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Bert Santora
ONEONTA — Col. Bert Santora, retired, U.S. Army, died Nov. 2, 2002, in Oneonta.
He was born Oct. 23, 1912, to Joseph and Mary Mondon Santora in Paterson, N.J., but grew up on Houghtaling Hollow Farm near Meridale.
Col. Santora graduated from A.L. Kellogg High School and Oneonta Normal School, then began teaching in the one-room District 17 school he had attended as a child.
Studying summers at Teachers' College, Columbia University, Col. Santora completed his B.S. degree in education in 1940.
Col. Santora was drafted in March 1942, from Hudson, where he taught a 40-pupil sixth grade and served as principal.
He went overseas with the 80th Infantry Division for the Normandy Landing and fought across Europe until he was wounded near the German border.
In Korea, Col. Santora participated with his division in the Inchon flanking behind the North Korean forces, the Division then driving north to the Yalu River border with China. A massive counter attack by Chinese forces decimated the thinly held defensive line.
Few of the men made it back to rejoin the main body of U.N. forces. Many were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Col. Santora was listed as missing in action for three years, but survived the brutal POW confinement that saw one of the highest death rates in American history.
Col. Santora's combat service was highly decorated. His six rows of ribbons included the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars for heroism, Combat Infantry Badges in World War II and Korea, the POW Medal, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and a special Korean War Medal, as well as the Presidential Unit Citation for the River Crossing at Ponte Mousson, France, under heavy enemy fire to relieve a cut-off sister battalion.
In service, Col. Santora graduated from the Basic and Advanced courses at the Infantry School, Fort Benning, Ga., and the Infantry Command and General Staff College, Ft, Leavenworth, Kan.
Col. Santora retired to Oneonta in 1964, serving as a Red Cross and YMCA volunteer, city voting machine technician, and a part-time employee of the Oneonta Public Transit System from its inception as Dial-a-Bus until his recent hospitalization.
Col. Santora is survived by his wife, Margaret Santora of Arlington, Va.; sister, Olga Santora of Coxsackie; daughter, Barbara Santora, son-in-law, Michael Hostina; grandchildren, Caity and Morgan of Fairbanks, Alaska; son, Robert Santora; and granddaughter, Andrea of Arlington, Va.
He was predeceased by son, David; and grandson, Alec.
Col. Santora has requested that there be no calling hours or funeral service, preferring instead a military ceremony on Memorial Day in Meridale.
Matthew Pupecki
HERKIMER — Matthew J. Pupecki, 79, of Osborne Hill Road, formerly of Schuyler Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Nov. 3, 2002, in Valley Health Services Inc.
He was born on June 7, 1923, in Central Falls, R.I., son of the late Stephen and Mary Sulmicki Pupecki. Matthew was raised on the family dairy farm in Schuyler Lake and graduated from Richfield Springs High School.
An honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran, he served our country during World War II.
For many years he worked as a shop mechanic for the Kelsey Hayes Co. in Utica and in later years was a bus driver for the Herkimer County Office of the Aging. He retired in 1996.
Mr. Pupecki has lived in Herkimer for the past 15 years coming from Mohawk.
He was of the Catholic faith. He had a true love for the outdoors and nature, much of his relaxation time was spent watching and feeding wild birds. He also enjoyed buying and selling antiques.
Surviving him are one son, James Pupecki of Schuyler Lake; two daughters, Cathy and her husband, Charles Crist, of Schuyler Lake, and Gloria Combs of Dryden; three grandchildren; his longtime family friends and extended family, Susan and Robert Lyon, Robert Jr., Jaclyn Lyon, Donna Conroy, all of Herkimer, Ronald and Jackie Conroy of Liverpool and Kelly Smith of Oneonta; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his dear friend and companion, Ester Theriault on Aug. 8, 1998.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon in Saint Joseph's Cemetery, Richfield Springs, with the Rev. Terrance Healy officiating.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., Herkimer.
Shawn Tisenchek
EDINBORO, Pa. — Shawn Douglas Tisenchek, 21, of 1 Carnegie Drive, Edinboro, Pa., passed away Friday, Nov. 1, 2002, after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident on Irish Road, Edinboro, Pa.
He was born Dec. 4, 1980, in Oneonta, N.Y., son of Douglas B. Tisenchek of Newark, Ohio, and Mary Jane (Tisenchek) Clapper.
He formerly lived in Laurens, N.Y., and attended Laurens Central School.
He was adored by his family and will be dearly missed.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Byron Harris; and his cousin, Michael D. Tisenchek.
He is survived by his parents; a half-sister, Christine S. Tisenchek of Newark, Ohio; his paternal grandparents, Louis and Betty Tisenchek of Oneonta; his maternal grandmother, Thora Harris of Hatfield, Pa.; two uncles, Lloyd Crisman of South Carolina and Meryl Crisman of Edinboro, Pa.; an uncle and aunt, Louis and Cathryn Tisenchek of Cohoes, N.Y.; an aunt, Catherine J. Tisenchek of Oneonta; cousins, Nicholas Tisenchek and fiancee, Jessica Bentley of Watervliet, N.Y., and Jeffrey L. Tisenchek of Cohoes.
A funeral service was held for family and friends at the Glunt Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, and burial was immediately after services at McLane Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family in care of the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie St., Edinboro, PA 16412-2211.
A memorial service will be held in Oneonta at a later date.
Robert N. Miller
COOPERSTOWN — In loving memory of Robert N. Miller, who passed away Nov. 4, 2002.
A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Robert's memory may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, Oneonta.
From wife, Tina, and family.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown and Milford.
Ethan Buffington
FRANKLIN — Ethan Bradley Buffington, infant son of Thomas E. and Jennifer (Halaquist) Buffington, passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, at the Albany Medical Center, where he was born on Sept. 15, 2002.
Ethan is survived by his parents, Thomas and Jennie Buffington, of Franklin; his sister, Tinsley Jane Buffington of Franklin; his stepbrothers, Steven and Thomas Buffington of New York City; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Anastasia Halaquist of Franklin; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, in the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. Michael Shank, Vicar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Franklin, officiating. Burial will be in the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208.
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
Robert E. Bullis
DOWNSVILLE — Robert E. Bullis, 77, of Downsville passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, at Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton.
He was born on April 21, 1925, the son of Fred D. and Freda (Dauch) Bullis in Roscoe.
He was a resident of this community for the past 57 years.
He married Emily Harlin on April 5, 1944, in Astoria on Long Island.
He retired as a foreman with the New York City Board of Water Supply in Downsville.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, World War II, where he served with P.T. Squadron No. 7 in the Pacific Theater.
He was wounded in the Battle of We Wak, Philippines receiving the Purple Heart. He also was awarded the Philippines Liberation Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.
He was a member of James S. Moore Post No. 167 American Legion, Downsville.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he was also dedicated to the preservation of Blue Birds, the New York State Bird, and was known locally as "Mr. Blue Bird."
He is survived by his wife, Emily of Downsville; one son, Raymond Bullis of Rochester; one daughter, Suzanne Harvey of Davenport; one sister, Doris Brown and husband, William of Rocky Mountain, N.C.; also three grandchildren, Sharon, Cynthia Harvey and Jason Bullis.
Funeral services for Robert E. Bullis will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, at the Knorr Funeral Home, Downsville, with the Rev. Joseph L. Upole of the Colchester Community Church, Downsville, officiating.
Friends may call at the Knorr Funeral Home on Thursday, the family will be in attendance from 7 to 9 p.m.
Friends who wish may contribute to the Downsville Fire Department Emergency Squad Memorial Fund in his memory.
Interment will be in the Paige Cemetery, Downsville.
Arrangements are by the Knorr Funeral Home, Downsville.
Pauline H. Hough
ONEONTA — Pauline H. Hough, 86, of Oneonta passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, at the A.O. Fox Hospital Nursing Home.
She was born Oct. 1, 1916, in Oneonta, the daughter of William J. and Helen (Grosse) Hough.
She was a lifelong area resident. Pauline was retired from the Bendix Corporation in Sidney, where she worked as an inspector.
Pauline is survived by her brother, Albert Hough and his wife, Margaret of Maryland; one half-brother, Kenneth Wasson of Elyria, Ohio; two sisters, Betty Vaccaro of Scotia, and Irma Harrington and her husband, Ed of Allegany; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; a stepsister, Pearl (Wasson) Miller; stepbrothers, Harold Wasson, Lester Wasson, and Norman Wasson; and a nephew, Jack R. Hough.
Funeral and committal services will be held 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Judy Thistle, A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital chaplain, officiating.
Burial will be held in the spring in Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta.
Friends may call one hour before the funeral service at which time the family will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics, care of David Miller, 117 Marlette Road, Mount Vision, NY 13810 or to the charity of one's choice in loving memory of Pauline H. Hough.
Antoinette Bartilotti
ONEONTA — Antoinette M. Bartilotti, 88, of Oneonta passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, at the James G. Johnston Nursing Home in Johnson City.
She was born on June 26, 1914, in Pittston, Pa., the daughter of Antonio and Carolina (Puma) Signorino.
She married Rosario Bartilotti on June 21, 1939, in St. Mary's Church, Oneonta. Mr. Bartilotti predeceased her on April 8, 1997.
Antoinette was a member of St. Mary's Church, Oneonta, where she was a Eucharistic Minister, and a former member of the Rosary Society.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Grace and Peter Sylvester of Apalachin, Richard and Judi Bartilotti of Vestal, and Anthony Bartilotti of Cohoes; her grandchildren, Richard and Amy Bartilotti, and Robert Bartilotti, Michael and Kathleen Sylvester, and Mark Sylvester; two great-grandchildren, Shelby and Matthew Bartilotti. She is also survived by two sisters, Josephine Spinola and Rose Macaluso, both of Oneonta.
She was predeceased by a brother and a sister, Joseph Signorino and Mary Conigliaro.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, in St. Mary's Church, Oneonta, with the Rev. Paul Roman, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta, at which time the family will be in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1406 Monroe St., Endicott, NY 13760, or the STAR Unit at J.G. Johnston Nursing Home, 286 Deyo Hill Road, Johnson City, NY 13790.
Antoinette's family wishes to thank all past and present staff members of the STAR Unit of the James G. Johnston Nursing Home for their exceptional care, compassion and support given to their mother.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Arthur E. Austin
WORCESTER — Arthur E. Austin, 91, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, at his home.
He was born Aug. 2, 1911, in Oneonta, the son of Frank and Belle (Smith) Austin.
He was first married to Violet Sperbeck, who predeceased him in 1980. He then married Dorothy (Schleichter) Beardsley in 1984.
Mr. Austin retired from General Electric in Schenectady, where he was employed in the Power Generator Division as a die-cast inspector.
He was very active in the Worcester community in his younger years. He had his hand in everything around town.
He was known as "Doc," because he was always available to fix any refrigeration equipment at one's home or farm.
Mr. Austin was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Schenevus Valley Masonic Lodge No. 592, he was a volunteer fireman, and at one time was active in the Boy Scouts of America.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Austin, of Worcester; two daughters, Janet TenEyck of Pasadena, Calif., and Marianne Illenberg of Wheeling, Ill.; a son, Michael Austin of Worcester; three grandchildren, Lisa Millsap, Yvonne and Jon Illenberg; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a son, Richard Austin, and a sister, Elvira Barton.
Calling hours will be held from 1 p.m. until the funeral service time at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester, with the Rev. Judith A. Thistle, chaplain at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Worcester.
Contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice Inc. & Palliative Care, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Funeral arrangements are by E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester.
Elmina Eva Baker
WEST ONEONTA — Miss Elmina Eva Baker, 93, of West Oneonta died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, at her residence, where she had resided since 1949.
She was born Sept. 8, 1909, in Maple Valley, the daughter of Robert J. and Linda (Ullman) Baker.
From 1942 to 1945, she worked in the Mica Plant in Oneonta. She had been a practical nurse for many years having worked in Schoharie and Otsego Counties. She retired October 1970, as a seamstress at Richard's Dress Co., Oneonta.
She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union for over 20 years. As well as a member of the West Oneonta Baptist Church since July 5, 1953. She sang in the choir at the West Oneonta Baptist Church, and was also a member of the Semper Fidelis, the Women's Missionary group of the West Oneonta Baptist Church.
Elmina enjoyed collecting vinegar cruets, traveling and eating out on Sundays.
She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Ralph (Leona) Hitchcock, of Oneonta; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Elmina was predeceased by two brothers, Byron Baker and Andrew U. Baker; and one sister, Edna Pinney.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. John Dougherty, retired minister of the West Oneonta Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the West Oneonta Fire Department, West Oneonta, NY 13861, in loving memory of Elmina Eva Baker.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Barbara Bassette
COOPERSTOWN — Mrs. Barbara Bassette, 77, of Campbell Hill Road in Cooperstown and formerly of Rockville Centre on Long Island, died early Wednesday morning, Nov. 6, 2002, at Albany Medical Center.
She was born on Dec. 1, 1924, in Manhattan, a daughter of Beulah Clayburn.
She married George William Bassette on June 18, 1950, in St. Phillip's Episcopal Church in Manhattan.
Raised in New York City, Barbara graduated from high school in Manhattan.
Of the Episcopal faith, she was confirmed in Trinity Church on Wall Street in Manhattan.
She and her husband were longtime residents of Rockville Centre, moving from there to the Cooperstown area in 1997.
A dedicated wife and mother, Barbara had a great love for children from all walks of life and also a great love of all God's blessings in nature.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 52 years, George, of Cooperstown; her two daughters, Nannette Bassette of Charlotte, N.C., and Lynda Bassette-Farone and her husband, Michael Farone of Franklin; and a goddaughter, Deborah Pease-Spell of Belle Meade, N.J.
She was predeceased by her half-brother, Sonny McIntosh.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with Fr. Norman Sieme, retired Episcopal priest, officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
