Peter James Farmer

1956 - 2018

COOPERSTOWN, NY – Peter James “Pete” Farmer, 61, a native of Cooperstown, New York, who resided in Lancaster, Massachusetts and in Cooperstown, died unexpectedly of a pulmonary embolism on Wednesday morning, April 25, 2018, at UMass Memorial Leominster, Massachusetts. 

He was born in Cooperstown on June 5, 1956, a son of Dr. Edward Truman Farmer, DDS and Gretchen Schweickhard Farmer. 

After graduating from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1974, Peter went on to earn a BS from Cornell University. Upon graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to Chile. Pete loved his time there and made many good friends. After the Peace Corps, Pete remained in Chile for a year teaching fishery management at a local university. He recently visited Chile again, fulfilling a decades-old dream. 

After he left Chile, Pete looked for another adventure and found it managing a farm in Saudi Arabia. When he had time off he continued to see the world, visiting Spain, Thailand, and Nepal. Upon his return to Cooperstown, he earned his pilot’s license and worked as an airplane mechanic at Westville Airport. Pete was considering another international adventure when he reconnected with the love of his life and best friend, Abby Armstrong.

Pete and Abby married in 1990 and have lived in Lancaster, Massachusetts for the past 27 years. They also owned property in Cooperstown and truly were at home in both places. Pete earned a master’s degree in environmental science at UMass Lowell and worked in ground water cleanup. After their first son was born, Pete continued his ways as a ground-breaking pioneer and began his next great adventure: as an at-home-Dad. 

Pete’s love for activity was shared with his boys. Over the years, they joined extended family and friends camping in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. He was proud of the fact that the boys were the fourth generation of his family to camp there. He was happiest up in the air, but along with flying planes he loved fishing, camping, hiking with his beloved yellow Lab, Cleo, and skiing at Mt. Wachusett. Pete loved nature and outdoor activities, and protecting the environment was a passion. To that end, he served on the Lancaster Conservation Commission for the past 18 years, engaging in numerous town environmental causes. 

Recognizing the value of being a close part of his sons’ lives, Pete went to college nights to obtain a master’s degree in education at Fitchburg State University. Upon graduation, he taught high school earth science for many years.

Peter was a true renaissance man. A skilled craftsman, he could fix anything, mechanical or otherwise. He enjoyed telling the story of how he volunteered to sew together the quilt squares made by children in one of the boy’s pre-school classes and the teacher was shocked that he owned a sewing machine. He was particularly proud of having completely re-built a 1946 Aeronca 7 AC, affectionately called “The Champ”. You could often see him fly it over Cooperstown, “waving” the wings to say hello. Pete was also a talented chef. His wonderful cooking was second only to his gift for genuine hospitality and for making everyone around him feel welcome. 

Pete was a true “giver”. He would help anyone who needed his help, without a thought of thanks. He was exceptionally kind and non-judgmental. He was hard working, loving, fun and generous with his time and talent. He loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. His final act was to give the gift of life through tissue donation and his spirit will live on in the many lives he will touch through this humanitarian gesture. The world is a better place, in many ways, because Pete Farmer was in it. He will be greatly missed by many.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Abigail M. Armstrong, of Lancaster, Massachusetts; their two sons, Brian and Kevin Farmer; a sister, Helen Crowell and husband Greg of Phoenix Mills; a brother, Edward A. Farmer of Floresville, Texas; nephews Dan Crowell and wife, Dee of Fly Creek, Sam Farmer and wife Jackie of Corpus Christi, Texas and Seth Farmer of Floresville, Texas. He is also survived by many loving cousins and friends far and wide. 

Peter was preceded in death by his mother, Gretchen Farmer, his father, Dr. Edward T. Farmer, DDS, and his brother, Paul William Farmer.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018, at The Tryon Inn, 124 Main Street, Cherry Valley, New York. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Peter's name should be made to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles Program, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902, or The Lancaster Land Trust, PO Box 626, Lancaster, MA 01523, or the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), PO Box 931, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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


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.

Derward Jay "D. Jay" Gifford

1926 - 2018

WEST WINFIELD, NY - Derward Jay "D. Jay" Gifford, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2018 at his home.

D. Jay was born March 4, 1926, in Jordanville, the son of Raymond and Lena (Werner) Gifford.
D. Jay attended Van Hornesville School. At 17 years of age, he enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII. During his time in the Navy, he was involved in the Invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach.

D. Jay founded Gifford Paving in 1959 and built a thriving business that continues to be family operated today, three generations later. He was also formerly involved, for many years, with West Winfield Rotary and Optimist Club and currently a member of West Winfield VFW and the American Legion.

D. Jay is survived and loved by his wife, Elizabeth; three children, Thomas (Marlene), Marlene (Ronald) Loiacono and Craig (Theresa); nine beloved grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Christopher (Mary), Keith (Suzanne), Jack (Faith) Hotaling; seven step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren. D. Jay was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Ruth Kissner; his parents; his brother, Gordon; and sister, Louise.

Per D. Jay's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.

Please consider donations, in D. Jay's name, to the VFW in West Winfield.

Published in The Observer-Dispatch from Apr. 26 to Apr. 28, 2018


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.

Charles A. Dimick

1934 - 2018

COOPERSTOWN – Charles Andrew Dimick, Native Son, passed away the evening of Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 84.

Born April 7, 1934, at Middletown Hospital in Middletown, Charlie was the son of Anna and Maurice Dimick.  

Raised in Cooperstown, Charlie attended Cooperstown schools and played in various athletic sports. His first job was at Angelo Pugliese’s shoe shop. He was then employed by J. Harry Cook where he worked for 4 years as a taxi driver. On Sundays, Charlie worked at the Leatherstocking Golf Course, where he would walk all 18 holes carrying two golf bags at a time. 

A member of Troop 12, Boy Scouts of America, Charlie later served on the Council with George Tillapaugh and Homer Osterhoudt.

After graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1953, he and his friend, Charlie Michaels enlisted in the U.S. Army as they knew that the draft was still on because of the Korean War. Following boot camp, his and Michaels’ orders were to go to Korea, but that changed as the Signal Battalion went to Germany. 

After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the Military in 1956, Charlie came home and went to work for New York Telephone Company in Syracuse. He was eventually moved to the Cooperstown offices, and for 41 years worked for New York Tel and three for Bell South.

While in the Military, Charlie met Maria Johanna Pijnenburg, whose family came to America from Holland in 1952. On September 13, 1958, Charlie and Maria were married at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. On August 19, 1959, Yvonne was their first born child, with Scott, Yvette and Charles John to follow. For 48 years, Charlie and Maria were a couple devoted to each other and their family and made their home at 63 Chestnut Street. With great sadness, Charlie lost Maria to cancer June 22, 2006. He missed her greatly, and for many years after her passing he visited her grave each and every day, no matter the weather or time of year. 

Charlie truly loved his home town of Cooperstown, and through the years wore many hats in the community. Alongside his special brother fireman, Chuck Coleman, Charlie was a faithful and devoted member for 34 years of Mechanic’s Hook and Ladder Co. No. 5 of the Cooperstown Fire Department. He was also a member of the Native Sons of Cooperstown, the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, and -along with Maria - the Doubleday Square Dancers. 

Charlie will be fondly remembered for his ability to tell jokes and make people smile-a good belly laugh would really warm his heart.

Charlie now leaves his family of four, with spouses and grandchildren, to be with Maria. 

Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Friday, May 11, 2018, from 4-6 p.m. when Charlie’s family will be in attendance.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor officiating.

As a final tribute to Charlie’s dedicated service to the Cooperstown Fire Department, his casket will be brought to Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown in CFD’s 1952 Mack. The Service of Committal and Burial will be followed by Military Honors accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

As an alternative to flowers, the Dimick Family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Cooperstown Fire Department, PO Box 1, Cooperstown, NY  13326 or the Cooperstown Emergency Squad, PO 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.

William G. Ronk

1947 - 2018

HARTWICK – William G. Ronk, Major USAR, passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, April 12, 2018, at his daughter’s home in Hartwick. He was 71.

A native of the Hudson Valley, he was born March 16, 1947, at the Benedictine Hospital in Highland, a son of George Carpenter Ronk and Madaline (Loos) Ronk. After attending Clintondale and Triboro Schools and graduating from Highland High School, he studied nursing at the Hudson River State Hospital School of Nursing and eventually became a Registered Nurse.

On October 9, 1967, Bill enlisted in the United States Army, and proudly served his country in the US Army Medical Department. He transferred into the Reserves in 1970, ultimately earning the rank of Major when he received his Honorable Discharge.

For many years Bill was employed as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and last worked for Upstate Medical University Gastroenterology in Syracuse.

He was a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Proud of his military service, he was a life member of the Reserve Officers Association and was a Past Vice -Commander, Commander and Adjutant of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. He was a former member of the Cooperstown Fire Department and Highland Grange 888. 
Of the Episcopal faith, he attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz in his youth, and during his years in Cooperstown attended Christ Church. 

He enjoyed fishing, gardening and especially cooking. 

Bill knew many people throughout his life that truly loved him, and he them. He is survived by his former wife, Kathryn Ronk of Cooperstown and his current wife, Patricia Conlon Ronk of Deer Park; four children, Jennifer Kehoe and husband, Jason of Hartwick, Amy Lynn Ronk and Richard O’Hara of Norwich, Katie Petreszyn and husband CJ of California and Ryan Ronk of Rochester; eight grandchildren Broc Gilbert, Haley and Natalie Kehoe, Aiden and Zachary O’Hara, Luka Petreszyn, and Layla and Piper Zylinsky; two sisters, Barbara Jane Burdine of Orchard Park and Beverly Briggs of Pleasant Valley; a brother, Leonard Ronk and wife Arlene of Gastonia, North Carolina; a niece, Amanda Burdine; and a nephew, Brian Briggs. He was predeceased by his father, George C. Ronk, his mother, Madaline Ronk Mackey, and a niece, Diana M. Burdine. 

Friends may call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, when Bill’s family will be in attendance. 

The Office of the Burial of the Dead with Holy Eucharist will be offered at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with Rev’d Dane E. Boston, Rector officiating. Immediately following the funeral, Military Honors will be accorded in the Church-yard by members of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, Cooperstown, and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard. 

He will be laid to rest with his father in Modena Rural Cemetery. 

As an alternative to flowers, Bill’s family respectfully requests memorial donations to Cooperstown Fire Department, PO Box 1, Cooperstown, NY  13326 or Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY  13348. 

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 E. Aufmuth

1961 - 2018

COOPERSTOWN – William E. Aufmuth, a lifelong resident of Cooperstown whose love for wood made him known as an expert arborist and sculptor, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, March 30, 2018, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 56.

A native of Cooperstown, Bill was born April 6, 1961, a son of August Jack Aufmuth and Dorothy Zigon Aufmuth. After graduating from Cooperstown Central School, he travelled before returning to Cooperstown where he went to work as an arborist. He owned and operated Aufmuth’s Tree Service for many years, providing expert care of area trees for many customers.

He loved nature and animals. His love for wood extended to his talent as an artist and sculptor, and he was especially gifted in working with burl wood. In his leisure, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially loved being with his dog, Jack.

Bill is survived by his three children, Jacob W. Aufmuth of Westford, Emily Aufmuth of Hyde Park, and Desiree Maerz of Hartwick; two former wives, Sherry Wyckoff of Hyde Park (mother of Jacob and Emily) and Robin Aufmuth of Fly Creek; two sisters, Katherine Aufmuth Fistrowicz of Burlington Flats and Jacqueline Aufmuth Ayorinde and husband Omobowale Ayorinde of Rochester; a brother, Nicholas S. Aufmuth of Fly Creek; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was a kind and generous soul who had many close friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Jack Aufmuth, who died January 16, 1993, and his mother, Dottie Aufmuth, who died July 23, 2011. 
A private gathering will take place later this Spring.

Bill’s final act was to give the gift of sight and life through eye and tissue donation. His spirit will live on in the many lives he will touch through this humanitarian gesture.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family requests donations in Bill’s memory be made to Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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