Poughkeepsie Journal from Poughkeepsie, New York • Page 4B

Trr "1. If T' 4B OBITUARIES THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2002 POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL DEATH NOTICES Tad, Irene, 78, 6f the City of Poughkeepsie, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002. Arrangements by Schoonmaker Funeral Home, (845) 454 1800. Titus, Charles, 75, Friday, April 26, 2002. Arrangements by Joseph J.

Dar row Sr. Funeral Home Pough keepsie, (845) 452 1840. Audia, Samuel, 89, of Millbrook, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002. Arrangements by Allen Funeral Home, Millbrook, (845) 677 9611. Darrale, Salvatore 49, of Pawling, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002.

Arrangements by Horn Thomes Inc. Funeral Home, (845) 855 3550. Cadwallader, Jill, died Friday, April 19, 2002. Arrangements by Allen Funeral Home, Millbrook, (845) 677 9611. Cappillino, Eleanor and Edward, passed away.

Arrangements by Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home Highland, (845) 452 7700. Gannon Decker, Kathleen, 50, of Hyde Park, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002. Arrangements by Joseph J. Dar row Sr. Funeral Home Hyde Park, (845) 229 0801 Hudson, Joseph, 77, of Stormville, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002.

Arrangements by Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Homes Hopewell Junc tion, (845) 221 9234. Kline, Ann Adeline, 87, a local resident since 1984 and formerly of Pen Argyl died Tuesday, Apr. 30, 2002. Arrangements by Straub Funeral Home, Inc.

(845) 297 2610. Klotzburger, Doris, died Monday, April 29, 2002. Arrangements by Copeland Funeral Home, (845) 255 1212. Lopez, Grace 80, of Rio Rancho, NM, died Friday, April 26, 2002. Arrangements by Vista Verde Memor ial Park and Mortuary, (505) 892 9920.

Nichols, Clarence 73, of New Paltz, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002. Arrangements by McHoul Funeral Home (845) 221 2000. Reeder Wilfred 59, of Wap pingers Falls, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002. Arrangements by Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Homes (845) 452 1680.

Russell, Robert Chandler, died Monday, April 29, 2002. Arrangements by Macy Son Funeral Directors, (503) 472 6151. Schlemmer, Beatrice 83, of Rhinebeck, died Tuesday, April 20, 2002. Arrangements by White Funeral Home, (845) 876 3193. Scotti, A.

Robert, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002. Arrangements by Scala and Roefaro Funeral Home (315) 733 6443. Hutchinson, Mellinee A. Larry, 83, of Poughkeepsie, died Saturday, Apr 27, 2002. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home, (845) 452 2894.

IN MEMORIAM BILL RYDER In Memory of our dear friend Bill Ryder who passed away April 26,2002. From all your friends at The Hut'. We will miss you dearly and you will not be forgotten. JAMES ALBERT SCHOFIELD JR Words cannot express our appreciation gratitude to many friends, family, co workers, neighbors for their acts of kindness, support, cards, flowers, gifts, phone calls during the recent loss of our Father Loved One THANK YOU, The Schofield Family Shirley Kelly In Loving Memory Of WILIJAM DICK DUNCAN Who left us 2 years ago today. We would not ask for miracles, but today just one would do.

To leave the door wide open you'd come walking through. Sister Ruth Family We all Miss You JL In Loving Memory Of 7 XT Jean Shaw rf 6 17 24 5 02 00 VUHEtaiV If tears could build a A stairway and memories dk vP a lane, I'd walk right Jy Jg up to Heaven and iL. bring you home again SM We Love and yB? Miss You tkr v. 1 Ta ij iuui iiumujiu vvdiici, yV im Son Jack Wile Irma, Xv IHrn vi iviicneijc, juiin anu jur raw Danny urn i Mellinee A. Larry Hutchinson Mother Mellinee A.

Larry Hutchinson, 83, of Poughkeepsie, died on Saturday, Apr. 27, 2002 at River Valley Health Care Center in Poughkeepsie Born on Oct. 12, 1919 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Solomon and Beulah Wise Larry Mrs. Hutchinson moved to Poughkeepsie from Daytona Beach, FTa. with her husband, the late Wilford "Red" Hutchinson, and family in 1954.

She was a retired private duty nurse and also worked as a nurse in the Poughkeepsie School District. A faithful member of the Beulah Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, she served in the Senior Choir and on the Usher's Board. Additionally, she was a dependable member of the Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club. Mrs. Hutchinson was a member of the Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs; and was a past president of the Hudson region.

A member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, she was a marshal for the Empire State. She was affiliated with the Imperial Court Daughters of Osiris and Chapter 70 of Daytona Beach, Fla. Her warmth and love will be fondly recalled by her daughter, Gwen A. Pearson of Poughkeepsie and three sons, Levurtus Larry of Poughkeepsie, Wilford "Joe" Hutchinson of Gainesville, Fla. and Samuel R.

Thomas of Philadelphia, Pa. Other survivors include thirteen grandchildren, "Jeanie" Pearson, Brenda "Cupid" Ringler, Nakia Burton, Wilford "Joe" Hutchinson, and Little Fox Larry, all of Poughkeepsie, Levurtus "Dino" Larry, Jr. of Ft Washington, Janeen Roberts of Atlanta, Jai Hutchinson of Gainesville, Mellinee Hutchinson of Raleigh, NC, Monique, Tamara and Crystal Rose and Sarnantha Thomas, all of Philadelphia, Pa; ten great one great great grandchild and other relatives and friends. Her faithful dog, Jerry, will also miss her. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Clarence, Roosevelt, Buster, Matthew, and Snook Larry, a sister, Pansy Thomas and a grandchild, Christopher John Thomas.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 3, from 10 11 a.m., in the Beulah Baptist Church, 92 Catherine Street, Poughkeepsie. The funeral will follow with the pastor. Rev. Jesse Bottoms, bringing the eulogy. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family.

Professional services entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home, 59 Mont gomery Street, Poughkeepsie. Eleanor and Edward Cappillino Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2002 at 10am at the Highland Cemetery. Arrangements by the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, 38 Main St, Highland. IN MEMORIAM In Loving Remembrance On Your 7th Anniversary in Heaven CARMELLA PANARELLO Sadly Missed Mom. Your Loving Family SCRIBNER STUART M.SCRIBNER 1996 2002 To You: A true friend in one's life is a blessing rare And one net found everywhere.

But my dream of a "Best Friend" was found to be true with you. And the best that the years can send. gg4 vjH Clarence 'Bud' Nichols NEW PALTZ Clarence "Bud" Nichols, 73, a three year resident of New Paltz and formerly a longtime resident of East Fishkill, died early Wednesday morning, May 1, 2002, at St Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. He was born on Sept 8, 1928 in Kingston, the son of Milton and Mabel Berringer Nichols. Bud was a 35 year ernployee of IBM, East Flshkill and retired in 1986.

He spent nine years in the New York Army National Guard. Bud joined the Lions Club in 1961 and held various positions over a 41 year span, including district governor of District 20 0. He attended St. Joseph's Church, New Paltz. He served four years as a Town Councilman for the Town of East Fishtail and was involved for 15 years with the Fast Flshkill Little League, holding every office including manager and umpire at one time or another.

Bud is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lorraine Nichols, who he married on Oct 14, 1950 in Kingston; his daughter, Denise Martino of New Paltz; "his sons, Paul of Albuquerque, NM, Jeffrey of Clayton, NC, William of Hopewell Junction, and Brian of Hopewell Junction; his sister, Doris Waga of Kingston; 18 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers. Calling hours will be held from 2 4 and 7 9 pm, Friday, at the McHoul Funeral Home 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, at 9:30 am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.

Interment will follow in St Denis Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Lions Foundation, PO. Box 8835, Albany NY 11208. Charles Titus Charles Titus, 75, a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, died Friday, April 26, 2002 at Vassar Brothers Hospital. Mr.

Titus was a sales clerk at Sun Wall Paint in Pough keepsie for several years and was a security guard at Vassar Brothers Hospital and later at the Executive Towers in Poughkeepsie. He was a member of St. Mary's Church, Poughkeepsie. Mr. Titus served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Born in White Plains on Aug. 9, 1926, he was the son of Frederick and Frances Powell Titus. Survivors include a sister, Mary Shirk of Poughkeepsie, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are 12noon to 1 pm, one hour before Mass, on Friday, at the Joseph J. Darrow Sr.

Funeral Home 39 S. Hamilton Street Poughkeepsie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 p.m., Friday, at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 269 Church Street Poughkeepsie. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery; Grace C.

Lopez RIO RANCHO, N.M. Grace C. Lopez, 80, a resident of Rio Rancho since 1997, coming to New Mexico from Hyde Park, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2002. Grace was born on October 7, 1921, the daughter of Edward and Julia Anger Eckert in the Bronx. She had been a Psychiatric Aide with the Hudson River State Hospital before retiring.

She was a member of the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church of Rio Rancho. She is survived by two daughters, Lynda Randall and her husband Jack of Rio Rancho; Julie Fraleigh and her husband John of Wappingers Falls; one sister, Eleanor Benson and her husband Frank of Dover Plains; three grandchildren, John Fraleigh, Jr, Virginia Savoie and husband Moe; and Christopher Fraleigh and his wife Sharon; and two great grandchildren, Joe and Molly. A Committal Service will be held on Saturay, May 4, 2002 at lp a.m. in Vista Verde Memorial Park, Rio Rancho, N.M. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mor tuary, Rio Rancho.

Is the happy thought you were my balVatOre husband and indeed my "Best Friend" yesterday, today and tomorrow. From Me In Memory Of My Son Craig Duva May 2, 1963 October 12, 1984 Always Thinking Of You Craig. 1 will never forget you I have held you in the palm of my hand Till in Heaven we're once more together for eternity neir more to part Love Ya, "Later" Mom Theresa Cimorelli Sculco The laiiiily of Theresa Cimorelli Sculco would like In Thank everyone for their thoughts support I hercsa's Children PAWLING Salvatore "Sal" Barrale, 49, owner of Dutchess Opticians, Pawling, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 9pm at the Horn and Thomes Funeral Home, 83 East Main Pawling A Funeral Service will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday evening at In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to the educa tional fund set up for his daughter. CARD OF THANKS Wilfred C.

Reeder, Sr. WAPPINGERS FALLS Wilfred C. Reeder, 59, of Wappingers Falls, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at St Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. An 18 year local resident he had pre viously resided in the Bronx. He was employed by Johnson Controls at IBM, East Fishkill.

He was of the Roman Catholic faith. Born in the Bronx on February 23, 1943, he was the son of Arthur and Sarah OTTaherty Reeder. On June 29, 1965 in Elton, Maryland, he married Mary E. Tully. Mrs.

Reeder survives at home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Maryellen Bova and her husband, Craig of Wappingers Falls; and Dawn Aurlana and her husband, John of Hopewell Junction; a son, Christopher Reeder of Wappingers Falls; and a sister, Ethel O'Brien of Connecticut He is also survived by his grandchildren, Corey, Danny, Patrick, Liam, Devin, Tyler and Ashley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Wilfred C. Reeder, Jr. on February 24, 19 and two brothers, Arthur Reeder, Jr.

and Thomas Reeder, 1995. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2002 from 5 9pm at the Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Home, Route 82, Hopewell Junction, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 3, 2002 at 9am at St Columba Church, Route 82, Hopewell Junction. Burial will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Jill Cadwallader STANFORD Jill Cadwallader, of the Town of Stanford, died Friday, April 19, 2002 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Born in Flushing on May 23, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Flora Cadwallader. Jill graduated from Clark University in Worcester, MA, with a degree in biology, then pursued a variety of jobs in the sciences, including positions at the New England Primate Research Center and the Bermuda Biological Station, where she co authored the book "Studies of Sargassum and the Sargassum For the past 16 years, she served as the public information officer at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook and as editor of the institute's newsletter. In addition, she was the Town of Stanford Planning Board secretary. Throughout her life, Jill gave tirelessly to many volunteer causes.

She served as a nurse's aide at various hospitals in the communites in which she lived and never hesitated to share talents as a tutor and mentor to children. At the time of her death, she was serving as a board member of the Mid Hudson Children's Museum as a trustee and recording secretary for the Stanford Free Library and as an EMT on the Stanford Rescue In addition to her professional and volunteer accomplishments, Jill pursued many personal interests throughout her life. She traveled extensively throughout Ecuador and had a boundless love of nature and compassion for animals. She was a lifelong learner and avid reader who enjoyed the Spanish language and culture, forensic science', roller coasters, ice skating, origami, and music of all sorts. Jill is survived by her brother, Richard Cadwallader and his wife, Carol of Wrentham, MA, many dear cousins, friends, and colleagues, and her beloved pets, Roja, Perrito, and McQueen.

Jill was a beloved sister, a trusted friend, and respected colleague whose passing leaves a great void in the community. Those who would like to celebrate her life are invited to a memorial service at 2 on Saturday, June 15, 2002 in the Gifford Garden at the Institute of Ecosytem Studies, Route 44 Millbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, the Rainforest Action Network, the Stanford Free Library, the Jill Cadwallader Memorial Fund for Children's Programs at the Institute of Ecosytem Studies, or any environmental organization of your choosing. Arrangements by Allen Funeral Home, Millbrook. Joseph Hudson STORMVILLE Joseph Hudson, 77, of Stormville, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at his home after a long illness.

He was employed as a Caretaker for the Eder Storrow Estate in Stormville for 44 years. He was a member of the Stormville Fire Department and the Masons, Poughkeepsie. He also belonged to the Mt Zion Baptist Church in Green haven. Born on December 11, 1924, in War renton, Georgia, he was the son of Joseph and Efvelyn Hall Hudson, Sr. He married Vernice Wilson in New York City on September 5, 1948.

Mrs. jHudson survives at home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jean Wright in Florida; a son and daughter in law, Larry and Barbara Green of Hopewell Junc tionn; seven sisters, one brother and" four grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2002 from 5 6pm at the Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Home, Rt.

82, Hopewell Junction. A Memorial Service will be be held at 6pm followirig the visitation at the funeral home. Burial will be private. Kathleen Gannon Decker HYDE PARK Kathleen Gannon Decekr, 50, a 47 year Hyde Park resident and formerly of Poughkeepsie, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002 at home. Mrs.

Gannon Decker was a social worker at the Astor Home in Poughkeepsie. She "was a councilwoman in the Second Ward in Ifyde Park and was a registered adult leader for Troop 37 for the Boys Scouts of America in Hyde Park. Bom in Poughkeepsie on Feb. 25, 1952, she was the daughter of William Gannon and the late Charlotte Ballien Gannon. Survivors include her father, William Gannon of Hyde Park; stepmother, Vera Hamilton Gannon of Hyde Park; daughter, Carrie Decker of Poughkeepsie; sons, Russell T.

Decker of San Francisco, CA, and Michael Decker of Hyde Park; a sister, Kelly Burch and her husband, Michael of Raleigh, NC; brothers and sisters in law, William and Joann Gannon of Salt Point, Robert and Eileen Gannon of Oldsmar, FL, Stephen and Eileen Gannon of Cary, NC, and Thomas and Peggy Gannon of Raleigh, NC; aunts, Mrs. Thomas O'Heam of Poughkeepsie and Mrs. Rita Robishaw of Poughkeepsie; several cousins, niece, and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Deborah, in 1957. Calling hours are 2 4 and 7 9 pm, Friday, at the Joseph J.

Darrow Sr. Funeral Homes Route 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will be held 10 am, Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Hyde Park. Irene Taft Irene Taft 78, of the City of Poughkeepsie, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002.

Mrs. Raft was the former secretary at IBM Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. She was a mem ber of the Reformed Church in Poughkeepsie. Bom in Brooklyn on July 26, 1923, she was the daughter of Albert and Florence MacDonald Hograf. She attended Brooklyn schools.

Survivors include a son, Charles J. Taft of Poughkeepsie; daughter, Margie Lofstrom of Franklyn, TN; and two grandchildren, Daniel and Geoff Lofstrom. There are no calling hours. Funeral services will be 10 Saturday, May 4, 2002 at Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 73 S. Hamilton Street Poughkeepsie, with Rev.

Bob Geehan officiating. Interment will be in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Reade Place, Poughkeepsie NY 12601. Samuel Audia MILLBROOK Samuel Audia, 89, a resident of Millbrook and Boca Raton, FTa; passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at St Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Mr.

Audia was founder of Audia Motors Sales, from 1947 until his retirement in 1980, but he remained active in the business until his death. Bom in Italy on October 9, 1912, he was the son of Peter and Rose Brunetti Audia. He married Mary Foglia of Brooklyn on October 26, 1946. She predeceased him on March 15, 1997. Mr.

Audia is survived by his three children, Rosemary Audia of New York City and Southampton; Robert and daughter in law, Shari of Millbrook; and Peter and daughter in law, Julie, also of Millbrook; six grandchildren, Renee Audia Kennedy of Poughkeepsie; Kristin and Matthew Audia of Millbrook; Mary, Natalie, and Olivia Audia of Millbrook. He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and John Audia and one sister, Teresa Setaro. Mr. Audia was a faithful member of St.

Joseph's Church of Millbrook; a member of the Knights of Columbus; Honorary member of the Millbrook Fire N.Y. State Auto Dealers and the National Auto Dealers Assoc. He was also an active member of General Motors Planning Committee. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 3, 2002 from 5 8pm at the Allen Funeral Home, Franklin Avenue, Millbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2002 at lpm at St Joseph's Church, North Avenue, Millbrook.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Millbrook. Memorial donations may be made in his name to St Joseph's Church or the Millbrook Rescue Squad. To sign our guestbook, visit our website at www parmeleallenfuneralhome.com. Beatrice M.

Schlemmer RHINEBECK Beatrice M. Schlemmer, 83, of Rhinebeck, formerly of the Town of Clinton and Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at Northern Dutchess Hospital after a brief illness. Mrs. Schlemmer has been an area resident since 1958. She was bom in New York City on December 8, 1918, the daughter of Eugene D.

Cooke and Catherine MUler Cooke. She was a. graduate of Julia Richman High School in New York City. She worked for Green's Department Store in New York City until moving to the Town of Clinton, and then worked for the Rhinebeck Central School District until her retirement Mrs. Schlemmer was a communicant of the Good Shepherd Church in Rhinebeck.

She was also a member and Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 429 in Rhinebeck, as well as a Life Member of the West Clinton Fire Company and a Charter Member of West Clinton Engine Company 2. "Bea" was one of the first female trained fire fighters in Dutchess County. Mrs. Schlemmer married Joseph A. Schlemmer, Sr.

on October 13, 1940. He passed away on September 19, 1998. She is survived by two sons, Joseph A. Schlemmer, Jr. of Tracy, Ca; and Lawrence Schlemmer of Red Hook.

In addition, she has five grandchildren, Joseph a. Schlemmer, III of Richmond, Ca; Suzanne Schlemmer of Tracy, Ca; Sandra Schlemmer of Sacramento, Ca; John and Eric Schlemmer of Red Hook. Also surviving is a sister, Grace Cooke Hamer of Staten Island. She was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters, Anna Cooke Coleman, John Cooke, Thomas Cooke, Eugene D. Cooke, Mary Cooke, Catherine Cooke Gall, Thomas Cooke and William J.

Cooke; and a grandson, Charles J. Schlemmer. Friends may call on Sunday, May 5, 2002 from 2 4 and 7 9 pm at the White Funeral Home, 91 E. Market Rhinebeck. Prayers will be offered at Legion Auxiliary will hold services at 7pm and the AV Clinton Fire Company will hold services at A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at on Monday, May 6, 2002 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, E.

Market St, Rhinebeck. The Rev. Jeffrey R. Galens will officiate. Interment will be in Rhinebeck Cemetery, Rhinebeck.

Memorial donations may be made in Bea's memory to the American Lung Association, 8 Mountain View Albany, NY 12205 9990. Arrangements are by Kenneth G. Giek, White Funeral Home, Rhinebeck. Robert Chandler Russell MCMINNVILLE, OR Robert Chandler Russell, 76, after many years of chronic illness, Bob found rest in the Lord on April 29, 2002. Bom in Battle Creek, Michigan on November 15, 1926, he grew up in Chicago in the suburb of Riverside.

He completed High School there. Mr. Russell joined the military to serve in World War II. He erved in the United States Navy aboard the battleship West Virginia. After discharge, he returned to live with his family in Illinois.

He attended Northwestern University until his family moved to Pacific Palisades, California in 1950. He graduated from Loyola University in Los Angeles in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in English literature. Bob taught school briefly before he began his own photography business. He married Eleanor McGann, a Poughkeepsie native on August 8, 1960 in New York. They lived in South em California, most recently North ridge, until they moved McMinnville, Oregon in 1996.

Bob was a devout Catholic, and both he and his family found much comfort in the depth of his faith during his extended illness. He played minor league baseball as a pitcher and had a life long love of photography. Bob spent time playing chess, had an avid interest in playing and listening to jazz music, and also enjoyed reading. His favorite authors were James Joyce and Father Thomas Merton. Bob was a member of the National Disabled Veterans Association and the Loyola University Alumni Association.

Survivors include his wife, Ellie; two daughters, Jean Gibson and husband Jim of Bellingham, Washington and Cary Doyle and husband Dave, of Corvallis, Oregon and seven grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Edwin and Mary RusseU. the Funeral Liturgy will be held at on Friday in St James Catholic Church in McMinnville. A Rosary will be held Thursday night at 7pm at Macy Son Funeral Directors, 135 N.E.

Evans St, McMinnville, OR. Public viewing is available Thursday afternoon from 4 also at Macy and son. Interment will be in Willamette Natioanl Cemetery, Portland. More Obituaries on Page 5B Pro labor priest George Higgins dies WASHINGTON Monsignor George Higgins, dubbed "the labor movement's priesf" for his longtime commitment to union causes, died Wednesday at 86. Higgins spent more than half a century as a staunch supporter of the labor movement and speaking out for social justice.

He served on committees and boards of several groups, including the United Auto Workers and the Bishops' Committee for Catholic Jewish Relations. In August 2000, Higgins received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Clinton. Higgins' death, in his hometown of La Grange Park, 111., was announced by Catholic University of America, where he earned a master's degree and a doctorate and where he had lectured. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington A funeral will be next week in Chicago. The Associated Press.