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
Bruce Camp, 75, of Norwich
Marie Mussision, 80, of Earlvile
Burton Monroe, 71, of Norwich
Richard Oles, 71, of Norwich
Louise Swertfager, 87, of Norwich
Last Week's Obituaries
Arthur Christensen Sr.
Published on: Friday, January 27, 2012GUILFORD – Arthur Eric Christensen Sr., 66, of Guilford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.
Services are pending and under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.
Edna Newkirk
Published on: Friday, January 27, 2012NORWICH – Edna Mae Newkirk, 99, a life long Norwich resident, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 25, 2012, at the Valley View Manor Nursing Home of Norwich, where she had made her home for the past several years.
Edna was born in Norwich in March of 1912 the daughter of Edgar and Mae LaBuff Brooks. On April 24, 1932 in Norwich she married Benjamin Newkirk, who passed away March 1, 1986. Over the years Edna had worked for the C&U Telephone Company as a telephone operator on two separate occasions. She had also worked as an operator at the Chenango County Office Building.
Over the years Edna found enjoyment and contentment is taking care of her home and made it a comfortable place for all to enjoy.
Edna is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Wayne and Nancy Newkirk of Norwich, her grandchildren Greg Newkirk of Cortland, Amy Cummings of Norwich, her step-grandchildren David Archambo of Norwich, Matthew Archambo of Jacksonville, Fla. and Stephanie Lane of Boston, Mass. along with several great and great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband Ben, Edna was predeceased by her sisters Gladys Clifford and Velma Gennosa and her brother Clifford Brooks.
Funeral services for Edna will be held at 3 p.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. David Spiegel, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Norwich.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at 3.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Valley View Manor Nursing Home, 40 Park St., Norwich, NY 13815 with a notation for the Activities Fund.
Edna’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for the care given to her during her stay.
Arnold Thomsen
Published on: Friday, January 27, 2012SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Arnold Thomsen, 94, of South New Berlin, went to be with his Lord and Savior early Thursday morning, Jan. 26, 2012, in the Chase Memorial Nursing Home of New Berlin, where he has made his home for the past 2 1/2 years.
Funeral services for Arnold will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Holmesville Baptist Church. The Rev. Romeyn Kipp, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery of South New Berlin.
Friends may call at the Holmesville Baptist Church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11.
A complete obituary for Arnold will be published in the Monday edition of The Evening Sun.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.
Daniel Ohl
Published on: Friday, January 27, 2012OXFORD – Staff Sergeant Daniel John Ohl of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 26, 2012 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, with his wife of 33 years and family by his side.
He was born on July 7, 1924 in New York City to Daniel J. and Adeline (Dietz) Ohl.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Adeline, his first wife, Theresa Prusko and his son, Daniel John Ohl Jr. He is survived by his wife, Frances Knapp Ohl; son, Stephen E. (Stella) Ohl and sons, William, Brian (Alisha) and Timothy Ohl; son, Thomas Ohl; daughter, Jean Ohl and Wayne Dennis; daughter, Yvette Ohl and children, Stephen Ohl, Desiree Hatton and Luke Wilkes; son, Nicholas Ohl and children, Peter and Jessica Szabelski, Daniel and Nicholas Ohl; son, Scott Ohl and children Danielle Marzouk and Josh Whitty; son, Bob Rosa (Elissa) and children, Stacy Rachlin, Eric and Robert Rosa; son, Thomas Rosa and son Thomas Rosa; daughter, Dianna Rosa and children, Jeremy and Stephanie Farnsworth. He is also survived by 20 great grandchildren, his nephew, Greg (Jean) Hegmann and his cousin, Larry (Joan) Jurgensen.
Daniel was a World War II veteran, having served in the South Pacific. He volunteered after graduation from High School into the U.S. Marine Corp in January of 1943. After three years as an airplane mechanic, he was honorably discharged in May of 1946. He received several medals for his service to our country. He was an auto mechanic and machinist all of his life. He learned his trade in the Logan Garage in Brooklyn. Whenever anything needed fixing, Dan was the man to call. He fought the good fight all of his life. He was known for his feats of strength, having never lost in arm wrestling, and frequently lifting car engines and whatever needed lifting by hand. He also lifted his family’s spirits throughout his life and we shall miss him dearly.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Services will follow the calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815. Memories and condolences may be made by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.
Frederick Stagnaro
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012SMITHVILLE – Frederick J. Stagnaro passed away on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 at his home with his family by his side.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Behe Funeral Home of Oxford.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oxford.
A complete obituary for Fred will be published in a later edition of The Evening Sun.
Elsie Niles
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012NORWICH – Elsie Niles, 67, of Norwich, passed away Friday afernoon, Jan. 27, 2012 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
A celebration fo Elsie’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the serivce at 3.
A complete obituary will be published in a later edition of The Evening Sun.
Arnold Thomsen
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Arnold Thomsen, 94, of South New Berlin went to be with his Lord and Savior early Thursday morning, Jan. 26, 2012, in the Chase Memorial Nursing Home of New Berlin, where he has made his home for the past 2 1/2 years.
The son of Janus and Anna Larsen Thomsen, Arnold was born in Flint on Feb. 26, 1917. He grew up on the family farm in the New Berlin area where he attended the local schools. At the age of 24, he left the family home to venture out on his own and became employed by Sisson’s as a truck driver. On April 27, 1941 he married Virginia Daniels in the Rhinebeck Reformed Church, the oldest church still functioning in America. In July of 1945 Arnold went to serve his country during World War II in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in January of 1946 due to the illness of his wife. Once home he gained employment with the railroad and subsequently worked for John Deere in South New Berlin. He then purchased a farm in the area which he operated with his family until it was sold in 1967.
In 1969 Arnold and his wife moved to Florida, where they shared many happy years. While in Florida he worked for Davmor, a division of Burger King, which manufactured tables and seating for Burger King. Retiring at the age of 65, Arnold was not about to sit still, so he ventured out to do lawn care. In 2005, Arnold and his wife decided to move back to New York, where they continued to make their home.
Arnold is survived by his children: Edward Thomsen and wife Kay, Philip Thomsen and wife Karen all of South New Berlin, Anne Manley and her husband The Rev. Dr. Don Manley of Oxford, Fla.; and his two sisters Christa Fuller and Jennie Chapin. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Lorena Robertson and husband Jeff, Eva Thomsen and husband Jeff Johnson, Natalie Law and husband John, Brian Thomsen and wife Julie, Greg Thomsen and wife Pam, Joe Thomsen, Christie Underhill and husband Rich, Randy Manley and wife Louise and Dana Manley and wife Michelle, 23 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Arnold was predeceased by his wife Virginia on Dec. 17, 2011; his infant son David; and his brothers Chris, Ejler, John, Herman, Clarence and Janus.
Funeral services for Arnold will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Holmesville Baptist Church. The Rev. Romeyn Kipp, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery of South New Berlin.
Friends may call at the Holmesville Baptist Church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Holmesville Baptist Church, 3024 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.
Barbara Beecher
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012OXFORD – Barbara Ann Beecher, born April 9, 1942, passed away Jan. 23, 2012 in Oxford after an extended illness.
She was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Paul Bobbitt. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Fred and Sharon Bobbitt, of Meriden, Conn.; sister and brother-in-law Jeanne(Crosetto) and Rick Tuck, The Villages, Fla.; her nephew Dr. Scott (Heather & son Derek) Bobbitt; her niece, Kelly Bobbitt-Schmidt (David & daughters Hailee & Kailynn); and her special pet Sabrina.
Barbara attended Union-Endicott High School and graduated from Chenango Valley High School and Broome Community College. She worked for many years as a legal secretary and later worked as Deputy Chief Clerk for the Broome County Surrogate Court in Binghamton.
Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister and friend. She was a kind and gentle person who loved her family, friends and pets. She loved her horses, dogs and cats. At one time she owned a kennel and took in many stray animals.
For those who wish to honor Barbara’s memory, kindly consider a donation to The Humane Society, 1946 Route 12, Binghamton, NY 13901.
Arrangements are under the care of Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Oxford.
Memories and condolences may be made by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.
Juanita Johnson
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012PHARSALIA – Juanita L. Johnson, 89, formerly of Pharsalia, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at the New York State Veterans’ Home at Oxford.
Mrs. Johnson was born in Port Dickinson on Jan. 21, 1923, a daughter of the late Harley and Clara Niehaus Small. She was a long-time resident of this area. She was married to Bud Johnson, who predeceased her on Oct. 20, 1990.
She is survived by her children, Emily (Ron) Brooker of Sherburne, Leona (Tim) Monostori of Plattsburgh, Lenard (Elizabeth) Johnson of Berkshire, Alva (Ed) Greenman of Cortland, Marnita (Jeff Wilson) Wilcox of Oneida, and Larson (Dawn) Johnson of Tampa, Fla. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Lester Small, Brick Small, Cleo Donner and Gloria Church.
Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, at 1 p.m. Wednesday, with Fred M.S. Downs officiating. Burial will be in Old Center Cemetery, Pharsalia, in the spring of the year. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the start of the service at 1 p.m.
To leave a personal message for the family, visit www.klsharpfuneralhome.com.
Arthur Christensen Sr.
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012GUILFORD – Arthur Eric Christensen Sr., 66, of Guilford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.
He is survived by his wife Linda and his five children and their spouses: Arthur Eric, Jr. and Cari-Ann Christensen of Binghamton, Kimberly Christensen-Lakin and Martin Lakin of South New Berlin, Scott and Tammy Seward of Guilford, Melissa and William Strong of Guilford, and Leif Christensen and Annie Finch of Guilford. He is survived as well by twelve grandchildren: Anika and Tait Christensen, Hunter, Sydney, and Morgan Lakin, Mariah, Chelsea, and Brandon Seward, Shelbi Stewart, Kacey and Taylor Strong, and Landyn Christensen. In addition he is survived by his three siblings and their spouses: Ty and Jean Christensen of North Carolina, Alice (Christensen) and Jim Haskins of Washington, and Katherine (Christensen) and Francis Wildenstein of Guilford.
Art was born in East Northport to Arnold and Astrid Christensen of Stokke, Norway and raised on the family farm in Guilford where he happily lived for most of his life. He was a graduate of Mt. Upton Central School and Cornell University. He was a dairy farmer for many years before going into insurance. Art was an avid athlete, enjoying football, softball, and basketball, canoeing, four wheeling, swimming and skating on the family pond. He loved walking the hills on the farm, giving hayrides, and tending his beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.
Art was very active in the community as a member and past president of the Mt. Upton Lions Club organizing fundraisers, chicken barbecues, and food drives among other things. He was also a Mt. Upton Central School board member for many years. Art loved his family and friends, loved his farm, loved the Giants, and loved his life.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wilson Hospital.
The family receiveed friends on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. in C. H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m.in the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel Sidney.
William Crandall
Published on: Monday, January 30, 2012NORWICH – William (Bill) Arnold Crandall, 72, originally from Norwich, passed away on Jan. 21, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Bill was born in Norwich, on Dec. 5, 1939. He is the son of the late James Arnold & Katherine Welch Crandall. Bill graduated from Norwich High School, Class of 1958 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1958 where he proudly served 10 years. After being honorably discharged, he attended Albany Medical Center School of Nursing to practice nursing. He went on to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. He practiced anesthesia all across the country with the majority of his career in New York, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. He retired in the Fall of 2011 after practicing for 40 years. When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time outdoors, playing golf, boating and riding horses. He also raised and showed prized horses as well as show dogs for Kabina Kennels.
Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Crandall, daughter, Rebecca Crandall of Troy; son, Brandon Crandall and his wife, Erin, of Americus, Ga.; one sister, Margaret (Peggy) Crandall Hilgert and husband Peter Hilgert; nephew Christopher Crandall Hilgert and his wife, Nichole and their children Elizabeth Lauren and John William Hilgert of Houston, Texas; niece, Katherine Ellen Hilgert of Bethlehem, Pa.
There will be a mass conducted in Bill’s memory at Guardian Angel’s Catholic Church in Louisville. The family requests donations to be made to the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research at www.faer.org., and the American Heart Association.
Neal Trass
Published on: Tuesday, January 31, 2012GEORGETOWN – Neal W. Trass, 71, of Georgetown, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 after a brief illness. His loving and devoted wife of nearly 49 years, Janice and his children and grandchildren surrounded him during this time. His family was of the utmost importance to him.
He was born in Cortland on May 20, 1940 to Floyd and Edith (Tripp) Trass. Neal spent many years as a dairy farmer, having taken over the family farm from his father in 1970. He continued in this time-honored occupation until the fall of 1989 and then began a career with the New York State Corrections Department and worked at the Mohawk Correctional Facility for 20 years. He retired in December 2009, which afforded him more time to spend with his wife and family. He especially enjoyed the time spent at a winter home in Port Charlotte, FL. He was a man of great faith, quiet strength, and integrity who lead by example. He was a life-long member of The First Baptist Church in Georgetown. He began serving as Deacon at age 21 and continued to serve the Lord in different capacities all his life including: Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Usher, and Financial Secretary.
He was a presence at nearly every family event over the years and always enjoyed the antics and fellowship of his children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were something that he dearly treasured.
Neal is survived by his beloved wife Janice, his adored children William (Kristie) of Greene, Stephen (Melissa) of Earlville, and Darin (Leah) of Oneonta. His grandchildren were very precious to him and they include: Alexander, Adrienne, and Isaac (William) and Lydia, Adeline, and Zachary (Stephen). He also leaves behind a brother, Sherman (Sandra) of Meridale, and many other beloved family members, many of whom have stories and tales of his salt-of-the-earth character that everyone who knew him noted and enjoyed.
Services celebrating his life will take place at The First Baptist Church on Route 26 in Georgetown. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. with a funeral service immediately following. Pastor Paul Marshall, a dear family friend will officiate.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to The First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 300, Georgetown, NY 13072.
Neal touched many throughout his time here and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.
Elsie Niles
Published on: Tuesday, January 31, 2012NORWICH – Elsie Niles, 67, of Norwich and formerly of the Mt. Upton and Sidney area, passed away Friday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2012 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Elsie was born in Nova Scotia on Jan. 20, 1947, the daughter of John Woodrow and Edith Nellie Snow Hillier. She came to the United States at an early age and lived for many years in the Sidney and Mt. Upton area. While living in that area she had worked for American Plastics in Bainbridge and At-A-Glance and its successor Mead Westvaco. She has made her home in Norwich for the past 20 years.
Elsie is survived by her children; Lisa Lindquist and her husband Jeff of Sterling, Ill. and Timothy Bell and his wife Kerry of Ft. Anne, her sisters Billie Wilson of Florida, De De Connelly of Maryland, her brothers Glade, John and Walter Hillier all of Pennsylvania and Edward Hillier of Canada. Also surviving are her grandchildren Sarah, Nick and Wesley Bell, Elizabeth Lindquist and Damian Jennings. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A celebration of Elsie’s life will be held on Friday at 3 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich. Elsie’s brother Glade Hillier will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Glenwood Cemetery of Homer.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Friday from 1-3 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Gladys Trythall
Published on: Tuesday, January 31, 2012NORWICH – Gladys Trythall, 88, of Norwich, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2012 at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Funeral arrangements for Gladys are pending and will be published in a later edition of The Evening Sun. Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.
Julia Smith
Published on: Tuesday, January 31, 2012SHERBURNE – Julia Agnes Smith, 81, a long time resident of North Pharsalia and most recently of Sherburne, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2012, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
At Julia’s request there will be no formal funeral services. Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 3-6 p.m.
Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
A complete obituary for Julia will be published in the Wednesday edition of The Evening Sun.
Donald Truax
Published on: Wednesday, February 1, 2012CANASTOTA – Donald P. Truax, 70, of Canastota, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 at Oneida Healthcare Center, Oneida.
He was born Aug. 28, 1941 in Norwich, a son of the late Frederick and Alice Pike Truax and was a graduate of Sherburne High School. Don was a craftsman and had worked as a machinist for several area machine shops until his retirement. He was a sportsman who loved hunting and fishing.
Surviving are his children, Maria, Charles, Donna and Christopher; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frederick and Rita Truax and Arlo Truax, all of Sherburne; Robert and Barbara Truax of Morganton, N.C.; several grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Frederick Truax, his mother and step-father, Alice and Arlo Foster, two brothers, David and Walter Truax; and three sisters, Beverly Gilbert, Sandra Maricle and Connie McNeiece.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in the South Plymouth Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.
Pershing Schlafer
Published on: Wednesday, February 1, 2012GUILFORD – Pershing Schlafer, 93, of Guilford, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 at his home.
Friends are invited to call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral chapel.
A complete obituary will appear in tomorrow’s edition of The Evening Sun. Arrangements under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
Gladys Trythall
Published on: Wednesday, February 1, 2012NORWICH – Gladys Kelley Trythall, 88, of Norwich, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services for Gladys will be held on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Nancy Hale, pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Broad St. United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.
A complete obituary for Gladys will be published in the Thursday edition of The Evening Sun.
Julia Smith
Published on: Wednesday, February 1, 2012SHERBURNE – Julia Agnes Smith, 81, a long time resident of North Pharsalia and most recently of Sherburne, passed away early Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2012, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Agnes was born in East Pharsalia, the daughter of Ray D. and Alice D. Sheldon Franklin on Sept. 12, 1930. She attended school in East Pharsalia and Norwich from which she graduated in 1949. Following her schooling, Agnes worked for the National Bank and Trust Co. and the Gladding Corp. in South Otselic. She was an election inspector for many years and also worked as a substitute inspector. Agnes was a former member of the Pharsalia Fire Dept. Auxiliary, a member of the committee for the Pharsalia community picnic and was also the treasurer of that committee in 1998. She and her husband Llewellyn spent winters in Zephyrhills, Fla. since 1986 and had many friends from many states and Canada. She was also a member of the North Pharsalia Bible Church.
On Sept. 7, 1953 she married Llewellyn Smith, who passed away March 29, 1998.
Agnes is survived by her sons and their wives: Michael R. and Pam Smith of Hamilton, Thomas L. and Lisa Smith of North Norwich and Darin J. and Frieda Smith of North Pharsalia; her grandchildren: Adam, Kara Ann, Samantha and Connor and Carter. Several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Besides her husband Llewellyn, Agnes was predeceased by a granddaughter Cassie Smith, her sister Rosa Brewer and her brother Leon Franklin.
At Agnes’ request there will be no formal funeral service.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 3-6 p.m.
Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Agnes’ children would like to extend a special THANK YOU to her sister-in-law Grace Franklin for the time and care given to her during the past several months.
Priscilla Davis
Published on: Thursday, February 2, 2012OXFORD – Priscilla J. “Cilla” Davis, 61, of Oxford passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 6, 1950, Cilla was the daughter of Christie and Jean (Pickens) Davis. She was a high school National Merit Scholarship recipient, and graduated with multiple honors from Colby College. Cilla worked for 25 years as a medical writer/editor for Norwich Pharmaceuticals and later as a freelance medical writer/editor. Her work was also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cilla was particularly fond of animals, especially cats and dogs, and adopted twenty-five pets from the Chenango SPCA. Her greatest wish was that everyone love and respect animals as much as she did.
On June 23, 1984, along the banks of a Gatlinburg, Tenn. river, Cilla married her beloved husband, James G. Jared, who survives. She is also survived by stepdaughter, Julie Demilio, of Annapolis, Md., sister, Pat Murphy, of Bar Harbor, Maine, nephew, Mike Murphy, of Boston, Mass., and niece, Lori Lutton, also of Boston. Cilla was predeceased by her sister Barbi Davis.
At Cilla’s request, there will be no funeral services or calling hours.
Please consider a contribution in Cilla’s memory to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815, or making a donation to the SPCA through your will, as Cilla did.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.
Gladys Trythall
Published on: Thursday, February 2, 2012NORWICH – Gladys Kelley Trythall, 88, of Norwich, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Gladys was born in Middletown on Jan. 12, 1924 and was the daughter of George and Helen Olmstead Kelley. She grew up in the Middletown area where she attended the local schools. On March 3, 1946 she married George E. Trythall, and in 1952 they moved to Norwich. George passed away on Aug. 8, 1996. She worked for Champion Products from 1970 until her retirement in 1986. Gladys was also a member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church where she worked on the soup and sandwich program as well as working on the church bazaars.
Gladys is survived by her son George T. Trythall and his wife Yvonne of East Syracuse; her daughter Deborah A. Trythall of Norwich; four grandchildren: Mercedes Akers of Fort Pierce, Fla., Kelly Prince of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Nathanael Trythall and his wife Julie of Roswell, Ga. and Rebecca Trythall of Syracuse; five great grandchildren: Alexis Jean, Anthony and Aden Williams of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Michael McCoy of Fort Pierce, Fla. and Owen Trythall of Roswell, Ga. Also surviving are her sisters Betty Zolenjuski and Dorothy Edwards both of Middletown, a niece and a nephew.
Besides her husband George, Gladys was predeceased by her sister Mary Warren and her brothers Fred and George Kelley.
Funeral services for Gladys will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Nancy Hale, pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday from 1-3 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Broad St. United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Pershing Schlafer
Published on: Thursday, February 2, 2012GUILFORD – Pershing Schlafer, 93, of Guilford, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 at home.
Pershing was born on Oct. 1, 1918 on the family farm in Guilford, son of the late Frank and Edith (Stevens) Schlafer. Perk started school in a one room school house and graduated from Guilford Public School in 1935. Through his brother, Donald, and his wife, Millie, Perk met Millie’s sister, Vida B. Gamwell. On Nov. 27, 1948, Perk and Vida were married in the Guilford Center Presbyterian Church. They shared 61 wonderful years of marriage before Vida predeceased him on Feb. 24, 2010.
With Vida by his side, Perk was a second generation farmer on his family farm which he loved dearly. He was a lifetime member of the Guilford Center Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the American Dairy Association and served on the Metropolitan Dairy Board. He was the longtime president of the Rockdale Milk Producers Cooperative. He was a Town Councilman before serving as the Town of Guilford Supervisor and on the Chenango County Board of Supervisors. He was also very active with the Chenango County Cooperative Extension and was a 4-H Leader for many years.
Perk loved to be outdoors and especially enjoyed driving his tractors. In his younger years, he spent many nights coon hunting with his dog, Tiny. After Vida’s passing in 2010, Perk was able to continue living at home with the wonderful care from his family, friends, special homecare aides and Hospice. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Pershing is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Daniel and Jean Schlafer, Guilford; two daughters and sons-in-law: Nancy and Theodore Call, Valatie, and Susan and George Smith, Sidney; seven grandchildren: Karen and Todd Williams (Waverly), Julie and Ramesh Sharma (Medford), Lisa and Oliver Briscoe (Chester, England), Melissa and Andrew Welcome (Valatie), Thomas Call (Valatie), Christianna Bonin (Williamstown, Mass.) and Zachary Smith (Houghton); three great-granchildren: Oscar, Sophie and Finn Williams, all of Waverly; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his beloved wife, Perk was also predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Mildred Schlafer; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and Robert Race and Wilma and Nelson Abeel; and half brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth Sr. and Grace Kenyon.
Friends are invited to call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral chapel with Rev. Dr. Barbara Renton officiating. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Perk’s name may be directed to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St. Norwich, NY 13815.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
Frederick Stagnaro
Published on: Thursday, February 2, 2012SMITHVILLE – Frederick L. Stagnaro, 77, of Smithville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born to the late Frederick Joseph and Catherine Agnes (Lennon) Stagnaro, June 20, 1934, in Manhattan. He joined the New York City Police Department shortly after graduating from St. Anthony’s High School in Smithtown, where he studied to be a Franciscan brother. He served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.
Fred married the love of his life, Eileen Bridget Farrell, on May 9, 1959 in St. Ephrem’s Roman Catholic Church before their friends and family. The two made their first home in Brooklyn before moving into the house in Broad Channel that had been Fred’s childhood home. Even in the early days of the marriage, they were thinking ahead to his retirement and in 1961, they purchased the 153 acres in Smithville Center that will be forever known to the extended family as “The Farm.”
Fred was one of New York’s Finest for 20 years before retiring in 1976, at which point the family traded in city life for a more rural existence. While Fred dreamed of being a dairy farmer, it wasn’t meant to be. It wasn’t until he turned 50 that he found his true second calling: flying. It only took one lesson for him to fall in love. Within a few short years he had earned his advanced ratings and opened his own flight school, Norwich Flight Instruction. He loved introducing others to aviation, and helped many students earn their private pilot license. One of his greatest joys was flying the Flight Services Group jet, which he did into his 60s.
A star athlete in his youth, Fred was highly competitive and excelled at everything he put his mind to. He had many hobbies and interests over the years including sailing, boating, hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting. The family home is testament to his passion for and skill with stained glass, woodworking and masonry.
Shortly before his own cancer diagnosis, Fred became a volunteer for Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, spending precious time with patients who were in the last stages of their lives and their families. The organization recognized him as a Hospice Hero in 2009.
To the end, Fred lived his life with honesty, integrity, dignity, passion, humor and kindness. He never gave in to the insidious disease which slowly invaded his body. He fought to the very end, and truly “died with his boots on.” His family takes comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.
He will be remembered always as a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, pilot, instructor and friend.
Fred was predeceased by his parents; his cousins John Curry, Joseph Delaney and Louis Esposito; his brothers-in-law Richard Lopresti and Robert Kuddar; and sister-in-law Loretta Kuddar. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Eileen; his children Patricia Stagnaro, Dennis (Lisa) Stagnaro, Kenneth (Amy) Stagnaro and Melissa Stagnaro; and his sister, Sister Kathleen Stagnaro, OSF. His grandchildren John and Jessica Cullen, Madison Stagnaro, Mason Wucher, Isabella and Elizabeth Stagnaro and Trista and Tia Thorn were the light of his life. The entire Farrell Family mourns the loss of one who was more than a brother-in-law, more than an uncle. Scores of nieces and nephews will forever hold memories of “Uncle Fred” in their hearts. He will be remembered, too, by all those whose lives he touched, particularly those he taught to fly.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Behe Funeral Home of Oxford. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oxford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY, 13815.
James Potter Sr.
Published on: Friday, February 3, 2012OXFORD – James W. Potter Sr. 75, passed away from Parkinson’s disease and dementia on Jan. 31, 2012 at Folt’s Home in Herkimer, where he had been a resident for the past four years.
Jim was born March 3, 1936 to Freida and Arthur Potter in Oxford. He enjoyed a life filled with adventures and accomplishments. As a young man attending Oxford Academy, Jim was a star athlete, excelling in basketball, baseball, football and track. After high school, Jim continued playing baseball on various Oxford area town teams – even landing a brief tryout with a major league team. One of the highlights of his sports career came in middle age, when he played for the Greene Bees town team along with his two sons. He even hit a home run on Father’s Day that season Jim also took up and excelled at golf, a game he loved for the remainder of his life. In addition to his love of sports, he was a wonderful and accomplished dancer.
Jim Potter was a self-made man. Having never attended college, Jim used his intelligence, ingenuity and determination to provide for his family. Jim was a salesman at heart. Over the years his sales work took him and his family all across the country and they called several states “home.” His crowning achievement in business was managing the sales of a company called Guideline Publications. Jim worked for many years with owner Bill Alexander of Stamford, to develop Guidelines into a nationwide success.
Jim was also a devout Christian who claimed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His unwavering faith gave him the strength to handle the difficulties he faced in life and led him, with his wife Shirley, to undertake the operation of a Christian bookstore in Greene, as well as a pastorship at an Assembly of God Church in East McDonough. The two also performed missionary work in Mexico and were wonderful witnesses for Christ wherever they traveled.
Jim was many good things to many people throughout his life, but most of all he was a dedicated and devoted father and grandfather. He was helpful, giving, and tolerant and always put the needs of his kids and grandkids ahead of his own.
Jim is survived by his former wife, Shirley Ingraham of Chester, Va.; their children, Gayl Tyler and her husband Nick of Chesterfield, Va.; Jamie Potter and his wife Janet of Otego; Lynn Lawrence and her husband Bill of Fairfax, Vt.; and Davey-Joe (D.J.) of Oneonta; a sister Janet Williams and a brother David Potter. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Jamal, Naeemah, Adam, Malikah, Leanna, Rebeka, Adelle, Jeremy, Elijah, Brandon, Alisha, Luke, Jack, Sadie, Seth, and Jordan; as well as 17 great-grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his mother Freida, father Art, brother Orest Carlson, sisters Sheila Holmes and Evelyn Lindsay, and his beloved granddaughter Kiameshia Washington.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, on Saturday with calling hours at 1 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2.
In appreciation for the loving care he received at Folt’s Home the last four years of his life, contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Folt’s Foundation, 104 N. Washington St., Herkimer, NY 13350, earmarked for The Health Center Special Care Unit.
Memories and condolences may be made by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.
Mark Dale
Published on: Friday, February 3, 2012GEORGETOWN – Mark K. Dale, 54, of Nappanee, Ind. and formerly of Georgtown, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. Arrangements are by the Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
Charles Ward
Published on: Friday, February 3, 2012NORWICH – Charles E. (Chuck) Ward, 83, of Ballston Spa, and formerly of Deposit, Norwich and Walton, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 following a short illness.
Born in Deposit on Oct. 12, 1928, Chuck was the son of F. Erwin Ward and Isabella Post Ward. He graduated from Deposit Central School with the Class of 1946. Following graduation, he was recruited to play baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers in Florida. Chuck later returned to Deposit and in 1948 began his career with NYSEG as a lineman. He served for 40 years and retired as a general foreman in Mechanicville. During retirement, Chuck enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing on Lake Ontario, and trap shooting competitions as a member of the Kayaderosseras Fish and Game Club in Ballston Spa. He took great pride in his garden and enjoyed sharing his harvest of vegetables with his neighbors.
Chuck was a 58-year member of the Deposit Masonic Lodge #396 F & AM, serving as Master in 1959. He was a charter member of the McCabe Hollow Sportsmen’s Club in Deposit, former member of the Deposit Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Royale Oasis Inc. in Walton.
On July 23, 1949 in Deposit, Chuck married Claire L. Lovell who predeceased him on Aug. 17, 1994. He is survived by two daughters, Susan M. Ward, of Catskill, and Mary Jane Benenati and her husband, Steven, of Norwich; two sons, Braden D. Ward and his wife, Kathy, of Oneonta and Mark J. Ward and his wife, Jane, of Walton; seven grandchildren, Matthew Ward, of Oneonta, Aaron Ward and fiancee Jessica Endries, of Oneonta, Jason Ward and his wife Leanne, of Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Jeffrey Ward and his fiancee Shannon Brown-Zawerton, of Knoxville, Tenn,, Lauren Walling and her husband Tyler, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Ryan Benenati, of Tampa, Fla., Katie Benenati, of Norwich; four great-grandchildren, Logan and Abigail Ward, of Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Eliana Ward of Oneonta and Wyatt Ward of Richfield Springs. Chuck is also survived by his sister, Martha Ward Carver, of Greenfield Center, cousin M. Edward Hartz, of Wilmington, N.C.; two brothers-in-law, John (Jack) Lovell, of Prescott, Ariz., and Joseph Lovell and his wife Norma, of Schenectady. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Mr. Ward’s family wishes to thank his nurse, Tammy as well as Karen and all of the caring staff of The Community Hospice of Saratoga.
Funeral services for Mr. Ward will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the First United Methodist Church, 107 Second Street, Deposit. Friends are invited to call at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial at the Pine Grove Cemetery will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Deposit Central School (DCS) Alumni Association, PO Box 44, Deposit NY 13754, or The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. To send a message of condolence to the family, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.
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