Obituaries

The following are today's death notices and last week's obituaries from The Evening Sun. Only print or online subscribers can see the current edition's full obituaries. Most notices are handled by funeral homes, but we do accept third-party submissions. To submit a notice, call us at (607) 334-3276 or e-mail news@evesun.com to inquire about formats, deadlines and billing

Today's Death Notices

Barbara Esslinger, 70, of Norwich

Last Week's Obituaries

Elaine Warren

GERMAN – Elaine A. Warren, 79, of German, went to be with her Lord, unexpectedly, on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse.

Elaine was born in Oxford on April 18, 1931, a daughter of the late Steven Fred and Blanche Smith Brewer. During her early school years, she attended the McDonough School until it centralized with Cincinnatus Central School, where she was a graduate of the Class of 1950. She was the proud owner and operator of “Back Home Crafts and More,” with endless hours devoted to creating items to sell.  Elaine had an adventurous spirit. Over the years she spent many hours enjoying outdoor activities, from riding motorcycles, plowing fields, gardening, hunting, fishing, berry picking, and everything in between. Throughout her life she maintained a positive attitude in any circumstance. With an unselfish and giving spirit, everyone loved being around her. She was a woman entirely dedicated to her family and God and is now in the loving arms of both God and her husband.

She is survived by her daughters, Agnes (John) Charles of Dominica, West Indies, Ruth (Steve) Rounds of McDonough, Connie (Jeff) Ameer and Terri Lattimer, all of Medina, OH; her sons, Ernie Warren of TN, Ernie Warren of TN, David and Donald Warren, both of German.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Bryan (Renae), Casey, Charity (David), Jenni, Matt, Mike, Josh, Zach, Alex, Ashley, and Jacob; her great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Katelyn, Sarah, and Kaylanah; and two great-granddaughters, Zoe and Destiny; her sisters, Marion Arnold of FL, Thelma Temple and Violet Maroney, both of German; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan Warren, on Feb. 9, 1992.  She is also predeceased by brothers, Les, Bob, Fred, and Pete Brewer, and a sister, Esther Farrow.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Palmer Neumeister officiating.  Burial will be in Westview Cemetery.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. To leave a personal message for the family, visit www.klsharpfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Whaley

NORWICH – Dorothy M. Whaley, 78, a life long resident of Norwich, passed away Wednesday evening, Aug. 18, 2010 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Dorothy was born in Norwich in March of 1932 the daughter of Ezra and Hazel (Riffle) Angle. She grew up in Norwich and attended the Norwich schools. On Jan. 21, 1949 in Norwich she married Norris Whaley who passed away Sept. 23, 2003.

Dorothy was a life long resident of the area and had been employed by the Norwich Shoe Co. for over 25 years. Her main focus throughout her adult life was her family which she loved very much.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Robert Whaley and wife Pat Laden, Jacqueline Nichols Darby and husband Floyd and Jason Whaley all of Norwich, several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Grace Angle of Buffalo, her brother Ernest Angle of San Diego, Calif. and her son-in-law David Brazee along with several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Norris, Dorothy was predeceased by her daughters Susan Whaley and Linda Brazee, her brother Norman Angle, one grandchild and one great grandchild.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremy Stopford, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Earlville, will officiate. Interment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11.

Gertrude West

NORWICH – Gertrude Elizabeth Shampang West, 83, daughter of Ivan and Clara Shampang, passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2010 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Gertrude was born Dec. 6, 1926 in New Berlin. She lived most of her adult life in Norwich and married Frank West of Norwich in 1959 who passed away in 1996. After retiring from Simmonds Precision she enjoyed traveling with her husband Frank and after his death she continued to travel with her good friend Millie Law taking cruises, bus and train trips. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandsons. An avid baseball fan she loved her Yankees and Mets. Whenever possible she went to as many Oneonta Tiger games as she could. Up until last year she attended Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown for decades.

Gertrude is survived by her daughter Debbie West of Norwich, her son Paul West and his wife Karen of Mt. Upton, two grandsons Rian and Cole West and her 3 four-legged grandchildren Blade, Shadow and Sammi. Also surviving is her sister Marge Oliver of Norwich, niece Carol Moore of Norwich, a cousin Helen Moxley of Milford along with several other nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Gertrude will be held from the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.

Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.

Francis Hoffman

NORWICH – Francis J. “Frank” Hoffman, 76, of Howard Street, Norwich, passed away with his wife by his side on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 at his home.

Born March 16, 1934 in Albany, Frank was the son of William and Helen (Adelska) Hoffman. He graduated from Albany High School with the Class of 1952, and from Clarkson University in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Frank later earned a professional engineering license. Between high school and college, Frank worked at General Electric in Schenectady, then General Electric in Utica, followed by service with the United States Army from 1955-58 where he also was a Thai translator.

On June 21, 1958, in Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany, Frank married Aurelia (“Rel”) Diange, who survives him. Following his marriage, Frank worked at Union Carbide in St. Albans, Vt., and Rockwell International in Syracuse. He also worked for Bennett Ireland in Norwich, then for Lipe Rollway in Liverpool. Frank completed his engineering career as a safety engineer for Procter & Gamble  in Norwich, before retiring in 1994.

Frank was particularly fond of working with model airplanes.  He also enjoyed skiing, sailing, and wood-working. In his retirement he also taught computer classes to other retirees.

Frank is survived by his children, Laura Martel of Binghamton, Nancy (David) Hoffman-Korn of Jersey City, N.J., Joanne (Terry) Adamopolous of Gurnee, Ill., Diane (Patrick) Wilder of Underhill, Vt., Celeste (Richard) Cummings of Goshen, and Anthony (Cindy) Hoffman of Fairfax, Vt.; thirteen grandchildren; one niece; and three nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral services for Frank will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's Church in Norwich. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Paul’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY  13815, or Holy Family School,17 Prospect St., Norwich, NY  13815.

The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.

Barbara Gladstone

NORWICH – Barbara E. Gladstone, 80, of Eric Street, Norwich, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 in the Residential Health Care Facility of Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born March 4, 1930 in Shavertown, Barbara was the daughter of Allie and Alfreta (Ruff) Bramley. She graduated from Andes High School with the Class of 1947.

On Nov. 11, 1948, in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Downsville, Barbara married Garland K. Gladstone who passed away on June 17, 2004. Following her marriage they made their home in Margaretville, New York. While raising her family, Barbara worked at a local grocery store (Busey’s), People’s National Bank, an assistant to the Guidance Counselor at Margaretville Central School. She also worked for the Catskill Mountain News. Throughout her life, Barb was a devoted wife and mother, who was well-known for her baking talents amongst her children’s friends. She never missed any of her children’s sporting events, and often cheered the loudest. Many of her interests were her love of gardening, cooking/baking, knitting, puzzles and crossword puzzles, canning, bowling, and visiting with her friends and family.

After retiring she and her husband enjoyed traveling to Florida in their motor home and visiting Hawaii. One of her most cherished roles was being a grandmother (and recently great grandmother) and caring for her grandchildren in their preschool years. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events. She was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Norwich and enjoyed volunteering for the local food pantry and soup kitchen. After the death of her husband, she met many dear friends through hospice and enjoyed spending time with them and going out for their weekly Wednesday dinner.  

Barbara is survived by her children, Sandra Gladstone, of Valhalla, NY, Nancy Gladstone and her fiancé, Mitch DeSilva, of Albany, Michael Gladstone and his wife, Patricia, of Norwich, and William Gladstone and his wife, Martha, of Bangor, Maine; eight grandchildren, Adam, Kelly, Matthew, Dylan, Sarah and her husband, Nick, Lindsay, Meghan and Harrison and a great grandson, Mason; a brother, Don Bramley and a sister, Virginia Jakszewski and a special sister-in-law, Frances Bramley.  Barbara was predeceased by a brother, Cliff Bramley and a sister, Betty Gallop.

Funeral services for Barbara will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Burial will follow in Andes Cemetery, Andes. There will be no calling hours

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, c/o Emmanuel Church, West Main Street, Norwich, NY  13815.

The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.

Susan Dubois

 SHERBURNE – Susan A. DuBois, 59, of North Main St., passed away Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown.

She was born April 29, 1951 in Norwich, a daughter of James and Catherine Hughes Corey and was a graduate of Norwich High School. On July 5, 1969, Susan was married to Daniel K. DuBois in McDonough. A Sherburne resident for many years, she had worked at the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District since 1979. Susan was a joyful, energetic person who was devoted to her family and will be deeply missed.  One of her favorite past times was reading.

Surviving are her husband, Dan; her mother, Catherine Corey of Norwich; two sons, Corey DuBois of Unadilla and Diane; Keith and Summer DuBois of Longmont, Colo.; three grandchildren, Joe, Dan, and Ivy DuBois; two sisters, Catherine Hood of Binghamton and Barbara Edick of Norwich; five brothers, James Corey of Norwich, Michael Corey of Jacksonville, Fla.; Robert Corey of Punta Gorda, Fla.; Richard Corey of Norwich and David Corey of Sherburne; a brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Don and Laura DuBois of Earlville and Mary (Deborah) DuBois of Tiggard, Ore.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father.

In keeping with Susan’s wishes, services and interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich will be private.

There are no calling hours.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.

To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.

Joseph Zummo

NORWICH – Joseph “Joe” L. Zummo, 70, well known long time resident of the Norwich area and Vice President of Marketing for Sidney Federal Credit Union, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 25, 2010 in the Upstate Medical Center of Syracuse following a short illness.

Funeral services for Joe will be held on Monday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m. from the Broad Street United Methodist Church of Norwich. The Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor, will officiate. Private interment will follow in the Norwich Quarter Cemetery.

Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Please consider memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.

A complete obituary for Joe will be published in the Friday edition of The Evening Sun.

Wilhelmina Henley

GUILFORD – Wilhelmina Henley, 102, of Guilford, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at her home in Guilford.

Born in Guilford on Nov. 10, 1907, Wilhelmina was the only child of Charles Gree and Helena Margrat. On July 31, 1933, she married Raymond H. Henley, who passed away in 2004.

“Willie” as known by many, received her teaching degree in Albany, taught in Troy for 10 years before returning to Guilford to teach junior high english for 10 years and becoming building principal of Guilford for 20 years and retired at the age of 65.

Willie became unable to live alone after the death of her husband Ray and was able to remain in her home until her death being cared for by girls who became not only her caregivers but her friends and family. During this time she received letters as well as visits from former students which pleased her very much. She loved flowers, hearing all the news of Guilford, world happenings as well as all about “her girls” as she called her caregivers and their families. She loved hearing about their pets and families. Willie got to see and meet the members of their families and watched their small children and grandchildren grow and several newborns that joined their families. They came to visit her often. She was especially pleased when one of “her girls” was expecting a baby and asked Willie to help name her. She loved it when they came to visit and when they didn’t, she would remark, “Oh well, I know just because I helped name her, doesn’t give me any rights.” Willie also loved, her joy, Jennie Hadley’s, cat. She renamed the cat “George” and he spent many, many hours at Willie’s house. He loved Willie too.

Willie and her girls shared many memories. She never wanted a big fuss (so she said) but sure was happy when a fuss was made over her, or in her behalf. There were surprise birthday parties, visits from the Easter Rabbit with Easter gifts and Santa with Christmas gifts.

At the time of her death she was Guilford’s oldest citizen. When asked once to be Guilford’s Citizen of the Year, she would have no part of it as she said she never did anything special. Willie never really knew how special she was and how much she will be missed and how much she was loved by her former students, very special close friends and “her girls” and their families.

Willie is survived by “her girls,” Elaine Pikul, Jennie Hadley (not only her caretaker but close neighbor and friend) Wendy Murray, Dorothy Ostrander, Kim Wright, Sharon Pike, Bonnie Besek, Stacy Besek and Laurie Elsworth. Several very, very, special close friends and her beloved cat, George.

At Willie’s request there is to be no public service and interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery of Oxford.

Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.

Robert Kerr

MT. UPTON – Robert J. Kerr, 75, of State Hwy 8, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010 at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center, Johnson City.

He was born June 8, 1935 in Pensacola, Fla., a son of Robert and Eve Puffer Kerr. He was raised in California where he received his education. On May 15, 1982, Robert married Marlene (Greenblatt) Skulsky in Port Jefferson, LI. Mr. Kerr had worked for the New York Daily News, and later was a bus driver for SUNY at Stonybrook for over 16 years, retiring in 1990. He loved being in and around the water, enjoying clamming and boating. One of his favorite hobbies was refurbishing boats and canoes to get them ready for each boating season. He also enjoyed socializing at the activities of the Oxford American Legion, including the dinners and playing cards.

Surviving are his wife, Marlene; his children, Diane and John Hodges, of Mastic, Long Island; Donna Requet of Florida, NY; Alison Monroe of Norwich; step-children, Shari and Mark Bennett of Guilford; Janet and Ken Springs of Fremont, Calif.; Scott Skulsky of Hughson, Calif.; six grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St. Sherburne, followed by interment in the Sherburne Quarter Cemetery.

Friends are invited to call at the funeral home Friday (today) from 5-7 p.m.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Oxford American Legion Post, 5 Washington Ave., Oxford, NY 13830.

To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.

Joseph Zummo

NORWICH – Joseph “Joe” L. Zummo, 70, well known longtime resident of the Norwich area and Vice President of Marketing for Sidney Federal Credit Union, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 25, 2010 in the Upstate Medical Center of Syracuse following a short illness.

Joe was born in Oneonta in July of 1940, the son of Casimiro and Catherine (DiMatteo) Zummo. He grew up in the Oneonta area and was a 1958 graduate of the Oneonta High School and continued his education by attending Norwich University as well as Cortland State. He returned home to work for a period of time in the Zummo family store in Oneonta. Joe came to the Norwich area in 1965, where he worked for GLA and its successors for a period of 25 years. It was during this time he also attended Empire State College, where he earned his master’s degree in business administration. He first worked in the company’s engineering department and worked his way up to Vice President of Communications within the company. In January of 1998, Joe became the Vice President of Marketing for Sidney Federal Credit Union, a position he held up until his death. Joe was also very involved within the Norwich community. As his son Jason was growing up, Joe was an active member of the Norwich Cyclones Booster Club. He was a member of many local organizations and served on the Board of Directors and was Past President of the Norwich Rotary Club, the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce and the Norwich United Way. He was also one of the original members of the Norwich First Night New Year’s Eve Event. On Oct. 18, 1997, Joe married Joyce Clark Sehm, who survives.

Besides his wife Joyce, Joe is survived by his sons Jason J. Zummo and his wife Amber of Charlotte, N.C., John W. Sehm and his wife Laura of Ontario, NY and Matthew Sehm of Rochester; his grandchildren Mikayla and Aaron Joseph (A.J.) Zummo and Cassidy and Jack Sehm. Also surviving are his sister, Rose Marie Bratland and husband John of Bethesda, Md., his brother Jack Zummo and wife Linda of Wichita, Kansas and his sister-in-law Mary Zummo of Oneonta. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Joe was predeceased by his brother, Samuel Zummo.

Funeral services for Joe will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30 from the Broad Street United Methodist Church of Norwich. The Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor, will officiate. Private interment will be in the Norwich Quarter Cemetery.

Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m.

Please consider memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.

Edward Stevenson

MCDONOUGH – Edward W. Stevenson, 83, of McDonough passed away at the NYS Veterans’ Home, Oxford on August 24, 2010. He was born on December 16, 1926 in Rockville Center, NY a son of the late Edward C. and Viola (Simpson) Stevenson. On May 16, 1949 he married Catherine (Kay) Hinphy, who passed away on March 3, 1998.

He is survived by his children, Edward C. Stevenson of McDonough, Daniel and Kathy Stevenson of Falls Branch, TN, Catherine and Raymond Smith of Oxford, and Patricia Stevenson of Norwich; his brother, James Stevenson of Arlington, VA; his grandchildren, Shawn Smith of Oxford, Loretta Tallon of Dandridge, TN, and Megan Lawson of Knoxville, TN. Several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive.

Ed was a US Navy veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater and was in combat on Okinawa on D-Day with the 1st Marine Division. He was very involved with the opening of the George Nightengale Post #1478, American Legion in McDonough. Following his retirement from Emerson Co. and the self-employment he served as a bartender for the Post. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Oxford.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Oxford. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Oxford.

Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, Oxford on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS Veterans’ Home, Oxford or the American Diabetes Association.

Ruth Root

NORWICH – Ruth B. Root, 79, of Norwich, formerly of Oxford passed away on August 22, 2010 at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, NY. She was born on August 13, 1931 in Pepacton, NY a daughter of the late Earl and Eleanor (Gould) Cox. On February 17, 1952 she married Rodney Root, who died in 1969. She then married Douglas Root who died in 1997.

She is survived by her children, Kim and Allan Lewis of Oxford, Laurie Root of Norwich, and Paul Root of Norwich, her brothers and sisters, Gerald and Rose Cox of Modesto, CA, Robert and Pam Cox of Oxford, Joyce Kalicicki of San Luis Obispo, CA, Debbie Sutton of East Freetown, NY, Gloria Carron of Lisle, and Bonnie Galloway of Binghamton; her grandson, Benjamin and Jessie Lewis of Oxford. Three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Mickey Lewis.

Ruth attended Oxford Academy and Central School. She held several different jobs over the years, but her favorite was caring for her family. She attended Bible Baptist Church in Norwich.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford with Pastor Matt Frayer officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.

Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Roots & Wings, 34 Berry St., Norwich, NY.