Joseph F. Basile


April 15, 1927 - December 9, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Joseph F. Basile, a devoted family man and skilled cabinet maker, passed away just before Noon Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Otsego Manor with his loving family at his side. He was 85.

Born April 15, 1927, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Queens, he was a son of Dominick and Mary (DeMayo) Basile. 

Raised in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, Joe learned early on the value of hard work, which was well-exemplified by his family. After attending a trade school, he worked as a skilled wood craftsman, and also learned the trade of shoe repair, another family business. Always good with his hands, Joe became a skilled woodworker, a trade that served him well throughout his life.

On May 29, 1949, Joe married another native of Queens, Phyllis Maiorino, in a ceremony at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Far Rockaway.     

In 1972 Joe and his family moved to Hartwick, and was employed with Ed Phillips Construction Company in Cooperstown; however, they came to realize his woodworking capabilities and urged him to go off on his own in the field of cabinetry. In 1978, he started Joe Basile Speciality Millwork based in Index.

Never one to sit idle, Joe was always working on something, and had a knack for being able to fix anything. He was also a talented drummer and played and even conducted in big band-style bands. Most especially, he will be remembered for being a wonderful husband and family man, who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis, of Index; two sons, Michael J. Basile and his wife, Claudia, and Alan P. Basile and his wife, Peggy, all of Index; one daughter, Joann M. Zeh and her husband, Bernie, of Hartwick; seven grandchildren, John Basile and his wife, Jennifer, of Hyde Park, Katherine Basile of Rockville, Maryland, Joe Basile of Ballston Lake, Bernie Zeh III, Christopher Zeh, Dominick Zeh and Michelle, Zeh, all of Hartwick; one great granddaughter, Kaylee Basile; and one sister, Evelyn Fabrizio of Oceanside, Long Island.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Louis and Frank Basile.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding.

Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. 

As an alternative to flowers, those who so desire may direct memorial donations to the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326. 

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Lillian Grace Iversen


June 12, 1916 - December 4, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Lillian Grace Iversen, age 96, died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 4, 2012, at Otsego Manor.

She was born June 12, 1916, in Brooklyn, a daughter of George and Viola (Hall) Parr.  

On July 16, 1938, she married Ralph Berg Iversen in the State of Maryland, and they enjoyed 72 years together until Ralph died May 21, 2010.  

Upon Ralph's retirement, they moved to the Cooperstown area where they resided for almost 40 years. Since 2006 Lillian had been a resident at Otsego Manor. During her stay there, she received wonderful care which was truly appreciated by her and her family. 

A people person, Lillian enjoyed socializing and could always be counted upon to plan family gatherings. She is survived by her loving family: one daughter, Jeanne Krauss of Cooperstown; three sons, Robert Iversen and his wife, Nancy, of Cooperstown, Ralph Iversen of Detroit, Michigan, and Richard Iversen of Rocky Point, Long Island; 11 grandchildren, Mary Ann Topalian and her husband, Steven, Sharon Iversen, Laura Bowman and her husband, Chip, John Colwell and his wife, Heather, Kelly Colwell, Kathleen Colwell, Christopher Iversen and his friend, Lisa Mitten, Timothy Iversen and his wife, Tamara, Kristi Iversen, Denise Iversen, and Roger Iversen and his wife, Heather; 13 great grandchildren, Mia, Frances, Ashley, Christina, Austin, Alexander, Lillianna, Tanner, Bradon, Lucia and her mother Susan Berliner, Robert, Mary and Ella Mae. She is also survived by one brother-in-law, Roy Iversen of South Carolina.  

In addition to her husband, Lillian was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Ledwith.

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Tuesday evening, December 11, 2012, from 6-8 p.m., when Lillian's family will be in attendance. At the conclusion of the visitation the Rev. Thomas E. Pullyblank, pastor of the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, will offer a brief closing service.  

A memorial service will be offered in the spring of 2013. At that time the service of committal will take place at the Ecumenical Columbarium at Christ Church in Cooperstown.

As an alternative to flowers, Lillian's family requests that memorial donations be made in her memory to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Glenford H. Hubbell


May 5, 1928 - November 27, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Glenford H. Hubbell, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 27, 2012, at Otsego Manor. He was 84. 

Born May 5, 1928, in Halcottsville, Glen was the son of Loren and Elizabeth (Hinkley) Hubbell.  

A graduate of Roxbury High School, Class of 1945, he served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946.

On September 19, 1948, Glen married Lillian E. Moran in Shandaken.  

In 1951, Glen and Lil moved to Cooperstown where they purchased Schneider's Bakery on Main Street. In 1978, Glen opened Hubbell's Real Estate.  

An avid golfer, he was a long-time subscriber to the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown.  

Of the Episcopal faith, he was a member of Christ Church, Cooperstown. He was also a member and past treasurer of the former Susquehanna Tribe 575, Improved Order of Red Men in Cooperstown; was a member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown; was a member and past president of The Mohican Club; and was a former member of the Lions Club of Cooperstown. He was also active with the Hubbell Historical Association. In the winter months, he especially enjoyed travelling with Lil to Florida. 

Throughout his life, Glen was a good business man. Most importantly, he will be remembered for being a wonderful father and a man who was dedicated to his family. They were the center of his life.

He is survived by two daughters, JoAnn Hubbell and Christine Winslow and her husband, Michael, all of Fly Creek; one son, Glenn E. Hubbell and his wife, Cindy, of Cooperstown; seven grandchildren, Jason Long of Cooperstown, Victoria Gula and her husband, John, of Schenectady, Andria Horn and her husband, Bradford, of Cooperstown, Cassandra Woosley and her husband, Donald, of Charleston, SC, Jennifer Hubbell and Laura Hubbell, both of New York City, and Brian Hubbell of Boston, MA; and two great grandchildren, Natalia and Donovan Gula.

Glen was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian "Lil" Hubbell, who passed away January 13, 1997.  

A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 AM on Friday, November 30, 2012, at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with the Rev'd James R. Crouthamel, assisting pastor, officiating.

The Service of Committal and Burial with Military Honors will follow in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown.  

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown from 5 - 8 PM on Thursday, November 29, 2012, when Glen's family will be in attendance.

As an alternative to flowers, Glen's family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Madalyn Imogene Fisher


COOPERSTOWN - Madalyn Imogene Fisher, formerly of Tully, passed away at the age of 94 late Friday afternoon, November 16, 2012, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. The mother of Brian L. Fisher, she had resided in Cooperstown for the past 6 years with her son and daughter-in-law, Chantal Pirmez-Fisher.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date in Tully. She will eventually be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, El Paso, Illinois.  

Local arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Ruth Mackel Church


COOPERSTOWN - Ruth Mackel Church, of Warwick, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, November 3, 2012, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown at the age of 83.

Beloved wife of the late Henry A.L. Church, Sr., she married her officer and gentleman aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in San Diego, California, in 1949. Hal and Ruth spent the early years of their marriage stationed in San Diego, Bremerton, Washington, and Newport, Rhode Island. Later on, they raised their five children in Hillsdale, New Jersey, Glenview, Illinois, and Glen Rock, New Jersey.  

Ruth was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, graduated Teaneck High School in 1947, and worked in New York City prior to her marriage.

She is survived by her children, Priscilla Church Lynn and husband, David, of Auckland, New Zealand; Nancy Church Kidd, husband Frank, and grandson Stephen, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; Henry A.L. Church, Jr., wife Amy, and step-grandchildren Rebecca and Adam, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Cynthia Church Theodore, husband Nicholas, and granddaughter Lindsay, of Sugar Loaf and Cooperstown; and Susan Church Stevens and husband, Alan, of North Potomac, Maryland.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Hal; sisters Marion Mackel and Jean Mackel Schoonmaker; and grandson Nicholas Henry Theodore.

Ruth was a member of the Warwick Reformed Church, Friends of the Warwick Library, and the Warwick Social Club. She enjoyed reading, gardening, spending time with her children, grandchildren, dear friends, and pets. She will be dearly missed by all.

The Church family will have a gathering of family and friends in Warwick at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Warwick Valley Humane Society, P.O. Box 61, Warwick, NY  10990, or The Warwick Center, P.O. Box 349, Warwick, NY  10990.  

Local arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Christopher John Lavery


November 19, 1960 - October 14, 2012

Christopher (Chris) Lavery, 51, died in Cooperstown October 14, 2012, after a brief, valiant battle with liver cancer.

Chris was born November 19, 1960, in Rockville Center and grew up in Manhasset. He graduated from Manhasset High School and earned an associate's degree from Suburban Technical School. He worked in St. Croix and Colorado before returning to New York. Chris was a state-certified electrician and a long-time employee of Verizon. He and his wife, Nancy, most recently lived in Sidney Center and frequently visited family and friends on Long Island.

Chris will be remembered for his personality, storytelling and resilience. He prized the Chevelle convertible he rebuilt with superb technical mastery, and he loved his Harley Davidson and his dog, Charley. Chris was a good athlete until injury limited him but did not slow him down. He became an excellent cook. He loved life and was a good friend. He will be greatly missed.  

In addition to Nancy, he is survived by his mother, Pauline, his brothers, Gregory and Bryan, and his sister, Claire and their spouses, six nieces and nephews, and his aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene.

A service in celebration of Chris' life is being planned.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Ignatius Middle School in the Bronx by mailing a check to New York Nativity, Office of Development, 44 Second Avenue, New York, NY  10003, or to a charity of your choice.

Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown is serving the family.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Robert P. Tirrell



COOPERSTOWN - Robert Tirrell, 25, son of Julie and Paul, and brother of Will and Luke, died in Los Altos Hills, California on October 10, 2012.

He was a 2005 graduate of Cooperstown Central High School, a 2009 graduate of Cornell University with degrees in biochemistry and computational biology, and a 2011graduate of Stanford University with a masters degree in biomedical computation. He worked as Lead Data Engineer for Solum, Inc. of Mountain View, California.

His extended family and friends, both here and in California, especially partner Joline Fan, would like him remembered as a (hugely) kind and generous man, energetic, devoted to his friends and his work, a little bit selfish, and very stubborn. His passing leaves a void in all of us as massive as his heart and as his intellect.

The Tirrell family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2012, in the Templeton Room, located in the lower level at The Otesaga, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown. At the conclusion of the visitation, a Memorial Service will be offered at 3 p.m. in the Templeton Room.

For those interested, donations in Robert's memory may be made to The Robert P. Tirrell Fund, which will benefit Biomedical Informatics student activities and programs at Stanford University. Gifts should be made payable to "Stanford University" and may be sent to Medical Center Development, Stanford University, Attn: Janice, 3172 Porter Drive, Suite 210, Palo Alto, CA  94304. Please indicate "In memory of Rob Tirrell" in an attached note.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.



If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Jean A. Isherwood


July 23, 1946 - October 8, 2012

SCHOHARIE - Jean A. Isherwood, formerly of Schoharie, passed away unexpectedly Monday night, October 8, 2012, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. A resident of Robinson Terrace Living Center in Stamford, she was 66.

Born July 23, 1946, in Brooklyn, Jean was a daughter of the late George and Astrid (Erikson) Corrar.

Through the years, Jean was employed as a secretary with the Far East Conference in New York City and F & J Inspections in Cobleskill. Most recently she served as a receptionist in the Emergency Department at Cobleskill Regional Hospital.

She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.  

Jean is survived by her son, Thomas E. Ayers, Jr., of Schenectady; one granddaughter, Cassandra Ramnauth, of Schenectady; two great grandchildren, Alex and Haliya Ramnauth, of Schenectady; one brother, George Corrar of Brooklyn; and one sister, Ellen Coffey of Lakeland, Florida.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Thomas E. Ayers, Sr., Frank J. Nash and John Isherwood, and a sister, Theresa (Corrar) Taylor.

With respect for Jean's wishes, there will be no services.

For those who wish to offer a remembrance of Jean in the form of a memorial gift, please consider donating to Robinson Terrace Living Center, Attention: Activities Department, 28652 State Highway 23, Stamford, NY  12167.

Condolences may be sent online at www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.  




If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Patricia B. Buckland

January 9, 1926 - September 24, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Patricia B. Buckland, loving daughter of George and Hannah Benedict, born January 9, 1926, passed peacefully the morning of September 24, 2012, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Patricia was preceded to heaven by her husband, Charles Buckland. She is survived by her three sons, George, Charles and Thomas; her loving daughters-in-law, Sue, Tina, Jennifer and Judith; her grandchildren, Morgan and Patricia; a wonderful granddaughter-in-law, Mollie; her great grandchildren, Robbie and Braeden; and a large, loving extended family.

Pat's faith was a very important part of her life. It was something that she never left for granted. She studied it, worked at it, and lived it. She was an active member of St. Faith's Episcopal Church in Cutler Ridge, Florida, for many years. She attended Christ Episcopal Church in Cooperstown, and recently began worshiping at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartwick Seminary.  

Patricia "Pat" was a bright, strong, vibrant woman who left a wonderful legacy. She was a blessing to all she came in contact with and will be missed and loved by all those who knew her.  

There will be a private memorial service with family to be held on the family farm in Hartwick.  

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. Online condolences may be made at www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com.     

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to a charity of your choice. Patricia was supporting Simply Smiles. You may donate by going to their website: www.simplysmiles.org/how-you-can-help/donate/. You may also donate by personal check made payable to "Simply Smiles", and mail to 1771 Post Road East, Westport, CT  06880.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

John H. Bouchard

May 29, 1956 - September 9, 2012

CHERRY VALLEY -- John Henry Bouchard, a true family man, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, September 9, 2012, at his home in Cherry Valley. Johnny, as he was affectionately known by many, was 56.

One of nine children, he was born May 29, 1956, at the Josiah B. Thomas Hospital in Peabody, Mass., a son of Armand Robert and Ruth Irene (Townsend) Bouchard.  

After graduating from Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford, Mass, he attended school to become a farrier.  

On June 27, 1976, John married Deborah Ann Collins in Middleton, Mass.

He  enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1978, and served with the Aircraft Generation Squadron. In January 1982, he received his honorable discharge at Nellis Air  Force Base in Nevada, having attained the rank of Sergeant.  

Johnny later became a tractor trailer driver, owning his own truck and driving for Walmart. For the past two years he served as a van operator for the Cancer Center at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.  

In his leisure he loved spending time on his boat on Otsego Lake, and especially enjoyed time spent with friends at the former Brookwood Garden docks in Cooperstown. Most importantly was Johnny's devotion to his family. He was a true family man in every sense of the term, and was an especially proud Papa. 

Johnny is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie, of Cherry Valley; one daughter, Jacquelyn LaLonde and her husband, Matthew, of Cobleskill; one son, Timothy Collins Bouchard and his wife, Amber, of Troy; two grandchildren, Jack and Isabelle LaLonde; two sisters, Carol and Nancy; five brothers, Bob, Rick, Joe, Wayne and Kris; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by an infant sister, Kathy.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a service of remembrance to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with Eric Austin, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of the Hills in Cobleskill, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Immediately following the services, all are welcome to gather for a time of refreshment and fellowship at "The Adalaide" - home of Gail and Neal McManus, 311 Bush Road, Cooperstown.  

As an alternative to flowers, John's family suggests that those who desire to make a memorial gift, please do so to a charity of one's choice.  

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Donald C. Huntington

November 28, 1929 - August 17, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Donald C. Huntington, a lifelong area resident and successful farmer and businessman, died early Friday morning, August 17, 2012, at his home on Trolley Line Road in Cooperstown. He was 82.

Born Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1929, at the Parshall Hospital in Oneonta, Don was one of six sons of Lowell S. and Meta Charlotte (Juergensen) Huntington.

Always a farm boy at heart, he was raised in Westford on the family dairy farm, Lomet Meadows, which was established by his father in 1924. Don attended the Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1947. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Cornell University and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture.

On February 22, 1953, Don married Jean Cower in a ceremony at the Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta. They settled in the Westford area where they raised their family.

A lifelong and faithful member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Westford, he served the church in many capacities during his life and especially enjoyed being the organist.

A member of the Masonic Fraternity for 50 years, he was a Past Master of Schenevus Valley Lodge No. 592, Free and Accepted Masons. Right Worshipful Huntington also served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Otsego-Schoharie Masonic District in 1976, and for several years served on the Fellowship Committee of the Grand Lodge of New York.

Don was a member of the Westford Volunteer Fire Department and was a past Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. He also served for seven years on the Board of Trustees of the A. O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.

In 1979, he formed the Don Huntington Corporation. His business ventures included the development of property off Greenough Road in the Town of Hartwick that became Trolley Line Road.

In his leisure, Don enjoyed golfing and was a subscriber at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. Throughout the years he also served as an umpire for baseball games and a referee for basketball games.

Don and Jean enjoyed travelling where he pursued his bird watching hobby -- his lifetime species count was approximately 530 birds.

In later years, he especially liked to gather with his golfing buddies for morning coffee at TJ's Place on Main Street in Cooperstown.

Don is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Jean C. Huntington, of Cooperstown; one daughter, Jill Huntington-Smith and her husband, Herbert, of Clermont, Florida; three sons, Donald C. Huntington, Jr. of Schenevus,  Christopher J. Huntington of Cooperstown, and Eric L. Huntington of San Diego, California; and three grandchildren, Lowell and Jaime Huntington and Eric C. Smith. He is also survived by one brother, Edward F. "Ted" Huntington and his wife, Elaine, of Glens Falls; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Huntington of Cooperstown, Helen Huntington and Jane Huntington, both of Westford, and Mary Huntington of Alfred Station; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Peter L. Huntington, James R. Huntington, Robert L. Huntington, Sr., and David H. Huntington.

Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, when Don's family will be in attendance.

A Masonic Funeral Service will be offered by Brothers from Schenevus Valley Lodge No. 592, F. & A. M. at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Following cremation, The Office of the Burial of the Dead will be offered at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Westford with the Rev'd Roy Vandermark, Deacon Vicar, officiating.

Don's ashes will be laid to rest at a later date in Westford Cemetery.

As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 74, Westford, NY  13488-0074, or to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Charles William ("Bill") Murray

October 27, 1930 - August 13, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Charles William ("Bill") Murray, formerly of Annandale, Virginia and a Cooperstown resident, died Monday morning, August 13, 2012, at Otsego Manor, with his family by his side. He was 81.

Bill was born October 27, 1930 in Amsterdam, a son of Charles William and Anna Sabina (Spahr) Murray, Sr.

Raised in Amsterdam, he graduated from high school there and then attended Oberlin College as a music major. However, he left college to enlist in the United States Navy on August 27, 1951. He was chosen for officers training, entered college again (NROTC) and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics from Duke University and a commission as an Ensign.

On August 7, 1954, he married the former Carolyn Ruby at the First Presbyterian Church in East Aurora. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia for three years on the USS Vesole DDR-878, a destroyer. He later received his Masters Degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. 

Following his naval career, the couple made their home in Annandale, VA. He worked for two research and development firms, Melpar Inc. and Aero Geo Astro Corp. In 1966 he was asked to join NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD as an applied mathematician where he worked for 21 years. In his career at NASA/Goddard, he worked on the Apollo project, writing analyses of the Apollo spacecraft's "Go, No-Go" decision for leaving Earth orbit  to the Moon, and of the spacecraft's re-entry trajectory into Earth's atmosphere upon returning from the Moon.

He was a dedicated runner and hiker: he ran over 25 marathons, including three Boston Marathons, and backpacked over 1000 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, Bill was avid musician who played both the piano and trombone. He enjoyed playing with various bands including The Northern Virginia Community College Orchestra, The Kings Park Band, The Cooperstown Community Band and The Small Town Big Band. For many years he volunteered at Otsego Manor playing piano and conducting sing-a -longs. He passed on his passion for nature, science, poetry and music to all who were close to him - finding time to camp with his family, build a homemade telescope with his son, run , sing, and teach piano to his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Murray of Cooperstown; one son, Douglas S. Murray and his wife Christine Prosch of Alexandria, Virginia; two daughters, Barbara Sullivan and her husband John of Cooperstown and Anne Woodring and her husband Michael of Annandale, Virginia; six grandchildren, Armaiti Prosch, Caroline Murray, Erin Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan, Joley Sullivan and Rosa Woodring; one great granddaughter, Dagny Prosch-Winberg; and one sister, Barbara Ann Young of Corning.

A memorial service will be offered at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown with Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating.

Immediately following there will be a Service of Committal at the Columbarium in the Presbyterian Churchyard. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD  21741 (www.parkinson.org), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425 (www.appalachiantrail.org), or Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820 (www.cahpc.org).

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Robert F. Ives

December 26, 1945 - August 11, 2012

RIDGE - Robert F. Ives, a life-long resident of the Oneonta and Cooperstown areas, and more recently a resident of Long Island, died unexpectedly Saturday night, August 11, 2012, at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead on Long Island. A beloved father, brother and friend, Bob was 66.

Born December 26, 1945, at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, he was the son of Frederick and Erma Mae (Georgia) Ives.

Raised in Oneonta, Bob graduated from Oneonta High School with the Class of 1964. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, and proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge October 18, 1968.

For many years, Bob served as the Animal Cruelty Investigator for the Susquehanna SPCA when their offices were located in Pierstown.

He was a member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. Bob's pleasant disposition, and his ability to share stories and make people smile and laugh, were truly hallmarks of his character and personality. He could always be counted on to "take it, as well as, dish it out." A man who truly loved his family, he will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.

Bob is survived by his children, Chief Petty Officer Joshua Robert Ives, United States Navy, currently assigned to the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Farah, Afghanistan, and his wife, Nancy, April Kelly Ives and her companion, Donny J. Rulison, Jr., of Milford, Nicole Kathleen Ives of Milford, and Stacey Camp of Mount Upton; Bob's long-time companion, Virginia Rehm, of Ridge, Long Island; step children Hannah and Kyle Rehm; one sister, Linda Duffy and her husband, Michael, of New Hartford; nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless good friends who loved him.



Family and friends are welcome to gather for a casual time of friendship and remembrance on Friday, August 17, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.

As an alternative to flowers, Bob's family suggests that those who so desire make memorial donations in his name to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA  01923, or www.scleroderma.org.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Harvey Richard Eckler

August 27, 1953 - August 11, 2012

Harvey Richard “Rick” Eckler, 58, died Saturday, August 11, 2012 in Ogden Utah. He was born in Cooperstown, New York on August 27, 1953, the son of Harvey and Alice (Race) Eckler. Rick graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1971. Growing up he was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Cooperstown.

Following high school Rick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in which he served for 15 years. Following his service in the Air Force he continued to work, as a civilian in the field of electronics, at the Hill Air Force Base in Utah until his retirement in 2007. While working at the base, he also attended Weber State University from which he graduated in 1988.

Rick is survived by his two daughters, Angela and Kathleen, both of Ogden, UT, and six grandchildren; his parents, Alice and Harvey Eckler of Fly Creek; one brother, Michael (Michelle) Eckler of East Greenbush, NY; four sisters, Gail Nagel of Selkirk, NY, Kay (Edwin) White of Salisbury, MD, Lorrie (Hector) Garcia of Henderson, NV, and Shelley (Michael) Sullivan of Troy, NY. He is also survived by two uncles, Walter (Dorothy) Eckler and Robert (Jane) Race, both of Cooperstown, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held in Ogden, UT on Friday, August 17. A memorial service will be held in Cooperstown at Christ Episcopal Church, 46 River Street, on Saturday, August 18 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Michael officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Rick’s memory be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Walter "Jason" Bass

April 6, 1956 - August 1, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Walter Jason Bass, son of Walter and Peggy Bass formerly of Cooperstown, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 1st. Jason was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on April 6, 1956. He is survived by Marcia & Rich Kemp of Long Island, Christopher & Sherry Bass and Jonathan & Lynn Bass of Cooperstown, along with his nieces and nephew and great-nephews. His family is deeply saddened by his passing.

Arrangements entrusted to the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Rose A. Thayer

October 5, 1923 - July 29, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Rose A. Thayer, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away Sunday evening, July 29, 2012, at Otsego Manor. She was 88.

Rose was born October 5, 1923, in Cooperstown, a daughter of Joseph F. and Alfonsina (Benedetto) Russo, who emigrated from Italy in 1920.

Raised in Cooperstown, Rose graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1941. On December 27, 1942, she married Wendall M. Thayer, Sr. in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

Following their marriage, Rose and Wendall settled in Cooperstown where they raised their family. For many years Rose served as the cafeteria manager at the Cooperstown Central School. Upon her retirement from the school she served until 2011 as a court attendant for the Otsego County Sheriff's Department at the Otsego County Court House.  A devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, she was also employed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as their first female "red coat".  For many years Rose served on the Board of Elections and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Unit 7128 in Cooperstown, as  well as the Criterion Club and Native Daughters of Cooperstown.

A communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, Rose was active in the church's Bereavement Ministry, especially in providing food for funeral luncheons. A very loving and giving person, she will be fondly remembered for always having cookies and cupcakes at the ready to give to family and friends who often stopped by for a visit. Rose possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was a mother to all. She will be greatly missed.

Rose is survived by her children, Sarah M. (Sallie) Harrington of Cooperstown and Wendall M. (Toby) Thayer, Jr. and his wife, Margaret (Peggy), of Voorheesville; four grandchildren, Tracey Parker and her husband, Steven, of New Lisbon, Jeffrey Harrington and his wife, Shannon, of Oneonta, Robert J. Thayer and his wife, Michelle, of Rotterdam and Margaret Rose (Maggie) Thayer of Voorheesville; four great grandchildren, Caleb, Sheridan and Stephanie Parker and Emma Harrington; one brother, America Russo and his wife Johnny Jo of Paris, Texas; three sisters, Olympia Burns of Woodstock, Mary Hollister and her husband John of Rome and Antonetta Russo of Oneonta; and many nieces and nephews.

She is further survived by her late husband's family, Polly and Don Knapp of Elk Creek, Durward and Audrey Thayer of Oneonta and Richard Teachout of Richfield Springs.

In addition to her family, Rose leaves behind her extended family of loving and dedicated caregivers in the Winding Brook neighborhood, Oak's Creek household at Otsego Manor. The kindness, care and compassion given to Rose, especially near the end of her life, will be forever appreciated by her immediate family. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Wendall M. Thayer, Sr., who died April 6, 1977; twin brothers, Joseph and Raphael Russo; two sisters, Anna Pugliese and Vera R. Barnes; and a son-in-law, Ellis I. Harrington, who died September 21, 2007.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 6, 2012, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding. The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index.

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 2 - 6 PM on Sunday, August 5, 2012, when Rose's family will be in attendance.

As an alternative to flowers, Rose's family suggests memorial gifts be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta,  NY 13820 or the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson, NY 13790.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Margaret "Peggy" L. Bass

December 8, 1930 - July 11, 2012

COOPERSTOWN -Margaret Latto Bass, 81, a full-time Village and part-time Manhattan resident, village merchant and long-time supporter/volunteer for the Susquehanna SPCA, passed away on July 11, 2012.

The youngest of four children from Scottish immigrants, Margaret was born December 8, 1930, in Wallingford, Connecticut. Following high school and graduation from the Stone School of Business in Hamden, Connecticut, Margaret married Walter J. Bass and moved to Cooperstown in the early 1960s, raising four children on Susquehanna Avenue.

Margaret had a life-long concern for the care of abandoned animals, was instrumental in the establishment of the Susquehanna SPCA in Pierstown and continued her volunteer work at the Better Exchange Thrift Store on Chestnut Street and later in Hyde Park. She also owned and operated the Sears Catalog Store on Main Street throughout the 1970s and early 80s. She will be dearly missed by her family and  friends.

Margaret is survived by her children and their spouses, Jason Bass of Binghamton, Marcia and Richard Kemp of Long Island, Christopher and Sherry Bass of Cooperstown and Jonathan and Lynn Bass of Cooperstown. She is also survived locally by three grandchildren and four great grandchildren, as well as her sister, Kathleen Bruegel and numerous nieces and nephews from Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter J. Bass; her parents, Katherine and Thomas Latto; her sister, Jessie Connelly; her brother, James Latto and her granddaughter, Jessica Bass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Services will be private.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

John Edward Coughlin

July 10, 1969 - July 2, 2012

With life as short as a half taken breath
Don't plant anything but love.
-- Rumi 

COOPERSTOWN - Shaman John Edward Coughlin, a Native American spiritual counselor and healer, ended his life's journey Monday, July 2, 2012. He was 42.

John entered this life July 10, 1969. He was a 1989 graduate of Mount Markham High School. He was teacher, confidant, healer, writer, and brother to many.   

Martial Arts were an important element in John's life. A Chinese GoJu from 1986 to 1990, he achieved the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt under the instruction of Brooks Karate in West Winfield. From 1990 to the present, he was a North American GoJu Karate Jujitsu Tae and achieved the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt under the instruction of KyoshiEfren Reyes of Utica Karate Studio. John founded Cooperstown Karate, and taught the mixed martial arts of GoJu, Aikijutsu, Tactical Fighting, Kung Fu and Karate.

John is survived  by his life-partner, Kristen Jastremski; his children, Christopher JM Coughlin, Tyler JR Coughlin, Sapphire DL Coughlin, Brandon NW Coughlin, Brenna LR Coughlin, Kae'leigh A Mundy, Samantha Mundy, and a step-daughter, Sofia RJ Jones; two sisters, Tanya Yaddow and Brenda Walker-Androved; two brothers, Andrew Walker and David Walker; and his aunts and uncles, Gert and Neal Force, Joan Totaro, Carolyn LaRock, Joanne and Bob Dalton, Eva and Rick Harvis, Elsie and Bob Howland, and Tom and Nancy Dalton.

He was preceded in death by one son, Matthew R Mundy; and his parents, Sharon Lee Coughlin and William Dalton.

Services will be private.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Catharine Sexton Eckhof

1933 - 2012

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA -- Catharine Sexton Eckhof, 79, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away early Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia with family by her side.

Born in Utica in 1933, she was the daughter of the late Mason and Catherine (Douglas) Sexton, and sister of the late Mason Douglas Sexton.

She graduated Middlebury College before marrying the late William Reed Eckhof, to whom she was a wife for fifty years.

She lived with her family in Loudonville, then moved to Alexandria, Virginia where she lived for 37 years. She worked at the Smithsonian and volunteered at Huntley Meadows Park.

Mother to Cassandra Eckhof (Garrett) of Waltham, Massachusetts, Pamela Atwell of Gainesville, Florida and Leslie Aitcheson (Stephen) of Alexandria, Virginia. Grandmother of four, great-grandmother of two, and aunt of two.

A graveside service will be offered at 10 AM Saturday, June 30, 2012 at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, with Father John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, officiating.

In honor of Catharine's love of wildlife, the family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, Virginia 22306. Her wit and love will be greatly missed.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Thomas M. Harris

March 24, 1968 - June 13, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Thomas Michael Harris, age 44, of Middlefield, died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, June 13, 2012, in Cooperstown.

He was born March 24, 1968, at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, the youngest child of William J. Harris, Jr. and Barbara (Cox) Harris.

In 1973, Tom and his family moved to Cooperstown, where he was raised and attended school. A graduate of Cooperstown Central School, Class of 1988, he was involved in various activities throughout his high school years. Most especially, he  enjoyed serving as the manager for the Cooperstown Central School Varsity Football Team. He later received an associate degree through Herkimer County Community College.

For most of Tom's life, he was a resident of the Cooperstown area and was employed in several capacities over the years, including jobs at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Stewarts, and as a dispatcher for Otsego County. Since October 2005, Tom has served as a shuttle bus driver for Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

In his leisure, Tom - who was also called "Troll" - enjoyed the outdoors, most especially hunting, fishing, and playing golf.  For a time he also followed NASCAR. He faithfully served his community for 15 years as a member of Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary, and was currently the department's Safety Officer. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.

Tom is survived by his mother, Barbara C. Harris, of Cooperstown; six sisters, Donna Kemp and husband, Steve, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Denna Gorden and husband, Patrick (Tex), of Maryland, Darlene Bennett and husband, Walter, of Fly Creek, Janet Snyder and husband, Jack, of Fly Creek, Martha Harris of Cooperstown, and Margaret Hunt and husband, Dale, of South New Berlin; three brothers, Joseph Harris and wife, Jean, of Middlefield, John Harris and wife, Karen, of Schenevus, and Andrew Harris and wife, Karen, of  Salem, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, William J. Harris, Jr., who died September 10, 1997, and his beloved canine companion, Mich, a black lab that was a significant part of his life.

Friends are invited to pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, when Tom's family will be in attendance.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, officiating.

The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index, where Tom will be laid to rest near his father.

As a tribute to their brother fireman, members of Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2, Hartwick Seminary, will serve as his pallbearers. They will also utilize their Command Vehicle 0951 to bring Tom's casket to church and the cemetery.

At the request of the family, it is requested that flowers be omitted, and memorial gifts be directed to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Doris R. Blomquist

7 April 1915 - 23 May 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Mrs. Doris R. Blomquist, a former resident of Cooperstown, died Wednesday night, 23 May 2012, at Langdon Place in Keene, New Hampshire. She was 97.

Born 7 April 1915, in Richmond Hill on Long Island, she was a daughter of Joseph A. and Hermine (Wittschiebe) Rooney.

Raised on Long Island, she graduated from the Horace Mann School in Manhattan in 1934, and then attended Bradford Junior College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, graduating in 1936.

She married the Rev'd Canon Carl Reuben Henry Blomquist, DD, on 18 October 1942, in the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, Long Island.

Mrs. Blomquist devoted much of her life to raising and caring for her family and home.

Upon Rev'd Canon Blomquist's retirement in 1971 as Rector Emeritus of St. Luke's Church in Forest Hills on Long Island, the Blomquists moved to Cooperstown and settled into their home on Elm Street.

Of the Episcopal faith, Mrs. Blomquist was a member of Christ Church in Cooperstown. At one time she performed volunteer work with the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital Auxiliary in Cooperstown, and was a member of the Lake and Valley Garden Club and the Cooperstown Art Association.

Mrs. Blomquist is survived by a son, Jon Thomas Blomquist, and a step-daughter, Mrs. Carol Blomquist Brown, who both reside in Walpole, New Hampshire; one granddaughter, Mrs. Sydney Masters Durieux and her husband, Arno Durieux, of Manhattan; and two nieces and two nephews.

Mrs. Blomquist was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev'd Canon R. Thomas Blomquist, DD, who died 13 November 1992, and one brother, the Rev'd Edwin James Rooney, who died in July 2003.

The Office of the Burial of the Dead will be offered privately at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene, New Hampshire. The Service of Committal (1928 Book of Common Prayer), will also be offered privately at the Columbarium in the Church-yard at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with the Rev'd Mark Aaron Michael, rector of Christ Church, officiating.

Should friends so desire, expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorial gifts to Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

David Welsh, Jr.

BOWERSTOWN - A Memorial Service for David Welsh, Jr., 86, who died December 9, 2011, will be offered at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2012, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with Pastor Gary Wagner from the Oneonta Seventh-day Adventist Church officiating. Following the service at the funeral home, those present may proceed to David and Becky's home in Bowerstown, where David's ashes will be scattered on his property, and at which time military honors will be accorded by members of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 in Cooperstown.  Immediately following, family and friends are invited to gather for a time of refreshment and fellowship at the Cooperstown Vets Club.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Claire M. Light

March 13, 1934 - May 27, 2012

WESTVILLE - Mrs. Claire Marion Light, age 78, died Sunday night, May 27, 2012, at her home in Westville.

Born March 13, 1934 in Jamaica, Queens, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Alice Ada (Lorch) MacAlpine.

On May 3, 1959, Claire married William Leroy Light at the First Presbyterian Church of Katonah.

A beautician by trade, she worked for a time with her cousin, Margaret Manning, at her business, Village Center Beauty Salon, which was located on Main Street in Brewster.

She was a faithful Christian, and was a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Hyde Park.

Claire is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bill, of Westville; one daughter, Bonnie Scofield and her husband, Brian, of Rodman; one son, Glenn Light and his wife, Wendy, of Wappingers Falls; three grandchildren, Bethany, Joern and Sonja Light; and three step grandchildren.  She is further survived by two sisters, Lois Duffner and her husband, Warren, of Tavares, Florida, and Doris Noe and her husband, Bud, of Katonah.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Faith Baptist Church, 4898 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Michael Glisson, pastor, officiating.

The Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown is assisting the family.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Consuelo M. Couto

October 30, 1918 - May 23, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Consuelo (Connie) Mercedes Couto died peacefully at Otsego Manor Wednesday morning, May 23, 2012, with her daughter at her side. She was 93 years old.

Connie was born October 30, 1918, in Havana, Cuba, but was raised by her parents, Concepción and Higinio Couto in New York City, from the age of six months. She graduated from the Wadleigh School in 1936 and went on to secretarial school.  

She met her husband,  John Carroll Kraham of Cooperstown during the early days of their employment. They married on January 17, 1943, at the Church of Our Lady of Esperanza in New York City. She was primarily a homemaker and mother for the next fifteen years.  Following the death of Mr. Kraham in 1958, she re-entered the workforce as a secretary at Sun Insurance Company, which was acquired by Chubb and Son in New York City. She continued at Chubb, eventually becoming an administrative assistant to senior management.

She remarried on June 24, 1969 to Santiago Couto. She and Mr. Couto retired to Miami, Florida, in 1974. Connie was never one to "retire" and she resumed working in a secretarial capacity until returning to New York to be closer to family in 1993, following the death of Mr. Couto in 1988.

She continued to use her skills in various volunteer activities, most notably at St. Peter Church in Yonkers, where she assisted as part-time receptionist and some-time translator. She continued volunteering and living in the Bronx and in Yonkers until she moved to Cooperstown four years ago to reside with her daughter and son-in-law.

Connie was predeceased by her parents and brother, Ernesto.

She is survived by her only daughter, Consuelo Kraham Vélez and son-in-law, Deacon Randy Vélez of Cooperstown; three grandsons and their wives, John (Jessica) Vélez of Hyde Park, NY, Anthony (Dawn) Vélez of Bronx, NY, and Aaron (Jenna) Vélez of Baldwin Place, NY; and three great grandchildren, Ian and Marissa of Hyde Park and Stephanie of the Bronx.

The family will receive visitors at the Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home at 6110 Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx on Tuesday, May 29th  from 2-5 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Church, 91 Ludlow Street in Yonkers on Wednesday, May 30th, at 10 a.m.

Interment is at  Calvary Cemetery in Queens.

In Connie's honor and in gratitude for the outstanding care she received, donations may be made to Otsego Manor, 128 Phoenix Mills Cross Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Janet D. Bailey

May 15, 1925 - May 6, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Janet D. Bailey, a life-long resident of Cooperstown, died Sunday morning, May 6, 2012, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 86.

Born May 15, 1925, in Cooperstown, she was a daughter of Harold Lewis Davidson and Grace née Putnam Davidson.

Raised in Cooperstown, she graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1942. She then went to work for the war effort doing sewing in Oneonta.

On June 22, 1946, Janet married Leon J. "Sonny" Bailey in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. They soon settled into their home on Linden Avenue and raised their family.

For many years, Janet was a specialist in re-weaving damaged clothing, and performed this service from her house for several area laundries. A member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown she loved to knit and sew, do craft work, play golf, and cook. She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife and mother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Janet is survived by three children, Dawn "Deb" Bridger of Cooperstown, Barbara Bailey of Albany, and Rich Bailey and his wife, Nancy Ballard, of Cooperstown; three grandchildren, Kimberly Feik and her husband, Jeff, Stephen Bridger, and Lindsey Bailey, all of Cooperstown; and two great grandchildren, Scott and Sarah Feik.

She is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Sheldon of Cooperstown and Joyce Cowles of Poughkeepsie; one brother, Richard Davidson and his wife, Mary Lou, of Jacksonville, FL; one sister-in-law, Gladys Davidson of Cooperstown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Sonny Bailey, who died December 13, 2003; one brother, Roger "Rod" Davidson; and two sisters, Marjorie Holden and Mary Hanna.

A Funeral Service will be offered at 12 Noon on Friday, May 11, 2012, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, officiating.

Janet's family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday morning.

The Service of Committal and Burial will be private in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown.

As an alternative to flowers, Janet's family suggests that memorial donations be directed to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Roxy Carnes

June 27, 1920 - May 1, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - Roxana P. Carnes, a longtime  resident of Cooperstown, passed away Tuesday evening, May 1, 2012, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. She was 91.

Roxana Beecher Park was born June 27, 1920, in Englewood, New Jersey. She had a sister ten years older and a brother nine years older than she. Her father, Charles Francis Park, Jr., was a graduate of Williams College and was employed as a Vice President of the Marine Midland Bank of New York City. Roxy's mother, Gertrude Roxana Beecher, was graduated from Smith College. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin", was Roxy's Great-Great Aunt, and Henry Ward Beecher was her Great Grandfather.

Growing up in Englewood was fun for Roxy. Although she enjoyed playing tennis, riding horses and gardening, her favorite activities were climbing trees and reading outside in the hammock. Her parents enjoyed the outdoors as well, and played tennis and other sports. During the Depression they had a tennis court and a swimming pool built to employ men who were out of work. At a young age, Roxy felt that raising horses, dogs and children, in that order, was what she most wanted to do.

Roxy graduated from Smith College in 1942 with a BA degree. In college her favorite subjects were math, science and history.  She also loved poetry. After college she studied nursing at Columbia Presbyterian and graduated in 1945, a registered nurse with a bachelor of science degree.

While in nursing school, Roxy met her future husband, Sheldon Yates Carnes. They courted and were married on October 22, 1944. Roxy began working at Englewood Hospital, while Sheldon was overseas for a year. Roxy's first child, Sheldon Yates Carnes, Jr., was born in Englewood. Soon the family moved to Canajoharie where they lived for the next seven years. During that time Roxy gave birth to three daughters: Katy, Roxy and Sandy, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.

Mr. Carnes worked for Arkell and Smith, the oldest name in paper bags that held products such as flour, coffee, dog food and cement. Roxy often travelled with her husband on business to places including Havana, Cuba, and Guatemala. She remembers one of her husband's early jobs was collecting chicle in Guatemala for Beechnut. The Carnes moved the family back to Englewood, New Jersey, where son Terry was born. While living there, the family acquired a donkey named Daisy, who gave children rides in local church events and was a fun family pet. In time Daisy gave birth to Daffodil. At this time the town of Englewood passed an ordinance prohibiting new donkeys from living within the town. The children were concerned about this, but it was decided that since Daffodil had been a part of Daisy, she was not new, but an existing donkey at the time the ordinance was passed.

When her youngest child was in college, Roxy and her husband divorced. Roxy then moved to Cooperstown and was employed as a nurse at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and The Meadows, and served as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Cooperstown Emergency Squad. She also volunteered at the Susquehanna SPCA, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Glimmerglass Opera, Cooperstown Central School, and with Catskill Area Hospice.  An active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, Roxy also belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Cooperstown Women's Club, and the Cooperstown Area Christian Women's Club. Though in later years Roxy had stopped climbing trees, she still had a great love for the outdoors, sports and gardening, as well as playing Bridge, knitting and doing needlepoint.

A sense of humor and faith in God always helped Roxy throughout her long and well-lived life.

Roxy is survived by three daughters, Katherine ("Katy") Yates Carnes of Seattle, Washington, Roxana ("Roxy") Carnes Pickering of Guilford, Connecticut, and Sandra ("Sandy") Carnes Galitzer of New York City; two sons, Sheldon Yates Carnes, Jr. of Troy and Walter Baldwin ("Terry") Carnes III, and his wife, Patty, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Roxana Pickering Ploski (Jon), Nelson Winslow Pickering, Elizabeth Appleton Pickering, Gwynn Edythe Galitzer, David Beecher Carnes and Jonathan Daniel Carnes; and one great grandson, Andrew Timothy Ploski.

In addition to her former husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Park and her sister, Kay Merrill Iverson.

A Memorial Service  will be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating. Following the service a luncheon will be offered in the Chapel. 

Roxy's final resting place will be in the Columbarium in the Presbyterian Church-yard.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider memorial donations to Glimmerglass Opera, P.O. Box 191, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or to Valley Health Services, 690 West German Street, Herkimer, NY 13350.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Eileen M. Jacobson

October 27, 1943  - May 1, 2012

MILFORD - Eileen M. Jacobson, a loving wife and mother and long-time resident of Milford, died Tuesday afternoon, May 1, 2012, surrounded by her family at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 68.

Born October 27, 1943, in Cohoes, she was a daughter of the late Clement and Lena (Boutin) Clifford.

A 1964 graduate of the St. Peter's Hospital School of Nursing in Albany, she began her career as a dedicated and caring Registered Nurse, first at Samaritan Hospital in Troy and then Cohoes Hospital. It was during her time in Cohoes that she met her future husband, Carl William Jacobson. They were eventually married May 27, 1976, in a ceremony in the chapel at Cohoes Hospital.

In 1978, the Jacobsons moved to Milford, and Eileen became the assistant head nurse on the Medical Surgical II Unit at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She retired in 1985.

In her leisure, Eileen enjoyed doing craft work, camping, and being an avid fan of the New York Yankees and #88 Dale, Jr.  Her family was the most important part of her life, especially her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered for her great sense of humor, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Eileen is survived by her loving husband and friend of 36 years, Bill, of Milford; her three children, Judith A. Smith Kessler and her husband Timothy, Ernie Smith and his wife Amy and Mark Richard Smith and his wife Kathleen, all of Milford; eight grandchildren, Sarah Eileen, Timothy M., Renee Anne and Kirsten Marie Kessler, C. J. and Courtney Taylor Smith, and Kestra Mary and Ian Daniel Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Clifford Green who died in 1951 and her brother, Richard Clifford who died in 1984.

A service to celebrate Eileen's life will be offered at 3 PM on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at the Milford United Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Ellen Moore, pastor, officiating. Eileen's family will receive friends at the church on Saturday afternoon from 1 PM until service time.

Burial will be private and at a later date in the Milford Cemetery.

In grateful recognition of the many times the Milford Emergency Squad came to Eileen's rescue, her family requests that, as an alternative to flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts be directed to the Milford Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 359, Milford, NY 13807. The family also extends special thanks to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care and the staff of Bassett Medical Center for all their care and support.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Bruce W. Wilhelm

 September 15, 1959 - April 16, 2012

Bruce Walter Wilhelm, 52, of Cooperstown, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2012, after a valiant effort to conquer esophageal cancer. Although the cancer took his body, it never overtook his spirit. He met this health challenge with optimism and wit, and maintained a positive outlook until the end.

Bruce was born September 15, 1959, in Bayshore, NY, to Ronald and Ann Lorraine (Schultz) Wilhelm. His family moved to Sidney in 1969. Bruce graduated from Sidney High School in 1977, and has cherished his memories and friends from high school throughout his entire life. He earned a BA in Public Affairs from The University at Albany in 1981, and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Russell Sage College in 1994.

Bruce was married to Lorna DeMott on August 30, 1980, and they shared a joyous, laughter-filled union for over 31 years. He and Lorna loved to travel together and with their family. They especially enjoyed beach vacations and going to “Camp” in the Thousand Islands. He was blessed with two wonderful children, Kristin (Daniel) Butler, and Brett Wilhelm (significant other Julia Doherty); and two grandchildren, Kayleigh and Davis Butler, all of the Cooperstown area. Family was a source of great joy to Bruce, and he reveled in participating in and watching his children’s extracurricular pursuits. He has especially loved being a grandpa, and doted on Kayleigh and Davis.

Bruce began his career at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in 1982, as a Personnel Assistant. He was promoted into various positions in the Human Resources department. In 2006, Bruce embraced the challenge to help Bassett Healthcare restore hospital services to the Sidney area. He collaborated with community leaders and the Department of Health to open Tri-Town Regional Hospital in 2008. He served the hospital as its first CEO until his return to the greater Bassett system to become the Vice President of Human Resources. In December 2011, Bruce was awarded the Lifetime Ambassador Award from Bassett. Bruce sincerely believed in the importance of treating each employee as a valued member of the Bassett team. He strived to demonstrate this in his interactions each day.

Bruce was active in a number of community organizations over the years. He has served on various Boards of Directors and Councils, including: ARC Otsego (president since 1992); Sidney Federal Credit Union; Boy Scouts of America, Otschodela Council; Otschedela Girl Scouts; Leatherstocking FCU; NYSARC Board of Governors; Vision 21; VHA Human Resources Executive Council; Iroquois Workforce Development Council; and BOCES Advisory Council. He was a long-term volunteer for the Cooperstown Sports Booster Club, and he and Lorna were awarded the 2005-06 Ken Kiser Good Sport Award. Bruce was a 1977 Class Representative for the Sidney Alumni Association, and was proud to be inducted into the Sidney Alumni Wall of Fame in 2010. He was an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica from 1999-2004. He belonged to various professional associations, including: Iroquois Healthcare Association; American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administrators; and Northeast NY Association of Hospital Personnel Administrators. He was a presenter at many forums and conferences, and was valued as a source of practical knowledge in his field of expertise.

Bruce was a member of Troop 99 Boy Scouts during his school years, and has always been proud of his status as an Eagle Scout. He was active in various extracurricular activities and sports, and loved to play basketball in the Clark Sports Center Fast Break and Slow Break leagues until his recent illness. He was not known for his stealth or jumping skills, but had a great touch for 3-point shots.

Bruce will be remembered by many for his keen sense of humor. He was a master of corny puns and was very quick to craft a witty comment at just the perfect moment. He was skilled at reading people, and instinctively knew how to respond to a situation to facilitate the best possible outcome. He was proud of many accomplishments in his life, but was especially proud of his children and of his efforts to open a new hospital in his hometown of Sidney. His death will leave an emptiness in all who knew him.

Bruce was predeceased by both parents. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as sisters and brother, Cheryl (Brian) Morris, East Greenbush, NY; John (Kelley) Wilhelm, Chester, VA; and Alison (Steve) Hertle, Essex Junction, VT. He is also survived by his father- and mother-in-law, Benjamin and Katherine DeMott; grandmother-in-law, Marie Greene; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Philip DeMott (significant other Christy Coss), Sidney; and Robert (Bridget) DeMott, Unadilla; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and very close friends.

There will be two visitations offered. Calling hours in Cooperstown will be on Thursday, April 19 from 4-7 pm at Connell, Dow and Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut St.  Calling hours in Sidney will be on Friday, April 20 from 1-3 pm at the Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty St. A funeral service will be held at 3 pm Friday, also at the Sacred Heart Church in Sidney, officiated by Rev. Ronald Fralick. Burial will follow in the Prospect Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of CH Landers Funeral Home in Sidney. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.landersfh.com.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals who provided such wonderful care at Bassett Cancer Center and Bassett Medical Center. We are also grateful to the angels at Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Sharon Kinch-Mead, for the loving care and support in Bruce’s final months. Finally, we thank the multitude of friends and family who have walked beside us and supported us for 22 months. No One Fights Alone!

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce's memory are requested in support of Bassett Healthcare's outpatient specialty clinic in Sidney. Please send gifts c/o Friends of Bassett, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Donations are also suggested to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

Grant T. Campbell

April 21, 1926 - April 8, 2012

COLONIE - Grant T. Campbell died Sunday afternoon, April 8, 2012.

Born in the Thanksgiving Hospital in Cooperstown he was the son of Ambrose W. and Maude V. (McManus) Campbell.

He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Beverly I. Felske; and brother, Leland A. Campbell.

Grant is survived by his son, Grant D. Campbell, and daughter-in-law, Michelle (Chaulpa) Campbell of Almira, Washington; two grandchildren, Gracie Isabella Campbell of North Carolina and Mason Henry Campbell of Almira, Washington; two nieces, Sheree Bossie and Kim Clabaugh of Florida; and six cousins, Aline Heller, Donald Campbell and Jason Campbell of the New York area, Mary Lou Sheppard of California, Jean Butler of Colorado and Joan Shevalier of Florida.

He was raised in Fly Creek and graduated from Sidney High School in 1944.

A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served with the Pacific Seventh Fleet under Admiral Thomas Kinkaid as a Yeoman Second Class.

Upon leaving the Navy, Grant attended Champlain College and Hartwick College. He taught high school social studies in Van Hornesville; Franklin; for the O.E.A. in Nurnberg and Frankfurt, Germany; and for 25 years at Troy, plus substitute teaching for the Troy School District from 1992 through 2010.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Parkinson Research Foundation, 8586 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238.

There will be no calling hours.

A graveside service and burial will be offered at the Schuyler Lake Cemetery in Schuyler Lake at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, with the Rev'd Mark A. Michael, Rector at Christ Church, Cooperstown, officiating. All friends are welcome to attend. The cemetery is located at the intersection of County Highways 22 and 23 in Schuyler Lake.

Online condolences may be made at www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.

David M. Hribar

January 6, 1931 - April 6, 2012

COOPERSTOWN - David Matthew Hribar, a native of the Cooperstown and Fly Creek areas, passed away following a long illness, early Friday morning, April 6, 2012, at his home in Fork Shop. He was 81.

Born January 6, 1931, at the family homestead in Fly Creek Valley, he was the son of Anton J. and Anna Belle (Pope) Hribar. In his youth he attended a one-room schoolhouse in Taylortown and later went to school in Richfield Springs.

In April 1948, Dave enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as a gunner's mate aboard the USS Albany during the Korean War. In April 1952, Dave received his honorable discharge from the military.

On October 28, 1952, Dave married Elizabeth Bachanas in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. Dave and Betty then moved to Ilion where Dave worked at Remington Arms assembling fire arms.

Following a layoff in 1955, Dave and Betty returned to the Cooperstown area and settled into their home in Fork Shop in June of that year. In the ensuing years, Dave worked in St. Mary's Cemetery, both on Irish Hill and Index, as well as for Western Auto and the Leatherstocking Golf Course. For many years he was also associated with Rod's TV and Appliance where he served as a repairman.

Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty, of Fork Shop; their five children, David M. Hribar, Jr. of Palmer, Alaska, Diane M. Hribar of Fork Shop, Terri Smith and her husband, Victor, of Pierstown, Keith Hribar and his friend, Kim Stahl, who reside on the old family homestead and farm in Fly Creek Valley, and Melissa Madaras and her husband, Andy, of Richfield Springs; nine grandchildren, Heather, Jason, Cady and Rebecca Smith, Kody and Kimberly Hribar, Jamie Madaras and Kenneth and Wade Stahl; five great grandchildren, Emily, Hannah, Bo and Arro Bancroft and Amelia Stokes.

Dave is also survived by one sister, Carolyn Hopper of Richfield Springs; two brothers, Walter J. Hribar and his wife, Polly, of Richfield Springs and Dean A. Hribar and his wife Barb of Schuyler Lake and many nieces and nephews.

Dave was predeceased by one grandson, Matthew Hribar, who died February 11, 1994.

A graveside service will be offered 11 AM, Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek with the Rev. Betsy Jay, Chaplain at Bassett Medical Center, officiating.

Military honors will be accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and a contingent from the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider memorial donations to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820 or the Fly Creek Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337 or the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers, or call them at (607) 547-8822.