Jean Smullens

1935 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Jean Smullens, “Grandma Jean”, 86, passed away peacefully at home in the company of her children late Wednesday night, November 24, 2021.

The youngest of three, Jean was born on August 8, 1935, to Walter and Elizabeth (Martzloff) O’Connell in Lowville. She graduated from Lowville Academy and Central School in 1953, where her parents were both teachers. She attended Albany Medical Center School of Nursing, where she met her husband, Robert. In 1959, Bob and Jean were married in Lowville. Later that year Jean received her RN accreditation and the two took up residency in Johnstown where she began her nursing career as a staff nurse at Johnstown Hospital and then later, as a clinical instructor at St. Mary’s Hospital School in Amsterdam. In 1964, after obtaining her BS in Nursing from Russell Sage College, Bob became a partner in Church & Scott Pharmacy, and the two moved to Cooperstown. 

Three children later, she returned to work at The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home before becoming an LPN instructor at Otsego BOCES. In 1984, she began her most cherished work as a supervising nurse for Otsego County Public Health and also received her Masters in vocational education. She retired in 2000, but soon after returned to the County as a part-time staff nurse for two years before becoming a part-time admissions nurse at Bassett Hospital until 2015. 
An avid sports fan and long-time supporter of Cooperstown Athletics, Jean often attended various sporting events where the young athletes dubbed her “Grandma Jean.” She was a staunch NY Yankee fan and loved to watch and attend Syracuse basketball games.

Locally, she will be fondly remembered as a third of what the late Fr. John Roos respectfully called, “The Holy Trinity” along with her long-time friends Barb LaCava and Carol Taylor, who travelled the country and world together. The Cooperstown community was very important to Jean, who served on numerous committees and organizations. She enjoyed organizing retired nurses’ luncheons and organized knitters and distributed supplies for the Chemo Cap Program for cancer patients at Bassett. Her kind heart, cheery and caring personality, heart-warming smile and her never ending desire to help people left a lasting impression on the lives of all who knew and loved her. 

Jean is survived by three children, Thomas (Cooperstown), with children Devereux and Kylen, Anne (Cooperstown) with children Maggie and Reilly, and Andrew “Face” (Seattle); a sister-in-law, Evelyn O’Connell, and several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 39 years, Bob Smullens, and her brothers, James and Jack O’Connell. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, Cooperstown, with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor officiating. 

A private Service of Committal and Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index. 

In lieu of flowers, Jean’s family would appreciate memorial donations in her memory to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY  13820. 

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 Galluba

1944 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – On Thursday, November 25, 2021, William “Billy” Galluba passed away at Albany Medical Center with his loving wife of 55 years and daughters by his side. He fought a courageous battle against leukemia. He was 77. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores (Dede), two daughters, Gail DeNicola and son-in-law Dave, Sharon Galluba, sister Betty Lou and brother-in-law Tom Eccles, and his grandchildren Bryan, Steven, Kristyn, and Sarah and great granddaughter Harper.

Bill was born to Louis and Betty Galluba in Brooklyn on August 5, 1944. He grew up in Sea Cliff and graduated from North Shore High School. He served in the US Army Military Police as 1st Lieutenant with the 101st Airborne. After service in the Army, Bill joined the NYC police department and became a detective in the 13th Precinct in downtown Manhattan. He loved to tell stories about his time as a police officer, and share his love of NYC with his grandchildren. After 20 years on the force, he retired and helped his daughters purchase BusyBee Florists in Oakdale and Islip. He spent many hours helping out and talking to customers.
Bill could never sit still. During his retirement, he decided to go back to work for Dunbar Armory for almost 10 years. He made new friends and traveled around the country, which he loved. He visited many big cities and had so many stories to tell about the places he went to and the people he met. 

While in the service, he married the love of his life, Dolores (Dede) LeTellier, on July 2, 1966. Until the day he died, he told her how beautiful she is. They shared their love of traveling, and together they went on 21 cruises over the years and spent 14 winters in Hawaii. They also enjoyed time at their condo in Pawleys Island, South Carolina where they would bike together, spend endless hours on the beach and enjoy happy hour at Quigleys.

Bill and Dede raised their daughters in West Islip and from there moved to Walton. Bill loved the Catskill Mountains. He also built a vacation home overlooking the Pepacton Reservoir which he enjoyed for many years. He and Dede built their final home together in Cooperstown and lived there for the past 20 years. Bill loved Otsego Lake and all that it had to offer: boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, bird watching and golfing. When he wasn’t working in his garden, he spent many hours at Glimmerglass Park walking around and enjoying the scenery. He loved to sit by the lake. 

Bill’s four grandchildren and great granddaughter brought him his greatest joy over the years. He traveled with them and shared all that he loved to do. Many hours were spent playing ping pong and Uno when they were younger. The grandkids loved to hear his stories and share their lives with him. He was there for every graduation, birthday and holiday. As they got older, Grandpa Billy loved to communicate with them via text messages and SnapChat. He was so proud of all that they were accomplishing: college graduations, Steven’s service in the US Marine Corps and the birth of his great granddaughter. Bill is survived by many loving friends too. The simple things in life made him happiest: a cup of coffee, a glass of red wine, a good meal, 10,000 steps and conversation with everyone! He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and four grandpups.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Thomas E. Pullyblank, United Methodist Minister, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, Cooperstown and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 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.

Bruce E. Bachanas

1957 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Bruce E. Bachanas of Christian Hill, a life-long area resident who worked for many years as a baker, passed away Thursday afternoon, November 18, 2021, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 63.

Born December 20, 1957, in Cooperstown, Bruce Edward Bachanas was one of three children of the late Norman Edmund Bachanas and Bernice G. (Roseboom) Bachanas. In his youth, he and his family enjoyed many camping trips, as well as the annual family vacation that took place just about every August which provided many great memories.  His nickname became “Wish”, bestowed on him by his grandfather because he was always wishing for this and wishing for that. After graduating with the Class of 1976 from Cooperstown Central School, he joined the military, and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. 

For most of his working life he was employed as a baker for various establishments, starting with Dan-Dee Donuts in Oneonta and Hemstrought’s Bakery in Utica. For many years he was employed as a baker at The Otesaga in Cooperstown where he made many great memories, great friends and created many a masterpiece including giant gingerbread houses of different area landmarks including Kingfisher Tower. In November of 2000 he started working for Price Chopper, and from 2005 until 2008 he was the bakery manager at the Price Chopper in Richfield Springs. 

Throughout his life he loved playing golf, anytime, anyplace. One of his proudest moments was achieving a hole-in-one at The Leatherstocking Golf Course one Halloween day. He had a fondness for watching Buffalo Bills football games, so much so that he and his wife, Jerilynn attended a game in Buffalo on their honeymoon, followed by a visit to Niagara Falls. He also enjoyed playing darts, watching Syracuse University Orange basketball games, the New York Mets, and NASCAR, all while enjoying an ice cold Lake Placid UBU Ale and a cigar. Every year he enjoyed taking his parents and mother and father-in-law on fall trips all around beautiful New York State. He will also be remembered as the master griller for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a passion he enjoyed year round. 

After Bruce became incapacitated due to MS, he spent most of his time at home doing a lot of bird and squirrel watching from his window. He always enjoyed their antics. 

On September 18, 1999, Bruce married Jerilynn Dykstra in a ceremony at Christ Church, Cooperstown. In addition to his wife of 22 years, Jerilynn of Christian Hill, Bruce is survived by his three daughters from his first marriage, Whitney, Kelsey and Lillian Bachanas who he always enjoyed seeing, and a grandson, Connor Freeman who he especially enjoyed spending time with – hearing his joyful laughter brought him great happiness. He is further survived by a sister, Jane Bachanas and partner, John Knapp of Schuyler Lake, and a brother, Michael Bachanas of Richfield Springs, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his dad, affectionately known as “Norm” or “Bub”, who died July 7, 2006, and mom, “Bercie”, who died November 6, 2014. 

A service will be offered at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, (the 91st anniversary of his mother’s birth), at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Richard Sliter officiating. 

Immediately following the service, all are welcome to gather at The Pratt for a more informal time of food and drink and sharing stories of Bruce’s wonderful life. 

For those who wish to honor Bruce’s life with a memorial donation, please consider the Fly Creek Emergency Squad, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337 in appreciation for the many times they helped Bruce. Please also consider the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 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.

Dolores S. Coleman

1929 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN - Dolores S. Coleman, founder of Coleman's Answering Service that served the Cooperstown community and beyond for 50 years, died late Saturday afternoon, November 13, 2021, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, she was 92.

A native of Cooperstown, Dolores Maxine Snyder was born at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital on February 27, 1929, a daughter of Clifford LeRoy Snyder and Genevieve Veda née Knapp Snyder, and was raised on a farm in Middlefield. In the summer of 1945, she went to work for "Ma Bell", which is what New York Telephone Co. was referred to at the time. One year later, she graduated from Cherry Valley High School with the Class of '46, and attended ("at the insistence of my father!") a business school in Utica. That didn't last long, and she returned to work as a switchboard operator at the Cooperstown exchange, then located at 52 Pioneer Street, just south of the Pratt Hotel. 

It was during this time that she met Charles A. Coleman, and on December 3, 1948, they were married in a ceremony held in the Rectory at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Patrick Whelan officiating. Dolores and Chuck first lived on Pioneer Street, and then settled into their home on Beaver Street and raised their three boys. 

For the next 15 years Dolores continued working for the telephone company. She and the other operators placed all calls manually, plugging a long cord into a socket to receive an incoming call, and then plugging another long cord into another socket to send that call on to its destination. She did that until February 18, 1961, when New York Telephone Co, (Ma Bell's official name) closed the local exchange. 

About the time that the phone company went dial, a good friend, Tom Goodyear, invited all the telephone girls to a party at Cary Mede Farm. It was there that he asked Dolores what she wanted to do with the rest of her life, and asked her about running an answering service in Cooperstown. Dolores' response was no-she just didn't think there would be many customers. Goodyear assured her that with his help, they would. So on July 3, 1961, a switchboard was placed in the Coleman home on Beaver Street and Coleman's Answering Service was in business. She started with seven customers (The American Red Cross was first, closely followed by Ingalls Funeral Home) and by the end of the year she was up to 14. She operated the switchboard day and night for 20 years, but on September 25, 1981, she switched to, as she put it, "an oversized telephone". Over the course of 50 years, Dolores' customers reached more than 100, including several funeral homes, physicians, veterinarians, automobile repair shops, and the police department. Whether it was a late-night call during calving season, or the unpleasant call about the death of a loved one, her service was there, with Dolores ready to answer. 

After her 50 years, four months and four days in service, Dolores sold her answering service to a company in Albany. She was very concerned that her loyal customers be well-served by the new company, as many had become good friends and were no longer just customers. 

She and Chuck later sold their home on Beaver Street and moved to the Cooper Lane Apartments. She enjoyed the ability to walk to town, have lunch with old friends, shop and enjoy other pleasures she was not able to do since she was always answering the phone. 

Through the years, Dolores had a passion for horses and horse racing, and somehow always found time to get away for at least a day to go to the track. Perhaps her most favorite place to go was Saratoga during racing season in August. On May 17, 2014, her family honored her love of horses by having the first race at Belmont Park named for her. Before, during and after this special event, Dolores expressed how much she enjoyed this. 

Dolores will also be remembered for the many cakes she baked for family and friends’ special events and parties. In later years she enjoyed being a part of the Prayerfully Made Ministry at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, knitting blankets and shawls for the local hospital and nursing homes.

She will be greatly missed by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Charles A. "Skip" Coleman III and Laura, Clifford S. Coleman and Colleen, and Carter F. Coleman and Katie, all of Cooperstown. She is further survived by eight grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren: Brandi and Ross Valvo and their two children, Amanda Coleman and her two children, Jill Coleman and her three children, Lindsay and Tim Hayes and their two children, Clifford and Meagan Coleman, Jr. and their two children, Melissa and Dan Croft and their three children, Maegan and Scott Whiteman and their three children, and McKenzie Coleman. Also surviving is a very special cousin, Susan Vicki Rezen of Florida, and many, many nieces and nephews. She often stated that she had a very special family and loved them all very much. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Chuck "Pappy" Coleman, who died November 9, 2013, and her sister, Betsy J. Snyder, who died May 15, 2016. 

Family and friends may pay their respects at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Saturday morning, November 27, 2021. 

A Funeral Service will be offered at 12 Noon on Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Betsy Jay officiating. Immediately following the service, all are welcome to re-gather at the Cooperstown Vets Club for a time of refreshment, fellowship, and perhaps some singing…

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dolores to the Cooperstown Fire Department, PO Box 1, 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.

Louise Clark Hulse

1917 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Louise Clark Hulse, a native of Cooperstown, died early Sunday morning, November 14, 2021, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. She was 104.

Born Louise Frances Clark on September 21, 1917, at The Thanksgiving Hospital in Cooperstown, she was the only child of John Vincent Clark and Louise née Hanlon Clark. At the time of her birth, her family was firmly embedded into the fabric of Cooperstown: her maternal grandfather, Michael Hanlon, served as Mayor of the Village in the early 1900s and owned three hotels, and one uncle owned a printing press and another a shoe store. 

During World War I Louise and her parents moved to Church Street in Oneonta. As a young girl she grew up swimming in Oneonta’s Wilber Park and going to the circus on the Sixth Ward Booster Club fields. She could recall tense times during her childhood, such as when the Ku Klux Klan would burn crosses up in the hills. And when Al Smith ran for President of the United States – the first Catholic to do so – her mother put his picture in the window of their house and someone threw a brick through it into their living room. 

After attending St. Mary’s School in Oneonta, she graduated from Oneonta High School in 1935. She received her undergraduate degree from Hartwick College in 1939, and earned a master’s degree in French from Syracuse University. For several years, she taught language in Bellport on Long Island, where she met her husband, Richmond L. Hulse, who was from Westhampton Beach. The couple was married January 30, 1944, in a ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta. 

At the time, Mr. Hulse, a pharmacist, was serving in the US Navy as an analytical chemist, so Louise and he lived in Brooklyn for two years until he was assigned to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. To be nearer to her family, Louise took a teaching job at Morris Central School. After the War, they returned to Long Island where they raised their family. They spent their summers in Oneonta. 

The Hulses retired to Cooperstown in 1982, largely because of the Leatherstocking Golf Course. Both avid golfers, Louise played until she was 89. They also enjoyed attending productions of the Glimmerglass Opera, were active members of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown and the Leatherstocking Golf Course, and spent their winters in Stuart, Florida. Louise was also active with the Bassett Auxiliary and the Cooperstown Women’s Club, did expert needlepoint, and enjoyed playing Bridge and arranging flowers. Throughout her life, she was always devoted to her family and her faith. 

After Mr. Hulse passed away on January 4, 2001, Louise continued to maintain the family home in Lakeland Shores. In October of 2018 she moved into Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. 

Louise is survived by two sons and a daughter, Richmond J. Hulse, Sr. and Donna Thomson Hulse of Cooperstown and Kiawha Island, South Carolina, Christopher Hulse and Patricia of Cos Cob, Connecticut, and Pamela Lotito and Alan, of West Hempstead, Long Island; six grandchildren, Richmond J. Hulse, Jr. (Christine) Christopher P. Hulse (Jennifer), Stephanie Gannon (Michael), Alan Lotito (Suzanne), Kristin Lotito, and Kimberly Horowitz (Phil); and 12 great grandchildren, Ryan and Leah Lotito, Richmond Matthew Hulse, Betsy, Chip and Jane Hulse, Liam, Bradley and Morgan Gannon, and Erica, Mason and Hayden Horowitz. 

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. Thursday afternoon, November 18, 2021, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2021, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor officiating. 

The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index, where Louise will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, Masses or contributions to the charity of one’s choice would be greatly appreciated.

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.

Sandra L. Thorne

1942 - 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Sandra “Sandy” L. Thorne, a native of Cooperstown and long-time faithful member of Christ Church, passed away peacefully Monday evening, November 8, 2021, at her home with her family by her side. She was 79.

Born September 22, 1942, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Sandy was a daughter of William R.P. and Aline M. (Campbell) Heller. 

After graduating from Cooperstown High School in 1960, Sandy attended the Central City Business Institute (CCBI) in Syracuse where she completed their secretarial course. For many years she was employed as the Office Manager and Secretary for the Otsego County Highway Department. 

On August 8, 1964, at Christ Church in Cooperstown, Sandy was united in marriage to Marshall Lewis Thorne, another Cooperstown native who had just completed his time in the United States Marine Corps. They lived for a time in her grandparent’s home on Elm Street in Cooperstown, until moving to a home near Fork Shop where they have happily resided for the past 30 years. 

Of the Episcopal faith, Sandy was a life-long, devoted and faithful member of Christ Church in Cooperstown. Through the years she served the church in many ways, including serving on the Altar Guild, ushering with Marshall, and as a member of the Vestry. She and Marshall were also faithful attendees of the 8 a.m. Sunday Services. She was also member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown, the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Auxiliary, and served for many years as secretary on the Board of Directors of the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery Association. In her leisure, she loved to shop and enjoyed entertaining, especially dinner parties with all the extras. Sandy also had a fondness for the Christmas season that was unmatched. She always went out of her way to make Christmas special for everyone she knew, and during the Holidays her home was a testament to her love for the Season as she displayed her enormous collection of Santa Clauses. Most especially, Sandy loved her family – they were the most important part of her life. She especially adored and doted on her two granddaughters, Dakota and Natasha, and she and Marshall enjoyed taking them on trips. Family, Church and Community: Sandy led a full and productive life, and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Marshall, of Cooperstown; their son, Jeffrey S. Thorne and wife, Stephanie, of Otego; two granddaughters, Dakota R. and Natasha L. Thorne; and a sister, Marion Terpening of Warren, Ohio and Cooperstown, and her family, Matthew W.C. Terpening and Andrew J., Matthew D., Jaden N., Trinity R. and Tristan Terpening and Meredith M. Arn and Brenna M. Arn and Sage.

The Office of the Burial of the Dead with Holy Eucharist (Rite One) will be offered at 11 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, in Christ Church, Cooperstown, with the Rev'd Nathan P. Ritter, Rector officiating.

The Committal service and inurnment will follow at the Ecumenical Columbarium in the Church-yard at Christ Church.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Christ Church All Souls Fund, 69 Fair Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Fly Creek Emergency Squad, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

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.