District families targeted with high-tech fake kidnap scam

The Peekskill City School District is warning about a high-tech scheme to convince victims their loved ones have been kidnapped. At least two families in the district received these calls. Similar extortion schemes have been reported across the country. 

“To help prevent this scam, remember to check privacy settings on social media accounts and revisit the information you publicize online,” Superintendent David Mauricio said in a message to the community. “Also, check what platforms your child is using and what information they are providing. The more information available to the public, the more information scammers can use to convince you into believing a scam is real. As always, the safety and security of our staff and families remains paramount at Peekskill Schools.”

Dr. Mauricio’s Jan. 8 letter:

Dear Peekskill Families


This message is to inform you that two PCSD families were the recipients of a scam phone call known as a “Virtual Kidnapping Extortion Call.” Victims of these scams are getting calls from strangers claiming to have kidnapped their loved ones and demanding that a ransom is paid. The most recent development in these schemes involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate family member’s voices in an attempt to convince the victim that the threat is legitimate.

The purpose of sharing this information is to raise awareness about this most recent scheme and equip our school community with the knowledge they need to avoid becoming a victim of this crime.

Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Institute of Health have issued warnings offering the following helpful information:

If you get this type of call, parents should immediately attempt to contact their child.

Call your child’s school to confirm that they are in class and safe, or, outside of school hours, call their phone or attempt to reach them at the location they should be to confirm the child is safe.

Whether you think it’s a scam or not, contact law enforcement immediately by calling the Peekskill Police Department at 914-737-8000 or 911.

To avoid becoming a victim of this extortion scheme, look for the following possible indicators

• Calls are usually made from an outside area code
• May involve multiple phone calls
• Calls do not come from the allegedly kidnapped victim’s phone
• Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone so you cannot verify the safety of your child 
• Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim
• Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service

School districts correct health code violations

Routine “surprise” health inspections of food service in the Peekskill and Hendrick Hudson schools during December turned up several minor violations that were addressed and resulted in no fines.

Westchester County health inspectors noted the presence of insects and rodents at Hen Hud High School, Furnace Woods and FG Lindsey elementary schools and Peekskill High School, according to the inspection reports.

Other violations included on-food contact surfaces and equipment improperly designed, constructed, installed or maintained, and food not protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service.

According to a spokesperson for the County Health Department none of the inspections required a ticket to be issued, or a Notice of Hearing or an assessment of a fine. No immediate re-inspection was required, however the districts will have at least one other routine inspection in 2025.

Except for the one violation at Peekskill High School, which had a Major (Red) Violation with some dented cans corrected at the time of the inspection by discarding the cans, all the other violations are considered Minor (Blue) Violations, the spokesperson told the Herald.

At a Jan. 8 Hendrick Hudson School District Board meeting, Superintendent Michael Tromblee explained that the district works closely with health inspectors to ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent food contamination.

“I am confident that all issues raised in the most recent inspections have been thoroughly addressed,” Tromblee said. “No re-inspection was required and all issues were resolved before the inspections were completed.”

The Hen Hud district contracts its food service to an outside company, Aramark, and the Peekskill districts uses another company, Compass.

Laura Belfiore, a spokesperson for the Peekskill School District, did not respond to an email requesting comment.

– By Jim Roberts

Six-unit apartment building breaks ground on Smith Street

Construction is underway on a three-story, six-unit multifamily building at the corner of South and Smith streets.

The proposal called for four two-bedroom units and two three- bedroom units. The three-story structure will include three units each on the second and third stories, with the ground floor being used for lobby and mechanical spaces. 

A total of 14 parking spaces are proposed in the at-grade parking area, most of which is located below the proposed structure. The property will be accessed by a new curb cut on South Street. New landscaping is proposed, which would enhance the streetscape and site appearance, including landscaping around the pedestrian access on South Street, as well as a new landscaping buffer along the Smith Street frontage and the shared lot lines with the adjacent properties.

The developer is listed as 100 and 106 Smith Street Corp. with an address of 37 Roa Hook Road, Cortlandt Manor. ASF Construction & Excavation Corp. is located at that address and the company is headed by Andre Fernandes, co-owner and president.

City of Peekskill hiring motor equipment operator

The City of Peekskill is seeking a motor equipment operator. The job involves recurring manual duties in connection with the operation of moderately complex motor equipment, such as a tractor, truck with a power take off unit, power mower, snow loader, concrete mixer, snow plow, automobile or omnibus. Incumbents are responsible for the safe and economical operation and care of their equipment on assigned tasks. Oversight of a small number of personnel may be a responsibility of this class.

At time of appointment, possession of a valid New York State Class B Commercial Drivers License certified to operate commercial equipment within the boundaries of New York State with required endorsements, appropriate for the type of motor equipment being operated (i.e. air brakes, hazardous materials, passenger endorsements).

To see the job listing and applygo here.

County conducting waste reduction survey

Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) is working with Barton & Loguidice, a consulting firm, on a Waste Reduction Study that will serve as a guide for reducing waste generation and disposal throughout the next decade and beyond.

The study is seeking input from residents throughout the County to gather their opinions on current County waste programs and to learn about where they would like to see resources focused going forward. The Waste Reduction Study was made possible by a Board of Legislators initiative added to the 2024 Refuse Disposal District budget.

Since 2005, the County has reduced the amount of waste it disposes of by over 27 percent. The County consistently posts annual recycling rates of at least 50 percent, outpacing the New York State recycling rate of 43 percent. Over the past several years, DEF has introduced many new waste reduction initiatives and programs, including programs focused on food waste composting and textile recycling.

Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) released the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan to serve as a guide to waste management agencies for the next ten years (2023-2032). The stated goal of the NYSDEC Plan is to achieve an 85 percent total waste stream recycling rate statewide by 2050. The Waste Reduction Study will help the County achieve the State’s ambitious goal.

The County and DEF are asking interested residents to participate in a short, online survey to gauge their knowledge of currently offered waste reduction programs and to find out what types of programs they would like to see available in the future. To participate in the Waste Reduction Survey, residents can use this link or visit DEF’s Facebook page.

A public meeting will also be scheduled in the coming weeks to provide another opportunity for residents to learn about this study, and comment on current waste reduction initiatives or suggest new ones. More information on that forum will be available soon.

For more information on Westchester County environmental programs and events, call the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 and follow the department on Facebook.

Jenkins, Wishnie appointed to County leadership roles

Ken Jenkins was elected by the County Board of Legislators to serve as interim County Executive replacing George Latimer, who took his oath of office to the U.S. House of Representatives.

A special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11. Jenkins will run for County Executive for the remaining nine months of Latimer’s term, and last month he announced his candidacy for the November general election to serve a full term as County Executive effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Speaking at the Dec. 16 Business Council of Westchester’s Valley Bank Leadership Conversations series, Jenkins outlined his vision for Westchester County to a standing-room-only crowd of business, government, and non-profit leaders.

“The BCW has enjoyed a long and positive relationship with Ken Jenkins from his time as a member, and later chair, of the County Legislators as well as his seven years as Deputy County Executive,” said Marsha Gordon, president & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. “We are confident that the work of the county will be in stable hands with Ken serving as the interim County Executive. We look forward to working with Ken and the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2025.”

Jenkins appointed Richard G. Wishnie as Deputy County Executive. Wishnie brings a legacy of public service, including his recent roles as Acting County Executive and Westchester County Commissioner of Emergency Services, as well as decades of leadership in Westchester County.

“Richard exemplifies what it means to serve the public with integrity, vision, and dedication. I can think of no better person to fill this role, and it is my honor to appoint him and serve alongside him. His leadership and wealth of experience make him the ideal choice to continue driving our County forward,” Jenkins said.

Wishnie was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 1993, where he served six distinguished terms representing the Town of Ossining, the Villages of Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, and Croton-on-Hudson, as well as portions of the Town of Cortlandt. As Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, he championed fiscal responsibility while securing critical funding for public safety, community health, and educational initiatives.

Before his service at the County level, Wishnie served the Town of Ossining as Councilman from 1976 to 1979 and as Supervisor from 1979 to 1983. He has also served as Chairman of the Ossining Open Door Health Centers, Westchester Health Source, the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Ossining Red Cross Disaster Team. Additionally, he was Vice-Chairman of the Mid Hudson Ambulance District.

Wishnie has held numerous leadership roles, including Officer and Director of the Ossining Chamber of Commerce, President of the Ossining Jaycees, Director of the United Way of Northern Westchester, and life member of the Briarcliff Manor Volunteer Fire Department. He has also served as a Town of Ossining Auxiliary Police Officer.

– By Jim Roberts

MetroCard Van in Peekskill on Jan 14 at Library

The MetroCard van will be onsite at various locations throughout Westchester from Monday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Jan. 17.

The van is staffed by MTA New York City Transit Authority customer service representatives who are happy to answer questions and help with any issues you may have.

Visit the MetroCard Mobile Sales Van for help on any of the following items: Reduced-Fare application assistance, submission of damaged Reduced-Fare MetroCards in exchange for a temporary replacement, report of a lost/stolen Reduced-Fare MetroCard and any other MetroCard-related inquiries or support. Until further notice the MetroCard van will not be handling credit or debit card transactions. All transactions are cash only.

The van will be in Peekskill at the Peekskill Library on Jan. 14, Feb. 11, and March 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the website or call the Bee-Line Information Center at (914) 813-7777.

Celebrate Women’s History Month, honor Peekskillians

Nominations are now being accepted for Women’s History Month.

During the month of March, the City of Peekskill would like to honor outstanding women in the community for their personal or professional achievements, civic contributions, or general good deeds that have favorably impacted residents.

If you would like to nominate someone, please complete this form by Friday, Jan. 31. 

Irish Americans sought for honors in Peekskill

Nominations are now being accepted for Irish American Heritage Month.

During the month of March, the City of Peekskill would like to honor outstanding Irish Americans in the community for their personal or professional achievements, civic contributions, or general good deeds that have favorably impacted residents.

If you would like to nominate someone, please complete this form by Friday, Jan. 31. 

DRI money for heat pump system at Early Electronics

The City of Peekskill is seeking bids for HVAC services for a new heat pump system at Early Electronics at 115 North Water St.

The contract is funded by the city’s Downtown Revitalization Fund, part of a state grant. Bids are due by Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.

Responses must be sent by email to Abi Oridedi, Downtown Revitalization Fund Consultant [email protected] Please submit any questions about this RFP by Tuesday, Jan. 14. The RFP and answers to submitted questions can be found on-line here.

DPW sanitation foreman retires after 35 years of service

Congratulations to Aaron Wright, the Peekskill DPW sanitation foreman, on his retirement after 35 years of service. Thank you for all that you have done for our city, and we wish you all the best in your retirement.

Westchester District Attorney issues 2024 Annual Report

Outgoing Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah highlighted accomplishments of her office in the 2024 Annual Report.

The office saw measurable successes with the expansion of groundbreaking initiatives and efforts that began when Rocah took office in 2021: the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau’s coordinated work on search warrants with our many law enforcement partners throughout the County resulted in some of the largest seizures of illegal firearms and ghost guns;
the Discovery Bureau processed more than 11,000 hours of body-cam video to keep the Office compliant, efficient and effective; approximately 500 individuals were diverted out of the criminal justice system through an innovative diversion program, Fresh Start, for low-level and first-time offenders, and used problem-solving courts for youth, veterans, and those with substance use disorder or mental health treatment needs; and the office launched the County’s first pre-arraignment substance abuse diversion program, OPT-In, for low-level offenders with substance use disorders.

Two of the cases in the report involved Peekskill defendants.

Cristian Panza, 43, who was convicted for a 2021 rape of a woman in Peekskill and subsequently implicated by DNA in a 2018 attempted rape, was sentenced on Nov. 14 to 16 years in state prison. The defendant was also sentenced to 20 years post-release supervision for the 2021 crime to run concurrently to 15 years in state prison with 15 years post-release supervision for the 2018 crime. The conviction followed the defendant’s guilty plea in September to rape (first degree) for the September 2021 incident where he took a 20-year-old woman to a bar in town and bought several drinks for her until she became highly intoxicated. Under the pretense of driving her home, the defendant took the victim to Depew Park where he strangled and raped her. The defendant also pleaded guilty to attempted rape (first degree) for the 2018 incident where he encountered an intoxicated 39-year-old victim in a Peekskill bar, followed her and offered her a ride home. Believing the defendant was a cab driver, the victim entered the rear of the defendant’s vehicle and provided a destination address. Instead of driving her to that address, the defendant drove to a wooded area. When the victim demanded to know where he had taken her, defendant climbed to the rear of the vehicle, strangled and attempted to rape her. After the defendant’s arrest in 2021, prosecutors at the Westchester DA’s Office noticed a similar fact pattern to the unsolved 2018 assault case and proactively moved to request lab comparison testing of the defendant’s DNA developed from a cup he drank from at police headquarters following his 2021 arrest. The DNA matched.

Following a three-week trial in which the defendant was found guilty of engaging in sexual conduct with a child for nearly a year, Luis Urguilles, 45 of Peekskill, was sentenced to 16 years in state prison. As detailed during the trial, the defendant, a cab driver in Peekskill, met the victim’s family while they were passengers in his cab. The defendant befriended the family and began grooming the then 10-year-old victim in order to sexually abuse and assault her.

You can read the 2024 Annual Report here.

Volunteers set record cleaning up County parks

The Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) set record-breaking numbers for the 2024 calendar year.  Over 4,124 volunteers worked 13,176 hours this past year to complete major cleanup efforts and beautification enhancements in the over 50 parks in the Westchester County Parks system. Volunteers completed 420 projects in 35 parks throughout Westchester, equivalent to nearly $394,627.79 of sweat equity.

Additional highlights include:  

• 7,136 lbs trash items removed from the Bronx River
• 1,923 trees, shrubs, and native plants planted in the parks
• Return of the Bronx River Blitz, 78 volunteers in one day to clean the 13-mile pathway
• 29 Native trees and shrubs planted and protected at Willson’s Woods to revitalize lakeside recreational area
• 44 Greentern internship participants

Westchester Parks Foundation volunteers are students earning volunteer credits for school or religious education requirements, scouts on the lookout for a great project, local businesses interested in a team building activity, or anyone looking to put their skills to good use to help out our county parks. 

For more information visit the WPF website. A video of WPF volunteers cleaning up parks is available here.

Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the County’s Park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to invest in, advocate for, and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system.

State busts major drug ring in Hudson Valley

Seven members of an alleged narcotics trafficking network that illegally sold cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Westchester counties were arrested and indicted last week. The 155-count indictment charges Shamique Delaine, Jonte Hatcher, Romell Hearn, Nicole Kane, Daquan Killian, and Dwan Scafe with conspiracy and trafficking cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. A seventh defendant, Damian Cunningham, is charged with trafficking cocaine.

The investigation, led by the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) seized more than 10,500 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl worth approximately $75,000, over eight kilograms of cocaine worth approximately $200,000, three firearms, including a ghost gun, and $14,000 in cash.

“Counterfeit opioids containing deadly amounts of fentanyl are a grave threat to New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Leticia James. “Our investigation dismantled a drug trafficking network that was responsible for moving massive quantities of dangerous narcotics throughout the Hudson Valley, where communities have been hit hard by the opioid crisis.”

The takedown was the result of a twelve-month joint investigation led by OCTF and the New York State Police’s (NYSP) Special Investigations Unit – Hudson Valley (SIU-HV) and Troop K – Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (K-VGNET). The investigation included the use of controlled narcotics and firearm purchase operations, hundreds of hours of physical and covert surveillance, court-authorized wiretapping of cellular telephones, the analysis of voluminous electronic evidence, including cellular telephonic communications, and other traditional investigative operations. 

The investigation centered on the actions of Nicole Kane, who purchased cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl from Daquan Killian, Romell Hearn, and Jonte Hatcher for further distribution. Kane made sales from her home in Highland, New York, and sourced counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl from Killian at his home and at a Price Chopper Supermarket in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Hearn also sold cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone in Poughkeepsie, including at a local AutoZone parking lot. Hatcher made cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone sales in Poughkeepsie, as well as near the Newburgh Mall in Orange County.

Further, the investigation revealed that Hearn was working together with Dwan Scafe out of a stash house in Poughkeepsie to possess, store, supply, and distribute cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in Dutchess County. In March of 2024, Scafe sold a kilogram of cocaine to Damian Cunningham which was seized by police during a car stop in Westchester County. During search warrant executions in Poughkeepsie in May 2024, a loaded firearm, a high-capacity magazine, and an additional six kilograms of cocaine were seized from Hearn and Scafe. During search warrant executions in August 2024, a loaded firearm and approximately 450 grams of cocaine were seized from Hatcher and Shamique Delaine. Additionally, the investigation recovered a Polymer 80 ghost gun sold by Kane.

Those charged include: Damian Cunningham, 40, Mount Vernon; Shamique Delaine, 33, Poughkeepsie; Jonte Hatcher a/k/a “Diggs”, 41, Poughkeepsie; Romell Hearn a/k/a “Mel”, 45, Poughkeepsie; Nicole Kane, 36, Highland; Daquan Killian, 32, Poughkeepsie and Dwan Scafe, 36, Poughkeepsie, New York. The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The takedown marks the latest major drug bust in OAG’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (SURGE) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York’s heroin, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 980 alleged traffickers off the streets.

Peekskill Police calls Jan. 1 to Jan. 5

Peekskill Police responded to over 650 calls during the period from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5. Here are some of those calls.

Jan. 1: Special checks of a specific area for any unlawful activity, usually as a result of community complaints, were conducted throughout the day at various locations including Main Street, South Street, Highland Avenue, Smith Street, Howard Street, North Division Street, Park Street, and Orchard Street. Three warrant calls on Nelson Avenue at 10:03 a.m. Traffic stops at 5:36 p.m. South Street, 7:17 p.m. Main Street and 9:35 p.m. Highland Avenue. Trespassing on Main Street at 11:53 p.m.

Jan. 2: Special checks throughout the day at various locations beginning at 12:14 a.m.  including Main Street, Highland Avenue, Hudson Avenue, Bay Street, Welcher Avenue, Chateau Rive, Decatur Avenue and Robin Drive. Animal complaints at Highland Avenue, 9:06 a.m. and Horton Drive, 9:15 a.m. Warrants on Nelson Avenue at 12:17 p.m. An unwanted party at 9:40 a.m. on South Street. A dispute on Harrison Avenue at 3:35 p.m.

Jan. 3: Special checks throughout the day beginning at 12:28 a.m. in various locations including Main Street, South James Street, Highland Avenue, North Division Street, Elm Street, Robin Drive, Washington Street and Park Street. A medical call at 7:14 a.m. on South Street. a call where a person has passed away, usually due to medical reasons, at 10:43 a.m. at Stuhr Gardens. A dispute, agency assistance, and follow-up investigation beginning at 12:59 p.m. on Main Street.

Jan. 4: Special checks beginning at 12:39 a.m. at various locations including Washington Street, Main Street, South James Street, Robin Drive, North Water Street, Highland Avenue and Brown Street. A fire at 1:58 a.m. on McKinley Street.  A domestic at 5:07 a.m. on Smith Street. A medical call at 9:43 a.m. on Rolling Way. A police investigation at 12:51 p.m. on Delancy Avenue. Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident at 6:06 p.m. on Elm Street. An unwanted party at 11 p.m. on Main Street.

Jan. 5: Special checks at various locations beginning at 12:28 a.m. at Highland Avenue, Brown Street, Main Street, South Street, Railroad Avenue, John Walsh Boulevard, Stuhr Garden, Hudson Avenue. A police investigation on Lincoln Terrace at 5:36 a.m. A traffic stop on Pine Street at 8:50 a.m. Suspicious activity at 11:57 a.m. on Main Street. A domestic call on South Street at 2:42 p.m. A warrant call at 840 p.m. on Main Street.

Jan. 6: Special checks beginning at 12:43 a.m. at various locations including Main Street, North Division Street, Highland Avenue, Depew Street, Washington Street, Diven Street. Traffic stop on Main Street 1:17 a.m. Vehicle and traffic law enforcement, usually determined as a result of community complaints, at 7:03 a.m. on Main Street and 7:11 a.m. on Highland Avenue.

The complete police blotter is available here.

Obituaries

Josefina Sanchez

Josefina Sanchez, 93, of Myrtle Beach, S.C. passed away on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on June 5, 1931 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, to Carmen and Maximo Rodriguez. She was the eldest of nine. Raised on a farm, she emigrated in December of 1949, to NYC to work in the garment industry. With no knowledge of the English language and a basic understanding of sewing, she impressed her coworkers with her intelligence and determination so much that they trained her on how to be a seamstress so that she could earn a full $28 a week, part of which she sent back home to help her family. 

It was during this time that she met and married her husband Arturo Sanchez in 1953. Together they had and raised three daughters and a son: Elizabeth, Cruz, Arthur and Aida. She also had four grandchildren: Kristiana, Martin, Elise and Nik. She returned to Puerto Rico in 1988 but returned to settle in Peekskill in 2001. She made her final move to Myrtle Beach, S.C. in 2018.

She was devoted to her family, her community, and her God. She was an acclaimed cook and loved holding big family gatherings. She also loved trips to the beach and going to Radio City Music Hall.

She is survived by all four of her children, their spouses: Tom Rochford, Efrain Soler, Catherine Sanchez, and David Delgado, and her four grandchildren and two sisters Lucy Morales and Ramona De Jesus. She is predeceased by her parents Carmen and Maximo, and her husband Arturo.

Mary E. Rainey

Mary E. Rainey, a beloved mother, grandmother and dedicated community servant, transitioned from this earthly life to her eternal life on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born on Sept. 25, 1944, in Petersburg, Tennessee, Mary was the daughter of John B. Smythe and Irene (Wilson) Smythe. At an early age, she relocated to New York, where she would build a life marked by service, love, and dedication to her family and community.

Mary married her husband, Russell Rainey, on March 12, 1962. From this union came four beloved children: Troy, Dorene, Charlene, and Ruby, who brought forth her seven grandchildren, giving rise to her legacy in the 15 great-grandchildren whom she treasured. 

Mary’s educational journey began with her graduation from Peekskill High School in June 1963, followed by an associate degree in Social Work from Pace University. She served as a teacher at Aunt Bessie’s Open Door Daycare. Mary gained employment at West COP in Valhalla, NY, from 1967 to 1976. In 1976, she accepted the position of Director at the Westchester Community Action Program, Kiley Center, Peekskill, where she dedicated 40 years to community initiatives. Through the Youth Employment Program, Mary uplifted the youth of Peekskill. Her exceptional contributions to the community of Westchester County were recognized with numerous awards and certificates, including a garden dedicated in her name at the Kiley Center. 

Mary’s compassion and commitment made her a beacon of hope for countless individuals. Guided by her belief in empowering others, she led many through their darkest moments toward self-sufficiency, providing essential support for food, shelter, and stability. 

Mary became a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Peekskill, where she served on the Finance Committee and led the Pastor’s Aide Ministry for many years up to the present time, as well as holding the position of Vice President of the Golden Saints Ministry. Her faith and devotion to God were the cornerstones of her life. 

Mary loved gardening, planting, and cherishing moments spent on vacations with her family. She enjoyed community gatherings and cookouts in her brother-in-law Hayes’ backyard in Peekskill, creating precious memories that her family would forever cherish. Her grandmother, Julia Reynolds, imparted a guiding principle in her life: ‘Do all the good you can do,’ a mantra that Mary lived by throughout her years. 

Mary was predeceased by her father, John Smythe; stepfather, Paul Bullock; brother, Jerry Smythe; and sister, Barbara Warren. She leaves behind a vibrant legacy and a loving family that includes her mother, Irene Bullock; children: Troy (Rosie) Rainey of Navarre, FL; Dorene Rainey; Charlene (James) Liverman of Peekskill; and Ruby (Robin) Reed of Las Vegas, NV; brothers: Waymon Smythe, David Smythe, and Terry (Florence) Smythe of Phoenix, AZ; Paul Bullock, Jr. (Mia) of San Jacinto, CA; Windell (Cathy) Smythe of Peekskill; sisters: Evelyn Pelham of Anthem, AZ; and Linda (Hayes) Winston; and her cherished grandchildren: Jmal Chestnut, Lisa Liverman, Andre Rainey, Keneil Rainey-Henry, Charlie Grimes, Raymona Rainey-Bledsoe, Emma Rainey- McElhaney, Joycelyn M. Rainey, Naomi M. Rainey and Letherious (LT) Rainey. 

Mary Rainey’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her-a woman of strength, compassion, and love. Her family invites all who were touched by her life to celebrate her memory and the profound impact she made on the world.

Rest in peace, Mary. Your legacy of kindness and service will forever illuminate the lives of those you touched. 

Sister Ita Flynn

Sister Ita Flynn, SA, age 99, a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement from Graymoor, Garrison, New York. died peacefully at Lurana Healthcare Residence on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Sister Ita was born on March 31, 1925, in Miltown, Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland to Mary (FitzPatrick) and Edward Flynn. Sister Ita is predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Bernard and Hugh; and her sisters, Rose Flynn, Bridie Donohoe, Margaret Flynn, Molly Flynn, and Eileen Charles. She is survived by her Sisters in Community, as well as her nieces and nephews.

Sister Ita entered the convent on September 2, 1938, in Ireland. She professed her first Vows on June 28, 1944, and her Final Vows on August 27, 1949. As an Atonement missionary for over 80 years, Sister had a variety of experiences. She taught kindergarten in Bakersfield, CA; she served in catechetical and pastoral ministry in Delano, CA; Dragerton, UT; and Douglas, GA. She was involved in retreat ministry at Our Lady’s Retreat House at Graymoor, as well as in Rossinver, Ireland. Sister also ministered at our Guest House in Rome, Italy.

Sister Ita spent over a decade in Goiana and Rio Verde, Brazil, where she learned to speak Portuguese so she could communicate with the children and families. When she was asked “What is your greatest joy as a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement?” She responded, “I enjoyed every bit of my 12 years in Brazil – working with the poor! Even learning Portuguese was a lot of fun! Visiting the poor, especially in the mission areas, on the dirt roads was challenging but it was fun, too! … It truly was a great joy!”

Sister Ita will be remembered for her love of music, her joyful spirit and her sense of humor. She once wrote, “All I know is that I always wanted to be a nun. I entered very young. I was the last of those who were accepted so young, but I knew above all and more than anything, that I wanted to be a nun. It’s always been a happy life and I hope I have shared that happiness with everyone.”

Ernesto Guevara

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ernesto Guevara, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us on Jan. 8, 2025, at the age of 73. 

Ernesto passed away in White Plains Hospital during a medical procedure, surrounded by family and loved ones. His sudden loss has left a profound emptiness in our hearts, but we take solace in knowing he is at peace

Born on Nov. 7, 1951 in Poloros, La Union, El Salvador, Ernesto was a man of great warmth, strength and integrity. As a father, he was a source of unwavering support, wisdom, and love, always putting his family first. His kind heart, gentle nature, and commitment to those he loved left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Throughout his life, Ernesto demonstrated a remarkable sense of duty to his community and his family. He was a man of principle, always willing to lend a hand to those in need, and instilled in his children the values of compassion, perseverance, and respect. His love for his family was boundless, and he was known for his infectious laughter and the joy he brought to every gathering.

Ernesto’s legacy extends beyond his family. Whether through his work, volunteerism, or simple acts of kindness, he touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication.

Ernesto will be remembered not only for his many contributions but also for his ability to listen, his genuine empathy, and the love he showed every day.

Ernesto was the father of assistant Peekskill High School soccer coach Jaime Guevara. He leaves behind his grieving family including his wife of 49 years, Elvia Antonia (Toñita), children Dina, Elmer, Estela, Victor, Danny and Jaime, as well his son and daughter in laws Carlos, Magdalena, Veronica, Cinthya, and Brianna, his fourteen grandchildren Juan Carlos, Jonny, Rosa Linda, Joselin, Sabrina, Melina, Douglas, Erika, Isabella, Iker, Anavel, Gael, Antonela and Ariela, who will forever cherish the lessons and memories he imparted. He served as a role model and deeply cared for his extended family some of which include Daniel Guevara, Marvin Rubio, and his partner Patricia Tapia and their son Enzo. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Nicolas, Saturnino, Eliodoro, Bertila and Emma all whom will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Brijido Rubio and his mother Gumercinda Guevara.