4-15-11
She was the daughter of Rodney Ryan of Canton, Ga., and was predeceased by her mother, Janis Murdock of Austell, Ga.
She and her parents were all formerly of Cooperstown.
Local survivors include an aunt, Nancy Murdock of Cooperstown; an uncle, Jerry Selan of Fly Creek, and cousins and was predeceased by her Aunt Phyllis Murdock Selan of Fly Creek. Also surviving are cousins David Hotaling of Hobart, Christine Watson of Mount Vision and Jessica Trong of Cooperstown, and their families.
She is also survived by a daughter, a son and two brothers in Georgia.
Memorial services were held in Powder Springs. Burial was planned in Fly Creek.
4-15-11
Born Aug. 11, 1941, in Buffalo, she was the daughter of William and Martha (Hashagen) Myers. After graduating from Frontier Central High School in Blasdell, she attended Alfred State University, which strengthened her life-long interest in reading and history.
Also at Alfred, she met Melvyn Zimmermann, and they were married on Sept. 19, 1964, in East Aurora.
Sandy loved gardening and was a longtime member of the Sherwood Forest Garden Club in Clifton Park.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Janet Zimmermann of Saratoga Springs; grandchildren Amanda and Ryan.
The funeral was Wednesday, April 13, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hartwick Seminary, with Pastor Paul Messner officiating.
Arrangements were with Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
4-15-11
Joanne was born in Fly Creek, Sept. 24, 1940, a daughter of Robert and Irene Patrick. She was raised in Fly Creek and Richfield Springs, living most of her life in Richfield Springs. She was married for a time to the late Hiram Ward Jr.
Survivors include her son, Wayne, and daughter-in-law Cathy Ward of Richfield Springs; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Jackie Ward of Ilion, daughter Robin and son-in-law Craig Wightman of Schuyler Lake; daughter Deirdre Ward and her companion Brad Goodman of Mohawk, and son William and daughter-in-law Barbara Ward of Richfield Springs. Also, 20 grandchildren, three brothers and a sister.
Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, April 14, in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs, with the Rev. Alan Miller, pastor of the Richfield Springs Bible Church, officiating. Interment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Richfield Springs. Calling hours are 5-8 p.m. Wednesday.
4-15-11
Born March 9, 1915, she was the eldest of 12 children (nine boys and three girls) born to Elial (Sr.) and Lula (Thompson) Weir.
She graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1932, then from the Knox School for Girls, where she studied business.
She married Charles Larsen and worked for many years for the Clark Estates as a secretary at Iroquois Farms, then as a payroll clerk at Bassett Hospital.
Doris was a member of the Rebekahs and was, for many years, treasurer of the Fly Creek Cemetery. During World War II, she volunteered as a nurse’s aide at Bassett. She had a life-long interest in family genealogy and especially enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends. She also loved to read and knit.
Survivors include her daughters, Joan (William) Armstrong of Pisgah Forest, N.C., and Connie (George) McCrea of Cooperstown; son-in-law David Wikoff of Davenport; eight grandchildren, Joanne (Brian) Armstrong-Yore, Cindy (Rick) Villareal, Susan (William) Martin, Karen McCrea, Katherine (Edward) Lightwood, Michael (Marie) McCrea, David (Carrie) Wikoff and Duane (Melissa) Wikoff.
In addition to 22 great-grandchildren, she is survived by one great-, great-grandchild; two brothers, Keith Douglas Weir and Carl Weir, and by many, many nieces and nephews.
Doris was predeceased by her husband, Charles, daughter Judith (“Judy”) Wikoff; brothers Donald, Dorrance, Elial Jr., Kenneth “Doc”, Dannie, Reuben and Leslie, and sisters Violet and Helen.
Funeral services were Tuesday, April 12, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, with The Rev. David Plank, rector, Grace Episcopal Church in Cherry Valley, officiating. Burial followed in the Fly Creek Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or to The Activities Fund, c/o Otsego Manor, 128 Phoenix Mills Crossroad, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are were with Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
4-15-11
Of Austrian and Yugolslavian descent, she was born March 15, 1926, in Somerset, Pa., one of 11 children of Frank C. and Sophie (Yuran) Gorence.
She spent most of her life in the Cooperstown area, where she was graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1944, and later the Knox School for Girls, in what is now The Otesaga.
Caroline married John Schemm, Jr. on Jan. 15, 1950, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church. They were married for almost 50 years until John died March 13, 1999.
For several years, Caroline worked for Clyde Becker at the National Commercial Bank & Trust Co., now Key Bank. She then worked for 17 years as a secretary in facilities management at Bassett Hospital.
She also worked for a time at Hartwick College as secretary to the Registrar.
Caroline was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Unit 7128 and the Native Daughters of Cooperstown. She was an avid fan of the Braves, Bills and Steelers.
Survivors include a son, John Schemm III and his wife, Diane, of Milford; a daughter, Louise Schemm Seaver and her husband, Brigham, of Cooperstown; grandson John Schemm IV of Milford; granddaughter Sara Huestis and her husband, Michael, and great-grandchildren Aidan, Matthew and Laila Huestis of Hartwick; grandson John Seaver of Middlefield; and grandson Robert Seaver and his wife, Kandis, and great-grandson, Cooper Seaver, of Austin, Texas.
Also three sisters, Louise Kubis of Schenevus, and Agnes Van Dyke and Gladys Davidson, both of Cooperstown; and many nieces and nephews, including Ken Zigon of Cherry Valley, who was with her when she died.
In addition to her husband, Caroline was predeceased by five sisters, Alice Ann Gurley, Mary G. Roberts, Ann M. Sugarick, Jennie Calhoun and Sophie D. Gus, and two brothers, Frank C. Gorence, Jr., and Charles Gorence.
The funeral service was Thursday, April 7, at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. A service of committal was planned at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.
Memorial contributions be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown NY 13326, or to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or to the VFW Auxiliary Unit 7128, c/o The Cooperstown Veterans Club, 60 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements were with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
3-18-11
Born July 23, 1922, to John and Edith (Utter) Seward of Wells Bridge, she graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1939. She married Ronald (Wort) VanWoert in 1942, and together they ran a dairy farm until 1960.
She and her husband also sold real estate together for several years. Ronald, who in addition worked for the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, died in 1992.
Catherine retired from the Meadows in 1985, having worked for the County as a nurse’s aide for over 18 years.
Surviving are her three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Catherine’s only brother, Wesley Seward, the father of New York State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, predeceased her in 2000.
Terry Ryan Mondore, 51
COOPERSTOWN – Terri Ryan Mondore, 51, a resident of Powder Springs, Ga., died unexpectedly on March 11, 2011. She was the daughter of Rodney Ryan of Canton, Ga., and was predeceased by her mother, Janis Murdock of Austell, Ga.
She and her parents were all formerly of Cooperstown.
Local survivors include an aunt, Nancy Murdock of Cooperstown; an uncle, Jerry Selan of Fly Creek, and cousins and was predeceased by her Aunt Phyllis Murdock Selan of Fly Creek. Also surviving are cousins David Hotaling of Hobart, Christine Watson of Mount Vision and Jessica Trong of Cooperstown, and their families.
She is also survived by a daughter, a son and two brothers in Georgia.
Memorial services were held in Powder Springs. Burial was planned in Fly Creek.
4-15-11
Sandra E. Zimmerman, 69
COOPERSTOWN – Sandra E. Zimmerman, of Walnut Street and formerly of Clifton Park and Burnt Hills, died unexpectedly Friday evening April 8, 2011, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 69.Born Aug. 11, 1941, in Buffalo, she was the daughter of William and Martha (Hashagen) Myers. After graduating from Frontier Central High School in Blasdell, she attended Alfred State University, which strengthened her life-long interest in reading and history.
Also at Alfred, she met Melvyn Zimmermann, and they were married on Sept. 19, 1964, in East Aurora.
Sandy loved gardening and was a longtime member of the Sherwood Forest Garden Club in Clifton Park.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Janet Zimmermann of Saratoga Springs; grandchildren Amanda and Ryan.
The funeral was Wednesday, April 13, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hartwick Seminary, with Pastor Paul Messner officiating.
Arrangements were with Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
4-15-11
Joanne Ward, 70, Richfield Springs
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Joanne Beverly (Patrick) Ward, age 70, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Bassett Hospital.Joanne was born in Fly Creek, Sept. 24, 1940, a daughter of Robert and Irene Patrick. She was raised in Fly Creek and Richfield Springs, living most of her life in Richfield Springs. She was married for a time to the late Hiram Ward Jr.
Survivors include her son, Wayne, and daughter-in-law Cathy Ward of Richfield Springs; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Jackie Ward of Ilion, daughter Robin and son-in-law Craig Wightman of Schuyler Lake; daughter Deirdre Ward and her companion Brad Goodman of Mohawk, and son William and daughter-in-law Barbara Ward of Richfield Springs. Also, 20 grandchildren, three brothers and a sister.
Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, April 14, in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs, with the Rev. Alan Miller, pastor of the Richfield Springs Bible Church, officiating. Interment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Richfield Springs. Calling hours are 5-8 p.m. Wednesday.
4-15-11
Doris M. Larsen, 96; Survivors Include 22 Great-Grandchildren
FLY CREEK – Doris M. Larsen, 96, who is survived by 22 great-grandchildren, died Friday, April 8, 2011 at Otsego Manor. Born March 9, 1915, she was the eldest of 12 children (nine boys and three girls) born to Elial (Sr.) and Lula (Thompson) Weir.
She graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1932, then from the Knox School for Girls, where she studied business.
She married Charles Larsen and worked for many years for the Clark Estates as a secretary at Iroquois Farms, then as a payroll clerk at Bassett Hospital.
Doris was a member of the Rebekahs and was, for many years, treasurer of the Fly Creek Cemetery. During World War II, she volunteered as a nurse’s aide at Bassett. She had a life-long interest in family genealogy and especially enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends. She also loved to read and knit.
Survivors include her daughters, Joan (William) Armstrong of Pisgah Forest, N.C., and Connie (George) McCrea of Cooperstown; son-in-law David Wikoff of Davenport; eight grandchildren, Joanne (Brian) Armstrong-Yore, Cindy (Rick) Villareal, Susan (William) Martin, Karen McCrea, Katherine (Edward) Lightwood, Michael (Marie) McCrea, David (Carrie) Wikoff and Duane (Melissa) Wikoff.
In addition to 22 great-grandchildren, she is survived by one great-, great-grandchild; two brothers, Keith Douglas Weir and Carl Weir, and by many, many nieces and nephews.
Doris was predeceased by her husband, Charles, daughter Judith (“Judy”) Wikoff; brothers Donald, Dorrance, Elial Jr., Kenneth “Doc”, Dannie, Reuben and Leslie, and sisters Violet and Helen.
Funeral services were Tuesday, April 12, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, with The Rev. David Plank, rector, Grace Episcopal Church in Cherry Valley, officiating. Burial followed in the Fly Creek Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or to The Activities Fund, c/o Otsego Manor, 128 Phoenix Mills Crossroad, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are were with Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
4-15-11
Caroline ‘Maude’ Schemm, 85; ‘Coal Miner’s,’ Native Daughter
COOPERSTOWN – Caroline “Maude” Schemm, a “coal miner’s daughter” who moved to Otsego County at age 2 when her father became ill, died Saturday April 2, 2011, at Otsego Manor. She was 85.Of Austrian and Yugolslavian descent, she was born March 15, 1926, in Somerset, Pa., one of 11 children of Frank C. and Sophie (Yuran) Gorence.
She spent most of her life in the Cooperstown area, where she was graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1944, and later the Knox School for Girls, in what is now The Otesaga.
Caroline married John Schemm, Jr. on Jan. 15, 1950, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church. They were married for almost 50 years until John died March 13, 1999.
For several years, Caroline worked for Clyde Becker at the National Commercial Bank & Trust Co., now Key Bank. She then worked for 17 years as a secretary in facilities management at Bassett Hospital.
She also worked for a time at Hartwick College as secretary to the Registrar.
Caroline was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Unit 7128 and the Native Daughters of Cooperstown. She was an avid fan of the Braves, Bills and Steelers.
Survivors include a son, John Schemm III and his wife, Diane, of Milford; a daughter, Louise Schemm Seaver and her husband, Brigham, of Cooperstown; grandson John Schemm IV of Milford; granddaughter Sara Huestis and her husband, Michael, and great-grandchildren Aidan, Matthew and Laila Huestis of Hartwick; grandson John Seaver of Middlefield; and grandson Robert Seaver and his wife, Kandis, and great-grandson, Cooper Seaver, of Austin, Texas.
Also three sisters, Louise Kubis of Schenevus, and Agnes Van Dyke and Gladys Davidson, both of Cooperstown; and many nieces and nephews, including Ken Zigon of Cherry Valley, who was with her when she died.
In addition to her husband, Caroline was predeceased by five sisters, Alice Ann Gurley, Mary G. Roberts, Ann M. Sugarick, Jennie Calhoun and Sophie D. Gus, and two brothers, Frank C. Gorence, Jr., and Charles Gorence.
The funeral service was Thursday, April 7, at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. A service of committal was planned at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.
Memorial contributions be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown NY 13326, or to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or to the VFW Auxiliary Unit 7128, c/o The Cooperstown Veterans Club, 60 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements were with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
3-18-11
Kitty VanWoert, 88; Farmed Where Dreams Park Is Today
MILFORD – Catherine J. “Kitty” VanWoert, (nee Seward), 88, who operated a farm with her husband that now is part of Cooperstown Dreams Park, died Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Otsego Manor, following a long illness.Born July 23, 1922, to John and Edith (Utter) Seward of Wells Bridge, she graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1939. She married Ronald (Wort) VanWoert in 1942, and together they ran a dairy farm until 1960.
She and her husband also sold real estate together for several years. Ronald, who in addition worked for the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, died in 1992.
Catherine retired from the Meadows in 1985, having worked for the County as a nurse’s aide for over 18 years.
Surviving are her three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Catherine’s only brother, Wesley Seward, the father of New York State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, predeceased her in 2000.
3-18-11
She was born on Jan. 29, 1907, in Oneonta, the daughter of John and Mary (Dolan) McGuinness.
After graduating from Oneonta High School in 1924, she attended Lowell Business School in Binghamton, before joining the D&H. On Nov. 15, 1930, she married Thomas M. McMoon at St. Mary’s Church, then on Grand Street.
Later, she was an office manager for the Farmers’ Home Administration. After retiring, Ruth worked for the Otsego County Soil Conservation District in Oneonta.
In addition to being a former member of the Oneonta Business Women’s Club and the Fox Hospital Auxiliary, she was a Girl Scout leader and an avid bridge player. Ruth was the oldest member of St. Mary’s Church and Rosary Society in Oneonta.
In addition to her husband of 58 years, she was predeceased by her siblings, May, Ann, Dorothy, Helen, Frank, Edwin, Chester, Stuart, Robert, Charles, Raymond, William and Edward; and two nephews, James and Jack McGuinness.
Surviving are a niece, Catherine (McGuinness) and Ray Gorsch of Arizona; a nephew, Edward and Ann Ryan of North Carolina; four great-nieces, Erin (McGuinness) Pashley, Bridget McGuinness, Regina (Reggie) McGuinness and Meghan McGuinness; one great-nephew, Michael McGuinness; two great-, great-nieces, Casey McGuinness and Amber Talbot; three great-, great-nephews, Thomas Talbot, Justin McGuinness and Jared Pashley, and numerous Godchildren.
At the age of 104, she still had her wit and sense of humor.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, at St. Mary’s. Interment will be in the spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cooperstown.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home; the family will be in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul c/o St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home
Ruth (McGuinness) McMoon, 104; One Of Oldest Otsego Countians; Outlived 13 Brothers, Sisters
ONEONTA – Ruth Elizabeth (McGuinness) McMoon, formerly secretary to the superintendent of the Delaware & Hudson’s Susquehanna Division, based here, died on March 13, 2011. She was 104.She was born on Jan. 29, 1907, in Oneonta, the daughter of John and Mary (Dolan) McGuinness.
After graduating from Oneonta High School in 1924, she attended Lowell Business School in Binghamton, before joining the D&H. On Nov. 15, 1930, she married Thomas M. McMoon at St. Mary’s Church, then on Grand Street.
Later, she was an office manager for the Farmers’ Home Administration. After retiring, Ruth worked for the Otsego County Soil Conservation District in Oneonta.
In addition to being a former member of the Oneonta Business Women’s Club and the Fox Hospital Auxiliary, she was a Girl Scout leader and an avid bridge player. Ruth was the oldest member of St. Mary’s Church and Rosary Society in Oneonta.
In addition to her husband of 58 years, she was predeceased by her siblings, May, Ann, Dorothy, Helen, Frank, Edwin, Chester, Stuart, Robert, Charles, Raymond, William and Edward; and two nephews, James and Jack McGuinness.
Surviving are a niece, Catherine (McGuinness) and Ray Gorsch of Arizona; a nephew, Edward and Ann Ryan of North Carolina; four great-nieces, Erin (McGuinness) Pashley, Bridget McGuinness, Regina (Reggie) McGuinness and Meghan McGuinness; one great-nephew, Michael McGuinness; two great-, great-nieces, Casey McGuinness and Amber Talbot; three great-, great-nephews, Thomas Talbot, Justin McGuinness and Jared Pashley, and numerous Godchildren.
At the age of 104, she still had her wit and sense of humor.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, at St. Mary’s. Interment will be in the spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cooperstown.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home; the family will be in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul c/o St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home
3-11-11
Charles W. St. George, Jr., 89
Charles W. St. George, Jr., who was active in town and church affairs in Auburn, Mass., passed away Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at Wesley Health Care Center, Saratoga Springs. He was 89.Local survivors include Karen L. Lemister of Cooperstown and her husband, Fred.
He was born on Nov. 20, 1921, in Worcester, Mass., the son of Charles W., Sr., and Olean (St. Denis) St. George. He was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade High School, attended the evening division of Worcester Junior College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute before moving to Auburn, where he lived for 43 years.
Charles was active in town affairs, serving on many committees. At the time of his retirement, he was deputy fire chief and the superintendent of the town Sewer Department.
He was active in the American Society of Metals and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and a charter member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
He was a lector, eucharistic minister, served as the pastor’s representative on the parish council and was the chairman of the church property committee for many years at St. Joseph’s Church in Greenfield Center.
Charles was a member of the John Cardinal Wright Assembly Knights of Columbus #4158 Third Degree and a charter member of the John Cardinal Wright Assembly Knights of Columbus #4158 Fourth Degree.
In addition to his daughter and son-in-law, survivors include his wife of 65 years, Margaret G. (Rosseel) St. George of Saratoga Springs; two other daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral and burial were in Auburn.
3-11-11
Elisabeth Farrell, 75; Wife Of Bassett Ophthalmologist
Elisabeth (Ann) Lambert Farrell, formerly of Cooperstown, died unexpectedly on Dec. 24, 2010, in Madison, Wis.She was the wife of Thomas A. Farrell, M.D., chief of ophthalmology at Bassett Hospital. They resided in Cooperstown from 1970 to 1983.
The only child of Russell Wharton Lambert and Mary Elizabeth Oyler, she was born on Sept. 18, 1935, in Cherry Valley, Ill. Her youth was spent in various towns in northern Illinois where her minister father was assigned to Methodist churches in the Rock River Conference.
After graduating from New Trier High School in 1953, she attended Duke University, later transferring to Syracuse University and graduating in 1957 with honors in journalism. There, she met her future husband, Thomas Adam Farrell, and they married in 1958 in her father’s church, then in Buffalo.
They made homes in 11 places: Montreal, Buffalo, Pensacola, Okinawa (and Japan), Hawaii, Brunswick (Maine), Marblehead (Mass.), Cooperstown (NY), Philadelphia, Iowa City and Madison, Wisc.
Each offered a palette of opportunities for her and spanned her husband’s medical training, military service as a Navy flight surgeon, and career in academic ophthalmology.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, a daughter, Kim, in Vashon, Wash., and a son, Adam, in New Providence, N.J.
3-4-11
Douglas A. Murphy, 75; Placed In First Clinton Regatta
ONEONTA – Douglas A. Murphy, 75, an electrician/plumber who canoed in the first General Clinton Regatta, in 1964, placing third, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 at the Fox Nursing Home. Born Nov. 21, 1935 in Gilbertsville, he was the son of the late Arthur and Marjorie (Douglas) Murphy. He married Marion J. (Hoffman) on Dec. 24, 1954 in Oneonta.
He was in the National Guard, and worked at Scintilla (Bendix) in Sidney for 21 years and also on the family farm in Treadwell.
The family moved to Norwich, where Doug worked for Simmonds Precision. Back in Oneonta, he worked for the Oneonta Job Corps as an electrician. Joining Oneonta High School’s maintenance department, he continued his own plumbing/heating business on the side.
He was an outdoorsman, loved mountain climbing, hunting, gardening, hiking trails and canoeing. He was active in the Boy Scouts and a member of the River Street Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, survivors include his daughter, Barbara Jean Perkins of Delhi and her husband, Allan; sons Michael Murphy of Syracuse and his wife, Donna, and David Murphy of Columbia, S.C., and his wife, Sonja; three grandchildren, Angela Jean (Perkins) Rosino, Jason Allan Perkins and Hannah Ruth Murphy; two great-grandchildren, Lia Grace and Joseph Michael Rosino; one sister, Kathleen Schober of North Hillsdale and her husband, Walter; one brother in Florida, Marvin Murphy, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Nancy Murphy and Lucy Upham, and one brother, Thomas Murphy.
The funeral was Wednesday, March 2, at the River Street Baptist Church with Rev. Mel Farmer, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to River Street Baptist Church, 133 River St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements were handled by Bookhout Funeral Home.
3-4-11
Kendall Hay, 95; WWII Vet Was One Of Oldest Natives
ONEONTA – Kendall Hay, one of the first Oneontans drafted into World War II and one of the city’s oldest natives, passed away Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at his home.Kendall was born in Oneonta on Oct. 19, 1915, the son of J. Earl and Alma (Miner) Hay. He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1933 as valedictorian of his class and then attended Hamilton College in Clinton graduating in 1937.
Drafted on On Feb. 12, 1942, he served in India, China and Burma in the Army Air Corp as a communications officer. He was discharged July 11, 1946, as a captain. He served in the Air Force Reserve from 1946 to 1970, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
On Dec. 24, 1946, Kendall married Charlotte Phillips in the Elm Park Methodist Church. This past Christmas Eve they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in their home.
Returning from military service, Kendall joined his father in the J. Earl Hay Real Estate Agency on Chestnut Street, selling real estate and doing property appraisals.
He was an active Rotarian for over 65 years, served as club treasurer for 42 years, and became a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary. He was also a member of the Air Force Retired Officer’s Reserve.
In addition to his wife, survivors include seven nieces and nephews and several grand-nieces and -nephews, Charles (JoAnn) Down, Phillip (Frances) Scoville, Richard (Emy) Scoville, Wesley (Barbara) Aspinwall, Alma (Daniel) Scagg, Jeffrey Hendee and Rev. Charlotte Hendee.
In addition to his parents, Kendall was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Velma and Charles Aspinwall, and a brother, Melville Hay.
The family extends their appreciation to the state Association for the Blind for its services during Kendall’s 70 years of blindness.
A celebration of Kendall’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
3-4-11
Memorial Service For Robert McLaughlin, 91
COOPERSTOWN – A memorial service for Robert W. McLaughlin, 91, is at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Schuyler Lake Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.Robert passed away Monday, Feb. 7, in Spring Hill, Fla., under the care of his family and HPH Hospice.
He was born Oct. 10, 1919, in Jersey City, N.J.
He was an Air Force veteran, retired pilot and flight inspector for the FAA, and a member of Schuyler Lake Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Survivors include his wife, Delores, and five children: his son, Robert McLaughlin and one child of Jupiter, Fla.; his daughter, Angela Plashansky and her husband, Clyde, and seven children of Kutztown, Pa.; his son, Philip McLaughlin and his wife, Erika, of Richmond, Va.; his daughter, Jeannette Kubis and her two children, of Cooperstown, and his daughter, Rachel Howard and her husband, Joshua, of Burlington Flats.
3-4-11
Douglas Murphy, 75; Placed In First Regatta
ONEONTA – Douglas A. Murphy, 75, an electrician/plumber who canoed in the first General Clinton Regatta, in 1964, placing third, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 at the Fox Nursing Home. Born Nov. 21, 1935 in Gilbertsville, he was the son of the late Arthur and Marjorie (Douglas) Murphy. He married Marion J. (Hoffman) on Dec. 24, 1954 in Oneonta.
He was in the National Guard, and worked at Scintilla (Bendix) in Sidney for 21 years and also on the family farm in Treadwell.
The family moved to Norwich, where Doug worked for Simmonds Precision. Back in Oneonta, he worked for the Oneonta Job Corps as an electrician. Joining Oneonta High School’s maintenance department, he continued his own plumbing/heating business on the side.
He was an outdoorsman, loved mountain climbing, hunting, gardening, hiking trails and canoeing. He was active in the Boy Scouts and a member of the River Street Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, survivors include his daughter, Barbara Jean Perkins of Delhi and her husband, Allan; sons Michael Murphy of Syracuse and his wife, Donna, and David Murphy of Columbia, S.C., and his wife, Sonja; three grandchildren, Angela Jean (Perkins) Rosino, Jason Allan Perkins and Hannah Ruth Murphy; two great-grandchildren, Lia Grace and Joseph Michael Rosino; one sister, Kathleen Schober of North Hillsdale and her husband, Walter; one brother in Florida, Marvin Murphy, and several nieces and nephews.
3-4-11
Kendall Hay, 95; One Of Oldest Oneontans
ONEONTA – Kendall Hay, one of the first Oneontans drafted into World War II and one of the city’s oldest natives, passed away Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at his home.He was also blind for more than 70 years.
Kendall was born in Oneonta on Oct. 19, 1915, the son of J. Earl and Alma (Miner) Hay. He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1933 as valedictorian of his class and then attended Hamilton College, graduating in 1937.
Drafted on On Feb. 12, 1942, he served in India, China and Burma in the Army Air Corp as a communications officer. He was discharged July 11, 1946, as a captain. He served in the Air Force Reserve from 1946 to 1970, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
On Dec. 24, 1946, Kendall married Charlotte Phillips in the Elm Park Methodist Church. This past Christmas Eve they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in their home.
Returning from military service, Kendall joined his father in the J. Earl Hay Real Estate Agency on Chestnut Street, selling real estate and doing property appraisals.
He was an active Rotarian for over 65 years, served as club treasurer for 42 years, and became a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary. He was also a member of the Air Force Retired Officer’s Reserve.
He is survived by his wife, nieces and nephews.
2-25-11
Arlene R. Pratt, 89, Monticello; Delivered Papers For Decades
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Arlene R. Pratt, 89, formerly of Monticello, who with her late husband delivered the Utica Observer Dispatch locally for years, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, Feb. 18, 2011, in Otsego Manor, Cooperstown, where she had resided for the past four years.
She was born on March 3, 1921, in East Winfield, daughter of the late Clyde and Anna McChesney Cole. She was a graduate of West Winfield High School, Class of 1939.
On Oct. 21, 1939, she was united in marriage with Donald Pratt. They lived in Richfield Springs for 42 years. He passed away on April 3, 1982.
From age 10, she helped her brothers Roy and Melvin on their newspaper routes, later had a route of her own and would step in for her husband when he became a motor route manager for the Utica newspaper.
Mrs. Pratt was a member of the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs for over 60 years, of the Richfield Springs American Legion Auxiliary for more than 40 and with the Herkimer County 4-H for 16 years. She was treasurer and trip leader with the Richfield Springs Senior Citizens. Mrs. Pratt took great pride in her honorary membership with the “Hudson-Essex” Car Club.
Surviving are one son, William K. Pratt and his wife, Nancy, of Palm City, Fla.; two daughters and their husbands, Dona and Roland Dalton of Marcellus, and Dayle and Robert Evans of Springfield Center; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers; one sister, Nina Bailey; her close friend of 70 years, Dorothy Gravelding; and a grandson, Roderick Dalton, who died last November.
A memorial service is at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the Church of Christ Uniting, with the Rev. Deborah Waldron, pastor, officiating. The family will be present in the church hall immediately after the service to receive relatives and friends. Interment will take place later this spring in the East Winfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department or the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad.
Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home.
She was born on March 3, 1921, in East Winfield, daughter of the late Clyde and Anna McChesney Cole. She was a graduate of West Winfield High School, Class of 1939.
On Oct. 21, 1939, she was united in marriage with Donald Pratt. They lived in Richfield Springs for 42 years. He passed away on April 3, 1982.
From age 10, she helped her brothers Roy and Melvin on their newspaper routes, later had a route of her own and would step in for her husband when he became a motor route manager for the Utica newspaper.
Mrs. Pratt was a member of the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs for over 60 years, of the Richfield Springs American Legion Auxiliary for more than 40 and with the Herkimer County 4-H for 16 years. She was treasurer and trip leader with the Richfield Springs Senior Citizens. Mrs. Pratt took great pride in her honorary membership with the “Hudson-Essex” Car Club.
Surviving are one son, William K. Pratt and his wife, Nancy, of Palm City, Fla.; two daughters and their husbands, Dona and Roland Dalton of Marcellus, and Dayle and Robert Evans of Springfield Center; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers; one sister, Nina Bailey; her close friend of 70 years, Dorothy Gravelding; and a grandson, Roderick Dalton, who died last November.
A memorial service is at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the Church of Christ Uniting, with the Rev. Deborah Waldron, pastor, officiating. The family will be present in the church hall immediately after the service to receive relatives and friends. Interment will take place later this spring in the East Winfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department or the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad.
Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home.
2-11-11
John L. Mandzuk, 96; Accountant For City Of New York
COOPERSTOWN – John L. Mandzuk, 96, a retired accountant for the City of New York, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Feb. 6, 2011, at Otsego Manor.
Born to Theodore Mandzuk and Francis (Sauczuk) Mandzuk on Oct. 8, 1914, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, John lived a very quiet and unassuming life. He enjoyed classical music, played the violin and was a movie buff.
A graduate of New York University, 1958, John retired in January 1978 from a career with the city.
Survivors include his step-daughter, Jan Gibson and her husband Bill Gibson; step-grandson, Will Gibson and his wife Emily (Broe) Gibson, and their children, Eva and Patrick Gibson.
A graveside service for family and close friends will be held in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to Mountain Ridge Activities Fund at Otsego Manor, 128 Phoenix Mills Cross Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home handled arrangements.
2-11-11
Robert Charles Butler, 80; Chief Accountant at Bassett, NYSHA
PIERSTOWN – Robert Charles Butler, the chief accounting officer at Bassett Hospital and NYSHA over a long career, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Jan. 30, 2011, at his home on Reiss Road. He was 80.
Born Dec. 17, 1930, at Bassett Hospital, Bob was one of twin sons of Gladys (Sargent) Butler and Lynn E. Butler, Jr. Raised in Cooperstown, he played on the Cooperstown High School football team and graduated with the Class of 1949. He then attended Mohawk Valley Community College and graduated from there with an associate’s degree in accounting.
On Oct. 29, 1950, Bob married the former Joan Robinson in a ceremony at Christ Church.
After college, he was first employed by Charles Wick, a job which later evolved into a position with Berry Motors. In the 1960s, he went to work for Bassett Hospital, rising to chief accountant.
His accounting talents were recognized by John Burkly of New York City, who encouraged Bob to join the staff at NYSHA.
In August 1982, Bob became the controller, or chief accounting officer, for NYSHA and The Farmers’ Museum, a job he held until he retired in 1992.
In his private life, Bob was no less fastidious, and his attention to detail in whatever he did will long be remembered. A master craftsman, Bob built his family’s home in Hyde Park and through the years crafted many fine pieces of furniture.
In 1989, Bob and Joan moved to Pierstown, where Bob continuously added various features to their home and property, which they named “Fox Run.” Whether it was the many stonewalls he created, or the many other items he created in and around their home, everything he did was done right.
Raised in the Episcopal faith, Bob was a member of Christ Church where at one time he taught Sunday School. A community-minded person, he taught 4-H, coached Cooperstown Little League, helped with the Cub Scouts, volunteered at Bassett, and served as president of Hartwick Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary. At one time Bob served his country in the National Guard.
Bob’s interests were varied. He played baseball for the Cooperstown Indians and, occasionally, golf. A musician, he played clarinet and saxophone with The Moonbeams, a local orchestra.
A devoted Freemason, Bob was raised to the Degree of Master Mason in Otsego Lodge No. 138, Free & Accepted Masons, Cooperstown on the 19th day of May, A.D. 1964, A.L. 5964. In 1970 and again in 1976, he served as the Lodge’s worshipful master.
Bob’s Masonic memberships also included those in the York and Scottish Rite concordant bodies.
In the York Rite, he was a Companion of Otsego Chapter No. 26, Royal Arch Masons in Cooperstown, Oneonta Council No. 87, Cryptic Masons and Otsego Commandery No. 76, Knights Templar in Cooperstown. He received work in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States in the Valley of Utica on Oct. 20, 1995, and was a member of the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Utica.
A Shriner, he was a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Ziyara Temple in Utica and the Valley Shrine Club.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, survivors include their son, Robert J. Butler of Cooperstown; one brother, David G. Butler and his wife Paula of Newark, Del.; one brother-in-law, Gordon A. Robinson and his wife Barbara of Fly Creek; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Eckler and her husband Walter of Cooperstown, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his twin brother, Richard Lynn Butler, who died on Oct. 11, 2010.
The Office of the Burial of the Dead was Monday, Feb. 7, at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Mark A. Michael, rector, officiating. Following the service, Bob’s casket was borne through the churchyard to the Lych Gate as the church bell tolled 80 times, once for each year of Bob’s life.
The Episcopal Service of Committal and Burial and the Masonic Funeral Service will take place later this spring in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements were with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
2-11-11
Richard Pokorny, 86; Fought With Patton Across Europe
ROSEBOOM – Richard Pokorny, 86, a decorated World War II veteran of Patton’s Third Army, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2011, at Bassett Hospital.
He was born Sept. 19, 1924, in Astoria, Queens, son of William and Anna Pokorny.
His decorations from service in the Third Army’s 204 Combat Engineer Battalion Co. B included the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Service Good Conduct Medal, five battle citations and ribbons for the Battle of Normandy, the Ardennes (Bulge), Central Europe, Northern France and the Rhineland. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in the Battle for Metz.
A lifelong restaurateur, he was owner/operator of Porky & Glenn’s Seafood House in Bayshore, serving generations of customers and establishing many friends.
Upon his retirement, Richard settled in Roseboom and became an active member of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, where patrons and venders knew him affectionately as “Grandpa”.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothea, son, Richard and companion Gwen, three grandchildren, Timothy and spouse Veronica, Margaret and Emily of Cooperstown.
He was predeceased by his brother John.
Memorial contributions may be made to Albany Stratton VA Hospital.
Arrangements were with the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
2-11-11
John Sloan, 49, of Springbrook
COOPERSTOWN – John F. Sloan, a member of the Springbrook family, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Jan. 21, 2011, at his Averill Road residence. He was 49.
Born Aug. 26, 1961, in Newburgh he was a son of John Branning Sloan and Doris Helen (Stephan) Sloan.
John lived at Pathfinder Village, Edmeston, until 2002 when he moved to the Individualized Residence Alternative Group Home in Cooperstown.
Throughout his life, he always liked music and dancing, and was known by the residents and staff for his great sense of humor and being a jokester. He had a passion for sports, especially baseball, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees.
John also loved anything to do with the weather. He always enjoyed watching the Weather Channel and talking about snow, even on the hottest day in the summer. He would also read the daily weather report from the newspaper to anyone who would listen.
In addition to his parents, survivors include one sister, Susan Ronai and her husband, James, and their children, Matthew, Brian and Lauren; one brother, Christopher Sloan and his wife, Nadine, and their children, Julia, Ryan and Justin; and his Springbrook family of friends and caregivers.
He was predeceased by a sister, Laura Lee.
A Celebration of John’s life was Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, with the Rev. Stephen Leslie, Catskill Area Hospice chaplain, officiating.
2-11-11
Velma Flint, 83; Deputy Town Clerk, Helped Husband Run Flint’s Garage
CHERRY VALLEY – Velma (Brundage) Flint, 83, of Cherry Valley, who operated Flint’s Garage with her husband, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 27, 2011 following a long battle with cancer.
She was born on Sept. 16, 1927, in Hasbrouck, Sullivan County, the daughter of Charles and Bessie Brundage. On Jan. 25, 1947, she married Russell C. Flint in Westville.
Prior to her marriage, she worked at Beech-Nut in Canajoharie; once married, she took great pride in being a homemaker, raising seven children and working in the office at Flint’s Garage, the family business.
She was deputy town clerk for 28 years, and a member of The First Presbyterian Church, The Ladies Society and The Rebekah Lodge.
Her many interested included family gatherings, baking, birds, flowers, reading and going on shopping trips with her daughter and daughter-in-laws.
Survivors include her children, Russell V. Flint and his wife Sharon, Charles Flint and his wife Cindy, Kevin Flint and his wife Mary Beth, and son-in-law Russell McCall, all of Cherry Valley, Keith Flint and his wife Tammy, Glens Falls, Brian Flint and his wife LuAnn, Queensbury, and Dale Flint and his wife Rhoda, Morris; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a brother Vernoy Brundage.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by daughter Connie McCall, brothers James and Harvey Brundage, and Sister Thelma Stever.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 31, in the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Ron Fralick officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Cherry Valley, the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care.
Arrangements were with the Ottman Funeral Home. Cherry Valley.
1-28-11
Evelyn Wilshere, 97; Syracuse China President’s Assistant
COOPERSTOWN – Evelyn Elizabeth Wilshere, 97, of Cooperstown, passed away quietly Tuesday morning, January 25, 2011, at Otsego Manor.
Evelyn was born Jan. 18, 1914, in Poplar Ridge, the daughter of Blanche (Sprague) and Coral Wilshere. She was the last surviving child of four: Vernon (“Whitey”), Seward and Carlton Wilshere.
Evelyn attended and graduated from Skaneateles Central School, and then attended business school in Auburn. For many years, she was employed at Syracuse China as the private secretary to the president before retiring to live with her parents in Skaneateles.
After her parents deaths she moved to Cooperstown in 1985 where her nephew, David Wilshere, and her niece, Diane Howard, reside.
Since June 2010, Evelyn had been residing at Otsego Manor.
Services and interment will be later this spring in Scipioville.
1-28-11
Mary Eileen Noonan, 93, Cherry Valley
CHERRY VALLEY – Mary Eileen Noonan, formerly of St. Augustine Beach, Fla., died Sunday morning, Jan. 23, 2011, at her home on Montgomery Street. She was 93.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, with Father Guy Francis Noonan, son of the deceased and pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Augustine, presiding, with Father John R. Roos, con-celebrant.
Mrs. Noonan will be reposing at the Noonan residence until service time. Her family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at her home.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
1-14-11
Rosie (Pugliese) Bridger, 86; Lifelong Resident
COOPERSTOWN – Mrs. Rosalina “Rosie” M. (Pugliese) Bridger, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and life-long resident of the Village of Cooperstown, died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2011, surrounded by her family at Otsego Manor. She was 86.
Rosie, as she was known by her family and friends, was born Feb. 8, 1924, at home on Grove Street, the daughter of Felice and Mary (Ruggiero) Pugliese. She graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1942.
She met Chester O. Bridger while he was home on a 45-day leave, and they were married in Cooperstown on April 26, 1945, settling into their home on Maple Street.
Rosie first worked at dress factories in Cooperstown and Oneonta. The job she loved the most, though, was waitressing at The Otesaga, which she did for 35 years. Her favorite time of year was Induction Weekend, and Bob Feller, Warren Spahn and Stan Musial would specifically asked for her when they arrived.
Rosie was a communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church, a member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown, and was a member and past president of the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries.
Survivors include her three children, Jacqueline Parshall and her husband, Harry L. Parshall III, of Jamesville, Phyllis Newell and her husband, Mike, of Hartwick, and Chester Timothy Bridger and his wife, Lora, of Tonawanda; six grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mum Mum, Trisha D’Imperio and her husband, Chuck, of Oneonta, Daniel Schallert and his wife, Sara, of Hartwick, JoAnn Furlan and her husband, Frank, of Laurens, Leigh-Ann Parshall of Jamesville, Joshua T. Bridger of Key West, Fla., and Katherine (“Katie”) Bridger of Tonawanda; and four great grandchildren, Abby Rose Rodenas, Joseph Edward Rodenas, Gabriella Rose Furlan, and Maralina Ginet Furlan. Rosie is further survived by many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and many, many nieces and nephews.
Rosie was predeceased by her husband, Chet, who died Aug. 13, 1994, and her five brothers, Leonard, John, Vito, Angelo and Carmel Pugliese.
A funeral mass was Wednesday, Jan. 12, at St. Mary’s. Burial will be in the spring in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or the Cooperstown Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
Richard Pokorny, 86; Fought With Patton Across Europe
ROSEBOOM – Richard Pokorny, 86, a decorated World War II veteran of Patton’s Third Army, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2011, at Bassett Hospital.
He was born Sept. 19, 1924, in Astoria, Queens, son of William and Anna Pokorny.
His decorations from service in the Third Army’s 204 Combat Engineer Battalion Co. B included the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Service Good Conduct Medal, five battle citations and ribbons for the Battle of Normandy, the Ardennes (Bulge), Central Europe, Northern France and the Rhineland. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in the Battle for Metz.
A lifelong restaurateur, he was owner/operator of Porky & Glenn’s Seafood House in Bayshore, serving generations of customers and establishing many friends.
Upon his retirement, Richard settled in Roseboom and became an active member of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, where patrons and venders knew him affectionately as “Grandpa”.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothea, son, Richard and companion Gwen, three grandchildren, Timothy and spouse Veronica, Margaret and Emily of Cooperstown.
He was predeceased by his brother John.
Memorial contributions may be made to Albany Stratton VA Hospital.
Arrangements were with the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
2-11-11
John Sloan, 49, of Springbrook
COOPERSTOWN – John F. Sloan, a member of the Springbrook family, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Jan. 21, 2011, at his Averill Road residence. He was 49.
Born Aug. 26, 1961, in Newburgh he was a son of John Branning Sloan and Doris Helen (Stephan) Sloan.
John lived at Pathfinder Village, Edmeston, until 2002 when he moved to the Individualized Residence Alternative Group Home in Cooperstown.
Throughout his life, he always liked music and dancing, and was known by the residents and staff for his great sense of humor and being a jokester. He had a passion for sports, especially baseball, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees.
John also loved anything to do with the weather. He always enjoyed watching the Weather Channel and talking about snow, even on the hottest day in the summer. He would also read the daily weather report from the newspaper to anyone who would listen.
In addition to his parents, survivors include one sister, Susan Ronai and her husband, James, and their children, Matthew, Brian and Lauren; one brother, Christopher Sloan and his wife, Nadine, and their children, Julia, Ryan and Justin; and his Springbrook family of friends and caregivers.
He was predeceased by a sister, Laura Lee.
A Celebration of John’s life was Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, with the Rev. Stephen Leslie, Catskill Area Hospice chaplain, officiating.
2-11-11
Velma Flint, 83; Deputy Town Clerk, Helped Husband Run Flint’s Garage
CHERRY VALLEY – Velma (Brundage) Flint, 83, of Cherry Valley, who operated Flint’s Garage with her husband, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 27, 2011 following a long battle with cancer.
She was born on Sept. 16, 1927, in Hasbrouck, Sullivan County, the daughter of Charles and Bessie Brundage. On Jan. 25, 1947, she married Russell C. Flint in Westville.
Prior to her marriage, she worked at Beech-Nut in Canajoharie; once married, she took great pride in being a homemaker, raising seven children and working in the office at Flint’s Garage, the family business.
She was deputy town clerk for 28 years, and a member of The First Presbyterian Church, The Ladies Society and The Rebekah Lodge.
Her many interested included family gatherings, baking, birds, flowers, reading and going on shopping trips with her daughter and daughter-in-laws.
Survivors include her children, Russell V. Flint and his wife Sharon, Charles Flint and his wife Cindy, Kevin Flint and his wife Mary Beth, and son-in-law Russell McCall, all of Cherry Valley, Keith Flint and his wife Tammy, Glens Falls, Brian Flint and his wife LuAnn, Queensbury, and Dale Flint and his wife Rhoda, Morris; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a brother Vernoy Brundage.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by daughter Connie McCall, brothers James and Harvey Brundage, and Sister Thelma Stever.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 31, in the First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Ron Fralick officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Cherry Valley, the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care.
Arrangements were with the Ottman Funeral Home. Cherry Valley.
1-28-11
Evelyn Wilshere, 97; Syracuse China President’s Assistant
COOPERSTOWN – Evelyn Elizabeth Wilshere, 97, of Cooperstown, passed away quietly Tuesday morning, January 25, 2011, at Otsego Manor.
Evelyn was born Jan. 18, 1914, in Poplar Ridge, the daughter of Blanche (Sprague) and Coral Wilshere. She was the last surviving child of four: Vernon (“Whitey”), Seward and Carlton Wilshere.
Evelyn attended and graduated from Skaneateles Central School, and then attended business school in Auburn. For many years, she was employed at Syracuse China as the private secretary to the president before retiring to live with her parents in Skaneateles.
After her parents deaths she moved to Cooperstown in 1985 where her nephew, David Wilshere, and her niece, Diane Howard, reside.
Since June 2010, Evelyn had been residing at Otsego Manor.
Services and interment will be later this spring in Scipioville.
1-28-11
Mary Eileen Noonan, 93, Cherry Valley
CHERRY VALLEY – Mary Eileen Noonan, formerly of St. Augustine Beach, Fla., died Sunday morning, Jan. 23, 2011, at her home on Montgomery Street. She was 93.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, with Father Guy Francis Noonan, son of the deceased and pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Augustine, presiding, with Father John R. Roos, con-celebrant.
Mrs. Noonan will be reposing at the Noonan residence until service time. Her family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at her home.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
1-14-11
Rosie (Pugliese) Bridger, 86; Lifelong Resident
COOPERSTOWN – Mrs. Rosalina “Rosie” M. (Pugliese) Bridger, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and life-long resident of the Village of Cooperstown, died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 8, 2011, surrounded by her family at Otsego Manor. She was 86.
Rosie, as she was known by her family and friends, was born Feb. 8, 1924, at home on Grove Street, the daughter of Felice and Mary (Ruggiero) Pugliese. She graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1942.
She met Chester O. Bridger while he was home on a 45-day leave, and they were married in Cooperstown on April 26, 1945, settling into their home on Maple Street.
Rosie first worked at dress factories in Cooperstown and Oneonta. The job she loved the most, though, was waitressing at The Otesaga, which she did for 35 years. Her favorite time of year was Induction Weekend, and Bob Feller, Warren Spahn and Stan Musial would specifically asked for her when they arrived.
Rosie was a communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church, a member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown, and was a member and past president of the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries.
Survivors include her three children, Jacqueline Parshall and her husband, Harry L. Parshall III, of Jamesville, Phyllis Newell and her husband, Mike, of Hartwick, and Chester Timothy Bridger and his wife, Lora, of Tonawanda; six grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mum Mum, Trisha D’Imperio and her husband, Chuck, of Oneonta, Daniel Schallert and his wife, Sara, of Hartwick, JoAnn Furlan and her husband, Frank, of Laurens, Leigh-Ann Parshall of Jamesville, Joshua T. Bridger of Key West, Fla., and Katherine (“Katie”) Bridger of Tonawanda; and four great grandchildren, Abby Rose Rodenas, Joseph Edward Rodenas, Gabriella Rose Furlan, and Maralina Ginet Furlan. Rosie is further survived by many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and many, many nieces and nephews.
Rosie was predeceased by her husband, Chet, who died Aug. 13, 1994, and her five brothers, Leonard, John, Vito, Angelo and Carmel Pugliese.
A funeral mass was Wednesday, Jan. 12, at St. Mary’s. Burial will be in the spring in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or the Cooperstown Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
1-14-11
Irene Matteson, 90; Active With Hartwick Seniors
HARTWICK – Irene Belle Matteson, 90, past president of Hartwick Senior Citizens and recipient of the Hartwick Senior Citizen Award, passed away Thursday evening, Jan. 6, 2011, at Otsego Manor, where she had lived for the past three years.
Irene was born at home in Hartwick Sept. 5, 1920, the daughter of Jay and Blanch (Morse) Tuller.
She married Ralph H. Matteson on April 7, 1941. They lived in South New Berlin during the first years of marriage. In 1944, they moved back to Hartwick. Together they raised four daughters.
Irene also cared for her grandchildren, numerous children whose parents worked outside the home, and two foster children. In addition to being active in Hartwick Senior Citizens, she was a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program.
She was a long-time and very active member of the Hartwick Christian Church, where she sang in the choir, helped organize church suppers and Vacation Bible School, and was the treasurer of the Sunday School for over 20 years.
Irene is survived by her four daughters, Sharon Matteson (Bruce Haight) of Goodyear Lake, Sandra Austin (James) of Hartwick, and Marjorie Leslie (James) and Lori Williams of Cooperstown; grandchildren, Jennifer Austin (Evan Cooch) of Ithaca, Ian Porto (Jennifer) and Tavis Austin (Erin) of Hartwick, Benjamin Leslie of Urbana, Ill., Matthew Leslie (Kyle) of Olean, and Emma Leslie, Corbin Tanner and Lydia Williams of Cooperstown; great-grandchildren, Gareth and Rylie Austin, Max and Natalie Porto, Morgan Austin-Cooch and Seamus Leslie; sister-in-law, Linnie Tuller of Johnson City and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, who died in 1982, her sister Letha (Stuart) Eldred, brothers Clyde (Rose) Tuller, Ansel and Lloyd Tuller, her grandson, Aaron Porto, son-in-law, James Williams and by many dear friends and loved ones.
A burial service and celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date in Cook Cemetery in West Oneonta.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Hartwick Christian Church, P.O. Box 65, Hartwick, NY 13348, or to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
1-14-11
Maud C. Foutch, 105; Among Otsego County’s Oldest Residents
FLY CREEK – Maud C. Foutch, who experienced more than a century of life in Otsego County, passed away Saturday evening, Jan. 8, 2011, at Otsego Manor. She was 105.
“I never expected to live this long, “ she said at the time of her 103rd birthday. “No one I know about in my family has lived this long, so if it’s from a gene, it’s from a long time ago.”
Born at home in the Town of Middlefield on April 2, 1905, Maud was the daughter of Dewitt C. and Fannie (Willsey) Colman. Raised in Bowerstown, she went to a one-room school there and also attended school in Cooperstown.
As soon as she turned 18, she married Charles E. Foutch in Cooperstown on April 2, 1923. They moved to Oneonta where he worked as a repairman for train boilers and engines for the D&H. Their first home was a room above the Oneonta Theater on Chestnut Street. As they prospered, they moved up Chestnut Street to a larger place, and eventually lived on upper Morgan Avenue.
She enjoyed their house on the hill with a view of the river and the railroad tracks, and kept busy crocheting and doing needlework. Maud also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and, while she lived in Oneonta, was a member of the Elm Park United Methodist Church.
Following her husband’s death on Nov. 19, 1973, Maud moved to Bailey Road in Fly Creek to be closer to her son and his family. Even at 100, she still lived by herself with her dog, Foxy, cooked her own meals and continued to garden. She joined the Fly Creek United Methodist Church.
In her final years at Otsego Manor, she tended a garden in the courtyard and kept her room decorated with flowers, photographs of birds and butterflies, and items from the out-of doors where she always liked to be.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Alene Foutch of Fly Creek; three grandchildren, James R. Foutch and his wife Joan, of Fly Creek, John Foutch and his wife Amy, of Laurens, and Jeffrey Lee Foutch and his wife Jamie, of Fly Creek; four great-grandchildren, John William Foutch and his wife Heather, of Cooperstown, Jenilee Bolton and her husband Michael, of Edmeston, Charles Roger Foutch of Laurens, and Catherine Foutch of Vermont; three great-great-grandsons, Bryce James Bolton , Jack Wyatt Foutch and James Wayne Foutch; two step-great-grandchildren, Joyce and Jamie Carkees; and two step-great-great-grandchildren, Mikael Carkees and Zepherina Carkees.
In addition to her husband, Maud was predeceased by their son, Charles Richard Foutch, who died May 18, 2006; an infant son, John Foutch; one great-granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Foutch, who died April 2, 1981, and one brother, Howard B. Colman, who died in 1986.
Burial will be private at a later date in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.
Memorial donations may be made to the Winding Brook Activities Fund at Otsego Manor, 128 Phoenix Mills Cross Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or to the Lakewood Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 538, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
1-7-11
Ann Gabrosek, 91; Spent Life On Oaksville Farm
OAKSVILLE – Anna Gabrosek of Oaksville, the last of nine siblings, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 2, 2010, at Otsego Manor. She was 91.
Of Yugoslavian descent, Anna was born Jan. 21, 1919, in Alabama. One of nine children, she was a daughter of Jacob and Louise (Kostelic) Gabrosek.
Soon after she was born, Anna and her family moved to Oaksville, where she was raised and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cattown. She possessed a love of the land and spent her entire life helping to run the family dairy farm in Oaksville.
Raised in the Catholic faith, she was a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church in Cooperstown. In her youth, she would walk from the family homestead to Cooperstown to attend Mass.
Anna will be remembered as a woman of few words, who lead a very quiet life, yet who possessed a vast knowledge and incredible memory of area people and places.
Anna was predeceased by her five brothers, Felix Gabrosek, who died as a young child, Jacob Alosius Gabrosek, who died Jan. 6, 1946, Roman Gabrosek, who died Nov. 15, 1988, Honorius Martin Gabrosek, who died Nov. 16, 1989, and Kenneth Joseph (“Johnny”) Gabrosek, who died March 23, 2009; and three sisters, Mary Gabrosek, who died as a young child, Mrs. Lucy Madison and Mrs. Jennie Lesaevec.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, Jan. 5, at St. Mary’s.
The Service of Committal and Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Index.
There were no calling hours.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
1-7-11
Nicholas John Lavrinos, 84;Longtime Bassett Employee
FLY CREEK – Nicholas John Lavrinos, 84, a World War II veteran who worked at Bassett Hospital for 28 years, died Sunday evening, Dec. 19, 2010, at Otsego Manor.
He was born Oct. 26, 1926, in Jamaica, Queens, the son of Paul Nicholas Lavrinos and Caroline Elizabeth (Loeser) Lavrinos.
After graduating from Jamaica High School in 1944, Nick served in the Navy as a radio man aboard a destroyer. He then briefly attended Cornell University, but left to work with his father in his construction business as a union cement finisher.
On Sept. 24, 1957, Nick married Alice Marie Chase at Cooperstown Presbyterian Church. After living in the village, they later settled in Fly Creek. For a period, he was active in the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
Nick worked in maintenance at Bassett from April 1, 1962, until retiring April 1, 1990.
Intelligent yet unassuming, Nick possessed an incredible memory, recalling names, dates and places in an instant. He enjoyed New York Times crossword puzzles and even aspired to be on Jeopardy.
He also liked music, especially from the ’30s and ’40s. He loved nature and enjoyed gardening.
In addition to his wife of 53 years, survivors include two sons, Nicholas Paul Lavrinos and his wife, Debra Clark, of Otego, and Thomas John Lavrinos of Fly Creek; and one step-granddaughter, Kaitlin Henderson of Otego.
A funeral service was Thursday, Dec. 23, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, with Pastor Mitchell Spring of Spirit & Truth Christian Assembly, West Oneonta, officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Fly Creek Valley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements were with Connell, Dow & Deysenroth.
12-31-10
Edward J. Erhmann, 73; Taught School 33 Years
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Edward J. Ehrmann, 73, a career-long social studies teacher at Saugerties High School, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at the Kingston City Hospital.
Born June 27, 1937, in Richfield Springs, he was the son of the late Raymond and Marguerite Hays Ehrmann.
A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, he received his master’s degree in education. He was employed at the Saugerties High School for 33 years, retiring in 1992.
He was a member of the New York State and Saugerties teachers associations, and the Saugerties Knights of Columbus Council No. 4536. He played golf and softball.
Survivors include his wife, the former Meredith Butts; one daughter, Megan Sissman and her husband Daniel, of Albany; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Ehrmann; grandson, Gregory Martin; one sister, Jeanne Marie Palmer of Rome, and one brother, George of Richfield Springs.
He was predeceased by a son, Thomas H. Ehrmann.
The family suggest donations in his name be made to a Scholarship Fund in his name at Saugerties High School, Call Box A, Saugerties, NY 12477.
Born June 27, 1937, in Richfield Springs, he was the son of the late Raymond and Marguerite Hays Ehrmann.
A graduate of SUNY Oneonta, he received his master’s degree in education. He was employed at the Saugerties High School for 33 years, retiring in 1992.
He was a member of the New York State and Saugerties teachers associations, and the Saugerties Knights of Columbus Council No. 4536. He played golf and softball.
Survivors include his wife, the former Meredith Butts; one daughter, Megan Sissman and her husband Daniel, of Albany; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Ehrmann; grandson, Gregory Martin; one sister, Jeanne Marie Palmer of Rome, and one brother, George of Richfield Springs.
He was predeceased by a son, Thomas H. Ehrmann.
The family suggest donations in his name be made to a Scholarship Fund in his name at Saugerties High School, Call Box A, Saugerties, NY 12477.
12-31-10
Father John Burns; Dean of Local Priests
MORRIS – The Very Rev. John Burns, pastor of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Morris, passed away Sunday evening at his rectory, according to his colleague, Father John Rosson, pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church, Cooperstown.Father John Burns; Dean of Local Priests
The Rev. Joseph Benintende, pastor of St. Mary’s, Oneonta, is making arrangements for the funeral mass.
Father Burns, as Otsego County dean, was the leader of local Catholic priests.
12-31-10
Wm. T. Keating, 80; Was Farmer
FLY CREEK – William T. Keating, 80, a Navy veteran who farmed with his father on Keating Road, died Monday, Dec. 27, at home after an extended illness.
He was born Feb. 5, 1930, in New York City, the son of William T. and Ruth (Leafman) Keating. He moved here with his family in 1948.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; three daughters, Anne Olivia and her husband, Donald Richter, of Palm Harbor, Fla., Martha Jean Domermuth of Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Elizabeth Marie and her husband, Charles Schultz, of Utica; one son William Thomas Keating and his wife Kelly of Battle Creek, Mich.; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He served in the Navy in 1951-54, on the USS Libra; home port, Norfolk, Va.
In addition to farming, he was a logger and a construction worker in the Utica area. In later years, he worked for the Town of Otsego as an equipment operator, retiring in 1985.
A memorial service is planned at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, at the Fly Creek Methodist Church.
