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Obituary

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Maureen Sonya Gray-Singh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Adrian Gilmore. Photo from Facebook

By Steven Zaitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The page has raised over $162,000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hildegard McDowell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Michael Cary Wallace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dr. Walter John Henry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctor’s Hands

I never knew that hands could be

So gentle, kind and true

Until I watched their skill perform

The blessed tasks yours do.

No artist ever plied his brush

With love of art so pure;

No sculptor ever used his tools

With strokes so deft and sure.

I think God blessed your kindly hands

From ages past and dim

Because he loves the work you do

In partnership with him.

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

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

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Maureen McCormick

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

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

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

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

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

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Eleanor Selinda Minnock

Eleanor Selinda Minnock, 98, of Randleman, NC and previously of East Northport died peacefully on April 7 with her youngest daughter by her side.  Born November 13, 1926 to Meta Stelljes Bottjer and Herman Bottjer, she was raised in Astoria, Queens, with her beloved sister, Joan.  Shaped by hardworking parents, her early life gave her the strength and determination that were the foundation of her character.

 Minnock lived a long, active life.  Her greatest loves were her family and her church.  She was always at the center of family gatherings and celebrations and she was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for over 70 years.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years Lt. Cmdr Francis J. Minnock, cherished daughter Kathleen J. Wirth, and dear sister Joan Janes.  She is survived by her loving children: son Francis B. Minnock, daughters Eileen M. Dohrman and Eleanor Minnock-Pugh, and son Christopher J. Minnock.  She was the dear grandmother of Kate, Christian, Whitney, Jonathan, Christoper, David, Elizabeth and Robyn; great grandmother of 11; and beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia(date pending) where Minnock will be buried beside her beloved husband.  Pugh Funeral Home, Randleman, NC is assisting with arrangements.  A memorial service will also be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Minnock’s name can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (stpaulseastnorthport.org) or your local library.

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Pina Capobianco

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

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

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

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

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Robert Joseph Duncan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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José Valdivielso

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

José Valdivielso

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

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

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

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

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

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