Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc.Funeral Home: October 2022

Edward S. Weidner, Sr. – better known as “Opa”

1944 - 2022

COOPERSTOWN – Edward S. Weidner, Sr., 78, of Cooperstown, passed away early Saturday morning, October 29, 2022, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

He was born January 20, 1944, in Queens, the son of Edward J. and Louise (Plucinski) Weidner.

He married Linda C. Leary in 1963, in St. James on Long Island.

When Ed and Linda relocated to Cooperstown in 1971, Ed began his roofing and siding business. He also purchased Curcio’s Grocery, later renamed Weidner’s Grocery which was in existence until Great American came to Cooperstown.

Ed loved his three children; however, when his grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived, they took center stage!

Ed could be found always wearing his children’s and grandchildren’s college spirit apparel as he cheered them on from the sidelines.

Of all his accomplishments, his most proud achievement in life was marrying his wife, Linda, who supported him in all his glory during his heyday and lovingly tended to him physically during their last days together.

He knew the value of a hard day’s work which he instilled in his children.

He was self-proclaimed as “the only man that could by hand, out nail a nail gun.”

Ed loved the NY Jets and held out hope that would someday win another Superbowl.

He loved keeping his grass beautifully manicured even if it meant mowing six days a week. “If you’re not cutting it on the diagonal and rotate each time, all you’re doing is knocking it down.”

He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of family and a firm understanding for what was important in life.

Ed is survived by his wife, Linda, of 59 years, Cooperstown; his daughter Linda Flynn of Cooperstown and her two children Jennifer Flynn and Jeffrey Flynn (Jaclyn) and their children Reagan and Ryder of Cooperstown; his daughter Christine Reilly (Kevin) of Hammdondsport and their two children Sean Reilly (Kylie) and Katie Reilly (Dylan) and their daughter, Averie; and his son Edward S. Weidner, Jr. (Erin) of Pleasant Valley and their children Ashlyn, Jack and Terence. He is further survived by his sister, Maryann Clyne (James) of Massachusetts, his brother, Jerry Weidner (Debra) of Medford, and several much loved nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George Weidner and his sister, Louise Contursi.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Thursday 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 be at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations to be made to 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.

Philip L. Washburn, Esq.

1940 - 2022

COOPERSTOWN – Philip L. Washburn, Esq., a long-time resident of Cooperstown and well-respected attorney, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, October 22, 2022, at HarborChase of Prince William Commons in Woodbridge, Virginia, with family at his side. He was 81.

Born November 14, 1940, in Gouverneur, Phil was a son of Leonard Bacon Washburn and Marguerite (Halpin) Washburn. After graduating from Gouverneur High School in 1958, Phil attended Harpur College, now known as Binghamton University. In 1960 he left college to enlist in the United States Army, and honorably served his country while stationed at a base in Sinop, Turkey. Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the military in 1963, he returned to college life and attended Tulane University Law School. It was there that he met Pamela Waits, and they were married August 20, 1966, in a ceremony at Lake Vista United Methodist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana.

After graduating from law school, Phil practiced law for the next two years in Syracuse. After searching for a nice small community in which to practice law, Phil and Pam settled on Cooperstown, and in 1970 moved into their home on Elm Street. He first worked with Scott E. Greene, Esq. and then went off on his own for four years. He then joined the law firm of Van Horne, Feury and Gozigian, which later became Feury, Gozigian and Washburn and is now Gozigian, Washburn and Clinton.

Through the years Phil served as the attorney for the Village of Cooperstown, as an Assistant District Attorney, and was a member of the Otsego County and New York State Bar Associations. He was also a former member and past president of the Cooperstown Rotary Club, a subscriber at The Leatherstocking Golf Course and a member of The Mohican Club.

Phil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pam Washburn of Cooperstown; two sons, Matthew P. Washburn of Alexandria, Virginia, and John W. Washburn of Cooperstown; a grandson, Alexander M. Washburn; and a sister, Kathleen Fuller of Gouverneur.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Washburn.

At Phil’s request there will be no services. He will be privately laid to rest in The Columbarium in the cemetery of The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.

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

Terry W. Onyan

1957 - 2022

COOPERSTOWN – Terry W. Onyan, a long-time Cooperstown and Fly Creek resident, passed away due to recent health issues late Saturday afternoon, October 15, 2022, at his home in Fly Creek with his loving wife, Wendy at his side.

Born July 5, 1957, in Norwich, Terry was the son of Hobart and Norma (Rothwell) Onyan. As a young boy, Terry and his family moved to Cooperstown where he graduated from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1976.

During his high school years Terry started working at Smith Ford, where he continued as a dedicated employee until his retirement on February 25, 2022. He was truly a fixture at the dealership.

He enjoyed racing and working on his race car, riding motorcycles, and especially loved driving his vintage red 1969 Ford Mustang.

Terry will be greatly missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched.

Terry met the love of his life, Wendy A. Fink 29 years ago, and they married on October 31, 1998, in Cooperstown. They enjoyed their years together and especially liked travelling to warm weather destinations, including being snow-birds in Vero Beach, Florida last year.

In addition to his wife, Wendy, Terry is survived by his mother, Norma Onyan of Cooperstown; a son, Joshua Onyan and granddaughters Gillian and Addison of Yuma, Arizona; a daughter, Amanda Swatling of Oneonta; a sister, Louise Wayman of Toddsville; and a brother, Gregory Onyan of Fly Creek. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Suzanne C. Fink, brother-in-law, Michael S. Fink and wife, Lori, and sister-in-law, Kelly L. Banner and husband, Bruce; nieces and nephews Zach, Whitney, Jesse, Jacqueline, Garrett and JoAnna; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Stewart L. Fink, who he referred to as “Pops”; step-father, Edward C. Smith; a brother, Bradley L. Onyan; and a niece, Christina Anne Wayman Selan.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. A service will be offered at 6 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. Jason Cashing, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, officiating.

Immediately following the service all are welcome to gather at the Cooperstown Veterans Club on Main Street for refreshments and a celebration of Terry.

As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

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

Bruce D. Andrews

1956 - 2022

SCHUYLER LAKE – Bruce D. Andrews, born in Cooperstown on December 1, 1956, died unexpectedly on October 1, 2022.

He was the son of Margaret (Marge) and Arthur Andrews, of Fly Creek. In his youth and throughout his high school years, Bruce was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America in the Cooperstown and Fly Creek areas and earned all 21 of the Merit Badges required for his Eagle Scout Award.

He graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1974, SUNY Cobleskill in 1976, attended Michigan Tech in 1977 and graduated with a BS degree in Wildlife Services from The University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point in 1978. After college Bruce worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Madison, Wisconsin, and Benson, Minnesota. In 1981, he returned home and began work at Herkimer County BOCES. During the summer months, he worked at Baseball Nostalgia (BBN), a memorabilia shop in Cooperstown. In 1990, he left BOCES and began working as the full-time manager at BBN.

That same year he married Sue Clapperton on May 11. They lived in Schuyler Lake, where they enjoyed a wonderful life together.

Bruce was very active in the local community. He served as President of the Exeter Historical Association and President of the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery Association. He coached football, basketball, track, baseball and volleyball at several of the local area high schools over the years. He truly enjoyed working within the athletic programs and with the students. In 1992 he was named The Daily Star High School Football Coach of the Year, and in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the youth of Cooperstown and the surrounding area, especially in sports, Bruce was the recipient in 2011 of the 19th Patrick G. Fetterman Award.

He also loved listening to singer/songwriters. So much so, that in 1997, he and Sue began presenting them in their home through their House Concert Series. They continued this for the next 25 years, having a concert just a week prior to his death.

He had a passion for his dogs. He always had at least one dog, usually two dogs and on occasion three dogs in his home. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and English Springer Spaniels would always greet you when you entered the Andrews home in Schuyler Lake.

He and Sue enjoyed travelling, especially to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a place Bruce fell in love with during his time at Michigan Tech. Bruce also loved his trip to Ireland. It was a music tour with a singer/songwriter friend as the host. It was a trip of a lifetime that Bruce talked about to anyone who would listen.

Bruce had many accomplishments throughout his life and meant so much to the community. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met and would never hesitate to lend a hand to anyone who needed one. He will be truly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sue; a brother James (Nicki), a nephew, Clayton (Ashley), a niece, Maria, and one grandniece, Kimberly.

A visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A service in celebration of Bruce’s life will be offered at 11 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Fly Creek United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be private in the Adams Cemetery in Fork Shop.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery Association, PO Box 93, Fly Creek, NY 13337, The Schuyler Lake Fire Department, 1490 County Highway 22, Schuyler Lake, NY 13457, or The Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church Food Pantry, PO Box 102, Schuyler Lake, NY 13457.

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

John Poole Briggs

1937 - 2022

COOPERSTOWN – John Poole Briggs, 85, died peacefully at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida, on September 16, 2022, with his fiancé at his side.

He was born on August 9, 1937, to Harold John Poole and Edna Martha (Fredericks) Briggs of Northport. As a young boy he spent summers on his father’s boat the “Silver Fox” where he developed a love for the ocean. A businessman at heart, John would sell batteries and T.V. tubes to fishermen and boaters on the dock in Northport. At 15, he opened his first T.V. repair shop behind the Midway, a newspaper & soda shop. He then proceeded to help his lifelong friend, Elsa Posey, who was also 15, open her school of dance. In 1954, he drove his 1934 wood-side Ford across country to Alaska. After his funds were exhausted, he returned home. The young businessman continued with his T.V. repair business as he rented a shop on Main Street in Northport. One lesson he would reflect on often was when his father borrowed $1,000.00 from him and used it as down payment to purchase a building for the business. His father’s opinion was, in business, if you have to make payments, “it is better to own than rent.” In 1958 he began his service in the Army, where he served as a wireman specialist for 3 years. He was discharged from the Ready Reserve in 1965 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. John married and, in 1967, moved his family to Hartwick, where he continued his T.V. business while opening the Cooperstown Tent and Trailer Campground. Later, he built and opened the Hartwick Heights Mobile Home Park and the Lollypop Farm & Petting Zoo. Also, during those years, he studied organ at Hartwick College with Dr. Claire Coci, built an entire pipe organ in his living room, and married Jeanne Norman-Briggs. He was an avid gardener, loved to listen to music, and enjoyed talking and meeting new friends. He was life member of the NRA, American Legion and a 29-year member of Otsego Lodge No. 138, Free & Accepted Masons in Cooperstown. After his retirement in 2012, John returned to the ocean. He spent his last years in Florida camping, riding a trike, sightseeing (ship museums), walking on the beach, and playing with his dogs.

John is predeceased by his wife Jeanne Norman-Briggs, father Harold Briggs, mother, Edna Fredericks-Briggs, brother Robert Harold Briggs and niece Andrea Beams.

John is survived by his partner and fiancé Rebekah Mead; his son Christopher John Briggs (Tamara) and their four children, Caitlin, Noah, Joshua and Andrew Briggs; his daughter, Anita Jean Briggs Jones (Lyle Jones) and his step-grandchildren Victor, Brent and Shane and their respective significant others and families.

He leaves behind many first cousins, Gail Fredericks-Latchford, David Fredericks, Dick Fredericks, Doug Fredericks and many nephews and nieces.

John had an infectious smile and was an inspiration to many people. Through his works, many lifelong friendships were forged. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At 5 p.m. a Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted by Brothers of Otsego Lodge No. 138, F. & A.M., Cooperstown. Following this, prepared remarks will be presented by family members. Military Honors will then be accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

Following the visitation and services, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Hartwick Rod and Gun Club, Rod & Gun Club Road, Hartwick.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family would appreciate memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38146 or Boys Town, P.O. Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010, or The National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.

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