Jordan "Jae" Jones Is Mourned By The Hudson Valley Community

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When Jordan “Jae” Jones went missing, therapists and friends of his family began spreading the news. According to the information passed in the social media grapevine, Jordan was on the autism spectrum (Aspbergers), was 20 years old, always wore black, and had left his wallet and phone at home.

After days of being missing, Jordan was found deceased. His family posted on their private social media accounts to share intimately.

Jordan was active with The Art Effect. That organization shared the news publicly, to highlight Jordan’s accomplishments and to share information about his funeral: “It is with broken hearts that we share that Jordan ‘Jae’ Jones was found deceased. Jae was an incredible person and talented youth producer and this is a great loss for The Art Effect and our community. Today, the Trolley Barn Gallery will be closed to the public as we provide a safe place for our students and staff to gather and grieve together. 💔 If you are able, please consider making a donation to the family’s GoFundMe to help with funeral arrangements: https://gofund.me/cfb0b2ee”

You can read the sweet comments about Jordan on the GoFundMe page here.

Rene "Scout" Vivo Celebration Of Life/Funeral Details Shared By His Family For Beaconites

“Scout” Rene Vivo (left) pictured with his sister Iris Colon. This wolf flyer designed by his niece Selaine Garcia.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE / FUNERAL
FOR “SCOUT” RENE VIVO
Where: Libby’s Funeral Home, 55 Teller Avenue
When: Sunday, January 9, 2022
Time: 1-4pm and 6-8pm

I never expected to hold part of Rene’s passing of life in my hands. I did not know his family name, nor his neighborhood name until after he died. He was a resolute walker around Beacon - his trail-making keeping time with Beacon as I know it. Without him, without seeing him walking on a regular basis, Beacon would not be what it is.

If he were to disappear - to not be here - a number of things could have happened. Maybe he didn’t live here. Maybe he found a better life somewhere else. Maybe he moved. Maybe he got adopted by some government services somewhere.

But none of those things happened. Instead, the man most people knew as a vision met his end on the streets of Beacon, at the hands of another, in broad daylight on Christmas Day, when not very many people were out. Rumors started. I received a text from a friend days later, asking if I knew anything about a stabbing incident, and that the person may have been Native American. I had not heard, I texted the friend, and went about my unboxing of Xmas gifts. The next day, readers of A Little Beacon Blog wrote in to ask the same question.

I’m not really on Facebook. So any chatter, I had not seen. Sensing something was wrong, I put my coat on and started pounding the pavement. If this happened, I needed to speak to people who may have been familiar with who I thought this may have happened to, if what people were saying was true.

There was no update on the Beacon Police Department Facebook page at the time of ALBB’s original article’s publishing on 12/29/2021. They are newly unresponsive to emails from ALBB anyway, as they were told to direct all questions now to the City Administrator, Chris White, who is also unresponsive - upon his declaration to filter his media responses months ago. On 12/30/2021, the Beacon Police have since put an update on their Facebook saying they are investigating a stabbing on Christmas Day, and to send information to them. Meanwhile, they do have access to video footage from city-owned cameras on Main Street to help in their search.

Upon my inquires, I learned that those who saw Rene on a daily basis had not seen him for days. There were stories of a bottle. Of a knife. Of something happening during the day. And at night. While I was out, another person reached out with information for someone who knew the people who called 911 when they saw Rene laying on the ground in front of their house on South Brett Street.

That would be the last time neighbors saw Rene alive.

Rene had been stabbed, by what the Beacon Police were originally calling a homicide, Mayor Lee Kyriacou confirmed to the Mid Hudson News. But that article has since been deleted, and another one published on a different page that scrubs the Mayor’s name from confirming the situation. However, the article still resides as a shadow in Google search results (pictured below), and the Highlands Current refers to it in their original article.

The Highlands Current reached out to the Mayor for comment when they were writing their article, and reported that they didn’t receive a reply from him. That newspaper usually does receive replies from the Mayor’s Office.

So far, none of the bad news stories that happened in December 2021 are indexing in the search results on the Mid Hudson News website when one does a search for “Beacon.” This would be the train jumper, the bridge jumper, the missing young adult female, the spritely grandmother pedestrian killed by car turning left from Main Street to Teller Avenue, and Rene. Maybe their website is just wonky. It happens. However, the Mid Hudson News is also calling a recent suicide by train as a “trespasser,” when several Beaconites were standing next to him when he jumped. Three suicides that we know about happened in Beacon in December. And one murder.

Who Is “Scout” Rene Vivo”?

Upon publishing my first article of his passing, many people in the community were shook. Some who knew him deeply but did not know his name responded in disbelief. Sadness continued to spread. People who did have a relationship with him began sharing their stories on our social shares and article Comments. Some of those comments have been republished at the bottom of this article.

“Scout” Rene Vivo the man and the soul began emerging. He lived in the apartment complex of Forrestal Heights. He was a Marine. He was a Vietnam Veteran. His family reached out to ALBB. First his niece, Selaine Garcia of Beacon, and then his sister (Selaine’s mother) Iris Colon of Florida. Iris wrote in to say:

“My name is Iris. Rene was my brother. He has 3 sisters that live in the State of Florida! Rene also has nieces and nephews that live right in Beacon. My brother was a person that would help anyone in need, at any time. Rene was a caring, loving person . We are deeply saddened of has happened to him. My family and I are making arrangements which we will share possibly later today. We also will post a picture of my wonderful brother Rene! Thank you! The Vivo family🙏🙏🙏”

Selaine started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Rene’s funeral costs. The family closed the fundraiser after $10,708 was raised. Selaine wrote a note to all of the supporters:

“Good Morning. Today is January 1, 2022. I have been working sleeplessly towards the arrangements for Tio "Scout" Rene. Iris, Ginette (these are my uncles sisters) and I have been working closely with Joe the Funeral Director of Libby Funeral and Cremation Services. Joe has been extremely patient with each one of us in during our time of great pain. We would like to thank each and every one of you. All of you have generously contributed in making this happen. This has not been easy. We had no idea how expensive something like this could be. When making the page, we thought $5,000 would be enough. We quickly found out how wrong we were. We have met the required amount we need to execute the wishes of my uncle, so we are closing the donation part of the GoFundMe page. But, please continue to share your thoughts with me. As I type this to all of you I am crying. I haven't had a chance to grieve the loss of my uncle yet because of how busy I have been concerning these matters. But, Your messages have been a great source of comfort as I read of his walking and nodding. So much being said without even a word. You are allowing me to see my uncle's presence through each of your eyes. Please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”

Selaine identified Scout’s presence. Why he was important to so many. So respectful. So deep. You just knew it. If you take anything from this, it is how much people can effect people without even a word. Saying “hi” at the very least to everyone is very meaningful.

You’re Invited: The Celebration Of Life Ceremony For “Scout” Rene Vivo

The family of “Scout” Rene Vivo has shared the details of their brother and uncle to be Sunday, January 9, from 1-4pm and again from 6-8pm at Libby’s Funeral Home at 55 Teller Avenue (near Beacon Daily). His sister, Iris Colon, and her daughter (Rene’s niece) Selaine Garcia have connected with A Little Beacon Blog to help share the news.

Said Selaine in their GoFundMe page: “My Uncle was killed on Dec 25th 2021 in Beacon, New York. He was a Marine Veteran who was beloved in the Beacon Community and embraced our Taino culture. We would like to learn more from you how he touched you and your life. He was a quite gentle man. My family and I loved him dearly. We are devastated at the thought of how he may have spent his final moments. As we prepare for my uncles funeral arrangements we would like to invite all of you Beaconites to come and join us in celebrating his life and the love he shared with all of you.

Many people shared about their experiences with Rene on ALBB. One man, Raymond Clary (ZETUCKALA WASHASHA), shared the singing he used to do with Rene. His comment has been republished here as is, with his own punctuation to show emotion: “I also know Scout from powwows and living in Beacon. Just wanted you to know that i sing sometimes with Red Storm Drum and dance Troupe AT POWWOWS IN THE AREA. I have requested that a veterans song and honer song be songs for him. Also prayer and smoke on the wind for his journey. AHO KOLA (((( SORRY NO WORDS FOR GOOD BY )))))) SO GO EASY MY FRIEND”

ALBB connected Ray with the family, and Ray will be saying or singing a prayer at Rene’s Celebration of Life with no drum. He asks that no pictures be taken, as “they are sung as a thank you to the creator,” Ray said.

UPDATE 1/8/2022: The Highlands Current has since published a 2nd article, written by Jeff Simms that is both parts breakdown of what that newspaper has been able to learn, as well as reflection from Jeff’s sources. Said the newspaper’s editor, Chip Rowe, on Friday to newsletter subscribers: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”

According to the article, the Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request and was denied: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the Dec. 25 assault from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.”

The article points out that when the Beacon Police did make a statement 5 days after the stabbing, they did not include the victim’s name or that the stabbing was fatal. It was not until after Rene’s obituary was published by Libby Funeral Home that they confirmed to the Highlands Current on January 5 that Rene was the victim they were referring to.

The article goes on to provide a quote they were able to get from Beacon’s Police Chief Sands Frost acknowledging that little information has been provided. According to the article, no arrests have been “announced” as of Thursday 1/6/2022.

The article highlights reflections from Brenda Sims, co-owner of BJs with her mother, who employed Rene and valued him highly as a person and employee; and David Eberle, a Veteran and quiet philanthropist in the area.

Comments By Community Members About Rene

We are republishing some comments made at ALBB’s article, Instagram and Facebook, so they can be read quietly in one place. Do continue to make your comments wherever you would like.

Michelle Rivas·

Dear Iris, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. As you can see from the outpouring from the community, your brother was cared for here. We all knew him as a kind and gentle person. Rene was a regular visitor at the library and we will miss him.

Leah

Iris, I am terribly sorry to learn of Scout’s untimely passing. He was an amazing presence in Beacon. He would often come to my shop to buy sage, and I always through in extra. A gentle giant with an amazing caring soul. May you and your family know he was much loved by many. He was a peaceful soul and whenever you talking with him, you too, would be more at peace. May his kindness and loving soul be always in everyone’s hearts.
Leah,
Heart and Soul Apothecary

Mike Andrews

I can't imagine anyone stabbing a more gentle soul than Scout. Many years ago in really crappy weather, I offered him a ride. He refused. "Nah, man, I like to keep my feet on the ground. Have a great day!" From that moment on I never failed to beep and wave. I've met him many times in the decades since, and he always shook my hand and asked, "How's it going?" So very, very sad.

Lance formerly of Mail n Ship plus Beacon N.Y.

Rene was a good friend and like a brother to me he was always there anytime when you needed him , loved to help anyone in need he talked about one day saving up enough money to buy some land in the Midwest and turn it into a ranch. He loved his community, helped with mayor elections and watchdog groups. Our scout will truly be missed.

Rhonda

Rhonda (formerly Mail N Ship Plus) I met Rene 'Scout' Vivo a little over 20yrs ago. When he came into my family's business Mail N Ship Plus which was located on Main Street in Beacon. He was helping a friend who was running for the local election under the Green Party. From that point we formed a friendship that turned into him being like a brother. There is nothing that he wouldn't do for a person. He was the kindest person. He was a proud Vet & and very proud of his heritage. Always talked about how he wanted to live the ranch life. Our last indepth conversation over the summer he mention plans that involved him getting closer to that dream. He wanted to make sure he had the right phone numbers for me and my brother. I last saw him briefly a few days before the tragic incident and wished him Happy Holidays. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see him. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.

John Callahan, Well Known Gas Station Employee In Beacon, Has Passed

People who frequented the Sunoco gas station at 220 Main Street (near Homespun) got to know John Callahan, who was the cashier during different shifts. Other people may know John better in other capacities or employment situations, and ALBB welcomes those stories to be contributed here in the Comments.

According to those who knew him, a few weeks ago, John had a heart attack while driving, and hit parked cars while driving. According to those who knew him, it was his heart attack that was fatal. The Beacon Police have not responded to ALBB’s request for confirmation, but those who knew him shared these details.

According to those who knew him, his body remains in a morgue and has not been claimed yet by attempted contacts to any family. ALBB is seeking confirmation for this status, and welcomes any leads or developments. Please comment here or email to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.

Peace be with John Callahan.

Police Activity At Long Dock Reportedly Related To Person Who Jumped From Newburgh/Beacon Bridge On Wednesday

On Wednesday morning, while police activity increased for some neighborhoods related to the stabbing of Scout, people also saw police activity down at Long Dock along the Hudson River, where the kayak rental locker stack is, atop the boat load-in ramp area. The dock was marked off with yellow caution tape. Meanwhile, morning commuters on I-84 reported a traffic build-up on the Newburgh Beacon Bridge.

As first reported by Mid Hudson News, a person did jump from the the Newburgh Beacon Bridge from the north span side. According to someone familiar with the event, police do set up a catch location down the river to receive the person if a “talk down” does not work, where professionals will try to talk to the person contemplating jumping.

Mid Hudson News reported that the person did jump, and that their body was recovered by the Newburgh fire boat, who found the person in the river. The article states that the person was brought to the Beacon side of the river, and given to authorities.

ALBB has not confirmed which police entity was at Long Dock. There are several police entities that can patrol or serve Beacon, including the MTA Police, Dutchess County Sherriff’s Department and New York State Troopers.

ALBB Reminder: The Lenape people, who were native to this region, called the river Muhheakunnuk, The River that Runs Both Ways.

Quiet Man Rene Vivo "Scout" Stabbed On Or Near Main Street In Beacon - Died While Walking Towards Home

South Brett Street, where Scout succumbed to his injury.

UPDATE 12/30/2021: A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for Rene Vivo’s funeral costs by his family. His niece Selaine Garcia has invited the Beacon community to attend his funeral. More details are coming.

Rene Vivo (aka “Scout”) with his sister, Rene Vivo Colon, near his home in Beacon at Forrestal Heights.

Beacon was quiet on Christmas Day, as it usually is. Most shops were closed, and there were not very many walkers or drivers out, according to people who did venture out that day. Within the 3pm hour, the man known as Scout who wears khaki pants and outdoor gear every day, with a variation of a feather or feathers in his atire, was stabbed on or near Main Street in the vicinity of Feeds R Us and Max’s and Amacord, according to people familiar with the incident. After being stabbed, Scout apparently walked down South Brett Street, where he succumbed to his injury on the sidewalk in front of a home. Police were called when a neighbor saw him lying down, according to people familiar with what happened.

Mayor Kyriacou confirmed to Mid Hudson News that the Beacon Police are actively investigating the stabbing. According to the article, the police are treating it as a homicide. Over the past few days, police have been contacting businesses and residents seeking information on the alleged stabber. There are city-owned cameras located on Main Street that the police are able to use in investigations. Archiving data from those cameras is part of the budget of the Beacon Police Department.

According to people who knew him, Scout lived in Forrestal Heights, the tall apartment building located off 9D near the Loopers Plaza basketball court and Beacon Dental. Forrestal Heights is public senior housing run by the City of Beacon Housing Authority. According to a Beaconite, his name was Rene Vivo and he was 65 years old.

Scout was a Vietnam Veteran with the Marines. According to those who knew him, he had a clean record, followed similar walking patterns almost every day, and did laborer jobs now and again. According to those who knew him, he was a proud member of the Taíno people of Puerto Rico.

Neighbors on South Brett Street who saw him every day are shocked and saddened to learn of his death. The police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 845-831-4111.

If you know any history of Scout’s life, please share it here, to carry on his story, if he would like it told. ALBB is also seeking a photo of him. Most Beaconites have seen him for years and years, but may not have a photo to remember him by.

Quraan Smith Remembered In Poughkeepsie :: 16 Year Old "Gave A Beautiful Energy"

Quraan Smith, holding a basketball at Arlington High School.
Photo Credit: Screenshot of his family’s Go Fund Me Page created by a friend after his death.

My kids and I were at a Beacon Bears flag football game on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in the boiling hot 4pm sun at Memorial Park in Beacon. A press release from the Dutchess County Executive’s Office popped into my inbox, titled “Dutchess County Trauma Team Assisting Arlington Community Following Student Death.”

I didn’t know what they were talking about. I hadn’t read the Poughkeepsie Journal yet about how 16 year old Quraan Smith had been stabbed at around 9pm during a big fight after a big-kid football game on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Arlington High School the night before. As I Googled to find out what was going on, parents around me were talking about it as our boys threw the football, fighting for a successful pass.

Parents were shocked and so sad. “They have made an arrest,” someone said. “How do they know who it was?” another asked. “There were several eye-witnesses. People saw it. They watched it happen.”

And the articles came. Explaining what has been made public so far. Quraan had moved with his family from Poughkeepsie to attend Arlington High School. He wanted to go to the Arlington High School football game that night against Scarsdale High School. Her and Quraan’s mother, Na'tara Smith, re-arranged her schedule so that she could make that happen, according to his family’s Go Fund Me page created by a friend in response to the loss. At some point on Friday evening, a fight broke out, and at 9pm, Quraan was fatally stabbed.

Arlington High School on a map. Poughkeepsie is west, and Beacon is south west.
Photo Credit: Google Maps

An 18 year old named Nestor A. Ortiz-Ocampo of the City of Poughkeepsie has been charged with stabbing Quraan in the chest, according to the felony complaint as reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal. Nestor has so far been charged with first-degree manslaughter, a felony. He was arrested on Saturday and held on $400,000 bail. His court date is October 5, 2021 in LaGrange Town Court.

Nestor was a former student of Arlington High School, according to Arlington Superintendent David Moyer, but did not graduate, and has not been a student this year, according to reporting by the Poughkeepsie Journal. The Superintendent could not confirm why Nestor left the district.

Also according to the newspaper’s reporting, the police said that the two boys knew each other, and that it was an isolated incident. Events for Saturday and Sunday were canceled, said Arlington’s Superintendent.

In a statement, the Superintendent said "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends." Later, he is quoted to have said: "For the people that are associated with the family, the family and the people on the scene and all of that — it was very, very, very traumatic, difficult and painful," Moyer said. 'It is the type of thing that will never go away. It will be here forever. Nobody that was in any way associated with it will every forget it. It is just a tragedy."

Quraan Remembered In Vigil In Poughkeepsie At Waryas Park

Quraan Smith’s Grandmother, during his vigil in Poughkeepsie in Waryas Park.
Photo Credit: Seth Harrison. Screenshot of Poughkeepsie Journal.

Mi-Rose Smith, the 7 year old sister of Quaaran, was one of hundreds of people who attended the vigil held on Poughkeepsie’s waterfront at Waryas Park later that week on September 26, 2021. His mother, Na’tara Smith cried into the microphone while speaking during the vigil, while being supported physically and emotionally by friends.

Said Na’tara as reported in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "The youth, the children, the young adulthood ... you all have given me the strength each and every day," she said to crowd. "I've been feeling good despite what happened to my son. These young children are reaching out on their own ... these children have done an awesome job with supporting me and my family ... I tell you, they give me strength."

Quraan was not only remembered for being an athlete, but for his many traits. According to the education reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal, Katelyn Cordero, Quraan was known by his friends as Ronny James, a comedian who loved to dance and play sports. He was working on a clothing line after conversations with his father who discussed business with him during the Remote Learning season last year during school. His father found videos and the beginnings of the clothing line after his son’s death.

According to his father, Everton Smith, in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Coming from an urban community and a poverty-stricken community, he was a legend. He was one year away, he almost made it." Everton said, noting that his son had dreams to play Division I basketball or football on a full scholarship.

Everton continued: “I truly can't believe how many people from the community came. It wasn't even just his athleticism, it was just the person that he was. He was kind, respectful, sentimental. It was the energy that he reflected, when he walked in the room, he gave a beautiful energy."

Everton hoped that the kids would get the emotional support they needed, by saying: "This impacted the children's lives, it's not just that one person that's affected, it impacted the hundreds of children that are going to that school," he said. "Unfortunately, it doesn't just end with a burial. After that, the kids are going to need mental health (support). It's two victims, but all those kids, it's a pain you can't imagine."

Read more reflections from Quraan’s family and friends here.

Making A Will - It's Time - And It's OK To Talk About

During the beginning of the pandemic, at the end of March 2020, the topic of having a will, or estate plan, became serious. You probably have a will, but some people do not, Further, some married women I have come into contact with have thought that they did not need a will at all if they were married. Some married men have assumed that the will would be a joint document between the couple, yet who are two individuals.

Talking about a will is known to be hard, and people who have had parents pass away unexpectedly have spoken on the challenges of even locating the will. Maybe it’s buried beneath a marble tile in the sun-room, or maybe it’s under a floor board in the attic.

Transparency can help children know what to do to settle an estate, and it doesn’t need to be depressing, if parents lead the way by presenting it as preparation. During the writing of this article, and the scheduling of forcing myself to make a will, my own children were asking why I was talking about it. I let them know where to find the Death Binder of Passwords in my closet, which is 4” thick, and maybe it needs a new name, but will help them a lot when settling accounts when (if!) I die.

As a starting place when dealing with wills for this article, I started with family: my sister. She lived in Chicago at the time, and works for a law firm called Seyfarth Shaw, LLP as their Manager of Pro Bono & Philanthropy. She directed me to Caroline Manley, an Illinois-licensed attorney and the Executive Director at the Center for Disability & Elder Law in Chicago, IL.

Caroline answered a few questions about the basics in estate planning. Before diving in, you should know that Caroline includes this disclaimer: “This content for informational purposes only, and is not legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney licensed in their own state.”

Caroline takes it away below:

“Completing an estate plan is an important task. Like all legal matters, consulting with an attorney who is licensed in your state is very important. Laws differ between states, but the same basic concepts apply throughout the country.“

1. What happens if I do not have a will?

“Every state has intestate succession laws. These laws are the default rules for what happens if a person dies without an estate plan, and the laws have a hierarchy for who takes according to closest living relatives. Knowing your state's default plan is important, because it very well may NOT be who you would want to take, or might not be the best plan for you depending on your individual circumstances.”

2. Can't I just write a will myself?

“While most states allow you to write your own will without the assistance of an attorney, it is not recommended. Neither are online programs or templates where you will not get a plan that is specific to your individual circumstances. A lawyer will learn about your total assets and goals, and then explain the best estate planning tool. These tools may include a will, transfer on death instrument or deed, or trust. Having an experienced attorney help you is especially important for families with children under the age of 18 and for anyone who wants to leave their assets to a person with disabilities who receives, or is expected to need, public benefits.“

3. I'm especially worried about getting this taken care of because of COVID-19. Can I still find an attorney if I am under a shelter in place order?

“Yes! Most estate planning attorneys are small businesses or solo practitioners. You can get your estate plan completed AND help a small business. Attorneys can meet with you via phone or video conferencing in order to conduct your client interview. Once completed, the documents can be emailed to you for printing or sent in the mail. Your attorney will let you know specific requirements for how to execute the documents.”

Beacon City School District Superintendent (Grandfather To His Kids), Dr. Matt Landahl's Father Passes

On September 1, 2020, in between sending out correspondence to the Beacon school community about how the Beacon City School District will be opening an unprecedented hybrid learning program during the time of the pandemic, Beacon City School District Superintendent Matt Landahl shared via his Twitter that his father passed away.

Dr. Landahl, who prefers to be called Matt, has young children in the Beacon City School District, and is wearing both hats as a father and an educator. He stated in his message: “Rest in Power Paul Landahl. What an amazing dad, grandpa, and man! I feel so blessed to call him dad and can't believe he is gone. Our last conversation was about how he was so good at striking the balance between family and work. What a lovely man!”

Beacon's Long-Time Historian, Robert (Bob) J. Murphy, Passes From Cancer

Photo Credit: Diane Lapis

Last fall, Robert (Bob) J. Murphy was honored at the 2019 Beacon Historical Society’s Third Annual Beacons of History Awards, and by then, had retired his position of president of the Beacon Historical Society to longtime board member Diane Lapis. Bob Murphy had one of the deepest knowledge banks of Beacon in his mind, was usually surrounded by bound archives of newspapers and donated artifacts, is the author of two books about Beacon, and was the writer of the highly valuable monthly newsletter for members of the Beacon Historical Society.

On July 10, 2020, Bob Murphy passed away “after a courageous fight with cancer on July 10, 2020,” according to his sister, Diane Murphy, published on the Beacon Historical Society’s website.

Diane Lapis, president of the Beacon Historical Society, reflected on Bob’s many contributions to businesses, organizations and individuals who needed his connection points in a variety of projects in the July/August 2020 newsletter of the Beacon Historical Society:

“Without Bob, there wouldn’t be the strong sense of history that residents and visitors feel in this magnificent city of Beacon. Bob’s keen mind brought to the forefront the sense of time marching down Main Street, up Mt. Beacon and along the mighty Hudson. He did not discriminate in his topics of study and left no stone unturned. With a fresh eye and sharp wit, Bob examined social and cultural trends, religious institutions, schools, community organizations, buildings and monuments, and the people that built and made this city what it is today. His ability to ask questions, seek answers, and then write about it in a way that was engaging, eloquent, and humorous, made his readers always come back for more.

“Without Bob there would have been no books about the history of Beacon. Bob, alongside coauthor Denise VanBuren, wrote Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited showcasing over 500 photographs and engaging stories of Beacon’s past. Both books guided us to understand and appreciate our local history. A third volume, a compilation of Bob’s written work, will be published by year’s end. Without Bob, there would have been no monthly newsletters or blogs, filled with articles sweeping the gamut of ideas and events over 300 years since our city’s founding.”

Bob’s obituary, written by his sister Diane Murphy, is published on the Beacon Historical Society’s website and elsewhere, is also here.

---

Robert J. Murphy, son of the late Robert W. Murphy and Elizabeth Murphy, passed away after a courageous fight with cancer on July 10, 2020. Bob leaves behind five sisters, Barbara O’Leary, Beacon, Linda Murphy, Tivoli, Kathleen Zimmer, Queensbury, Maureen McInnis, South Glens Falls and Diane Murphy, Beacon. He was a wonderful uncle to fourteen nieces and nephews and all
their children.

A 1966 graduate of Beacon High School who earned his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and his Master’s Degree from the State University of New York at Albany, Bob served as president of the Beacon Historical Society (BHS) for 20 years (1998 – 2018). He wrote the popular BHS monthly newsletter for 38 years and co-authored two books, Historic Beacon and Beacon Revisited. He was working on his third book at the time of his death. He prepared dozens of presentations and contributed numerous articles about Beacon history throughout the decades. Bob was the recipient of the Dutchess County Historical Society’s prestigious “Dutchess Award,” recognizing his exceptional contributions as a local historian. In 2019 he was honored at the Beacon Historical Society’s Third Annual Beacons of History Awards.

He was an avid reader, writer, bread baker, photographer, gardener and woodworker. In his younger years, Bob was a talented baseball player and skater, who loved playing hockey beside his nephews. For the past 38 years, he and his sister, Diane, enjoyed daily walks and hikes to Mt. Beacon, Denning’s Point and other points around Beacon. He taught himself to develop negatives and made thousands of prints for the BHS archives.

A prolific gardener, he took pride in his tomato patch and more so in sharing his crop with friends and family. He was a self-taught carpenter and his benches, bookshelves and birds are scattered throughout the Valley. More recently, Bob’s carving resulted in a series of creative birds which he took pleasure in crafting
and sharing.

Bob and his great sense of humor and gentle, quiet ways will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Beacon Historical Society, PO Box 89, Beacon, NY 12508 or to St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Church, 2 Oak Street, Beacon, NY 12508.

A private Mass of Christian Burial followed by burial at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon will be held. A memorial service is planned for the future.

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.

During the pandemic, the Beacon Historical Society has stopped its regular in-person fundraising programming, which included ghost tours and visiting hours at the building on South Avenue which holds their collection. The society is still accepting donations of artifacts, as well as memberships and donations.

However, the society’s biggest fundraiser is still happening, albeit on Zoom, in November. And you have the opportunity to participate: The Beacon Historical Society is are holding their 4th Annual Beacons of History Award Fundraiser on November 5 at 7:00pm hosted on Zoom. They will be honoring the Alps Sweet Shop and the Coris Family (from Dutchess Manor). The Beacon Historical Society has already grown out of its new South Avenue location, and is seeking a Special Use Permit to move across town. Says Diane Lapis: “We will certainly need the extra money for moving and permits etc.”

Start your membership today (business or personal) or make a donation.

Very Much Loved Rita Lynn Baylis Spicer, Cashier At Key Food, Passes

Many of you knew Rita from Key Food Beacon, who was a caring cashier for many years who completed your day at Key Food. Our last interaction with her was just days before her passing when she offered to let our little one scan his snack out to check himself out. Rita was always caring like that. Always knew what the weather would be. Always could read the mood for the day.

Rita’s passing was sudden, and Key Food published words of loss for Rita on their Junior Zayed’s Instagram, and created a prayer note on the plastic dividers at checkout.

From Key Food:
”It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we must share the sad news of the sudden passing of our great friend and our loving sister Rita Baylis Spicer. She was a great cashier, a great coworker, a great friend and most importantly a great human being. Working at Key Food in Beacon for so many years, she was loved by all who worked with her through out the years and loved by the great community of Beacon. She became a friend to everyone who came to shop and she became one of our family members. Always greeting friends and customers with a wide big beautiful and unforgettable smile. We are still in shock and still in disbelief. Our thoughts and prayers are with her mom, sisters, daughters and all her family and loved ones. May you rest in paradise, WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!”

Stanley Lindwasser, Artist Who Lived In Beacon, Has Died At Age 73

Stanley Lindwasser

February 17, 1947-May 3, 2020
This obituary was written by Helen Crohn, Stanley’s wife.

Stanley (Stan) Lindwasser, a resident of Beacon for 4 years, died on May 3, 2020, in his home in Beacon, N.Y., of pulmonary fibrosis, with his wife and children nearby.

Stan was an extremely prolific painter for over 50 years; his last solo show was at Oak Vino in Beacon in 2019. His works, both large and small, were painted with acrylics on canvas. These works evoked in the viewer landscapes, sky, water, rocks, and mountains. He also showed locally with BeaconArts, and at the Rhinebeck Bank. Previously he exhibited at the Barrett Art Center and in SoHo, as well as Manhattan galleries and in New Jersey. Stan’s Artist Statement and career history are available at his website.

Stanley Lindwasser pictured in his artist studio, in preparation for Beacon Open Studios, 2019.
Photo Credit: Stanley Lindwasser

A native of Brooklyn, Stan lived there and in Forest Hills, N.Y., and Hoboken, N.J., until coming to the Hudson Valley with his wife, Helen Crohn. He loved the sunsets over the Hudson, the rock formations and the mountains surrounding the town, and used them for inspiration for his work and his peaceful surroundings. He loved collecting books and art objects from his travels.

Stan always said he wanted to continue painting as long as he was capable; he produced his last works in April 2020. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Aliza Benson, Jacob Lindwasser and Mike Lindwasser, and three grandchildren, Daniel, Joshua and Eden.

Editor’s Note

A personal note to Stanley’s obituary: I (Katie) first met Stanley when he walked into my office, formerly in the Telephone Building on Main Street, when it was under previous ownership. Stan was always so curious, and as he was out walking his dog, he came into the office to learn what it was all about.

Turns out, as a painter, he needed his website finished, and we do that at A Little Beacon Blog through the parent company, Katie James, Inc. I was given the pleasure of getting to know Stan and his wife Helen better through our client interactions. Helen, his biggest fan and manager, plugged him into Beacon with a feature in the Highlands Current, and the show at Oak Vino. When Stan’s artwork was on the walls there, it was one of the most warmly received exhibits.

Stan had a curious heart, and was always delighted by color, texture, people and opportunities. His painting started when he was a child, when he first dabbled in finger painting. I will miss him very much.

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The above paintings are selections of the many canvases completed by Stanley Lindwasser. View them all at his website.