Joseph Santagata, Jr. (1934 – 2013)
MIDDLETOWN—Joseph Santagata, Jr., 78, a longtime Elizaville resident and a part-time resident of Cape Coral, FL, passed away suddenly Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the Orange County Regional Medical Center.
Born December 5, 1934 in Queens, he was the son of the late Joseph and Kathleen (McGuire) Santagata.
Mr. Santagata married Lucille Barsotti at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Queens, January 29, 1956. She survives at home in Elizaville.
For more than 35 years, Mr. Santagata was a New York City Police officer, having attained the rank of lieutenant.
He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard for more than 30 years and was a member of the Red Hook-Rhinebeck Lodge 2022 BPOE in Red Hook.
Mr. Santagata was an avid sports fan and his favorite team was the New York Yankees. For many years he played softball, most recently in the “Over 50” softball league in Cape Coral, FL. After he finished playing he continued to be involved as the commissioner of the league. Daily, he loved to watching Jeopardy and compete against his “adopted son,” Theodosius and his lovely wife, Maggie.
A devoted and loving husband, father, uncle and friend, Mr. Santagata was a man formed from our greatest generation.
In addition to his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by: his two sons, Joseph Santagata, III, of Maui, HI, and Michael Santagata of Phillipsburg, NJ; his daughter, Laurie Santagata of Fair Lawn, NJ; his sister, Joan Santagata of Los Angeles, CA; his nephew and Godson, Anthony Santagata of Astoria and his nieces, Debra Roberts of Dover, DE, Danielle Kramer of Los Angeles, CA, and Marisa Bailey of Los Angeles, CA.
He was predeceased by his brother, Dominick Santagata
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2013 at St. Christopher’s Church, Red Hook. Burial will be at the Elizaville Methodist Cemetery, Elizaville.
Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes, Wednesday, July 3, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, July 4 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.
For directions or to sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Nancy Marie Sheffer (1939 – 2013)
HUDSON—Nancy Marie Sheffer, 73, of Linlithgo passed away peacefully, June 27, 2013 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born November 5, 1939 in Freeport, Long Island, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Gertrude Seymour.
She graduated in 1957 from Roeliff Jansen High School in Hillsdale. In 1972, she married Alvin Sheffer and moved to Germantown. After her children were older, she rejoined the work force full-time at Coarc and later at Eden Park. In 2002, she retired from her position as activity director for Eden Park Nursing Home in Hudson. This job was her favorite as she enjoyed singing with the residents, making them laugh and keeping them company. She had an infectious smile and could light up any room.
Mrs. Sheffer was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Hudson. She was the Proclaimer’s choir director for 20 years, president of the Columbia County Golden Agers, member of various bird clubs and often spoke throughout New York State.
She was an avid gardener who loved getting her hands dirty in the soil. She rescued many exotic parrots through the years, at one point having 16 in her home, and became known as “the bird lady.” Mrs. Sheffer had many friends online around the world who enjoyed her quick wit, conversation and humor.
Survivors include her husband, Alvin Sheffer; a son, Thomas Sheffer of Cairo; her daughter, Cheryl Keram of Germantown; her grandson, Samuel Keram and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister, Ruth Bleau and her brother, William Farrell.
Funeral services were Monday, July 1 at the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Germantown. Interment followed in the Linlithgo Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 8 Storm Avenue, Hudson 12534 or Capital Region Parrot Society, c/o Lauren Palmateer, 1297 Coplon Avenue, Schenectady 12309.
Andrew J. Marchisio (1947 – 2013)
GERMANTOWN—Andrew J. Marchisio, 66, of Germantown passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 30, 2013 with his wife by his side.
He was born in Hudson May 18, 1947, a son of the late Alfred and Virginia Marchisio.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane (Altmann) Marchisio; his three children, Andrew Marchisio, Jr., Kristen Lent and her husband Chad and Lori Crawford and her husband Adam; and a brother, Alfred Marchisio of Omaha, Nebraska.
Mr. Marchisio was a graduate of Germantown Central Class of 1965. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1969. Following his service, he worked for a local contractor before starting his own business, Marchisio Contracting. He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection of Germantown and was involved in the community, serving on various boards, including Palatine Manor and the Town Board of Germantown. Mr. Marchisio was an avid car collector and a devoted fan of NASCAR.
Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 2 at the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Germantown. Services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3 at the Church of the Resurrection. Burial will follow in the Reformed Church Cemetery, Germantown.
Kimberly Ann Kokoska (1970 – 2013)
KENT, CT—Kimberly Ann Kokoska, 42, of Ancramdale passed away Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Kent Specialty Care Center.
She was born December 19, 1970 in North Charleroi, PA the daughter of Johanna (Tkach) Kokoska and the late Louis Kokoska.
In 2009, she graduated from Columbia-Greene Community College with a registered nurse degree. She loved horses, dogs, cats and most recently she was involved with competing in dog agility.
Ms. Kokoska was a nurse in the cardiology department at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, CT. Prior to becoming a nurse she was the manager at The Goose Chase Farm for 14 years.
In addition to her loving mother, Johanna Kokoska of Monongahela, PA, she is also survived by her sister, Karolyn Kokoska also of Monongahela, PA.
Calling hours are 2 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, July 2 at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains.
Funeral services are at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 2 with the Reverend Jackie Jefferson officiating.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are requested to the Animalkind, Inc., 721 Warren Street, Hudson 12534.