Obituaries


The following are the complete death notices and obituaries from the current edition of The Evening Sun. 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.

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Months Obituaries


Mary L. Swertfager

Published on: Monday, March 27, 2017
Mary L. Swertfager, 97, of Norwich, passed away Thursday morning, March 23, 2017, at the Norwich Rehabilitation & Nursing Center of Norwich. Mary was born on August 28, 1919 in Norwich the daughter of Joseph and Emma (Kern) Purdy. She attended the Norwich schools and over the years worked for the Norwich Knitting Mill, in sales at the Montgomery Ward Store of Norwich and eventually Champion Products. In her leisure time she enjoyed fishing and hunting with her son Fred and loved to bake which she shared with everyone. She also had a great love..

Jean Rhodes

Published on: Thursday, March 23, 2017
On Tuesday, March 14, 2017, Jean L. Rhodes departed this life and was reunited with those who went before her. Jean was predeceased by her husband William M. Rhodes, Sr. and her son William M. Rhodes. She is survived by her son James H. (Deborah) Rhodes of Greene, NY; her grandchildren, Amanda (Tim) Rhodes Fyfe of Mansfield, TX, Sarah (Dan) Rhodes Forsyth of Dryden, NY, and Jason Rhodes and wife of McDonough, NY; her great grandchildren, Ryann A. Fyfe and Benjamin G. Fyfe of Mansfield, TX, Finnian J. Forsyth of Dryden, NY and Ryker Rhodes of ..

Helen Tabor Halbert

Published on: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Helen Tabor Halbert passed from this earthly life in the quietness of her Gilbertsville home that she loved so much in the early evening hours on March 20, 2017. Her struggle with cancer the past year ended with her husband, sister-in-law and pastor by her side. Born in Schenevus to parents Howard and Bertha (Graham) Tabor on June 5, 1941, Helen Marie was the fourth of four children. She graduated from Cherry Valley Central School, Class of 1959. After meeting through a Grange talent contest, their courtship was off and running leading to her..

Pearl E. Northrup

Published on: Monday, March 20, 2017
Pearl E. Northrup, 91 of McDonough passed away on March 12, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Residential Health Care Facility. She was born on April 2, 1925 in Moose Lake, MN a daugh- ter of the late Peter and Isabelle Folstad. She was predeceased by her husband, Hawley Northrup in 2001. She is survived by her children, Randy and Linda Northrup of McDonough, Stephen and Pam Northrup of Greene and a special daughter Debbie and Joe Hornbeck of Stamford, NY; her grandchil- dren, Annette and (Brandon) Barrows, Amanda and (Geoff) Wells, Andrea N..

Winifred M. (wood) Wentworth

Published on: Monday, March 20, 2017
Winifred M. (Wood) Wentworth, 93, of South Otselic, NY, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at her home. Born in German, NY, on May 3, 1923, Mrs. Wentworth was the daughter of the late Jesse and Louisa Jackson Wood. A lifelong res- ident of this area, she retired from Otselic Valley Central School in 1984. Prior to that, she had worked at Gladding Corporation for sev- eral years. She was a proud member of the North Pitcher Community Heritage Society and the NYS Covered Bridge Society. She is survived by her children, John Wentworth, of Pho..

Margaret E. Wall

Published on: Monday, March 20, 2017
Margaret E. Wall, 93 of Oxford died on March 8, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich. She was born on February 10, 1924 in South New Berlin a daughter of the late Hubert and Sarah (Chubb) Potter. On August 20, 1944 in the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin, she married James M. Wall, who passed away on May 10, 2003. She is survived by her children; Mary and husband John Cordick of Sherburne, Melinda Anderson of Norwich, Monroe and wife Becky Wall of Pitcher, James M. Wall, Jr. of Oxford, and John Wall of Cincinnatus; grandchildren..

Wayne D. Anderson

Published on: Monday, March 20, 2017
Wayne D. Anderson, 57 yrs. old of Columbus, NY, passed away on March 18, 2017 at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown. Wayne was born on March 24, 1959 in Norwich, NY the son of Gray & Beverly Anderson. His childhood was spent in Columbus, NY. He was a graduate of New Berlin Central School. On March 10, 1979 he married Cindy (Dodge) Anderson at the Columbus Quarter Baptist Church in Columbus, NY. Wayne was employed by Stericycle in Oneonta, NY. He is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Jennifer Moore and her husband David of Morris, ..

Richard H. Beckwith

Published on: Monday, March 20, 2017
Richard H. Beckwith, 77, of Norwich, passed away Thursday evening, March 16, 2017, at home with his family by his side. Dick was born on July 22, 1939 in Richford, NY the son of Hollis and Laura (Magee) Beckwith and was raised in the home of Louis and Edith Anderson who he considered his second set of parents. Dick cut his schooling short so that he could remain home to help operate the Anderson Family Farm. At the age of 18, he entered the United States Army serving his country from October 1956 until his honorable discharge in October 1959. ..

Amy Boise Perkowski

Published on: Friday, March 17, 2017
Perkowski, Amy Boise, age 60 of LaGrange, KY passed away on Thursday March 9th. Amy was born on April 6, 1956 to Charles and Jean Sweet Boise in Norwich, New York. She was a graduate of Sherburne-Earlville School, Mohawk Valley Community College, and Eastern Kentucky University. Amy worked as a risk engineering professional at State Auto Insurance and was previously employed by Zurich Insurance and AETNA Life and Casualty. Amy is preceded in death by her father, Charles Boise. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her mother, Jean Boise o..

John L. Aikins

Published on: Thursday, March 16, 2017
John L. Aikins, 64, a lifelong resident of Norwich and former Chenango County Deputy Sheriff, passed away Saturday afternoon, March 11, 2017, at home with his family at his side. John was born in Norwich on March 18, 1952 the son of Kenneth and Coral (Letson) Aikins. He grew up in Norwich and was a 1971 graduate of the Norwich High School. Over the years John had been employed by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Dept. for a period of 19 years, had also worked at BOCES where he taught Auto Mechanics as well as their defensive driving class. He..

Mark Hoag

Published on: Thursday, March 16, 2017
Mark Hoag, 60 yrs. old of the Town of Morris, NY passed away on March 11, 2017 at his home. Mark was born on November 4, 1956 in New Berlin, NY the son of Robert & Ann (Scecchitano) Hoag. His childhood was spent in the New Berlin area where he attended Morris and New Berlin Central Schools. He was employed by the Pennysaver as a deliveryman until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Surviving are his children; Jennifer Obert (David) of Virginia, Sierra Scecchintano of Morris, NY, Robert Burtis of South New Berlin, gran..

Arthur W. Dietrich, Jr.

Published on: Thursday, March 16, 2017
Arthur W. Dietrich, Jr., 88, of Landisville, PA and formerly of Norwich, NY and Cooperstown, NY, died peacefully at his home at Oak Leaf Manor North assisted living facility on Friday, March 10, 2017. He was born October 5, 1928, to Arthur and Elizabeth (Young) Dietrich in Buffalo, NY. The oldest child of seven, the family moved to Norwich when Arthur was ten years old, but he always considered himself a native of Norwich. He and his wife Florence retired to Cooperstown in 1989 where they enjoyed the lake and sailing. After serving in the U..

Mark Hoag

Published on: Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Mark Hoag, 60 yrs. old of the Town of Morris, NY passed away on March 11, 2017 at his home. Mark was born on November 4, 1956 in New Berlin, NY the son of Robert & Ann (Scecchitano) Hoag. His childhood was spent in the New Berlin area where he attended Morris and New Berlin Central Schools. He was employed by the Penneysaver as a deliveryman until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Surviving are his children; Jennifer Obert (David) of Virginia, Sierra Scecchintano of Morris, NY, Robert Burtis of South New Berlin, gra..

Arthur W. Dietrich, Jr.

Published on: Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Arthur W. Dietrich, Jr., 88, of Landisville, PA and formerly of Norwich, NY and Cooperstown, NY, died peacefully at his home at Oak Leaf Manor North assisted living facility on Friday, March 10, 2017. He was born October 5, 1928, to Arthur and Elizabeth (Young) Dietrich in Buffalo, NY. The oldest child of seven, the family moved to Norwich when Arthur was ten years old, but he always considered himself a native of Norwich. He and his wife Florence retired to Cooperstown in 1989 where they enjoyed the lake and sailing. After serving in the U..

Charles Orville "chuck" Smith

Published on: Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Charles Orville "Chuck" Smith, 89, of South Plymouth, died peacefully at his residence on Saturday, March 11, 2017 with his loving wife by his side. Born May 21, 1927, Chuck was the son of T. Berton and Flora May (Lewis) Smith. He grew up in Preston and graduated from the Oxford Academy school system. He also earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural sciences from Cornell. After college, Chuck taught both agriculture and shop at Deposit High School before being drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served in ..

Colleen I. Deady

Published on: Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Colleen I. Deady, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. She was 67 years old. Colleen was a native of Norwich, graduated from Norwich High School, and most recently worked at DCMO BOCES in Norwich. At BOCES, she took great pride in helping nursing students obtain financing for their education, and enjoyed supporting her students as they continued their studies. She also made it a priority to attend students’ graduations. Colleen also very much enjoyed photography, and was skilled at capturing be..

Herbert “sonny” H. Crouch, Jr.

Published on: Monday, March 13, 2017
HERBERT H. CROUCH, JR. SMYRNA – Herbert “Sonny” H. Crouch, Jr., 79, of Smyrna, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the Community Memorial Hospital. He was born February 1, 1938 in Smyrna, NY, a son of the late Herbert H. Sr. and Mae Wilson Crouch. He was a graduate of Sherburne High School in 1957 then served in the US Army. Herbert had worked at TACO Co. in Sherburne. Herbert is survived by his sister Rosemary Crouch of Smyrna. A graveside service will be held in Willcox Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted ..

Stephen D. Lent

Published on: Monday, March 13, 2017
STEPHEN D. LENT Stephen D. Lent of Mars, PA, died March 6, 2017. He was born July 15, 1952 in Oneonta, NY, the son of the late Carl H. and Jean (Carvin) Lent. Raised in Norwich, NY, he attended and graduated from the local schools. He held a BS and ME in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. He was a veteran of the US Army; conducting research and development in the field of explosives and weapons effects at the USACE Waterways Experiments Station in Vicksburg, MS. He was employed for a number of years in ..

Neil F. Pease

Published on: Monday, March 13, 2017
NEIL F. PEASE Neil F. Pease, 77, of Greene passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Linda; sister, Jan Shear; brother, Raymond Pease; sister-in-law, Joan Sage. He is survived by his loving companion Rose Mott and her family; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Chad Allen; son and partner, Dean Pease and William Graves; grandsons, Dawson and Cole Allen; two sisters-in-law and family, Janet and James Hallenbeck and Ruth and Don Eldred; two brothers-in-law and family, John and Dana Sage and Tom and D..

Stanley G. Peckham

Published on: Monday, March 13, 2017
STANLEY G. PECKHAM Stanley G. Peckham, 98, a longtime resident of Smyrna, passed away early Friday morning, February 24, 2017, at the Community Memorial Hospital of Hamilton. Stan was born on January 9, 1919 in Smyrna the son of Adelbert and Louise (Barber) Peckham. He grew up in Smyrna and attended both the Smyrna and Sherburne schools. Once out of school he remained in Smyrna going to work to help support the family. On January 10 1942 in Clearwater, FL he married Mary Magdalene Baker who passed away July 9, 2004. Soon after, he enter..

Robert Louis Angell

Published on: Monday, March 13, 2017
ROBERT LOUIS ANGELL Robert Louis Angell, 92 yrs. old of New Berlin, NY passed away on March 9, 2017 at Chase Nursing Home. Robert was born on March 19, 1924 in Utica, NY the son of Louis F. & Mildred (Pearsall) Angell. His childhood was spent in the Ilion & Utica, NY areas. He attended New Berlin Central School, Cascadilla School (GED) and Utica School of Commerce where he attained his A.A.S. in accounting. On December 29, 1949 he married Elizabeth (Horton) Angell who predeceased him on May 4, 2001. Robert worked as a crane op..

Helen Ione Matteson Hill

Published on: Monday, March 13, 2017
HELEN IONE MATTESON HILL Helen Ione Matteson Hill, 94, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at the Valley View Manor Nursing Home. Ione came into this world August 13, 1922, in New Berlin, the third daughter of what would be eight children born to Clyde F. and Margaret E. (Zirkel) Matteson. She grew up in the New Berlin area and was a 1941 graduate of the New Berlin Central School. She grew up on the family farm in New Berlin and worked hard milking cows, working in the hay fields and various other..

William M. Currie

Published on: Friday, March 10, 2017
William M. Currie, 93, a lifelong resident of Norwich, passed away early Sunday morning, March 5, 2017, at the Basset Hospital of Cooperstown. Bill was born on December 11, 1923 in Norwich the son of Ezra and Anne (Davern) Currie. He grew up in Norwich where he attended and graduated from the Norwich High School. A veteran of the United States Army, Bill served his country during WWII. Bill’s was a 40 year employee of the United States Postal Service in Norwich. He worked as a Postal Clerk and was a very familiar face at the local office. H..

Roger James Wood

Published on: Friday, March 10, 2017
Roger James Wood, 70 yrs. old of Cooperstown, NY went with our Lord, Jesus Christ, on March 7, 2017 at MIB Hospital, Cooperstown, NY. Jim was born in Utica, NY on April 14, 1946 to Cleo & Phyllis (Wiggins) Wood. He attended West Winfield Central School from kindergarten through 8th grade. Jim transferred to New Berlin Central School in 1961 and was a member of the great class that graduated in 1964. While at New Berlin he was a member of the dramatics club and choir, and played on the baseball, soccer and volleyball teams. Jim met Elizabet..

Walter W. Leach, Jr.

Published on: Thursday, March 9, 2017
WALTER W. LEACH JR. Walter W. Leach, Jr., 78, of Nashua, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Utica, NY, Walter was the son of the late Walter Leach, Sr. and Alice (Rahn) Leach. Talented with his hands, Walt was a tool maker and CNC machinist for over 50 years. Prior to retirement, Walt had been employed as a designer with DEKA Research and Development. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Walt’s family and friends were paramount in his life...

Janet Loomis

Published on: Thursday, March 9, 2017
JANET LOOMIS Janet Loomis, 80, of Norwich, passed away Monday morning, March 6, 2017, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital of Norwich. Janet was born on September 30, 1936 in Oxford the daughter of Frank and Helen (Brigham) Rooney. She grew up in the Oxford and Norwich area and was a 1954 graduate of the Norwich High School. Janet spent her entire life in the area and on April 16, 1955 she married James R. Loomis who passed away March 7, 2004. Over the years she worked for the Norwich Knitting Mill for a period of 17 years, Legion Park an..

Leigh Parkhill Davidson

Published on: Thursday, March 9, 2017
LEIGH PARKHILL DAVIDSON On the 29th day of August 1956, in Albany, NY, Leigh Parkhill opened her beautiful big brown eyes for the first time and began seeing the beauty in the world. Perhaps it was with the influence of her parents, Mary Gallup Parkhill and Edwin Clinton Parkhill, or maybe God knew that we needed a little brightness in the world. From the very beginning, Leigh looked for the finer, beautiful things in life; whether it be learning about botany in the garden with her father, or cooking superb dishes in the kitchen with her mot..

Leigh Parkhill Davidson

Published on: Wednesday, March 8, 2017
LEIGH PARKHILL DAVIDSON On the 29th day of August 1956, in Albany, NY, Leigh Parkhill opened her beautiful big brown eyes for the first time and began seeing the beauty in the world. Perhaps it was with the influence of her parents, Mary Gallup Parkhill and Edwin Clinton Parkhill, or maybe God knew that we needed a little brightness in the world. From the very beginning, Leigh looked for the finer, beautiful things in life; whether it be learning about botany in the garden with her father, or cooking superb dishes in the kitchen with her mot..

Lawrence W. Hendrickson

Published on: Wednesday, March 8, 2017
HOMER, NY – Lawrence W. “Larry” Hendrickson, 87, of Route 41, passed away Friday, March 3, 2017 at Cortland Park in Cortland, NY. Larry was born May 11, 1929 in Afton, NY, the son of Wayne and Grace Barnard Hendrickson and received his education in Afton schools. On December 6, 1971, Larry married his soul mate June A. Cole who predeceased him on October 29, 1996. Larry was a salesman at the Page Seed Co. in Greene for 20 years, and then worked at Metro Mattress in Syracuse for 35 years, until retiring from the Liverpool office. He loved..

Judy Locke

Published on: Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Judy Locke of Norwich and formerly of McDonough, NY passed away on March 3, 2017 at the Wilson Medical Center of Johnson City. Judy is survived by her mom Buelah Locke of Stratford, NY, her sister Nancy (John) Hurlburt of McDonough, NY, her brothers Rodney Locke of McDonough, NY, Randy Locke of South Plymouth, NY and Rudy (Roberta) Locke of Stratford, NY. Many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive. Judy was predeceased by her dad Truman Locke and nephew Jerry. Judy loved to be outside especially spending time with her fam..

Patricia Bellaire

Published on: Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Patricia Bellaire, better known to friends, as Patti, Age 67, of Warsaw, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Roswell Park Acute Care Cancer Institute after a 16 year battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 13, 1949 in Norwich, NY daughter of the late Louis and Rose Biviano Marano. Patti was a graduate of Norwich High School Class of 1967. She also attended Genesee Community College. Patti loved her position as a graphic designer at the Warsaw Pennysaver where she was employed over 42 years. She was alwa..

Catherine Ruth Harrington Mcnulty

Published on: Tuesday, March 7, 2017
CATHERINE McNULTY Catherine Ruth Harrington McNulty, age 90, passed away Friday (March 3, 2017) at Peak Resource Pinelake in Carthage. A service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday at Pinelawn Memorial Park Mausoleum with the Rev. Gregg Newton officiating. The family will receive friends at Fry & Prickett Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 7:30 and other times at the home. She was born on October 30, 1926 in Norwich, NY to the late Lewis and Ruth Clark Harrington. Catherine was valedictorian of the Norwich, NY high school class o..

Leigh Parkhill

Published on: Tuesday, March 7, 2017
LEIGH PARKHILL On the 29th day of August 1956, in Albany, NY, Leigh Parkhill opened her beautiful big brown eyes for the first time and began seeing the beauty in the world. Perhaps it was with the influence of her parents, Mary Gallup Parkhill and Edwin Clinton Parkhill, or maybe God knew that we needed a little brightness in the world. From the very beginning, Leigh looked for the finer, beautiful things in life; whether it be learning about botany in the garden with her father, or cooking superb dishes in the kitchen with her mother..

George S. Simpson, Jr.

Published on: Tuesday, March 7, 2017
GEORGE S. SIMPSON, JR George S. Simpson, Jr., 59 of Oxford passed away on March 5, 2017 at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, NY. He was born on March 25, 1957 in Norwich a son George Stephen and Domiana (Merlino) Simpson, Sr. He is survived by his father George Stephen Simpson, Sr and his wife Rose of Norwich; his children, Cristen Simpson of Sherburne, Stephen and Misty Simpson of Norwich, and Aubry Simpson of Preston; his grandchildren, Breanna Simpson, Logan Simpson, Emma Richard and Rylee Rickard; his brother, Michael and Bet..

Jeffery R. Franklin

Published on: Friday, March 3, 2017
JR (Jeffery R. Franklin) 16, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. He was born on July 22, 2000 in Binghamton, NY. He is survived by his parents, Ernest and Heather Franklin; grandparents, Joel and Connie Brown; aunts: Connie Davis, Denise Cooper, Peggy Dennis and April Frank and their families; many great aunts and uncles; and his loving church family and home school family. JR was a joyful spirit. He loved trains and enjoyed the ride on the Cooperstown-Charlotte Valley Railroad last year. He loved people and embraced e..

Rhoda W. Sherwood,

Published on: Thursday, March 2, 2017
RHODA W. SHERWOOD SHERBURNE, NY – Rhoda W. Sherwood, 74, of Bingham-Collins Rd., passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. She was born December 15, 1942 in East Venice, NY, a daughter of George and E. Jane Conaty Whitten. She was a graduate of Genoa High School and then the Central City Business Institute in Syracuse in 1960. Rhoda had worked for General Electric in Syracuse on the Radio Guidance project where she was part of the team that worked on the Apollo program for NASA. On August 22, 19..

Joyce C. Cooley

Published on: Thursday, March 2, 2017
JOYCE C. COOLEY Mrs. Joyce C. Cooley, 87, of Mamers, NC, formerly of Pulaski, NY, passed away Monday, February 27, 2017. She was born in Chenango County, NY, the daughter of the late Marion and Prudence Byam Cook. Joyce retired after 40 years of service as a telephone operator in New York. She loved quilting, stamp collecting, coin collecting and jigsaw puzzles. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Alton “Bruce” Cook and Richard Herbert Cooley; sister, Luana Ryan. Joyce is survived by 3 daughters, Laurie Copenhaver of Florida,..

Rhoda W. Sherwood

Published on: Wednesday, March 1, 2017
SHERBURNE – Rhoda W. Sherwood, 74, of Bingham-Collins Rd., passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. Funeral services will be held at 3pm Friday, March 3, 2017 from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne. Interment will be in the East Venice Cemetery, East Venice, NY. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday from 1-3pm prior to the service. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Red Cross, or to the Sherburne Emergency Squad. A full obituary will appe..