HAROLD B. BJORKLUND

Harold B. Bjorklund of Pinellas Park, FL, formerly of Long Eddy, NY, Callicoon, NY and Mileses, NY died on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Gracewood Nursing Home. He was 87.

The son of Charl and Ida Hinder Bjorklund, he was born in Long Eddy on October 7, 1921.

Mr. Bjorklund graduated from Long Eddy High School in 1939 and graduated first in his class from the State of New York Maritime College in Fort Schuyler in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the Japanese surrendered, he returned home and purchased a farm.

He was the retired director of the Sullivan County Department of Weights and Measures, supervisor of the Town of Fremont from 1954-55, director of Callicoon Cooperative Insurance, a member of the Delaware Valley School Board, the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Kiwanis, a member and treasurer of the Callicoon Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the United Methodist Church of Fremont Center, and caretaker and treasurer of the Long Eddy Cemetery Association, where his funeral service and burial will be.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pearl Bjorklund; daughter Lois Lukas of St. Petersburg, FL; son Dr. Robert Bjorklund and wife Anna and their three children, of Sweden; and nephews Timothy Esolen of NC and Thomas Esolen of Liberty, NY.

He was predeceased by a son, Richard; sister Helen Esolen; niece Michele Karadontes; and nephew Charles Esolen.

Before leaving the area, he donated the land for the ballfield to the Town of Fremont, now named Bjorklund Field.

JEANNETTE DAVIS

Jeannette Davis of Highland Lake, NY died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 25, 2009. She was 45

She was born June 4, 1964 to Thomas and Jeannette Mims of Waldwick, NJ.

She was married March 12, 1988 to Orson Davis Jr.; they were married for 21 years. They had two beautiful daughters, Heather Lynne and Caitlin Mary.

She also leaves behind sister Dawn Mims of Barryville, NY; brothers Kenneth Mims and wife Angela of Greeley, PA and Thomas Mims and wife Patti of San Jose, CA; nieces Melissa , Kristen, Kelly, Alainna and Hannah; and nephews Jason, Kristopher and Thomas III.

She is predeceased by a sister, Diana; and her father. She thought the world of Uncle John Macejka and Aunt Mary Ann Logalbo.

She will be sadly missed by family and friends. Her husband thanks her for being by his side through the ups and downs. Jeannette helped anyone in need. She was a great wife, mother and true friend. She served as an assistant coach for the Eldred cheer-leading team and a Girl Scout leader.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Friday, July 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Harrison-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 3 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s R.C. Church, Shohola, PA. Father Thomas Major will officiate.

Burial of the remains will be in Montoza Cemetery, Eldred, NY at a later date.

Donations can be made to Eldred American Legion Ambulance Service P.O. Box 63 Eldred, NY 12732.

JOHN DEXHEIMER

John Dexheimer, of Milanville, PA, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2009 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 48.

John was a generous, fun loving, hardworking man who put his family and friends first. He enjoyed camping, fishing and his dog, Cocoa.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Melaney Stanton Dexheimer; children Christopher Dexheimer and wife Linda of Scranton, PA, Tonya Dexheimer and finance Kyle Saylor of Honesdale, PA, Bonnie Krause and husband Lee of Honesdale and Daniel Dexheimer of Milanville; grandsons Zachary Tyler, C.J. and Brody Dexheimer and Benjamin Krause.

He is also survived by his mother, Thelma Wilcox Dexheimer; brothers Clyde Dexheimer of Lake Ariel, PA and James Dexheimer of Honesdale; sisters Donna Smith and Kelly Canfield of Honesdale, Nancy Robinson of Scranton, Brenda Hazen of Tunkhannock, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Dexheimer; brother Robert; and nephew Mark.

Funeral services were held at the Hessling Funeral Home, Honesdale, on Thursday, July 2, officiated by Rev. Birney Kellogg.

Donations may be made to the John Dexheimer Memorial Fund, c/o The Dime Bank, 820 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431.

SIERRA SKYE GORE

Sierra Skye Gore of Cuddebackville, NY, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. She was three.

She was born February 11, 2006 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of David Carmine and Kim Marie Nugent Gore.

A family statement reads: “Taken from us too soon, Sierra will always be remembered for her love of song and her ability to make everyone around her smile. There aren’t enough words to express the depth of our feelings of loss.”

Survivors include her parents at home; grandparents Al and Anita Gore of Monroe Twp., NJ, John Barnes of Barryville, NY, Peggy Flors of Pearl River, NY and Ronald Nugent and wife Pat of Lake George, NY; brothers Bradley Storey, Kenneth Hokenson and Conor Gore; sister Krystal Nugent; godfather Joey Levato; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was predeceased by her brother, David Gore Jr.; and grandparents Blanche Barnes and Frank Flors.

Funeral services were held at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, Inc., Port Jervis on Friday, June 26. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cuddebackville Fire Department, Route 211, Cuddebackville, NY 12729.

RAYMOND J. HERRMANN

Raymond J. Herrmann of Callicoon, NY, a retired heavy equipment operator with Local #825, Newburgh, NY and a lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY. He was 78.

The son of the late Richard and Katherine Yurachek Herrmann, he was born March 11, 1931 in the Town of Fremont, NY.

He was a graduate of Roscoe High School, a life member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Liberty Elks Lodge #1545. In his early life, Ray worked the family farm in Roscoe, NY with his brothers and sisters and continued working the farm until the passing of his mother in 1970. He was also a heavy equipment operator in the construction of many major highways and buildings. His leisure time was devoted to hunting and outdoor activities that he loved so much.

Survivors include brother Richard J. Herrmann and wife Jeanne of Delmar, NY; sister Sylvia Sheridan of Tamarac, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers Rudolph J., Robert J., and Ronald J. Herrmann; and sister Adela Kalankiewicz.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the Harris Funeral Home, Roscoe, NY. The Rev. Frances Waite officiated.

Burial was made in the Fremont Center Cemetery, Fremont Center, NY.

Contributions may be made to the Fremont Center Community Church, c/o Elizabeth Peters, Peters Rd., Callicoon, NY 12723.

RITA J. KUHN

Rita J. Kuhn, of Lackawaxen, PA and lifelong resident of the area, passed away quietly on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. She was 73.

The daughter of the late Robert and Martha Wagner Simonson, she was born in Rowland, PA on August 31, 1935.

Rita was a retired cashier at Xtra Mart, Lords Valley, PA and a member of the Lackawaxen Ladies Auxiliary. A family statement reads: “Rita was an incredible mother, wife and friend. She was fiercely loyal and adored her children and grandchildren. She was an avid crocheter, knitter, reader and baker. She will be dearly missed.”

She is survived by her children, Joyce L. Kuhn, Judy and Curt Conklin, Mark and Marie Kuhn; stepchildren Kenneth G. and Penolope Kuhn; grandchildren Cherie, Amie and Kenny Jo Kuhn, Jessica and Cliff Wade, Tori Kuhn, Joseph Brush, Michael, Nicholas, Christina and Michelle Kuhn; three great-grandchildren; brothers David Simonson of Florida and Forest Simonson of Rowland, PA; several nieces, nephews, cousins and her little friend “Chips.”

She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth W. Kuhn.

Visitation was on Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, 2009 at the Harrison-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 27 at the Harrison-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY.

Burial was in Lackawaxen Cemetery, Lackawaxen, PA.

Donations can be made to Wayne Memorial Hospice 601 Park St. Honesdale, PA 18431 or American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma, OK 73123-1718.

CHESTER ‘CHET’ OSET

Chester “Chet” Oset of Yulan, NY passed away at home on June 27, 2009.

The son of the late Mary Bornstein, he was born in Olyphant, PA.

Chet served his country in the U.S. Navy. After he returned from the war in the Pacific, Chet had an increased sense of volunteerism and patriotism, and he gave back to his community without expecting anything in return, while raising a family and working three jobs. He was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation.”

Chet was the retired proprietor of the Eldred Dairy and Chet’s Dairy; a member of the St. Anthony’s Parish in Yulan, a charter member, trustee and past chief of the Yulan Fire Department, lifetime member of the Yulan Rod & Gun Club, and a lifetime member and vice president of the Beaver Brook Rod & Gun Club. Chet also belonged to the American Legion & Ambulance Corps, VFW and Elks Club. He was a Little League umpire and field caretaker for many years.

In addition to his wife Helen of 60 years, he is survived by children Diane Guendel and husband Fred of Baton Rouge, LA, Patricia Butler and husband Tom of Jacksonville, FL, Judith Oset and partner Michelle Vodopia of Provincetown, MA, Jackie Ryman and husband Maurice of Yulan and Michael Oset and wife, Marikate of Yulan; and eight grandchildren, Becky Ryman, Kelly Leavenworth, Chris Ryman, Claire Dodge, Nicholas Guendel, Celia Oset, Alexander Guendel and Timothy Oset.

He is predeceased by his son, Chester M.; and brothers Joseph, Stanley, Walter and Henry.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church in Yulan on Wednesday, July 1. Memorial and honorary services followed at the Yulan Ball Field.

Donations may be made to Yulan Fire Department, St. Anthony’s Church, American Legion Post #1363, or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.

BERTHA ‘BERTIE’ PRINCE

Bertha Prince of Silver Spring, MD, formerly of Little Neck, NY, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2009. She was 87.

She was born August 2, 1921.

A family statement reads, in part: “She worked at a school for handicapped children and she was dedicated to her family. If there was a wrong that needed righting she was there; if there was a group that needed organizing she was there. Some of the life lessons that will stay with us are: ‘choose your battles,’ ‘nothing is forever,’ ‘this too shall pass,’ and if something broke she’d put it into perspective by saying ‘nobody died.’ She was a first-class lady who will be greatly missed by family and friends.”

She is survived by daughters Carol Bloom and husband Kenneth of White Lake, NY and Ellen Green and husband Howard of Ashton, MD; grandchildren Tamara and Nate Stuart, Matthew Green, Michael and Jessica Bloom, Daniel Bloom; two great grandchildren; a special niece Marilyn Gilbert; brother-in-law Robert Gilbert; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was laid to rest on Long Island next to the love of her life, husband Milton, who died in September of 1988.

PASQUALE E. ‘PAT’ SALIMENO

Pasquale E. “Pat” Salimeno, 1st Sgt USMC Ret, of Masten Lake, NY, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris, NY. He was 81.

He was born May 18, 1928 in Westerly, RI to the late Anthony and Julia Kemmer Salimeno and was raised with two younger brothers, Ronald and Kenneth, both deceased.

Pat served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1948 until retirement in 1970. Tours of duty included Viet Nam and Korea, and he was awarded the Purple Heart for combat injuries in Korea on August 12, 1950. Other military awards included Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Citation and Expert Badge in Rifle. He was the first military advisor to the Seabees in Davisville, RI for four and a half years. Following military service, he began a 22-year career with the State of New York, first with the NYS Alcohol & Drug Control Commission and then the NYS Correction Department, retiring in 1992.

Pat was past president of the Masten Lake Sports Association, a member of the Calabrese Society of Westerly, RI, Catskill Fly Fishing Museum, Fleet Reserve Association, VFW Wurtsboro Post and the Purple Heart Hall of Fame.

Survivors include his wife Joyce Lowe Salimeno at home; their pet Nikki; sister-in-law Martha Salimeno; son David; daughter Carol; three grandchildren, a niece, nephew and cousins; and many devoted friends.

Services with Marine Corps Honor Guard and NYS Honor Guard took place on Sunday, June 28 at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, Monticello, NY, officiated by Rev. Paul Case. Cremation was private and interment of cremains took place privately in the North Branch Heavenly Rest Cemetery in North Branch, NY.

Donations may be made to CRMC Foundation Salimeno SNU Special Fund, P.O. Box 800, Harris, NY 12742.

MARGARET M. VAVERCHAK

Margaret M. Vaverchak died Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in Ellen Memorial Health Care Center, Honesdale, PA. She was 93.

She was married to the late Andrew Vaverchak who died in 1992.

Born in South Canaan, PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Swingle VanLeuven.

She is survived by son Stephen Vaverchak and wife Nancy of Milanville, PA; grandchildren Andrew Vaverchak and fiance Melissa of Maine, and Anissa Vaverchak and Sean of Milanville; and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by sister Irene Naibel; brothers Robert, James and Lewis Van Leuven; and an infant daughter, Marion.

There will be a private service at the convenience of the family.

JOE M. WEBER

Joe M. “Yodelin’ Joe” Weber of Honesdale, PA died in hospice care Tuesday, June 23, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 72.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Anna Grieshaber.

Born in Beach Lake, February 24, 1937, he was the son of the late Kenneth R. and Anne Frisbie Weber.

He graduated from Honesdale High School, class of 1954, and served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he met his wife. He was the owner of Joe M. Weber Painting for 30 years. Joe was a country music singer and enjoyed calling square dances and yodeling.

In addition to his wife, surviving are daughters Irene Reina and husband Peter of Beach Lake, PA and Cynde Kielar and husband Michael of Hawley, PA; sister Margaret Beck and husband Reverend Donald P. Beck of Honesdale; sister-in-law Carol Budd Weber; grandchildren Jennifer VanStone, Danielle VanStone, Richard D. Matthews and Brandon Hector; two great grandchildren; and two nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his brother, John K. Weber in December, 2008.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 28, 2009 in the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, Honesdale, PA with Rev. Donald P. Beck officiating.

Contributions may be made to the Wayne County Community Foundation, 214 Ninth Street, Honesdale or the Wayne Memorial Hospice, Park and West Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.