U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Mr. Frank R. "Richie" Vespi, 64, of Little Falls, beloved husband of Carol Vespi, died a sudden but heroic death on Monday morning, May 24, 2004 in Indianapolis, IN.
He was born on March 2, 1940 in Little Falls, a son of the late Guy and Louise (Peters) Vespi and received his education in Little Falls schools. Frank served his country with the United States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge on February 1, 1960. He resided at one time in Hamlin, NY, Albion, NY and also in Wildwood, Florida. On November 12, 1977 in Hamlin, NY, Frank was united in marriage with the former Carol Coloney. Throughout the extent of their 26-year union, they enjoyed a true partnership. They were each others pillar of strength both personally and as well as in their business lives, operating The Antiques and More Annex. He was employed for twenty years by Marcin Heating. His last professional association was with the Orleans Correctional Facility, in Albion NY where he was a correction officer, retiring in 1991, after ten years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge and the Moose Lodge.
In more recent years, Frank found his grandchildren to provide him with his greatest contentment and his most enduring happiness. In manner and in attitude, he was affectionate, lively and helpful. His innate self-awareness and his secure confidence in his own abilities provided the perfect foundation for the manner in which he chose to conduct his relationships and obligations: he was committed to excellence in all his endeavors and dedicated to his personal and career standards and values. In his leisure time, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing. He also loved to travel. Frank was always ready to stand up for himself and was tragically taken from us doing so. The heroism and courage that Frank displayed on Monday morning will always live on in the hearts of his family and friends, truly setting an example for all to live by.
He leaves his beloved wife, Carol of Little Falls, three sons, Joey Vespi and wife Shelly of Clarkseville, GA., Paul Penna of Spencerport, NY, and Alan Penna of Santa Cruz, CA., a daughter Jodi Gaines and husband Richard of Albion, NY, two brothers, Guy Vespi and wife Cindy of Little Falls and Gary Vespi of Little Falls, five cherished grandchildren, Christian Gaines, Sydney Vespi, Brian Penna, Luke Gaines and Kyle Gaines, one adored great-grandchild, Avery Gaines, many nieces, nephews, cousins; in-laws, Elaine and Gene Banas, Joyce and Ralph Dollinger all of Albion, NY, and George and Jennifer Coloney of Weston, Fl. Also surviving are numerous dear and devoted friends in the Mohawk Valley and throughout the country.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Monday, May 31, 2004 from 4-8 pm.
Frank's funeral will commence at 10 am on Tuesday morning, June 1, 2004 from the chapel of the Enea Funeral Home where prayer will be offered and at 11 am from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls with the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest.
Kindly consider memorial contributions to the Frank R. Vespi Memorial Fund, donations may be made at the funeral home.
The Little Falls Rotary Club are asked to gather at the funeral home on Monday evening at 6 p.m. to pay their respects. Members of the Little Falls Elk's Lodge #42 are asked to gather at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. on Monday to conduct their service.
Rita Elizabeth Daly, 82, a life long Herkimer resident, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 29, 2004 at Folts Home, Herkimer.
She was born on December 30, 1921, in Herkimer, a daughter of the late Francis W. and Elizabeth (Kelleher) Daly. She graduated from St. Francis deSales School and from Herkimer High School Class of 1939. She attended Albany State College where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1944 and a master's degree in 1947. In 1977, she retired from Herkimer High School as an English teacher and had previously taught in Frankfort, West Winfield, and Wappingers Falls. She was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer. Miss Daly was a member of the Herkimer County Historical Society and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Mohawk Homestead.
Survivors include her sister, Jean Daly Winsor of Fanwood, NJ, brother, Francis W. Daly of Meridian Idaho, 17 nieces and nephews and 16 grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary C. Daly and by two brothers, John F. and Robert E. Daly.
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Friday June 4, 2004 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Miss Daly's funeral will commence at 9:30 on Saturday morning, June 5, 2004 from the chapel of the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, Herkimer where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from St. Francis de Sales Church, N. Bellinger St., Herkimer where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Mark Cunningham, Pastor. Funeral procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Jean Daly Winsor, 72 Beech Avenue Fanwood, NJ 07023. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Miss Daly's name to St. Francis de Sales Regional School. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Mr. Peter Holod, 84, of 52 Furnace St., Little Falls, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday afternoon, June 3, 2004 in Little Falls Hospital. He had the love and support of his wife at his side at the time of his passing.
He was born on April 6, 1920 Ukraine, a son of the late John and Maria Holod. He received his education in schools in Ukraine. Peter was united in marriage with the former Anne Kizianowa in Germany on June 5, 1945, a relationship of 59 years, one that was blessed with true love and genuine commitment. He resided in Germany from 1942-1948. From 1948-1956 he and his wife resided in France, then settling in Little Falls in 1956.
Mr. Holod was last employed with Remington Arms, Ilion. He was a member of the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Little Falls, where he was cantor for many years. Peter considered religion to be a foremost priority in his life, dedicating several years to the church. He will be sadly missed, especially by his loving wife.
Survivors include his wife Anne of Little Falls, a sister, Jovdoba in Ukraine, many nieces, nephews and cousins in Ukraine and in the United States. He was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters.
Visitation at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls will be on Sunday, June 6, 2004 from 1-4 p.m. Parastas will be held at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Peter's funeral will commence at 9:30 am on Monday, June 7, from the chapel of the Enea Funeral Home, and at 10 am from St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Furnace St., Little Falls with the Rev. Marian Kostek, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where he will be laid to rest.
Kindly consider contributions in his memory to the Little Falls Hospital Development Fund, envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Anne would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Little Falls Hospital for their professionalism and loving care that shown during Peter's illness.
Robert "Robby" Lee Hart, age 23, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 17, 2004.
Robert was born at Little Falls Hospital on January 26, 1981. He was the son of Richard and Linda Hart. He was a graduate of St. Johnsville Central School and graduated with the class of 1999. Robert was employed in St. Johnsville at Cellect Co., and lived at home with his family.
Robby was a person who knew what to value in life. Those whom Robert loved, and what Robert loved to do, was done with a sense of loyal intensity. Robert loved his family. Robert loved to fish. Robert loved the cricks and streams of the Mohawk Valley and he had a great love for the Mohawk River. Robert was a wonderful story teller. He loved nothing better than to build a fire and gather about it with his friends. His stories amused and amazed. He was a scholar of the word of God and spent many hours among the pages of his Bible. Robert was an inspired artist, poet and musician. However, he shared his talents with few. His family and friends will forever feel grateful and blessed that they lived within his circle.
Robert leaves many loved ones behind. His closest family includes his parents, a brother Richard Hart of Latham, two sisters Hillary and Amy Hart, and his bird Peepers. His extended family includes two sets of grandparents: Richard and Esther Hart and Mildred and George Armstrong, all of St. Johnsville. His aunts and uncles include: John and Sara Hart, James and Rosemary Hart, Susie and Bob Simmons, and Ronald Hart, all of St, Johnsville, Bonnie and Larry Waterman of Hudson Falls, Deborah and Bruce Singer of Dolgeville, Carol and Norman Barnard of Springfield, MA, George and Maryanne Armstrong of Forestport, and Gary Armstrong of North Palm Beach, FL. Robert's special friend was Anastasia Smith who attends Adelphi University. Robert was predeceased by an uncle, Patrick Michael Hart. Robert had numerous cousins, great aunts and uncles and other extended family, many of whom were dear to him.
The Hart family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Chief Farber of the STJPD, the STJ Volunteer Fire Department, and the divers and rescue workers of the neighborhood counties who worked tirelessly to recover Robert from the Mohawk River.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 21, 2004 from 10-12 Noon at the Grace Church in St. Johnsville, with the funeral service immediately following visitation. Reverend Cole will officiate and an interment will take place up on the hill in the St. Johnsville cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please remember the St. Johnsville Volunteer Firemen and the Christian Children's Fund, as Robert sponsored a child whicih he found to be a privilege and an honor.
Mrs. Florence DeRosa, 85, a longtime Herkimer resident, beloved wife of Pat DeRosa, entered into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon, June 20, 2004 in Little Falls Hospital.
She was born on February 8, 1919, in Watertown, NY a daughter of the late John and Josephine (Venedetto) Carlo and was educated in Watertown schools.
It was on May 26, 1940 that Florence was united in marriage with Pat DeRosa in Watertown. The couple shared a 64-year union that was characterized by their loving devotion to one another. The foremost concern of her life and her heart, as well as the source of her greatest joy was taking care of her husband, children, and grandchildren. Not only was she a dedicated homemaker and a meticulous housewife, but even more importantly she was a loving mother, and a proud and devoted grandmother. She was always anxious to cook a meal for her family, displaying her cooking talents with eagerness and enthusiasm. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones.
Survivors include three beloved children, Pat DeRosa and wife Frances of Herkimer, Christine Healey of Herkimer, Susan Cancelino and husband Alan of Herkimer, two sons in law, James Houghtaling of Hinckley, NY, and Joseph Harb of San Antonio, TX, seven cherished grandchildren, Cindy DeRosa of Utica, Alan Cancelino of New York City, Patsy DeRosa, Jr., of Herkimer, Lisa and Scott Scherer of Herkimer, Marcelle and Sergio Cisernos of San Antonio, TX, Grace and Ryan Fuess of San Antonio, TX, Jacqueline Harb of Troy, NY, two adored great grandchildren, Devan and Mitchell Scherer. Survivors also include, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Josephine Harb and Maryann Houghtaling, three sisters, one brother a son in law, Robert Healey.
There will be no public visitation. The family will gather privately to say goodbye at Calvary Cemetery, Utica, where entombment will take place. The Holleran-Enea Funeral Home of Herkimer, (866-1011) is serving the family.
Mr. Benedict Luppino, age 48, of 300 Johnson Avenue, Herkimer, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, June 21, 2004 at Little Falls Hospital.
He was born on September 4, 1956 in Herkimer, son of Frank A. & Rose (Ciuffa) Luppino. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Wednesday June 23, 2004 at 9:30 AM at the Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, South Main Street, Herkimer, with Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow alongside his parents at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer.
Those wishing are asked to consider donations in Benny's memory to the American Cancer Society, and the opportunity to do so will be available in the church vestibule on Wednesday morning.
There are no public calling hours. His family has selected the Holleran - Enea Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, to assist them with arrangements.
Owen R. Brownrigg, age 67, a longtime resident of 216 E. Orchard St., Frankfort, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2004, at Faxton Hospital, Utica.
Survivors include one daughter, Michelle Brownrigg of Little Falls; one son, Michael Brownrigg; seven grandchildren, Kaycie Beekman, Nickolas and Sara Brownrigg, Brenden Rivera, Alexander Brownrigg, Scott and Michael Worden; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Bill Nichols of Remsen, and Gladys and Tim Lewis of Herkimer; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Suits Brownrigg of Herkimer and Margaret Brownrigg of Yorkville; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends. Owen also leaves his beloved cat, "Muffin." He was predeceased by his sister, Gwendyln Murray; and brother, Henry Brownrigg.
Owen's funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 29, 2004, commencing at 10 a.m. at the Graves-Applegate-Day Funeral Home, 48 E. Main St., Mohawk, with Sister Sharon Ann Boyd officiating. Procession to Mohawk Cemetery for interment with full military honors by the US Army will follow.
Family and friends are invited to visitation Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Graves-Applegate-Day Funeral Home, Mohawk.
The Ilion-Frankfort VFW Post 520 will assemble Monday at 6:30 p.m. and the St. Francis Society will assemble Monday at 7 p.m., both at the Mohawk Funeral Home, for Owen's respective services.
In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial's in Owen's name to the Herkimer County Humane Society. He and Sharon had a deep love for all animals. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Norman Robert Hadcock, formerly of Stratford, passed away on Friday evening, June 25, 2004 in Van Allen's Nursing Home, Little Falls.
He was born in Stratford on October 18, 1909 a son of the late Milton J. and Carrie (Pentland) Hadcock. He was united in marriage with the former Erma Darling on June 28, 1930. Erma passed away in 1971. For a brief time, Mr. Hadcock was employed with Remington Arms, Ilion. For several years he was the owner of Hadcock's Garage/Grocery/Snack Bar in Salisbury. Norman moved to Florida in 1971 and resided there until 2002. He was a Free and Accepted Mason holding membership with the Dolgeville - Little Falls Masonic Lodge # 796. He was active with the shriners while residing in Florida, a member of the Spruce Lake Fish and Game Club, Stratford Senior Citizens, and attended the Little Falls First Baptist Church and the Salisbury Methodist Church.
He leaves a daughter Sally Sterusky and husband Ralph of Little Falls, two brothers, Elbert Hadcock of Dannemora, NY, and Charles Hadcock of Albany, grandchildren, Perry Siver and wife Darlene of Norway, NY, Melanie Haak of Stratford, and Andrew Siver of Blue Hill, Maine, great grandchildren, Rhonda, Ryan and Perry Siver, Jr., Brittany and Katrina Cool, Sage Stone-Siver, great-great grandchildren, Ashley Darling and Joshua Siver, step grandchildren, Lora Rehm and husband Paul of NC, David Sterusky and wife Vicky of Dolgeville, Christopher Sterusky and wife Brenda of KY, Paula Cramer of Grand Island, NY, and Ralph B. Sterusky of Dolgeville, eleven step great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Raymond and Ellis Hadcock.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Roberts-Buck Funeral Home, 3 Faville Avenue, Dolgeville, on Monday, June 28, 2004 from 5-8 p.m.
Mr. Hadcock's funeral will commence at 11 am on Tuesday morning, June 29, from the First Baptist Church, Little Falls, with the Rev. Donald Dixon, pastor, officiating. Procession will follow to Salisbury Rural Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife.
Kindly consider contributions in memory of Mr. Hadcock to the Mohawk Valley Christian Academy of Little Falls, envelopes may be obtained at the Roberts-Buck Funeral Home, Dolgeville.
Members of the Dolgeville - Little Falls Masonic Lodge # 796 are asked to gather at the funeral parlor on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. to conduct their ritualistic service.
Mr. Charles B. Martin, Sr., age 68, formerly of Rockton Plaza Apartments, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 27, 2004 at Valley Health Services, Herkimer.
He was born on August 10, 1935 in Cooperstown, a son of the late Donald and Helen (Barker) Martin and was educated in Van Hornesville schools. He was united in marriage to the former Annette Biron who passed away in 1959. He was married to Mary Lou Steuber in 1962. Charles owned and operated C.B. Martin Roofing and Siding for several years. He was formerly employed as a data processor for IBM. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Martin of Herkimer, daughters, Joanne Valentine and husband Steve of MD, Patricia Martin of Boston, Kimberly Jaquay and husband Eric of TX, Mary Lou Herringshaw and husband Frank of Little Falls, Christine Zaccaria and husband Rick of TX, Katherine Pilla and husband Peter of VA, and Karen Martin and Floyd Guidi of Ilion, sons, Charles B. Martin, Jr. and wife Marina of Mohawk, John Martin and wife Lori of Little Falls, Donald Martin of Ilion, eighteen grandchildren, Alexis Valentine, Eric, Tiffany, Alicia and Monique Jaquay, Matthew, Alexander and Nicolas Herringshaw, James Martin, Ricky, Tia and Chelsey Zaccaria, Zachary and Joshua Martin, McKayla Pilla, Jayde and Kaytlyn Martin and Travis Guidi. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife and his twin brother James Martin.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Tuesday, June 29, 2004 from 5-8 p.m.
The funeral will commence at 10:15 am on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 am where his Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated by Father Peter Nabozny and Father Mark Cunningham at St. Francis de Sales Church, N. Bellinger St., Herkimer. Funeral procession will follow to Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer where Mr. Martin will be laid to rest.
Kindly consider contributions in his memory to Valley Health Services, Herkimer. Envelopes may be obtained at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, Herkimer.
The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Valley Health Services, Herkimer for the care and concern that was given during this difficult time. Also, a special thanks to Vicki from Hospice Care for the compassion that she displayed during Mr. Martin's illness.
Mary Kerzic, 91, formerly of Rockton Plaza Apts., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, July 13, 2004 in Little Falls Hospital.
She was born on August 26, 1912 in Forest City, PA, a daughter of the late Thomas and Frances (Urbas) Kerzic and attended of St. Mary's Academy. She was last employed with the former Gilbert Knitting Mill, Little Falls. Mary was a communicant of Holy Family Parish and a member of the Rosary Society. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and embroidering and spent many hours taking care of her parents.
Survivors include two brothers, Joseph Kerzic of Tucson, AZ, John Kerzic and wife Clare of Little Falls, nieces, Linda Hensel and husband Steve of Albany, Cynthia Wydysh and husband Gordon of Holland Patent, Carole Kerzic of Albany, Gary Kerzic and wife Laura of Niskayuna, and a nephew, Richard Willert of Tucson, AZ. Also surviving are five great nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters Cecilia Willert and Sophia Klc Phillips.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Saturday morning, July 17, 2004 from 10-11 a.m. Mary's funeral will commence at 11 am on Saturday from the chapel of the Enea Funeral Home with the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery where she will be laid to rest.
Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund, donations may be made at the Enea Funeral Home.
David Michael Ronan, 59 of 28 Petrie St. Little Falls, passed away on Tuesday July 13, 2004 at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness with his family by his side.
He was born on February 5, 1945 in Little Falls the son of the late John & Catherine (Desmond) Ronan. David was always proud of his mom for being in the last graduating class of Little Falls Hospital School of Nursing.
He was a graduate of St. Mary's Academy class of 1963. He attended Morrisville Agriculture & Tech College and also graduated from Utica College with a degree in history.
He took a lot of interest in the Little Falls Historical Society and the Herkimer Humane Society. David was employed at the former Library Bureau in Herkimer.
He was a member of St. Paul's Universalist Church ministerial committee, men's club and their monthly breakfasts. He enjoyed volunteering his time at the Historical Society, and was involved with the Christ Lutheran "Lunch Bunch".
David had many wonderful friends and neighbors and was always ready to help them with either lending out his tools or giving them a hand with fixing something., if he didn't know the problem he would find out for you. He enjoyed helping others, be it with carpentry, cars, electrical & plumbing and had a vast knowledge of those professions. He was also the author of "An Erie Mystery" about the explosion of the Steamboat "The Titus Sheard" in 1896. Along with his many friends and acquaintances, he had many loves including fishing, acquiring knowledge about everything, and a big part of his life was music and reading.
Mr. Ronan had many joys and accomplishments including summers at Burn's family farm in his youth and had many happy memories of that time in his life. David enjoyed e-mailing his many friends visiting on the phone or on his front porch or just being around people.
He is survived by several cousins including: Jack Burns and his wife Ann of Rochester; Thomas Burns and his wife Janet of Little Falls; David Burns and his wife Marcia of Cape Cod, Mass.; Mary Jo Burns of Albany; Kathleen O'Connell and husband Jim of Schenectady and a dear friend Jeanne Fogarty.
Funeral services will be held on Friday July 16, 2004 at 11:00 am from the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe Street, Little Falls, NY. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Herkimer. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home on Thursday July 15, 2004 from 6-8 pm.
All memorial contributions may be made to either Little Falls Historical Society or the Herkimer County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Florence A. Ford, 79, formerly of West Winfield and Rochester, died at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2004, at St. Luke's-Memorial Hospital, New Hartford. She resided at the home of her caregiver, Delores Collette, on Steuben Hill Road, Herkimer.
She was born Jan. 2, 1925, in Rochester, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Toner, and graduated from St. Mary's School in Rochester. On April 21, 1973, she was married to Roger W. Ford in Rochester. He died Feb. 21, 1998. Florence was employed at the Rochester Police Department for several years.
Survivors include five stepdaughters, Elaine Handford and her husband Cass of Ilion, Colleen Grimes of Herkimer, Tina Lopez and her husband Jose of Ilion, Bethann Keeler and her husband Allan of Mohawk and Lynn Ploutz and her husband David of South Carolina; two stepsons, Roger W. Ford Jr. and his wife Linda of Ilion and Dennis Ford II and his wife Shelly of Little Falls; many stepgrandchildren and step great-grandchildren; three sisters, Helen, Ruth and Bernice; and one niece, Missy.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, July 17, at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with Captain PB Stetser of The Herkimer Salvation Army officiating. Interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery, North Ilion.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon prior to the service.
All funeral and burial arrangements were entrusted to Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion.
