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Stephen LaGuardia
YANBU, Saudi Arabia — Mr. Stephen P. LaGuardia, 61, formerly of Sharon Springs, died Saturday, May 1, 2004, in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
Born Aug. 19, 1942, in Bainbridge, he was the son of Charlotte (Sherwood) LaGuardia and the late Dominick LaGuardia.
Mr. LaGuardia was a 1960 graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and an honors graduate of Northeastern University in Boston with a bachelor's degree in Engineering.
He was a member of the Army Corps of Engineers, serving in postwar Korea, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. For 30 years, he worked for both the Bloomfield, N.J. and Houston offices of the multinational engineering company, ABB Lummus. At the time of his death, Mr. LaGuardia was a senior construction manager for ABB working on a project to revamp an oil refinery for Exxon Mobil and the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation, or SABIC, in Yanbu.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Joanne Pellegrino LaGuardia of New Orleans, La.; a son, Dr. Stephen P. LaGuardia Jr. of Miami; a daughter, Heather Anne LaGuardia of Little Rock, Ariz.; his mother, Charlotte LaGuardia of Cobleskill; two brothers, Richard LaGuardia of Providence, R.I., and Jon LaGuardia of Sharon Springs; and a sister, Bettina Thomas of Sharon Springs.
He was predeceased by a brother, Charles LaGuardia, in May 2000.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at the St. Thomas Beckett Roman Catholic Church, Chesire, Conn. Burial was in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven, Conn.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements were by Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, Hamden, Conn.
Jack H. Brownell
ONEONTA — Jack "White Eagle" was called home by his Creator in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 13, 2004, to be reunited with his beloved wife, Eleanor, who pre-deceased him. He was living with his daughter, Barbara, at the time.
Jack was born on Nov. 4, 1921, in Stamford, to Clara Brownell. They later moved to Oneonta. He attended Oneonta schools and enlisted in the Army while in high school. He served proudly during World War II in the Military Police Corps, training war dogs. He served in Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and Germany. He was wounded in action by sniper fire, and left behind his partner and friend, his dog, "Bob." He was honorably discharged and returned to Oneonta, where he spent the rest of his life.
On Sept. 15, 1946, Jack married Eleanor Wheeler and moved from Clinton Street in 1947 to establish his household at his Mohigan Drive residence. He and Eleanor resided there together for nearly 52 years. They were one of the first to move there and were the longest-living couple in that neighborhood to date. They raised two daughters that survive him.
Jack worked for the United States Forestry Department, planting state land, the D&H Railroad, and later obtained a permanent job in Oneonta with the City of Oneonta Water Department. He retired in 1981, as head foreman of the maintenance department with 30 years of dedicated service to the community. He was awarded a plaque with the key to the city upon his retirement for outstanding service.
Jack was always busy. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener, a very accomplished carpenter, animal, and antique lover. He fished nearly every evening with a best friend, George Sinstack when his family was young, to keep food on the table, and hunted and gardened for the same purpose. Jack could be found around the neighborhood helping one of his friends and neighbors plant trees, (many are still standing in the neighborhood today), or helping fix something. He also helped build some of the homes in the neighborhood. He was known for his hunting dogs.
Jack was seen many evenings giving pony rides to the neighborhood kids as soon as he arrived home from work. He liked sports, especially football and baseball. He was unofficially the official scorekeeper for the Oneonta High School football games when his girls were in school. He was the one making all the noise at the games. He was the one that fired off the old cannon after each touchdown, making the score official!
Jack made many beautiful things, when he had time for carpentry. He built his masterpiece with love, and leaves it to his family to enjoy for many tomorrows. Thank you. We love you and miss you very much.
Jack was a very active member of the Oneonta Disabled American Veterans Chapter 200. He was a life member and gave many hours of faithful, unselfish service to the organization. He spent many Sundays at the Oxford Veterans Home, and the Albany VA. He was honored several times for his dedicated service to others. He was also known to provide food, transportation, household goods or whatever to friends that needed help to get by. He also donated some artwork to the Oxford Home and many flags to cemeteries and other establishments around town.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Barbara Parker and her husband (Bill) of Ithaca; their children, Lisa Parker Sladich and her husband (Richard) of Troy, Jacqueline Parker Brown and her husband (Kenneth) of Ithaca; their children, Emily Elizabeth and Erin Olivia Brown, also of Ithaca, Melissa Parker and her children, Curtis Bryan Parker and Cheyenne Melody McFelty, all of Palmyra, Pa. Jack is also survived by a daughter, Beth Fritz and her husband (Richard) of Salisbury, N.C.; their children, Jennifer Fritz, of Salisbury; her son, Jordan Mckay Fritz, of Salisbury, Nicole Kohler and her husband (Jurgen II) of Kings Mountain, N.C.; their children, Jurgen III, Madison and Savannah Kohler, also of Kings Mountain, Melissa Kopasz and her husband (Shawn) of Gastonia, N.C. and their son, Bradon Kopasz, of Gastonia.
In addition to Jack's six grand, and nine great-grandchildren, he leaves behind two cousins, Phyllis Zona and her husband (Emil) and Retia Broadwell; many nieces, nephews; two sisters-in-law; many friends, including very special friends, John O. Stevens, Robert Stewart, and Kathy, Merle Eustice, Mr. and Mrs. Schaar, Mr. and Mrs. Gemmel, Mr. and Mrs. Payne, Victor VanSteenberg, Tina L., Kay Y., Betty Gonser, the Ralph More family, the Frank Patton family, Bryan Wooyman, the Lingners, the Wisse family, Nancy, of Memories on Main Street in Cherry Valley and all the gang, George and Carol of the Otsdawa Greenhouse, and R. Hodges and the gang at the Milford Flea Market.
He was predeceased by his friends, Elmer (Red) Van Steenburg and sons, Arthur and Nathan, George Sinstack, Ellsworth Van Valkenburg, Charlie Couse.
A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Friday, May 28, at the Veterans Club, 279 Chestnut St., Oneonta, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. During the calling hours, there will be a Veterans service and a Native American service. Jack was Native American (Mohawk).
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 29, at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, with the Rev. Jay Vandewerker, followed by full military honors and burial at noon.
Anyone wishing to make memorial donations in Jack's name may do so to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Association, the Alzheimer's Association, Catskill Hospice or the local SPCA.
Arrangements were handled by the E.C. Wagner Funeral Home of Ithaca and the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta. Thank you Tim, Brian and Mel.
Emily I. Franco
NEW BERLIN — Emily I. Franco, 90 years old, of New Berlin died Monday, May 24, 2004, at her home in New Berlin.
She was born on Nov. 8, 1913, in Brooklyn, daughter of Pasquale and Josephine (Acierno) Riso.
She married Dr. Angelo A. Franco on June 6, 1937. He died July 10, 1972.
She spent her childhood in the Brooklyn area. She received a certificate of graduation from the Brooklyn Commercial-Preparatory School of Business in Brooklyn.
Emily is survived by her four sons, Angelo Franco Jr., Groton, Joseph Franco, Tustin, Calif., John Franco, Oxford, and Gerard Franco, Oxford; three daughters, Anne Franco, Bronxville, Kathryn Franco, Oneonta, and Mrs. Carl (Patricia) Houghton, New Berlin; grandchildren are Helen Franco, Amy de Guia, Andrew Franco, Elizabeth Olsen, Michael Houghton, Emelinda Gronwall, Emily Franco, Gusten Franco, Ashley Franco, Andy Houghtaling, Scott Franco and Matthew Franco; great-grandchildren are Mina de Guia, Roman de Guia, Dominic Franco, Cole Olsen, Ayden Olsen, Lara Franco, Megan Franco and Anna Baese; one sister, Anne Polo of Mount Vernon; one brother, Rocco Riso of Mount Clair, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In her early life Mrs. Franco worked for Con Ed in New York City and then became a secretary for her husband who had a medical practice in New Berlin for many years. She was also a homemaker and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was a member and past president of the Altar Rosary Society at the Saint Theresa's Church in New Berlin and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in New Berlin. She was a member of the Saint Theresa's Church in New Berlin and was one of the founding members of this church. She was also a teacher of religion at the church.
Friends may call at the Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin, Tuesday, May 25, 2004 from 2 to 4 in the afternoon and 7 to 9 in the evening.
The funeral will be held at the Saint Theresa's Church on Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at 10 a.m., with Father Frances Case of Saint Theresa's Church, New Berlin, officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.
Donations may be made to Saint Theresa's Church in New Berlin and to the New Berlin Fire Department or Emergency Squad.
Helen B. Robinson
RICHFIELD SPRINGS — Helen Bernice Robinson, 91, of Church Street passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2004, in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown.
One of seven children, she was born on Oct. 5, 1912, in Indian Castle, a daughter of the late Victor and Anna Werner Galusha. She was raised and educated in East Springfield.
On Nov. 13, 1934, she married John G. Robinson in the Richfield Springs Presbyterian Church. A devoted union of 49 years, John died on Dec. 20, 1983.
Helen's life revolved around her family. With love and dedication her care and concerns were always for her brothers and sisters. She will be remembered as a caring and hopeful person and will be missed. She was a member of the Church of Christ Uniting.
Surviving are one sister, Mildred Vair of Easton; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Robert Galusha; and three sisters, Beulah Bancroft, Margaret Vickerson and Frances Beach.
Funeral services will be on Thursday at 11 a.m. in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs. The Rev. William Harkins, pastor of the Church of Christ Uniting will officiate. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs.
The family will be present at the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
As an alternative to sending flowers, Helen had requested memorial donations be considered to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Wendy L. Clark
COOPERSTOWN — Wendy L. Clark, 50, of Stamford, Conn., and formerly of Cooperstown, passed away early Monday morning, May 24, 2004, at the home of her brother and sister-in-law, Geoffrey and Katharine Bell of Whig Corners, following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on Jan. 20, 1954, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, a daughter of Douglas Arthur Clark and Betty A. Roberts. Raised in Cooperstown, Wendy attended Cooperstown Central School through her junior year and graduated from Enfield High School in Enfield, Conn., in 1972. She then attended the Mildred Elley School in Albany and graduated in 1974 with a secretarial degree.
First employed by the Aetna Insurance Company in Hartford, Conn.; she moved back to the Cooperstown area in the mid-1970s and served as a secretarial manager for Dr. Amols and Dr. Hamilton in the neurology clinic at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. She later moved to Stamford, where she was employed by Drexel-Burnham, R.C.B. and most recently was employed as a financial planner with Iridian Asset Management in Westport, Conn. Wendy was currently serving on the Board of Directors of Candlelight Terrace Association of Stamford.
She loved animals, especially her dog, Lucy, and her two cats, Cooper and Alex.
Wendy is survived by her mother, Mrs. Betty A. Bell of Cooperstown; her brother and sister-in-law, Geoffrey M. and Katharine Bell of Whig Corners, and their children, Victoria and Brock; many cousins, including Jerry and Michelle Townsend of Cooperstown; many aunts and uncles; and many, many friends, including a special friend, Jeff Yates of Stamford.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy F. Roberts Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Harris G. Clark Sr.
A memorial service celebrating Wendy's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor of St. Mary's 'Our Lady of the Lake' Catholic Church in Cooperstown, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Index.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or Catskill Area Hospice Hope Foundation, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
William Karl Wildermann
This is Ellis Island to Carnegie Hall —
The Story of William Karl Wildermann:
Written by Rudy Wildermann.
PRATTSVILLE — He died Monday, May 17, 2004, after a short stay at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home in Stamford.
Music was his life — opera was his passion!
Bill, as he was known, had a lifelong journey in the opera world. Starting at Radio City Music Hall, Bill was employed at Statt's Theatre in Stuttgart, Germany, for many years as well as being part of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the New York City Opera.
Bill's operatic career included performances at Carnegie Hall ("after much practice," he would say), and performing for the Queen of England at Convent Garden. Performances in Israel and Argentina and at the Washington Kennedy Center, the Santa Fe Opera and the Pittsburgh Opera are among just a few of the remarkable stops on Bill's memorial journey.
Prattsville has been his home for 35 years. Bill loved to sit on the front porch of his home here in the Catskills, and with a grand sweeping wave of his arm say, "This is all mine!" The view is spectacular and reminded him of Germany where it all started on Dec. 2, 1919.
A member of the Presbyterian Church in Jewett and a member of the German American Club of the northern Catskills, Bill overwhelmed everyone with his gift of song and his powerful bass baritone voice.
For the last three years, "His Ruth" was at his side at all times. They shared much joy together and she will miss him terribly, as will we all.
Bill was a World War II veteran and USO performer. He is survived by his son, Rudy and daughter-in-law, Jill; two grandchildren, Leigh and Frank and oh yes, "Grace," his great-granddaughter; two nephews, Robert and Kenneth and a niece, Karen.
As he said to many after meeting everyone, "Ciao" (so long). Goodbye Bill, or as his lifelong friends in Germany called him, Willie. "Auf Wiedersehen."
"Sing praise to the Lord for what he has made was good." So long, Dad!
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 12, at the Presbyterian Church in Jewett at 10 a.m. Please stay after and share fellowship and refreshments. All are welcome. Call (201) 652-0673 for information.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Decker Funeral Home, Windham.
Mildred E. Shay
OCALA, Fla. — Mildred E. Shay, 95, of Ocala was a resident of Roses Brook in Hobart for many years prior to moving to Ocala. Mrs. Shay died May 18, 2004, at Hawthorne Inn at Surrey Place in Ocala.
A native of Brooklyn, she lived in Plainfield, N.J., before moving to Hobart.
She was an elder of the Presbyterian Church of South Kortright and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ocala. She was an American Red Cross Hospital volunteer and a Munroe Regional Medical Center Gray Lady for many years in Ocala.
Surviving Mrs. Shay are three daughters, Elizabeth Austin (Frederick) of Leander, Texas, Barbara Salness (Lloyd) of Bradenton, Fla., and Grace Scheidegger (Ralph) of Bellevue, Wash. Also, two sons, Bruce Guttridge of Page, Ariz., and William Shay (Roxanne) of Newark; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by son, Dr. Harold B. Guttridge, in 1991, and husband, Raymond T. Shay, in 2001.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 7, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocala.
John A. Meinking
ONEONTA — Graveside committal services for John A. Meinking, 94, who died Dec. 2, 2003, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, with the Rev. Thomas Clemow officiating.
Arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
Audrey L. Raeder
ROXBURY — Audrey L. Raeder, 77, of Roxbury passed away Monday, May 24, 2004, at her residence.
She was born on June 6, 1926, in Broome Center, the daughter of Floyd Peter Nickerson and Grace Barringer.
She married George H. Raeder on July 2, 1948, in Lakeville, Conn.
Audrey graduated from Gilboa Central School. She worked at Victory Market in Grand Gorge, Margaretville Department Store and Audio Sears in Stamford, where she retired in 1988.
She enjoyed baking and shared cookies routinely with all the neighborhood children. Audrey was known as the "Cookie Lady." She was very creative and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting and a variety of crafts.
She was a longtime member of the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church of Roxbury.
Audrey is survived by her husband, George H. Raeder, Roxbury; one son, George and daughter-in-law, Selina Raeder, BonAire, Ga.; two daughters, Nancy and son-in-law, Walt Vosbrink, Roxbury, and Noreen Hannon, Roxbury, and son-in-law, Jim Hannon, Dallas, Texas; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four sisters, Helena Wiley, Victor, Evelyn Brainerd, Prattsville, Golda Jones, Leeds, and Frances Hall and brother-in-law, Bruce, Highland; one brother, Franklyn Nickerson, Prattsville; one sister-in-law, Alma Nickerson, Conesville; and also two loving cats, Smokey and Tigger.
Friends may call at their convenience on Wednesday at the Miller Funeral Home, Roxbury, the family will be in attendance from 2 to 4 p.m.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2004, with the Rev. Richard Dykstra, officiating, at the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, Roxbury. Burial will be in the Roxbury Cemetery, Roxbury.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, Roxbury or to the Catskill Area Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are by the Miller Funeral Home of Roxbury.
Agnes B. Simonson
GRAND GORGE — Agnes B. Simonson, 87, of Grand Gorge passed away Monday, May 24, 2004, at her residence.
Agnes was born on Jan. 9, 1917, in Hamilton, Canada, the daughter of George Benjamin and Gertrude Shults.
She married Charles O. Simonson on Nov. 20, 1941, at the Grand Gorge Methodist Church. He died Nov. 17, 1999.
Agnes graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor's degree in English and library and also took courses at Oneonta State College.
She started teaching high school, but the majority of her teaching was sixth grade. She taught for one year at Andes Central School and then taught for 28 years at Grand Gorge Central School, retiring in 1976. After retiring, she and her husband took many happy trips all over the United States.
She was a member of the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, Roxbury, and a former member of the Eastern Star, Prattsville.
Agnes was an avid reader and played piano at school and church functions, and she also enjoyed knitting.
She loved her family and friends and centered her later years around them and caring for the many plants she had. Agnes always stayed as active as possible and took interest in church and local activities. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.
Agnes is survived by one daughter, Mary (Ronald) Long, Grand Gorge; one son, George (Eileen) Simonson, Middleburgh; four grandchildren, Bill, Lisa, Julie and Patrick; two great-grandchildren, Allison Long and Dylin Corbett; one brother, George Benjamin; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
There are no calling hours.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2004, with the Rev. Richard Dykstra officiating at the Miller Funeral Home, Roxbury. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Grand Gorge.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Jay Gould Memorial Reformed Church, Roxbury.
Funeral arrangements are by the Miller Funeral Home, Roxbury.
Elizabeth M. Montanya
NORWICH — Graveside committal services for Elizabeth M. Montanya, who died March 7, 2004, will be held on Friday, May 28, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
Elmer 'Red' VanSteenburg
PORTLANDVILLE — Graveside committal services for Elmer "Red" VanSteenburg, who died Feb. 9, 2004, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta, will be held on Friday, May 28, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
