Ruth Meyer died peacefully at home on April 12, 2024. She spent her final day with family and had a video call with her four granddaughters exchanging memories and love. She was 94 years old and lived in New Canaan, Conn.

Born in New York City on February 26, 1930, to Ann Stott and Thomas Oddy, Ruth grew up in Great Neck, N.Y. In 1951, she graduated from Sweet Briar College with a major in Psychology and went to work for the American Broadcasting Company. In 1957, she married Carl E. Meyer Jr. and moved to Port Washington, N.Y. to raise their family. She traveled frequently with her husband who became President and chief executive officer of Trans World Airlines. In 1979, TWA served as U.S. carrier for Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage to America, and Ruth and Ed Meyer were invited to the Vatican to meet the Pope and accompany him to the U.S.

Ruth devoted much of her time to helping others. For 50 years she volunteered at hospitals, first at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center in Roslyn, N.Y. and then Greenwich Hospital. In 2017, Ruth received The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service. In addition, she loved animals and had numerous dogs, cats and parrots. She enjoyed reading, painting, collecting English antiques, embracing new technology and travel.

Ruth spent every summer from 1930 until 2010 in Southold, N.Y. where she went horseback riding, sailing, swimming and boating. In Southold, the family covered three generations and homes on Paradise Point Road. Ruth cherished her time there and of all the places she lived, she loved Southold the most.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Carl E. Meyer Jr.; her parents, Ann Stott and Thomas Oddy; and her sister Ann Oddy Smith. She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Jeffrey S. Meyer and Lois B. Meyer of Darien, Conn. and William D. Meyer and Amy G. Meyer of White Heath, Ill.; her four granddaughters, Caroline K. Meyer of New York City, Allison S. Meyer of Novato, Calif., Mallory M. Meyer of Santa Monica, Calif., Kendall A.L. Meyer of New York City; and her two great-grandsons, Hudson and Noah.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the North Fork Animal Welfare League, 269 Peconic Lane, Southold, N.Y. 11958 and Strays and Others, Inc., 18 Locust Avenue #473, New Canaan, CT 06840.

Services will be held in Southold, N.Y.

For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

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Richard L. “Rich” Dobec Sr., age 87, of Wooster, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Ohio’s Hospice Life Care in Wooster after a period of declining health. His loving family was by his side.

He was born in Peconic, N.Y. on May 29, 1936 to Watson T. and Stefny (Berkowski) Dobec and grew up assisting his grandfather on a family potato farm in Long Island, N.Y. for the better part of his teenage years. This encouraged him to join 4-H and started his love of horses.  

After graduating Southold High School in 1954, he then served in the U.S. Navy from March 1955 to March 1959 on the USS Gainard DD 706, a Sumner class destroyer as an electrician. After returning back home, he took a job with Grumman Aerospace Co. for nine years where he worked in the electronics sector for airplanes. One of his special projects was working on the moon lander.

Rich started his formal education journey at SUNY – Cobleskill. He transferred to Cornell University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science and he obtained his Masters of Science Degree in Statistical Genetics from Cornell University.

In 1978, he took a job as the assistant professor in horse production and management at Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) in Wooster, Ohio. Rich also ran the entire horse production/harness racing program in his time at ATI until he retired in 2001.

He continued working with racehorses, including a job as the Executive Secretary of the Northeast Harness Horsemen’s Assoc. and later as instructor at an area career center.

He was  involved in the standardbred business and harness racing as a trainer, driver and then owner.  He was involved with the Wayne County Agricultural Society and the Wayne County Fair during the harness racing seasons. Rich also consulted with Foye Genetics, a Equine Consulting company, with his colleague, mentor, and lifelong close friend, David Foye. Rich and David were instrumental in the breeding of several horses that competed in the Kentucky Derby over the years.

Following his retirement from ATI, as Emeritus status, Rich continued to consult at Foye Genetics, play golf, shoot pool, and create many cartoons and watercolor paintings. He was also an instructor in watercolors at the Wayne Center for the Arts as well as Nick Amster Workshop for students with learning and developmental disabilities and has won several Best Of Show awards at the fair for his artwork.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wooster and member of the 555th Honors Detachment (Triple Nickel) and the Tin Can Sailors.

He later married Patricia J. “Pat” O’Brien in 1961 at St. William The Abbott in Seaford, N.Y. She survives.  In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his children, Richard L. “Rich” (Kerri) Dobec Jr. of Ashland, Ohio, Michael (Naomi) Dobec of Shreve, Ohio, Cheryle (Tom) Gehrlich of Carmel, Ind. and Lawrence (Liz) Wobbler of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Krista and Erin Dobec, Joe, Kate and Abby Gehrlich and Mike Dobec; a sister, Caroline (Jon) Chuzi of Hurley, N.J.; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Delores Kramkowski.

Mass Of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 6, 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wooster.

Visitation for family and friends will be at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr. in Wooster from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (two hours prior to mass) on Monday.

Burial will then take place on Tuesday, May 7, at 10:15 a.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville where military honors will be conducted by the 555th Honors Detachment of Wooster.

Custer-Glenn Funeral home in Wooster is honored to be serving the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to: The 555th Honors Detachment, 14834, Jordon Rd., Creston, Ohio 44217.

Private or public condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com.

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Mark E. Emerson of Southold, and formerly of Chippewa Falls, Wis., died Thursday, May 2, 2024. He was 95.

Arrangements, pending at presstime, are in the care of DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

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Gail Berkes Starkie of Southold peacefully passed away May 1, 2024, at the age of 86, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Westhampton Beach, N.Y.

Gail was born Aug. 14, 1937, to Dorothy (Marthens) and Philip Berkes in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was raised in Floral Park, N.Y.

She graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and a Master of Science degree in 1965, and earned her doctorate degree in 1977, all in the field of education.

In addition to her academic achievements, Gail was an artist. She loved to paint and was a member of various art clubs and organizations on the North Fork. She was also a proud member of the Southold Historical Society and St. Patrick’s R. C. Church in Southold, and a grateful friend of Bill W.

Gail is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, George Starkie Jr.; and two stepchildren, George (Butch) Starkie and his wife, Patti, of Farmingdale, N.Y., and John Starkie and his wife, Cheryl, of Massapequa, N.Y. She was predeceased by her stepdaughter, Diane Stergiopoulos, and husband, George; and her sister, Sharon McManus. Gail also leaves behind nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, whose lives she touched with love and wisdom, along with her brother-in-law, Jack McManus, and several first cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

In honoring Gail’s life, all services will be private, allowing her family and close friends to celebrate her life in a private setting.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is assisting the family.

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Wilma C. Doroski of Cutchogue passed away at home Tuesday, May 7, 2024. She was 88.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 10 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue.

Interment will follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery adjacent to the church.

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Mark Emerson, a bright and vibrant personality, passed away of natural causes 12 weeks after his 95th birthday May 2, 2024.

He was born on Feb. 7, 1929 in Chippewa Falls, Wis., the son of Alfred and Mary (Trudelle) Emerson. Mark was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers: John Emerson, Paul Emerson and Hugh Emerson; and his first wife Elinor (Mason) Emerson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Timmons) Emerson and by many nieces and nephews and grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

He was an Army veteran and served in the Occupation of Korea 1946-1948. Upon return, Mark attended the University of Wisconsin for undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geology and an MBA at Washington University in St. Louis.

Mark started his career as an exploration geologist with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission followed by mineral exploration in the Midwest, then many years with Newmont Mining as a mineral economist after several years at the Battelle Memorial Institute. He was a long-standing member of The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and in 2019 was the recipient of the Distinguished Member Award for his pioneering in the field of mineral economics.

Mark spent much of his life living in Manhattan and he was a gifted restorer of two separate New York brownstones. These brownstones were restored with great insight and elegance.

Mark loved the outdoors especially birding, attending and listening to musical performance ranging from Broadway plays to the opera, and gave his family and friends great enjoyment when they were lucky enough to be with him.

Services are pending at this time.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is serving the family.

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Kurt B. Kosavich of East Marion died May 8, 2024. He was 77.

The family will receive visitors Monday, May 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A burial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at 11 a.m. at East Marion Cemetery.

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Adrienne A. Fuchs of Cutchogue passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024. She was 78.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 16 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, officiated by Father Michael Bartholomew. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

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Louisa F. Panagopoulos of East Marion died May 10, 2024, at the age of 96.

The family will receive visitors from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by the funeral liturgy at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Dormition of Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 111 St. Andrews Road, Southampton. Father Constantine Lazarakis will officiate.

Interment will follow at Sterling Cemetery in Greenport.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 or to East End Threshold Singers at Threshold Choir, P.O. Box 8496, Santa Rosa, CA 95407.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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In loving memory, we celebrate the life of Maureen Van Popering, who peacefully passed away on May 13, 2024, in Spring Lake, N.J., surrounded by the love of her family at the age of 97.

She was born in Peekskill, N.Y. on Dec. 15,1926 to Thomas Conley and Martha McGinnis. Maureen graduated from Good Counsel College and later received a masters degree from New York University. Upon graduation she moved to Greenport, where she taught high school English to students who continued to remain in touch with her throughout her life. Maureen ran for the Greenport School Board of Education and became the first woman elected.

She married Bernard Van Popering in 1950 and had a happy marriage of 58 years. They retired to Charlotte, N.C. where they enjoyed southern life for over three decades. She is survived by her son Tom (Lori); her daughters Maureen (John) and Berna (Ron); six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and various granddogs and great-granddogs. Throughout her life Maureen loved dogs of all shapes and sizes.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to an animal welfare non-profit LEASH.org, PO Box 60 Spring Lake, N.J. 07762, honoring Maureen’s passion for animal welfare.

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Michael Anthony Carbone of Cutchogue, and formerly of Southold, passed away at home Monday, May 13, 2024. He was 79.

The family will receive friends Sunday, May 19 from noon to 2 and 4 to 6 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck, officiated by Father Michael Bartholomew.

Interment with U.S. Army Honors will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors Project would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Lillian Norklun, age 87 of Medora, Ind. passed away on May 11, 2024.

Lillian (Lattero) Norklun, “Chop” was born March 12, 1937 in the Bronx, then moved to Greenport at 14 years old. She was the loving daughter of Dominick and Lila (Santiago) Lattero. After attending Greenport High School (class of 1954) she worked at Claudio’s Restaurant and Williams Beauty Shop. In 1960, she married Ross Norklun of Orient and together they had four children: Ron, Jeannette, Leslie and Eric.
Following her separation from Ross, Lillian moved to Florida. Once settling in her new state, she worked her way to dining room manager of a local restaurant. Lillian later retired from the hospitality industry to care for her ailing mother. She would later move to Medora, Ind. to be near her son Eric and his family. She was an active member of the Medora Senior Citizens Center and served on the Board of Friends of the Medora Covered Bridge for many years.

Lillian was of the Catholic faith and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was predeceased by her son Ronald Norklun and is survived by her children: Jeannette Norklun of Casselberry, Fla., Leslie (Christopher) Mason of Roanoke, Va., and Eric (Lori) Norklun of Medora, Ind.; along with eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Medora Covered Bridge, Medora Indiana in Lillian’s honor. Friends of the Medora Covered Bridge and Area ( FMCBA), PO Box 132, Medora, IN, 47260.

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Stanley J. Ciaputa passed away on May 8, 2024. He was 100 years old. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

Stanley is survived by his wife, Thalia; his children, Alexander and Daria, their respective spouses, Georgia and Curtis; and his granddaughter, Lydia.

A private burial was held at Willow Hill Cemetery in Southold on May 13.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is serving the family.

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Robert Theodore Diem, lifelong South Jamesport resident, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024. He was 87 years old.

Robert was born on Nov. 20, 1936 in Greenport to Mildred Nellie (née Corwin) and Theodore Irwing Diem. He was one of three children. He graduated from Riverhead High School. After high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy for four years. On May 21, 1961 in Kirklin, Indiana he married the love of his life, the late Cora Sue (née Brown) Diem. Together they had three children.

Robert was a boat builder, fisherman and retired from Brookhaven Lab after working there for 35 years. He was a member and past First Assistant Chief for the Jamesport Fire Department, volunteering for 50 years. He also gave back on 9/11 by going to Ground Zero.

Predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years Cora Sue, who passed on Dec. 22, 2016; Robert is survived by his children James Diem, Pamela Diem Dickson and Michael Diem; and grandchild Joseph Dickson.

The family has chosen to remember Robert’s life privately at this time.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

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John George Scheffler Jr. of Southold, and former longtime resident of Copiague, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024. He was 57 years old.

John was born on April 25, 1967 in Hampton Bays to Elizabeth J. (née Albin) and John G. Scheffler. He was one of five children. During his professional career, John worked as an auto mechanic. After he worked as a bus monitor for Sunrise Coach School Bus Company in Greenport.

John is survived by his siblings Patty, Richie, Lisa and Michael; many nephews and nieces; and many cousins throughout the country.

The family has chosen to remember John’s life privately at this time. DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold is serving the family.

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Helen Vito of Mattituck passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was 89.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 21 from 4 to 7 p.m., where funeral services will be held at 6 p.m., officiated by Father Michael Bartholomew.

Entombment will take place Wednesday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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John A. D’Angelo of Southold died Tuesday, May 21, 2024. He was 86.

The family will receive visitors Thursday morning, May 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Graveside services will follow at Most Holy Trinity R.C. Cemetery in East Hampton.

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John A. D’Angelo, longtime Southold resident, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2022. He was 86 years old.

John was born on Dec. 13, 1937 in Bronx, N.Y. to Mary (née Cunningham) and John D’Angelo. He was one of two children. He graduated from Greenwich High School in Conn. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force.

On Oct. 27, 1962 he married the love of his life, the late Kathleen T. (née Reilly) D’Angelo. Together they had two children, and eventually made their home in Southold.

In his professional career, John worked as a TV Executive for NBC at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. He was a member of the Directors Guild of America and Saint Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold. After retirement, he was a volunteer at Hortons Point Lighthouse in Southold as a museum guide.

Predeceased by his wife Kathleen in 2022; and his sister Joan Musci; John is survived by his children Susan Howard (Sheldon) of St. Johnsville, N.Y. and Nancy Stein (Richard) of Centerport, N.Y.; grandchildren Kathleen Enderica, Christopher Berger, Elizabeth Howard, Andrew Stein and Sarah Stein, and great-grandchildren Nicholas Enderica, Shane Enderica and Nolan Enderica.

The family will receive friends on Thursday morning, May 23 from 9:30 10:30 a.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Graveside services with U.S. Air Force honors will follow at Most Holy Trinity R.C. Cemetery in East Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Southold Historical Society would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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Michael Joseph Hanko of Long Beach, Miss., formally of Mattituck, passed away after a long illness with his family by his side.

He was born March 10, 1951 on Long Island.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Bennie and Doris Hanko, and is survived by his wife, Sandy, of 49 years; daughters Dorie, Terry and Angie; his sisters Kathy Hanko (Sheehan) and Susan Hanko (Jones); and many grandchildren.

His career started after Mattituck High School graduation, when he was drafted into the Navy to serve in the Vietnam War. After 35 years, he retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer. A second career started with the State Port Authority, where he worked for 10 years. He fully retired to enjoy is passion of bringing his homemade smoker to competitions around the state and fishing.

Memorial donations are requested to the VFW, 213 Klondyke Road, Long Beach, MS 39560.

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Wilma C. Doroski of Cutchogue passed away at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. She was 88 years old.

Wilma was born June 26, 1935 in Baiting Hollow to Martha (née Zambrizycki) and Walter Sujecki. In Jan. of 1959 she married the late John G. Doroski. In her professional career, Wilma worked as a secretary for Cornell Cooperative Extension Service in Riverhead.
The family received friends Friday, May 10 at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated following the visitation at Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church in Cutchogue. Interment followed at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery.

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