Obituary Saul Stein

Saul Stein - 1942-2024 Saul Stein - 1942-2024 Saul Stein, 81, a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and accomplished CPA died on February 18th, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Multiple System Atrophy, Parkinson type (MSA-P).

Saul was born November 19,1942 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Samuel H. and Lee Stein. He graduated from Kings Park High School (1960) and then went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University (1965). His professional journey included many executive financial positions including Chief Financial Officer in the restaurant business and cosmetic companies.

Saul was sought after by many as a confidant for knowledge and advice, and could be counted on to support a family member or friend in need.

He very much enjoyed cars, motorcycles, sports, fishing, boating, dogs, golfing, coaching, and was a Kings Park High School soccer star and wrestler, coming in third in New York State for wrestling.

Most of all, he was a family man. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Saul is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Denise Stein, and his four children -  Michael Stein (NJ), Robert (Dana) Stein (NJ),  Laura (Bob) Levin (NC) and Jeffrey Stein (NJ) -  and six grandchildren Matthew, Samantha, Jordan, Emerson, Anderson and Addison. He is also survived by his brothers David (Phyllis) Stein of Hauppauge and Norman (Leslie)  Stein (NC), and his loyal protective Golden Doodle, Summer.

Services were held on February 21 at  Schoem’s Menorah Chapel in Paramus, NJ with burial in Mahwah, NJ.  In honor of Saul Stein’s memory, contributions can be made in his honor to the MSA coalition here:  

https://support.multiplesystematrophy.org/fundraiser/5284630 

Obituary Donald E. Woodford

With profound sorrow and cherished memories, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Donald E. Woodford, who graced this world with his presence and charm until October 17, 2023.   Don was born on November 30, 1964, in Smithtown, NY to Richard A. Woodford and Margaret D. Woodford.

He brought joy and laughter to all those who were fortunate enough to know him.  His talents in both the theater and sports, coupled with his contagious laugh, quick wit, and sense of humor, left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone he encountered.

From an early age, Don discovered his passion for the arts as a student in St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown. He participated in many unforgettable performances such as “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I,” and “A Chorus Line.”  He also performed with a theater group who took part in many performances at the Staller Center at SUNY Stony Brook. His ability to breathe life into characters left a lasting impression on the theater community and all who had the pleasure of witnessing his performances.

In addition to theater, Don was an exceptional athlete excelling in both basketball and baseball in St. Anthony’s High School.  Don was an outstanding left-handed pitcher and power-hitter.  His performance on the diamond was often reported in the local newspapers and Major League scouts were regulars on the days Don took the mound. After graduating in 1982 he was awarded a baseball scholarship to attend Le Moyne College.

Sadly, during his first year of college, Don became mentally ill with schizophrenia. The diagnosis was devastating to us all, especially our mom and dad who had dreams of Don’s promising future. Don worked hard to manage and persevere through his mental illness. He found solace and comfort in his group home in Holtsville where he made lifelong friends and had amazing caretakers.  The group home was a saving grace providing a great environment for Don.

Don’s favorite things included buying gifts for his housemates, visiting with his family, and going to the Palace Diner for lamb chops and calamari.  He loved going to Montauk, celebrating holidays, especially his birthday.  We cannot forget his love of playing the lottery at his local stationery store where he was affectionately known for taking excessive amounts of time perfecting his lottery picks and often won!!  Don’s favorite methods of greeting everybody was saying “What’s Up” or “Cool” or giving an enthusiastic fist bump.

Don will be remembered for all of his heart he shared with family and friends, his zest for every day, sense of humor and positive spirit and kindness.  Rest in peace sweet brother, you will live in our hearts and memories forever.

Don is survived by his brother Richard (Judy), sisters Barbara (John), Peggy (Tom) and Sue (Jeff). Also, his niece Kate (Kevin), and nephews John (Katelyn), Tim (Becca), Nicholas and Jack. He was predeceased by both of his parents. Arrangements for Donald E. Woodford https://moloneyfh.com/obituary/donald-e-woodford/

Obituary Carol Jo (Fonda) Shybunko

Carol Jo (Fonda) Shybunko, 90, of Rhinebeck, and Smithtown New York, passed away March 19, 2023.
Born in 1932 she was the daughter of Joseph & Agnes Matteson. Carol attended Long Island Agricultural & Technical College, earning an Associate’s degree in Advertising Arts and Design. In 1953 she married Frank Fonda Jr and moved to Rhinebeck NY in 1965. Carol married her second husband Daniel Shybunko in 1991 and resided in St James, NY on Long Island.

Carol enjoyed the great outdoors, camping being one of her favorites along with skiing, skating, swimming, and sailing. She was a dog lover and owned many different breeds over the years which brought her great comfort and joy. Carol was a lifelong avid gardener as well as a botanical enthusiast. Her hobbies included raising sheep, chickens, songbirds, as well as knitting, watercolor painting, organ playing, and singing in the Rhinebeck Choral Club. A passion of hers, Carol taught the art of spinning, weaving and natural dyeing, was a past President of The Spinning Study Group of Long Island, and was a long-time member of the Smithtown Historical Society. She was an artist at heart, especially fond of decorating for the Rhinebeck Choral Club and Smithtown Historical Society theme events. She has impacted many people positively through her passion and contributions, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Carol is survived by her five children; Dee Fonda, Karen Fisher (Scott), Chip Fonda (Kimberly), Mitch Fonda (Louise), Russ Fonda (Michelle), grandchildren; Megan Fisher, Jeremy Fisher, Megyn Fonda, great-grandson Xander Fisher, brother-in-law Al Holliday, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and sister Ruth Holliday. A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date for the immediate family.

The family would like to thank Carol’s caregivers at Whisper Woods of Smithtown and her doctors, Dr. Friedling and Dr. Kalonaros.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Carol’s memory to The Spinning Study Group of Long Island, Rhinebeck Choral club, or a charity of your choice.
Spinning Study Group of Long Island
C/O Maria Hughes
28 Mud Road
East Setauket, NY 11733

Rhinebeck Choral Club
C/O Maureen Ruberto
24 Dorliss Dr
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

 

Obituary: Michael Joseph And Eleanor Trotta

Michael Joseph and Eleanor Trotta

Married 68 years, Kings Park couple die a day apart

Joe and Eleanor TrotterIt was love at first sight when Eleanor and Joe (Michael) Trotta met at a dance in Washington, DC. She was a secretary to the Secretary of the Navy, and he was in the marines. Joe Trotta passed away March 29, 2023, at the age of 89 and his beloved wife, Eleanor, in her 91^st year, joined him in eternal rest the next day on March 30, 2023.

After graduating from high school, Joe joined the US Marines Corp to fight for his country. However, he did so well on an exam that he was sent to Puerto Rico to work in engineering. According to his son, Rob, that probably saved his life, as many of his friends did not return home from the Korean War. Following his service, they moved to Long Island. Joe spent 35 years working at the phone company. He was a member of the Smithtown Landing Men’s Club and an avid golfer and fisherman. He was handy around his home and taught his three sons those skills. Eleanor worked in the Commack School District and then at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. She loved to cook, bake, and socialize with her family and friends. Her family enjoyed her rhubarb crisp that she made from scratch with the rhubarb from her son’s garden. “Our parents lovingly passed to us the skills we needed to pursue our careers and enjoy hobbies with them,” said their son Ken.

 They lived in Commack while raising their children and then moved to Kings Park, where they were longtime residents.

Joe battled with dementia for the past four years, but up until a couple of years ago, he would walk daily at 5am on the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow State Park. Despite Eleanor’s health issues, her mind was as sharp as a tack. During this period, they drew on each other’s strengths and commitment in a love match that lasted almost 69 years. “In the end, they became one person,” said Rob. “They were always a loving couple, and family came first. It seems like a good ending to a love story that they should pass away a day apart,” the sons said.

They were predeceased by their son Michael and survivors include sons Ken of Vista, California, Rob of Fort Salonga,  (Wendy), daughter-in-law Laura of Kings Park, and grandchildren Tori, Matt, Michael (Jackie), Andrew, and Liam (Haley) and four great grandchildren. The couple once remarked that they did not have any daughters, but their daughter-in-laws were the best and like daughters to them.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sweetbriar Nature Center at 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown, NY 11787 (www.sweetbriarnc.org) would be appreciated.

The Clayton Funeral Home in Kings Park handled the arrangements.

Obituary: Vivian Elaine (Greenwald) Barton

Vivian Elaine (Greenwald) Barton -  Sept 13, 2025 – December 1, 2022

Long-time Hauppauge/Smithtown resident Vivian Barton was 97 years young when she passed away from complications of Covid. Born in. and raised in the Rockaway area of Queens, she was the daughter of Louis and Bertha Greenwald.  She was the last surviving of six children. Her father died when Vivian was 11 years old. 

Married in Roslyn, NY to Lloyd Barton on February 13, 1966 they shared 49 years of happy marriage life until his untimely/unexpected passing in 2015. The Barton family moved from Jackson Heights (Queens) with her husband Lloyd and son Alan to their home in 1970

She had graduated from Textile High School in Manhattan in 1943 and lived in her own apartment in Sunnyside (Queens) until marriage.  She had earned her Associated Degree in college and worked as a Dental Assistant for about 20 years (initially in NYC before marriage and then after children were in school she returned to work) Working at a NYC Dental office for about 10 years, prior to her marriage, one of the patients was Hungarian born actress Zha Zha Gabor. When she returned to work, it was for Dr. Goldberg on East Main Street in Smithtown after her children were in school. 

A Life Member of Hadassah, she was very active in the Smithtown Chapter of Hadassah.  

A founding member of Temple Beth Chai  of Hauppauge (TBC) in 1972, she served as the president of Sisterhood and was an active TBC member for many years. Vivian had finally been able to have a Bas Mitzvah later in life (when she was in her 50’s) and became more religious as she got older. She participated in the Adult Bas Mitzvah Class in 1986 (as she was never able to have a Bas Mitzvah in her childhood) and was called to the Torah for her first-ever Aliyah at the age of 94 – it was something that she was very thrilled about and proud of. She enjoyed her “Monday Lunch Ladies Group” every week for more than 15 years. They met during the TBC Adult Ed class and started to gather for lunch following the weekly teaching and discussion time at the synagogue. Very involved with TBC Choir, singing at High Holiday Services and at most of the 42 years of Interfaith Thanksgiving services with local churches and TBC. 

Active in the Smithtown/Hauppauge community in the Homemakers Group, Vivian was a member of the Bowling Leagues, enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, swimming, and hiking as well as being involved with her sons’ PTA’s when they were growing up and attending Hauppauge schools.  She rode a bike with her sons on the back of her bike in “children’s bike seats” An Accomplished knitter and crocheter, she sewed clothing and hung wallpaper in her home and helped others with wallpapering in their homes as well.  An accomplished artist, she had embroidered artwork on the walls in her home. Favorite foods to make for her family included stuffed cabbage, potato lakes (potato pancakes), cabbage soup and she made her own bread and cakes “from scratch“ before it was “in style”  — all her recipes were from memory.

A lover of animals, especially dogs, she loved to walk the neighborhood to meet and talk with the neighbors.  She loved cooking (especially stews, soups, and Hungarian dishes) and plants – she had plants that she shared and especially loved roses and her flower garden. The kitchen was always full of plants that she grew from cutting and shared with friends, family, and neighbors. She brought back cactus from her cousin’s Moshav (near Kiryat Malachi) and has kept it alive for many years, starting in 1980 when she brought it back as a cutting

She enjoyed traveling and taking rides in the car all over Long Island. She traveled to Israel several times both for her son’s Bar Mitzvahs and for visits with family members in the Jerusalem area.  She traveled to Hungary with husband Lloyd to “visit the old country” where the family came from. Her famous saying was ”Celebrate the Good Times” and enjoyed a positive attitude and nature as viewed from the car windows (trees in bloom as well as when the leaves were turning color in the fall. She enjoyed going to Mets baseball games and Broadway shows, Israeli Art Museums in NYC as well as traveling to Los Angeles (California), Florida, and Seattle (Washington)

Her family in America was only her grandmother, who came to the US prior to the rise of Hitler.  All other family members – her uncle and then cousins in Israel had survived either World War II or the Holocaust – had  moved to Moshav Talmei Yeahi’el near Ashdod.  Vivian’s contact with her cousins started out as via being a pen pal as a child and this led to Vivian becoming a Zionist. 

Vivian Barton is survived by her sons Alan (of Hauppauge) and Jeffrey (of St. James), many nieces and nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her parents (Bertha and Louis Greenwald), her husband (Lloyd Barton), and four brothers and one sister.

Donations in memory of Vivian Barton can be made to Hadassah (Smithtown Chapter  c/o 54 Brilner Drive, Smithtown, NY 11787), the Guide Dog Foundation (371 N.Y. Rte25, Smithtown, NY 11787), Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge (Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund c/o Temple Beth Chai, 870 Townline Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788),  Jewish National Fund for planting trees in Israel (c/o 54 Brilner Drive, Smithtown NY 11787; Please be sure to include the recipient’s name(s) and address), or the charity of your choice.