Silent Keys

Unfortunately there are times in our lives when we have to say a final "goodbye" to fellow hams.  Hopefully, as is most often the case, it is after a long, full life.  Sometimes though, our friends are taken suddenly and all to soon.  In any case, they leave an emptiness behind that only our fond memories can help to fill.

"73" to all those hams we've known and loved...

Sylvia Stone, K2SLY, SK

We lost a valued member of the ham community on November 1. Obituary in the Poughkeepsie Journal : (correct call sign is K2SLY)

Sylvia Mary Stone MODENA - Sylvia Mary Stone, loving daughter, wife and friend passed away at Mt. Sinai Hospital Saturday, November 1, 2008 surrounded by those who will never forget her compassionate heart or remarkably sharp mind. Sylvia was born in the Bronx on April 26, 1953 the daughter of Vito and Mary Bank Fierro. Mrs. Fierro survives at home in Beacon. Sylvia graduated from Aquinas HS in the Bronx in 1971 and went on to earn her BS in English Literature from Fordham University in 1975. Sylvia has been working as a Controller for H.O. Penn Machinery Co., Inc. since she graduated from Fordham. She will be greatly missed.

Sylvia moved to Dutchess County in 1980 and later met her soul mate, Frank Stone, who only predeceased her in death 17 months ago. The two were married on April 13, 1991 in Newburgh, NY. Frank died on July 17, 2007. Frank's mother, Mrs. Betty Stone of Chatham, NY also survives. Sylvia was a Ham Radio operator call letters KB2SLY, and an active member of A.R.E.S. and R.A.C.E.S.

In addition to her mother, Mary and mother in law Betty, Sylvia is survived by countless people whom she has touched in her all too brief 55 years; her best friends, Marina and her husband Jeff and daughter Angel DeLong of Salt Point, Patricia and her husband Michael Keane of Pleasant Valley, Lisa Katz of Ardsley, Sue and her husband Willie and daughters, Niki and Kayla Rosado of Modena, Ro Milano of Poughkeepsie, John and his wife Paula Marino of Hopewell Junction. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hudson Valley Chapter Make-A-Wish Foundation, 832 South Broadway, The Wish House, Tarrytown, NY 10591, E-Mail: hudson@hudson.wish.org or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Calling hours will be two days, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 on both days. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Church on Jackson Street in Fishkill on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh .

John Hockler N2WCR SK 4/2/2008

From Poughkeepsie Journal Obituary :

CHESAPEAKE, VA - John Robert Hockler, 71, of 1129 Valmire Drive, died April 2, 2008 at his residence. He was born in Beacon, New York on June 4, 1936. He was the son of the late John Peter and Anita Helen (Morrow) Hockler. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force intelligence and spent four years as a member of the military in Asia and Europe. He worked for the State of New York. John was an amateur radio operator. He belonged to the Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club, USS Wisconsin A.R.C. and Chesapeake A.R.C. Formerly he belonged to Poughkeepsie, Mount Beacon and QSY Society A.R.C Clubs in New York State. He was a frequent volunteer for People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. He is survived by first and second cousins. A funeral mass was held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Chesapeake, VA, Tuesday, April 8, 2008, followed by a burial service at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Norfolk, VA. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Chesapeake Chapel handled all arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family @hdoliver.com

Frank Stone KB2YUR SK

It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Frank Stone, KB2YUR, passed away in the early afternoon of July 17th, 2007. As many of you know, Frank was battling an illness for a long time. He fought it till the end, even when the odds were against him. Many of his friends and family visited Frank the night before, and while he was not physically responsive, he knew we were all there.

For those who did not know Frank, he was the SEC for Eastern New York. He was 100% dedicated to amateur radio, participating in many drills, activations and public service events. He also organized the communications for the recent Empire State Games in the Hudson Valley.

Frank was the type of person who was always there to lend a hand where ever it was needed. He was extremely giving of his time and resources. He built the first HF antenna I ever used.

Frank leaves behind his wife Sylvia, K2SLY. Those of you who knew the 2 of them know that Frank was a loving husband, and Sylvia loved him beyond words. It has always been "Frank and Sylvia" and it always will be. Their relationship should be an example to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Frank may no longer be here physically. But if we have learned anything from Frank, and try to follow his example of being not only a great ham but a great person, than his spirit will always be with us.

73 and 88 to all
Jim - K2CSS

Bob Schisler KC2ARL - SK 11/28/0

For those members who didn't know Bob he became a ham and a member of QSY at our VE session 1/97. He was a sweet man who loved to rag chew with me on 97, worked along side of us helping the JC's for years, always attend the 4H Fair and was always with us at our meetings when we met at the fire house in Kent Cliffs always bringing cheese cakes to our parties, he was a dear friend to many of us and will truly be missed.

Brenda/N2TTO

Joe Pirrotta N2OZX - SK 9/23/05

"With great sorrow I pass along this email I received today from Joe's wife Dee.  Joe loved QSY and our Field Days, he will truly be missed. - Brenda/N2TTO

 'Dear Brenda,  My beloved husband Joe Pirrotta N2OZX passed away this afternoon after a valiant fight against cancer.'"

Cathy Luty KC2BUW - SK 6/14/05

"It is with deep regret that I report the passing of Cathy Luty, KC2BUW.  Cathy had been a licensed ham since 1997, holding a Technician-class license.  To all of us who knew her she was always friendly and always willing to participate in our activities."

"May she rest in peace."

Adam Nowik KC2DAA

EC/RO Dutchess County

Ray Spagna W2VIP - SK 12/8/04

"It saddens me deeply to let you all know that Ray Spagna W2VIP became a silent key this morning at 5:00 am.  Ray was responsible for getting both Charlie and I interested in the hobby in the early 90's and was a member of both QSY and PEARL.  The family will be granting Ray's final wish to not have a service and to have his ashes spread in his favorite hunting spot next week.  If you would like to send a card to his Mom please feel free to mail it to me and I will make sure that she gets it."

73, Brenda Lee Spagna N2TTO

"It is with great sadness that I let everyone know that Dave Reneau, AA9KT, became a silent key on July 2nd, 2003.  He was involved in an accident with his motorcycle whiletraveling in New Windsor.

Many of you were able to enjoy some time with Dave during Field Day weekend.  Dave came up to the QSY FD site on Saturday, and he and I, along with Adam and several others cooked breakfast for everyone.  It was Dave's favorite Field Day meal, Biscuits and Sausage gravy.  It was, as always, delicious.

All of Dave's family is back in Indiana.  We, as a collective ham community, were Dave's second family.  He was always there to lend a helping hand. I know personally that Dave appreciated the relationships that he had with all of his family here.  I hope as many of you as possible could send a card to Dave's family, so they too know how much we loved Dave, and how much we're going to miss him.  He will always have a special place in our hearts."

God Bless
Jim - K2CSS