Athena H. Groelle

Athena H. Groelle HURLEY- Athena H. Groelle, 75, of Hurley, passed away at the Kingston Hospital on June 7, 2011 after a long illness. Born in Kingston July 6, 1935 she was a daughter of the late Winfred and Helen Sheeley Snyder. Athena spent most of her life in Hurley, serving as the first female justice of that town for 23 years before illness forced her retirement. She considered her years of service as Hurley Town Justice as the greatest honor of her life. Prior to her election as Justice, Athena served as court clerk for many years. She was also employed as a clerk for the town of Hurley Assessor's office. Athena was a member of the Hurley Reformed Church, the Hurley Republican Club, the Hurley Service Club and in her youth was active in the Grange. She was a member of the Ulster County Magistrates Association and served as its president in 1988. She was one of the first women firefighters admitted into the Hurley Fire Department and was a member of that department's Ladies Auxiliary. Athena was honored as Grand Marshal of the Town of Hurley Memorial Day Parade in 2008. Besides her husband Eugene whom she married on Sept. 22, 1956, Athena is survived by a daughter, Cindy Sumerano and her husband Dino of Hurley, a son Rodney Groelle of Hurley; a sister, Florence Decker and her husband Irwin of Md..; a brother, Richard Snyder and his wife Patricia of Pa.; grandchildren, Daniela, Lia and Alissa Sumerano, Daniel Murray and Christopher Groelle. A sister-in-law, Joan Snyder of Hurley. Several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert W. Snyder. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Henry J. Bruck Funeral Home, 261 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. on Sunday 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will he held 3 p.m. Monday at the Hurley Reformed Church. Burial will follow in the Hurley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Athena's memory be made to the Hurley Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 181, Hurley, N.Y. 12443.