Pamela H. Hascup

1947 - 2015

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; 
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
                          Charlotte Elliott

COOPERSTOWN - Mrs. Pamela H. Hascup, a loving wife, mother and grandmother who always enjoyed the simple things in life, died in the early afternoon of Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2015, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego. She was 68.

A native of New Jersey, she was born Pamela Alice Harra on May 20, 1947, at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey. She was the daughter of William Harra and Frances Mary Margaret Norman Harra, and was raised and educated in her home state. After graduating from high school in Hillsdale, New Jersey, she attended college for a brief time.

On October 8, 1966, Pam married Dennis Charles Hascup, Sr. in a ceremony at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dumont, New Jersey.

In August of 1985, the Hascup family moved to Cooperstown and made their home on Mill Street. Pam was first employed by James Plowden-Wardlaw, Esq., at his offices in Cooperstown, and later went to work for the Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation (LEAF). She then served for almost 19 years as the High School Secretary at the Cooperstown Middle/High School where she was a vital part in the lives of the students and teachers.

In December of 2001, Pam and Dennis moved from their home on Mill Street to a new home on Fred Ottaway Road in the Town of Middlefield, where they enjoyed the peace and quiet of the countryside.

During her years in Cooperstown, Pam lead a simple and relaxed lifestyle. She enjoyed square dancing, and she and Dennis enjoyed membership in the Doubleday Dancers, serving at one time as co-presidents of the organization. A member of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartwick Seminary, Pam was also a former member of the Lions Club of Cooperstown, and always enjoyed the dinner meetings and camaraderie of this group of community service-minded people. Perhaps her greatest enjoyment came from time spent on Otsego Lake. She loved anything to do with the lake, and was most content reading a book, while floating on the water, often times with a glass of water at hand. She will be best remembered for her love of dancing and playing with her grandchildren.

Pam is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dennis, of Cooperstown; one daughter, Christi Lynn Hascup Smith and her husband, Justin, of Vestal; two sons, Chuck Hascup and his wife, Sue, of Hartwick, and Brian William Hascup of Cooperstown; six grandchildren, Timothy and Kelsey Smith of Vestal, Stephanie and Erin Hascup of Hartwick, and Alexander and Braydon Hascup of Cooperstown; two brothers, Bill and Greg Harra of Springfield; one uncle, Alfred Norman and his wife, Janis, of New Jersey; and one aunt, Clara Norman of New Jersey.

She was predeceased by her father, William Harra, who died November 19, 1996, and her mother, Frances Harra, who died September 3, 2005.

Pam's family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A funeral service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at the funeral home with the Rev. Betsy Jay, Chaplain at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, officiating.

Immediately following the services at the funeral home, all present are welcome to join with Pam's family at the Cooperstown Vet's Club for a time of refreshment and fellowship.

Pam's family requests that flowers be omitted, and, as an alternative to flowers, that donations in her memory be made to the Lions Club of Cooperstown, P.O. Box 2, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or Doubleday Dancers, c/o Peggy Naumann, 551 County Highway 1, Mt. Upton, NY  13809, or 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.

Alice Chase Lavrinos

1927 - 2015

FLY CREEK - Alice Chase Lavrinos died Friday, May 22, 2015, at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin where she had gone for a short rehabilitation stay. She was 87.

Born October 31, 1927, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, she was the daughter of Curtis and Maud (Korts) Chase.

She grew up on the family dairy farm on the Hartwick-Index Road and graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1945. She then attended Albany Business College, graduating in 1946, and was employed as a medical secretary at Bassett Hospital from that time until 1952. Alice then enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served her country at various air bases around the United States. Upon her honorable discharge in 1955 she returned to her former position at Bassett Hospital until 1958.

On September 24, 1957, Alice married Nicholas J. Lavrinos in Cooperstown and lived there until moving to Fly Creek in 1966 where they raised their two sons. In addition to her role as wife and mother, Alice was active in various community organizations. She was a member of the Fly Creek United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Fly Creek Area Historical Society, and at one time served as treasurer of both.

Having grown up on a farm, Alice enjoyed observing nature and the changing seasons. She was also an avid knitter and seamstress.

Alice is survived by her two sons, Nicholas Lavrinos and his wife Debra Clark of Otego and Thomas Lavrinos of Fly Creek. She is further survived by a step-granddaughter, Kaitlin Holbrook (Mark) and step-great-granddaughter, Alyssa, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Nicholas J. Lavrinos, who died December 19, 2010, and her brothers, Robert, Calvin and Chester Chase.

A graveside service will be offered at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015 in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, Fly Creek, with Pastor Mitchell Spring of Spirit and Truth Christian Assembly in West Oneonta, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Alice's family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company. P. O. Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337 or Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 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.

William G. Bannwarth


1921 - 2015
COOPERSTOWN - William George Bannwarth, 94, of Murphy Hill in the Town of Middlefield, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, May 21, 2015, at his home.

He was born March 27, 1921, in Brooklyn, the youngest of six children of Fritz and Anna (Goetz) Bannwarth. After graduating from Bushwick High School, he attended Brooklyn Technical School. On January 11, 1942, Bill married Margaret Belcher in Brooklyn, and they later settled and raised their family on Long Island on Harbor Isle and later Sayville.

A veteran of World War II, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He entered into active service on July 16, 1943, and served aboard the USS Chenango, which saw action in the Asiatic and Pacific Theatres of Operation. This vessel and her attached Air Squadrons was issued a Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat. On December 10, 1945, Bill received his Honorable Discharge from the US Navy having attained the rank of Aviation Boatswain's Mate Third Class. He was presented the Navy and Marine Corps Medal by the President of the United States, the citation of which reads, "For heroic conduct while serving on board the U. S. S. CHENANGO, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, April 9, 1945. After a fire was started among parked planes when a landing plane jumped the barriers, BANNWARTH assisted in removing and jettisoning bombs, rockets and ammunition from loaded planes and loading racks in the fire zone and, despite exploding rockets and the constant threat of the explosion of heavy bombs was instrumental in preventing severe damage to his ship. His courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Following his military service, Bill returned home and eventually became supervisor of machine operations for Intertype Corporation in Brooklyn, which later became Harris-Intertype Corporation.

In 1985, Bill and his wife, Marge, moved to Murphy Hill, where they enjoyed life in the country.

Bill was a member of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 and the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown.

Affectionately known as "Bill from over the hill" and "Gramps", Bill lived an extraordinary life of adventure, happiness and love. From experiencing Lion King on Broadway to swimming with dolphins, riding in a B-17 bomber and going 190 MPH in a NASCAR racecar, to taking the plunge on the "free-fall" at Splish Splash and water skiing, horseback riding and sailing his sailboat, his love of life was encompassed in each and every aspect of his 94 years.

Bill is survived by his three daughters, Jean Fornillo and husband, Raymond, of Binghamton, Diane Gamble of Cooperstown, and Susan Zichettella and husband, Wayne, of Waycross, Georgia; six grandchildren, Phil Gamble and wife, Cathy of New Market, Maryland, Lori Fink and husband, Michael, of Cooperstown, Damien Fornillo and wife, Lisa, of Greene, Andrea Aston and husband, Mike, of Binghamton, Paul Zichettella and wife, Keli, of Shirley, and Jennifer Zichettella and her fiance,Tony, of Central Islip, and his great grandchildren, Whitney and Jesse Fink, Ashley and Justin Gamble, Amber Seinko, Rhianne and Maeve Fornillo and Alex Nunes and little Mya Zichettella.

He is also survived by Johna and her fun loving coffee club who brought him so much joy and laughter.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margie, who died April 6, 1999, and all of his siblings.

Bill will be remembered for his humor, stories of his incredible life, his unlimited love of food, and his "two finger" nightcap of Johnny Walker Black.

His love and devotion to his wife Margie was immeasurable for he was a caring, nurturing role model who touched us all throughout our lives.

Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, when Bill's family will be in attendance.

Graveside services will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015, in the Westville Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard and the Cooperstown Veterans Club.

As an alternative to flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to New Market Volunteer Fire Company, 76 West Main Street, New Market, MD 21774 and Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department, 3666 County Highway 35, Roseboom, NY 13450.

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 A. Levandowski

1993 - 2015

COOPERSTOWN - Julia Alexandra Levandowski, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend, died unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 21, 2015, as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was 21.

Born November 10, 1993, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Julia was a daughter of Kevin Dwayne Klix and Linda Chapman Levandowski. During the years she attended Cooperstown Central School she was on the swim team and played flute in the band. She graduated with Honors in the Class of 2011 and attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse.

Most recently she was employed at The Otesaga where she served as a front desk clerk.

Julia had many interests and aspirations. She enjoyed playing keyboard, guitar, banjo and drums, listening to music, creative writing and design, and nature. Her goal was to pursue a career in filmmaking, advertising or writing. She also wanted to own her own business. Spending time with her beloved pug, Cujo, and socializing with her many friends were among her favorite things to do.

Julia's beautiful spirit will be deeply missed by her family and friends. We will remember Julia for her sweet smile, her soft voice, and her kind and giving nature. She was a lovely gifted young woman who has been taken from us much too soon but who will be cherished in our hearts forever.

On her maternal side, Julia is survived by her mother, Linda Levandowski of Cooperstown; her maternal grandparents, John and Fae Chapman of Hartwick and Englewood, Florida; a brother, Sean Michael Levandowski of Cooperstown; and sister. Leanna Grace Levandowski (Matt) of Centerville, Ohio; aunts Patricia Blau (Thomas) of Cary, North Carolina and Kathleen DesJardins (William) of South Burlington, Vermont; and uncle, John Chapman (Sheri) of Port Charlotte, Florida; and great aunt Sandra Murray of Pittsford; as well as many cousins.

On her paternal side, Julia is survived by her father, Kevin Klix (Robin) of Unadilla; a sister, Cheyenne Faith Klix of Unadilla; and four step brothers, Kyle (Stephanie), Keith, Dillon and Dustin Rutenber of Sidney; an uncle, David Klix, Jr. (Jessica) of Hilo, Hawaii; great grandmother Shirley Brantley of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and step grandparents, Edward and Viola Lewis of Unadilla.

A visitation will be held at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, when Julia's family will be in attendance.

Interment will be private in Hartwick Cemetery.

With respect for Julia's love of music when she was a student at Cooperstown Central School, her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the CCS Music Department, 39 Linden Avenue, 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.

Edwin Arthur Johnson

1934 - 2015

FLY CREEK - Edwin Arthur Johnson, a local American folk artist, former real estate agent, and former textile executive, died late Monday afternoon, May 18, 2015, at the New York State Veterans' Home at Oxford. He was 81.

Born May 2, 1934 in Brooklyn, he was the son of Edwin Herbert Johnson and Lillian Swanson Johnson. He was Baptized at Trinity Swedish Lutheran Church in the Bronx.

His childhood was spent in Palmer, Massachusetts, Bergenfield, New Jersey, and Teaneck, New Jersey, graduating from Teaneck High School in 1953. Ed was graduated from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences with a B.S. in Textile Engineering in 1957. On April 20, 1963, Ed married Adele Louise Merkle in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Teaneck, New Jersey.

From 1957-59, Ed served in the United States Army in the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery as Headquarters Battery Clerk in Kitzingen, Germany. From 1959-62, he was an assistant to the Technical & Development Director at Geigy Dyestuff & Chemical Corporation in Tarrytown. He spent 1962-63 with Bernhard Ulmann Co., then 1963-68 as a Senior Engineer with the Wool Bureau, Inc., a branch of the International Wool Secretariat, in New York City. From 1968-71 he was co-owner, Vice President and Treasurer of Color Dynamics Dye Works, Inc., Montgomery, Pennsylvania. He went to Bentex Mills, Inc., East Rutherford, New Jersey, in 1971, as Director of Research and Development and Quality Control, and Departmental Superintendent. The textile field brought Ed and his family to Cooperstown, when in 1974 he accepted a job as Plant Manager for Tricot Fabricating Corp. in Dolgeville.

Ed started his second career as a real estate broker in 1975, when he opened a branch office of Bates Real Estate in Cooperstown. He went on to become a co-owner of Country Properties Real Estate and Frog Hollow Real Estate, and to work with Ashley-Connor Realty, retiring in 2004. During this time, Ed enjoyed meeting the many people - both local and newcomers to the area -- whom he was able to help. Also, because of the nature of the work, he spent much time driving around our beautiful countryside, becoming familiar with the terrain and the old architecture.

Being the realtor for folk artist Janet Munro when she moved to town, Ed found his third career as a folk artist. In his years in New Jersey, he and Adele had done artwork which they sold at craft fairs: sand castings, mobiles, and lamb's fur products. When Ed saw Janet's folk art landscapes he commented, "I didn't know you were allowed to paint if you couldn’t draw." Janet became his mentor, and sometime around 1985 he began producing a steady stream of beautiful folk art paintings. By 2014 he had completed 533 paintings.

His work was represented by the Frank J. Miele Gallery in New York City; Gallery Bonheur in St. Louis, Missouri; Gallery Americana in Houston, Texas; the Atlanta Folk Art Gallery in Duluth, Georgia; Gallery 53 in Cooperstown; and Toad Hall in Cooperstown and New York City. He has been in over twenty solo and group shows in New York City, Cooperstown, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Poland and Switzerland. Among these were the Folk Fest in Atlanta, Georgia; The Outsider Art Fair in New York City; the Jay Johnston Gallery in New York City; The Intuit Show in Chicago, Illinois; and The American Center, United States Embassy, Warsaw, Poland.

In 1998, Ed was invited to participate in the annual International Folk Art Competition in Morges, Switzerland, where he won 2nd place in the Prix de Publique (Prize of the Public) and was invited to appear in a group show at the Galerie Pro Arte Kasper in Morges. His work is in the museum collections of the New York State Historical Association and the United States Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.

Ed loved his family, his old and new friends, painting, his old house in Fly Creek, his clock collection, his cut glass collection, the "hills and dales" of Otsego County, Provincetown, color, old diners, playing chess, orange day lilies, and anything else that struck his fancy. In later years, he especially loved to greet friends and strangers on Main Street in Cooperstown, and in the town's New York Pizzeria.

Ed is survived by his wife, Adele Merkle Johnson; his children and their spouses: Kristina Marie Levine and Leigh Levine, Christopher E.S. Johnson and Jennifer Griffin, and Philip R.S. Johnson and Elise Blackburn; his grandchildren: Nathan Levine, Charlie Levine, Madeline Johnson, Jake Johnson, Eloise Johnson, and Finn Johnson; his sister and her husband, Dorothy and William Laggett; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Carstens; and his paintings.

There will be a Memorial Gathering from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.

Memorial donations may be made to Children International: www.children.org, 800-888-3089.

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.

Stanley George Koniuto

1937 - 2015

MILFORD - Stanley George Koniuto, 77, of Milford, passed away Wednesday morning, May 20, 2015, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born August 23, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, a son of Stanley J. and Rose (Beaufait) Koniuto. On July 10, 1965 Stan married Charlotte Perry in Herkimer.

After graduating from Binghamton North High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge from the service in 1967, Stan worked in management, first at Star Instruments, Inc. in Chenango Bridge and then at the Cooperstown Bowl-A-Rama. He later was employed as a salesman at several car dealerships in the area. Following his retirement he drove school bus for the Milford Central School for six years.

For 46 years, Stan was a member of American Legion Post No. 259 in Oneonta and for 49 years was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1312 in Oneonta.

His greatest joys in life were his family, his camp on Otsego Lake and his home where he took great pride in keeping his yard in mint condition with the landscaping and flowers.

Stan is survived by his wife, Charlotte Perry Koniuto. Their 50th wedding anniversary was fast approaching and Stan was making plans for a celebration. He is further survived by a brother, Roger F. Koniuto and wife Katherine of Underhill, Vermont, a sister, Mary Rose Doupe of Binghamton, a brother, L. John Koniuto and wife Arlene of Binghamton, a brother-in-law, Melvin D. Perry and wife Dianne of Morris and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend, canine Zak Abbott Koniuto.

He was predeceased by his mother, Rose Beaufait Koniuto, his father, Stanley J. Koniuto, his step-mother, Mary Koniuto and two nieces, Laura Koniuto and Jacqueline Snyder.

We wish to thank Dr. Leonardo, Dr. DeLong, and Dr. Korytko and staff for their wonderful care and professionalism.

Friends may call and pay their respects from 2 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A graveside service will be held at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to make contributions in Stanley's memory may do so to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or a charity of their choice.

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.

Bessie B. Preston

1941 - 2015

HARTWICK - Bessie Belinda Preston, 73, of Hartwick, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2015, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown with her loving family at her side.

She was born July 28, 1941, at home in Oneonta, a daughter of Vincent and Catherine (Empie) Gill.  Raised in Hartwick, she graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1959.

On December 8, 1959, Bessie married Leon A. Preston in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Hartwick.  

For 32 years, Bessie was employed at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, and for the last twelve of those years served as an admitting clerk.

An active and devoted member of her community, Bessie was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hartwick Fire Department Company #1. She also never missed a chance to support those in need by attending many fund raisers and Chinese auctions. Her enjoyment of playing Bingo also provided her with many hours of enjoyment and camaraderie with fellow Bingo players, and she frequently attended games in Oneonta, Laurens and Sidney.

She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

Bessie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lee Preston of Hartwick; their three children, Jeff Preston and his wife, Meg Brayden Preston, Janet L. Preston (Tim McLean) and Pamela K. Preston, all of Hartwick; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Preston of Unadilla; three grandchildren, Tyler and Kate Preston and Amy Preston (Josh Long); two great grandsons, Dante Cancho and Jameson Long; one sister, Darlene Lance and her husband, John, of Oneonta; a brother-in-law, Kevin Preston and his wife Ella of Middlefield, and several nieces and nephews. 

Bessie had many special friends, including June and Richie Snyder, Janice Coulter, Suzanne Schoonover and Debbie Clegg.

She was predeceased by her son, Keith A. Preston, who died July 21, 2009, her parents and her brother, Harold Gill.  

A Memorial Service will be offered at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, officiating. Following the service, there will be an informal get together to honor Bessie, the location of which will be announced.

Following the death of her son, Keith, a fund was established in his memory to assist those who wanted to experience Keith's love of sports and the outdoors by attending DEC and sports camps. For those who wish to make a gift in memory of Bessie, her family suggests that contributions be made to the Benefit of Bessie and Keith Preston and sent to the Leatherstocking Regional Credit Union, 24 Glen Avenue, 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.

William Paul Connolly

William Paul Connolly, 73, died Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY following a brief illness.

He is survived by two sons, Charles Connolly of Columbia, NJ and William Connolly of Constableville, NY; three grandchildren, Amanda Connolly, Sean Connolly and Savannah Connolly; and brothers John Connolly of upstate New York and James Connolly of Florida.

Born in Amsterdam, NY, he grew up in Johnstown, NY, the youngest son of Martin and Anna (Cellary) Connolly.

Upon graduation from Johnstown High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force in the Missile Maintenance Squadron of the Strategic Air Command at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, Wyoming. After the service, he moved to New Jersey where he became the owner of Lee Packaging Corp, raised his two sons in Oakland, and was a Little League and soccer coach and active member of the Oakland Recreation Commission for a decade. During the Christmas Holidays he played Santa Claus to many area families and organizations. He returned to the Johnstown area in the late 1980s and lived most recently in Fonda.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations are welcome to the Greater Amsterdam Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., (GAVAC) P.O. Box 11, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or the Lupus Foundation of America, 2000 L Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036-4916 (202-349-1155; www.lupus.org).


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.