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

Gary B. Goodwin

1941 - 2025

FLY CREEK – Gary B. Goodwin died peacefully at home on July 19, 2025.

Born on June 21, 1941, in Maine, he grew up roaming the woods and fishing. He attended a one room schoolhouse and graduated from West Paris High School in 1959. He earned a B.A. in History from the University of Maine in 1963 and an M.A. in Psychology from The New School in 1971. Gary served in the Army National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge in July 1970.

Gary’s career began with the U.S. Public Health Service in New York, NY. He then worked for The Conference Board as Personnel Director until he joined the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in 1972. He was proud of his contributions to the growth of the Bassett Network and treasured the people from his time there. He retired from Bassett Healthcare as Vice President of Human Resources in 2001.

Gary was an avid reader and had a great appreciation for movies. He was a founding member and projectionist for Wednesday’s Winterfilms, the film series which began in Cooperstown in 1974. He was quick with a joke, silly puns and wordplay and his warm sense of humor brought smiles to those around him. He played tennis and basketball enthusiastically and enjoyed his fellow players as much as the game, making meaningful connections through sports. He was an ardent fan of the NY Yankees and the Boston Celtics.

Gary loved being outdoors kayaking, canoeing, biking, fishing, birding, chopping wood or tending his property. He camped with his sons in the Adirondacks and shared many wonderful camping, fishing and travel adventures with his friend Ron. He was passionate about fly fishing and began tying his own flies in the 1980s. He fished the local lakes and trout streams with his son and took fishing pilgrimages to Pennsylvania and Montana with his friend Jerry and to Canada with his friend Web. In retirement Gary and Sally spent happy winters along the Gulf coast of Florida.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Marks Goodwin, his son Thomas, his sister Sharon Cresci, family members Betsy Gunn and Don Kash, Harrison and Suzie Marks, Richard Gunn, a niece, two nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his son Geoffrey and his mother Martha Merkle Goodwin.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

There will be a graveside service at 11 am on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.

Those who wish could make a contribution in Gary’s memory to Helios Care or to the Friends of the Village Library of 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.

William Ralston

1948 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – William “Bill” Ralston was born on November 29, 1948, to John Ralston and Lois Van De Walle Ralston and grew up in Irondequoit near Rochester New York. He passed away suddenly on July 5, 2025, at his house just outside Cooperstown, while doing one of the things he loved best – working on his beloved wilderness property. He spent his final hours raking up fresh grass for his treasured compost pile. He was 76 years old.

Bill graduated from Wittenberg University with a degree in chemistry and went on to Colgate University to earn a graduate teaching degree, but soon discovered his real passion of woodworking and furniture making. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he apprenticed under a master craftsman. In 1979, he opened his first shop, Ralston Furniture Reproductions, in Cherry Valley. He focused on American 18th century furniture.

Later, he moved his shop to Cooperstown, first located for years on Pioneer Street, and subsequently outside the village on Route 28—spaces he shared with stair builder James Dean. Bill developed an appreciation for the Art Deco aesthetic and designed and created pieces reflecting this taste, most recently a cocktail tray featured in his final exhibition this spring. He was widely recognized for his meticulous work and dedication to excellence in his craft. Over the years he developed and maintained a wide range of customers and clients, from local families and collectors, to religious clerics and national historic sites.

Bill’s interests were numerous and varied. He was an avid reader on many topics, at one point devoting himself to reading The New Yorker magazine cover-to-cover. He seemed to possess an encyclopedic retention of the articles he carefully set aside to read when time permitted—especially the film reviews. He was also active in town and civic affairs, with a particular interest in conservation. Bill was especially involved in Friends of the Parks; as a fervent ice skater, he was instrumental in urging the Village to maintain the skating rink in Badger Park for the pleasure of all area residents.

He loved to canoe and was a veteran of many strenuous canoe races, often leading a team on the annual 72 mile General Clinton Memorial Day race down the Susquehanna River. He taught himself to build and play the hammered dulcimer, and more recently became a skilled bridge player, playing weekly with friends right up until his death. One of his most endearing passions was taking children and adults on a walk that conveyed the size of the solar system. He used a bowling ball as a model of the sun and a peppercorn as a model of the earth, and then paced out distances to scale on local railroad tracks. Although Bill would never call himself a good cook, he was a determined baker; friends and family were often the beneficiaries of homemade apple pies and strawberry shortcake. He was known for his salads that were loaded with shredded carrots, his contribution to the countless potluck dinners he attended over the years in Cooperstown.

Always active, his recent travels included trips exploring California and the West Coast with his cherished son, Dan. This spring, Bill completed a two week rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He recounted the journey vividly, as if he were still there paddling and looking up at the canyon walls, although he critiqued the trip as being too luxurious for his taste. At the time of his death he was planning a canoe trip in the far Northwest Territories with two long-time friends and fellow paddlers.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Sarah Hall. He is survived by his dear son Daniel Ralston, who is earning a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of California in Santa Barbara, and his older sister, Martha Wales, in Manchester, MA.

JoAnn G. Hubbell

1950 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – JoAnn Gail Hubbell, 75, a beloved resident of the area, peacefully entered into eternal life on Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown, surrounded by her children and dear friends.

Born January 17, 1950, at the Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, JoAnn was the daughter of Glenford H. and Lillian E. (Moran) Hubbell.

After graduating from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1968, she went on to attend the State University of New York College at Oneonta.

Later in life, JoAnn followed her calling in healthcare, attending the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1983. She worked as a dedicated Registered Nurse at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady and also served patients through her work with United Healthcare.

For a time, JoAnn practiced real estate in the Capitol District before returning to Cooperstown in 2005 to join her family at Hubbell’s Real Estate.

JoAnn is survived by her son, Jason Hubbell Long, his wife Rebecca of Pierstown; and sons Ian and Alec. She is also survived by her daughter, Victoria C. Long-Gula, and her husband John of Schenectady, along with their children, Natalia Christine and Donovan Xavier.

JoAnn is survived by her sister, Christine Winslow, and her husband Michael of Fly Creek, and their children: Andria Bryant and husband Jeffrey, Cassandra Woosley and husband Donald, along with their children Dylan and Emily all of Charleston, SC. She is further survived by her brother, Glenn E. Hubbell, and his wife Cindy of Cooperstown, and their children: Jennifer Hubbell and her husband Hassan Taimur, Laura Hubbell, and Brian Hubbell and his wife Julia.

To celebrate JoAnn’s life, her family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, with a service to follow at 4 p.m. all taking place at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Burial will be private in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

Robert S. Kolka

1956 - 2025

MILFORD – Robert S. Kolka, “Big Bob”, the Cowboy of Milford, well-known horseman, farmer, and beloved member of the Milford community, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025, after a courageous and private battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.

Born August 25, 1956, at Nyack Hospital in Nyack, New York, Bob was fourth of six children of Joseph Walter and Vera Marie (Meehan) Kolka.

Bob grew up on Strawtown Dairy in New City, NY - a large dairy farm and creamery founded by his grandparents and run by his father and uncles. From a young age, he had a passion for hunting and fishing. His grandfather, Bob Meehan, fostered a lifelong love of racing homers, show pigeons and chickens. All starting at a young age, he and his siblings took horseback riding lessons and each focused on their own disciplines. Bob’s aspiration was “to one day ride like Phil Sheridan”. Coincidentally, they became close friends later in life and went on countless rides together!

Growing up with his brothers Jeffrey, Michael and Timothy and many cousins, Bob also developed a love for Ford Muscle cars, especially fastback Mustangs and Falcons. He and his brothers raced at Dover and Englishtown dragstrips and might have “practiced” throughout Rockland County.

He attended Clarkstown North High School and worked at the family farm until the cows were sold. He worked in construction and later started his career with Elmhurst Dairy delivering milk in and around New York City. But he could not shake the dream of one day owning and operating his own family farm.

In 1982, Bob and his then wife, Patricia, purchased Rolling Brook Farm in Milford NY. He moved upstate with two children Shannon and Joseph, and later welcomed a third, Robert in 1983. Bob took great pride in learning crop and herd management and was an active member of the local agricultural community and supporter of the county fair and 4H. He operated his dairy farm until he sold the cows in 1991.

Bob moved to Northern Virginia to run heavy equipment as his next career in the rapidly-growing residential development phase throughout the national capital region. As a skilled heavy equipment operator, he could be left with site-plans and topographic maps to excavate new roads and residential sites, or prepare final residential yards as the finish grade operator. Fortunately, he always found time to ride horses, learned how to ski, taught the kids how to water ski, partnered in raising beef cattle with Cindy Kukenberger, and made life-long friendships. He travelled back and forth on weekends, holidays, and vacations to be with his kids and extended family.

Bob had a passion for entrepreneurship, and even more so, horses. Bob returned to his farm in 2001 and opened Brass Ring Farm as a trail riding venue and horse sales. Bob’s skill for recognizing a good horse and telling a good tale served him well as he bought and sold horses, taught countless people to ride, and guided trail rides through his farm. Bob fostered a love of horses in his children and grandchildren. He formed lasting friendships with members of the horse community across the country.

Bob purchased a portable sawmill and built all the buildings and fencing on the farm from logs he harvested and milled himself. Using his own heavy equipment, he designed, created, and maintained the horseback riding trails throughout Brass Ring Farm. He constructed his very own beautiful spring fed 1.5 acre pond that he stocked with catfish, bass, and trout for family fishing.

Bob prioritized enjoying the simple pleasures in life, whether fishing with his grandchildren, trail riding on his beautiful horse, Noble, or spending time with his family and friends. Bob had the rare ability of making friends easily everywhere he went, and the special quality of turning friends into family.

Bob is survived by his children Shannon (Steve) Blumenreich of Danbury CT, Joseph Kolka of Milford, NY, Matthew (Ana) White of Port Orchard WA, and Robert (Kristen) Kolka of Stony Point NY; grandchildren Sophia, Sam, and Henry Blumenreich, Noelle and Alex Kolka, and Amalia and Cruz White; his companion of 33 years, Cindy Kukenberger of Cooperstown; two sisters, Maureen Cifuni, Colleen Richard, and brother Michael Kolka.

He was predeceased by his father, Joseph W. Kolka; mother, Vera M. Kolka; two brothers, Timothy J. Kolka, and Jeffrey C. Kolka; and stepson Christopher T. White.

Beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025, family and friends are welcome to gather at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At 1 p.m. a service will be held which all are welcome to attend with the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, Pastor of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown officiating. Immediately following the service, Bob’s family will continue to receive friends at the funeral home until 4 p.m.

Ronald Max Streek

1939 - 2025

COOPERSTOWN – Ron Streek, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family and friends. He was 85.

Born on September 14, 1939, in Baltimore, MD, Ron was the youngest of three children of William Julius Streek and Meta Awishus Streek, both of whom were immigrants from Germany.

After graduating in 1957 from Mepham High School in North Bellmore, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country until receiving an Honorable Discharge October 21, 1963.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Robelle “Susie” Edith Polson, on March 20, 1960. In 1966, Ron and Susie moved upstate from Bayshore to Fly Creek, and eventually settled into their current home on Main Street, Cooperstown in 1984. It was here that they owned and operated Main Street Bed and Breakfast for more than four decades. The B&B quickly developed a reputation for a hearty breakfast and warm hospitality. Visitors found it nearly impossible to book a room as many guests returned year after year and became, in essence, an extended family.

In addition to their B&B, Ron’s business ventures included several successful auto repair shops and ownership of NAPA stores in Little Falls and Dolgeville. Ron was a craftsman well known for his carpentry skills and knowledge of anything with a motor. His workshop and barn overflowed with tools and equipment of all types.

Ron’s true passion was sailing on the beautiful Glimmerglass. His study is filled with awards and accolades attesting to his prowess as a sailor and competitor. Ron and Susie were active and devoted members of the Otsego Sailing Club with Ron chairing many committees, tirelessly volunteering and racing competitively for more than 50 years. In March 2025 the OSC recognized his many years of dedication and awarded him the Club’s first Member Emeritus.

Ron was also active in the Cooperstown community and served in executive roles at the Village of Cooperstown Water & Sewer Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Otsego County Planning Board. Ron was also an active volunteer and executive of many community organizations including the Cooperstown Sportsman’s Club, the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, the Mohican Club, The Lions Club of Cooperstown, and the Rotary Club of Cooperstown.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Susie, and daughters Sandy Streek of Charlottesville, VA, Annette Voreyer (Robert) of Greenwich, CT, and Patricia Klink (Michael) of Sunset, SC. He was also blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Ron was predeceased by his son, Sean Ronald Streek, brother, Bill Streek, and sister Inge Gamble.

A service in celebration of Ron’s life will be offered at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Jessica D. Lambert officiating. As part of the service and in recognition of Ron’s service in the United States Navy, Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the United States Navy Honor Guard. Immediately following the service there will be a reception in the Chapel.

Ron will be laid to rest with his family in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends can celebrate Ron’s life with donations in his memory to the Otsego Sailing Club (PO Box 816, Cooperstown, NY 13326), the Susquehanna SPCA (PO Box 267, Cooperstown, NY 13326), or to Helios Care (297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820).

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