Cornelius, Dodd & Connell, Inc. Funeral Home

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Middletown, NY
Cornelius, Dodd & Connell, Inc. Funeral Home

Independently Owned & Operated Since 1900

We are Dedicated to Providing Caring and Conscientious Service

A Reputation You Can Trust

Whether a grandparent has passed or the love of your life wants to pre-plan for the inevitable, arranging a funeral is never easy. For more than 100 years, Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Inc. Funeral Home in Middletown, NY, has given families the love and respect they deserve when dealing with the difficulties of losing a family member or loved one and planning to say goodbye one final time. When dealing with loss, you may feel the urge to want to do everything alone. With the leadership offered at this funeral home, you won’t have to. Their funeral director and other staff members are dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for the grieving. If you’re making pre-arrangements, they'll ensure that the wishes of you or your loved one are completely carried out. This funeral home also offers burial services for veterans, consisting of the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps. When you want to share the life of your loved one with the world, this funeral home also offers customized memorial services. From crafting beautiful obituaries to delivering eulogies, they'll encapsulate the very essence of who your loved one was as a person. As a family-owned and -operated business, they understand the importance of family; when you turn to them for graveside services, their top priority is ensuring you loved one's legacy is remembered. In addition to provide funeral planning and burials, they also offer cremation services. Their team always has your best interests at heart and will help you plan customized ash scattering ceremonies, earth burials, and other memorial services after cremation. Whether you’re saying goodbye to your best friend or preparing for your own farewell, Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Inc. Funeral Home will be there for you and yours. Contact them today by visiting them online, liking them on Facebook, or by calling (845) 343-2142.

11/06/2025

Raquel Vazquez
May 18, 1941 ~ November 1, 2025 (age 84)

Raquel Vazquez, a 52 year area resident, entered into rest on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Montefiore Nyack Hospital in Nyack, NY. She was 84 years of age.

The daughter of the late Tomas & Pura Velez Lugo, she was born on May 18, 1941 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

Raquel had been employed as a teacher’s assistant with the English as a second language program of the Middletown School District. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Middletown where she volunteered with the food pantry.

Survivors include; her sons, Ivan Thomas Vazquez of Cu***ng, GA and Eric Vazquez of Middletown; her grandchildren, Ivan Harrison Vazquez and his wife Colleen McClintock of Washington, DC and Gabrielle Elizabeth Vazquez of Cu***ng, GA; her brother, Tomas Lugo of Las Vegas, NV; her sister-in-law Thelma Lugo; nieces & nephews Dereck Vazquez, Dwain Vazquez, Jason Vazquez, Erica Bilinski, Maritza Irizarry, Andrew Lugo and Nadine Hernandez. Raquel was predeceased by; her husband Ivan Vazquez, siblings Justo Lugo, Dolly Irizarry and her husband Cirilo Irizarry and Sixto Radames Lugo.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 - 10:30 AM Saturday, November 8th at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown at 11 AM.

Cremation will take place at the Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY.

10/19/2025

Linda A.J. (Jusaites) Fairweather
October 22, 1951 ~ October 17, 2025 (age 73)

Linda A.J. Fairweather, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, entered into rest on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Sapphire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Goshen, NY. She was 73 years of age.

The daughter of the late Joseph A. and Marion Louise Jusaites, she was born on October 22, 1951 in Middletown, NY.

Linda was employed as a bookkeeper with Wessel’s Farms in Otisville, NY. She was a graduate of the Pine Bush High School in the Class of 1969. Linda was a member of the former Webb Horton Memorial Presbyterian Church in Middletown where she was a Deacon and member of the Bell Choir. She also participated with the Bell Choir of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church also of Middletown. Linda was a member of the Otisville Lions Club, the Mount Hope Historical Society and was a collector of antique flat irons.

Survivors include: her loving husband of 37 years, Edward A. Fairweather; her beloved daughters Bonnie Lin McGarr and Jennifer Lin Hulcher; her grandchildren Brittany McGarr, Jeffrey McGarr, Austin McGarr, Courtney McGarr, Alysha McGarr, Sarah McGarr and Hannah McGarr; great grandchildren Alayna, Colin, Waylon, Wren, Kayden, Kaycie, Carter and Wyatt; her brother George Jusaites. Linda was predeceased by her parents and sister-in-law Lynn Jusaites.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Cremation will take place at the Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY.

The family would like you to consider contributions in Linda’s memory to the Otisville- Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, P.O. Box 628, Otisville, NY 10963.

10/11/2025

Alundra Dhanantwari
November 29, 1995 ~ October 9, 2025 (age 29)

Alundra Dhanantwari, a 21 year area resident, entered into rest on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, NY. She was 29 years of age.

The daughter of Maheshwar & Indra Dhanantwari, she was born on November 29, 1995 in the Bronx, NY.

Alundra was a case manager for child protective services at South West Key Programs.

Survivors include: her parents, Maheshwar & Indra Dhanantwari; her brother, Dristian Dhanantwari; her paternal grandfather, Mahendra Dhanantwari; maternal grandmother, Ronica Karan; four uncles, four aunts and ten cousins. She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Sita Dhanantwari, maternal grandfather, Tej Karan, and uncle, Anil Dhanantwari, and maternal uncle Arjune Karan.

A visitation for family and friends will take place from 5 - 8:30 PM Friday, October 17th and again from 8 – 9:30 AM Saturday, October 18th at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY.

Cremation will take place on Saturday, October 18th at Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY.

10/08/2025

Jeanette Healy
July 13, 1970 ~ October 3, 2025 (age 55)

Jeanette Healy, 55, of Bergenfield, NJ, passed away on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, after a fierce battle with ALS.

Jeanette was born on July 13th, 1970, to Robert Kappler and Maxine Haimes Kappler in Bergenfield, NJ. Jeanette was raised alongside the German Shepards and Shelties her parents bred, which fostered her lifelong love of animals.

Jeanette was a voracious reader of all genres, including history, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, and relished sharing her joy of reading. She belonged to many organizations, ranging from dog clubs to science-fiction fan clubs, and flexed her creative aptitude in hobbies such as writing, storytelling, and sewing.

Jeanette's vibrant and magnetic personality attracted numerous like-minded people, including Brian Healy, whom she met in 1992 at The New York State Renaissance Festival, NY. Jeanette and Brian gathered a diverse and eclectic group of friends and loved ones who shared their passions for various activities, from dog breeding to role-playing games to competitive costuming.

With her charismatic energy, Jeanette made friends wherever she went, whether it was a video store, a dog show, or a convention. At home, she opened her doors to anyone in need. From wayward teens needing an accepting, stable place to stay to displaced friends in need of a couch and a meal, many people came to view the Healy's house as a safe haven and to consider Jeanette a mother and mentor.

Her influence will live on in the hearts of all she touched.

Jeanette was predeceased by her parents, Robert Kappler and Maxine Haimes Kappler. She is survived by her husband, Brian Healy; her uncle, David; her aunts, Judith and Sharon; and her cousins, Joseph, Rachel, and Ilana.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct 9th, 2025, at 10:00am at Temple Sinai Cemetery: 2420 RT 302, Circleville, NY 10919.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Foundation using the following link: https://secure.als-ny.org/site/TR/Endurance/General?px=1064383&pg=personal&fr_id=1381.

09/16/2025

Patricia Wood Bastiano
May 17, 1936 ~ September 14, 2025 (age 89)

Patricia Wood Bastiano, 89, of Middletown and Goshen, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025.

She was the daughter of Viola Allen Franck and William Franck. Born and raised in Middletown, she was a proud member of the Middletown High School Class of 1954.

After attending beauty school, she owned and operated Patricia’s Beauty Salon which was based in her home in Goshen for 30 years.

In 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, George Robert “Bob” Wood. Together they raised their beloved daughter Debbie in Goshen until his death in 1995. Pat and Bob were longtime members of both Otterkill Country Club and Orange County Country Club. They spent many winters bowling in local leagues and traveling to Florida to enjoy golf. Pat’s most thrilling moment of golf was her Hole-In-One at Rockview Golf Course in 1997. Pat studied at the Bethlehem Art Gallery, where she nurtured her God-given talent for painting. She lovingly passed on her passion for golf and art to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2003, she married Eugene Bastiano of Maybrook. Together, they shared many adventures around the world and enjoyed playing golf both at Otterkill Country Club and in Pompano Beach, Florida until Gene’s passing in 2012.

In 2013, Pat returned to Middletown full-time. She became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she quickly joined the Ladies’ Craft Group and delighted in traveling with her new circle of friends.

Patricia is survived by her only child, Debra Martucci and husband Ralph of Middletown; her cherished grandchildren, Rachael Quick and husband Logan of Montgomery, and Ralph “RJ” Martucci and wife Kera of Middletown. She is also survived by her seven great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life---Charles, Jack, Lucien and Lilah Quick of Montgomery, and Sofia, Eliana and Carmela Martucci of Middletown.

She is also survived by her brother, Bill Franck, and wife Patty of Middletown, her Sister-in-law Joni Franck, and her nieces and nephews Terry J, Danielle, Bill and Katie along with numerous “friends as family”.

Pat was especially blessed by her devoted friend and companion, Lali Kasradze, who’s love and outstanding care brought comfort and joy to her final years. Her dog Cooper added so much joy to her last 5 years.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties for their compassionate care of Pat in her final days.

Pat was predeceased by both her husbands, her brother Terry Franck, and her dear lifelong friends “Buzz” Horton and Louise Masci Doherty.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove Street, Middletown, NY.

Funeral Services will take place Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 391 Mount Hope Road, Middletown, NY. Reverend John Heidgerd will officiate. Interment will follow at Wallkill Cemetery, 160 Midway Road, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, Patricia’s family asks that donations be made in her memory to:

Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550

Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, 580 NY-416, Montgomery, NY 12549

St. John’s Lutheran Church Kitchen Fund, 391 Mount Hope Road, Middletown, NY 10940

08/29/2025

Hilda B. Whitby
May 25, 1936 ~ August 26, 2025 (age 89)

Hilda B. Whitby, an 80 year area resident, entered into rest on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Westchester Medical Center, in Valhalla, NY. She was 89 years of age.

The daughter of the late John and Minnie Tiedemann Beckman, she was born on May 25, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY.

Hilda had been employed at the Middletown Times Herald-Record where she worked in the composing department.

She was a lover of animals and gave to various animal charities. Hilda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and caregiver. She enjoyed her flowers and tending to her flower beds.

Survivors include: her husband of 68 years, Benjamin R. Whitby at home in Middletown; her daughter, Debra A. Pingotti and her companion Andrew Cannone of Middletown; her son Brian T. Whitby of Middletown; granddaughter Rachel L. Whitby and her fiancé Eddie Donohue of Middletown; step grandchildren Michael Cannone and his wife Mariana of Endicott, NY and Andrew T. Cannone of Buffalo, NY; sister-in-law Marjorie Boyd and her husband John of Middletown and sister-in-law Marion Shunowski and husband Ray of Kansas City, MO; several nieces & nephews; Godson Chris Heib and his wife Bonnie of Greenville, NY; close friends John and Joanne Tyndall of Shrewsbury, MA.

A visitation for family and friends will take place from 9-11 AM Saturday, August 30th at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY. The funeral service will begin at 11 AM following the visitation with Pastor Todd Young officiating.

Interment will be in the family plot in Howells Cemetery, Howells, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pets Alive, 363 Derby Road, Middletown, NY 10940.

08/21/2025

Marie E. Tice
June 19, 1928 ~ August 19, 2025 (age 97)

Marie E. Tice, a longtime area resident, entered into rest on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Valley View Center in Goshen, NY. She was 97 years of age.

The daughter of the late Antonin Picha and Barbara Pichova, she was born on June 19, 1928 in Czechoslovakia.

Marie was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where she actively participated on many church committees. She enjoyed knitting & crocheting.

Marie worked for Carson & Towners and Kassel Brothers as a seamstress and was meticulous in what she did at work and at home.

My father met my mother in Czechoslovakia in WWII. I believe when they met it was love at first sight for both of them. It took two years for my mother to file all the paper work to come to the United States. The devotion they had for each other was incredible. She was an only child and it was heart breaking for her parents to lose her, but they knew how much she loved my father and would have a better life in America. She was very proud to become a citizen of the United States. She loved this country, and of course the country she was born in. She was such a loving and caring person. She always thanked everyone for helping her.

Survivors include: Elizabeth M. Decker, loving and devoted daughter who had a special bond with her mother. She was predeceased by her son, David Albert Tice, her husband Albert M. Tice and son-in-law Peter C. Decker.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 3-6 PM Sunday, August 24th at the Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY.

Graveside Services will be held 11 AM Monday, August 25th at the Wallkill Cemetery, 160 Midway Road, Middletown, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

08/21/2025

Eleonore H. Scott
September 11, 1935 ~ August 8, 2025 (age 89)

Eleonore H. Scott passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at Middletown Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Middletown, New York. She was 89 years old.

Eleonore was born in Middletown, New York on September 11, 1935, to the late Kenneth R. Holden and Annette Bischoff Holden.

Eleonore is survived by sons: Thomas H. Scott and wife Doreen of Middletown, New York, Peter H. Scott and wife Debra of Maryland, New York, grandchildren: Lauren E. Scott and fiancée Michael Collins, Erika E. Scott and husband Tjibbe Lambers and Andrew T. Scott, great granddaughter Isla Scott Collins, sister in-law Molly H. Scott and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, William E. Scott, parents, sister Roberta Mabee and brother in-law Nicholas Mabee.

Eleonore graduated from Middletown High School in 1953. Ele was among the early graduating classes at Orange County Community College, receiving an associate’s degree in 1955. She retired from the Middletown Senior Center after more than 20 years of service to Middletown area senior citizens.

Eleonore loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren and great granddaughter Isla. She celebrated holidays, birthdays and family gatherings in her own special way, often writing poems for different occasions, creating special signs and décor, never missing an opportunity to don a costume while welcoming local children at Halloween. Her true spirit was to celebrate life and laugh often. Ele was very active in the Middletown community, volunteering at Horton Hospital, as a member of, the Lenten Sewing Club, Bridge Club, and YMCA, and as a pillar of the Grace Episcopal Church congregation. One of her most enjoyable experiences in retirement was to volunteer in Karen Yegidis’ classroom at Truman Moon Elementary School. Her family and friends will continue to cherish the fond memories of Ele, and hold her love and laughter in their hearts.

Eleonore’s request: “Please consider performing a random act of kindness for someone. You will both benefit from it.”

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

08/09/2025

Catherine Jean Woodruff
October 6, 1932 ~ August 6, 2025 (age 92)

We are so sad to announce the death of Catherine Jean (Bensen) Woodruff.

Jean’s amazing family was at her side to love and support her as she moved on.

Jean had a lifelong connection to Middletown, NY. Born on October 6, 1932, she was the daughter of Frederick Henry Bensen and Helen (Dwyer) Bensen. She grew up in the house her father built at 12 Benedict Street.

Jean was educated at The Academy Avenue School, Middletown High School and was an incredibly proud member of the Keuka College class of 1954 where she earned her Registered Nurse pin. She recently celebrated her 70th College reunion with her classmates Lynn, Ann and Marilyn, it was quite a thing. She was the first in her family to attend college.

Jean was married to Charles Richard Woodruff for fifty-nine years. Charles predeceased her in 2014. Together they created and nurtured a strong, caring family. Their homes in Howells, then Wolf Lake, were full and active.

Jean is survived by her four sons, Charles F (Arlene), Mark R (Joyce), Christopher J (Joann) and Paul Bensen (Ellen) Woodruff. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She is further survived by her cousins Jane Wagner and Michael Wagner. Jean was predeceased by her sister, Mary Anne Bensen and her lifelong companion and best friend Thomas Stenson. Sharp to her last day she knew everyone’s birthday, anniversary and special event. She loved her family and never missed a card, gift or greeting on those days.

While raising her family Jean also cared for others as a Registered Nurse at Horton Memorial Hospital. She finished her long career there as the director of the In-Service Department.

She was an avid Bridge and Mahjong player and enjoyed spending time with her playing partners at home and in Florida. Betty, her Florida partner in crime was precious to her. Jean was a member of the Middletown Gardens Club and The Red Hat Society.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Stewart for his consistent wisdom and care, Dr. John Ferguson, her doctor and more importantly, a friend, the staff at The Pines, the caring team at The Braemar Assisted Living Center where her residence was much too short and the 3rd Floor team at Garnet Medical for doing all the little things that made mom comfortable.

Friends and family may visit at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY on Tuesday, August 12th from 3PM-7PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 13th at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 8 High Street, Bloomingburg, NY.

08/07/2025

Today we Honor the Brave

The Purple Heart is the oldest military award and one of the most prestigious the U.S. bestows upon its service members.

On Purple Heart Day, we pause to honor and remember the bravery and sacrifice of our wounded and fallen heroes.

Semper Fidelis

08/04/2025

Richard C. Roosa
July 31, 1942 ~ August 2, 2025 (age 83)

Richard “Dick” Roosa, of Circleville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 2, 2025. He was born to Walter and Doreen Roosa on July 31, 1942, in Binghamton, New York. After moving to Middletown, New York as a child, Dick spent most of his life there.

Dick loved hunting, carpentry, rock and roll, stock cars, and vacationing in Cape Cod. He was a skilled electrical engineer and project manager, at one point owning his own electrical business, and eventually working as an electrical engineer on-site at multiple IBM campuses. He was also a Life Member of the Middletown Elks Lodge.

Dick married the love of his life, Peggy, in 1980, and the two eventually settled in Circleville in 1995. Dick was a loving and devoted husband — willing to do anything for his wife and loving her fully for over 45 years.

He is survived by Peggy and his three sons: Ryan (Sarah) and Tyler, whom he shared with Peggy, and Jason, from a prior marriage. Dick loved his boys with everything in him, and he took great pride in teaching them how to be strong, caring men. Dick was also survived by his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, William “Beaver” Clemmer, as well as his brother, Robert Roosa.

Dick was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey Roosa, his sister, Madalyn Roosa, and his brother, Walter “Norman” Roosa.

Dick’s family couldn’t have asked for a more loving, generous, and dedicated father and husband. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. A private service will be held by the family.

08/04/2025

Richard B. Gilbert
April 7, 1965 ~ July 27, 2025 (age 60)

Richard B. Gilbert, a lifelong area resident, entered into rest unexpectedly on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, NY. He was 60 years of age.

The son of Carol Anne Gilbert and the late Bruce Gilbert, he was born on April 7, 1965 in Middletown, NY.

Richard was employed as a carpenter for DMR Construction in Middletown. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed following sports including football and baseball.

Survivors include; his mother, Carol A. Rasmussen of Cincinnati, OH; his sister Jennifer Price and her husband Brian in Kentucky; his companion, Linda Walsh and her daughter Victoria Conklin of Middletown; his uncle, Douglas Kolk and his wife Barbara of Holly Hill, FL; his step-sister, Lisa Blatz and husband Mark of Conway, SC. Richard was predeceased by his father Bruce Gilbert and several aunts & uncles.

Cremation took place at the Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh, NY.

Address

26 Grove St
Middletown, NY
10940

Telephone

+18453432142

Website

http://www.connellfuneralhome.com/

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