Obituaries – May 13, 2022

Manuel Mendes

October 15, 1938—May 4, 2022

Beacon, NY formerly of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

Manuel Mendes, a former longtime Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY resident, entered into eternal rest on May 4, 2022 at Wingate at Beacon, Beacon, NY. He was 83 years old.

The son of the late Denis Mendes and Gravelina (Pacheco) Mendes, Manuel was born on October 15, 1938 in Carrapichana, Portugal.  

Manuel was the Executive Chef at USMA West Point for many years.

Manuel honorably and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960.

Dad was a very active member of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church.  He was a member of the Holy Name Society, a Eucharistic Minister, an usher and a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus.  He was so proud to be a member of the Knights. It was truly an honor for him to carry the flag in the parades. Dad was the “Chef” of many fundraisers.  Dad always cooked with love. He was also one of the organizers for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  Dad was also a member of the American Legion Post 353.  He retired from the United States Military Academy after 37 years.  Dad rose through the ranks to become Executive Chef. After his retirement from the USMA, he worked as a project manager for PENTAD Inc. Dad was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was committed to his faith and put great emphasis on instilling his values in all his children and grandchildren.

A special thanks to the staff at Wingate in Beacon, especially Bernice, Theresa and Samantha for taking such good care of “Manny”.

A family statement reads: He will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

Manuel was predeceased by his loving wife: Matilde Mendes in 2020.  He is survived by his daughters: Joyce (Mendes) Halvorsen and her husband Joe of Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, Patricia (Mendes) Brand and her husband Tom of New Windsor, NY, Georgianna (Mendes) McGuire of Middle Hope, NY, and Victoria Mendes of Cornwall, NY; four grandchildren: Kristen Halvorsen (Dominic Marvin), Nichole Calamari (Steve), Tyler Swilpa, and Joshua Halvorsen; his great grandchild: Peyton Claire Calamari.  In addition to his parents and wife, Manuel was predeceased by his son: Dennis Anthony Mendes in 1976 and a grandson Justin M. Swilpa in 2020.

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 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 16th at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Interment Military Honors will follow the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.

Memorial Contributions in Manuel’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Michael Joseph Zavardino

November 18, 1951—May 5, 2022

Cornwall, NY

Michael Joseph Zavardino died peacefully at home in Cornwall with his wife Barbara and family around him. He was 70 years old. Michael was born November 18, 1951 in the Bronx to Joseph and Frances Zavardino. 

Michael earned his Regents Diploma from North Bergen High School and attended Bergen Community College, New Jersey and Orange Community College in Middletown, New York. He worked for the State of New York for 37 years. He was a retired active member of CSEA. He was also an active member of the American Pool Association for 15 years where he also achieved 1,000 matches played. Mike was a good friend and dad to many in the league who played at Gallery Billiards in Newburgh.

After he retired, he was always ready to try new things. He enjoyed concerts, playing pool with his son, going to the beach with Barb in Cape May, and puttering around the house. He always made time for his grandkids, oh did he love his grandkids. He also found a hobby as a walk-on for multiple TV series and movies. He always had the best advice and an answer for everything. Mike will truly be missed by everyone. 

He is survived by his wife: Barbara Little Zavardino of Cornwall, New York. He also leaves behind his beloved children: KellyAnn Maloney of Newtown, Connecticut, Adam (Tashina) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Ian (Suzanne Moloney) of Newburgh, New York. He leaves behind his brothers: David and Joseph Zavardino; and his sisters: Michelle, Adrienne and Stephanie. Michael leaves behind his adored grandchildren: Joe, Elizabeth, Vivian, and Christian. He loved being an uncle to all his nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his feral and rescued cats, who made their way into his home and heart for many years. Lastly, Michael leaves behind his most beloved friends: Jeanie and Rich O’Connor of Cornwall. 

In lieu of flowers, Mike requests that you donate to his favorite charity, Newburgh Scats Cat & Kitten Adoption Center and Thrift Store “SCATS” 154 North Plank Rd, Newburgh, NY 12550. http://www.newburghscats.com/ 

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 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.  A Chapel Service  followed the Visitation at 8:00 p.m. Cremation will took place at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, NY.

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