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Eugenia Olmstead
ONEONTA — Eugenia ("Gemma") Bagnardi Olmstead passed away Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at her home in Oneonta.
She was born Feb. 12, 1950, in Santa Lucia, Italy, daughter of Vito and Luigia Bagnardi. She immigrated to America in 1956 with beloved parents and siblings.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Olmstead, who she married Sept. 20, 2003; her two loving children, Maria Cardo of Rensselaer and Dennis Day, beloved future son-in-law, and Joseph Cardo of Oneonta; her mother, Luigia of Oneonta; brother and sister-in-law of Oneonta, Frank and Madeline Bagnardi; her brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Kathyanna Bagnardi of Stamford; along with many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins, both of the United States and Italy.
She was predeceased by her father, Vito Bagnardi, in 1994, and her sister, Patricia ("Pasqua") Courtney, in 1990.
After graduating from Oneonta High School in 1968, she was employed for many years by the Oneonta Dress Factory. She was a later graduate of the Utica School of Commerce. She was recently employed by Wal-Mart as a sales associate until she left on sick leave.
Gemma was a caring, outgoing and friendly person who loved being in company of others. She loved traveling, cruises, singing and of course dancing. She loved simply relaxing and watching a scary movie with her family. She loved greatly and was loved very much in return.
She will be missed greatly and remembered for her exuberant personality and caregiving qualities.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta.
A funeral procession will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta.
In lieu of flowers, contributions/donations may be sent to Catskill Area Hospice of Oneonta and/or the American Lung Association of Mid New York.
Kreszenz Smith
PITTSFIELD — Kreszenz "Sonny" Steininger Smith, 80, of Silver Lake in the town of Pittsfield died Feb. 18, 2005, at Chase Memorial Nursing Home, New Berlin.
She was born Oct. 12, 1924, in Schwarzach, Bogen, Germany, the daughter of Franz and Barbara (Schmidt) Steininger.
She married Charles R. Smith Nov. 17, 1948; he survives.
She spent her childhood in Bogen, Germany. She then resided briefly in West Virginia and in Norwich before becoming a 50-year resident of New Berlin.
She is survived by her children, Dora and Bob Kirk, Edmeston, Dexter and Joanne Smith, New Berlin, Charles and Ann Smith, Hartford, Conn., Rex and BettyAnn Smith, Edmeston, Darlene and Ted Welch, New Berlin, Donna and Todd Miller, Harpursville, and Clarence and Laurie Smith, New Berlin; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Katherine of Germany.
She was predeceased by one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
She was employed by Kraft Foods for 10 years, but was best known as a cook at the Eagle Inn for 14 years under John & Chris Aloi’s ownership.
Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005, at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin, with the Rev. Charles Taylor of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Berlin, officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.
Robert E. Blodgett
FRANKLIN — Mr. Robert E. Blodgett of Franklin died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta. He was 48.
Mr. Blodgett was born May 17, 1956, in Corning to Robert E. and Nancy Davis Blodgett.
Robert graduated from Walton High School in 1974. He was a department manager for the Wal-Mart store in Oneonta.
Mr. Blodgett lived in Franklin for the past year after moving from Walton. Robert had a general love of life and people. He was always trying to get a laugh from somebody. He was also very dedicated to his job.
Mr. Blodgett is survived by his mother, Nancy; his brothers, Todd, Peter and Toby; and his sister, Vicki Fusco. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as very good friends, Mark and Kim Finch and John and Dawn Seward and their families.
His father, Robert E. Blodgett, passed away in 1996.
A service will be at 7 p.m. today, Feb. 21, 2005, at the New Hope Community Church, Stockton Avenue, Walton, with Pastor Larry Light officiating. His family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association in his name would be appreciated.
Arrangements by Lyon Bros.-Way, Inc., Walton.
Elizabeth Harvard-King
WESTFORD — Elizabeth Harvard-King, retired Andes teacher and wife of a former Daily Star reporter, dies at 86. Elizabeth (Tyler) Harvard-King passed away Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was a resident at the Van Duyn Home in Syracuse. Elizabeth "Betty" was born in Westford on July 31, 1918, to Frederick Grant Tyler and Mary Lansing Tyler. Her stepmother was the late Avis Tyler, also of Westford.
Elizabeth graduated from Westford High School in 1936 and enrolled at Hartwick College. She transferred to Syracuse University and graduated in 1942 with a teaching degree in home economics. From 1942 to 1945, she taught in the Pulaski school system.
On April 2, 1945, she married J. Keith Harvard of Barrie, Ontario.
He was with the RCAF, and Elizabeth moved to Canada while he completed his military duties.
Keith "Scoop" Harvard was the Delaware County bureau chief for The Daily Star from 1965 until just before his death in April 1974.
Elizabeth began teaching home economics in Andes in 1948, and continued until her retirement in 1977. She took from 1955 until 1962 to raise her children and serve as town librarian before returning to teaching.
She received her master’s degree from SUNY Oneonta during the late 1960s and was also active in the Andes Methodist Church, the Girl Scouts and 4-H judging. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the Women’s Circle II and the School FHA Club.
After her retirement in 1977, Elizabeth returned to Westford to live in her childhood home. There, she was active in the United Methodist Church and was the town historian, acting as president of the Historical Society for many years. During that time, she also traveled to Peru, South America, to visit her son, John, and grandchildren.
In 1995, Elizabeth married Norton King of South Otselic. After extensive travel, they retired to Castle Gardens Assisted Living in Vestal. In April 2000, they moved to the Van Duyn Nursing Home in Syracuse. Mr. King passed away in March 2003, also after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Elizabeth continued to enjoy good physical health until a fall in December 2004.
Elizabeth is survived by a stepsister, Rowena Tauzel of Worcester; a son, John Harvard of Pottstown, Pa.; a daughter, Mary Kay Humphreys of Herndon, Va.; a granddaughter, Tessa Harvard of Danvers, Mass.; and a grandson, William Harvard of Sewanee University in Tennessee.
Calling hours will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, at the Westford United Methodist Church. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Beverly Furey, pastor, officiating and the Rev. Judith A. Thistle, chaplain at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, participating.
Burial will take place at the Westford Cemetery at a later date.
Flowers may be sent or contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s name to the Andes Central School Scholarship Fund, the Central NYS Alzheimer’s Association or the Westford Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by the E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester.
Leora E. Lucas
ONEONTA — Leora E. Lucas, 88, died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital.
She was born Dec. 17, 1916, in Peterboro, the daughter of W. Henry and Eva (Wate) Lucas.
Leora moved to Franklin when she was 8 years old and continued living there until 1997, when she moved to the Hampshire House in Oneonta.
She graduated from the Delaware County Institute and Franklin Central School. Leora received her bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta. Advanced education classes in English and library science were taken at Syracuse University.
Leora had taught in the Franklin School District, teaching English and Latin for many years. Later, she was employed at the State University College at Oneonta, retiring in 1987. She worked in the Reference Department of the library and was also the head of the Teaching Material Center.
Leora was a member of the New York State Retirement System, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, the Oneonta Business Woman’s Club and the Congregational Baptist Church, now called the Community Bible Church in Franklin. She attended Aldrich Baptist Church in North Franklin.
Cousins Leslie Lucas of Norwich and Shirley Cummings and her husband, Jim, also of Norwich, survive her as well as several other cousins.
Leora was predeceased by a sister, Mildred Lucas, who passed away at 2 years old in the Norwich area.
At the request of Leora, there will be no calling hours or funeral.
A service to celebrate the life of Leora E. Lucas will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, in the Aldrich Baptist Church in North Franklin with the Rev. Dick Slater, pastor of the Aldrich Baptist Church, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Aldrich Baptist Church, PO Box 10, Franklin, NY 13775, the Community Bible Church, 25 Center St., Franklin, NY 13775 or to the Franklin Emergency Squad, Main Street, Franklin, NY 13775.
Arrangements are with the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
Edwin J. Nelson
CHERRY VALLEY — Mr. Edwin J. Nelson passed away Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.
He was born June 30, 1914, in Sidney, Mont., the son of Carl J. and Anna K. (Johnson) Nelson.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Imogene T. Nelson.
Ed graduated from Cherry Valley Central School in 1934. He graduated from Hartwick College in 1939. He earned a master’s degree from the State College of Albany and a master’s and Professional Diploma from Columbia University. He taught school for 36 years, retiring in 1975.
Ed spent his almost 30 years of retirement enjoying his family and friends.
During World War II, Ed was a United States Army Staff Sergeant Company F318 Infantry and was decorated with a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Sandra J. Theimer of Bainbridge; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Nancy Nelson of East Springfield; a brother, George Ellsworth Nelson of Wilmington, N.C.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Edna N. Ableman and Mildred N. Burgess, and son-in-law, Robert J. Theimer.
Graveside memorial services will be held in May in the Cherry Valley Cemetery, time and date to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ed’s memory may be directed to the Cherry Valley Ambulance Squad or to the Resident Council Fund, care of Oneonta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 330 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.
Gladys McWilliams
MORRIS — Gladys Elizabeth McWilliams, 94, of Morris died Monday, Feb. 21, 2005, at the Chase Nursing Home in New Berlin.
She was born in Maple Grove on Dec. 23, 1910, the daughter of Howard and Nina (Gifford) Coon.
She was a graduate of Gilbertsville Central School, class of 1929.
She married Glenn McWilliams on Aug. 9, 1934. He died July 7, 1994.
She was a homemaker, a charter member of the Morris Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Morris.
She was an avid bridge player, playing several times a week with various groups. She was a staunch supporter of the Syracuse University basketball team and her beloved Atlanta Braves. Her hobby was knitting. She was very instrumental in the starting of the "Country Store" at the Otsego County Fair.
She is survived by her two daughters, Dora Cooke and husband Richard of Fly Creek, and Marcia Rehrmann and husband Henry of Morris; her grandchildren, Dana Cooke and wife JoAnn, Darrin Cooke and fiancee Clementine Casterlin, Denelle Schofield and husband Steven, Gordon Rehrmann and wife Elise, and Timothy Rehrmann and wife Michele; as well as her great-grandchildren Max, Caitlin, Ryan, Alicia, Ian and Leah.
She was predeceased by a brother, Charles Coon; and a nephew, Graydon Coon.
There will be no calling hours, and services and funeral will be private at the convenience of the family.
Friends are invited to a memorial service that will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Morris with the Rev. Ann Blair officiating.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations to the Morris Emergency Squad or the Morris Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in her memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
Carlos M. Santiago
KERHONKSON — Carlos Manuel Santiago Jr., 52, of Kerhonkson passed away Monday, Feb. 21, 2005, at his residence.
Carlos was born March 11, 1952, in Ellenville, the son of Carlos M. and Monserate Quinones Santiago Sr.
He was a self-employed masonry worker.
Carlos had been living in Puerto Rico, and moved back to Kerhonkson for his permanent home.
He is survived by a son, Carlos; a daughter, Christine Santiago, both of Altamont; two brothers, Miguel (Mike) of Kerhonkson and Orlando Luis of Virginia Beach, Va.; eight sisters, Margarita Ramos, Judy Andujar, Maria Andujar, Jolanda Pagan, all of Puerto Rico, and Rosemarie Santiago of Saugerties, Shirly Einhorn of Scotts Valley, Calif., Trudy Sainsbury of Kingston and Teresa Santiago of Virginia; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, at the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville.
Committal services will be held in Puerto Rico.
At the family’s request, expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are by the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville.
Shirley J. Ocepa
BUTTERNUTS — Shirley Josephine Ocepa, 70, of the town of Butternuts died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at her home.
She was born Oct. 31, 1934, in Mineola, the daughter of Duffy and Josephine (Buraczynski) Stodolski.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Valley Stream and graduated from Stella Morris Catholic High School, Far Rockaway.
She married Walter Ocepa of North Merrick on May 12, 1956.
She was a supervisor of cost and accounting for A.T.T. in Hempstead, and was a professional dancer and dance teacher.
Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Tutee of Benbrook, Texas, Jean Attolino of New Hampton and Denise Rosalia of McAfee, N.J.; her six grandchildren, Dominick, Eugene, Richard, Matthew, Michael and Julie Ann; as well as a sister, Josephine Mattis of Texas.
She was a member of the Butternuts Valley Grange and a former Republican assistant leader and head elections inspector for the town of Butternuts and village of Gilbertsville.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, at the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Morris, with the Rev. John Burns officiating.
Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery in Gilbertsville at a later date.
Those who wish are asked to donate to the Butternuts Valley Grange in her memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.
Frank A. Swantak
SOUTH KORTRIGHT — Frank A. Swantak, 80, of Swantak Road, South Kortright, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, at home in the company of his family.
He was born Jan. 3, 1925, in South Kortright, the son of Valentine and Laura (Kasmer) Swantak.
He married Ethel Reinertsen on Oct. 11, 1947. She predeceased him June 6, 2001.
A lifelong area resident and dairy farmer, Frank was affectionately known as "Pop" to his many friends and family. He also served for some time as an assessor for the town of Kortright.
Frank enjoyed hunting, the outdoors and bird watching with his wife, Ethel. He enjoyed watching the "Price Is Right," and visiting with his friends and neighbors while enjoying one of his famous egg sandwiches. He could often be seen riding along in his favorite D17 tractor.
He was a member of the Church of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus in South Kortright and the Sacred Heart Church in Stamford.
Frank is survived by his son, Allan and Elaine Swantak of South Kortright; two granddaughters, Nancy and Bill Boest of Bloomville, and Beverly and Jon Soule of Bloomville; a grandson, David and Gena Swantak of South Kortright; seven great-grandchildren, Chad, Jesse and Dylan Boest, Courtney and Kyle Soule and Tyler and Mackenzie Swantak; three sisters, Anna and Earl Hotaling, Helen Sega and Mary Chapman; two sisters-in-law, Lila Swantak and Wilma Swantak; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by four sisters, Sophie Cole, Anthasia Oblinski, Effie Rupershek and Jennie Meeghan; and three brothers, Joe, Steve and Mike Swantak.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, at the Sacred Heart Church, Stamford, with Father John Burns as celebrant.
Friends are invited to greet the family from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.
Burial will take place after the services in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Stamford.
Contributions are asked to be made to either: Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 116 Main St., Delhi, NY 13753 or the Bloomville Emergency Squad, PO Box 784, Bloomville, NY 13739 in loving memory of Frank A. Swantak.
Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home of Hobart.
