Services - Mark Patterson - There will be a Memorial Gathering Saturday March 7, 2015 from 11:00am to 1:00pm here at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home. During the gathering, there will be a prayer service at 12 noon.
Rita Marie Blissert
Death Notice - Rita Marie Blissert, 97, of Yonkers, died Thursday, Feb. 26, after a brief illness. Born in New York City on Dec. 10, 1917 to Francis T. Blissert and Mary Clarke Blissert, Rita spent most of her childhood in Mt. Vernon. During her life, she also lived in Manhasset; in New York City; at Heritage Village in Southbury, Connecticut; and most recently, the 5-Star Premium Residences in Yonkers. Following her graduations from A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon and the Katherine Gibbs School, Rita began working for American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (AT&T) in New York City. During her 37-year career, she worked in numerous secretarial positions, including in the executive offices. She retired from AT&T in 1974.
During World War II, Rita took leave from AT&T to join the U.S. Navy WAVES, where she served for three years as an air traffic controller at the naval base in Pensacola, Florida. Rita was an avid reader, traveler and bridge player. She traveled all over the United States, Canada and Europe and made visits to Egypt, the Holy Land and Brazil. She was devoted to her family and always took the time to write a thoughtful letter or return a phone call. She had a keen sense of humor, and was the very definition of “spirited” right up to the end.
Rita was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Blissert, and Rev. Richard C. Blissert, CSsR, sister-in-law, Virginia M Blissert, and Perry Burns, spouse of niece, Joan. She is survived by six nieces: Barbara Blissert of Pleasanton, CA; Joan Burns of Greenwich, CT; Mary (William) Kelly of Boston, MA; Kathleen (Joseph) Rooney of Bellevue, WA; Frances (Michael) McCutchin of Irvine, CA; and Virginia (Keith) Bachman of New Canaan, CT; 10 great-nieces and nephews; and 4 great-great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, with her burial immediately following. Arrangements are by Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home of Bronx, N.Y.
Robert Kenny
Serevice - Robert Kenny - There will be a Memorial Gathering Sunday March 8, 2015 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm here at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home. During the gathering, there will be a prayer service at 3:00pm.
Thomas F. Maher
Death Notice - Maher, Thomas F. on February 25, 2015. Loving son of Josephine and the late Thomas F. Maher. Dear brother of Joanne, Kevin, Dennis and Mary T. Beloved uncle and friend to many. Reposing Sunday 2-5 & 7-9 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10:00 am at St. Gabriel's Church. Interment St. John's Cemetery.
Alan James Nagle
Death Notice - Alan James Nagle peacefully passed away on February 19th, 2015 at his home in Riverdale, New York at the age of 63. A true son of the city, Alan was born on August 14th, 1951, to James and Mary Nagle. He was raised on Manhattans Upper West Side with his brothers Kevin and David, where he attended Holy Trinity grammar school in Manhattan, All Hallows High School, and City College. Alan would go on to work for 34 years as a parts manager for luxury automobiles.
He would move to Inwood, Manhattan in the 1980's, where he would marry his first wife Linda Maldonado and become the proud father of Caitlin and Cordelia. After moving to the Riverdale section of the Bronx, he would marry his second wife Maureen, and become a father to his only son James.
A romantic intellectual, he had a strong passion for film, reading, and above all, his love of music. He is remembered mostly, however, as a caring and loving man and was adored by all who were fortunate enough to have met him.
Alan James Nagle is survived by his wife Maureen, his daughters Caitlin, Cordelia, and James, and his pets Cooper, Mac, Sassy, and Cat. Wake services will take place on Tuesday, February 24th at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home in Riverdale, New York from 2-5pm, and 7-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Margaret's Church Wednesday at 9:45am on February 25th. Committal is private.
Kathleen Smart
Death Notice - Smart, Kathleen (nee Frawley) on February 17, 2015. Beloved wife of the late John. Fond sister of the late Thomas Frawley and Norma Frawley Joyce. Loving aunt of Catherine Frawley Monahan, Patrick Joyce, Robert M. Joyce, Dennis Joyce, John Frawley and the late and loved Sharon Joyce Foley. Adored great-aunt to 21 nieces & nephews. Reposing Friday 10 am-12 noon at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave, Bx. Graveside service at 12:30 pm at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Joan M. Shields
Death Notice - Shields, Joan M. (nee O'Connor) on February 13, 2015. Beloved wife of the late John H. Shields. Loving mother of John, Joanne Albrecht, Mary Beth Cotter, Bernadette O'Hara, Patricia Quinn, Gerard and Joseph. Cherished grandmother of Kelly, Brendan, Ryan, Lauren, Kayla, Kerryanne, John, Kaitlyn, Erin, Matthew, Isabelle and Zoe. Dear sister of Eileen and the late Jack. Reposing Sunday 4-6 pm and Monday 4-8 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave, Bx. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society would be deeply appreciated. "Smile God Loves You".
Raymond J. Stewart
Death Notice - Stewart, Raymond J. on February 12, 2015. Beloved son of the late William and Catherine "Khaki". Loving brother of Robert (Betty) and Maureen (Dan). Cherished uncle of Dawn, Robert, Kelly, Brian and Andrew. Adored great uncle to many great niece and nephews. He will be sorely missed by golf partners on Saturdays. Visitation will be on Sunday February 15th from 3-7 pm. A prayer service will be held on Sunday at 6pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave. Bronx, NY 10471. Committal will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be deeply appreciated.
Felix Bronner
Service Announcement - Felix Bronner passed away February 7, 2015. The family will be gathering at the funeral home Monday February 9th at 11:30am for a Chapel Service scheduled for 12 noon. Foillowing the Chapel Service, the burial will follow at 2:30pm at King Solomon Cemetery, Clifton New Jersey.
Patricia A. Coyne
Death Notice - Patricia A. Coyne passed away on February 6, 2015. Loving sister to: John Coyne (deceased) & his wife, Margaret (surviving), Eileen & Thomas McDougall (both deceased), Muriel Coyne (deceased) and Edward & Audrey Coyne (surviving). Beloved Friend to William Purcell. Dear aunt to: Edward Coyne & his wife, Marie; Jean-Marie Stalzer & her husband, John; Margaret Minogue & her husband, Ray; Michele Piedmonte & her husband, Mark; and Mary Beth Mulry & her husband, Ray. Cherished grandaunt to: Michelle Pacheco & her husband, Ivan; Steven, Thomas & Lisa Coyne; Jack & Shannon Stalzer; Meghan Minogue; Sean, Colin & Ella Piedmonte and Andrew & Lauren Mulry. Great-grandaunt to Abby & Gavin Pacheco. Reposing February 11th from 2-5pm only at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 9:45am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Deborah Lerner
Memorial Service Notice - Lerner, Deborah passed away on February 1, 2015. Loving mother of Jessica Drosman. Cherished grandmother of Tess and Eli. Dear sister of Erica Karp and Betsy Graziano. Beloved friend to Ethel Kleinman. A Memorial Service will be held 2pm Wednesday at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. The committal is private.
Anna May Healy
Death Notice - Healy, Anna May passed away on January 28, 2015. Loving wife of Eugene. Beloved mother of Jeffrey and Ellen (Harrigan) and mother-in-law of Michael Harrigan. Adored grandmother of Jenna, Ashleigh, Megan and Michael. Dear sister of Edward, Francis and the late Thomas. Reposing Monday 4-8 at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10:00am at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 602 McLean Ave, Yonkers NY. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
José Pereira
Death Notice - José Pereira passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family, on January 26, 2015. Beloved husband of Maria (née Diniz). Beloved father of Sofia, Teresa (Neufeld), Paulo, Mario, and Carmela (Stricklett), and father-in-law of Mark Neufeld, Danielle Jackson, and Brandon Stricklett. Loving grandfather of Jacob Neufeld and Anna Neufeld. Also remembered as a dear brother to Joyce (Rasquinha) and Victoria. Reposing Friday 6-9 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 31st at 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Avenue. Parking is provided at St. Margaret of Cortona Church ½ block south of the funeral home for the wake and service. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to Parkinson's Disease Foundation -http://www.pdf.org/
Dorothy (Greer) O'Donnell
Death Notice - Dorothy (Greer) O’Donnell died on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 in the Bronx, NY. She was 89. She was preceded by her father and mother, Robert and Clara Greer; her siblings Ethel Roberts, Bill Greer, and Gloria Page; and her daughter Mariann Mullen. She is survived by her siblings, Bob Greer and Betty Casola; her four children, Catherine, Vincent, Charles, and Jean Byrnes; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services Friday 11am at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne NY.
William J. True
William J. (Bill) True of Riverdale peacefully passed away after a brief illness on January 26th, 2015. He was surrounded by close family and friends. Bill was born in New York City on July 13, 1931. He was the youngest child of the late Mary Agnes (Broderick) True and her husband, the late Charles Henry True, Sr. Bill was predeceased by his brother, Charles Henry True, Jr. He leaves behind his beloved sister, Marilyn (True) Wynne; nephew, John Wynne and his wife Mary Ann and their two children, Dylon and Nicholas; nephew, Daniel Wynne and his wife Sarah and their two children, Daniel and Maeve; niece, Anne Marie (Wynne) Lyle and her husband Drew and their son, Evan. Bill also leaves behind his dear companion, Sheila Coffey.
Bill was a member of the St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church, Riverdale, NY. He was a devout Catholic who attended mass daily and was honored and proud to volunteer at his parish church. During his early years, Bill grew up on Ogden Avenue in the Highbridge section of the Bronx. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his return to the states, he briefly worked for the U.S. Postal Service and then spent more than 25 years working for General Electric Corporation in New York City. After his retirement, Bill enjoyed being out and about in his neighborhood, watching sports (especially Notre Dame Football!), eating out and getting together with friends and family. A few years ago, he truly enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to Italy and the Vatican. He loved gadgets, card games and befriending dogs in need of an extra meal! Bill was a very thoughtful, generous and caring person to all. He will always be remembered with great love. Reposing Friday January 30th 3-7pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave., Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 31st, 10am at St. Gabriel's Church. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY.
Edgar Leon Abrams
Services - Edgar Leon Abrams passed away on January 21, 2015. Beloved husband of Yolanda (nee Manrique). Loving father of Edgar R. Abrams. Reposing Wednesday 5-9 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue Bronx NY. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hastings-on-Hudson NY.
Article from the Riverdale Press - Edgar Leon Abrams, who died on Jan. 21 at the age of 77, lived a life of firsts. According to his son, Edgar Rafael Abrams, He was among the first African Americans to attend Stuyves- ant High School. He was also the first in his family to go to college and among the first African Americans to become a Wall Street broker.
It’s not surprising, then, that when he moved to Riverdale in the 1960s he was also among the first to take an apartment in the Skyview on Hudson housing complex that dominates the skyline north of West 256th Street.
Mr. Abrams’ mother, Mattie Abrams, brought him into the world on Aug. 26, 1937 in Shel- by, North Carolina in the midst of the Great Depression. As a single mother, she migrated to Harlem and found a career in administration at Sydingham Hospital.
As a high school student at the time when the Supreme Court issued its historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling on school integration, Mr. Abrams developed a life-long interest in civil rights. At the time of his death he was still an active member of the NAACP.
He was a large man and at Michigan State University, he was a defensive lineman on a football team that played in the most highly rated bowl game in American history, the 1956 Rose Bowl. His team, the Spartans, and their legendary coach, Duffy Daugherty, captured the national championship by defeating UCLA, 17-14 with an audience of 41.1 percent of American households. The game was also notable in that it featured two of the most racially integrated college teams of the era, with six African American star ters for the UCLA Bruins and seven for the Spartans. In contrast, Georgia Tech threatened to boycott the 1956 Sugar Bowl because their opponent, the University of Pittsburgh, featured a star player who was black.
After graduation, Mr. Abrams returned to New York and took a job selling Plaid Stamps to merchants in Brooklyn. The small paper coupons were par t of a loyalty program that predated today’s store loyalty cards.
In the mid-1970s he came to the attention of a recruiter for the E.F Hutton & Co. stock brokerage firm. He became a stockbroker and remained with Hutton until his retirement about seven years ago. “They used to call them stockbrokers,” his son Edgar quipped, “nowadays they’re called financial advisors.”
While in Brooklyn, Mr. Abrams also came to the attention of Yolanda Manrique, an immigrant from Guayaquil, Ecuador. The couple met at a party and their son recalled, “It was pretty much love at first sight.” They made their home in Riverdale, but they developed a passion for world travel, especially European capitals like London and Paris.
Mr. Abrams stayed in touch with his classmates at both Suyvesant and Michigan State and he was active in Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the alum- ni associations of both schools, occasionally participating in raucous reunions with his Spar- tan teammates.
He was an avid fan of New York spor ts teams, notably the Yankees, Giants and Knicks, and a doting father and grand- father.
He is survived by his wife and son, his daughter-in-law Lana Munoz-Abrams and grandchildren Gabriel Edgar Abrams, Ava Marie Abrams and Lia Avery Abrams.
A wake is scheduled at Riverdale -on-Hudson Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. and a funeral mass will be said at St. Margaret of Cortona Church on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 9:45 a.m. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to the American Lung Association.