Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services

12/08/2025

Ellen Jane Shapiro

E. Jane (Quinn) Shapiro of Sarasota, Florida, formerly from Pleasantville, New York, passed away on Sunday August 10, 2025 at the age of 76 years old.

She was born in Queens, New York on November 20, 1948 to John & Ellen (Sherry) Quinn and had two older brothers William and John, Jr. Jane met the love of her life, Dr. Felix Shapiro, while working together at a mental health clinic in Manhattan, New York. They were married on March 23, 1971 and moved to Pleasantville, NY where they raised two children, Matthew and Jennifer, and many beloved pets.

Jane was an avid cook, gardener, and community volunteer. She spent three years as a medical biller for her husband's private practice in Mt. Kisco, NY before retiring to Sarasota, Florida in 2011. In Florida, Jane was a member of the Sarasota Orchid Society and enjoyed her time tending to her many beautiful plants and spending time with family, friends. Jane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and Aunt.

She is survived by her children Matthew Shapiro and Jennifer O'Dea, granddaughters, Caitlin and Cecilia O'Dea, son-in-law Gerald O'Dea, niece Connie (Quinn) Harkinson and nephew Bill Quinn.

Jane will be remembered at her funeral service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY on August 19, 2025, at 10 a.m.

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11/08/2025

Shirley Ponzio

Shirley M. Ponzio of Titusville, Florida, formerly of Barefoot Bay, Florida and Wesley Hills NY passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025 at the age of 90. Shirley was born in Manhattan, NY to Joseph and Bessie Cuizio, she was the youngest of 11 children. She is survived by her sons John Ponzio (Laurie) and Anthony Ponzio (Lisa). Grandchildren Dominick W Ponzio (Melissa), Kristen Lewandowski (Adam), John Coughlin, Michael Coughlin, Daniel Coughlin, and Patrick Coughlin. Great grandchildren Olivia Ponzio, Nicholas Ponzio, Adaline Lewandowski, and Chelsea Lewandowski. She was predeceased by her husband Dominick G. Ponzio and her daughter Deborah Coughlin.

Services will be held on Wednesday August 20, 2025 from 12-1 at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home 72 East Main St., Elmsford, NY. Crypt-service will follow at 1:30 pm at Ferncliff Mausoleum Hartsdale, NY

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of St. Francis online at: https://reflectionslsc.org/donate/ or by mail to: 1250 Grumman Pl, Titusville, Florida 32780; or the American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en

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11/08/2025

Marion Carpenito Longo

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Marion Carpenito Longo, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Marion passed on August 9, 2025 at the age of 80.

Marion was born in White Plains, NY on December 19, 1944 to Mario and Thelma (Ignozzi) Carpenito.

Marion valued her friends and family above all else, holding them at the center of her life with unwavering love and devotion. Marion spent her earlier years raising her children, first in White Plains and then North Miami, Florida. She worked in Real Estate on Miami Beach for many years. Later, Marion was employed by Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom in the cosmetic and fragrance departments for over 30 years as she continued to reside between Westchester, New York and Hollywood, Florida with her long-time partner, Ralph Vaccarella.

Marion was considered glamorous by all who knew her. She took great pleasure in her beauty routine and was invariably enthusiastic regarding skincare and makeup. She made friends wherever she went and shared stories, love and laughter effortlessly.

Marion enjoyed dancing, long days at the beach, cooking her famous sauce that earned her the name "Sauce Boss", and spending time with the family and friends she so deeply loved.

Marion is survived by her 3 children, Josephine (John) Andreoni, Anthony (Nikki) Longo, Dia (Daniel) Iannarelli, her brother Marty Carpenito, sister Priscilla Trapani, five grandchildren (John, Toni, Anthony, Tyler and Ashley) and one great grandchild (Alaiya).

11/08/2025

Richard A. Calaman, Jr.

On August 11, 2025, Richard Allen Calaman Jr., affectionately known as "Duce," passed away peacefully at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on May 6, 1974, in Hammonton, New Jersey, Duce was the second of his name, a title he wore with pride. To his loved ones, he was not only Duce, but also “Dad” and “Grandpa”—or “G-Pop,” as he liked to call himself—roles he considered the greatest honors of his life.

Duce lived a life defined by strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. A man of quiet integrity and generous spirit, he was known for his selflessness—always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether during life’s most difficult challenges or its simplest moments—relocating homes, sharing a drink, or just talking things out—Duce was the one people could always count on.

He had a rare ability to truly analyze a situation, step into someone else’s shoes, and offer support not only with words, but with genuine intellect. Whether it was a family emergency, a moment of emotional need, or simply a tough day, Duce was the person people turned to. He didn’t just listen—he heard you.

Professionally, Duce dedicated many years to a successful career with Verizon, where he was known for his unmatched work ethic and a genuine desire to serve each customer with excellence. His colleagues respected him not just for his performance, but for the pride and passion he brought to his work.

Outside of work, Duce was a man of many interests and talents. He found joy and camaraderie in riding his motorcycle, collecting watches, and playing chess, pool, dominoes, darts, golf, fishing, and video games—you name it, he was always up for the challenge. Otherwise, he was at leisure spending time with family, cooking burgers, snacking on his favorite chips, and binge-watching Vikings, Forged in Fire, and other favorite shows on the Discovery and History channels, to name a few.

Through a great music selection of good vibes—always introducing someone to their next favorite song or just setting the perfect mood with his keen sense of humor—he knew how to turn an ordinary moment into something memorable.

Above all, his proudest and most meaningful accomplishments were his children. His love for them was limitless, and his legacy lives on in their strength, character, and love.

Duce is survived by his beloved children: Richard Allen Calaman III (Tre), Jaden Isaiah Calaman, Christian Joseph Calaman, and Jordynn Isabella Calaman; and by his cherished grandchildren, Amelia Rose Calaman and Kai Alexander Calaman. He is also survived by his devoted life partner, Sareoum Khim, whose love and support were a constant source of strength and companionship in his life until the very end.

He is lovingly remembered by his mother, Carmen Maria Rodriguez; his father, Richard Allen Calaman; his sister, Tanya Michelle Rodriguez; and his brother, Randy Lamont Calaman. Duce leaves behind a wide and loving circle of family and friends who will forever miss his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering presence.

Richard “Duce” Calaman Jr. lived a life of purpose, love, and dedication. His memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves us with one of his favorite verses:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

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09/08/2025

Marie "Mollie" McCarthy

Marie “Mollie” McCarthy

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies…. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her… Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:10,28, 31 NIV

Marie “Mollie” Walsh McCarthy passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday evening, August 8, 2025, at her longtime home in Hawthorne, NY. She was 96 years old. A much beloved teacher, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many, Mollie was born on July 31, 1929 in Dobbs Ferry, NY to the late John Francis and Marie Baker Walsh.

A 1946 graduate of Dobbs Ferry High School, where she served as art editor for the school yearbook, the Periauger, Mollie was also active in the science, Spanish and ushers clubs; the chorus, dramatic and glee clubs; the photography club and activities council. She was also a drum majorette and twirler. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1950, followed by a master’s degree in developmental and remedial reading from City College of the City University of New York in 1972.

Mollie worked as an elementary school teacher in the 1950s at Carrie Tompkins Elementary School in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, and then, in the 1970s and 1980s, was employed as an elementary school teacher and remedial reading specialist in the Pleasantville School District, Pleasantville, NY.

An avid traveler, Mollie, with her husband, Bill, and children, visited every state in the Union, camping across the country with their tent trailer in tow and stopping at many national parks and historic sites. Later, she and Bill would continue to satisfy their wanderlust by travelling to many nations around the world, among them Portugal, Ireland, Kenya, China, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Figi and Russia. By the time her husband passed away in 2004, they had set foot on six out of seven continents. She would later fulfill a lifelong dream with her daughter, Sue, and visit Egypt, one of her most favorite trips of all. She and Sue would also travel to numerous other places, even embarking on a Caribbean cruise together in 2024, when Mollie was 94.

When not gallivanting around the globe, Mollie enjoyed spending time at the family vacation house in Brant Lake, NY, or their winter home on Nettles Island, FL.

Throughout her life, Mollie fulfilled a dream she expressed many years ago in her high school yearbook as her life’s goal: “to win friends and influence people.” She excelled at this throughout her life, and became a great inspiration to all her family and the many people she won with her genuine warmth, kindness, and sincere interest, attention and dedication.

Mollie is survived by her brother, John F. “Jack” Walsh (wife, Caroline), her daughter, Susan McCarthy Palmer, sons William E. McCarthy (wife, Margaret) and Mark J. McCarthy (wife, Sarah), grandchildren Andrew McCarthy (fiancee Rachel), Meaghan McCarthy (husband Alex Flick), Pim McCarthy, Bruno McCarthy, and Agnes McCarthy; great grandchildren Madeleine and Will Flick, Chloe Sikirica (mother of Pim and Bruno), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son John D. McCarthy, husband William E. McCarthy,and son-in-law William B. Palmer.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Hawthorne Funeral Home, 21 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 170 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

Friends are welcome to make donations in Mollie’s honor to the St. Joseph’s Indian School (give.stjo.org) or the Hudson Headwaters Health Center, Chestertown, NY. (https://www.hhhn.org/support/)..

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08/08/2025

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07/08/2025

Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson, beloved son, brother and friend, passed on August 6th, 2025 at the age of 59.

Kyle was born on April 15, 1966 in White Plains, NY to Richard and Sondra Larson, and was raised in Valhalla, NY with his younger sister Kathy.

Kyle was afflicted with cerebral palsy, which put him on a special path in life that made him the remarkable man he became.

Kyle's disability required special schooling beginning at a young age, where he met several well-loved teachers and importantly a school bus driver, Doug, who shared his love of Jesus with Kyle, and assured Kyle that Jesus loved him too. This simple act created a trajectory that would guide Kyle's entire life and purpose.

Kyle worked hard to overcome the challenges of his CP and other afflictions. He was proud that his efforts allowed him to eventually mainstream into regular high school classes alongside his peers. Once that happened, there was no stopping him! Choosing a faith-centered education, Kyle went on to earn a Bachelor's in English & Journalism from The King's College in Briarcliff, NY, a Master's of Apologetics from Columbia Evangelical Seminary of Enumclaw, WA, and ultimately a Doctor of Ministry degree also from Columbia Evangelical. Along the way, he also acquired his Paralegal Certificate from the Westchester Community College, which allowed him to work with New York State in Disability Advocacy & Accessibility.

Kyle was a prolific author. He published two non-fiction books based on the defense of the Bible and the true Jesus of history. He also maintained various faith-centered newsletters, including his well-known "Kyle's Korner" series.

Kyle was an avid history buff, with particular interest in the US Civil War. He loved travel, and had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, Sweden, and the US West Coast to visit his family.

To know Kyle was to love him. Not just a highly intelligent man, he was also a kind and compassionate person. He deeply cared for his friends and family, and never failed to ask about others and their loved ones, keeping them constantly in his prayers. His individual chats with each of us will be missed.

Kyle's faith was strong and his devotion to our Lord was a shining example to the world of what God can accomplish and of His love for us.

Kyle is predeceased by his father Richard Larson and his Special Dad Jack O'Brien. He is survived by his mother Sondra Larson of Valhalla, his sister Katharine Feliciano (Rafael) of Bridgeport, CT.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you may also be where I am." John 14:1-3

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07/08/2025

Mario G. DeAngelo

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06/08/2025

Alex Garcia

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04/08/2025

JoAnn Riccio West

JoAnn Riccio West (Josephina Agnes Riccio West)

Born to Basile (James) Aloysius Riccio and Assunta (Sue) Montagnoli Riccio on the 12th day of March, 1931, she was raised in her beloved Elmsford, New York with her three brothers, Matthew Riccio, James Riccio and Francis (Frank) Riccio. JoAnn attended Elmsford schools and graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1948. After high school, she was a student at Bergen Junior College and then went on to work for the First National Bank.

On July 3, 1955 she married Henry (Hank) Watt West, Jr. and they had three children, Susan Rae, Daria Jean and Melissa Jo. They raised their family in Yorktown Heights, moving there from Elmsford in 1964. In the mid 1970's, JoAnn started working at Reader's Digest in the Sweepstakes Promotions Department. She enjoyed her time at "The Digest" before retiring in the early 1990's. After retirement, she worked part-time for Telemarking Concepts.

JoAnn always had a special place in her heart for her hometown and for her father's restaurant, Riccio's Cocktail Lounge, now Pete's Saloon in Elmsford. She has spent many events and dinners at Pete's reminiscing with her family and her friends.

She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings; her husband, Hank; and her daughter, Susan; and her lifelong friend, Eileen Moroney Quinn. She is survived by her daughter, Daria J. West Inganni, and her son in law, Andrea Inganni; her daughter, Melissa Andros and her son in law, David Andros; her grandchildren, Matthew Inganni, Hayley Andros and Bethany Andros, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.

JoAnn will be remembered as an incredible mother, grandmother (Nonna), cook and hostess. She will be sorely missed by those who have known her and loved her.

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04/08/2025

Jean Carpenter DeVos

Our dear mother, Jean Carpenter DeVos, passed away on July 31st, 2025 at the age of 96.

Jean was born on March 6, 1929 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, to Hildur and Charles Carpenter. She had a happy childhood in suburban Scarsdale, NY, playing with other children in their beautiful neighborhood, roaming the family’s backyard orchard, and dreaming up ways to torture her younger brother, Charles Jr., under the guise of performing “scientific experiments.” One of the highlights of her teenage years was a summer-long road trip with her parents and brother, during which they visited almost every state in the continental US.

Mom adored horses, and had a precocious ability to draw them in perfect proportion from the age of six, despite having no art training. At age 10 she decided that she wanted to write and illustrate her own horse books when she grew up. At age 82 she wrote a short autobiography for her 60th college reunion book, saying “Life doesn’t always turn out the way we plan, but hopefully we learn and grow during our journeys.” Mom did just that.

As a teenager, Jean volunteered at the White Plains Hospital, the Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. She was a camp counselor at Pocono Manor, in PA. As an adult she volunteered at the Children’s Outpatient Clinic at Grasslands Hospital in Valhalla, NY (now Westchester Medical Center), and was on the Board of Directors of the White Plains Mental Health Association.

She graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in art history from Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA (the closest she could get to a fine arts degree). She remained lifelong friends with many of her Wellesley buddies, exchanging newsy cards with them, visiting them, and joining them for mini-reunions. After Wellesley, she pursued graduate work at Harvard University where she met and married Marc DeVos, and had two daughters.

Her marriage ended seven years later and she raised her children on $75 a week, without a car. She found a centrally located apartment in Hartsdale, NY and the family walked everywhere. In Mom’s words “We were happy in those lean years, and I learned that I was capable of more than I had imagined.”

Jean joined the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY and was a member of the choir from 1960-1970. She taught nursery school there for two years, then worked part-time as a secretary at Midgley-Parks, Steinkamp & Britton Real Estate in Scarsdale for five years. In 1965 a friend got her a secretarial job at Reichhold Chemicals in White Plains, NY, where she worked for 23 years. She appreciated the 10-minute commute and the ability to get to her children quickly if needed. Her final employer was the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center Psychiatric Division in White Plains, NY, where she worked as secretary to the Director of the Children’s Division for a year and then as a transcriptionist in the Medical Records Office for six years. She enjoyed the office camaraderie and made good friends at both Reichhold and the hospital, creating wonderful parties to celebrate her co-workers’ birthdays, marriages and the births of their children. She put both daughters through college, and retired in 1995.

In 1974, Jean joined the New York Bible Students Church, an ecclesia of the International Bible Students Association. Jean made many friends while attending weekly, local Bible study groups as well as nationwide conventions, driving her fellow students to meetings on the East Coast and around the country. She had a thirst for knowledge and read their thick tomes copiously, her curious mind always seeking more spiritual truths. She was inspired, humbled, and grateful for the Bible Students’ teachings and companionship, and was baptized at their national convention in Albion, MI in the summer of 1980.

Our mother joined the Scarsdale-Hartsdale Newcomers’ Club after retirement, making new friends and enjoying classes and outings around Westchester County. She spent much of her retirement visiting her daughters at their homes in CT, brandishing pruning shears in our gardens as well as helping us to decorate our homes. She happily spent hours finding the perfect spot for each newly acquired piece of furniture or wall art. Her artistic nature was evident throughout her life, between decorating her apartment for Christmas on a shoestring, or writing perfect, tiny poems as clues to each and every exquisitely wrapped birthday and Christmas gift she ever gave us.

Both during her working years and especially once she had retired, Jean enjoyed many visits with her daughters or friends to the Bronx Zoo, the NY Botanical Garden, local nature centers, and the Pepsico sculpture gardens. She also got a big kick out of attending dog shows, in both Westchester County and northwestern Connecticut. In 2004, to celebrate her 75th birthday, Jean and her daughters took a bus tour of Great Britain, which was a memorable family trip.

Jean was a wonderful mother and friend; generous, kind, caring and always there for us, offering support and advice. She had many local friends from her various jobs as well as Bible Student friends around the country, and she corresponded with everyone. Her generosity to others, despite having little herself, was a life lesson for us. She drove friends all over Westchester and the Bronx to their doctors’ appointments, often taking them out for dinner and a movie afterwards. She was a stickler for proper grammar and helped the nurses and aides with their English and a smattering of Latin at the assisted living and memory care communities where she lived over her last six years. Carpe Diem, she’d tell them. Mom loved beauty in all its forms: art, architecture, classical music, and nature. She was extremely observant of the smallest detail, and would notice things that others often missed. It took forever to walk with her down the long, central hallway at Colebrook Village, because she insisted on stopping to admire the residents’ individual door decorations, exclaiming over each one. We are so grateful to have had her in our lives; she showed us how beauty and love can exist, no matter what the circumstances.

Jean was predeceased by her brother, Charles M. Carpenter II, and leaves behind daughters Jacqueline “Heidi” DeVos and Eva DeVos-Jaggs (Mike) as well as friends both old and new who loved her for her warmth and wit. She will be sorely missed.

Jean’s family wishes to thank the staff at the former One MacDonough Place in Middletown, CT, those at Colebrook Village in Hebron, CT, and the homecare hospice staff at Middlesex Health for their excellent care which gave her safety and happiness in her later years and comfort and peace in her final weeks.

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01/08/2025

Kayvan Khatibi

In Loving Memory of Kayvan Khatibi

Kayvan Khatibi, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend passed away suddenly at the age of 51. The first son of his family was an older brother not only to his siblings but to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Kayvan had the biggest heart. Not everyone always saw the depth of his love, but those that did knew how generously he gave it. He was a friend to many from all walks of life, a soul who connected effortlessly not only with people but with animals as well. His late dog, Pepper, was his best friend and constant companion. Their bond was unbreakable.

Creative and artistic, Kayvan had a unique way of seeing the world and expressing it. With his big brown eyes and warm presence, he lit up a room with humor and animated story telling. He had a gift for making people laugh, always delivering lines with perfect timing and a broad smile. A proud Yankee fan, he especially loved cheering for the team along side his dad, sharing a bond over the game that will always be remembered. Beneath his jokes was a heart that felt fiercely,

In his final moments, Kayvan was surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. Even in death, his generosity continues - Kayvan was a self-registered organ donor, and through that personal and powerful decision, he is now saving the lives of others. His light lives on in those he's helped. He leaves behind parents who cherished him, brothers and sisters who adored their big brother, nieces and nephews who looked up to their uncle, cousins who shared countless memories with him, and friends who will miss him beyond measure. Though words can never capture his full spirit, we remember him as a wonderful human being with a heart as big as his laugh - a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend and a soul we will carry with us always.

Memorial donations may be made to Paws Crossed Animal Rescue in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made at www.pawscrossedny.org/donating-in-memory-honor-of-someone

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