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. 


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.

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. 


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.

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. 


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.

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.


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 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.



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.

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. 


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.