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Obituary

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Susan Bebb Seel. Photo courtesy Wylie Hunt

Prepared by Wylie Hunt

Susan Bebb Seel passed away after an eight-year battle with cancer on Feb. 29 in Stony Brook, surrounded by a loving family. 

Sue was born on March 27, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was raised by Hellen and Dr. Kenneth Bebb in Wichita Falls, Texas. After living in the Washington, D.C., area, Sue moved to Stony Brook in 1994. She attended Wichita Falls public schools and graduated from the University of Texas with a master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology.

In the D.C. area, she was a founder of Rivendell School. Sue had a vision for unique ways of educating children. She poured her heart into developing a curriculum that reflected her faith and interest in literature, history, art and music. She was always an avid reader and member of the same book club of lovely ladies in Stony Brook for more than 30 years.

In 1996 she received certification as a life coach and coached clients of all ages. She coached clients at John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, The Stony Brook School and countless others all over the country. She will be remembered as someone who received life from encouraging and inspiring others. Sue’s greatest joy came from relationships with family and friends. 

Her motto was “Show up and connect.” She did that well and to her fullest capacity even with stage 4 cancer. Sue loved to hear other people’s stories and was a shining light to everyone who met her. Her passion and love for people was unsurpassed. Sue and Spencer shared that enthusiasm and compassion in their community outreach and in their business, Made to Move Tennis & Wellness. In conversations with her husband, sharing their faith about God’s design for us to be healthy and to move, the name of the club, Made to Move, came into being. Sue loved to move. She was a triathlete, and before she competed in triathlons, she was a tennis player and active every year at summer camp.

As a member of Caroline Episcopal Church in Setauket for 28 years, she was passionate about music and sang in the choir. Sue also led adult education classes and Bible study; taught Sunday School; volunteered for Vacation Bible School; was active in Long Island Episcopal Cursillo, a program that seeks to grow Christ-centered leaders to fulfill the mission of the church; and made many, many prayer shawls and meals for those in need.

In 2016, before being diagnosed with cancer. she and her husband started The Village Spot, a nonprofit organization committed to helping young people, ages 18 to 30, who might be struggling to find a career or a meaningful place in their communities.

She leaves behind her husband, Spencer Edelbaum; her sons, David and Alex Seel; her daughter-in-law Erin Seel; her grandchildren, Ian and Eliza Seel; her cousins, Carolyn Kelly, Beth Russell, Louise Ratz and her second cousin, Susan Hernly Reed. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Hellen and Kenneth Bebb, and her brother, Richard Bebb.

A memorial service will be held at Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket, on Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. The service will be live streamed, with the link on the church’s website: www.carolinechurch.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Rivendell School, 2410 N. Kensington St., Arlington, VA 22205; Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket, NY 11733; or GIST Cancer Research Fund at gistinfo.org.

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Mary Ellen Niciu. Photo courtesy Legacy.com

Prepared by Christine Mackowiak

Mary Ellen Niciu, 83, of East Setauket passed away March 3 at Sunrise Senior Living in East Setauket where she had been in residence in the Memory Care facility since 2019. 

She was born July 10, 1940, in Brooklyn, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Maraia. She married William T. Niciu on July 5, 1964. 

Ellen graduated from SUNY Center on Long Island at Oyster Bay, in 1962 with a bachelor of arts in history. Upon her marriage to Bill, Ellen devoted her life to the care and upbringing of her family. She spent much of her time supporting her two daughters’ extracurricular interests, highlighted in particular by her volunteer time with The Clarkettes of Port Jefferson. 

In the latter portion of her life, Ellen worked for the NYS Department of Labor where her focus was assisting others with obtaining employment. Ellen also volunteered with The Guide Dog Foundation, raising several guide dog puppies. 

She was a dedicated daughter and aunt and adored her many cats. Her three grandchildren, Chris, Nicole and Jessica, were the pride of her life, and she reveled in all of their successes. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years and beloved sister Rosanne Maraia. She is survived by her two daughters, Christine Mackowiak of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth Niciu of Columbia, South Carolina; her three grandchildren and her brother Michael Maraia.

 A celebration of the liturgy of Christian burial was held on March 11 at St. James R.C. Church in East Setauket and interment followed at St. James R.C. cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated in her memory to Good Shepherd Hospice at www.catholichealthli.org.

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Vincent A. Smyth, right, aside his son, Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth. Photo courtesy Suffolk County GOP

Prepared by the Suffolk County Republican Committee

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Vincent Smyth, father of Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth.

Join us in expressing our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Smyth family during this difficult time in their lives. The streets of heaven are crowded with one more angel.

Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Vincent A. Smyth to pay a tribute.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the M.A. Connell Funeral Home in Huntington Station. 

A Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 10 a.m. at the St. Patricks Church in Huntington.

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Stock photo

Dr. Alfred Ekstrom of Woodstock, Georgia, and formerly of Port Jefferson passed away on Feb. 15 at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. At the time of his passing, Alfred was surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old.

Alfred was born in Guatemala in 1934 to Oliver and Bessie Ekstrom. He came to the United States after the death of his parents at the age of 11. After attending Washington & Jefferson College, he went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Alfred was a general practitioner, serving Port Jefferson and surrounding towns for over 45 years. He retired in 2006.

Alfred is survived by his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Donna, daughter Amy and son-in-law Keith; grandchildren Jamieson and wife Sophie, Karissa, Kelsey and Aubrey; and great-grandchildren Josephine and Oliver.

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Valerie ‘Val’ Rose Kratochvil

Valerie Rose Kratochvil, age 16, suddenly passed away on March 4. Valerie is survived in heartfelt memories by her parents Margaret and Kenneth and her twin sister Laurie. Valerie is also survived by her Aunt Susan, Uncle Scott Sedacca and cousins David and Kristen Sedacca; Uncle Ken Fee and cousin Kerry Fee; Uncle Peter Fee; Aunt Anne and Ray Redeman and cousins Jessica and Kaitlyn Redeman; Uncle Anthony and Aunt Donna Termini and cousins Bella, Joey and Lucy Termini; Aunt Mildred and Uncle Phil Musco. She was predeceased by her grandparents Marilyn and Kenneth Kratochvil, Ann and Matthew Fee, and her great-grandfather Vincent Petrolino.

Valerie was born Nov. 8, 2007, and she brought light into the world instantly. She was 2 minutes older than her twin sister Laurie — and she never let her forget it! 

Valerie was a junior at Smithtown High School East. She was warm, loving, compassionate and the best friend a person could want. Valerie was a brilliant girl; she kept herself to a standard of straight As that she worked incredibly hard to keep in order to pursue her goal of becoming a pharmacist one day. 

She was a member of the Music, French and Social Studies honor societies. She was also on track to be a part of the National Honor Society. 

Valerie had a love for singing that was unmatched. She was also involved in the choir program at her school. She participated in NYSSMA for three years and was in the All-County Choir for two years. 

The high school junior was not only an incredible student and singer but she was an athlete as well. She was on varsity winter and spring track teams, varsity field hockey, Long Island field hockey and other Long Island field hockey club teams. She participated in the Athletes Helping Athletes Club at her school that showcased her dedication to sharing her love of sports with others.

Many friends and family members called her Val. Outside of school Val was an avid reader who adored going to the store to get her next book to read. She had a passion for cooking and baking as well. Val was fashionable and loved to shop for clothes, curl her hair and do makeup. Val was an avid skier and went on many vacations with her family, skiing in Vermont and Lake Tahoe, traveled to the Caribbean and several times to Disney World. 

Valerie brought happiness every single day to those she encountered. She touched the hearts of everyone. Valerie loved life and had the brightest future. Our family is heartbroken and we know Valerie will be with us always. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Valerie, we will miss you forever and will remember all of the wonderful memories that you have given us every day for the rest of our lives. We love you, Valerie!

Since Valerie’s passing, loved ones, friends, teammates and community members have offered support to the Kratochvil family. Teammate and friend, Hannah Honor, started a Meal Train for the family, asking for donations and contributions to a meal calendar — providing meals for the family — extending through April. 

Offering additional support Mallory Guerin, director of Long Island Field Hockey, created a GoFundMe page asking for support for Valerie’s family. All donations will go directly to the Kratochvil family to help pay for funeral expenses, meals and any other expenses while they are out of work. To donate visit GoFundMe and search for the Kratochvil family. 

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Elisabeth ‘Betsy' Palmedo

Elisabeth Palmedo led a long, adventurous and charmed life, and experienced a very peaceful death on Feb. 20.

Her mother, Maria Williams Sheerin, was from a Richmond family which preceded the Founding Fathers of Virginia. Betsy was proud to be a “direct descendent of George Washington’s sister.” Betsy’s father, the Rev. Charles Sheerin, was an Episcopal minister born in Pittsburgh to an Irish family that had recently immigrated from Scotland. Her father was loved by everyone and known for joyously playing Irish songs on the piano’s black keys.

Betsy was the youngest child of three, born Feb. 25, 1935. Her brother Charles came first, then her sister Maria. Betsy arrived six years later. When Betsy was only 13 years old, her father’s life was cut short by a heart attack at age 50. 

She began cultivating her talent in singing, especially classical operatic music. She graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston in 1960 and met her future husband, Phil Palmedo, during her time there. They married in 1961 and would live in Paris, then on Long Island with sons Chris and Lawrence, in Shoreham, later Setauket and finally Head of the Harbor.

In 1976 Elisabeth dazzled a Carnegie Recital Hall audience with her New York debut. She performed a challenging program by Purcell, Schubert, Duparc and others. The New York Times called out the “clear, pure top” of her voice and noted that “the more a song asked of her the more she brought to it.” 

Thanks to her husband, Betsy was able to travel the world, which she embraced with enthusiasm. This included adventures in Indonesia, Peru, South Africa and Kenya, where the family found itself in the middle of a military coup in Nairobi. Her harrowing account was later published in an interview with the Three Village Herald.

In the early 1980s, she and a group of classically trained musicians launched the North Shore Pro Musica. As her close friend and collaborator Olga Zilboorg commented in a newspaper profile: ‘’People used to think that just because artists were local they had to be something less than first-class professionals.’’ But the Pro Musica dispelled that misconception by putting on world-class concerts throughout its 40-year run. Along with being the co-founder, Betsy served as president, treasurer and whatever else needed done. 

She performed in many other ensembles, such as the Galatia Trio, which staged a landmark concert at the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in New Hampshire. More recently, Elisabeth enjoyed working with the Lark Trio, with her dear friends Bonnie Thivierge and Ann Jupp. 

Elisabeth was dedicated to promoting modern and contemporary composers, especially her friends Jack Lessard and Willard Roosevelt. These works were challenging, but she successfully dedicated herself to interpreting and performing serious classical music with eagerness and enthusiasm.

Her multitude of students have included young talents on their way to conservatory, gray-haired professionals seeking to master show tunes and all personalities in between. Her recitals featured a range of artistic expression and were always joyous occasions.

Betsy spent great effort ensuring that the musicians she worked with were well paid. She also would not hesitate to offer visiting artists dinner and a room to sleep overnight. She certainly enjoyed planning and hosting parties, including summer jazz soirees that featured her grandson Tree on trumpet.

She was blessed with bountiful friends, some of her closest being her niece Maria and “sister cousins” Penelope and Mary Page. Also, her Liberal Ladies Luncheon group, the Nissequogue Beach Club community, friends from the North Suffolk Garden Club, her chums from Boston and over the decades a steady stream of wild and crazy musicians who helped underscore the undeniable fact that Elisabeth was an artist at her heart and soul.

 Her final days were spent in the company of Phil, her beloved husband of 63 years, her infinitely loyal hound dog Brogan and her invaluable caretaker Sol Starcic.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 7, at 4 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 490 N. Country Road, St. James. Reception to follow.

Family members request nothing more than to reflect on her enthusiasm for life and the arts, but she would most certainly have approved a donation in her memory to the Hudson Peconic chapter of Planned Parenthood Inc. at www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-hudson-peconic.

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Michael H. Burner. Photo courtesy Burner Family

Prepared by The Burner Family

Michael Burner, 80, of Westhampton Beach, passed away on March 6.

Michael was born on Sept. 15, 1943, to Kurt and Anna Burner in the Bronx. At 16 years old, his first job was in a button factory also in the Bronx. He was a rising star in the retail world and as only Michael could do, he went into an entirely new field: construction. Later in life he became a builder/developer, as the founder and president of Elderco Inc., a creator of fine homes in the Hamptons.

In 1980 with three kids in tow, Brian, Robin and Gabriele, he married Nancy J. Marchesini who already had daughter Tara. Soon Britt, Kyra and Taylor made it an uneven seven.

To say Michael was a family man is an understatement. From starting the Safe Homes Program and Friday Night Recreation to coaching sports teams and serving as president of the Port Jefferson School Board of Education, Michael was an impactful part of the local community. Ever dedicated to community service, Michael was a leader and active member of the Port Jefferson Lions Club and, later, the Moriches Bay Project, Kiwanis of Greater Westhampton and was a charter member of the Westhampton Yacht Squadron.

Michael will be missed by his friends, family, clients, business associates, the Elderco team and all of the other various lives he touched with his sarcasm and quick wit.

Michael is survived by his wife Nancy; son Brian; daughters Robin, Gabriele, Tara, Britt, Kyra and Taylor; 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Michael H. Burner Community Service Trust at everloved.com/life-of/michael-burner. All donations will be used to support various community groups and projects in which Michael was involved.

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Arthur Grollman. Photo courtesy Grollman Family

Prepared by the Grollman Family

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Arthur Grollman, a man whose life was a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of humanity. A Renaissance man in every sense, Dr. Grollman’s dedication to justice, science, medical care, and his family was evident in every facet of his remarkable journey.

Dr. Grollman’s academic odyssey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1955, followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1959. His postgraduate years were marked by an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Hopkins and significant research contributions at the National Institutes of Health.

His illustrious career saw him join the Albert Einstein College of Medicine as Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, and Molecular Biology, where he also served as Associate Dean for Scientific Affairs. In 1974, he became the Founding Chair of the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook University’s School of Medicine, leading the department to new heights and shaping the future of medical research and education.

Dr. Grollman’s scholarly output was prolific, with over 200 papers that advanced our understanding of molecular biology and cancer research. His work on the biological consequences of DNA damage and the antitumor agent bleomycin was groundbreaking, as were his studies on the three-dimensional structures of DNA enzymes.

A recognized authority on the clinical pharmacology of herbal medicines, Dr. Grollman’s expertise was sought by the White House Commission on Alternative and Complementary Health Policy and Governor George Pataki’s Task Force on Life and Law. His academic influence extended globally, with visiting professorships at prestigious institutions around the world.

In 2003, his contributions were honored with the title of Distinguished Professor of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook. His pioneering work earned him numerous accolades, including an American Cancer Society Scholarship Award and a MERIT award from the National Cancer Institute. The Environmental Mutagen Society recognized his vital research on environmental mutagenesis and his insights into DNA repair mechanisms.

As the world grappled with COVID-19, Dr. Grollman rose to the challenge, dedicating himself to the fight against the pandemic with unwavering commitment.

In 2011, the Environmental Mutagen Society bestowed upon him a prestigious recognition award for his research in environmental mutagenesis, which brought to light the public health crisis of aristolochic acid-induced kidney failure and urothelial cancer. This award also honored his seminal work in elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which DNA repair proteins process oxidative DNA damage.

During the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Grollman’s indefatigable spirit shone brightly as he led a consortium of top medical and scientific minds from an off-university chemistry lab. Together, they revisited a drug he had worked on in the 1960s—emetine—and studied its effectiveness and toxicity. His dedication persisted until his final days, culminating in the shipment of newly manufactured pills for the first clinical trial against Covid. His team’s research also demonstrated emetine’s efficacy as an antiviral agent against Zika, Ebola, and herpesviruses.

Dr. Grollman’s investigative prowess was pivotal in discovering the cause of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, a previously fatal kidney disease. His relentless research and collaboration across nations revealed that the herb Aristolochia, intermingled with wheat crops in the Balkans, was the culprit. His findings led to changes in farming and milling methods that halted the disease’s spread. Moreover, he identified the use of this herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the cause of Taiwan’s high rate of urothelial cancer, leading to a cessation in its use and a subsequent decline in kidney failure and cancer cases in the region.

An adventurer at heart, Dr. Grollman’s curiosity extended beyond the realms of science and medicine. He traversed all continents except Antarctica, scaling peaks such as Mt. Whitney and  Mt. Kilimanjaro, as well as the Alps, the Andes, and Mt. Kellas. His journeys took him to Base Camp 3 on Everest and through the Karakoram Mountains, where he and his guide charted a new route. His profound connection with the Himalayas led to a friendship with the Dalai Lama, whom he invited to Stony Brook to receive an honorary degree. Dr. Grollman also established a program at Stony Brook University to support a Tibetan student annually, typically in pursuit of a degree in Public Health.

A champion of justice, Dr. Grollman’s actions consistently reflected his commitment to protecting and supporting those treated unfairly. His leadership and mentorship touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him and benefiting from his work. Dr. Grollman’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his enduring impact on science, medicine, and humanity will forever be cherished and remembered.

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Vaclav Steve Gursky

Vaclav Steve Gursky, 98, of Stony Brook passed away on Feb. 15. He was born on Sept. 28, 1925, in Bardejov, Czechoslovakia, to Edward and Mary Gursky.

His family emigrated to Royal, Pennsylvania, in 1935. He eventually joined the Army Air Corps in 1944, attended Waynesburg College in 1949 and moved his family to Long Island in 1964.

Steve had a successful career as a teacher and high school guidance counselor. He was an avid reader and a lifelong student of history. His leisure time was spent in his shed workshop — lovingly called his guest house — where he enjoyed repairing and refinishing antique furniture but had a soft spot for chairs. A true tinkerer at heart, “Grandpa’s Shed” also provided his grandchildren with hours of entertainment.

Steve was an active member of the American Legion, New York Post 0417. His greatest love was his family and friends. Steve was kind, loving, generous and a bit ornery.

Steve was predeceased by his parents Edward and Mary Gursky and his brother Ladislav Walter Gursky.

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 74 years; five children, Mark, Deborah Orbell, SueAnn Alleger, Maria Hughes and John; and 10 grandchildren Kimberly Gursky, Stephen Gursky, Diana Mione, Ross Orbell, Richard Alleger, Galen Alleger, Todd Alleger, Emma Kowalinski, James Hughes and Anne; eight great-grandchildren; and his brother Edward and many nieces and nephews.

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Blair Charles Marelli

Blair Charles Marelli, passed away Feb. 14, at 84. A native of East Setauket, Blair’s life was characterized by love, laughter and cherished moments with family and friends.

Blair is survived by his beloved spouse, Gladys, with whom he shared over 62 years of marriage. He leaves behind four sons: Kenneth, Jay, Blair and Dean, and grandchildren Patrick, Taylor, Samantha, Mya and Tye. Blair is also survived by his brother Gary Marelli and his wife Beatrice, nephews Grant and Marcus and his niece Julie. 

Blair made a significant impact as a teacher and coach at Riverhead High School for 30 years, where he mentored countless students in football and baseball. 

A longtime member of the Mount Sinai Yacht Club, Blair found solace and joy in boating. He passed this passion on to his sons. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 1001 Route 25A, Miller Place. Visitation hours are Feb. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.

An interment ceremony will take place Feb. 23, at Washington Memorial Park, 855 Canal Road, Mount Sinai at 11:30 a.m.

Blair will be remembered for his kind heart and unwavering love for his family, students, golf, football and baseball. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

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