Daniel A. Blacksmith


August 25, 1925 - January 29, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Daniel Alvin Blacksmith, a true entrepreneur who experienced a full life, died early Tuesday morning, January 29, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 87. 

Born August 25, 1925, in Asbury Park, NJ, Dan was the son of Alvin and Louise (Hendrickson) Blacksmith.  

Following his graduation from high school, Dan entered into active service in the United States Navy on August 23, 1943, and proudly served his country during World War II as the official photographer aboard the USS Wasp (CV-18) in the South Pacific. Holding the rank of Photographers Mate, Dan was aboard this aircraft carrier when it was commissioned on November 24, 1943. It soon witnessed and endured combat situations as part of Admiral Halsey's fleet, including several  Kamikaze attacks, one of which Dan captured on film as the Japanese fighter was shot out of the sky by gunners aboard the ship. A tragic moment captured by Dan was when a fighter was returning from a mission and then crashed and exploded on the flight deck. On March 21, 1946, Dan received his honorable discharge from the Navy and returned home to New Jersey.  

On May 18, 1946, Dan married Blanche Flower at The United Reformed Church in Somerville, NJ. During their 66 years of marriage, the Blacksmiths lived in many places throughout the United States. They ultimately settled in Cooperstown and enjoyed living in their home just outside of the village.  

An entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word, Dan had a keen sense for business, and even talked business up until the day he died. A scenario writer, he wrote scripts and produced many documentary films including award winners. He was also proud of the fact that he was the originator of the only metal sports cards sold through Halls of Fame throughout the nation.

In his leisure, Dan had many hobbies, including stamp and coin collecting, as well as keeping up with the latest technology. He was also an avid golfer, and enjoyed teaching his grandson, Matthew, how to play. Over the years, they enjoyed many rounds of golf together.

Raised in the Reformed church tradition, Dan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown where he was currently serving as an offering counter.  

A member of the Masonic Fraternity for 58 years, Dan began his Masonic travels in Washington Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons in Eatontown, NJ, where he was raised a Master Mason on June 28, 1954. After moving to Cooperstown he affiliated with Otsego Lodge No. 138, Free and Accepted Masons on November 13, 1986. He was later made a Companion in Otsego Chapter No. 26, Royal Arch Masons, Cooperstown.

Dan was also a member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown.  

Regardless of his business ventures, Dan always remained a devoted family man. He also had a fondness for dogs, and would often say, "A house is not a home without a dog."

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, companion and best friend of 66 years, Blanche, of Cooperstown; two daughters, Joy Ann Blacksmith of New York City, and Allyse Lynn De Carr and her husband, Larry, of Cooperstown; two grandchildren, Matthew Daniel De Carr and his wife, Kristen, and Melissa Lynn De Carr and her fiancé, Zachary Forbes, all of Albany; and one nephew, Michael Tilton Doll, of Long Boat Key, FL, who was raised by Dan and Blanche.

Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Lou Doll.

A Memorial Service and celebration of the life of Daniel Alvin Blacksmith will be offered at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2013, in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating.  

At the beginning of service, a Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted by Brethren from Otsego Lodge No. 138, F. & A.M., Cooperstown.

At the conclusion of the service, Military Honors will be accorded by members of the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.  

Immediately following the services, all attending are invited to join with the Blacksmith family for a time of refreshment and fellowship in the adjoining Chapel.  

For those who wish to make memorial gifts in memory of Dan, please consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown Women's Fellowship Building Fund for the benefit of an electronic carillon for the church. Memorial gifts may also be directed to 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.

Helen S. Weber


September 19, 1930 - January 28, 2013

COOPERSTOWN - Helen S. Weber, beloved wife of Jack Weber, passed away Monday afternoon, January 28, 2013, at Otsego Manor. She was 82.

Born September 19, 1930, in Brooklyn, Helen was the daughter of Rudolph and Emmy (Kreutzkam) Schlimmeyer.  

Raised in Rego Park, Queens, she was a graduate of Forest Hills High School where she was captain of the cheerleaders. It was while she was in school that she met the love of her life, Jack Weber. They married on April 29, 1951, in a ceremony at Ascension Church in Rego Park. 

Helen and Jack moved to northern New Jersey and settled in Waldwick where they raised their family and became active members of the community. Helen was a member of the Waldwick Fire Department Auxiliary and a devoted communicant of St. Luke's Church in Ho-Ho-Kus where she was actively involved with the Rosary Altar Society. As her children got older Helen went back to school and eventually earned an Associate Degree which gave her the ability to serve as a home health aide.

Through their good friend, Marjorie Landers, the Webers were introduced to Otsego County, and, after purchasing a second home and spending many weekends in the area, they became full-time residents in 1992.  

After moving to Cooperstown, Helen became a communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, was a member of the Women's Club of Cooperstown and served as a volunteer at the Louis Busch Hager Cancer Center at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.  

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Jack Weber, of Cooperstown; two daughters, Nancy Tallman and her husband, Dennis, of Fly Creek and Christy Soell and her husband, Julian, of Allendale, NJ; one son, Ron Weber and his wife, Arlene, of New Paltz; eight grandchildren, Katie, Christopher and John Weber, Kyle Tallman, and Justin, Emily, Mitchell, and Adam Soell; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rudolph Schlimmeyer, who died December 1, 1963, her mother, Emmy Christie, who died January 17, 1996, and a son-in-law, Scott G. Peterson who died July 17, 2001.

In fulfillment of Helen's desire to have her body donated for medical education and research, she has been gratefully received by the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in memory of Helen at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013, 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 take place at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery in Index.

Helen's family offers their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to their extended family at Otsego Manor for the kind, considerate, understanding and supportive care given to Helen during her residency at the Manor.  

As an extension of this gratitude, Helen's family would greatly appreciate that memorial gifts in her memory be directed to the Otsego Manor Activities Fund for the benefit of the Rolling Hills Neighborhood, 128 Phoenix Mills Cross Road, Cooperstown, NY  13326.  Another way to memorialize Helen's life would be a donation to the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the guidance of the Connell, Dow and 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 M. Gray


April 19, 1922 - January 28, 2013

COOPERSTOWN  - Ruth M. Gray, a native of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully late Monday morning, January 28, 2013, at Otsego Manor. She was 90.

Born April 19, 1922, at The Thanksgiving Hospital in Cooperstown, she was a daughter of George Patrick and Edith E. (Olmstead) Allen.

Raised in Cooperstown, Ruth graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1940. Through the years, she was employed in Cooperstown as a cook at The Hitching Post Restaurant, The Pratt Hotel, and Sherry's Famous Restaurant.

Ruth will be remembered as a wonderful mom who was devoted to her kids and grandkids. She was also a tremendous caregiver to others, especially to her husband, Bob, during his battle with cancer, and to her son, Stubby, during his battle with MS. Throughout her life, Ruth possessed a great sense of humor, and could always be counted on to enliven any gathering. In her free time, she hooked rugs, travelled, enjoyed crossword puzzles and the daily jumble, and spent many hours just visiting away on the telephone with family and friends.  

Ruth will be greatly missed by her two daughters, Christine R. Gray and husband, Robert, of Cooperstown, and Madeline Socci and husband, Edward, of Sharon Springs; her son, Kenneth A. "Buck" Carson, Sr. and wife, Marta, of Dallas, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Deborah, Don and Heather, Kenneth, Jr., Tami and Stephen; ten great grandchildren, Justin and Tammy, Hayden and Luca, Kenneth III and Reneé, Nathan, Alicia and Santanna, and Emily; and thirteen great great grandchildren, Abby& Ally, Ayden, and Mason, Garret and Riana, Carter, Elliot, Eva and Elka, Levon, and Carson and Jaxson.

She is further survived by one sister, Katherine "Kay" E. Rose of Otsego Manor; one sister-in-law, Louise Allen, of Cooperstown; many nieces and nephews; and her good friend, Marjorie Gallup, of Cooperstown.  

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Gray, whom she married July 4, 1969 in Middlefield.  Bob died January 27, 1974.  She was also predeceased by one son, Theodore R. "Stubby" Carson, who died June 8, 1989; one daughter-in-law, Florence Carson, who died December 27, 2009; and one brother, Ellis H. Allen, who also died in 1989.

With respect for Ruth's wishes, calling hours will be private.

Later this spring,  a graveside service will be offered in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

Thanks and appreciation are extended to the entire staff at Otsego Manor for the wonderful care provided to Ruth during her residency; this kindness is truly appreciated by her family.  

For those who wish to honor Ruth's memory with a memorial donation, please consider the following organizations:  The Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ, 85062; The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY, 10163; and The American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, 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.

Jeane G. Norberg


November 10, 1925 - January 19, 2013

ONEONTA - Mrs. Jeane Anne Gile Norberg, formerly of the Little Red School Community in the Town of Laurens, died Saturday afternoon, January 19, 2013, at The Baptist Home at Brookmeade in Rhinebeck. She was 87.  

Jeane was born November 10, 1925, in Millbrook, a daughter of Harold James and Anna Mary (Quinlin) Gile.  

Raised in Delhi, she graduated from Delaware Academy Central School with the Class of 1940. Following her graduation from high school, her mother enrolled her in the secretarial course at the New York State Agricultural and Technical Institute at Delhi, and as a student served as pianist for the college choir. Upon graduating from college she went to work at Delhi Hospital, located at that time on Franklin Street. She became a nurse's aide and stayed with the hospital, which later became O'Connor Hospital.  

It was during her years in Delhi that Jeane met Axel Poulson Norberg and they were married June 30, 1946, in a ceremony at the Second Presbyterian Church of Delhi. Throughout their marriage, and as they raised a family, they moved many times to various places throughout New York State and Pennsylvania, during which time Ax was responsible for organizing and managing many Agway Feed Stores.  

After moving to the Schoharie area - where Ax was manager of the Agway in Middleburgh - Jeane became the college nurse at SUNY Cobleskill and retired from there after 20 years of service.  

Throughout her life Jeane possessed a deep faith in God. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, she later became a Lutheran and was a former member of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Middleburgh. In later years she enjoyed watching on television "The Hour of Power" from the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. Jeane also enjoyed playing cards and living in her home on Lot 1 in the Little Red School Community, where she was especially thankful for the care extended to her by Gina and Bob.   

Jeane is survived by two daughters, Margaret "Peg" Lane and her husband, Dwight, of Ohio, and Elizabeth "Beth" Mahon and her husband ,John, of Rhinebeck; one son, Peter Axel Norberg; eight grandchildren, Karen Margaret DeRosa and her husband, Frederick "Tony", of Ohio, Steven Dwight Lane and his wife, Kaitlyn, of Georgia, Patrick Mahon and his wife, Hadley, of New York City, Colin Mahon of New York City, Jessica Mahon of North Carolina, Derek Axel Norberg of South Carolina, Kelsey Norberg of Albany and Lauren Norberg of North Carolina; six great grandchildren, Molly and Cooper Lane, Samuel and Theodore DeRosa, and Alexander "AJ" and Isabella DeRosa; one brother, Edison Gile and his wife, Olive, of Delhi; two brothers-in-law, Sven Sloth and his wife Eileen of Binghamton and Jack Leal of Florida; three sisters-in-law, Marion Gile of Roxbury, Esther Lee of Oneonta and Alice Nichols of Bloomville; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Axel P. Norberg who died June 20, 2002, one sister, Theda Leal, and one brother, Harold E. "Bud" Gile.

With respect for Jeane's wishes, there will be no services. She will be laid to rest in the Nine Partners' Burial Ground in Millbrook.

As a way to memorialize Jean's life, please consider a donation in her memory to the American Heart Association, Heart Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY  13220-3049.

Arrangements are under the care and 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.

George Niles Watson, Jr.


December 11, 1931 - January 16, 2013

SUMMIT - George Niles Watson, Jr., of Summit, died Wednesday night, January 16, 2013, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. Formerly of Babylon, Long Island, he was 81.

Born December 11, 1931, in the City of New York, he was a son of George Niles Watson and Marion Spencer Watson.  

In December 1950, George enlisted in the United States Army, and served his country until he received his Honorable Discharge in November 1953.

A long time resident of Long Island, he was employed for many years as a custodian for the Babylon Union Free School District. 

George is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he married on June 19, 2003 in Ascension Lutheran Church in Deer Park.

He is also survived by his daughter, Veronica Watson, of Saratoga.  

One sister, Marjorie, preceded him in death.

In accordance with George's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. 

In fulfillment of George's desire to have his body donated for medical education and research, he will be received by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in the Bronx.  

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.

Timothy E. Lower


SCHENEVUS - Timothy Eric Lower, 54 years old, died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at his home in the Town of Maryland.  

He is survived by his mother, Beverly Lower of Cooperstown; very dear friend and companion, Jennifer Doherty of Schenevus; faithful dog, Sanchez; uncles Clyde G. Bliss and his companion, Barbara Calabrese, of Otego and Keith D. Bliss and his wife, Flossie, of Burlington Flats and their families; and several other relatives, including his aunt Mable's family, and special cousins Mary and Linda. 

Tim had a special bond with his grandparents, Claude and Edna Bliss, who died in 1982 and 1997, respectively. 

He was also preceded in death by his aunt, Mable Bliss Whalen, who died January 26, 2012, and his sister, Colleen Anne Aufmuth, who died January 24, 2005.  

For twenty-two years, Tim was employed with the Otsego County Building Services Department as a maintenance worker and worked as such in most all of the county's buildings. For the past year and a half, he was in charge of maintenance at Otsego County's municipal building (the old City Hall) at 242 Main Street in Oneonta.

He will be remembered for his creativity, artisanship-especially as a gifted carpenter, and love of music and nature. Tim and his faithful dog, Sanchez, loved each other very much, and walked many miles together in the woods surrounding their home. As Tim would often say, "Nothing is too good for Sanchez".  

He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched, most especially his mother. If she could talk with her only son just one more time, she would say, "I love you, Tim." And as his birthday would have been this Wednesday, she would also say, "Happy Birthday, Tim."

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Hartwick Community Center, 346 County Highway 11, Hartwick. This will be a time to acknowledge Tim's gifts and celebrate his life.  

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.

Ann Catharine Casey


June 28, 1965 - December 24, 2012

NISKAYUNA - Ann Catharine Casey, 47, passed away on December 24, 2012, following a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) .

Ann was born June 28, 1965, in Cooperstown to John Earl Casey and Jane Ann Feeck Casey.  

After graduating from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1984 she earned a BA/BS from the College of St. Rose. She worked for Pace Analytical Services, Inc. (formerly Northeast Analytical) for twelve years. Previous to that she worked for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and SUNY Research Foundation. Ann was known for her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm, especially in the field of PCB chemistry.

She was a member of the Otsego Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ann was preceded in death by her father, John, who died May 7, 2005.  

Ann is survived by her spouse, Dana Wagemaker, and their children, Emily, Sarah, Andrew and Catie; her mother, Jane Ann Feeck Casey; her brother and sister-in-law, George and Dorothea Casey and nephew Michael; her mother-in-law, Patricia Wagemaker; her brother-in-law, Kim and Mary Anne Petrie and her niece and nephews, Nathan Petrie, Maureen Petrie and Eric Fical, and Matthew and Brandy Petrie.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Capitol District in the coming weeks and a memorial service will be held in Cooperstown in the Spring.

For those who wish to honor Ann, donations in her memory may be made to an educational fund for her children that has been established through Pace Analytical Services, Inc. (attention Jessica Hills), 2190 Technology Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308.

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.