Obituaries – May 6, 2022

Michael John Becker

October 10, 1954—April 27, 2022

Cornwall, New York

Michael John Becker, of Cornwall, New York entered into eternal rest on April 27, 2022 at home. He was 67 years old.

The son of Joseph Becker and Helen Maholick-Becker, Michael was born on October 10, 1954 in New York, NY.  

Michael was an Asbestos Abatement Specialist for the Department of Corrections, State of New York.

Michael spent many years as a softball coach, volunteering his time with the Cornwall Little League, and then working as an assistant coach for the Cornwall Varsity Softball Team.   He completed his coaching career as the head coach for Chester Varsity softball, earning the Coach of the Year award for Varsity 845 in 2018.  Michael, an acclaimed pitching coach, offered his expertise and instruction to any girl who wished to learn, free of charge.

A family statement reads: “Michael was a giving and selfless man who took any opportunity to help others.  He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, horse racing, watching his grandson play baseball while his granddaughter rode horses, and backyard cookouts with his family.”  He will be missed greatly.

Michael is survived by the love of his life: Betty, his children: Dawn Becker-Gallagher (Michael), Brittany, and Charles (Adriana); his sister: Ellen Albrecht of Kenosha, WI; his brother: Frank Becker of Homosassa, FL; his grandchildren: Mickey, Carlin, and Camila; as well as many nieces and nephews.  

Based on new CDC guidelines adopted by NYS, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in the funeral home. 

Visitation was held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1st at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2nd at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY.  Cremation followed the Mass at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, NY.

In lieu of flowers, as a tribute to Michael’s love of race horses, please make donations to the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund, PO Box 834, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

Elizabeth “Betty” A. Cavallo

June 7, 1945—May 1, 2022

Cornwall, NY

Elizabeth “Betty” A. Cavallo, of Cornwall, NY entered into eternal rest on May 1, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh, NY.  She was 76 years old.

The daughter of the late George Morstatt and Agnes (Langan) Morstatt, Betty was born on June 7, 1945 in Bronx, NY.  

Betty was retired from the Town of Blooming Grove where she was the Planning Board clerk for many years, but her preferred “job” was that of wife, mom and grandmother.  Betty and her husband, Tony, put down roots in Cornwall in the late 1960’s and raised their four children to enjoy life “in the country.”  Betty cherished her role of stay-at-home mom when her children were young.  She was very active in volunteering for everything they were involved in, both in school and sports, as a class mom, PTA member/President, Cornwall Dragon Booster Club & Little League “shed mom” and beyond.  She took her volunteer work to another level when she ran for the Cornwall School Board and won her seat in 1984.  She proudly served in that role as a member and then Board President until 1996, earning the respect of many teachers, community members and friends.  In her retirement years, Betty continued her volunteer work with Backpacks for Food, a program that provides weekend meals for school children in need, and most recently, at the Orange County Arboretum, where she spent her time happily planting flowers.

Betty was a voracious reader all of her life, always having a book or her Kindle nearby.  She spent countless hours maintaining her beautiful houseplants, growing outdoor flowers and tending to her amazing summer vegetable garden.  Betty loved to cook and despite having no Italian in her blood, she hands-down made the BEST meatballs and gravy (yes, it’s gravy!), sausage and peppers, and eggplant parmigiana in the whole world.  As if that weren’t enough, she had an amazing skill for baking as well, keeping her family happy with her top-notch zucchini & banana breads and all of our favorite cakes and pies for holidays and birthdays.  She passed on this great talent to her sidekick and baking buddy granddaughter, Meghan.

Betty and her husband loved to travel and enjoyed several cruises, a trip to Italy, and touring many sites in the U.S.   She also had a passion for shopping.  If we couldn’t find her, we knew she was at the BonTon or Kohl’s, as Dad would say, “saving lots of money with her coupons”.  She was an active member of the Red Hat Society, “The Magenta Mamas”, and adored the new friends she made who shared her enthusiasm for retired life.  She enjoyed lunch outings with her Dragonette friends, and any occasion that included drinking fancy cocktails with her best friend, Dottie.   But more than anything else, Betty was happiest when spending time with her family.  She was so proud of her grandchildren and loved cheering them on at sports events, concerts and recitals. Her favorite time of the year was our July beach trip to Avalon, NJ, where she had us all under one roof for a week of food, fun, and laughter. 

A family statement reads: “Mom was the greatest person we’ve ever known.  She was everything good in this world – kind, generous, selfless, humble, and loving.  She was the perfect mother and grandmother in every way and we are forever grateful that she was ours.  She will be missed more than words can ever express”.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband Anthony J. Cavallo in 2018, and their beloved infant daughter in 1968.  She is survived by her sons:  Joseph Cavallo and wife Kathi of New Windsor, NY; Tony and wife Kara of Cornwall, NY; her daughters: Alicia Hughes and husband Ted of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, Amy Barkdoll and husband Clint, of Waynesboro, PA; her cherished grandchildren: Meghan, Kevin, Steven and Christian Hughes, Matthew Cavallo, Nicholas and Joseph Cavallo, Will and Luke Barkdoll.  She is also survived by her beloved brother: George Morstatt, sister-in-law: Lucille Costanzo, and Costanzo nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her dear brother-in-law: Ralph Costanzo.

Based on new CDC guidelines adopted by NYS, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in the funeral home. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 8th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9th at Church of St. Patrick and St. Mary, 55 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY. Interment will follow the Mass at Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor, NY.

Memorial contributions can be made in Betty’s name at Cornwallbff.org (Backpacks for Food) or orangecountyarboretum.org.

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