Neal Brown
October 14, 1946 – December 28, 2020
Highland Falls, NY
Neal Brown wished the world one final “Good mornin’!” and entered into eternal life on Monday, December 28th, 2020, after a short battle with COVID pneumonia. He was 74.
Son of the late Madge (Knight) and Wilson O’Neal Brown, Sr., Wilson O’Neal Brown, Jr., was born in Thomasville, GA, and raised in Montgomery, AL. Neal developed his love of sports early in life and was a track and football star at Bellingrath Junior and Lanier Senior High, where he set numerous records and was on track to turn pro before being sidelined by an injury.
When he wasn’t cheering on local high school and college athletes or at home glued to ESPN, Neal was rooting for the Army football team in the stands at Michie Stadium, attending PGA golf tournaments, losing his weight in dimes to his golf buddies, or saying “Roll Tide!” to his brother Barry, who, unforgivably, is an Auburn fan.
Neal was a proud Air Force veteran, serving at Bitburg AFB in Germany and Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX, before being honorably discharged in 1973. He continued his life of service in Highland Falls, NY, first as a laborer for the Village of Highland Falls, then as a laborer for his beloved West Point Golf Course, and always as an active member of the Hudson Highlands United Methodist Church.
A devout Christian, Neal also served his family, his community, and God simply by being himself. He was so grateful to God for every day, every friend, every aspect of his life, and he shared that joy by leading a purpose-driven life. Neal greeted each person with a “Good mornin’!” and a smile, exchanging some laughs and some words of wisdom in every conversation. He supported friends and strangers through thick and thin without giving a second thought to anything on his own plate. Neal was patient, understanding, empathetic, compassionate, forgiving, appreciative, funny, supportive, and just so full of love. He would want all who loved him to give their grief to their God, to give thanks for the time they shared with him, and to keep spreading his joy around. Lead with kindness, with humor, with love. Help when you can. Be a shoulder to cry on. Enjoy the sunshine on your face. Be grateful, even for the challenges you face. And never pass on a dish of ice cream, especially if it’s strawberry.
Neal’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the 2 North and 5 North staff at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus. Neal spent most of his battle praising the doctors, nurses, and other staff who were risking their own lives to help the world triumph over COVID-19. They fought valiantly to save his life, and when it was time to stop fighting they went above and beyond to help Neal share his final moments with his family and friends.
Neal’s spirit continues to live through his granddaughter Emma and daughter Stephanie (Michael) Puckett, of Niskayuna, NY; brother Barry (Rebecca) Brown of Pelham, AL; sister-in-law Mary Johnson Moore and niece Carol Moore, of Randolph, MA; nieces Amy (Andy) Hixson, of Denver, CO, and Lauren (Alex) Dunbar, of Chattanooga, TN; nephews Andrew Brown of Tallassee, AL, and Taylor Brown of Mountain Brook, AL; and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews. Neal is also survived by countless second families and dear friends, including the Troy/Sibley family; Steve Whipple and the West Point Golf Course staff; Pastor Karina Feliz and the Hudson Highlands United Methodist Church congregation; Denise Booth; Pastor Agnes Saffoury; Lori Kendrick; Keara Segarra; Mary Jane Pitt; Sue Washington; Vicky Bass; his golf buddies; the staff at Dairy Queen, Stewart’s, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, and Dunkin’; and most people reading this now. He was predeceased by his ex-wife, JoAnn Johnson Brown.
Due to the pandemic, the celebration of Neal’s life and legacy will be held at a later date. Neal’s family would also like to extend their appreciation to Colin Campbell and the William F. Hogan Funeral Home staff for their assistance with Neal’s arrangements. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude or the Buffalo Soldiers Association of West Point.
Richard Cafarelli
June 25, 1926—January 8, 2021
Canton, Michigan
Richard Cafarelli, age 94, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021.
He was the beloved husband of the late Vera; father of Joseph (Joanne), Daniel & Richard (Joanne); grandfather of Lynn, Ryan, Jennifer, Kyle, Kevin, Kimberly, Martin and Maeve; and great-grandfather of Cali, Kris, William, Anthony, Jacob, Luke, Maxwell, Mason and Riley.
Mr. Cafarelli was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the European Theatre during World War II. He dedicated many hardworking years as a longshoreman for Cunard Lines in New York City. In retirement he drove school busses for Bosch and West Point Tours. He was a past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus in Orange County, New York.
Interment was in Eagle Valley Cemetery, Town of Highlands, New York, as arranged by
William F. Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls. (845) 446-2868.
Darryl J. Conley
December 12, 1963—January 11, 2021
Highland Falls, New York
Darryl J. Conley passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 at his home in Highland Falls. He was 57 years old.
Son of Lorraine M. Graziano Conley and the late Ernest E. Conley, Jr., Darryl was born on December 12, 1963 in Cornwall. He was the Window Clerk at the United States Post Office in Highland Falls, where he gave 31 years of service.
Survivors include his mother, Lorraine M. Conley at home; and his brother, Jeffrey Conley of Highland Falls.
Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls, NY (845) 446-2868.