Obituaries – July 1, 2022

Roy E. Abraham

June 24, 2022

Cornwall, NY

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Roy Abraham. Roy departed us suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, June 24, 2022.

Roy was an extraordinary person who relished life. Originally from England, his family landed in New York City when he was young. He joined the Air Force as a Military Policeman and served overseas. He was very proud of his service. 

Roy was very interested in physical fitness and would routinely cycle many miles in any given week. In fact, he and some cycling comrades would, on occasion, plan a weekend that involved cycling from New York City to Albany, New York, beating back the harsh climbs of the mid-Hudson Valley. This was not an ordinary recreational endeavor; he trained for the Olympics in the 1960s. Though he did not qualify, the love of cycling and fitness stayed with him, and eventually led to the love of his live.

Roy met his wife, Erika at Rockland Lake, in the 1980s. Erika was a relatively new runner, having taken up the sport in her 40s. When Roy saw her, he took an instant liking to her, and the courtship began. Eventually Roy won over her heart, and they were married in 1989.

But that was just the beginning of their awesome story together. They competed together in many events, not against each other, but as true partners in running. An early highlight was when they traveled to California to participate together in the Big Sur Marathon.

Roy and Erika’s reputation grew in the mid-Hudson Valley running community. Together they were known as “The A-Team”. They were participants in the fullest sense – as runners, as volunteers, and as mentors. And it was Roy who introduced Erika to cycling, and helped her select and purchase her Cannondale, which carried her over many miles.

Roy’s interests went beyond running. He loved fishing and shooting, and was an expert marksman. He also had a successful career as an insurance representative, helping people with difficult choices and situations. That was the essence of Roy; he always wanted to help anyone he encountered.

But of all his achievements, his biggest (and we’re sure he would agree) was being the best husband to Erika. 

Roy Abraham was the example of what we should all strive to be – logical, opinionated, but all supported by a foundation of true caring and love. We will miss his witty humor (he came up with the most awesome puns) and, more importantly, his gentle soul.

A Graveside Service and Interment with Military Honors was held at Kensico Cemetery, 273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla, NY.

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

Marilyn Mary Meyers

March 9, 1925—June 20, 2022

Cornwall, NY

Marilyn Mary Meyers, of Cornwall, NY entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2022 at the Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing, Fishkill, NY. She was 97 years old.

The daughter of the late George Springer and Margaret (Kelleher) Springer, Marilyn was born on March 9, 1925 in New York City, NY   

Marilyn was a teller at Manufacturers Trust Co. in Manhattan, then was married and raised a family of four children. 

She was an original “Bobby Sock” girl in Times Sq. who waited for hours at the Paramount Theater to see Frank Sinatra. She also was an avid roller-skater at Roseland during WWII where she met her husband. 

Marilyn was a Cafeteria Assistant for the Cornwall Central School District in Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. She was an active member of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church. Mom was a loving caring mother with a heart of gold who always had time to listen and advise. She will be greatly missed.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband: Merrill H. Meyers; her daughters: Barbara A. (Meyers) Stell and Janet L. (Meyers) Callahan; her sons: Merrill K. Meyers and Mark G. Meyers; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

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 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23rd at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson St. Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 25th at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Cremation will follow the Mass at Cedar Hill Crematory, Middle Hope, NY.  

Memorial Contributions in Marilyn’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Boys Town, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010.

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

Helen M. Morrissey

May 3, 1930—June 21, 2022

Cornwall, NY

Helen M. Morrissey (Ellen) passed away peacefully on June 21, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old.

Ellen, her sister Betty, and brothers Jack and Jimmy were first generation Americans born in Manhattan to Mary Kate (Gilligan) and John Patrick Kelly. They were raised to be patriotic Americans and Catholics of strong faith.

Ellen lived to pass down those traditions and belief systems to the next three generations of Morrissey’s. She was married and began raising her four children in Yonkers, NY, and later moved the clan to Wallkill. 

She was a working Mom, supporting her family working in administrative positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers and as a waitress. Ellen retired from SUNY Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY where she enjoyed interacting with students in the Bursar’s Office for over ten years. 

Shortly after retirement, Ellen moved to the Town of Cornwall with her sister Betty. Never one to hold still for long, Ellen continued to make friends while playing cards, bingo, and rummy-block weekly – each game scheduled on a designated day and time each week. She was also a member of the Cornwall Senior Bowling League where she served as secretary, bowled her personal high score of 200 at the age of 88, and once won the title of league champion. 

Ellen was an avid Met fan, she enjoyed watching games and rooting them on no matter how well or poorly they were playing.

Ellen loved her family unconditionally and could be counted on to attend every shower, wedding, christening, school play and dance recital.  She set a strong example of what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. She made sure that those in her charge knew right from wrong, and treated others with respect. Ellen Morrissey was a small woman who managed to pack a big punch. 

Ellen is survived by her son: Dennis Morrissey (Ellen Lynch) of White Plains; daughter: Kathleen Gamboli (Vincent) of Stony Point; son: Gilbert Morrissey (Sheryl) of Montgomery; son: John Morrissey (Diane) of New Paltz; niece: Susan Ponte (Gary) of Windsor.  She was proud to leave a legacy of 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Ellen’s family feels very much at peace, knowing she is reunited with her best friend and sister, Betty. The two shared a bond like no other. 

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 30th at 10 am at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY.  Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Ellen’s name to Boys Town, or a charity of your choice. 

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

James “John” O’Mara

July 28, 1954—May 19, 2020

Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY

After a short and courageous battle with cancer, James “John” O’Mara of Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY, entered into eternal rest on May 19, 2020 at home, with Beatle music playing, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 65 years old.

The son of the late James Edward O’Mara and Elizabeth (Gegenheimer) O’Mara, John was born on July 28, 1954 in Newburgh, NY.  He was Proprietor of O’Mara’s Tavern in New Windsor, NY from 1979-1988.  John retired from USMA, West Point after 29 years, where he worked in the Cadet Barracks, Self-Service Supply, and Keller Army Hospital Warehouse.

A humble, authentic man with immense character and wit, John’s love of his family and friends inspired us all.   John loved his childhood and growing up in New Windsor, NY; his Catholic faith and attending Mass; his adopted hometown–COH and Cliffside Park neighbors; the Cornwall Public Library; the Woodstock radio station and the New York Jets and Mets.  Upon retirement, John enjoyed some of the happiest moments of his life visiting England with his family and taking care of his granddaughter, Mabel.

John is survived by his loving wife of 39 years: Mary (Monahan) O’Mara at home; his devoted children, Kelly A. (O’Mara) Ovenell and her husband, Neil, of London, England and Casey C. O’Mara and her husband, James Arrabito, of Wayne, NJ; and his grandchildren: Mabel Grace Arrabito, Sloane Harper Ovenell, and James John Arrabito; his siblings: Charles and Gail O’Mara, Eileen and Joseph Potter, Betsy O’Mara, and special cousin, Kathy Kissel; John and Peg Monahan, and Thomas Monahan,; as well as many nieces and nephews that he treasured.

“I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me, even if he die, shall live; and whoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die.” 

John xi, 25

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2nd at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, 55 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.

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