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Ellis (Al) Smith
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Ellis (Al) Smith, 100, of Bronner Street, passed away peacefully in his bed on Monday evening, April 15, 2002.
He was active for 100 years. It’s the end of an era -- he was a man for all seasons.
Ellis was born in a small farmhouse in Westmoreland on September 14, 1901. He was the first child of Orrin Dean and Anna Leard Smith. Ellis attended the Utica Free Academy. He was captain of the baseball and football teams and in 1918 was president of the U.F.A. student body of 1,500 students. He also starred in baseball and football at Cushing Preparatory Academy in Massachusetts. As a young man, he met a professional wrestler named Henry White. This sparked his interest in wrestling. He wrestled in Utica gyms and taught wrestling to fellow students while attending Cushing. He took pride in amateur wrestling and would enter competition with the carnival wrestlers when they came to Richfield. For one season he played semi-pro football with the Utica Knights of Columbus. This was a year before the National Football League (NFL) was formed. For 18 years he was a pitcher for the Richfield Springs Town Baseball Team. Ellis was the last member of the US Cavalry Troop "G" out of Utica. For most of his life he had riding horses. Even in his 90’s he drove his pony Casper around town. He never traveled without his Stetson hat.
For over 50 years Ellis was an independent insurance agent with the North American Insurance Company.
Ellis was a member of the American Legion of Richfield Springs. They honored him in his 100th year with a ribbon medal. A mason for almost 50 years he was past master of Richfield Springs Lodge No. 482 F.&A.M. In May of 2000 he was honored with the Dedicated Service Award. He was past director of the Richfield Sportsman’s Club, and also served as a Republican Committeeman for 25 years. For over 50 years he would travel to Canada on fishing trips. He hunted deer in Beaver River and enjoyed bird hunting. He was a long-time gardener, his gardens were bounteous and beautiful. He also enjoyed playing cards, and bowling. As a senior citizen he took up the game of golf with the town of Richfield Springs team, winning championship at the age of 89.
In 1924 Ellis married Maria Wallis. They had two children;his beloved son Monte Blue Smith who predeceased him on March 16, 1997; a daughter Marilynn Zoller and her husband Kendall of West Winfield. His wife Maria passed on in 1941. Ellis remarried in 1942 to Stephanie Marosek of Little Falls. They had three children: Barbara Smith of the home address, Charles and his wife Carolyn Smith of Honolulu, Hawaii, Pamela Erdmann and her husband Reinhard of Richfield Springs, Also surviving are his daughter-in-law Elouise Smith of Richfield Springs, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Besides his son Monte, he was preceded in death by his wife Stephanie in 1989, two grandson, Uri Erdmann in 1993 and Allan Smith in 1994, two brothers Benton and Clinton Smith and a sister Dearborn Reeves Jerson.
A service of the Burial Office and Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 2:00 p.m. in St. John’s Episcopal Church Richfield Springs. The Reverend John Dixon Bartle will officiate. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will be present in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, to receive relatives and friends on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Members of Richfield Springs Lodge No 482 F.&A.M. are asked to meet Friday evening at 8:00p.m. for ritualistic services.
If desired a contribution in Ellis Smith’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Paul Valachovic Jr.
RICHFIELD SPRINGS -- Paul Valachovic Jr., 46, of 6 Gould Ave., passed away Friday morning, July 26, 2002, in the Rosewood Terrace Adult Care Facility, Richfield Springs, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Schenectady, son of the late Paul and Irene Valachovic. Paul was raised and educated in Schenectady. At one time he was employed by Drakes Cakes in Schenectady. On June 11, 1994, he married the former Linda M. Muzio in Schenectady. He has resided in Richfield Springs since 1999, coming here from Binghamton.
Paul had a strong belief in God and lived a devoted Catholic life. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs. He will be greatly missed by many, especially his extended family made up of the residents and staff at Rosewood Terrace.
His wife, Linda, survives him.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in the Rosewood Terrace Adult Care Facility. Sister Patricia Woolheater, community director of St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs, will officiate.
Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.
Sophie Kleban
RICHFIELD SPRINGS- Sophie Kleban, 80, of Monticello Street, peacefully entered into eternal rest Monday morning, May 26, 2003, in her home.
She was born March 16, 1922, in Herkimer, daughter of the late Alexander and Anna Maslanka Skramko. Sophie was raised and educated in both Richfield Springs and West Winfield. In Sept. 1942, she married Nicholas Kleban in Saint Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Herkimer. Mr. and Mrs. Kleban owned and operated a dairy farm in the town of Columbia until 1960. They have resided in Richfield Springs since that time. Mrs. Kleban had a strong belief in God and was a member of Saint Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Herkimer. She was a member and past president of Hugick, Parcell and Shepardson American Legion Post 616 Ladies Auxiliary, Richfield Springs.
Sophie had a warmth and friendship with everyone she met. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends and family, especially her four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Besides her husband of 60 years, Nicholas, she leaves a son, John Kleban of Richfield Springs; two brothers, Steve Skramko of Springfield Center and Daniel Skramko of Georgetown; two sisters, Mary Zawko of Richfield Springs and Wanda Taylor of West Winfield; one sister-in-law, Madaline Skramko of Cooperstown; four grandchildren, Derek Kleban of Ilion, Nicole Kleban of Little Falls, Alexander and Katerina Kleban, both of Fly Creek, one great-grandson, Lucas Kleban of Ilion; several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, four brothers, Michael, Charles, John and Nicholas Skramko preceded her in death.
Funeral service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs. The Rev. Yaloslav Stebelskyy, pastor of Saint Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Herkimer will officiate. Parastas will be on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.
Those who wish may make expressions of sympathy to the Catskill Area Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Grace LaFrance
RICHFIELD SPRINGS -- Grace LaFrance, 72, of Church Street, passed away peacefully April 8, 2003, in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, with the comfort of her family at her side.
She was born May 17, 1930, in Richfield Springs, a daughter of the late Julian Faye and Nina (O'Connor) Maxson. A lifelong area resident, she graduated from Richfield Springs High School. On June 12, 1954, she married Richard "Smokey" LaFrance in St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs. For 17 years she worked as a telephone operator with New York Telephone Co. She retired in 1963 to raise her family. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs, and Ganawauges Chapter DAR. Her hobbies included quilting, reading and doing crossword puzzles. However, her family was always first in her life and Grace was happiest when surrounded by her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She will always be remembered as a loving and caring person.
Surviving are her two sons, Philip Scott and his wife Brenda LaFrance of Lynchburg, Va., and Charles and his wife Fay LaFrance of Richfield Springs; one brother, Norman and his wife Bette Jane Maxson of Richfield Springs; two sisters, Marian Maxson of Richfield Springs and Elizabeth Eysaman of Little Falls; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremiah, Jacob and Sarah LaFrance, all of Lynchburg, Va., Marc, Gabriel and Ivy LaFrance, all of Richfield Springs; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs. The Rev. Terence Healy will officiate. Interment will take place later this spring in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
At Grace's request, there are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the Richfield Springs Public Library. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.
Roy J. Lincourt Sr.
CHERRY VALLEY - Roy J. Lincourt Sr. age 84 formerly of Wanakena and Lyons, NY passed away on Friday evening January 24, 2003 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown.
He was a born on June 14, 1918 in Tupper Lake son of the late Magloire and Rose Coron Lincourt. Roy was raised and educated in Springfield Schools. In 1939 he enlisted in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1941. On June 28, 1941 he married Angela Indelicato in Auburn, a loving union of forty-six years, until her passing on August 18, 1987.
Starting in the 1950’s Mr. Lincourt owned and operated a general contracting business in Rochester and Lyons, retiring in 1973.
He had a strong belief in God and led a devoted Catholic life. He was a member of St. Thomas Church in Cherry Valley. His leisure time was spent writing poetry, reading and enjoying photography. He was a volunteer for the Cherry Valley Museum. He was a friend to many and will be truly missed.
Surviving are his son; Roy J. Lincourt Jr. and his wife Patricia of Wanakena, a brother; Harold Lincourt of Tucson, AZ, two sisters; Eva Oakes of Richfield Springs, Lena Martin of CT, a grandson John Lincourt of Melbourne Beach, FL, several nieces, nephews and his companion Marian Rich of Cherry Valley. Besides his parents and wife Angela he was preceded in death by two brothers; Michael and Francis Lincourt and a sister; Charlotte Clement.
Funeral from J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs on Wednesday at 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church Richfield Springs at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Terence Healy will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Auburn. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Ernest Littlejohn
RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Ernest Littlejohn, 92, of Cary Park Road, entered into eternal rest Thursday afternoon, May 29, 2003, in his home after a brief illness.
He was born March 22, 1911, in Elbow, Sasketchewan, Canada, a son of the late James J. and Euphemia (Smith) Littlejohn. He was raised and educated in Deposit, where he graduated from high school. In 1932, he married Esther M. Linkroum in Newburg. They shared a loving and devoted union of 70 years until her passing June 30, 2002. Growing up on a dairy farm, he took over the family farm in Deposit. He later owned and operated a dairy farm in Sidney, retiring in 1964. He then owned and operated a trailer park in Norwich. During that time he also worked for McGregor's Lumber Mill in Smyrna, retiring in 1978. After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling. His leisure time was spent reading and walking. He lived life to the fullest. He was a devoted husband and father. He gloried in the presence of his family and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by three daughters, Kathryn Senko and her husband Andrew of Richfield Springs, Margaret Stead and her husband Philip of Underhill Center, Vt., Elizabeth Littlejohn of Bailey, Colo.; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and wife, Esther, he was preceded in death by his brother and five sisters.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.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 in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Deposit, will take place on Wednesday.
The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service from 1-2 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, or the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
William Richard Miller
Bradenton, FL – William Richard Miller, age 87 formerly of Mohawk, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2003 in his home.
He was born on May 4, 1916 in Little Falls, a son of the late Jacob and Adina Werner Miller. He was raised and educated in both Warren and Richfield Springs schools. An honorably discharged veteran of World War II he proudly served with the U.S. Navy. He was married to the former Elizabeth Tutty who preceded him in death. William had worked for Martin Reel in Mohawk and Remington Arms, retiring in 1978. He then moved to Florida.
Surviving are his second wife, Janice, two sons, Richard Miller of Tucson, AZ, Wayne Miller of Wilmington Del; two brothers, and their wives, Warner and Ida Miller of Richfield Springs, Paul and Evelyn Miller of Sable Forks, two sisters, Elizabeth Chapman and her husband Louis of Hastings, Myrtle Van Schaick of Richfield Springs, six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, and first wife, Elizabeth, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Jacob, John and Edward Miller, and two sisters, Leslie Stone and Adina Gill.
A memorial service will be held next spring at a time to be announced. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. Envelopes may be obtained through J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 W. James Street, Richfield Springs.
Dorothy McShane-Quaif
SPRINGFIELD CENTER – Dorothy McShane Quaif, age 79 of Route 20, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening July 20, 2003 in Bassett Healthcare Cooperstown.
She was born on April 30, 1924 in Troy, a daughter of the late Walter and Hazel Malder McShane. She was raised and educated in Troy, where she graduated from high school. She continued her education, graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in education. In 1948 she married Fred Quaif in Springfield Center. Dorothy and her family have lived in this area for over 20 years. She was an avid follower of History and current events and a lifelong believer in peace.
Surviving are her devoted husband of 55 years, Fred; three sons, Roger Quaif of Dryden, Steven Quaif and Robert Quaif both of Westmorland, a daughter Trudy Quaif of Delmar, two grandson Kevin and Andrew Holmes both of Delmar.
Funeral service and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to the East Springfield Center Emergency Response Team, PO Box 358, Springfield Center, NY 13468.
