Sandra Jane Bliss


1947 - 2018

Courage is more exhilarating than fear.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

COOPERSTOWN – Sandra Jane Bliss, 70, died peacefully Monday evening, August 27, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at her home on County Highway 33 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Sandy was born in Cooperstown on November 12, 1947, the daughter of Claud and Anna Bliss. She graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1965 and SUNY Oneonta in 1969, received her Masters in Education from SUNY Cortland in 1974, and began her 40 year teaching career at Frankfort-Schuyler Central School in 1969. 

Sandy was a life-long learner. Naturally inquisitive, she furthered her education, perfecting her craft and feeding her passions – math, science, travel and the fine arts. Committed to equality, she worked tirelessly to ensure that educators were treated fairly. She was a dedicated member and officer of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), serving in leadership roles for her entire career and on the NYSUT Board of Directors for 24 years. Due to her strong leadership skills, she was included in a small group of educators who travelled overseas to Poland as part of NYSUT’s Solidarity Project.

Sandy was the first Director of the Mohawk Regional Teacher Center and, following her retirement in 2009, continued her advocacy by serving on the Retired Teachers Council, the Otsego County Senior Citizen Advisory Board, and at the Cooperstown Food Pantry.

Sandy took great pride in her family’s endeavors and accomplishments. The oldest of eight children, she is survived by her siblings: Constance Bliss, Patricia Bliss, Amy Bliss, David (Kim) Bliss, and Laura (William) Bliss Lamb, all of Cooperstown, Timothy (Janet) Bliss of Fredericksburg, VA, and Joanne (Richard) Reynolds) of Rising Fawn, GA. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Timothy (Heather) Bliss, Brendan Bliss and Kylee Bliss, and Tad (Becky Hutton) Bliss of Fredericksburg, VA, Rachel (Kyle) Grup and Kasey Grup of Cooperstown, Eric Bliss of Brooklyn and Ethan Bliss and fiancée Samantha Whitehouse of Saratoga Springs. She is further survived by her uncle, Carl Bliss of Encinitas, CA and aunt, Josie Bliss of Cooperstown, as well as numerous cousins.

Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 12 Noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018, when the family will be in attendance. A service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, Sandy’s family requests donations to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or 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.

Pamela J. Stewart

1956 - 2018

“I love you one more than you can even say the rest of the day”

HARTWICK – Pamela J. Stewart, 62, passed away peacefully Tuesday night, August 14, 2018, with family by her side at her home on Buchanan Drive in Hartwick following a courageous battle with cancer. 

She was born July 2, 1956, in New Berlin, a daughter of Franklin Jay and Wanda L. (McLean) Stewart. 

After graduating from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1974, she attended college.

For many years she served as a residential aide at The Meadows, the Arc Otsego in Hartwick, and Springbrook in Oneonta. At one time she also worked for a cabinet maker in Virginia, a job she truly enjoyed.

She had a love for hunting and fishing, and was an avid fan of the New England Patriots. 

Pamela is survived by her children, Alicia Poole and husband, Luke of Hartwick, John Franklin Field and his significant other, Christina Jones of Davenport and Sean Patrick Field and his significant other, Julie Young, along with her two children, Kalynn and Kinsley, of Michigan; seven grandchildren, Dante and Andrew Wellman, Ian and Claire Poole, and Aiden, Jace and Gabriel Field; two sisters, Jodi L. Bottita and husband, Jack of Hartwick and their children, Jack, Roxanne and Chris, and Lori K. Stewart and wife, Melissa Cook of Rensselaer, and Lori’s son Sam Stewart. 

She was predeceased by her mother, Wanda L. Stewart who died July 30, 1999; her father, Franklin Jay Stewart who died June 22, 2004; a daughter, Emma-Leigh Frances Stewart who died August 19, 1994; and her brother, Willard Wayne Stewart who died November 5, 1977. 

A Memorial Service will be offered at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the Hartwick Christian Church, with the Rev. Laverne H. Saxer, pastor officiating.
Immediately following the service, Pamela’s family will receive friends in the church hall for a time of refreshment and fellowship.

Expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Hartwick Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 251, 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.

Thomas J. Selover

1942 - 2018

COOPESTOWN - Thomas J. Selover of Cooperstown, NY, a devoted family man, egalitarian and friend to all, passed away on August 8, 2018, at the age of 76.

Born on April 24, 1942, in Merrill, WI, Tom’s parents, Anne and John, relocated his family to Murfreesboro, TN when Tom was 14. In Murfreesboro, Tom would go on to earn both a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University. 

Tom began his career as a science teacher in Hernando County, FL, then earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Florida in Gainesville, becoming headmaster at Oak Hall Academy. It was in Florida where Tom met the love of his life and his bride for almost 47 years, Lynda, marrying in December 1971. Tom and Lynda crafted a journey-filled family life through cross-country travels and life-enriching experiences. 

In 1980, Tom and Lynda relocated to Cooperstown, where he would become a serial entrepreneur and businessman. Locally, Tom was the mastermind of several real estate projects, including his favorite, Hyde Bay Colony, while his love for thoroughbred horses developed from a childhood passion to a professional enterprise and personal occupation. Tom became well-known on the racetracks up and down the East Coast and in the sales barns of Keeneland and the Ocala Breeder’s Sales.

In Cooperstown, Tom served on the Cooperstown School Board, the Village Library Board and volunteered with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. His dedication to his family was always on display, especially with each of his three children, encouraging, mentoring and transporting them throughout their youth activities and helping them grow into their lives. 

Perhaps nothing defined Tom more than his willingness to engage everyone in conversation, with radiating kindness and a gentle spirit. Tom’s greatest pleasure came in reflecting on what he learned from others; whether it was a random encounter with a stranger on a park bench or in providing his own commentary with family and neighbors on the developments of the day. An avid reader, vociferous lawn mower and curious interviewer, Tom was always at the ready to help diagnose, problem solve and calculate the next right outcome. 

Tom’s zest for life was never more apparent than in sharing “Porch Time” with a glass of wine at Hyde Bay Colony. His devoted love of box wine set the tone in creating a warm, relaxed and loving environment for his family and neighbors to come together to share a story, have a laugh and discuss life’s challenges and opportunities from each day. He was tremendously proud and honored by his family and friendships that flowed freely in conversations. 

Tom was preceded in death by his father, John, and his mother, Anne, along with his brother, Daniel. 

He is survived by his wife, Lynda and their three children: John and his wife, Amy, of Tallahassee, FL, and their four children, Molly, Ian, Ella and Lilly; David and his fiancée Natasha of Cooperstown and Natasha’s son Max; and Whitney and her fiancé Brad of Fayetteville, along with so many friends who were like family in Cooperstown and Hyde Bay Colony. 

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Hyde Bay Colony (1445 County Highway 31) on Saturday, August 25 from 3-5 p.m. All are welcome to attend and share a memory of Tom. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a scholarship fund that will be established in Tom’s name at Cooperstown Central School. Donations may be made payable to “Cooperstown Central School”, along with a note stating that the gift is to be directed to the Thomas J. Selover Memorial Scholarship. Donations may be mailed to Cooperstown Central School, Attention Business Manager, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326. 

The Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, NY 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.

Jean Bowen Gerhartz

1923 - 2018

SPRINGFIELD CENTER – Jean Bowen Gerhartz, aged 94, passed away peacefully Friday, August 3, 2018, at St. John’s in Rochester with her family by her side. 

Jean was born November 7, 1923, in Cooperstown, one of three daughters of Francis and Lena (Hood) Bowen.

A long-time resident of Springfield Center, Jean grew up there, graduating from Springfield Central School in 1941. She was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where, on April 15, 1945, she married the love of her life, William Frederick “Chick” Gerhartz. Soon after marrying, the couple made Springfield Center their home, enjoying 63 years of marriage before his passing on December 10, 2008. 

Jean was employed for many years as a medical secretary at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she participated in the Women’s Guild at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Fire Auxiliary of the Springfield Fire Department.

A devoted mother and homemaker, Jean delighted in spending time with her family. She thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing, and long walks, and she instilled this love in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm, kind spirit. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jean is survived by her sister, Meryl Ashton of Lake Wales, FL; son, William Gerhartz, Jr. and his wife, Joyce of Penfield; daughter, Jill Jensen and her husband, Steve of Agawam, MA; grandchildren, Julie Gerhartz O’Neill and her husband, Thomas of Nokesville, VA, Jamie Gerhartz of Manassas,VA, Sara Jensen of Suffield, MA, and Daniel Jensen of Agawam, MA; great grandchildren, Sage Gerhartz-Johnsen, Aiden O’Neill and Tenley O’Neill; cousin, Jane Doyle Prior of Springfield Center; niece, Susan Peasley Clapper and her husband Clark of Springfield Center; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her sister, Dorthea Peasley.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Springfield Center. Interment will be in Springfield Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts are deeply appreciated and may be made to St. John’s Foundation, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, www.stjohnsliving.org/donate, or Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, www.susquehannaanimalshelter.org/support.

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 G. Hoag, Sr.

1947 - 2018

MIDDLEFIELD - Richard Gerald Hoag, Sr. a lifelong area resident and owner of Valleyview Greenhouse, passed away Sunday morning, August 5, 2018, surrounded by his family at his home in the Town of Middlefield. He was 70.

Born September 10, 1947, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, he was one of six sons of the late Lafayette C. and Gertrude M. (Eggleston) Hoag. 

Raised in Cooperstown, Dick was a member of the Class of 1967 at Cooperstown Central School. 

In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He received his Honorable Discharge from the US Army January 1, 1974.

Following his military service, Dick was employed for 9 ½ years as a painter with the Leatherstocking Corporation in Cooperstown. He then followed his true passion and opened Valleyview Greenhouse in Middlefield in 1975. He owned and operated this business for 45 years, providing many satisfied customers with flowers and landscaping services.  

An avid outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping as well as picking ginseng with his son, pigeons, and going to car shows.  He especially enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Poppie.

Dick is survived by his wife, the former Barbara J. Gaughan, whom he married on July 1, 1972, at the Middlefield United Methodist Church; one son, Richard G. Hoag, Jr. and wife, Kelly of Middlefield; one daughter, Bonnie Hoag and Kevin Bear of Livingston Manor;  four grandchildren, Trevor James Hoag, Isabella Maxine Hoag, Brianna Arlene Bear and Kevin Michael Bear, Jr.; five sisters-in-law, Dawn Hoag of Milford, Kathryn Hoag of Milford, Leona Hoag of Maryland, Delores Kilts of Florida, and Barbara Hoag of Maryland; his wife’s siblings, Charles “Chuck” Gaughan and wife, Vicky, Sharon Curcio, Judy Baker and husband, Dennis, William Gaughan and wife, Suzi, and Margo Norman; many nieces and nephews; and many special friends.  

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude, who died January 24, 1979; his father, Lafayette, who died September 21, 2002; five brothers, Charles F. Hoag, who died July 31, 1989, Lafayette A. "Bud" Hoag, who died May 23, 2009, Douglas B. Hoag, who died June 19, 2012, Robert Carl "Bob" Hoag who died October 15, 2013, and Donald Philip Hoag who died May 7, 2014; his father and mother-in-law, James A. Gaughan, Sr. who died August 20, 1987 and Arlene W. Gaughan who died November 28, 2004; two nephews, James Hoag who died in September 1990, and Justin Robert Hoag who died September 27, 2016; and his dog, KeBri. 

Family and friends are invited to call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018. At the conclusion of the visitation, a Funeral Service will be offered at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald Fralick officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Milford Cemetery.  

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.