Poughkeepsie Journal from Poughkeepsie, New York • Page B4

4B OBITUARIES Monday, February 4, 2013 POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL Genevieve Wyka OBITUARIES OBITUARIES OBITUARIES Marie M. Valentino DEATH NOTICES Obituaries and photographs submitted to the Poughkeepsie Journal may be published, distributed, repurposed and otherwise used in print, electronic and other media platforms. Antalek, Joseph 75, of Beacon, New York died on January 31. 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Halvey Fu-neral Home, 845-831-0380.

Chieffo, Robert 78, of Hyde Park, New York died on January 27, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603, 845-452-0460. Galasso, Joan 72, of Hopewell Junction, NY died on February 2013.

Arrangements under the direction of the McHoul Fu-neral Home, 845-221-2000. Gaston, George "Butch" II. 69, of Puyallup, WA died on December 18, 2012. Arrangements under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, 845-896-2000. Lown, Edwin 85, of Hopewell Junction, NY died on Friday, February 1, 2013.

Arrangements under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, 845-221-2000. Morabito, John 78, of Dover Plains, NY died on January 31, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Hufcut Funeral Home, or 845-877-1400. Rose, Ronald 73, of Tivoli, NY died on January 30, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Burnett White Funeral Homes, 7461 S.

Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571, 845-758-5042. Ruessler, Nickolas 33, of Salt Point, New York died on January 30, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603, 845-452-0460. Siebert, Judith N.

68, of Beacon, NY died on 02022013. Arrangements under the direction of the Libby Funeral Home, Inc. 55 Teller Ave. Bea-con, NY 12508, 845-831-0179. Szajer, Sr, Alfred 74, of Poughkeepsie, NY died on January 26, 2013.

Arrangements under the direction of the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Poughkeep-sie, NY, 845-452-7700. Valdivia, Plinio 65, of Poughkeepsie, NY died on February 1, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Hudson Valley Cremation Service, 845-452-3900. Valentino, Marie 90, of Poughkeepsie, NY died on January 30, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the Michael Torsone Memorial Fu-neral Home, 845-452-7700.

Wyka, Genevieve 85, of Hopewell Junction, NY died on February 1, 2013. Arrangements under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, 845-221-2000. jm- I HOPEWELL ilr JUNCTION jtciic vicvc veronica Wyka, 85, of Hopewell Junction since 1996 and formerly of Yon kers, died on Friday, February 1, 2013 at Wingate at Beacon. Following the death of her husband, a light was extinguished in her life and it gives her family great solace knowing that they are reunited together in Heaven. Born in Yonkers on December 31, 1927, she was the daughter of Paul and Mari-anna Grabowska Marczak.

Genevieve received her Associate's Degree from Manhattan College and worked there as an Assistant Librarian. Through her work at the library, she inspired others to read. A devoted parishioner of St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction and formerly of St. Casimir's Church in Yonkers, Genevieve lived her religion and instilled deep values in her children.

She was a true steward of God and actually lived the Beatitudes. She was a Eucharistic Minister and thoroughly enjoyed ministering to the patients in New York City hospitals. She also attended the Diaconate Program with her husband, Deacon Stanley Wyka. Genevieve was very talented and gifted. Through her creativity, she sewed First Communion dresses and bridesmaid dresses for her daughters.

She crocheted and knitted many masterpieces, leaving her family with many special treasures. Genevieve was happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren. She was a selfless woman whose needs were minimal, and her wants were even less. She will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. On August 3, 1947 at St.

Casimir's Church in Yonkers, Genevieve married Stanley A. Wyka who predeceased her on February 14, 2003. She is survived by her children, Maria O'Connell of Darien, CT, Therese Harrison and husband James of Thornwood, Jeanine Tannum and husband Richard of LaGrange, Denise Maitre and husband Michael of Hopewell Junction, Justin Wyka of Hopewell Junction, Stanley Wyka Jr. of Hopewell Junction and Gregory Wyka of Hawthorne; her grandchildren, Michael and Laurie O'Connell of Annapolis, MD, Patrick and Nicole O'Connell of Rye, Kristin O'Connell of Forest Hills, MaryKate and Brian Hoey of Long Beach, James and Michelle Harrison of Granite Springs, Daniel Harrison of New York City, Jessica Harrison of Thornwood, Wyatt Tannum of LaGrange, Jacqueline and Anthony Mahajan of Riverdale, Matthew Wyka of Astoria, Bethany and Stephen Maitre of Hopewell Junction; her great-grandchildren, James O'Connell of Annapolis, MD and Abigail Hoey of Long Beach; her sister Rita Frame of Emerson, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Genevieve was predeceased by her son-in-law James O'Connell, granddaughter Dianne Harrison, sisters Mary Marczak and Sr.

Mary Irene CR, and brother John Marczak. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.

Genevieve always provided for the less fortunate. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, in honor of Genevieve's life, that donations be made to a charity of your choice. For driving directions and online condolences, please visit Genevieve's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfu-neralhome.com. More obituaries 5B thinking homes? think us! PoughUeepsie Journal. com A GANNETT COMPANY Robert Anthony Chieffo HYDE PARK -Robert Anthony Chieffo, age 78, died peacefully at his home in Hyde Park on January 27, 2013.

Bob was born in New Haven, CT, October 20, 1934, to the late Mary Carboni Chieffo and the late Toby Chieffo. He was the second of three sons, attended Welch Primary School in New Haven, CT and Notre Dame High School in West Haven. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1957 then was hired by IBM. Shortly after, he was drafted and served two years in the Army. After completing his service, Bob returned to IBM Kingston and later IBM Poughkeepsie, working as a Mechanical Engineer for 35 years.

In 1960, he married Diane Pereira, daughter of Evelyn Rossomando Pereira and Jack Pereira, in Margaretville, NY. The couple lived in Woodstock, NY from 1960 to 1968 where they had two sons: Robert Paul, Hopewell Junction, NY and Thomas Anthony, Hyde Park, NY. In 1968, the family moved to Hyde Park, NY. After retirement, he was employed by Cambridge Computer Learning Center for several years. Bob was a member of the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club for 25 years, serving on the Entertainment and Regatta committees.

He and his family loved sailing, spending many delightful hours sailing their boat, Sea Adeline, on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. In addition, for decades, Bob was very active in Special Olympics often coaching swim practices and serving as Master of Ceremonies at swim meets. His family was honored for their involvement by being selected thel996 Dutchess County Special Olympics Family Of The Year. Bob's beloved avocation was singing and performing in choruses and quartets as a 51-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. For 50 of those years, he was an outstanding member of the local BHS Chapter, the Poughkeepsie Newyorkers.

Administratively, Bob did it all. He wrote and directed outstanding Annual Shows, served in a variety of leadership positions, and encouraged membership retention and growth through his positive energy, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. For his accomplishments, Bob was named Newyorker of the Year in 1975 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chapter in 2011. Beyond his administrative and organizational skills, Bob's real love was singing and performing, which he always did with style, flare and obvious joy. In addition to the chorus, he sang in several quartets in the early years.

Then, in 1975, Bob founded the Footlighters Barbershop Quartet. He remained a part of that quartet for 35 years, singing both lead and baritone voice parts and freely sharing his unique and varied talents as a singer, creative idea man and performer extraordinaire. When Bob retired from the Footlighters in 2009, he continued to offer the quartet and the chorus his encouragement, support, coaching, and ideas for music and staging, always with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. In addition to his wife and sons, Bob is survived by his brother, Walter Chieffo, Venice, FL; brother and sister-in-law, Clifford Patricia Chieffo, Arlington, VA; sister-in-law, Beverly Brann Chieffo, West Haven, CT; daughter-in-law Karen Chieffo and grandchildren Nicholas and Deanna Chieffo, Hopewell Junction, NY. Other survivors include his nephews Paul Chieffo, John Pereira, Jerome Pereira; nieces Jane Proffitt, Joanne Koering, Toby Reidway, Nina Peterson, and cousins Thomas and Madelyn Carboni.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday February 5, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. Funeral services will be held Wednesday February 6, 2013 11am at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery at the Community Mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to the Poughkeepsie Chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society If you would like to leave an online condolence or to light a memorial candle, please visit Joan Galasso I HOPEWELL JUNCTION Joan Galasso, 72, an area resident since April 2011 and formerly of Arizona and Mount Kisco, died on Friday, February 1, 2013 at her daughter's home following a long illness.

Born in New Rochelle on March 21, 1940, she was the daughter of Dominick and Katherine Manfrieda Lener. She had been employed at Subzero Refrigeration and Walbaum's Supermarket. Joan was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by her children, Frank Appedu III of Mahopac, Susanne Lewis and her husband James of Hopewell Junction, Ronald Appedu and his wife Lanay of Phoenix, AZ, Lorianne Appedu of Putnam Valley and Tara Anne Galasso of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Lindsey, Ashley, Kimberly, John, Krista, Alexei, Jessica, Kelly and Frankie; her greatgrandchildren, Chloe, Sydney, Brinnley and Kohen; her brothers, Thomas Lener of FL and Robert Lener of Purdys. She was predeceased by her husbands, Frank Appedu Jr.

and Thomas Galasso; and her brother Richard Lener. There will be a celebration of her life in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Hopewell Junction. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Joan's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfu-neralhome.com.

Regina "Jeanne" Whelan O'Rourke HOPEWELL JUNCTION Regina "Jeanne" Whelan O'Rourke passed away peacefully on February 3, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 83. She was born on January 31, 1930 in Brooklyn the daughter of the late Leo and Anna Ward Whelan. In 1951 she married her sweetheart James O'Rourke in St.

Catherine of Genoa Church in Brooklyn. They moved to Hopewell Junction in 1965. Her priorities in life were her faith family and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband James, loving children James O'Rourke and his wife Helen Burke of Tallahassee Florida, Timothy O'Rourke of Tallahassee Florida, Stephen and his wife Grace O'Rourke of Montgomery, NY, Anne O'Rourke of Baltimore MD, and Patricia McArdle and her husband Christopher of Sandy Hook, CT. Cherished grandchildren April Petzold and her husband Justin, Michael O'Rourke and Caroline McArdle.

Loving Great grandchildren Dillon and Mallory Petzold. Friends may call on Wednesday February 6, 2013 from 3-6pm at Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Home 900 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday February 7, 2013 at 10am at St. Columba Church, Hopewell Junction.

Interment to follow in St. Denis Cemetery. Donations in Jeanne's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. For Jeanne's guestbook or to send a mass card please visit www.hudsonvalleyfuner-alhomes.com pi' ll I 11' I MB n' 1 1 I 1 1 Kl' Vn POUGHKEEPSIE Marie M.

Valentino, 90, (January 27, 1923 January 30, 2013), a resident of Poughkeepsie, NY, previously of Hyde Park, NY, was taken by away peacefully at River Valley Care Center, where she resided for close to five years. Marie was one of eight children born to the late Giuseppa Perrotta and Mi-chaelangelo Patrick Casale in Italy (Both immigrated to the US from Cervinara, Avellina, Italy). She was predeceased by her siblings, John, Fannie, Patrick and Jennie. Marie was married to Pasquale (Pat) J. Valentino on November 14, 1948.

Pat predeceased her, entering eternal rest on May 26, 1970. Marie is survived by three of her sisters, Frances Gaud-ioso, Jessie Rizzo, and Lucy Mora. Frances visited Marie weekly at River Valley Care Center and Lucy was by her side constantly, visiting daily. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends, especially her dear friend, Bob Ranco, who also visited her often. Marie will always be remembered for her Miracle Whip sandwiches, which she would lovingly prepare for her nephews after they returned from long snowmobile rides.

Her home was a place of warmth and love for all those who visited her often. She worked for the Hyde Park Central School District, as a Food Service Helper, from 1970 until her retirement on December 31, 1992. The family takes this time to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at River Valley Care Center, especially to all those who work on the 4th Floor. You took care of Marie as if she was part of your family, and for that we truly appreciate you all. Calling hours will take place Tuesday, February 5th from 4pm-8pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, 218 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Wheelchair entrance is located in the rear of the funeral home on Vassar Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 6th, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Poughkeepsie, NY, with burial to follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. For directions or online condolences, please visit our web site at www.tor-sonememorial.com. Shirley Osterhoudt Hummel POUGHKEEPSIE Shirley Fay Osterhoudt Hummel, 83, a life-long Poughkeepsie resident passed away at Vassar Brothers Hospital on Thursday, January 24, 2013.

Born in Poughkeepsie on April 3, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William (Pop) Joseph Osterhoudt and Carrie Elaine Osterhoudt. Shirley is survived by her children, Julie Marin of Waynesville, N.C. and Cheryl Fariss of Lagrange, NY. She is also survived by her sisters, Carole Belluardo of Lagrange, N.Y., Agnes Morris of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Ruth Canero of Hyde Park, N.Y. and her grandchildren, Casey Ber-rian, Chelsea Sorice, Wayne Marin Jason Sorice, Haden Marin, and Daniel Fariss.

She is predeceased by her sister Laura (Sis) Fedden and her brother William Osterhoudt Jr. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Shirley was a retired bookkeeper from H.V.O.I.C., Dutchess County B.O.C.E.S., The N.Y.S. Visiting Nurse Service, and K.C.S. Tracking Company.

She received her training at Dutchess Community College. Shirley will be remembered as a kind person who always had time for everyone and lent a sympathetic ear. She was one of the original garage sale enthusiasts, long before it became chic and delighted in the hunt of the perfect find. She was also an avid reader and excellent cook who enjoyed perfecting many recipes. Shirley will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Burial of Shirley's ashes will be on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 11am at St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY. Funeral arrangements are under the supervision of Par-mele Auchmoody Schoon-maker Funeral Home, Poughkeepsie. For Shirley's guestbook or to send a mass card please visit Florence E. Williamson PLEASANT VALLEY Florence E.

Williamson, 79, of Pleasant Valley, died Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Roslyn on March 4, 1933, she was the daughter of Elmore and Rho-da Shepard Hults. On April 12, 1953 in she married Howard Williamson who survives at home. In addition to her husband Howard, Florence is survived by her 3 daughters and their husbands; Debbie and Ronny Shipley of Pleasant Valley, Pamela Moustakas and Jeff Bar-nett of Pleasant Valley, and Candace and Daniel Olson, of Hyde Park; her grandchildren, Michael Shipley and his wife Sandi, Thomas Moustakas, Noah Barnett, Mandy Harp and her husband Jay, Daniel Olson III and companion Chrissy Maranzano, and Gina Olson; great grandchildren, Austin and Brycin Shipley and Logan Harp who will be born this year; sister, Ruth Wright, and her daughters Bobbi-Jo and Ruth-Ann of Millerton; as well as nephews and nieces Donny Reilly, Gary Williamson, and Allison and Kim Hults. She was predeceased by her brother, Elmore Hults and sisters, Lynn Lamay and Rhoda Tighe.

Flo participated in several bowling leagues, was a member of Home Bureau, was a Brownie leader, a lifetime time member of the PTA, and an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley where she taught Sunday school. Visitation will be Sunday, February 3 from 4-8 pm at Allen Funeral Home, 1605 Main St. Valley. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 4 at 11 am from St.

Paul's Episcopal Church, Traver Pleasant Valley. Interment will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Pleasant Valley. Memorial donations may be made in Florence's memory to Pleasant Valley Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1389, Pleasant 12569, or St.

Paul's Episcopal Church. Florence's family would like to thank all the physicians, nurses, care givers, Pleasant Valley Rescue, and Julia Blafield for the wonderful care given to her during her illness and to a very special friend Gloria Calloway. If you would like to sign a guestbook for Florence, please visit www.HudsonVal-leyFuneralHomes.com Nicklas Michael Ruessler SALT POINT Nickolas Michael Rues-seler, age 33, of Salt Point, died Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital of Poughkeepsie, NY. Nickolas was born July 20, 1979 in Yonkers, NY.

He is the son of Volker and Sonia (Maynich) Ruesseler. He married Jaime L. Holbrook on April 3, 2004 in Wappingers New York. He was a Self Employed Mason. Nickolas was a twenty year local resident, previously from Yonkers, New York.

He loved to snow board and four wheel. He enjoyed hiking and he loved to make everyone laugh by telling jokes. He is survived by his wife: Jaime Ruesseler his son Christian Ruesseler of Salt Point, his father Volker and mother Sonia (Maynich) Ruesseler of the Town of Clinton; Brother Christopher Ruesseler and his wife Sherry of Salt Point; Sister Tatyanna Royster and her husband Adam of Salt Point; sister Natascha Ruesseler of the Town of Clinton; sister Gerri Lynn Keating of Elswsorth Maine and his grandfather Peter Maynich of Yonkers NY. Nickolas is also survived by his two close friends Chris Pearson and Gina Repetti and Several Aunt's, Uncle's Nieces, Nephew's, Cousins and family in Germany. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 12:00 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Regina Coeli Church, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY.

Burial will follow at the Pleasant Plains Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday, February 4, 2013 from 5pm to 9pm at theTimothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Poughkeepsie, NY. If you would like to leave an online condolence or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.doylefuneralb.ome. IN ME MORI AM In Loving Memory of Irene M.

Pavelock On her 7th birthday in Heaven 3 (C I cried when you passed away. I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I couldn't make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hardworking hands God broke my heart to t5 prove to me He only takes the best. We miss You.

Don, Donnie, Jimmy, 1 Angie, James, Ashlee Michael fct-- PK-00001 62550 I 11.