WALTER H. BESTENHEIDER

Walter H. Bestenheider of Roscoe, NY, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2007 at Roscoe Community Nursing Home. He was 85.

The son of Charles and Anna Wetterauer Bestenheider, he was born June 25, 1921. He was married to Josephine Schneider on November 29, 1947 until her untimely passing in 1974.

Walter was a hard-working dairy and poultry farmer and enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren, passing on his love of animals and plants, especially growing giant pumpkins. He proudly served as a church council-member for the North Branch Reformed Church, which later evolved into the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Cooperative Extension Service.

He is survived by his daughters, Joan Schauer of Roscoe, Janet Miller and husband Robert of Slate Hill, NY and Judy Lamando and her husband Douglas of Landisville, NJ; his son, Robert, and his wife Lisa Bestenheider of Roscoe; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his cousins, Madeline Hadbafnick of Brentwood, NY and John Bestenheider of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Gottfried Schauer; a brother, Charles; sisters Louisa Schmidt, and Elizabeth and Winifred Hillriegel; and a grandchild, Bradley Lamando.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 4, 2007 at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Branch, NY. Interment was made in the Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Roof Fund or to Roscoe Community Nursing Home’s Resident Fund.

RICHARD H. BULLWINKEL

Richard H. Bullwinkel, 89, formerly of Sparrowbush, NY, a retired vice president of The Bank Of New York and resident of the area since 1957, died Sunday, June 3, 2007 at the Gino J. Merli Veteran’s Center, Scranton, PA.

He was born November 2, 1917 in Jersey City, NJ, the son of the late Edward and the late Anna Heisse Bullwinkel. He was married to the late Freda Keeran Bullwinkel, who died July 17, 1991.

An Army veteran of WW II, Richard was a graduate of New York University and received his banking degree at Rutgers University. He was a member of Most Sacred Heart Church in Port Jervis, NY and former member of the Port Jervis Rotary Club, Tri-State Chamber of Commerce and advisory board at Mercy Community Hospital. He was also active in the Boy Scouts in his earlier years.

He is survived by a son, Phillip R. Bullwinkel and his wife Susan of Clarks Summit, PA.

He is survived by two daughters, Margaret A. Borcherdt and her husband Gene of Saugerties, NY and Alice Lehrhaupt and her husband Floyd of Milford, PA; a brother, Albert “Al” Bullwinkel of Rochester, NY; a sister, Marjorie “Marge” Schmidlin of Lakeville, PA; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Anne; and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main Street, Port Jervis, NY on Friday, June 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 9, with a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s R.C. Church.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY.

MARIE RUDZINSKAS

Marie Rudzinskas of White Lake, NY, a 25-year area resident and an employee of Wal-Mart in Monticello, NY, died on Monday, May 21, 2007 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was 60.

The daughter of Leonard and Susie Ferola Cacciatore, she was born on November 11, 1946 in Bronx, NY.

A family statement reads, “Marie was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend who brought happiness and joy to whoever crossed her path. Gone to heaven 5-20-07, but not forgotten. P.S. Marie left the building. P.S.S. Shine on you crazy diamond.”

She is survived by her mother, Susie Cacciatore of White Lake; her husband of 44 years, Thomas Rudzinskas at home; a son, Vance Rudzinskas of White Lake; a daughter, Dorothy Minieri of Brooklyn, NY; a brother, Leonard Cacciatore of New Jersey; a sister, Dianne Winne of Georgetown, SC; and a grandson, Harrison Storm Rudzinskas.

She was predeceased by a brother, Anthony and a sister, Margaret Caruso.

There will be no visitation or services.

ROLLAND J. ST. THOMAS

Rolland J. St. Thomas, an 18-year resident of Sparrowbush, NY and a retired Master Sgt. for the U.S. Military, Ft. Lee, VA, died Monday, May 28, 2007 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. He was 76.

The son of the late George and Rose Slyman St. Thomas, he was born on December 17, 1930 in Massena, NY.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Port Jervis, NY; a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War and Vietnam; a member of the American Legion; and a member of the Roosa-Fleming V.F.W. Post #161, Port Jervis.

He is survived by his wife at home, Betty Wendtlandt St. Thomas; daughter Julie Ann St. Thomas and her husband Gene Terpening of Littleton, CO; three brothers, Richard St. Thomas, Wayne Brown and Earl Brown, all of Watertown, NY; three grandchildren, Griffin, Gillian and Nolan; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 1, 2007 at the First Baptist Church, Port Jervis with the Rev. James Brosius officiating. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush with military honors.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.