Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services

12/29/2025

Luz Ayala-Perez

View Luz Ayala-Perez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/26/2025

Mario Gandia

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12/25/2025

12/23/2025

Thomas Eldred

Thomas A. Eldred, 83, a long-time resident of Merrick, NY passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2025.

Tom is survived by his son, Christopher (Melissa) and his daughter, Elizabeth. He leaves behind two grandchildren, Gianna and Michael and his loving sister, Susan (Lewis) House, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Rose Eldred.

Tom was a loving father, Vietnam veteran, and a long-time employee of Liberty Mutual working as a safety engineer for more than forty years.

He enjoyed visiting the Adirondacks, camping and hiking, gardening, skiing, golf, and woodworking. His favorite hobby was tending to his Japanese garden, especially his bonsai trees.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home located at 2 Maple Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 from 12-2pm on Saturday, December 27th.

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12/22/2025

Marianne Calo

Marianne Calo passed away on December 16, 2025 in her White Plains home following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 78 years old.

Born in Monastir, Tunisia in 1947 from French parents Georgette and André Delorme, she then moved at the age of 9 to France, followed by the French Congo, before settling in France again in 1965 where she completed her studies in psychology. After obtaining her Master's degree at Connecticut College in 1972, she returned to Paris where she married to Albert whom she had known since the age of 5, completed her graduate studies, and started her career as a psychologist. After the birth of her first 2 children, Marianne moved to New York in 1978 where she gave birth to her 3rd child, moved again to Singapore in 1982, then back to Paris in 1984, before returning definitively to the US in 1987. After some years when the children had grown sufficiently, she resumed her career in Harlem and the Bronx, specializing in mentally challenged adults.

With her disease progressing however, Marianne was obliged to retire following a severe accident at work in 2010. But she soon became active again with her five grandchildren, while traveling frequently back to France, but also to Tunisia and other destinations such as Mexico, Australia, Iceland, Belgium, Holland and Italy. In the last decade, she also hosted her large family in her new home of Hampton Bays, enjoying walks on the beaches and making new friends. With her illness worsening however, she was forced to scale back.

Marianne was a unique human and was loved by all. She is survived by her husband of 53 years and friend of 73, her 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Following her instructions, Marianne was cremated, and her ashes will be scattered at sea.

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12/22/2025

Bruce M. Forester, M.D.

Bruce M. Forester, M.D., passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 86-on his 63rd wedding anniversary to his beloved wife, Erica.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bruce carried his roots with pride throughout his life. He graduated from Dartmouth College and earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, where he also completed his residency in psychiatry. He went on to enjoy a meaningful and remarkable career as a psychiatrist in private practice in New York, teaching students at Columbia P&S and touching the lives of so many through his intellect, compassion, and deep understanding of the human mind.

In addition to his medical career, Bruce was a gifted and accomplished murder mystery author, writing several novels that drew on his keen psychological insight and love of storytelling. His writing brought joy to readers and reflected his curiosity, creativity, and wit.

Bruce was a devoted and loving husband to Erica (Simms), a cherished father to Brent and his wife Kim, Robin and her husband Noah, and Russell, and a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Rylan, Sasha, Alex, Braden, Justin, Lily, and Larkin. He was a beloved father and grandfather who took immense pride in his family.

Above all, Bruce taught those around him to appreciate every day, to enjoy life, and not to sweat the small stuff. He believed deeply in the importance of balance-reminding us that hard work matters, but so does fun, laughter, friendship, and time with those we love. He lived with a spirit of love and caring, and his wisdom, humor, and generosity will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Bruce had lifelong connections to two academic institutions he cared about so deeply.

Donations can be made to either of the following:

Dartmouth:

Dartmouth College Fund

In memory of Bruce Forester '61

6066 Development Office

Hanover, NH 03755-4400

Columbia P&S:

Donations in memory of Dr. Bruce M. Forester can be made online at https://medicine.givenow.columbia.edu/ and

checks should be made payable to The Trustees of Columbia University and mailed to the attention of Jane Ferrone at

Office of Development, 516 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10032 with a note indicating the gift is designated for the medical school in memory of Dr. Forester.

Immediately following the burial the family will be hosting a reception at The Waterstone, 150 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY from 1230 PM to 430 PM

On Friday December 26th, we will host a reception at the home of Robin Forester and Noah Kauff between 1-5 PM. 153 Fieldpoint Drive, Irvington, NY.

View Bruce Forester's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/22/2025

Joan Alderisio

Joan's life was marked by her love of her husband of almost 68 years, her three sons, two daughters, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. She took great comfort in her faith, never missing an opportunity to say the rosary. Outside of faith and family, she found joy in reading, mocking Trump and listening to a shockingly broad range of music from Luciano Pavarotti to Willie Nelson.

She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and relished any opportunity to poke fun at the British. She championed various causes throughout her life especially women's rights long before it was popular. She went back to college to complete her degree, while taking care of her family and working for the NY School for the Deaf.

While we no longer have her physical presence with us, her kindness, determination, and the love of a good practical joke, will continue to inspire us. Heaven has welcomed Joan home and with any luck, the saints recycle, provide a monthly shredding day, and do not use any of those spontaneously-igniting lithium batteries Joan loved to hate. In her own words, and as she liked to end every phone conversation with family, we say Bye for now.

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12/22/2025

Joseph G. Esteves

Joseph G. Esteves, 90, of Thornwood, NY, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1935, in Minho, Portugal, to the late Luis and Alzira Esteves.

Joe immigrated to the United States with his father in 1949 where he built a life through hard work and dedication as a very skilled carpenter. He later started a successful home construction business.

In high school he met and later married the love of his life Joan Hammel. They had four beautiful sons together. They enjoyed over 40 years of marriage before she passed away too soon in 1999. Several years after Joan passed, he met Viola Lukacs, with whom he was in a loving relationship right up until his passing.

Joe was a veteran who served in the United States Army and Army Reserve, from 1958 until his Honorable Discharge in 1964.

He was an accomplished golfer who enjoyed spending time with his buddies at Knollwood Country Club where he was club champion several times. He also enjoyed bowling and once bowled a 299 game.

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is predeceased by his wife Joan, his sister Urbana Veloso, who also immigrated to the US, and several sisters who remained in Portugal.

He is survived by his four sons, Richard and wife Anna of Pleasantville, NY, David and wife Sherry of Mullica Hill, NJ, Michael and long-time partner Stacy of Mahopac, NY and Joey and wife Lori of Leeds, NY; his grandchildren Ricky (Stacy), Michael, Jessica (Michael), Matthew, Emma, Alyssa, Zach and Mark; his great-grandchildren Luca and Noa; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his partner of many years Viola Lukacs.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27 (10:00 am-12:00 pm) at Ballard-Durand of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 21 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY.

Entombment will be at the Chapel at Our Lady Queen of Peace Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, on Tuesday, December 30 at 12:30 pm.

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12/21/2025

Edward Heben

Edward D. Heben, a devoted family man, respected business leader, and dedicated community servant, passed away peacefully after a life well-lived. He was 78.

A native of the Bronx, New York, Ed graduated from Pace University and served his country honorably in the US Army Reserves. He built a successful career spanning over four decades as an accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) along with a host of other professional designations (BV/CFF, CVA, AEP, CMEA) . For 45 years, he dedicated himself to his company and clients at Heben & Company, where he earned a reputation for integrity and expertise.

Ed was a recognized leader in the accounting community. He served as a board member and officer for various accounting trade group associations, and at the time of his passing, he was the dedicated President of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

Beyond his professional life, Ed was committed to philanthropic endeavors. He served as a valued member of the Board of Directors for Calvary Hospital for over ten years, contributing to its mission of compassionate care.

Ed's greatest pride was his family. He shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bette and her many cats. Together, they raised two sons, Ben (Lisa) and Ethan (Catherine), who will carry on his legacy. He was the adored and proud grandfather of five grandsons: Sammy, Charlie, Elijah, Noah, and Daniel, who brought immense joy to his later years.

He is also survived by his sister Roberta and his brother Fred.

In recent years, Ed came to love the peaceful community of Heritage Hills in Somers, NY. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many colleagues whose lives he touched.

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12/20/2025

Domenica Lanni

Domenica "Mickey" Lanni passed away peacefully in her home on December 20, 2025 at the age of ninety-three.

Mickey (Pugliese) grew up in Greenburgh, New York. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 69 years, Ralph Lanni. She is survived by their children David, Laura, Maureen Regan (Kevin), Michael (Maureen), four grand-children, and two great grand-children. She was pre-deceased by her two brothers, two sisters, and her daughter Elaine Bizzoco (Michael).

After graduating from White Plains High School Mickey worked at a local doll factory painting eyes on dolls. After this she was then employed at the Sonotone Factory, then located in Elmsford, NY where she assembled hearing aid tubes. The patience and precision required for both jobs were qualities that could be seen in many aspects of her life. Whether it was perfecting her cooking, making clothes, costumes, crafts, or digging a garden. She never wanted attention and strived to always do her best for the family she loved so dearly.

As a parishioner of Saint Anthony of Padua church, Mickey had been a member of the Ave Maria Guild. She was happy to create the program covers for many of the guild's card parties.

Mickey and Ralph enjoyed having their children and their families gather at their home as often as possible. It was a gift for them, and from them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Saint Anthony of Padua Church (www.sapwh.org), or Calvary Hospice (www.calvaryhospital.org).

Thank you.

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12/17/2025

Mary Calderon

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12/17/2025

Laura Bruno

Laura Jean Simon Bruno passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025 at 80 years young. She was born on October 14, 1945 in Manhattan, the daughter of Elizabeth and Bernard Simon. At 16 she met and then married the love of her life Joseph Bruno and had 50 years with him before Joseph passed away way too soon. Her ultimate joy was her family and is survived by her two daughters Karen Healey (James) and Jennifer Lynch (Robert) and will be dearly missed by her eight grandchildren, Dylan, Makena, Ashton, Ty, Harleigh, Ella, Brianna and Chance. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Frances Criscuolo, her two nieces Andrea Maloney and Paula Retelle (Bill) as well as other extended members of her loving family.

Laura had grown up and spent her life in Larchmont, NY, graduating from Mamaroneck High School in 1963 and attending Endicott College. She was active in the community and worked as an assistant teacher in the Mamaroneck School System and also continued her love of art by teaching after school classes to elementary school children.

In her later years, her passion was spending time in Palm Beach, Florida walking the beach for hours, looking for seashells and soaking up the sun. Her friends at La Bonne Vie will miss her dearly.

Laura had an amazing love for life, was extremely social, and had a gift for meeting and talking to new people. She had the warmest purest heart who saw the good in everyone. Our lives will truly have an empty space without her. Our holiday gatherings, her favorite time of year, will never be the same while playing her favorite game Left, Right, Center. She touched the hearts of so many and those who had the gift of being in her presence will never forget her.

A private funeral service will be held for her family on December 22.

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