Obituaries – June 19, 2015

James P. Browne III

March 13, 1962-June 15, 2015

To the surprise and sorrow of his children, family, and friends, James P. Browne III of Cornwall ,and a long time resident of New City, died unexpectedly on June 15. He was the son of Marilyn Browne of New Windsor, and James P. Browne Jr. of Millville, Penn.

He is survived by his children James P. Browne IV, Cassie Marie, Annie Rose and dog Sandy Allawushes; along with his sisters Sharon McCaffrey (Rick) and Linda Browne and nieces and nephews Kelly, Tara, Matt, Madison, and Tyler. Jim graduated from Clarkstown South and Rockland Community College and worked in Local 731 Laborers Union in New York City.

He was always his kids #1 fan, attending every game and ensuring every practice was made. A man who didn’t have much but always gave all he had. So many people will remember his humorous personality and positive outlook on life.

Gone too soon he was dearly loved by everyone and will be dearly missed by all who knew his kindness, easygoing nature and wonderful smile.

May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back until we meet again. Rest in peace and stay awesome!

His family will receive visitors from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, June 19 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St. Cornwall-on-Hudson. A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson St, in Cornwall-on-Hudson, and will be followed by burial at St. Thomas Cemetery on Mailler Avenue in Cornwall.

Thurl Andrew Merritt

May 29, 1930-June 10, 2015

Thurl Andrew Merritt, owner of Merritt Florist along with his wife Barbara from 1955-1989 and a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley – Newburgh, Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson, entered into rest suddenly on June 10, 2015.  He was 85.

The son of the late Emmett Patrick and (Edna) Marjorie (Corwin) Merritt, Thurl was born on May 29, 1930 in Newburgh. He married the late Barbara Jean Merritt on June 8, 1952.

Thurl received his bachelor’s degree in floriculture from Cornell University. He was an avid supporter of conservation, particularly the Hudson Valley, and preservationist of historical architecture. He also enjoyed music, church, family, traveling, his garden and books. He and his brother also restored and maintained the Highland Cemetery grounds in Middlehope. Thurl was a member of the Lions Club, Cornwall Business Men’s Association, Masonic Temple, Amphion Glee Club, and served as an Elder Trustee for Union Presbyterian Church in Newburgh, where he was also a member of the choir for a number of decades.

Thurl is survived by his children: Robin Prokosch of Walton Beach, Fla., Craig Merritt of San Francisco, Calif., Glenn Merritt of Olympia, Wash.; daughter-in-law Debra Merritt of Olympia; his sister, Pamela Donato, brother-in-law Alan Clarke, sister-in-law Helen Merritt; grandchildren: Marjorie Prokosch, Matthew Merritt and Kyle Merritt; nieces and nephews: James Merritt, Susan Merritt, Christopher Donato, Kelly Galeas, Jan Patawski, Judy Aopp and Paul Clarke. In addition to his wife of 59 years, he was also predeceased by his brother Roger Merritt, and  brothers-in-law David Clarke and Carmen Donato.

A service for Thurl will be held at a date and time to be determined at Union Presbyterian Church, 44 Balmville Rd. Newburgh, with Reverend David Mason officiating.

Arrangements were under the care of Brooks Funeral Home.