Letter: A heartfelt thanks from Butch Langhorn

At this time, I would like to thank all that participated in the home going of my wife Linda Langhorn. From the time of diagnosis with Dr. Lowry at Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY to Dr. Marilyn McLaughlin and her staff in Riverhead. To Dana, Annette, Leitha and Morgan from East End Hospice and to all who took the time to visit, send cards, prepare meals and show all the signs of love, “THANKS.”

To Linda’s partners in the shop Laura Freeborn and Pat Hamill and to Jill Bowman, Bunny Swiatocha, Nan Smith, Roe Czulada, Marie Dunleavy, and sister-in-law Betty Harris, you guys were lifesavers. I could not have paid and got better service than I got. Joanne and John Leibold, owners of Bean & Bagel in Calverton sent bagels, pastries and coffee with all the trimmings every day for a week, and would never take a dime. Kindness like this is unheard of. Thank you both.

Denise Civiletti, special thanks for the article in the Aug. 4 edition of RiverheadLOCAL entitled “Where Everyone Knows Your Name.” Denise, you accurately described Kountry Kutters as a homey, comfortable, throw-back place, where customers came on a monthly basis to get all prettied up, felt comfortable enough to chill a little, laugh a little, even cry a little. Linda’s customers were loyal for anywhere between 15 to 20 years, some even longer.

My family and I can never begin to thank the 651 people whose names appeared in the visitors’ register at Tuthill’s Funeral Home. It was a testament to Linda for the many lives she touched. Even though Linda had requested in lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center or East End Hospice, she was surrounded by an abundance of floral arrangements, such a sight of beauty. To Eric Alexander and his staff at the Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home, your guidance, compassion and attention to detail eased our family’s grief.

The mass was a beautiful service, that was also well attended at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Riverhead. As Assistant to Sheriff Vincent F. DeMarco, I would be remiss if I did not extend my gratitude to the officers of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Despite the number of vehicles in the processional, the handling of the moving traffic was done with great precision. At Calverton National Cemetery, the line-up of the Sheriffs vehicles was done in great taste and respect. Only the Best! Thanks, guys.

Linda was a beautiful and blessed woman. By the attendance it showed that she was also loved by many people all over the county. What a tribute. My family and I will miss her tremendously.

With much love and appreciation,
James “Butch” Langhorn and Family
Calverton