Krass, Charles R.

Charles R. Krass passed away peacefully on July 20, 2017, at the age of 92. He was born on June 7, 1925, to Marjorie and Frederick Krass. Charlie was born and raised in the Bronx. He married his childhood sweetheart, Helen, on July 23, 1944. She predeceased him in 2003.

Charlie was a proud WWII veteran, serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Franklin and the USS Currituck in the Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Charlie was employed by the New York Central Railroad as a train conductor for 46 years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Charlie was, above all, a dedicated family man. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Charlie is survived by his 3 children, Charles Jr. (Carol), Virginia Wolf (Douglas), and Patricia Kilkelly (Joseph); as well as 7 grandchildren, Colleen, Jacquelyn, Thomas, Colette, K.C., Sean, and Ryan; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Charlie will be remembered for his love for his family, his love of his country, and his quick sense of humor. He leaves us with many funny stories that will keep us laughing for years.

A memorial visitation for Charlie will be held at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave, Dobbs Ferry on Monday, July, 24, 2017, from 3-8 pm. Inurnment will take place on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 10 am at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Edwardsdowdle.com
Published in the The Journal News from July 22 to July 23, 2017

Dominick D. Pierro, Sr., 92, died July 22, 2017 to his children and grandchildren he was a modern day hero. A good and decent man whose integrity, honesty, intelligence, morality and love for his family, community and his profession were the foundation of the principles that guided him through each step along his journey through life. Dominick was born on May 24, 1926 at 138 Washington Street a family home known as the old Giunta/Bambace homestead. From these humble beginnings, he was taught many lessons from his Parents and Grandparents that would become the cornerstone of his belief system. He always espoused those expressions from his childhood to his children, “Do good and forget it….Do bad and think on it.” Another favorite of his was “It’s the little things you do for people that make you special”, a lesson he learned from his late father, Michael A. Pierro, Sr. Right out of high school like so many of his classmates from Port Chester Senior High he joined the Navy to serve his Country in World War II. Dominick served in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Pittsburgh and later on the USS Franklin. After the war Dominick graduated from New York University and later Fordham Law School and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1953. On September 11, 1949 he married Jennie Theresa Vitti (deceased) and together Dominick and Jennie had nine children, Michele Dumlao Bocchino, deceased (Sal), Donald A. Pierro, David M. Pierro, deceased (Dawn), Christopher J. Pierro, Patricia Pierro Carmody (Thom), Gina M. Pierro, Anita Pierro Killea (John), Dominick D. Pierro Jr. (Maria) Christina M. Pierro. They were further blessed with sixteen Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren. Dominick said many times over the years that he loved the practice of law, serving his community his church and his clients who relied on his time, talents and advice. Dominick served his Village of Port Chester as a former Village Prosecutor, Corporation Counsel and Village Justice. Additionally, He served as Rye Town Attorney, and later in his career he represented Portchester, Rye Brook, Rye Neck and Town of Harrison as a member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, 6th District.

Had we the Heavens’ embroidered cloths, we would spread them at your feet. But we, still mortals, promise only this: To live our lives, as best we can, with all honor and dignity with which you lived yours….Children of Dominick D. Pierro.

Visitation will be 4-8PM on Thursday July 27, 2017 at Craft Memorial Home, Inc. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30AM on Friday July 28, 2017 at Our Lady of Hope Church 8074 State Route 22 Copake Falls, NY. Interment to follow at St. Bridgets’ Cemetery

Craft Memorial Home, Inc.

40 Leicester St. Port Chester, NY

http://www.craftmemorialhome.com
Published in the The Journal News on July 25, 2017

VanKleeck, Lionel B.

February 17, 1925 – August 10, 2017

Lionel Basil VanKleeck, always known as “Red”, age 92 years, 5 months and 24 days, passed into eternity on August 10, 2017 at home. Bereaved, his last years were lonely, yet spent in patient waiting for the Master’s call. He is now reunited with the love of his life, his wife Marie of 62 years, who passed away before him on February 27, 2009. Our beloved parents are together again. Together they had a son, Robert Lionel; and 2 daughters, Christine Marie and Karen Jean.

Lionel was born on the family farm, Brookside, in Dry Brook, Arkville, NY, February 17, 1925, the son of Basil Beal and Edith George VanKleeck. On July 21, 1946, he married the former Marie Berg at Lake Delaware, Delhi, NY.

As a young boy he packed brussel sprouts and cauliflower for his neighbor Nate Haynes. Red was a lifelong area resident. He attended Margaretville Central School and with the encouragement of his family earned his GED in 1973.

He proudly served his country from 1943-1945 in the US Navy during WW II. He was aboard the USS Franklin, CV13 (“The Ship That Wouldn’t Die”) as a gunner mate in the Pacific, receiving the Purple Heart and The Victory Medal. Following discharge from the Navy, he became a reservist in the Navy Reserve, US Air Force Reserve and then the Army National Guard from which he retired as Staff Sergeant. He loved this country and was honored to have served it.

Red was employed first at Crawford Brothers, following his discharge from the service. Red was a man of few words who let his hard work, high morals and strong values speak for themselves. He was an accomplished stone mason in his early years constructing many stone steps and fireplaces in the Walton and surrounding area. He also was a part-time patrolman for the Village of Walton. Red retired from New York State Water Supply as supervisor after 30 years of service. He was a longtime member for 70 years of the First United Methodist Church of Walton, serving as trustee, financial secretary, and head usher. He was a long time member of the Walton Fire Department Co. #3, serving as secretary and later as an honorary member. Red was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 270, serving as Commander and the Truman C. Toby Post 32 American Legion serving as Commander and Secretary. He was also a member of the Delhi Bird Club.

During his life, he was an avid hunter. Red was Cub Master for Boy Scout Troop #45. He loved to square dance with Marie and belonged to the Walton Swing Along and Putnam Prancers in Brewster. Red loved skiing with his family and playing cards and games with the grandchildren. After his retirement, he became involved in caning chairs for many people in the area.

Lionel will be remembered with love by his three children and their families, his daughter and constant companion since 2009, Christine VanKleeck of Walton, Robert (Karen) VanKleeck, of Chenango Bridge; and Karen (Erick) Van Wert, of Bethesda, MD; his grandchildren, Monica (Vincente) Martinez of Bethesda, MD, Michael VanKleeck (Staci Myers) of Binghamton, and Jennifer VanKleeck of Chenango Bridge; as well as his twin great-grandsons, Maximilian Basil and Erik Bartholomew Martinez, great-grandsons, Liam and Chase VanKleeck and great-granddaughter, Juliana Wayman. Also surviving is a special niece Carolyn Hayes and special nephew Mark Liddle and many other special nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Adele Berg, Oneonta.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marie, of 62 years; two sisters, Vida Robbins and Jean VanKleeck, brother, George VanKleeck, grandson, Justin VanWert, sisters in-law and husband Aasta and Floyd Liddle, Borghild and Joe Huska, brothers in-law and wife Sverre Berg and Helen, Paul Berg, Edwin Berg, Kaare Berg and John and Anne Berg.

“The Great Commander called him home to sail the crystal sea, Where he will steer with steady hand throughout eternity, No longer will the high sea roll, The skies will be clear and every day will be a day of happiness and cheer, No storm shall cross his valiant prow and calm will be the sea, In that bright place where all is well and kindly is the breeze, He is at peace with his shipmates who have gone before”

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday, August 14, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the First Methodist Church, 101 North Street, Walton, NY. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with the Pastor Kent Terchunian. Lionel will be laid to rest in the Walton Cemetery near the Fountain of Memories which he helped construct with his friend Bill Cranston with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

Memorial contributions in Lionel’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Stained Glass Window Fund, 101 North Street, Walton, NY 13856, Walton Cemetery Fountain Plaque Fund, 55 Fancher Ave, P.O. Box 122 or the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting http://www.courtneyfh.com
Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on Aug. 13, 2017

Clapp, Jr., Rollin Lee
Aug 14, 2017
GIBSONVILLE Rollin Lee Clapp, Jr. was a self- taught man of many talents with a wonderful sense of humor and a spontaneous personality. He loved life and kept it interesting and fun. He was 92 when he died on August 11, 2017, at the North Carolina State Veterans’ Home in Salisbury. A graveside service with military honors will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 16 at Lakeview Memorial Park with Reverend Jack Glen Flintom officiating. Rollin was one of nine children born in Guilford County to the late Rollin Lee and Lily Mae Ward Clapp Sr. He served in the US Navy during WWII aboard USS LST-10 and USS Franklin CV-13 stationed primarily in Naples and Sicily. He married Jewel Owen Clapp who preceded him in death in 1984. Rollin possessed a grand sense of adventure and didn’t hesitate to explore something new. Being the self reliant man that he was he became quite competent in many fields. He taught himself to fly an airplane, build a house, play guitar and piano, paint, and farm. The latter was his favorite and first, he started raising pigs and then moved on to cows and always had a crop growing. He also loved to hunt and fish. Rollin and Jewel loved to dance and he could hardly listen to music without wanting to dance. He had a strong faith in God and was raised in Buffalo Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his sister and her husband, Nancy and Garland Coble of Greensboro; nieces, Jill Bittle, Suzanne Hicks, Melaney Jack, Reena Strickland, and Tammy Coble; nephew, Rev. Jack Glenn Flintom; cousins, Tom Isley, John, David, and Marvin Clapp; and special friend, Ardree Parrish. His siblings Harold, Rachel, Rebecca, Henrietta, Ada Marie and two infant siblings preceded Rollin in death. Rollin’s family is especially grateful to CNAs Linda Bumgarner and Karen Quinonez for their loving care, friend Dr. Kenneth Karb and his two bird dogs for their visits that always cheered Rollin up, neighbor and friends L.Q. and Carolyn Tickle and Reena’s husband, Tommy Oakley who were a constant source of strength for Rollin and Nancy through his illness. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Peacehaven Farm, 1458 NC-61, Whitsett, NC 27377 or Habitat for Humanity, 603-B N. Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is assisting the family.