This year’s Old Dutch dinner will feature a buffet and dancing, plus the traditional singalong, sung since 1923. “I’m up for the buffet, but I don’t know about the dancing,” said the guest of honor.
Requiem for an undertaker
For generations, the Moylan mortuary family of Rosendale has been there for its neighbors. This week the community showed its appreciation and respect upon the death of George Moylan Jr., 61, son of the founder, George Sr.
George, a former deputy chief of the Bloomington Fire Department, died on Saturday after a long battle with lung cancer. His two-day wake at the family funeral home on Route 32 just north of the village was attended by hundreds of mourners, many of them uniformed volunteer firefighters from surrounding communities.
When we arrived shortly after calling hours began, lines were stretched out the doors. Firefighters, after placing flares in the road, took turns directing traffic in the freezing cold.
Inside, it took at least an hour to reach the bier where George reposed. His brother Bill (Moose) introduced his son, Michael, the latest member of the business. And so the tradition will continue.
Undertakers take a good deal of ribbing, “the last to let you down,” etc., but serve a vital function in time of need. They comfort the afflicted, and bring order and no small measure of peace in what for many are the worst of times.
George Moylan’s funeral services were conducted with dignity and grace. He would have had it no other way.
I think Hugh Reynolds is Ulster County’s best columnist/reporter. Mike Townshend is New Paltz’s best reporter. Why don’t Ulster Publishing reporters and columnists have their email addresses listed?
That’s a good question! Until I come up with an answer, Hugh can be reached at [email protected]; Mike care of [email protected] – Dan Barton, Kingston Times editor