U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Thomas L. McKay
Thomas L. McKay, a native of Riverhead, died of a heart attack on June 12, 2000 at Central Suffolk Hospital. He was 47.
Mr. McKay was born April 15, 1953, to Thomas and Anna (Filla) McKay, and was a 1971 graduate of Riverhead's Mercy High School and lifeguard at Iron Pier on the Sound.
After graduating with a B.A. in English from SUNY/Geneseo in 1975, he taught English in Baltimore's inner city schools for several years. But after being beaten and held at knifepoint near the school where he taught, he shifted his career into directing recreational facilities, first in San Diego, Calif., then San Jose, and finally Seattle, Wash. However, he remained at heart a dedicated teacher.
In San Jose, where his activities as director of the city's recreation center included community activities, competitive sports, after-school and seniors programs, he was commended by the mayor for running the Special Olympics program, and according to his sister, Kate McKay of Riverhead, "the seniors showered him with gifts and spoiled him rotten."
In Seattle, he designed that city's newest, largest recreation center, for which he received another formal mayoral award. Mr. McKay was especially proud that civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks chose to come and help at the center's dedication ceremony.
An amusing hobby of her brother was collecting flamingos, Ms. McKay said. Speaking more seriously on behalf of his family, she added: "Tom taught from his life. There's a moral to his story: Live every day and every single minute to the fullest. We often forget to do this in today's life. And every chance you have, show kindness to others, for it will be repaid."
Tom McKay returned to Riverhead from Seattle two weeks ago. Besides his sister, Kate, he is survived by his mother, Anna, also of Riverhead, and sisters, Maria McKay of San Diego and Jackie Vogelsang of Coconut Creek, Fla.
The family received friends on June 13 at F.J. McLaughlin Funeral Home, Riverhead. Cremation was private.
Barbara M. Baugher
Riverhead native Barbara McKenney Baugher, 71, of Biglerville, Pa., died on June 10, 2000 at Gettysburg Hospital in Gettysburg, Pa.
Born Aug. 5, 1928, to Ralph and Lora Gay McKenney, she was employed at WGET Radio in Gettysburg for over 20 years, later with the National Tower at Gettysburg and ORVIS Associates in Frederick, Md. She was an active member and past president of Gettysburg Soroptimists.
Ms. Baugher is survived by two sons, Douglas, of Aspers, Pa., and Wade, of West Conshohoken, Pa.; two daughters, Susan English of Philadelphia, Pa., and Gale Jessie of Martinsville, Ind.; two sisters, Beatrice Kerlin of Lake Okeechobee, Fla., and Carol Terry of Riverhead; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Visiting hours and funeral services took place June 13 in Gettysburg, followed by interment at Bendersville Cemetery, Pa.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 1075 Old Harrisburg Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325, or The American Cancer Society, 656 Johns Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Victor Nuzzi
Victor Nuzzi of Riverhead died June 6, 2000 at the age of 81 at Central Suffolk Hospital, after a long illness.
Born in Italy on March 20, 1919, to Idola (Ferraro) and Andrea Nuzzi, he served with the U.S. Navy in World War II from 1939 to 1945 and later worked as a building manager in New York City.
He is survived by his wife, the former Barbara Rogers; a son, Steven; two daughters, Barbara Ann Nuzzi and Jane Lopiparo; a sister, Clara Polito; and eight grandchildren. A son, Victor Jr., predeceased him.
The family received friends June 7 and 8 at F.J. McLaughlin Funeral Home, Riverhead. The Rev. Msgr. John Mirecki officiated at a funeral mass June 9 at St. Isidore's R.C. Church, Riverhead, followed by interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Norma L. Slivonik
Norma L. Slivonik of Aquebogue died June 12, 2000 at Southampton Hospital at the age of 78.
She was born in Ridgewood, N.J., on Dec. 5, 1921, to Shirley (Lannuier) and Marion Converse.
Ms. Slivonik is survived by her husband, Theodore; a son, John, of Orlando, Fla.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. today, Thursday, June 15, at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home, Riverhead. Interment is to follow at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood.
Rose A. Matthews
Rose A. Matthews of Jamesport died June 10, 2000 at Central Suffolk Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility at the age of 90.
Born Nov. 7, 1909, to Marie (Jetter) and Ernest Steck in New York City, she lived in Flushing, N.Y., for 50 years or more, until moving to Jamesport six years ago. After her children matured, she worked for the City of New York for 20 years satisfying mortgages for the city.
"She was a great lady and a sweet person who'd do anything for you," recalled her daughter, Anne Marie Merz of Jamesport. "Mother loved being with people and kept active until a few years ago. She also enjoyed her bridge group," said Ms. Merz.
Predeceased in 1966 by her husband, Walter, Ms. Matthews is also survived by a son, Edward, of Setauket; a brother, Ernest Steck of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 13, at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home, Riverhead, with the Rev. Charles Beyer, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Aquebogue, officiating. Interment followed at Mount St. Mary's Cemetery in Flushing.
Kathy White
A memorial service will be held for Kathy White of Florida, formerly of Riverhead, on Saturday, June 17, 2000, at 10 a.m. at Riverhead Cemetery on Roanoke Avenue. Kathy White was the daughter of the late Francis "Cy" and Patricia White.
Rose Sykes
Rose Sykes of Wading River, a well-known pianist who played at area restaurants for many years, died Oct. 1, 2000 at Petite Fleur Nursing Home in Sayville. She was 85.
She was born in Austin, Pa., on Oct. 4, 1914, to Harry and Ida Sykes. She moved to Wading River in 1972 after spending 25 years working at the National Hospital for Speech Disorders in Manhattan. "She said I'm coming out to play piano," said her niece, Maxine Bedford of West Sayville. "I asked her where and she said she'd find someplace. And she did." Ms. Sykes became a popular attraction at Brasby's and The Poop Deck in Aquebogue, the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook, and other spots. "She had a large, loyal following," said Ms. Bedford, "and she played right up until the days before had her first stroke."
Ms. Sykes is survived by a brother, David Sykes of Chevy Chase, Md.; a sister, Reva Friedsam of Denton, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held Oct. 4 in Williamsport, Pa.
Memorial donations may made to Kent Animal Shelter, 2259 River Road, Calverton, 11933.
