Deirdre Mullin

MULLIN-Deirdre Ann, 68, of Valatie, NY, passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2022 from death by suicide. She was born in Brooklyn as the eldest of four children to Peggy and Bill Mullin. As a young girl she was “Momma Dee” to her sisters Patti, Kellie, and Stacie. Childhood was rough.

She married Richard Steinberg and had three children: Play (1980), Henry (1983), and Tez Steinberg (1987). After her divorce in 1997, Deirdre supported her children’s education by tending bar and cleaning houses and enrolled herself in community college. In 2004 Deirdre earned an MSW with honors from Fordham University and later served as a domestic abuse and family counselor in Florida and California.

Deirdre had climbed nearly all 46 Adirondack High Peaks until arthritis began her arduous physical decline. She paddled as long as she could between surgeries and cancers, and always loved bird watching. Her ex-husband Rick died from suicide in 2016, and Deirdre remained a fierce advocate for mental health and compassionate self determination. PAID OBITUARY

Alexander Hall, Jr. (1955 – 2022)

GHENT—Alexander “Alex” Hall, Jr., 66, of Ghent, formerly of Yorktown and Craryville, died peacefully Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at the Ghent Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born September 3, 1955 in White Plains, he was the son of the late Alexander, Sr., and Doris K. (Dickey) Hall. After high school he worked for the Town of Yorktown Highway Department until his retirement.

He is survived by; a brother, Charles R. (Regina) Hall; two sisters, MaryAnn (Glen) Minsley and Noreen J. (Peter) Rossi. Private services were under the direction of Sacco Funeral Home in Greenport. To leave online condolences visit www.saccofuneralhome.com

Yolanda Williams (1963 – 2022)

GREENPORT—Yolanda Williams, 59, of Greenport died Monday, August 8, 2022 following a long illness. Born in the Bronx, April 4, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Claretha Williams.

She is survived by: one son, Christopher Williams; daughter, Wanita Gregory and her sister, Denise Williams. There are no calling hours or services planned at this time. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. To leave online condolences visit www.saccofuneralhome.com

Jo S. Raney (1947 – 2022)

NEW LEBANON—Jo Soldato Raney, 75, passed away August 1, 2022. Born in Pittsfield, MA, January 15, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Mario and Julia Soldato.

She grew up in New Lebanon and was a 1965 graduate of New Lebanon Junior-Senior High School. She went on to attend Umass-Boston, where she earned her master’s degree. She lived in Boston, Wareham, MA, California, and eventually settled back home in New Lebanon, where she was an art teacher and president of the Teacher’s Union until her retirement. In her free time she loved to tend to her garden, read books, sew and knit. She was always down for a good debate over just about anything. She often had a smile on her face because she always found humor in any situation.

She was lucky enough to be able to travel the world; including trips to Greece, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Russia, China, Germany, and Mexico to name a few.

Ms. Raney is survived by: her companion, Michael Cohen of New Lebanon; her siblings, Kathleen (Eric) McCumber of Stephentown, Diane (Donald) DiBuono of New Lebanon, and Michael “Micky” (Lynne) Soldato of New Lebanon; her nieces and nephew, Donald (Brodi) DiBuono, Jr., Laura (August) Gosh, Sage Soldato, and Madison Soldato, and by her pups, Tucker and Tillie. She was preceded in death by her husband, William D. Raney, who passed in 1980.

A funeral Mass was celebrated August 9 at Immaculate Conception Church, New Lebanon. Interment followed in the Cemetery of the Evergreens. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a humane society of choice in her memory and her love for animals. Arrangements were with the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown.

Alice Cordato (1938 – 2022)

GHENT—Alice Cordato, 84, of Greenport died peacefully Wednesday, August 4, 2022 at the Ghent Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Hudson June 30, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Ruth (Henry) Platner. She was a customer service representative for Jamesway in Hudson until its closing. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Shrine in Greenport. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Cordato in 2011.

She is survived by: her son, John Cordato; one sister, Janice Nelson; grandchildren, Kari and Casey Cordato; great-grandchildren, Heaven Mackey, Devin, Jaykwon, Jaheim and Demetries; her very special niece, Linda Novak, as well as, many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by cousins, Hazel Szafron, Doris Moore and Anna Barone.

A Traditional Mass of Christian Burial was conducted August 9 at Sacred Heart Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine. Burial to follow in Cedar Park Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport.

Valentine J. Fede (1930 – 2022)

HUDSON—Valentine J. Fede, a devoted father and loving husband for 64 years, died August 4, 2022. He served in the Marines during the Korean War. He studied acting with Stella Adler and performed off Broadway.

“Val” owned Mid-Island Check Cashing service for 40 years and the Acra Manor Resort in the Catskills for 73 years. He passed away at 92 years old.

A Mass Christian Burial was held August 10 at Holy Trinity Parish, 429 East Allen Street, Hudson. Entombment was in the family mausoleum at Cedar Park Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport.

Rita M. Benenati (1957 – 2022)

VALATIE—Rita Marie (Linderman) Benenati, 65, of Valatie passed away August 4, 2022 at her residence after a lengthy struggle with cancer.

She was born in Pottstown, PA, to Donald and Elsie Linderman. She attended school at Shenendehowa High and graduated in 1975. She worked/owned a landscape business along with her husband for many years. She enjoyed many activities such as photography, riding motorcycles and attending concerts.

Mrs. Benenati is survived by: her husband, CJ Benenati of Valatie; her daughter, Nicole Brennan; a brother, Richard Linderman and sister-in-law, Ginny: sister, Cheryl Linderman; brother, Robert Linderman; sister, Donna Male; sister, Marylou Saxon and brother-in-law Robert; her mother-in-law, Reneta Benenati; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Jenay and David Evans and Ranee and Stfan Csgay; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held August 14 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. Memorial donations may be made to AnimalKind, 721 Warren Street, Hudson 12534.

Richard R. Cappelletti, MD (1931 – 2022)

KINDERHOOK—Richard Raphael Cappelletti, MD, FACS, of Kinderhook and Naples, FL, died gently and peacefully August 7, 2022 surrounded by the love and warmth of family and friends.

He was born November 22, 1931 in Elkhart, Indiana, the son of Mary and Dominick Cappelletti.

Dr Cappelletti entered college at the age of 16 and received his medical degree from St. Louis University. He began his career in medical research and was most proud of his contributions to the field of left ventricular bypass. In 1970, he moved to Columbia County where he raised his family with his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” and began his private practice as a surgeon.

Over the years he held various medical and administrative titles, some of which included: Columbia Memorial Hospital medical director, attending physician for the Hudson High School football team and Columbia and Greene county correctional facilities. He sat on the board of the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Bankers Trust. He was a former member of the Columbia Country Club and the Columbia County Carriage Association.

His interests included playing golf, tennis, bocce ball, and sailing. He loved driving horses, baking bread and cooking Italian food for friends and family. His artistic endeavor was sculpting in various mediums.

Dr Cappelletti had tremendous pride and memories in his military service as a naval medical officer on the U.S.S. Valcour, where he was part of a World Tour.

He took great solace in his faith in the Roman Catholic Church, which provided him and his family comfort and peace in his final days.

He is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Betsy (Gammack) of Kinderhook; his five children, Mary Van Alstyne (Neil), Susan Cappelletti, John Cappelletti (Jennifer), Richard Cappelletti, Jr. (Maxann Beja), Michael Cappelletti (Stephanie). He was loved and adored by his 12 grandchildren; Meghan, Clayton, Nathan, Molly, Taylor, Briana, James, Joseph, Nicholas, Mitchell, Maxwell and Alessandro and his three great-grandchildren, Oli Anne, Oliver and Elliott.

The family is grateful to his attentive caregivers, Mara, Tracee, Susan, Diane, Dory and Jilly for their compassion and kindness.

He was predeceased by his parents and his three siblings, Matthew, Frances and Lucille.

He was known to many as “Papa” and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle soul and healing hands.

Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist, Valatie, 1 p.m. Friday, August 19. A reception at Kozel’s will follow. All are welcome.

In lieu of any flowers, contributions may be made to the Valatie Rescue Squad and the Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene counties. Arrangements are under the direction of the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie.

Charles M. Melino, Jr. (1952 – 2022)

POUGHKEEPSIE—Charles M. Melino, Jr., passed away August 10, 2022 unexpectedly at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

He was born October 24, 1952 to the late Lucy and Charles M. Melino, Sr., in Hudson.

He graduated Hudson High School in 1970 and served in the Army National Guard. He was an exceptional organ player with his Hammond B-3. He played in many local establishments and at many California resorts. He came home to take care of the family business, Melino’s, first with his brother, Michael and later with his wife, Colleen. He lived his life to the fullest and was thankful for the good times and friendships throughout the years at Melino’s. He was known to say he had a better life than Mick Jagger. He also served as chairman of the board, co-owner, and operator at M&M Video for many years and reopened Melino’s with his cousin, Anthony, as Melino’s Pub until 2019. He was also a member of the Hudson Elks Lodge #787.

Mr. Melino is survived by: his wife, Colleen (Mueller) Melino; his sons, Charles and his wife Karolyn Melino, Rocco and his wife Brittany Melino; his three grandchildren, who were the loves of his life, Vincent, Rocco, Jr., and Stella Melino; his brother, Michael Melino of Las Vegas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences was held August 15, 2022 at the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport. Inurnment took place privately at Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson. “In his memory, raise a glass, share a funny story and do it, your way!”

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island 10306.

The family entrusted arrangements to Robert M. Donaghue, Peck & Peck Funeral Homes.

Michael P. Boccanfuso (1973 – 2022)

GREENPORT—Michael P. Boccanfuso, 48, of Greenport died suddenly Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at his home.

He was born in Amityville, December 15, 1973 to Susan (Rea) Boccanfuso and the late Vincent Boccanfuso.

He worked locally until his recent injury. He is also survived by: brothers, Matthew, Vincent and David. There are no calling hours. Memorial services are incomplete and will be announced. Arrangements are with the Sacco Funeral Home, 700 Town Hall Drive, Greenport.

Richard N. Stroh (1928 – 2022)
CLARENCE—Richard Nicholas Stroh, a former long-time Columbia County resident, passed away June 30, 2022 at the age of 93.
He was born August 28, 1928. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Patricia Dawn Carlyle Atkinson Stroh of Clarence; his sister, Mary (Stroh) Murray; his son, Richard N. Stroh, Jr.; his daughter, Barbara (Stroh) Baker (husband, Craig Baker); a grandson, Jason C. Stroh and a granddaughter, Heather D. Stroh. He is survived by six children, Christopher Stroh (wife Colleen (Ryan) Stroh), Laura (Stroh) Rose (husband Doug Rose), Thomas Stroh (wife Lori (More) Stroh), Patricia Stroh, William Stroh, John Stroh; two brothers-in-law, William Atkinson, and Alan Atkinson (wife Tecla (Rantucci) Atkinson); 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He attended seminary school and became a Christian Brother. He was known as Brother Augustus, or “Gus.” When he met the woman who would become his wife, he left the seminary and married her. She became his life, his soul, and the one he would love forever. During his career he worked as a fifth and sixth grade school teacher, held a leadership position in the NYSTA, and eventually became an administrative assistant to the superintendent for the Pleasantville Cottage School. He was an accomplished piano player. He also participated in a wide range of plays in community theaters doing set design and anything else so the “show could go on.” During his retirement he kept very busy. He did substitute teaching, worked as a photographer and editor for the local newspaper, operated a wholesale nursery, enjoyed woodworking, was an accomplished chef, played piano in a tin-pan alley band, built and sold a spec home and loved gardening. He grew the biggest tomatoes ever seen. He was a “jack-of-all-trades” and master of all he tried. His modesty about his accomplishments defined him.
Services and burial will be held at the Clarence Fillmore Cemetery, Clarence, Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations maybe be made in the name of Richard N. Stroh to Brothers of Mercy Foundation, 4520 Ransom Road, Clarence 14031, ATTN: Nancy Gugino.

Morgan A. Taylor (1969 – 2022)

CHATHAM—Morgan A. Taylor, age 52, of Chatham passed away suddenly after a brief illness, August 11, 2022.

He was born September 5, 1969 in Kettering, Ohio, the son of Gordon and Elizabeth Taylor. He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Taylor is survived by: his beloved wife of 18 years, Rachel Loshak; children, Harvey and Ridley; mother, Elizabeth; sister, Ann; brother, Grant (Katherine); nephews, Scott, Owen, Silas; niece, Rae; and loving extended family members and friends, here and in the UK.

He was a renowned musician in the Dayton music scene of the 1990s and then in New York City’s Lower East Side where he met his wife, Rachel, at The Living Room. They were married there in 2004. He created the World of Gustafer Yellowgold with his songwriting and cartooning abilities and began sharing it with children and families. During his journey with Gustafer Yellowgold, he toured all over the United States, England and Korea and earned two Grammy nominations. His son, Harvey, was born in 2008 and Ridley in 2010; and they continued to tour as a family, making dear friends around the country. The Taylors settled in the Hudson Valley where they continued to nurture a strong connection to friends and community, including a weekly radio show, RadioCake on Radio Kingston WKNY.

Mr. Taylor was unbeatable in Pictionary and Name That Tune. He was a lover of hot sauce and Funyuns, and had a weakness for puns, which he wrote, illustrated, and shared often. He truly was the best dad Harvey and Ridley could have asked for. He will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 18, 2022, 4 p.m. at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH. Friends who are unable to attend may view the livestream on the Southminster Presbyterian Church website, www.sminster.com/Morgan-Taylor/. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Taffy Presents or the Hungry for Music Foundation in his memory. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.

Ralph P. Avery (1924 – 2022)

HUDSON—Ralph Peter Avery, 97, was called to eternal rest at Columbia Memorial Hospital, August 10, 2022, following a brief illness. He was born in Hudson to his parents Peter H. Avery and Maude A. Wyant Avery. He attended Hudson High School and in his junior year at the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy with another friend in his class. Upon being discharged, the high school awarded him and others their graduation diplomas.

He was predeceased by his parents; his elder sister, Dorothy Avery Strout and brother, Peter Avery.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Dorothy M. Croteau, they shared 75 years of wedded bliss; his daughters, Judy A. Avery Snow of Claverack and Nancy C. Avery O’Day of Cohoes; his son, Keith M. Avery of Claverack; niece, Eileen Avery of Valatie; along with many grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Avery enjoyed the outdoors and spent many of his younger years hunting and trout fishing. When he entered into marriage with Dorothy in 1947, he spent his time building additions, modernizing their country home and caring for the grounds that surrounded it.

Mr. Avery was an active long-time member of the Hudson VFW Post 1314 and enjoyed the camaraderie and associating with his fellow veterans swapping war stories of their military tenure.

His Naval tour of duty during World War II as a gunner’s mate 3rd class petty officer found him aboard the Queen Mary en route to Scotland. Once there he trained on a Naval ship, an LCT, that was destined to transport Army military tanks to the Normandy shore for the D-Day invasion. To bring this tour of duty to fruition, several years after his discharge, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, an equivalent of the United States Congressional Medal of Honor. He received an additional honor from the Hudson Flag Day Parade Committee selecting him to be grand marshal in a Flag Day Parade.

His employment included 25 years at the Lone Star Cement Plant. He finally retired following 25 years as head of maintenance at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Avery was a man of many talents and a devoted son, brother, husband, father and uncle to all of his living family. “May he rest in peace.”

Funeral services were held August 13 at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Interment with military honors was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Philmont.

Joan M. Rockefeller (1939 – 2022)

STOCKPORT—Joan M. Rockefeller, 82, of Stockport passed away July 30, 2022.

Born in Hudson, she was the daughter of John and Ruth (Oakes) Cooley.

She was a certified nurse aide, working at Barnwell Nursing Home, and private home care. She loved all puzzles especially jigsaw and crossword. She was an animal lover, including her beloved dog, Dutchess.

She is survived by: her children: Stacey Rockefeller, Lori Rockefeller and Michael Rockefeller; her brother, Gerald Cooley; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: her daughter, Sharon Garrison and brothers, Walter and Bobby Cooley. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.

Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.

Mariyah L. Ridley (1998 – 2022)

NEW YORK CITY—Mariyah Lynn Ridley, 24, of Hudson passed away in the presence of her loving family, August 10, 2022 in New York City.

She was a loving kind-hearted person. She was the life of the party, no matter where she was. Her goal was always to make a bad situation good, avoid arguments and confrontation and insure that everyone got along and had fun. She helped any and everyone she could. She loved and cherished her family and her fiancée, Erica with all her heart. She was very protective of her whole family. No matter how sick, or how weak she ever was, she always “had your back.” She fought the long hard fight with strength and courage, and never a complaint.

Born in Hudson, she graduated from Hudson High School where she excelled in basketball. She loved music and was a talented musician, performing songs that she would learn from YouTube on her organ and drum set.

She will be forever loved and missed by: her mother and stepfather, Melissa and Ainsley White; her father, Joseph Ridley, Sr.; fiancée, Erica Fuentez; brother, Joseph Ridley, Jr.; sisters, Vanessa, Krystal and Monique Ridley; grandmother, Minnie Ridley; nephews, Elijah, Jayson and Giovanni; niece Nyla-jay; and several aunts uncles and cousins. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.

Gary A. DeLaurentis (1953 – 2022)

HUDSON—Gary A. DeLaurentis, 69, of Clermont passed away peacefully August 12, 2022 at the Firemen’s Home after a long illness.

Born June 7, 1953 in White Plains, he was the son of the late Dominic (Don) and Joan (Shelly) DeLaurentis.

He graduated from Westlake High School in Thornwood, Class of 1971. He was a life-member of the Clermont Fire Department, Clermont Zoning Board, and was actively involved in the Clermont Village Green. He was involved in his family’s farm, Bryant Farm, and his business, Shell-Crist Farm.

He is survived by: his wife, Linda (Jennings) DeLaurentis; daughters, Cristine (Jon) Roy and Shellie (Dennis) Zancam; granddaughters, Clementine and Liliana; his brother, Scott (Theresa) DeLaurentis; several nieces; a nephew; step-children, Derek Hunt, Joshua Hunt and Alisha (Michael) Barratt; several step-grandchildren, and his brother-in-law, Ross Fenn.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gale Fenn.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Firemen’s Home, Alzheimer’s Association of the Hudson Valley, or the Clermont Fire Department.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. at the Firemen’s Home in Hudson. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.

James A. Coons (1939 – 2022)

HUDSON—James A. Coons, 82, of Hudson passed away Monday, August 15, 2022. Born November 21, 1939 in Hudson, he was the son of Arthur and Ruth (Harp) Coons. “Jim” retired as a driver with NYSDOT. Extremely involved in the community and especially firematics, he was a 66 year- member of H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2.

He served as chief of the Hudson Fire Department from 1970 to 1980, and was a past commissioner. He was a member of FASNY, Columbia County Firemen’s Association, where he served as financial secretary and president, was a past director of the Hudson Valley Firemen’s Association, and a member of the Blue Vests.

Mr. Coons is survived by: his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Kevin Tompkins; grandchildren, Patrick and Michael; brothers, John (Jean) and Edward; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Loretta, and his companion, June Walsh.

Visitation hours are Friday, August 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services are Saturday, August 20 at 10 a.m. All services are from the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to FASNY Firemen’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson 12534.