Donald H. Banks

March 14, 1942 - March 26, 2014

MILFORD - Donald Harry Banks, a long-time resident of the Village of Milford, passed away at his home Wednesday night, March 26, 2014. He was 72.

Born March 14, 1942, in Worcester, he was one of nine children of Maurice and Catherine (Brown) Banks. He graduated from Worcester Central School with the Class of 1962.

A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Donald was inducted into the United States Army in February of 1964, and proudly served his country as part of Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 10th Artillery, 197th Infantry Brigade. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military in February of 1966.

On March 23, 1968, Donald married Caroline May Hubbell in a ceremony at the Middlefield Baptist Church. In 1970, Donald and Tootsie moved to the Village of Milford where they have since resided.

For 24 years, Donald was employed as a custodian at the Milford Central School, retiring in 1995.

Throughout his life, Donald was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees. With equal enjoyment, he and Tootsie played Bingo at many different places throughout the region. Always a people person, his love of Bingo gave him the opportunity to meet and make friends with many people. He also enjoyed listening to country music and bowling, and will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

Donald is survived by his wife of 46 years, Caroline "Tootsie" Banks, of Milford; one daughter, Teresa Sloan and her partner, Jamie Kiser, of Whitesboro; one son, Stephen Banks and his wife, Melissa, of Westville; six grandchildren, Stephen Banks, Jr., Daniel Banks, Jenna Banks, Tyler Sloan, Brittany Sloan and Dylan Kiser; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Ernie and Esther Banks of Richmondville, George and Paulene Martin of Florida, Jerry and Violet Banks of Connecticut, and Gary Banks of Albany; and several nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his wife's siblings and their families, Ed and Alma Hubbell of Florida, Art and Donna Hubbell of Middlefield, Marian Dornburgh of Pleasant Brook, and Shirley Johnson of Laurens.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Ray, Kenny, Myra and Charlotte Banks. He was also predeceased by Betty McCauley, Bill McCauley and Theodore "Ted/Skookie" Dornburgh.

A Memorial Service will be offered at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2014, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd, pastor of the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, officiating.

The Banks family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday afternoon one hour prior to the service.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Milford Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 359, Milford, NY 13807.

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.

James J. McCormack, Jr.

February 11, 1946 - March 21, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - James J. McCormack, Jr., 68, of Cooperstown, died Friday evening, March 21, 2014, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Born February 11, 1946, Jim was the son of James and Gertrude McCormack and was raised in Tuckahoe. 

A self-made man, Jim was a talented woodworker who became interested in building furniture while on leave from a job as a child care worker in Rockland County. After working for Hunt Country Furniture, Jim developed his own business and opened Waterwheel Woodworks in New York's Hudson River Valley in Stanfordville. He chose the name because he was fascinated with the common sense and self sufficiency of waterwheels and windmills which power themselves.

Jim later moved to the Cooperstown area and established Waterwheel Woodworks and Dovetail Farm on Christian Hill, where he practiced sustainable farming. His designs and workmanship reflected his philosophy: simple, practical, beautiful and built to last. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and creating custom furniture for the Historic Beekman Arms, America's oldest inn. After retiring Jim's passions included environmental conservation, photography, writing poetry and kayaking.

Jim is survived by his partner, Pam Trickett, of Cooperstown; three sons, Jim McCormack III of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Bill McCormack and Kristin Janczewski of Missoulia, Montana, and Dan McCormack of San Diego, California; five grandchildren, Jack, Jane, Sheridan, Bill and Dan; a sister, Aileen McCormack of Athens, Ohio, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are welcome to remember Jim's life by calling at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Saturday, March 29, 2014, from 1-3 p.m.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's memory to Sustainable Otsego, Smile Train, and the Nature Conservancy.  

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.

Cal Tennant

July 25, 1975 - March 20, 2014

Semper Fidelis

SCHENEVUS - Callie (Cal) D. Tennant, of Schenevus, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away after a long, courageous struggle with diabetes, and died as a result of complications related to that disease Thursday evening, March 20, 2014, at his home. He was 38.

Born July 25, 1975, in Honesdale, PA, he was a son of Daniel F. and Rosemary (Teeple) Tennant. Raised in Pennsylvania, he moved to New York State in 1986 and graduated with the Class of 1993 from the Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus. 

Throughout his brief life, Cal was employed at various jobs and places in the area. His first job was at Carl's Drug Store and he later worked for several area restaurants and in the construction business.  

At the age of 25 Cal decided to act on his longstanding desire to join the military and entered into active service with the United States Marine Corps in August of 2001. Due to a medical condition, PFC Tennant received his honorable discharge from the Marines in September 2002, but was always proud of his service to his country.

Following his discharge from the military Cal returned to Schenevus and was employed at Home Depot and a car dealership, and also continued working as a handyman.

He had a great love for family, and to be loved by Cal was an amazing gift-a big heart, a big man, a big life!

Cal is survived by his mother, Pastor Rose Bellen and her husband, Bill, of Maryland; his father, Daniel F. Tennant of Honesdale, PA; two sisters and their families, Danielle and Barry Haney and their children, Calvin Rhett, Payton and Pierce of Unadilla and Maggie Bellen and her son, James Paul; a step-sister, Kim Daniels and her husband, Pat, and their children, Mitchell and Nicole of Honesdale, PA and a step- brother, Brad Bellen and his wife, Kristi, and their children, Bill and Katherine.

He was preceded in death by a step-brother, Bill Bellen who died in 1997. 

All are invited to call from 2-5 p. m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street in Cooperstown.

A funeral service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2014, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Donna-Gene Francis, Lay Leader of the Westville United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment with military honors will be held at a later date.

Cal LOVED flowers; however, for those who wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider the American Diabetes Foundation, Utica NY Office, Lomond Office Park, 110 Lomond Court, Utica, NY  13502.

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

Notice of Commital and Burial Services
Updated 5/18/14

SCHENEVUS - Committal and burial services for Callie (Cal) D. Tennant, 38, who died March 20, 2014, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Westville Cemetery, 2740 County Highway 35, Schenevus, NY.

Military honors will be accorded by the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard and members of Cooperstown Veterans Club.

Following the service, all attending are invited to the Westville United Methodist Church for a time of fellowship and light refreshments.

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.

Sonia L. Prendergast

October 10, 1961 - March 14, 2014

"To the Moon and Back"

MILFORD - Sonia L. Prendergast, 52, of Milford, died unexpectedly early Friday morning, March 14, 2014, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

She was born October 10, 1961, at Forest Hills Hospital in Queens, youngest daughter of Gerhard Hans and Edith I. Schoellhammer.

In the 1980s, Sonia moved to upstate New York, settling first in Starkville, where she opened a country store, eventually settling in Milford. She served as a Supervisor in the Coding Department at Bassett.

Throughout her life, Sonia's determination led to her success in many unique endeavours. Whether it was her love of flying, her desire to become a pilot, attaining many different certifications as a Coder or pursuing her love of books and reading by working part-time as a librarian at the Milford Free Library, she poured her heart and soul into everything she did.  

Anyone that knew Sonia knows she had a passion for life. She had her own sassy style, and could turn any room into a party with her light and laughter. If you needed someone to be there, Sonia was your girl -- caring and selfless with everyone she loved.

The most important part of Sonia's life was her family. She is survived by her loving partner of 18 years, Rob "Robbie" Elliott of Milford; her parents, Gerhard and Edith Schoellhammer ("Omi and Opi") of Milford; her daughter, Samantha Prendergast and her partner, Erin Fox, of Troy; Michael Prendergast, father of Samantha; her sisters, Sabine Curry and husband, Larry, of Milford, and Susan Leonard and husband, John, of Wilmington, NC; her brother, Lutz Duvinage, of Frankfort/Oder, Germany; three nieces, Amanda Meeson and her husband, Doug, Lisa Curry and Kerri Leonard; two nephews, TJ Leonard and his fiancé, Christian, and Michael Duvinage; and her great nieces and nephews, Jordyn Sarver, Colbie Leonard and Reggie Meeson. She is further survived by Rob Elliott's mother, Catherine "Kitty" Elliott of Cooperstown, and his sister, Sharon, and brother, David Elliott.

Sonia's family will receive friends from 3-5 p. m. Monday, March 17, 2014, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At 5 p.m., a Celebration of Life will be offered at the funeral home, followed by a gathering at the Upper Susquehanna Cultural Center, North Main Street, Milford .

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Milford Free Library (P. O. Box 1, Milford, NY 13807) would be greatly appreciated.


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.

Rev. Stewart A. Pollock

December 2, 1954 - March 5, 2014

LOWER BURRELL, PA - Rev. Stewart A. Pollock, 59, of Lower Burrell, PA, died unexpectedly March 5, 2014, at Forbes Regional Medical Center in Monroeville, PA.

Born December 2, 1954, in Boston, MA, Stewart was the oldest child of Dr. Donald and Elinor (Hopkins) Pollock. After graduating from Cooperstown Central School in 1972, he went on to earn his BA in Russian Studies from Hamilton College in 1976, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Yale Divinity School in 1980, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Syracuse University College of Law in 1994, passing the New York State Bar Exam in the same year.

Stewart was ordained a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1980 and served Presbyterian congregations in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania during his 33 years in the pastoral ministry. He also served as Stated Clerk in the  Presbyteries of Cayuga-Syracuse and Southern New England and was a highly regarded parliamentarian. His legal knowledge and love for the church opened doors for service on judicial commissions at the presbytery and synod levels and, most recently, as Moderator of the Advisory Committee on the Constitution (of the PCUSA). At the time of his death, he was a Member-At-Large of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and was looking forward to serving as Interim Pastor of the Shelocta Community Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Kiskiminetas in Pennsylvania.

A self-described "not-so-reserved pastor," he will be remembered for his brilliant mind, gentle spirit, quirky sense of humor and the Superman prayer. He was generous with his time and expertise, serving on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Allegheny Valley and volunteering at the local food bank. His neighbors loved and appreciated his willingness to lend a hand to any in need.

Stewart is survived by his parents, Dr. Donald and Elinor Pollock of Cooperstown; two sisters, Donabeth Urick and her husband, Gil, of Bonita Springs, FL, and Sally Zaengle and her husband, Bud, of Greene; two brothers, Peter Pollock and his wife, Diana, of Cooperstown, and Jim Pollock and his wife, Sharon, of Georgetown; his wife, Alma Harward Pollock of New Haven, CT; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service to the Glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the Life of the Rev. Stewart A. Pollock will be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a reception in the adjoining Chapel.

Rev. Pollock's remains will be laid to rest in The Columbarium in the Presbyterian Churchyard.

Memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Allegheny Valley, 1170 Industrial Blvd., New Kensington, PA  15068.

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

Updated April 26, 2014. 


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.