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Arthur H. Lefgren
ONEONTA — Arthur Helmer Lefgren went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004.
Funeral arrangements are with Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. Visiting hours with family present will be Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bookhout Funeral Home.
A funeral service of praise for his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at the Meridale Community Church with his grandson, Pastor Terrence Jansma, officiating. Pastor Terry is pastor of the Suedberg Church of God, Suedberg, Pa.
Arthur was born Jan. 17, 1908, in Brooklyn. He was the son of Johan Martin Helmer and Teolinda Nelson Lefgren. He received his Bachelor of Science in EE degree and Bachelor of Science from NYU in 1937, majoring in electrical and chemical engineering. He received his master’s in education, also from NYU, and followed that with post-graduate work at Biblical Seminary in Brooklyn.
As an engineer, Arthur worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories, New Jersey, Otis Elevator Company, and as chief radio inspector of Emerson Radio. He designed some of the early sequence of moving lights for the world-famous Times Square building ads.
He married Helyn E. Riis (deceased) on Feb. 14, 1936, in Roosevelt, L.I. They made their home in nearby Baldwin for more than 30 years and moved for retirement to East Meredith in 1972. After a year’s sabbatical, he retired from a 32-year career with the New York City Board of Education, where he worked as teacher, chairman, administrator and principal.
He began teaching in the vocational division of the NYC public schools in 1940. During his more than 32 years at George Westinghouse Vocational and Technical High School, he administered more than 50 teachers in his division — always mentoring and encouraging teachers as well as hundreds of students. During his time there he taught communications for the war effort in evening trades, was an exceptional grant writer for his trades and developed the first closed-circuit TV studio for training. He was part of the development of the New York state BOCES system. While doing this, he also worked part time for the New York City Board of Examiners, testing new teachers for employment in the district.
He worked as adjunct professor at the University of the State of New York, as well as an adjunct for the Port of New York Authority apprentice training program. He also worked for the New York state Board of Regents in Albany, developing curricula. During summers he taught summer school, was principal of summer school and studied toward ordination at Biblical Seminary in Brooklyn.
Arthur was Sunday school superintendent of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Baldwin, and later of the First Methodist Church, Roosevelt. He sang regularly in church choirs.
Moving to East Meredith with his wife, Helyn, in 1972, he began serving as pastor of the Meridale (now Community) Church, until 1996. During that time he became ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance and became the executive director of the Delaware County Council of Churches. Under his 25-year leadership the annual Vesper Services held the day before the opening of the Delaware County Fair were begun. For the council he was instrumental in establishing a county position of chaplaincy to both the Countryside Care Center and the county jail.
In 1991, he successfully led the campaign to turn down the right for OTB in Delaware County. In 1992, he was awarded the Crawford B. DuMond Annual Award for dedicated service to the Delaware County Council of Churches at that annual Vesper Service.
He also served in leadership at Delaware Opportunities, developing the winterization program here. He was instrumental in the development of ARC in the county — being the director of the early summer school for ARC students. In the early 1970s, he also served on the state Hospital Board, representing Delaware County. He served as president of the Delaware County Senior Council and worked closely with the Office of the Aging.
He became a member of the Delaware County Men’s Choir — a group of about 30 men and three women soloists (his wife, Helyn, was one), which gave concerts every Sunday evening in various churches around the county from December to April every year. He served the choir as business manager for many years.
When he became a resident of the Countryside Care Center he was named resident of the month for his continued ministering. As he visited the other residents, he gave encouragement, a friendly visit or prayer to those who were especially lonely or ill. He continued his "ministering" when he moved to Oneonta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, occasionally giving little sermonettes.
Arthur loved life and mischievous fun. School vacations and summers were especially fun times for the family: trips to places of historical interest taught the family patriotism, fun with youth groups, and church and Sunday school picnics gave good fellowship. He and his wife, Helyn, were masters of fun church choir parties, tutoring his children in an occasional difficult subject after working 15-hour days showed his unselfish love for family and his great patience. Together with his wife, Helyn, their lives were one of service to their Lord, using every ounce of strength and faithfulness to the end.
Arthur died peacefully, leaving his two daughters, Karen and her husband, Roger Jansma, of East Meredith, and Dr. Helyn Marie Lefgren, MD, of Fairbanks, Alaska; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Evelyn Ulvad of Yonkers; plus a niece and nephew.
Leonard P. Van Bramer
ONEONTA — Leonard P. Van Bramer, 80, of Oneonta passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, at the A.O. Fox Hospital Nursing Home.
He was born Feb. 2, 1924, in Syracuse, the son of Leonard and Clara (Kerr) Van Bramer.
He married Angie Cillis on Oct. 6, 1957, in St. Peter’s Church in Delhi.
Leonard served in the U.S. Army from February 1943 to January 1946 with the 1875 Engineer Aviation Battalion in the India-Burma Theater.
He worked at the Oneonta Grocery Company for 45½ years and retired as a salesman in 1991.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the Oneonta American Legion Post 259 and the Italian American Club of Oneonta.
He was an avid bowler and won a number of trophies over the years. Fond of sports, he played pingpong, tennis, enjoyed cross-country skiing and ice skating, as well as camping.
He is survived by his wife, Angie Van Bramer, of Oneonta; his daughter and her family, Renee Van Bramer and Tom Coneybeer of Houston, Texas; a sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and John Olive of Delhi; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rose Lombardi of West Orange, N.J., Eleanor, Frances and Anthony Cillis of Oneonta, and Sam and Grace Cillis of Chandler, Ariz.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Teresa Van Bramer; his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Sue Van Bramer; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vito and Grace Cillis; and a brother-in-law, Dominique Lombardi.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, in St. Mary’s Church, with the Rev. Stephen Moore, associate pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Oneonta.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, at which time the family will be in attendance.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to either St. Mary’s Building Fund or the Leatherstocking Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Mildred C. Bassett
ONEONTA — Mildred Avis Coats Bassett, 91, of A.O. Fox Nursing Home and formerly of 33 Cedar St., Oneonta, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta.
She was born Nov. 23, 1912, in New Berlin, the daughter of Sidney S. and Maude Etta (Allen) Coats.
Mildred was the valedictorian of her class of 1929. She graduated from Cornell University in 1933 and then Columbia University Library School in 1934.
She worked at Columbia and also at Scarsdale Public Library. She moved to Brooklyn and worked as a children’s librarian at several branches of the Brooklyn Public Library.
Mildred met her husband, Allen Boykin Bassett, at the St. George Residential Hotel in Brooklyn. They were married Oct. 11, 1941. They resided in Brooklyn until moving to New Berlin in 1962. After moving to New Berlin, Mildred was the school librarian for two years and then in Oneonta, where she worked as a reference librarian and then the serials librarian at Hartwick College while Allen commuted on weekends from New York City. Allen subsequently retired from his job in New York City, and Mildred retired from Hartwick College in May of 1977.
She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Lutheran Church of the Atonement of Oneonta.
She is survived by two daughters and a stepdaughter, Carolyn and Roger France of West Oneonta, Emily Louise Bassett of Boston, Mass., and Barbara Allen Bassett of Philadelphia, Pa.; and two granddaughters, Kristin Emily France of Durham, N.C., and Karin Alaine France of Astoria, Queens.
Mildred was predeceased by her husband, Allen Boykin Bassett on Feb. 1, 1996, and her brother, Frederick Allen Coats in the 1920s.
A service to celebrate the life of Mildred Avis Coats Bassett will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upstate Chapter, PO Box 23746, Rochester, NY 14692-3746 in loving memory of Mildred C. Bassett.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
Anna M. Althiser
ONEONTA — Anna Marie Althiser (Speis), 75, of Oneonta passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, in Hartwick.
She was born Jan. 1, 1929, in New York City, the daughter of Paul Joseph and Julia Carolyn (Crowe) Matula.
Anna was the manager at the Pantry Convenience Store in Greensboro, N.C.
She enjoyed crafts, cooking, bingo and taking tour trips. But most of all, Anna loved spending time with her family and friends.
She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend and will be deeply missed.
She was a member of the Elm Park United Methodist Church, Oneonta.
Anna is survived by her seven children, Gerald Edward Althiser and Bonnie Wayman of Springfield Center, Lloyd George and Bonita Althiser Jr. of Prineville, Ore., Paul Robert Althiser of Creedmore, N.C., Lawrence Keith and Julia Althiser of Mount Vision, Sharon Ann Stack of Durham, N.C., Linda Ruth and Donald Bellefeuille of Cedar Grove, N.C., and Julia Elizabeth Kristofik and Michael O’Donnell of Chadwicks; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Joseph Matula of Clifton Park; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and two special friends, Mabel Page of Oneonta and Violet Hudson of Greensboro, N.C.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Eileen Cornwell, pastor of the Elm Park United Methodist Church, Oneonta, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta. Calling hours will be from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 in loving memory of Anna Marie Althiser (Speis).
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
Margaret L. Carlin
SIDNEY — Margaret L. Carlin, 78, a resident at the New York State Veterans Home, Oxford, and formerly of Sidney and Bainbridge, passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 3, 2004, in Oxford.
She was born Oct. 12, 1925, in Allamuchy, N.J., the daughter of the late John and Carrie Stafford Poole.
On Dec. 25, 1946, she married Albert W. Carlin at St. John’s Church, Bainbridge. He predeceased her on Aug. 19, 1994.
She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, James and JoAnn Carlin of Bainbridge and Albert and Carol Carlin Jr. of Piffard; six grandchildren, Robert, Kristy, Sarah, James, Tracy and Timothy; four stepgrandchildren, Shelly, Francine, Patricia and Barbara. Also, surviving are nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, a nephew and many cousins.
Three brothers, Lester, Harold and Kenneth Poole, and two sisters, Gladys Miller and Marion Earl, predeceased Margaret.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, from the C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney, with the Rev. Dolly Taretto, pastor of the Afton and Bainbridge United Methodist Churches, officiating. Burial will follow in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.
Friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral chapel with her family in attendance.
Memorial gifts in her name may be directed to the patient care fund of the New York State Veterans Home, 4211 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830-4305.
Doris Naomi Yager
MORRIS — Doris Naomi Yager, 85, of Morris died Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta.
She was born in Welcome on March 21, 1919, the daughter of Chauncey and Laura (Thorpe) Yager.
She was a domestic engineer and also operated a day-care business in the Morris area for many years. She was a lifelong member and faithful attendant of the Zion Episcopal Church of Morris as well as serving on the altar guild and being a Sunday school teacher.
Doris is survived by her sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Washburn of New Lisbon and Mrs. Martha Thrasher of Staten Island; her brother, Chauncey Yager of DeLancey; and her other family, including Sally Sargent, with whom she lived, and Robin Redling.
She was predeceased by a brother, Stanley Yager, and four sisters, Ada Yager, Ella Mattox, and Alice and Thelma Mudge.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Johnston Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, at the Zion Episcopal Church in Morris with the Rev. Robert E. Witt Jr. officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in the Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to the Zion Episcopal Church (Building Fund), PO Box 156, Morris, NY 13808 in Doris’ memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.
Rosamond Jenner
ONEONTA — Rosamond C. Jenner, 100, of the A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004.
She was born in Morris on Feb. 20, 1904, the daughter of Edwin and Eva A. (Martin) Pickens.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Ralph Lamb and Roland Jenner.
She was a licensed practical nurse, having worked in The Hospital, Sidney, and several Syracuse and Rochester hospitals, as well as doing extensive private duty nursing.
She is survived by a sister, Daisy Pickens of Binghamton; a stepson, Allen Jenner and his wife, Janice, of Baldwinsville; her grandchildren, Sharon Emerson of Oneonta, Susan Place and husband Neil of Oneonta Ralph Emerson of Florida, Mark Emerson of California, Charlotte Georgia and husband Wayne of West Oneonta, Barbara Huggins and husband Roger of Norwich, Keith Holbrook and wife Glenna of Laurens, Bernald Holbrook and wife Barbara of Laurens; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Rosamond was predeceased by three children, Dorothy Lamb Emerson, Doris Kreck and Bernald Lamb, as well as two sisters and two brothers.
Private funeral services and burial will be held in the Hillington Cemetery in Morris at the convenience of the family.
It was Rosamond’s request that no calling hours be held.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
David J. Finn
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — David J. Finn, 53, passed away Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, surrounded by his sisters, in Jacksonville.
He was born Dec. 17, 1950, in Carthage. He was a 1969 graduate of Oneonta High School.
He served in the Navy for 25 years and five years in the Reserves.
He was preceded in death by Owen V. and Patricia E. Finn.
David is survived by two sons, Sean and Mark; sisters, Patricia Norton, Tampa, Fla., Mary L. Finn, Castle Rock, Colo., Eileen DeLoreto, Collierville, Tenn., Kathleen Fryer, San Jose, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be at a later date.
Rosamond Jenner
ONEONTA — Rosamond C. Jenner, 100, of the A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004.
She was born in Morris on Feb. 20, 1904, the daughter of Edwin and Eva A. (Martin) Pickens.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Ralph Lamb and Roland Jenner.
She was a licensed practical nurse, having worked in The Hospital, Sidney, and several Syracuse and Rochester hospitals, as well as doing extensive private-duty nursing.
She is survived by a sister, Daisy Pickens of Binghamton; a stepson, Allen Jenner and his wife Janice, of Baldwinsville; her grandchildren, Sharon Emerson of Oneonta, Susan Place and husband Neil, of Oneonta, Ralph Emerson of Florida, Mark Emerson of California, Charlotte Georgia and husband Wayne, of West Oneonta, Barbara Huggins and husband Roger, of Norwich, Keith Holbrook and wife Glenna, of Laurens, Bernald Holbrook and wife Barbara, of Laurens; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Rosamond was predeceased by three children, Dorothy Lamb Emerson, Doris Kreck and Bernald Lamb, as well as two sisters and two brothers.
Private funeral services and burial will be held in the Hillington Cemetery in Morris at the convenience of the family.
It was Rosamond’s request that no calling hours be held.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
James E. Gately
NORTH BLENHEIM — James E. Gately, 68, of North Blenheim passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, at his residence, state Route 30, North Blenheim.
He was born July 7, 1936, in White Plains, the son of Edward James and Anna Sophie (Fischer) Gately.
He was a United States Army veteran.
He operated the Gately Auto Wreckers, owned by Gately Metals in White Plains. He then owned the Blenheim House in North Blenheim.
Jim was a member of the North White Plains Fire Company No. 1 for 17 years and nine months, the North White Plains Firemen’s Benevolent Association and the American Legion Post 1379 of Stamford.
Jim was a person who enjoyed going to casinos, woodworking and photography.
He was loved by family and friends.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Debbie Watkins; sons, David Gately and James Gately Jr.; grandchildren, Amanda Albright, Amanda Gately and Samarah Gately; great-grandchildren, Athena Villanueva and Raekwon Robertson; companion and dear friend Claudia Stahl; sisters, Carol Cleary, Grace Gately, Mary Jane Sargent and Stella Kuckier; and brother, Clarence Bates.
He was predeceased by sisters Edna Jones and Barbara Dam and one brother, Edward Bates.
At Jim’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. Committal services will be private.
In memory of James E. Gately, donations may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are by the Miller Funeral Home, Roxbury.
Geraldine Hosier
OTEGO — Geraldine M. Hosier, 78, of Otego died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at the Delaware County Countryside Care Center, Delhi.
She was born Sept. 22, 1926, in Margaretville, the daughter of Frank and Mildred (O’Brien) Balcom.
She married Donald Hosier in Arena on July 8, 1944. A dedicated housewife, Geraldine lived with her husband in various cities and towns in New York because of Donald’s employment. They lived together in Bovina from 1963 until November 1991, when they moved to Otego.
In her spare time, Mrs. Hosier enjoyed painting and sewing. She also enjoyed playing the harmonica. One of her favorite things was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Geraldine is survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald, of Otego; a son, Donald L. Hosier Jr. and his girlfriend, Pat Cudmore, of Amsterdam; a daughter, Marsha and Brinton H. Muller of Hamden; grandchildren, Yvonne and Dave Bowker of Walton, Brinton D. and Debbie Muller of Hamden, Tracia Muller of Hamden, Jason Hosier of Scotia and Jennifer and Rob Fisher of Scotia; great-grandchildren, Anthony Neach, Tristen and Thomas Bowker, Brianna and Britany Muller and Lorlyn Muller; three brothers, Richard Balcom of California, Carson and Judy Balcom of Oregon and Stanley Balcom of Kingston; two sisters, Diane and Ray Miner of Oregon and Marjorie Balcom of Margaretville; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Delhi, with the Rev. Jeff Staples officiating. Friends and family are invited to the funeral home for visitation beginning at 1 p.m. before the services. Burial will take place in Bovina Cemetery, Bovina Center, immediately after the services.
Contributions in Geraldine’s memory are asked to be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home during the services.
Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home of Delhi.
