Obituary - Audrey Marie Chiarella

Chiarella, Audrey Marie; on Wednesday, May 17, at the age of 92 in Tempe, AZ.  Formerly a long-time resident of Smithtown, NY.  She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph.  Cherished mother of Theresa Chiarella, Laura Reisinger (Bob), John Chiarella and Joseph Chiarella (Sandra).  Cherished Grandmother of Karin, Jeffrey(Christina), Kerry(Philip), John Michael, Daniel(Megan), and Andrea.  Cherished Great Grandmother of Hannah, Paul, RJ, Derek, and Jon’Nae.  Dear sister of Elema Burris and John L. Swimmer of OK.  During the years 1942-1943, at the age of 17, Audrey went to work for Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  She learned how to rivet and after training was sent to the main plant where the B-24 Bombers were being assembled.  She worked the graveyard shift with a partner, and climbed up and crawled into the small cabin section of the plane, located behind the pilot and co-pilot, to install radio tables.  She also worked in the lower part of the nose section of the plane which housed the shell track and two gun turrets.  During the day, she went to Beautician School and later became a hair dresser.  Shortly after graduating from Beautician School, she met her husband Joe, an Army service man, on a blind date.  They married and moved to NY and had four children.  They were married for 48 years.  Audrey was proud to be a “Rosie” and to have been a part of history that honors these great women.  She was a member of the American Rosie the Riveter Association and attended conferences.  Audrey also volunteered at the Senior Center in Tempe as a Needlewielder sewing and crocheting items for donation to local hospitals and charities, and was a volunteer at two church organizations.  She was an active member of Tempe Republican Women. A Memorial Mass in her honor will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tempe, AZ on June 3, 2017 at 10 a.m.  Interment at a later date at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.

Death Notice - William C. Lown

Lown, William C., of Smithtown, NY on May 11, 2017 at the age of 82. Retired Athletic Director,  Brentwood School District & Proud Veteran U.S. Army. Beloved husband of Jean. Loving father of William D. (Carla) Lown, and Elizabeth Pappas. Cherished grandfather of Katie and Joseph. Dear  brother of Joan Shankel, Carolyn Lown and Dori Cacchio. He is survived by many other family members and friends. Religious Service was celebrated at Smithtown Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY. Interment with Military Honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY. Memorial donations may be made to;  L.I. Alzheimer’s Foundation, 5 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family. Online guest book at www.branchfh.com

Death Notice - Florence P. Logan

Logan, Florence P. of Stony Brook, NY passed away peacefully on April 29, at the age of 87. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas A. Cherished mother of Diedre Doran, Sean Logan, Kevin Logan and Patricia Logan. Loving Grandmother of six and Great Grandmother of one. She is survived by many other family members and friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sts. Philip & James R.C. Church, St. James, NY. Interment of ashes to follow at Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family. Online guest book at www.branchfh.com

Death Notice - Joseph V Barbagallo

Barbagallo, Joseph V. at the age of 83 of Stroudsburg, VA passed away peacefully on April 18. Cherished father of Ron (Daniela Consolaro) Barbagallo and Larry Barbagallo. Loving brother of Nina Muller, Vincent Barbagallo and Tom Barbagallo. He is survived by many other family members and friends. Memorial Service was celebrated at the Branch Funeral Home. Interment of ashes followed at Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery, Flushing, NY. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family. Online guest book at www.branchfh.com

Obituary - William J. Minerva

William J. Minerva, 97, died peacefully on April 27, 2017. He was a long time resident of Hauppauge and St. James, NY. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Michael and Antonia Minerva, Will was one of 11 children. He was a 1938 graduate of Boys High in Brooklyn, NY.He received a BA in Accounting from Long Island University. Will had a very distinguished career in the US Army, serving during WWII in the Army Corps of Engineers throughout Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during the war. He retired from the Armed Forces as a Lt. Colonel.

After serving in the Army, Will completed his college education and went on to work for the General Services Administration in both Washington, DC and then in NYC. Following a career in Federal government he went on to become Comptroller for the Town of Smithtown. Will was a member of the Sons of Italy Vincent Sellaro Lodge and the Knights of Columbus Holy Mother Mary Council, Smithtown.

Will was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Ida Conquet Minerva. 
He is survived by his cherished daughter, Clarissa Minerva. Will is also survived by his beloved sister Angela Esposito, brother in law Rudy Conquet (Doris), and many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: AHRC Suffolk, 2900 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia, NY 11716. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Smithtown  Interment followed at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Smithtown. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family.  Online guest book at www.branchfh.com