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James B. Downie
RICHMONDVILLE — James B. Downie, 66, of Robert Street, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001, at his residence after a long illness.
Mr. Downie was born on June 1, 1934, in Oneonta, and was the son of John S. and Dorothy (Rutenber) Downie.
He grew up on a farm in Otego and graduated from Otego Central School. He also graduated from Cobleskill College of Agriculture and Technology, the current State University of New York at Cobleskill campus, with an applied associate's degree in agronomy.
He was a resident of DeLancy and West Winfield before moving to the Richmondville area in 1968.
Mr. Downie was the owner and operator of the Montgomery Ward Catalog Sales Agency and the J.C. Penney Agency & Appliance Center in Cobleskill from 1970 until his retirement in 1994. After retiring, he resided part time in Machias, Maine.
He was a veteran of the United States Army from 1960-62 and was stationed in Germany.
Mr. Downie served on the board of trustees for the village of Richmondville, was a member of Cobleskill United Methodist Church and volunteered for Planned Parenthood.
Mr. Downie is survived by his wife, Esther Horton Downie, whom he married on April 25, 1957; his daughter and son-in-law, Laurie J. and Mark Pracher of Richmondville; his daughter, Linda Baker of Kennebunk, Maine; his son and daughter-in-law, John D. and Suzanne Downie of Painted Post; his mother, Dorothy Downie of Otego; two sisters, Marjorie McMorris and Mary McMorris of Otego; five grandchildren, Erin, Stephen and Kate Pracher, all of Richmondville, and Carolina and Juliet Downie of Painted Post.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 29, 2001, at 1 p.m. at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church on Chapel Street.
The Rev. James Bowen will be officiating.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 68 Elm St., Cobleskill.
Cremation took place at Vale Crematory in Schenectady.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Otego.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 6 Chapel St., Cobleskill, N.Y. 12043 and Catskill Area Hospice, 1 MacArthur Ave., Cobleskill, N.Y. 12043.
Raymond Mitchell
CHARLOTTEVILLE — Raymond D. Mitchell, 71, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001, after a brief illness at Bassett Hospital of Schoharie County in Cobleskill.
He was born on Feb. 8, 1929, in South Worcester, the son of Joseph Mitchell and Agatha (Silvernail) Mitchell Moroz. Both have predeceased him.
Raymond was an U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War.
He worked at the Story House Corp. in Charlotteville from 1954 until his retirement in 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Elsie M. (Josephson) Mitchell of 46 years; four children, Michael Mitchell of Charlotteville, Sylvia Merwin of Richmondville, Deborah Watson of Charlotteville and Wayne Mitchell of Charlotteville; eight grandchildren; one great- granddaughter; three sisters, Mildred Sayko of Florida, Janet Castriota of Florida and Joyce Penwell of Pennsylvania; a brother, Paul Birdsail of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no service at this time. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by E. J. Skinner Co., 115 Main St., Worcester.
Wendell E. Cook
FRANKLIN — Coach Wendell E. Cook, 93, of Franklin, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001, at the Oneonta Nursing Home, where he was surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 24, 1907, in Melrose, the son of Samuel and Lany (Yates) Cook.
While teaching in Clyde, he met and married Helen Livings on June 28, 1932. She died on May 6, 1997.
He graduated from Lansingburg High School, Troy, in 1926. In 1931, he graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts, with a BS degree in Physical Education.
Coach Cook came to Delaware Literary Institute and Franklin Central School in September 1934, where he assumed the position of physical-education teacher and coach for both boys and girls. During this time he also coached basketball, baseball and football and taught math.
During his long career in education and coaching he was recognized for his accomplishments and received many honors. He founded the Franklin Central School Varsity Club and was an instrumental force in the conception and building of the Franklin community swimming pool.
In 1954, the Liberanni, the school yearbook, was dedicated to him. The athletic field at DLI and Franklin Central School was dedicated to him in June 1964 and was named the Wendell E. Cook Athletic Field. Coach Cook was inducted into the Public High School Athletic Association, New York State Section Four, Hall of Fame in March 1988.
He was a member of the Franklin Community Bible Church, the Franklin Rotary Club and the NYS Teacher's Association.
Coach Cook was an avid lover of all sports. He especially enjoyed golf after his retirement in 1968. He continued to play golf into his 92nd year.
His positive attitude had an effect on many lives. His love for sports was equal to his love for sportsmanship and fair play.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Joan C. and Walter Stilson of Franklin and John W. and Mary Cook of Sodus; six loving grandchildren, KC Feiler, R. Michael Hyzer, Anne E. Leavey, Julie R. Cook, Jeff Cook and Mary Beth Cook; and 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a first cousin, Elizabeth Ball, and an extended-family member, Esther P. Hutchinson.
A service to celebrate the life of Coach Wendell E. Cook will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, at 2 p.m. in the Franklin Community Bible Church, Franklin, with the Rev. Walter Schlundt, pastor, officiating. Burial will be later in the Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal.
Friends are invited to call at the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin, on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, from 7 to 9 p.m., at which time the family will be in attendance.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
Edna Grover
COOPERSTOWN — Edna Noreen Sleight Grover died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001.
She was a 50-year resident of Leatherstocking Street in Cooperstown. During the past two years, she resided with Jeanne and John Clow of Lake Street in Cooperstown.
Edna was born on Nov. 17, 1905, in Hartwick, the daughter of Cyrus William and Ida Chapman Sleight. She was one of five children.
Edna was an expert seamstress, cook, weather forecaster and gardener.
She worked for some of the Clark families and also worked at the Knox School, Bassett Hospital, Thanksgiving Home and The Farmers' Museum.
Family and friends sought her advice on gardening and on the weather. Many claimed that she equaled or surpassed the forecasting abilities of the professionals. Edna highly prized family relationships and, in recent years, especially enjoyed Lucas, her youngest great-grandson, who she termed "her sunshine."
Mrs. Grover is survived by two daughters-in-law (and spouse), Jeanne Grover and (John) Clow and Ann Bliss Grover; eight grandchildren and their (spouses), David Grover and (companion) Sandy Fraser of Morris, Mike and (Liz) Grover of Laurens, Bruce and (Tiffany) Grover of Cooperstown, Carla Grover of Fly Creek, Eric and (Melissa) Grover of Wellsville, Karen Grover of Albany, Stacy Grover of Mount Vision and Jim Grover of Mount Vision; and five great-grandchildren, Judd, Joshua, Jessica and Lucas Grover and Alison Mattice; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Damon, Sue Couse, Rosie Searles and the Davidson family.
She was a member of Native Daughters of Cooperstown and the Otsego-Hartwick Chapter No. 201 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by Orville Grover, her husband; her sons, Wayne and Earl Grover; and her four brothers and sisters.
She had been a member of the Cooperstown Methodist Church and more recently became a member of the Christ Church family.
Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Tillapaugh Funeral Home, Cooperstown. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, at St. Agnes Chapel, Christ Episcopal Church, on Fair Street in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Douglas C. Smith officiating.
Memorials may be made to Catskill Area Hospice or to Christ Episcopal Church.
Arrangements are by Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown and Milford.
Herbert Averell
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Herbert Lewis Averell, 97, of Pompano Beach, Fla., died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2001, in Pompano Beach, Fla.
A descendant of the Cooperstown Averells, who date back to the late 1700s, he was born on June 13, 1903, in Cooperstown, N.Y., the only son of Lewis Charles and Carrie L. (Vunk) Averell.
He married Helen Clark in Bainbridge, N.Y. Mrs. Averell died several years ago.
Mr. Averell was raised and educated in Cooperstown, graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1921. He later graduated from Colgate University.
For most of his life, he and his wife lived in Delmar, N.Y., where he was employed for many years by the Bell Telephone Company.
Upon his retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Averell sold their home in Delmar and traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe, ultimately settling in Florida.
Mr. Averell proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces during World War II and the Korean War.
He was of the Christian Science faith.
Mr. Averell is survived by one sister, Mrs, Elizabeth (Betty) Coleman of Cooperstown; one niece, Mrs. Patricia McArdle of Cooperstown; one nephew, Clyde J. (Bud) Ballard of Cooperstown and his family; the family of the late Robert L. Ballard (Mr. Averell's nephew); and several great-nieces and -nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis C. Averell; three sisters, Maude Averell, Mrs. Edna Haynor, formerly of Rome, N.Y., and Mrs. Etta A. Ballard, formerly of Cooperstown; and two nephews, Joseph Coleman, formerly of Norwich, N.Y., and Robert L. Ballard, formerly of Cooperstown.
At his request, Mr. Averell was cremated and his ashes scattered at sea.
John D. Garhart
ONEONTA — John D. Garhart, pastor, Shaman, teacher, wizard, husband, father, grandpa and friend, passed to the spirit world on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001.
Jack was born in Altoona, Pa., the son of Roy Garhart, Edna Kerns Garhart Grassmyer and Charles R. Grassmyer.
He moved to Oneonta in 1953 to teach at Hartwick College, where he remained until he retired. He also served several local Lutheran parishes, including St. Matthew's, Laurens, and St. Luke's, Sidney.
During his retirement he was an active member of the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave and the New York State Historical Association.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, in 1977.
He is survived by daughters, Priscilla and Suzanne; son, Jonathan; and grandsons, Matthew and Jonathan Graves and Rory Garhart.
A memorial service will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, at 6:30 p.m.
Donations can be made to the Iroquois Indian Museum, P.O. Box 7, Howes Cave, N.Y. 12092, in lieu of flowers.
Sadie R. Hunt
ONEONTA — Sadie R. Hunt, 83, of Oneonta, died Friday, Jan. 26, 2001, at her residence.
She was born March 3, 1917, in New York City, the daughter of Vincenzo and Damiana (Concellari) Accurso.
She married Carl G. Hunt on April 29, 1945, in Unadilla. He died on Sept. 24, 1991.
Sadie retired in 1977, after 21 years of employment at the State University College at Oneonta. During World War II, she also worked for a short period of time at ECD Bendix.
She was a member of Retirees Public Employees Federation.
She enjoyed volunteering in the seniors nutrition program at the Elm Park Methodist Church, as well as participating in the Saturday's Bread program of the First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Mary-Ann and Gary Schneider of Oneonta and David and Virginia Hunt of Dearborn Heights, Mich.; a son-in-law, Gerard T. Olmstead of Johnson City; five grandchildren, Timothy Olmstead Sr. of Binghamton, Cory Hunt of Troy, Mich., Christina Spisak of Harleysville, Pa., and Heather and Stacey Schneider of Oneonta; three great-grandchildren, Timothy Olmstead Jr., Thomas Olmstead and Theodore Franklin Spisak; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Karen-Leigh Olmstead; a brother, Peter Accurso; and four sisters, Nellie VanDeusen, Cora Schneider, Josie Lalonde and Molly Terebo.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at 1 p.m. in the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta, with the Rev. Joseph Fiske officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Milford Cemetery.
Friends may call one hour prior to service time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saturday's Bread, care of the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Cora E. Greene
SIDNEY — Cora E. Greene, 88, a resident at the Gilmour Health Care Facility, Norwich, and formerly of 33 Smith St., Sidney, passed away peacefully Monday morning, Jan. 29, 2001, at her residence in Norwich.
Miss Greene was born Sept. 4, 1912, in the town of Guilford, the daughter of the late John P. and Minnie Burlison Greene.
She was a graduate of the Greene Central School, Class of 1934.
From Dec. 26, 1935, until her retirement in 1976, Cora was employed by the Amphenol Corporation, Sidney.
She was a member of the Sidney United Methodist Church since 1934, Dorcas Class of her church and the United Methodist Women.
Cora was a member of the D.A.R. of Sidney for the past 65 years.
She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Christine Gray of Unadilla; four nieces, Arleen and David Russ of Mount Upton, Patricia Greene of Unadilla, Suzanne Lent of Brasher Falls and Betty Hendrickson of Norwich; five nephews, Carlton and Catherine Odell of Mount Upton, John Greene of Newark, Paul Greene of Jacksonville, Fla., Claude Greene of Oceanside, Calif., and Allen Greene of Saranac Lake; and also by several great-nieces and -nephews.
A brother, Arthur Greene, and a sister, Ernestine Odell Brownell, predeceased her.
Funeral and committal services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, from the C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney, with the Rev. David Masland, pastor of the Sidney United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral chapel.
Memorial gifts in her name may be directed to the Sidney United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Liberty Street, Sidney, N.Y. 13838.
Charles P. Johnson
ONEONTA — Charles P. Johnson, 78, of Oneonta, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2001, at his residence after a lengthy illness.
He was born May 18, 1922, in Brooklyn, the son of Charles and Marjorie (Murry) Johnson.
He married Anastasia Kearney on April 30, 1949, in Brooklyn.
Mr. Johnson served as a Staff Sgt. with the United States Marine Corps during World War II, in the South Pacific.
He was a 40-year employee of the United States Postal Service, having retired in 1981. After his retirement, he and his wife spent some time in Florida before moving to Oneonta in 1991.
He was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Oneonta, the Bay Shore Knights of Columbus and was an avid handball player, which he enjoyed even into his retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anastasia at home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Suzanne Johnson of Oneonta and Thomas and Khadejah Broughton Johnson of Queens; four grandchildren, Gerald Scarangella and Devan, Lucas and Joslyn Johnson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy.
Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, at the Lewis-Hurley Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Robert Longobucco, associate pastor of St. Mary's RC Church officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3:30 until 5 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service.
Those who wish may make contributions to Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 1083, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.
Arrangements are by Lewis-Hurley Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
Janet Dolly Lawson
CENTRAL BRIDGE — Janet Dolly (Heidi) Lawson, 75, most recently of Central Bridge, died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001, in Central Bridge.
She was born April 27, 1925, in Roosevelt, to Frank and Celia (Noon) Heidi.
She married Clarence Joseph Lawson on July 18, 1943, in Roosevelt. Janet and Clarence were longtime residents of Schoharie county, at their farm on North Road in Jefferson.
She was predeceased by her sister, Margaret (Tootie).
Janet will be remembered for her piercing wit and lifelong love of music and nature, as well as for her fondness for animals (especially cats and mice).
Janet is survived by her husband and their six children, Janet Craig of Davenport, William (Bill) Lawson of Aurora, Colo., Theresa Sciabarrasi of Buffalo, Marianne Poteet of Mount Vision, Joan Lawson of Vista, Calif., and Josephine Capozzi of Ocean Grove, N.J.; as well as eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the William A. Tari Funeral Home, 40 Main St., corner of Liberty Street, Stamford, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001, at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Stamford.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the William A. Tari Funeral Home, Stamford.
