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Gerda Gisela Harris
MORRIS — Gerda Gisela Harris of Morris and Toronto died suddenly at Fox Hospital in Oneonta on Thursday evening, Nov. 27, 1997.
Born in East Prussia on Nov. 26, 1921, the daughter of Franz Heinrich Adamaszek and Frieda (nee Strieve) Adamaszek, she graduated from the University of Lauenburg, taught in both German and British schools in West Germany, and was an enthusiastic all-round athlete who won the decathlon award in her bronze age group category.
Her youth and good health helped her survive the devastating Russian advance and cruel Nazi intransigence that destroyed a prosperous East Prussia, her family's extensive farm holdings and most of her generation's young men. Running across much of Germany in a desperate winter, she escaped Dresden's fate by minutes and witnessed its destruction.
After teaching in British schools in North Germany, she married William Edward Harris, a Scottish marine engineer who had been a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy before serving with British photo intelligence in London and as a colonel in the military government that occupied and dismantled post-war Germany. When he was sent to Berlin, she followed and they experienced the blockade first-hand as their daughter was born in its midst.
Immigrating to Canada in 1951, they settled in Toronto where she eventually became head of accounting and then the executive assistant to the financial vice president of Grand and Toy, a major office supply company. After 25 years with the company, she retired in 1985.
Devoted to her family and adopted country, she also deeply appreciated village life in Morris and the beauty of the countryside here. She enjoyed playing and watching tennis, winning bridge games, baking wonderful desserts and following current affairs. She loved reading, her cup of coffee and cigarette as well as numerous crafts from rug hooking to quilting.
Once a talented hand with Scherenschnit, she became a member of the Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, taught many happy bridge lessons there and made many local friends.
Predeceased by her husband Bill and mother in Toronto, she is survived and much missed by her daughter, Jeanette Marianne Harris Harben; her son-in-law, Peter William Harben; her grandchildren, Mark Peter Harris Harben and Victoria Elizabeth Harris Harben; a sister, Annemarie Birch and brother-in-law, Richard E. Birch of Toronto; a sister, Renate Adams of Newport, R.I.; and a niece, Katarina Hele of Rye.
A service will be held at the family plot in Toronto and a memorial bridge tournament in Morris next month.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Morris Village Library, one of her favorite destinations.
Rev. Walter Carpenter
BLOOMVILLE — The Rev. Walter J.G. Carpenter, OSL, 58, of the Folts Home in Herkimer and formerly of Bloomville, passed away Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997 at the home after a long illness with brain tumors.
Walter was born April 16, 1939 in Elmira, son of Juliand Grant and Agusta Shaul Carpenter. He was a graduate of Horseheads Central School, he received his BS at Cornell University, his master's at the University of Rhode Island, and his Seminary Certificate from John Wesley University in Washington, D.C.
The Rev. Carpenter was pastor of Germantown, Elizaville, West Taconic, Glen Cove Mills and Bloomville United Methodist Churches, part-time pastor of the Drew United Methodist Church in Carmel and was chaplain to the Bloomville Volunteer Fire Department. He also was associate agent for the Nassau County Extension and was the director of the Putnam County Cooperative Extension for 15 years.
He was a member of the United Methodist Order of St. Luke and was past president of the Carmel Rotary Club.
The Rev. Carpenter is survived by his brother, Dr. Clinton Ray Carpenter, New Hartford; his aunt, Ms. Ella Shaul of Horseheads; and several cousins.
Services will be held Friday, 11 a.m. at the New Hartford First United Methodist Church. Interment will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads. Calling hours are Thursday, 7-9 p.m. at the Friedel Williams, Coriale and Edmunds Funeral Home, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, 1997 at 3 p.m. at the Bloomville United Methodist Church.
In The Rev. Carpenter's memory, friends may consider contributions to the New York Annual Conference Ministerial Fund or the Memorial Fund at the New Hartford First United Methodist Church.
Jack B. Nabinger
BAINBRIDGE — Jack B. Nabinger, 82, of Hillside Acres, Bainbridge, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 1997 at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.
He was born Nov. 20, 1915 in Herkimer, the son of the late Jacob and Grace (Stephens) Nabinger. He married Mary Wood on July 1, 1939 in Ilion.
Jack worked at E.C.D. of Bendix, Sidney for 40 years as a tool maker, retiring in 1980.
He was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Sidney, a member of the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years, and a member of the Executive Board for the Otschodela Council Boy Scouts of America.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mrs. Mary Nabinger of Bainbridge; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Paul and Emily Nabinger of New Jersey and Roy Nabinger of Bainbridge; two daughters, Suzanne Nabinger of Cortland and Joy Austin of Fairport; one brother, Edward Nabinger of Deposit; three sisters, Elsie Teelon of Mount Upton, Myrtle Howard of Paris Hill and Catherine Meek of Chicago, Ill.; one aunt, Alice Root of Astatula, Fla.; also surviving are 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Garry Nabinger.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997 at the United Methodist Church of Sidney with the Rev. Donald A. Roberts Sr. officiating. Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the C.H. Landers Chapel, Main Street, Sidney.
Memorial gifts in Jack's name may be made to the United Methodist Church of Sidney, or to the Otschodela Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Route 23, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.
Arrangements are by the C.H. Landers Chapel, Main Street, Sidney.
Caroline Kaiser
HARPERSFIELD — Caroline Kaiser, 96, of Harpersfield, formerly of Maspeth, Queens, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 30, 1997. She was born on June 18, 1901 in Queens, New York City, and the daughter of Charles and Matilda Ederle.
She married August Kaiser on June 24, 1921. She was a homemaker and devoted wife and mother.
She was a member of St. Marks United Church of Christ in Ridgewood, Queens since she was 5 years old. She was active in ladies aid and was past president of the Women's Auxiliary of the Sons of Union Veterans Organization as well as being active in the PTA and some charitable organizations.
She was predeceased by her husband August on April 6, 1965 and a son George on Dec. 16, 1982. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Ralph and Roseann Kaiser of Harpersfield; three grandsons and two granddaughters, David Kaiser, Donna and Jeffery Toombs, Michael and Debi Mastrototaro, Kathleen and Douglas Pedrick and Christopher Kaiser; and two great-grandchildren whom she adored, Daniel and Amanda Toombs.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Caroline Kaiser Memorial Fund, Charlotte Valley Central School, Joan Smith, Business Office, Route 23, Davenport, N.Y. 13750.
Funeral services will be held at Village Chaples Funeral Home, Middle Village, Queens. Calling hours are Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Interment will be Thursday, Dec. 4 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, Queens.
Local arrangements are by the MacArthur Funeral Home, Davenport and Hobart.
Dorothy Kehoe
CHERRY VALLEY — Mrs. Dorothy Kehoe, 81, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 1997 at the Meadows, town of Middlefield.
She was born July 15, 1916 in Brooklyn, the daughter of Adam and Therese (Meyer) Schneider. On Feb. 6, 1940 she married Robert J. Kehoe Sr. in Brooklyn. He predeceased her on April 16, 1986.
She was a graduate of St. Nicholas High School, Brooklyn, and a member of the St. Anne's Rosary Society.
Mrs. Kehoe is survived by two sons, Robert J. Kehoe Jr. of Middlefield and James Kehoe of Roseboom; one daughter, Terry Spatafora of Queens; a sister, Therese Moylan of Cherry Valley; and seven grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a son Joseph Kehoe, a brother Adam Schneider and sisters, Rosalind Eck and Marie Betzag.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Cherry Valley, with the Rev. Santino Titta officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Middlefield Cemetery, Middlefield.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
Melvin Bice
WEST EDMESTON — Melvin Bice, 87, of West Edmeston died Dec. 1, 1997 in Cooperstown.
Born Nov. 25, 1910 in Columbus, the son of Eugene Sr. and Adeline (Gray) Bice. He married Mable Greenman on Dec. 27, 1929. She predeceased him on March 24, 1981.
Mr. Bice spent his childhood in the Columbus and West Edmeston areas and attended Tallette and West Edmeston Country Schools. He was a dairy farmer in West Edmeston and a member of Eastern Milk Producers, Eastern AI Co-op and Agway Co-op.
Surviving him are his children and their spouses, Roger and Thelma Bice, Ronald and Alzada Bice, Raymond and Judie Bice, all of West Edmeston, Nancy and Richard Button of New Berlin and June Morey of Brooksville, Fla.; a brother, Edwin Bice Sr. of West Winfield; two sisters, Melba Davis and Audrey Labombard both of New Berlin; also 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by four brothers, Harold, Harry, Eugene and Laverne; two sisters, Grace and Marjorie; and one grandson, David Bice.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997 at 2 p.m. at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin, with the Rev. Donald Buck of the First Baptist Church, West Edmeston, officiating. Interment will be in West Edmeston. Viewing hours will be from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home, proceeding the funeral on Dec. 3, 1997, when the family will be in attendance.
Memorial donations may be made to the Edmeston Emergency Squad or the West Edmeston First Responder Fire Department.
Margaret A. Perkins
NEW BERLIN — Margaret A. Perkins, 77, of New Berlin, died Nov. 29, 1997 in Norwich.
She was born Feb. 16, 1920 in Staunton, Va., the daughter of Ralph and Gladys (Tanksley) Holdridge and spent her childhood in Richmond, Va.
Margaret was a child-care provider in New Berlin and was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich.
Survivors include her children, Roger and Sally Adams of New Berlin, Terry and Marsha Adams of Killeen, Texas, Debbie and John Williams of Norwich and seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, John Tanksley.
Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 1997 at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin, with the Rev. Pastor Brian Conover and the Rev. Pastor David Strope officiating. Viewing will be 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 1997, at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin. Interment will be in Columbus Corners Cemetery, South Edmeston.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Chenango County Hospice.
Edwin R. Merwin
STAMFORD — Edwin R. Merwin, 81, of Stamford, passed away Nov. 30, 1997 at home.
He was born Dec. 31, 1915 in Hobart, the son of Walter and Cornelia Place Merwin. He married the late Pearl M. (Smith) Merwin on June 5, 1943 in Oneonta. She died Dec. 27, 1992.
Mr. Merwin was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army.
Mr. Merwin was a lifelong area resident and a handyman for E.T. VanBuren and Sons of Hobart and later for Graham Labs, also in Hobart.
He is survived by one brother, Walter Merwin of Jefferson; three sisters, Jennie Vogel of West Davenport, Eva Sutton of Jefferson and Marion Lewis of Binghamton; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997 at 2 p.m. at MacArthur Funeral Home with the Rev. Pastor Richard Elder officiating.
Burial will be in the spring in Fariview Cemetery in Grand Gorge.
Arrangements are by MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.
Frank Nowiski
UNADILLA — Frank (Smokey) Nowiski of 23 Main St., Unadilla, died Monday, Dec. 1, 1997 at The Hospital in Sidney.
Mr. Nowiski was born March 6, 1904 in DuBois, Ill., the son of Anna and Joseph Nowiski. He married Clara Frear on June 6, 1936. They shared 61 years of marriage together.
He was a construction engineer and farmer and had lived in Unadilla for over 60 years. He was a member of St. Charles Church of DuBois, Ill.
Mr. Nowiski is survived by his wife Clara, of Unadilla; his daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Ken DeRoche of Sideny Center; three grandchildren, Dustin, Marcy, and Amanda; his sister-in-law, Ada Blackwell of Johnson City; three sisters, Dorothy Mitchell of Albion, Ill., Lee Luczack of St. Louis, Mo. and Paulene Benson of Herman, Mo.; two brothers, Leonard Nowiski, of Cuba, Mo. and Raymond Nowiski of Ashley, Ill. also several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Joyce Funeral Home Inc. with the Rev. Herman Moore of DeLancey officiating.
Burial will be in the spring in the Evergeen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Unadilla Emergency Squad or the Unadilla Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by the Joyce Funeral Home Inc. of Unadilla.
Edwin A. Brill
EDMESTON — Edwin A. Brill, 28, of Edmeston, passed away Dec. 1, 1997 in the town of Edmeston.
He was born March 3, 1969 in Cooperstown, the son of Lawrence and Irene (Crockenberg) Brill. He married Stacey Stratton Oct. 11, 1996.
Mr. Brill spent his childhood in the Edmeston area and graduated from Edmeston Central School.
He was a truck driver for New Venture Gear of Syracuse, a member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church of New Berlin and a member of the Local Teamsters Union.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, motorcycles and building his new house.
Survivors include his wife, Stacey; one daughter, Sheena Brill of Edmeston; brothers and sisters, Laurene Williams of Malvern, Ariz., Nancy Bundy of New Berlin, Gerald Brill of New Berlin and Pamula Harsburger of Malvern, Ariz.; also many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, 1997 at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, New Berlin, with Father Francis Case of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, officiating.
Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Edmeston.
Viewing will be Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997 from 7-9 p.m. at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin.
Memorial donations may be made to the Edmeston Emergency Squad.
Clifford S. Drake
COOPERSTOWN — Clifford S. Drake, 89, of Lake Road, Cooperstown, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 3, 1997, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1908 in the town of Springfield, a son of Chauncey and Anna Louise (Duggleby) Drake. He first married Laura Laymon on Aug. 31, 1928 in Cooperstown. She died on April 4, 1976. He then married Bertha Laymon on April 30, 1978 at home in Cooperstown.
One of 12 children, Clifford was raised in the town of Springfield and attended a one-room schoolhouse on Thurston Hill until the fifth grade. He then attended the Springfield Center School. In 1926 he went to work cutting ice on the "little pond up on the hill in back of Hartwick Seminary." After working for Chester Ingalls and on dairy farms in Pierstown and Two Mile Point, he and his wife, Laura, purchased the 240-acre Hickory Grove Farm in 1932, which also had a thriving ice harvesting business. In 1935 they purchased an adjoining farm and in 1937 they purchased the Fred Quaif farm.
As well as owning and operating a prosperous dairy farm, Clifford had a successful ice-harvesting business until the 1940s. He also pasturized and sold milk and had owned and operated the former Milford Commission Sales with his late son David Drake. In 1952 Clifford was appointed to serve on the Democratic Committee for the town of Otsego and in 1954 was chosen to run for the New York State Assembly on the Democratic ticket. He was defeated but was proud of his race, the best anyone had had since a Democrat was elected sheriff in 1926. Retiring in 1971, Clifford and his wife, Bertha, continued to live in the "white frame house overlooking Otsego Lake" that he kept after selling his farmland.
Clifford's love of dairy farming and rural life extended to his active roles in Grange activities and the Otsego County Fair. He was a member and past master of Pierstown Grange No. 793 and the Otsego County Pomona Grange and also a member of the New York State Grange and the National Grange. He was a director of the Otsego County Fair for 29 years and also served as president for many years. In 1988 he was made Director Emeritus, and the Draft Horse Barn at the fairgrounds was dedicated in his name.
He was the author of two books, "As I Remember It" and "A Recollection of Otsego County Fairs."
Clifford was past president and director of Eastern Milk Producers, a member of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Otsego County, a charter member and former director of the American Dairy Association and the Dairy Council of New York and served as director of the Otsego County Soil and Water District and the Otsego County Patrons Fire Relief Association.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Bertha, of Lake Road, Cooperstown; one son and two daughters-in-law, Donald A. and Susan Drake of Cherry Valley and Mrs. Joyce Drake of Milford; three grandsons, John H. Drake, Thomas E. Drake and Michael A. Drake; three granddaughters, Beth Drake, Melissa Goodman and Amy Drake; four great-grandsons, Jason and Adam Drake of Latham and Matthew and Christopher Goodman of Naperville, Ill; three sisters, Mrs. Louise Snyder of Richfield Springs, Mrs. Dorothy Rose of New Lisbon and Mrs. Edna Pierce of Lake Road, Cooperstown; one sister-in-law, Madeline Laymon of Richfield Springs; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one son, David C. Drake, in 1993; one granddaughter, Deborah Drake, in 1994; three sisters, Mrs. Inez Mosher in 1945, Mrs. Martha Vibbard in 1987 and Blanche Harriet Drake in 1997; and five brothers, Paul A. Drake in 1965, Ellis N. Drake in 1978, Ovid C. and Oliver C. Drake, both in 1983 and Francis H. Drake in 1992.
Funeral services will be held at the Connell, Dow, and Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Saturday, Dec. 6, 1997 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ronald Fralick, pastor of the Roseboom United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Springfield Center Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday evening, Dec. 5, 1997 from 7-9 p.m. when Clifford's family will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be made to the Springfield First Responders, P.O. Box 358, Springfield Center, N.Y. 13468, Cooperstown Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 322, Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326 or a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Connell, Dow and Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
