Obituary: Ghazi Y. Khankan

People who knew Ghazi Y. Khankan will always remember his velvety voice, his silvery white hair, his unmitigated commitment to justice in Palestine and his vision for Muslim contribution to American society. A pioneer in broadcasting, he launched Arabesque radio in 1967 – the longest running radio Arab-issues radio program in America. His work with the late Dr. Mohammad T. Mehdi put Khankan at the forefront of political advancement for Arab and Muslim Americans.

A native of Syria, Khankan studied at the Lycee Francais, at Aleppo College, and at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He completed his education at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles in the fields of business administration and international relations (1954-1960). He was the director of the Organization of Arab Students in the U.S. and Canada (1960-1964), and is past president of the National Council on Islamic Affairs (NCIA).

Obituary: Clarissa (Chris) Watson 1918-2012

In a glowing review by critic Judith Crist of Clarissa Watson’s first book, The Fourth Stage of Gainsborough Brown, she stated, “The protagonist is my kind of female: a grown up gal with brains, charm, and attractive foibles – a flesh and blood sleuth who’s coincidentally a lady.” Clarissa Watson fit the description perfectly.

Author, art consultant and gallery director, Clarissa Watson of Glen Cove, Sassetot le Mauconduit, France, and formally of Upper Brookville, died on March 17, 2012 in Saint-Cloud, France, just three weeks short of her 94th birthday. She still had crime on her mind and was gathering ideas for the new book she was writing.

Obituary: Ann M. Herron

Ann M. Herron, 95, of East Meadow and Barefoot Bay, FL, died on Feb. 29, 2012. Mrs. Herron was a long time insurance agent and owned and operated Duggan Insurance Agency in Garden City. She was also an active member of St. Brigid’s RC Church in Westbury and was a member of its Columbiettes.

Obituary: Louis J. Lopez Sr.

Louis J. Lopez Sr., formerly of Carle Place, passed away on Feb. 14, 2012 at the age of 92. He is survived by his loving wife Marie E. Lopez; children, Louis Lopez Jr. and wife Ellen, Paula A. Lopez and partner Loyda Rivera, Lisa M. Kennedy and husband Jim, and Luanne Yakubosky and husband Marc; and grandchildren, Louis Lopez III, Mathew Lopez, Elysha Lopez, Eugeni Lopez, Kirill Lopez, Patrick R. Kennedy, Brian A. Kennedy, Michele Palardy and Douglas Palardy.

Obituary: Michael Papantoniou

Michael Papantoniou, born in Cyprus but formerly of Commack, passed away on December 3, 2011. This religious, loving, and courageous man moved his wife and seven children to America to protect them from the war and for them to have a better life. He was married to Helen Papantoniou for 59 years. Father to Tony, Bessy, Miltiadis, Maria, Gus, Chris and Tommy. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Obituary: Mary Rose Rado

Mary Rose Rado, 81 of Spring Hill, Florida, passed on Sept. 26, 2011. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony. Mary is survived by her children, Stephanie, Mark, Joseph A. Rado and Kristi Kellermann. She also leaves her nephew, Joel and niece, Dorothy Rado and nine grandchildren. Mary will be laid to rest with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Since Mary was a 32-year breast cancer survivor, her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to American Cancer Society. Arrangements were made by Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes, Spring Hill. Condolences may be made at www.brewerfuneral.com online obit (352-688-4991).

Obituary: Lilyan M. Schmitz

Lilyan M. Schmitz, of Westbury, died Aug. 24, 2011. Beloved wife of the late Bernard. Mother of Bernadette (Kenneth) Reilly. Grandmother of Bryan and James (Dinara) Herrick. Great-grandmother of James Herrick. Sister of Mae Arieto, Helen Marmion and the late Margaret Heins. Also survived by several nieces and a nephew. Arrangements were made by the Donohue Cecere Funeral Home, Westbury. Memorial Mass will be held Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope RC Church. Donations in Lilyan’s name may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Rd., Wilton, N.H. 03086.

Obituary: Lillian Jane Childs Connole

Lillian Jane Childs Connole of Argyle, TX, passed away Aug. 19, 2011. She was 56.

Lillian was born April 27, 1955, in Westbury, to Brice and Jean Childs. She was one of seven children. Lillian graduated from Westbury High School in 1973. She joined the United States Navy in 1974, and trained as a cryptologist (CTO), eventually obtaining the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. She was a Vietnam-era veteran, receiving medals for National Defense, Good Conduct, meritorious service commendation and foreign duty overseas commendation. She completed training in Orlando, FL, Navy A-schools in Pensacola, FL, and specialized training at Goodfellow AFB in Texas; she had subsequent tours of duty at the Pentagon and Naval Station, Rota, Spain where she was Honorably Discharged in 1979.

Obituary: Doris Prokopiak-Fichter

Doris Prokopiak-Fichter, daughter of the late Joseph and Wanda Prokopiak and sister of Eileen Kosik, passed away of cancer on June 22, 2011 at age 68. Wife of the late Richard. Mother of Arlene, Edward, Lea, Debra and the late David. Grandmother of Aiden and Avery. Burial was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram.

Obituary: John Joseph Kennelly

The Hon. John Joseph Kennelly, of Mattituck, died on June 25, 2011. He was born April 11, 1923 in Brooklyn. He is survived by his children, Katherine Butler of Collingswood, NJ; Teresa Kennelly of Hillsborough, NJ; Loretta Prizzi of Greensburgh, PA; Roseanne Karmel of Tom’s River, NJ; Thomas Kennelly of Kokomo, IN; Mathew Kennelly of Ridge, NY; John Kennelly of East Rockaway, Nora Scaglione of Tonawanda, NY; Martha Kennelly of Mattituck; and Paul Kennelly of Tom’s River, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife Katherine and his son Peter. His wife Katherine died in 2007, they were married for 58 years.