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William Paul Corcoran
Dec 17, 2025
LAKEVILLE — Paul passed away on Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was born on Aug. 24, 1940, to the late Gray and Gladys Vandyke.Paul spent most of his life in Lakeville.At an early age, he worked at Community Service in Lakeville along with his father. He then became the lumber yard manager.After leaving the Community Service, he worked as a custodian at Salisbury Central School.
He was predeceased by his four brothers, Tom, Jim, Jerry, and Peter.
Survivors are the love of his life, his wife Norma of 34 years, his two stepsons, Glen and Michael Surdam, his grandchildren, Ben, Franchesca, Glynn, Sierra, and Sidney.
Paul’s wishes were to be cremated and have no service.
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Jai Nathan Thomas Marshall
Dec 17, 2025
SHARON — Jai Nathan Thomas Marshall, 31, originally from Sharon, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 4, 2025.
Born in Torrington, on April 4, 1994, he leaves behind his adoptive parents, Tom and Linda Marshall, a daughter, Mylieonah Jai Lynae Marshall, four sisters, Chauntine Donovan, Quinlin Marshall, Salirae “Ping” Marshall and Celie Besmer; two nieces, Zendaya Marshall and Inara Donovan and many cousins.
Jai also leaves behind his mom, Kathleen V. Ambery, his uncle, Noel F. Ambery ll and was predeceased by his grandparents, Noel “Frank” Ambery Sr. and Marie (nee) Barrow of Falls Village.
As a boy, Jai traveled across the world with his family and touched many lives. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a kind and gentle spirit. He gave us many years of joy until mental illness struck him in his prime. Jai loved his family and will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, our beautiful soul. To honor his memory, please say a prayer for all those who suffer endlessly and are misunderstood in our society. A private gathering will be held to celebrate Jai.
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Bernie Galek
Dec 17, 2025
WASSAIC — It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Leola ‘Bernice’ (Decker) Galek, on Nov. 14, 2025, aged 92, at home while on hospice, in Wassaic, where she was surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on April 7, 1933 in the Town of Huron, New York, to Leola F. Decker and Luther Decker, Bernie lived a life marked by hard-work, compassion, and quiet strength.
Bernie met and married the love of her life, Stanley Galek, on Dec. 28, 1952, while working at the Coffee Cup in Wolcott, New York. Stanley and Bernie went on to own and operate the Galek Dairy Farm on Spring Lake Road, Town of Butler, from 1952 to 1997. Besides working in the Coffee Cup, Bernie also worked the breakfast shift at Billie’s Diner, and the Greek’s Restaurant in Wolcott before retiring from the Alzheimer ward at the Wayne County Nursing Home, Lyons, New York in 1995.
From a young age, Bernie knew her calling was to help others. She devoted 49 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, bringing comfort to countless patients and families with her gentle spirit, shy smile and caring hands. Her colleagues admired her unwavering patience and personal warmth she brought into every room. She was known to volunteer to sit with bed bound patients at Sharon Hospital and Sharon Nursing Home.
Bernie was predeceased by her sisters, Alice Bergstressar, Dorothy Hall, and Gerry Van Norstrand; her brothers, Kenneth Decker and Marvin Decker; and her husband Stanley in 1997. After his passing, she spent the next 25 years in Wassaic, working at the Kent Specialty Care Nursing Home, in Kent where she retired at the age of 80.
She is survived by her son, Philip and wife, Laura Galek, grandson Phil Galek, great grandchildren, Gianna and Gavin Galek of Wolcott, New York; her daughter, Colleen and husband, Leon Meunier; grandsons, Chad and wife, Bambi Meunier and Justin Meunier, and granddaughter, Keirstin Meunier of Wassaic.
Family and friends were the center of Bernie’s life. She delighted in watching her grandchildren grow and was known for taking them out of school to go to Four Brothers or Round to-it for lunch. Her favorite shows were Gunsmoke and Roy Rogers. Favorite artists included Charley Pride, Freddy Fender and Eddy Albert.
Bernie will be remembered for her devotion to her lifelong faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she viewed the resurrection hope in John 5:28, 29, as a source of comfort and light. She longed for the day when she will be reunited with the love of her life, Stanley.
“Happy Trails to you, Mom and Grandma, until we meet again.” - Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers.
Everyone who knew her is welcome to join us in a celebration of her life on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall on the corner of 101 East Duncan Hill Road and Route 22, Dover Plains, NY at 2:00 p.m.Light refreshments will be served after.
ZOOM INVITE: For Saturday, December 27, 2025
Invite: 755 086 9766
Passcode: 51764
Messages of condolence, fond memories or any photos would be greatly appreciated.
All are welcome to sign Bernie’s online obituary book/ memorial wall at https://hufcutfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/5663406/Galek-Bernie/index.php
May also use this Email to send messages: LebGalek2025@gmail.com.
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Clayton Squire Smith
Dec 17, 2025
LAKEVILLE — Lifelong Lakeville resident, Clayton Squire Smith, 90, passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, enveloped in the love of his attentive, tight-knit family.
Born on Dec. 16, 1936, in Sharon Hospital, Clayton was the son of Harold M. and Evelyn K. (Meiklejohn) Smith, both educators, of Lakeville,
Clayton was known for his sharp mind, gentle temperament, and lifelong curiosity. He had a deep interest in nature, history, meteorology, and data analysis; passions that reflected his inquisitive spirit and keen observations of the world around him.
After graduating from Salisbury School in 1954, Clayton went on to receive a BA in History from the University of Connecticut in 1958. With a strong acumen for analyzing data and attention to detail, Clayton furthered his education to become a nationally certified laboratory technologist, enabling him to secure a job as a lab technologist at Sharon Hospital, a position he held for 30+ years.
As a young boy, Clayton enjoyed annual summer vacations with his family to their lakeside cottage in Winthrop, Maine. With a desire to pass on the tradition of cherished, nature-filled experiences, Clayton took his family on yearly oceanside camping trips to Rhode Island (among other places) and devoted an entire summer to travelling across the country, visiting as many national parks and historical landmarks as the season allowed.
Throughout his life Clayton thrived on peaceful, restorative activities: tending to his garden and property, observing nature (especially birds), and listening to classical music from his carefully curated collection.
More recently, Clayton enjoyed a satisfying social life at Noble Horizons. His favorite outings included excursions to restaurants, ice cream parlors, and local historical sites. Back on campus, Clayton looked forward to attending musical and cultural events, participating in still-life painting classes, winning at Bingo, and sharing laughs and daily meals with his dear friends, Martha Eustis, Peter Reyelt, Joe Soper, and Sally Pohlemus.
Clayton is predeceased by his wife Cynthia “Cindy” of 53 years with whom he built a forever home on an idyllic, family-oriented street. He is survived by his son Darren Smith of Salisbury, his incredibly devoted sister Marion Romeo and her husband Fred of Lakeville,niece Susan Romeo of West Cornwall, niece Deanne (Romeo) and husband Jim Lyle of Sharon, niece Lori Romeo and husband Norman Leighty of Goshen, nephew David Romeo and his wife Suzanne of Quincy, Massachusetts, as well as two cousins, four grand nephews, and two grand nieces.
Clayton was admired for his kindness, gentle strength, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. He was a steady presence to friends, neighbors, and all who knew him. His warm smile and thoughtful conversations will be remembered with great affection.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the staff and administration at Noble Horizons for their compassionate and tender care, especially during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, Clayton’s family invites you to honor his memory by stepping out of your comfort zone to help someone in need.
A celebration of Clayton’s life will be held in the new year at the Noble Horizon chapel. Ryan Funeral Home in Lakeville is in care of the arrangements. To offer an online condolence, please visit ryanfhct.com
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