Obituary of Melissa Anne Chaney

Melissa Anne Chaney, of Vails Gate, NY passed away on June 30, 2023. She was 70 years old. Melissa was born on June 18, 1953, the daughter of the late Murray Friedwald and the late Estelle Friedwald, in Manhattan, NY. Her childhood was spent growing up in Yonkers, NY, graduating from Charles E. Gorton High School, Yonkers in 1971. Later on in her life she resumed schooling and attended several colleges. She graduated in 2001 from Orange Community College, Middletown, NY earning an Associate’s degree with a concentration in psychology. In 2005 she graduated from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY earning her Bachelors in Human Services with a concentration in Individual and Group Counseling. During her college studies and after graduation she pursued a career in human services. This involved working with different populations such as elderly nursing home residents, day habilitation for the mentally challenged and group homes for troubled youth. These varied experiences eventually culminated with her earning her CASAC-Level 2 license (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor), from which she worked for many fulfilling years as an addictions counselor. Melissa is survived by her sons Brian Chaney and Tommy Chaney of Vails Gate, her life partner Steven Golisch of Vails Gate, her sister Marsha Friedwald of Beacon and her nieces Samantha and Marissa. She was predeceased by her daughter, Natalie Chaney, who passed away in 1983. Memorial visitation will be Friday October 27 from 4-7pm at Hudson Valley Funeral Home Inc. 239 Quassaick Avenue New Windsor, NY Family contact phone numbers Tommy Chaney 845-391-4364 Steven Golisch 845-417-2192