Obituaries – October 2, 2020

Winfred M. Couser

March 28, 1928 -September 24, 2020

Cornwall

Winfred M. Couser of Cornwall entered into eternal rest on Sept. 24 at Campbell Hall Rehabilitation Center, Hamptonburgh. He was 92.

The son of the late Winfred L. Couser and Mary Marie (Pia) Couser, Winfred was born on March 28, 1928 in Newburgh.  

He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Operating Engineers Local 825.

“Dad enjoyed many years of camping at Rondout Valley Resort in his later years. He was a life member of the Black Rock Fish & Game Club and a former member of the Cornwall Yacht Club, where he enjoyed his younger years on the Hudson River in his cabin cruiser that he built. He loved the outdoors and family gatherings.”

Winfred was predeceased by his loving wife: Barbara (Hand) Couser. He is survived by his children: Vernon Couser (Claudia), Cynthia Straut (George), Tara Weissman (Mark) and Jill Stewart (Jeff Cowton); his grandchildren: Jennifer Riportella, James Straut, Monica Couser, Bob Devitt, Vernon Couser, Jr., Corey Weissman and family, Shawn Weissman and family, Matthew and Luisa Stewart, Amanda and Chad Wann, Craig and Matthew Cowton, Lesley and Ian Seraichick; great-grandchildren: Alyssa Riportella, Jacob Fuentes, Ethan Wann, and Brayden Cowton; and his brother: John P. Couser (Debbie). Winfred was also predeceased by his sister: Harriet Spencer.

Memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson. Due to the continued concerns of Covid-19, please know that there is an occupancy limitation which may cause a wait time. Facial coverings must be worn in the funeral home at all times.

Memorial contributions in Winfred’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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

Joseph Darby

December 3, 1958 – December 14, 2020

Ellenville

Joseph Michael Darby of Ellenville entered into eternal rest on Sept. 14. He was born in New York City on Dec. 3, 1958, the sixth of seven siblings.

His sunny disposition and quick wit made him a class favorite with his teachers. While growing up, he read voraciously and his knowledge of the human body always astounded those in the medical profession. He obtained his plumbing license at a young age, having demonstrated a keen understanding of how things worked. In his later years, he became fascinated with solar energy and its applications. In his spare time, he loved fishing, bluegrass music, reading fiction and nonfiction, and occasionally writing poetry and prose. Divorced in 2014 from Lisa Erb, he had no children, but was a devoted uncle and family man. An intensely private person, he had social distancing down to a fine art before it became common practice, preferring the company of animals of all kinds, particularly his dogs.

He is survived by his two sisters – Genevieve and her husband Frank Tracey of the Town of Newburgh, and Eileen and her husband Jim Schilling of Cornwall-on-Hudson, as well as seven nieces and nephews and six grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his father, James Darby, and his mother Peggy Harmon Darby Kramer; his brothers Jim, Kevin and Dan, and his sister Theresa.