Frieda M. Scanlon

1936 - 2021

WESTVILLE – Frieda M. Scanlon, 85, of Westville, passed away the morning of June 25, 2021, at her home, after a long battle with dementia.

She was born January 16, 1936, in Smyrna, one of six children of Luman S. and Esther L. (Knochenmus) Ward. Her family eventually settled to Carlisle. She graduated from Cobleskill High School.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Sueann and Carolyn Scanlon, one sister, Florence White and three brother’s William,Winston and Warren Ward.

Frieda is survived by a sister Fannie (Claude) Bartholomew of Middleburgh; a daughter Barbara (Thomas) Renwick of Westville; and four sons, Rexford (Susan) Scanlon of Taberg; Charles (Toni) Scanlon of Buhl, Idaho, Roger (Sharon) Scanlon of Westville, and Robert (Missy) Scanlon of Herkimer. She is further survived by Grandchildren Christopher, Monica (Andrew), Adam; Rebecca (Herb), Eric; Shawni (Josh), Jadie, Bradley (Diana); Stephanie, Samantha (John), Zachary; Jessica (Tom), Michael (Brianna), Michelle, Carla, Devin, Alexandra, and Andrea; Great Grandchildren Nichole, Lorraine; Hunter, Dadrie, Naomi, Sarah, Ethan, Allysa, Sandra, Zachary, Joie, Emilee; Cecil, Landon, Gabriel, Quinn, Harmony, Andrew, Jase, Saylor; and Great Great Grandchildren Michael, Kaylee, Olivia; Avery, Presley, Aidan, and Elijah.

Frieda was a member of the former Westville United Methodist Church and the Westville Grange. She was a long-time employee of the Milford Central School.

Frieda was a depression era farm girl at heart. She was a strong woman that liked to follow the rules but had a very soft spot for anyone that needed help. She was a funny lady that had a very dry sense of humor and loved to have a good time. She had a love for the community where she was involved with 4-H, Westville Grange, Westville Junior Grange, Square Dancing, cooking for the Milford Rotary, operating her Snack Shack at the Otsego County Fair, assisting in the Little League concession stand, and organizing community Halloween and Christmas parties for the Westville Grange.

Frieda’s greatest loves were her family and working with kids. If there was a child in need of anything she was one of the first to help them. She loved to travel as well as work in her garden in the summer. She dedicated much of her life to Milford Central School, where she was a teacher’s aide. She enjoyed doing playtime and assisting any teacher that needed her help. She enjoyed helping the music department as she would state that she couldn’t carry a tune if she wanted. 

Frieda enjoyed everything about food, from raising her chickens, to planting her garden and teaching all of her children the importance of preserving our own food. She loved her BBQ Chicken, Coleslaw and Cheesecake. She would also always say a loaf of bread and a pound of meat with all the mustard you can eat is all you need for a good road trip. Her favorite saying lately was an apple a day will keep the Dr away jackass and she was correct.

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. 

A Funeral Service will be offered at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home with Pastor Rose Bellen, pastor of the Westford United Methodist Church officiating. The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Westville Cemetery. Following the service at the cemetery there will be a gathering at Frieda’s home. 

Memorial donations can be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820, and the Milford Fire Department and 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.

Stephen J. Pawlowski

1976 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Stephen James Pawlowski, 45, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 19, 2021. 

He was born February 4, 1976, in Mount Kisco, the youngest of six children of Walter and Roberta (Stiles) Pawlowski. He attended school in Somers, until the 9th grade, when he and his family moved to Mooresville, North Carolina. After graduating from Iredell High School, he attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a degree in forestry. He later attended Binghamton University where he received a degree in nursing, and then graduated from the University of Scranton where he completed the nurse anesthesia program. Since moving to Cooperstown in 2011, Stephen has worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Bassett Medical Center. 

Since 2010 Stephen had been serving his country in the US Army Reserves as a Captain.  

In the past year he had become an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown and enjoyed helping others. He will be remembered for being driven to succeed in all he did, his attention to detail and for being great with children. 

Stephen is survived by his wife, Anne, and their three sons, Jeconiah, Haakon, and Mathias. He is further survived by his parents, Walter and Roberta Pawlowski of Mooresville, North Carolina, and his siblings, Walter, Kevin, John and Robert Pawlowski and Cathy Hogan and their families. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021, at The First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Faith Gay, pastor officiating. Immediately following the service there will be a time to visit on the church lawn. 

For those who wish to honor Stephen’s life with a memorial donation, please consider the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY13326.

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.

Charlotte Perry Koniuto

1940 - 2021

MILFORD – Charlotte Perry Koniuto, who served as the Otsego County Clerk and was an active member of the Republican Party, passed away unexpectedly late Sunday night, June13, 2021, at Basset Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 80.

Born Charlotte Jean Perry September 29, 1940, at home in the Town of Minden near Canajoharie, she was a daughter of Melvin David Perry, Sr. and Dorothy (Madison) Perry. 

In 1950 Charlotte and her family moved to the Cooperstown area, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse in Bowerstown until it consolidated with Cooperstown Central School. After graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1958, she attended the University at Buffalo, and then returned to Cooperstown to work for the next seven years for Attorney Robert C. Tennant. 

On July 10, 1965, Charlotte married Stanley George Koniuto in Herkimer, and she helped him open the Cooperstown Bowl-A-Rama. In 1971 she started her 28-year career at the Otsego County Clerk’s Office, first serving as a clerk. On March 1, 1977, she became Deputy County Clerk, and in 1988 was elected Otsego County Clerk. She served in that capacity until her retirement in January 1998, at which time she became the Republican Commissioner of Elections.

Devoted to community service, Charlotte was a member and past vice president of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and served as Chair of the 1970 Cooperstown Winter Carnival. She was an active member of the New York State Association of County Clerks, served on the board of United Way, was the first woman elected into membership in the Milford Rotary Club, and was a long-standing member of the Cooperstown Women’s Club and the Native Daughters of Cooperstown.


Charlotte especially enjoyed her long-time association with the Otsego County Republican Committee. She served as a Committee Person for many years, Vice Chairwoman for two years and then in February 2003 was elected Chairwoman and served in this position until 2007. Always the staunch Republican, she was a member and past vice president of the Otsego County Republican Women’s Club, and through the years worked on and was a vital part of many Republican dinner committees, fundraisers and campaigns. 

Charlotte enjoyed a great many summers at their camp on Otsego Lake. She also had a love for cooking and entertaining and took great pride in her home, enjoying beautiful flowers and maintaining a manicured lawn. Charlotte’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and wonderful friends, who were enriched by her steadfast love and understanding. She was a very determined and energetic person with a will to live life to the fullest. Charlotte died as she lived: strong, courageous, determined, and with amazing grace and dignity. 

Charlotte is survived by her Aunt Dorothy Perry and a special cousin, Beth Perry-Peacock, both of Orlando, Fla.; cousin Bruce Perry of Conn; two brothers-in-law, Roger Koniuto of North Carolina and John Koniuto and wife Arlene of Binghamton; two sisters-in-law, Mary Doupe of Binghamton and Dianne Perry of Pittsfield; as well as other cousins, nieces and nephews, and her best friend, Barbara Buriello of Milford.

She was predeceased by her husband of almost 50 years, Stan Koniuto, who died May 20, 2015; a brother, Melvin D. “Moose” Perry, Jr. and a sister, Lois Miller; and her canine companion Zak Abbott Koniuto.  

Charlotte will be laid to rest with Stan at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek. A Celebration of Life will be announced. 

Those wishing to make contributions in Charlotte's memory may donate to the Milford Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, Milford, NY  13807, the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820, or a charity of their choice.

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.

James F. Tongue

1940 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – James F. “Jim” Tongue, a true man about town and well-respected Cooperstown businessman who for many years owned and operated The Cupboard on Main Street, passed away following a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease Tuesday night, June 15, 2021, at his home on Walnut Street with his beloved wife and best friend, Barb, his daughters, step daughter and sister-in-law at his side. He was 80. 

Born June 19, 1940, at Memorial Hospital in Catskill, James Frank Tongue was the second son of William Frank Tongue and Beatrice Catherine (Miller) Tongue. In 1953, Jim and his family moved to Cooperstown where his parents established The Cupboard, which fast became a staple of Main Street life as a well-known newsstand, gift shop and stationery store which Jim would later own and operate. The family settled into their home on Old School Court, and Jim’s outgoing personality quickly made him a welcome part of the 8th grade. Throughout his four years at Cooperstown High School, Jim was a popular young man who excelled in sports as a member of the Varsity basketball, baseball and football teams. He was also a member of the Varsity “C” Club and, known for his impeccable appearance, was listed as “Best Dressed” in the Who’s Who of the Class of 1958 (a trait that would follow him his entire life, as evidenced by his many closets of clothes!) Jim truly enjoyed his years at Cooperstown High, and remained a dedicated Redskin his entire life. 

Following graduation, Jim enrolled at SUNY Cobleskill, graduating from there with an associate’s degree. He returned to Cooperstown and joined his parents at The Cupboard and become a well-liked member of the community. To say that Jim loved Cooperstown would be an understatement. His easy-going and likeable personality made this “man about town” the person everyone wanted to be around. 

Jim’s happiness in life truly became evident and flourished when he met the love of his life, Barbara A. Ballard. Jim and Barb were married June 27, 1998, in the backyard of their home on Walnut Street, and they became not only husband and wife, but also best friends. Never one to miss a good party, Jim enjoyed many fun times with Barb and their friends at such venerable Cooperstown establishments as The Pit at The Tunnicliff Inn and The Pepper Mill. Jim and Barb enjoyed the simple pleasures in life together, such as long walks around the village, and he came to appreciate Barb’s fondness for the Adirondacks, enjoying many trips to Lake Placid, Old Forge, and the family camp at Inlet. 

Jim will fondly be remembered for being always impeccably dressed and for his manicured yard at his Walnut Street Home. Always the sportsman, Jim’s athleticism carried through to his adult years as he enjoyed softball and bowling. Golf, though, was his true passion, and he played countless rounds as a member at the Leatherstocking Golf Course and enjoyed meeting up with his golfing buddies every morning for coffee. In addition to his love of sports, Jim was very community-minded, and through the years was a member of the Cooperstown Lions Club, Rotary Club, Native Sons, and American Legion Squadron 579. He was also an instrumental part of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival in its formative years. 

Jim truly led a life well-lived. All those whose lives he touched will miss him. 

Jim is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 32 years, Barb Tongue, of Cooperstown; his daughters, Karen V. Lange and husband, Victor of Northville, and JoAnne C.“Joby” Iovoli and husband, Louis of Mendon; five grandchildren, Alexander Lange and wife, Donna, Catherine Lange and fiancĂ© Christopher, and Nicholas Lange and fiancĂ©, Victoria, and Madelyn Bradt and Michael Bradt; a great grandson, Parker Lange; and a stepdaughter, Hillary Bass LaDuke and her son, Caleb James Rosa. He is further survived by his older brother, William C. Tongue and wife, Nancy of Fairport and their family. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his daughters, Sally Patton Sanford, who died February 11, 2019. 

Special gratitude goes out to devoted friends Keith and Kay Additon, and to the many health professionals who were instrumental in providing such wonderful home care for Jim until the time of his passing. 

Family and friends gathered for a service to honor Jim’s life at 4 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Betsy Jay officiating. Immediately following the service, all gathered at the Leatherstocking Golf Course Clubhouse for a time to reminisce and celebrate Jim’s life. 

For those who so desire, memorial gifts may be directed to the following local organizations: The Cooperstown Fire Department, PO Box 1, Cooperstown, NY 13326; The Cooperstown Emergency Squad, PO Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326; and The Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements were 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.

Gretchen Morrison

COOPERSTOWN – Gretchen Morrison, a teacher and lifelong resident of the Cooperstown area, died unexpectedly June 11, 2021, at the age of 42. 

Gretchen is survived by her loving mother and stepdad, Sandra and William Stockdale, her siblings and their spouses, Gregory and Lisa Marie Morrison, Glenda and Matt Vatovec, and Glenn and Michelle Morrison. Gretchen is also survived by her beautiful children, whom she loved very dearly, Konrad, Violet, and Otto. She was predeceased by her father, Walter Glen Morrison. 

Gretchen was born in Cooperstown to Walter and Sandra Morrison. She graduated from Cooperstown Central School with her path clear and set to become a teacher. She completed her undergrad studies at SUNY Oneonta and went on for her Master’s degree at The University of New England. She was a teacher for many years, first at Cooperstown Central School, then at Proctor High School. She loved her craft and her students. She worked tirelessly to give the young lives she touched the opportunity for more in their future.

Gretchen will be remembered for her unwavering love of her children, her incredible laugh, and her devotion to helping others. Her worldly pain is gone and she is in peace. She will be deeply missed by her loved ones and friends. 

Services will be officiated by Pastor Phillip Sell. Family and friends (by invitation) will remember and celebrate the best of Gretchen’s life. She will be laid to eternal rest at Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cooperstown Central School, and in the memo line please note The Gretchen Miller Memorial Fund, which will benefit a student of outstanding character pursuing a college degree. Donations can be mailed to Cooperstown Central School in care of Amy Kukenberger, 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.

Joan K. Mayhew

1934 - 2021

CARSON CITY, NEV. – Joan K. Mayhew, a former resident of the Village of Cooperstown and retired first grade teacher, passed away Tuesday evening, May 25, 2021, at Carson Tahoe Care Center in Carson City, Nevada. She was 86. 

Born August 6, 1934, in Oswego, Joan was a daughter of Frank and Clara (Bears) Koster. 

She was married to Donald Kelsey “Duke” Mayhew for 52 years until his passing June 30, 2010. 

For over thirty years, Joan taught first grade at the Cooperstown Elementary School. She was always actively involved in both the community as well as the Catholic church. When Joan relocated permanently to North Palm Beach, Florida, she remained active in education. She regularly volunteered her time, helping to teach reading to children with special needs at a nearby local school. 

Everyone in her North Palm Beach condo community loved her. She treated her neighbors and friends like family. She enjoyed all the parties and activities available including water aerobics, crafts and relentlessly walking to stay in good health. She would invite anyone who had no place to spend holidays to come to her home for dinner. It was evident how many lives she touched by the amount of birthday cards she received every year.

Every time Joan relocated, she made friends instantly. She always had a joke or a funny story to make people smile. Joan spent five summers in Ohio, where she could be close to her daughter Jill and her grandchildren Dakota and Jordan. She made many friends at the Ohio Senior Center that she joined, and always wrote her friends there a funny ditty for their birthdays.

Her heart was so big she would help strangers by letting them live in her Ohio home during the winter months. She let an elderly couple in need stay at her home for free, as well as a family friend who relocated from Alaska. Family and friends regularly stayed at Joan’s when visiting Ohio. The running joke was that her home was an "in-between house" for anyone in need.

Joan was always the first to care for others throughout her life. She touched so many lives through her generosity. Her kindness and willingness to help will be missed by all who knew her. 

She is survived by son Steve Mayhew and wife, Kim of New Fairfield, Conn., and their sons Kyle, Kevyn, Brandon and Austin; daughter Julia (Jill) Brown and husband, Mark of Dover, Ohio, and children Jordan and Dakota; daughter Lynn Pettibone and husband, Mike of Lake Tahoe, Nev., and two stepdaughters Michelle and Amanda, and Michelle's son, Bradley.

She is also survived by a sister Sherrill Keenan and husband, John of Battle Mountain, Nev., and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Joan was predeceased by a son, Scott "Rod" Mayhew, in 2003

Visiting Hours will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered immediately afterwards with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor officiating. The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown. 

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 Timothy Kuhn

1938 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Born March 14, 1938, in Glen Cove, Paul was the second son born to George and Helen Kuhn, teachers in the Glen Cove School District.  

Paul graduated from St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Glen Cove in June 1952 and then attended Chaminade High School in Mineola until graduation in June 1956. Paul then went on to Villanova’s College of Engineering, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1960. Paul would be a lifelong Wildcats fan.

Upon graduation Paul began his military service with the U.S. Army, training at the Fort Holabird, MD U.S. Army Intelligence School. Paul became a Special Agent Staff Sergeant assigned to West Point Academy. It was during this time Paul met and married Jocelyn Shanahan, and they had three children.  

Discharged in 1964 Paul went to work the next day for the Insurance Company of North America.  Starting as a claims investigator in Garden City Paul continued working for INA for over 30 years, until his retirement as a Senior Vice President of Corporate Services for CIGNA. While working in Philadelphia Paul met and married Mary Margaret Polley on June 20, 1986, in Newtown Square, PA.

It was then that Paul and Mary Margaret moved to Cooperstown and began a whole new phase of life.  Paul had loved Cooperstown since he first arrived with his family for the summer of 1945. Paul’s parents worked at Camp Chenango and Camp Otsego each summer, so Paul and young George attended Camp. Paul continued as a camp counselor until he entered the Army. To him Otsego Lake was the most beautiful place on earth. 

Paul and Mary undertook rehabilitating their home on Chestnut Street inside and out. Paul loved to tend the gardens with his wife Mary. Eventually Paul would serve on the Village’s Planning Board and become its chairperson. He was elected a Trustee on the Village Board and served as Deputy Mayor. Paul worked in the education department’s historic interpretation staff of The Farmers’ Museum.  Paul made brooms and interpreted the Bump Tavern and was Saint Nicholas at Candlelight Evening. He was active in the Young Interpreter summer programs and loved training young people.  He loved history and began his own business, Guided Tours of Cooperstown, that served tour groups from around the world. Paul could be seen about the Village dressed in the period of Judge William Cooper. He was often a featured after dinner speaker to groups visiting The Otesaga. 

In 2000 Paul joined the Cooperstown Christmas Committee and served as its ambassador to countless community gatherings at libraries, schools, and churches.  

He served the children of Otsego County for 20 years and loved every minute of it. Paul’s favorite question from the children at the Pioneer Park cottage was, “Where is your bathroom?” He would explain that this was a guest cottage, just big enough for visiting with guests.

Paul served in customer service for the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and as a concierge at The Otesaga Resort Hotel until the pandemic. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” on Elm Street and served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He also volunteered at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, and was a member of The Guild of the Glimmerglass Festival.

Paul went home to his Lord on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Bassett Hospital. The family is deeply grateful for the loving care he received there. Paul was predeceased by his mother, father, brother George Maffit Kuhn, his wife Kristine Graf Kuhn and their beloved daughter Patricia Kuhn Bispo and wife Jocelyn Shanahan Kuhn. He is survived by his wife Mary Margaret of Cooperstown; three loving children, Paul, Jr. and his companion Cami Duncan of Sammamish, Washington, Helen Kathryn (Katie) Becker and her husband Judah of Ogden, Utah and Michael and his wife Vickie of Locust Grove, Virginia along with grandsons James Shanahan Kuhn of Baltimore and Patrick Timothy Kuhn of Georgia.  Paul loved his family and was proud that he had given his children strong wings to face this tumultuous world.

Paul was also active in the Cooperstown Club of Rotary International, served as Club President, chair of the Youth Exchange Program, on the Board of the Foundation and was a double Paul Harris Fellow. But his favorite service was being a host parent to Exchange Students. Paul believed that Exchange could lead to a world of greater understanding and peace. In lieu of sending flowers please consider sending a donation to the Cooperstown Rotary Club, Youth Exchange Program, PO Box 993, Cooperstown, NY 13326.  This will help young people in need of financial assistance participate in the program.

Friends may call and pay their respects from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, Cooperstown, with the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, pastor, officiating. 

The Service of Committal and Inurnment will be private at The Ecumenical Columbarium in Christ Churchyard, Cooperstown, where Military Honors will be rendered. 

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.

Stephen A. Rudloff

1945 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Stephen Anthony Rudloff, Commander, United States Navy (Retired) who survived 323 days in captivity as a POW during the Vietnam War, passed away peacefully following a long illness the evening of Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, at his home on Nelson Avenue surrounded by family. He was 76. 

Born February 19, 1945, in Brooklyn, he was a son of Ernest and Mary (Camarro) Rudloff. After graduating from Lafayette High School in 1962, he attended St. John’s University.

On September 20, 1964, he entered the United States Navy School of PreFlight at NAS Pensacola, Florida, completed Basic Naval Aviation Officers School in August 1965, and completed Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) School at NAS Glynco, Georgia in October 1965. He was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy on August 15, 1965, received his wings and designated a RIO on October 28, 1965. His first assignment was to VF-121 at NAS Miramar, California, for F-4 Phantom II Replacement Air Group training from December 1965 to June 1966, followed by service as an F-4 RIO with VF-154 at NAS Moffett Field, California, from June 1966 to June 1968. During this time, LT Rudloff deployed with his unit to Southeast Asia from September 1966 to January 1967, and from December 1967 to April 1968. Following that tour of duty, he reported to the Naval Plant Representative Office with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for two years as a Public Affairs Officer. Following refresher training in the F-4, he reported to Fighter Squadron Ninety-Two in July 1971, and deployed to Vietnam aboard the USS Constellation in October. 

On May 10, 1972, LT Rudloff launched as RIO with Commander Harry L. Blackburn, Jr. as pilot in their F4J Phantom fighter aircraft. They were assigned on a flak suppression mission against the Guan Lang Airfield near Hai Duong, Hai Hung Province, North Vietnam. After effectively hitting two anti-aircraft positions, they were in the process of engaging enemy MiG aircraft when their plane was hit and destroyed by a barrage of antiaircraft artillery and they were forced to eject from the aircraft over North Vietnam. LT Rudloff was taken as a Prisoner of War. After spending 323 days in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming on March 28, 1973, and was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy, his courage, superb airmanship and fearless devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service, he was awarded the Silver Star. 

Following his recovery, LT Rudloff attended the Naval War College at Newport Rhode Island. Lieutenant Commander Rudloff next attended F-14 Tomcat Replacement Air Group training with the VF-124 at NAS Miramar, followed by his service as an F-14 RIO with VF-111 at NAS Miramar.  His next assignment was with Headquarters Allied Forces Northern Europe in Oslo, Norway, and then in the Bureau of Naval Personnel at the Pentagon, where Commander Rudloff retired from the Navy on November 1, 1984.

Upon moving to Cooperstown, he worked for a time at the Veterans Service Agency.  

Stephen was an active and devoted member of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 and the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. He truly enjoyed times spent with his friends at the Cooperstown Vets Club. 

Stephen is survived by two sons, Geoffrey C. Rudloff and wife, Paola, of Cooperstown, and Adrian Rudloff of Los Angeles, California; a daughter, Allyson Passeroff of Delray Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, Daniel, Michael and Stephanie Rudloff and Julia Passeroff; and a brother, Ernie Rudloff of Long Island. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, pastor, officiating. 

Commander Rudloff will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cooperstown Veterans Club, PO Box 1264, 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.