Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Past District Governor Dorothy Kappenberg, from the Westhampton Rotary Club.  She joined Rotary as one of the first women in Rotary on Dec. 1, 1989.  Her voluminous and credited career in life and in Rotary surpasses most women today.  In 1992-1993 she was the RC of Westhampton President, again in 1994-1995 the club President.  In 1998-1999 Dorothy was the first women District Governor for then District 7260.  In 2000 she served as a facilitator for R.L.I. for more than 10 years.  Also serving as the District Trainer in 2001-2002 and again in 2003-2004.  In 2001-2004, PDG Dorothy served as the District Rotary Foundation Chair.  From 2002-2003 she served on the Major Gifts Planned Giving Committee.  From 2007-2011 Dorothy was D7260 Representative for the Council on Legislation. In 2010 she chaired our Diversity Committee.

PDG Dorothy Kappenberg is survived by her loving husband 1986-1987 PDG Alvin Kappenberg, also of Westhampton.  A true Rotarian and a lovely lady who will be sorely missed. 

 

Please send condolences and respects to:

PDG Alvin Kappenberg
6 Baycrest Ave.
Westhampton, NY, 11977

 

Written by Catherine Rand, her grand daughter:  "There once was a girl name Dot. She was the 4th child of poor Polish immigrants, and she was a good girl. Her mother couldn't read or write, but Dot made sure to do well in school and followed the rules. She was the first and only child to go to college, where she became a teacher. Before she graduated, her mom died. Despite being the black sheep of the family she went on to teach and find a husband who gave her 2 successful daughters. She went on to earn her Masters degree and taught every grade of elementary school. At 56, she became a grandma, and she was the most wonderful, loving grandma in the whole world. She retired and grew old with her husband and family around her, enjoying going to the beach and reading. And after she was granted this wonderful long, full life, on February 24th, 2017, she gave it back to pass on to a new generation. Her family, and especially her adoring granddaughter, will miss her terribly but we are so lucky to have had her in our lives. I love you, Grandma. "

We must sadly announce that Lt. Dent departed this world on February 14, 2017, at the age of 96.  Tom had graduated Queens College in 1942 and went off to serve.  Awarded Purple Heart & Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his service in the Navy on PT Boats, Tom then attended Brooklyn Law School where he received his JD in 1948 and his Masters of Law in 1957.  Tom was a partner in Dent & Witschieben Attys at Law, from which he retired at 89.

 

Tom was a charter member of the Flushing Rotary Club, past District Governor & Paul Harris Fellow. 

 

Predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Virginia Michels; daughter Judith Ann, and son Marc Thomas.

 

Survived by darling daughter Marie Dent & Stephen Scofield; step-son Frank Koupash; grandchildren Tim, Sean, and Stephanie Scofield; Ryan, Matthew, Trevor, Julia, and Eliza Dent; daughter-in-law Michelle; and beloved friend Beverly Berke. 

 

Visitation

Martin Gleason F.H., Bayside, NY

Sat. Feb. 18th 2-4:30pm

Sun. Feb. 19th, 2-5 and 7-9:30pm. 

 

Funeral Mass

Sacred Heart Church, Bayside, NY

Mon. Feb 20^th 10am. 

 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to

The Rotary Charitable Trust, Flushing Rotary Club

 

Udalls Cove Preservation Committee

Checks payable to: Udalls Cove Preservation Committee, Inc.

Mailing Address: 251-31  42^nd Avenue, Little Neck, NY 11363

 

More information

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=184162744

We must sadly inform you of Mr. Raffle's passing.  Richard was a life-long resident of Suffolk County.  He was married to Rotarian Thelma (“Tammie”) Raffle for over 50 years.  Tammie predeceased Dick by six years.  Both Dick and Tammie served as presidents of the Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club. Dick and Tammie had two children, Philip and Nadine, as well as several grandchildren.   Dick’s entire life was defined by his service.  Not only was he a long-time (and second generation) Rotarian, he also was a founder of the Commack Ambulance Corps., a long-time Scout leader, and a member of the Board of Temple Beth Sholom in Smithtown for over 50 years. Services are scheduled for Friday, January 27, at 11:30AM at Temple Beth Sholom on Edgewood Ave in Smithtown (http://www.tbsofs.org/)   Burial to follow at New Montefiores on Wellwood (http://www.montefiores.com/newMontefiore/jewish-cemeteries-new-york/index.html)   Shiva to follow at 35 Heather Crescent, Commack, NY 11725.  Shiva will continue on Sunday.

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of Rosemary’s passing.  Rosemary was the first female member of the Hampton Bays Rotary Club, she was its first female president and was a major contributor to all our works for nearly 30 years.  She will be missed for these reasons but more importantly because of what a kind and sweet person she was. Services are scheduled at Scott’s Funeral home in Hampton Bays for Wednesday December 28th from 12 noon to 2pm with burial in the Good Ground Cemetery immediately following.  Please join us if you can and keep Rosemary and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of fellow Rotarian Arma "HAM" Andon.       Ham was a WWII Veteran, of the U.S. Army, returning home wounded in 1945. In March 1945 in Germany, Mr. Andon was in a foxhole and under heavy enemy bombardment. He was badly wounded, sustaining injuries to his abdomen and shattering his left knee and leg. Despite the open gash in his stomach, he continued to fight and lead his men. For this, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Cluster, two Purple Hearts with Cluster and a Presidential Unit Citation. In 2005, Mr. Andon was honored with the Austrian Medal of Honor, and in 2006, with the French President’s Legion of Honor Medal. Mr. Andon retired a Major of the United States Army Reserve.      In 2014 NYS Senator Ken LaValle honored Ham Andon as New York State Veterans Hall of fame member.      He served as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5350 for nearly 2 decades. He served as the Fire Commissioner for the Westhampton Beach Fire Dept.       Ham, was a very proud member of the Rotary Club of Westhampton for 30+ years.       A gentleman, and a dear gentle man, he will be sorely missed.  Services to be announced, shortly.   Condolences and cards may be sent to  Sundy and Mike Schermeyer P.O.B. 1267 Westhampton Beach, N.Y. 11978   Visitation:  Friday, December 16, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM  &  6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Visitation will be held at the Westhampton Beach Firehouse 92 Sunset Avenue Westhampton Beach, New York   VFW Service: Friday, December 16, 2016 3:30 PM - During Visitation   Westhampton Beach Firematic Service Friday, December 16, 2016 7:00 PM - During Visitation   Funeral Service Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 10:30 AM St. Mark's Episcopal Church Main Street Westhampton Beach, New York

Shirley Gustin, beloved mother of Rotary Gift of Life Leader Howard Essenfeld, passed away peacefully this past Thursday at the age of 105. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday 11/22 at 10:30 AM   Funeral arrangements, are under the direction of The Branch Funeral Home. For more information, including an online tribute wall, please visit:  http://www.branchfh.com/book-of-memories/2778072/gustin-essenfeld-shirley/service-details.php

Charles "Chuck" Sosnicki, 77, of Holbrook, passed away on November 15, 2016.  Chuck was a long time Rotarian and Past President of the Brentwood Rotary Club, and is survivied by his wife Virginia, also a Past President of the Breentwood Club.  Chuck was a Paul Harris Fellow and Major Donor.   Funeral arrangements, which are private, are under the direction of the Fives Funeral Home in Smithtown. For more information, including an online tribute wall, please visit: http://www.fivesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Charles-Sosnicki/

On November 8, 2016, Jim Gentilcore, beloved husband of PDG Eileen Gentilcore for 65 years passed away after a long illness.   Loving father of Kevin (Bernadette), John (Leigh) and Scott. Cherished grandfather of Kelly, Tyler, Connor and Kyrstin. Caring great-grandfather of Nicholas. Proud brother of Jackie Gugliano, Korean War Veteran of the U.S. Army.   Jim was the former Superintendent of Schools of Central Islip and a recipient of the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary International.   In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to:   The Music Academy of Special Learners 320 Smithtown Blvd. Ronkonkoma, NY 11795   or   Rotary Gift of Life 475 Northern Blvd. Great Neck, NY 11020   Arrangements: Beney Funeral Home Address: 79 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY, United States   Visitation Beney Funeral Home  79 Berry Hill Road, New York, United States Thursday, Nov 10th 2016 7:00pm - 9:00pm Friday, Nov 11th 2016 2:00pm - 4:00pm Friday, Nov 11th 2016 7:00pm - 9:00pm   Funeral Mass St. Edward Confessor R.c. Church Saturday, Nov 12th 2016 9:45am 205 Jackson Ave, Syosset, New York, United States   Entombment Holy Rood Cemetery Following Services 111 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590   See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/james-gentilcore-obituary?pid=1000000182435819

Jacob M. Buchheit, 77, of Southampton, died on November 5, 2016 in Quiogue.  Jacob was a long time Rotarian and Paul Harris recipient.   Funeral arrangements, which are private, are under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. The family asks that donations in Jacob's memory be made to: Bideawee Animal Rescue, 18 Old County Road, Westhampton, NY 11977.

On October 28, 2016, Durbin Rosario, husband of Rev. Ida Rosario, of the Brentwood Club, passed away.   Durbin is survived by his wife, Ida, daughter Abby, sons Durbin Jr. , Chris and beloved cousin Daniel. Viewing hours will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m., with a service at 8:00 p.m., at the Michael J. Grant Funeral Home, 571 Suffolk Avenue, Brentwood, NY. The Service of Resurrection was held on Monday, October 31, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, 125 Second St., Brentwood. NY Sympathy cards may be sent to: The Rev. Ida Rosario, 230 Seward Street, West Babylon, New York 11704

 

On September 29, 2016, Ed Sprague, of Lake Ronkonkoma, passed away.  Ed was a Funeral Director and Owner of Ronkonkoma Funeral Service. He was a member of the Ronkonkoma Rotary club for 45 years and was a Past President and Paul Harris Fellow.   Ed was a beloved husband of Doris. Loving father of Nancy Sprague (Robin Rivera), Kimberly (Robert McNamara), Laurie (Trevor Sutherland) and the late Theresa. Adoring grandfather of Kieran. Brother of Francis "Russ" (Helen) and the late Arlene Sprague.   Arrangements: Wake Saturday 7-9 Sunday 2PM-4PM & 7PM-9PM** **Religious service will be at 8 PM   Joseph A. Weber Funeral Home 231 Hawkins Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779   In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Ronkonkoma Rotary & "Boots on the Ground, NY" http://www.bootsonthegroundny.com/donate/   Funeral Monday 10AM Burial Greenfield Cemetery, Hempstead   See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=edwin-l-sprague&pid=181669582&fhid=27310#sthash.6QmTwdTA.dpuf