Dorothy Cosentino, 83, retired seamstress
Saturday June 16, 2001
Dorothy Cosentino, 83, of Meiers Corners, a longtime Staten Island resident and a retired seamstress, died Friday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton, of cancer. The former Dorothy Cosci was born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn. She settled in Meiers Corners in 1955. As a young woman, she worked for the Ideal Toy Company, Brooklyn, sewing doll clothes, toys and various accouterments. She later worked as a free-lance seamstress for approximately 40 years for various toy manufacturers and craft dealers. She retired in 1992, but did not give up sewing, the craft she loved. She was a parishioner of St. Rita's R.C. Church, Meiers Corners. Mrs. Cosentino was a member of the Holy Family R.C. Church senior citizen group, Westerleigh, and worked for the Board of Elections at PS 54 from 1980 to 1998. She enjoyed playing cards, walking, cooking, trips to Atlantic City and spending quality time with her grandchildren and family. "She was a loving mother, grandmother and a friend to all," said her daughter, Mary Ann Boylan. Mrs. Cosentino's husband of 27 years, Joseph, died in 1973. Also surviving, in addition to her daughter, Mary Ann, are her son, Joseph; her brother, Alfred Cosci; her sister, Faye Paliseno, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Cosentino's son, Ralph, died in 1991. The funeral will be Monday from the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Rita's Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Robert Port, 42, lifelong Islander
Sunday June 17, 2001
Robert L. Port, 42, of Rosebank, a retired maintenance worker and lifelong Staten Island resident, died Friday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton, of renal failure due to complications from diabetes. Also known as Robert Conway, Mr. Port was born in Stapleton, and settled in Rosebank in 1974. Mr. Port held a number of different jobs in past years. He was a driver with the New Jersey-based Globe Van Lines for a number of years; he was a driver with Steamco, the former shipping company in Rosebank, for six years, and he was a maintenance worker with Cooper Square Realty, Manhattan, for 12 years. Mr. Port retired three years ago, due to illness. He attended Tottenville High School and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Mr. Port enjoyed going to the Hamptons for fishing, crabbing and surfing. He loved growing tomatoes, and was also a darts enthusiast. Mr. Port attended St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Rosebank. "He was a wonderful person," said his mother, Dorothy Conway. "So many people loved him." In addition to his mother, Mr. Port is survived by his sister, Marion Snyder. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Michael King, 76, worked as a carpenter
Sunday June 17, 2001
Michael H. King, 76, of Clifton, a retired carpenter and maintenance worker, died Friday in the New Vanderbilt Rehabilitation and Care Center, Clifton, of throat cancer. Born in Manhattan, Mr. King settled in Clifton in 1979. He had been living in the care center since May. Mr. King was a carpenter and maintenance worker at Sears in Manhattan for 29 years, retiring in 1975. He enjoyed woodworking and watching horse races. A private first class in the Marines during World War II, he was stationed in the South Pacific and took part in the invasion of Guam. Mr. King is survived by his wife, Irene M. Doyle; two sons, Michael and Thomas Doyle; four daughters, Catherine, Theresa and Michelle King and Jacqueline Doyle; his brother, Jack King; and nine grandchildren. The funeral will be Tuesday from the Stapleton Village Chapels, Stapleton, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Rosebank. Burial will be in Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Marie Pellegrino, 67, school safety officer
Sunday June 17, 2001
Marie Pellegrino, 67, of Dongan Hills, a retired school safety officer, died yesterday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton, after a long illness. The former Marie Franzese was born in Brooklyn and settled in Dongan Hills in 1964. A homemaker, Mrs. Pellegrino worked as a school safety officer at a junior high school in Brooklyn for approximately 10 years, retiring in 1991. Mrs. Pellegrino loved to cook, a hobby her son, Thomas, called "her favorite thing in the whole world." She was a parishioner of St. Christopher's R.C. Church, Grant City. In addition to her son, surviving are her husband of 46 years, Santo; her brother, Joseph Franzese, and two grandchildren. The funeral will be Tuesday from the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Christopher's Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Joseph A. Calandriello, 87, was retired electrician
Sunday June 17, 2001
Joseph Albert Calandriello, 87, of Great Kills, a longtime Staten Islander and retired electrician, died Thursday at home. Born and raised in Manhattan, Mr. Calandriello was one of six children and the son of Italian immigrants. He moved to Queens in 1954 before settling in Great Kills in 1970. Mr. Calandriello, who was known as both Joe and Al, became an electrician in 1937 and joined the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked for several firms throughout his career, wiring fixtures that were destined for hotels and other large facilities. He left the field in 1973 and became a dispatcher for a lighting company in Queens, eventually retiring in 1978. Mr. Calandriello was an avid roller skater, and had even skated on the morning of his death. He met his wife while roller-skating in Central Park and they shared a passion for the sport, skating four times a week throughout most of their 63-year marriage. He also enjoyed singing and playing the harmonica, guitar and ukulele. He spent much of his leisure time making ceramics and wooden crafts -- including model ships, crosses, hearts and pendants of roller-skates. He doodled complicated geometric designs with attention to every last detail, family members said. He also enjoyed being with family and friends. Mr. Calandriello was a parishioner of St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills. "He was like a magnet for people," said his daughter, Caroline Jewett. "He had an aura of love around him and was dearly loved by family and friends. He had a tremendous sense of humor and always wanted to make people laugh." In addition to his daughter, surviving are his wife, the former Caroline Benak, and two grandsons. The funeral will be tomorrow from the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville, with a mass at 9:45 a.m. in St. Clare's Church. Burial will be in Ocean View Cemetery, Oakwood.

Jean Farina, 84, homemaker, seamstress
Sunday June 17, 2001
Jean M. Farina, 84, of Westerleigh, a lifelong Staten Islander, retired seamstress and a homemaker, died Friday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton. Born Jean M. Scarpato in Mariners Harbor, she also lived in Meiers Corners, Sunnyside and West Brighton. She settled in Westerleigh 35 years ago. A homemaker, Mrs. Farina enjoyed cooking and gardening. She had worked as a seamstress for various garment companies in New York City, retiring in the late 1960s. She was a member of Willowbrook Park Baptist Church, Bulls Head. "She always gave the best of herself to others. She was devoted to her husband and family, especially her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all," said her daughter, June Affrunti. In addition to her daughter, surviving are her husband of 54 years, Thomas H. Sr.; her son, Thomas H. Jr.; her sister, Mildred Giovanolli; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Her daughter, Janice Marie Farina, died in 1969. The funeral service will be Tuesday at noon in the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond. The Rev. Ernest Lee, pastor of Willowbrook Park Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Frank Johanson, 65, retired sales engineer
Sunday June 17, 2001
Frank A. Johanson, 65, of Castleton Corners, a retired sales engineer, died Friday in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan. Born in Manhattan, he settled in Castleton Corners in 1968. At the time of his death, Mr. Johanson had been working for 37 years as a sales engineer for Bailey Refrigeration Inc. in Avenel, N.J. He was a graduate of the former New York State Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler, Manhattan. From 1956 to 1958, Mr. Johanson served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. He was a member of the Sons of Norway's Nansen Lodge, Travis. An avid Yankees fan, Mr. Johanson enjoyed gardening, sports and running. He began running in high school and became an accomplished marathoner, competing in 15 New York City marathons. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Willowbrook. "My father will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Chelsea, Matthew and Jeffrey, all who dearly loved him," said his son, Arne T. In addition to his son, surviving are his wife of 45 years, the former Marion Olsen; his daughter, Inger DeCaro; his mother, Valborg Peterson, and three grandchildren. Cremation will be tomorrow in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, N.J. A memorial service will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond.

Carmine Bellotti, 93, mechanic for 40 years
Sunday June 17, 2001
Carmine (Rudy) Bellotti, 93, of Port Richmond Center, a retired mechanic, died Friday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton. Born in Brooklyn, he moved to Port Richmond in 1938 and settled in Port Richmond Center in 1951. He was a mechanic for 40 years with Weissglass Dairy, Mariners Harbor, retiring in 1970. Mr. Bellotti enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family. His wife, the former Stella Margaret Fiumano, died in 1991. Surviving are his son, Carmine Jr.; his daughter, RoseMarie Brown; a brother, Frank; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Tuesday from the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton, with a mass at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, also West Brighton. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Graniteville.

Margot Coscia, 71, was a homemaker
Monday June 18, 2001
Margot L. Coscia, 71, of Eltingville, a homemaker and retired manicurist, died Saturday in Doctors' Hospital, Concord, of amyotropic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Born Margot L. Kurce in Brooklyn, she moved to the Bronx five years later and to Staten Island in 1964, living in Eltingville until around 1997. She was most recently a resident of St. Elizabeth Ann's Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Stapleton. For more than 10 years, she was a manicurist in Staten Island, retiring around 15 years ago. She was also a homemaker and cared for her family. An avid reader who enjoyed a good mystery novel and love story, Mrs. Coscia also loved to travel, and had visited Spain, Italy, England and Hawaii. She was a parishioner of Holy Child R.C. Church, Eltingville. "Mom was a kind and gentle person who always put others' needs, especially those of her family, before her own," said her children. "She was a best friend and a great mom. She was the wind beneath our wings." Surviving are her husband, Domenic, with whom she had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Tuesday; her son, Steven; her three daughters, Donna Kimmerer, Debra Coscia-Serio and Lisa Coscia-Ursitti, and five grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday from the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville, with a mass at 10:45 a.m. in Holy Child Church. Entombment will follow in Woodbridge (N.J.) Memorial Gardens.

Dorothy LeBlanc, 73, was active volunteer
Monday June 18, 2001
Native Staten Islander Dorothy Irene LeBlanc, 73, of Dongan Hills, a former secretary and nursing home volunteer, died of a heart attack Saturday in Eger Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Egbertville, where she had lived since March. Born Dorothy Fenty in Concord, Mrs. LeBlanc moved to Phoenicia, N.Y., in 1935 before returning to Stapleton in 1938. She settled in Dongan Hills in 1955. Mrs. LeBlanc graduated from Curtis High School and the former Baker Business School in Stapleton. A homemaker for most of her life, she also worked as a secretary at the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company's Manhattan office during the late 1940s. She volunteered at Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home and taught Sunday school at Christ Episcopal Church, New Brighton. Mrs. LeBlanc loved animals, especially her pets. She owned Himalayan cats and schnauzers, but her favorite pet was Bambi, a Persian cat. She enjoyed playing hymns on the piano and often watched Mets games on television. Her favorite all-time player was Rusty Staub. Mrs. LeBlanc attended Christian Pentecostal Church, Concord. "She served the Lord all her life and her family is happy that she is no longer in pain and with her savior," said her daughter, Eileen Gregorio. Surviving Mrs. LeBlanc, in addition to her daughter, are her husband of 51 years, Walter; her son, Walter III; her daughter, Kathleen LeBlanc; her brother, John Fenty; her sister, Muriel Ricci, and two grandchildren. The funeral service will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills. The Rev. John Carlo of Christian Pentecostal Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Walter Sherman, 70, was assistant treasurer
Tuesday June 19, 2001
Walter A. Sherman, 70, of Smallwood, N.Y., a native Staten Islander and a retired assistant treasurer for American Express, died Sunday in Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y., after a brief illness. Born in Prince's Bay, he moved to Randall Manor in 1943, where he lived until settling in Smallwood in 1996. Mr. Sherman had a 38-year career in the International Banking Division of American Express, serving as an assistant treasurer for the last five years. He retired in 1988. After completing his high school education at Manlius (N.Y.) Military School, he received a scholarship from the school to study at the Rossall School, Fleetwood Lance, England, for one year. He served in the National Guard, 42nd Infantry, stationed in Manhattan, from 1951 to 1958, and achieved the rank of first sergeant. Mr. Sherman was a member of the Randall Manor Residents' Association for many years and also belonged to the Parents Club of St. Peter's Boys High School. Surviving are his wife of 45 years, the former Kathryn Bulger, and his two sons, William T. and Richard E. The funeral service will be Thursday at 3 p.m. in Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Private cremation will be in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, N.J.

Sister Joan Marie Sale, 68, twice taught at St. John Villa
Tuesday June 19, 2001
Sister Joan Marie Sale, 68, twice taught at St. John Villa %%endhead%% Sister Joan Marie Sale, 68, personal secretary to the Mother General of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist and a former Staten Island high school teacher, died of a heart attack June 12 in Rome, where she had lived and worked for the past four years. Born Joan Sale in Manhattan, she entered the Sisters of St. John the Baptist congregation of nuns in 1949. She had recently celebrated 51 years of religious life. From 1974 to 1977, Sister Joan Marie served as regional superior in Santiago, Chile. She taught Spanish at St. John Villa Academy from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1997. She arranged a student exchange program with St. John Villa in Chile, which involved five students from each school in 1993. During her three years away from St. John Villa, Sister Joan Marie acted as local superior at Mount St. John convent in Purchase, N.Y. She was appointed personal secretary to Mother John Marie White, Mother General of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, and moved to Rome in 1997. This year marked her fourth year of service in Rome under the Mother General. She taught elementary grades at St. Lucy's School in Newark, N.J.; St. Bernard's School in Plainfield, N.J., and Mount St. John Academy in Gladstone, N.J. Sister Joan Marie was an enthusiastic Yankees fan who kept close tabs on the team's players and statistics. Joe Torre was a favorite and she would watch Yankees games whenever she could. The Sisters of St. John the Baptist said that Sister Joan Marie followed the proverb of St. Francis de Sales: "The measure of love is to love without measure." "She loved people and was always communicating with everyone," said Sister Anne Dolores. "Never counting the cost, she always devoted herself to her students and her community." Sister Joan Marie is survived by her sister, Barbara Puza; five nieces and nephews, and seven grandnieces and -nephews. The funeral will be Thursday from the A. Azzara Funeral Home, South Beach, with a mass at 10 a.m. in the convent chapel of St. John Villa Academy. Burial will follow in the Sisters of St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Gladstone.

Ralph Lippa, 54, office manager was Kiwanis leader
Tuesday June 19, 2001
Ralph M. Lippa, 54, of Randall Manor, a lifelong Staten Islander, retired office manager and a leader in the Island's Kiwanis clubs, died Sunday at home after a long illness. Born in Tompkinsville, Mr. Lippa moved to Ward Hill in 1968, later relocating to Silver Lake. He settled in Randall Manor 22 years ago. For 32 years, he worked as an office manager and officer for Cleveland General Transport Co. Inc., New Brighton. He retired in 1999. He graduated from the former Augustinian Academy, Grymes Hill, and earned a bachelor's degree from Wagner College, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Alpha fraternity. He received his license to be a practitioner for the former Interstate Commerce Commission as well. Mr. Lippa was very active in the North Shore Kiwanis, which he joined in 1980. He served as president in 1985 and 1987, and was secretary for a few years. During his presidency, the North Shore Kiwanis expanded its community outreach by assisting at fund-raisers for the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the Staten Island Children's Museum, both Livingston. Funds were donated to the Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island, Meals on Wheels and the Disabled Boy Scouts of Staten Island. He was instrumental in establishing the Kiwanis' Key Club at Tottenville High School and was the first Kiwanian to be "roasted" at a testimonial dinner by all the Staten Island Kiwanis groups. Mr. Lippa was a longtime board member of Camelot Counseling Centers on Staten Island, and was honored for his efforts. He was also a member of the Randall Manor Residents' Association, which he served in several capacities, most recently as secretary. He was a past president of Notre Dame Academy's Parents' Guild and served on its board of directors until his illness. He enjoyed scuba diving. Mr. Lippa was a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Tompkinsville. "He was irrepressible, irreplaceable," said his family. Surviving are his wife of 31 years, the former Suzette Sherry; a daughter, Lynette Kehoe; a brother, Michael, and a sister, Ginny Lippa. The funeral will be Thursday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Cremation will follow in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, N.J.

Mary Felton-Dallas, 68, was registered nurse
Tuesday June 19, 2001
Mary C. Felton-Dallas, 68, of Castleton Corners, a retired registered nurse, died Sunday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton, of respiratory failure. Born Mary C. Watts in Pineapple, Ala., she lived there for 20 years before relocating to Port Richmond. Two years later, she moved to Mariners Harbor. She settled in Castleton Corners in 1969. Mrs. Felton-Dallas graduated from the former Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing's two-year program in Selma, Ala. From 1953 to 1956, she worked as a nurse at what was then known as St. Vincent's Hospital, West Brighton, and from 1956 to 1976 at what was then called Sea View Hospital. She graduated from the College of Staten Island in 1975 with a bachelor of science degree, becoming a registered nurse. She then worked at Bellevue Hospital, Manhattan, for two years before returning to Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home, from which she retired in 1991. Mrs. Felton-Dallas loved bowling and playing cards. She was always proud of her days as a shooting guard for Good Samaritan's basketball team. She was a parishioner of St. Rita's R.C. Church, Meiers Corners. "She was a very, very special lady," said her sister, Judy Jenkins. "She always had a smile and something nice to say to everyone. Everyone she came in contact with loved her. We'll miss her dearly." Her sister added, "There never were more truer words spoken." Also surviving, in addition to her sister, are her husband of 20 years, Earle Henry Dallas; her daughter, Yolanda Felton-Blanding; three more sisters, Gwendolyn Richardson, Ruth Reeves and Bonnie Williams, and one grandson. The funeral will be Thursday from the Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Rita's Church. Burial will follow in Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, Oakwood.

Veronica Weidner, 86, worked for Citibank as first area female branch manager
Wednesday June 20, 2001
Veronica M. (Ronnie) Weidner, 86, of West Brighton, a native Staten Islander and retired banker, died yesterday in Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, N.J. Born Veronica M. Gross in Stapleton, she moved to Westerleigh after her marriage. In 1961, she relocated to West Brighton. She had been residing in Bridgeway Care Center, Bridgewater, N.J., since August. Knowing early on what she wanted to do with her life, Mrs. Weidner took banking courses at Curtis High School. After graduation, she attended Wagner College. A pioneer for her time, Mrs. Weidner went into banking when it was a male-dominated field, beginning as a teller and working her way up to a position as Citibank's first female branch manager in the New York area. In addition to paving the way for women in banking, Mrs. Weidner will also go down in local history as a woman who loved her job so much she retired twice. After a 25-year career at Citibank, Mrs. Weidner retired. But shortly afterward, she was asked to return to banking at the former Gateway State Bank, because she was so popular with commercial account customers, and she did so willingly. She began working at Gateway's Dongan Hills branch as a customer service officer, before being promoted to vice president. Ten years later, she retired from Gateway's West Brighton branch. But even after her retirement in 1993, Mrs. Weidner accepted an on-call status at the bank, an example of her dedication to and love for her job. "She was a very young 80-year-old," said her son, Robert C. "She was healthy and vigorous all her life, even into her late 70s and early 80s." Mrs. Weidner's tireless work effort wasn't limited to her job. A committed volunteer, she dedicated herself to supporting the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Staten Island, taking a leading role in raising funds for the agency. In thanks, the VNA honored her with the 1994 Smith Stanley Award, given in memory of two VNA volunteers. She also received the G.A.V.E. (Gateway Award for Volunteer Effort) from Gateway State Bank for her work with the VNA and with the Business and Professional Women's Club of Staten Island. She was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, West Brighton. A devout Catholic, Mrs. Weidner enjoyed going to mass, and was active at Blessed Sacrament, helping with the church's accounting from time to time. A woman who lived for her family, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving in addition to her son, Robert, are her husband, Ferdinand C.; two brothers, John C. and Emil C.; two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Friday from the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church. Entombment will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Donato Ruggiero, 82, retired court officer
Tuesday June 19, 2001
Donato Ruggiero, 82, of Sunnyside, a retired court officer for state Supreme Court in Brooklyn, died Sunday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton, of heart failure. Born and raised in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, he moved to Sunnyside five years ago. Mr. Ruggiero worked as a court officer in state Supreme Court, Brooklyn, for more than 20 years. He retired in the late 1960s. He was a parishioner of St. Michael's R.C. Church, Brooklyn. Mr. Ruggiero was a World War II veteran who served in the Navy in the Pacific. He served several terms as commander of the Longhito-Spinelli Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Brooklyn. He was also on the community board in Sunset Park and was past president of the 43rd Street Block Association for many years. "We couldn't have asked for a better and more loving husband and father," said his wife of 59 years, the former Mary Bacic. "He was a king among men, and was loved and respected by all who knew him." Also surviving, in addition to his wife, are his son, Donato Jr.; his two daughters, Josephine DiDonna and Marie Rizzo; a brother, James; a sister Rose Caliendo; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Ruggiero's son, Anthony, died in 1982. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Michael's Church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn.

Peter Montanaro, 80, retired bus dispatcher
Wednesday June 20, 2001
Peter Mark Montanaro, 80, formerly of New Dorp, a retired bus dispatcher and driver, died Sunday of complications of Alzheimer's disease in Amboy Care Center, Perth Amboy, N.J., where he had been residing for the past seven years. Born in Astoria, Queens, he moved to Brooklyn at age 20 and then moved to Westerleigh 20 years later. He settled in New Dorp 12 years ago. Mr. Montanaro had a 20-year career with the city Transit Authority. For 15 years he worked as a bus driver, then was a dispatcher for five years. He retired in 1984. He served in the Army during World War II as a sergeant in the Medical Corps. He saw duty in England and France. Mr. Montanaro was a parishioner of St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood. He was a former member of the Sons of Italy and a member of the Berry Houses Senior Center. Mr. Montanaro enjoyed attending his grandson's soccer games and taking strolls around the neighborhood with his wife, as they walked their poodle. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, the former Marie Cuoccio; his son, Peter III; his daughter, Yvonne Taranto; a brother, Paul; a sister, Caroline Dimiceli; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 9:15 a.m. in St. Charles Church. Burial will take place in Moravian Cemetery, also New Dorp.

Sally Kearney, 86, was homemaker, clerk
Wednesday June 20, 2001
Sally Egbert Kearney, 86, of Millville, N.J., a native Staten Islander, retired clerk and a homemaker, died Monday in Cumberland Manor Nursing Home, Bridgeton, N.J., where she had been a patient since January. Born Sally Egbert in Rosebank, she moved to Stapleton in 1953 and to Castleton Corners in 1962. She settled in Millville in 1995. Mrs. Kearney worked for two years for the former Sanbuehler's Candy Store, Fort Wadsworth. Prior to that, she was employed for about a year as a retail clerk at the former Woolworth's store in Stapleton. She also worked for a couple of years as an office clerk for the former Merchants' Fire Assurance Company, Manhattan. She retired in the 1940s to take care of her family and home. Mrs. Kearney attended Curtis High School. She was a former parishioner of St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners, where she belonged to the church's senior citizens group. She was more recently a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene R.C. Church, Millville. Mrs. Kearney enjoyed reading and bowling, and was an avid Mets fan who enjoyed attending games. Her husband, Peter A., died in 1996. Surviving is her daughter, Rita Wagner. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a mass at noon in Our Lady Help of Christians R.C. Church, also Tottenville. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Edward Gilby, 67, was operating engineer
Wednesday June 20, 2001
Edward G. Gilby Sr., 67, of Howell, N.J., a native Staten Islander and a retired operating engineer, died Saturday in Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, N.J. Born in Great Kills, he graduated from Tottenville High School in 1952. He moved to Howell in 1966. For a brief time during the 1960s, Mr. Gilby served as president of the Staten Island Sheriff's Mounted Posse. He worked as an operating engineer for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 14-14B of New York, for 28 years. He retired in 1994. A Korean War-era veteran, Mr. Gilby served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1959. He was also a member of an American Legion Post in Lakewood for 29 years. He was a life member of the Lakewood Elks Lodge, serving as exalted leader from 1976 to 1977. He also served as secretary for 13 years. Mr. Gilby enjoyed hunting and boating. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, the former Rita Huntzinger; his two sons, Edward Jr. and Jeffrey; his two daughters, Jo-Ann Tommassini and Karen Campbell; a brother, Richard; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Gilby's son, Lawrence, died in 1980. The funeral service was scheduled for today at 10 a.m. in the Lakewood Funeral Home. Burial was to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, also Lakewood.

Cora Grant, 68, was retired nurse's aide
Wednesday June 20, 2001
Cora Grant, 68, of New Brighton, a longtime Staten Island resident and retired nurse's aide, died Sunday at home. Born Cora Kelly in the Republic of Honduras, she came to the United States about 44 years ago, living in New Jersey for about a year before settling in New Brighton in 1957. She worked as a nurse's aide for 28 years at what was then known as the Silver Lake Nursing Home, Brighton Heights, retiring three years ago. Mrs. Grant was an active member of her church, the Staten Island Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mariners Harbor. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crocheting, baking and cooking. She was especially known for the rolls she baked, which, according to her husband, Roy, were very popular. Surviving, in addition to her husband, are her three sons, Stanley, Edrick and Clifford; a sister, Evan Borden, and eight grandchildren. The funeral service will be Friday at 10 a.m. in the Staten Island Seventh Day Adventist Church, followed by burial in Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, Oakwood. Arrangements are being handled by the Scamardella Funeral Home, West Brighton.

Diane Caminiti, 37, was a housekeeper
Wednesday June 20, 2001
Diane Caminiti, 37, of Sunnyside, a lifelong Staten Islander and a nursing home housekeeper, died Saturday at home. Born in Grant City, Ms. Caminiti moved to Sunnyside three years ago. She was a housekeeper for various nursing homes on Staten Island, most recently at Anna Erika Assisted Living, New Brighton. She was a graduate of the Hungerford School, Clifton. Ms. Caminiti was a member of the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Dancing was her favorite pastime. Surviving are her step-mother, Gloria Caminiti; her brother, Angelo, and her stepbrother, Andrew Coven. The funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. in the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond. Monsignor Nicholas Soares of St. Clement/St. Michael R.C. Parish, Mariners Harbor, will officiate. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Roy Scafidi, 68, Sanitation worker
Thursday June 21, 2001
Roy A. Scafidi, 68, of Port Richmond, a longtime Staten Island resident and a retired Sanitation worker, died Tuesday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton, of emphysema. Born in Brooklyn, he moved to Oakwood at age 23 and lived there for 20 years before settling in Port Richmond, where he has been residing since 1976. He and his wife had also enjoyed summer vacations in Pocono Lake, Pa., for about 12 years. Mr. Scafidi had a 20-year career with the city Department of Sanitation, working first in Manhattan before his transfer to Staten Island. He retired in 1989. He served in the Navy from 1951 to 1959, stationed in Norfolk, Va. Mr. Scafidi was a parishioner of St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood. He was a former member of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed bowling, dancing, playing cards, watching old movies and reading. Surviving are his wife, the former Mary Ann Micka; his son, Stephen; his two daughters, Grace Spinella and Lucille Woods; his two stepsons, Nicholas Tauriello Jr. and Joseph Tauriello Sr., and 15 grandchildren. The funeral service will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Rachel Territo, 79, retired stock quoter
Thursday June 21, 2001
Rachel E. (Rae) Territo, 79, of Westerleigh, a lifelong Staten Islander and retired stock quoter, died Tuesday in Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Castleton Corners, where she had been residing for the past four and a half years. Born Rachel E. DeSantis in New Brighton, she also lived in West Brighton before moving to Westerleigh 30 years ago. As a teen-ager, Mrs. Territo worked for the Royal Press, Mariners Harbor, her family's printing business, which was founded in 1926 by her older brother, Carmine. She later worked as a stock quoter on the foreign wire with the former Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., now Merrill Lynch, a brokerage firm in Manhattan. She remained with the firm for 13 years and retired in 1973. Mrs. Territo was a graduate of Curtis High School. It was during her high school years that she met her husband, Anthony J., a student at Port Richmond High School, at a dance. The high school sweethearts were married in 1942. An active volunteer, she was a member of the Westerleigh chapter of the AARP and the Staten Island chapter of the American Cancer Society. Mrs. Territo loved to dance, and took ballroom dancing classes with her husband at different places on Staten Island and in New Jersey for the past 10 years. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, watching television and going to Atlantic City. She was a parishioner of Assumption R.C. Church, New Brighton. In addition to her husband, Anthony J., surviving are her sons, Anthony J. Jr. and Ronald E., and one grandson. The funeral service will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Maud Stuart, 58, homemaker and lifelong Islander
Thursday June 21, 2001
Maud Elizabeth Stuart, 58, of Castleton Corners, a homemaker and lifelong Staten Islander, died yesterday in St. Vincent's Medical Center, West Brighton. Born Maud Elizabeth Cordes in West Brighton, she moved to Castleton Corners 20 years later. She attended Port Richmond High School. Mrs. Stuart was devoted to caring for her family and home. She enjoyed arts and crafts, especially ceramics and building dollhouses, and liked to knit and crochet. Surviving are her husband of 39 years, Curt Horton Stuart; her son, William; her mother, Maud Cordes, and three sisters, Sharon Calkins, Margaret Riviello and her identical twin, Frances Ruggiero. Funeral arrangements, which include private cremation Saturday in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, N.J., are being handled by the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners.