Search Archived Marriage Records
Gerald D. Carr
MILFORD CENTER — Gerald D. Carr, 71, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday, Feb. 9, 2004.
He was born Nov. 30, 1932, in Oneonta, the son of Raymond and Thelma (Winslow) Carr.
He married Leona Haskin on April 21, 1962, in Milford Center. She predeceased him on July 21, 2002.
Mr. Carr was employed at Amphenol in Sidney as a shop foreman. At his time of retirement, at the age of 65, he was the longest employee to work there, which was 46 years.
He is survived by his children, Richard F. and wife Kathy VanBuren of Palenville, Pat and husband Stanley Palmer of Richmondville, Carolyn and husband Jim Smith of Richmondville, Ward VanBuren of Dorloo, and Susan Carr of Schenectady; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister Norma and husband Bill Slawson of Oneonta; two brothers, Roger and wife Gloria Carr of Oneonta, and Dale Carr of Oneonta; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta, on Friday, Feb. 13, from 1 p.m. to the funeral service time at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Gary Edmister, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmondville, officiating.
Burial will be at the Milford Center Cemetery at a later date.
At the request of the family, contributions may be made to the Louis Busch Hager Cancer Center, Bassett Healthcare, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
Theodor A. Janicki
WALTON — Theodor A. Janicki of Walton died in the home he built 50 years ago, Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, surrounded by his family. He was 97.
Mr. Janicki was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, on Aug. 12, 1906, to Vincent and Auguste Oswald Janicki.
He immigrated to the United States in 1927 and became a citizen in 1934.
In 1929, he married his Mandolin teacher, Ina Nothdurft, also of Bremerhaven. Together they moved to Walton in 1947. He established a successful contracting business, leaving his mark on many area homes and businesses.
Mr. Janicki was for many years a member of the Walton Central School Board and served as its President during the building program for the present high school.
Mr. Janicki was a member of the Walton Masonic Lodge for 55 years and was a Past Master. He was a devoted member of the Walton United Methodist Church.
Family and friends will remember him for his generosity, his uplifting spirit and his deep love of family, community and country.
He is survived by his sons, Harry (Liz) of Loveland, Colo., and Ralph of Syracuse; his daughter-in-law, Inger Janicki of Bennington, Vt.; a sister-in-law, Ilse Mahlck of Bremerhaven; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, at the United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Walton United Methodist Church, 101 North St., Walton, NY 13856 would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are by Lyon Bros.-Way, Inc., Walton.
Julia A. Feeney
ARKVILLE — Julia A. Feeney, 89, of Arkville passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at her seasonal home in St. Petersburg, Fla.
She was born Feb. 1, 1915, in Port Laoise, Ireland, the daughter of Bartholomew Dunne and Margaret Dunne.
She married Thomas J. Feeney. He predeceased her Feb. 16, 1988.
Julia worked at the hospitality shop at Margaretville Memorial Hospital.
She was very active with the Margaretville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a supporter of the Arkville Fire Department.
Julia was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Margaretville.
She is survived by one son, John T. Feeney, Great Neck; one daughter, Shelia Quigley, Yonkers; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Friends may call at the Sacred Heart Church from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, when the family will be in attendance.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Margaretville, with the Very Rev. James J. McDevitt and the Rev. Patrick Dunne as celebrants. Burial will be at the St. Francis de Sales Cemetery in Shandaken.
Contributions in memory of Julia A. Feeney can be made to the Margaretville Memorial Hospital, Margaretville, NY 12455.
Funeral arrangements are by the Hynes Funeral Home in Margaretville.
Frank C. Druse Sr.
RICHFIELD SPRINGS — Frank Clark Druse Sr., 83, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004, in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, following surgery.
He was born on Sept. 20, 1920, in the town of Warren, son of the late Clark and Cecil Leonard Druse.
He was educated in Richfield Springs, VanHornesville and East Springfield.
During World War II, he served with the United States Navy on the aircraft carrier "Intrepid" and survived several enemy attacks. After being discharged from the Navy, he owned and operated a water-well drilling business for 20 years. Subsequently, he was employed and retired on disability from the Remington Arms Company in Ilion.
Mr. Druse was first married to Jennie Hohler, who predeceased him. He later married Nancy Smith of Springfield Center; they have had a devoted union for the past 43 years.
He was a member of Saint John's Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs, a 55-year member of Richfield Springs Lodge No. 482 Free & Accepted Masons, a 50-year member of American Legion Post No. 0616 Richfield Springs, a 55-year member of Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department, 45-year member of the Richfield Springs exempt firemen, the Cooperstown Veterans of Foreign Wars and a former member of the Otsego County 40 et 8.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy; a son, Frank C. Druse Jr., and his wife, Maribeth; two grandsons, Matthew and his wife, Arlene, and Frank C. Druse III; a sister-in-law, Ruth Druse; two nieces, Sylvia Derrick and Cynthia Strafel (Daniel); a nephew, Thomas Druse, and his wife, Jeanne; and several cousins.
Besides his parents; three brothers, Stewart, Stanley "Cappy" and Albert Druse, preceded him in death.
Funeral service from the Book of Common Prayer with Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. in Saint John's Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs. The Rev. John Dixon Bartley, rector, will officiate.
The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs, on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m.
Members of Richfield Springs Lodge No. 482 F&AM are asked to meet at the funeral home at 6 p.m. Thursday for ritualistic services. Members of Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department are asked to meet at the funeral home at 7 p.m. for services. Members of American Legion Post No. 0616 Richfield Springs are asked to meet at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. for services.
Interment with military honors will take place later this spring in Springfield Center Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Saint John's Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs, or the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Paula Parker
MELBOURNE, Fla. — Paula Thayer Parker, 60, of 2481 Wolf Creek Drive, Melbourne, Fla., died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at her home in Melbourne.
She was born in Oneonta, on April 23, 1943, the daughter of John Thayer and Ruth Simmons.
She moved to Melbourne in 1975, from Oneonta.
She retired as a secretary from Brevard Company.
She was a graduate of Oneonta High School, an avid car racing fan, and enjoyed crafts, reading, travel and bowling. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Malabar.
Paula is survived by her ex-husbands, William Parker Jr., Dennis Trowbridge and Robert H. Bailey; sons, Robert (Cindy Hanlon) Bailey and Mark Trowbridge; daughter, Susan (James) King; sisters, Judy Greene and Mary (Kenneth) Roberts; nieces, Karen Jones, Diana Crawford and Dawn Cagle; a nephew, Donald Young Jr.; an aunt, Elizabeth Gordon; numerous cousins; six great-nephews; and one great-niece.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Thayer; brother-in-law, Anthony Greene; and a niece, Kathryn Greene.
Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, at Brownlie & Maxwell Chapel. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of your choice.
John A. Rosson
IRVINGTON — John A. Rosson, 85, of Irvington died suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004, at his residence. He was born in New York City on April 16, 1918, son of William and Margaret (nee Rooney) Rosson.
He attended New York City Schools.
On June 23, 1946, John married Julia Mary O'Meara at Immaculate Conception Church in Irvington. They settled in Irvington where they raised their family.
Mr. Rosson worked at Maryknoll in Ossining for 10 years and retired in 1983. He was an avid handyman and was dedicated to the church. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and was an usher for many years. He had campaigned vigorously for the Immaculate Conception School Campaign, but his greatest joy was helping others. He had an affinity for cooking.
He served in the United States Army during World War II. He served with the 69th Regiment Company F PFC and fought in the Battle of Saipan.
Surviving is his wife, Julia, of Irvington; his son, Fr. John P. Rosson of Cooperstown; his daughter, Mary Ellen, and her husband, James Constantino, of Spring Valley; and his sons, Michael of Irvington and Dennis of Pound Ridge.
John was predeceased by two brothers, William and Thomas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 16 North Broadway, Irvington.
Visiting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave., Dobbs Ferry.
To send an online condolence note, please visit www.edwardsanddowdle.com.
Eileen F. Stowell
MORRIS — Eileen Fisher Stowell passed away on Feb. 10, 2004, at the age of 90.
Eileen was born May 28, 1913, in Waterbury, Conn., the daughter of Elmer and Katherine Fisher. The family moved to Perry when Eileen was an infant.
Her father worked at the Perry Cutlery. He became ill and was advised to move to California. Her and her older sister left for the west; however, her father's sister and brother-in-law, John and Mae Sharpsteen, insisted that they raise Eileen along with their own daughter on their family farm.
Eileen rode her horse, Pal, to and from school, and when the weather was bad, she stayed at a home across from the school, where she received her meals, a warm bed, and hay and oats for her horse for a quarter. Eileen graduated from Perry Central School and worked for a few years for the McCurdy's Department Store in Rochester.
In 1935, she married Ken (Boss) Stowell in Perry, and they moved to Gilbertsville. They were there for two years when her husband's college roommate, Warren Whipple, insisted they move to East Hampton, where her husband taught music from 1939 until his retirement in the late 1960s.
While in East Hampton, Eileen worked as a secretary for the Chamber of Commerce, Vetault Florists, Jim Strong Insurance and East Hampton Elementary Cafeteria Guild Hall and volunteered to help anyone in need.
Upon retirement of her husband, they moved to Morris, where she enjoyed her flower gardens, lawns, grandsons and her wonderful loyal friends.
She was a longtime member of the Butternuts Valley Garden Club and a member of the Zion Episcopal Church.
She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Stowell.
Eileen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, William and Joan Stowell of Morris; her three grandsons, John in South Beach Miami, Fla., William Jr. from Morris, Richard and his wife, Karen of Livonia; and her great-granddaughter, Mckenzie. She is also survived by cousins, Dave and Margie Gresens of Peachtree, Ga., and Kurt and Ivy Chase of Amherst; many special friends including Janet Card, Ron Miller, Peg Clement, all of Morris, and Joe and Charlene Hren, William Miller Jones, and Bruce and Mary Siska, all from East Hampton; and many others, too numerous to mention.
A memorial service will be held on June 5, 2004, at the Zion Episcopal Church in Morris at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Witt officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Morris Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 321, Morris, NY 13808 in her memory.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.
Ruth E. Sweet
ONEONTA — Ruth E. Sweet died Feb. 5, 2004, at the Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
She was born Oct. 12, 1906, on Bailey Road, Morris, to Frank and Libbie Summers Lamb.
Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oneonta and a former member of the Mount Vision and Milford Senior Citizens groups, the Grange in Oneonta and the Grange in Portlandville, the AARP and the Veteran Railway Employees Association.
Ruth was retired from the SUCO housekeeping department. Prior to working for SUCO, she had been an inspector with the Richards Dress Factory. She continued with them during World War II, when they became the Mica Plant.
Ruth loved her day trips around the local countryside, visiting with friends and family, playing cards and dominoes for fun and a good laugh. She had a quick wit and brought a thoughtful humor to many people.
She cherished the memories of her holiday dinners with her family and will be missed by her family and caregivers, but she will live on in their memories.
Ruth is survived by her grandson, Dale Tarver of California; and nieces, Mildred Parish of Oneonta and Elna Deighton of Florida.
She was predeceased by her parents; husbands, Warren A. Ferguson in 1983 and Harold W. Sweet in 1989; her daughter, Beverly Tarver in 2003; her brothers, Elmer Lamb, Fred Lamb, Ralph Lamb and Earl Lamb; and her sister, Bertha Decker.
There are no calling hours, and interment will be in the spring at Hillington Cemetery, Morris.
Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Elmer VanSteenburg
PORTLANDVILLE — Elmer W. "Red" VanSteenburg, 71 years of age, of Portlandville passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 9, 2004, at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta.
He was born Sept. 10, 1932, the son of William and Mina (Ferguson) VanSteenburg, living in Shavertown for a short time, then moving to the Oneonta area.
He attended Oneonta High School and then entered the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict. He was in the Paratroopers 187th Airborne Combat Team and received a Purple Heart.
When Elmer came home from Korea, he married Shirley Rake. On July 13, 1991, he married Betty Ann Barker Gonser.
After coming home from the service he worked for the Conservation Department and then the New York State Electric & Gas for a short time. He then went to work at Bendix-Scintilla and retired as a group leader after 35 years of service.
Elmer was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 24 for many years and also the Oneonta Little League.
He loved spending time with his children and taking them camping, fishing and having picnics at the camp. Red also enjoyed planting his flowers, going for rides with his best friend, Jack Brownell or John Pohli; playing cards with Henry Cook and spending time with his special friend, Rusty Gemmel.
In his later years, he became active in many of the veteran's groups, the V.F.W. where he served as Sr. Vice Commander, DAV Post No. 200, the V.F.W. Post No. 100 of Portlandville, and the Otsego County American Vet's Post 2004. Red was a service officer for many veterans.
He is survived by his son, Victor VanSteenburg of Oneonta; his granddaughter, Nicole VanSteenburg of Oneonta; his brother, Wayne VanSteenburg of Oneonta; his wife, Betty Gonser of Colliersville; and her daughter, Sharon Gonser of Colliersville; his best friend, Jack Brownell; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many other special friends.
Elmer was predeceased by his two sons, Arthur W. VanSteenburg on June 19, 1993, and Nathan D. VanSteenburg on Nov. 18, 2001.
At Elmer's request, there will be no funeral service or calling hours. Burial will be held in the spring at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 in loving memory of Elmer W. "Red" VanSteenburg.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
John 'Tim' Reilly
ONEONTA — John Marsden "Tim" Reilly was born Feb. 18, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and died unexpectedly on Feb. 9, 2004, in Cooperstown.
Tim was the son of the late John Francis and Virginia (Marsden) Reilly.
Tim is survived by his wife, Janet Louise Potter, of Oneonta; his son, John David (Linda) Reilly of Plainfield, N.J.; his daughter, Bridget Ann (John W. Blake) Reilly of Clarksville, Tenn.; his son, Michael Timothy Reilly of Albany; his grandchildren, Theodore Reilly Blake and Nora Reilly Blake of Clarksville, Tenn.; his stepdaughter, Lindsay Ann Molinari of Oneonta; and his former wife, Joyce Whisler Reilly of Albany.
He received his BA from West Virginia University with High Honors in 1954; and his Ph.D. from Washington University in 1967.
A renowned expert in the genres of American and African-American literature, literary criticism and history, and mystery/crime/suspense fiction, he wrote prodigiously. He is considered an authority on novelist Richard Wright and edited Richard Wright: The Critical Reception and wrote the afterwords for Wright's acclaimed "Native Son" and "Black Boy."
He was a founder of MELUS, the Society for the Study of Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States. In 1988, he received an award for Distinguished Work in Ethnic studies from MELUS.
In 1980, he received the Edgar Allen Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America for his anthology on detective fiction, Twentieth Century Crime and Mystery Writers, which was also named outstanding reference book by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association.
In 1989, he was awarded the George Dove Award for Distinguished Work in Crime Literature by the Popular Culture Association. He held numerous leadership positions within the United University Professors (UUP), the union representing the faculty and professional staff of the State University of New York, including serving as president from 1987 to 1993, and in UUP's affiliates, the New York State United Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers.
Under his leadership, UUP took strong positions in supporting affirmative action and increased student access to the State University of New York. His work for the UUP was recognized by a resolution adopted by the New York State Legislature in May 1993, and by the bestowal of the UUP Nina Mitchell Award in 1994.
At the time of his death, Tim was a Professor of English at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He was the director of the Graduate program in English and the Coordinator of the Preparing Future Faculty program. In 1999, Howard University Graduate School awarded him the Johnetta G. Davis Award for his contributions to Howard University's graduate program.
In January 2004, he was honored by the NAACP for his lifelong commitment to civil rights. He was a recipient of a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, 1954-55 and a Danforth Teacher Grant, 1966-67.
He was a member of the American Federation of Teachers, American Studies Association, Modern Language Association of America, Mystery Writers of America, College Language Association, Popular Culture Association, Society for the Study of the Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States (MELUS), Langston Hughes Society, George Moses Horton Society, Charles W. Chestnutt Society, New York State United Teachers, Society for the Study of Narrative Literature, Society for the Study of Southern Literature, Northeastern Modern Language Association, United University Professions (UUP), and Phi Beta Kappa.
Tim also enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Teddy and Nora.
His love of humanity and his desire to help others in need continues beyond his death. He donated his organs, and these generous gifts have saved the lives of several organ recipients and have enabled two other recipients to see.
Tim suggested that memorial gifts be made to the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundation, CN5281, Princeton, NJ 08543-5281 (www.woodrow.org) or the United Negro College Fund, Inc., Attn.: Accounts Receivable, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, PO Box 10444, Fairfax, VA 22031-8044 (www.unitednegrocollegefund.com).
A service to celebrate the life of Tim will be held on April 17, 2004, at 1 p.m. in the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta.
