Betty Jo Chase

1950 - 2019

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Betty Jo Chase, a native of Florida who served for many years as a nurse’s aide at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, passed away following a brief illness Saturday afternoon, October 26, 2019, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 69. 

Born January 29, 1950, in Milton, Florida, Betty was one of nine children of Clarence and Leona (Mack) Richardson. Raised in Santa Rosa County, she graduated from Milton High School and then attended nursing school in Pensacola. For a time she was employed as a nurse’s aide at Santa Rosa Hospital as well as West Florida Hospital. 

On October 25, 1969, Betty married David Harry Chase, Sr., in a candlelight ceremony at the Olivet Baptist Church in Milton, Florida. They continued living in Florida and began raising a family. In 1983, they moved to Cooperstown, where David was born and raised. For twenty-three years, Betty served as a nurse’s aide at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, until retiring in 2007. 

In her leisure, Betty enjoyed books, reading and spending time with her family. 

Betty is survived by her husband of 50 years, David H. Chase, Sr. of Richfield Springs; their children, David H. Chase, Jr. and Anoel Kelly of Cooperstown; two grandchildren, Amber Kelly and her partner, Dina, and Benjamin Kelly and wife, Sandra; and three great grandchildren, Jessamiah, Adelynn Sawyer and Rowen. She is further survived by a sister, Wanda Irizarry and husband, Alex, of Pensacola, Florida; a brother, Oscar Richardson and wife, Carol of Fairhope, Alabama; a sister-in-law, Ellen Eisinger Richardson and a brother-in-law, Richard Brimble, both of Milton, Florida; David’s siblings, James E. Chase and wife, Edna of Fly Creek, Beverly Anton and husband, William of Venice, Florida, and Mary Richardson of Milton, Florida; and many, many nieces and nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, brothers, David Scott Richardson, W.C. (Nadine) Richardson and V.L. “Bobby” Richardson, and sisters Dora Francis Brimble, Jewel (Joe) Raffaelle and Carolyn Sue (LaVon) Wright. 

Family and friends are invited to call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Following the visitation, a funeral service will be offered at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Joseph Perdue, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, officiating. 

As an alternative to flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation (scleroderma.org) and the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).

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.

Josephine Bertino

1930 - 2019

COOPERSTOWN – Josephine A. Bertino, 89, passed away peacefully Friday evening, October 25, 2019, at Chase Memorial Nursing Home & Rehab in New Berlin.

She was born July 23, 1930, in Brooklyn, the only child of Peter Fatta, a Sicilian immigrant, and Rose (Rosalia) née Lucido Fatta. During her teen years she played piano at Carnegie Hall and developed a deep interest and love of music. She graduated from Grover Cleveland High School, where Julius LaRosa was one of her classmates. 

Josephine raised her two daughters in Hauppauge, Long Island, where she assisted at the family day camp in the summers. She moved to upstate New York in 2010 to be near her family. 

For the past several years she has been a resident of Woodside Hall in Cooperstown, a place she truly enjoyed. She would often volunteer her time at the Susquehanna SPCA Thrift Shop, helping customers locate items and putting together outfits for special occasions. At Woodside Hall, together with Mary Margaret Kuhn, Josephine planned a successful fashion show for the SSPCA in June. She was also a big fan of the Glimmerglass Festival and tried to attend each summer. 

Josephine is survived by her two daughters, Serena Hanrahan and husband, Stephen, and Rosanne J. Westgate, Ph.D., all of West Winfield; and a grandson, Christopher Joseph Westgate of Westport, Massachusetts, a communications professor at Johnson & Wales University. 

Friends are invited to call and pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019, when the family will be in attendance. 

Following the visitation, a memorial service will be offered at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Piedmonte, pastor of the Garrattsville United Presbyterian Church, officiating. 

On Monday, November 4, 2019, Josephine will be laid to rest with her parents and grandparents in St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens.

As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Josephine to the United Presbyterian Church, 947 County Highway 16, Burlington Flats, NY 13315.

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.

Dale R. Clinton

1958 - 2019

COOPERSTOWN – Dale R. Clinton, 61, a native of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, October 13, 2019, surrounded by “his people”.

Dale was born April 9, 1958, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, the son of the late Douglas and Patricia Clinton. He was tough and overcame many health issues living life to the fullest.

After attending Cooperstown Central School Dale went to work as a contractor with his father’s restoration firm and helped with efforts to restore and preserve many historic sites, including Hyde Hall. Through the years he also worked for the Village of Cooperstown, Leatherstocking Storage and shared his talents on many projects for family and friends. 

Dale loved to spend his time outdoors on his Harley, in his garden, hunting, and standing by the BBQ with “cousin Bruce”, his “Bud”, and his buddies.

Dale is survived by his pride and joy and favorite chef, Sean Clinton. Also, a sister, Peg Wilson, her husband, Douglas and Dale’s niece, Taryn; two brothers, Keith and Wayne; step children Laura, Cyndy and Patrick Shephard; and six grandchildren and six great grandchildren whom he adored. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary L. Clinton, who died August 26, 2013. 

Dale was loved by many and blessed with true friends. His family would like to especially thank Mike and Sharon Chase, Scott and Colleen Sheldon, Bobby and Kathy Gallop, Mike and Karen Burgess and all those that made his life happy and comfortable. 

Dale leaves his beloved best friend Roscoe, the Blood Hound, to a home in the country. 

Dale will be missed by many and remembered as a “really good guy”. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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.

Barbara J. Rankin

1945 - 2019

COOPERSTOWN – Barbara J. Rankin, beloved wife of John Rankin, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, October 12, 2019, at their home on Brooklyn Avenue in Cooperstown. She was 74.

Born July 1, 1945, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Barbara was the only child of the Rev. Robert J. and Margaret (née Marohn) Koch. Her father and maternal and paternal grandfathers were Lutheran ministers, so it was only natural that Barbara was raised in the Lutheran faith and traditions. Due to her father’s various church assignments, she and her parents moved several times in her youth throughout Wisconsin. When her father had the opportunity to lead a church in California (a prospect he liked as he had grown tired of Wisconsin winters) it was Barbara’s deciding vote that led them there. 

After graduating from high school in California, Barbara attended Cabrillo College, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. While she was in college, she took some time off to travel throughout Europe. She found that she really loved to travel, and eventually became a stewardess for Pan Am. As she was fluent in German, she was often assigned the overseas trips to Europe. This career ultimately led her to become a well-liked sales representative for several major airlines. She eventually was employed for 27 years with Icelandair, and retired from there on June 17, 2011 (Icelandic National Day).

While living and working in New Jersey, Barbara met John Rankin, and the two were united in marriage March 22, 1986, in Watsonville, California, with Barbara’s father officiating. When they lived in Pennsylvania, where John was employed for 27 years in the Pocono Mountain School District, they attended St. Mark’s Community Lutheran Church in Appenzell. After visiting Cooperstown several times, Barbara and John grew to love the area. So in 2012, they purchased their home on Brooklyn Avenue in Cooperstown, and moved there full time in 2016. 

Barbara’s faith in God was an important part of her life. Soon after moving to Cooperstown, she became an active, devoted and faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, where she enjoyed singing with the Chancel Choir, as well as serving on the Worship Team and as a Deacon. Her quiet, gentle presence at First Presbyterian will be greatly missed by all who came to know and love her during her all too brief time with the congregation. 

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, John Rankin of Cooperstown, who steadfastly helped Barbara fight her battle with cancer. He is grateful to the many, many people who helped Barbara during her illness.

A Service to the Glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the life of Barbara J. Rankin will be offered at 4 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2019, in the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie A. Rhodes, pastor officiating. The service of committal will follow at The Columbarium in the Churchyard of the First Presbyterian Church. Following the services there will be a time for refreshment and fellowship in The Chapel.

As a way to remember Barbara, please consider a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790.

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.

Arthur C. Strong

1928 - 2019

MILFORD – Arthur C. Strong, 91, of Milford, passed away early Friday morning, October 11, 2019, at his home in the Town of Westford.

He was born May 21, 1928, at Parshall Hospital in Oneonta, a son of Milo and Florence (Wood) Strong. 

Art attended Kindergarten at the Bugbee School in Oneonta, then the Middlefield School No. 2 in Westville, and graduated from Milford Central School with the Class of 1946. During his school years he was a member of the Boy Scout Troop in Westville that was led by T. Fulton Patterson, Scoutmaster. 

On July 19, 1952, Art married Bernice E. Virtell in Pennsylvania, and they settled into their home in Milford. 

For many years he drove fuel oil delivery trucks for Agway and Beart Corp. After retiring from the oil business Art delivered Meals On Wheels in Otsego County for many years. He also enjoyed the many hours he spent working in his gardens. 

Art is survived by six children, Lewis Charles Crawford of Rineyville, Kentucky, Evelyn Marie Lacey and husband, William, of Vine Grove, Kentucky, Robert Arthur Strong and wife, Laurie of Milford, Vickie Leah Konchar of Maryland, Michael Brian Strong and wife, Sandy, of Milford, and Carla Maureen Strong of Maryland; 19 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one sister, Helen Southworth of Cooperstown; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Virtell of Milford and Judy Virtell of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Bernice E. Strong, who died May 23, 2017, and a sister, Edna Schaffer. 

Art’s family wishes to extend special thanks to his caregivers, Jess, Sean and Amanda. 

The family will receive friends at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019. 

A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2019, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Rev. Sylvia Barrett, pastor of the Milford United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Westville Cemetery.

As an alternative to flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Milford United Methodist Church, PO Box 127, Milford, NY 13807, or the Milford Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, 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.

Donald O. Pollock, M.D.

1930 - 2019

COOPERSTOWN – Donald O. Pollock, M.D., who led a lifetime of service to others including a distinguished and wide-ranging medical career with Bassett Hospital that spanned several decades, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday evening, September 29, 2019, surrounded by family and listening to the final Red Sox game of the season. He was 89.

He was born in 1930 in East Orange, New Jersey, the oldest son of J. Ford and Helen (Glasson) Pollock. He was raised in Brookside, New Jersey, where he also attended grammar school before going to Morristown High School. He graduated from Morristown as the valedictorian of his class in 1947. 

Morristown High School Principal Dr. Ralph Perry recruited Don for summer employment at Kamp Kill Kare in St. Albans, Vermont. Providentially, it was at this camp that he met George Kempsell, who played a pivotal role in directing Don to further his education at Hamilton College, from which he graduated magna cum laude in 1951. He went on to complete his M.D. at Harvard Medical School. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Elinor Hopkins, who was working as a nurse at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. They were married June 7, 1953.

In July 1955, Dr. Pollock and his family first came to Cooperstown to serve his internship and residency at the Mary Imogene Bassett (MIB) Hospital. He then served for eight years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, which took the family to a succession of postings, including 2½ years in Eritrea, East Africa. In 1967 Dr. Pollock and his family returned to Cooperstown and Bassett Hospital, where he began a medical career of great distinction that would continue until his retirement in 1999.

A man of integrity, compassion and vision, Dr. Pollock’s contributions to medical care for the people of Central New York included service as chief of the General Services Department, associate director for emergency services, long-time medical director of The Meadows (formerly the Otsego County Nursing Home), head of Bassett’s Division of Community Medicine (now the Prime Care Clinic) and the hospital’s expert in dermatology. He later served as a member of Bassett’s Board of Trustees (1999-2011). Dr. Pollock championed the introduction of advanced healthcare professionals to expand patient care – mentoring the first independent nurse practitioner in New York State (the late Genevieve Kent-Waller) – and also promoted the establishment of MIB satellite clinics in surrounding communities. Don completed his 22 years of military service with the Army Reserve’s 414th Civil Affairs Unit in Utica, retiring as a full Colonel. 

Devoted to his family, community and alma mater, Don freely gave of his time and service. Whether he was coaching the Cooperstown Dry Cleaners Little League team, cooking hot dogs at the Presbyterian Church’s annual Ice Cream Social, or serving on advisory committees and boards (including the Alumni Council at Hamilton and as an Alumni Trustee), he cheerfully did so with the same spirit of generosity, humility and dedication – not to mention, a darn good sense of humor. He enjoyed golf, gardening, reading, word puzzles, eating at the Doubleday, and anything Scottish. His support for the Boston Red Sox was legendary…as was his sweet tooth.

In his later years, Don was able to enjoy travel and Elderhostel experiences with Elinor, and to offer additional service to his church. A member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1969, Don served in church leadership as Elder, Treasurer and Clerk of Session, and was a member and/or chair of numerous committees.

Don was a model of devotion during his wife’s final years as a resident of The Manor/Focus. He visited her every day, usually twice a day, to enjoy her company and to help care for her. 

Don is survived by four children and spouses, Donabeth and Gil Urick of Bonita Springs, Florida, Peter and Diana Pollock and Sally and Bud Zaengle of Cooperstown, and Jim and Sharon Pollock of Georgetown; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Philip Zaengle and wife, Amanda, and their sons, Henry and Everett, Owen Zaengle and wife, Emily, and their daughter, Wilma, Sam Zaengle and wife, Donna, Helen Zaengle, Jacob Zaengle, Karl Zaengle, Mary Zaengle, Laurel Zaengle and Benjamin Pollock; a brother, Stewart G. Pollock, Esq.; a sister, Polly Leaf; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Elinor H. Pollock, and their oldest son, the Rev. Stewart A. Pollock. 

Friends and colleagues may call and pay their respects on Friday, October 11, 2019, from 7-9 p.m. at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown when the Pollock family will be in attendance. 

A Memorial Service to the Glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the Life of Donald O. Pollock, M.D. will be offered at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie A. Rhodes, pastor, officiating. Following the service there will be a time for refreshment and fellowship in the adjoining Chapel. 

He will be laid to rest with his wife and son in The Columbarium in the Presbyterian Churchyard.

For those who wish to remember Dr. Pollock through a memorial gift, his family respectfully requests that donations be made to Cooperstown Youth Baseball, PO 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.