Obituary of Dorothy A. Como

PRESTON HOLLOW- Dorothy "Dottie" Como passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at home after a brief illness. She was born in Yonkers on August 19, 1943 to the late Paul and Mildred Danisher Siegert. Dottie graduated Magna Cum Laude from both Mercy College with a degree in Behavioral Science and Long Island University where she received a Masters degree in Community Health and Mental Health Planning. While pursuing her degrees, Dottie became an activist for the improvement of health and mental health care. In furtherance of this goal she served on numerous health related boards and committees including the board of directors of the Hudson Valley Health Systems Agency, Westchester Health Planning Council for which she served three terms as president, and the Westchester Community Health Plan. She was a member of U.S. Congressman Richard Ottinger's Special Task Force on Health and Mental Health Issues and was a member of U.S. Congressman Benjamin Gillman's Health Advisory Committee. The World Federation for Mental Health, based in Vancouver British Columbia, appointed her as their representative to the United Nations where she served on the U. N. Geriatric Committee, U. N. Committee on the International Year of the Disabled, and UNICEF Children's Committee. Dottie was a moderator, panelist, and key note speaker for various conferences, seminars, and workshops including those held by the American Health Planning Association, American Psychiatric Association, the National Self-Help Clearing House, and the American Orthopsychiatric Association. At a conference held in Westchester County, dedicated to identifying and coordinating local health and mental health services, she met her husband Sergeant Joseph "Skip" Como who was representing the Emergency Services Unit of the Yonkers Police Department. After Skip's retirement, he and Dottie moved to their home in Preston Hollow and opened the Antique Center of Preston Hollow. Later they would open the Preston Hollow Inn, Creekside Antiques, and the Creekside Flea Market. Dottie also wrote the "Preston Hollow Highlights" column for the Greenville Local, The Greene County Local Courier, The Greenville Press, and The Greenville Pioneer. She is survived by her twin brother Paul Siegert (Kyong), sister Deborah Manning, and seven nieces and nephews. Dottie was predeceased by her parents and husband. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be Saturday, January 7 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial in Potter Hollow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tri-Village Fire Company, Bayard Elsbree Park, or the Preston Hollow Beautification Committee. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.