Frederick W. Brennan
February 22, 1928- October 14, 2016
Frederick W. Brennan, a lifelong resident of Highland Falls and editor emeritus of The News of the Highlands, died at Elant, Goshen on October 14, 2016 at the age of 88.
The son of Frederick and Mary Brennan, he was born in Newburgh on February 22, 1928.
A graduate of Sacred Heart School, a 1945 graduate of Highland Falls High School, he was also a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in journalism. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II.
Mr. Brennan began his journalism career in 1952 as a reporter and photographer for The News of the Highlands under the guidance of editor LeRoy McCormick. He later became editor of The News and remained in that position until July 2007, and worked several years past that as editor emeritus.
A well-respected journalist, he covered everything from scenes of daily life in Highland Falls to international leaders visiting the U.S. Military Academy. His photographs of presidential visits from Eisenhower to Clinton found their way to the front pages of The News. His writing, photography and graphic design was recognized many times over by The New York Press Association in its Better Newspaper Contest.
Mr. Brennan was also a community servant. He was a founding and lifetime member of the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps, and an honorary member of the Highland Falls Fire Department. He served as a 53-year member of the Highland Falls Planning Board, serving as chairman of the board for decades. He also served on the joint Town of Highlands-Village of Highland Falls Recreation Commission.
He was an unofficial historian for the entire community. He loved to share that history, and was thanked in many ways for that — most recently in the dedication of the book Highlands, by Ronnie Clark Coffey.
Mr. Brennan was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Highland Falls and often played the organ and conducted the choir for services there.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan Melley Brennan.
Other survivors include his sisters-in-law Patricia Dunlap and Elizabeth Melley. In addition, he doted on his loving nieces and nephews James Dunlap, Melissa Melley, Mary Elizabeth Melley, Mary Ann Lewis, James Melley, Christopher Melley, Frederick Dunlap and Megan Shapiro; as well as many great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Lloyd Dunlap and James Melley, as well as his niece Joanie Dunlap Judd.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 24 from 4-7 p.m. at the William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 353 Main St., Highland Falls, with Rev. Michael Palazzo officiating. Burial will follow at Eagle Valley Cemetery, Town of Highlands.
Donations in Fred’s memory can be made to Hudson Valley Honor Flight, PO Box 375, Walden, NY 12586.
Funeral arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 845-446-2868, www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com
Alexander M. Secor Jr.
May 21, 1937-October 14, 2016
Alexander M. Secor, Jr. “Zeke” of Cornwall, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 14 at Emerald Peek Nursing Home in Peekskill. He was 79 years old.
The son of the late Alexander M. Secor, Sr. and Rose Coester Secor, Zeke was born on May 21, 1937 in the Bronx .
He was a retired history teacher at Anthony J. Veraldi Junior High School in Middletown. He was also a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, the Black Rock Fish and Game Club and the Cornwall Baptist Church.
He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed going to flea markets and yard sales, decorating for the holidays, caring for animals, doing crossword puzzles and talking to people. He was a fan of New York Sports teams, John Wayne and classic movies. He will be missed greatly.
Zeke is survived by his loving wife, Arlene J. Annan Secor at home; his son, Alexander M. Secor, III of Cornwall; his daughter, Lisa Secor Daily and husband Steven of Matamoras, Penn.; his granddaughter, Victoria Alexis Secor; numerous cousins; and longtime friend Paul Hauser of Buffalo.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Cornwall Baptist Church, 213 Main Street, Cornwall. Cremation took place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Memorial Contributions can be made in Zeke’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, the ASPCA of Newburgh, NY or the Cornwall Baptist Church.
Irwin B. Sussman
December 1, 1932-October 13, 2016
Irwin B. Sussman passed away on Thursday, Oct. 13, at New York State Veteran’s Home at Montrose, Montrose, N.Y. He was 83 years old. Irwin was a lifelong member of Boy Scouts of America and was the Curator of the Museum at 10 Mile River Boy Scout Camp in Narrowsburg, N.Y. Irwin was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War.
There was no visitation. A graveside service was held on Sunday, Oct. 16 in Orange County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Goshen.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home.