Maryellen Wrubleski

February 1, 1960 - December 21, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Mrs. Maryellen Wrubleski, 53, of Cooperstown, passed unexpectedly Saturday evening, December 21, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

A native of Massachusetts, Maryellen was born at Hubbard Regional Hospital in Webster on February 1, 1960, a daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Brezenski) Dabrowski.

She began her career in nursing by attending Loretta Heights College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1983. She later attended Medical School at the University of Massachusetts where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing and received her Nurse Practitioner at University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

After resigning from University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Maryellen and her family left Webster, Massachusetts, to pursue a new adventure.

Maryellen and her family moved to Cooperstown where she served at Bassett Medical Center as a Nurse Practitioner of the Cardiology Department for several years. A determined and energetic woman, Maryellen sought to improve her nursing credentials and recently completed post graduate work at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to become a Certified Nurse Anesthetist at Bassett Medical Center.

A faithful Roman Catholic, Maryellen was an active communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake " Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. An ardent supporter of the parish, she served as chairman of the annual food-drive for the Cooperstown Food Pantry and most recently chaired the first annual antique furniture sale.

Maryellen was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, and was an amazing friend. Her ability to make others look inside themselves to become better people and her compassion for learning is what truly made her great. Her love was inspiring and anyone in her presence felt her overwhelming desire to help those in need.

Maryellen is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Brian P. Wrubleski of Cooperstown; two daughters, Alexandra Gunther and her husband, Steven, and Natalie Wrubleski; her parents,  Richard and Dorothy Dabrowski; one brother, Mark Dabrowski; and her loving animals, Bentley, Zoe, Karen and Jinx.

Maryellen will lie in repose in the sanctuary of  St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, Cooperstown, beginning Sunday afternoon, December 29, 2013. Following the Rite of Reception of the Body, friends may pay their respects to the family at the church from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding. The Service of Committal and Burial will be in  St. Mary's Cemetery in Index.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, 1220 B East Joppa Road, Suite 332, Towson, Maryland, 21286 or Springbrook, 2705 State Highway 28, Oneonta, NY  13820.

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

Service of Commital and Burial
Updated April 26, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - The Service of Committal and Burial for Maryellen Wrubleski, beloved wife of Brian P. Wrubleski, will be offered at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014, in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Franklyn H. Rollins

November 13, 1917 - December 2, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Franklyn H. Rollins, a retired Cooperstown Central School music teacher, who was equally, if not more well-known for his excellence in the field of photography, "reached the end of the road" on Monday evening, December 2, 2013, at Otsego Manor. A former resident of Linden Avenue and more recently The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, Frank was 96.

Born in Syracuse on November 13, 1917, Frank was a son of Karl B. and Goldie (Holt) Rollins. Proud of a great grandfather who served in the Civil War, Frank was fond of a photograph he possessed taken when he was a year old that featured five generations of his family. Raised in the University section of Syracuse, he lived there until the sixth grade when his mother and younger brothers - Eugene, who they called "Doc", and Tom - moved to Earlville to be closer to his maternal relatives in 1931.  

At Earlville, Frank became interested in music and started informal musical groups at the school before the first band director was hired. When that director was hired, while Frank was still in high school, he lived at the Rollins' house. Frank once stated "three of the band directors stayed at my house. My mom used to take in teachers to make some extra money," illustrating a custom of hosting teachers that has ceased in present generations.  

Frank took his interest in music to college and graduated from the Crane School of Music at the Potsdam Normal School - now SUNY Potsdam - in 1941, majoring in percussion. He received his Masters Degree from the Columbia Teachers College by taking summer sessions for three years to finish his degree in 1947. For 33 years Frank taught band and choir at Oakfield, Cobleskill and Cooperstown schools before he retired from Cooperstown Central School in 1974.

In addition to his musical interests, Frank had a talent for photography that developed at an early age. It was in Syracuse at the age of 10 that Frank got his first taste of photography when he took a filled grocery store punch card and redeemed it for a camera and a roll of film at the local super market. After his grocery store camera Frank moved on to his mother's boxed Brownie, a classic camera he used on and off for years.

It was when he moved to Cobleskill to teach that his passion for photography truly flowered. Cliff Van Dervort, a professional photographer in Cobleskill, took Frank under his wing and taught him the trade.  

Although he saw his photography skills flourish in Cobleskill, Frank grew tired of teaching there, and applied for the vocal teacher position at Cooperstown. After a successful interview with then-principal Nicholas J. Sterling, Sr. he began teaching in Cooperstown in the Fall of 1957. He first lived in a rented apartment on Pine Boulevard but soon after purchased his first, and only, house on Linden Avenue.  

When the move was made to a new school building in February of 1969, the auditorium was opened with a production of "Oklahoma!" with Frank conducting the pit orchestra. He went on to conduct for five more musicals including "Guys and Dolls" and "South Pacific".

For a time he photographed the dress rehearsals for school musicals as well as productions staged by the fledgling Glimmerglass Opera Theatre. Several of the singers Frank taught or photographed throughout those years went on to professional careers in music.

Even after retirement Frank stayed connected to the school through his business, Rollins Photos - which boasted a motto he borrowed from his mentor, Cliff Van Dervort: "a complete photographic service" - taking almost all the photos for the sports teams and a number of senior-year pictures for graduates.  

In addition to providing his photography skills to the school, he photographed the classes of the AT&T Data Communications training program held at the Otesaga Hotel in the 1960s. He held this job for nine years until AT&T closed the school in 1969.  

For over 25 years Frank also photographed the Candy Stripers at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and was the official photographer to the Cooperstown Art Association and former Gallery 53 Artworks.

Frank also did copy work of many people's family photographs, and worked with many local photographers including Lady Ostapeck and Leila Durkin.  

A multi-talented individual with many interests, Frank was also an airplane pilot, a painter, and at one time tuned pianos. Of the Episcopal faith, he was a member of Christ Church in Cooperstown. 

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Eugene "Doc" Rollins, who died in 1985 and Thomas Alden Rollins, who died in 2011.  

Frank is survived by two sisters-in-law, Kathleen Rollins of Longview, WA, and Alicia Rollins of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.  

At Frank's request there will be no calling hours or funeral service. He will be laid to rest next spring in the family burial plot in Earlville Cemetery.  

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Christine R. Drake

November 18, 1959 - December 1, 2013

HARTWICK - Christine R. Drake, a woman who will be lovingly remembered for her kind and selfless nature, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, December 1, 2013, at her home in the Town of Hartwick. Known by all as Chris, she was 54. 

Born November 18, 1959, at St. Luke's-Memorial Hospital in Utica, Chris was a daughter of Ralph Edward Lee and Theta E. (Decker) Lee.  

Throughout her life, Chris filled many roles:  "Gigi", mother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, niece, and friend. She was like a mother to many and her home was always open to others, especially at dinner time. As a music lover, she let her "Soul Shine". She was a tireless volunteer in her never ending quest to "Pay It Forward". Chris' heart embraced all she met, she seized the moments she created, she fought for her life, she exuded strength, courage and giving. She truly believed in "Cherishing the Gift of Time" with family and friends. She lived it!

Chris left this earth "loving us all bunches".

Chris is survived by her husband of 35 years, Charles F. Drake ("Chuck") and their two sons, Charles Frederick Nelson Drake ("Charlie") and Brian Russell Drake, and two grandsons, Wyatt and Waylon Drake, all of Hartwick. She is further survived by her six siblings: Shelly D. Mather and her husband, Timothy, of Moravia, Steven C. Lee and his wife, Pat, of Moravia, Teresa J. Lee and her companion, Chris Keiser, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dawn M. Herzog of Moravia, Frederick Peacock of Auburn, and Tonia L. Mawson and her husband, Dan, of Fabius, as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Chris is also survived by her mother-in-law, Ada Drake, and her husband, Grover Jeffers, of Oneonta, and four sisters-in-law, Terry Bliss and her husband, Terry, Cindy Drake, Tammy Willsey and her husband, Mike, and Linda Drake and her husband, Ashok Malhotra.  

In addition to her mother, Theta, and father, Ralph, Chris was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Charles E. Drake, who died in 1995.  

An Open House to celebrate Chris' life will be held at the Drake home beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013.  

In memory of our dear Chris, please consider volunteering your time or donating blood.  

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Rodney H. Ingalls

May 7, 1919 - November 19, 2013

HARTWICK SEMINARY - Rodney H. Ingalls died November 19, 2013, at the age of 94. He lived a long and exemplary life.

He was a descendent of the first Ingalls who came to the new world in 1628 and settled Lynn, Massachusetts. Rodney was the son of a sixth generation farmer. He was born May 7, 1919, at the family farm homestead on Christian Hill. He was the only child of Harry Clark Ingalls and Theresa Chapman Ingalls. At the age of three, his family moved to Hartwick Seminary, where Rod eventually owned and operated the family farm, known as the 'Clover Leaf Farm'. His father, Harry, was very progressive in farming. He had the first milking machine and the first tractor in the township.

Rodney graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1936. He received a four year grant to Cornell University where he graduated in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 'Agriculture and Animal Husbandry'.

On July 27, 1942, Rodney enlisted in the US Navy and entered into active service as a Naval Aviator. Even though farm sons were exempt from compulsory enlistment, Rodney chose to enlist. He flew reconnaissance missions in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres off the aircraft carrier USS Guam. His flight assignment was to search for U-boats. He attained the rank of Lieutenant JG and received an honorable discharge from the US Naval Service on December 12, 1945. 

On June 16, 1944, while in active service, he married Virginia Mary McGraw. His justification for taking on a 'war bride' was that the Navy paid more to married officers. Virginia predeceased him after 62 years of marriage.

After his military service, Rodney returned to the family farm where he and his father founded the Cooperstown Dairy and raised a herd of purebred Guernsey cows. His first love became that of raising gladiolus flowers, honey bees, vegetables, and You-Pick Strawberries and Blueberries. The farm was once complimented as being the 'Jewel of the County'.

Each Spring Rodney would work out of his home office preparing people's tax returns. He liked people and he liked business, so this avocation came naturally. 

After the death of Virginia on April 26, 2007, he married Betty Niles Phipps on June 29, 2008, in a ceremony at his home in Hartwick Seminary.

Throughout his life, Rodney was a faithful church-goer. For years he was especially committed to working with the teenage youth group. Equally important was his faith in the God of the scriptures to whom he trusted his life. Micah 6:8 is a scripture verse that characterized Rodney's earthly walk:  "… what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Rodney is survived by his wife Betty of Harwick Seminary; two sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Deborah Ann Ingalls and David and Darlene Ingalls, all of Hartwick Seminary; one daughter and son-in-law, Marybeth and Jeffrey Ring of Baltimore, MD; 13 grandchildren, Jesse Ingalls and his wife Amber, Jenny Lynn Brett and her husband Charles, Justin Ingalls, Joanna Ingalls, Nathanael Ingalls, Benjamin Ingalls and his wife Serapha, Micah Ingalls and his wife Heidi, Peter Mark Ingalls and his wife Erica, Lynsey Ring Dimas and her husband Tim, Joshua Ring and his wife Leigh, Heather Brown and her husband Randal, Tessa Ring and Priscilla Ring; one step-son, Jonathan Phipps and his wife Kim McCorkle of Canada; and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Timothy H. Ingalls, who died at the age of 6 on February 10, 1963.  

The Ingalls family will receive friends at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 3-5 and 6:30-8:30 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2013, at the Community Bible Chapel on Greenough Road in Toddsville, with the Rev. John Klosheim, pastor, officiating. Following the funeral service at church, Rod will be brought to the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery in the 1961 Flxible Buick Flxette Hearse that was purchased new by Rod's cousin, Chester W. Ingalls, when he owned the Ingalls Funeral Home in Cooperstown.  Military Honors at the cemetery will be accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard. 

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Peter G. Hunt

COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK - Peter G. Hunt, 71, passed away peacefully at home on the 12th of November 2013.  

Peter was born in England, and spent a great part of his life traveling around the world until he settled down in Cooperstown, New York, where he has been for the past 30 years.  

He is survived by his life partner and gardening sidekick, Linda Parmalee. He is also survived by his loving sister and brother, Fiona and Martin, as well as his loving daughters, Lucy and Anna, and Lucy's children Autumn and Otto and Anna's children Rowan and Jeanne, all of whom reside throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain.  He is also survived by his loving daughters Jennifer and Heather and her children, Santiago and Sofia, all of whom reside in New York State.  

He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Peter G. Hunt to either Bassett Cancer Center, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Declarations of sympathy and enquiries may be made to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.


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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Jillian Faith Hicken

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - Jillian Faith Hicken, age 38, went to heaven on October 17, 2013. She was the daughter of David and Deidre Hicken of Oneonta.

In addition to her parents, she leaves her siblings Adrienne, Justin, Darienne, Eric, Shanyea, Karyn, Irene and William Hicken, all of Jacksonville, Florida.

Jillian was much loved by all who knew her. She had an infectious smile that carried her through all the physical limitations she faced.  

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2013, the dedication of Jillian's grave and her burial will be in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery in Hartwick Seminary. 

Walk with God, Jillian. You will be missed.

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

…when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.
Mosiah 2:17 (The Book of Mormon)


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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Charles A. Coleman, Jr.

May 30, 1928 - November 9, 2013

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm your face,
the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, 
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

COOPERSTOWN - Charles A. Coleman, Jr., known by just about everyone as "Chuck" or "Pappy", died early Saturday morning, November 9, 2013, at Otsego Manor. Proud of his Irish heritage, he was 85.

A native of Cooperstown, Chuck was born at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital on May 30, 1928, a son of Charles Alfred Coleman, Sr. and Anita Belle née Morgan Coleman.  He was raised in the Catholic Faith and took his First Communion on June 2, 1935, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. In his youth he served as an Altar Boy at St. Mary's and also sang in the choir during the time his mother served as church organist. His talent for singing continued throughout his life, highlighted by the time he and several other Cooperstown vocalists appeared on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts.   

During his high school years Chuck was a three letter man and won many trophies in swimming. He graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1946 and then attended Hartwick College on a football scholarship. During this time, he contemplated joining the Oneonta Police Force, and in 1947 finished first in the department's physical and mental tests.  

On December 3, 1948, Chuck married the former Dolores Maxine Snyder in a ceremony held in the Rectory at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Patrick Whelan officiating. Dolores and Chuck then settled into their home on Beaver Street and raised their three boys. 

Throughout his life, Chuck was employed by several area business. For four years he worked as an installer for Western Electric, and for eight years he worked the counter at Otsego Wholesale Electric Company in Oneonta. For a time he was employed as an installer with New York Telephone Company, and also worked as a salesman for Singer Sewing Machines and as a manager for Buchanan Howe. He eventually settled into a career as a printer, working as a pressman for The Freeman's Journal, The Otsego Farmer, Lennon Litho in the Mohawk Valley and ultimately Barton-Butler Graphics in Cooperstown.  

Not one to stay idle in his retirement, Chuck served in later years as a security guard at The Fenimore House and Museum, as well as a shuttle bus driver for Bassett Healthcare and The Otesaga.

A Cooperstown Native Son, Pappy truly loved his Village, and throughout the years served his fellow residents well in several capacities. At one time he was on the Village's Watershed Committee and was also a Village Trustee for a period of time, for which he received special recognition from Otsego County. He will especially be remembered for his devotion to the Cooperstown Fire Department, especially Mechanic's Hook and Ladder Co. No. 5. He served that Company as Foreman and as Chief (1974-1976), and when the Company celebrated 110 years of service, he was co-chairman of the festivities. He also served two terms as President of the Department. 

In his leisure, Chuck enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved the water, and at various times in his life served as a National Aquatic Life Saving Instructor, a boating safety instructor, and was a counselor at Camp Ballou in Utica where he taught swimming and water safety. He also swam the length of his beloved Otsego Lake two times. A hunter, he also liked to fish, especially on Otsego Lake. He was also an accomplished bowler, and in recognition of his pool playing skills, the Charles "Pappy" Coleman Pool Tournament is still a regular event during the Cooperstown Winter Carnival. Most especially, Chuck loved family get-togethers.

Whether you called him Chuck or Pappy, his presence throughout the Village of Cooperstown will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Dolores, of Cooperstown; their three sons and daughters-in-law, Charles A. "Skip" Coleman III and Laura, Carter F. Coleman and Katie, and Clifford S. Coleman and Colleen, all of Cooperstown. He is further survived by eight grandchildren and 15great grandchildren: Brandi and Ross Valvo and their two children, Amanda and Rich O'Hara and their child, Jill and Marc Giberson and their three children, Melissa and Dan Croft and their three children, Maegan and Scott Whiteman and their two children, McKenzie Coleman, Lindsay and Tim Hayes and their two children, and Clifford and Meagan Coleman, Jr. and their two children. Also surviving is one sister and brother-in-law, Morganna and Michael Garbera of Richfield Springs, a sister-in-law, Betsy J. Snyder of Latham, and many many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by one brother, Roger A. Coleman and his wife, Carol, and two sisters, Josephine C. Taugher and her husband, Stuart, and Jane A. Reich and her husband, Robert.

Friends may call and pay their respects to the Coleman family at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, from 5-7 p.m.  A Firefighter Memorial Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. by members of the Cooperstown Fire Department.

A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church, officiating.      

Immediately following the service at the funeral home, the Cooperstown Fire Department's 1952 Mack Fire Truck will bear Chuck's casket through the Village streets in procession, culminating with the Final Alarm at the Fire Hall on Chestnut Street.  

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Chuck to either the Cooperstown Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Betty Lou Eldred

May 4, 1928 - November 7, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Betty Lou Eldred, who was lovingly called "GiGi Chocolate" by her family, died late Thursday morning, November 7, 2013, at Otsego Manor. She was 85.

Born May 4, 1928 in Ilion, she was a daughter of George B. and Edna Lillian (Haack) Bird.

She married Ronald LeRoy Eldred on December 31, 1953 in Cooperstown.  

Betty is survived by her son, Stephen J. Eldred, and his wife, Bonnie, of Hartwick; three grandchildren, Angela Leinhart and her husband, Jon, Chad Eldred, and Marcy Canady; and four great grandchildren, August Lott, Crosby Leinhart, McKenna George and Drew Canady.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Ronald, who died July 27, 2001, and their son, Robert ("Bobby") James Eldred, who died May 14, 2001.

A Celebration of Betty's Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at the home of Stephen and Bonnie Eldred, 159 Wileytown Road, Hartwick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Julia Bruce

October 29, 1921 - November 4, 2013

BURLINGTON FLATS - Julia Bruce, 92, formerly of Burlington Flats, died early Monday morning, November 4, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

She was born October 29, 1921, in Somerset County, near Altoona, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Austrian immigrants Anton and Agnes (Sernel) Oblak.

After moving with her family to Otsego County, she was first employed at Homer Folks Hospital in Oneonta. It was here that she met her future husband, Gerald W. Bruce, a baker at the hospital. On October 6, 1946, Julia and Gerald were united in marriage in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

Julia later worked in the dietary department at Hartwick College, as well as in the cleaning services department at SUNY Oneonta.  

A devoted communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, she was also a supporter of the Cooperstown Art Association. She loved animals, and had a special affection for her dogs and horses.  

Julia is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, John F. and Irene Bruce of Port Crane; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia A. and Stanley Bunal of Bristol, Vermont, and Kathleen and Candeloria Seoane of Rome, New York; three grandchildren, Adam Bruce and his wife, Genevieve, of Denver, Colorado, Anthony Seoane of Rome, NewYork and Robert Seoane of Schenectady; one sister, Dorothy Kelly of the Town of Exeter; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gerald, who died December 4, 2006. She was also predeceased by three sisters, Agnes Reed who died earlier this year, Mollie Kirn who died in 2005, and Mary Pernat who died in 2002, and three brothers, Anton Oblak, Jr. and Frank Oblak who both died as young children, and her twin, Louis A. Oblak, who died in 2008.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 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 in Index.

Julia's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of The Mohawk Homestead for the wonderful care given to our Mother.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Carl Roemer

January 16, 1914 - October 31, 2013

FLY CREEK - Carl Roemer, 99, of Fly Creek, went to his final rest late Thursday afternoon, October 31, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

He was born January 16, 1914, in Long Island City in Queens County, a son of Minnie (Scharfenberger) and Johann Roemer.

Raised on Long Island, Carl graduated with the Class of 1927 from East Islip High School.  

A veteran of World War II, Carl entered into active service with the United States Navy in August of 1943, and proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater with the 11th Naval Construction Battalion, also known as the Seabees. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military on November 18, 1945, having attained the rank of Motor Machinist's Mate Second Class.  

A skilled machinist, Carl worked, from the time he graduated high school until his retirement, as a tool and die maker in the machine trade on Long Island. He retired from Maxson, a missile guidance systems manufacturer, in Great River, Long Island.

Carl was first married to the former Anna Marie Meinke in a ceremony held in August of 1947 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Islip, Long Island. Retiring to Fly Creek in 1968, Carl and Anna enjoyed camping and traveling extensively throughout the United States. Anna passed away on April 27, 1993.

Carl later met Inge Bondiek Otten, and they were united in marriage on August 2, 1998, at the Sand Hill United Methodist Church in Unadilla. They traveled together throughout their fifteen year marriage, making several trips to Europe and along the Eastern Seaboard.  

An active member of his community, Carl was a well-respected member of the Fly Creek Area Historical Society. In 1999, Carl, along with Jim Wolff,  was instrumental in purchasing the former Fly Creek Grange Hall, thereby providing a permanent home for the organization. In 2006, Carl and Inge further extended their devotion to the organization by providing half the needed funds to enable a new roof to be installed on the Grange Hall. His generosity extended to other local organizations, including numerous donations to Bassett Healthcare Network and the Fly Creek United Methodist Church.

Carl Leaves behind his wife, Inge Otten Roemer, of Fly Creek, as well as step-children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

A Funeral Service will be offered at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with Rev. William Allen, pastor of the First Christian Church of Otego, officiating.    

Following the funeral service at the funeral home, Carl will be laid to rest with Anna in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Fly Creek. Military Honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, P. O. Box 218, Fly Creek, NY  13337.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Robert Mills Crampton

May 1, 1944 - October 21, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Robert Mills Crampton, a long-time teacher and avid sportsman, died at his home, "Maple Shade", early Monday morning, October 21, 2013. A loving husband and father, he was 69.

A native of New Jersey, Bob was born May 1, 1944, in Rahway, a son of the late Charles Ward Crampton, Jr. and Marion Elizabeth née Mills Crampton. He grew up in Westfield, where he enjoyed playing on little league and pony league baseball teams.

Throughout his youth, Bob enjoyed visiting the Cooperstown area, and with his family were regular summer residents of the Otsego Colony.  

After graduating from high school, Bob attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in economics in 1966. While a student at Lafayette, Bob excelled in sports and other extracurricular activities. During his freshman year he played on the baseball team, and for the next three years was on the golf team, ultimately being named MVP in his senior year. Bob was also a member of the Bridge team and was a social member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Bob later attended Montclair State College where he earned a Master's degree in education. He began his teaching career in 1969 with the Binghamton School District, and taught at the Alexander Hamilton Elementary School until 1973. Bob and his family then moved to Cooperstown and in September of 1974 he began teaching third grade at the Schuyler Lake School, which was a part of Richfield Springs Central School, where he taught until 2004 when he retired.

Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed playing all kinds of sports. He played squash, and as a member of the Clark Sports Center Squash Team, played in many tournaments at the Fort Orange Club in Albany. He also played tennis, which he coached, along with golf, at Richfield Springs; racquetball, table tennis and basketball at the Clark Sports Center.    

Golf, though, was his main passion - the sport at which he truly excelled. As a high school student, he got his first hole-in-one while playing at the Otsego Golf Club in Springfield Center. In the early 70s he was a member of the En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott where he was club champion and played in the first BC Open, a PGA tour golf tournament. A long-time subscriber at The Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown, Bob was club champion there multiple times, as well as being champion at the Otsego Golf Club.  

In addition to teaching and playing sports, Bob enjoyed owning and operating the bed and breakfast he and his wife, Linda established in 1986, named "Maple Shade".    

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, the former Linda Lee Stiles, whom he married on June 18, 1966, in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown. Bob is further survived by their children and their families: Robert Stiles Crampton of Seattle, Washington, Michael Ward Crampton and Lisa Smith and their son, Julian Robert Smith Crampton, all of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and Nancy Lynn Crampton and Felix Abreu, and their daughter, Emilia Mae Abreu of the Bronx.  

Bob is also survived by his brother, William Scott Crampton, of Colorado; two nieces, Mary Beth Crampton of Boston, Massachusetts, and Lindsay Crampton of Rochester; and two nephews, Matthew Reid Crampton of Rochester, and William Scott Crampton, Jr., of Colorado.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. 

The family will be having a memorial for him next Spring at their home.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Benjamin H. Clark

COOPERSTOWN - Benjamin Harris Clark, a native of Cooperstown who resided in Jupiter, Florida, and was employed as the Broadcast Manager for Prestige Cruise Lines on their ship "Marina", died unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, October 9, 2013, while in port in Barcelona, Spain. The son of Robert J. Clark and the late Sandra Goddard Clark, Ben was 43 years old.

Ben was born in Cooperstown and lived there through his Junior High School years. He then moved to Jupiter, Florida, where he graduated from Jupiter High School. He went on to receive an Associate of Arts Degree from Palm Beach Gardens Community College and an Associate of Arts Degree in Video Production from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Ben worked as a Broadcast Manager in the cruise line industry for sixteen years. During this time Ben traveled to all corners of the world, exploring places that most of us could only dream of and touching the lives of many in the process. He was known to his many friends all over the world as "Big or Gentle Ben", which clearly reflected his gentle warmth and caring personality.  Ben was an excellent amateur photographer who documented his travels and the friendships he forged through his pictures, sharing his journeys with his many friends and family online.  

Even when Ben was not aboard ship he loved to travel, crisscrossing the country during his time off visiting friends and family. He had a special love for Walt Disney World where he worked for a period of time in his twenties, and he often returned there to spend time with these friends.

Ben was predeceased by his mother, Sandra, and grandparents Betsy and John Goddard, and Lillian and Harris Clark.

Ben is survived by his father, Robert, and his partner Deni Wicks; his brother Stephen Clark and his wife, Arleen; his sister Karen Breitkreuz; his aunts and uncles, Carol Hanlon, Gail Daly and her husband, George, Ben Goddard and his wife, Lynn, Lucille Roberts, and Joan Clark; his cousins Linda Pokorny, Joan Mahoney and her husband, Tad, Joyce Boyd and her husband, Spike, Gordon Clark and his wife, Nancy, Karen Moakler and her partner, Jim, Alan Clark and his wife, Alina, Cynthia Minkiewicz, Bradley Clark, Jim Clark and his wife, Diane, Jeff Daly and his wife, Shelly, Brian Goddard, Katherine Goodison, Julie Ray, and Don Roberts; and second cousins Jennifer Mickle and her husband, Ron, Brian Pokorny and his wife, Susan, Mike Pokorny and his wife, Maggie, Shawn Pokorny, Shannon Mahoney, Shaun Mahoney, Suzanne and Jackie Clark, Alan and Mitchell Clark, Lauren and Josh Daly.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 11-1 p.m., followed by a service to celebrate Ben's life, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown

In lieu of flowers, Ben's family suggests that memorial gifts be directed to The SPCA of the Treasure Coast, 1008 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach, FL 34957 or to The Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Robert C. Hoag

September 20, 1946 - October 15, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Robert Carl ("Bob") Hoag, a long-time resident of the Cooperstown area, passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, October 15, 2013, at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin. He was 67. 

Born September 20, 1946, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, he was a son of Lafayette C. and Gertrude (Eggleston) Hoag. Raised in Cooperstown, he graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1967. 

On July 13, 1967, Bob was inducted into the United States Army, and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with Company C, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry, 2nd Armored Division. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and a Combat Infantryman Badge. On July 11, 1969, he received his Honorable Discharge from the military, and was Honorably Discharged from the Reserves in 1973.

Shortly after returning to Cooperstown from his time in the service, Bob became employed at the Victory Market and later the Great American, where he served for many years as a stock clerk.  

An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed camping and hunting, as well as travelling. He always enjoyed taking rides in the car, and came to know all the back roads in the area. His true love was trains, with his enjoyment extending from model railroading and the many layouts he created, to volunteering with the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society as a traffic and crossing guard on the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad.  

Bob is survived by his wife, the former Leona Seward; their two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica; three stepsons, Mike Smith and son, Brett, Shawn Smith & son, Alex, and Patrick Smith and son, Keegan; three grandsons, Isaiah Hoag, Nathanial Juhl, and Donald Holden; two brothers, Donald Hoag and his wife, Barbara, of the Town of Maryland, and Richard Hoag and his wife, Barbara, of Middlefield; two sisters-in-law, Dawn Hoag of Milford and Kathryn Hoag of Bridgewater; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife's siblings, Marge Hill and her fiancé, Phil, of Red Creek, John Seward and his wife, Hortencia, of California, and Senator James L. Seward and his wife, Cindy, of Milford. 

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude, who died January 24, 1979; his father, Lafayette, who died September 21, 2002; three brothers, Charles F. Hoag, who died July 31, 1989, Lafayette A. "Bud" Hoag, who died May 23, 2009, and Douglas B. Hoag, who died June 19, 2012; a granddaughter, Alyssa Hoag, who died in 2006; a nephew, James Hoag, who died in 1990; and an uncle, William Carvin.  

Family and friends are invited to call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2013.

A Funeral Service will be offered at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013, with the Rev. Ronald Fralick officiating.

Following cremation, Bob will be laid to rest at a later date in the Milford Cemetery. At that time, Military Honors will be accorded by members of the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard. 

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Helen Williams

November 29, 1918 - October 8, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Helen Williams (née Lapinski) passed away at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown on Tuesday evening, October 8, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.  

Helen was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on November 29, 1918, to Joseph and Genevieve (née Gonsowski) Lapinski. She was a graduate of Bayonne High School.  

She met the love of her life, Tudor Penrose Williams, while they were both employed at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. Tudor went to serve his country in World War II, and upon his return they were married April 15, 1945. They lived in Leonia, New Jersey, which is where they built their first home together. Helen lived in Leonia until 2012 when she moved to Cooperstown to be closer to her family.  

Helen was employed at Lipton Tea, Inc. in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey until she retired in 1981. A long-time bowler and avid fan of the New York Yankees, she was a volunteer at St. Cecelia's Food Bank in Englewood, New Jersey for over 30 years, and was named volunteer of the year by the Lipton Tea Ambassadors for her many years of service. She was an active member of the Leonia Senior Citizens Club and enjoyed their trips to the casinos in Atlantic City.  

While living in Cooperstown, Helen joined the Prayerfully Made Group at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church where she met some wonderful new friends. She also enjoyed the luncheons with the Hartwick Seniors. Most of all she enjoyed all the times she got to spend with all her family here in Cooperstown.  

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Tudor, on July 3, 1981, and by her brothers Joseph and Alexander and her sisters Regina, Albina and Sabina.

Helen is survived by her son, Evan, and his wife, Susan, of Rochester Hills, MI; her daughter, Cynthia, and her husband, Stephen "Sharky" Nagelschmidt, of Cooperstown; Grandchildren Brooke Nagelschmidt and her companion, Ismael Bettancourt, Reid and Katie Nagelschmidt, David and Noelle Williams, and Daniel Williams; and her cherished great granddaughter Allison May Nagelschmidt.

Visitation was held at the Frank A. Patti Funeral Home in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on Friday, October 11, 2013.

On Saturday, October 12, 2013, Helen's life was celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Leonia, New Jersey. She was buried later that day at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey. 

Memorial donations in Helen's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 Adams Avenue, Endicott, NY  13760.

Arrangements were with Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Directors in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Anthony C. McShane

COOPERSTOWN - Anthony C. McShane, formerly of Christian Hill, passed away Wednesday morning, October 9, 2013, at his home in the Town of Oneonta. He was 71.

A long-time resident of the Cooperstown area, Tony served for over twenty years as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown, and more recently was in the pre-admissions department at Bassett Medical Center.

He is survived by his loving family members and many friends.   

A Celebration of Life will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013, at Templeton Hall, located at the corner of Church and Pioneer Streets in Cooperstown. Please stop in for a casual time in which to share stories and some refreshments with Tony's family.  

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Round the Clock In-Home Care, LLC, "in memory of Anthony McShane" c/o Rebecca Little, 5580 Peakes Brook Road, Delhi, NY  13753.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Carmen D. Galati

COOPERSTOWN - Mrs. Carmen D. Galati, a resident of Lake Street in the Village of Cooperstown, died late Monday night, October 7, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. The wife of Joseph A. Galati,. Jr. , she was 86. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2013, at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Richfield Springs, with Fr. Paul Carey, pastor of St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church in Waterville, presiding. 

The Service of Committal and Burial was later that afternoon in the Kateri Meadow Natural Burial Preserve at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.

There were no calling hours.

Arrangements were under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Edward W. Koshar

September 19, 1931 - September 30, 2013

FLY CREEK - Edward W. Koshar, a life-long area resident, died unexpectedly Monday, September 30, 2013.  He was 82.

Born September 19, 1931, in the family farmhouse on Christian Hill, he was the son of Austrian-Hungarian immigrants Anton and Jennie (Rojec) Koshar.  

Ed married Elizabeth I. Gorney on August 1, 1953, in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. They shared 56 wonderful years together until Betty died December 2, 2009.

For many years, Ed was employed as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Otsego Highway Department.    

A quiet, yet determined individual, his meticulously kept home and property were a testament to his old world upbringing. Ed will be fondly remembered as a good neighbor whose presence in Fly Creek will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ed is survived by one son, Michael Koshar, Sr., of Lewiston, Maine; one daughter, Anne Stewart and her husband, Glenn Stewart, Sr., of Sanford, Maine; and three grandsons, Michael Koshar, Jr., and Liam and Nicholas Couture. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Olga Koshar of Christian Hill, Mrs. Josephine ("Josie") Bliss of Cooperstown, and Mrs. Dorothy Ricco of Ladera Beach, California, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Betty, Ed was preceded in death by two sisters, Rose Paciocco and Mary Janes; three brothers, Anthony Koshar, who was killed in action on February 19, 1944, in Enewetak on the Marshall Islands, Joseph A. Koshar and Frank R. Koshar; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen M. Cankar.   

With respect for Ed's wishes, there will be no services. Consolation may be taken by remembering that Ed is once again together with his beloved Betty.

For those who wish to make a memorial gift in memory of Ed, please consider the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 218, Fly Creek, NY  13337-0218 or the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Charles D. DeCarr, Jr.

December 26, 1932 - September 28, 2013

SCHUYLER LAKE - Charles Dennis DeCarr, Jr., TSgt US Air Force (ret.). A former resident of the Schuyler Lake area who more recently resided at the New York State Veterans' Home at Oxford, died Saturday morning, September 28, 2013, at UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, he was 80.

Born December 26, 1932, in Richfield Springs, Charlie was a son of Charles Dennis DeCarr and Louise (Monroe) DeCarr. He first lived in Toddsville where he attended school until the family moved to Schuyler Lake. He attended grade school there until going to Richfield Springs Central School.

On August 27, 1951, Charlie enlisted in the United States Air Force, and began what would become a 19-year career in the armed forces. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and as a radar technician was part of the 13th Communications Construction Squadron. He was stationed in many places throughout the world, including Germany, Italy and Iceland. Towards the end of his Air Force career, he was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and received his Honorable Discharge at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, having attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.  

Upon his return to New York State, Charlie worked for a time in a glove factory in Amsterdam.

Always a devoted veteran, he was a life member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown.  

Charlie is survived by his four children, Cheryl, Cindy, Charles and Randy, as well as his brother, Chester DeCarr and his wife, Jane Temple. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, including Chet DeCarr and his wife, Regina, Cheryl and Jim Foote, Cindy Paramore and family, Cathleen DeCarr and Christopher DeCarr.

He was predeceased by his companion, Lera A. Russell - another long-time Schuyler Lake resident - who died February 1, 2010, and by his son, David DeCarr, who died in 2008.   

Military Honors for TSgt. DeCarr will be offered at 1p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2013, in the Schuyler Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force Base Honor Guard from the Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, and by members of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. 

Arrangements are under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Therese M. McQuillan

December 13, 1928 - September 27, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Therese M. McQuillan, age 84, died Friday night September 27, 2013, at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown.  

A private graveside service was held in Calvary Cemetery in Queens.

Arrangements were under the care and 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.

Wanda O. Richards

September 6, 1923 - September 23, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Wanda Olmstead Richards, a native of Cooperstown who served for over 40 years as a guide and interpreter at The Farmers' Museum, passed away peacefully Monday morning, September 23, 2013, at Otsego Manor. She was 90.

Born September 6, 1923, Wanda was proud to have been the second baby born in the then newly re-opened Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She was one of six children of Walter E. Olmstead, Sr. and Mildred née Butler Olmstead. Raised in the Village of Cooperstown, Wanda graduated with the Cooperstown High School Class of 1941.

On March 28, 1942, she married William George Richards, also a Cooperstown native, in Baltimore, Maryland.

For 44 and a half years, Wanda served as a guide and interpreter at The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown. Beginning as a guide in Bump Tavern, she later moved to Todd's General Store. She also worked in The Print Shop where she became proficient in operating the antique printing presses. She truly enjoyed her many years at the museum.  

Of the Episcopal faith, Wanda was a long-time and faithful member of Christ Church in Cooperstown where she was an active member of the Altar Guild. Wanda was also a member of the Silver Sirens, The Native Daughters of Cooperstown, and The Otsego Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She was very civic minded and was active with the local blood bank, served as a volunteer at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Unit 7128 in Cooperstown. In her leisure, she enjoyed taking their Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Oona and Paige, for walks around the village, as well as taking walks by herself, sometimes five miles in one day.

Wanda is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn Meredith Richards Jones and David Jones of Cooperstown, and Elisabeth Richards Jerson and Robert Jerson of Springfield Center; three grandsons, Dr. Matthew William Richards Jones and his wife, Cora Jones, Jeremy Louis Clark Jones and his wife, Dr. Katherine Jones, and Michael Robert Richards Jerson; four great grandchildren, Phoebe Lynn Emerson Jones, Isabella Grace Richards Jones, William David Maxwell Jones, and Molly Foard Jones; a brother-in-law, Edmund Pike, of Albany; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Olmstead of Binghamton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, William George Richards, who died July 28, 2001; three brothers, Walter E. Olmstead, Jr., Leonard H. "Dick" Olmstead, and Robert V. Olmstead; and two sisters, Jean Olmstead Pike and Joan Elizabeth Olmstead Larsen.

Wanda's family wishes to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to everyone at Otsego Manor for the excellent care and kind and compassionate services rendered to Wanda during her residency there.  

The Office of the Burial of the Dead with Holy Eucharist (Rite II) will be offered at 11 o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, at Christ Church in Cooperstown with Fr. Mark Aaron Michael, Rector, officiating.  

The Service of Committal will follow at the Columbarium Wall in Christ Church-yard, where Wanda will be entombed with her husband, Will.   

Arrangements are under the care and 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.

Ferdinand S. Thering

February 12, 1927 - September 21, 2013

HARTWICK - Ferdinand S. Thering, a life-long area resident who will be remembered for his dedication to farming, rural life and the Town of Hartwick, passed away in the presence of his family Saturday afternoon, September 21, 2013, in the family homestead at Rolling Acres Farm on Thering Road. Ferd, as he was known by just about everyone, was 86.

Born February 12, 1927, in Schenevus, he was a son of Henry and Clara (Gartung) Thering. In his youth he attended a parochial school in New York City and lived for a time in his father's native Germany. In 1941 Ferd's father purchased what became Rolling Acres Farm in the Town of Hartwick.

After moving with his family to the farm, Ferd attended Hartwick High School and graduated with the Class of 1944. A basketball player during his school years he was known to finish up chores on the farm and then run from there to the school to play ball with his friends and schoolmates.  

On June 14, 1952, Ferd married the former Marjorie Bachanas in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, where Fr. Patrick J. Whelan was the presiding pastor. Ferd and Marge then lived on and worked the family farm, which later earned the distinction of being a 50-year Dairylea Cooperative Family Farm. For many years, Ferd was also an active  member of the Farm Bureau.  

Ferd truly loved Hartwick, and for many years served his community well in several capacities. For over three decades he served as chairman of the Town Planning Board, and was the sole assessor for the Town of Hartwick, a role he filled especially well, and one in which he will be remembered for the fairness in which he conducted his duties.  

Much of Ferd's success in being able to talk to just about anyone on any subject, and which helped him become so good at what he did for area towns, came from his successful completion in 1969 of  the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations, an accomplishment of which he was justifiably proud.    

In 1973, Ferd became a State Certified Assessor, and served at various times as the Tax Assessor for the Towns of Hartwick, Pittsfield, and Otsego, as well as for the Village of Cooperstown. Through the years he attended and successfully completed many courses in assessing and appraising at Cornell University, the most important of which he took in 1978. In 1983 he obtained status as a professional assessor, and in 1987 was granted the designation of Stated Certified Assessor Professional by the State of New York State Board of Equalization and Assessment. He also attended many training sessions of the Conference on Assessment Administration sponsored by the New York State Assessors' Association, Inc. (of which he was a member) including those on campground appraisal, one family home appraisal, advanced farm appraisal and assessment administration. The number of certificates he earned through the years could easily fill the walls in one room-he was truly dedicated to his role as an assessor. In 1992, Ferd was the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation Award from the Otsego County Assessors' Association - which he served as president of for twenty years - the text of which best sums up his loyalty to the profession: "His efforts of providing the assistance and support to the assessment community in the County of Otsego are to be highly commended."

For twenty years, Ferd sat on the board of the Otsego Rural Housing Association, during which time he rarely missed a meeting. It has been said that he always voiced his opinion and never missed a chance for an argument.  

In his spare time, he was an avid bowler, playing with leagues in Cooperstown and Milford.  

An active Rotarian, Ferd joined the Cooperstown Rotary Club in May of 1982. A Paul Harris Fellow, he held a perfect attendance record for 30 years until his failing health and inability to attend meetings compelled the club to make him an Honorary Member just this past year.  

Throughout his entire life, which had its challenges and setbacks and its ups and downs, Ferd always persevered. Perhaps his life and character can best be summed up by stating that he was not a stubborn man - he was determined.

Ferd is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marjorie, of Hartwick; their three children, Henry J. Thering of Hartwick, Betty Staffin and her husband, Mike, of Fly Creek, and Tim Thering of Jupiter, Florida; four grandchildren, Jacob Staffin and his fiancé, Ashley Davidson, John Thering and his wife, Stacie, Noah Thering, and Autumn Thering; five great grandchildren, Violet, Josephine, Alexander, Camron, and Xavier; one sister, Margaret Balli and her husband, Eddie, of West Virginia; one brother, Henry E. Thering of Indiana; many nieces and nephews; and several cousins, including Ferdinand G. Thering, and others in Canada.

Ferd is also survived by his many friends and caregivers. Of special note, Anita Briggs Jones (husband, Butch) was an extra special friend, neighbor and political ally, and without his caregivers Mary, Patrick, Buddy and Shawn, Ferd could never have been able to stay in his beloved home.   

He was predeceased by his mother, Clara, who died May 30, 1968; his father, Henry Thering, who died October 17, 1984; one granddaughter, Kimberly Sue Thering who died March 9, 2002; and a sister-in-law, Charlotte Thering.

Friends and family are invited to call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2013. 

A graveside service will be offered at the Hartwick Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2013, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, officiating. Immediately following the service at the cemetery, all those attending are invited to the St. Mary's Parish Center on Elm Street in Cooperstown for a time of refreshment and fellowship. It has been requested that those attending this repast please park in the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown parking lot, which is adjacent to the Parish Center.  

With respect and gratitude for the many visits to the Thering homestead over the years, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Hartwick Emergency Squad,  P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY  13348. And even though their services were only needed for a day, the Thering family truly appreciates and suggests memorial gifts to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY  13820.  

Arrangements are under the care and 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.

Pauline Tooley

August 25, 1922 - September 19, 2013

Pauline Tooley, 91, of Richmondville, passed away Thursday afternoon, September 19, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Born August 25, 1922, in the Town of Hartwick, she was a daughter of Merton D. and Pearl M. (Turp) Tooley.

Pauline led a private life, which she shared throughout the years with companions Kenneth Merwin and Edward Hoosier, both of which preceded her in death.

She was also predeceased by three sons, Kenneth Merwin, Jr., Jerry Tooley, William Merwin, and a daughter, Patsy Brockway.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Cole, of Richmondville, several grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

There will be no services.

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.

Marjorie C. Gallup

July 19, 1921 - September 22, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Marjorie Camp Gallup died peacefully Sunday morning, September 22, 2013, at her home in Cooperstown. Better known by family and friends as Marge, she was 92.

Marge was born on July 19, 1921, in Middlefield, the youngest of six children to Alfred and Harriet Camp. She graduated from the Cooperstown High School in 1938 before joining the Women's Army Corp. She served in the military 1941 - 1945 in Washington DC, Papua, New Guinea and the Philippines. She obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Marge married Francis (Pudge) G. Gallup on April 17, 1949, and had three children: Mavis, Larry and Robert. Marge and Pudge operated Gallup's Taxi after the death of her father-in-law. She then worked for NY Telephone and AT&T until retirement in 1982 after 30 years of faithful service.

Marge was a woman devoted to her family and friends. Strong, stubborn, loving and a good sense of humor, she would lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Marge was a winning racecar driver who raced countless laps at Fonda, Morris and Brookfield. As an avid motorcyclist, snowmobiler and hunter she enjoyed the outdoors and had many stories about her adventures. Marge loved to bake and was known for her delicious pies! She was a devoted lover of animals and a bird watcher. Marge was also a proud lifetime member of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 in Cooperstown.  

Marge was predeceased by Pudge in 1993, her loving husband of 44 years, and her siblings Linda, Claude, Stella, Alfred, and Clifford. She is survived by her children, Mavis and Homer Lindstadt, Larry and Teriann Gallup and Bobby and Kathy Gallup; grandchildren Brian and Matthew Lindstadt; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Friends may call to pay their respects on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 9 - 10:30 AM at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown when Marge's family will be in attendance.  

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 on Friday, September 27, 2013 at the funeral home with Rev. Elsie A. Rhodes, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, officiating. Burial will follow in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery with military honors accorded by the members of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard. Immediately following the services, a celebration of Marge's life will be held for family and friends at the Cooperstown Vets Club.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marge's name to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the care and 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.