Obituaries – December 16, 2016

Lillian C. Pelella

May 15, 1924-Dec. 6, 2016

Lillian C. Pelella, of New Windsor entered into eternal rest on Dec. 6 at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. She was 92 years old.

The daughter of the late Salvatore and Maria Scocco Villa, Lillian was born on May 15, 1924 in Beacon.

She was employed as a Handbag Sample Maker for Regal Bags in Newburgh for many years.  She was an active member of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Cornwall-on-Hudson.

“Mom will be greatly missed by all…. her constant and enduring love for her family was always evident.  Her faith in God was strong and never wavering.  We give thanks to Almighty God for her 92 years and commend her to His loving mercy.”

In addition to her parents, Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband, John V. Pelella, Sr.  She is survived by her son, John V. Pelella, Jr. and his wife Margaret of Cornwall; her grandsons, Christopher Pelella and his wife, Karen, and Matthew Pelella and his fiancée’ Samantha Hansen; two great-grandchildren, Dominic and Marisa Pelella; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Her family received visitors on Dec. 9 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home in Cornwall-on-Hudson.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Dec. 10 at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, with Rev. Rees Doughty officiating. Entombment followed the Mass at Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Middle Hope, N.Y.

Memorial Contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made to St. Thomas of Canterbury Church or to St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, 70 Dubois Street, Newburgh, NY 12550.

Tom Radford

June 8, 1958-December 10, 2016

Tom Radford of Cornwall, and Palm Bay, Fla. entered God’s Kingdom on Dec. 10. He was 58 years young.

The son of Peggy Radford and Clinton “Bud” Radford, Tom was born June 8, 1958.  He graduated from Cornwall Central High School in 1976.

Tom was an Army veteran, National Guardsman, and petrochemical field engineer for Saybolt Inc and Intertek of New Jersey. He also founded Tom’s Rod and Reel specializing in customized fishing solutions.

Tom is survived by his mother Peggy Radford of Tequesta, Fla., sisters Margie Russo of Jupiter, Fla., Miggy Strano of Warrenton, Va., and brother Brian Radford of Oviedo, Fla. He had several nieces and nephews.

Tom was a fierce and loyal friend, a patriot, and the best brother and son anyone could ever ask for. While his life was shorter than expected, he made a deep impact on everyone he met.  His family described him as “the purest of souls with the most golden heart”.  He will be cherished forever.

Memorial services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 950 Malabar Rd SE, Palm Bay, Fl 32907.  To send condolences or get directions, please go to:www.afcfcare.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Homefront: www.operationhomefront.net/donate.

Robert  “Bob” G. Tarantino

February 21, 1948-December 10, 2016

Robert G. Tarantino, of Cornwall entered into eternal rest on Dec. 10, at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Cornwall. He was 68.

The son of the late George and Gertrude Maki Tarantino, Bob was born on Feb. 21, 1948 in Manhattan.

He was a Certified Public Accountant with the firm of Bencivenga Ward & Company CPAs, PC in Valhalla.

“Bob had a love for music and a passion for good food and wine,” his family said. “He was a New York man through and through, always rooting for the home team, especially his favorite, the Knicks. He loved spending time with his family and taking trips to the Adirondacks. His sense of humor will leave a lasting impression on all who knew him, especially all his Sherlock and Shirley’s. He was extremely proud of his full head of black hair, but even more proud of his grandson Jullian.  He will be missed greatly.”

Bob is survived by his loving wife, KarenMarie E. Humphrey Tarantino, at home; his son, Michael D. Tarantino of Astoria; his daughter, Danielle E. Tarantino Grecula and her husband, Tom, of Astoria ; his grandson, Jullian Grecula; his brother, George Tarantino of the Bronx; his cousins, John and Rosemary, Richard and Linda, Patricia and Michael, and Loretta; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.  Bob was predeceased by his cousin, Margaret “Peggy” Leonforti.

Visitation was held on Dec. 15 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St. Cornwall-on-Hudson.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson. Cremation will be at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, N.Y.

Memorial Contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 121 Executive Dr #200, New Windsor, NY 12553.

Robert “Bob” Vance

November 9, 1936-December 8, 2016

Robert “Bob” Vance of New Windsor passed away on Dec. 8 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh surrounded by his family.

The son of the late Garry L. Vance and Margaret M. Manion Vance he was born on Nov. 29, 1936 in Cornwall. He was retired from Empire National Bank and Amerada Hess Corp., Roseton, N.Y.

He was a former member of the Monroe County Club, and a former New Windsor Republican Committeeman. He graduated from Monroe High School, Orange County Community College and attended St Peter’s College, Jersey City, N.J.

He was a veteran of the U.S Army having been stationed at Military Intelligence School in Maryland during the Vietnam War.

Bob was a good honest man. A devout Catholic, he liked discussing politics, watching the Mets, Jet’s Giants and Rangers. But most of all he loved his family. He liked nothing better than gathering for a good meal and finding out what was going on in their lives. He helped if needed, supported when necessary and worried about everyone he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years Lynn Frascone Vance; his daughters Laura Vance of New Windsor and Lisa Ayers (Jason), Town of Newburgh; his brother Jesse R. Vance (Marge) of Leesburgh, Fla., and his grandson Robert: “Bobby” Ayers, the light of his life. He was predeceased by his brother Vincent C. “Duke” Vance.

His family received visitors on Dec. 12 at the Hudson Valley Funeral Home in New Windsor. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Dec. 13 at St Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh with Father Bill Damroth officiating. Burial with military honors  followed in the Community Cemetery of Monroe.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 14 Memphis, TN 38105 or Kaplan Hospice Residence 800 stony Brook court Newburgh, NY 12550.