Church, Northport. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be sent to Lustgarten Foundation, Attn: Cathy Weber, 415 Crossways Park Dr., Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797 (www.lustgarten.org) and the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 (www.heart.org).

Donald J. McNaughton 

Donald J. McNaughton of Northport died peacefully on Nov. 19 at the age of 87 surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was the beloved husband of the late Katherine; loving father of Patricia (Thomas) Battles, Margaret Cleary, Donald (Donna) McNaughton and the late Michael (Linda) McNaughton; cherished grandfather of Christina (Stephen), Caitlin, Janine, Olivia, Caroline (AJ), Aidan, Micaela, Danielle and Steven; great-grandfather of Katherine and Elizabeth; and dear brother of the late Rosemary (the late Edward) O’Brien, Kathleen (John) Roche and Robert (Nancy) McNaughton. He was also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation was held Nov. 22 at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A Mass was celebrated Nov. 23 at St. Philip Neri R.C. Church, Northport. Interment followed at Northport Rural Cemetery.

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MaryAnn Nilsen

MaryAnn Nilsen, of Terryville, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Oct. 29, after an ongoing illness. She was 87.

She was born in Brooklyn to Francis and Margaret O’Sullivan. When she was 18, she met the love of her life, Richard Francis Nilsen, through a blind date. Shortly after their meeting, Richie was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was sent overseas. MaryAnn found a job in New York City working for Columbia Gas Pipeline Company as a statistical typist during the war. 

When Richie returned, they rekindled their relationship but soon afterward MaryAnn was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was sent to Homer Folks Tuberculosis Hospital in Oneonta. Richie visited her every week, not missing a single visit over 54 weeks. He proposed to her while she was still at the hospital. After recovering from a new but radical surgery, MaryAnn returned to Brooklyn where she married Richie and they embarked on a 63-year journey and a wonderful marriage. 

Richie and MaryAnn eventually moved to Terryville where they added three more children to their already growing family. She devoted her life to raising her family and participating in the church, initially Infant Jesus Church and then Saint Gerard Majella as founding members. She enjoyed drawing and painting and being with family and her grandchildren. She planned many Fourth of July barbecues over the years, which she cherished as it helped bring her family together. 

MaryAnn leaves behind six married children, Joseph and Denise Nilsen of Livermore, California; Michael and Diana Nilsen of Brooklyn; Francis and Sheryl Nilsen of Sound Beach; Kathleen and Jim Rieger of Garden City; Thomas and Gina Nilsen of Auburn; Rich and Marta Nilsen of Tarpon Springs, Florida; her brother Peter O’Sullivan; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

A wake was held Monday, Nov. 4, at Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket, followed by a funeral Mass Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, at Saint Louis de Montfort R.C. Church in Sound Beach. Her final resting place is next to her husband Richie at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

Dr. William Colden

Dr. William W. Colden died peacefully Oct. 10 with family by his side. He was a respected and dedicated pediatrician for over 40 years. 

He was born and grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn College before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was deployed to Germany where he spent his tour of duty as a public health inspector.

Following military service, he attended medical school in Lausanne, Switzerland, before completing his pediatric residency training at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn. At the start of his residency, he met and married his wife Barbara (née Rosendorf). They celebrated their 56th anniversary in July. 

Coinciding with the completion of his training and the birth of two children, Barbara and Bill moved to Setauket to start a medical practice as well as a new life in the suburbs. Their family became complete with the addition of two more wonderful children. 

Life was good, with many fabulous friends and colleagues who were like family. Holidays, trips and the good and bad times were shared. Friends and fellow pediatricians were an important part of his life. The practice that was started in Setauket was moved to Port Jefferson. He was on the medical staff of St. Charles Hospital and John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson and worked at the Stony Brook University Medical Center in Stony Brook. He practiced for more than 40 years and was dedicated to his patients and their families. 

Colden was a collector and a naturalist. As a child, it was coins and stamps. When he was older, he amassed an extensive scallop shell collection. He then became interested in shore bird and duck decoys and had a large, beautiful and varied collection. He was a long-standing member of the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association and enjoyed the exchange of information and camaraderie.

He adored his family. Being a parent to four was not always easy, but he taught, loved and encouraged. He instilled a desire for knowledge and education, as well as a sound work ethic. He was very proud of the adults his children had become. 

He was a loving, loyal, kind and protective husband, father and friend. We all know life is a roller coaster of ups and downs, sick and good health and good times and not so good times. Life has never been dull. Illness did not define the man. In spite of the many serious health issues he had for many years, life had been good. He tried his best and his hardest and did live a rich, full, happy, loving and caring life. 

Colden was the beloved husband of Barbara; the devoted father of Spencer (Lana), Garrett, Daryl (Kristin Tallman) and Carena Lowenthal (Roger); the loving grandfather of Olivia, Sofia, Laurel and Noah; the adored brother of Sheila (Irving) Troob; and was a caring uncle, cousin, colleague and friend.

Funeral services were held at the North Shore Jewish Center where a touching and beautiful service was conducted by Rabbi Aaron Benson.

Thomas James Pentony

Thomas James Pentony, a Korean War Marine veteran who lived for decades in Korea and Southeast Asia, died on Oct. 30 at the VA Medical Center in Northport. Mr. Pentony, who was also awarded a Bronze Star for Valor in Vietnam and received numerous other medals and commendations, had lived in Levittown since leaving Korea for the last time two years ago. He was 87 years old. 

Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Mr. Pentony joined the Marines in October 1950, just months after a North Korean attack had launched the Korean War and saw brutal combat during his three-year enlistment. British journalist Max Hastings, in his 1987 history “The Korean War,” writes that Sgt. Pentony, then an artillery forward observer with the 5th Marines, “had found boot camp untroublesome after the rigors of a Catholic upbringing in New Jersey, ‘where the nuns taught you that you would die as a martyr if you went fighting communism.’”

After six years in civilian life, Pentony rejoined the Marines in 1959, eventually serving a total of 26 years. His military training included 47 weeks of Thai language in 1962, which he used when serving as an adviser to Royal Thai military forces. He also studied Vietnamese for 47 weeks in 1969 and served two combat tours in Vietnam as an intelligence officer, receiving a battlefield commission there. While serving in the military, Pentony earned a bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University in Honolulu, and also completed coursework for a master’s degree there. 

In 1978, by then a major, Pentony returned to Korea and served four years with the UN Command Military Armistice Commission’s Tunnel Neutralization Team, detecting tunnels North Koreans were digging under the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea. In 1982, he retired from the Marine Corps as a major, but continued to live in Seoul as a businessman. 

During these years in Korea, Pentony joined the Seoul Hash House Harriers, which members describe as “a drinking club with a running problem.” At the weekly “Hash” gatherings, he quickly became known as “Kimchi Marine.” Acclaimed for his salty and razor-sharp humor, and his fondness for reciting ribald rhymes by Rudyard Kipling to the assembled, he was named Hash Grand Master in 1982-83. He later served for several years as an Emeritus Master, and each week’s event in Seoul still closes with a rousing and irreverent Marine anthem, which is Pentony’s legacy. Bonds of friendship formed in the Hash lasted for decades, and in Kimchi Marine’s last weeks well wishes flowed in from fellow Hashers all around the world. 

In 1993, Pentony and his wife, Eun-sook “Silver” Suh-Pentony, relocated from Seoul to Phuket, Thailand, where they lived for four years, managing a resort condo complex. Then, returning to the U.S., they lived briefly in Pennsylvania before settling in Phoenix for four years while Silver attended the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and worked with Calance Inc. 

In 2002, Pentony and Silver returned to Korea, living for nine years on Cheju Island, then five more years back in Seoul. In August 2017, they left Korea once more, moving to Levittown. 

On March 26, 1953, Pentony was with the 3/5th behind Vegas, when the Chinese overran the American ‘Combat Outposts,’ and the Marines went in to retake the position. Pentony watched, appalled, as the Americans fought their way up the hill under punishing Chinese fire: “I used to think officers were smart. Now I felt: ‘This is stupid. Do they have any plan?’” They just seemed to think: “The Marines will take that hill, frontal assault, that’s it.”  

On the afternoon of March 27, Pentony’s senior gunner officer, a major, was so appalled by the spectacle of infantry still struggling forward, having lost all their own officers, that he received special permission to go forward and lead them himself. His radio operator returned two days later with the dead major’s pistol and watch. 

The March battles for Carson, Reno and Vegas cost the Marine Corps 116 men killed out of a total of over a thousand casualties and inspired some of the most remarkable feats of American courage to come out of the Korean War. Pentony found that his own mood, his attitude to the war, vacillated greatly from day to day: “It was like indigestion: some days you felt very brave, nothing bothered you, sounds at night didn’t worry you. Then on other days, for no special reason you were scary, jumpy — the smallest thing bothered you.” 

The entire book is available free online, in a PDF, at this URL: https://epdf.pub/the-korean-war6e6e20a250f41455d3a60b333525cb8f87281.html. 

Pentony is survived by his wife, Silver, and a son Thomas Pentony of Levittown, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by a daughter Deborah Madden and a son Mark. 

A Catholic Mass was celebrated Nov. 9 at St. John Vianney Church in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Interment followed at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mitchell I. Steinberg 

Mitchell I. Steinberg of East Northport, formerly of Hewlett, died Nov. 8 at 65 years of age. He was the beloved husband of Ellen; loving father of Michael and Trish; cherished son of the late Hyman and the late Ida; dear brother of Paula Anker and her late husband Jeffrey; fond son-in-law of Geraldine Nagle and the late Cornelius; fond brother-in-law of Michael and Susan Nagle, Mary and Robert Giacopino, Neal and Jynel Nagle and Peter and Janine Nagle. He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews. Steinberg worked for J.P. Morgan Chase for 35 years. Visitation was held Nov. 2 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. Funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 3 at St. Philip Neri Church, Northport.

Brian John Olson 

Brian John Olson “Pops” of Northport passed peacefully Nov. 1 at age 74 with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Debbie; a loving father of Glenn Olson and Alexis Walsh, her husband (Chris) and cherished Pops to Camden; dear brother to Dana Olson, Linda Glynn and the late Ogden Olson and his wife Warreen; treasured brother-in-law of Jim and Debbie Hall and David and Julie Hall. Olson was the proprietor of Marrone’s Service Station in Huntington Station for over 30 years with longtime friend Rich Grudens. Memorial visitation was held Nov. 6 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport with a special Air Force Honors tribute. In Pops’ memory, any donations to the Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk Inc at 505 Main St. Northport, NY 11768 are sincerely appreciated.

John C. Byers 

John C. Byers of Northport died suddenly on Oct. 31. He was the loving husband of Allison Strong Byers; beloved father of John C. Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Jeffrey M., Jillian A. Matusz and her husband Phil, and the late James W. Byers; cherished grandfather of Bella A. Byers, dear brother of Bonnie and the late William Byers. Visitation was held Nov. 6 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. Funeral services were held Nov.7 at the funeral home with Rev. Bette Sohm presiding. Interment followed at Northport Rural Cemetery. In John’s memory donations to Harry Chapin Food Bank would be sincerely appreciated to: Long island Cares, the Harry Chapin Food Bank,10 Davids Drive (Harry Chapin Way), Hauppauge, NY 11788-2039 or visit www.Licares.org.

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