Obituary -Shirley Arlene Schickler Smithtown's First Female Receiver Of Taxes

Shirley Arlene Schickler (Spidle) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 11th, 1930, and she passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2019.  Shirley grew up in  Arlington MA, raised her family in Commack,  NY and lived in retirement for thirty-one years with her husband William John Schickler Jr. in Sarasota, FL.

Shirley was the second of four children born to Joseph and Janet Spidle.  She graduated in 1948 from Arlington High School in MA, and at age 20, she married her husband William (Bill) to whom she was married for 68 years.  Although she was thoroughly devoted to her family, she decided to work toward her college degree in psychology, which she proudly earned from Hofstra University in 1970.

Although being a mother to her beloved sons was her priority, she became the first woman to be elected as Receiver of Taxes in Smithtown, NY, serving from 1975 to 1988.  In addition, she was a community assistant to her state senator and a Republican committeewoman for sixteen years, also in Smithtown.  After retiring to Sarasota in 1988, she became an avid golfer and volunteered for many years at S.P.A.R.C.C (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center).  In addition, she was a member of  Church of the Palms and The Meadows Country Club.

Shirley will long be remembered as a very loving lady who was devoted to her family throughout her life.  She was passionate about many social causes, and she always made herself available to any family member who needed her support. She had a life-long love of children, and she was particularly dedicated to her three grandchild who were so precious to her.  It was not uncommon for Shirley to stop in the street to address a child.  Finally, her love of children was reflected by decades of support to many children’s charities.  

Survivors include her husband William J; a son William; daughter-in-law Wendy; three grandchildren Andrew, Jamie and Colin; grandson-in-law Winston; great-grandson Idris; a brother Roger; and sister-in-law Joan.  A son Robert, sister Janet and brother Richard preceded Shirley in death.    

A graveside service will be held on June 21st  at The Smithtown Rural Cemetery in Smithtown, NY. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family. Online guest book at www.branchfh.com

Obituary: Ronald Reiss

Reiss, Ronald, 86, long time resident of St. James. Former Trustee of Nissequogue Village. Loving Husband of Shirley Reiss for 60 years. Ron retired in 1993 from Grumman, where he worked for 43 years. A man of many interests, gambling, fishing, golfing, and bowling just to name a few. He was a friend to all and will truly be missed. Visitation was held at St. James Funeral Home, 829 Middle Country Rd., on June 8, 2019 7-9 PM and June 9, 2019 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will take place June 9, 2019 at 7:30 PM. Interment at Calverton National Cemetery with military honors on June 10, 2019. In memory of Ron, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Long Island State Veterans Home. Mr. Reiss’s funeral arrangements were professionally supervised while the Reiss Family was lovingly cared for during their bereavement by The Maher Family & Staff of the St. James Funeral Home.

Obituary - Peter E. Gudenzi

Gudenzi, Peter E.,  96 of Smithtown, NY  passed peacefully on April 29, 2019 They Shall Not Be Forgotten. Proud Veteran United States Army. He was the beloved husband of Patricia. Cherished father of Bridget Gudenzi, Francesca Gudenzi, Peter Gudenzi, and Margherita Gudenzi-Huss. Loving Grandfather of five. Dear brother of Ida Gudenzi-Ruess and Carmen Dickman. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Smithtown, NY. Interment with Military Honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family. Online guest book at www.branchfh.com

Obituary - John Rowan

Rowan, John, 60, long time resident of St. James. Son of Jeannette and Francis; Father to Deirdre, Conor, Hannah, and Zachary; Grandfather to Liam, Daniel, Brendan, Quinn, and Baby Leo; Youngest brother to Susan, Peter, Steven, and Ellen; Partner and “House Husband” to Cathy, was dearly beloved.  A reverent man, John made sure to get outside every night before bedtime to thank the universe for its  blessings. With an innate generosity of spirit, John gave to all around him. He had a unique ability to make others feel at ease, even strangers he passed on the street. He was a good listener, and could be counted on to give a sincere hug, coupled with a hearty laugh. On the dance floor, he played a mean air guitar. John was a humble, quiet, gentleman who knew how to have fun, and left a large wake. It’s an understatement to say that he was loved, and will be missed. Visitation was held at St. James Funeral Home, 829 Middle Country Rd., on May 25, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Reflective Prayer Service was held 7 PM at the Funeral Home. Mr. Rowan’s funeral arrangements were professionally supervised while the Rowan Family was lovingly cared for during their bereavement by The Maher Family & Staff of the St. James Funeral Home.

Obituary - Ryan E. Kenna

Kenna, Ryan E., 27, of Lake Grove, NY, passed away on May 16, 2019. Beloved son of Edward and Kathleen. Loving father of Jackson.  Cherished brother of Christopher and Kerri. Visitation was held at the St. James Funeral Home, 829 Middle Country Rd. St. James on Sunday May 19 2019, 2-5 & 7-9PM. Funeral mass was held on May 20, 2019 1PM at St. Patrick’s RCC. Interment followed at Washington Memorial Park, Mt. Sinai, NY. Mr. Kenna’s funeral arrangements were professionally supervised while the Kenna Family was lovingly cared for during their bereavement by the Maher Family & Staff of the St. James Funeral Home.