Arthur D. Washington, II

Arthur ''Rooter'' D. Washington, II, 42, of Kingston, died Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Kingston Hospital, after a courageous battle with Sickle Cell. He was born April 17, 1970 in Kingston, the son of Betty Washington of Kingston and Arthur J. (Caroline) Washington of Kingston.

Rooter was a graduate of Kingston High School, class of 1989 and had been employed by Gateway Industries since June of 1998. He was an active and dedicated church member who had attended Pointe of Praise Family Life Center (formerly St. Clara COGIC). His current church family was at The Master's Touch located at 7 Sunset Ridge Road in New Paltz.

Rooter loved to laugh and was known to many as a jokester. He loved to shoot hoops, often participated in the scouting for food drives and was always willing to help those in need. He especially loved his family and really enjoyed the many, many family get-togethers.

In addition to his parents, Rooter is survived by his sister Dawn R. Washington, Riverdale, MD; brother Daniel T. Washington, Kingston; sister Tawana R. Washington, Kingston; brother Alonzo B. Gray, Kingston; sister Lashon R. (Keith) Blanch, Kingston; brother Jeremy S. King, Brooklyn; sister Janie E. Landerway, Kingston; brother James M. Landerway, Kingston; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will share memories with friends from 12:30-2pm at the Pointe of Praise Family Life Center. The Homegoing Service will be 2pm; Pastor Chris Williams, Eulogist, and Superintendent James Childs will preside.

The family suggests contributions be made to the Rooter Sickle Cell Awareness Fund, c/o PO Box 383, Port Ewen, NY 12466 in lieu of flowers. This fund is established to increase the awareness of sickle cell in the local area.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Eric Keyser, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston. Light a candle in memory of Rooter at www.KeyserFuneralService.com