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. 

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.

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.

Robert DeMaria

Robert DeMaria, author, professor and longtime resident of Port Jefferson, died peacefully at his home Sept. 2, shortly before his 91st birthday. 

DeMaria earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate at Columbia University. He first taught at the University of Oregon, then at Hofstra University and later at Dowling College until he retired. DeMaria was academic dean at The New School for Social Research in New York, and worked as an editor at MacMillan Publishers, but his first love was writing.

The bulk of his creative work consisted of 25 published novels, including his 1991 “The College Handbook of Creative Writing” which is on its fourth edition. DeMaria also wrote an opera libretto, an off-Broadway play, poetry and short fiction published in various magazines.

He lived on and off in the artist colony of Deia, Mallorca, for 50 years. He set up and directed an overseas program for American students and writers-in-residence at The Mediterranean Institute and, together with his wife Ellen Hope Meyer, published Mediterranean Review, a literary review of artists and writers. His wife died in 1999.

In 1991, DeMaria started his own digital publishing company, The Vineyard Press, which has published more than 60 books.

“DeBob,” an affectionate name created by his students, was an affable man with a sense of humor and a keen wit. Family said he loved his family, his dogs, boating, social life, good food and wine, and living in Port Jefferson and Deia. 

DeMaria is survived by three sons: Robert DeMaria Jr., Nikolas and Michael; one daughter, Amanda; four grandchildren, Alex, David, Tygre and Emma; and his longtime partner, Fran Zak.

Mary Alice Serdock

Mary Alice Serdock, of Stony Brook, died July 2. She was 86.

She was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Queens, and was the daughter of Marie and Charles Fox.

Serdock was a retired real estate broker and member and active participant of the Lending Aids Society, Theatre Three, Rosary Altar Society, Three Village Meals on Wheels and Three Village Historical Society. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, watching television and gardening.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Arthur; daughters, Catherine, Ann, Margaret and Ellen; six grandchildren; sisters, Elizabeth and Jane; brother, Robert; along with many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, and brother, Barry.

Services were held at the St. James R.C. Church, July 6. Interment was at the St. James R.C. Churchyard Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of Setauket. People can visit www.bryantfh.com to sign the online guest book.

Sherwood Emerson Lewis Sr.

Sherwood Emerson Lewis Sr, of Marion, Massachusetts, died peacefully in the presence of his family members Oct. 31 at Sippican nursing home in Marion.

He fell ill in 2010 with a progressive and debilitating illness. He was 77 years old.

Sherwood was born in Port Jefferson to loving parents, Howard Sr. and Ethel DuVal Lewis. While employed in the late 1970s at Long Island Lighting Company, Sherwood attained a class-A welder rating. He received a LILCO award for designing an exhaust ash bearing protector.

He leaves behind his brother Robert Lewis, a family historian in Setauket (and wife Barbara). Sherwood is predeceased by his parents, and siblings Pearl Lewis Hart, Ethel Barbara Lewis Lee, Hazel Lewis and Howard Lewis Jr.

Sherwood is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie June Davis Lewis of Dennis Port, Massachusetts; and their children, Rolinda A. Lewis, Gwen M. Haddad, Arliena P. Feldmar (Peter R.), Nicole R. Lewis, Kim M. Lewis and Sherwood E. Lewis Jr. He is the loving granddad of 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Nov. 7 at Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Wareham, Massachusetts. Services were followed by a funeral procession to Centre Cemetery
in Wareham.

Sherwood’s most precious accomplishment was being a loving father. This warmhearted man of extraordinary talents will be greatly missed.

Bruce Hunt

Bruce Hunt, a retired Northport High School social teacher and department chair, passed away on Oct. 9 at the age of 86. Bruce is survived by his wife Marcia, his sons Christopher and Peter, daughter Eliza Furtado and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Sarah.

At Northport High School Bruce was an educational innovator, designing and implementing unique classes and promoting novel teaching methods. Classes Bruce helped create are still being taught at Northport High School today.

From the early 1960s Bruce was an active civil rights leader, serving as head of the Fair Housing Association of Huntington and chair of the Huntington Human Relations Committee. In 1965 Bruce was awarded a John Hay Fellowship at Northwestern University, which took him to Chicago for a year, during which time he traveled to Alabama to take part in the march from Selma to Montgomery with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1970 Bruce temporarily left Northport and moved his family to Greece, teaching at the American Community School for six years

After retiring from Northport High School in 1993, Bruce and Marcia took positions at the American Embassy School in Damascus, Syria, where they lived for the next five years. In 1998 they permanently retired, moving to Skiathos, a Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea. In 2014, Bruce and Marcia returned to the U.S. and settled in Brant Rock, Massachusetts, living in Grey Gull – a cottage on the water that has been in Bruce’s family for nearly a century.

Services for Bruce were private. Gifts in his memory may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union — by mail to ACLU Gift Processing Dept., 125 Broad St., 12th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or online at https://www.aclu.org/ — or to a charity of your choice.

Nicholas Economides 

Nicholas Economides of Centerport, formerly of Florida, died on Oct. 29 at 81 years of age. He was the beloved husband of Aspasia; loving father of Maria Markowski and her husband Christopher; beloved grandfather of Stephen, Aspasia and Nicholas; dear brother of Kalliope Papantoniou and her husband Antonios and the late Emanuel and his wife Julie. Nicholas was born in Nikeia, Nisyros, Greece. Visitation was held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. Funeral was celebrated at St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in Greenlawn. Burial followed at Northport Rural Cemetery. In Nicholas’ memory donations to www.americanbrainfoundation.org/ would be appreciated. 

Raymond Christopher Ficken

Raymond Christopher Ficken of Northport died on Nov. 3 at 56 years of age. Loving son of Evelyn (Arthur) C. Garcia and Frederick William Fickern; beloved brother of William (Victoria) R. Ficken, Michael (Monica) G. Ficken and Marc C. Ficken; dear uncle of Marc, Alexis, Kyla, Aidan and  William. Visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport on Nov. 8. Prayer service held during visitation. Private cremation followed.

Joseph V. Malfi

Joseph V. Malfi of Commack died on Nov. 2 at 89 years of age. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances; loving father of Louis Malfi, Christopher Malfi (Natalie) and Laura Colombo (Jeff Schneider); cherished grandfather of Samantha, Erin, Tony (Thomasina), Joe and Nick; fond brother of the late Nicholas Malfi. Visitation was held Nov. 4 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. Funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 5 at Christ the King Church in Commack. Burial followed at Calverton National Cemetery with Navy Honors.

Francis Maxwell

Francis B. Maxwell, of Ridge, passed away peacefully Oct. 13. He was 92.

He was a proud U.S. Army World War II veteran and was also the ex-chief of Baldwin Fire Department.

He was the beloved husband of the late Rose T. Maxwell.

Francis was the cherished father of Kenneth (Rosemary) Maxwell, John (Maria) Maxwell, Robert (Anita) Maxwell, the late Joann Maxwell and the late Francis Maxwell; the loving grandfather of Stephanie, Nicholas, Christopher, Timothy, Kathryn, James, Erin, Bailey, Joann, Paul; and great-grandfather of Gavin, Mario, Jacob, Nicholina, along with a new great-grandchild who just arrived.

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

Religious services were celebrated at the Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place, and interment followed with military honors at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury.

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

Doris T. Mullen

Doris T. Mullen of Kissimmee, Florida, formerly of Northport, died on Sept. 30 at 87 years of age. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert, loving mother of Maryann Mullen (Michael Gormley) and Wendy Hentze (Andrew), cherished Nani of Emma Bockrath and Robert Pratt (Annabelle) and dear sister of Carolyn Sandage (Ron). Visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport Oct. 5. Funeral was held Oct. 6 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Northport. Doris was an active and supportive member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Northport. Donations to St. Paul’s in Doris’ memory would be appreciated.

Regina E. Drogos

Regina E. Drogos of Holbrook, formerly of East Northport, died on Oct. 7. She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley; loving mother of Maria (Don) Longo, Paul Drogos and Steve Drogos; cherished grandmother of Donald S. Longo and Daniel J. Longo; and dear sister of Tom (Marcella) Piekarski. She is also survived by her nephews David Piekarski, Andrew Piekarski and Edward Piekarski and their families. Services were private.

John P. Riconda

John P. Riconda of Northport died on Oct. 12. He was the CEO of Contemporary Computer Services Inc. (CCSI) of Bohemia. He was the beloved husband of Emma; loving father of Franki; brother of Richie, Danny, Adrianne, Samantha and Anita Louise. He is also survived by his moms Rosebud and Judy and his pal Gazoo. Memorial visitation was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A Memorial Mass was celebrated Oct. 18 at St. Philip Neri Church, Northport.

Angela Surace

Angela Surace of Northport and Myrtle Beach died on Sept. 30 at 93 years of age. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony; loving mother of Salvatore and his wife Ann and Paul and his wife Analyn; cherished grandmother of Michael and his wife Kelsea, Amy Pecchia and her husband Stephen and Joseph; and dear great-grandmother of Gabriella and Mikaela Pecchia. Visitation was held Oct. 7 at Nolan Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at the funeral home Oct. 8 with entombment following the ceremony at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Evelyn A. Palumbo

Evelyn A. Palumbo of East Northport died on Oct. 6 at 91 years young. She was the beloved wife of the late Mark; loving mother of Mark Palumbo (Janice) and Debbie Marcinek; fond grandmother of Evan and Mikayla Palumbo, Danielle Reha (Joseph), Kerri, James and Kristen Marcinek; adored great-grandmother of Joseph, Callie, Julianna, Austin and Aubree; and dear sister-in-law of Paul Palumbo. Reposing was held at Nolan Funeral Home on Oct. 8. Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 9 at St. Joseph’s Church, Kings Park. Interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.

Richard Franek

Richard R. Franek, of Ridge, died Sunday, Oct. 6. He was 78.

Franek was born Jan. 12, 1941, in Jamaica, Queens. He is the son of the late Rudolph and the late Olga (Siomkalo) Franek. He was a proud Navy veteran and served from 1960 to 1964. He was employed by General Electric in Melville as a parts supplier. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen (Klodt) Franek, and two loving sons, William (Stephanie) Franek of Yaphank and Robert Franek of Ridge. He had one dear sister, Carolyn Volonino of Florida, and was the grandfather of one cherished granddaughter, Allison Franek.  

Celebration of the Mass of Christian burial was held Friday, Oct. 11, at St. Mark’s R.C. Church in Shoreham. A burial with military honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery. 

All arrangements were entrusted to the Rocky Point Funeral Home. An online guest book can be found at www.rockypointfuneralhome.com.   

Patricia McKee

Patricia J. McKee, of Huntington, died Thursday, Sept. 12. She was 100.

She was born March 17, 1919, in Brooklyn and was the daughter of the late James and the late Helen (Corry) Killorin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert McKee. 

She is survived by eight loving children, Deborah Kletter of Riverdale, Tricia Grant of Port Jefferson Station, Kathleen Miracola of Wading River, Virginia Meriam of Garden City, Faith Eccles of Port Jefferson Station, Robert McKee of Lindenhurst, Gregory McKee of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, and Thomas McKee of Huntington. 

She was the dear sister of Vera Gagliardi of Long Beach. She also had 14 cherished grandchildren and 17 cherished great-grandchildren. 

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Sept. 16 at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, in Rocky Point. Burial followed at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.

All arrangements were entrusted to the Rocky Point Funeral Home. An online guest book can be found at www.rockypointfuneralhome.com.  

Eleanor Weresnick

Eleanor G. Weresnick, of Shoreham, died Sept. 2. She was 83.

She was born Oct. 25, 1935, in Brooklyn and was the daughter of the late John and the late Edith (Grotheer) Buschmann. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Weresnick, in 2003.  

She was employed by Shoreham-Wading River Central School District as a registered nurse.  

She is survived by two loving sons, William (Debbie) Weresnick of Rocky Point and Greg (Laurel) Weresnick of Ridge. She also had four cherished grandchildren: Erin, Shelley, Kelly and Colleen.  

Religious services were held Sept. 7 at the Rocky Point Funeral Home in Rocky Point. Burial followed at Washington Memorial Park in Mount Sinai.

All arrangements were entrusted to the Rocky Point Funeral Home. An online guest book can be found at www.rockypointfuneralhome.com.   

The family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://stjude.org/donate. 

Jo Ann Brooks

Jo Ann K. Brooks, of Rocky Point and formerly of Miller Place, died Sept. 27. She was 81.

She was born Dec. 20, 1937, in Bay Shore, the daughter of the late Thomas F. and the late Elizabeth (Murdock) Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel H. Brooks, in 2005. 

She had been the owner of Keepsake Dolls & Gifts in Miller Place. 

She is survived by two daughters, Debbie Coto of Rocky Point and Robin Martinez of Miller Place; her two sons, Brian Brooks of Cutchogue and Daniel Brooks of Rocky Point; one sister, Dolly Sabiston of Florida, and one brother, Frank Thomas of Florida. She also had seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

Prayers were offered Sept. 30 at the Rocky Point Funeral Home in Rocky Point. Burial followed at Calverton National Cemetery Oct. 1, with family and friends gathering back at the funeral home for a closing prayer. 

All arrangements were entrusted to the Rocky Point Funeral Home. An online guest book can be found at www.rockypointfuneralhome.com.  

Grace M. Pellegrino

Grace M. Pellegrino, of Stony Brook, formerly of Floral Park, died Sept. 2. She was 91. 

She was the daughter of William and Grace Mathers. Beloved wife of the late Robert. She is survived by her four children, Debra (Anthony) Castineiras, Robert (Lorraine) Pellegrino Jr., Thomas (Jennifer) Pellegrino and Donna Cubicciotti; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services were held at the St. James Funeral Home in St. James Sept. 4 and burial followed at Calverton National Cemetery.

Elizabeth “Bette” Cohen Goldberg

Elizabeth “Bette” Cohen Goldberg, 86, died of complications from cancer Oct. 9 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. 

A woman of remarkable grace, charm and wit, boundless energy and exceptional taste, Bette impressed everyone she met with her extraordinary warmth and kindness.  

Born and raised in Chicago, Bette was a 1954 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan. She met Homer Goldberg, her late husband of 61 years, on a blind date. They were married in 1956, then spent a year immersed in the art and culture of Italy. In 1961, they moved to Setauket where they lived for 50 years. 

A lifelong lover of the arts with an impeccable sense of style, Bette served from 1976 to 1992 as director of Gallery North and later as president of its board of trustees. First opened in Setauket in 1965, the gallery displays and supports the work of local and nationally recognized artists working in all media. As director, Bette nurtured new and established artists, curated exhibitions, ran its popular annual Outdoor Art Show and led fundraising efforts. She was treasured by artists and patrons alike, and in 1986 she was named The Village Times Woman of the Year in the Arts.

After Bette and Homer moved to Minneapolis in 2010, she became an active member of the Loring Green East condominiums community, organizing a book club, an annual art show, exercise classes and serving on the design and social committees. A regular concert, theater and moviegoer, she remained dedicated to the arts, recently serving as a volunteer for the Minneapolis Institute of Art. 

Bette was also a gourmet cook, an impossibly fast walker and a master of the art of the consumer complaint letter. She never tired of food and wine with family and friends, travel and literature. “Cutes,” as her grandchildren called her, was beloved by all those who had the good fortune to know her.

Bette is survived by her daughter Emily and partner Chris; her son John and wife Julie; her four grandsons Alex, Matt, Zach and Ben; her sister-in-law Lois, and her nieces and nephews Phil, Barbara, Terry and Beverly. 

A memorial celebration is being planned for Sunday, Nov. 10. Contributions in Bette’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood, the Minneapolis Institute of Art or The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Alvera G. Scudieri 

Alvera Scudieri (née Lafantano) of East Northport died on Oct. 8 at the age of 89. She was the former deputy treasurer of the Village of Northport. She was the beloved wife of the late Pasquale, loving mother of Michael and Patrick (Donna), cherished grandmother of Nicholas (Kate) and Christopher and adored great-grandmother of Kieran and Brandon. Reposing was held at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport Oct. 10 and 11. Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 12 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, E. Northport. Interment followed at St. Patrick Cemetery, Huntington. Donations to St. Jude Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in her memory are appreciated. 

Jacqueline Moisan 

Jacqueline Moisan of Northport died on Sept. 27 at 92 years of age. She was the beloved mother of Leon (Patricia), Michael (Janice), the late Zachary and the late David Moisan; cherished grandmother of David (Catherine Lamb), Robert, Matthew, Jonathan Moisan, Jared Moisan, Christina Moisan and Jennifer Gallace (Michael); and loving great-grandmother of Isabella, Gabriella and Tony Gallace. Visitation was held Oct. 3 at Nolan Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 4 at St. Patrick’s Church, Huntington. Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. 

Mary U. Dawkins 

Mary U. Dawkins of Northport died on Sept. 28 at 82 years of age. She was the adored wife to Bertram; devoted mother to Bonnie (Kristin Harper) Dawkins, Peter (Catherine) Dawkins and Nancy (Robert) Pisani; cherished grandmother to Claire and Colleen Dawkins and Jordan and Spencer Pisani; and loving sister to James Bonney. Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 2 at St. Philip Neri Church, Northport. Interment followed at parish cemetery. Donations in Mary’s memory to Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice 505 Main St. Northport, NY 11768, would be appreciated. www.visitingnurseservice.org/. 

John J. Proscia

John J. Proscia of Northport died on Sept. 30. John retired as a mechanical engineer with Grumman Aerospace after 40 years. He was the beloved husband of JoAnn; cherished father of David (Dayna Hanson) Proscia and Douglas (Maria) Proscia; dear brother of Lucille (Louis) Gallina and nephew of Alfred Pennacchia; and devoted uncle of Joanne (Gary) Silko, Frank (Nancy) Gallina, Paul (Maria) Gallina, Laura (Edward) Biosca, James (Carol) Chmielewski, Brian Chmielewski, Andrew (Vanessa) Chmielewski, Christine (Frank) Scarfuto and Lauren (Rick) Picozzi. He was also survived by many loving cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation was held Oct. 4 at Nolan Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 5 at St. Philip Neri Church. Private cremation followed. Donations in his memory to V.N.S. Hospice of Suffolk (www.visitingnurseservice.org), 505 Main St., Northport, NY 11768 are appreciated. 

Dorothy Trump

Dorothy D. Trump, passed away Sept. 3 at Jefferson’s Ferry Retirement Community in Centereach. She was 98. 

She was born in Brinkhaven, Ohio, Sept. 19, 1920, to Franklin J. and Mable Denman, and grew up in Orrville, Ohio. She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, graduating in 1942 as summa cum laude with a degree in business administration.

She was the first female secretary to the president of the National Cash Register Company, located in Dayton, Ohio. She worked in the Department of Home Economics at the University of Maryland. From 1963 to 1988 she worked at SUNY as administrative assistant to the chairman of the Department of Electrical Sciences and in Engineering and Astronomy.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James, a World War II veteran who flew B-26s in the European theater. He worked as a human factors scientist in the lunar module program at Grumman. She is survived by her children James (Nancy) and Susan (John Fenimore); and grandchildren Matthew (Wylie Hunt) and David (Michele). She was also much loved by her nieces and nephews and their families.

A celebration of her life was held at the Setauket Presbyterian Church Sept. 15. Donations in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Helen Keller Services or the Setauket Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Home of East Setauket. People can visit www.bryantfh.com to sign the online guest book.

William Deegan

William J. Deegan, of Ridge, died Sept. 23.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and the beloved husband of Monda. 

Deegan was the loving father of Maryanne (James) Cadwell, George (Mary) Fox, Claude (Patricia) Fox, Brian (Linda) Fox and the late Charles Fox. In addition, he is survived by his 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, his five great-great-grandchildren and his many other family members and friends.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Rocky Point.

Interment followed at Washington Memorial Park in Mount Sinai with military honors.           

Arrangements were entrusted to the Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place.

An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

Tessie Reveliotis

Tessie Reveliotis, of Port Jefferson, passed Sept. 23. She was 49.

She was the beloved wife of George and the cherished mother of Thomas, Michael and Nicholas.

In addition, she was the loving daughter of Mike (the late Loula) Kelarakos, the dear sister of Christine (Sam) Stavropoulos, Nicholas (Helen) Kelarakos and Michelle (Harry) Kelarakos.

She is also survived by her father-in-law Anastasios (the late Efthimia) Reveliotis, sister-in-law Maria (Matthew) Mecchi and many other family members and friends.

Religious service and cremation were privately held.

Arrangements were entrusted to the  Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place.

An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

John Stamoulis

John Stamoulis, of Sound Beach, died Sept. 20. He was 84.  

He was the beloved husband of Christine Constantino; the cherished stepfather of Victoria (Richard) Rodriguez, Wendy (Octavio) Mendez, Christopher (Kristy) Constantino and Nicholas Constantino; and the loving grandfather of Richard, Keyana, Mason, Jordan, Faith and Tristen.

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

Religious services was celebrated at the Greek Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson. Interment followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to the of Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place.

An online guest book is available at www.branchfh.com.

David Bayles Minuse

David Bayles Minuse, 81, died Sept. 8.

He was born at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, Port Jefferson, April 4, 1938, to Elinore Dickerson Minuse and Thomas Bayles Minuse.

David graduated from Cheshire Academy. After attending Nichols College, he became a partner in the family hardware-houseware business, D.T. Bayles & Son, in Stony Brook.

D.T. Bayles & Son evolved from a shipbuilding business established in 1843. The business expanded to include a lumber yard, supplied with timber from family-owned land in the upper Northwest. The business continued to expand and later included the retail sales of lumber, hardware and eventually housewares. Throughout the 1900s, and more particularly under Dave’s ownership, it became the early morning gathering spot for local people to share their news of the day prior to everyone going to their own place of business. Stony Brook is rooted in the history of the Bayles family and today the name continues in future generations.

It was not long after becoming a partner in the family business that Dave purchased a fuel oil company, which he named Three Village Fuel Oil, and it served the local communities of Stony Brook, Setauket and Old Field as well as the surrounding areas of St. James, Head of the Harbor, Poquott and Port Jefferson.

Dave believed in the good of his community and contributed greatly to it. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club having served as president. He also served as the head of the Stony Brook Business Association and was a member of the board of directors of John T. Mather Memorial Hospital. He also enjoyed membership at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in East Setauket and the Old Field Club.

It was always Dave’s wish to live in Florida, and after his children completed their general education in New York, he relocated with his family to Vero Beach where he lived for over 30 years. Eager to engage in his new community he soon went to work part time for Sewall’s Hardware in Vero Beach, where he met more lifelong friends.

Dave married his Honey in 1963, and they shared 56 years with each other, raising children, working, and in retirement enjoying extensive travels where they made and enjoyed the company of lifelong friends.

David is survived by his wife Priscilla (known as Honey); his son Peter Bayles Minuse and his wife Jill of Melbourne, Florida; his son Paavo Bayles Minuse and his wife Suzann, of Vero Beach, Florida; and his daughter Robin Elo Minuse and her longtime partner Jonas Beauregard of Melbourne, Florida. Paavo and Sue blessed him with two grandchildren, Brianna Rose Minuse and Jonathan Bayles Minuse. He is also survived by his sister Cynthia Murphy of Stony Brook as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dave was very proud of his grandchildren and their participation in the Vero Beach High School music programs.

Dave is remembered for his beautiful spirit, generous nature and kind heart. He never met a stranger, he only made lifelong friends and was proud to serve the community he loved.

A Celebration of Life service was held Sept. 21 after the family had a private inurnment at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in David Minuse’s name to The Fighting Indians Band Boosters as follows: Vero Beach High School FIBB, P.O. Box 5124, Vero Beach, FL 32961.

Ady Fenton

Ady Fenton formerly of New York City, New Suffolk and St. James died Sept. 17.

She was 90 years old and resided at an assisted living facility in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Ady’s husband, Joe Fenton, predeceased her in January of 2015, after a marriage of 68 years.

Ady began her career as a teacher and speech therapist but gave up working outside the home in order to raise her three children, Ivy, Martin and Nina. Ady was born and raised in Brooklyn and spent the majority of her life in Manhattan, New Suffolk and St. James adding an apartment in Philadelphia in her later years.

She loved to cook, sew, travel and entertain. Most of all she loved her family. In addition to her children, she is survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her zest for life never faded. She passed on what would have been her 72nd wedding anniversary, clearly a sign they are together again.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late October. For more information please call 516-443-5084.

Vivianne S. Bicknese 

Vivianne S. Bicknese of East Northport died on Sept. 20 at 55 years of age. Beloved wife of Gary; loving daughter of Sheila Lieu and the late Ralph Lieu and his wife Chandra; dear sister of Virginia (Francis) Farnum, Elizabeth Lieu, and Sabrina (Kelvin) Lieu; fond aunt of Francis, Kimberly, Sean, and David; dear daughter-in-law of Richard and Jeanette Bicknese. Visitation was held Aug. 25 at the Nolan Funeral Home, Northport. Funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 26 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Centerport. Interment followed at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington.