GEORGE W. GRIES

George W. Gries of Milanville, PA, died unexpectedly at home Friday, October 10, 2008.

He is survived by his wife, the former Marian Sheard.

Born in Damascus, PA, son of the late Russell and Beatrice Weber Gries, he was a retired farmer and truck driver. George was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His family and anyone else could always count on his helping hand. George also did butchering for many years. He was outgoing, friendly and was a positive thinker. He was an active member of Calkins Union Baptist Church and served as Deacon in the past.

He is also survived by daughters Linda L. Bayshore and husband Thomas of Washingtonville, PA, and Carol Sams and husband Walter of Coram, Long Island; son Roger Gries and wife Mary of Milanville; five grandchildren, Jeremy Gries and wife Holly, Nathan Gries and wife Amy, Adam Gries, Emily Ross and husband Ken, and Alex Saul; five great-grandchildren; brothers LeRoy and wife Elizabeth, Charles Sr. and wife Alice Mae, Allen, Harold, Walter and wife Rose, Vernon Gries and wife Norma; and sisters Alice Turner, Joyce Fuchs, Rosemary Bayly, Gloria Kreamer and husband and Lena Glossenger and husband David.

He was preceded in death by grandson Roger George Gries, Jr.; granddaughter-in-law Stacie O’Connell; brothers Howard, Russell and Gerald; and sisters Helen Gries-Wilcox and Alma Gries Hitty.

Funeral services were on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in the Calkin Union Baptist Church with Rev. Lane Jones officiating. Interment followed in the Calkins Union Cemetery.

CARMINE PETRIGLIANO

Carmine Petrigliano of Highland Lake, NY, a longtime area resident, died on Thursday. October 9, 2008 at Bon Secours Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. He was 81.

The son of the late Anthony and Victoria Corrado Petrigliano, he was born February 13, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY. He was the widower of Dolores Petrigliano, to whom he was married for over 50 years.

Carmine was a retired design engineer and one of the first Lunar Modulars design engineers. A navy veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Bethany Christian Fellowship, Eldred, NY; the Tusten-Highland VFW; and the Highland Senior Center.

A family statement read, “Dad loved to travel. He was a nature and animal lover. He loved the river area, but stayed close to his Brooklyn family and roots. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and companion.”

He is survived by daughter Dolores Josefowitz and husband Sam of Highland Lake; sons Anthony Petri of Delaware, Carl Petrie and wife Diane of Levittown, NY, Victor Petrigliano and wife Lorraine of Manorville, NY, and Michael Petrigliano of Long Island; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; two nieces; Victoria Como and husband Carlo and Mary Angela Ledogar; great nieces and nephews; and his companion, Joyce Ashley of Highland Lake.

Carmine was predeceased by his wife; daughter Blanche Barnes; great-grandson David Gore Jr.; sister Antoinette Rizzo and brother Albert.

Funeral services took place on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY. Burial followed at Montoza Cemetery, Eldred, NY.

JOHN SISKA

John Siska of Jeffersonville, NY, a retired superintendent for the New York City Sanitation Department, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Achieve Nursing and Rehab Center, Liberty, NY. He was 91.

The son of John and Elizabeth Kopdcky Siska, he was born August 3, 1917, in New York. John was the husband of Elsie Katona Siska, a member and past president of the First Lutheran Church of Jeffersonville and a life member of Clarence Hoyt Post #9217, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran of WW II and was awarded the Bronze Star. Prior to WW II, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Western U.S.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elsie Katona Siska at home; son John S. and wife Arlene of Liberty, NY; one grandson, John T. Siska of Poughkeepsie, NY; one granddaughter, Kristina Siska of Long Island; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Eve Siska; brothers Paul and Edward; and a sister, Elizabeth.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 11, at Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Jeffersonville with Pastor Kit Robison officiating. Burial followed in Jeffersonville Lutheran Cemetery, Jeffersonville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Jeffersonville, or the charity of one’s choice.

RICHARD C. WILLIAMS

Richard C. Williams of Forestburgh, NY, a lifetime Sullivan County resident, passed away on Sunday October 5, 2008 at Albert Einstein Medical Center in the Bronx. He was 68.

The son of the late Harry and Muriel Baum Williams, he was born on October 9, 1939 in Jeffersonville, NY.

Richard was the retired owner-operator of R & M Feed Store in Monticello, NY and was previously employed at Inter-County Coop in Woodridge, NY in both the feed and plastics division. He was a member of Liberty Lodge #521 F&AM where he served as Past District Deputy; the Jeffersonville Methodist Church; the Catskill Regional Antique Automobile Association; and the AACA. He was a former Boy Scout leader, a former member of the Sullivan West school board and a former state agricultural inspector.

“Richard was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed caning and refinishing furniture. He will be dearly missed.”

He leaves behind his wife, Marion Williams at home; daughter Julie Williams of Montgomery, NY; stepdaughters Deborah Pittaluga and Dianne Martinez, both of Monticello; sister Barbara Barnes and her husband Ronald of Richfield Springs, NY; cousin Virginia Lindsley; grandchildren Carlo and Aimee Pittaluga, Marlena and Michael Egan, Jesse Martinez and Dominic Martinez; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Richard.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, October 11 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Forestburgh with the Rev. Ivan Csete officiating. The Liberty Lodge #521 F7AM held services just prior to the Mass. Burial of ashes will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Bethel, NY.

Donations may be made to Liberty Lodge #521 F&AM, P.O. Box 521 Liberty, NY 12754 or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460.