James Thomas Ebert
September 3, 1957-April 28, 2017
formerly of Cornwall
James Thomas Ebert, formerly of Cornwall, passed away in Long Beach, Calif. on April 28 after a brief battle with cancer.
A memorial service was held at Resurrection Church in Long Beach, and a private gravesite services is being held with the family.
Jimmy was passionate about serving his community especially being a voice for persons with disabilities. He served as Executive Director of Mid-Point Integrative Services, a non-profit dedicated to providing residency to displaced men and women.
Jimmy, was born Sept. 3, 1957 in Rutherford, N.J., and moved to Cornwall in 1963. He graduated from Cornwall Central High School and studied at LeMoyne College. He worked in Newburgh with the Association for the Help of Retarded Children (AHRC), and brought many of his clients home to dinner.
After moving to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, he sought employment in the theater, but found his true calling in helping those in need. Besides working for non-profits, he often brought sandwiches, clothing and other items to those living on the streets. He shared his favorite saying, “Keep walking,” with the needy, as well as family and friends who sought his counsel. His laughter and humor were ever-present, even in the toughest of situations. He believed in tough love, and would tell those in his care that they couldn talk about their dreams unless they did something that day to work toward them.
He is survived by his brothers Raymond (Mary) Gerard (Jenette), John (Bridget), Edward (Josephina) and Matthew, his sisters Mary (Jack), Joan (Jeff), Julie (Mike), and JoAnn (Doug), brother in law Neal, his aunt Sister Catherine Gerard, O.P., his uncle Edward Ebert and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Raymond and Teresa and sisters Judith and Kathleen Ebert.
Memorial contributions can be made to Access: Supports for Living 15 Fortune Road West, Middletown, NY 10941
David C. Jones
August 5, 1951-June 8, 2017
formerly of Cornwall
David C. Jones, 65, of the Town of Fishkill, died at home on June 8. The son of the late Charles N. Jones and Margaret Yetman Jones of Cornwall, he was born on Aug. 5, 1951. He married Pamela Laffin on Nov. 11, 1994 in Hopewell Junction.
David was a 1969 graduate of Cornwall Central High School and a 1971 graduate of SUNY Delhi and a 1973 graduate of SUNY Oneonta. He was a member of Delta Theta Gamma Fraternity at Delhi and was blessed to remain friends with his fraternity brothers throughout the years.
He was a retired Senior Chemical Operator with Nepera, Inc. in Harriman. David was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1646 in Wappingers Falls. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Wappingers Falls.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pam. He is also survived by his step-children, Richard Laffin and his wife, Mary of Wappingers Falls, Steven Laffin and his wife, Gina of Clinton Corners, and Mary Laffin Hernandez and her husband, Michael of Beacon. Additionally he is survived by five loving grandchildren, Lauren and Michael Hernandez, and Chaz, Timmy and Megan Laffin. Lastly, he is survived by his loving buddy and companion cat, Russell.
His family received friends on June 12 at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, in Wappingers Falls.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on June 13 at St. Mary’s Church in Wappingers Falls, and was followed by entombment in Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in David’s name to the Knights of Columbus, 2660 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Eleanor M. Romanos
June 10, 1929 – June 10, 2017
formerly of Cornwall
Eleanor M. Romanos, of Rhinebeck, N.Y. entered into eternal rest on her birthday, June 10, 2017 at the Baptist Home, Rhinebeck, NY. A former longtime resident of Cornwall, she was 88 years old.
The daughter of the late Ferris Van Buren and Mabel Emma Slocum, Eleanor was born on June 10, 1929 in Newburgh. She was retired after working as a seamstress and foreman for the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Eleanor was a volunteer for the Cornwall Hospital Thrift Shop and an avid traveler, visiting all 50 states and Europe. At home, she was a devoted pet owner, and also enjoyed gardening and collecting family photos.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, George Romanos in 2010. She is survived by her loving daughter, Christine Grausso and her husband, Scott of Pleasant Valley, N.Y.; her brother, Donald Van Buren of Westtown, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Eleanor was also predeceased by her sisters, Doris Van Buren and Vivian Sheridan, who was also her best friend.
Her family received visitors on June 14 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home in Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Cremation was due to be at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, N.Y. Inurnment of cremains will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor at the convenience of the family.
Robert H. Smith
Sept. 13, 1929-June 4, 2017
formerly of Cornwall
Robert H. Smith, Sr., aka “Bob the Tree Climber,” of New Windsor, died on June 4 of a broken heart.
The son of the late Abram W. and Elise Sager Smith, he was born on Sept. 13, 1929 in Cornwall, NY and lived his entire life in Moodna.
He met his wife Jeanie at a roller skating rink, and they were married in Texas on June 16, 1951. They were married for almost 66 years.
Robert operated RH Smith Tree Service for almost 50 years. He retired from IBM Poughkeepsie after 37 years.
He loved the outdoors, being an avid boater, camper, fisherman and hunter. He was a life member of Black Rock Fish and Game Club and was one of their patrolmen for almost 40 years. One of his greatest passions was for helping people. He volunteered at the Cornwall Hospital, Meals on Wheels, VGUMC Food Bank, and the Boy Scouts.
Survivors include: son Robert H. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Jan; daughter Jeanie Maciejko and her husband, Ted; three grandchildren: Jennifer Smith Chess and her husband Caleb, Robert C. Smith, and Jamie L. Maciejko; and great-grandchildren Pandora and Zoe Chess. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Jeanie Lou Smith, on May 20 of this year.
A Memorial Service for both Robert and Jeanie will be held on July 1 at 11 a.m. at the Vails Gate United Methodist Church on Rte 94, with a luncheon held afterwards at the church.
Donations in Robert and Jeanie’s names may be made to the Vails Gate United Methodist Church, 854 Blooming Grove Tpk., New Windsor, NY 12553.
Arrangements are under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home.
Jeannette Zajac Stowe
June 12, 1916-June 6, 2017
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Jeannette Zajac Stowe, a longtime Cornwall-on-Hudson resident, passed away at home on June 6, six days before her 101st birthday.
Jeannette was born on June 12, 1916 in Ora, Ind., to John Michael and Karolina Marecki Zajac.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, she taught in Wisconsin and California before settling in Cornwall with her husband and raising a family. She became a much respected elementary school teacher, who was remembered by students long after her retirement in 1978.
Mrs. Stowe belonged to many organizations, including the Catholic Daughters of America Court Rita #264, the National Temple Hill Association, Orange County Historical Society, Cornwall Garden Club (honored as a 50-year member), Life Member of Federated Garden Club of NYS, The Ingleside, and the Cornwall Hospital Auxiliary. In her later years, she volunteered as a reader for Radio Vision of Middletown, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was a faithful member of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church.
Jeannette was a wonderful baker and cook, and entertained in her elegant style. She traveled to many parts of the world, including her parents’ former home in Krakow, Poland. She will be remembered for her style, energy and grace.
Mrs. Stowe is survived by her sons: Gerald C. Stowe of San Pedro, Calif., and Sheldon L. Stowe and wife Michele of New Windsor; her grandsons: Daniel Stowe of Albany and Eli Stowe of Long Island; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald C. Stowe, her brothers and sisters, and her young daughter Karlyn.
Her family received visitors on June 12 at the James F. Lulves Funeral Home in Cornwall-on-Hudson. A funeral Mass was celebrated on June 13 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church and was followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.
Donations in Jeannette’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.