Gerald E. Baker

Gerald Edward Baker, known affectionately as Jerry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the age of 88 in Cortlandt Manor, NY, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on October 5, 1937, in Malone, NY, Jerry lived a life marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and passion for his interests.

At the tender age of seventeen, Jerry enlisted in the US Air Force, a decision that would define his character and path. His service during the Vietnam War was not only a testament to his bravery but also to his unwavering commitment to our nation. For his dedication, he was honored with the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of his outstanding 21-year military career.

At the age of 23, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Marlene. Their enduring partnership of 64 years was filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Together, they raised three wonderful children, Brett, Suzanne, and Julie, who brought them much joy and pride. The family circle expanded with the arrival of four cherished grandchildren, Kristina, Gabrielle, Griffon, and Grant, who Jerry adored.

Jerry’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and guidance. His devotion was evident in the way he lived — always putting others before himself and offering a helping hand or a word of encouragement to those in need.

An avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees, Jerry enthusiastically cheered on his favorite teams. His retirement years were often spent immersed in the challenge of completing crosswords and intricate jigsaw puzzles, a hobby that reflected his patience and attention to detail.

Those who knew Jerry would describe him as a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather, a handyman always ready to fix anything, and a man with a great sense of humor that could light up any room.

As we bid farewell to Gerald Edward Baker, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved, and a legacy that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. Jerry’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of his beloved wife Marlene, his children, his grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched. Though he may have left this earth, his spirit will continue to guide and comfort us in the days to come.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday, Octpber 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Columbanus Church in Cortlandt Manor, followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery.

– Sourced from Dorsey-Carlone Funeral Home

Barbara Ann Buffardi-Conklin

After a long courageous fight with cancer and COPD, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Buffardi-Conklin, 81, on the morning of October 20, 2025.

Barbara was born in the Bronx on April 16, 1944. She was the second child born to Edythe Mary and Arthur Felix Cavazzi, sibling to older sister Joyce and brothers Arthur Charles and Douglas Steven. The family moved to Eastchester, NY. Barabara attended Eastchester High School and later Berkley College in White Plains. Well-known as a beauty, she also attended Barbizon School of Modeling and briefly became a model.

She married Salvatore Buffardi of New Rochelle in 1963 and gave birth to her daughter Donna Marie in 1965.

She worked as an administrative assistant for seven years at the County Board of Legislators, and thereafter worked for Metro North Railroad for 29 years, where she met and married the love of her life, Gary William Conklin, in 1982. Barbara gave birth to her daughter Kelly Lauren in 1983. Barbara and Gary were to celebrate 43 years of marriage on October 30.

Barbara will be remembered for her brilliant smile and as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was affectionately known as the family photographer since she never went anywhere without her camera. She enjoyed afternoons by the water, on the beach, and lounging in the sun, which was always with her from the summers spent on the beach as a child at her family’s home by the beach in Connecticut. She loved to garden, paint, and crochet, to collect beautiful objects, antiquing, and had a great sense of fashion and a love of beauty in all things.

She is survived by her husband Gary, daughters Donna Mollica (nee’ Buffardi) and Kelly Nugent (nee’ Conklin), sons-in-law Harry R. Collignon III and Brian Nugent, grandchildren Giana, Valerie, Natalie, Clara, Matthew, and Brian, Anthony Collignon, and sister Joyce (nee’ Cavazzi) Marlowe.

Barbara’s light will never fade; she will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Should you wish, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to the American Cancer Society Lung Cancer Foundation or the American Lung Association.

A graveside funeral service will be held at the Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortland Manor, New York on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home

Ronald S. Gale

Ronald passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. He was born October 25, 1924, as the oldest of two children to the late Wilbur and Eva Gale in Peekskill. 

He spent the majority of his life in Peekskill, married to his sweetheart, Mary Buhs, of over 71 years. Ronald and Mary became husband and wife on April 6, 1951, and went on to raise seven children together. A kind and gentle soul, he worked hard to provide and care for his family. He enjoyed many hobbies — fishing, electronics, ham radio, and playing his organ and electronic keyboard. He was an avid photographer — developing his photographs in his own dark room. He was a member of the Elk’s Club, where he would volunteer his time and spent many a Saturday night at their dinner dances, dancing the night away with his wife, Mary.

Ron was a WW2 veteran where he was a tank sergeant commanding a tank for the Company A 36th Tank Battalion. When called upon by his country, he did his duty and fought bravely. He was involved in many fierce battles as the army pushed its way through Europe and into Germany. He had his tank shot out three times from underneath him and lived to tell the tale. He and his battalion also participated in the liberation of the Kaufering concentration camp on April 30, 1945.

Ron spent his career as owner and operator of Gale’s Television Repair in the ’50s – ’90s. Chances are if you lived within a fifteen-mile radius of Peekskill, he probably fixed your TV, VCR, or put the TV antenna on your roof. After the closing of his business, he kept busy as a handyman servicing his existing customers, performing home repairs and providing painting services.

He is predeceased by his wife Mary, his sons David and Ron, as well as his grandchildren Sean and Jessica Gale. He is survived by his children Rick (Dorothy) Gale, Karen (Tim) Petersen, Bob Gale, John (Diane) Gale, and Mary (Tim) Young, and his brother Wilbur Gale. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Christie, Andrea, Daniel, Nicholas, Vincent, Michael, and Sarah, and many great-grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY.

Interment with military funeral honors will be held on Friday, October 31, at 11:30 a.m, at Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY.

– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home

Helen A. Heady

Helen (Puhala) Heady, a lifelong resident of Buchanan, NY, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born on May 2, 1929, in Yonkers, NY, to Edward and Rose (Chach) Puhala.

She graduated from Hendrick Hudson High School in 1946. On January 29, 1951, she married her husband John Heady at St. Patrick’s Church in Verplanck. Together they built a family and shared many happy years together before his passing in 1984.

Helen worked for the Town of Cortlandt from 1964 until her retirement in 1988, a career she deeply enjoyed and where she made lasting friendships. Known for her lively spirit, Helen loved playing cards, trying her luck at the casino, and especially her trips to Las Vegas with her beloved sister-in-law Muriel Morabito.

She is survived by her daughter Rene (Michael) Bracken, her cherished grandchildren Erin, Cory, Melissa, and Michael, her daughter-in-law Sandy, and her adored great-grandchildren Vanessa, Hudson, Alana, and Olivia. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember her with love.

Helen was predeceased by her son Randie Heady, her brothers Edward and Donald Puhala, and her sisters Elizabeth Huba and Frances Magurno.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjudes.org.

– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home

Robert F. Hosey

Robert Hosey, 68, of Blue Mound, TX, passed away peacefully at his home on October 23, 2025. He was born on November 19, 1956, in Peekskill, NY.

He was preceded in death by his son Robert F. Hosey Jr. of Buchanan, NY, his parents Joe and Mildred See, and his sister Cindy Andrews.

Robert Hosey is survived by his wife Patricia Hosey of 38 years; his daughters Carrye DiMaggio of Azle, TX, Kimberlie Hosey and husband David Peel of Arlington, TX, and Frances Hosey of Bluemound, TX; his sisters Donna Clapp of Porter, TX, Cheryl Willborn of Conroe, TX, and Lori Hosey of Tomball, TX; his brother Joe Burress of Bluemound, TX; and his three grandsons.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 12 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Castle Hills at 401 Beverly Road, Azle, TX.

– Sourced from Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home

Richard T. Risco

Richard Thomas (Ricky) Risco died on October 23 at the age of 74. A larger-than-life personality, Ricky’s generous heart gave out, coming as a shock to those who knew and loved him.

A 1970 graduate of Peekskill High School where he met Barbara Birdas who would become his wife on June 10, 1979, at Church of the Assumption, Ricky was a veteran of the US Army. He worked for Metro North Railroad. 

Later, as an investigator for the State of New York, he devoted his career to uncovering truth and seeking justice, work that reflected the deep moral compass he brought to everything he did.

To those who knew him, Richard was more than his titles or achievements. He was a man of wisdom and wit, someone who could see the heart of a person or situation with steady clarity. He found beauty in simple things — good food, long drives, adventures through the Hudson Valley and beyond, and the laughter of family gathered close.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara, his daughter, Rachel, and her husband, Jason. Richard is predeceased by his beloved son, Ryan.

To his family, he was a constant source of love, protection, and encouragement-a steady light that will continue to guide them even in his absence. Richard’s memory will live on in the lives he touched, in the stories shared around dinner tables, and in the deep love that binds his family together.

Visitation was held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street on October 26. Interment took place at Assumption Cemetery on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 

– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home

Louise Agnes Thompson

February 16, 1941 – October 10, 2025

Louise Agnes (D’Orsa) Thompson of St. Augustine, FL, passed away on October 10, 2025. Born on February 16, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Louise was the youngest of five. She was the daughter of Richard R. and Gertrude M. D’Orsa. 

She lived in Garrison, NY, for over 40 years. Louise was united in marriage to Gordon Neil Thompson on February 4, 1961, in the middle of a blizzard. Louise was employed at New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital as an emergency room coordinator for over 25 years. Louise was a giving person and enjoyed helping older adults in her community at Counsel on Aging in St. Augustine, FL.

Louise is survived by her children, Marie (Robert) Jones of Patterson, NY, and Tammi (Chris) Savva of Hopewell Junction, NY. Louise has four grandsons: Robert, Ryan, Steven and Dylan. She is predeceased by Robert T., John A., and Richard W. D’Orsa.

A mass of Christian burial at St. Columbanus Church in Cortlandt Manor, NY, was held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10 a.m., with interment immediately following at Assumption Cemetery, 1055 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be gifted to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

– Sourced from Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home

Jean Valente

Jean M. Valente was called to her heavenly home on October 23, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on May 10, 1935, in Queens, NY, the daughter of Davina and Robert Imrie. She passed away peacefully in Port Jefferson, NY, surrounded by the love of her family.

Jean’s early years were spent in the bustling neighborhoods of Queens, where she attended Grover Cleveland High School. Her academic journey laid a foundation for her future endeavors. Upon graduation, Jean began a fulfilling career with New York Life Insurance in Manhattan, a position that she held with integrity and excellence. She found solace and purpose within the walls of the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in New York City.

Jean met and married the love of her life, Frank Valente. They moved to Peekskill, and Jean’s life took on a new chapter. She became a part of the loving Valente family and joined the Peekskill Presbyterian Church. Her involvement in the church was not merely as a member but as a pillar of the community. She taught Sunday school, imparting wisdom and nurturing faith in the hearts of many.

Predeceased by her husband, Frank, Jean’s memory is cherished by her brother, Duncan Imrie, and the many family members whose lives she touched. Her presence was a gift, and her love a constant comfort.

Jean M. Valente will be remembered as a kind soul. We take comfort in knowing that she is now with her beloved Frank, her faith made sight, her hope fulfilled, and her love eternal.

Funeral service will be held on October 30 at 11 a.m. at the Dorsey-Carlone Funeral Home at 1100 Cortlandt St., Peekskill, NY 10566.

– Sourced from Dorsey-Carlone Funeral Home