First African American Westchester County Legislator From Yonkers Dies: Was 'Revered Figure' First African American Westchester County Legislator From Yonkers Dies: Was 'Revered Figure'
First African American Westchester County Legislator From Yonkers Dies: Was 'Revered Figure' Westchester is mourning the loss of its first African American County Legislator known as an iconic figure who fought for civil rights and equality for all.  Former Westchester County Legislator and Yonker resident Herman Keith died on Saturday, June 22 after a long illness due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease, Westchester County officials announced on Wednesday, July 3.   Keith, who Westchester officials called a "revered figure," was originally from Alabama and served in the US Army, eventually rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He later moved to …
Longtime Firefighter, Marine, Navy Veteran From Westchester Dies: 'An Icon' Longtime Firefighter, Marine, Navy Veteran From Westchester Dies: 'An Icon'
Longtime Firefighter, Marine, Navy Veteran From Westchester Dies: 'An Icon' A beloved firefighter and veteran from Westchester is being remembered for his lifetime of service to others and his legendary clam-shucking skills.  Rye Brook resident Raymond Nethercott, the most senior member of the Port Chester Fire Department's Washington Engine & Hose Co. #4, died on Wednesday, June 26 at the age of 92, according to his obituary.  Born and raised in Port Chester, Nethercott graduated from Port Chester High School before going on to serve in the US Navy between 1951 and 1955. Nethercott also served in the Marines, his obituary said.  Once …
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion' 'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion'
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion' Tributes are pouring in for a beloved NYPD officer who was killed alongside three others in an alleged drunk driving crash at a New York nail salon. Emilia Rennhack was off duty and getting her nails done when an SUV came barreling through the front window of Long Island’s Hawaii Nail & Spa, located in Deer Park on Commack Road, on Friday afternoon, June 28. Rennhack was pronounced dead at the scene alongside the salon’s owner, Jiancai Chen, age 37, of Bayside, Queens, according to Suffolk County Police. Also killed were Yan Xu, age 41, and Meizi Zhang, age 50, both of Flushing, Queens.…
Long Island Chief Of Patrol, Westchester County Native, Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer Long Island Chief Of Patrol, Westchester County Native, Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer
Long Island Chief Of Patrol, Westchester County Native, Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer A decorated officer who served for nearly 40 years has died of complications from cancer, which he contracted during rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Nassau County Chief of Patrol Kevin G. Canavan, age 64, died on Sunday, June 30, according to his colleagues with the department. Canavan died of complications from the 9/11-related cancer. The Scarsdale, Westchester County native and longtime Bayport resident spend 39 years with the Nassau County Police Department. He started out as a recruit in May 1985 before steadily rising through the ranks of Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieu…
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament Five people killed in a small plane crash in New York have been identified as members of a family who were in the region for a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, the site of the sport's Hall of Fame and Museum. The single-engine Piper PA-46 went down in Catskill Park around 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30, in the small Delaware County village of Sidney. According to the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane had departed from Oneonta about 20 minutes earlier. Drones, ATVs, and helicopters were used during the hours-long search, leading to the discovery of debris and, ultimately, to th…
Beloved Westchester High School Student Dies At Age 16 Beloved Westchester High School Student Dies At Age 16
Beloved Westchester High School Student Dies At Age 16 A 16-year-old Northern Westchester high school student is being remembered for her determination to keep working and learning throughout her courageous battle with cancer.  Brooke Audrey D’Aleo, a student at John Jay High School in Lewisboro, died on Thursday, June 27 at the age of 16 after a battle with leukemia, according to her obituary.  Born in 2007, D’Aleo began life as a joyful baby, "always smiling and giggling," her obituary said. As the years went on, she grew into a role model for her younger sister and best friend, Paige, and became known for her selflessnes…
Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Westchester Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Westchester
Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Westchester Community members came together to honor the memory of a 6-year-old boy and his mother who were killed while walking to a Westchester school.  A funeral Mass was held on Friday morning, June 28 at the St. Augustine Church in Larchmont for Mamaroneck residents Michael Donovan Volpe, age 6, and his mother, 43-year-old Molly Murphey Donovan, who were both killed on Thursday, June 20 after being struck by a school bus while walking to the Mamaroneck Avenue School.  Earlier Report - New Update: IDs Released Of Mother, Child Struck, Killed By School Bus In…
'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life' 'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life'
'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life' Natalie Gillis saw much of the world in her 34 years, most of it from the air. The pilot from Toronto, Canada died Monday morning, June 17, when her twin engine Piper plane crashed just moments after taking off from Albany International Airport. Gillis, the aircraft’s sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Colonie Police. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB. Earlier Report: Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Albany Airport Her employer, KASI Aviation Services, confirmed her death in a Facebook tribute posted Thursday morning, Ju…
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint'
Retired Longtime Fire Chief Of Westchester Department Dies: Made 'Indelible Imprint' The former chief of a fire district in Westchester who held the position for more than three decades is being remembered for his dedication to serving his community.  Daniel Raftery, the former chief of the Greenville Fire District, died on Sunday, June 16, the department announced. His age was not made public.  A longtime member of the fire district, Raftery originally joined in 1973 and rose to the rank of Chief in 1986. He continued to lead the district for 34 years until retiring in 2020.  In their announcement, the district described Raftery as an "admired and…
Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Westchester Killed In 5-Story Fall Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Westchester Killed In 5-Story Fall
Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Westchester Killed In 5-Story Fall A visitation service will soon be held in honor of a middle school student and star athlete from Westchester whose life was cut short following a fall from the top floor of a parking garage.  Mark-Anthony Effy Giordano, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Harrison's Louis M. Klein Middle School, died on Sunday, June 9 after falling from the parking garage next to the Harrison Metro-North train station, according to MTA officials.  Earlier Report - Harrison Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' According to officials, aroun…
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Public Servant Who Dedicated Life To Less Fortunate In Westchester Dies Public Servant Who Dedicated Life To Less Fortunate In Westchester Dies
Public Servant Who Dedicated Life To Less Fortunate In Westchester Dies A Westchester woman who spent decades working toward helping the less fortunate through various organizations and churches is being remembered for her effectiveness and big heart.  Lola Daniels Hunter of Elmsford died on Sunday, May 12, according to her obituary. Her age was not made public.  Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Hunter eventually moved to Westchester, where she entrenched herself in her community through various committees and organizations. This included eight years as President of the White Plains Greenburgh Chapter of the NAACP; Board Membership in the Greenbur…
'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22 'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22
'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22 Heather McNamara, who stole hearts across the tristate area after undergoing groundbreaking cancer surgery as a child, has died at the age of 22. The Long Island resident from Islip Terrace died Saturday, June 1, due to multiple organ failure after spending months hospitalized in intensive care from a bacterial infection, her mother Tina announced. McNamara became a familiar face to many in 2011, when she appeared in a commercial for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. In the black and white spot, the then 7-year-old recounted how two hospitals turned her family away before Dr. Tomoaki Kato ag…
Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies
Longtime Firefighter, Baseball Coach From Westchester Dies A beloved firefighter, baseball coach, and Navy veteran from Northern Westchester is being remembered for his longstanding dedication to helping his community.  Banksville resident Preston Pratley died on Monday, May 27 at the age of 79, according to his obituary.  Born in 1944, Pratley was born in Greenwich and later moved to Banksville after marrying his wife, Geraldine Kerslake, in May 1968.  A graduate of St. Mary's High School in Greenwich, Pratley was a Navy veteran who also became a proud member of Local #38, Sheet Metal Workers.  He was also…
New Update: 25-Year-Old NYPD Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Crash Was 3-Year Veteran New Update: 25-Year-Old NYPD Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Crash Was 3-Year Veteran
New Update: 25-Year-Old Nypd Officer From Hudson Valley Killed In Crash Was 3-Year Veteran A 25-year-old New York City Police officer from the Hudson Valley who was killed in a crash is being remembered as a dedicated officer with plenty of success already under her belt during her three years of service. Putnam County resident Juliana N. Torsiello of Putnam Valley, a member of the New York City Police Department, was killed in an Orange County crash on County Road 51 in the town of Hamptonburgh hamlet of Campbell Hall on Friday, May 24 just before 6 p.m., New York State Police announced. Earlier Report - 25-Year-Old Woman Who Was NYPD Officer Killed In Hudson Val…
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life'
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' A beloved US Army veteran from the Hudson Valley who dedicated much of his time and effort toward helping his fellow troops is being remembered for his large personality and ability to form a lasting bond with anyone.  Putnam County resident Luke Rathschmidt of Mahopac died unexpectedly in South Carolina on Saturday, May 18 at the age of 38, according to his obituary.  Born in 1986, Rathschmidt was a proud US Army veteran who served in Iraq in the 82nd Airborne Division.  His time in the military left a lasting impression on him that shaped much of the rest of…
Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber
Update: 23-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Crash Was Proud Electrician, Rock Climber A 23-year-old Westchester man killed in a crash on a busy parkway is being remembered as a successful electrician who excelled at repairing computers and was always there for those who needed him. Mamaroneck resident Logan Spillane was killed in a crash on the Sprain Brook Parkway in Greenburgh on Saturday, May 18 around 1:30 p.m., New York State Police announced. 23-Year-Old Man Killed After Being Ejected From Car On Busy Parkway In Westchester Born in 2001, Spillane was a 2019 graduate of Rye High School and went on to become an electrician, which he took great pride in, according t…
Family Killed In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash On Way Home From Hospital Family Killed In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash On Way Home From Hospital
Family Killed In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash On Way Home From Hospital Three members of a Connecticut family killed in a wrong-way driver crash were on their way home from the hospital when killed. Related: IDs Released In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash With 4 Fatalities In Stratford ID Released For Driver In Stratford Crash That Killed 4 Fairfield County resident Steven P. Rowland, age 65, of Easton, was driving his aunt and uncle, Thomas and Olga Vitale, ages 80 and 81, also of Easton, home from Yale New Haven Hospital when all three were killed in the crash in Stratford, according to their obituaries. "While his death was abrupt and he…
Beloved Life Member Of Fire Department In Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Greatly Missed' Beloved Life Member Of Fire Department In Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Greatly Missed'
Beloved Life Member Of Fire Department In Westchester Dies: 'Will Be Greatly Missed' A Northern Westchester fire department is mourning the loss of a beloved life member who is remembered for his dedicated service and sardonic sense of humor.  Longtime Bedford resident and Bedford Fire Department life member Peter Perez died on Sunday, May 5 at the age of 90, according to his obituary. Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Perez spent three decades working with the US Postal Service.  He was also a Benevolent Founder of the Bedford Fire Department, where he was a longtime member and former secretary.  In his role as secretary, Perez often wrote up the departm…
Update: Support Pours In For Family Of Fallen Westchester Officer After Tragic Accident Update: Support Pours In For Family Of Fallen Westchester Officer After Tragic Accident
Update: Support Pours In For Family Of Fallen Westchester Officer After Tragic Accident A community has come together to raise tens of thousands of dollars to support the family of a fallen Westchester County Police officer who died in an accident at his home.  Westchester County Police Officer Alfred R. Mosiello, Jr. died on Thursday, May 2 after sustaining injuries in a tractor accident at his Putnam County home, according to the department, which did not detail his age. Earlier Report - Westchester County PD Officer Alfred R. Mosiello, Jr. Dies Since his sudden death, hundreds of friends, fellow officers, and other community members have taken action to ensu…
Police Department In Hudson Valley Loses Second Officer In 2 Weeks At Age 55 Police Department In Hudson Valley Loses Second Officer In 2 Weeks At Age 55
Police Department In Hudson Valley Loses Second Officer In 2 Weeks At Age 55 A Hudson Valley police department is facing the sudden loss of an officer for the second time in two weeks.  New, updated report - Funds Raised For Fallen Brewster Officer Jose Colon's Family In a statement on Sunday, May 5, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the loss of Brewster Police Officer Jose Colon, who died on Friday evening, May 3 at the age of 55 while off-duty.  A cause of death was not released.  According to Brewster Police, Colon was an "excellent officer" who spent two decades with the New York City Police Department and two months in…
Westchester County Police Officer Dies After Off-Duty Accident Westchester County Police Officer Dies After Off-Duty Accident
Westchester County Police Officer Dies After Off-Duty Accident The Westchester County Police Department is mourning the loss of an officer who died from injuries sustained in an off-duty accident. New, updated report - Support Pours In For Family Of Fallen Westchester Officer After Tragic Accident The death of Westchester County Police Officer Alfred R. Mosiello, Jr. was announced by the department on Friday, May 3.  According to the department, Mosiello, whose age was not detailed, succumbed to injuries sustained in a tractor accident at his home on Thursday, May 2.  Beginning his career with the Pelham Manor Police Dep…
Update: Funeral Arrangements Announced For Beloved Westchester Corrections Officer, Age 40 Update: Funeral Arrangements Announced For Beloved Westchester Corrections Officer, Age 40
Update: Funeral Arrangements Announced For Beloved Westchester Corrections Officer, Age 40 Funeral arrangement details have been announced for a beloved corrections officer from Westchester who was killed in a crash.  Westchester Correction Officer Eleanor Birrittella of Yonkers died on Saturday, April 20 in a crash at the age of 40, according to the New York Correctional Officers' Benevolent Organization. Earlier Report - Westchester Corrections Officer Eleanor Birritella Dies Birrittella had been a corrections officer for three years before her death and had also served with the Westchester County Board of Elections, according to the Westchester Republican Count…
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Hudson Valley: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Hudson Valley: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed'
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Hudson Valley: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' A Hudson Valley police department is mourning the line-of-duty loss of a beloved sergeant who collapsed and died mere moments after completing his shift.  In a statement on Saturday, April 20, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the death of Brewster Police Sergeant Richard Gurniak, who collapsed after hanging up his keys after his shift during the early morning hours on Saturday.  Despite efforts to save his life from a fellow Brewster officer and two members of the Sheriff's Office, Gurniak later died at Putnam Hospital from a heart attack at the age of 57. A…
Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Hudson Valley Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire' Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Hudson Valley Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire'
Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Hudson Valley Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire' A sheriff's office in the Hudson Valley is mourning the loss of a retired sergeant and Army veteran who always followed his passions while also making time to serve his community.  Putnam County resident Doug MacCrae of Brewster died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17 at the age of 67, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, April 19.  Known for his long career in law enforcement, MacCrae served with the Sheriff's Office as a Deputy and Sergeant for 25 years. He was also a Youth Officer and played a large role in developing Putnam's School Resource Progr…
Beloved Owner Of Popular Westchester Deli Dies Beloved Owner Of Popular Westchester Deli Dies
Beloved Owner Of Popular Westchester Deli Dies A well-known business owner from Northern Westchester is being remembered for constantly dropping what he was doing to help others with no questions asked.  Chappaqua resident Richard Lange died peacefully at White Plains Hospital on Tuesday, April 9 at the age of 87, according to his obituary.  Lange, who owned Lange's Little Store and Deli at 382 King St. in Chappaqua for several decades, was a familiar face to many in the hamlet.  Born in 1936 in Wanna, Germany, Lange grew up on his grandparents' farm and immigrated to the US in 1956.  A few years later, in April 19…
Retired Police Sergeant Who Served For Decades In Westchester Dies Retired Police Sergeant Who Served For Decades In Westchester Dies
Retired Police Sergeant Who Served For Decades In Westchester Dies A police department in Westchester has announced the death of one of its former members who spent his life serving his community and country.  Dutchess County resident Andrew Fischer, Sr., a retired Eastchester Police sergeant, died on Tuesday, April 9 at the age of 84, according to his obituary. Fischer, an Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War era, joined the department in 1964 and served until his retirement in 1987 after 23 years, according to Eastchester Police. Born in Yonkers in 1939, Fischer was also an avid outdoorsman in addition to his career in law enfor…
Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68 Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68
Beloved Former Fire Chief From Westchester Dies At 68 A former fire chief from Northern Westchester who dedicated most of his life to his department is remembered for always helping his community.  Longtime Ossining resident Raymond Lips, the former chief of the Millwood Fire Department and life member, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, April 9 at the age of 68, according to his obituary.  Born in 1955, Lips graduated from Ossining High School in 1973 and earned an Associate's Degree from Westchester Community College before joining Otto A. Lips Electric, the family business.  In addition to his career, Lips was a lifelong …
Nor'easter: Wife Of Yankees Exec ID'd As Woman Killed In Westchester By Fallen Tree Nor'easter: Wife Of Yankees Exec ID'd As Woman Killed In Westchester By Fallen Tree
Nor'easter: Wife Of Yankees Exec ID'd As Woman Killed In Westchester By Fallen Tree A woman who was killed after a tree fell on her car as a Nor'easter swept through the region has been identified as a 50-year-old mother and wife of a New York Yankees executive. New, updated report - Yankees To Dedicate Season To Woman Killed In Armonk The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 in Northern Westchester County. The 2021 Toyota had been northbound on Route 128 between School Street and Leisure Farm Drive, according to the Town of North Castle Police. The woman has been ID'd as Catherine Tusiani, a resident of Armonk and the wife of Michael Tusiani, …
Beloved Lifelong Firefighter, Former Dealership Owner From Westchester Dies Beloved Lifelong Firefighter, Former Dealership Owner From Westchester Dies
Beloved Lifelong Firefighter, Former Dealership Owner From Westchester Dies A former car dealership owner from Northern Westchester who spent more than 75 years serving the public as a firefighter is being remembered for his immense impact on his community. Shrub Oak resident William "Billy" W. Geis Jr. died on Friday, March 29 at the age of 93, according to his obituary. An iconic figure in Shrub Oak, Geis was known for owning car dealerships such as AMC Geis Motors, Geis Buick, and Geis Auto Mall in Shrub Oak and Cortlandt Manor.  Additionally, he was also the most senior member of the Mohegan Fire Department and served for more than 75 years, acc…
Beloved Hudson Valley Firefighter Dies At 26: 'Rising Star' Beloved Hudson Valley Firefighter Dies At 26: 'Rising Star'
Beloved Hudson Valley Firefighter Dies At 26: 'Rising Star' A fire department in the Hudson Valley has announced the death of a 26-year-old member who is being remembered for the positive mark he left on everyone he knew.  New, updated report - Support Pours In For Family Of Brewster's William May Putnam County firefighter William "Billy" May of the Brewster Fire Department died on Friday, March 29 at the age of 26, the department announced on Saturday, March 30. According to his department, May became a Brewster firefighter in February 2020 at age 22 and quickly became a "rising star who brought the best out of everyone he inte…