John G. O’Dell, Sr.
January 15, 1926-July 3, 2019
Cornwall-on-Hudson
John G. O’Dell Sr. of Cornwall-on-Hudson, passed away at home on July 3. He was 93 years old.
The son of the late Russell S. O’Dell of Highland Falls, and Bertha M. Fergusen of Cornwall, he was born on January 15, 1926 in Cornwall.
John volunteered for Naval Service in 1944, choosing to enlist rather than graduate from Cornwall High School. He proudly served his tour of duty as a radioman on a minesweeper in the Pacific during World War II. Upon returning home, he married “Betty,” the love of his life, beginning a 71 year adventure together.
He worked for the Firth Carpet Company, then went on to work as a printer’s apprentice and printer at the Cornwall Press in Cornwall-on-Hudson until it closed in 1975. He then worked for the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Highway Department until his retirement in 1987.
Known affectionately to his family as “Big Gramp,” he shared his athletic and musical talents with his children. He took pride in being part of the six generations of O’Dells who have lived in the Cornwall community.
John is survived by his wife Elizabeth M. O’Dell, at home; his sons, Russell A. O’Dell and John G. O’Dell, Jr.; his daughters, Debra J. Ramos and Alice E. Becker; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. John was predeceased by his eldest son Arthur H. O’Dell and his grandson James A. Becker.
Friends and family will be welcome at A Celebration of Life, which will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home. To send condolences please visit www.lulvesfuneralhome.com
James (“Jim”) T. Roach
Died June 17, 2019
formerly of Cornwall
James (“Jim”) T. Roach, a 58 year resident of Cornwall, entered into rest on June 17, at the St. Lucie Medical Center, Port St. Lucie, Fla.. He was 91. The youngest of five children, he was born in Shawangunk to John and Edna Nesbitt Roach.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He felt privileged to have been on the Southeastern Florida Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2013. He was a lifetime member of the New Windsor American Legion.
He worked at NYMA before retiring from the IBEW Electrical Worker’s Union Local 363.
He loved his bagpipes and being a member of the McLeod Scottish Clan and their marching band. For many years he was involved with BSA – first with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was pack commissioner in 1971 in the Hudson-Delaware Council. He was also considered an honorary leader, along with his late wife Anne, of Wendy’s Girl Scout Troop.
His has been a full life with many accomplishments and travels – now his final trip home to Cornwall.
Survivors include: his loving wife Marge Mignone Roach; daughter Wendy Anne O’Dell (Bill); son Herb; stepsons: Tommy, Kevin and wife Kathy, Gerard and Francis; three step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; five generations of nieces and nephews; plus his special cousin, Jim Shields. He was predeceased by his first wife of 34 years, Anne Haight Roach; his brothers Harold, John, Jr. (Buster), and George; and by his sister Eleanor Gramps.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m. at his son Herb’s home in Cornwall – under a tent, which Jim would love. All friends are welcome.
Arrangements under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home.
Ray Sheldon
March17, 1919- June 30, 2019
Stony Point
Ray Sheldon, a long time resident of Stony Point, died peacefully on June 30. He was born on March 17, 1919 and recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor (Stalter).
He served in the Army Air Corps from 1941-44. He was retired after a 46 year career as an engineer with Exxon. Ray was a life member of the Stony Point Ambulance Corps. For many years he was a Deacon at Tomkins Memorial Church and then Grace Church of Suffern.
He is survived by his daughter Nancy Huth (Marty) of Elbridge, NY; his sons Don of Garnerville, Ken (Phyllis) of Stony Point, and Bob (Heather) of North Easton, Mass. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on July 9 at Park Church in New City. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Easton Baptist Church, 197 Bay Rd, North Easton, Mass. 02356 or the Auburn Alliance Church, 630 North Seward Ave, Auburn, NY 13021.
Vincent L. Dugas
June 26, 2019
Highland Falls
Vincent Lawrence Dugas 59, passed away on Wednesday, June 26 at his residence, from natural causes.
Vincent was a life long resident of Highland Falls, where he retired from West Point, Department of Housing & Public Works. Vinnie was a free spirit with a huge heart. He lived life they way he wanted to live it. He was a lover of music and was an incredible spoons player. He loved to camp up by Bethel and play music and his spoons every chance he got with friends and musicians from all over, during the summers.
He is survived by his sister Leeann Durning and husband Jim of Bloomingburg; brother Ryan (Bobby) Russell and wife Adriana of Wharton, N.J.; sister Danielle Dugas Henry and husband Grady Henry of Hayden, Ala.; nephews Brian Durning, Michael Durning, Greg Durning and wife Linda, Jim Durning and wife Jennifer, Max Russell and Isabella Russell; grand-nieces Brooke Durning, Kiera Durning, Gabrielle Henry; grand-nephews, Ian Durning, Kyle Durning, Grady Henry, Jr., Liam Durning and Lucas Durning; and long-time love Karen Sabisch of Florida.
He is preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth W. Russell, father John B. Dugas, brother Raymond Dugas and his step-father Bob Russell.
Vincent’s wishes were to be cremated and to have his ashes sprinkled where he was his happiest, in the mountains. A private cremation service was held at Melendez Funeral Home in Middletown, on Tuesday, July 2.
A celebration of his life will be held in early fall. Details for the celebration, once finalized, will be posted through social media.