Augustino ‘Gus’ DeJohn
May 24, 1926 – March 20, 2020
Highland Falls
Augustino “Gus” DeJohn passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Orange Regional Medical Center in Wallkill. He was 93 years old.
Son of the late Bruno and Josephine Anderle DeJohn, he was born on May 24, 1926 in Clarksville, WV. Augustino proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. After his Honorable Discharge he was employed in the construction industry and was a member of dock builders union 1456. He loved to fish and cook. Above all Gus loved his country and his wife and family.
Survivors include his loving wife of 72 years, Helen Woods DeJohn; his daughters Joanne Dore and husband Thomas of Middletown, and Helene Klimoski of Fort Montgomery; five grandchildren, Theresa Sisson and husband David, Thomas Dore, Meghan Dore, Jolene Keegan and Joseph Klimoski and wife Allison; and six great-grandchildren, Arianne Dore, Brayden Sisson, Andrew Sisson, Jaxon Dore, Jared Keegan and Caleb Klimoski.
He is pre-deceased by his brother George DeJohn.
Cremation took place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope. Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls, NY.
Cora L. Matthews
September 10, 1918 – March 26, 2020
Highland Falls
The beloved matriarch of the Womack-Holiday and Matthews family, Cora Lee Matthews, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at her home in Highland Falls. She was 101 years old.
Daughter of the late James and Rossie Womack Holiday, she was born September 10, 1918 in Erwin, NC.
Cora arrived at West Point in 1941. In 1942, she married Sgt. Sanders H. Matthews Sr., a Buffalo Soldier, at West Point (passed away August 2016). They were married for 74 years and had two sons: Sanders H. Matthews, Jr (passed away in August 2003) and Dennis R. Matthews (passed away December 2016). She is survived by two granddaughters, Dr. Aundrea Matthews of Highland Falls, and Stephanie Matthews-Privott (Jerry); great-granddaughter Sydney Privott, of Richmond Virginia; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She worked at the Cadet Laundry in West Point. Being an entrepreneur at heart, she became a licensed hairdresser and established the first African American salon in Highland Falls. As a hairdresser, she retired from Letchworth Village in Thiells, and worked for many years for William F. Hogan Funeral Home.
Cora was a devout Christian, and a faithful servant of the Lord. She served as a Deaconess, ‘Mother of the Church’ and was loved by all at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Newburgh.
Her strong work ethic, determination, and love for the underdog, allowed her to open many doors for people in her community. Throughout her life, she demonstrated compassion for others and received numerous honors for community service. Cora Lee Matthews will be loved and remembered forever by her family and friends that span across the world.
Her final resting place will be alongside her husband at the West Point Cemetery on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls, NY.
Gary O’Connor
August 9, 1954 – March 25, 2020
Highland Falls
Gary O’Connor passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Nyack Hospital in Nyack. He was 65 years old.
Son of Dolores Oubina O’Connor and the late Kenneth J. O’Connor, he was born on August 9, 1954 in Peekskill. Gary was the senior mechanical planner for Entergy Power Plant in Buchannan.
Survivors include his loving wife Janice Beimel Cook; his children Ryan O’Connor of Connecticut, Lawrence Cook of Florida, Mallory O’Connor of Connecticut, Erin O’Connor of Connecticut, Ashley McNeil of Hopewell Junction, and Patricia Cook of Florida; his mother Dolores O’Connor of Peekskill; his brother Kenneth O’Connor of Connecticut; and several grandchildren.
Cremation took place at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls.