Obituaries – October 9, 2020

Joseph Darby

December 3, 1958 – September 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.

Philip G. Adams

December 18, 1958 – October 2, 2020

Cornwall-on-Hudson

Philip G. Adams, a Cornwall-on-Hudson resident, entered into rest on Friday, Oct. 2. He was 61.

The son of the late Philip and Ann McKeefery Adams, he was born on Dec. 18, 1958 in Nyack.

Phil was an active member of the community, involved in all of his sons’ sports. He was the current Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Cornwall Council 7460. He was also a 4th Degree Member of the John Cardinal O’Connor Assembly #2640 in Monroe.

Phil was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, and he will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife Elizabeth, and cherished sons Philip and wife Ilana, Brian and fiancée Kara, and Robert and wife Ali; sisters Georgette Pronesti and husband Frank, Susan Moran and husband Michael, and Mary Lewis and husband William.

He was recently predeceased by his lifelong best friend, Paul Piperato.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at James F. Lulves Funeral Home in Cornwall-on-Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, in Cornwall-on-Hudson.

Arrangements are under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home. To send condolences please visit www.lulvesfuneralhome.com.

Charles A. Romaine

January 10, 1933 – September 28, 2020

Cornwall-on-Hudson

Charles Andrew Romaine, Sr., age 87, died at his home in Cornwall-on-Hudson on Sept. 28.

Charlie was born on Jan. 10, 1933 in Ramsey, N.J. to parents John W. and Loretta Gross Romaine. He grew up on his parents’ dairy farm in Wallkill, where he learned the value of hard work and love of nature. He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and became a master carpenter, but actually, he could fix anything. In his 30s he studied the Bible and learned about the greatest builder and designer of all things, Jehovah God. For the next 50+ years he was dedicated to serving his God by sharing with others the things he had learned in the Bible, and building their appreciation for their heavenly Father. Charlie now rests in God’s memory while he awaits the promised resurrection and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. “They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.”

Charlie is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Romaine; his sister Doris Callan; his children: Chuck Romaine, Susan Busch, Leslie Romaine, Jason Rose, Carolyn Romaine and Jonathan Romaine; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother John Romaine, and an infant daughter.

Charlie loved all his family and many friends. He will be missed by all of them.

A Memorial Service conducted by Paul Jackson is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, over Zoom. You may contact any family member for an invitation to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home.

William J. Schommers

December 8, 1948 – October 2, 2020

Maybrook

William J. Schommers passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Wallkill. He was 71 years old.

Son of the late William and Rita Ryan Schommers, he was born on December 8, 1948 in Bronx.

Bill was a plumber for Plumbers Local #1, in Lynbrook, NY, and was an active member of his union. Two of Bill’s passions were music and fishing.

Survivors include his loving daughters Jessica Feerick and her husband Randy of Maybrook, and Alexis Rubbino and her husband Mike of Fort Montgomery; his grandchildren – Nicholas, Randy, Michael and Danielle; his significant other, “BLF”, Eileen Simonelli of Bronx; his life friend and the mother of his children, Catherine Ryan of Fort Montgomery; and his beloved dog, Brutus. William was predeceased by his sister, Madeline Capalbo.

Cremation will take place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org

Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls.