Simon Kaufman 8/16/30 - 12/13/25
Obituary
Simon Kaufman, 95, a resident of East Fishkill since 1957 and formerly of Warrensburg, died on December 13, 2025 at the Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.
Born in the Bronx on August 16, 1930, he was the son of the late Nathan and Theresa (Hochman) Kaufman. He was a 1948 graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and a 1953 graduate of the State University at Cortland. Si proudly served our country as a Private First Class in the US Army.
Si was employed by the Wappingers Central School District and served as the beloved principal of Fishkill Plains Elementary School for many years. He was a member of the New York State School Administrators' Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, the Mid Hudson Valley Baseball Officials Association, the Hudson Valley Baseball Officials Association, the American Legion and the Elks Lodge.
Simon met the love of his life, Erna Kalbfleisch, in 1954 when he was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. They were married on June 23, 1956 and had almost 70 wonderful years together until her death on February 22, 2024.
Simon is survived by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
There will be no calling hours as he wanted. Burial will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery where his wife and brother are buried.
RIchard James Buoniconti Rifle Salute - June 28
Richard James Buoniconti, an area resident for many years, formerly of The Villages, FL and Mount Vernon, NY, passed away at his home on June 23rd. He was 93 years old.
Richard was an Army veteran and an American Legion member. Post 1758 was asked to provide a rifle salute for a grave-site service where his ashes were to be interred. Jeff Miedowski, Bill Meyer, John Polasko and John Call answered the call and provided the Honor Guard. Jim Reynolds acted as the "drill sergeant," while Bill Kriebel photographed the proceedings. Thanks to the expert rifle cleaning overseen by Norm Dauerer, all of the rifles functioned perfectly.
John Patrick Miglis
John had been a member of our post but dropped out some years ago ago when he moved to Vermont.
His obituary is at https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/obituaries/pnys1209297
Santo Abbate
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On May 13, Commander Reynolds was sadly informed that post member Santo Abbate had passed away that evening.
A funeral mass was held for Santo at St. Columba R.C. Church starting at 11:00 am on Friday. A contingent of post members assembled outside the church to render a salute to Santos' remains as they were carried out of the church on their way to interment at St. Denis Cemetery. Rendering salutes were Lance Ashworth, Fred Beck, Don Burns, Jim Broughton, Mark Graser, Kevin Hines, Bill Meyer, Bill Kriebel, Tom Masch, Jeff Miedowski, Ed Morrison, Dan Oberhauser, John Polasko and Commander Jim Reynolds. Also in attendance was John Call.
After the mass, attendees entered a funeral procession to the cemetery. Post members reassembled at the grave site. Tom Masch, Lance Ashworth, Bill Meyer and Kevin Hines gave a rifle salute, followed by dropping "poppies" on Santos' casket and a "Farewell Comrade".
Francis Connolly: July 30, 1944 - April 4, 2025
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Obituary
EAST FISHKILL - Francis J. Connolly, 80, an area resident since 1976 and formerly of the Bronx, died on April 4, 2025 at MidHudson Regional Hospital.
Born in Manhattan on July 30, 1944, he was the son of the late Daniel and Alice (Meehan) Connolly. Frank proudly served our country in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service. He had been employed as an Iron Worker and then as a Custodian for the Wappingers Central School District for 25 years until his retirement.
Frank was a member of the American Legion. He will always be remembered as his mother's favorite child! He was known for his sarcastic humor and as the man who always had many stories and tales to tell; however, he also will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to do things for others.
On November 15, 1969 in the Bronx, Frank married Maureen Doherty who predeceased him on August 16, 2021. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Heather and Kevin Granger, Frank and Holly Connolly; his grandchildren, Fiona, Shepard and Lachlan; his siblings, Matthew Connolly and Alice Ryan; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his siblings, Nancy Plate, Gloria Campbell, Kaki Doherty, Margaret Haughey, Veronica Connolly and Daniel Connolly.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday at 10am at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial donations may be made in Frank's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
On the evening of April 8 at 6:00 pm, Post members assembled at McHoul's Funeral Home to bid "Farewell Comrade" to Francis. Members in attendance were (left to right) Karl Sokol, Jim Broughton, Fred Beck, John Polasko, Jeff Miedowski, Commander Jim Reynolds, Jeff Boes, Dan Oberhauser, Bill Kriebel, Lance Asworth, John Call, Norm Dauerer, George Dickman, Bill Meyer and Ed Morrison.
