Martha M. Fish

1918 - 2018

ONEONTA - Martha M. Fish, 99, passed away Monday morning, January 29, 2018, at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta.

She was born in Otego on September 12, 1918, to Frank and Leita (Danforth) Shalor. 

Martha was a resident of West Oneonta for 85 years, moving to The Plains in 2011.

A graduate of Laurens High School, Class of 1936, she attended Delhi Agricultural and Technical College. She worked for New York State at the former Homer Folks Hospital in Oneonta, and retired in 1973 after 23 years of service. She later volunteered at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital for several years in any area where she was needed. 

On October 20, 1944, she married Carlton McLaury. He predeceased her on May 4, 1974. She later married Stanley Raymond Fish on July 20, 1991. Martha and Stan first met when she was attending college in Delhi, during which time he was dating Martha's room-mate. Stan died November 14, 2010.

The family homestead in West Oneonta was a two family home, and in the 1970s they rented the downstairs to Richard and Kathy Parsons. They quickly became very good friends and when Richard and Kathy's two sons, Stephen and Andrew were born Martha became a surrogate Grandmother to them. 

Martha is survived by three nieces, Helen (Ron) Kinch of Schenevus, Betty (John) Smallin of Oneonta and Marilyn (Larry) Millen of Bunnell, Florida; one nephew, Donald (Ruth) Shalor of Worcester; a step daughter Joanne (John) Luning of Lakeville, Connecticut; and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins. She is also survived by surrogate grandsons, Stephen and Andrew Parsons, and dear friends Richard and Kathy Parsons of Laurens, to whom a special thank you is extended for all that they have done for Martha over the years. 

She was predeceased by her parents, both husbands and a brother, Nathan Shalor. 

Per her request, there will be no calling hours or service. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family later this Spring. 

As an alternative to flowers and with respect for Martha's love for animals, memorial donations may be made to 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.

Katherine E. Rose

1923 - 2018

COOPERSTOWN - Katherine E. Rose, "sunshine mixed with a little hurricane" and Matriarch of the family, passed away Friday morning, January 19, 2018, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. She was 94.

Born April 16, 1923, in Cooperstown, she was a daughter of George P. and Edith E. (Olmstead) Allen. She attended Cooperstown schools.

Upon marrying Edward E. Rose, the two settled in Cooperstown and raised their family. 

Kay is survived by three children, Kathleen Freeman and her husband Steve, Bruce E. Rose ("Bubby") and Cricket Kenney and her husband Joe (the #1 son-in-law); eight grandchildren, Audrey Marshall, Sebree Rizzo and her husband, Jim, Cody, Ashley, Jesse and Boone Rose, Michael Kenney, and Katie Murphy and her husband, Brian; eight great grandchildren, Isabel Brown and Deakin Rose, Claire and Erik Owens, Shamus and Molly Murphy, and Cora and Doran Rizzo; two sisters-in-law, Louise Allen of Cooperstown and Mary Luce of Troy; many nieces and nephews; and "Buddy-Cat".

She was predeceased by her husband, Ed Rose, who died February 22, 2008; a son, Michael A. Spore who died in 1974; a brother, Ellis H. Allen who died in 1989; and a sister, Ruth M. Gray who died January 28, 2013.

The family would like to thank the many kind staff members of Focus Rehab for providing compassion, friendship, and laughter throughout the years: you will never be forgotten.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held later this Spring in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to 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.

Alexander Johannesen

1987 - 2018

FLY CREEK – Alexander Johannesen, 30, formerly of Fly Creek, died unexpectedly in Dutch Harbor, Alaska., on Thursday, Jan. 18. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Louis C. Jones Center at The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown.

Alex was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sept. 30, 1987, the son of Jennie Johannesen, of Fly Creek, and Roy Johannesen, of Colfax, Calif. He was also the grandson of Dr. Robert William Mackie, of Fly Creek, who passed away in 2008.

Alex grew up living with his mother, grandfather and beloved older sister, Kate, and spending many summers in California with his father. No matter where he was, Alex was most at home outdoors and particularly loved fishing.

Alex graduated from Cooperstown High School in 2005. He spent countless hours on the basketball court at the Clark Sports Center and was an accomplished swimmer and wrestler. He also shared his talents as a natural performer in school musicals and the senior play. During summers in his teenage years, Alex could be found stocking shelves at the Fly Creek General Store and, later, crafting pizza at Tino’s.

Alex studied wildlife and fisheries biology at The University of Vermont in Burlington, graduating with a B.Sc. in 2010. After finishing his degree, Alex biked from Vermont to Washington with three friends, camping, working side jobs and generally hustling their way across the country. He had started writing a book about the experience called “The Squalor Boys.”

In 2011, Alex started working as a biological observer on fishing vessels in the Bering Sea based out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Observers are responsible for collecting data on the catch of commercial fishing operations and documenting safety or harassment violations, as well as any mishandling of marine mammals or protected species. It is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

Alex excelled in the challenging conditions, helped train new hires, and he was recognized as one of the most competent observers in the industry. He worked for Alaskan Observers, Inc. at first and most recently, as a lead field biologist for Saltwater Inc.

The cause of Alex’s death is still under investigation by the City of Unalaska Department of Public Safety at this time.

Alex’s infectious sense of humor, quick wit, engaging storytelling ability, cooking, honesty and compassion made him a favorite of crews and fellow observers alike. The fishing community will gather to hold a memorial service for him in Seattle later this spring.

In between assignments at sea, Alex lived with his sister Kate in Denver, Colo., and enjoyed visiting friends in Vermont. He especially loved spending time at his friend Seth’s farm. Alex was also considering going back to school and becoming a high school history or English teacher. He was a voracious reader and always eager to discuss the mysteries and deeper meanings of both the human and natural world.

Alex’s immense appetite for life will be sorely missed by his friends and family. He will be remembered as an adventurer, philosopher, fierce environmental steward, confidant, protector, sportsman, all around Renaissance Man, and never one to miss a party.

In addition to his mother Jennie, father Roy, stepmother Carla, and his sister Kate and her fiancé, Eric Brenner, Alex is survived by his uncle Angus Mackie and his wife, Donna, of Cooperstown, and their children Morgan Segit and Kyle Mackie; his uncle Bill Mackie and his wife, Julie, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and their daughter Leska Haskell; his uncle Tom Mackie and his wife, Meg, of Sudbury, Mass., and their children Callie and Sam; his uncle Steven (Bo) Mackie and his wife, Martha, of Springfield, Va., and their children Sarah Schilling, Erin Van Buren and Joseph Mackie. He is also survived by family members in Homosassa, Fla., including his grandmother Svanhild Johannesen; his uncle John Johannesen and his wife, Cindy; his aunt Linda Bernardo and her husband, Tommy; and his aunt Grace Peters and her children Eric and Matthew.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Alex’s memory to Trout Unlimited at www.tu.org.

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

Ellen M. Armstrong

1928 - 2018

COOPERSTOWN - Ellen M. Armstrong, 89, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, died in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. 

A native of Little Falls, she was born there October 15, 1928, a daughter of Charles F. and Marie (Feeney) Kelly. 

After graduating with honors from St. Mary's Academy in Little Falls, Ellen came to Cooperstown in 1946 to work as a lab intern at Bassett Hospital. She married William Thomas Armstrong on July 31, 1948 in Little Falls. They made their home in Cooperstown, and for over 60 years they and their family resided on Susquehanna Avenue. 

Ellen saw motherhood as her calling and her joy, and she devoted herself full time to raising her large family. After her youngest child entered school, she worked part-time for several years as a teacher's aide at Cooperstown Elementary School. Soon afterward, she became the Guidance Office secretary at Cooperstown Central School where she worked for 14 years. In the Guidance Office, her helpful kindness touched many lives. Ellen loved working with students, and they loved her back, twice dedicating the high school year book to her. 

Ellen was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. She was a former member of the National Council of Catholic Women, a Sunday school teacher, and a long-time Eucharistic Minister. She was a woman of great faith. 

Ellen loved music and was an accomplished tap dancer. She was proud of participating, at the age of 60, as a tap dancing chorus member in the 1988 CCS production of the musical "Anything Goes". She loved travel and particularly relished her many years of annual trips to Cape Cod with her mother and sister, children and grandchildren. Above all, she loved others. She was gifted with the ability to connect to people, and to raise their hopes and spirits. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and community member. She will be greatly missed. 

Ellen is survived by her children, Mark Armstrong and his wife, Mary, of Harrisville, New Hampshire, Maureen A. Parsons of Endicott, Andrew T. Armstrong of Cooperstown, Abigail M. Armstrong and her husband, Peter J. Farmer, of Lancaster, Massachusetts, Erin E. Cullings and her husband, Ned, of Castleton, and Mary Ann Armstrong and her partner, Angelika von Wahl, of Easton, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, John Parsons (Alysen), Megan Mercy (Brian), James Parsons (Jill), Emily Rader (Scott), Bridget and Natalie Cullings, and Brian and Kevin Farmer; and six great grandchildren, Ella , Joe, Ronan, Caitlin and twins Cooper and Carter Parsons.

She is further survived by her brother, Charles F. Kelly II and his wife, Ann of Norwalk, Connecticut; one brother-in-law, Tom Armstrong and his wife, Lillian, of Springfield Center; three sisters-in-law, Virginia Armstrong and Jeanette Armstrong of Springfield Center and Sheila Armstrong of Rome; and many nieces and nephews. 

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bill, who died June 18, 2014, and a son, Peter G. Armstrong who died January 10, 1966. 

A time of visitation for family and friends will be from 3-4 p.m. Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Gregory Weider, officiating. 

Interment will be later this Spring in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index.

Memorial donations in Ellen's name should be made to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, 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.

Paul J. Lambert

1930 - 2017

COOPERSTOWN - Paul J. Lambert, former Cooperstown Central School principal and superintendant of schools and later Director of the Clark Foundation Scholarship Program, as well as a coach and well-respected member of the community, passed away late Wednesday night, December 27, 2017, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. A loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather, he was 87.

Born March 24, 1930, in Sayre, Pennsylvania, he was one of nine children of Harry F. and Mary A. (Murphy) Lambert. A graduate of Athens High School, he attended Hartwick College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in history. In August 1955, he was inducted into the United States Army, and proudly served his country until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1957. 

That same year, Paul came to Cooperstown as a social studies teacher, and for seven years was the volunteer director of the Cooperstown Youth Center, which was located above the old fire hall in the village. 

On July 9, 1960, Paul married Barbara R. Syron in a ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Oneonta, and they made their home and raised their family on Eagle Street in Cooperstown. 

In 1964 he was named Principal of the Cooperstown Elementary School. In 1976 he was named Superintendent of Schools, a position in which he served until his retirement in 1987. During his tenure with the school Paul became a well-respected administrator, who was appreciated by faculty members and countless students. He also coached football and basketball, and will be especially remembered for his Championship Varsity Basketball Teams from 1960-1964. 

Already a member of the Athens High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Hartwick College Athletic Hall of Fame, Paul was a member of the first class of inductees into the Cooperstown Central School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. This was in recognition of all of his accomplishments as an outstanding administrator and coach who brought pride and distinction to the Cooperstown School District and the community. He was further honored in 2010 as the recipient of the Clark Sports Center's annual Patrick C. Fetterman Award for his dedication to serving local youth, especially in the area of athletics. At the time it was noted that, "His accomplishments combined with his character make him a great role model."

Paul often said his coaching philosophy was "Play fair, play hard, play within the rules, win graciously and lose graciously", and that discipline and sportsmanship were as important as winning and losing. He always impressed upon his players that they were the same person on the court or the football field as they were off it, and required that his basketball players always wear shirt and tie to away games and act like gentlemen.

Upon retiring from the school system in 1987, he became Director of the Clark Foundation Scholarship Program, and served in that capacity until retiring from there in 2004. It was in his retirement that the track and football field at Cooperstown was named Lambert Field in his honor. 

Throughout his life Paul was a faithful and devoted Roman Catholic, and was a communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. 

An avid golfer, he enjoyed many rounds with friends at the Leatherstocking Golf Course, as well as the camaraderie of many friends at the Cooperstown Veterans Club and The Mohican Club. 

He will be fondly remembered for being very supportive of his children's, and later his grandchildren's activities as they were growing up. He served at one time as president of Cooperstown Little League and coached and umpired during the time his three sons were growing up. A familiar presence on the sidelines and in the stands at many football, basketball, baseball and soccer games, he will be sorely missed by his family and the community at large. He truly had a well-lived life.

Paul is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara of Cooperstown; their three sons, James P. Lambert and wife, April of Albany, Michael J. Lambert and wife, Patty of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and The Honorable John F. Lambert and wife, Katie of Cooperstown; five grandchildren, Derek, Kurt, Jack, Anna and Charlie; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by two brothers-in-law, Joseph Syron of Schenectady and Michael Syron of Oneonta and a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Antonucci (Frank) of Milford. 

He was predeceased by all of his siblings, Harold Lambert, Nora O'Brien, James Lambert, John Lambert, Kathryn Krouse, Barbara Fraley, Charles Lambert and Laura Sharkey. 

The community is invited to pay their respects to the Lambert Family from 3-6 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Gregory Weider, retired Priest, presiding.

Burial will be at a later date in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown

As an alternative to flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Paul J. Lambert Memorial Scholarship, c/o Cooperstown Central School, 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.