CALLICOON – Remembrance and gratitude were the themes of this year’s Sullivan County Democrat Two-Man Better Ball Golf Tourney. An example of this was the ‘Dedication of the Flights’ that took place right before the outing on Friday, August 7. 

This dedication was the naming of the individual flights, honoring the men who started the tournament and past players who made an impact on the tourney. 

Mitchell Etess dedicated the first flight to his late brother Mark Etess. Ken Cohen dedicated the next two flights for Charlie Johnston and Marvin Newburg. And Fred Stabbert III dedicated the final three to Paul Zintel, Marty Passante, and his father, Fred Stabbert Jr. 

The emotional ceremony featured presenters sharing personal memories, highlighting how deeply the tribute mattered to them and why honoring these men remains vital to the tournament’s story.

Mark Etess Flight

Mitchell Etess has been a part of the Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tourney since its inception. 

In 1982 and 1982, the first two years, Mitchell and his late brother, Mark, won the tournies, which were played on their home course at the Big G, Grossingers.

Mitchell talked not only about his love for his brother, but his brother’s love of the game of golf.

Mark played in many golf tournaments far beyond the Democrat and was one of the best golfers in the area for many year.

“When he passed away, we buried Mark with his driver,” Mitchell said, a tribute to Mark’s enduring legacy as a champion golfer.

Charlie Johnston Flight

Ken Cohen said, “For those of you who didn’t know Charlie Johnston here goes,”

“CJ, as he was known, was a very good player. He twice won The Democrat, first with Terry Wolcott in the first Democrat played at The Villa Roma in 1989. Sixteen years later, CJ and I paired together and were victorious – the only time we played together.  I remember CJ making a huge birdie on No. 13 just when momentum was changing and he slammed the door. He was a big supporter of the Democrat, playing in the inaugural tournament in 1982.”

Marvin Newberg Flight

Ken Cohen said, “When it comes to the Democrat, Marvin embraced and supported it from the outset, setting the record for playing in 43 consecutive tournaments. He was the trusted bookkeeper for important Democrat business, which he handed over to me a few years ago. I know he would have liked to win it, but it wasn’t the reason he played. At the beginning, he enjoyed reuniting with his childhood friend Sam Hillman and the last few years playing with his son Ben. I believe he is still the oldest person to qualify for the Championship flight which he did a few years ago in his 70s. I played with Marvin one year and if it wasn’t for a freakin 40-foot bomb by Josh Goldstein, he might have got the elusive win.”

Paul Zintel Flight

Coach Paul Zintel passed away peacefully on November 5, 2021, at the age of 90

Born in Waymart, PA, Paul graduated from East Stroudsburg College where he would earn All -America Status as a soccer player.

Paul’s love of golf – and competing – led him to join Fred Stabbert Jr., publisher of the Sullivan County Democrat newspaper, in starting the Democrat Golf Tourney in 1982 at The Big G, Grossingers.

Marty Passante Flight

Marty Passante was  a longtime Callicoon resident who passed away on September 9, 2024 at the age of 88. Marty was an institution in the Sullivan County Catskills and will always be remembered for his entrepreneurial ability, big heart and big laugh. 

In 1989, when the Sullivan County Democrat Golf Tourney was looking for a new home, Marty opened the doors to his Country Club and the Democrat is proud to call Villa Roma home for the past 37 years.

Fred Stabbert Jr. Flight

If you lived in Sullivan County during the 1970s, 80s or 90s, chances are you knew Fred Stabbert Jr., publisher of the Sullivan County Democrat.

Fred didn’t like the game of golf – it was his passion. He attended the Master’s three times and several U.S. Opens, including Oak Hill in 1989.

“Fred and Paul would be incredibly impressed by what the Democrat has become today and it is my privilege to name a flight in his honor,” Fred Stabbert III said.