Robert Casey Kuhn (1943 – 2017)
TUCSON, AZ—Robert Casey Kuhn passed away April 13, 2017 at Peppi’s Hospice, Tucson, AZ.
He was born to Robert Frederick Kuhn and Elizabeth Casey Kuhn in Buffalo, July 20, 1943.
He spent his childhood along with his sisters, Karen Smith and Julie Fredette in Roxbury, CT, where he formed bonds and memories that would last his lifetime.
He met the love of his life, Mary Herrington at Thiel College. They married in 1969 and eventually settled in her hometown of Hillsdale, where they raised their children, Carrie Kuhn and Sarah Campbell.
Mr. Kuhn took immense joy and pride in his daughters and his grandsons, Tristin and Charlie Campbell, and shared his love and respect with sons-in-law, John Dandurand and Peter Campbell.
Mr. Kuhn joined the Herrington family business and bought and ran Herrington Fuels for 25 years. Through his business and community relationships Mr. Kuhn was generous and compassionate, quietly helping when he saw need.
He loved reading, golf and fishing trips, and he and his wife traveled often with close and valued friends. He was a philosopher, always motivated to do the right thing—Mr. Kuhn lived life with grace and courtesy. He had a fabulous memory, a dry, teasing wit and a talent for easy company. He leaves behind a legacy of love and caring. “We celebrate Casey Kuhn—a true gentleman, who made us all better just by being himself.”
A Celebration of Life will be held in Hillsdale. The date and details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Mr. Kuhn’s honor may be made to: Peppi’s House – TMC Hospice, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive, Tucson AZ 85712; The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, DUMC Box 3624, Durham NC 27710 – Checks payable to Tisch Brain Tumor Center; or the Roe Jan Food Pantry, P.O. Box 343, Hillsdale 12529.
Virginia J. Davis (1929 – 2017)
VENICE, FL—Virginia J. Davis, beloved wife of Ronald J. Davis, passed away March 12, 2017 in Venice, FL.
She was born in Albany, August 18, 1929 and grew up in North Chatham, where she lived for more than 70 years.
Mrs. Davis was a first grade teacher for 30 years with the Ichabod Crane Central School District, and retired to Venice, FL, with her husband about 12 years ago.
She was predeceased by her parents, Rodney and Laura Jordan; daughter, Jacalyn Ann Davis and sister, Betty Jordan.
She is survived by: her husband, Ronald Davis of Venice, FL; son, Michael Davis of Livingston, TX, and sister, Gertrude Zoch.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 10, 10 a.m. at the North Chatham Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the North Chatham United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 107, North Chatham 12132.
William R. Van Ness (1927 – 2017)
HUDSON—William “Uncle Bill” R. Van Ness was called from labor to rest April 27, 2017 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
He was born July 17, 1927, the son of William and Cora Van Ness.
He loved his family and paid special attention to the needs of his mother. His mother took him hand-in-hand up the hill to Payne AME Church when he was a youngster. There he dedicated his life to the Lord and never wavered.
“Train Up A Child” was evident by the role model Mr. Van Ness set for many.
He attended Chatham Central School and served in the United States Army.
Following his service to his country, Mr. Van Ness continued to keep a close watch over his family.
He held various jobs in New York City and locally. Upon his return to the area he was employed by the Soil and Water Conservation Department, from where he retired. Still armed with the need to be of service, Mr. Van Ness drove and delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years and brightened the days of all he encountered.
At Payne, Mr. Van Ness served as steward, choir member and did whatever was needed in the church. At State Street AME Zion, he served as pastor’s steward for several pastors.
Upon his return to Payne, Mr. Van Ness picked up the mantle and continued his steadfast work in the church. He also served as part of the prison ministry at Hudson Correctional Facility. He was the steward emeritus after serving on the Steward Board many many years. He was known as Payne’s soloist. His favorite song was: “In Loving Kindness.”
God truly was the center of his life as seen by his service to his church. He gave his time, his talent and his treasures.
Mr. Van Ness is survived by: his loving wife of 33 years, Selma, and a sister, Myrtle Bradford. Mr. Van Ness opened his home and heart to five nieces and nephews: Thelma Dutton, Lucille Thompson, Rosalie Richardson, Donald and Richard Andrews. He also leaves in-laws: Rose Marie Whiteside, Mary Whiteside and Aunt Eileen Hunt and many nieces, nephews, and friends, whom he loved dearly.
Mr. Van Ness was predeceased by his siblings, Donald and Charles Van Ness, Mary Louise Van Alstyne Grimes, Shirley Johnson, Harriette Brito, Carrie Benson, Jeanette Grimes and his aunt, Laura Jackson.
A memorial service will be held May 4, 11 a.m. at Payne AME Church. A repast follows at the Chatham firehouse.
Arrangements are with the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com
Barbara Ann Hurn (1931 – 2017)
COPAKE—Barbara Ann Hurn, age 85 of Copake, passed away peacefully Monday May 1, 2017 at her home.
She was born October 14, 1931 in Ancramdale, a daughter of Ernest and Anna Belle (Lown) Dietter.
She was a former resident of both Millerton and Hillsdale. For many years she was a family care provider for veterans.
She was a longtime and faithful member of the Ancramdale Presbyterian Church, a member along with her husband, Ted of the NYCONN Motorcycle Club in Millerton and enjoyed attending senior lunches at the Millerton Friendship Center. Mrs. Hurn also enjoyed a great game of cards, but most all loved spending time with her family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore Hurn in 2002 and 12 siblings.
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Patricia Mayhew of Copake, Becky Rocker (Jon) of Ancramdale, Cynthia Chwalek (Scott) of Copake, Lisa DeRocha (Michael) of Copake, Edward Schuster of Ancramdale, James Schuster of Hillsdale, Kevin Schuster of Portland, TN, and Scott Hurn (Marcia) of Orange City, FL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Olive Shook of Staatsburg, Avery “Prope” Dietter of Ancramdale and Ellwood Dietter of Millerton; along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited and may call Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22, Copake Falls.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 5, 2017, 10 a.m. at the Ancramdale Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Carol Miller officiating.
Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia – Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414 or the Ancramdale Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 99, Ancramdale 12503.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Thomas M. Cummings (1935 – 2017)
ALBANY—Thomas Mulhern Cummings, 81, died April 30, 2017 at Albany Medical Center.
A lifelong resident of Columbia County, he was born in Hudson October 28, 1935, the son of the late Richard Edward and Alice (Mulhern) Cummings, and lived there for many years before moving to Old Chatham in 2005.
Mr. Cummings served in the United States Army in Iceland and later graduated from Siena College with a bachelor’s degree in history. He worked for more than 30 years for Columbia Corporation in Chatham, retiring as vice president of sales in 1997. He was a longtime member of Columbia Golf and Country Club, as well as a skilled woodworker and clock maker.
He is survived by: his wife, Arlene (Mackey) Cummings; three daughters, Suzanne Cummings, Diane Armstrong and Kathleen Cummings; his four granddaughters, Keating, Kendal and Alexandra Armstrong and Emory Wilson.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 4, 10:30 a.m. from the Bates & Anderson Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Interment will be in Cedar Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the ASPCA.
Joel W. Meltz, Sr. (1939 – 2017)
GREENPORT—Joel W. Meltz, Sr., 78, of Greenport died peacefully in the company of his family, Monday April 24, 2017 at his home.
Born January 2, 1939, he was the son of the late Frank J., Sr., and Adeline (Haun) Meltz.
He was the husband of Janet P. (Pulcher) Meltz of Greenport; father of Joyce, Joel Jr., and John Meltz. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Judy.
At Mr. Meltz’s request, his burial was private at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Stuyvesant Falls. Memorial contributions in his name are requested to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534.
Arrangements are with the Sacco-McDonald-Valenti Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. To leave online condolences visit www.saccomcdonaldvalenti.com
