Preston E. Witherel

Preston E. Witherel, a longtime resident of Gardiner NY, passed away peacefully at home on December 24th. He was 83.

Preston was an Army Veteran earning the rank of Seargent. He was also a retired civil engineer for the State of New York working the night shift, and worked days as a contractor for many years. He attended Farmingdale State College before joining the military.

He enjoyed working with his hands, building and woodworking as hobbies, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with friends and family. One of his greatest joys was being outside.

Preston had difficulty sitting still, and enjoyed being a social person, looking forward to family gatherings and social events. He had nicknames for most of the people close to him, and loved to tell stories. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Catherine (Kathy) Witherel; His brother Bob Witherel (Bonnie) of Wallkill, NY; His son Glen E. Witherel (Sally) of Dingmans Ferry, PA; Step Children, Kathleen (Woody) McClintock of Wallkill, NY; Alan Terwilliger (Tammy) of Poland, ME; and Fred Terwilliger (Jeanie) of Elmira, NY. He is also survived by his niece Julie Moussot and nephew John Witherel, grand-children: Wesley, Madeleine, Nicole, Jessica, Tyler, Tori, Tanner, Amber, Pete; cousins and several great grand-children, as well as Tiny, his faithful K9 napping companion.

He is predeceased by his mother and father, Madeleine and Wesley Witherel of Wallkill, NY.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice for their wonderful care and kindness.

A viewing will be held Saturday January 3rd, from 1 to 4PM at Wallkill Funeral Home, 12 Bona Ventura Ave, Wallkill, NY 12589.

A service will take place at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a charity he supported for many years, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.