All Obituaries

Richard K. Skala, known affectionately as Rich to his friends and family, passed away on April 5, 2024, at the age of 64, in Bovina Center. Born on October 12, 1959, in Islip, Long Island, Rich was a man of integrity, courage, and unwavering spirit.  Rich's early years were spent in the town of his birth, where he was raised by his loving parents, Frank and Constance Combs Skala, who predeceased him. He was the cherished brother to Kathleen Baiata, Frank Jr., Roland, Thomas, and...

Phoenicia- Jon Rowe, 80, of Phoenicia died peacefully at home on March 26, 2024 with his family beside him. He was born in Kingston July 29,1943 son of the late William and Beth Willey Rowe and grew up in Hurley. Jon enlisted in the US Navy in 1962. His ship was part of the Cuban Blockade. He was a Navy Radioman on the aircraft carriers USS Wasp and the USS Ranger and served in Japan, the Philippines, Alaska and Viet Nam. He was in Alaska when the earthquake hit...

Please check back as service details are being confirmed.  Thank you   Marguerite Cross, 90, died peacefully on March 25, 2024, in Greensboro, NC, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unwavering appreciation for the great outdoors. Born on February 19, 1934, in Lexington, NY, to the late Marion and Evelyn Whitney Place, Marguerite was a true daughter of the Catskill Mountains, which she held dear to her heart throughout her...

Friends will be received on  Saturday from 2pm to 4pm prior to the Celebration of Life at 4pm. Phoenicia-      Kevin James Frasier, known affectionately as Kev to his friends and family, passed away on March 17, 2024, due to chronic critical cardiac issues. Born on October 21, 1963, in Kingston, Kevin was a native and lifelong resident of the Catskill Mountains, an area his family has called home for generations. He departed this world in Phoenicia, surrounded by the...

Woodland Valley- Jean Marie Druffner, a pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, in New Paltz, New York. Born on April 27, 1946, in Avoca, Pennsylvania, Jean's life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit, gentle heart, and creative mind. Her 77 years were marked by dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and the simple joys of life. Jean's formative years in Avoca laid the foundation for a life of service and learning. After graduating from...

Woodstock- Beth Lipton Collins, a beacon of creativity and educational excellence, passed away on February 19, 2024, following a brave battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Born in New York City on May 1, 1962, to Barbara Barrett Lipton and the late Milton Lipton, Beth's vibrant spirit and passion for the arts were evident from a young age. Beth's artistic journey flourished as she graduated from Bard College with a degree in performing arts. Her relentless drive and...

Chichester- Randy Ostrander, a quintessential Catskill Mountain Man, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on October 28, 1957, he was the son of Robert and Freda Ostrander.   Randy was a man whose personality was as large as life itself and whose knowledge of local history was as deep as the roots of the mountains he called home. Randy's life was a testament to the values of hard work and dedication. A self-employed logger and excavator, he was...

Woodland Valley-      Katherine "Kathy" Norde, a cherished soul known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness, passed away on February 18, 2024, in New Paltz, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 13, 1947, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Kathy's life was a tapestry of love, service, and entrepreneurial spirit. Kathy's journey began as a bright-eyed girl in New Jersey, where her warmth and tenacity were evident from a young age. She grew...

  WEST SHOKAN      Lorraine B. Levine, 100, of Watson Hollow Rd. died Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in Kingston NY, after a brief illness.  Born June 23, 1923 in Crivitz, Wisconsin she was the daughter of Nicholas and Isabelle Franzen Wirig.   She was an avid homemaker, and loved raising her children and spending time with grandchildren. Lorraine studied nutrition, was an excellent cook and always made sure everyone at her table had delicious and...