Thomas Wilson

RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Thomas Wilson, a native of Bay Shore on Long Island who later lived in Oneonta, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 28, 2015, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego. A resident of Richfield Springs for the past 12 years, he was 54.

Thomas is survived by three nephews and four cousins.

God rest his soul.

A memorial service will be offered at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, in the Chapel at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego, 128 Phoenix Mills Cross Road, Cooperstown, with Bruce Helstrom, Chaplain for Catskill Area Hospice, 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.

Howard C. Talbot, Jr.

1925 - 2015

COOPERSTOWN - Howard Chase Talbot, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away with his family by his side Saturday evening, July 18, 2015, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. The Director of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown from 1976-1993, he was 89.

Born October 6, 1925, in New Berlin, Howard was the son of Howard C. Talbot, Sr. and Gladys Jacobs Talbot.  

Raised in Edmeston, "Juney," as he was known to his parents, attended Edmeston Central School and later Manlius Military Academy. He spent many summers of his youth on the shores of Otsego Lake as an attendee and counselor of Camp Chenango. Howard would go on to share a lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors with his family and friends. On December 15, 1943, he was inducted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II with the 426th Field Artillery Battalion. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge from the military on May 6, 1946, Howard returned home and obtained a degree from the Utica School of Commerce.  

On September 11, 1948, Howard married the former Alice Losee in a ceremony at the Second Baptist Church of Edmeston. They met in a youth choir and their shared fondness of music continued throughout their marriage. Soon after they wed, Howard and Alice moved to Cooperstown and made their home, raising their family on Pioneer Street. His role of "Sweetheart" or "Dear" to Alice, "Dad" or "Pappy" to his children, and "Grampy" to his granddaughter, Teresa, and great granddaughter, Fiorenza, was the ultimate joy of his life.

In 1949, Howard joined the Leatherstocking Management Corporation in Cooperstown and served as an accountant in their offices until 1951, at which time he was named Assistant to the Director of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. In 1976 he became the Director and served in this capacity until retiring in 1993. During his tenure as Director, he supervised a 52-member staff, made education his main focus, and oversaw three major expansion and renovation programs, including the enlargement of the Hall of Fame Gallery and National Baseball Archive and Library. While at the Hall, Howard also served on the Foundation Board of the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, and made many trips, often with his granddaughter, Teresa, to Williamsport, PA. He also met three sitting Presidents of the United States as well as many luminaries from the baseball world. Always humble, he loved his work and felt it was a privilege to share responsibility for one of the most important sports-related destinations in America. "The National Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of Howard Talbot, whose leadership was instrumental in guiding the Museum in becoming the world class institution it is today," said Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark. "He has always been an important part of our Village, and we will miss his wisdom and sense of humor."

Howard was an active and dedicated member of the Cooperstown community and served in many capacities. For several years he was a Trustee of the Village of Cooperstown, served as Mayor in the early 1960s and was also on the Doubleday Field Committee and the local Draft Board. Since 1952 he was a member of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the Native Sons of Cooperstown, The Mohican Club, and the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. A Freemason, Howard was Raised in Farmers Lodge No. 553, F. & A.M. in Edmeston on April 14, 1948, and a few years later affiliated with Otsego Lodge No. 138, F. & A.M. in Cooperstown. He enjoyed volunteering at local festivals, serving Winter Carnival guests at the annual Baptist Church Soup & Chili Kitchen, and helping press apples for Cider Fest at the Fly Creek Cider Mill. Howard welcomed hard work and was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He maintained a beautiful home at 95 Pioneer Street for his family for 60 years. For over 20 years, he volunteered, often in the Gift Shop, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, where he came to know and be known by many people. Howard never forgot his roots and enjoyed staying active in the Edmeston community as well. He served as Chair of the Pathfinder Village Foundation Board of Trustees from 1991-1995. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Howard was the third generation of his family to sit on the Board of Directors of New York Central Mutual.

Perhaps most important to Howard was his Christian faith. Raised a Baptist, he was confirmed into membership in the Second Baptist Church of Edmeston. After moving to Cooperstown he and Alice became faithful and dedicated members of the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown and through the years he served as a Deacon and Trustee of the church, and as a member of the choir. 

A true gentleman, in every sense of the word, Howard will be fondly remembered for his kind and warm-spirited nature and by greeting everyone he met with a smile. He cherished close friendships and will be greatly missed by all who knew him in the Cooperstown community and beyond.  

Howard's affection and love for his family was truly boundless. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Alice L. Talbot, of Cooperstown; their three children, Julia T. DeLaurentiis and husband, Thomas, of Morris, Judy Talbot of Liverpool, and James C. Talbot of St. Petersburg, FL; one granddaughter, Teresa M. DeLaurenttis and her husband, William C. Burdick of Morris; a great granddaughter, Fiorenza Marie Burdick; two brothers-in-law, Edward Losee and wife, Jean, and Graydon France; a sister-in-law, Nellie Losee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  

In addition to his parents, Howard was predeceased by a sister, Julia Anna Talbot, who died in infancy. 

Howard was always there when he was needed. His legacy is one of genuine warmth, giving, generosity, enthusiasm for life and timeless love.

A visitation will be held at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, when the Talbot family will receive friends.  

A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Robert S. Turner, Interim Pastor, the Rev. Betsy Jay, Chaplain at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, and the Rev. Douglas Deer, Retired Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, officiating.  

Following the service at Church, the service of committal and burial will take place in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown. Military Honors will be rendered by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the Talbot Family respectfully requests that memorial gifts be directed to The First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 19 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or Pathfinder Village Foundation, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY 13335-2314.

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 Sterling Powers

1919 - 2015

HARTWICK - William Powers, 95, a life-long resident of Hinman Hollow passed away Saturday evening, July 18, 2015 at his home.

Born August 10, 1919 in the original Thanksgiving Hospital in Cooperstown, he was the son of Michael and Josephine (Moore) Powers.  

He started school in a one-room schoolhouse in Hinman Hollow. In 1936, at the age of 16, he inherited a dairy farm from his aunt and uncle, Susie and John Cross. He graduated from Milford High School in 1938.  

In 1943, Bill married Doris Hughes of South Hartwick.

A life-long dairy farmer and devoted husband and father, Bill was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, serving as an usher for over 20 years.

Bill was active in politics, forestry, conservation, flying and music.  

He was Hartwick Town Supervisor for seven years, a member of the County Board of Supervisors for four years, and also served as a Town Justice. For fifteen years he worked with the Otsego County Board of Elections setting up voting machines throughout the county. He was a member of  Dairylea for 50 years, a certified tree farmer, and a past chairman and director of the Forestry Practice Board for a four county area. He was also a member and past president of the Otsego County Conservation Association. He was a Charter member of the Hinman Hollow Grange which was organized in 1933. Bill served as Secretary-Treasurer for the Hartwick Town Insurance Company for forty years and president of the company for ten years. A member of the New York State International Flying Farmers Association, Bill owned and flew his own plane for twenty years. He was also well-known for seventy years as a talented fiddler and square dance caller and was a founding member of the Del-se-nango Olde Tyme Fiddlers. He played at house parties, barn dances, Grange meetings, and for twenty years played every month at the former Otsego County Meadows, continuing at The Manor. He was instrumental in the formation of the Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick, was a member of the Hartwick Historical Society and in 1999 was named Hartwick Citizen of the Year. Sometimes known as the "Flying Fiddler," Bill was known to make excellent dandelion wine, enjoyed raccoon hunting, deer hunting, metal detecting and riding his ATV.

A kind and generous man, Bill was always there for anyone in need and always set a great example.  

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Doris; two sons, William, Jr. of Milford, and Joseph and wife, Mary, of Pleasant Valley; five daughters, Shirley Dobkins of Costa Mesa, California, Nancy Wyant of Hyattsville, Maryland, Jean Barry of Hartwick, Annette Kalinoski and husband, Tom, of Fletcher, Vermont, and Jackie Fricke and husband, John, of Northfield, Vermont; 17 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Susan Gladstone of West Henrietta; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Michael and James, and two daughters, Barbara and Judy.

Calling hours will be at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2015, 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, Index.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Hinman Hollow Grange, where Bill was a member for 82 years. The address is 1049 County Highway 45, 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.

Kathleen M. Galland-Bennett

1964 - 2015

COOPERSTOWN - Kathleen M. Galland-Bennett, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and Cooperstown Elementary School teacher, passed away following a valiant struggle with cancer Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2015, at her home. She was one day shy of her 51st birthday.

Born Kathleen Mary Galland on July 13, 1964, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, she was a daughter of State Trooper David P. Galland and Ethel Maryann (Svantner) Galland.

As a youngster she attended school in Hartwick, then later attended Cooperstown Central School and graduated with the Class of 1982. For two years Kathleen attended the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill followed by two years at SUNY Geneseo, and received her Master's degree in Elementary Education at SUNY Oneonta.

After receiving her degree, Kathleen joined the staff at Cooperstown Elementary School as a full-time substitute teacher. She ultimately became a third grade teacher and served as grade chair for many years. In her twenty-nine years as an elementary school teacher, Kathleen was a well-loved teaching colleague who touched the lives of many young children.

In addition to being an excellent teacher, Kathleen also had a passion for running and many other outdoor activities. She ran in fourteen Boilmakers and four marathons, as well as many local triathlons, and at one time served as the assistant track coach at Cooperstown High School with her mentor, Connie Herzig. Kathleen was also an avid bicyclist and, along with her girlfriends, participated in the Mt. Washington Century Ride. She also enjoyed hiking, camping, boating, and taking rides on her motorcycle. After her sister, Cyndi, was diagnosed with cancer, Kathleen became active with Relay for Life and started Team Cinderblock. Even after Cyndi succumbed to her cancer, Kathleen remained active with Relay for Life.

On February 23, 1990, Kathleen married Raymond R. Bennett, Jr., in a ceremony at Yaki Point, Grand Canyon National Park and they enjoyed 25 years of marriage.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Ray; their son, US Army PV2 Ryon F. Bennett; her mother, Ethel Galland-Stephan, of Hartwick; two step sisters, Joanne Kreisberg and husband, Irwin, and Carol Reiser and husband, Joseph; step brother, John H. Stephan, Jr. and wife, Lorraine of Rahway, NJ; brother-in-law Richard A. Bennett and wife, Holly; three sisters-in-law, Bonny A. Harris, Robin M. Aufmuth and Kelly S. Enck and husband, Bruce;  two uncles, Rudy Svantner and Tom Svantner and wife, Mary; as well many nieces, nephews and cousins and their families, countless friends and colleagues, and all the children she taught throughout her career.

She was preceded in death by her father, State Trooper David P. Galland, who died October 17, 1968; her sister, Cynthia "Cyndi" Ann Galland, who died June 23, 2005; her step father, retired New Jersey Firefighter John H. Stephan, Sr., who died April 20, 2015; her father-in-law, Raymond R. Bennett who died October 8, 1999; and her mother-in-law, Shirley A. Bennett, who died December 27, 2007.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.

A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2015, at the funeral home, with Dr. Lee C. Edmonds officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index, where Kathleen will be laid to rest near her sister, Cyndi.

Should friends so desire, expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorial gifts to Cooperstown Central School for the benefit of a scholarship to be created in memory of Kathleen.  Please make checks payable to "Cooperstown Central School", place Kathleen's name on the memo line, and mail to the attention of the Business Office at 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.

Matthew "MattRat" Donald Kepner

1966 - 2015

HARTWICK - Matthew "MattRat" Donald Kepner, 49, passed away at home after a long battle with cancer Monday morning, July 6, 2015.

Proud to be a Native Son of Cooperstown, Matt was born at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital on May 8, 1966. He was the son of George S. Kepner, Jr., a retired Otsego County Surrogate Court Judge, and Ethel Suzanne Noakes Kepner.

He grew up as an active boy in Fly Creek, where he became affectionately known as "MattRat". In his youth he was involved with the Boy Scouts, including trips to Order of the Arrow Conferences and National Boy Scout Jamborees in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. He often recalled the times that he spent at the Camp Henderson, the Boy Scout camp on Crumhorn Mountain in Maryland, NY.

At a young age Matt began working in local restaurant establishments where he learned the details of the business. Meeting and befriending locals and travelers alike, Matt's friendly and unique personality made him a fixture in the community. After graduating from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1985, he pursued his creative side and attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He later returned to the local area, spending much time in Farkel Park socializing and watching the world around him. Some of Matt's fondest memories were the times he shared with his friends at "Chicken Farm" in Cooperstown. Everyone who knew him had a "MattRat" story.

Matt, with his best friend and partner, Tassha, traveled extensively throughout the U.S, with a favorite destination of Walt Disney World in Florida, where visiting the Haunted Mansion was always a priority. He loved all things Disney, Rock-n-Roll and art of all forms. Matt was also a homemaker and later a loving stay at home dad for his son Taylor. 

Matt is survived by his long-time partner, Tassha Rathbone, and their 4-year-old son, Taylor Sanford Kepner, whom he greatly adored, of Hartwick; his brother, Christian T. Kepner of Cooperstown; a step sister, Rachael R. Demsker, and her husband, Robert, and their son, Theodore, of  Pepper Pike, Ohio; a step brother, Jay Crossman and his wife, Danya, and their children, Hunter and Lauren, of Oneonta; and his step mother, Claire A. Kepner, of Fly Creek. He is further survived by Tassha's family, including her mother, Sherlee Rathbone and partner George Anzelone, sister Tabetha Rathbone and husband George Crippen, brother Shad Rathbone and partner Nancy Croft, and brother Tavish Rathbone, along with many other nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne N. Kepner, who died December 28, 1988, and his father, George S. Kepner, Jr., who died October 30, 1993.  

It was Matt's wish that there be no formal funeral or memorial service or calling hours. Instead, there will be a Celebration of Life for "MattRat" at 11 a.m. with the 'Dedication of Life' at 12 Noon on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at the Forest of Dozen Dads, 325 Blacks Road, in the Town of Middlefield.

For those who wish to remember Matt with a memorial gift, please consider donating to Taylor Kepner @ Community Bank or by visiting GoFundMe.com/yuuwe6p

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.

Mildred J. Wedderspoon

1912 - 2015

PIERSTOWN - Mildred Josephine Wedderspoon, a longtime resident of Pierstown, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2015 at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown. She was 103.

Mildred was born in New York City January 23, 1912, a daughter of Czechoslovakian immigrants, Joseph and Agnus (Balvin) Stadler.  

Raised in Mount Kisco, Mildred was introduced to this area by a friend whose son attended Hyde Bay Camp for Boys. Upon meeting  her future husband, Ford Dana Wedderspoon, they married in October of 1945. Mr. Wedderspoon died in 1955 but Mildred loved the area and remained in "Wedderspoon Hollow"  for the next 60 years.  

For many years Mildred waited tables at "Fynmere", which was owned by the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church as a residence for the Church's retired ministers and their wives. The home closed when she was 75 years old and she went to work for the Cooper family, helping with high teas.

Of the Episcopal faith, Mildred was a member of Christ Church, Cooperstown, as well as Pierstown Grange No. 793 and Otsego-Hartwick-Arbutus Chapter No. 201, Order of the Eastern Star.

A funny, fun-loving and jovial person, Mildred's quick wit and sense of humor inspired many friendships over the years and many more among the residents and staff at Woodside Hall where she had lived for the past several months.

She is survived by one cousin, Agnes Sorm of Cleveland and her daughter, Emily; her friend, George Hymas of Pierstown and her special companion cat, Julie.

In addition to her husband, Mildred was predeceased by her sister, Agnus.

A graveside service for Mildred will be offered at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Springfield Cemetery with Rev. Susan R. Burdsall, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of East Springfield, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mildred may send memorial gifts to Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P. O. Box 322, 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.