Miguel Bejarano
August 9, 1946—November 5, 2023
Cortlandt, NY, formerly Cornwall, NY
On November 5, 2023, after a long illness and a life full of great adventures, Miguel Bejarano passed away at the age of 77 in Cortlandt, NY. He was a long-time resident of Cornwall, NY.
The son of the late Miguel Eugenio Bejarano and Celeste Edna (Fowler) Bejarano, Miguel was born on August 9, 1946 in Fort Bragg, NC. He grew up in Lynbrook, NY, with his parents and with King (a St. Bernard), and Freckles (a Dalmatian). He attended college in Florida before he was drafted in 1966 to serve in Vietnam.
After discharge in 1968, Miguel worked as a photographer in New York City; he had studios on 19th Street near Union Square and on Broome Street, where Bozo and Vixen (black Irish setters), were the shop dogs. Ad campaigns, annual reports, and head shots paid the bills, but Miguel never went anywhere without a Nikon and at least three lenses and captured his friends and aspects of the city from a unique perspective. At one show of his work, a photographer buddy said with awe, “These are incredible. No one can print like Miguel,” to a companion. In later years, Miguel formed Storm King Woodworks. The furniture, cabinetry, and other objects he created are treasured for their simple, clean lines that let the beauty of the wood’s grain capture the eye.
Miguel was a raconteur of the first degree. His stories were legendary, in no small part because he never let the facts get in the way of a good tale. He was known for his skewed sense of humor, his love of dancing, and for embodying Andrew Jackson’s statement “it’s a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.”
Before introducing himself to Martha, the love of his life, at a bar in 1988, he told a friend, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” Martha eventually realized that no one had made her laugh as hard and in 1989 they tied the knot. Raymond, their son and the light of their lives, was born in 1993. Although Miguel was an only child and had little experience with babies or kids, he loved Raymond almost more than life itself. While Martha commuted into the city, Miguel, Raymond, and Charlie (a standard poodle) had countless adventures, tailgate parties, and rocket-building and -launching escapades.
Miguel was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Charlie. He is survived by his wife, Martha Schueneman, of Cornwall, NY, and his son Raymond, of Gaithersburg, MD. They would like to thank the staff at the New York State Veterans Home in Montrose for the seven years of superlative care and kindness they showed Miguel.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, from 2 – 5 pm at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 337 Hudson Street, in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be sent to Safe Harbors of the Hudson in Newburgh, NY.
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
Margaret A. Dames
January 25, 1943—October 3, 2023
Cornwall, NY
Dr. Margaret A. Fiordalisi Dames, 80, of Cornwall, NY, entered eternal rest on October 3, 2023. She joins her husband of 54 years, the late Thomas Jacobus Dames Senior. Margaret was born on January 25, 1943, in NY, NY, the daughter of the late Albert Fiordalisi and Rose Monti Fiordalisi. Margaret was sister to Frank Fiordalisi, his wife Marion of Huntington, NY., and the late Theresa Fiordalisi Grant. Margaret is survived by her three children and three grandchildren: Thomas J. Dames and his wife Debbie, and their daughters, Rachel and Sarah of White Plains, NY; Michele Dames and her husband Kevin Jones of Tallahassee, FL; Jeanine Dames and her husband Kevin Berean, and their son Brandon of Cromwell, CT.
Margaret cherished her New York City childhood surrounded by her loving family and dear cousins. She attended The School of the Blessed Sacrament and completed college at The College of Mount Saint Vincent. She then continued her education and received a Master of Arts in Teaching French from Assumption College (MA), as well as a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Columbia University.
Dr. Dames was a champion for educational excellence throughout her career. She started her profession enthusiastically teaching French and Spanish as well as traveling to immerse herself, her students, and her family into various rich cultures. Then, her passion and dedication to education drove her to pursue different leadership roles in administration. She had the opportunity to work with numerous committed education visionaries to help transform students and communities through the power of knowledge. Dr. Margaret A. Dames served as Superintendent of Schools for the Cornwall Central School District (NY), the Diocese of Bridgeport (CT), and the Archdiocese of Newark Catholic Schools (NJ).
Beloved wife, devoted mother, and innovative educator, Margaret lived with her husband Tom in Cornwall for over 50 years. They loved to take walks together down by the river, and there is a park bench dedicated to Tom and Margaret at the Cornwall-on-Hudson Donahue Landing Park.
Memorial Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. A service will be held immediately following Visitation in the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at St. Thomas Cemetery, Cornwall, NY.
For those unable to attend the Service, you may participate via zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3737056310
Memorial Contributions:
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Food Bank of Hudson Valley – https://foodbankofhudsonvalley.org/
Longboat Key Turtle Watch – https://www.lbkturtlewatch.com/
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