Richard Lee Hanson

1944 - 2017

SPRINGFIELD - Richard Lee Hanson, a United States Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War, and a retired school teacher and farmer, passed away following a valiant battle with cancer Wednesday night, October 18, 2017, at his home in the Town of Springfield with his family by his side. He was 73.

Born March 30, 1944, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, he was the son of Lester Hans and Ellamae Jessie (Myers) Hanson. A gifted athlete, Dick attended Cooperstown Central School where he excelled in football, skiing, basketball and track. He was later inducted into the CCS Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. He was an accomplished skier, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. After graduating with the Class of 1962, Dick attended St. Lawrence University where he was a member of the ski team and the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC). During his college years he also attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia.

After graduating from college with a bachelor degree in economics, Dick entered into active duty direct commission on June 28th with the United States Marine Corps. From 1967-1968, Captain Hanson proudly served his country overseas in the Vietnam War and earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation. His last duty assignment and major command was with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.

Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge from the Military, Dick returned to his native Cooperstown. On July 22, 1978, he married Mary Jane Hutchins in Wevertown.

For 18 years, Dick taught 7th grade math at Cooperstown Central School, where he also coached football and skiing. 

Following his teaching career, he ran Gahanunda Farms in Pierstown for 16 years. He retired from farming in 2004, and Dick and Jane settled into a new home in the Town of Springfield. He also served as President of the Board of Directors for the Otsego County Patrons Cooperative Fire Relief Association for many years. 

A dedicated Christian, Dick possessed a deep faith in God and was an active member and Lay Leader at the Cooperstown United Methodist Church. An avid outdoorsman, he was also a member of the Wedocandors Hunting Club.

A proud American and former Marine, Dick was an active member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, was Senior Vice Commander of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128, and was Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Corporation. For many years he was a part of the team that renders Military Honors for deceased Veterans. Whenever he served as Officer of the Day, the Marine in him was always evident: his deep, resonant voice always lent an air of dignity and respect to the military ceremonies for his departed comrades. 

Dick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jane; a daughter, Ellen K. Hanson, and a son, Michael M. Hanson and husband, Craig Sheil, all of Boston, Massachusetts; one sister, Diane Hanson Vredenburgh of Chenango Forks; and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and family. 

He was predeceased by his father, Lester, who died July 14, 1982, and his mother, Ellamae, who died June 26, 2007. 

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Richard Lee Hanson will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017, at the Cooperstown United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Thomas LeBeau, pastor officiating. At the conclusion of the service, Military Honors will be rendered by Dick's friends and fellow Veterans from the local Legion and VFW and representatives of the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. 

Immediately following services at the church, all are welcome to gather at the Cooperstown Veterans Club for a time of refreshment and fellowship. 

Memorial donations may be made to The Endowment Fund of the Cooperstown United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, The Cooperstown Veterans Post, Inc., 60 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, 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.

Eugene R. Smith

1945 - 2017

TODDSVILLE - Eugene R. Smith, 72, of Toddsville, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2017, at home in his favorite recliner surrounded by his family.

Gene -- or Bobby, as he was affectionately known by family and friends -- was born June 9, 1945, in Cooperstown, a son of Richard Frederick Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Arlene Roseboom Smith.

After attending several area schools, Gene enlisted in the United States Army on December 31, 1962. He served during the Vietnam War as a cook, and received his Honorable Discharge on December 30, 1965.

It was during his time in the military that he married Lois M. Bridger on March 16, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Merlin W. Bradley officiating. For the past 42 years they have made their home in Toddsville.

For 28 years Gene was employed at Remington Arms in Ilion where he primarily was a machine operator.

Currently an Honorary Member of the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary he served as a firefighter for 28 years.

Throughout his life, Bobby was an avid fan of NASCAR, with Kevin Harvick being his favorite driver. He also loved Dr. Who movies, New Years' Eve poker games and fishing. He could always be seen at his grandson's baseball games, and was never afraid to voice his opinions on officials and team members alike.

A fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and rockabilly, Bobby will be especially remembered for playing his guitar. He took great joy in entertaining people and played whenever he could, especially at family gatherings.

First and foremost Gene loved his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Lois M. Smith of Toddsville; their three children, Eugene R. Smith, Jr. ("Butch") and wife, Kathryn of Oneonta, Stacey Smith and Mark Kirkby of Toddsville, and Donald F. Smith and wife, Jessica Gilmartin of Cooperstown; seven grandchildren, Bethany and Terri Ingalls, Sean Strader, Sydney and Savannah Kirkby, and Alex and Braydon Hascup and their father, Brian Hascup; and a faithful canine friend, Casper.

He is further survived by three brothers, Richard F. Smith, Jr. and wife, Patricia of Oaksville, Ronald Smith and wife, Debbie of Oppenheim and Charles Smith of Cedarville; one sister, Grace Snyder of Oneonta; seven sisters-in-law, Joan Weiner, Elizabeth O'Brien, Mildred Jennings and Evelyn Gray, all of Cooperstown, Hilda Pomeroy of Fulton, Cora Petrucco of Cortland, and Wanda Laymon of Daytona, Florida; an uncle, Donald Roseboom and wife, Alice of Georgia; and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held at the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017.

As an alternative to flowers, Gene's family requests that memorial donations be made to Cooperstown Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 282, 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.

Katherine Byrd

1919 - 2017

GEORGIA - Katherine Byrd, 98, formerly of Pierstown, died Friday afternoon, October 6, 2017, in Blairsville, Georgia.

A native of Long Island, she was born June 18, 1919, in Glendale, a daughter of John R. and Catherine A. (Endrich) Loeffler. 

After graduating from Hicksville High School in 1937, she was employed for eight years by the Bank of Hicksville. In 1945 she entered Hartwick College School of Nursing, graduated in 1949, and then worked for a year as an apprentice public health nurse for the City of Oneonta. 

From 1950-1951 Katherine studied at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. In 1951 she received her license as a Public Health Nurse for New York State and became employed by Delaware County and Andes Central School. 

It was during this time that she met Roger Avery Byrd, and they were married October 12, 1951 at Atonement Lutheran Church in Oneonta with the Rev. Dr. Gustav Nordberg officiating. 

For a time Katherine and Roger had a farm in Fall Clove in Delaware County. Around 1962 they moved West and settled in Oregon, but returned to their native New York State in 1967 and purchased a dairy farm in Pierstown in 1968. In the Fall of 1982, they retired and moved back out West, this time to Sparks, Nevada. Following Roger's death August 9, 1995, Katherine lived in Crystal River, Florida, and later moved to Georgia to be near her son, Russell. 

A life-long Confirmed Lutheran, she was a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartwick Seminary during her years in Otsego County. After moving to Florida, she became a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hernando.

Katherine is survived by a son, Russell Byrd and wife, Christine of Blairsville, Georgia; a daughter, Amy Foutch and husband, John, of Laurens; four grandchildren, Steven and Nicholas Byrd, Charles (Jenni) Foutch and Catherine (Phil) Schultz; a great grandson, Whitaker Foutch; a brother, John Loeffler and wife, Celia; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband of 43 years, Roger, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Victor Hildebrandt. 

The Rite of the Burial of the Dead will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartwick Seminary, with the Rev. Paul R. Messner, S.T.S., pastor officiating. 

The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery. 

As an alternative to flowers, Katherine's family would appreciate memorial donations in her name to Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4636 State Highway 28, Hartwick Seminary, 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.

Eleanor A. Carentz

1925 - 2017

TODDSVILLE - Eleanor A. Carentz, 92, a long-time resident of Toddsville, passed away surrounded by her family Sunday night, October 8, 2017, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego in Cooperstown. 

She was born August 2, 1925, in Oceanside, the daughter of Joseph A. Burr and Agnes Judd Burr.

In her youth, she loved the ocean at Jones Beach on Long Island. It was there she met Peter J. Carentz, lifeguard, and the two were married April 7, 1941, in Springfield. 

After moving to the Cooperstown area, she devoted her time to raising her family and caring for their home. In later years she was employed in the housekeeping department at The Otesaga and The Best Western Inn at The Commons in Hartwick Seminary. 

Eleanor is survived by nine children, Ronaele Haupt (Frederick) of Albany, Peter J. Carentz (Carolyn) of Waterville, Joseph C. Carentz of Toddsville, Janet Schliermann of Worcester, Valerie Carentz of Toddsville, William C. Carentz (Char) of Mt. Vision, Laura Perry (Edward) of Mohawk, Jeffrey S. Carentz (Kathy) of Mayfield, and Rachele Pickett (Scott) of Mohawk; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Jane Bogeskov (Bernie) of Florida; one brother, Raymond Burr (Joan) of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Peter, who died November 14, 1989, and a daughter, Barbara Carentz who died June 12, 1969. 

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326. 

Graveside services will be at 12 Noon on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the family plot in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery. A gathering at the Cooperstown Fire Department will follow the service. All are welcome. 

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.

Richard J. Bachand

1959 - 2017

COOPERSTOWN - Richard James Bachand, 58, a resident of Pathfinder Village in Edmeston, passed away Saturday morning, September 30, 2017, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, surrounded by his loving family. 

This kind, sweet and gentle man was born April 2, 1959, in Hartford, Connecticut, a son of Edward A. Bachand, Sr. and Kathleen A. née DiPaola Bachand. Raised in Connecticut, he attended schools there. Then, in the late 1970s, he and his parents moved from Connecticut to Walden, New York, and he graduated from Valley Central High School in Montgomery. 

Following his father's death in 2000, Richard and his mother moved from Walden to Cooperstown to be near his sister, Margaret Savoie, and her family, and in 2012 he became a member of the Pathfinder Village family in Edmeston. 

Throughout his life he was the supreme and ultimate New York Yankees fan, and was a wealth of knowledge regarding team players and their statistics. Richard was truly well-loved, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

Richard is survived by his sister, Margaret Savoie and her husband, Dennis A. Savoie, MD of Cooperstown; three nephews, Matthew Savoie and his wife, Christina, Benjamin Savoie and his wife, Jacqueline and Jonathan Savoie; two great nephews, Nathaniel Cooper Savoie and Christopher John Savoie; three aunts, Joyce Perkins, Anna Pollansky and Iona Britton; one uncle, Anthony DiPaola; and his extended family at Pathfinder Village. 

He was predeceased by his father, Edward A. Bachand, Sr. who died July 7, 2000; his mother, Kathleen A. Bachand, who died July 27, 2014; and his brother, Edward A. Bachand, Jr. who died January 10, 1997.

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 11 a.m. until12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. A graveside service of committal and burial will follow at 1 p.m. in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown, where Richard will be laid to rest with his parents and brother. 

Later that afternoon, a Memorial Service will be offered at 3p.m. in the All Faiths Chapel at Pathfinder Village in Edmeston. At the conclusion of the service, a reception will follow in the Kennedy Willis Center at Pathfinder Village to further celebrate Richard's life and love of food. 

Those who so desire may make donations in memory of Richard to Pathfinder Village for the benefit of Chenango House, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY 13335-2314. 

In Richard's memory, perform an act of kindness. It only takes a moment but its' impact can last a lifetime. 

Arrangement 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.