Services for former North Fork resident Helen B. Dawson will be held Friday, March 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Interment will follow at Shelter Island Cemetery on Shelter Island. 

Ms. Dawson died Feb. 2 in Pennsylvania at the age of 94.

Memorial donations to Eastport Bible Church, 386 Montauk Highway, Eastport, NY  11941, The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140900, Nashville, TN 37214-0800, or Frederick Living, P.O. Box 548, Frederick, PA  19435 would be appreciated.

East Marion resident Leo Golisz died at his home Feb. 27, 2015. He was 88. 

Born in Greenport to Joseph and Mary Golisz, Mr. Golisz lived on the East End his entire life. He attended Greenport High School, but left early to serve in the signal corps, 78th division of the Army during World War II stateside and in Trieste, Italy. He also served with the United Nations Armed Forces as a high-speed radio operator during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a safety officer for the U.S. government at Plum Island Animal Disease Center for 36 years.

Mr. Golisz is survived by his wife, Catherine “Kitty” (née Lonergan); daughters, Eileen, of Tampa, Fla., Maureen Caouette of Holden, Mass., Kathleen, of New City, N.Y.; and Noreen Myers of Bellerose Village; his sister, Anne Zaneski of San Simeon on the Sound in Greenport; and three grandchildren, Emily Hicks and Charlie and Sadie Myers. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward; his sister, Felicia “Inchie”; and his granddaughter, Katie Hicks.

Mr. Golisz was an avid ham radio operator who enjoyed home improvement projects. For years Kitty and he could be found dancing at Riverhead Moose Lodge on Saturday nights. He was a lifelong member of St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport and a member of Greenport American Legion Post 185.

The family received visitors March 2 at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 3 at St. Agnes Church in Greenport. Interment with military honors took place at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Greenport American Legion Post 185, John’s Place at St. Agnes Church or East End Hospice.

This is a paid notice. 

William Walter “Bill” Wetmore Sr. of Fort Pierce, Fla. passed away Feb. 22, 2015, due to complications from pneumonia. He was 87.  

Bill was born in Greenport, June 23, 1927, the oldest child of George Gilbert and Julia (Parker) Wetmore. His grandfather and great-grandfather were the original two keepers at the Plum Island lighthouse. He was raised on Conklins Point in Greenport, and attended the Arshamomaque Elementary School. Bill graduated from Greenport High School in June of 1945, and after a short time in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, he began a career as a home builder. He apprenticed with Robert Ketcham Sr. of East Marion, and became an “old school” carpenter, working on buildings across the North and South forks and Shelter Island. Bill eventually focused on projects in the Wickham Park community on Conklins Point, and was responsible for building many additions and homes that are still visible there today.

Bill married Jean Ketcham June 5, 1950, and raised four children: William Jr of Greenport, Sara of Sebring, Fla.; Nelson of Cary, N.C.; and Elizabeth of Milford, Conn.. He is survived by his family, his younger sister, Virginia Littlefield, of Niantic, Conn.; and his grandchildren, Nathan Wetmore of Elmira, and Hannah Wetmore of Cary, N.C.. He was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie Goleski, and his brothers, John Wetmore and George Wetmore.

Bill was an avid gardener, and was well-known for dozens of fruits and vegetables he grew at his Greenport home. His curiosity for all plant forms caused him to cultivate grapes, figs, apricots, blueberries, almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other common and exotic plants.Bill particularly liked to experiment with grafting one type of plant to another. He retired in 1989 and moved to Florida, where he enjoyed growing many varieties of citrus and tropical plants.

Bill also liked telling stories of life growing up in Greenport in the 1930s. He remembered carrying his brothers and sisters home from school on his back over the rising floodwaters of the hurricane of 1938. As a teenager, he used to get up early before school to check traps set for muskrat, and he would sell cured animal skins to a traveling dealer to earn gas money for his first car. His father was a constable with the Southold Town Police, and Bill would ride along with him on his rounds, where he was often called upon to help with accident victims waiting for an ambulance or the coroner. He developed a love of bluegrass music, and learned to play steel guitar. As an adult, he was a member of the Junior Order of Mechanics in Greenport, and rose the rank of master craftsman. His most visible project in Greenport is the curved bar still standing at the Townsend Manor Inn.

In retirement Bill enjoyed working in his yard in Florida, crabbing in southern waters, watching golf on television, and traveling to visit family or to attend bluegrass performances.

A memorial service and internment will be held in Greenport in the spring. Cremation was private.

Condolences may be posted online at www.yatesfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Greenport American Legion Post 185 Building Fund, PO Box 103, Greenport, NY 11944.

This is a paid notice. 

Robert Shaw, Jr., 83, husband of Dorothy Ann Shaw, passed away Feb. 28, 2015, at Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, S.C. 

Born in Jamaica, N.Y., May 15, 1931, he was the son of Josephine (Krachie) and Robert Shaw, Sr. A veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean Conflict, he was a graduate of Babylon High School. He was a retired lineman with Long Island Lighting, a member of Riverhead Moose Lodge, a member of New York and South Carolina American Legion chapters, and growing up, was very active with the Boy Scouts.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Retired Colonel Robert Charles Shaw and his wife Meta Maria of Culpepper, Va.; his daughter, Sandra Lee Walker and her husband Kevin of Sloan, Iowa; and two granddaughters, Caroline Elizabeth Shaw and Bianca Bechtold. He was predeceased by his sister, Eileen Bradt.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 4, 2015, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at The McDougald Funeral Home in Anderson, S.C. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at a later date at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale.

Memorial donations may be made to Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home, Ward 6 Heroes, 4605 Belton Hwy, Anderson, SC 29621. Condolences may be sent by visiting mcdougaldfuneralhome.com

This is a paid notice.

Longtime Southold resident Wilfred J. Becklein died Feb. 25 at Stony Brook University Medical Center. He was 96.

Mr. Becklein was born Dec. 4, 1918, in Brooklyn to Mary (Link) and Frederick Becklein.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 and was awarded a Purple Heart medal. He was a member of Southold American Legion Post 803 and Mattituck Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Becklein had retired from working as a manufacturing supervisor for Nieman Brothers. Family members said he enjoyed surf fishing and woodworking.

Predeceased by his wife, Lillian “Lilly” in 1972, Mr. Becklein is survived by his son, Robert, of Daytona, Fla.; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family received visitors March 2 at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A funeral service took place March 3 at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Garret Johnson. Interment took place at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Richard A. “Dick” Winters of Southold died March 4 at his home. He was 79. 

The family will recieve Friday, March 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, where Southold Fire Department services will be held at 7 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 7, at First Presbyterian Church in Southold, with the Rev. Dr. Peter Kelley officiating.

Memorial donations to Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad, Eastern Long Island Hospital (in support of the Emergency Room), American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association would be appreciated.

A complete obituary will follow.

Edward V. Kramer Jr.  of Southold died suddenly March 5. He was 79. The family will receive visitors Monday, March 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 10,  at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold. Interment with U.S. Air Force honors will take place at Sacred Heart R.C. Church Cemetery in Cutchogue.

Memorial donations to the Air Force Association or Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

A complete obituary will follow.

Diane Frazzetta of Calverton died Feb. 19, 2015. She was 74.  

She was born in Brooklyn Sept. 19, 1940, to Louis and Anna (née Fallica) DeJoy and married Peter Frazzetta January 6, 1962, at St. Mary Gate of Heaven in Ozone Park.

Diane is survived by her husband, Peter and by two children, Peter Frazzetta of Cape Coral, Fla. and Richard Frazzetta of Tampa, Fla.; and her granddaughter, Felicia Frazzetta. She was predeceased by her three brothers.

Formerly of Hauppauge, Centereach and Shirley,  she has been a resident of Calverton since 2002.

The family received visitors Feb. 23, at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck  The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 24 at St. Isidore’s R.C. Church in Riverhead, officiated by the Rev. Robert Kuznik. Interment took place at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

This is a paid notice.

Cutchogue resident Dorothy S. Auer, formerly of Mineola, died March 7 in Woodbury.

She was born to Peter and Mae Schewe and was a former administrator for Corpus Christi Church in Mineola.

Locally, Ms. Auer was a member of Friends of the Cutchogue New Suffolk Library, Fatima Guild, Cutchogue Homemakers, Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council, and Peconic Seniors. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Cutchogue, where she was a member of the liturgy committee.

Family members said she enjoyed sailing, bowling, gardening and swimming.

Predeceased by her husband, Walter, in 1997, Ms. Auer is survived by her sons, Peter (Jessica) of Garden City and Stephen of Mastic Beach; and her grandchildren, Allison and Stephanie.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, March 10, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Mattituck. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue.

This is a paid notice.

Walter Camier of Orient Point died March 7. He was born Feb. 15, 1915, and was 100.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, March 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A 10:45 a.m. funeral service will follow at the funeral home, officiated by Father Richard Hoerning of St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport. Burial with U.S. Army Honors will take place at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

A complete obituary will follow.

Anna Elaine Breese passed away peacefully on March 4, 2015. She was 89. 

On September 25, 1925, a two-pound baby girl was born in Salisbury, Mass., the only child of John and Margaret Higgins. She was a small town girl of Irish decent and her parents encouraged her independent spirit.

Elaine received a degree in biology from Boston University, which took her to Walter Reed Research Hospital in Maryland where she met her future husband, Sydney S. Breese. Eventually they settled on the North Fork where they raised their three children: Jack, Connie, and Peter.

Elaine was politically active and community minded. She volunteered her time on campaign committees and aiding Vista volunteers. She traveled south in the ‘60s and was struck by the difference in how black and white people were treated. The memory of that inequality and injustice fueled Elaine’s efforts to help local migrant workers.

Elaine was one of the founders of CAST (Community Action Southold Town). She supported women’s causes along with her efforts at the Southold Free Library, North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck, hospice and the Unitarian Universalist church.

For five years she took on the career of teaching English to the fifth and sixth grades at the Oysterponds Elementary School in Orient. She loved books and poetry and passed along this love to those lucky students who continue to remember her with great affection.

Elaine and Syd valued travel as an educational experience and took their children on many trips. They continued their journeys after the children moved on to college and careers. She was continually curious about life, religion, relationships and education. She was masterful at word games and loved lively conversations.

While Syd was teaching at University of Virginia Medical School after retiring from Plum Island Animal Disease Laboratory, Elaine joined an organization in Charlottesville, Va. addressing women’s issues and providing counseling.

For all of her life, even after she became bed-bound and blind, Elaine was the “go-to person” for anyone needing good, solid, advice as she had the perceptive ability to see matters clearly and get to the heart of the matter. Those close to her appreciated her sharp mind and quick wit. Elaine cherished her enduring friendships and her family.

The Breese family would like to thank the staff of The Shores at Peconic Landing for Elaine’s care during her illness and disability. They also thank Tiny Edwards for her support and assistance.

Predeceased by her husband Sydney, she leaves behind her three children and their families, Jack Breese of Seattle and Southold, his wife Emily and their daughters Erica and Tracey; Constance Breese and her husband John Pavlik and their son Nolan; and Peter Breese and his children Cyrus, Susa and Stella.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at First Universalist Church in Southold. Internment will take place at a later date at Willow Hill Cemetery in Southold.

Memorial donations can be sent to CAST PO Box 159, Greenport, NY 11944.

Arrangements were entrusted to DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Homes.

This is a paid notice. 

Longtime Cutchogue resident Thomas Henry Longnecker Sr. died at his home March 4, 2015. He was 95. 

He was born Feb. 5, 1920, in Brooklyn to Anna Victoria (Costello) and Valentine Thomas Longnecker. He graduated from Queens College with a degree in engineering and later worked as head civil engineer for the Town of Hempstead.

Thomas served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1947, where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was a member of the Retired Army Officers Association.

Thomas had previously belonged to the Knights of Columbus, L.I. Beagle Club, Mattituck Gun Club, and Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; and breeding, raising and training hunting dogs.

Predeceased by his first wife, Mertis, in 1969 and his second wife, Jean, in 2007, Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas Henry Longnecker Jr. of El Cajon, Calif.; his granddaughter, Lia Garcia of Lake Wylie, S.C.; his grandson, Michael Longnecker, also of El Cajon; his extended family, Susie Holder of Ocotillo Wells, Calif., Celeste Bogle of San Francisco, Calif., and Audry Bogle of San Diego, Calif.; his great-grandson, Julien; and the Holland family.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, March 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 16, at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

This is a paid notice. 

Ralph F. Mrowka

Longtime Greenport resident Ralph F. Mrowka died March 8. He was 67. 

He was born Aug. 8, 1947, in Greenpoint to Joseph and Helen (Madej) Mrowka. He married Janet Aug. 4, 2001, in Greenport.

Ralph earned a master’s degree and was a teacher for over 30 years with the New York City Department of Education in Queens.

He was a member of Southold Project in Aquaculture Training (SPAT). Family members said he enjoyed life, as well as fishing, boating, collecting antiques, and his train set.

Predeceased by his brother, Sylvester, he is survived by his wife, Janet, of Greenport; and his daughters and sons-in-law, Jen (John) Kirkham of Boston, Mass., Tara Mrowka (Dominic Griffin) of Brooklyn and Julia (Sean) Greene of Merrick; and four grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Friday, March 13, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greenport.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

This is a paid notice. 

Burt G. Lewis III

Former North Fork resident Burt G. Lewis III, 82, of Bristol, R.I., died March 4, 2015, with family members by his side. 

He was born to Burt and Mabel Lewis. Burt served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and graduated from Hofstra University. He worked as an accountant for IBM Corporation until his retirement and then was a realtor with Lewis Real Estate, which was founded by his father.

Burt was also an avid sailor and enjoyed sailing both large and small boats off the cost of Long Island and in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.

Burt was the loving husband of Cynthia and father of Suzy and Robert. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Condolences may be placed online at sansonefuneralhome.com.

This is a paid notice. 

Gloria M. Tremski of Southold died March 7 at Southampton Hospital. She was 91. 

She was born Sept. 13, 1923, in Queens and was a homemaker who belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, a freemasonry-related fraternal organization.

A graveside service took place March 9 at Cutchogue Cemetery.

Arrangements were in the care of Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue.

The family of Mary Drum will receive visitors for memorial services Friday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14, at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck.

A former Matittuck resident, Ms. Drum died Feb. 16 in Jeffersonton, Va. She was 92.

Helen J. Wynne of Southold died March 11. She was 86.

The family will receive visitors Monday, March 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold. Interment will be at the church cemetery.

A complete obituary will follow.

Bernice Masry of Southold died March 13 at the age of 93.

She was born Jan. 28, 1922, in New York City to Isaac and Lillie (née Mendelsohn) Masry.

Bernice had been a purchaser of custom jewelry for Originality in New York City.

Surviving are a nephew, Steve Finkin of Albany; a niece, Sharon Partky of Florida and friends Otto and Marie Tews of Southold.

Rabbi Elliot Spar conducted services March 15 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold.

George Fabian of Southold died at his home March 11, 2015. He was 93. 

Born March 3, 1922, in Croatia to Margaret (née Jurjevich) and George Fabian, George served from 1942 to 1945 as a U.S. Army private first class. His tour of duty included the Battle of Normandy (D-Day/ first wave), earning him a Purple Heart medal.

George later enjoyed a long career as a carpenter in the Empire State Building.

George was a communicant of St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold and a member of Adriatic Social Club.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (née Spiciarich), whom he married Nov. 16, 1952; three children, Margie Lotito of Miller Place, George Fabian of Mount Sinai and Steven Fabian of Port Jefferson; and eight grandchildren, Brian, Brent, Kevin, Craig, Elizabeth, George, Jacqueline and Julia; and a great-granddaughter, Olivia.

The family received visitors March 15 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated March 16 at St. Patrick R.C. Church, officiated by Father Peter Garry. Interment took place at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations to St. Patrick R.C. Church, P.O. Box 1117, Southold, NY 11971 would be appreciated.

This is a paid notice. 

Former Greenport resident Helen M. Halliwell of Naples, Fla. passed away March 12, 2015. She was 89. 

Born in Greenport, she was the beloved daughter of George Mellas and Carrie Mellas Tuthill.

Helen married Donald A. Halliwell June 30, 1945, in Washington D.C. Her love and respect for Don was undeniable.

Helen attended Lely Presbyterian Church in Naples and supported the music program by singing soprano in the choir. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. She participated in many talent shows at Naples Estates with her two daughters, Carolee and Marilyn.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald and her daughter, Cheryl Downs and is survived by her children, Carolee (Mike) Levison of Marco Island, Fla. and Marilyn Halliwell of Naples and Donald (Kathy) Halliwell of Greenport; her grandchildren, Carolyn Wheeler and Kenneth Downs; five great-grandchildren; her brothers, Harold, James and Paul Mellas and many nieces and nephews. Helen was also predeceased by her sisters, Grace Swanson and Doris Flatley and her brothers, Bill and George Mellas.

A memorial service celebrating Helen’s life was held March 16 at Lely Presbyterian Church.

Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Vitas Hospice, 4980 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 102, Naples, FL 34103 or Lely Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements were in care of Fuller Funeral Home in Naples. Online condolences may be made to fullernaples.com.

This is a paid notice.