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Steven C. Kasmer
ROXBURY — Steven C. Kasmer, 86, of Roxbury, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at the Mountainside Residential Care Center in Margaretville.
He was born June 22, 1915, in Bloomville, the son of Charles Kasmer and Blanche Swantak.
He married Alice Reed on July 8, 1951.
He served in the US Army during World War II; serving in Africa and Italy.
When he was first married he operated Kasmer Greenhouse in Grand Gorge. Since 1961, he and his wife, Alice, owned and operated Reeds Bar & Grill in Roxbury.
He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 1785 Ralph S. Ives in Roxbury and a past member of the Grand Gorge Fire Department.
Steven is survived by his wife, Alice Kasmer of Roxbury; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Gary Dorosky of Roxbury and Alicia and James T. Brazie of Roxbury; two grandchildren, Cynthia Lawrence of Davenport and Kelly Dorosky of Roxbury; two half brothers, Joseph and Anthony Doroski; and nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be held for the family at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Stamford, with the Rev. Anthony Ligato, of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stamford, officiating.
Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Stamford.
Arrangements are by the Miller Funeral Home in Roxbury.
Erma Iolita Ersland
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Erma Iolita Ersland, 94, died Saturday, March 9, 2002, in Springdale, Ark.
She was born to Joseph and Anna Ersland in Chickasha, Okla., on Jan. 16, 1908. The family moved to Mason City, Iowa, in 1918.
'Lita later attended the State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earning a bachelor of science degree. She subsequently earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
She taught in the education department at the State University College at Oneonta, N.Y., from 1946 to 1966. After leaving the university, she moved to Boston, editing books for Ginn and Co. until her retirement in 1970.
"Ersie," as she was known to all her friends in Oneonta, returned there to live in her old neighborhood near Wilber Park. In 1988, she moved to Springdale, Ark., leaving many friends and former students in Oneonta.
She had been active in her retirement community in Springdale and was a mentor to young readers in Lee Elementary School.
Iolita leaves behind a large family, including many nephews and nieces much richer for her presence, influence and shared joy in the printed word.
Robert J. Geer
WALTON — Robert J. Geer, a lifetime Walton resident, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at Wilson Hospital, Johnson City.
He operated Holley Lane Excavating, Walton.
Mr. Geer was born Sept. 15, 1948, in Walton, to Herschel and Esther Holley Geer, and graduated from Walton Central School in 1966.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971.
He was a member of the Walton Veteran's Club and Royal Oasis.
Robert J. Geer is survived by his mother, Esther Geer, of Walton; a daughter, Samantha; two sisters, Judy (Ken) Reynolds and Carol (Fred) Avila; and several nieces and a nephew.
He was predeceased by his father, Herschel Geer.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002, at the First Congregational Church on North Street in Walton, with the Rev. Paul Cronin officiating. The family will receive friends just prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church.
Interment will be private.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lyon Bros.-Way Inc. Funeral Home of Walton.
Donald A. Owens
ONEONTA — Donald A. Owens, 71, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at his residence after a lengthy illness.
He was born Nov. 3, 1930, in Malverne, Long Island, the son of George and Hazel (Frost) Owens.
Private memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by Lewis-Hurley Funeral Home in Oneonta.
Willard F. Hendrickson
EDMESTON — Willard F. Hendrickson, 70, of Edmeston died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at his home with his family by his side.
He was born Nov. 14, 1931, in Franklin, the son of Millard and Ardath A. (Calhoun) Hendrickson. He married Evelyn Simons on Jan. 26, 1954, in New Berlin.
Willard retired from Agway, Sherburne, eight years ago. He was regarded as a dedicated professional, who always went the extra mile with a smile. He was a past member of the Second Baptist Church where he had served as trustee, and was currently a member of the First Baptist Church in Burlington Flats.
Willard had also served in both the Edmeston and Garrattsville fire departments. Upon retirement both he and Evelyn traveled whenever possible and enjoyed thoroughly all of America that they had seen.
Willard is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of 48 years; his children and their spouses Frank and Laura Hendrickson, Donald and Judy Hendrickson, Connie and Dana Mockovciak, and Alan and Sally Hendrickson; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his mother, Ardath Hendrickson; a special aunt, Dora Johnson; his sisters Harriet Simons, Judy Stage, Sarah Jennison; and his brother, Danny Hendrickson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his siblings Tom Hendrickson, Leland Hendrickson, Evelyn Johannesen, Anna Hickling and Paul Hendrickson.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 25, 2002, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Burlington Flats with the Rev. Jay Henderson, pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in the spring at Edmeston Union Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Willard's memory to either the Edmeston Emergency Squad or Catskill Area Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Arrangements are by the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston.
Elwin H. Ertola
SIDNEY CENTER — Elwin H. Ertola, 78, of state Highway 206, Sidney Center, N.Y., passed away Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Countryside Care Facility in Delhi.
He was born May 9, 1923, in Jamaica, N.Y., the son of Frank J. and Emma Protzman Ertola.
On Feb. 26, 1949, he married Theresa Sawicki in Jamaica, N.Y. She predeceased him on Sept. 27, 2001. He served his country in the United States Coast Guard during WW II.
Elwin was a retired New York City firefighter and federal fireman.
Elwin was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Bainbridge, N.Y., and the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council #4937.
He is survived by his daughter and grandson, Marcia Ertola and Luke Makrinikolas Ertola of Sidney Center; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Peter and Deborah Ertola of Pennsylvania, Anthony Ertola of Selden, N.Y.; a brother, Frank Ertola, of New York City; three sisters, Trudy Schblein of Clearwater, Fla., Marie Wilson of Elbridge, N.Y., Viola Ertola of Bronx, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He is also predeceased by a son, Frederick Ertola, and daughter, Marie Wisnowski.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 25, from St. John's Church Bainbridge, N.Y., with the Rev. Fr. Donald Bourgeois, pastor, officiating.
Friends may call Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney, N.Y.
Burial will be in Mount St. Mary's Cemetery, Flushing, N.Y., on Tuesday, March 26.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Church in Bainbridge.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Inc., 21 Main St., Sidney.
Nelson F. Hatch
UNADILLA — Memorial services for Nelson F. Hatch, who passed away Friday, March 15, 2002, in Gloversville, N.Y., will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, at the Sand Hill United Methodist Church, Unadilla, with the Rev. Norman Tiffany, pastor, and the Rev. Kip Stratton, officiating.
Robert J. Thomson
WAKEFIELD, R.I. — Robert J. Thomson, retired high school teacher at Delaware Academy (Delhi Central School) and former mayor of the village of Delhi, died peacefully at his residence in Tuckertown Village, Wakefield, R.I., in the company of loved ones on Thursday, March 21, 2002, after a courageous battle against a long illness.
He was born in Catasauqua, Pa., on Dec. 17, 1935, the son of the late Walter and Margaret Thomson.
He was a graduate of Catasauqua High School, Kutztown State College and earned his master's degree from the State University College at Oneonta.
He served his country with honor as an enlisted man in the U.S. Army.
Bob served the community of Delhi with distinction as a multi-term member of the village board and mayor. He also served on the hospital board.
His most enduring contributions, however, were made as a teacher of history and economics for more than 30 years as well as coach, adviser and mentor to the thousands of students whose lives he educated, inspired and enriched over those years.
He developed lasting relationships with those considered more family than just friends. He held precious those occasions where he could enjoy time with his friends over a nice meal and relaxing conversation. He greatly appreciated the support of his friends, particularly over these past few years.
Following his retirement, Bob relocated with his wife, Mineko, to Rhode Island, where he could enjoy the company of most of his children and grandchildren and also enjoy each day walking the beaches.
Bob's individual passions were reading, fly-fishing, crossword puzzles and the Washington Redskins.
His life is celebrated by his devoted and loving wife, Mineko; and his beloved children, daughter, Kim and her husband, Henry, Leibovitz of Rhode Island, his son, Scott Thomson, of Clifton Park, N.Y., and his daughter, Holly, and her husband, Dennis, Smail of Rhode Island. He is also survived by his sister, Mary, and her husband, Charles, Kowalchuk of Pennsylvania; along with nieces, Bonnie, Wendy and Lisa; and nephew, Kerry. His memory will be recalled lovingly by his cherished grandchildren, David and Megan Leibovitz, Kendra Thomson and Clancy and Delaney Smail.
A graveside ceremony will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at the Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery.
Those desiring may send a remembrance in Bob's name to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 143 Main St., Wakefield, R.I. 02879.
Dorothy E. Benkenstein
ONEONTA — The great spirit and our ancestors came to take our beloved sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt and dearest friend, Dorothy "Dot" Benkenstein, home with them early Wednesday morning, March 20, 2002, from her home in Oneonta.
She was born March 24, 1926, in Manhattan, the daughter of Charles and Marie (Englemann) Schongarth.
Dot married Edward Richard Benkenstein on Sept. 18, 1947, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Holbrook. He died on Jan. 26, 1984.
Dot was a longtime Suffolk County resident and was employed at Howard Johnson's as a waitress.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Holbrook.
In 1971, she and her husband moved to Worcester from Holbrook.
Dot was a foster parent for more than 20 years for Otsego County. During those years she fostered more than 200 children.
Dot is survived by her children, Ken Pope of Nassau County and his daughters, Jennifer and Catherine of Long Island; Bonnie and husband, Mike, Baryk and their daughters, Mindy, Becky and Krystal all of Decatur; Steven Benkenstein of East Worcester; Cheryl Benkenstein and her children, Jillian and Brian Horning; Denise Hunt and her children, Danielle Hunt, both of Worcester and Joe Hunt of Decatur; her sister, Edna Johnson of Virginia; niece, Lori and husband, Jim Fisher, and their children, Kelly, Dustin and Eric, all of Virginia; nephew, John and wife, Donna Kelly, and their sons, Ryan and John, all of Long Island; special friends, Linda Himes and Charlie Martin of Worcester, Pearl and George of Nader Towers in Oneonta, Al Bogush of Florida and Joe Coppola of Decatur.
At Dot's request, she was cremated and a celebration of her life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at daughter Bonnie Baryk's home, 194 Fish and Game Road in Decatur, 397-8496.
Contributions may be made in loving memory of Dot to the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Ct., Lomond Place Office Park, Utica, NY 13502; the American Diabetes Association, New York State Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 31160, Hartford, Conn., 06150-1160; or the Humane Society of Central Delaware County, P.O. Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.
Arrangements are by the E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester.
John J. Gustin
CONESVILLE — John Joseph Gustin died Sunday, March 24, 2002, at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany after a long battle with cancer.
John was born in Mount Vernon on Jan. 2, 1925, the son of Michael and Mary (Lesniak) Gustin.
He resided most of his life in Westchester County, attending school in Tuckahoe and serving most of his career as a Scarsdale firefighter. John loved his job and his country with a passion that rivaled none.
He entered the U.S. Navy as a seabee and served his country during World War II. He was in the Aleutians and Okinawa.
In his retirement he came to Conesville where he was active in the Conesville Fire Department, fire police and American Legion. He also served for many years as a fire commissioner in Conesville.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ethel (Peckham) Gustin, of the same address; and four children, Cathy (Gustin) Riedl, also of Conesville, Marybeth (Gustin) Bailey of New Rochelle, John P. Gustin of Mahopac and Joan (Gustin) Ratto of Wildwood Crest, N.J. He leaves behind eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a sister, Dorothy (Gustin) Reuter of Otego; and a brother, Joseph Gustin of Manorkill. He had many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, William and Anthony; and a grandson, Robert.
Friends may call Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at the Hall Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Stamford, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor, at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church in Grand Gorge on Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow at the Manorkill Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, Stamford, under the direction of William A. Tari.
Donald Ramsey
NEW BERLIN — Donald Ramsey, 82, New Berlin passed away Friday, March 22, 2002, in Norwich.
He was born March 3, 1920, in Burlington Flats, the son of William and Alice (Montgomery) Ramsey.
He married Norma Bennett on Jan. 20, 1946. She survives.
He spent his childhood in the Richfield Springs area.
He was a 1939 graduate of Richfield Springs High School.
He is survived by one daughter, Connie and Richard Bloom of Michigan; one son, Terry and Felicia Ramsey of Erieville; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Burdick of West Edmeston and Shirley Perkins of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Lloyd and Gordon Ramsey.
He was a store manager at the I.L. Richer Co. for 25 years before retiring in 1984.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin.
He was an U.S. Army lieutenant in the Pacific during World War II, serving from 1942-1945. During his service he received the Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin with the Rev. Beverly Butler of the First United Methodist Church officiating.
Interment will be in the Burlington Flats Cemetery, Burlington Flats.
Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin.
Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, New Berlin, NY 13411.
