Eddie McElduff (1961-2025)
Edward McElduff, 63, known as “Eddie Mac” to his family and friends, died May 18 at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born Nov. 7, 1961, at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, the son of Jerry and Anita McElduff, and raised in Beacon. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes High School and graduated from Beacon High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marist College and spent over 34 years at Pepsi-Cola of the Hudson Valley.
Eddie cheered for the Yankees, Giants, Knicks and Rangers, but if they weren’t playing, he rooted for any team representing the Empire State. A Beacon High School football alum known by many as “Mad Dog,” he later played in local softball leagues and coached Little League, Pop Warner, girls’ basketball and girls’ softball.
He lived his life with incredible spirit and joy, his family said. From Super Bowls and World Series games to concerts (including Taylor Swift) and golf tournaments, he never missed a moment to enjoy life, whether it was a weekend in Long Beach Island, a trip to Florida or Ireland or time spent in his all-time favorite place, Margaritaville. What truly set Eddie apart was his warmth, wit and gift for storytelling, his family said.
Eddie is survived by his children: Michael, Danielle, Aidan-Elizabeth and Lauren, as well as his sons- and daughter-in-law, Abdool, Michelle and Ricky, and his grandchildren, Nora, Audrey and Noah. He is also survived by his siblings, Jerry (Mary) and Maureen (Kevin).
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday (May 24) at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon, followed by a celebration of Eddie’s life at St. Rocco’s in Beacon following internment at St. Joachim’s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org).
Mike Sylvester (1962-2025)
Michael Anthony Sylvester, 62, a lifelong resident of Beacon, died May 20, of Bulbar ALS, with family members at his side.
He was born Sept. 28, 1962, the son of Catherine and Rudolph Sylvester. He worked for 33 years as a corrections officer while pursuing his passion for craftsmanship as co-owner of C&M Siding, a business he ran with his best friend, Robert “Chip” Haight.
Whether he was building decks on weekends or lending a hand to friends and neighbors, Mike was known for his work ethic, skill and willingness to help those he loved at the drop of a hat, his family said.
He was a life member of St. Rocco’s Italian Society in Beacon and cherished the traditions, friendships and community that came with it. During retirement, he found peace and joy at his favorite place — his campground and boat on Lake Sacandaga. Mike was known for his skill in the kitchen.
Along with his partner, Nicole Duquette, Mike is survived by his daughters, Gina Sylvester (Cory Vegeto) and Sara Sylvester (Tristan Daly); his sisters, Nancy Jones (Mark), Jeanne Sylvester, Julie DiGiaimo (Nick) and Patty McCarthy (Dan). He is also survived by his former wife, Jane Sylvester, and a grandchild expected later this year.
Family and friends will gather on Monday (May 26) from 3 to 7 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman St., in Beacon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim Church, 51 Leonard St., in Beacon.
Mary Jane Yanarella (1932-2025)
Mary Jane Yanarella, 93, died at her home on May 19, surrounded by family members.
She was born in Beacon on Jan. 3, 1932, the daughter of Edgar and Mary (Scott) Reilley. She grew up in Beacon and attended Mount St. Mary Academy in Newburgh and The School of Business Practice and Speech in New York City before starting her career at U.S. Rubber in Manhattan and the Texaco Research Center in Glenham. It was there that she met her future husband, Joe Yanarella, who died in 2009 after 54 years of marriage.
Mary Jane had a lengthy career in banking as a head teller and assistant manager at Fishkill National Bank in Beacon and later M&T Bank. She also worked briefly at the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union later in her career.
She was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon and enjoyed spending time at the Knights of Columbus in Beacon with her husband and friends like the Normans, Lewises, Thomases, Halls and many others.
Mary Jane is survived her children, Karen Yanarella, Kathy Hall (Jack), Marie Watson (Walter), Patty Murphy and Joe Yanarella (Maria) of Beacon; her grandchildren, Melissa Parkinson (Evan), Bridget and Annie Murphy, Andrew Watson (Leila Rozenman), John Joseph and Danny Watson, and Kyle Yanarella (Crystal) and Kristen Yanarella; and her great-grandchildren, Lily and Emma and a great-grandson due in June.
Her brother, Edgar Reilley, and her son-in-law, Mike Murphy (Patty), died earlier.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church on Monday (May 26) at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at St. Joachim’s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice (hvhospice.org).
