Jerome L. Urban

Lifelong Greenport resident Jerome L. Urban died Nov. 27 at Stony Brook University Hospital. He was 67. 

The son of Gladys (Reiter) and Chester Urban, he was born July 23, 1949, in Greenport. He married Patricia Angevine July 5, 1969, in Greenport.

Mr. Urban attended high school and served in the U.S. Navy for four years, achieving the rank of aviation structural mechanic petty officer 3rd class. For 15 years, he worked for Morgan Auto Sales in Bridgehampton.

Mr. Urban was a member and ex-chief of Greenport Fire Department Standard Hose Company 4. Family members said he enjoyed fishing, NASCAR and that he was a New York Giants fan.

Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Greenport; his son, Brian, of Bay Shore; his daughter, Dawn Herbstritt of Cibolo, Texas; his siblings, Marianne Krupski, Bruce Urban, Bonnie Angevine, Patty DeJesus, Francine Biggs, Pamela Michaelis, Kevin Urban, Annette Jernick and Teresa Sutherland; and five grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at St. Agnes R.C. Church Cemetery in Greenport. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Greenport Fire Department Standard Hose Company 4.

The post Jerome L. Urban appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Agnes C. Abramski of Greenport died Nov. 28. She was 73. 

The family will receive visitors Friday, Dec. 2, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice or Greenport Rescue Squad.

A complete obituary will follow.

The post Agnes C. Abramski appeared first on Suffolk Times.

David Patrick Brandi of Greenport died Nov. 28 at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport. He was 62. 

The son of Custodio and Elizabeth Brandi, he was born April 25, 1954, and attended Greenport High School.

Mr. Brandi worked at Claudio’s Restaurant in Greenport, where he was known as “Captain Sword.”

Family members said he enjoyed storytelling.

Predeceased by his parents, Mr. Brandi is survived by his brothers, Anthony, of Peconic, James, of Florida and Peter, of Georgia; his sister, Paula, of Georgia and his companion, Jeannie Eckardt.

Cremation will be private. A memorial will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue.

The post David Patrick Brandi appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Eileen A. (Denzler) Walters of Southold died Nov. 30, 2016. She was 86. 

Eileen was the loving wife of 67 years of Harold “Lefty” F. Walters; loving mother of Marie, Shirley (Norman), Joe (Doreen), Theresa (Chris), Deborah (Wayne), Diane (Bill), Harold and Leslie; loving grandmother of 18 grandchildren and loving great-grandmother of 23 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Saint Patrick R.C. Church in Southold, officiated by Father John Barrett. Interment will follow at Willow Hill Cemetery in Southold.

Memorial donations to Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

This is a paid notice. 

The post Eileen A. Walters appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Agnes (Novellino) Domino was born April 30, 1915, and passed away peacefully Dec. 1, 2016, in Middle Island.

She was the beloved wife of Michael B. Domino, to whom she was married for 70 years prior to his passing in 2012; devoted mother of Patricia Mott and Michael J. Domino; and the cherished grandmother of six and great-grandmother of eight.

Agnes will always be remembered for her steadfast devotion to her family. While quiet and self-deprecating, her inner strength and dignity made her a great role model for those fortunate enough to know her.

Visiting hours were held Dec. 4 at Mangano Funeral Home in Middle Island. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 5 at St. Francis Cabrini R.C. Church in Coram. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

This is a paid notice. 

The post Agnes Domino appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Robert Emmett Holley

Robert Emmett “Bob” Holley, of New York, N.Y., Greenport and Vero Beach, Fla., a prominent investment banking executive, died peacefully in Westhampton Beach on Dec. 1. 

Mr. Holley, born in Manhattan in 1932, was the devoted son of Robert A. And Eleanor M. Holley. He was a lifelong New Yorker. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School, Staten Island and Fordham University with a B.S. in accounting in 1954. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the mid-1950s.

Mr. Holley worked as a municipal bond trader at Merrill Lynch. At Paine Webber, he invented the concept of the unit investment trust, creating and heading that department. In this highly specialized field, his reputation for excellence grew to the point that he was widely respected, even revered, on the Street. Generous-hearted and impeccable in character, he served as a mentor and exemplar to many younger employees. He was described as “one of the true gentlemen in the business.” He served on the board of the Investment Company Institute, eventually becoming its chairman. Quietly philanthropic, he was active in the Kips Bay Boys Club, the New York City Police Department’s Emerald Society, and numerous other charities.

He was married to the late Barbara Collins, the genuine love of his life, for 46 years. Together, they went on frequent, miles-long walks all over Manhattan. They enjoyed their boat, the “My Way”. Their dogs, General Maxwell Taylor, Mindy and Samantha, were their hearts’ delight.

Mr. Holley will be best remembered for his unending spirit of generosity. He never missed an opportunity to do a kindness. He was a great listener and was blessed with the gift of storytelling. He loved books and was always eager to share his reading enthusiasms. In addition to his wife, family and friends, he loved British television detective series, ’21’ and Le Cirque, the NYPD, tennis, Dixieland jazz, The Royal Tattoo, the voice of Maria Callas, and chocolate ice cream.

Mr. Holley is survived by four nieces, a nephew, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mr. Holley will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to: NYC PBA Widows and Children’s Fund Attn: Joseph Alejandro Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association 125 Broad Street-11th Floor New York, NY 10004 or East End Hospice: www.eeh.org/ways-to-give/donate/?tab=Dedication

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home is assisting the family.

This is a paid notice. 

The post Robert Emmett Holley appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Richard “Dick” Peter Dittman passed away peacefully Dec. 1, 2016, at Kanas Center for Hospice Care in Quiogue.

Born in Manhattan Feb. 24, 1928, to George Hazard and Marion Thruelsen Dittman, Richard spent his entire youth in Brooklyn, graduating from Brooklyn’s Adelphi Academy. He attended Princeton University, earning a degree in physics in 1950. Upon graduation, he joined Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company as a student actuary, eventually pioneering their computerization and IT organization during the ’60s and ’70s.

In 1953, Richard married longtime friend Barbara Morgan. They settled in Westfield, N.J., and together raised three sons. They were active in church and community, particularly in Cub/Boy scouts leadership and as a family, enjoyed regular excursions to their eastern Long Island home in Peconic on the North Fork.

Retiring to their Peconic home in 1988, Barbara and Dick continued to pursue their passion for boating, sailing and the many pleasures of the eastern Long Island community through the following years. They were actively involved with the U.S. Power Squadron, for which Dick served as commander as well as in other teaching and ongoing squadron committee positions. Dick and Barbara were married for 58 years.

In all things, Richard sought the challenge of problems — preferring thoughtful innovation to conventional wisdom. Beneath a tough demeanor, he was a courageous and spirited man, with a gentle and generous heart.

Predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and his son G. Evans, Richard is survived by his daughter-in-law, Diane (Thomson) of Whitehouse Station, N.J.; his son Peter and his wife, Jeanne (née Cutrona) of Boston, Mass.; his youngest son, David, and his wife, Susan (née Butcher) of Farmingdale; and his four grandchildren, Nicholas, Leah, Andrew and Jason.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a service immediately following at Coster-Heppner Funeral home in Cutchogue.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to East End Hospice (eeh.org), which played such a valuable and important role in Richard’s last several days, weeks and months — enabling him to pass as he wished.

This is a paid notice. 

The post Richard Peter Dittman appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Davida Martha Cheska of Greenport died Dec. 5, 2016, at San Simeon by the Sound in Greenport. She was 99 years old.She was born Sept. 4, 1917, in Brooklyn to James and Germina Whyte and married John C. Cheska on June 26, 1938, in Brooklyn.

Formerly of Wantagh where she lived for 70 years, she was a member of the Wantagh Congregational Church.

She is survived by her son, John Charles Cheska, Jr of Southold; three grandchildren, Justin Cheska, Kerry Cushing and Kelcy Westhaver and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, John C. Cheska; son Thomas Cheska and sister Agnes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

This is a paid notice. 

The post Davida Martha Cheska appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Thomas A. McGwire of Peconic died Dec. 1. He was 84. 

The family received visitors Dec. 3 at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A funeral service took place Dec. 4, at First Presbyterian Church of Southold. Cremation was private.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Southold.

The post Thomas A. McGwire appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Jane W. Crouch of New Suffolk died Dec. 5 at her home. She was 100. 

Ms. Crouch is survived by her husband, Raymond.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. Interment will take place Thursday, Dec. 8, at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue.

A complete obituary will follow.

The post Jane W. Crouch appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Richard Davant Papot of Southold died Dec. 2 at his home at the age of 68.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Dec. 6,  from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7th at at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold, officiated by Father John Barrett. Interment, with U.S. Army honors, will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations to AMVETS would be appreciated.

A complete obituary will follow.

The post Richard Davant Papot appeared first on Suffolk Times.

John Corazzini

John Corazzini, age 73, died peacefully at Stony Brook University Hospital on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. 

John was a lifelong resident of Greenport, a graduate of the Greenport class of 1956 and a proud graduate and loyal alumnus of Assumption College in Wooster Massachusetts, class of 1960.

John was a professional educator and spent his career as an english teacher and assistant department head at Riverhead Middle School. John loved good food, literature, history and was a knowledgeable and devoted fan of the theater.

Many loyal and loving friends whose lives he brightened through his caring way and his remarkable sense of humor survive John and will cherish his memory.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday Dec. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A 10 a.m. funeral mass will be held Monday, Dec. 12, at St. Agnes R. C. Church in Greenport. Burial will follow at St. Agnes R. C. Cemetery.

This is a paid notice. 

The post John Corazzini appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Spiro Beletsis

On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, Spiro Beletsis passed peacefully at his Southold home. He was 56 years old.

Spiro was born June 20, 1960, in Flushing, Queens to Spiro and Joan Beletsis of East Marion, both of whom preceded him in death.

Spiro was the youngest of four children. He leaves behind his grieving and heartbroken sisters, Cleo, of Stony Brook and Stamy of Riverhead and his brother, John, of Sea Cliff, N.Y.

Spiro worked as a carpenter and took great pride in crafting beautiful works for friends, family and clients. Friends said there wasn’t a project Spiro couldn’t master. Spiro found great solace and satisfaction in his handiwork.

Spiro, who was divorced and had no children, was a kind, warm friend to all who knew him. He was quick with a quip and first in line to help a neighbor. Near the end of his parents’ lives, Spiro served as principal caregiver for both of them as they battled cancer. Spiro was a devoted and loving presence for his father, who was blind, and meticulously maintained his mother’s gardens at their home. Till the end, Spiro cared for his mom and dad daily.

Spiro enjoyed fishing, playing cards and gabbing till the wee hours with friends. He had a great wit, warmth and intellect.

Spiro worked for the betterment of Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church in Greenport, where he painted the steeple. He was proud of that spire which rises as a beacon in a place he loved so much.

Spiro was a greeter and cheerleader as he enthusiastically encouraged his special friends in recovery at AA meetings all along the North Fork. He would want all of them to succeed in their recovery.

Services for Spiro Beletsis will be held on Monday, Dec. 12, at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport from 4 to 8 p.m. Spiro will be remembered in liturgy and prayer on Tuesday, Dec. 13,  at 11 a.m. at his beloved Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church. As was his wish, he will be buried at East Marion Cemetery, united for eternity, alongside both his parents, whom he loved so much.

This is a paid notice.

The post Spiro Beletsis appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Anne Alice Fleming passed away peacefully Dec. 10, 2016, at the age of 94. 

She was born to Herbert H. Thoet and Mary Elizabeth McGonigle. Her father changed his name from Herman during a period of anti-German feeling, as his brother was gassed by the Germans during World War I.

The longtime resident of Garden City and Cutchogue, Anne was the grandchild of immigrants and the first woman in her family to graduate with a baccalaureate. She married Navy pilot William J. Fleming in 1945, who predeceased her.

In 1949 during a polio epidemic, Anne was returning home and realized she may have the contagious virus. She spent over two years in the hospital; the first in an iron lung as she labored to live. Later she asked to be taken off the anti-psychotic drugs and returned home to navigate her family and her life in the ironsides of an Everest and Jennings.

Anne attempted rehabilitation, occasionally walking with crutches and braces and swimming in the ocean and pools. She drove with hand controls and whenever a problem arose, she waited and relied on the decency of unknown Samaritans, the UPS man, service station attendants and a wonderful group of supportive friends and family. Overcoming her physical limits, Anne read, volunteered and attended the theater and museums with a boundless energy, all the while cooking, cleaning and mentoring her young family.

Never defined by her limitations, Anne occasionally endured the inelegant stares and thoughts of those denigrating the disabled. She lived an authentic life before handicapped accessibility, but in the American Dream, was always seated, ever ready, no better than anyone and no less either.

She is survived by her sons, Herb and Bill and five grandchildren, H.J., Kristin, Ashley, Brian and Catharine and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial shall be held at a later date. She would ask that contributions be made to Mercy Hospital, where she served as a volunteer and treasurer.

The post Anne Alice Fleming appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Former Peconic resident Patricia Kowalchuk of Syosset died Dec. 9 at Apex Rehabilitation and Healthcare  in Huntington Station. She was 62. 

The daughter of Benjamin and Joan (Doyle) Kowalchuk, she was born Oct. 1, 1954, in Rockville Centre.

Family members said she enjoyed singing, coloring and puzzles.

Predeceased by her mother and brother William, Ms. Kowalchuk is survived by her father, Benjamin, of Peconic; her brother Richard, of Virginia; her sister, Susan, of Pennsylvania and four nieces.

The family received visitors Dec. 18 at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. Cremation was private.

Memorial donations may be made to AHRC.

The post Patricia Kowalchuk appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Longtime Greenport resident Jacqueline A. Durka died Dec. 11 at Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport.  She was 81. 

The daughter of William and Rose (Romano) Chaisson, she was born Aug. 8, 1935, in Brooklyn. On Aug. 20, 1980, she married Nicholas Durka in Queens.

Ms. Durka is survived by her stepdaughters, Karen Durka of Centerport and Jennifer Durka Barbini of Coral Springs, Fla.; her siblings, Lorraine Lamont and Marianne Chaisson, both of Yarmouth, Maine and four stepgrandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Friday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A 10:45 a.m. graveside service will take place Saturday, Dec. 17, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale.

The post Jacqueline A. Durka appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Longtime East Marion resident Edward J. Conner Jr. died Dec. 12 at his home. He was 91. 

The son of Helen (Pope) and Edward Conner Sr., he was born June 20, 1925, in Brooklyn.

Mr. Conner served in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of ensign. He worked for Liberty Mutual in Lynbrook for 29 years.

On Jan. 5, 1946, he married Madeline (Hohmann) in Jamaica, N.Y.

Family members said Mr. Conner was a musician and enjoyed pleasure boating.

Mr. Conner is survived by his wife; children, Stephen, Michael, Barbara, Richard, Daniel, Scott and Nancy; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, Dec. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice.

The post Edward J. Conner Jr. appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Former Mattituck resident Jane W. McGrath died Dec. 8 in Concord, N.H. She was 87.

She is survived by her son, Clem Booth III; her daughter, Edna Wilkens and three grandchildren.

Private services will be held at St. Patrick R.C. Church Cemetery in Southold at a future date.

The post Jane W. McGrath appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Donald H. Boerum of Orient died Dec. 11. He was 89. 

A 10 a.m. graveside service will be held Thursday, Dec. 15, at Sterling Cemetery in Greenport.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date.

Arrangements are in the care of Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

A complete obituary will follow.

The post Donald H. Boerum appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Madeline Graffagnino of Greenport died Dec. 13. She was 57. 

The family will receive visitors Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport.

A complete obituary will follow.

The post Madeline Graffagnino appeared first on Suffolk Times.