Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc.Funeral Home: 2023

Stephen L. Sheldon

1955 - 2023

HARTWICK – Stephen Lee Sheldon, a life-long area resident, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 67.

Born July 1, 1955, in Cooperstown, Steve was one of four sons of William Lee and Grace Patricia (Davidson) Sheldon. He attended Cooperstown Central School and graduated with the Class of 1973.

On November 10, 1979, he was joined in marriage to Jane Marie Morris in a ceremony at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. They moved to Hemlock Hill Farm in 1986 and raised four loving and strong-willed children in an idyllic country setting. Steve was a dedicated family man, always wanting to know how his children and the extended family were doing.

Steve was known for his wisdom, witty sense of humor, charm, and propensity for storytelling. He had a profound love and respect for nature and was a man of many interests throughout his life including drawing, architecture, landscaping, construction, auto racing, hiking, rock climbing, camping, skiing, and grilling. He was an active Assistant Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America’s Troop 1254 throughout the 1990s, sharing his skills with the next generation. Many will remember Steve for his time in the truck division at Smith Ford in Cooperstown, where he was always working hard to help municipalities and members of the community.

Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jane M. Sheldon of Hartwick; their four children and spouses, William and Lauren Sheldon of Rotterdam, Lindsey and John Havlik of Cooperstown, Stephanie and Randy Garrett of Charlotte, NC, and Erin and Robert Ives of Schuylerville; two grandsons, Henry Charles and Levon Scott Sheldon; his three brothers, David H. and Glenda Sheldon and Gregory W. and Elizabeth Sheldon of Norwich and Scott G. and Colleen Sheldon of Milford, PA and Cooperstown; and his many beloved nieces and nephews.

As an alternative to flowers, the Sheldon family would appreciate a memorial donation to Cooperstown’s Boy Scout Troop 1254, c/o Diana Nicols, 742 County Highway 59, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348.

Family and friends are invited to call and pay their respects from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 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.

Jeffrey R. Smith

1963 - 2023

COOPERSTOWN – Jeffrey Richard Smith of Cooperstown and Venice, FL, son of Gayle and Jack Smith of Cooperstown, entered into eternal rest Wednesday night, March 1, 2023, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in North Venice, FL following an extended illness. He was 60.

Born February 26, 1963, in Little Falls, Jeff graduated from Cooperstown Central School where he was a proud “Redskin” participating in many sports. He then attended Fordham University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

For over 20 years, Jeff owned and operated Smitty’s Pit Bar & Grille and the Pig & Pickerel Pub on Washington Avenue in Albany. He ran his business as a family, lending a hand to employees and customers when they were down on their luck.

An ardent life-time fan of the New York Yankees, Jeff also loved golf, and was proud of once having a hole-in-one on the 9th hole at The Leatherstocking Golf Course. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm, for being quick-witted and for possessing a unique sense of humor. A good story, a good laugh and the Budweiser song were things he relished throughout his life. He drank tea, not coffee in the morning, and other things later in the day.

Throughout his life he reinvented himself several times over, at times defying medical and professional advice, and even likely outcomes. In the end Jeff faced death as he often faced life … without fear, and on his own terms.

Jeff is survived by his mother and father, Gayle and Jack Smith of Cooperstown; his three children of whom he was quite proud and cherished any contact, Whitney and Allyson of Albany and Zachary of Texas; four sisters, Abbie Ashford of Old Cottonwood, Arizona, Amy Smith of Stuart, Florida, Emily Smith of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Veronica Harris and husband, Jeffrey of Aspinwall, Pennsylvania; two brothers, Sean Smith of Lawton, Oklahoma and Norton Smith and wife, Kimberly of Malibu, California; two uncles, Gary L. Shults and wife, Helen of Canajoharie and Manly E. Shults and wife, Karen of Delhi; three aunts, Sondra Failing of Fort Plain, Mary Buckley of Little Silver, New Jersey and Vera Quigley and husband, Robert of Cooperstown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with The Very Reverend Michael G. Cambi, pastor, presiding.

In honor of Jeff, pay a kindness forward.

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

Maria Tripp

1937 - 2023

COOPERSTOWN – With the love of her husband, Wendell, her family, and her many friends in her heart, Maria Tripp of Cooperstown passed away at Bassett Hospital on May 9, 2023, after a brief illness. She leaves a robust legacy of love, kindness and affection that will live on through all who knew her.

Maria was born to Hector and Popi Kontinou on February 15, 1937, in Athens, Greece. She endured German occupation and witnessed the Greek Civil War as a young Athenian. She attended an English-speaking school in Athens, where she excelled at her studies. Maria was awarded a full scholarship to Elmira College, crossed the Atlantic in a passenger liner to come to America alone, and earned a BA in English. She married Ansis Zamelis in 1957 and they moved from Ithaca to New York City. They first came to Cooperstown in 1967, then relocated to Old Greenwich, Connecticut. She came back to Cooperstown in 1971, where she enjoyed the remainder of her full and productive life. She was employed by Van Horne, Feury & Gozigian, the New York State Historical Association, and eventually retired from Bassett Research Institute.

Maria married the love of her life, Wendell E. Tripp, in 1987 and they shared over three and a half decades of love, family, mutual admiration, and respect. For more than 50 years, Maria loved to visit our local parks, especially Three Mile Point, and is known by many for her determined walks around the streets of her village and beyond. A talented artist, Maria enjoyed painting local landscapes in and around Otsego Lake. Maria made friends easily and enjoyed many groups of loving friends, including her painting buddies, SQPCA Thrift Shop friends, Pyramid Lake companions, Yellowstone traveling gang, and former colleagues, to name a few.

Maria is predeceased by her brother, Costas Kontinou, and is survived by her loving husband, Wendell, as well as her oldest son, Robert Zamelis, his wife Christan (Hood) and their daughter Madelyn; her son Douglas Zamelis, his wife Cheryl (Pratt), their daughter Ariadne and her husband Alex Wright, and their son Nicholas and his companion Lauren Perry. Maria is also survived by Wendell’s children, Dana Peeters, her husband Martin, her daughter Stefanie and her husband, Kyllan Brindle, and their children, Tolba, Carmella, and Aoife; MariaRosa Konopka, her companion Robert Verklas, and her daughter Giuliana, and her son Andrew Konopka and his daughter Vivianne; Nancy Morris and her husband Dan, and their children Olivia and Leland; and Robert Tripp, his wife Angela, and their children Samantha and John.

Maria will be remembered fondly for her boundless love for her family and friends, her keen sense for beauty in life, music, art, and nature, and her willingness to tell you exactly what she thought.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maria’s memory may be made to the Cooperstown Art Association.

Anthony J. Knoerzer

1937 - 2023

COOPERSTOWN – Anthony J. Knoerzer, who, along with his wife, Anne, recently became a resident of The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown, entered into eternal rest early Tuesday morning, May 2, 2023, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 85.

Born August 11, 1937, in New York City, Tony was a son of John and Barbara (Brendall) Knoerzer.

Tony always loved working with electricity and was an avid collector, designer and builder of toy trains and layouts. For many years he was employed on Long Island by AT&T, which he always kiddingly referred to as a “small mom and pop business.”

In retirement he and Anne moved to Glen Allen, Virginia, where they became members of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Together with Anne, Tony enjoyed travel, friends and golf. But more than anything, they loved spending time with their six grandchildren and three children. Anne and Tony recently took great joy in welcoming their first great grandchild, Aurora, to the family.

Tony is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne, a resident of The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown; two sons, Michael A. Knoerzer and his wife, Elizabeth of Lakeland Shores, Cooperstown and Anthony Knoerzer and his wife, Michelle, of Florissant, Colorado; and a daughter, Kellie Ann Lempner and her husband, Mike, of Glen Allen, Virginia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with the Rev. James O’Rourke, Parochial Vicar at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oneonta, officiating.

Tony will be laid to rest in the St. Michael Columbarium at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Glen Allen, Virginia.

As an alternative to flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation.

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

Louise Ann Wayman

1953 - 2023

COOPERSTOWN – Louise Ann Wayman, a long-time Cooperstown and Toddsville resident, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 24, 2023, at her home in Toddsville. She was 69.

Born June 19, 1953, in Hamilton, Lou was the second child of Hobart and Norma (Rothwell) Onyan. In her youth, Lou and her family moved to Cooperstown where she graduated from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1971.

As a young girl, Lou enjoyed and won awards showing horses with her grandfather. Her love of horses continued throughout her life.

For many years Lou was employed at Smith Ford in Cooperstown, where she served as the office manager. She was well-known in the dealership’s office and greatly contributed to the business’s success.

Lou will be greatly missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched. She was adored by many in the community and known as a generous person who loved her family and friends. She especially loved giving her grandsons bags of special treats from Oma.

Lou is survived by her long-time companion, John Kenney, Jr. of Toddsville; her mother, Norma Onyan of Cooperstown; daughter, Jacqueline Savoie and husband, Benjamin of Cooperstown, and two grandsons, Nathaniel Savoie and Christopher Savoie; the father of her daughters, Stewart Wayman of Cooperstown; a brother, Gregory Onyan; a sister-in-law, Wendy Onyan; a nephew, Joshua Onyan and his daughters, Gillian and Addison; two nieces, Amanda Swatling and Joanna Onyan; and a nephew, Garrett Bucklad.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Christina Wayman Selan who died April 3, 2007; her mother’s long-time companion, Edward C. Smith who died January 21, 2017; and two brothers, Bradley Onyan who died March 26, 2004, and Terry Onyan who died October 15, 2022.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. A service will be offered at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd officiating. Immediately following the service all are welcome to gather at the Cooperstown Veterans Club on Main Street for refreshments and a celebration of Lou.

In honor of Lou, do something kind for someone that didn’t ask for anything, and hug those that you love.

As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Christina Wayman Selan Award Fund, c/o Treasurer CCS, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

Stephen Timothy Kilty

1933 - 2023

COOPERSTOWN – Stephen Timothy Kilty, almost 90, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023, after a long, happy life filled with his family, his Catholic faith, work, golf, and travel.

Tim was born in Stillwater, MN on June 7,1933, to Stephen MacGregor Kilty and Harriet Ryden. He attended the Stillwater High School and was involved in many sports, helping the Stillwater Ponies to a sectional championship in basketball in 1951 as a senior. As the salutatorian of his graduating high school class he was awarded a scholarship to attend Princeton University where he majored in economics and music, graduating in 1955. He was an avid golfer and met the love of his life, Dorothea Laura Simonet, at the Stillwater Country Club. They married in July 1955 and he was promptly drafted into the US Army. Stationed in Chicago he served in the Counter Intelligence division for two years with an honorable discharge. He began his career as a successful salesman with 3M and other manufacturing industries in the “steel belt”, moving frequently around the Midwest from St. Paul, MN to Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, Sharon, PA, Dallas, TX, and settling in the Cleveland area, in Bay Village, OH in 1968. He co-owned Elyria Spring Co. for the last 15 years of his career.

His love of golf and mowing the lawn evolved into an interest in golf course greens management and the rules of golf. Once the “nest” was empty he and Dorothy became experts in the rules of golf and ruled at both amateur and professional tournaments including several US Open Golf Championships. Tim was appointed to the executive committee of the US Golf Association in 1995 and served on the Greens Committee. He travelled to many nations to organize and rule at international golf tournaments in Asia, Europe, and South America.

He retired to Spring Island, SC in 1999, enjoyed birdwatching, and became a Master Naturalist. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Savannah Wildlife Refuge, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, GA. In 2016 he relocated to Cooperstown, NY to spend his final years near his daughter under the care of the wonderful staff at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home and AO Fox Nursing Home.

Tim had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick mind. He had nicknames for everyone so the Family created nicknames for him. We will miss you Grampa Putt-Putt. Rest in Peace with Mom and Mary.

He is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, and his daughter, Mary Claire. He is survived by his sister, Anne Wiberg (DesPlaines, IL) daughter, Laura Kilty (Bruce Kramer) of Cooperstown, NY, his son, David Kilty (Marie) of Centennial, CO, his grandchildren, Anna Kramer, Madeline Kramer, Evelyn Kilty, and Ian Kilty, and nephews John Timothy Wiberg and Benjamin Wiberg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, pastor officiating. The Service of Committal and Burial with Military Honors will follow in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity.

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

Wayne K. Bush, Sr.

1941 - 2023

HARTWICK – Wayne K. Bush, Sr., a life-long area resident, passed away at his home in Mount Vision Tuesday morning, April 11, 2023. He was 82.

Born January 16, 1941, in Laurens, Wayne was a son of Walter K. and Olive W. (Spoor) Bush. He attended schools in Laurens and Hartwick.

On June 12, 1960, he married Joan L. Raimo in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Hartwick. They enjoyed 40 years together until she passed November 12, 2000.

He was first employed for Lyncoach & Truck Co. in Oneonta. He then went to work as a welder for the Delaware and Hudson Railway at their yards in Oneonta. After 28 years with The D & H he started W.K. Bush & Son Welding in Hartwick, which is now owned and operated by his son, Wayne, Jr. He also had a trucking business that hauled livestock for farmers throughout the State of New York.

Wayne was well known as an avid horse enthusiast who loved to use his team of Percheron draft horses for weddings, parades and Christmas caroling. He was fond of attending the Unadilla horse and tack auction, always using his number 166 for the best deal.

Wayne is survived by two daughters, Toni Griffith and husband, John and Kim Stahl and a son, Wayne K. Bush, Jr. and wife, Robin, all of Hartwick; five grandchildren, Kayla Griffith, Kenneth and Wade Stahl, and Joshua and Gabrielle Bush; and two great grandchildren, Bentley David Bush and Kinsley Griffith. He is further survived by three brothers, Douglas E. Bush and wife, Joan of Mount Vision, Leslie A. Bush and wife, Doreen of Edmeston and John W. Bush and wife, Mary of Hartwick; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Wayne was predeceased by two brothers, Donald R. Bush who died July 26, 2018, and Larry Bush who died in infancy; a granddaughter, Johnelle Lea Griffith who died April 21, 2020; and a nephew, Donald R. “DJ” Bush, Jr. who died January 20, 2023.

A private graveside service in the Hartwick Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

For those who wish to remember Wayne with a memorial donation, his family respectfully requests that donations be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. The family would like to thank Helios Care, especially Tonya, Ellen and Paula who made it possible for Wayne to remain in his home until the end. They provided care and compassion above and beyond to Wayne and the family. We would also like to thank special family friends, Jim and Marcia Mumford for all their support of our family over many years.

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

Kenneth J. Tabor

1945 - 2023

HARTWICK – On April 2, 2023, after 77 years in service of John Christopher Hartwick’s promise of a New Jerusalem, Kenneth James Tabor finally earned a day off -- but just one, because the alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m., and there is a horse to feed and wood to cut.

Kenneth was born on September 22, 1945, to Elmer and Annabelle (Dibble) Tabor of Hartwick, New York. With Orlo Burch, Darrell Risley, Wayne Bunn, and John Winslow, Ken pressed his feet against every inch of soil from Main Street to the depths of the Hinman Hollow, raising Hell just within the bounds of his Methodist upbringing, and too many times only barely coming out alive.

Ken was an exceptional flanker for the Cooperstown High School football team who blended the qualities of rubber and concrete to earn an offer to play NCAA football; he was enshrined along with his 1962 teammates in the CCS Athletics Hall of Fame. He opted instead to enlist in the United States Navy at 17, and after graduating boot camp on the day of President Kennedy’s assassination, he reported to the USS Perry (DD-844). Ken excelled in electronics and became a Veteran of Foreign Wars through service in the Dominican Republic.

He met his wife Mary (Kane) the day after his release from the service. They were married for the remaining 55 years of his life.

Ken worked at IBM in Endicott before opting for an outdoor job with New York Telephone. As a lineman and cable splicer, Ken compiled an encyclopedic knowledge of every dirt road, home, and family in Otsego County. Across four decades, he did what he said he’d do, when he said he’d do it, and never left a house out of service -- and eventually worked with his son at Verizon until his retirement. While acting as a foreman, a payroll error resulted in no one receiving a paycheck, including Ken. He went to the bank, withdrew all he could, and divided his money amongst the men to have until they got paid.

He built his ranch-style home on Christian Hill after work at night and on weekends along with Mary, her father Ken Kane, and her uncle Leon. He was a witness to and participant in all endeavors of Hartwick and its hills, from fishing, trapping, and coon hunting to successfully navigating tenuous relationships with game wardens and snowmobiling law enforcement.

Ken was also an unshakable bowler who won the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Tournament four times with two of his sons. He was an uncannily good shot with both his Yorx bow and Belgian Browning Auto-5, and he committed his mind and body to every physical endeavor. He lifted weights, played softball, ran, and questioned no burden. When walking across hot coals in karate training blistered the entirety of both his feet, he went to work the next day.

When Ken wasn’t working, he was working. No soul who has sprouted from the loins of Old England District has ever, or will likely ever, achieve Ken’s unlimited capacity for physical labor -- and especially without complaint. He cloaked under a flannel shirt a powerful, indefatigable body built through kindness and obligation; it was only revealed through the completion of labors and preparation for the next one. To his final day, he paradoxically maintained the strength of a man a third of his age despite fueling his body almost exclusively with Sal’s pepperoni and mushroom pizza and Stewart’s ice cream.

In his retirement, Ken earned a degree in Carpentry from SUNY Delhi and worked the grounds of the Glimmerglass Opera. He spent years in his woodshop doting on a succession of adopted cats, most notably the orange stray OC, who rode on his shoulder everywhere he walked.

Ken never burdened his grandchildren with the word “no,” and he attended every one of their sporting events, plays, and performances, just as he did for all of his sons. He read and acquired knowledge prodigiously, especially related to local history -- two of his most prized books were Campbell’s “Annals of Tryon County” and BC Stevens’ “Tales from Hinman Hollow.” He transferred that knowledge through stories of his life, which appeared to be a series of yarns too fantastic to believe -- until the years revealed, both deliberately and accidentally, that they all checked out.

Ken continues to live in Hartwick through his wife Mary and their three boys, Jeffrey, Jason, and Matthew; his brother Gordon; and his grandchildren Allison, Jacob, Peyton, and Lucas.

The Tabor family will receive friends from 11a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At the conclusion of the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 1p.m. at the funeral home. The service of committal and burial with Military Honors will follow at Hartwick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Ken’s memory be made to the Susquehanna SPCA at sqspca.org/donate, or donations of cat food to your local animal shelter.

Edward Thomas Bello, M.D.

May 17, 1925 – March 27, 2023

MILFORD – Having lived a long and productive life until his passing, Dr. Bello died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Milford,New York, on Monday March 27, 2023. Always thoughtful of relieving others of any burden, he authored his own obituary.

Dr. Edward T. Bello was born in Yonkers, New York, to Peter Paul Bello and Eugenia Agnes (nee Picone) Bello on May 17, 1925. He was educated at Yonkers Public School 13, Nathaniel Hawthorne Junior High School and Charles E. Gorton High School. He earned a BA in 1947 from Harvard University and his M.D. in 1949 from Columbia Presbyterian College of Physicians and Surgeons. He interned at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York. His first assignment was the clinical laboratory where he was first introduced to Marie Chirico who became his wife in 1951 when he returned from his tour in Korea as Battalion Aid Surgeon with the first Cavalry Division Seventh Regiment with the Army on loan from the Navy. He substituted at Bassett Hospital as their radiologist several times during Otto D. Sahler’s vacations. He was a radiology resident at the Long Island Hospital in Brooklyn. He practiced Radiology and Radiation Oncology with his office in Rye, New York, and then in his office at Rye Ridge in Port Chester, New York where patients were treated first with Cobalt Therapy in Rye and then with a 100 MA Linear accelerator at Rye Ridge. He was a Fellow of the American College of Radiology. He had a home in Rye, New York, and then in Milford, New York. He enjoyed starting plants from seeds for his garden, his children, and his friends and tended a large garden of his own. He has enjoyed working with wood, digging out the soil and pinning his house in Rye, and making improvements in their home wherever they lived. He did most of the care needed to maintain their 70 acres in Milford in the past. Many years ago their daughter Bianca came to live with them as she realized they would need help as they became older. She has become her parents care keeper and taken on much of the need for maintaining their home with her sibling’s help whenever they could. He and his wife Marie enjoyed hunting and fishing. When his parents could take care of their seven children Marie joined him at his medical meetings where they often were able to work in a day or two of fishing wherever the medical meeting was including the Atlantic in Florida, the Florida Keys, the Pacific Ocean, Nova Scotia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Northern Waters up to Canada, Christmas Lake in Minnesota, etc. His and Marie’s efforts in life happily resulted in seven children – Anne Therese Bello, Dr. Jacqueline Anne Bello (husband Dr. Peter Carmel), Marietta Anne (Bello) Taylor (husband Charles Taylor), Edward Thomas Bello Jr., Susan Anne Bello Pugliese (husband Sergio Pugliese from Rome Italy where they live), Peter Joseph Bello, Bianca Anne Bello, their 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He and his wife Marie regularly thank God for their lives and the children they were blessed with.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Cherry Valley, with The Most Reverend Manuel L. Cruz, D.D., Titular Bishop of Gaguari and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, presiding.

The Service of Committal and Burial with Military Honors will follow in Springfield Cemetery in Springfield Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Milford Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, Milford, NY 13807-0359.

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

Catherine Pauline Schweitzer

1926 - 2023

Catherine Pauline Schweitzer, known to many as Kay, Katy, or Mimi, of Hartwick, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023 at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She was 96 years old.

Kay was born on October 26, 1926 in Little York, New Jersey to the late Margaret (Gallagher) Mai and the late Philip Mai Sr. Her early childhood was on a farm in the New Jersey countryside with her 13 brothers and sisters. When the family moved to Avenel, NJ, the one-room schoolhouse she and her siblings attended actually closed for lack of students. During World War II, she worked for the Regina Corporation (known for its vacuums) making bomb fuses.

Kay married the late Donald Schweitzer on July 13, 1947, in St. Andrews Catholic Church, Avenel. After Don retired in 1983, they moved from Edison, NJ to Hartwick. She was a widow since 1988 and lived independently into her 90s. She enjoyed gardening, feeding her backyard birds, cooking for her family, and taking care of her grandchildren. In her early life in New Jersey, she enjoyed being a troop leader for Girl Scouts.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen Hoffman. She is survived by her son, George Schweitzer and his partner, Pamela Markel, of Windsor, PA, and her daughter, Theresa Covert, of West Winfield.

She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Margaret Hoffman and her partner, David Sherman, of Southport, ME; Colleen Witter, her husband, Jason, and their children Mackenzie and Gwendolyn, of West Winfield; Dana Conte, her husband, Nathan, and their children Joseph, Kathryn, and John, of Hartwick; Lisa Covert, her husband, Jason Rashkow, and their daughter, Cora Rashkow, of Castleton-on-Hudson, NY; and Patrick Schweitzer, of Red Lion, PA.

She is survived by her sister, Victoria Stavick, of Whiting, NJ, and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her brothers: Philip Jr., William, Gustave, John, and Frank, and her sisters: Pauline Mai, Florence Schink, Susan McQueeney, Elizabeth Baumle, Mary Johanesen, Grace Rimkus, and Margaret Kato.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Michael Cambi, Pastor officiating. To view a live stream of the Mass, please go to https://stmaryscoop.org and click on “View the Livestream Here.”

Immediately following the Mass a time of remembrance and fellowship will be held in the St. Mary's Parish Hall and all are welcome to join.

A private family burial will be later this Spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be made to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.

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

Joshua Stephen Quinlan

1988 - 2023

ARDEN, NORTH CAROLINA – Joshua Stephen Quinlan, “Josh”, 34, of Arden, North Carolina died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Josh was born in Southampton on February 29, 1988, to the Reverends Lin Grace Rohr of Massachusetts and Stephen J. Quinlan of Indiana. He married Christen Markwell in 2012. Their children, Theodore “Teddy,” age 9, Annastasia “Anna,” age 5, Timothy “Huckleberry”, age 3 and Joseph, age 1 were the joys in his life.

Josh lived in Cooperstown from 1998-2003. In many ways, it took the village to raise the boy. As in childhood, in adulthood, Josh chose to journey through life in his own unique way. Explorations, experiences, adventures, and the avalanches of consequences that sometimes accompanied them were all a part of his expansive world. He loved the outdoors whether it was camping, fishing, hunting gemstones, or foraging for wild mushrooms. Josh was a hands-on person who loved leathercraft, tattoo art and tinkering with cars. He had an insatiable curiosity and was full of all kinds of trivia. At 6’8” Josh was a gentle giant of a man, a helpful friend to everyone he met.

Josh is survived by his spouse Christen and their children, his parents, his stepfather Scott Ritchie, and his stepmother Melanie Ventrice. Josh is also survived by his sister Stephanie Rohr and her wife Devora Rohr, his sister Kate Quinlan and his brother Joseph Quinlan, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Josh loved his family deeply and was deeply loved by them. His family and many friends will miss him more than we can ever say.

A service celebrating Joshua’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at The First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or the Housing Assistance Corporation’s homeless prevention fund, 60 West Main Street, Hyannis MA 02601.

Paul Patrick “Moon” Mullins

1949 - 2023

HARTWICK – Paul Patrick “Moon” Mullins, 73, of Hartwick, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family Saturday evening, January 28, 2023, at his home.

A native of Canada, Paul was born April 17, 1949, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, one of nine children of Patrick Joseph Mullins and Bridget “Betty” (O’Brien) Mullins.

After graduating from high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 25, 1968, and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. While he was stationed in Japan at the USAF Hospital at Tachikawa Air Base he met Cooperstown native Mary Giovanna Curcio, and the two were married September 21, 1971, in Tokyo. Paul earned the rank of Sergeant, was transferred to the USAF Reserves in 1972, and received his honorable discharge in 1974.

Upon returning stateside, Paul and Mary eventually came to reside on Main Street in Hartwick where they raised their two daughters, Meridith and Lindsey.

For over 25 years, Paul was employed as a unit clerk at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He also worked for a time painting area houses.

Throughout his life, Paul was a faithful Roman Catholic, and was a devoted communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. For a time he served the Parish as the Sexton of St. Mary’s Cemetery in Index, a job that gave him great satisfaction in helping people at a most difficult time.

Paul was loved by many for his kind and genuine heart. He truly loved talking to people and was able to strike up conversations with just about anyone he met. While he loved being around people, he also enjoyed quiet walks in the woods, fishing, peacefully admiring the beauty of Otsego Lake at Three Mile Point, taking afternoon drives, and watching sunset on the back hills of Hartwick with his wife, Mary.

Paul also has a strong affinity for all animals and especially loved his two dogs Tucker and Digby, who were right by his side until the very end.

Paul had an amazing memory and enjoyed telling many entertaining stories, often using his wonderful sense of humor and wit. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, and he would find comfort in knowing how his kindness and compassion impacted so many.

Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary G. Mullins of Hartwick; their two daughters, Meridith Mullins and her partner, Beth O’Boyle of Richmond, Virginia, and Lindsey Mullins and her spouse, Natalie Laidlaw and their three children, Caitlin, Olivia and Ian of Ithaca; his mother, Betty Mullins of Victoria, British Columbia; his brothers and sisters, Mary, Patricia, Rodger, Kevin, Eileen, Brendan and Patrick and their families; a sister-in-law, Sharon Curcio; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Patrick in 2008; a brother, Daniel in 2022; a brother-in-law, Joseph S. Curcio, Sr. in 2004; and his in-laws, Sam Curcio in 1989 and Jennie Curcio in 2007.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Michael Cambi, Pastor officiating. To view a live stream of the Mass, please go to https://stmaryscoop.org and click on “View the Livestream Here.”

Burial with Military Honors will be later this Spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or 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.

Maria R. Parrillo

1928 - 2023

COOPERSTOWN – Maria R. Parrillo, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully with family by her side Thursday afternoon, January 26, 2023, at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta. She was 94.

A native of Italy, Maria was born February 8, 1928, in Naples, a daughter of Ralph and Bianca (Peluso) DeSimone. She was raised and educated in Naples, with her schooling focusing on mathematics. During World War II she met Lewis Parillo, a native of Cooperstown who was serving in the United States Navy. Maria and Lewis were married April 8, 1946, in Naples, and upon his honorable discharge from the Navy they came to Cooperstown and settled into their home on Beech Street.

For many years Maria worked for Lady Juliet and Dr. Christopher Tadgell at their summer cottage on Lake Street in Cooperstown. She was also active with the Otsego County Board of Elections and was a communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. For several years she enjoyed spending winters with her husband in Zolfo Springs, Florida.

Maria is survived by her three daughters, Susie Jennings and husband, Gary of Hartwick, Joan Hotaling of Toddsville and Sara M. Terrano and husband, Curt of Cooperstown; two grandchildren, Jason Parrillo and Jessica Jennings Bryan (Mark); and three great grandchildren, Jessica Parrillo, Christopher Bryan and Mia Bryan.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lewis who died August 17, 1995; a son, Mario Parrillo who died October 27, 1977; and a son-in-law, Kenneth W. Hotaling, Jr. who died August 17, 2008.

Maria will be laid to rest later this Spring in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

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

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Virtell

1936 - 2023

MILFORD – Elizabeth M. “Betty” Virtell, 86, of Milford, passed away January 20, 2023, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

She was born November 9, 1936, at home in the Town of Middlefield, the daughter of Raymond C. and Aneitabelle (Decker) Miller.

Betty was employed as a nurse’s aide for several years at The Meadows. She then worked several years at The Otesaga Hotel as a chambermaid/night supervisor, and later transferred to The Cooper Inn where she worked until retirement.

Betty is survived by two sons, William R. Miller, Sr. (Kittypearl) of Milford, Donald A. Virtell (Audrie) of Milford; one daughter, Donna A. Thorn (John) of Roseboom; and her daughters-in-law, Lorraine Nelson of Roseboom and Donna Virtell of Marcy. She is also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Betty enjoyed Bingo, playing cards, and watching her Westerns and her soap operas. She was an avid bowler for many years. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Aneitabelle (1978); father, Raymond (1984); her first husband, Wesley O. Nelson and her second husband, James L. Virtell (1992); two sons, Robert James Virtell (2003) and Wesley O. Nelson (2007); a daughter, Shari L. Richards (2011); son-in-law, Lawrence D. “Lannie” Richards (2022); a granddaughter, Samantha; and her good friend Ernest Blanchard.

Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering to remember Betty’s life from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Milford Fire House.

For those who wish to remember Betty with a memorial donation, her family suggests the Milford Fire Department and Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, Milford, NY 13807.

The Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown is serving the family.

Frances H. Thayer

1921 - 2023

FORK SHOP – Frances H. Thayer passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101 Monday, January 23, 2023, at her home in Fork Shop.

She was born March 31, 1921, at the family home on Jones Road in Oaksville, the daughter of Christina Pushlar. In 1938, her mother married William A. Semrov, and he became her stepfather.

In her youth, Frances attended schools in Oaksville and Schuyler Lake. For many years she worked in the housekeeping department at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital.

On April 15, 1944, Frances married Donald G. Thayer in Hartwick, and in 1955 the Thayers settled into their home on the corner of Fork Shop Road and Bissell Road. Through the years she enjoyed tending to her large vegetable garden (she was known for her horseradish) and into her 90s was still driving her tractor. She also enjoyed playing tennis, ice fishing, taking long walks, square dancing and taking many trips with the DoubleDay Square Dance Club of Cooperstown, and attending many of the annual Fork Shop Community picnics.

Frances is survived by her two sons, Alan W. Thayer and wife, Linda and Larry C. Thayer and fiance, Chastidy Baker of Fly Creek and a daughter, Donna Hubbell and husband, Arthur of Middlefield; five grandchildren, Garrett and Aaron Thayer, Michael J. Thayer and Jed Hubbell and Tina Kilts; and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister, Betty Lisiesky and husband, Andrew of Binghamton; a sister-in-law, Marianne Semrov of Dale City, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her two cats, Tommy and Molly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, who died September 4, 1975; a granddaughter, Carey Ann Thayer who died December 12, 1994; and her brother, William A. Semrov, Jr. who died March 24, 2019.

A graveside service will be held later this Spring in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek.

In appreciation for the wonderful care provided to Frances, the Thayer family suggests that memorial donations be directed 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.

James R. McCoy

1936 - 2023

James R. McCoy, 86, passed away Friday morning, January 6, 2023, at The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at Utica.

For many years he worked as a taxi driver for Allstar Taxi & Airport Service and assisted John Dunlap in his construction business in the Cooperstown area.

He is survived by his daughter, Marianna M. McCoy of Oneonta; seven grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Wayne L. Allen, Sr.

1946 - 2022

MARYLAND – Wayne Lee Allen, Sr., 76, passed away early Thursday morning, December 29, 2022, at his home in the Town of Milford.

He was born February 7, 1946, in Bainbridge to the late Arthur W. and Marian Elizabeth (Williams) Allen.

In his youth, he attended schools in Mount Vision and Laurens Central School and lived and worked on the family farm in Laurens and later at several local farms. Then for 25 years he worked at Custom Electronics and The Daily Star for over ten years as a delivery driver.

In his heart, Wayne was always a dairy farmer, as he loved everything to do with farming, especially tractors. He also enjoyed being outdoors and cutting wood, fishing, animals, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

On September 11, 1965, Wayne married Kay L. Schmitt in a small ceremony in a church in Hartwick. They enjoyed 57 years together.

In addition to his wife, Kay, Wayne is survived by their children, Wayne L. Allen, Jr. (Michelle) of Herkimer, Wendy Allen of Milford, Tammy Truax (William) of Cooperstown and Todd Allen (April Morgan) of Milford; grandchildren, Denielle Schaffer (Brad), Garth Allen, William Truax (Amber Barnes), Clayton Truax (Ashley), Mayrene Truax, Emmalee Allen-Morgan, and Nathanael and Micah Morgan; and eight great grandchildren.

He is further survived by sisters Barbara Mitchell, Helen Wikoff (Robert), Donna Palmer, Norma Ayers (Gerald); brother James Allen (Rita); brother-in-law, Maurice Stranagan, Sr. and sister-in-law, Joann Allen-Kraft; and his in-laws, Florence Leonard, Nancy Anderson (Tim), Walter Schmitt, Jr., Michael Schmitt (Darlene) and Philip Schmitt; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne was predeceased by his father, Arthur W. Allen (1964); his mother, Marian E. Allen (1985); granddaughter Ashley M. Allen (2018); sisters Carolyn Ann Combes (2013) and Dorothy Stranagan (2012); and brother Wilbur Clayton “Willy” Allen (August 4, 2015).

A gathering will be held at a later date. Wayne will be laid to rest in Mount Vision Cemetery.

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