 MOMENT OF SILENCE
In memory of John (“Jack”) F. Degnan Jr., 63, was a longtime resident of Irvington, recognized for his life saving heroism, passed November 1, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Jack grew up in Dobbs Ferry and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, followed by Stepinac High School, graduating with perfect attendance. He then attended Manhattan College earning a B.A. in English literature, and was a member of the Gaelic Society. He worked for 25 years in magazine publishing, starting as a production manager at Preview magazine, and produced Computer Shopper, once setting the world’s record for most advertising pages for a monthly magazine, and then a world record for the most advertising pages in one year. In addition, for more than 30 years he was a favorite weekend server and bartender at Sam’s Italian Restaurant in Dobbs Ferry. Notably, on Feb. 27, 2013, while commuting to his job in New York City, Jack witnessed a woman fall onto the tracks at the Ardsley-on-Hudson train station. Without hesitation, he jumped from the platform, scooped up the woman, a Mercy College student who had fainted, and saved her life. A few months later Irvington declared July 15 as “Jack Degnan Day” to acknowledge his selfless action and also his humility because he told no one, not even his family, who learned about it from a police communication. In presenting the award, Irvington Mayor Brian Smith called Jack “the most humble guy I know.” A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Irvington, he proudly served as a weekly lector at noon Mass on Sundays for more than 30 years. He was proud of his volunteer service to the community, serving as an Irvington AYSO soccer coach, an Immaculate Conception CYO basketball coach, and as an Irvington Bulldog football booster. Jack was much beloved by all who knew him, including by Greenburgh Parks and Recreation Commissioner Gerry Byrne, Jake's brother-in-law, and Jake's wife, Moreen (Byrne) Degnan, and he will be dearly missed.
In memory of William Augustus Dorsey, 103, fondly called "Gus," who passed peacefully on October 17, 2023. Moving from Baltimore as a young boy to Greenburgh where he attended and graduated from Greenburgh public schools. After completing his education, Gus enlisted in CC Camp (Civil Service Conservation Core), a section of the US Army, completed Technician 5th Grade Aide Medical Core, and received a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate. In 1948, after he was honorably discharged from the Army, Gus went to work for Grasslands Hospital (Westchester Medical Center) as an LPN in the Psychiatric Division. In 1969 Gus married the late Anita Claire Marable and together they raised 3 children: Bruce Gordon, Stephen Laird, and Reverend Cynthia Denise Dorsey. He retired in 1984. Never one to be idle, Gus partnered with a friend to own and operate the Rye Cliff Restaurant in Croton, NY. In addition, he was a mason, laying cement for private homes, and at the same time ran a carpet laying business and a window washing service. Gus joined Union Baptist Church in the 1980s and remained a faithful member until his health began to fail. While at UBC, Gus made lasting friendships, served as a soloist Baritone in the Men's Choi, and, for over 40 years, served as a senior cook in UBC's Food Service ministry, serving breakfast, and dinners, and catering special occasions for Union C.A.R.E.S. Gus had a caring heart and as a result, he, and a group of UBC men, founded an organization called “15 Charity Men” which raised money for those in need. Gus was an avid football "Giants" fan and a golf connoisseur. He also loved Jazz and James Brown. He loved his grandchildren, especially Jamaine and Rodney. William leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Bruce Gordon Marable, and Stephen Laird Marable (Pam); a daughter, Reverend Cynthia Dorsey; four sisters-in-law, Jane Marable, Carolyn Marable, Elise Marable and Deborah Marable; two Grandsons, Jamaine Davenport and Rodney Brown; one granddaughter, Laura Marable; ten great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends.
In memory of the people in Ukraine killed during Russia's invasion and relentless intentional targeted bombing of civilians in apartment buildings, hospitals, train stations, schools and children centers, deliberately targeting utilities used by civilians to leave them without electricity and heat through the brutal winter weather, with mass graves being found after invaded areas have been retaken, and now Russia's aggressive bombing of Ukraine's food-producing infrastructure to disrupt food supplies worldwide, all in Russia's effort to destroy Ukraine and its people, who are forced to fight for their land, their freedom, and general democratic principles. May they rest in peace and peace be restored to Ukraine.
In memory of the people of Israel killed during Hamas’ unprecedented terrorist attack on Israel which started on Saturday, October 7, 2023, with more than 1400 people, mostly civilians, slaughtered, including more than 200 indiscriminately shot and killed en masse at a popular music festival, entire families massacred in their homes, and other acts too gruesome/inhumane to include here, with more than 200 others kidnapped to use as hostages and human shields, including the infirm, elderly, a holocaust survivor, women, children, toddlers and newborns. While we mourn, we support the leadership of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States’ Joint Statement unequivocally condemning Hamas and its terrorist acts, stating, in part: “Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities….All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.” May those lost due to this horrendous ongoing terrorist aggression rest in peace and may peace be restored to Israel. |