Obituary - John J. Morgan

Morgan, John J. Age 82, passed peacefully at his home in Raleigh, N.C. Beloved husband of the late Natalie, nee Jones. Loving father of Anne (Michael) Schapiro, Michael (Tina) Morgan, Daniel (Lee) Morgan, Lance Morgan, Kevin Morgan and the late Ellen Morgan. Devoted grandfather of Alissa & Jonathan Schapiro, John, Luke & Elena Morgan, Elizabeth, Abby, Caroline and Alex Morgan. Cherished great-grandfather of Lucy, Jude and Max. John was a graduate of Smithtown High School and worked as an electronic technician for Grumman Aerospace. He loved travelling with his wife, Natalie, and she was the light of his life. He was a devout Catholic as well as a Eucharist Minister for several parishes over his lifetime. He was an avid salt water fisherman and deer hunter. He also enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and specialty items for his family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Funeral Mass was clebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Smithtown, NY. Interment followed at St. Patrick’s Cemetery Smithtown, 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 - Emerita Tiedemann

Tiedemann, Emerita, age 84, formerly of  Smithtown, NY on October 25, 2017. Retired teacher Middle Country School District.Beloved wife of the late Richard. Loving mother of  Kenneth (Marcy), Keith, & Eric (Lin). Cherished grandmother of Theo, Erin & Ian. Dear sister of Evelyn Martinez. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church., Smithtown, NY. Interment 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

Death Notice - Carol A. Higgins

Higgins, Carol A., age 84 of Smithtown, NY passed away on October 17, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert. Cherished mother of Thomas, William, Kenneth, Michelle and Patricia. Loving Grandmother of Kelley, Thomas Jr. (Brianna), Brian, Stephanie & Michael. Adored sister of Barbara (Robert) and Herbert (Patricia). She is survived by many other family members and friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Smithtown, NY. Interment 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 - Paul H. Kelly

Paul H. Kelly - July 20, 1943 - October 19, 2017

Paul H. Kelly passed away peacefully at his home in Merritt Island, Florida on October 19, 2017 at the age of 74.  A native of Kings Park, Paul also resided in Palm Coast, FL and Orange County, NY.

He is survived by his loving and devoted family:  Wife Maureen (McEvoy), daughters Sharron (Gregory) Jones, Lauren (Thomas) Mayfield, son Jonathan (Brigid) Kelly, and Step-Sons Adam (Corinne) Atri and Abel Atri. He leaves four grandsons, Charles and Thomas Triolo, James Mayfield, Sidd Atri, and an expected Mayfield grandson in 2018.  He also leaves three brothers, James (Patricia), Francis (Marie), and Lawrence (Diane) Kelly, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will mourn his loss.

Paul retired from the New York State Office of Mental Health in 1996, where his last position was Director of the NYS Out-Patient Mental Health Clinic in Peekskill, NY.  He started his career in 1961 at Kings Park State Hospital, with 1962 to 1965 away for service in the United States Army, 3^rd Infantry Division, in West Germany.

In 1971 Paul graduated with a Diploma in Nursing from KPSH, and became an RN psychiatric nurse.  He subsequently earned a BSN from SUNY Stony Brook, a Masters in Counseling from Long Island University, and a Masters of Health Care Administration from The New School for Social Research.  He served in a number of professional, teaching, and administrative posts in the NYS Office of Mental Health on Long Island, NYC, and Upstate New York.

Paul was an avid history buff, who over the course of his life amassed a substantial personal library.  He shared his love of history and learning with his children and his wife Maureen, with whom he retired to Florida in 2004.  He was also a talented drummer, playing with several informal jazz and rock bands on Long Island and Germany; the Suffolk County PD Pipe and Drum Band in the 1970s-1980s, and the Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes and Drums.

No one who knew Paul will ever forget his loving kindness, compassion, humor, and wit.  He was a mentor, leader, father, and friend.  He will be sorely missed.  

A Life Celebration will be held in Smithtown, NY on November 11, 2017 for local family and friends.  Please contact Lawrence Kelly for details:  HYPERLINK “mailto:lwkelly113@gmail.com” lwkelly113@gmail.com.  Memorial donations may be made to a cancer research organization of your choice.

Obituary -Biagio (Bill) Alba

Biagio (Bill) Alba, 87 of Lake Grove, NY on October 12, 2017. Born in Brooklyn NY to Joseph and Josephine Alba. Bill married, the love of his life, the late Grace Caruana in 1956. They were married for 57 years. He was a 20-year member of the New York City Fire Department starting in 1960. In 1963 he moved his family to Smithtown, NY and remained there his entire life. He was a fighter, charming and funny as well. He lived a long life in spite of his challenges. He was an avid skier, tennis player, scuba diver and loved his adventures at sea on the ValleJoe and the Windchantress.

Bill was someone who was willing to try new things and always bounced back with each and every challenge that came his way. He was steady, funny and full of love. He let Gracie take center stage, but was always in control as the strong and quiet variety. We will miss him terribly, but we are so grateful for the wonderful years full of family, friends, memories and love. He is survived by his 3 children: Valerie Lindeman, Lisa Procter and Joseph Alba and his 6 grandchildren who he adored: Kimberly Allen, Hillary, Natalie Lindeman, Emily, Addy and Sam Procter.

Religious Service was celebrated at the funeral home. Proud Veteran United States Army Korean War.Interment with Military Honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the professional care Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown. Online guest book