Charles Miller, Sr., 73, Navy man, lifelong fire company member
HUDSON—Charles A. Miller, Sr. of Copake passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 at Hospice at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He was 73.
Born February 3, 1938 in Hudson, he was the son of Almon P. Miller and Florence Helen VanValkenburgh Miller Ellenberger.
Mr. Miller was a 1955 graduate of the Ockawamick Central School in Philmont. He joined the United States Navy in August of 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1960. He served as a radioman aboard the U.S.S. Rankin, a cargo transport operating out of a home base at Norfolk, VA.
On February 12, 1961 he married Louise Ann Bray Miller at St. Mary‘s Church in Hudson. She survives him at home.
He worked in food sales with Burry Biscuit Company, a division of Quaker Oats, and worked as a police dispatcher for the NYS office of Parks and Recreation at Mills Mansion in Staatsburg before his retirement.
Mr. Miller was a lifelong volunteer in community and civic affairs, with past devotion to the Mellenville Fire Company and the Community Rescue Squad, He served as the constable for the Town of Copake and was the first president of the Copake Republican Club in 1974. His other affiliations include past director and president of the Taconic Shores Property Owners Association, Inc., membership in the Columbia Masonic Lodge No. 0098 F. and A.M., and past master of the Agawamuck Masonic Lodge No. 841 F. and A.M.
Mr. Miller was a 50-year life member of the Copake Fire Company No. 1, serving in positions of lieutenant from 1962 to 1960, captain from 1965 to 1975, president from 1975 to 1985, treasurer and fire police officer. He also served as Copake Fire District secretary and treasurer, was a member of the Copake Board of Fire Commissioners and served as chairman since 1955. In addition, he was a life member and past president of the Columbia County Volunteer Fireman’s Association since 1987, was a member of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, and a director of Region 2 of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York since 2008.
He loved to travel and spend time with his family and friends.
In addition to his loving wife Louise, he is survived by his mother, Florence of Sun City Center, FL; five children, Charlene Brongo and her husband Donald of Spencerport, Michele Heil of Beaver Falls, PA, Charles A. Miller, Jr. of Webster, Katrina Miller of Virginia Beach, VA and Suzanne Wood and her husband Paul of Virginia Beach, VA; 10 grandchildren, Shauna and Tanner Brongo, Naomi Heil, Amanda and Tabatha Zang, Dylan, Kyle and Cory Miller and Paul Jason and Nathan Wood; and one great-grandson, Colten Heil Hardy. He is also survived by a brother, Almon M. Miller of Sun City Center, FL; a brother-in-law, Ralph Genito of Largo, FL; an aunt, Roberta Wagner of Sun City Center, FL; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, Almon P. Miller; a granddaughter, Aubrey Miller; and a sister, Florence Ellen Genito.
Friends are invited and may call Wednesday, October 12, 2011 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake. The Copake Fire Company No. 1 will offer a service of remembrance at 7 p.m. during calling hours.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at the Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Copake. To sign the online register visit peckandpeck.net.
Morse-Kennedy celebrated Saturday
CHATHAM—Gloria J. Morse-Kennedy, 50, of Ghent passed away at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, September 10.
She was a 1980 Chatham High School graduate and at the time of her passing, she was employed by Interim Health Care as a personal care aide.
Her family will host a celebration of her life Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main building at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.
Joseph Giuffre, 71, builder, owned Thunderbirds
NIVERVILLE—Joseph Anthony Giuffre, 71, of Hawley Road, Niverville died Monday, October 10, 2011 at his home.
Born in Albany, April 24, 1940, he was the son of the late Salvatore Giuffre and Josephine (Dinovo) Giuffre of Albany.
Mr. Giuffre was a US Army veteran and a self-employed builder of custom homes in the area for more than 35 years. He also worked at Northway Auto Exchange in Clifton Park for a time. He was a member of the Columbia Car Club and owned two classic Thunderbirds. He especially loved his wife, children, family, friends and animals.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife Valeria J. (Kaczanowcke) of Niverville; a daughter, Stacy Giuffre Mazal (Steven) of North Chatham; a son, Stephen J. Giuffre (Corri Corning) of Albany; a brother, Augustine Giuffre (Sylvia) of Albany; a grandson, Adam John Boehlke and his St.
Bernard, Oscar. He was also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call Thursday, October 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Inc., Route 9, Valatie. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to one’s local humane society.