Francine M. Gress (82) died peacefully on August 28, 2020 at Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was born June 17, 1938 in Highland, the daughter of Frank and Philomina Altamari.
She was predeceased by her husband, Leo Gress and her brother, Albert Altamari. She is survived by her two children, Phyllis Pulichene Minnetto of Highland and Vincent Gress of Ellenville. She is survived by Auntie Anne Castano of Poughkeepsie who was like a sister to her and helped Francine tremendously throughout her illness. She is also survived by Aunt Delores Tillou, Aunt Kay Castano, her sister-in-law Judy Altamari, her nephew Jeff Altamari and Julie, Dominque and Tyler as well as other family and friends that she loved dearly.
Francine was a lifelong resident of Highland. She formerly worked at New Paltz College, Western Printing and Countess Mara. She enjoyed family gatherings, cooking, reading and she was a member of St Augustine’s Church and the Senior Citizens Club of Highland. We want to extend our sincere thanks to family and friends for all their love and support.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday September 2, 2020 at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main Street, Highland from 4 to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Church in Highland. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Face masks, social distancing with limited capacity will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, 1 Sunset Lane, Newburgh NY 12550 or St Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.