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She was born Jan. 19, 1925, in Andes, the daughter of the late Louis W. and Carrie (Davis) Barrett. She grew up there and graduated from Andes Central School, moving to Oneonta at age 21.
Ginny worked at Bresee’s Department Store for a short time before joining AT&T Telephone as a telephone operator.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her brother, Bruce E. Barrett of Austin, Texas; a sister-in-law, Marge Barrett of Windsor, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by three brothers, Bernard, Al and Ransom Barrett; and one sister, Ella Robinson.
Funeral services were Tuesday, May 17, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Rockwell, retired Methodist minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
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She is survived by her husband, Arthur Laidlaw, and two sons, Arthur E. Laidlaw Jr. and Robert E. Laidlaw, four grandchildren Sarah L. Wilde, Katherine B. Laidlaw, Natalie E. Laidlaw and Wylie A. Laidlaw, and great-granddaughter Malin H. Wilde.
Natalie was born on March 27, 1915, in Worcester, Mass. She attended Bancroft School and later graduated from Bradford Junior College.
While living in New Hampshire, she was very active in the Girl Scouts. After moving to Cooperstown, she became involved in the Susquehanna SPCA and was a member of the Lake & Valley Garden Club.
Natalie and her husband, Art, were also members of the Cooperstown Country Club.
Natalie was employed as a research technician at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital for many years.
There will be no calling hours. A service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are with Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
5-20-11
Born March 10, 1979, at Bassett Hospital, he was the son of James Richard Foutch and Joan Marie (Huff) Foutch.
After attending Cooperstown Central School, he enlisted in the Army in 1997 and served as an airborne ranger. Upon receiving his honorable discharge in 1999, he attended Devry University in Piscataway, N.J., where he earned an associate’s degree in computer science. He was employed as a network engineer for Bassett Healthcare Network.
On Aug. 5, 2006, John married Heather Ann Thorpe in a ceremony aboard The Glimmerglass Queen on Otsego Lake, with The Honorable James F. Wolff, Otsego town justice and a good friend of John’s, officiating.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed the outdoors, in particular the semi-annual family camping trips to Wanakena in the Adirondacks. A long-time member of the NRA, he was a gun enthusiast, and loved target shooting.
He also possessed great skill in working with electronics, and will be remembered for his ability to fix just about anything to do with computers.
Most of all, John loved his family. A loving dad, he would often place his son, Jack, in a backpack and take him for long walks in the woods. This memory, and many others, will keep John alive in the hearts of his family and friends.
In addition to his wife and their two sons, Jack Wyatt Foutch 3, and James Wayne Foutch, 10 months, survivors include his parents, Joan and Jim Foutch, Fly Creek; his mother-in-law, Sandra Thorpe, Warwick, R.I.; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Alene Foutch, Fly Creek; his sister, Jenilee Bolton, and her husband, Michael, and their son, Bryce James Bolton, of Edmeston; a brother-in-law, Aaron Thorpe, and his wife, Kristin, and their son, Riley, of Warwick, R.I.; and aunts and uncles Jeff and Jamie Foutch and John and Amy Foutch, and their children, Charles (and wife, Jenni) and Cathy.
John was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Marie Foutch; his father-in-law, Wayne Thorpe; his maternal grandparents, Helen and Bill Huff; his paternal grandfather, Charles Richard Foutch; and, just this year, his 105-year-old paternal great grandmother, Maud Foutch.
In keeping with John’s love of the outdoors, family and friends gathered in a field near his home at 553 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, for a memorial service Thursday, May 12, with Jim Wolff officiating. Military Honors were accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the state Military Forces Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 1120 South Goodman St., Colgate Divinity Campus, Rochester, NY 14620, or to an educational fund that has been established for John’s children at the Leatherstocking Region Federal Credit Union, 24 Glen Ave., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements were with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
Virginia Barrett, 86; Longtime, Dependable AT&T Operator
ONEONTA – Virginia Barrett, 86, of Oneonta, who never missed a day of work in 34 years as an AT&T operator, passed away Friday, May 13, 2011, at the Fox Hospital.She was born Jan. 19, 1925, in Andes, the daughter of the late Louis W. and Carrie (Davis) Barrett. She grew up there and graduated from Andes Central School, moving to Oneonta at age 21.
Ginny worked at Bresee’s Department Store for a short time before joining AT&T Telephone as a telephone operator.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her brother, Bruce E. Barrett of Austin, Texas; a sister-in-law, Marge Barrett of Windsor, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by three brothers, Bernard, Al and Ransom Barrett; and one sister, Ella Robinson.
Funeral services were Tuesday, May 17, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Rockwell, retired Methodist minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
5-20-11
Natalie (Bunny) Laidlaw, 96
COOPERSTOWN – Natalie (Bunny) Laidlaw passed away quietly at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home on Monday May 9, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Arthur Laidlaw, and two sons, Arthur E. Laidlaw Jr. and Robert E. Laidlaw, four grandchildren Sarah L. Wilde, Katherine B. Laidlaw, Natalie E. Laidlaw and Wylie A. Laidlaw, and great-granddaughter Malin H. Wilde.
Natalie was born on March 27, 1915, in Worcester, Mass. She attended Bancroft School and later graduated from Bradford Junior College.
While living in New Hampshire, she was very active in the Girl Scouts. After moving to Cooperstown, she became involved in the Susquehanna SPCA and was a member of the Lake & Valley Garden Club.
Natalie and her husband, Art, were also members of the Cooperstown Country Club.
Natalie was employed as a research technician at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital for many years.
There will be no calling hours. A service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are with Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
5-20-11
John William Foutch, 32; Leaves 2 Young Sons
COOPERSTOWN – John William Foutch, a beloved family man who loved the outdoors, died early Wednesday morning, May 4, 2011, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was 32.Born March 10, 1979, at Bassett Hospital, he was the son of James Richard Foutch and Joan Marie (Huff) Foutch.
After attending Cooperstown Central School, he enlisted in the Army in 1997 and served as an airborne ranger. Upon receiving his honorable discharge in 1999, he attended Devry University in Piscataway, N.J., where he earned an associate’s degree in computer science. He was employed as a network engineer for Bassett Healthcare Network.
On Aug. 5, 2006, John married Heather Ann Thorpe in a ceremony aboard The Glimmerglass Queen on Otsego Lake, with The Honorable James F. Wolff, Otsego town justice and a good friend of John’s, officiating.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed the outdoors, in particular the semi-annual family camping trips to Wanakena in the Adirondacks. A long-time member of the NRA, he was a gun enthusiast, and loved target shooting.
He also possessed great skill in working with electronics, and will be remembered for his ability to fix just about anything to do with computers.
Most of all, John loved his family. A loving dad, he would often place his son, Jack, in a backpack and take him for long walks in the woods. This memory, and many others, will keep John alive in the hearts of his family and friends.
In addition to his wife and their two sons, Jack Wyatt Foutch 3, and James Wayne Foutch, 10 months, survivors include his parents, Joan and Jim Foutch, Fly Creek; his mother-in-law, Sandra Thorpe, Warwick, R.I.; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Alene Foutch, Fly Creek; his sister, Jenilee Bolton, and her husband, Michael, and their son, Bryce James Bolton, of Edmeston; a brother-in-law, Aaron Thorpe, and his wife, Kristin, and their son, Riley, of Warwick, R.I.; and aunts and uncles Jeff and Jamie Foutch and John and Amy Foutch, and their children, Charles (and wife, Jenni) and Cathy.
John was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Marie Foutch; his father-in-law, Wayne Thorpe; his maternal grandparents, Helen and Bill Huff; his paternal grandfather, Charles Richard Foutch; and, just this year, his 105-year-old paternal great grandmother, Maud Foutch.
In keeping with John’s love of the outdoors, family and friends gathered in a field near his home at 553 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, for a memorial service Thursday, May 12, with Jim Wolff officiating. Military Honors were accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the state Military Forces Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 1120 South Goodman St., Colgate Divinity Campus, Rochester, NY 14620, or to an educational fund that has been established for John’s children at the Leatherstocking Region Federal Credit Union, 24 Glen Ave., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements were with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
4-22-11
Caroline Trinkaus, 90; Married For 50 Years
COOPERSTOWN – Mrs. Caroline Winifred (Houck) Trinkaus, a long-time resident of Fork Shop, died Thursday morning, April 28, 2011, at Otsego Manor, surrounded by her family. She was 90.Born July 17, 1920, in Toddsville, she was a daughter of Willard Lee Houck and Winifred E. (Aylesworth) Houck. Raised in Toddsville, she graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1941.
On April 11, 1943, Caroline married John Quentin Trinkaus in Oriskany. John continued his service in the Army Airborne Division, and Caroline travelled with him wherever he went. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, John and Caroline returned to the Cooperstown area and settled in a home in Fork Shop where they raised their family.
In later years, the couple wintered in Arizona and enjoyed the company of their many friends in Chandler. After 50 years of marriage, John passed away on April 13, 1993. Caroline continued to spend winters in Arizona and summers in Cooperstown. In 2006 she returned to Cooperstown to live full-time in her home on County Highway 26, and later came to reside at Otsego Manor.
A proud grandmother, she always enjoyed making crafts and then giving them to her grandchildren. She also had a soft spot for butterflies, as well as for their dog, Blondie.
Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Harry Carter of Bayville, Long Island, Rita and Paul Schmidt of Tempe, Ariz., and Shirley and Keith Dickison of Cooperstown; five grandchildren, Dylan Schmidt and his wife, Vanessa, Jennifer Farabaugh and her husband, Paul, Harry Carter, Jr. and his wife, Nicole, Nancy Cofield and her husband, Jonathan, and Patrick Tweedie; and two great grandchildren, Jonathan Cofield, Jr., and Julia Belle Cofield.
Arrangements were under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
4-22-11
John V. Wheeler, Charter Member Of Village VFW
COOPERSTOWN – John V. Wheeler, a charter member of Cooperstown’s VFW post and past commander, died Thursday April 29, 2011, at the Otsego Manor following a brief illness. He was 89. Born May 2, 1921, in Rossville, John attended schools on Staten Island and graduated from high school in Brooklyn. He then worked at Floyd Bennett Airport, preparing aircraft for transport overseas. In late 1939, he moved to Litchfield, Herkimer County, and began work at Remington Arms.
He entered the Army Airforce in 1942 and served, among other places, on Siapan and Iwo Jima in the South Pacific.
Following the war he moved to Cooperstown in 1946. He married Cooperstown native Libby Clancy on Oct. 24, 1948 at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Catholic Church.
John worked for Al Welch at his auto dealership for 15 years, at the Bowl-a-Rama for four years and as a maintenance supervisor at NYSHA for over 20 years.
He was active in St. Mary’s, a member of the Cooperstown Native Sons, a 33-year active member of the Cooperstown Fire Department where he served as the foreman of Engine Company #2 and as a captain of the fire police. He was a charter member of Walter P. Eggleston VFW Post #7128, past commander of the post, and former president of the Cooperstown VFW Club.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife on May 22, 2005, and by his four sisters, Patricia Rathbone, Joan Brown, Madline Schwab and Nancy Van Alstine. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral is at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at St. Mary’s, with the Rev. John P. Rosson, pastor, officiating. The family will be present to receive friends 6-8 p.m. the evening before at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home.
Arrangements were under the supervision of Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
4-22-11
Albert Mastro, 88; Paratrooper During WWII
ONEONTA – Albert J. Mastro, 88, a paratrooper in the 507th Airborne during World War II, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Fox Hospital.Albert was born on Nov. 30, 1922, in Oneonta, the son of Angelo and Rose (Amatuccio) Mastro. On Aug. 26, 1967, he married Janice McGregor.
He attended a one room schoolhouse in Davenport, and later moved to Mount Vernon, where he graduated from A.B. Davis High School.
For 32 years, Albert ran a dry cleaning route in the metropolitan area of New York City. Upon his retirement, he worked as a clerk for the state in the White Plains 9th Judicial Criminal Court System.
In addition to his wife of 43 years, he is survived by his daughter, Patricia (Stephen) Creazzo of Tamarac, Florida; his granddaughter, Rachael (Michael) Colombo of Pawling, New York; two great grandchildren, Michael Paul and Stephen Joseph Colombo. Also, a sister, Virginia Moretti of Mount Vernon and a niece, Marie Elena (Robert) Carrado and her daughter, Denise, of Scarsdale.
Albert received military honors from an Army Color Guard during the viewing Thursday, April 28, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Albert’s name to: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3040, Syracuse, NY 13220.
4-22-11
Fred F. Basilio, 77; Co-Owned City Pharmacy
ONEONTA – Fred F. Basilio, 77, co-owner of Oneonta Pharmacy, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at his residence.Fred was born July 14, 1933 in Utica, the son of John and Carmella Basilio. He married Barbara A. Masercola on July 14, 1956. She predeceased him on March 29, 2003, after 47 years of marriage.
He was a pharmacist and co-owned of Oneonta Pharmacy with his best friend Michael Parrella. He was a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the Oneonta Elks. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church and the Oneonta Country Club.
Fred was an avid golfer and downhill skier, usually skiing at Windam, both sports he and his wife enjoyed together. He liked visiting art museums and collecting special prints. He found pleasure in working on his lawn and growing flowers, and enjoyed good food and drink with family and friends. His favorite pastime was following the stock market.
Most of all, Fred enjoyed his time with his two grandchildren.
Survivors include his two daughters and their spouses, Bonnie and Steven Havens of Oneonta, Lauren and Jeffery Knapp of Jacksonville, Fla., and son John Basilio of Sarasota, Fla; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Stephanie Havens; three sisters and a brother, Josephine and Dick Costa, Loretta Giambona, Rose Basilio, and Anthony Basilio, all of Utica; a sister-in-law and her husband Margaret and James Doellefeld of Albany and several nieces and nephews. Also, several relatives in the Masercola family.
Arrangements were by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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Shirley L. Austin, 85; Was Formerly Fox Nurse’s Aide
ONEONTA – Shirley L. Austin, 85, a former nurse’s aide at Fox Hospital, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the hospital.Shirley was born August 26, 1925, the daughter of Chester and Della (Stevens) Lamb. She married Charles J. Austin, Jr. Feb. 14, 1970. He predeceased her December 20, 1981.
She was a former member of the Oneonta Ladies of the Moose.
Shirley is survived by her granddaughter, Kelly Suttles and her children, Robert, Nichole and Christopher, of Oneonta; and her step-sisters, Judy Lindberg of Oneonta and Mary Raemer of Schenectady.
Funeral services were Wednesday, April 21, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, with Rev. Mel Farmer officiating. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Otego.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Patients Activity Fund, Fox Nursing Home, 1 Norton Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.
4-22-11
Geri T. Markert, 63; Moved Here From New York
GOODYEAR LAKE – Geraldine “Geri” T. Markert, 63, who moved fulltime from Staten Island to Goodyear Lake in 1995, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2011, at her residence.Geri was born on Aug. 4, 1947, on Staten Island, the daughter of Kenneth and Gloria Bauchens. She married Herman F. “Bud” Markert, Jr. on Dec. 28, 1980.
Geri worked as a receptionist for the Liberty Marking Tag Co. She and Herman were summer residents of Goodyear Lake from 1980 until moving there full time. She was a member of the Goodyear Lake Association and the South Shore Power Squadron.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her sons, Richard (Laura) Eads of Clifton Park and Thomas (Donna) Eads of Oakdale; her step-children, Peter (Mary) Markert of Fairbanks, Ark., Suzanne (Pompeyo) Benitez of Miami, Fla., and Christopher (Valerie) Markert of Baldwin.
Also, her grandchildren, Kyle, Kathryn, Andrew, Elizabeth, Kimberly, Maureen, Bridget and Colleen Eads; her step-grandchildren, Sandy, Sarah, Wendy and Karen Markert.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, April 19, at Our Lady of Hope Residence, Latham. Interment followed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
Memorial donations may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Lane, Oneonta, NY 13820
Arrangements were with the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
4-22-11
Laone S. Gardner, 91; Traced Lineage To Plymouth Colony
COOPERSTOWN – Laone S. Gardner, whose ancestors arrived in the Plymouth Colony one year after its founding, passed away April 19, 2011, at Bassett Hospital. She was 91. Laone had been a resident of Otsego Manor for the last 2 1/2 months, having previously resided on Greenough Road.
She was a life-long resident of Otsego County, born Nov. 25, 1919, in the Town of Roseboom, the daughter of Caryl L. Smith and Ina Briggs.
Her ancestor Clement Briggs sailed to America from England on the ship Fortune, landing at Plymouth in 1621, a year after the Mayflower.
Laone was the sixth generation descendant of Lt. Michael Briggs, who settled in Otsego County in 1782 after serving in the Revolutionary War.
Laone attended the old Middlefield School house, Cherry Valley High School and graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1937.
She was a typist at the Otsego County Forestry Department in Cooperstown, and later worked at various jobs in Oneonta and Cooperstown.
Laone married Lawrence W. Gardner on Nov. 16, 1953.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Lance J. Gardner, both of Greenough Road; one sister, Mary Finch of St. Johnsville; one sister-in-law Eleanor Smith of Oneonta; one brother-in-law, Leland Stilwell of Norwich, and several nieces and nephews.
Laone enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, taking rides and going out to dinner. She sustained her faith by reading daily devotional booklets and attended Community Bible Chapel in Toddsville for many years.
Laone was an especially devoted mother and homemaker. She was an unselfishly kind person, always putting others first and herself last.
At Laone’s request there was no funeral.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
4-15-11
Edward F. Miller, Sr., 78; Managed Retail Mainstays
ONEONTA – Edward F. Miller Sr., 78, a manager of several key Oneonta retail establishments over a four-decade career, died April 2, 2011, surrounded by his wife Anna Flanagan Miller and their 9 children. Ed was born on July 16, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pa., to John Joseph Miller and Elizabeth Mary Buchanan.
He and his future wife, Ann Flanagan, were childhood friends at Nativity BVM Elementary School there, marrying on Oct. 27, 1953, at Nativity Catholic Church, Philadelphia.
He served in the Army in 1953-55, stationed in Korea during the conflict there.
During his 40 years in retail management, he worked locally for W.T. Grant, Jamesway, Fay’s Drugs and Eckerd’s. Ed was also a proprietor of a Ben Franklin Store in Binghamton.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, survivors include children Edward F. Miller, Jr. (Nancy) of Oneonta, Marianne Buscemi (Paul) of Valley Center, Calif., Lorraine Tompkins (Bruce) of Manlius, Cheryl Miller (Mark Emilio) of Oneonta, Valerie Gray of Rock City Falls, Patrick Miller (Doraine) of Ballston Spa, Michael Miller (Lorraine of Oneonta, John Miller (Virginia) of Tarrytown, and Catherine Miller of Rock City Falls. Also, 22 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was an active parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oneonta for 39 years. He was an avid vegetable gardener, and enjoyed a good game of poker and horseshoes, and a cold beer.
The funeral mass was Tuesday, April 5, at St. Mary’s, with the Rev. Joseph Benintende, pastor, officiating. Burial was planned at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105.
Arrangements were with the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
4-15-11
James N. Sommer, 54; Retired Air Force Master Sergeant
Oneonta native James Nicholas Sommer, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2011, in Lakewood, Wash., where he and his family lived since 1990. He was 54.He was born March 4, 1957.
Jim, who retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant after 20 years, enjoyed singing with his gifted baritone voice and acting in various plays. He and Shirley, his wife of 34 years, share a love of music.
He was an avid reader. He was also a dedicated golfer and a member of the TOY golf club. He was a student of the world and curious about all things in it.
During his time of service, he and his young family lived first in Arkansas, where he received his undergraduate degree in communications.
The family settled in Lakewood, Wash., in 1990. After his retirement from the Air Force he worked at Cable Craft in Tacoma.
In addition to his wife, survivors include sons Paul and John; his father, Jim Sommer of Santa Cruz, Calif.; sisters, Annie Jorgensen of Santa Cruz and Mary Tingley of Phoenix, Ariz.; as well as several nieces and nephews, and many friends whom he touched throughout his life.
He was predeceased by his mother, Madeline.
The services will be Thursday, April 7, in Lakewood, Wash.
4-15-11
‘Celebration of Life’ Planned For Ted Knapp
ONEONTA – A “Celebration of life” for Theodore (Ted) Kenneth Knapp is planned 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the American Legion. All are invited.He passed away on Dec. 13, 2010, in Elizabethtown, Pa., where he was residing.
Earlier in Oneonta, he worked for Victory Markets and the D&H Railroad. As a boy, he was also a pinsetter in local bowling alleys.
Local survivors included one daughter, Debra Yaro of Morris; sister Joan Camp of Otego, and granddaughter Marybeth Jones of Oneonta.
4-15-11
Donald P. Tiderencel, Jr., 52; OHS Grad, Navy Corpsman
ONEONTA – Donald P. Tiderencel Jr., trained in the Navy for a medical career, passed away suddenly at his residence in Oneonta on Saturday, April 9, 2011. He was 52.Donald was born Aug. 17, 1958, in Charleston, S.C., Army Hospital, to Donald P. Tiderencel Sr. and Harriet (Frederick) Tiderencel. Born into an Air Force family, Don grew up in Charleston, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, Oneonta, Dover, Del., SanVito, Italy, and Vicenza, Italy.
Upon his father’s retirement, the family moved back to Oneonta, where Don attended his senior year at Oneonta High School, graduating in 1976.
Don then joined the Navy, serving as a hospital corpsman from 1976 to 1980, and 1981 to 1985, where he attended Hospital Corpsman School and Field Medical Service School.
He was a National Registered Certified EMT and served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga. He also worked at Lourdes Hospital, DiRienzo Brothers Deli, Binghamton Mets Baseball, Veteran’s Industries and Janitronics of Albany, and the Northampton, Mass., VA Medical Centers.
Donald was predeceased by his mother in 2003.
In addition to his father, survivors include his wife, Audrey of Dover, Del.; four children, Elease Tiderencel of Jacksonville, Fla., Kristina Tiderencel of Utica, Joseph Tiderencel of Coxsackie, and Lorraine Tiderencel of Johnson City; two granddaughters, Jayla Grace Simon and Jenna Faith Simon of Jacksonville, Fla.; his brother, Ronald Tiderencel (Janis) of Maryland; his sister, Janice Pidgeon (Tim) of Oneonta; nieces, Lauren Tiderencel of Cameron, Mo., and Kelly Tiderencel of Oneonta; nephews, Brendan and Zach Pidgeon of Oneonta; several uncles and cousins. He also leaves behind a special loved one; his longtime friend, Joann Nahlovsky of Northampton, Mass.
Don enjoyed all sports – especially the Dallas Cowboy, the New York Mets, and watching his nephews play football and baseball. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his impressive knowledge of facts and trivia, in particular sports trivia and astronomy.
A celebration of Don’s life will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, with Father Joseph Benintende, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, officiating.
Burial will be next to his mother in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Soldier On (an organization that provides American Veterans with shelter, support, dignity and hope), 421 North Main St., Building 6, Leeds, MA 01053 or online at www.soldieron.org/donate/.
4-15-11
Florence D. Balnis, 95; Ran Store With Husband
ONEONTA – Florence D. Balnis, 95, who operated Joe’s Bait & Sport Shop until 1978, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Fox Hospital.She was born August 27, 1915 in Oneonta, the daughter of Pearsall and Kathryn Dutcher.
Florence graduated from Oneonta High School and attended Oneonta Normal School. She married Joseph Balnis in New Milford, Pa.
Survivors include son Wayne Balnis, Sr. of Oneonta; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Dewey Rogers of West Oneonta; grandchildren, Wayne Balnis, Jr., and his wife, Carla, of Oneonta, Sherry Pidgeon and her husband, Brian, of Oneonta, Laurie Page and her husband, Steve, of Maryland, Renee Konicki and her husband, James, of Voorheesville, Rhonda VanShufflin and her husband, William, of Oriskany; and great-grandchildren, Joseph and Caryn Balnis of Oneonta, Katrina and Shannon VanShufflin of Oriskany, and Victoria and Adam Konicki of Voorheesville.
She was predeceased by her husband, daughter-in-law, Patricia Balnism and sister Vivian Gibson.
The funeral was planned at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, with Florence’s grandson, Deacon James Konicki, officiating.
Interment will be at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery .
Memorial contributions may be made to the Oneonta Plains Cemetery Association, 162 County Highway 58, Oneonta NY 13820.
4-15-11
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.
4-8-11
Jeanne Briggs, 61; Accomplished Pianist
HARTWICK – Jeanne Norman Briggs, 61, an accomplished pianist and organist who performed in New York City and Europe, passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, in her home on of Petkewec Road after an extended illness. Friends and family were at her side.She was born June 3, 1949, in Berkeley, Calif., the daughter of Kenneth and Roberta Norman, who predeceased her.
On July 12, 1980, she married John Briggs at their home in Hartwick.
As a multi-instrumentalist, she was best known for her talents on the keyboard, both piano and organ. She was an organist for the First United Presbyterian Church (The Red Door Church) in Oneonta and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Berlin. She also played occasionally with her colleague, the late Raymond Paradis, at the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta.
A member of the Oneonta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, her music was heard throughout Europe; on a few occasions she was given the opportunity to play there. She performed in recitals in New York City, including the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Her love of music started when she was 5. She studied music all through her childhood and then professionally at the University of Idaho, where she also received a bachelor’s in education in 1972.
After a few years of teaching second-graders, she pursued her music again at the American Music Academy in New Jersey under the direction of Dr. Clare Marie Coci. From there she moved to Oneonta to continue to study with Coci where she met her husband.
Besides being an organist and teacher, she was a payroll clerk for over 30 years and ran a family business. She retired after 30 years as a payroll clerk from Otsego Manor in 2005, and helped maintain the family campground until her illness.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her stepdaughter, Anita Briggs Jones and her husband, Lyle, of Hartwick; stepson Christopher Briggs and his wife, Tamara, of Hartwick, and their four children, Caitlin, Noah, Joshua and Andrew; brother Dan and Jeanenne Norman of Lewiston, Idaho; sister April Norman and her husband, Michael English, of Dexter, Ore.; brother Richard and Marsha Norman of Eugene, Ore., and their two children, Allison and Mark, and their children, Samantha, Carson and Emmerson. She also left behind her special friend and caregiver, Karen Miller, of Hartwick, and many other close friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
A celebration of Jeanne’s life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home. Friends will be received 1-3 p.m. prior to the service.
3-18-11
Edith M. Grigsby, 87; Retired From Meadows
ONEONTA – Edith M. Grigsby, 87, passed away Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Fox Nursing Home.She was born July 31, 1923, in Cooperstown, the daughter of George and Florence (Miller) Vroman. She married Earle Grigsby on July 31, 1943, in Hartwick.
Mrs. Grigsby was employed by Scintilla, and then by the Oneonta Dress Factory.
She retired from The Meadows Nursing Home, where she worked as a nurses’ aide for 10 years.
She was a former member of the Hartwick Methodist Church.
She is survived by seven children, Leslie Earle and Sarah Grigsby of Ossining,
Linda Lou and Burt Miller of Odessa, Texas, David Allen and Jane Grigsby of
Enfield, Conn., James Albert and Sharon Grigsby of Nokomis, Fla., Nora Jean Kane of Tunnel, Edwin Douglas and Debra Grigsby of Oneonta, and Anita Marie and Gary Gregory of Chapel Hill, N.C.; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Earle, in 1993, and two sisters, Betty Stanton and Marjorie Gillis.
Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 18, and 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Assembly of God Church. The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. John Grenier, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will be at the Davenport Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church, 1667 County Highway 48, Oneonta, 13820.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono 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
After his junior year as Rotary Exchange Student to Japan, his family moved to Maine. He graduated from Wells High School in 1982.
Steven’s eager and curious mind brought him to many and diverse adventures in the employment world.
He served in the Navy and was trained as a decoder. Attending college in Atlanta, he studied writing and journalism.
In California, he was involved in music production. During his 20 years in Atlanta, he concentrated on editing many music publications and entered the catering business, servicing various private clubs.
He was especially pleased to have been involved for several years with the Jimmy Carter Peace Center. This brought him to many future campaigns for candidates running for office. He worked extensively for Hillary Clinton in her efforts to run as president and was invited to one inaugural ball.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Julia; his devoted mother, Dorathy Perry Bacheller of Wells, Maine, with whom he talked weekly; his loving sisters, Sandra, and Annelissa Siriani (husband John), and four children of Orlando, Fla.; brothers, David (partner Heiki); and three sons of Hamninkelen, Germany, and Richard (wife Sheila); and four daughters of New Market, Ala.; his extended family Eric Robinson, who shared his youth, (wife Tonya) and four children of El Paso, Texas, and devoted Donna Robinson of Wells, Maine, and her children Susan, Jean, David, Peter and Katie and their families.
A memorial service was held in Atlanta in February.
During the week of July 25, 2011, his family will gather in Wells, Maine, for a celebration of his life. Following that, it was Steven’s wish that his ashes be spread upon the Gulf of Maine.
3-11-11
“Bub” was born in the Town of Meredith, on Sunday, April 25, 1920, the son of Willard and Marion (Haynor) Riddell. He grew up on the family farm, and at the age of 7 helped his father build a ramp for Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was campaigning for New York State governor at the American Legion field in Delhi. When “Bub” was 19, he and his brother, “Mick” were the youngest harness makers in New York State.
He entered World War II in April 1942, joining the United States Army Air Corp. On Feb. 13, 1943, he married Alpha G. Kelly from Oneonta in Columbia, S.C.
During the war he flew 48 missions in the Burma-China Theater. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and Foreign Service Medal. He held the rank of staff sergeant and was a tail gunner on the B-24s.
A devoted hard-working employee, he drove for the Green Bus Lines, worked as a butcher at Dyer’s slaughterhouse, worked for the D&H Railroad, was a meat cutter for Victory Markets, was also an owner/operator for over-the-road trucking, and a was member of the Teamsters Union while driving for Krolher Furniture Co. In his later years, he worked for Unatego School Transportation Department, at the Center Street Store and also operated Riddell’s Saw Sharpening business.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Leslie and Barbara Riddell, of Matthews, N.C.; daughter, Lana and son-in-law, Paul Polosky, of Endwell; six grandchildren, Tammy Brant in Florida, Shawn Strok in Rhode Island, Andy and Richard Riddell in Chittenango, Melissa Morse in Endicott, and Ken Barton in Arizona. He was a great-grandfather to seven great-children. He was Uncle “Bub” to several nieces and nephews and close friend to his sister-in-law, Doris.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Alpha, in 2008. He was the baby of the large Riddell family and was preceded in death by four sisters, Laura, Dorothy, Mildred and Edith; and six brothers, Claire, Milo, Neil (John), Leslie, Clarence (Pete) and Hugh (Mick).
Graveside services will be held in August at the Schenevus Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the state Veterans Home at Oxford, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830. The family is grateful for the excellent care and comfort that Bub received there.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home.
3-11-11
She was born on July 3, 1926, in Oneonta, the daughter of the late Edmund and Emily Murphy Stapleton.
She graduated from Oneonta High School, and worked in the Stamford Central School District’s audio-visual department.
Above all, Imogene was a lifelong artist. Her portfolio of works began in high school and she continued to create pen and ink sketches throughout her life.
Imogene was an avid outdoorswoman and traveled extensively throughout the world. Her most memorable journey was her trip to China, which she said made her feel more culturally aware. She continued to enjoy her retirement as a resident of St. James Manor, where she made many friends and her artwork was displayed and appreciated.
Survivors include Tom and Karen Cuyler Oliver of Oneonta.
A funeral service will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., in Oneonta with the Rev. Bernard Ampong officiating. A calling hour will begin at 5.
3-11-11
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
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.
Steven P. Perry, 47; Attended OHS
Steven Paul Perry, 47, who was raised in Oneonta, lost his life to lung cancer at his home in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 19, 2011.After his junior year as Rotary Exchange Student to Japan, his family moved to Maine. He graduated from Wells High School in 1982.
Steven’s eager and curious mind brought him to many and diverse adventures in the employment world.
He served in the Navy and was trained as a decoder. Attending college in Atlanta, he studied writing and journalism.
In California, he was involved in music production. During his 20 years in Atlanta, he concentrated on editing many music publications and entered the catering business, servicing various private clubs.
He was especially pleased to have been involved for several years with the Jimmy Carter Peace Center. This brought him to many future campaigns for candidates running for office. He worked extensively for Hillary Clinton in her efforts to run as president and was invited to one inaugural ball.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Julia; his devoted mother, Dorathy Perry Bacheller of Wells, Maine, with whom he talked weekly; his loving sisters, Sandra, and Annelissa Siriani (husband John), and four children of Orlando, Fla.; brothers, David (partner Heiki); and three sons of Hamninkelen, Germany, and Richard (wife Sheila); and four daughters of New Market, Ala.; his extended family Eric Robinson, who shared his youth, (wife Tonya) and four children of El Paso, Texas, and devoted Donna Robinson of Wells, Maine, and her children Susan, Jean, David, Peter and Katie and their families.
A memorial service was held in Atlanta in February.
During the week of July 25, 2011, his family will gather in Wells, Maine, for a celebration of his life. Following that, it was Steven’s wish that his ashes be spread upon the Gulf of Maine.
3-11-11
Bub Riddell, 90; Decorated WWII Veteran
ONEONTA – Leonard “Bub” C. Riddell, a decorated World War II veteran from Oneonta, passed away Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, at the state Veterans Home in Oxford, with his daughter, Lana and her husband, Paul Polosky, by his side.“Bub” was born in the Town of Meredith, on Sunday, April 25, 1920, the son of Willard and Marion (Haynor) Riddell. He grew up on the family farm, and at the age of 7 helped his father build a ramp for Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was campaigning for New York State governor at the American Legion field in Delhi. When “Bub” was 19, he and his brother, “Mick” were the youngest harness makers in New York State.
He entered World War II in April 1942, joining the United States Army Air Corp. On Feb. 13, 1943, he married Alpha G. Kelly from Oneonta in Columbia, S.C.
During the war he flew 48 missions in the Burma-China Theater. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and Foreign Service Medal. He held the rank of staff sergeant and was a tail gunner on the B-24s.
A devoted hard-working employee, he drove for the Green Bus Lines, worked as a butcher at Dyer’s slaughterhouse, worked for the D&H Railroad, was a meat cutter for Victory Markets, was also an owner/operator for over-the-road trucking, and a was member of the Teamsters Union while driving for Krolher Furniture Co. In his later years, he worked for Unatego School Transportation Department, at the Center Street Store and also operated Riddell’s Saw Sharpening business.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Leslie and Barbara Riddell, of Matthews, N.C.; daughter, Lana and son-in-law, Paul Polosky, of Endwell; six grandchildren, Tammy Brant in Florida, Shawn Strok in Rhode Island, Andy and Richard Riddell in Chittenango, Melissa Morse in Endicott, and Ken Barton in Arizona. He was a great-grandfather to seven great-children. He was Uncle “Bub” to several nieces and nephews and close friend to his sister-in-law, Doris.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Alpha, in 2008. He was the baby of the large Riddell family and was preceded in death by four sisters, Laura, Dorothy, Mildred and Edith; and six brothers, Claire, Milo, Neil (John), Leslie, Clarence (Pete) and Hugh (Mick).
Graveside services will be held in August at the Schenevus Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the state Veterans Home at Oxford, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830. The family is grateful for the excellent care and comfort that Bub received there.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home.
3-11-11
Imogene Colvin, 84; Artist, World Traveller
ONEONTA – Imogene F. Colvin, 84, passed away at the Fox Nursing Home Wednesday, March 2, 2011.She was born on July 3, 1926, in Oneonta, the daughter of the late Edmund and Emily Murphy Stapleton.
She graduated from Oneonta High School, and worked in the Stamford Central School District’s audio-visual department.
Above all, Imogene was a lifelong artist. Her portfolio of works began in high school and she continued to create pen and ink sketches throughout her life.
Imogene was an avid outdoorswoman and traveled extensively throughout the world. Her most memorable journey was her trip to China, which she said made her feel more culturally aware. She continued to enjoy her retirement as a resident of St. James Manor, where she made many friends and her artwork was displayed and appreciated.
Survivors include Tom and Karen Cuyler Oliver of Oneonta.
A funeral service will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., in Oneonta with the Rev. Bernard Ampong officiating. A calling hour will begin at 5.
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Bridget M. Hall of Charlestown, Mass.; her husband, Bernard Chase, and two brothers, Thomas James and Richard J. Hall.
Survivors include brothers Mark A. Hall and his wife, Frances; Francis N. Hall and his wife, Ellen, and Kenneth J. Hall, and sister Margaret LaDiguerds, Oneonta.
Also, children Theresa S., Bernard C., Francis M, and Margaret J. Hall, grandmother “Nana” of Brittney M. Pritchard, plus 13 other grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral was in Charlestown, Mass.
2-18-11
Pearl C. Whigham, 101; Franklin Town, Village HistorianDouglas 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.
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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.
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Sandy Chase, 65; Sister Survives Here
ONEONTA – Theresa Sandra “Sandy” Chase died on Jan. 24, 2011, after a short illness. She was 65 years old and had lived in Oneonta for five years. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Bridget M. Hall of Charlestown, Mass.; her husband, Bernard Chase, and two brothers, Thomas James and Richard J. Hall.
Survivors include brothers Mark A. Hall and his wife, Frances; Francis N. Hall and his wife, Ellen, and Kenneth J. Hall, and sister Margaret LaDiguerds, Oneonta.
Also, children Theresa S., Bernard C., Francis M, and Margaret J. Hall, grandmother “Nana” of Brittney M. Pritchard, plus 13 other grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral was in Charlestown, Mass.
2-18-11
FRANKLIN – Pearl Clark Whigham, 101, Franklin town and village historian for many years, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2011, at the Fox Nursing Home.
Pearl was born on May 18, 1909, in Franklin, the daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Brown) Clark. She married Paul Whigham on July 20, 1933, in Franklin. They were married for 47 years until his passing in 1980.
Pearl graduated from the Delaware Literacy Institute in 1929. She worked in the Franklin Central School system for 15 years as a cafeteria worker until her retirement in 1967.
She was a member of the Community Bible Church in Franklin for 84 years, having joined the old Congregational Church in 1926. She had been a member of the Washington Reading Circle since 1939, and was a one-time member of the Oulehoudt Valley Historical Society and Senior Citizens.
She served as Franklin village historian from 1979 until 1988, and town historian from 1986 until 1989. For 30 years, Pearl produced many scrapbooks on the history of the village and town, detailing early settlements, churches, schools and organizations. Her scrapbooks are now available at the Franklin Free Library.
Survivors include her son, Richard A. Whigham and his wife, Eileen of Westbury, L.I.; her two grandsons, Paul and Wendy Whigham and John and Janice Whigham, both of Westbury; her four great-grandchildren, Cristen Ann, Richard, Michael, and Trent Whigham.
Also, a nephew, Thomas Welch; several cousins, including Frank and Norma Clark of Delhi, and by her good friends, Edwyna Barstow and Kathleen Donnell.
She was predeceased by her brother, Floyd B. Clark; her sisters-in-law, Frances Whigham Welch and Helen Clark; her brother-in-law, Fay Welch, and her nephew, James Welch.
A memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. Dr. Walt Schlundt, officiating. Inurnment will be held in the spring in the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Community Bible Church, 25 Center St., Franklin, NY 13775.
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Mary Pondolfino, 90;Matriarch Survived By Husband, 11 ChildrenONEONTA – Grace Mary (nee Dietz) Pondolfino, 90, who raised 13 children in Oneonta, died peacefully at home in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, holding the hand of her husband of 66 years, Dr. Sam Pondolfino, and surrounded by children and grandchildren.
Born on Jan. 31, 1921, to Henry and Margaret (O’Reilly) Dietz and raised in the Bronx, Mary moved to Sidney as a young woman and soon met her future husband in nearby Oneonta.
Married in Sidney on April 25, 1944, the couple settled in Oneonta, raised their family and established many, many lifelong friendships. They originally retired to Florida, then in 1997, moved to Santa Rosa, where they spent several years as volunteers at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her eldest and youngest children, Kathleen and Paul.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her children and their spouses, Patricia Hilmer of Los Angeles and husband Don, Mary Pandolfino of Santa Rosa, Sam Pondolfino Jr. and John Smith of Santa Rosa, Margaret Pondolfino of Portland, Ore., Annie Hirsfield of Santa Rosa and husband David, Peter Pondolfino and Lisa McKinney of Santa Rosa, Sara Pondolfino of Sebastopol, Tony Pondolfino of Rhode Island, Frank Pondolfino of New York City, Lou Pondolfino of Anchorage, Alaska, and wife Wendy, Joe Pondolfino of Tarpon Springs, Fla., and wife Tanya; and her daughters-in-law, Chrysanthe Voreas of Portland, Ore., and Lauren Maxwell of Anchorage. Also, 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is 1 p.m. Friday, March 4, at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, Santa Rosa. Inurnment in the future in Oneonta.
Memories of Mary may also be emailed to her daughter at marypandolfino@sbcglobal.net.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 2455 Bennett Valley Road, Suite B-214, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
2-11-11
John Sloan, 49, of SpringbrookCOOPERSTOWN – 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 GarageCHERRY 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.
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Patricia A. Balnis, 68; Stamford Teacher’s Aide
ONEONTA – Patricia A. “Patsy” Balnis, 68, passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at Fox Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was 68.
She was born Oct. 29, 1942, in Oneonta, daughter of John and Rachael (Wakin) Weitzel.
Patsy married Wayne Balnis Sr. on Oct. 29, 1960, in Oneonta.
She was employed for BOCES in Stamford for 32 years as a licensed teaching assistant and also worked for ARC Otsego.
Patsy enjoyed dancing, listening to her granddaughter Caryn sing, cooking, reading, going to the local baseball games, trips to casinos, playing the slot machines and bowling with the ladies on Monday night bowling league.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and her husband’s “little angel” and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her husband of 50 years, survivors include children, Wayne and Carla Balnis Jr. of Oneonta, Sherry and Brian Pidgeon of Oneonta, and Laurie and Stephen Page of Maryland; grandchildren, Joseph and Caryn Balnis; a mother-in-law, Florence Balnis; a sister, Mary and Dan Tranvaag of Oneonta; a brother, Sam and Joyce Weitzel of Oneonta; sister-in-law, Barbara and Dewey Rogers of Oneonta; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; special friends, Millard and Dottie Hurlbert, and her beloved dog, Black Velvet.
She was predeceased by her parents and father-in-law, Joseph Balnis.
A memorial service is at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, with the Deacon James Konicki, Pasty’s nephew, officiating. Calling hours were planned 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. the day before, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to ARC Otsego, PO Box 490 , Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790 .
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James E. Devlin, 72; SUNY Oneonta English Professor For 40 Years
ONEONTA – Dr. James E. Devlin, 72, a SUNY Oneonta English professor for almost four decades, died of prostate cancer Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine.
After retiring in 2003, he lived in Kennebunk, Maine, and Venice, Fla.
He was born on May 6, 1938, in Boston, Mass., to Dr. James Devlin and Edna Frances (Lyons) Devlin. He graduated from Boston Latin School in 1955, receiving his bachelor’s from Boston College and advanced degrees from Harvard and Binghamton University.
During college, he started a chance pen-pal correspondence with Maria B. Krause of Stockach, Germany. They married in Stockach on March 3, 1962, and raised two sons locally.
Dr. Devlin was the author of numerous articles on German subjects ranging from Boell to Kleist to Marlene Dietrich and on figures in American literature from Poe to Hawthorne to Irving. He published two books and contributed to several others.
In 1977, he was appointed to a Fulbright lectureship at the Paedagogische Hochschule in Goettingen, Germany. From 1995 until his retirement, he was coordinator of the biannual International James Fenimore Cooper Conference, held in Otsego County.
An Army veteran, he was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and gun collector. He traveled widely throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and eastern and western Europe.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Dr. Peter-Paul Devlin of North Andover, Mass., and his wife, Dr. Arlene Curran, and Christopher Devlin, Esq. of Portland, Maine, and his wife, Julia Sheridan, Esq.; and by five grandchildren, Margaret, Catherine, Nicholas, Timothy and Claire Devlin.
A memorial service is planned at a later date, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Mass.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations in Dr. Devlin’s name may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074.
2-4-11
Mary Eileen Noonan, 93; Constant Presence In Cherry Valley Windmill Protest
CHERRY VALLEY – Mary Eileen Noonan, who became an icon of resistance while, confined to a wheelchair, she rarely missed a public meeting during Cherry Valley’s wind-turbine controversy of 2006, died Sunday morning, Jan. 23, 2011, at her home on Montgomery Street. She was 93.She was born Sept. 11, 1917, to Irish immigrants William and Anna (McKee) Flynn. Formerly of Baldwin and Brooklyn, then River Edge and Mahwah, N.J., then St. Augustine Beach, Fla., she and her husband, Daniel, decided to spend their final years as active residents of Cherry Valley.
Mary was one of seven children and went on to have seven of her own. Her first husband, Joseph Heim, died in World War II, leaving her with a young son, Joseph. After the war, working as a secretary in the Empire State Building, she met Daniel F. Noonan, Jr.; the two were married May 29, 1947.
Her children remember her as passionate, talented and artistic, never pretentious, a woman who made herself known without ever being conspicuous. Born in the year that led to the end of the First World War, she weathered many changes throughout her life with grace, dignity, determination and humor. Born during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, she lived to see 17 presidents in all.
In New Jersey she and Dan were members of the local Republican club. Her biggest campaign was to get New Jersey to allow children to be bused to Catholic schools. At St. Peters in River Edge, they were fully involved in parish life as well as the Knights of Columbus, raising funds and supporting the Sisters at the local convent. Mary and Dan would host children from the orphanage for holiday dinners at their home and in her spare time Mary was a den mother for the Scouts.
In Florida, they were very active in the Cathedral Parish of Saint Augustine and Saint Anastasia’s Parish. They belonged to prayer groups in both and served in various capacities as ministers, visitors to the sick and volunteers for Saint Vincent De Paul to help raise money to provide services for the poor.
They loved to travel and saw much of the world. They were profoundly moved and motivated by the seemingly miraculous events involving the Blessed Mother in the small Yugoslavian town of Medjugorje and made a pilgrimage to visit the site. Back in their home in Florida, they later hosted one of the children (Vicka) who witnessed the apparitions at the site.
Mary learned to live with all the maladies and melodies of her life and turned every disability into ability. To the end she participated in local political and community events and took firm stands against issues such as turbines and gas drilling. She never missed an election and always sent in her absentee ballot.
If she had any regrets it would be not living to 100 because she wanted to receive a birthday card from the President.
Mary is survived by her seven children: Joseph Heim of Dover, N.J., Pamela Noonan of Cherry Valley, Father Guy Francis Noonan of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mill Creek, St. Augustine, Fla., Gail St. Pierre of Houston, Texas, Pastor Barbara McCoy and her husband, Les, of Apopka, Fla., Gregory Noonan of Cherry Valley and his wife, Joan, and Daniel F. Noonan III and his wife, Kristina, of Campbell Hall; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She is further survived by her long-time primary caretaker, best friend and unofficial fourth daughter, Vicky Bucklad, of Cherry Valley.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Cherry Valley, with her son, Father Guy Noonan, officiating, and Father John R. Roos concelebrating.
Mary will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Daniel, at a later date in the St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church Columbarium in St. Augustine.
Memorial donations may be made to Cherry Valley Health Center, c/o Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 , or to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements were under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
2-4-11
Joseph S. Kreck, 53; Oneonta Native
ONEONTA – Joseph S. Kreck, 53, an Oneonta native, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 at his residence in Unadilla.Joe was born March 12, 1957, the son of Rudolph F. and Rosie (Carnicelli) Kreck.
In addition to his father, Joe is survived by a sister, Debra Kreck-Harnish and her husband, Glen, of Sacramento, Calif.; his nephew, Daniel Joseph Harnish, currently attending Dartmouth College, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his mother, Rosie Kreck, in 2008.
There will be no public calling hours. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made in his name to: ALS of Utica, 9169 River Road, Marcy, NY 13403.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
2-4-11
Edward P. Baumgardner, 88; D&H Retiree Wrote Books
ONEONTA – Edward P. Baumgardner, 88, a former D&H electrician and train enthusiast who collaborated on several railroad books, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at the Fox Nursing Home.Born May 30, 1922, in Abingdon, Ill., he was the son of the late Ward and Florence (Juckett) Baumgardner. His father died when he was young and he was raised by his stepfather, Bob Rice, in Castleton, Vt.
He graduated from West Rutland (Vt.) High School and attended Hartwick College, then served in the Army Air Corps in India during World War II.
He married EllaJane (Jones) in 1947.
He was an electrician for the D&H Railroad for over 20 years, retiring in 1987, and also an electrician on construction jobs.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the I.B.E.W., a 69-year member of National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and a former member of the Masons in Vermont.
Among the books he helped research were “The Damn Nuisance,” “O&W,” “Rails Along the Oriskany” and “The Delaware & Northern.”
In addition to his wife of 63 years, survivors include his children, Dennis (Sharon) Baumgardner, Gale (Stephen) Lukaczyk and Ronald (Kathleen) Brienza; his six grandchildren, Stacy (Christopher) Klob, Michael Baumgardner, Joseph Lukaczyk, Jared Lukaczyk, John (Lisa) Brienza and Jennifer Thompson; six great-grandchildren, Tristan and Sawyer Klob, Taylor and T.J. Thompson, and Carmen and Carli Brienza; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a half brother, William Rice.
The funeral was Thursday, Feb. 3, at Bookhout Funeral Home, with the Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, P.O. Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753, American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502 or to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
2-4-11
Marion Corso, 96; Born In Sharon
ONEONTA – Marion C. Corso, 96, of Oneonta, passed away at her home on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011.Born Aug. 31, 1914, in Sharon, Schoharie, she was the daughter of Sidney and Hazel Putman.
She married Dante Corso on June 29, 1934, he passed away in 1981.
She loved flowers, enjoyed the holidays and loved to be in the company of her friends.
Marion is survived by her daughter, Marilyn and John Alger of Endwell; her granddaughter, Stephanie Alger of Alexander, Va.; two sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Sanford Putman; and a sister, Esther Alkenburgh.
The funeral was Monday, Jan. 31, at Bookhout Funeral Home. Burial will be in the spring in Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
1-21-11
Catherine P. Reese, 57; Scientist
COOPERSTOWN – Catherine P. Reese, 57, a research scientist, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.Cathy was born in Cooperstown, the daughter of Jane S. and the late John M. Potrikus. She graduated from Cooperstown Central School and received her B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in microbiology from Michigan State University.
Following post-doctoral studies at the Harvard Biological Laboratories, Cathy began a 20-year career at Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company in Groton, Conn., where she worked in drug research and development programs for the Animal Health division, with a focus on environmental and antimicrobial drug safety issues.
She was active in the St. Pius X Church.
In her free time, Cathy enjoyed the beach, long walks, reading and music, traveling, and particularly breakfasting with friends from St. Pius X.
Survivors include her husband, Dwight D. Reese, Charlestown, R.I.; her mother, now living in Harwich, Mass.; her sons, Jonathan and Patrick; three sisters, Ellen Barber, Joan Bruce, and Marilyn Habercorn; six brothers, James Potrikus, Michael, Joseph, Timothy, Edward and Anthony and their families; as well as a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
1-21-11
Tarbie Hoes, 91; Granddaughter of Leading American Impressionist
COOPERSTOWN – Tarbell Clay Hoes, granddaughter of Edmund C. Tarbell, the noted American Impressionist, died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Otsego Manor. She was 91.Mercie Tarbell Clay Hoes, the only child of Henry Sellers McKee Clay and Mercie Tarbell Clay, was born in Philadelphia on June 28, 1919. Her grandfather was a prominent member of “The Ten,” which introduced Impressionism to the U.S. in 1898; he and William Merritt Chase were credited with teaching the method to 4,000 artists.
Known to her family and friends as Tarbie, she spent most of her youth in Hingham, Mass., and at the Tarbell family compound in New Castle, N.H., across the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth.
Tarbie graduated from Milton Academy and attended the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. In World War II, she served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
She married Dr. John S. Hoes on Oct. 12, 1954, in Portsmouth. They spent most of their married life in Cooperstown, where she was a member of the Lake & Valley Garden Club and a volunteer at the Susquehanna SPCA.
Survivors include her stepchildren, Katrina H. Villenevue of Tupper Lake, Pamela H. Cohen of Kinderhook, Louisa H. Severance of Yarmouth, Maine, and John V.B. Hoes of Farmington, Maine; her sons, Clay L. Hoes of Minneapolis and Alexander S. Hoes of New York City; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be celebrated in the June.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Tillapaugh Funeral Service handled arrangements.
John H. Vasseur, 78; Korean War Vet
WEST ONEONTA – John H. Vasseur, 78, a Korean War Army veteran active in the American Legion, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, at Fox Hospital.Born on Nov. 19, 1932, in Mineola, John was the son of Francis and Gladys (VanDohlen) Vasseur.
He married Marlyn M. McCartney in Amityville on July 6, 1957, and they made their home in the Babylon area where John, for many years, worked for New York Telephone.
In 2010, John and Marlyn moved to and bought a home in West Oneonta to be near their daughter, Michelle Mulhall of West Oneonta, and grandchildren, Kristen Milligan and John T. Mulhall III.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John H. Vasseur Jr., Lindenhurst.
John was a past commander of the American Legion Post 395 in Golden Gate, and was a member of the New York Telephone Pioneers. He enjoyed gardening and developing his model train collection.
Funeral services and burial in the spring will be private.
Arrangements are under the supervision of Tillapaugh Funeral Service.
1-21-11
MaryAnn Wood, 73; Retired To Disney World
ONEONTA – MaryAnn P. Wood, 73, an Oneonta native who retired to Florida to fulfill a lifelong dream of working at Disney World, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, in Davenport, Fla.MaryAnn was born on June 18, 1937, to Squire and Catherine Perry, grew up locally and received a teaching degree at SUNY Oneonta in 1959.
She lived in Syracuse during her 30-year career at Jamesville Elementary School.
Retiring in 1994, she moved to Orlando and became a member of Disney World’s Candlelight Choir, performing during Christmas seasons for tourists at Epcot Center.
She was an avid SU football fall.
Survivors include her sister, Margaret Young of Orville, Wash.; son Bryan Wood and his wife, Sharon, Altamont; grandchildren Kristin and Patrick Wood; nieces, nephews and a brother-in-law, Louis (Red) Coher, Satellite Beach, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ellen Coher; and brothers, Joseph Perry and William Perry.
1-21-11
Ralph Clarkson, 90; Retired Hartwick Dean
ONEONTA – Ralph Ole Clarkson, a former Hartwick College dean active in Oneonta community affairs, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, at the Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Rutland, Vt. He was 90.
He was born July 18, 1920, in Skaneateles, the son of Ingeborg (Thorkelson) Clarkson and George H. Clarkson.
He graduated from Syracuse University and received his master’s at SUNY Albany.
During World War II, he served as a navigator in the Army Air Force.
In 1947, he married Audra Bailey in Delhi, and joined Delaware Academy as an art teacher and guidance counselor. In 1959, he moved to Oneonta and joined Hartwick College, where he served as dean of students, director of admissions and director of financial aid, retiring in 1985.
Ralph was the first president of the Delaware County Teachers Association, chairman of the Delaware County Red Cross, past Commander of the American Legion, captain of the National Guard in Walton, past president of the Oneonta Kiwanis Club, and a member of the board of directors of the Oneonta Country Club.
Ralph loved gardening, was an avid woodworker, and an accomplished wildlife photographer and painter.
He and Audra, retired to Fort Myers Beach, Fla., where he became a dedicated volunteer at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, and he taught art classes to other retirees for many years.
He is survived by his wife; his children, Karen McGurl (George) of Rutland, Vt., Kurt Clarkson of Rutland, Vt., Kris Clarkson (Sarah) of Huntingdon, Pa., and Peter Magellan (Jane) of Vienna, Va.; his grandchildren, Marcy McDade (Scott), Michael McGurl (Rebecca), Joseph Clarkson, William Clarkson, PJ Magellan and Mark Magellan; his great-grandchildren, Maddison McDade, Riley McDade, and Sarah Muller; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers.
He was born July 18, 1920, in Skaneateles, the son of Ingeborg (Thorkelson) Clarkson and George H. Clarkson.
He graduated from Syracuse University and received his master’s at SUNY Albany.
During World War II, he served as a navigator in the Army Air Force.
In 1947, he married Audra Bailey in Delhi, and joined Delaware Academy as an art teacher and guidance counselor. In 1959, he moved to Oneonta and joined Hartwick College, where he served as dean of students, director of admissions and director of financial aid, retiring in 1985.
Ralph was the first president of the Delaware County Teachers Association, chairman of the Delaware County Red Cross, past Commander of the American Legion, captain of the National Guard in Walton, past president of the Oneonta Kiwanis Club, and a member of the board of directors of the Oneonta Country Club.
Ralph loved gardening, was an avid woodworker, and an accomplished wildlife photographer and painter.
He and Audra, retired to Fort Myers Beach, Fla., where he became a dedicated volunteer at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, and he taught art classes to other retirees for many years.
He is survived by his wife; his children, Karen McGurl (George) of Rutland, Vt., Kurt Clarkson of Rutland, Vt., Kris Clarkson (Sarah) of Huntingdon, Pa., and Peter Magellan (Jane) of Vienna, Va.; his grandchildren, Marcy McDade (Scott), Michael McGurl (Rebecca), Joseph Clarkson, William Clarkson, PJ Magellan and Mark Magellan; his great-grandchildren, Maddison McDade, Riley McDade, and Sarah Muller; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers.
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.
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.
“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.
1-14-11
Joan E. Hull, 77; 3 Daughters Survive
ONEONTA – Joan Evelyn (Camp) Hull, a familiar face in many downtown retail stores, passed away unexpectedly at Albany Medical Center on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010.
Born Oct. 29, 1933, to Evelyn (Stoffel) Camp Boggs and Clifford Camp, she was also the stepdaughter of Wendall Boggs.
Upon graduating from Oneonta High School in 1952, she worked at the Oneonta Drug Store, where she met and married Harry D. Hull. They raised four girls together. Harry died in April 1978.
Left with the task of caring for her daughters remaining at home, she moved to Oneonta where transportation and job prospects were more available. Joan held many jobs in retail, always seeming to find new ones as Winans Men’s Shop, the Golden Rooster and the Oneonta Theater closed. She felt fortunate to end her career at Wilber National Bank, retiring in 1995.
Joan enjoyed making quilts, ornaments, handmade cards and jewelry. She was involved in Cooper Country Crafts in Cooperstown, when it opened in 1974, and other consignment shops, plus the Oneonta Farmers’ Market and seasonal craft shows.
Most recently, she volunteered at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society.
She had many friends that she got together with regularly for games of chicken foot, Chinese checkers, lunches and dinners. Through the generosity of friends and her own determination, , Joan managed to get to many places for someone who never had a driver’s license.
She also enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren, even visiting Australia twice.
She is survived by three daughters, Terri Vercz of Ilion, Laurie Columb (Trevor) of Yass, Australia, and Lisa Shetty (Baba) of Hingham, Mass.; eight grandchildren; her sister, Norma Talbot (Bob); and her aunt and lifelong friend, Doris Strafel of Richfield Springs. Joan was predeceased by her daughter, Tracy Lee Hull.
Memorial donations may be made to the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, P.O. Box 814, Oneonta, NY 13820.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Alfresco’s Italian Bistro. Friends and family are welcome.
Born Oct. 29, 1933, to Evelyn (Stoffel) Camp Boggs and Clifford Camp, she was also the stepdaughter of Wendall Boggs.
Upon graduating from Oneonta High School in 1952, she worked at the Oneonta Drug Store, where she met and married Harry D. Hull. They raised four girls together. Harry died in April 1978.
Left with the task of caring for her daughters remaining at home, she moved to Oneonta where transportation and job prospects were more available. Joan held many jobs in retail, always seeming to find new ones as Winans Men’s Shop, the Golden Rooster and the Oneonta Theater closed. She felt fortunate to end her career at Wilber National Bank, retiring in 1995.
Joan enjoyed making quilts, ornaments, handmade cards and jewelry. She was involved in Cooper Country Crafts in Cooperstown, when it opened in 1974, and other consignment shops, plus the Oneonta Farmers’ Market and seasonal craft shows.
Most recently, she volunteered at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society.
She had many friends that she got together with regularly for games of chicken foot, Chinese checkers, lunches and dinners. Through the generosity of friends and her own determination, , Joan managed to get to many places for someone who never had a driver’s license.
She also enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren, even visiting Australia twice.
She is survived by three daughters, Terri Vercz of Ilion, Laurie Columb (Trevor) of Yass, Australia, and Lisa Shetty (Baba) of Hingham, Mass.; eight grandchildren; her sister, Norma Talbot (Bob); and her aunt and lifelong friend, Doris Strafel of Richfield Springs. Joan was predeceased by her daughter, Tracy Lee Hull.
Memorial donations may be made to the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, P.O. Box 814, Oneonta, NY 13820.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Alfresco’s Italian Bistro. Friends and family are welcome.
1-14-11
Beth Whitcher, 86; Raised Morgans, Lived In Log Cabin She Built Herself
ONEONTA – Charlotte Elizabeth Whitcher, known as Beth, a noted horsewoman, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at her home in Oneonta. She was 86.
For many years a fixture in the horse-raising community, she was the first to introduce and breed Morgan horses in New York (and occasionally sell when someone convinced her they would take sufficient care of the horses). She is remembered as well by generations who learned to ride horses at her riding academy.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Boston University.
Though severe osteoarthritis left it a chore for her to even move and walk, Beth continued to ride her tractor and to take care of her farm nearly to the day of her death. In October, she fretted that delays in repairing her tractor made it difficult to complete the fall haying.
Beth was a life member of the Oneonta Bowman’s Club, located on land she donated near her farm. As a girl, she was a good hockey player, and later an expert skier.
Though leading the life of a pioneer woman in spartan circumstances, living and dying in the log cabin she constructed with a friend in the 1960s, Beth maintained many relationships largely through mail correspondence. Many former neighbors and friends kept phone connections through the years.
She is survived by her brother, Dr. Charles E. Whitcher of Stanford, Calif.
Services will be announced at a later time.
The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
For many years a fixture in the horse-raising community, she was the first to introduce and breed Morgan horses in New York (and occasionally sell when someone convinced her they would take sufficient care of the horses). She is remembered as well by generations who learned to ride horses at her riding academy.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Boston University.
Though severe osteoarthritis left it a chore for her to even move and walk, Beth continued to ride her tractor and to take care of her farm nearly to the day of her death. In October, she fretted that delays in repairing her tractor made it difficult to complete the fall haying.
Beth was a life member of the Oneonta Bowman’s Club, located on land she donated near her farm. As a girl, she was a good hockey player, and later an expert skier.
Though leading the life of a pioneer woman in spartan circumstances, living and dying in the log cabin she constructed with a friend in the 1960s, Beth maintained many relationships largely through mail correspondence. Many former neighbors and friends kept phone connections through the years.
She is survived by her brother, Dr. Charles E. Whitcher of Stanford, Calif.
Services will be announced at a later time.
The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
1-7-11
Bishop Officiates At Funeral of Father John Burns, 71, Otsego-Delaware County Dean
MORRIS – The funeral mass for the Very Rev. John R. Burns, dean of the Otsego-Delaware Deanery, was Friday, Dec. 31, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Oneonta. Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Diocese of Albany officiating.
Father Burns, 71, who was also pastor of Holy Cross Church, Morris, passed away Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, at his home in Morris.
He was born in Albany in 1939, the son of Robert J. Burns Sr. and Anna (Wohlfahrt) Burns.
He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy in Albany in 1957. He attended Mater Christi in Albany and St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada, then was ordained at the Cathedral in Albany by Father William A. Scully.
While assistant pastor at St. Ambrose Church in Latham, he was an instructor at Mercy High School in Albany. He was assistant pastor at St. Joseph’s Church in Rensselaer and St. Agnes Church in Cohoes, then chaplain at Memorial Hospital and School of Nursing, then assistant pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa.
In 1981, he became pastor of Precious Blood of Jesus Church in South Kortright, and in 1999 became pastor of his current church Holy Cross Church of Morris. He was chaplain of the Joseph P. Molinari Council 4989 Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his brother, Robert J. Burns Jr. and his wife, Agatha, of Canada Lake; a nephew, Robert A. Burns and his wife, Kristen, of East Greenbush, and his three great-nieces, Madison, McCayla and Macey Burns.
Burial was Monday, Jan. 3, at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.
Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 118, Morris, NY 13808.
Arrangements were with the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.
1-7-11
Father Burns Was About People
Just after the wonderful Christmas celebrations, we learned on the Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, that Father John Burns, pastor of Holy Cross Church, Morris, had passed away.
Father Burns was dean of Otsego County, appointed to that post by Bishop Hubbard to represent the diocese in the western area of the Diocese of Albany.
Father Burns was a friend of ours here at St. Mary’s, Cooperstown. Any time he was invited, he joyfully came to parties, social events, business meetings and liturgies. Recently, he was here for the funeral of Dennis Murray. He came through our Open House on Dec. 19.
He heard confessions here on Dec. 22. Father John often came to assist with our confirmation students, to hear confessions or to lead the once-a-month special mass for our confirmation students.
Many have shared their feelings about this quiet man. Some commented how his faith came out when singing, full voiced and unsparingly.
“He was gentle and kind in confession.” “He loved his vocation and the people he served.”
My own thoughts are: John listened. He was quiet. When he spoke, one should listen.
The week he died, John would have traveled to be with the bishop, priests and seminarians for the annual Christmas social. I confess that I am too Christmas-exhausted to even think of the trip.
Not John. He was always there. And “there” was people. John Burns ever sought to bring people together.
One of the greatest comments I heard about his passing comes from the wonderful person who maintains the rectory and watched John convalesce here after this heart surgery. She observed: “Father Burns was always busy doing the Church’s work very quietly and diligently.”
My fondest thought is how he traveled to be with us on Sunday morning, June 6, at 11 a.m., for the celebration of the Year of Priests. Father Andrew W. Cryans of Durham, N.H., said: “ You can always count on John Burns to be there when it is priesthood.”
May the Eternal Priest embrace Him. “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisdeck.”
Father Rosson is pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Church,
Cooperstown.
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.
1-7-11
Robert E. Mansbach, Jr., 53; OHS Graduate Pursued Legal Career
ONEONTA – Robert E. Mansbach, Jr., 53, a graduate of Oneonta High School, Class of 1975, who went on to an eminent career in law in Florida, died on Christmas Day, 2010, in Winter Park, where he lived.
Survivors include his parents, Dr. Robert E. and Maryalice Mansbach of Oneonta.
Bob was born Cheverly, Md., on July 27, 1957. His family moved a number of times during his early years – to Tonawanda, New Haven, Conn., and Iowa City, Iowa – before settling in Oneonta.
After graduating from Bugbee School and OHS, he earned his B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, 1979, and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School, 1982.
He practiced law in Orlando, Fla., and was a partner at the firm of Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A. He became a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer in 1992, and held the highest rating of AV by Martindale-Hubbell.
Bob was a past president of the Central Florida Medical Malpractice Claims Council and chair of the Executive Council of The Florida Bar’s Trial Lawyers Section.
He authored and updated the 2005 chapter titled “Summation” in The Florida Bar’s 7th edition of Florida Civil Trial Practice, and in 2009 he updated his chapter titled “Ethics” in the 2nd edition of The Florida Bar’s Florida Medical Malpractice Handbook.
“Bob will be remembered for his trademark tenacity, attention to detail and sharply focused trial skills. His quiet, calm demeanor always reflected his total preparation, which resonated with judges and jurors alike. Those who were close to Bob will also remember his warm heart, strong faith and exceptional depth of caring for those he knew were struggling through challenges in life,” his law firm said in a statement.
Bob was active in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winter Park and Summit Church of Orlando. He also was a board member of the Lutheran Counseling Center in Winter Park.
His zest for life was expressed as husband and father, and in his hobbies: books, music, fine wine, fine dining, photography, golf and travel.
He is also survived by his wife of 28 years, Daisy; a daughter, Alexandra; a son, Christopher; a sister, Deborah Mansbach Lawrence and spouse Clifford Lawrence; mother-in-law Maria Nieves, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
The memorial service was Thursday, Dec. 30, in Winter Park.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1600 South Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, Summit Church, 735 Herndon Ave., Orlando, FL 32803, or a charity of one’s choice.
1-7-11
Metta (Mitchell) Bagg, 86; Co-Owned Furniture Store
ONEONTA – Metta (Mitchell) Bagg, 86, of Punta Gorda, Fla., who with her husband owned and operated Bagg’s Wayside Furniture until 1989, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, at the Port Charlotte Rehabilitation Center in Florida, where she had been living since she became ill in November 2009.
Born July 26, 1924, in Oneonta, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Edith (Stratton) Mitchell.
Her husband, Robert D. Bagg Sr., passed away 10 years ago. They owned and operated Bagg’s Wayside Furniture.
She had a love of gardening, and was a past president of the Oneonta Gardening Club.
She is survived by her three children, Emilie Jean Williams (Christman), Robert D. Bagg Jr. and Halsey M. Bagg; her sister, Emily DePalma; her brother, Charles Mitchell, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned in May at the Presbyterian Church, Oneonta. All who would like to attend are welcome.
Arrangements are being handled by Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
