Jacqueline Evalani Kohn

CHERRY VALLEY - Jacqueline Evalani Kohn, born in Rochester, died peacefully at home in Cherry Valley May 9, 2014, in the loving care of her family and friends.

Jackie is survived by her four-legged best friends, Oscar and Maxine; two mothers, Remegia Mitchell (Wade Eaton) and Terry Santana DeMello; her grandmother, Nory Mitchell; three sisters, Sally Kohn, Leslie Svoboda (Deborah VanOrman), and Emily Mitchell-Eaton (Sung Choe); her brother, Aidan Mitchell-Eaton (Erika Mitchell-Halvorsen); many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and a vast family of friends in the many communities she called home.  

Jackie was predeceased by her father, Ted Kohn, and brothers Larry Kohn and John Svoboda.

Our lives were enriched by Jackie's creative spirit and generosity through her fine food, beautiful knitting, and handmade jewelry.

A gathering in Jackie's honor will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at the Star Theater in Cherry Valley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jackie's honor may be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, Cherry Valley Artworks, or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care.

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.

Donald P. Hoag

December 8, 1939 - May 7, 2014

MARYLAND - Donald Philip Hoag, a lifelong area resident, passed away early Wednesday morning, May 7, 2014, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 74. 

Born December 8, 1939, in Cooperstown, he was a son of the late Lafayette C. and Gertrude (Eggleston) Hoag.  

Raised on the Beaver Meadow Road, he worked in the cauliflower fields, at the bowling alley and at Bouton's Greenhouses in Oaksville.    

On January 10, 1957, Don enlisted in the Army National Guard of New York and proudly served with the 3rd Battalion 101st Armored Cavalry. He received his honorable discharge on January 19, 1959 at which time he enlisted in the United States Navy.  

After receiving his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Otsego County and worked for Medical Coaches in Oneonta and the Beechnut Factory in Canajoharie.  For almost 30 years he owned and operated Alpine Greenhouse and Florist in Morris as well as Alpine Painting and Roofing, and was the principal contractor for the Manor Farm in Morris.

An avid outdoorsman, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his kids and brothers as well as picking ginseng, feeding the fish in his pond and watching the birds. He was a devoted fan of Syracuse basketball as well as NASCAR, and had an extensive collection of marbles. Don loved to have fun and will be remembered as being a great practical joker. Most of all he loved his family and was exceedingly proud of his wife, children and grandchildren.   

Don is survived by his wife, the former Barbara Barnes, whom he married on March 22, 1975; his children, Donald P. Hoag, Jr. and his wife Rosemary of Cooperstown, Mark Walley and his wife Robin of Westville, John Walley and his wife Jennifer of Otego, Steven Hoag and his wife Yvonne of Atlanta, GA, and Kimberly Hoag Beckley and her husband David of Milford; 12 grandchildren, Tammy Sickmon and her husband John, Justin Hoag, Kyle French and Tiana Hanlon, Megan and Marshall Walley, Piper Hoag and Samuel Pharis, Kyle , Erik, Savannah and Taylor Beckley; two great grandchildren, Lydia Botita and Garrett Sickmon; one brother, Richard Hoag and his wife, Barbara, of Middlefield; four sisters-in-law, Dawn Hoag of Milford, Kathryn Hoag of Bridgewater, Leona Hoag of Maryland and Delores Kilts of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind his good friends, Ed Hunt, Mickey Miller, Barbara Quintin, Elizabeth Newell, Vicki Miller, and Russ and Debbi Card, and his beloved dog, Brandy Mae. 

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude, who died January 24, 1979; his father, Lafayette, who died September 21, 2002; four brothers, Charles F. Hoag, who died July 31, 1989, Lafayette A. "Bud" Hoag, who died May 23, 2009, Douglas B. Hoag, who died June 19, 2012 and Robert Carl "Bob" Hoag who died October 15, 2013, his mother-in-law, Marjorie Barnes, who died March 19, 2013, and a good friend, Randy Joy.  

Family and friends are invited to call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2014.

A Funeral Service will be offered at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2013, with the Rev. Ronald Fralick, officiating. Burial will follow in the Milford Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Don's memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 810  7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019. 

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.

Gerald Goodspeed

April 23, 1942 - May 4, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - Gerald "Boo-Boo" Goodspeed, a native of Cooperstown, died Sunday morning, May 4, 2014, at his home with the comfort of his loving family by his side following a 9-year battle with Melanoma. He was 72.

Born April 23, 1942, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Jerry was one of seven children of the late Edith Snyder and Cecil A. Goodspeed.  

After his education in Cooperstown, he enlisted in the New York Army National Guard on November 16, 1959, and served with Company C of the 108th Infantry. He received his Honorable Discharge on November 15, 1962.

That same year, he married Georgia Flint in a ceremony held October 6, in the Cooperstown Methodist Church.  

Through the years, Boo-Boo was employed by many businesses in the Cooperstown area. Among them, Stan Wrench Excavating, Bob Mulligan Garbage Disposal and Excavation, and the Village of Cooperstown. From 1970-1988, he was the superintendent for the Town of Otsego landfill, and later served as a truck driver for their highway department, retiring at 55 years of age in 1997. He also operated a bush hogging business which he started in 1995 using his beloved tractors and Ford trucks which were part of his "toy" collection.  

Since 1992, Boo-Boo was a member of the Cooperstown Native Sons. He was also a Life Member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown, often serving as part of their honor guard, and was a former member of Mechanic's Hook & Ladder Company No. 5 in Cooperstown.

In his leisure, Boo-Boo enjoyed having a good time with family and friends. He was involved with demolition derbies from 1972-1992, competing in seven county fairs each year, winning heat races, features, best-in-show, and earning a place in the NYS Fair. He put on a great show for all of his fans. He enjoyed hunting, travelling with his wife, having their camper in tow, was an avid NASCAR fan, attending many museums and races rooting for Ford Teams, and visiting Alaska. Labor Day gatherings at his Ponderosa, specializing in his famous popcorn and horseshoe tournaments will be fondly remembered by many, and he was even the DJ of "Boo-Boo's #1 Fun and Entertainment". 

He became passionately involved with Relay for Life, starting Boo-Boo's Dream Team in 2006 as a proud survivor. In 2014 he was honored as a Relay for Life All Star. He also volunteered in various community events including the Walk for Autism, Bark for Life, and participated in local tractor shows. He was proud to honor Veterans and remember 9/11 in local parades with his well-decorated Rhino.

He was happiest when surrounded by his family, especially his cherished grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, dad, and "Pop". He touched many lives and would never deny a friend in need. His smile lit up a room, his smirk demonstrated his sense of humor, and his laughter was contagious. His kindness was evidence of his huge heart. As an angel in heaven, he is still watching over us. Whether you call him Boo-Boo or Jerry, his presence will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. 

Boo-Boo is survived by his wife of 51 1/2 years, the love of his life, Georgia, of Cooperstown; three daughters, Betty Steele and husband, Tom, of Hartwick, Sue Gage and husband, Jerry, of Edmeston, and Sherri Goodspeed of Fly Creek; three grandchildren, James Goodspeed and girlfriend, Arielle Musgrave, Michael Gage and wife, Michele, and Jessica Talbot and husband, Mikey; a great granddaughter, Lily Luna Musgrave-Goodspeed; and great grandchild Talbot, due July 20, 2014,  with whom he unfortunately missed meeting. He is further survived by two brothers, Cecil Goodspeed, Jr. of Cedarville and Robert Goodspeed of Edmond, Oklahoma; four brothers-in-law, Frank Flint, Robert Grabowski, Roger Bell, and Greg Rupert; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Boo-Boo also leaves behind his sweet "granddaughter", Hannah Audette, and his best friend, Jim Laden, who was like a brother.  

A great animal lover, Boo-Boo is also survived by his precious baby girl, Cuddles, whom he adopted from the Susquehanna SPCA and his great grand pets: Moto, Koko, Java, Willis, Bandit, Toby, Tiki, Josie, Jake, Calvin, and Lily. He will be welcomed in heaven by many family pets, including his angel Midnight and most recently his little princess, CaseyAnne and his buddy Jake.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Katherine Staffin, Marion Grabowski, Jean Bell and Cheryl Rupert; three sister-in-law, Ann Goodspeed, Catherine Williams, and Myrt Flint; and a brother-in-law, Walt Staffin.  

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 3-6 p.m., when the family will be in attendance. A Firefighter Memorial Service will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. by members of the Cooperstown Fire Department.  

On Friday, May 9, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. Jerry's casket will be placed in the Cooperstown Fire Department's 1952 Mack Fire Truck, which will bear him through the Village, followed by his family driving his beloved trucks. They will pause at the Cooperstown VFW/American Legion on Main Street and then proceed to the Fire Hall on Chestnut Street, where he will be accorded the Final Alarm. The procession will then pause at his Toddsville home and proceed to Hartwick for the funeral and burial.

The Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9th, at the First Baptist Church of Hartwick, with Pastor Phillip Sell, officiating. The vocal soloist will be great nephew Scot Raymond. 

Burial will follow in Hartwick Cemetery, where Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Cooperstown VFW/American Legion and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.  

A celebration of life will be held following the burial at the Cooperstown VFW/American Legion.  

Instead of sending flowers, the Goodspeed family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to the Otsego County Relay for Life, c/o The American Cancer Society / Helen Gregory, 5 Oak Avenue, Sidney, NY  13838, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Jerry's family wishes to thank the members of the Cooperstown VFW, Cooperstown American Legion, Cooperstown Fire Department, and the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company for their incredible compassion and support throughout this difficult time.

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

In Jerry's final days, he found solace reciting with family and friends the prayer:

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I shall die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Amen.


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.

Frances K. Watson

April 8, 1920 - March 9, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - Frances Kraham Watson, age 93, of Ross Township, PA, passed away March 9, 2014.

She was born Frances Hope Kraham in Cooperstown on April 8, 1920, a daughter of Michael P. and Sarah (Rohan) Kraham. Born into a family of six boys and six girls, Frances' family home's backyard fence was a part of the outfield fence at Doubleday Field. Baseball ended up being an important part of her evening radio and television past-time.

After graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1937, she later graduated from Oneonta Normal School. She taught for a few years in the Herkimer area, but soon after moved down to New York City and was employed with American Airlines. There, she met her future husband, Harold, and they were married in 1949.  

Frances and Harold had two sons, Thomas and John, and lived in Columbus, Ohio, Birmingham, Michigan, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for Harold's Eastern Airlines career.

Harold died in 1967, but Frances, being the ever devoted mother, raised her sons alone in both Pittsburgh and San Diego, before settling back into Pittsburgh for the remainder of her life. She never remarried, but enjoyed family time with her son's families, and was fortunate to see all six of her grandchildren grow up. She was even able to meet two of her great grandchildren, and unfortunately missed by one month meeting her 3rd great grandchild.

Frances loved reading, doing crossword puzzles, was a wonderful singer, and her occasional trips to Atlantic City were fun diversions.  

She taught her children many things, but the two most enduring lessons are "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", and "don't judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes". She will be dearly missed.

Frances is survived by two sons, Thomas Watson (and former daughter-in-law, Cheryl) and John Watson and Suzanne; grandchildren, Thomas (Natalie), Mark, Christopher, Casey, Kelli and Blake; great grandchildren, Johnathan, Gabriel and newborn Catherine Gloria Hope. She is further survived by one brother, William R. Kraham and his wife Anne, a sister-in-law, Jane Kraham and countless nieces and nephews from her large family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Watson; five brothers, Robert S. Kraham and wife Katherine, Charles Rohan Kraham and wife Mary Ann, Paul M. Kraham and wife Cora, John Carroll Kraham and wife Consuelo, and Richard A. Kraham; and five sisters, Helen Hourigan and husband Edward, Kathryn Grady and husband William, Gertrude Howard and husband Raymond, Mary Farber and husband Sidney, and Madeline.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding. The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index with Deacon Randy Velez, officiating.

The family suggests memorial donations to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 14212.

Local 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.

Thomas M. Cannistra

November 2, 1946 - April 17, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - Thomas M. Cannistra, a teacher and coach, died early Thursday morning, April 17, 2014, at his winter home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A resident of Fork Shop Road in Cooperstown, he was 67.

Born November 2, 1946, Tom was a son of Thomas and Louise (Matthews) Cannistra. Raised in Oneonta, he graduated from Oneonta High School and then attended the State University of New York College at Oneonta (SUCO), graduating in 1970. During his high school and college years Tom was a standout basketball player and in 2008 was inducted into the SUNY Oneonta Athletic Hall of Fame.

Throughout his career as a history teacher he taught in Charlotte Valley, Wyandanch on Long Island, and Cooperstown, retiring in 2003. In his over 30 years in the Cooperstown School District, he earned honors for his teaching, and also coaching softball, basketball, soccer and baseball at all levels. Under his direction, his basketball teams won multiple league and sectional titles. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Suzette, whom he married on June 21, 1969, in Oneonta. He is further survived by their sons, Steven Cannistra of Cooperstown and Michael Cannistra of Queens; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Marie Cannistra of North Carolina, Douglas and Alice Cannistra of Oneonta and David and Jodi Cannistra of Binghamton; two sisters, Maria Bard and her husband, Ted, of Boston, MA and Susan of California; a half brother, Ron Staton of England; a brother-in-law, Jack Giordano and his wife, Debbie, of Titusville, FL; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by one brother, Phillip Cannistra.  

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours and services will be private.

For those who wish to make a memorial gift, please consider the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 or the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.

The Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown is assisting the Cannistra 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 at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.