Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc.Funeral Home: June 2025

Joan M. Hopkins

1938 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – Joan M. Hopkins, 86, of Cooperstown, entered eternal rest Thursday afternoon, June 19, 2025, at her home on Browdy Mountain Road, surrounded by family and loved ones.

She was born on December 7, 1938, in Binghamton, a daughter of John and Annabelle Effley. Joan graduated from Utica Free Academy in Utica and then successfully pursued a teaching degree at SUNY Potsdam. While at SUNY Potsdam, Joan met her beloved husband, James J. Hopkins. On July 1, 1961, Joan married Jim in a ceremony at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Utica.

In their early years, Joan and Jim lived in Potsdam, Tallahassee, Florida, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Zurich, Switzerland. They finally settled down in Bay Shore in 1977 where Joan was an elementary school teacher for the Bay Shore Public School District until her retirement in 1996. Before retiring, however, they moved to Westhampton. Finally, in June of 2002, Joan and Jim moved from Westhampton to Cooperstown and settled into their home at the very top of Browdy Mountain Road, overlooking Otsego Lake.

Joan and Jim were active communicants of St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish in Bay Shore for many years. Upon moving to Cooperstown, they became equally involved with the Parish family of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, where Joan sang in the choir, which was led by Jim who served as Director of Music Liturgy.

Joan and Jim loved to entertain and to spend their summers at their river house on the St. Lawrence River in Oak Point. There they would invite family and friends to visit and stay for as long as they liked.

Joan was the loving mother of four sons, Christopher Hopkins and his wife, Sarah of Gainesville, Georgia, Timothy Hopkins and his wife, Carol, of Great River, Sean Hopkins and his wife, Athena, of Cooperstown and Matthew Hopkins and his wife, Adrienne, of Ames. She was also the beloved grandmother of Annie, Andrew, Thomas, Daniel, Olivia, Vivian, Peter, Aliza, Sullivan, John, James and Benjamin.

Joan was preceded in death by Jim, who died May, 24, 2008.

Joan’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, 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 will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index, where Joan will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Jim.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, 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.

Elizabeth Hribar

1936 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – Elizabeth “Betty” Hribar, a long-time resident of Fork Shop, passed away Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 89.

Born June 3, 1936, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, she was the daughter of Raymond N. and Minnie (Schallert) Bachanas. In her youth she attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cat Town and later Cooperstown Central School.

On October 28, 1952, Betty married David M. Hribar in a ceremony at St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. Betty and Dave then moved to Ilion where Dave worked at Remington Arms assembling fire arms.

Following a layoff in 1955, Betty and Dave returned to the Cooperstown area and settled into their home in Fork Shop in June of that year. For 13 years, Betty worked at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, first in the research department and then in the OBGYN clinic. She then went to work for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and was with them for 21 years selling tickets.

Betty is survived by her and Dave’s four children, David M. Hribar, Jr. and Diane M. Hribar of Fork Shop, and Keith Hribar and Melissa Madaras and husband, Andy, of Richfield Springs; a son-in-law, Victor Smith of Pierstown; seven grandchildren, Heather Bancroft and husband, Jason, Jason Smith, Cady Schoonover and husband, Derek, Rebecca Brooks and husband, Douglas Brooks, Jr., Kody Bruce and husband, Brian, Kimberly Rojo and husband, Jario, and Jamie Madaras and husband, Justin Matthews; 15 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Dave, who died April, 6, 2012; a daughter, Terri Ann Smith who died August 23, 2016; and a grandson, Matthew Hribar who died February 11, 1994.

A graveside service will be offered at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, 140 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, with the Rev. Jessica D. Lambert, Chaplain at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, officiating.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider memorial donations to 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.

Timothy Patrick McLarney

1963 - 2025

ONEONTA - Timothy Patrick McLarney, 62, of Oneonta, died early Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

He was born May 5, 1963, in Neptune, New Jersey, son of Joseph McLarney and Jane McLarney Richards. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Maureen McLarney. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen McLarney, with whom he lived; brother Jay Zahner and wife Sandra of Spring Lake, New Jersey; niece Caitlin McLarney; and nephews Reilly McLarney and Zachary Curless of Oneonta. He is also survived by his dear friend, Duane Murvine of Oneonta.

As a boy he moved with his mother and elder sister to Chautauqua County, and later to Delaware County. Tim graduated from the B.O.C.E.S. program in Chautauqua County. Later, he worked at various ARC workshops in Chautauqua, Delaware and Otsego counties. He proved to be a valued employee, known for his attention to detail and high rate of production. After his mother's death, he was lovingly cared for by Kathleen for 33 years.

Tim was a good-natured fellow. He enjoyed his comics and antique-related books and amassed a sizable collection. He was a Beatles and Marvel/DC aficionado. In summers, he enjoyed a return trip to the Jersey Shore for a swim in the ocean, hamburgers on the grill and chocolate chip cookies. A particular thrill in his earlier years was going to Six Flags Great Adventure, seeing the animals in the Safari Park and riding the roller coasters.

The family thanks the staff of Creekside Industries, Otsego Arc, A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Medical Center of Cooperstown for their loving care of Tim.

Arrangements are through the Connell, Dow, and Deysenroth Funeral Home of Cooperstown. All services are private.

In his memory, donations may be made to Creekside Industries, A Division of Arc Otsego, 102 Browne St., Oneonta NY 13820. A memorial cookout for family and friends will be held later this summer.

Harry D. Swanger, Jr.

1939 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – Harry Daniel “Sonny” Swanger, Jr., 85, entered into eternal rest late Saturday morning, May 17, 2025, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Sonny was born June 26, 1939, in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, a son of Harry Daniel Swanger, Sr. and Rachael June (Gettle) Swanger.

From January 24, 1962, until January 23, 1964, Sonny proudly served his country in the United States Army.

On October 29, 2011, Sonny married Patricia Ann Armstrong Young. Upon moving to Cooperstown, they settled into the Cooper Lane Apartments, and most recently they were residing in Richfield Springs.

While living in Cooperstown, Sonny was employed as a sales clerk at The Farmers’ Museum.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Patty, and two sisters, Janice Heisy and Norma Sidle of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, on what would have been Sonny’s 86th birthday, in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Fly Creek, with the Rev. Jessica Lambert, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.

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

Barrett S. Carso

1970 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – Barrett S. Carso, 55, passed away on April 14, 2025, following a brief illness.

Barrett was born in 1969 in Huntington, on Long Island, the third son of Brian F. Carso Sr. and Betty Lou Carso. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to upper Fly Creek Valley, where he attended school in Richfield Springs and graduated with the class of 1988. Subsequently, Barrett was a student at SUNY College at Oneonta, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Later, in 1998, he earned an associate degree in paralegal studies at Herkimer County Community College.

For many years, Barrett worked with his father, Brian Carso Sr., a licensed land surveyor. In that occupation he walked many miles through woods and fields, and in-between house lots throughout Otsego County, carrying a plumb bob and pulling a surveyor’s long steel measuring tape. For the daily work he did with land surveys, Barrett was known by many local attorneys, real estate agents, and county employees. In recent years, following his father’s retirement, Barrett worked at the Cooperstown Distillery.

Barrett is survived by his two brothers, Brad Carso (and his wife Lynn), and Brian Carso Jr. (and his wife Kerry), and his two nephews, Owen and Nathaniel Carso. He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are invited to remember Barrett and greet his family on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At 2:00 there will be a memorial service at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Patrick Ryan Dunnion

MILFORD – Patrick Ryan Dunnion, a lifelong area resident, entered into eternal rest at the age of 22.

He was born April 10, 2003, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He graduated from Milford Central School and then worked in construction, a job he truly liked and excelled at.

Patrick will be remembered for being a very kind person who had an incredible sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by many schoolmates and the friends he made during his brief life.

Patrick will especially be mourned and missed by his grandmother, Margaret Kiss, and her husband, Lionel “Lee” Santos, who raised Patrick at their home in Milford since he was a young child. He is further survived by his father, Joseph Dunnion, of Williampsort, PA, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call and pay their respects to Patrick’s family from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At 6:30 p.m. a Prayer Service will be offered by the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, Pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

Immediately following the visitation, everyone is invited to gather for a reception at Cooperstown Coworks, 6 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown.

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

Polly Renckens

Polly Renckens passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. She was 81 years old. Polly will be remembered for her deep devotion to family, her generous spirit, and a life defined by service, humor, and heart.

Polly was born in Syracuse to Helen and Ray Parrott, the third of four children. A proud graduate of SUNY Fredonia, she earned her teaching degree and met the love of her life, Jim. She went on to pursue a master’s degree at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and lived a vibrant young adult life in New York City and abroad—traveling through Europe, exploring the world, and pushing boundaries with a fierce independence and strong sense of self.

Polly and Jim married in September 1968 and soon welcomed their first child. They relocated from Mamaroneck to Cooperstown, where they became innkeepers at the Hickory Grove Inn. With love, humor, and the support of neighbors, they turned the Grove into a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

In 1987, Polly launched a new professional chapter as the proprietor of Country Memories, a gift shop in Springfield Center known for its beautifully curated home goods and welcoming atmosphere. She later took on a leadership role at Otsego 2000, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental preservation and community heritage. As Executive Director, she brought both vision and action. In 1991, she founded the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market—now a thriving local institution—connecting farmers and artisans with residents and visitors while revitalizing Main Street.

In 1998, Polly transitioned to become Executive Director of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, where she brought the same creative spirit and tireless energy. She developed signature events that put the region on the map, including the Snow Sculpture Workshop, Hare by Air, and the Pumpkin Festival, complete with its crowd-favorite giant pumpkin regatta. She also introduced health insurance options for Chamber members, a life-saving resource for small business owners.

Polly was a thoughtful leader and generous colleague, always crafting creative solutions and championing her community. Her dedication to service was woven into everything she did. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Cooperstown and, after moving to Richfield Springs in 2006, continued her commitment to faith and service at St. Joseph’s Church. Whether making an extra batch of apple muffins to share with friends, organizing funeral receptions through the bereavement committee, or planning the Relay for Life Team Tempura menu, Polly brought energy and joy to every adventure.

She was preceded in death by her husband and partner of 54 years, Jim Renckens, with whom she shared a joyful life raising three children and building strong, lasting ties in every community they touched. Their love and commitment to each other was evident to all who knew them, and their shared legacy continues in the lives they nurtured and the community they enriched.

Later in life, that same generosity and spirit of caring were returned to her by her close friends including by “the Hood,” the amazing families of Six Mile Point, who helped teach the next generation how to create a chosen family. Polly’s children wish to express their deepest thanks to these cherished friends who supported her through the past years with visits, phone calls, shared meals, and countless gestures of love. Your presence and care meant the world to her—and to us.

She is survived by her brother, Paul Parrott; her children, Shannon Varner Renckens and wife Jenn Varner Renckens of Saugerties; Patrick Renckens and wife Shannon Bennett of Saco, Maine; and Beth Gibbons and husband Mike Gibbons of Ypsilanti, Michigan.

She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Keegan and Finnegan Renckens; Lilian and Cecelia Renckens; and Jonah, Patrick, and Andrew Gibbons.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Richfield Springs Food Pantry or a food pantry in your own community, honoring Polly’s lifelong dedication to helping others. Polly’s family welcomes all to gather in remembrance, wearing floral patterns in her honor and joining in laughter, stories, and shared grief.

Calling Hours:

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY

Funeral Mass:

Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM
St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY
Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index

Leland A. Woodbeck

1946 - 2025

HARTWICK – Leland Alfred Woodbeck, 78, passed away Friday afternoon, May 30, 2025, with his family by his side at his home in Hartwick.

He was born June 17, 1946, in Worcester, one of seven sons of Howard B. Woodbeck, Sr. and Lillian Edna Tompkins Woodbeck.

A graduate of Cooperstown Central School, Class of 1966, he began working at the age of 19 for the Clark Foundation, and served as an electrician with them until his retirement.

Woody will be remembered by his family, of whom he was extremely proud, as the best uncle and brother anyone could ask for. A well-known and important part of the Hartwick and Cooperstown communities, he was always willing to help others. He was a phenomenal electrician, and enjoyed farming, cutting firewood and family BBQs. His feisty character and sometimes irreverent sense of humor will be missed by his family and many friends.

Leland is survived by two brothers, Carlton Woodbeck and his wife, Cathy of Hartwick and Herbert Woodbeck and his wife, Jo, of North Carolina, and by many nieces and nephews, including Melissa S. Wayman and her husband, Ben of Mt. Vision, John Elliott (who was raised by Woody and who he considered his father) and his girlfriend, Jamie Kirby of Hartwick, Amanda Travers and her husband, Alex of Mt. Vision, and Steven Woodbeck and Carlton Woodbeck, Jr. of Hartwick. Woody will especially be missed by his beloved dog, Seamus.

Woody was predeceased by four brothers, Howard B. Woodbeck, Jr., Alton Leon Woodbeck, Raymond L. Woodbeck and Herman Donald Woodbeck, Sr.

Family and friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 12 Noon on Friday, June 6, 2025. At the conclusion of the visitation, a Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home with Kaler Carpenter, Pastor of River Street Baptist Church in Oneonta officiating. Interment will follow in Hartwick Cemetery.

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

Thomas J. Cross

1943 - 2025

STAMFORD – On May 25, 2025, Thomas J. Cross from Stamford, age 81, left this world to create his eternal garden in our heavenly realm.

Tom was born to Joseph and Anna Cross in South Amboy, New Jersey, in 1943. He grew up loving to hunt and fish nearby. His father taught him to plant a garden and reap the harvest that would be redeemed by hard work. Later in life Tom grew quite passionate in his love of gardening and it showed through the lovely gardens that he created. Tom told stories of clam digging and fishing in the nearby waters in New Jersey. He loved it, and he would fish the streams for trout later when he moved to New York. His love for the outdoors also led to hunting. With these hobbies, he would incorporate produce or the catch of the day into culinary delights as a gifted home chef. Tom loved to share his skills serving redolent and savory dishes every day. His skills showed by entertaining often, sharing what he had caught, hunted or foraged that day. He can be remembered by his fine wine, fine food and fun times.

Tom’s talent didn’t stop there. He also loved to photograph his beloved flowers and captured them in beautiful snapshots, carefully framed and perched on the walls of his home gallery.

He would tell the stories of when he was a teenager, he would sneak to NYC. Too young to get into the clubs, he would listen to the din of jazz music making its way to his ears and forming a love that would last his lifetime. A love of jazz greats like Miles Davis and John Coltrane would play as he fixed his favorite gourmet dishes for family and friends. His ardent love of music would often turn into an upbeat tempo and the night might have left you dancing into the wee hours of the night.

Tom loved the sounds of nature as well. He brought those sounds inside by creating an indoor aviary, full of exotic birds… finches, parakeets, love birds, doves and more… the house wasn’t quiet until the lights were out.

He attended school at St. Mary’s High school then went on to the Navy. Having served, he then went on to become a junior chemist at Bristol and Merck. His love for music didn’t wane, though, and he worked at Record Town and had his own record store in a college town in New York. He loved to meet the college kids and their share taste in music. Tom eventually worked as a fence installer then started his own business, Custom Fence, which he owned for many years until he retired.

Thomas is predeceased by his parents. Survivors include his sisters, Rita (Ben) Gruda and Carol (Les) Wilson. Tom's children from his first marriage to Margaret; Tom (Stephanie), Scott (Darcy) and Sandra (JP) Maritz. Also, Tija Cross, his loving second wife to which he was married to for 20 years. He is also survived by his beloved little Westie, Willie. Tom leaves behind grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There will be no visiting hours or service. Please remember Tom's slight smile and raise a glass of port in his memory.

Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc.
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Joan M. Hopkins

Elizabeth Hribar

Timothy Patrick McLarney

Harry D. Swanger, Jr.

Barrett S. Carso

Patrick Ryan Dunnion

Polly Renckens

Leland A. Woodbeck

Thomas J. Cross