Gerald M. Couse (1944 – 2017)
ELIZAVILLE—Gerald “Jerry” M. Couse passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of March 20, 2017.
He is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Marilynn, daughters, Melissa and Cynthia Couse, all of Elizaville; son, Daniel and his wife Jennifer Couse of Kingston; grandchildren, Khial, Keegan, Ariana, Emily, Celia and Makenna; sisters, Nancy Couse and her husband Rick McGlauflin from Salt Point and Patty and her husband Robert Couse-Baker from Sacramento, CA.
His parents, Earl and Ruth predeceased him. Born and raised in Rhinebeck and Elizaville, Mr. Couse stayed in the area in which he grew up.
He was many things to many people: a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War; a lifelong volunteer firefighter and later, chief. He was a diehard New York Yankees and Giants fan; a lover of “The Oldies,” an avid dancer and a bowler. He was a longtime umpire, and a founding father of the “Elizaville Coffee Klatch.” Mr. Couse was a steadfast friend, knowledgeable co-worker, helpful mentor and all-around great guy. He hated to say “no.” He gave so much to everything he touched. It did not matter whether it was a friend or not, someone he knew or just met, he never hesitated to do what was needed. This included giving his two cents when asked whether one wanted to hear the answer or not. A man of principles, he stood for what he believed regardless of the popularity of those convictions.
He loved to laugh. He loved to share his time and knowledge with anyone willing to take the time. He was forever teaching anyone who would listen. He was known for his sense of humor, punctuality and infinite pride in his grandchildren. He was a man who everyone seemed to remember, even years later. He was a man who cared deeply for his family and country. He was proof that it is not the years in your life that count, but rather the life in your years. He has left a mark on all of those who knew him.
Visiting hours were Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, with an Honor Guard ceremony. Refreshments and a Celebration of Mr. Couse’s life followed at Elizaville firehouse.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Northern Dutchess Paramedics, P.O. Box 672, Rhinebeck 12572, or VFW Post 7765, P.O. Box 293, Red Hook 12571.
To sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Peter P. Dempsey (1931 – 2017)
RED HOOK—Peter Paul Dempsey, 85, a longtime Red Hook resident, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 at home surrounded by family.
Born May 19, 1931 in New York City, he was the son of the late Patrick Joseph and Bridget (Markey) Dempsey.
In Astoria, May 19, 1956, Mr. Dempsey married the love of his life, Eileen A. McKeon who predeceased him July 28, 1995.
Mr. Dempsey served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he served as a patrolman with the New York City Police Department based in Harlem. He went on to work as an assistant mechanic with PepsiCo in Long Island City.
Active in his community, Mr. Dempsey was a longtime communicant of St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook and was a member of its Holy Name Society, as well as the adult choir.
An avid sports fan, Mr. Dempsey was a diehard Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants fan. One of his greatest loves was Red Hook High School athletics. Mr. Dempsey was a fixture at countless Red Hook sporting events spanning many years.
He is survived by: his loving children, Kathleen (Douglas) Cook of Red Hook, Eileen (Matt) Parr of Red Hook, Barbara (Wayne) Coons of Red Hook, Patrick “PJ” (Linda) Dempsey of Germantown, Maureen (Dale) Hoose of Germantown, and Annemarie Dempsey (fiancé Paul Simmons) of Hurley; his sister, Sr. Barbara Dempsey of Brentwood; his brother, John (Kathleen) Dempsey of Pearl River; his loving grandchildren, Logan Cook, Marley Cook, Macashin Parr, Nolan Parr, Padraic Parr, Marist Parr, Chandler Coons, Justin Dempsey and Shannon Hoose; his great-granddaughter, Nora Dolcemascolo; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family, and the entire Red Hook Raider community.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard and James Dempsey.
The family extends its gratitude to the dedicated caregivers who provided compassion and love to Mr. Dempsey at home during his illness.
Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook, Monday, March 27, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 28, 2017, 11 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Church, Red Hook. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Red Hook.
Donations may be made in Mr. Dempsey’s memory to the St. Christopher’s Church, 7411 South Broadway, Red Hook 12571 or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 4777, Grand Central Station, New York City 10163.
For directions or to sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.
Adelaide M. Boccagna (1921 – 2017)
PHILMONT—Adelaide M. Boccagna, 96, of Greenport, died peacefully Friday, March 24, 2017 at Pine Haven Nursing Home.
Born in the Bronx, January 12, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Anna L. (Malley) Plunkett. She was a graduate of Fordham University School of Nursing and was a registered nurse for more than 40 years.
She was an active member of both St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Parish in Hudson. She was also a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Third Order.
She will be greatly missed by her loving family including: sons, Stephen (Kathleen) of Northport, FL, Peter (Sandra) also of Northport, and Ray of Hudson; one daughter, Anne (Russell) Moore of East Chatham; grandchildren, Matthew (Jennifer), Nicholas (Nicole), Michael, Denise, Lauren, Jennifer (Sean), David, Sara (Jason), as well as nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Emanuel D. Boccagna in 1968; her daughter, Mary Jane DiCarmine and her grandson, Stephen Boccagna. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, March 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 30, 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson. Her ashes will be buried in the family plot at St. James Cemetery in Chatham.
Elizabeth C. Gardner (1942 – 2017)
HUDSON—Elizabeth “Betty” C. Gardner, 74, of Greenport passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Born July 21, 1942 in Castleton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Florence (Scott) Piccola. She was a graduate of St. Catherine’s School of Nursing in Albany and for two years worked at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Later she was an attendance officer at Hudson High School for many years.
Mrs. Gardner was the high school PTA president and cheerleading adviser. She was a Cub Scout leader in the Hudson-Greenport area, as well as a member of the Greenport Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
She will be greatly missed by: her loving husband, Reginald Gardner at home; four sons, Reginald (Karen) of West Palm Beach, FL, Brian (Shannon) of Germantown, David (partner Jermaine) of Hudson, Todd (Tina) of Greenport; one sister, Roseann Crispino of Stuyvesant; grandchildren, Megan, Matt, Todd, Jr., Victoria, Tsai and Brian, Jr.; also great-grandchildren, Aniya and Henry. She was predeceased by her brother, Frank Piccola and one sister, Mary Clouse.
Calling hours will be held Monday, March 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Joseph, Stottville, with Fr. George Flemming officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Park Cemetery.
