Dustin John Folkes, a lifelong local area resident, passed away from a recent illness on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 51.
Dustin was born in Cortlandt Manor on November 17, 1969. Raised in Beacon, he attended local schools and graduated from Beacon High School.
In 1998, he formed his company as its sole employee with only one truck. He learned his trade as a teenager while being mentored by his grandfather, and then Dustin became a mentor for his children. After years of hard work and dedication, Dustin developed Folkes Home Services to become a successful local business employing over 30 people. He turned his dream of having a family run business into a reality and took pride in his business, and valued his employees and customers.
Dustin was a strong believer in supporting his community, and never missed an opportunity to help better the people around him. He also established relationships with other companies and made many connections as an active member of B.N.I. (Business Network International) and C.E.O. Warrior.

Dustin's hobbies included golfing, fishing, and playing cornhole. He loved to travel and go on vacation, especially visits to the beach. He enjoyed music of all genres, specifically 1980s rock music, which was his favorite. Dustin was the life of the party. He lived life to its fullest and did all he could to maintain a positive attitude and bring happiness to those around him.
On September 24, 2005, he married Heather Spear at Faith Assembly of God Church in Poughkeepsie. Heather survives at home in Wappingers Falls. Additional survivors include his children, Dustin Folkes, Jr., Tyler Folkes, and Nora Folkes; his sibling, Jamie Rosado; his aunt, Helen Degli-Angeli; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives & friends; and the family dog he loved, Ella. His wife and children were his biggest motivation, and his cheerful spirit will be missed by so many.
He was predeceased by his mother, Nora Marie Rosado; and his grandparents, Harry & Ann Degli-Angeli.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 15 at the funeral home, followed by interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
PLEASE NOTE: In compliance with NYS guidelines, social distancing and face masks will be required and capacity may be limited. All attendees should be prepared for potential extended waiting periods. All services will be available via livestream on the funeral home's website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Joshua Indorf Scholarship Fund, payable to Roy C. Ketcham High School, 99 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
For online tributes and livestreaming, you can visit Dustin's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.