Harry S. Houlis
August 5, 1932-April 8, 2015
A linguist, a comedian, a thespian, a musician and a retired military officer walk into a restaurant. The owner says, “What can I do for you, Harry?” Harry Houlis was all that and more.
Fluent in six languages, Herry could tell a joke in each one of them. Loved by his family and friends, anyone who met him left with a smile on his or her face. The father in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Bardavon, he also played in “12 Angry Men” (he did not play all 12 parts). In addition, he acted as Santa Paws for the Canine Sanctuary, a local Humane Society. He played the ukulele, the banjo and the keyboard. In his college days at St. Lawrence University, he directed and sang in an a capella chorus, the Singing Saints. Harry was also an active member, past president and grand marshall of the Cornwall Independence Day Committee for many years.
Upon graduating from St. Lawrence, Harry joined the Army as a 2nd lieutenant. He was posted to several locations worldwide and also became an Army Ranger. While serving in the Army, he earned a Master of Arts degree from Michigan Central University. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
Predeceased by his daughter Dianne (2011), he is survived by his partner of 20 years, Linda Jobson, and his children: Kathryn, Christopher, Harry Jr., Andreana, Alexandra and Peter. In addition, Harry had 16 granchildren and three great-grandchildren, He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on July 11 at Donahue Memorial Park in Cornwall-on-Hudson. Contributions in his memory can be sent to The Canine Sanctuary, PO Box 52, Mountainville, NY 10953.
Daniel Ryan
February 25, 1930-May 3, 2015
Daniel Ryan, of Cornwall entered into eternal rest on May 3 at Campbell Hall Rehabilitation Center. He was 85 years old.
The son of Patrick and Margaret Ryan, he was born on February 25, 1930 in Co. Limerick, Ireland. He was retired after working as a carpenter for Schoonmaker Homes.
Daniel Ryan honorably and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1950-1954. He was a dedicated softball umpire for Cornwall Little League.
Daniel Ryan is survived by his wife of 63 years, Una Ryan; children: Major Brendan Ryan U.S.M.C. (predeceased) and wife Cathy Ryan, Kerry Ryan, Deirdre Ryan and wife, Melanie Mann-Ryan; grandchildren: Brendan Ryan, Eamonn Ryan, Deirdre Buchanan, Roland Monroe and Christina Monroe.
The family received visitors from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St. Cornwall-on-Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Friday, May 8 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church. Fr. Andrew Kurzyna will officiate. Cremation will be private.
Walter Taylor
February 19, 1921-May 1, 2015
Lifelong area resident Walter Taylor of Cornwall-on-Hudson passed away on May 1. He was 94.
The son of John and Minnie Taylor, Walter was born in the Town of Newburgh . He was predeceased by his wife, Doris, and four brothers, John, Gordon, George and James. For 10 years, Walter and his family resided in the Village of Montgomery.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Kane and husband, Richard, son, Wayne Taylor and wife, Martha, and son, Mark Taylor and wife, Amy; six grandchildren, Elisabeth Nye and husband Charles, Amanda Taylor and husband Matthew Saunders, Emily Taylor and Daniel Skinner, Justin Kane and wife Amy Kane, Meredith Taylor and husband Joshua Hunn and Nathan Kane; and five great grandchildren, Jackson, Isabella, Joel, Isaac and Zebulon. He is additionally survived by his brother, Kenneth Taylor, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walter served his country for 63 years, first with the Quarter Master at West Point, then in the United States Army during World War II at the Panama Canal, then as a civilian employee of the West Point Post Engineers from 1946 to 1979 and finally with the Army Athletic Association from 1980 to 2002. He worked on the first control tower at Stewart Field as well as the creation of Camp Buckner. He took great pride in his carpentry, having constructed the family home and numerous other projects besides his jobs at West Point. He and his wife Doris were avid square dancers and auction goers. He also enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Orange Lake Fish and Game Club.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Contributions in his name may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, Newburgh S.C.A.T.S. and the Orange County Land Trust.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of White & Venuto Funeral Home.