CLOSE
Tags Posts tagged with "Obituary"

Obituary

by -
0 2319
Danny Bacher

The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook has announced that one of its most beloved performers Danny Bacher passed away on December 16 following a heart attack. He was 48.

Bacher’s credentials and world-class talents make for an impressive and illustrious list. Bacher excelled as a vocalist, soprano saxophonist, dancer and composer and delivered jokes and banter effortlessly. Bacher recently published a book titled Collecting Laurel and Hardy, about his personal extensive collection of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia. At the time of his death, he was working on a Harry Nilsson recording project.

“It goes without saying that The Jazz Loft will never be the same without Danny,” said Tom Manuel, friend and founder of The Jazz Loft. “I will always have the utmost respect and admiration for Danny as a musician and an artist. Quite frankly he embodied what no artists have anymore. He was 100% in, 100% of the time— a consummate performer. He truly loved every stranger that sat in front of him. The music was always the number one priority. He appreciated the songwriter, the arranger, the history, the vision of the show, and especially the musicians that backed him up.”

Bacher was an early supporter and performer for The Jazz Loft and is credited with the first “official Jazz Loft gig,” which occurred well before the renovations were completed around 2014.

“We did a concert at what was at the time called The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Education & Cultural Center to bring awareness to the Loft project,’ recalls Manuel. “As the years progressed Danny became such an important part of the personality of our Sinatra Show, Rat Pack Show, and our Nutcracker amongst other things.”

Along with his numerous appearances at The Jazz Loft throughout the year, Bacher kept a busy touring schedule and worked at venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Feinstein’s 54 Below, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Town Hall. He performed several times at Carnegie Hall and most recently alongside the legendary Michael Feinstein. Bacher released two studio albums as a leader, “Swing That Music!” and “Still Happy” on the Whaling City Sound label. A recent recipient of the prestigious Margaret Whiting Award, Bacher was also nominated for best male vocalist in the 2019 National Jazz Times reader’s poll along with Harry Connick, John Pizzarelli, and Michael Buble, and in 2020 and 2021 placed in the top four in the country alongside Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter and the legendary Tony Bennett. He also received a 2023 Bistro Award for outstanding achievement as a singer/instrumentalist in the New York entertainment community. Bacher was personally selected by the 98-year-old jazz legend, Terry Gibbs, as the vocalist to record his Songbook.

When not performing, Bacher dedicated his time to arts education in his home state of New Jersey. As part of the nationally-recognized Educational Arts Team, he taught arts-integrated curricula to a variety of grade levels, as well as acting, theater improv, magic and puppetry. Along with his brother, Danny was the co-creator of the beloved after-school puppet series “The Backyard Players” (2008-2012), and has helped to run Camp Liberty, an arts-based summer program in Jersey City, for the past decade.

“Danny was a special person and real friend to me,” said Manuel. “I loved him like a brother and I’ll really miss him.”

Bacher is survived by his wife Erin Bernard-Bacher. Funeral arrangements are pending.

by -
0 740
Ronald L. Gerry

*This article has been updated to reflect the correct dates for the service. We regret the error.

Prepared by Kara Hahn

Ronald L. Gerry of Ocoee, FL (formerly of Stony Brook) passed away peacefully on December 7. He was 81. Family, volunteer firefighting and love of home, community and country defined his life which was rich in purpose and deep in connection.

Volunteer firefighting was a core foundation of Ron’s identity. He was a Life-Member, Ex-Captain of Engine Company No. 1 and former Vice President of the Stony Brook Fire Department. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, his calling was to volunteer to protect his community as a firefighter. He joined the East Rockaway Fire Department as a teenager. When he and his wife Pam moved to Stony Brook Village in 1968, he immediately joined the Department. He quickly signed up for the Company’s Softball Team and rose in the ranks of the Department to Captain in 1978 – 1988. So committed to volunteering, that when his career brought him frequently to his company’s office in the Philadelphia suburbs, Ron rented an apartment so he could join a Fire Department there. As a result, he was a member of the West Whiteland/ Exton Fire Department in Exton, Pennsylvania from 1993-1995.  

Firefighting dominated his life both as a volunteer and as an advocate. Through founding and leading the Long Island Association of Firemen’s Benevolent Associations, as Vice President of the Central North Shore Volunteer Firemen’s Association and memberships in the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Fire Departments’ Long Island Legislative Committee and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Emerald Society. among others, Ron advocated for firefighters and their families.

In his professional career as an insurance broker, Ron had over 30 years of sales and management experience in the health, life and property insurance industries holding various positions from sales manager to Vice-President in the New York Life, Prudential Life, American International Group, Aetna and Mandeville Financial Services companies.  Firefighting found its way into his work as well. He learned arson investigation to be a part of the Aetna Arson Task Force and after establishing his own insurance agency, the Florian Agency, Inc., Ron carved a niche in offering life insurance products to professional firefighters in the FDNY. After the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11-01, Ron attended dozens of funerals of his clients who had perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center and their families were forever grateful for the salesman who had convinced them to invest in coverage.

Ron was a proud Patriot, his love of Country was another pillar of his identity. The Gerry family legacy of service dates back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence where the family boasts of ancestor Elbridge Gerry, American Founding Father as signer of this document that led to the founding of the Nation. Ron followed in his father’s footsteps in the U.S. Army serving overseas in the defense of Europe from 1965-1967 as a Combat Engineer where he built bridges and other structures, studied atomic demolitions and munitions to become an explosives and demolitions specialist.

Ron in his younger years was a decorated athlete across many sports.  A star running back for the East Rockaway Rocks High School football team, Ron was Captain of the Track Team in his junior and senior years and still holds the ERHS record for the 50 yard hurdles. He won the state title in 1962 for the Long Jump, jumping 21 feet, 6.25 inches. ERHS Football teammate Mike Jacobs said, “It was often noted by spectators and other players that Ron ran and jumped like a gazelle, powerful yet graceful. He was an incredibly natural athlete who also worked diligently and dedicatedly to improve every time he hit the field.”

Ron was a well-known family-man. His love of his family was his most prominent attribute. He married his high school sweetheart, Pam Stevenson, a cheerleader who he met during his time playing football at ERHS.  Ron was a devoted father to four remarkable children and an adoring grandfather to his ten grandchildren. He was a proud and guiding presence in the lives of his children. His daughter Kara, a Suffolk County Legislator, often credited her father for inspiring her commitment to public service and her belief in the power of community. Kevin, a high school and college soccer star turned successful financial advisor, spoke often of his father’s influence in shaping his discipline and drive, values that led to his professional success not to mention his commitment to volunteer firefighting and EMT service. Kristin, a skilled CPA, carried forward Ron’s attention to detail and steadfast work ethic, building a life of accomplishment and integrity. Kurt, an attorney and high school and college lacrosse standout, reflected on his father, saying, “He built a climber on Christmas Eve in our living room so I would have a surprise on Christmas morning and then disassembled it and rebuilt it in our backyard when springtime came. I now strive to create those kinds of fun and memorable experiences for my own boys. I just sometimes wish I didn’t follow in his footsteps as a perennial heartbroken Mets fan.”

Beyond his role as a father, Ron embraced his role as a grandfather with boundless enthusiasm and pride. Whether attending sports games, school plays, or simply sharing quiet moments, his love and wisdom became the foundation of lasting memories for his grandchildren. Known for his kind smile and steady presence, Ron’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Ronald was admired not only for his devotion to his family but also for his deep-rooted values. He believed in hard work and the transformative power of kindness. Friends and neighbors alike remember Ron for his quiet generosity, always offering a helping hand or thoughtful advice when needed.

“Working in the fire department with his son Kevin, who’s the same age as me, I looked up to him. Ron was legendary. He stole the other team’s playbook in terms of being an extraordinary firefighter, but he also did that in life,” said Sean Lynch, a volunteer firefighter who worked alongside Ron, as well.

Ron’s life was a testament to the enduring strength of family. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the personal and professional achievements of his children, but also in the love, guidance, and values he imparted to his grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though he will be deeply missed, Ronald L. Gerry’s impact will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he helped shape and the family he held so dear. Ron is pre-deceased by his father Clarance, his mother Maud and his brothers Harold and Jack and is survived by his wife Pam, daughters Kara Hahn (Christopher) and Kristin Ruffini (Mike) both of Setauket, sons Kevin (Jennifer) of Winter Garden, FL and Kurt (Casey) of New Hope, NJ as well as grandchildren Karina Gerry, Tyler and Samantha Ruffini, Hope Hahn, Kevin, Andrew, Kate, Nicholas, Carter and Eli Gerry.

Services will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road in East Setauket on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, Dec. 20  from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery at 53  Hollow Road in Stony Brook.

by -
0 311
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.

by -
0 388
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.

by -
0 436
Frank S. Bonura

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.

by -
0 296
John Joseph Fazio’s funeral procession, heading down 25A on Tuesday Nov. 26. Photo by Janet Fortuna

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.

by -
0 382
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.

by -
0 346
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.

by -
0 439
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.

Prev1...234...18Next Page 3 of 18
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©