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Edward Janosick
ROXBURY — Edward G. Janosick, 81, of Roxbury, died Thursday Dec. 11, 2003, at Margaretville Memorial Hospital, Margaretville.
He was born May 20, 1922, in the town of North Hempstead, Long Island, to Charles Janosick and Marion Swinosky.
He married Charlotte Schoppet on Oct. 20, 1946, on Long Island. She died April 16, 1980.
Ed had a landscape gardening business in Nassau County for many years, retiring in 1976. He was known for his African violets and was past president of the Long Island African Violet Society. In 1972, he was the national champion of hybridizing African violets. He was also the recipient of many awards. He received the Long Island African Violet Society's best single award in 1970, was runner-up to the junior queen of show in 1968, and won the annual president's trophy several times. He also won a sweepstakes in horticulture and was awarded the Edith Dickerdorff Trophy in 1968.
He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a pigeon fancier. He was the champion king trophy winner in 1945 at Maspeth.
He is survived by two sons, Charles Janosick of St. James and Gary Janosick of Glen Clove; five grandchildren, Robert and Rachel Janosick of Glen Cove and Stephanie, Andrew and Kenneth Janosick of St. James; and one sister, Marie Kollmar of Farmingdale.
Calling hours are Saturday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, Roxbury.
Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at Miller Funeral Home, Roxbury, with the Very Rev. James McDevitt officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta.
Burial will be in Roxbury Cemetery, Roxbury.
Helen S. Meszaros
SIDNEY — Helen Shubert Meszaros, 92, passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, at The Hospital in Sidney.
She was born Sept. 12, 1911, at Expanse, Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of Bernard and Lydia (Laepple) Shubert.
The family lived in Canada until 1918, when they came to the United States. They lived briefly in Laurens, before buying a farm in Acme, N.C. After a year there, they returned to Delaware County and purchased a farm on Stilson Hill, off the Franklin-Treadwell Road. In 1924 they moved to a farm in the Ouleout Valley, near Franklin.
Helen attended the old one-room Blue School and later graduated from Delaware Literary Institute and Franklin Central School in 1931. She was also a graduate of Delhi Tech.
While attending beauty school in New York City, Helen met Stephen C. Meszaros. They were married Nov. 26, 1940, in Baltimore, Md., and opened a beauty shop in Astoria, Long Island. In 1942, they sold the shop and moved to Unadilla.
During World War II they worked at the Scintilla Division of the Bendix Corp. in Sidney. In 1947, they purchased a home in Leonta, near Franklin. Stephen continued to work at Scintilla (now Amphenol) and Helen ran a poultry business. Stephen passed away May 2, 1991, and Helen moved to Sidney in 1993.
Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by three brothers, Herman, Louie and Paul Shubert; and four sisters, Nellie Allen, Irma Pearce, Emma Skidmore and Lilly Shubert.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Donna Meszaros of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Tilly Hull of China Grove, N.C., and Elsa Haney of Delhi; two brothers-in-law, Howard Pearce of Unadilla, and William Haney of Delhi; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was a longtime member of the Franklin United Methodist Church.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. She will be interred next to her husband in the Evergreen Cemetery, Unadilla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the Franklin United Methodist Church, 515 Main St., Franklin, NY 13775.
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
Margaret Fitch
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Funeral service for Margaret (Lena) Fitch, 98 years, 10 months, of New Smyrna Beach, who went to be with her Lord on Dec. 13, 2003, at the Port Orange Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she had been a resident for the past 18 months, will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, at the Settle-Wilder New Smyrna Beach Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Smith, South Haven Christian Church of Daytona Beach, officiating.
Friends may call from noon until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery.
Margaret, the daughter of Chauncey and Lillie Mary (Bush) Robertson, was born on Feb. 12, 1905, in Edmeston, where on April 26, 1924, she was united in marriage to Donald Alvin Fitch. Together they owned and operated a dairy farm in Burlington Flats, and also the E.P. Schiedleman Insurance Agency in Rome.
During World War II, she was employed at the Scintilla Plant in Sidney.
In 1959, they moved to Samsula near New Smyrna Beach, where they owned and operated a poultry farm until her husband's death in 1972.
Margaret was a devoted Christian and a member of the United Methodist Church of Burlington Flats. Her strong faith was a symbol of strength and inspiration to her family and friends. She will be sadly missed.
She is survived by one daughter, Helen J. Madaras; one son, Gordon L. Fitch and his wife, Alberta, both of New Smyrna Beach; and five grandchildren, Debra Madaras and partner Charlie Melter of St. Augustine, Gerald Fitch and wife Donna of Edgewater, Edward Fitch and wife Sandra of New Smyrna Beach, Stephen Fitch and wife Erin of Lakeland, and Michael Fitch and wife Denise of Edgewater.
Also, seven great-grandchildren, Michelle (Fitch) Coats and husband Michael of New Smyrna Beach, Jeremy Fitch, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Matthew and John Fitch of New Smyrna Beach, Jennifer (Fitch) Hershey and husband Dennis of Lakeland, and Amy and Justin Fitch of Edgewater; great-great-grandchildren include, Jenna Coats and Brittany, Brianna and Blake Hershey. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents and eight siblings, Chauncey, Vincent, Clarence, Ruth, Pearl, Olive, Jack and Dewey.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, 760 Gardner Road, Burlington Flats, NY 13315.
Maynard Fancher
WORCESTER — Maynard H. Fancher, 80, went to be with his Lord on Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, at Bassett Healthcare Hospital, Cooperstown.
He was born June 29, 1923, in Summit, the son of John and Bertha (Morrison) Fancher.
Maynard attended Worcester Central School. He served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945, where he participated in the battle of Normandy, landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He saw combat as a first scout in the battles in Rhineland, the Ardennes and ending in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, receiving the Bronze Star.
On Sept. 18, 1955, he married Shirley France. Maynard owned and operated his own dry cleaning business, The Schoharie Cleaners, from 1958 until his retirement in 1998, making many friends in the community.
He was a member of the American Legion Schoharie Post No. 1261 for 57 years, also a member of the Worcester United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Shirley Fancher, of Worcester; his four children, Christine and husband Joseph Rocco of Saratoga Springs, and their children, Matthew and Emma; David Fancher of Beverly, Mass., and his son, Eugene; Michael Fancher of Albany, and his daughters, Haley and Madeleine; and Stephen and wife Heather Fancher of Worcester, and their son, Trevor; two sisters, Cora Sisum of Worcester, and Ella Terpenning of Loves Park, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.
Maynard was predeceased by five of his brothers and two of his sisters.
Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the United Methodist Church, Main Street, Worcester, with the Rev. Jane Pykus officiating.
Burial with full military honors will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Worcester at a later date.
At the request of the family, contributions may be made to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, the United Methodist Church, PO Box 310, Worcester, NY 12197 or Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are by the E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester.
Lottie S. Puffer
WALTON — Lottie S. Puffer, 89, went to be with her Savior on Dec. 14, 2003. She passed away at the Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton.
Lottie was born in Masonville, the daughter of Harold and Orlina Brown Scott.
Lottie graduated from the Oneonta Normal School, then later Delhi Tech in 1933. She taught in several one-room schools. Then she taught kindergarten in Miller Avenue School for 13 years. She then moved to the Townsend School in Walton, and taught fourth grade for nine years before retiring in the early 1970s.
She made her home in the former Mt. Pleasant School. Lottie was a very well-liked teacher and loved her students.
Lottie enjoyed growing African violets, outdoor flowers, and vegetables, bird watching, and reading her Bible before ailing health. She most of all was interested in her family and was always eager to hear of any accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lottie is survived by one daughter, Patricia (husband Allen) Miner of Wylie, Texas; three grandsons, Daniel (wife Mary) Miner, Timothy (wife Dora) Miner and Timothy Puffer. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Nancy Miner and Tia Wright; three great-grandchildren, Christa, and Melissa Miner and Camille Tilman; a sister-in-law, Naomi Scott of Rochester; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lottie was predeceased by a son, Gerald H. Puffer on Dec. 10, 2001; three sisters, Hattie Barnes, Alice Lamoree, and Vera Demeree; and two brothers, Harry and Lewis Scott.
The family wishes to thank Diny Hafele, Vicki Talbot, Cate McCoy, and all the other caregivers who cared for Lottie. You all did a great job. Thanks also to Dr. Turner, Dr. Freeman, and the staff at DVH.
Friends may call Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, 101 North St., Walton, with the Rev. Peggy Fabrizio officiating.
Burial will be in Walton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may send a memorial contribution in Lottie's memory to the First United Methodist Church, 101 North St., Walton or the Walton Emergency Squad, 61 West St., Walton NY 13856.
Arthur Ritchko
GLENMONT — Arthur Ritchko, 82, of Glenmont died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Albany Medical Center Hospital.
He was born in Oneonta on April 26, 1921, the son of Peter and Mary Ritchko, who owned and operated Ritchko's Grocery Store in Oneonta for decades. He was one of five siblings, all now deceased.
Art served in the Marine Corps as a first lieutenant in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After landing in Nagasaki with the 2nd Marine Division 6th Marines, he spent one year with an occupation force in Japan.
He played defensive end under legendary coach Andy Kurr for Colgate University , where Art earned an undergraduate degree in biology, and his master's degree in physical education from Springfield College.
Art Ritchko had a highly successful 35-year career as teacher and coach in the physical education field. During his career, he coached football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and tennis. He taught at Gloversville and Bath High Schools before he came to coach for Bethlehem in 1958. Art was always very energetic in fund-raising to support the football program.
In his retirement, he studied his Russian heritage and pursued Russian language coursework at Siena. He traveled to Europe to find his relatives, and ensured the successful citizenship of one of his nephews. He was also an avid golfer and gardener.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Ann; and two children, Peter Ritchko, and Cheryl Buley and her husband, Jeff; granddaughters, Rachael and Clare Buley; and nephew, Chris Marchewa, one of 30 nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a tax exempt fund dedicated in Coach Ritchko's honor to benefit Bethlehem Central football players: submit to John Sodergren, 22 Sheffield Drive, Delmar, NY 12054.
Doris F. Sellers
Johnson CITY — Doris Frances (Youngs) Sellers, 97, of Hilltop Retirement Community, Johnson City, and formerly of Unadilla and Watertown, died at JG Johnston Nursing Home on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003.
Born in Youngs, on Feb. 28, 1906, the daughter of Frank and Jennie (Rutenber) Youngs.
Doris was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, W. Oscar Sellers in 1987, their daughter, Marilyn, their son, David, her brothers, George, Leland and Durwood, and her sister, Mildred Olmstead.
She is survived by her sons, Bruce Sellers of Unadilla, and William Sellers of Deposit; four grandchildren, Rani Sue Sellers of White Plains, Benjamin Sellers of Mt. Airy, Md., Timothy Sellers of Burbank, Calif., and Ian Sellers of Boulder, Colo.; two great-grandchildren, Emma Elizabeth Sellers and John Spencer Englert; and several nieces and nephews.
Her intelligent conversation, bright sense of humor, warm hospitality and unfailing concern for others will be remembered forever by those she has left behind.
Doris graduated from Unadilla High School in 1922 and Albany State College for Teachers in 1926 where she enjoyed participating with the basketball and debating teams.
She taught English at Richmondville and Oneonta from 1926 through 1935, when she married and moved to Watertown. In 1952 the family moved to India, and then to Pakistan, where her husband was a representative of the United States Agricultural and Industrial Development Agency until 1960. Doris taught at the high school for American Children in Pakistan from 1958-1960.
After extensive travel in Europe and Asia, the family returned to Watertown, where Doris taught French at Case Junior High School until her retirement in 1968.
Always active in her community, Doris was on the Board of Directors for the YWCA in Watertown and was involved with her church and Sunday School. She and her husband worked tirelessly to develop programs and services for the developmentally handicapped, and were instrumental in the formation of the Watertown Chapter of the AARP, whose newsletter she edited for many years. She donated her skills and time to Literacy Volunteers, the Retarded Childrens' Association, the Historical Society, and many other organizations.
There will be no calling hours at the funeral home.
A private family service in celebration of her life will be held at the Westcott Funeral Home Inc., 123 Main St., Unadilla, (directly off Exit 10 of I-88).
Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla, in the spring.
Those wishing to remember Doris are invited to make contributions in her name to the Salvation Army, Doctors Without Borders or to the charity of one's choice.
Funeral arrangements are by the Westcott Funeral Home Inc., 123 Main St., Unadilla, under the direction of James S. Westcott and James C. Magee, funeral directors.
