Obituary of James J. Mingst

James J. Mingst, a resident of Wappingers Falls, entered into rest Friday, December 27, 2013 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 66. Son of the late Thomas and Rose Baron Mingst, he was born November 11, 1947 in the Bronx. He married the love of his life, the former Susan Andriach on March 8, 1969 at St. Dominic's Church in the Bronx. Mrs. Mingst survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Jim most recently worked as an electrical engineer with Alstom in Lindenhurst, Long Island. He had previously worked for thirty years with NYPA and also at Indian Point for several years. He was proud of the fact that he helped to build numerous New York City landmarks including the original World Trade Center and Yankee Stadium in his early days as a sheet metal worked. He loved his work. Jim enjoyed things outdoors especially trips to the Grand Canyon often shared with his daughter, leading to his support of the National Parks. He was a golfer and enjoyed music. He was known to be a history buff and spent some of his free time playing solitaire. He was a devout Yankees fan and enjoyed watching sports. Jim loved his dogs. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. In addition his wife of forty-four years, he is survived by his son, Jamie Mingst and his wife, Jennifer of Peekskill; his daughter, Desiree Mingst of Wappingers Falls; his sisters, Nora Panza and Patricia Distasio; his grandson, Thomas and was eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the next grandchild; as well as several nieces and nephews including, Keith and Justin Ferreira, Danielle Watson and Nicole Mingst. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas. Family will receive their friends on Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano and Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 30 at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to the National Park Foundation, 1201 Eye Street NW, Suite 550B, Washington, DC 20005. To send the family a personal condolence or for directions, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.