Obituary: Nicholas M. Mauro

Nicholas M. Mauro, February 16, 193 - May 31, 2021
Nicholas (Nick) M. Mauro, of Smithtown, passed away on May 31, 2021 at the age of 87 at the
Visiting Nurse Hospice of Suffolk County Center in East Northport, New York.

Nick was born and attended grammar and high school in Perth Amboy, N.J. And attended
college in Forest Grove, Oregon.

In 1957 Nick began his service in the United States Army serving in the Military Police and Criminal Investigation division until 1962. Nick was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service during his tour in Saugus, France. After the Army, Nick had a successful career working for Thom McAn Shoe Company, a division of Melville Corporation, until his retirement in 1996.

Nick was also very active in the community where he was a member of the Sons of Italy (OSIA),
Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Lodge #2319 serving in numerous positions including on the Council:
Trustee (1991), Second Vice President (1991-1993), First Vice President (1993-1995), President
(1995-1997). Nick was an active member and chaired numerous committees up until recently.
Nick served the Grand Lodge with distinction and was the recipient of the prestigious Dr.
Vincent Sellaro Award in 2007; and President’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2009 as well as
the Bene Emeritus Award in 2019.He also actively participated on the state and national levels including as a board member to the OSIA Day Care Center, was a New York State Deputy, and was elected to the National Arbitration Committee to highlight a few of his many accomplishments.

Nick also was an active, participating member of the following organizations: St.Patrick Usher
Society; Knights of Columbus; Holy Mother Mary Council, and the American Legion.
Nick was the youngest of seven children born to Santa and Augusto Mauro. He is predeceased
by his five brothers: Joseph, Anthony, Lewis, Salvatore, and William, along with his beloved
sister, Antoinette. He is also predeceased by his first wife Ginette Gaugry, whom he met in France while in the
Army. They had two children, a daughter, Sylvie, who is married to Ernest Feist, and a son,
Nicholas (Nicky), who is married to Nina Capra. He has three grandchildren, Ernie Feist Jr., and
Nicholas and Anthony Mauro. Ginette passed away in 1989.

Nick met and married his second wife Charlotte in 1993. She passed away in 2000. Nick met and has been committed, since 2004, to Marian Palazzolo and her two daughters and their families: Claudia, and her husband Doug Gordon; and Gina, and her husband, Bob Nuzzo; and, Marion’s grandchildren: Douglas
and Thomas Gordon, and Edward, Joseph and Michael Nuzzo. Nick is also survived by many
nieces and nephews.

Nick was vibrant and enjoyed life, especially a good joke, was proud of his family, and Italian-
American heritage and faith, and was loved and blessed with many friends.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center.

Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family. Online guest book at www.branchfh.com

Obituary Peter Robert Dudek

Peter Robert Dudek, died on April 21^st 2021 in a tragic motor vehicle accident while living abroad in Thailand. He was 35 years old. 

Peter was born in Glen Cove Hospital, on September 26^th 1985. He was the oldest of four children born to parents Peter and Karen Dudek. He lived in Coram, New York for 4 years before his family moved to Smithtown where he attended Smithtown schools graduating from Smithtown High School in 2003. 

Peter enlisted in the United States Marines and served in the Marine Corps for 5 years reaching the rank of sergeant. He successfully completed three tours in Iraq before separating from the service.

Returning home he began his studies at Suffolk Community College graduating with honors and as valedictorian for his class. He continued his education at Yale University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Combining his love for travel and education, Peter took his career abroad, teaching in Thailand at Chiang Mai University as an Adjunct Professor, in South Korea at BNK Academy, and finally back again to Thailand where he taught at Saradidet School in Chanthaburi.  He adored his students, many of whom referred to him as “Peter Teacher”, and was greatly admired by his friends and colleagues. 

As the oldest of four, Peter led by example, always creating his own path, always adventuring and exploring, never letting a moment of life be wasted. He is greatly missed and his memory will live on forever. 

Peter Robert is predeceased by his mother Karen S. Dudek who passed August 6^th 2019 from brain cancer. He is survived by his father Peter C. Dudek of Smithtown, and his three siblings, Carolyn, Kristen, and Patrick as well his grandfather, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Obituary - Bertha Svatek

Bertha Svatek, also known as Betty, Mom, or Grandma, passed away as she lived, with grace, dignity, and peace on February 2, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Betty was born July 23, 1923 to Frank and Bertha Bruna in New York City, NY, the youngest of three children, she graduated from Bryant High School in Queens, NY. She married Charles R. Svatek on June 4, 1944 and together they raised a happy family of 5 children.

She was the heart and soul of her family, giving everyone a secure and safe foundation upon which to build a life. Together with her husband, Betty made sure her children were college educated, and free to choose their own path in the world, all the while supporting them with unconditional love. As a resident of Smithtown, NY for over 70 years, and active in St Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Smithtown, Betty was an island of calm in fast changing world. Like the flower gardens she nourished, her life made the world a more beautiful place. Always gentle and loving, Betty opened her heart and her arms to the many generations of her family who will miss her greatly.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, 2 older brothers Frank and Rudy, and her eldest daughter Kathryn. She is survived by her husband, Charles of Saratoga Springs, NY, and children: Andrew (Susan) Svatek of Palm Coast, FL; John (Diane) Svatek of Schaghticoke, NY; Elin (Geoff) Coleman of Potsdam, NY; Thomas (Alyson) Svatek of St, James, NY. In addition, she is survived by 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Smithtown, NY.

Obituary: Frederick C. Troll

Frederick C. Troll –1934 –2021

Frederick C. Troll, 86, formerly of Elwood, passed away on January 1, 2021, in Howard County, Maryland of natural causes.

Fred Troll was born in Brooklyn to Theodore and Marie Troll and raised in Ozone Park, where he attended St. Mary Gate of Heaven school.  After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, Fred began his career as an electrician, becoming a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 25, where he served as an Electrical Foreman for most of his career.  

The love of Fred’s life was his wife, Lucille, whom he married in 1954.  Fred and Lucille moved to Elwood in 1958, where they raised four children: Kathleen, Thomas, John and Richard.  Proud Elwood citizens, Fred and Lucille became very involved in the Elwood Taxpayers Association, both serving multiple terms as officers, including president.  During his tenure, Fred established the “Elwood News,” the Elwood Community Council, the Elwood Community Calendar, Elwood Day, the Elwood Scholarship Fund, and was instrumental in founding Elwood Park.  A charter member of the Cuba Hill School PTA, he started the Elwood Teen A.C., and served as Chairman of the Harborfields-Elwood Youth Development Association.

 A devout Roman Catholic, Fred was a leader in the movement to establish a new parish in the community, leading to the formation of St. Matthews Church, where he was a religious instructor and member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society.  The Knights of Columbus Council 4810 inducted Fred in 1967, and he later become an Honorary Member. 

Always a concerned citizen, Fred served as a Committeeman in the local Democratic Club and as Chairman in 1972.  Fred served on the Town of Huntington’s first Citizens Capital Budget Committee, and as Chairman of the Town of Huntington’s Housing Authority Commission.  While serving in the latter role, he recognized the need for organized youth activities and formed a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout Troop, acting as Cub Master and Scoutmaster.

After his retirement from the electrical industry, Fred and Lucille joined the IBEW Local 25 Retirees Club, in which Fred relished his role as Chaplain.  Fred joined the Suffolk County Y- Jewish Community Center and became an active member of the Y Men’s Club, the Y Current Events Club, and published the “Golden Times” monthly newsletter.  After attending a performance of the Israeli Scout Friendship Caravan at a scouting event, Fred arranged for the Israeli Scouts to perform at the Y and at Huntington’s Temple Beth El. 

Fred had a lifetime history with the Boy Scouts of America, beginning in childhood as a Cub Scout.  Fred served several years as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 125, as the Roundtable Commissioner in the Dan Beard District as well as a Merit Badge Counselor in the Dan Beard Scouting District and (after redistricting in 1993) the Matinecock Scouting District in Suffolk County Council (BSA).   Fred also served as the Council Commissioner for the Theodore Roosevelt Council (BSA) and in many leadership positions in both the Suffolk and Nassau Scouting communities.  These included staffing several Wood Badge Training courses (and was the Scoutmaster for a Wood Badge Course) as well as holding several positons including Sagamore Master of the Sagamore Service Troop.  For his volunteer efforts, Fred was honored and recognized with a number of prestigious awards including the Order of the Arrow (BSA’s National Honor Camping Society) Vigil Honor, The George Meany Award  (given to Union Scouters — he was one of  only three presented on Long Island), the Silver Beaver Award (a National BSA recognition), Commissioner’s Arrowhead Award,  the Flame and Cross Award from the United Methodist Church, and the Jewish Committee on Scouting’s Shofar Award during his tenure in both the Suffolk County Council (BSA) and the Theodore Roosevelt Council BSA (Nassau County)

Fred was proud of his sons, John and Richard, who both attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and of his son, Thomas, who attained the rank of Life Scout (and went on to become an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 509  while in the Air Force).  Fred’s proudest moment in scouting was in 2012, when he administered the Eagle Oath to his eldest grandchild, Christopher, at Christopher’s Eagle Court of Honor.

Fred and Lucille enjoyed visits with their grandchildren and the times they spent with their many friends. After Fred’s retirement, they often traveled to Atlantic City to see shows, dine, and play in the casinos. The couple also travelled across Italy, visited England, cruised to Hawaii, Alaska and Nova Scotia, and sailed the Mississippi on a riverboat.  In 2000, 2006, and 2011 Fred and Lucille travelled with their children to Germany to attend the Familientreffen (reunion) of the extended family of Troll cousins from around the world.  

Fred Troll passed away on January 1, 2021. He is predeceased by sons Richard and Thomas and wife of 66 years, Lucille. Fred is survived by: his daughter, Kathleen, and her husband, Albert Free; his son, John, and his wife, Nancy; and, grandchildren Christopher, Jennifer, Matthew, Emily, and Jacquelina.

A wake for Fred Troll was held at Commack Abbey (Commack) on January 10, where Troop 125 Boy Scouts conducted a closing ceremony . Holy Mass of the Resurrection was held at St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, ( Dix Hills) on January 11, followed by internment at St. Charles Cemetery (Farmingdale).  A Memorial Service is planned for late 2021.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Fred’s memory to your favorite charity, or to:  Boy Scout Troop 125, c/o 3 Candy Lane, Commack, NY 11725; The Wood Badge Scholarship Fund, 7 Scouting Blvd, Medford, NY 11763; or, the Sagamore Troop of Theodore Roosevelt Council BSA, Attn: Scout Exec, 544 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 1175

Obituary: Deacon Kenneth J. Maher

MAHER, Deacon Kenneth J., age 70, native of The Bronx & a longtime, proud resident of his beloved Hamlet of Saint James, passed peacefully from the arms of his loving Family to Heaven on Christmas morning, December 25, 2020.  A tireless, dedicated community member of the St. James Hamlet & the Town of Smithtown, Maher, along with his wife, purchased the Saint James Funeral Home on December 31, 1977. Read more

Funeral Arrangements for our Husband, Dad, Papa 

Deacon Kenneth J. Maher 

May all who know him, mourn the Great Loss of the Amazing Man he was. He loved everyone dearly and always was there for you. He touched a special place in your heart through his comforting words his calming voice and his warm embrace of his hugs! The remembrances from everyone are truly a testament to him and what he did for you and the community.

Deacon Kenneth J. Maher 

He will be reposing at our family funeral homeDeacon Kenneth J. Maher

St. James Funeral Home

829 Middle Country Road

St. James, NY 11780

Friday, January 1

2-4pm & 7-9pm

Saturday, January 2

2-4pm & 7-9pm

Sunday, January 3

Church Wake 3:30-5pm

Mass of Transferral 5pm 

Sts. Philip & James RC Church

1 Carow Place 

St. James, NY 11780

Monday, January 4th

Funeral Mass 11:30am 

Sts. Philip & James Church

11:30am 

Burial: St. James Episcopal Cemetery, St. James

In lieu of flowers donations tba

https://www.stjamesfuneralhome.com/obituary/