Irene Mergl
Irene was born in January 1933 in New York Hospital to parents John and Vilma Hall who had emigrated through Ellis Island in 1927 from Czechoslovakia. They originally lived on East 73rd street but soon moved to East 71st Street only yards away from TJ Sokol New York. Irene was soon the eldest sister to Julia and Ann.
Irene attended grammar school at PS 82 and then Julia Richman High School. In 1955 she married Robert Gallagher and had two sons, Kevin and Thomas while living at First Avenue and 69th Street. Her strong Czechoslovak roots led naturally to joining TJ Sokol New York at an early age and she began her gymnastic experience. Irene became a member in 1963 and through the years held several offices including Vice President and Historian. After a divorce Irene married her soulmate Stanley in 1965. Together Irene and Stanley became a fixture in Sokol Hall and everything Sokol. Many a day and evening were spent there heavily involved in gymnastics and organizational meetings as well as up at Camp Sokol in East Haddam, Connecticut, and national and international gymnastic Slets.
Irene’s working career began at New York Hospital starting as a secretary to the Head Nurse of Pediatrics, to the Assistant to the Dean of Nursing and ended as Assistant to the Vice President of Nursing after a total of 33 years at the hospital.
Irene’s love of her Yorkville roots ran deep. She never liked hearing the neighborhood referred to as “the Upper East Side”. She passed along her knowledge and experience to her sons and she was the personal cheerleader for Kevin and Tom in their respective lives and careers. Family strength, traditions, the holidays and patriotism were instilled into her sons. Love of God, family, country and the Czechoslovakian heritage were very important to her.
Irene will be missed by all who knew her but especially her two sons, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Irene now joins Stanley, her sister Julia and her parents in Heaven. Thanks for everything Mom.
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IN MEMORY Nestor Benjamin Zapata Passed Jan 15, 2026 Born June 28,1932 Resided Nyc, NY Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on Jan 15, 2026 at age 93. Nestor was born to Nestor Zapata Sandoval and Anita Vinck on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. As a Child, He excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington H.S. IN Washington Heights, NYC. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an excellent ice skater that few PR's can do. Nestor met his 1st wife, Connie at a church dance. They married two years later and went on to have four children, Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many Grandchildren as well Great-Grandchildren He later met his current wife, Grace and married Nov 5, 1999. They loved going to meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety. As well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway. Seeing Hamilton twice! They acquired an incredible taste for NYC Cuisine. In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, also staying active in AA & holding various roles at the church. He also will be remembered for umpiring little league on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which He shared with those who surrounded him.
Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”