William Mielke

William A. Mielke, owner of New Vernon Flower Shop in New Vernon, NY and longtime resident of the area, died Thursday February 14, 2013 at Orange Regional Medical Center. He was 79. The son of the late Willy and Anna Abele Mielke, he was born January 13, 1934 in Huntington, NY. Bill was a veteran of the US NAVY, where he served two years of active duty followed by 22 years in the the Naval Reserves. After leaving the Navy, he returned to New Vernon Florist to continue in the business that he helped his parents start in 1950. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and participated in numerous Empire State Games with the Middletown Pistol Club. He was a member of the Middletown Pistol and Rifle Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Survivors include his wife: Carol Mielke at home; his six children: David Thomas Mielke & his wife Kathleen of Watertown, NY; Susan Kirby & her husband David of Zionsville, PA; William Mielke Jr. & his wife Pam of Marathon, NY; Arlene Kowalczik and her husband Mark of New Vernon, NY; Gerald Mielke & his wife Gina of Otisville, NY and Robert Mielke of New Vernon, NY. He is further survived by his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; his brother Paul Mielke of the state of Florida; his nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Friday February 22, 2013 at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. 72 West Main Street Middletown. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Saturday February 23, 2013 at Holy Name Church in Otisville, NY. Burial will be in Holy Name Cemetery at the convenience of the family.