Obituaries – July 7, 2023

Edward N. Film

February 23, 1940—June 26, 2023

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

Edward Norman Film Sr. died peacefully at 83 years old, at the home of his daughter Doris Wickiser and her husband Ken in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, on June 26, 2023. 

Born in Little Neck, NY, to Edward Film and Doris Hiscox, Edward is survived by his children: Edward Norman Film, Jr. and his partner Cedric Harper, Doris Wickiser and her husband Ken Wickiser; grandchildren: Kieran, Bridget and Anna Wickiser; and his brother: Jimmy and his wife Tacako Film. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers: Dave Film and Bobby Film. 

Edward honorably served in the Army from 1959 to 1961. He lived in New Milford, Conn. from 1968 to 2022 and was married to Eileen Quinn Monaghan from 1966 to 1976 and attended St Francis Xavier Church. He served as president of the New Milford Jaycees in 1973 and worked as a telephone lineman for Southern New England Telephone Company in Danbury, Conn. until his retirement in 1994. 

Known for long bike rides, picking up nickel cans and chatting over cups of black coffee, Edward was also an active member of the Cornwall Senior Center (Hotsy Totsy group). The family would like to thank Janay and Lene for caring for him in the last year. 

A graveside service will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 80-86 Fort Hill Road, New Milford, CT 06776 on Saturday, July 8th at noon.

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

Gary T. Ricci, Sr.

November 22, 1954—July 2, 2023

Cornwall, NY

Gary T. Ricci Sr., of Cornwall, NY entered peacefully into eternal rest on July 2, 2023 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, NY.  He was 68 years old.

The son of the late Joseph Ricci and Mary (Fortino) Ricci, Gary was born on November 22, 1954 in Cornwall, NY.  Gary grew up in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY as one of eight siblings. He graduated from Cornwall High School in 1972 and was married to Theresa in 1975. Gary was a dedicated employee of Central Hudson Gas & Electric in New Windsor where he retired as a District Representative. He was an active member of IBEW Local 320 and a parishioner of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church. Gary had a fighting spirit; he never gave up or gave in to any obstacles in his path. He was known in his community for his warm heart, generous nature, and his dry sense of humor. Gary was loyal to his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, a patient and supportive father, and wise Pop Pop to his grandchildren. Gary had a large family that extends throughout Cornwall and Highland Falls. His brothers, sisters, in laws and cousins all held a special place in his heart. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be leaving an indelible mark on his family and community. He will be missed greatly.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 48 years: Theresa M. (Wojehowski) Ricci; his son: Gary T. Ricci Jr. of Key West, FL; his daughter: Dawn (Ricci) Kilgore and her husband Mat of Cornwall, NY; his grandchildren: Ryan and Josie Kilgore. Gary is also survived by his siblings: Steven Ricci, Joseph Ricci, Anita Sharp, Marianne Daniello, Michael Ricci and Christine Ricci; as well as many in laws, nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his brother: David Ricci.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 8th at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.  Interment will follow the Mass at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.

Memorial Contributions in Gary’s name may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087 or to the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, 2649 South Road, Suite 101, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

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

Craig William Roberts

December 19, 1951—September 9, 2022

San Diego, California

On September 9th, 2022, Craig William Roberts, 70, of San Diego, California, peacefully left this world after complications with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Craig was a big hearted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. In his own words, “I value friendships above all else.”

Born on December 19th, 1951 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to John Alfred Roberts and Edith (Brown) Roberts, Craig is survived by his siblings John (Jack) Alfred Roberts Jr. and Sally Ann (Roberts) Palmer as well as his wife Debra Susan (Renson) Roberts, daughter Katie Sarah (Roberts) Schildmeier and first grandchild Liv Renson Schildmeier. 

Craig grew up in Cranford, New Jersey before moving to Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York for his middle and high school education. This is where he met his first love—the Cornwall Central High School Green Dragons wrestling program. Craig, being of smaller stature, found an equal match in wrestling, a sport that showed him acceptance and taught him the importance of discipline, perseverance and community. Craig eventually assumed the title of OCIAA Tournament Champion for the 1968 115 pound weight class, an accomplishment that he never let anyone forget.

In September of 1969, Craig enrolled at the State University of New York College at Cortland, majoring in Recreation Education with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. In January of 1973, he left NYC’s Kennedy Airport for San Francisco to complete his fieldwork at the Recreation Center for the Handicapped. This transformative experience opened his eyes and solidified his commitment to working with individuals with disabilities.

After graduating from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1974, Craig accepted his first full-time job at the State Department of Mental Health in Park Forest, Illinois. After enduring a few midwest winters, Craig heard the call of the Golden State and moved to San Diego in 1978 to pursue his higher education at San Diego State University, where he graduated with a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Craig’s commitment to helping others led to a 20 year career with the Foundation for Educational Achievement as the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, providing clients with vocational evaluations, transferable skills assessments and job seeking services. There, he contributed to the placement of over 240 disabled individuals into competitive employment each year. Craig concluded his career at the California Department of Rehabilitation as Sr. Counselor with a caseload of 100 plus clients. He was able to help individuals with psychiatric, orthopedic and congenital diseases and support employment for the Developmentally Disabled community. 

 Craig’s legacy is one of sincere empathy for others, always rooting for the underdog in every circumstance, maybe because he identified as one himself. When you needed a listening ear, a sounding board or an understanding voice, Craig was always a phone call away. Now we all have a direct line to him in heaven, where he can undoubtedly hear our prayers.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 15th 2023 at 10:00 am EST at the Cornwall Presbyterian Church, 222 Hudson St, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on Craig’s behalf can be made to the following organizations:

• CORNWALL GREEN DRAGONS WRESTLING

Please pay to the order of “Cornwall Athletics-Wrestling” and mail to: Attention: CCHS Athletics Office. 10 Dragon Drive, New Windsor, NY 12553.

• DISABILITY RIGHTS EDUCATION & DEFENSE FUND

Please visit www.dredf.org/support-our-work/ to discover giving options online or by mail