Obituaries – July 17, 2020

William A. De Graw

January 21, 1937 – July 11, 2020

Newburgh

William Alfred De Graw of the Town of Newburgh entered into rest unexpectedly Saturday, July 11, 2020. He was 83.

The son of the late Alfred and Nellie (Marks) De Graw, William was born January 21, 1937 in Cornwall.

William graduated from Dartmouth College in 1958 with a BA and received a master’s degree from The New School for Social Research. He was a retired personnel officer for the Middletown Psychiatric Center and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959-1962, serving in the Counter Intelligence Corps.

William is survived by his children – William A. De Graw Jr. and his partner, Naomi of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andrew K. De Graw and his partner, Christina Dorrmann of the Town of Newburgh, Matthew I. De Graw and his wife, Susan of Cornwall; grandchildren – Tara M. Doerr, Erin M. De Graw, Evan A. De Graw; sister, Deborah A. De Graw of Cornwall-on-Hudson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his wife, Judith Marie (Gates) De Graw on December 13, 1992.

Visitation took place on Wednesday, July 15. Funeral service will be private. Burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Goshen, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in William’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – www.giving.mskcc.org

Funeral arrangements under the direction of White, Venuto & Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service.

Stephen Della Vedova

January 29, 1947 – July 10, 2003

Cornwall-on-Hudson

Stephen Della Vedova, of Cornwall-on-Hudson entered into eternal rest on July 10 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Wallkill. He was 73.

The son of the late Mario Della Vedova and Aida (Robustelli) Della Vedova, Stephen was born on Jan. 29, 1947 in Jersey City.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia (UGA), and was a retired senior inspector for the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets in Albany. Stephen honorably and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1969-1972 during the Vietnam Era.

He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity in Newburgh for many years, working on building sites, and later using his woodworking skills in the woodshop to make beautiful wooden bowls.  He donated his hair to people who became bald during chemotherapy.

Stephen was a member and past president of the Cornwall Lions Club. He was a loyal member of the luncheon and walking group for the Class of 1965.  As time passed, Stephen began to have walking and communication challenges. His classmates were a strong supportive team throughout his illness. “He lived quietly. He passed quietly.  Now he walks tall and strong”.

In addition to his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his wife: Joyce (Platt) Della Vedova. He is survived by his nephew, Anthony Della Vedova of Atlanta, Ga.; as well as many friends, too numerous to mention.

Due to the public health concerns of the Corona Virus (Covid-19), a graveside service was held on at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16 at St. Thomas Cemetery in Cornwall.

Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences please go to www.Quigleybros.com

Erick Lee Gilmore

August 26, 1979 -July 6, 2020

Cornwall

Erick Lee Gilmore passed away unexpectedly on July 6 at the age of 40.

The son of William and Linda Gilmore, he was born on Aug. 26, 1979 in St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh. He was the brother of Randy Gilmore.
Erick graduated from Cornwall Central High School and competed at the world Tae Kwon Do Championships at West Point. His hobbies were collecting artifacts from different cultures around the world. He also collected jewelry from other cultures. He was a member of the Cornwall United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by Linda Gilmore of the State of Florida, and his brother Randy Gilmore of the state of Florida. He leaves behind his pet dog Journey.

Erich was predeceased by grandparents Janice and Robert Gilmore of Cornwall, and Gladys and George Tibby of New Windsor.

A memorial service was due to be held at 5 p.m. on July 16 at the Cornwall United Methodist Church at 196 Main Street in Cornwall.

James M. Partington

September 27, 1962 – July 9, 2020

Cornwall

James M. Partington, of Cornwall, entered into eternal rest at home on July 9. He was 57 years old.

The eldest son of David H. Partington and the late Joan D. (Morgan) Partington, James was born on Sept. 27, 1962 in Newburgh.

James was a beloved Chef at the Promenade in Tuxedo, where he will be greatly missed by many.

“James was more than just a father to me,” his daughter said. “He was my absolute best friend. I will always treasure the moments we shared together, every adventure we’d take, every phone call made, even just sitting and enjoying each other’s company and watching a good movie. He would tell me ‘thank you for making me a dad’ and truly he was an amazing father, but it didn’t stop there he was a great son, brother, husband and friend to everyone blessed to have him in their lives. I love my dad from the bottom of my heart and he will be greatly missed and always remembered.”

In addition to his father, David H. Partington of Cornwall, James is survived by his loving daughter Natasha A. Partington of Pompano Beach, Fla.; and his brother Robert Partington of Cornwall.

Visitation was held on July 12 at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc. in Cornwall-on-Hudson. Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences or to get directions to the funeral home, please go to www.Quigleybros.com

William Yachymiak

July 8, 2020

Pennsylvania

William (Bill) Yachymiak, 73, who retired to his family home in Brooklyn, Penn., died on Wed-nesday, July 8 at the Fair Hill Personal Care Home, Mon-trose, Penn.

He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Catherine (Starzec) as well as his wife, Natalie (Santoro) just this past January.

Bill grew up on the family farm with his older brother George (Deena) of Yardley, Penn. and twin brother Tom (Jan) of Westlake, Ohio. Bill was the valedictorian of his class at Mt. View High School and graduated with honors from the University of Scranton in 1968. He later taught at the University of Maine while pursuing his master’s degree in English.

Bill and Natalie were married on June 16, 2001, following his distinguished career as an English teacher at the Cornwall Central High School. He was a recipient of the NY State English Teacher of Excellence Award. Bill was also the tennis and ski coach at the school.

Bill is also survived by his niece, Alison Shanahan and her husband Chris along with their sons Matt and Ben, who reside in Westlake, Ohio, as well as a large extended family. He will be missed by caring friends, Ray and Patty Lasher and Frank Wallner.

The family is grateful for the kind guidance of Mary Lulves (James F. Lulves Funeral Home). A graveside service and burial was held on July 14 in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Montgomery. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Michelle Hackett, Fair Hill Care, 272 Lamphere Road, Montrose, PA 18801.

To send condolences, please visit www.lulvesfuneralhome.com