Rose Dalessandro of Dix Hills passed away on Nov. 30 at the age of 88. Services were entrusted to Branch Funeral Home of Commack followed by a mass at St. Matthews R.C. Church in Dix Hills.
Obituary: In remembrance of Rose Dalessandro
Home Obituaries
Obituary: In remembrance of Harriet W. Cotroneo
Prepared by Anne Owen
Harriet W. Cotroneo, a longtime resident of Port Jefferson, died peacefully at her home in Setauket on Nov. 8, 2024. She was 103.
Born in Queens, Harriet moved to Port Jefferson as a teenager where she met her future husband Anthony “Tony” Cotroneo. The couple married in 1940 and made their home on Liberty Avenue, raising their daughter Anne and living there for many years.
In the late 1930s, Harriet began working as a telephone operator at the New York Telephone Company building on Main Street in Port Jefferson. After its closing, she became an information operator for AT&T, first in Smithtown and later in Patchogue. Following her husband’s death in 1978, Harriet continued working part time for the Comsewogue School District well into her 80s.
Harriet enjoyed reading, baking, traveling and spending time with her many friends. She especially loved luncheons, outings and holidays with her family. An animal lover, she found great joy and companionship in her dogs. Her optimism, determination and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures contributed to her long fulfilling life.
She is survived by her daughter Anne; son-in-law Michael; nephew Richard Butera; niece Concetta Butera and many friends. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.
Obituary: Carol Albano
Prepared by the Albano family
Carol Albano of Greenlawn passed away on Nov. 28 at the age of 76. She was the beloved wife of the late John Albano (1979) and the loving mother of Joanne Albano. Carol was a dear sister to Elizabeth Frisino (Patricia) and Joseph Frisino (Vicki) and a cherished cousin of Elena Muenckler, Susan Cantone and Jackie Pickle. She was also loved by her nieces and nephews, Kathy Derby, Liam Derby, Zack Frisino, Skyeler Pickle, and the late Noelle Muenckler.
Carol retired as the director of the library at Harborfields Public Library after 36 years of dedicated service.
Visitation was held on Dec. 3 at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Dec. 4 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Centerport, followed by burial at St. Philip Neri Cemetery, East Northport.
In Carol’s memory, donations to the Friends of the Library at Harborfields Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn, 11740, would be appreciated by her family.
Obituary: In Remembrance of Frank S. Bonura, MD
Prepared by Theresa Jacobellis
Frank Bonura, MD, a beloved physician who touched countless lives during more than five decades of providing healthcare to Long Island women, died Oct. 31 after a brief illness. His energy was boundless, his knowledge endless and his dedication to his patients unparalleled. Maintaining his Smithtown medical practice for 55 years, Dr. Bonura was happiest when treating patients, which he did well into his eighth decade.
Born in Queens, Dr. Bonura served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, achieving the rank of captain. He earned his medical degree at the University of Rome and completed a rotating internship followed by a residency in obstetrical and gynecological pathology at The Brooklyn Hospital. Dr. Bonura also completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at The Brooklyn Cumberland Medical Center.
Shortly thereafter, he and his wife, Lenith (Leni), moved to Smithtown, where he established a solo OB-GYN practice. Over the next 35 years, he delivered close to 10,000 babies, often caring for multiple generations of women and delivering the babies of women he had previously delivered.
In 1978, Dr. Bonura joined the academic staff at the Stony Brook School of Medicine as an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. In 1979, he was named chairman and director of OB-GYN at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, a position he continued to hold after the hospital became St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. He established the osteoporosis program at St. Catherine in 1998.
He stopped delivering babies in 2004 and shifted the focus of his OB-GYN practice to caring for women before and during menopause. In his typical style, he devoted himself to becoming an expert in this field by attending national meetings, reading the latest studies and eventually writing articles and a textbook chapter on menopause.
In 2018, Dr. Bonura was named director of menopausal health and osteoporosis at St. Catherine. As one of the few physicians in the region certified by the North American Menopause Society, Dr. Bonura was passionate about helping women navigate the symptoms that commonly appear at this stage of life.
When COVID-19 struck, he continued to treat patients, adding telehealth to his practice. He also began hosting monthly educational lectures on Zoom to share his vast knowledge about a range of common women’s health topics, including weight management, urinary tract infections, breast cancer, vaginal symptoms and hot flashes. More recently, he offered remote educational lectures to women through the Huntington library system.
Dr. Bonura was as committed to his own health as he was to his patients’. He regularly played tennis, lifted weights, practiced yoga and took spinning classes. He credited his wife, Leni, with keeping him in good shape by feeding him a healthy Mediterranean diet, which he often recommended to his patients.
In addition to his wife of more than 55 years, he is survived by two sons: Frank (James Pollock) Bonura and Christopher Bonura.
A visitation and funeral Mass were held at the Branch Funeral Home and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown, respectively. Interment followed at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Obituary: In remembrance of John Joseph Fazio
Prepared by the Fazio family
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John Joseph Fazio who left us on Nov. 16 at the age of 63.
John was born Jan. 6, 1961, in Brooklyn where he lived until the family moved to Terryville in 1969. He graduated from Comsewogue High School where he played on the soccer team and wrestled. After graduation, he attended college and coached youth soccer. John then worked as a machinist at several firms before joining Posimech in 1983 where he became vice president and general manager.
John’s dedication and love for his 29 years with the Setauket Fire Department as honorary chief and chief driver was only surpassed by his love for family. He also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and his years of studying Japanese jiu-jitsu, achieving the rank of high-level brown belt.
John is survived by his loving wife Karen; daughters Melissa Ann (Ryan) and Kaitlyn (Matt); and two adoring grandchildren Madison Rose and Ryan Dennis-John.
He is also mourned by his mother Angelina; sister Cynthia (Denis); brothers Mark (Janine), Craig (Cindy) and Steve (Lori); sisters-in-law Kathy Ann (James), Dawn Marie (Brett) and Deborah; brothers-in-law Gerard (Alissa), Brian (Jen) and Kevin (Eileen). He was predeceased by his father Richard and brother-in-law Francis (Kathy).
John was well-liked and respected by employees and business associates as demonstrated by the outpouring of condolences and memories from former and current personnel, customers and suppliers.
The words John used most throughout his life were, “How can I help?”
A celebration of John’s life was held at the Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket, on Monday, Nov. 25, followed by a Firematic Service at 8 p.m.
A Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Gerard Majella RC Church, in Port Jeff Station, which was followed by burial at St. James RC Church in Setauket.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.joeydfoundation.org.
Obituary: In remembrance of Suzanne ‘Sukie’ Rebecca Zeeve
By Rachel Zeeve
If anyone ever did the phrase, “force of nature” any justice, it was Suzanne “Sukie” Rebecca Zeeve. You could see it in the easy way that lemurs and eagles perched on her shoulders in photos from her time studying animal behavior in Madagascar and the Republic of Congo. You could hear it in the way she could make any dog levitate with joy just by singing a nonsense song with their name in it. Sukie made every creature feel understood.
She was the first woman zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Biopsychology from SUNY Stony Brook, she was a fearless advocate for animals and served on a FEMA veterinary emergency response team. She rode horses, trained dogs and captained kayaks. A tireless creative, she played guitar and had an infinite collection of books on every subject. Looking at her prolific doodles, paintings and sketches, you can almost hear her laughing as she made them.
She was also my aunt. In elementary and middle school, I would spend part of each summer at her house.These weeks were nothing short of what Sukie herself was: magic. In the evenings, I’d tell her all about my day at horse camp. Over ice cream sandwiches, we’d cover everything from music and books, to politics, to how best to do an Eric Cartman impression. Whichever dogs happened to be staying over at the time would hang onto Sukie’s every word, and so would I. She was everything I wanted to be. And she still is.
A multi-decade resident of East Setauket with deep roots in the community, she will be profoundly missed. Completely adored by her friends and family, the ecosystem Sukie left behind feels incomplete without her. But she was an artist as much as she was a scientist — the beauty of her memory is just as real as her intrepid presence was.
Obituary: William Metcalfe Scofield
Prepared by the Scofield family
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Metcalfe Scofield of Port Jefferson. William passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.
William was born Jan. 12, 1936, in Goshen to Mary Louise and George Scofield. He joined a growing family that included his brother Doug and sister Sonya. Another brother, Buddy, had passed at a young age. The Scofield family later moved to Port Jefferson, where George had taken a teaching position in the school district.
At Port Jefferson High School, William was an All-County basketball and baseball player, graduating in 1954. It was also at Port Jefferson High that he met his future wife, Lillian, in a memorable encounter — he shot her with a paper clip to get her attention. The playful gesture sparked a lifelong connection, and the couple married in 1956, celebrating 68 years together.
After graduating high school, William and Lillian moved to Canton, where he attended St. Lawrence University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s in education while working summers on the St. Lawrence Seaway. During their time in Canton, the couple welcomed their first two children, Richard and Gary.
William participated in ROTC during college and, upon graduation, reported to Fort Knox, Ky., as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Knox, the couple had their daughter Dorene. After completing his service, William and his family returned to Port Jefferson, where he followed in his father’s footsteps by taking a teaching position at Port Jefferson High School.
For the next 30 years, William taught mathematics at the high school, earning the respect of students and colleagues alike. He also served as the junior varsity baseball coach alongside his close friend Al Desiderio, who coached the varsity team. The duo — beloved by players and fans — dedicated three decades to the sport. In one of life’s fitting moments, William, known as #18, has now joined Al, #39, in heaven’s hall of fame.
After retiring in 1991, William embraced a life filled with golf, traveling, family and personal projects. His years of retirement were marked by cherished moments spent with his growing family.
William is survived by his wife Lillian, children Rich, Gary and Dorene, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Rest in peace, William. You will be deeply missed. Fairways and greens.
Viewings were held at Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. A short service followed on Monday, Nov. 25, with interment at Calverton National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to First United Methodist Church and Save-a-Pet in Port Jefferson.
Obituary: In remembrance of Barbara F. Hinton
Prepared by the Hinton family
Barbara Hinton (née Herberger), 86, of Northport Village, New York, passed away on Nov. 19, 2024. She was the loving mother of Stephanie Hinton and Jennifer FitzMaurice and her husband John. She was a dear grandmother to Emma Smith, step-grandmother to Michael FitzMaurice and his wife Jane and Greg FitzMaurice and his wife Briana, and sister to Connie Bennett and brother-in-law Gordon McClelland.
A native of Baldwin, Long Island, Barbara was born on March 4, 1938, and graduated in 1955 from Baldwin High School. In 1957, she attended Endicott Junior College in Beverly, Massachusetts. After a brief time in Boston, she relocated to San Francisco, California, where she worked for I. Magnin, a luxury department store. In 1963, she married her late husband William Hinton. The two shared a mutual love of opera and crossword puzzles.
Since 1972, Barbara was a proud and active member of the Northport Village community. She was involved with the Northport Historical Society, served as a Cow Harbor Day Race host family and was a member of the Northport Yacht Club. She also contributed to the Altar Guild at Trinity Episcopal Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Huntington. Additionally, she was a prominent real estate broker with Sammis and Coldwell Banker for more than 50 years.
Barbara loved life. She cherished the beach, sailing, international travel, playing bridge, reading murder mysteries, watching British TV programs, entertaining, drinking a good cosmopolitan, eating lobster rolls on Cape Cod and making hors d’oeuvres. She adored opera, classical music, interior design and the paintings of Chagall. A loyal friend who enriched the lives of many, Barbara will be deeply missed.
A funeral service was held on Nov. 22, 2024, officiated by the Rev. Duncan Burn of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Huntington. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association at lung.org.
Obituary: In remembrance of Helen Giles
Prepared by the Giles family
Helen Giles, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on April 17 in Port Jefferson, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by the love of her children, Steven, Brian (Sarah) and Karen, and her grandson Mark.
Helen was born in Mastic to Ylia (John) and Akila (Kate) Weremchuk and had two brothers, George and Walter, all of whom preceded her in death. After graduating high school, Helen worked at Grumman in Calverton for several years before marrying Bruce Giles of Port Jefferson. Bruce, who passed away in 1984, and Helen lived in Setauket, where they raised their three children.
Helen was known as a devoted wife, mother, homemaker and friend. With strength and resilience, she carried on after Bruce’s death from leukemia at age 50. Family was always Helen’s priority. She took great joy in gardening, cooking, summer BBQs on the patio, (her baked beans were a family favorite,) and baking Christmas cookies. She particularly cherished making holidays special for her family. Helen also loved the beach and often took her young children to the ocean, a tradition the family continued into adulthood. Cupsogue Beach became a cherished legacy for them.
A private family prayer service was held for Helen at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes in Port Jefferson. Her ashes were interred with Bruce’s remains at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family later held a small memorial to honor Helen’s life at her Saddle Lakes home in Riverhead, where she had lived for the past twelve years.
Obituary: Joseph J. Meade
Prepared by the Meade family
Joseph J. Meade of Northport died on Nov. 1.
He was the beloved husband of June; loving father of Kerri Anne (Richard) Aab and Laura Marie (John) Galgano; and devoted grandfather of Arabella Aab. He was also the cherished brother of Richard (Doris), Gregory (Cathy), and Terence (Roy Kertelits); and the late Michael (the late Patricia) and Peter (Peggy). He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Services were entrusted to Nolan Funeral Home of Northport. A funeral Mass was held at St. Philip Neri Church in Northport. Interment with U.S. Army military honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org
Prev
