Virginia M. (Battaglini) Zandy, entered into eternal rest at home on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 with her daughter, granddaughters and her angel caregivers, Linda Roman and Tressa Tedino at her side. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Valentine (Val) E. Zandy; her parents, Lena M. (Dellapenta) and Sylvester Sam Battaglini; her sisters, Annette Sementelli and Edith Chrsitina; her brothers, Albert, Bernard and Donald Battaglini. She is survived by her loving children, Bonnie and Robert Nejeschleba, Bernard and Judy Zandy, all of California; four adoring granddaughters, Nicole and Terry Throm, GA, Monique and Craig Palmer, CA, Gina and Phil Ohnstad, WA, Lisa and Nathan Cherrington, OR; six precious great-grandchildren, Audrey and Grace Palmer, Rocco Ohnstad, Nico, Luca and Dove Cherrington; her sister, Elle Convertino; sister-in-law, Joanne Battaglini along with many special nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and neighbors. Virginia was a lifelong resident of the Northside of Endicott and a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, attending Mass every morning. She was a lifetime member and retiree of the Daughters of Columbus Lodge, a BC Open volunteer, an election inspector and a St. Anthony’s Field Days volunteer. Special thanks to Eric Phelan,PA., Lisa, Twin Tiers and Lourdes Hospice for being so compassionate to our Mom, We are truly grateful. She was a classy lady who always had her hair and nails done and was always elegantly dressed. She was a faithful watcher of the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and was noted for her love of purple which adorned her living room. Virginia was very SPECIAL to so many, always welcoming with her beautiful smile and caring ways. Private services were held with her cousin, Rev. Edward Zandy, officiating. Entombment was in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell. A Memorial Mass will be announced and held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Zandy, may be made to either, St. Anthony of Padua Church Elevator Fund 906 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY 13760 or Mercy House of the Southern Tier 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
Tony Cordileone
Tony Cordileone, 93 of Endicott, passed away unexpectedly, Monday November 9, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Filomena Cordileone; his baby brother; his brother Armando Cordileone; his sister, Adeline (Frank) Curatalo; his nephew, Kenneth Curatalo. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Natalie; his step-son, Bob (Jo) Fontana; his grandchildren, Robert Fontana, Angel Martin and Casey Shannon; two sisters-in-law, Marie Cordileone and Rose Bilka; his Godson, Louis DeBenedittis.
He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Endicott, a Veteran of the US Army, serving in WW II. He was a retired employee of ARA Vending with 20 years of service and the proprietor of the West Endicott Grill. Private funeral services were held and burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to either, St. Anthony of Padua Church 906 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY or Mercy House of the Southern Tier 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
Shirley Sulich
Our hearts are filled with sorrow, the family of Shirley Sulich, age 84, announces her passing on Sunday, November 1, 2020. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Ann Palo and her brother, Ron Palo. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Michael Sulich; one daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca (Brian) Szymaniak; son and daughter-in-law, Michael (Marianne) Sulich; son, Robert Sulich; her much loved grandchildren, Jessica (Jason) Long, Jonathan (Brittany) Szymaniak, Alexis (Jeremy) Ward and Justin Sulich; great-granddaughters, Norah and Clara Long; sister, Bonnie Taylor; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Palo; also several nieces and nephews.
Shirley was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, which is where she met her husband, and was a member of St. Mary’s Ladies Guild for many years. Her family was her world and Shirley’s way of showing love was by making you a pot of Holupki. If you were lucky enough to receive some, you would agree she was the best Holupki maker ever.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lazarus Gehring at Endwell Family Physicians for his many years of care for Shirley and also the administration and staff at Elizabeth Church Manor for the wonderful, compassionate care Shirley received while there. We are truly appreciative.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, 11:00 AM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY with The Rev. Nathaniel Choma, officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Thursday from 10:15 AM until time of service at 11 AM. Appropriate Covid guidelines will be taken and all are expected to wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church 1907 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY 13760.
Francis Slacik
Francis Slacik, 85 of Greene, NY, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020. He was predeceased by his son, Matthew Slacik. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Loraine Slacik; three children, Andrea (Charles) Eitel, Lenore Fuentes, Ilka Slacik; three grandchildren, Charline (Colton) Drumheller, Cody (Jessie) Molyneaux, Joshua Cleveland. There will be no formal funeral services. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to The American Heart Association P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
Michele (Margie) Steinhauser
Michele (Margie) Steinhauser, 53 of Endwell, NY, passed away Sunday October 18, 2020 at Mercy House after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Sylvia Margie. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Kurt Steinhauser; two daughters, Sylvia and Sara Steinhauser; two canine companions, Jack and Samantha; also many cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends. She was a graduate of West Mifflin Pennsylvania Area High School; a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where she earned her BS in Nursing and later completed her Masters at the University of Maryland. She was a former Nurse Educator at The Johns Hopkins University Hospital and the University of South Carolina, Aiken. She was currently a Nursing Professor at the Decker School of Nursing at SUNY Binghamton University and taught clinical at UHS Wilson Hospital. She was an active member of the Church of the Holy Family in Endwell, where she enjoyed volunteering for various events and teaching religious education. Michele was a born leader, was committed to the Nursing profession and truly enjoyed providing training and direction to new nurses, whether it was in clinical procedure or just friendly personal advice. Her students always said she was tough and never allowed for mediocrity, but it was to make them the best nurses they could possibly be. She was an active member of the Pi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Honor Society of Nursing. Regardless of what she was involved in, she always utilized her organizational skills and liked to be in charge to ensure things went smoothly. She served as President of the Greater Binghamton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association for 5 years, enjoyed being involved in many committees related to fund-raising and was recently the president of the Maine-Endwell Cheerleading Boosters. She was a dedicated wife, dance-Mom, cheer-Mom, Penn State fan, role-model and dear friend to everyone she encountered. More importantly, she absolutely lived for her family and her daughters and nothing in this world was more important to her. She will be forever in our hearts. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, 6:00 PM at The Church of the Holy Family 3600 Phyllis St. Endwell, NY. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 4:30 PM until time of service at 6:00 PM. Burial will be in Pennsylvania at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Mercy House 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
Filomena Buiocchi
Filomena Buiocchi, 86, passed away on October 15th, 2020. Filomena was born on September 15, 1934 to parents Frank and Antonetta Tarricone and was a lifelong resident of Endicott. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Lou Buiocchi, her sister and brother-in-law Josephine and Gerald Barnum and her brother Charlie Tarricone. Filomena is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was a selfless and caring mother to Thomas (Linda) Buiocchi, Annette (Max) Hansen, and Paul (Patty) Buiocchi, a loving grandmother (“Nonna”) to Kevin, Claire and Megan Buiocchi, Lynnette Bucinell (Eric), Nicholas (Brianna) Bucinell, Brian (Liz) Hansen, and Samantha and Patrick Buiocchi. She was also known as Big Nonna to her great grandchildren whom she adored - Rilee Smith, Ericksen and Matthew Hadley, Adelaide, and Quinn Hansen and her namesake Mena Bucinell. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Sue Tarricone, Alberta Yeselevage, Patrica (John) Hutchings, brother-in-law Charles (Carol) Buiocchi, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. “Mena” graduated in the class of 1952 from Union-Endicott high school and carried many of her friendships from those years though out her life, including helping to organize class reunions for over 50 years. She was an excellent student and participated in cheerleading and various sports including softball and volleyball. Following high school, she went to work at IBM in Endicott, where she met her future husband of 57 years Lou Buiocchi. Later, after raising her 3 children, she worked at Jimmy Roma’s Bakery in Endicott for more than 20 years, where her homemade pasta was enjoyed by hundreds of regular customers. Her home on the north side of Endicott was often filled with her children’s friends and sports teammates. She loved to cook and feed them and was famous for her team spaghetti dinners during her childrens’ high school years. She was often also in the company of her three generations of cats, Fluffy, Chicolina and Chicolina II, or in her garden, where she cultivated the garlic and “ensalada” that were always present at her meals. Later in her life, her children compiled a book of her favorite recipes, which they continue to cherish, and attempt to recreate with their respective families. Mena would be happy when they called her for advice, as she was a true traditionalist who enjoyed and was committed to the continuation of her strong Italian roots and traditions. Above all, she was a strong, selfless, and caring person, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Mena’s family would like to acknowledge and thank all of the caregivers who helped her throughout the past several years – their patience and support was very much appreciated. Due to the current Covid concerns, private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Entombment will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell, NY. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, 906 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY 13760.
Lila M. Haddad
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my loving sister Lila M. Haddad 89, of Endicott on October 15, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Lila had a big heart and was always there for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. She is predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 24 years, Henry W, Nussbaum, Jr., her parents, Peter and Gladys Haddad; a brother, Norman Haddad; a sister Katherine Libous, brother-in-law William Libous; and nephews, Stephen Haddad and Senator Tom Libous. She is survived by her loving sister Arlene Foltyn, daughter-in -laws Karen Zombolas and Sharon Kali Lawrence, and several nieces and nephews who were always in her thoughts. A special thank you to her Great Nephew, Steven Foltyn, who was always there for her when she needed assistance. She was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation where she was financial secretary for many years and volunteered. She was a retired employee of IBM. She volunteered at the George F. Johnson Memorial Library in Endicott working their book sales. She traveled to many countries and states through the years and enjoyed reading, theatre, doing puzzles and activities on her i Pad. A private funeral service will be held for the immediate family only.Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Donald G. Konikowsk
Donald G. Konikowski, 85, of Vestal, NY, passed away surrounded by his loving family on the morning of October 12, 2020, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Adam Konikowski; his sisters, Joan (Bob) Stebbins, Beverly (Dominick) Retorto; his niece, Joann Murphy; his nephews, Domie and Robert Retorto; his second wife, Mikki Konikowski. He is survived by his former wife, Kathleen Konikowski Walsh; his children, Jeffrey Konikowski (Jenn Hillstrand), Alicia (Chris) Adams. He was a proud grandpa to four grandchildren, Gavin and Liam Konikowski, Austin and Alexis Lewis; also several nieces and nephews.
Don was easily recognized by his height and the use of a white cane to navigate due to being totally blind. Visual impairment and blindness were part of most of his life, but it was not how he defined himself. He was fiercely independent and lived a life that hopefully inspired others to overcome disabilities of any nature. Don graduated from Syracuse University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and served on the Judicial Branch of the Student Government in several offices, including Chief Justice. Following his graduation, he worked for IBM for over thirty years in Quality Engineering and Production Control as a senior analyst and programmer. Don had many interests and hobbies over the years, including swimming, bowling, card games (bridge, poker, pinnacle), and travel. He enjoyed hosting Saturday night poker with friends. He especially looked forward to planning and visiting Hawaii on an annual basis. He not only enjoyed the weather and ocean in Maui in particular but in meeting new people as well. Don even pursued his travel hobby as a profession by going back to school in retirement and earned a certificate in Travel and Tourism from Broome Community College.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the ICU staff at Binghamton General Hospital and Lourdes Hospice. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Family 3600 Phyllis St. Endwell, NY. Entombment will follow in Riverhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY, on Friday, October 23, 2020, from 5 to 7 PM. Memorial donations may be sent to the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. (AVRE), a private, non-profit organization that creates opportunities for success and independence with people who are blind or visually impaired in Broome and the surrounding counties. Information on donations can be found by calling 607-724-2428, ext. 125, or at http://www.avreus.org/donate/donate-now-17.html
Basil (Bill) Fedich
Basil (Bill) Fedich, 98 of Endicott, passed away on, Friday, October 9, 2020, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, NY. He was predeceased by his wife, Bernadine; his brothers, Peter and George; his sisters, Ann Bell, Helen Fedich, Olga Dwyer, and Mary Oktausk. He is survived by three children, Robert (Nancy) Fedich, Ann Marie (Michael) Calvasina, Kathy Sue (Andrew) Stebner; seven grandchildren, James (Kristyn) Fedich, Douglas (Kate) Fedich, Jennifer (Kevin) Novotny, David Calvasina, Laurie (Justin) Schmidt, Sara (Brad) Kempeny, Matthew Stebner; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Helen (Allyn) Storm, Becky (Dick) Laszewski; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Endicott, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during WW II, a member of the Russian Club, Endicott, a member of the VFW, Owego and a retired employee of IBM Endicott. Funeral services will be held Monday at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church 1907 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. Mary’s Church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church.
Dorothy Marie Knapik
Dorothy Marie Knapik of Endwell, passed away October 4, 2020, in her home with her children by her side. She was born May 15, 1928, in Endicott, NY to Andrew and Mary (Buran) Smith. Dorothy married Andrew Knapik on April 24, 1948. From this union came four children, James Knapik (Kim), Mary Jeanne Knapik Bialas (Sterling), Thomas Knapik (Gail), and Ellen Knapik Penepent, all who survive her. After graduating from Union Endicott High School, Dorothy worked for Endicott Johnson Company for a short time, stopping to get married, raise her children, and tend to her home. As a loving and supportive spouse and mother, she took great pride in her home, family, husband, and children.
Dorothy was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Endicott. An avid exerciser who loved to walk, swim, and bowl, she believed in making healthy choices for living. She spent hours working in her yard and with her flowers. Her love for reading claimed a big part of her life. She was a master crocheter, leaving beautiful creations to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Survivors besides her four children and their spouses include grandchildren, Christine Segrue, Jeannette Macarak, Lynne McHugh (Andrew), Jessica, and Matt Penepent, Chad Knapik (Cindy), and Tiffany (Mark) Bennett. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Molly McHugh, Emma, Andrew and Christopher Segrue, Malaina Ferguson, Annie, Addie, and Michael Macarak along with Kylin Garganta (Brandon), Jake and Emily Knapik, and a great-great-grandson, Jax; her sister-in-law, Mary Smith; also several nieces and cousins. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Andrew; her parents; her brothers, Steve and Andy Smith, Jr.; her great-granddaughter, Cora; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Tillie and Andrew Knapik; her sister-in-law, Eleanor Kuzma (Mickey); her brother-in-law, Bernie Knapik (Maxine), and several aunts, uncles and a niece. Special thanks to Mary Freeman for her comforting care for both Dorothy and Andy, also to Gerri Nolan whose kind care helped Dorothy finish her journey.
Due to COVID, a private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Endicott followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Donations in memory of Dorothy may be made to Lourdes Hospice 4102 Vestal Rd. Vestal, NY 13850.
Ann (Mancini) Barrie
Ann (Mancini) Barrie, 87 of Endicott, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Barrie; her daughter, Joann Barrie; her brothers, Tony and George Mancini; her nephew, Tolio Mancini. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Colonna; her son, Anthony Colonna; her grandchildren, Jola Barrie (Spencer Scheepsma), Joseph Barrie, Anthony Colonna, Jason Clark; her great-grandchildren, Gavin, Brody and Liora Scheepsma, Gianni Colonna, Trina and Kyle Clark; her sister-in-law, Dora Mancini; her nieces, Palmette Maney and Antoinette Mancini-Kroft.
She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Endicott. Ann was a caring, hardworking and quick witted person who was selfless and devoted to her entire family. She will be dearly missed. A Funeral Mass will be offered, Friday October 9, 2020 at St. Anthony of Padua Church 300 Odell Ave. Endicott, NY at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to St. Anthony’s Food Pantry 906 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY 13760.
Elizabeth J. Marko
Elizabeth J. Marko, of Endwell, passed away into the arms of the Lord, Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Mercy House of the Southern Tier. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, John Marko; her parents, Michael and Mary (Cheechalk) Merges; her brother, John Merges. She is survived by her cousins, Loretta (Jack) Curtin, Stephen (Nancy) Cheechalk, Paul Chase; also other distant relatives and dear friends in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Endicott; a graduate of SUNY Oneonta, and a retired educator of the sixth grade at George W. Johnson Elementary School on the Northside of Endicott. Her hobbies included collecting Hummels, knitting, reading, and traveling to Ormond Beach, Florida for the winter months. She was an honorary member of Western Broome Eastern Tioga Retired Educators. She served as Secretary of the Woodrow Wilson Alumni Association and was a longtime member of the YMCA taking classes to stay strong and healthy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church 207 Hayes Ave. Endicott, NY. A private burial will be held in Slovak Catholic Cemetery. At Betty’s request, there will be no calling hours. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to Mercy House 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
John L. (Jake) Matteo
John L. (Jake) Matteo, 94 of Endicott passed away Saturday, August 26, 2020. John served in the Army Infantry in WW II – marching to Berlin and then the South Pacific. He was the owner of Jake Matteo Collision in Endicott. Jake was an avid golfer and supported the Yankees and Giants football all his life. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Lucy; his wife, Helen; his sisters, Mary and Annette; his brother, Jim, and their spouses; his step-daughter, Gloria, and her son, Scott. He is survived by his step-children, Tommy Walbridge, Karen (Pinky) Corwin; his step-grandchildren, Wendy and Danny, Coralee, Jonalee, Brent and Kristina; his nieces and nephews, Danette Matteo, Denise Casilio (John), Fred Montabone (Lori), Colleen Rossi (Jim), Donna Belpulsi, John Belpulsi, and their children.
Special thanks to Danette Matteo and Fred Montabone for the constant care and love in the final years of Jake’s life. Our gratitude to the staff at Susquehanna Nursing Center who made his last six months the very best they could. Special thanks to the Broadway Diner, where he sat at the counter daily for the huge breakfast he loved. He considered you friends and loved your food. To the many who knew Jake personally, please raise a glass to a man who earned his place in eternity with smooth greens and where the 19th hole is always open. A Funeral Mass will be offered Wednesday, 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church 300 Odell Ave. Endicott, NY. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
Maria Pamela DiRusso
Maria Panella DiRusso, 93 of Endwell, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years, Alfredo DiRusso; her parents, Luigi and Filomena Panella; her brothers, Umberto and Fausto Panella. She is survived by her son, Luigi and his wife, Lori; her daughter, Anna Stein and her husband, Eric; her grandchildren, Lauren, Taylor (Joseph), Loganne, Gabrielle, Shawna (Shane), Erica (Tim); six great-grandchildren; her nephew, Luigi Panella (Alfonzina) and their children of Rome, Italy; her sister-in-law and best friend, Mena Panella of Fondi, Italy; also several extended family members. Maria and Alfredo came to America with their children in 1963. She was a seamstress and tailor, working at United Men’s and Boy’s Wear in Endicott and Anderson Little in the Oakdale Mall. Her passion was her family, her home and cooking. She enjoyed her morning espresso and made sure that there was an abundance of food on the dinner table every day. Later in life, she finally gave up her secret recipes to her children and grandchildren. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Endicott. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 9:30 AM from the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott and at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church 300 Odell Ave. Endicott, NY. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM.
Joseph Polikart Caletka
Joseph Polikart Caletka, “Mr. C”, “Bepop”, of Endicott, NY passed away at the age of 87 on September 17th, 2020. Joseph passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.
Born on September 6, 1933 in Binghamton, NY, Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Jean Caletka (Huggler); son David Caletka and wife Pamela, son Mark Caletka and wife Patricia, daughter Amy Radulski and husband Edward, son Timothy Caletka and wife Stacey; grandchildren Shauna Caletka, Joseph Radulski, Elizabeth Jenkins (Caletka), Paul Caletka, Melanie Caletka, Mackenzie Caletka, Adam Caletka; nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Joseph was predeceased by parents Polikart Caletka and Ursula Caletka (Baliga) and siblings Mary Selnekovic (Caletka), Stephen Caletka, and John Caletka.
After his graduation from Binghamton High School in 1951, Joseph served in the US Army from 1951 to 1954 where he made rank of Sergeant. During his time in the Army, Joseph served in Germany as a tank driver during the Cold War. He began working at IBM in 1957 until his retirement in 1992.
Throughout his life, Joseph was an active community member and dedicated much of his time to local clubs and organizations. He was an enthusiastic member of St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott, and in his free time played softball, basketball, and golf. He was highlighted in a 2013 Press & Sun Bulletin article titled “Inspiration from an 80-year-old athlete”.
Joseph truly was an inspiration for so many. After his retirement, he dedicated his time to his friends and grandchildren who adored him. He was a wonderful husband, father, friend and a remarkable grandfather (Bepop). He will be remembered for his one of a kind sense of humor, a characteristic he maintained through his final days.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Lourdes Hospice, especially Aubrey, and Home Instead, for the care and compassion that was shown to Joseph during his time with them.
Funeral services will be held Thursday 10:30am from the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home Inc., 1905 Watson Blvd., Endicott, and at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Church, where a funeral mass will be offered. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5-7pm.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Joseph may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, Mercy House, Southern Tier Food Bank, Catholic School’s of Broome County, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Susie (Bussa) Kocenko
Susie (Bussa) Kocenko, 86 of Endicott, passed away peacefully at her home, Tuesday Morning September 8, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Robert S. Kocenko. She is survived by her son, Robert J. Kocenko; her daughter, Suzanne (Michael) Hayes; two grandsons, Michael (Daniela) Hayes, Stephen (Sara) Hayes; five great-grandchildren, Nora, Stephen, Brielle, McKena, and Olivia; her sister, Ann Kenderes; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and her special friends, Ann Marie, Phil, Bill and David.
She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, Endicott. Susie enjoyed spending her time at the cottage on Cayuga Lake with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held Friday, 10:30 AM at Sts Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church 210 Hill Ave. Endicott, NY. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Leon PucedoFuneral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Rev. Alexey Karlgut will hold a Panachida Service Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mary Carmel (DeMatteis) Welser
Mary Carmel (DeMatteis) Welser, 85 of Endicott, died on September 4, 2020, and her husband, Edward died the following day, September 5, 2020. Mary is predeceased by her mother, Mary; her father, Dominick; her brothers, Jim, Nick and Marty DeMatteis; her sister, Lorraine Josephine DeMatteis; her brother-in-law, Dwight Reynolds, Sr. Mary is survived by her sisters, Concetta (David, Sr.) Howe, and Vinnie Reynolds; her step-daughter, Dorothy Duff; her step-granddaughter, Tammie (Paul) Whiting; her nieces, Christina Howe-Sampson, and Maria Mangino; her nephews, David Howe, Jr., Dwight, Jr., Jimmy, Michael, Cris, and Anthony Reynolds; a niece and nephew, Sophia Sampson and Dante Sampson who she loved and treated like her own; also several nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Dr. Khan, and the dedicated nurses who took wonderful care of Mary. At Mary’s request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held Monday, September 14, 2020, at 1:00 PM in section 17 at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City with Msgr. John Putano, officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc.
Wayne Jasper Hogeboom
Wayne Jasper Hogeboom of Newark Valley, NY passed away Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joan M. (Signorelli) Hogeboom; his daughters, Brenda (Edward) Bernhauer, Jill (Carl) Beebe, Lori (John) Kupiec; his grandchildren, Lucas and Melanie Bernhauer, Katherine and Madison Beebe, and Anna and Kasia Kupiec; his brother-in-law and business partner, John (Marsha) Signorelli; his niece, Jean (Bruce) Spiegel; his nephews, Tony (Heather) Signorelli, and Marco (Jessica) Signorelli. Wayne grew up in a large family of eight brothers and sisters including life-long hunting partner and brother, Bruce (Patricia) Hogeboom, and sister/confidant, Linda (Ron) Sliter. He was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Dorothy Hogeboom.
After finishing his service in the US Navy, Wayne went into business with his father-in-law and mentor, Tony Signorelli. Together they owned and operated Signorelli Garage on North Street in Endicott alongside long time employee and friend, Thomas “Tom” Park. In 1977 they expanded the business with Wayne’s brother-in-law to include JAW Carwash. Any free time Wayne had was spent watching NASCAR, hunting, golfing, bowling, and fishing while at the family cottage on Cayuga Lake. Whenever he could, Wayne would volunteer his time at his grandchildren’s school events, attending Marvel movie premiers with family, and carving intricate pumpkins to make his grandkids smile. Wayne was always willing to lend a helping hand and a trusty power tool to go with it. His infectious laugh and joyous smile could light up any family gathering. Cooking, grilling, and hosting family was a true joy in Wayne’s life. He will be remembered for not only supporting the endeavors of his children and grandchildren but for his willingness to always help those in need. He will be missed by his loving family, loyal customers, and all who knew him.
Funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the upkeep of St. Patrick’s Aurora Cemetery, PO Box 296, Aurora, NY 13026, where he will be interred overlooking his favorite fishing hole on Cayuga Lake. Arrangements entrusted to the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. Endicott, NY.
Vasil (Charlie) Komar
Vasil (Charlie) Komar, 88 of Owego, NY, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at Robert Packer Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, Vasil and Anna Komar; his sister, Mary Komar; his brothers, John and George Komar. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean (Belokur) Komar; three children, Elizabeth (Betty) Korinek (Mark), Charles Komar (Jeanine Sherman-Komar), Andrew Komar (Alicia); three grandchildren, Zachary Korinek, Jacob Komar, Ana Komar; two brothers, Andrew Komar, Paul Komar (Terri); two sisters, Ann Barton, Delores Komar (Susan Wolford); his sister-in-law, Betty Rotunda; his Goddaughter, Ann Veruto; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Endicott and its choir, a member of the American Carpatho Russian Club, a retired employee of IBM, and a former member of the New York City Men’s Cossack Choir. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and extraordinary handyman who will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held Monday, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church 1907 Jenkins St. Endicott. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY on Sunday from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM. The Rev. Nathaniel Choma will hold a Panachida Service Sunday at 3:30 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church.
Andrew A. Theodore
Andrew A. Theodore (Andy), 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother, died August 15th, in Endwell, NY. Andy was born in 1931, to Angelo (Beef) and Anna (Ziemba) Theodore, on the North Side of Endicott. The Theodore family was well known in the Endicott community through a number of Theodore family businesses, including the North Side Garage. Throughout his life, sports were always very important to Andy. He was an all around athlete and student in high school, where he excelled at every sport he played. He served as quarterback on the U-E football team, where he played on the varsity starting in his freshman year. He was also a key player on the baseball, basketball, and golf teams. When he had to make a choice, he dropped baseball to focus on golf, which became his lifelong passion. While a senior in high school, he competed as a New York State Regional winner to the National US High School Golf Invitational. Golf was always part of his life. After he retired, he and Lee took several trips to various prime golfing destinations, and he continued playing until just a few years ago. But golf wasn’t everything! He was also an avid Yankees, Giants, and Notre Dame fan; their games were always must-watch family events. In addition to sports, Andy loved to hunt and fish, and his family often took trips to Canada, the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes. His daughters always loved the yearly smelt run into Cayuga Lake, which was a fun – if chilly – activity! Andy also loved to ice skate, and ski. Way before skiing was popular, he’d take his jumping skis, walk with them up the biggest, snowiest hilltop he could find, and speed down, trudging back up the hill carrying his skis to do it again. How romantic it was for Lee, whom he took along when they were courting, is an open question, but she loved snow and sports, and was always game for adventure, particularly if “Drew” was involved! They had many adventures together, including a family trip to Europe, where Andy drove 2500 kilometers (1600 miles). It was a memorable trip that featured snow in July in Germany, family in Ceccano, Italy, and all the fabulous scenery of the Amalfi coast, as well as the brilliant peaks of the Alps, culminating in Vienna, Austria! Andy and Lee loved traveling to Europe. A romantic highlight was a Perillo tour that took them through northern Italy, and Rome. Cars and mechanical things were second nature to Andy. He was a first rate mechanic, putting himself through automotive trade school in Chicago after he graduated from U-E High School in 1949. He continued to help his dad at the garage, but soon after returning from Chicago, he married his high school sweetheart, Leandra Mastrogiacomo. He always carried their prom photo, and “Lee Lee” as he called her, was the love of his life. Once their family was started, with their first daughter Maria, he decided to join IBM. Lisa, and then their youngest daughter, Claudia soon followed. Andy worked two jobs for some time, but eventually gave up working at the garage to focus on his job at IBM. He worked his way up through a variety of positions, ending up managing the printer quality control unit at the Endicott factory. He also worked his way through night school to earn an Associates Degree in Technology from Broome Community College, from which he graduated at the same time as his daughter, Lisa. Andy always kept himself active; he loved to garden and was proud of his bountiful summer tomatoes, lettuce, and zucchini crops. His garlic was a prize, too, and he’d wait for just the right time to plant it – the harvest moon! He was always a fan of good music, and was a terrific dancer, too. No Luddite, he embraced new technology, and was adept at using the internet and social media. He liked to keep current with whatever was going on in the world, and technology was part of that. He was also a devout Catholic, and a long time member of St Anthony of Padua Church, the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. More than anything else, Andy Theodore was someone who always lived his values. He was a shining example of how to live, not just to his own family, but to anyone who knew him. He was a straight shooter all the way; there might be more than one path to accomplish something, but shortcuts or taking unfair advantage of a situation were never his way. He was a natural leader and an inspiration through his quiet leadership and example. He showed how to live a good, honest life, every single day, despite being burdened from the time he was a young man with adult onset diabetes, and the lifelong struggles that entailed. Andy was a beloved figure to many. His steady temperament, ready smile, wonderful sense of humor and ability to get along with anyone made him an easy person to be with. To say he will be missed just doesn’t encompass the totality of how people felt about him. Andy was an honest, decent and gracious man who loved all aspects of life. He taught us all so much about the values of decency and respect, about how to live life well. Andy is survived by his beloved wife, Leandra (Lee), his daughters, Maria Schafer (Robert) and Claudia Theodore, grandchildren, Robert (Jamie), David (Margaret), Anthony (Kelly), and Gabriella, great grandchildren Robert Todd, Juliette, Theodore, Jack, Grace, and Alexis, nephews Joseph, Gregory, and Charles Savoni; his sister Judith Paparella, nephews Angelo, Anthony, niece Paulette, and several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in 2009 by his beloved daughter, Lisa. Visitors may pay respects at Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, 1905 Watson Blvd, Endicott, NY 13760, from 2 pm to 4 pm Sunday August 23, 2020, and a Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Monday, August 24, 2020, at St Anthony of Padua Church. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to The American Diabetes Association 6390 Fly Rd. 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057.