Marilyn A. Kelly
July 18, 1960—December 24, 2021
Highland Falls, NY
Marilyn Helms was born in Syracuse, NY on the 18th of July, 1960. She was raised in Highland Falls, NY along with her brothers and sisters, by her parents, George Helms and Maryann Feiedle. Marilyn graduated from James I. O’Neill in 1978, where she met her husband of 42 years, Patrick Kelly. She gave birth to two children– Angela Alexis, in 1979, and Patrick Joseph, in 1984.
Marilyn was a girl scout, who found happiness in the woods, hiking and camping. She spent her childhood in the stream behind her home on Mountain Ave, collecting crawfish and salamanders. She was taught to navigate using a compass, which is a quality she retained throughout her life, always knowing exactly where to point the family van on their trips to Memphis, Chicago, Newport News, or upstate NY.
Marilyn had many jobs throughout her life, many of which were local businesses in Highland Falls. She worked at Chewens Deli, Dyroff’s Pharmacy, Grand Union, IGA, and Rite-Aid during its grand opening. She also worked at Silcox Nursing Home, in Monroe, NY.
Marilyn was a natural provider and mother in every way. Around 1989, her husband became very ill, where he spent many cumulative months in hospitals over the next two years. During this time, her father, George, was also living out his final days at Castle Point Veterans Hospital, in Beacon, NY. During this time, Marilyn continued to work and take care of her children, including spending the summer of 1990 at Camp Wakoda as a counselor. She also babysat many local Children. Her strength and perseverance is something that every wife and mother should aspire to.
Marilyn was a member of the HFFD ladies auxiliary, helping with Christmas toy drives, pancake breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners held therein.
Marilyn supported her children in every aspect of their lives. She rented the Knights Of Columbus hall numerous times to host concerts for local bands, namely her son Patrick’s mosh pit-inducing, ear-piercing heavy metal band, Mabus. Marilyn also hosted Girl Scout gatherings for her daughter, Angela, before seeing her to the airport as she flew off to Chicago for basic training with the US Navy.
Marilyn spent her free time traveling to Lake George on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, relaxing in the Poconos, camping with her family at Round Pond, going to concerts, fishing and crabbing from the Hudson River, enjoying football, especially Army vs Navy games (go NAVY!) and crocheting. Marilyn also loved bowling. She bowled in a women’s tournament in Reno, NV, and spent her Sundays at West Point Lanes bowling with her husband and teammates, Andrew and Dawn Pohl. She was an excellent baker, and loved cooking home meals from scratch.
Marilyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, and fought a long and tough battle with the disease ever since. She was an active wife, mother, and grandmother all the while. Despite her pain and suffering, she always made home feel like home and vacationed with her family.
On December 24th 2021, Marilyn succumbed to her illness at home, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She is predeceased by her father, George E. Helms and her son-in-law, Clifford Joseph. She is survived by her husband, loyal village handy-man, and ex-Chief of the HFFD, Patrick Kelly; daughter Angela and her children, Alexis, Alyssa, Joseph, Elijah, and Elena; son Patrick, his wife, Alexa, and their daughter, Charlotte; her son-in-law, Thomas Horn; her siblings, Sonny, Gig, Maureen, Glenn; her mother.
As per Marilyn’s wishes, there will be no public services. Marilyn will be cremated, and remain at home with her family. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will take place on a later date, TBD.
A very special thank you to all who reached out over the years, took time from their personal lives to help our beloved Marilyn and Pat, and who were there with us for Marilyn’s final moments on this Earth. Roger & Faith Kelly, Nana, Ed, Eddie, Eugene, Steve Douglas, Pat Patterson, Johnny & Kathy Jones, George & Jeffrey Guy, Lovell Van Hoven, Paul Schnazler, Joe Heim, Kevin D’onofrio.
If you so choose to donate, we would like to contribute to the Do It For The Love organization, who help heal those with terminal illness through the power of music.
http://doitforthelove.org, 360 Grand Ave #350, Oakland, CA 94610.
James M. LoRusso
April 14, 1947—December 25, 2021
Formerly Highland Falls, NY
James M. LoRusso, 74, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and formerly of Highland Falls, died Christmas Day, December 25, 2021 after a brave battle with cancer.
Born April 14,1947 in Stamford, Connecticut, he was a son of the late Rose (Orsino) and Michael LoRusso (MSG Retired Army).
After a childhood spent living on Army bases around the world, Highland Falls became Jimmy’s home. He graduated from Highland Falls High School in 1965, married, and lived there for the next 50 years before moving to Pennsylvania. Jimmy is a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, serving honorably in the Marine Corp. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart.
Jimmy was fortunate to have a fulfilling work life at both ARA Services (Jungle Habitat, The Bear Mountain Inn, Monticello Raceway) and Mt. Ellis Paper Company. In addition to work, community was very important to Jimmy. He served as a proud member of the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Church, and coached hockey at James I O’Neill High School. Without a doubt, the golf course was one of Jimmy’s favorite places to be, and he spent many afternoons out on the links in the company of good friends and family.
Survivors include his wife, Marge (Howell) Endlich LoRusso; daughter, Susan Ronan (Michael) of Tappan, NY; step-children, Kimberly Morse (Robert) of North Wales, PA, Todd Endlich (Barbara) of Rolling Hills, CA, and Amy Hawkins (Richard) of Berwyn, PA; brother, Michael (Sue); sister, Phyllis; brothers-in-law, Charles, Allen and David (Mary Jo); sisters-in-law, Nancy, Terri and Olive (Don); and many cousins. He was proudly “Grandpa Jim” to Kyle, Sean, Kaitlyn, Maggie, Joey, Lucy and Lincoln.
In addition to his parent, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth (Delbaugh); brother-in-law Clifford and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls followed by a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main Street at 12:00. Burial will follow immediately at Eagle Valley Cemetery in Highland Falls.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project in Jimmy’s name. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/