Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc.Funeral Home: September 2024

Darienne Louise Hicken

1983 - 2024

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – Darienne Louise Hicken went to heaven Friday afternoon, October 13, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. She was 40.

Born August 30, 1983, in Orlando, Florida, she was adopted at birth by David and Diedre (Sanborn) Hicken. Darienne was born with spina bifida and faced many challenges during the first five years of her life. She had to learn to speak, eat, walk and breathe like the rest of us do. She was a very special child in every way. As she grew, her true gentle spirit emerged. Her parents adored her.

She started school in regular classes, and blossomed with many friends. When her family moved, she attended junior high school at Lakeside in Orange Park, Florida. She volunteered to help with the autistic class and helped present a power point presentation at the national Spina Bifida conference. She was very active in the SB association of Jacksonville, Florida. She was also active in her young woman's program at her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mandarin, Florida.

When Darienne entered high school, she was only able to attend for one and a half years. She was in a lot of pain, and had other health issues. She was taught in the school district's hospital homebound program. This was hard on her as she missed her friends. She was able to graduate with a regular diploma. During this time at home, she became very close to her grandfather who lived with the family. He loved her so much, that he cried each time she had to be taken to the hospital.

After high school, she met the love of her life, Tommy Harvey. Against all odds and medical advice, she bore a son, Xavier Adrian. They were joined at the hip, and they loved each other beyond words.

Darienne never questioned why she was born the way she was. After 15 surgeries, pain and therapy, she accepted her life and embraced it loving everyone.

The family would like to give credit to the Nemours Clinic and Wolfson Children's Hospital for the excellent care, and encouragement they gave to Darienne and her family.

She will be sorely missed by her parents, David and Diedre Hicken and her siblings: Adrienne, Justin, Eric, Shanyea, Karyn, Irene, and William. She was predeceased by her brother, Colby, and sister, Jillian. Also missing her are her partner, Tommy Harvey, and beloved son, Zay. She also leaves her partner's parents John and Loretta Harvey who she dearly loved.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, the dedication of Darienne’s grave and her burial will be in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved grandpa and grandma.

Until we meet again, princess. We will all love you forever.

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

“…when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.”

Mosiah 2:17 (The Book of Mormon)

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.

Elnora E. Rathbun

1941 - 2024

COOPERSTOWN – Elnora Edna Rathbun, a native of Cooperstown who will be remembered by many for her years at Church & Scott, passed into eternal rest the morning of Saturday, September 21, 2024, at her home in Toddsville with her family by her side. She was 83.

Born March 5, 1941, in Cooperstown, Elnora was a daughter of John William Rathbun and Marion Cora (Wright) Rathbun. She grew up in the small hamlet of Toddsville, attending a one-room schoolhouse until moving up to the Cooperstown High School, graduating in the Class of 1959. She was looking forward to attending her 65th year class reunion this October.

She had many jobs. She worked for New York Telephone as an operator until “dial up” came to be, and also worked at an insurance company and as a check-out lady at Victory Markets. Elnora then worked at Church & Scott Pharmacy for 39 years until her retirement. She was the “go to” person in the pharmacy knowing where everything was located and knowing everyone that came in by their first name. Her retirement gave her the opportunity to go south during the winter months spending time with her daughter and family. She was very much a “family” oriented person being concerned about everyone, calling them on special occasions or just to find out what they were doing. She enjoyed having lunch with many friends at Jackie’s Restaurant in Milford. She loved her daily newspaper keeping up on local news and doing the crossword puzzles, which she had numerous books, along with word search. She also enjoyed bowling at Milford Bowling Lanes and going to many tournaments with friends and her mother earlier in her life.

Elnora is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline (David) James of Mableton, Georgia and Terri Phillips of Latham, and a son, Scott (Melissa) Rathbun of Christian Hill; her grandchildren, John (Susan) James and Charles (Julie) James of Georgia, Ryan Phillips, Emily (Tyler) Gates, and Cora Phillips of Latham, Dylan (Heather) Rathbun of North Carolina, and Lindsey Rathbun of Oswego; and her great grandchildren, Adriana, Tucker, and Weston James, Skylynn, Hunter, and Harper Rathbun.

She has two brothers, William (Betty) Rathbun of Ilion, and Jack Rathbun of Oneonta, and a sister, Debra Reed of Schenevus along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is predeceased by her parents and a great granddaughter, Madeline James in 2008.

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home with the Rev’d Nathan Ritter, Rector of Christ Church, Cooperstown officiating. The service of committal and burial will follow in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek, where Elnora will be laid to rest with her family. Following the burial, all attending are welcome to gather at Jackie’s Restaurant in Milford for food and fellowship.

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

Deborah H. Clegg

1951 - 2024

HARTWICK – Deborah H. Clegg, a beloved and vital part of the Hartwick community, especially the fire and EMS group of first responders, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully Thursday morning, September 19, 2024, at her home in Hartwick. She was 73.

Deborah Diane Harper was born September 3, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio, a daughter of Thamar L. “Tim” Harper, Sr. and Harriette E. (Preston) Harper. In 1954 the Harpers moved to Milford, and Deb attended school there until the early 1960s, when they moved to Hartwick. She attended the Hartwick Grade Center until the 6th grade, and then attended Cooperstown Central School and graduated with the Class of 1969. She went on to graduate from SUNY Agricultural and Technical College at Cobleskill, where she earned an associate degree in accounting. For ten years she worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for L.P. Butts, Inc. in Oneonta, and then went to work in the same capacity for 38 years at Otsego Electric Cooperative, Inc.

On May 10, 1980, Deb married Ronald George Clegg in a ceremony at the Hartwick United Methodist Church, and they made their home on East Main Street in Hartwick.

For many years, Deb dedicated her life to fire and EMS service, both in Hartwick and at the county level. She was an active member and Treasurer of Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, as well as a member and for many years served as Captain of the Hartwick Emergency Squad. Deb was also a member of the Otsego County Emergency Squad Association and the Otsego County Special Operations Team.

Through the years Deb was a dedicated and hard-working member of the Hartwick American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 1567, as well as the now former Hartwick United Methodist Church. And she will long be remembered as the Queen of Chinese Auctions!

Perhaps more than her service to her community was her devotion to her family. Deb especially enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and could always be counted on to be at their various sporting events. She also loved her yearly trips to visit family in West Virginia.

Talented at crocheting and knitting, she was always ready to give to others items she had hand-made for special occasions. In addition to enjoying watching the New York Yankees and NASCAR (Martin Truex, Jr. was currently her favorite driver) she excelled at playing Pitch with her favorite partner, Butch Jones.

Throughout her life, Deb led a life dedicated to the service of others, spending countless hours serving the members of her beloved community and her family. A mother and friend to everybody, she will truly be missed by all those who lives she touched.

Deb is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 44 years, Ron Clegg, of Hartwick; their son and daughter-in-law, Andrew T. and Cassie Clegg, of Hartwick; and five grandchildren, Chelsey, Tarah, Philip, Emma and Harper. She is further survived by her sister, Norma Jean Stilson of Ocala, Florida, two brothers, Thamar L. Harper, Jr. and wife, Lori and James C. Harper and wife, Deborah of Hartwick, and their families.

In addition to her parents, Deb was predeceased by an infant son, Phillip Daniel Clegg, who died April 29, 1985, an infant daughter, Amanda J. Clegg who died November 3, 1987, and a grandson, Bruce Harper Clegg, who died December 7, 2017.

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Hartwick. At the conclusion of the visitation, Deb will be placed on the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1’s 1946 Seagrave Pumper and, after a procession through the streets of Hartwick, will be laid to rest in Hartwick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the Clegg family would truly appreciate donations in memory of Deb be made to the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the Hartwick American Legion Post 1567, PO Box 262, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the First Baptist Church of Hartwick, 3110 County Highway 11, Hartwick, NY 13348.

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

Carol Beecher Brown

1939 - 2024

Carol Beecher Brown, 84, of Moorestown, NJ, passed away September 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose love, kindness, and boundless energy will be forever celebrated by those who knew her. Despite health challenges, her exceptional resiliency, strength, and positive spirit inspired all. Carol had a unique ability to find meaning and beauty in small things that demonstrated her awe and gratitude for life.

Carol Alma was born in Walton, NY, on December 20, 1939, the fifth daughter of Frederick and Alma Hoolihan Beecher. She graduated from Hartwick College School of Nursing in 1962, receiving a B.S. degree, and was a registered nurse. She received her New York permanent School-Nurse Teacher certification from Russell Sage College and worked for many years as a School-Nurse Teacher in South Jersey. On September 8, 1962, she married Charles A. Brown, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Walton, NY.

Carol and Charles lived in several locations in the mid-Atlantic region with their children, including Goshen, NY, and Moorestown, NJ. After retiring, they moved back to New York State to Horseheads and Sodus Point and wintered in The Villages, FL. After Charles died, Carol moved to Hainesport, NJ.

Carol’s primary love was nurturing children, first raising her five children with her husband, and then as a school nurse, and then as a loving grandmother, better known as Nana. Carol participated in many clubs and volunteer organizations in each community she called home, quickly making friends everywhere she went. Carol’s faith was central to her, and she was a member of the Roman Catholic Faith, teaching religion classes for many years. In Goshen, she was a board member of the Goshen Area Day Care Center and was active in the Goshen PTO and the Goodtime Quilters. She also enjoyed her Goshen “Sewing Club,” a group of close friends who enjoyed wine and dessert and sometimes sewed. In Moorestown, she was a member of the Moorestown Singers, the Moorestown Woman’s Club, and the Cadbury Mansion Historical Association, and she also served as president of the Burlington County School Nurses Association. In Horseheads, she was a hearth cook and docent at the Finger Lakes Regional Heritage Association of the Corning-Painted Post Historical Association. She was a Daughter of the American Revolution and a Friend of the John Howland Pilgrim Society.

Throughout her life, Carol’s activities and interests included playing piano, skiing, reading, traveling, and gardening. She loved the challenge of decorating a house and making it a home after the family’s many moves. Carol was a talented and prolific watercolor artist in retirement. Carol loved celebrating her annual reunions with her lifelong Hartwick College nursing class friends, spanning more than 50 years.

Carol’s husband, Charles Brown, of fifty-six years, predeceased her in 2018. She is survived by their five children and ten grandchildren. Dr. Matthew Brown (Dr. Maria Marzo Brown) of Horseheads, NY, and their three sons, Brian (Bernadette), Sean, and Patrick. Michael Brown of Madeira Beach, FL. Beth Foertsch and her three children, Clare, Daren, and Andrew of Weston, CT. Patrick Brown (Kelly Ahrendt) and their daughter, Ayana, of Boulder, CO. Kathleen Chigounis (Andrew) and their three children, Isabelle, Abigail, and James of Moorestown, NJ. She is also survived by her sister, Viola (Fiumera), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carol was predeceased by her twin brothers Hilton and Milton, her sisters Wenona (Hovey), Althea (Gennarino), and Virginia, and her son-in-law Eric Foertsch.

A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, NY, followed by burial at Lakewood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

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

Ruth B. Fritts

1932-2024

A graveside service for Ruth B. Fritts, 92, who died September 8, 2024, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

Sarah M. Trosset

1966 - 2024

COOPERSTOWN – Sarah M. “Sally” Trosset, beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, niece, friend, and a vital member of the Cooperstown community, passed away Thursday morning, September 5, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home on Nelson Avenue after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 57.

Born December 17, 1966, in Deven, Pennsylvania, Sally was one of five children of John A. “Jack” Mahoney and Marcia Ellen (Gaughan) Mahoney.

She was raised in Dover, Massachusetts, where she graduated in the Class of ’85 from Dover-Sherborn High School, and went on to Syracuse University, Class of ’89. She spent her summers on the Herring River in West Harwich, Massachusetts, one of her favorite places in the world.

On October 19, 1996, she married Michael E. Trosset, Esq., at a ceremony at in her cherished Cape Cod at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich, Massachusetts.

They settled in Mike’s native Cooperstown in July of 2001.

For the better part of a decade, Sally was an integral piece of Pathfinder Village in Edmeston, where she worked in the executive and development office. Pathfinder and its mission was something she held close to her heart.

She thrived on outdoor activities and was an avid runner and biker. Her passion extended beyond personal pursuit as she dedicated many years to supporting Cooperstown Central School and its athletics, as well as Girls on the Run and various village organizations. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood experiences, one of her greatest joys was sharing moments with her family.

Sally was graceful and brave – and thrived during her fight with Ovarian Cancer.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Mike, of Cooperstown, and their three children, Teddy Trosset and Kate Trosset of Boston, Massachusetts and Lindsey Trosset, a senior at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

She is further survived by her siblings, Jay (Paula) Mahoney of New York City, Mark (Ellen) Mahoney of Scottsdale, Arizona, Ann Pereira-Ogan (George) of Wayne, Pennsylvania and Mel Bissell (Brad) of Williamstown, Massachusetts and their families, as well as a brother-in-law, Francis J. “Frank” Trosset, and sisters-in-law, Beth Baumgartel (John) and Karen Ann Trosset.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack in 2007 and mother, Marcia, in 2019, her father-in-law, Edward J. “Ted” Trosset, Esq. in 1998, and mother-in-law, Mary F. Trosset in 1976.

Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor officiating.

Immediately following the Mass, all are welcome to a reception in the Glimmerglass Room at The Otesaga Hotel.

Interment will be held in Highland Cemetery in Dover, Massachusetts, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the Trosset family would greatly appreciate memorial donations be made in memory of Sally to Pathfinder Village Foundation, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY 13335-2314.

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

Henry J. Phillips III

1934 - 2024

COOPERSTOWN – Henry “Hank” Phillips of Cooperstown died peacefully Saturday, August 31, 2024.

The only child of Henry J. and Laura M. Phillips (nee Tierney), Hank was born December 12, 1934, in Pittston, PA, and raised in Amsterdam, NY. Upon graduating high school, Hank attended the Albany College of Pharmacy, receiving his degree in 1957. Shortly after passing his board exams and receiving his pharmacy license in New York, Hank was employed at Albany Med as a staff pharmacist. Hank and his fellow Albany College of Pharmacy classmates maintained a very close relationship. They have met every year since graduation, and their children are still friends today.

In Albany, Hank met his love, Dottie, who had also moved there after high school in Ilion to pursue a business degree. The two fell in love, and Hank decided to go to Florida to get his Florida Pharmacist License and secure a job. In 1958, Mercy Hospital hired him, and he ran back to propose to Dottie. The two were wed in Ilion on April 15, 1961. The young couple moved to Coral Gables, FL, and, on February 10th, 1962, gave birth to their daughter Susan.

That same year, Hank received a call from his college buddy, Ed Badgley. Ed explained that there was an opportunity to purchase a pharmacy in Cooperstown. He asked if Hank would partner with him to buy the business and the building above it. Hank and Dottie jumped at the chance and moved to Cooperstown, where they have remained for over 60 years.

Hank adored Cooperstown for the people and fellowship he found. He loved the customers and his neighbors, becoming very active in local events. In 1965, Hank served as the President of the PTA. In 1966, Hank organized Cooperstown’s first Summer Festival. In September of the same year, his son Stephen was born. In February of 1967, Hank and his good friend Joe Canzeri served as Co-Chairmen of the first annual Winter Carnival. Hank personally organized the first gymkhana on Otsego Lake, and for many years, Hank and his little VW Bug slid across the ice, taking first place.

In 1970, Hank served as the President of the Lions Club. In 1973, he was President of the Chamber of Commerce. From 1978 to 1980, he was assistant Scout Master of Troop 1254 and enjoyed many camping and hiking trips with his son and all the kids.

1980 was a busy year as Hank received his pilot’s license and was elected to the Otsego County Board of Representatives. From 1981 to 1989, he served as an Otsego Town Councilman. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Cooperstown Community Foundation and, from 1983 to 1985, was a member of the board of the Glimmerglass Opera. Hank also served five years as a Board Member of the Oneonta Savings and Loan and Astoria Federal Savings and Loan.

From 1962 to 1991, Hank and Ed ran Withey’s Pharmacy at 92 Main Street in the Ironclad Building. Across the Street was another classmate from Albany College of Pharmacy, Bob Smullens. Bob and the Adsits ran Church & Scott pharmacy. The two businesses supported each other and the community in a spirit of friendly competition until a major chain pharmacy opened next door. In 1992, they sold Withey’s and their half of the building. Hank went to work for Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich as Director of Pharmacy. In 1993, he was hired by Vyners Pharmacy Services to manage the pharmacy needs of 1350 patients in several nursing homes across upstate New York.

After retirement, Hank spent the summers on his boat on Otsego Lake. Both on the lake and around town, Hank could be seen in the company of his dog Arturo and volunteering for the Food Pantry.

Hank is survived by his wife, Dottie, his daughter Susan Tanahey (Sunset Beach, NC), his son Stephen (Cooperstown/Madrid, Spain), and his grandsons Stephen Tanahey (Charlotte, NC) and Michael Tanahey (Greensboro, NC).

Friends are welcome to pay their respects to the Phillips’ Family from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor presiding. Immediately following Mass all attending are welcome to a reception in the Parish Hall located behind the church.

Private interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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