George J. Bender
January 30, 1926 – December 14, 2017
formerly of Cornwall
George Bender, 91, of Newburgh (formerly from Cornwall) entered into eternal rest, surrounded by his family on Dec. 14.
The son of the late Frank Bender and Anna (Ellingham) Bender, George was retired from the power house at West Point.
George honorably and proudly served his country during World War II as a Fireman First Class in the United States Navy. After the war he followed with a stint in the US Coast Guard.
In his younger years he was an avid fisherman, preferring surf casting from shore. He also spent much time practicing his wit, ready to draw from it at any time in any place. George had a special sweet spot for his grandchildren, was a unique man who kept you laughing and smiling. George would say instead of goodbye…Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. He will be dearly missed!
George was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years Rose Mary (Avato) Bender and his sister Margaret (Peggy) Coyne. He is survived by his sons: Dennis and wife Anna of Cornwall and George Bender of Newburgh; two grandchildren: Bryan and Serena; and his sister Doris Caudy and her husband Victor; and many nieces and nephews.
His family received visitors on Dec. 20 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home in Cornwall-on-Hudson. A funeral service was due to be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Dec. 21, and was due to be followed by interment with military honors at Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.
Memorial contributions in George’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Susan M. Linnerud
June 24, 1959 – December 19, 2017
Highland Falls
Susan M. Linnerud, a longtime resident of the area, passed away Tues-day, Dec. 19 at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh. She was 58 years old.
Daughter of the late Richard and Anna Mae Walton Rose, she was born June 24, 1959 in Cornwall. Susan was a retired medical records clerk with Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ, and held many jobs throughout the Civil Service field. She attended Lutheran church services at Old Cadet Chapel in West Point.
A veteran U.S. Army wife, Susan leaves behind her loving husband Cary Linnerud, at home; her brothers James Rose and wife Cindy of Gresham, Ore., Richard Rose and wife Leslie of Highland Falls; her sister Mary Ann Rose and husband Leon Jones of Las Vegas, Nev.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls. A Chapel Service will begin at 7:45 p.m. on Friday officiated by Rev. Robert Carter. Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope.
Memorial donations may be made to MS Society – Southern NY Chapter, 2 Gannett Drive, Suite LC, White Plains, NY 10604.
Donna M. Stroppel
June 30, 1958 – December 15, 2017
formerly of Highland Falls
Donna Marie Stroppel, 59, a longtime area resident, passed away after a long and courageous battle with illnesses on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Lake Wales Medical Center in Lake Wales, Fla.
She was the daughter of Allen Rose and Eleanor Feldman Rose, born in Cornwall, on June 30, 1958.
Donna had a passion for helping others and serving her community. She was a life member, emergency medical technician, past president and assistant captain of the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps. She was also a firefighter and administrative officer for the Highland Falls Fire Department.
She is survived by her loving and faithful companion James Lau of Winter Haven, Fla.; son Jason Stroppel of Lakeland, Fla.; brother David Rose and wife Rachel of Valrico, Fla.; sister Sandra Shuman and husband Randy of Highland Falls; sister Melanie Rose of Columbus, Ga.; brother Robert Rose of Knoxville, Tenn.; and brother Allen Rose of Nashville, Tenn.
Donna was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Allen and Eleanor Rose, her husband William Stroppel, her daughter Tara Lynn Stroppel, her brother Michael Rose, and her sister Mary Frances Rose.
There will be no visitation and services will be announced at a later date at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps. or The Highland Falls Fire Department.