BLAIR AUSTIN

Blair “Smokey” Austin, a lifelong Hawley, PA resident, died September 2, 2007 at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, PA. He was 72.

The son of the late Charles Austin and Martha Wheeler Austin, he was born in Hawley.

Blair was a master craftsman and he worked for many county and state agencies. He retired in 2000.

He is survived by his wife, Duane E. Austin of Hawley; his daughters, Ruth Daniels of Hawley and Ann Austin of Hawley; his grandchildren, Jessie, Becca, Nick, Jake, Justin, Emily, Jared, Austin, Margaret, Glenn, Nancy and Mark; his sisters, Eleanor Shedlock of South Caanan, PA, Helen Austin of Matamoras, PA, Barbara of Frisbie, FL, Martha Friable of Matamoras, PA and Paula Anderson of Arizona; his brothers, Bruce Austin of Hawley and John Austin of Milanville, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Blair Jr.

Funeral services will be held at Teeters’ East Chapel on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. William Samford will officiate. Visitation was on September 5, 2007 at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Adel, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Church St, Hawley, PA 18428.

MICHAEL JONATHAN BRYANT

Michael Jonathan Bryant died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 2, 2007 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA. An advocate for organ and tissue donor programs, his family was able to honor his wishes and give the gift of life.

The son of William and Debra Bryant, he was born on February 21, 1980.

Michael worked with his father and brother on Highland Farm, a dairy farm established in 1841, and was a co-owner of Calkins Creamery, launched this spring. He always greeted farm visitors with a smile and wave, while chasing his favorite dogs, Millie, Kohl and Buddy. Mike proudly belonged to the Beach Lake Volunteer Fire Company and liked visiting train museums and amusement parks. His greatest joy, however, was his nieces and nephews. A beloved uncle, he leaves behind Aiden, Mollie, Ethan, Elyse and Caleb, who will carry on his legacy—loving family and friends and helping other people. Mike graduated from Honesdale High School in 1999, where he participated in Special Olympics. He was an active Wayne County 4-H’er for 11 years, most notably capturing Grand Champion Hog honors at the 1992 Wayne County Fair and Grand Champion Holstein at the 1995 Wayne County Fair.

Mike is survived by his parents, William and Debra Bryant, Honesdale, PA; three siblings, Carrie Bomgardner of Mifflinburg, PA, Zachary of Honesdale and Emily Montgomery of Honesdale; and his grandmothers, Doris Bryant of Honesdale and Elladene Leibold of Monroe, VA.

He is predeceased by his grandfathers, Donald Bryant and Robert Leibold.

Friends and family may attend a Memorial Service to celebrate Mike’s life on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the Beach Lake Community Fire Hall at 2:00 p.m. and are encouraged to share their fondest “Mike” stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern PA, Wayne County 4-H Development Fund, Beach Lake Volunteer Fire Company or any other community service organization.

BETTY LOUISE CARLEO

Betty Louise Carleo of Yulan, NY passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2007 in Orlando, FL. She was 83.

The daughter of the late Carl and Bessie Corber, she was born January 23, 1924 in Atchison, KS.

Betty Lou was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was helpful and kind. Betty Lou was an avid reader and enjoyed working crossword puzzles. She welcomed family and friends with hugs and kisses as they entered her home. She listened to their stories, offered advice, cooked amazing meals and made everyone feel important.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas Carleo and wife Denise of Queens Village, NY and Scott and wife Laurie of Flushing, NY; four daughters, Kathryn of Las Vegas, NV, Laura and husband Vincent of San Diego, CA, Patricia and husband Craig of Winter Springs, FL and Jennifer and husband Shawn of Pond Eddy, NY; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Gladys Witte and Alice J. Grim.

In addition to her parents, Betty Lou was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, who passed on July 31, 2007, Sebastian F. “Buster” Carleo; one brother, Jack; two sisters, Lotus and Mary Faith; two daughters, Barbara Marie and Lisa Marie; a son-in-law, William; and a grandson, Jason.

Memorial services for Betty and her late husband, Sebastian, will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Malverne Bible Church located in Malverne, NY and on Monday, September 10, 2007 at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church located in Yulan. All are welcome to attend.

The National Cremation Society performed cremation. Burial will take place at St. Anthony’s of Padua Cemetery located in Eldred, NY at the convenience of the family.

DONNA G. DEGROAT

Donna G. DeGroat of Matamoras, PA, a retired seamstress for Vicki’s Bridal, Milford, PA, passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Place, Port Jervis, NY. She was age 69.

The daughter of the late Harry and Ona Little Gillette, she was born in Matamoras on March 16, 1938.

Donna was married to the late Frederick DeGroat. She was a member of The Hope Evangelical Church and Choir, Matamoras; former member Ladies Auxiliary, Matamoras Fire Department; and former member of the Community Chorus.

Donna is survived by two daughters, Pamela Babb and husband Gary of Matamoras and Jane McKean of Huguenot, NY; a son, Kevin DeGroat and wife Terry of Matamoras; a sister, Barbara Toussaint and husband Pete of Matamoras, three brothers, Bill Gillette and wife June of Colorado, Irving Gillette and wife Charlotte of Pennsylvania and Paul Gillette and wife Sandy of Texas; a brother-in-law, Donald Paulus of Barryville, NY; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Donna was predeceased by her sister, Irene Paulus.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, September 2, 2007 at the Hope Evangelical Church, Matamoras. The Rev. Robert Grieve officiated. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras.

Contributions may be made to Matamoras Fire Department, P.O. Box 252, Matamoras, PA 18336 or The Hope Evangelical Church, 300 First Street, Matamoras, PA 18336.

JUDITH A. REYNOLDS

Judith A. Reynolds, a retired manager of the VEO Store in Rock Hill, NY, died at home on Thursday, August 30, 2007. She was 62.

The daughter of Woodrow King Sr. and Frances (Erion) King, she was born in Teaneck, NJ on November 21, 1944.

She is survived by her mother, Frances Gusty of Mongaup Valley, NY; her husband, Alan “Moose” Reynolds at home in Monticello, NY; a daughter, Tracy Whitney and husband Rick of Highland Lake, NY; two sons, Frances “Rusty” James Welsch of Monticello and Robert Welsch and wife Cheryl of Monticello; a sister, Sharon Nastro of Mongaup Valley; a brother, Robert King and wife Barbara of Queensbury, NY; five grandchildren; Joan Dailey of Monticello who was like a sister; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her son, Ronald Welsch; her brother, Woodrow King Jr.; and her father, Woodrow King Sr.

Funeral service was held Monday, September 3, 2007 at VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc., Monticello. Father Robert Ginel officiated. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family at the Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Hospice of Sullivan and Orange County, 800 Stony Brook Court. Newburgh, NY 12550.

EDITH S. JACKSON ROESLER

Edith S. Jackson Roesler, a resident of Narrowsburg, NY, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2007.

The daughter of Herman and Josephine Scott, she was born December 31, 1906 in New Haven, CT, where she lived until graduating college to become a school teacher.

Edith was predeceased by two sisters and one brother. Her sister Mildred lives in Hampton, VA. She married Edwin Jackson and they made their home in Great Neck, Long Island, NY where they raised their two sons, Edwin and Scott. After her first husband’s death, she later married Walter Roesler. Upon his death, she resumed work again at the Great Neck Park District and retired from there at the age of 88. She sadly lost her son, Scott, 21 years ago. She was an amazing woman, loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her throughout her 100-plus years here in this life.

She is survived by her son, Edwin Jackson and his wife Chris of California; her sister, Mildred; four grandchildren, Stacey, Elisa, Dianne and Rebecca; three great grandchildren, Michael, Lisa and Jackson; and two step-grandchildren, Jennifer and Kenny.

There will be no viewing. Funeral arrangements are being directed by Rasmussen’s Funeral Home in Narrowsburg. Her burial and graveside service were at All Saint’s Cemetery in Great Neck, Long Island on August 30th, 2007.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY, 12550. Her family is immensely grateful for the wonderful, loving care they gave her in this past year.

DELIA ZUKAS

Delia Zukas of Barryville, NY, a housewife and a longtime resident of the area, passed away on Monday, September 3 , 2007 at home. She was 89.

The daughter of the late John and Delia Harold Friest, she was born June 21, 1918 in the Bronx, NY.

Delia was married 30 years to the late Algie Zukas Sr., who passed away in 1986. She was a member of St. Anthony R.C. Church of Pauda, Yulan, NY. A family statement read, “Delia was a devoted family member and a friend to all. She will greatly be missed by all that knew her; we will miss her greatly.”

She is survived by her brother Walter Friest of Cherry Valley, NV, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband; her son, Algie Zukas Jr.; and her 11 brothers and sisters.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony R.C. Church of Pauda. Rev Anthony Moore OFM will officiate. Cremation will follow at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Mel, PA. Burial of the cremains will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Eldred, NY at the convenience of the family.

Donations can be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice.