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

Ronald Sayles, 75, of South Plymouth

Last Week's Obituaries

William Mceligot

EARLVILLE – William J. McEligot, 88, of Abbott Ave., passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.

Born January 27, 1925 in Sherburne, he was a son of Patrick J. and Ida Foote McEligot and was a graduate of Sherburne High School. On March 17, 1950, he married Helen L. Baker in Earlville. She predeceased him on December 30, 2003. Bill had worked at Colgate University in Hamilton for 30 years. He had also worked at Vernon Downs for 30 years and following his retirement was the caretaker for the Pratt Newton Home in Sherburne. Bill had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sports, especially golfing. He also loved his German Shepherds.

Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church in Earlville.

Surviving are his children, Michael and Mariann McEligot of West Haven, CT; Matthew and Mary Lynn McEligot, of Earlville; a sister, Anne Reese, of St Louis; eight grandchildren, Christopher Smith of Clark Mills, Kimberly Brown of Earlville, Charlotte Brown of Sherburne, Tiffany Webb of Sarasota, FL, Heather Jo McEligot of St. Petersburg, FL, Tracy Fowler of Port Allegheny, PA; Aaron McEligot and Alicia McEligot, both of Norwich; a great-granddaughter, Isabella; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Timothy, in 2005; a brother, John P., in 2012; and a sister, Mary (Miller) Foster.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville with interment in the Graham Cemetery, Hubbardsville.

Friends are invited to call from noon until 2 p.m. at the funeral home on Saturday prior to the service.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Heart Association.

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

Myrtle Barrett

NORWICH – Myrtle M. Barrett, 95, of 24 Canasawacta Street, died April 13, 2013.

Born in Ellisburg, NY, to a family of twelve children, Myrtle married Ernest L. Barrett on Oct. 1, 1938. They moved to Norwich in 1951. Ernest passed away May 12, 1991.

After retiring from 26 years at GLA, Myrtle and Ernest enjoyed many years of camping and traveling to different countries. Her greatest love was of her family, and her flowers.

Myrtle is survived by her son, Lyman, and wife Judi, of Port Crane; sisters Flora and Harris Sheldon, Bellville; Lucia and Roy Bliss, Pierrepoint Manor; Lois Harber, Clearwater, FL; and Frances Vanderbeck, Calabash, SC; grandchildren Patricia and Hank Hanson, Eliot, Maine; Brett Hurt and Missy, Cape Coral, FL; Bart Hurt and Ramona, Conklin. Also surviving are eight great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Myrtle was predeceased by her sisters Thelma and Clare, and brothers Floyd, Frank, Earl, Harley, and Keith.

Memorial services will be held at noon on May 14 at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, Myrtle requested donations to Broad St. United Methodist Church, 79 North Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.

John Palen

SOUTH PLYMOUTH – John P. “Jack” Palen, 62, of South Plymouth, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the Upstate Medical Center of Syracuse.

Jack was born in Kingston, NY on June 21, 1950 the son of John and Rebecca Lewis Palen. He grew up in Kingston and following his education entered the United States Marine Corp where he served his country during the Vietnam War. Over the years, Jack has made his home in various parts of the country but returned to the Norwich area in 2003. While living in Norwich he had worked as a cashier at TOPS and had driven taxi.

Jack is survived by his children, Tammtha Palen and fiancee Terry Beckwith, Shelby Palen, and Latoya Palen, all of Norwich, and Josh Knuth of South Otselic, his sisters Kimberly Vasquez and Goldie Hernandez, both of NC, his brothers Raymond Palen of Kingston, Frank Mergendahl of NJ, and Gary Lewis. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Adreanna Palen, Devon Palen, Javonte Schwartz, Reshae Davis, Tiernan Lindsay, Cole Wiggins, Zoie Palen Cordell Palen and Jerome Palen along with several nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his wife, Mary Doyle Palen, who passed away May 17, 1994.

A celebration of life for Jack will be held at 7 p.m. on May 14 from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Frank Walker will officiate. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until the time of the service on May 14.

Carl Berry

NORWICH – Carl L. Berry was born June 3, 1923, in the Town of Norwich, NY, a son of Charles and Lucy Berry. He passed away on Jan. 13, 2013.

Mr. Berry was a World War II veteran and served overseas in the Western Pacific Theatre of Operations, Southern Philippines, receiving several citations. Upon discharge from the service, he married June Mildred Mathers of Norwich, on Feb. 22, 1947 and, for the past 30 years, was employed by the U. S. Government, Defense Logistics Agency.

Mr. Berry was a member of the United Methodist Church and, for a period of three years, Chairman of the Official Board at the Sherburne Church. He was a member of VFW Post 9591, Clinton, NY, and was Adjutant of that post for a period of one year. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion posts in Norwich. Mr. Berry was appointed as a consultant to BOCES Hamilton Central School in 1979, by Mr. Douglas.

Mr. Berry is survived by his lovely wife, June Berry. He was the father of four children: one deceased by an auto accident in 1957; one daughter, Dr. Patricia Baszczuk, two sons, David Berry and wife Jane; and Craig Berry and wife Melissa. Mr. Berry leaves one brother, Charles Berry of Norwich; and grandchildren: Geoffrey Baszczuk, Dr. Daniel Berry and fiancee Dr. Beth Rodkey, Erika and Reese Berry. Also surviving are his great niece and nephew, Jessica Berry and Jason Berry; sisters-in-law Betty Irwin and husband Bill, and Judy Montgomery; and his brother-in-law, Fred Mathers.

Interment with full military rites will be held at 10 a.m. on May 13 from the Mt. Hope Cemetery. The Rev. Nancy Hale, Pastor of the Broad St. United Methodist Church, will officiate.

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

Frances Rockwell

NORWICH – Frances H. “Fran” Rockwell, 62, of Norwich, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 in the Wilson Regional Medical Center of Johnson City.

Fran was born in Long Island City on April 4, 1951 the daughter of Charles and Virginia Jandro Happel. She was a graduate of the Pine Bush High School and was a longtime resident of Orange County.

Fran has made her home in the Oxford-Norwich area since 1995 and was very active in charity work. She was an excellent quilter and enjoyed her knitting and crocheting. Over the years, Fran has made many lap blankets for chemotherapy patients and was involved at Christmas crocheting tree hats at NBT.

Fran is survived by her daughter, Melanye Rockwell, her son William Rockwell, both of Norwich; her grandchildren, Sierra Williams, Kayson Williams, Brianna Riley, and her unborn grandchild Emalee Riley. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Fran was predeceased by her son Earl Rockwell, her sisters Jennie Happel, Lillian Happel and Harriet Benkhe and her twin infant brothers.

A celebration of life for Fran will be held at 7 p.m. on May 15 from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. George Lewis of Norwich will officiate.

Friends may call from 6 p.m. until the time of the service on May 15 at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.

Robert Conway

UNADILLA – Robert Carl Conway, 86, of Unadilla, passed away in Palm Coast, FL on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

He was born September 16, 1926, the son of the late Carl and Maude (Jones) Conway in Norwich, NY.

Robert graduated from Norwich High School and served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII.

Robert married Theda Werlau on December 31, 1949 in New Berlin. She predeceased him on March 31, 2011.

Bob retired from the United States Postal Service, was the former Pastor of the Unadilla Friends Church and served as the Unadilla Town Justice .

He was a member of Unadilla Friends Church, Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Joyce Bell Post, Tri-town Lion’s Club, Tri-town Orchestra, Sidney Community Band and the Oxford Community Band.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Carolee Feinstein and husband Bernie, of Palm Coast, FL; his granddaughter, Rachel Cassidy and husband Robert; great-grandchildren Joseph and Anna Cassidy; cousin Barbara Meyer Higley; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at C. H. Landers Funeral Chapel ,21 Main St., Sidney. Rev. Benjamin Shaw will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Unadilla Friends Church 285 County Highway 2, Mt. Upton, NY 13809

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel Sidney.

Daisy Distler

PITTSFIELD – Daisy H. Distler, 85, of Pittsfield, NY, passed away on May 9, 2013 in Cooperstown, NY. She was born on March 14, 1928 in Hopelawn, New Jersey, daughter of Magnus and Mildred Wiberg Hansen. She married Steven Distler, who pre-deceased her in 1984.

Daisy is survived by her sister, Elinor Homann of Columbus, NY. She is also survived by her children: Patricia Rill of Mesa, AZ, Richard and Suzanne Andrews of Columbus, NY, Karen and Parley Pratt of Mesa, AZ, Michael and Rita Andrews of West Oneonta, NY, Deborah Andrews of Virginia Beach, VA, Aileen Andrews of Virginia Beach, VA, Thomas and Maureen Andrews, of Orlando, FL., 19 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

Daisy was a faithful member of the Christian Community and would willingly share her belief in Jesus Christ. She will be remembered by her hugs and smile when greeting her numerous friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on May 14 at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin. Burial will take place at the Saint Andrew’s Cemetery in New Berlin. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Otsego County Office for the Aging.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dakinfuneralhome.com.

Geraldine Bailey

NORWICH – Geraldine Bailey, 79, of Norwich and formerly of the South New Berlin and Gilbertsville areas, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013, in the Norwich Rehab and Nursing Center of Norwich.

Geraldine’s family, faith and church sustained her throughout her life. She was born Dec. 13, 1933 in Norwich where she was raised and attended the Norwich schools. At the age of 19, she went to work for the Norwich Knitting Mill where she worked for more than 30 years until her retirement. After the passing of her husband, Louis, she moved back to Norwich where she has made her home for the past seven years. Her love of people led her to a second career working in quality care for people in their homes.

Geraldine’s family and faith was everything to her, which guided her to be a wonderful mom and grandma. Over the years she had been a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church of Gilbertsville and the First Baptist Church of Norwich. She was a person who enjoyed the simple things in life, a trait which is difficult to find today, and just enjoyed watching the world go by. One of her simplest joys was to watch and collect hummingbirds and she could spend hours watching them feed. A quiet person in many ways, she enjoyed rides in the country, taking trips with her late husband Louis to Niagara Falls, Bermuda and frequent trips to the Amish Country in PA. She also enjoyed watching her soap operas on a daily basis, Bonanza and Gunsmoke, with James Arness being her favorite actor.

Geraldine loved to eat out. Aside from being an excellent cook herself with her specialties mac and cheese and baked beans, she enjoyed going to Pizza Hut and dining at the Old Mill.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Donald A. White and wife Susan of Norwich, Lorrie Alcorn and husband Daniel of Rochdale, Mass., her step-son Ronald Bailey and wife Deborah of West Winfield, along with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Louis Bailey and son Scott White.

A funeral service for Geraldine will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Mark Piedmonte, Pastor of the Gilbertsville Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.

Frederick Biermann

NORWICH – Frederick E. Biermann, 87, of Hallstead, PA entered into rest on April 29, 2013. He is the son of the late Frederick and Kathe' Biermann. He is predeceased by a son, John F. Biermann, and a sister, Betty Zahner.

Fred is survived by two children, Katherine Elizabeth Biermann, Portland, ME and Lisa (Brian) Kowalewski, Great Bend, PA; Daughter-in-law, Debra (Ron) Roeder; two nephews, Fred (Rosie) Zahner and Billy Zahner; ten grandchildren, Chad (Stacy) Biermann, Jereme Biermann, Eric Biermann, Carrie Biermann, Erin (Travis) Weller, Katie (Chrissy) Watson, Josh Biermann, Megan Biermann, Lindsey (Adam) Wilber, and Ben Kowalewski; and ten great-grandchildren, Madisyn, Aiden, Ella, Hallie, Brittany, Liam, Cameron, Chase, Gavin, and Carson.

Following his high school graduation, Fred went into the Army Air Force and served during WWII as a tail gunner. He was a member of the American Legion in Norwich. Fred was formerly employed as a foreman supervisor of the Ohio Rubber Company in Long Beach, CA, and was involved in family restaurant businesses, Fred's Inn and the Carriage House, Norwich. He also worked as a machinist at Automecha, Mfg. in Oxford. After he retired he worked for his nephew Fred Zahner at the corner cigar store in Norwich.

Fred's greatest joy in life was his children and grandchildren. He loved to pick them up from the bus stop and eventually teach them to drive. He was always the caregiver, constantly giving to his family and was always there for whatever he was needed for. Fred was dearly loved and will always be remembered.

Regina Demellier

NORWICH – Regina “Jean” DeMellier passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2013 with her family at her side.

Jean was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on October 26, 1916, the daughter of William and Leila Farrell. On October 28, 1938, she married Lawrence DeMellier Sr. in Wilkes-Barre.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence; sister, Marion Patner; and brother, William Farrell. Surviving are sons Lawrence Jr. (Linda) of Pittsburgh, Mark (Mary Ann) of Norwich, grandchildren Heather D’Amico (Jason) and Lawrence DeMellier III of Pittsburgh, and Sarah, Robert and Molly DeMellier of Norwich. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Emily and Jacob D’Amico of Pittsburgh.

Jean was a woman who valued her family and her faith. Time spent with each was greatly treasured.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the United Church of Christ in Norwich with a reception to follow at the church.

Contributions in Jean’s memory can be made to Holy Family School or to the United Church of Christ in Norwich.

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.

Gordon Houck

NORWICH – Gordon Douglas Houck, 67, passed away suddenly but peacefully in Bedford Hospital, Bedford, England with his loving wife beside him.

Gordon, a retired postal worker and decorated Vietnam veteran, was born in Norwich, NY and lived for many years in Sanford and Debary, FL. He moved to Riseley, England in 2006 where he found the love and pleasure of family and home.

Gordon was a loving husband and best friend to Karen, devoted ‘Pops’ to Amy and father to Eric and Chad, caring step-father to Matthew and Andrew, ‘Papa’ to Shelby, Shayla and Alex, brother to Ed, Gary and Charene, and step-grandpa, father-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to so many more.

Funeral services will be held at 10:45 a.m. on May 28 at Norse Road Crematorium, Bedford, England.

Interment will take place later at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Family flowers only to A. L.& G. Abbott, Funeral Directors, 150, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BH, England.

Donations may be made in his memory to either Macmillan Cancer Support at www.macmillan.tributefunds.com/GordonHouck or Vietnam Veterans of America at www.vva.org/support.

Stuart Jones

NORWICH – Stuart Van Scoten “Doc” Jones, died peacefully in Port Richey, FL on May 11, 2013. He was preceded in death by his grandchild Christopher.

Stuart was born to Orrin Pritchard “OP” Jones and ruth Hilts Jones in Norwich, NY on July 31, 1920. He served proudly as a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II.

He graduated from Cornell University Veterinary College in 1950 and practiced veterinary medicine in Norwich and Liberty, NY until his retirement in 1983.

He is survived by his wife Catherine of 63 years; sons Andrew (Rosemary), Richard (Mary), Stanley (Susan); grandchildren Benjamin (Natalie), Laura Tofts (Matthew), Joshua, Alicia, Kristen, Alexander, Steven (Rebecca; and great-grandchildren Callum Tofts, Mia and Mason Jones; nephew James June (Nancy) and niece Mary Ann Cummings (Robert).

Interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be directed to Gulfside Regional Hospice or the Sullivan County, NY, SPCA.

Geraldine Bailey

NORWICH – Geraldine Bailey, 79, of Norwich and formerly of the South New Berlin and Gilbertsville areas, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013, in the Norwich Rehab and Nursing Center of Norwich.

Geraldine’s family, faith and church sustained her throughout her life. She was born Dec. 13, 1933 in Norwich where she was raised and attended the Norwich schools. At the age of 19 she went to work for the Norwich Knitting Mill where she worked for more than 30 years until her retirement. After the passing of her husband, Louis, she moved back to Norwich where she has made her home for the past seven years. Her love of people led her to a second career working in quality care for people in their homes.

Geraldine’s family and faith were everything to her, which guided her to be a wonderful mom and grandma. Over the years she had been a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church of Gilbertsville and the First Baptist Church of Norwich. She was a person who enjoyed the simple things in life, a trait which is difficult to find today, and just enjoyed watching the world go by. One of her simplest joys was to watch and collect hummingbirds and she could spend hours watching them feed. A quiet person in many ways, she enjoyed rides in the country, taking trips with her late husband Louis to Niagara Falls, Bermuda and frequent trips to the Amish Country in PA. She also enjoyed watching her soap operas on a daily basis, Bonanza and Gunsmoke, with James Arness being her favorite actor.

Geraldine loved to eat out. Aside from being an excellent cook herself with her specialties mac and cheese and baked beans, she enjoyed going to Pizza Hut and dining at the Old Mill.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Donald A. White and wife Susan of Norwich, Lorrie Alcorn and husband Daniel of Rochdale, Mass., her step-son Ronald Bailey and wife Deborah of West Winfield, along with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Louis Bailey and son Scott White.

A funeral service for Geraldine will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Mark Piedmonte, Pastor of the Gilbertsville Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.

Stuart Jones

NORWICH – Stuart Van Scoten “Doc” Jones, died peacefully in Port Richey, FL on May 11, 2013. He was preceded in death by his grandchild Christopher.

Stuart was born to Orrin Pritchard “OP” Jones and Ruth Hilts Jones in Norwich, NY on July 31, 1920. He served proudly as a member of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II.

He graduated from Cornell University Veterinary College in 1950 and practiced veterinary medicine in Norwich and Liberty, NY until his retirement in 1983.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of 63 years; sons Andrew (Rosemary), Richard (Mary), Stanley (Susan); grandchildren Benjamin (Natalie), Laura Tofts (Matthew), Joshua, Alicia, Kristen, Alexander, Steven (Rebecca); great-grandchildren Callum Tofts, Mia and Mason Jones; and nephew James June (Nancy) and niece Mary Ann Cummings (Robert).

Interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be directed to Gulfside Regional Hospice or the Sullivan County, NY, SPCA.

Arrangements by the Prevatt Funeral Home, www.prevattfuneralhome.com.

Ruth Lindenthaler

Ruth Lindenthaler, 74, of Oxford, NY, passed away on May 15, 2013 at Bridgewater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Binghamton. She was born on July 18, 1938 in Bridgewater, NY, the daughter of Olive L. Twitchell and Harold E. Helmuth. In 1956 she married William L. Hafelin who predeceased her in 1968. In 1969 she married Carl E. Lindenthaler, her devoted loving husband of 44 years.

Ruth retired from Simmonds Precision (Unison) in 1997 after 24 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who had a sincere love for her family and friends. ,She is survived by her husband Carl, two daughters Cindy (Bill) Branham and Jean (Jeff) Andrews, a son LeRoy and his fiance Louanne Money; three step daughters, Mary Hover, Debbie Russell and Betty Villanueva; eleven grandchildren Becky (Josh) Reger, Sarah Branham, Gabe Morgan, Gillian Morgan, Brittany Lindenthaler, Brandon Lindenthaler, Jared Bush, Matthew Russell, Kelly Williams, Sayword Hover, Armando Villanueva, Brianna Villanueva; and two great granddaughters Malaia and Delilah Reger.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 3 p.m. on May 20 at Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Oxford, Rev. Ralph Bove officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.