James J. Brightbill, Sr.
April 11, 1937-August 23, 2015
James J. Brightbill, Sr., a 57-year resident of the area, passed away, Sunday, Aug. 23 surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.
Son of the late James and Sarah Lichtey Brightbill, he was born on April 11, 1937 in Shamokin, Penn. He was a graduate of GMS Military School of Lewisburg, W.Va., and an Ordained Deacon Organizer and President of PUSH (People United For Self Help) of Lewisburg . He was a member of the Highland Falls Fire Police, and was Santa at the Highland Falls Fire House for many, many years. He was a coach and organizer of the Highland Falls Youth Football League and enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, bowling, swimming and magic. James was a supervising chef and retired after 26 years with the Cadet Mess at U.S.M.A., West Point, NY.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Jeanette A. “Jean” Hughes Brightbill of Cornwall; by his daughter, Deborah J. Malouf and her husband Joseph of Fishkill; by his son James J. Brightbill, Jr. of Newburgh; by his sister,Eleanor Chapman of Indianapolis; and by his brother Russell Brightbill of Coal Township, Penn.; he has five grandchildren: Amy, James, Shannan, Timothy and Michelle; and three great-grandchildren: Reilly, Brennan and Trent. James was predeceased by his sister, Lorraine Moyer.
His family received visitors from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27 at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 519 Blooming Grove Turnpike, New Windsor, with Pastor Gale Dingwell officiating. Interment will follow in Eagle Valley Cemetery, in the Town of Highlands.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 519 Blooming Grove Turnpike, New Windsor, NY 12553.
Michael Graham
Died Aug. 20, 2015
Michael Graham, Cornwall-on-Hudson, passed away unexpectedly at home on Aug. 20. He was the building superintendent of 21 Idlewild for more than 20 years. He was also the caretaker for the Davis family for many years.
Michael was a talented artist who loved to paint and make rock sculptures throughout Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson. Much of his artwork was inspired by his love of outdoors, especially the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain. Michael had a wealth of knowledge, and his memory made for great stories, which he was never without when you met him. He was always willing to help out and his attention to detail was impeccable.
He is survived by his daughters Suzanne and Catherine (Kevin), by his grandchildren Chloe and Audrey, and by his siblings Geraldine, Janine, Daniel, Nadine, Thomas, Jacqueline and Kenneth. He is also survived by his close friends whom he considered his family in Cornwall-on-Hudson — especially Jack and Nancy Brennan, Anne and Gene Duignan (Jane and Daniel), Bill and Patricia Larkin, Barbara Hembree and John Forzono. He was predeceased by his parents, Renee and Theodore, and by his brother Marc.
Michael’s physical presence will be greatly missed but his soul will be forever around. His friends are planning a memorial service at a later date.