Obituaries

GILBERTSVILLE - Veronica "Ronnie" Meers, 79, of Gilbertsville, passed away Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Ronnie was born Sept. 14, 1946, in Queens, the daughter of late Arthur and Dominga Slater. On April 22, 1968, she married the love of her life, David Meers.
Ronnie received her degree in early childhood education at...

MILFORD - Lawrence P. Kessler, 81, devoted husband of Carol E. Kessler went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at his home.
Larry was born at home in Phoenicia on St. Patrick's Day in 1944, the son of Isabella H. Lane. He graduated from Onteora Central School, Class of 1962. Following...

SCHENEVUS - Brian T. Ritton, 52, passed away Jan. 11, 2026 at his home.
He was born Nov. 24, 1973 in Cooperstown, the son of Ralph J. and Teresa A. (Gillette) Ritton.
Brian graduated from Schenevus Central School. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force serving for six years.
He worked at Mallinckrodt and...

SCHENEVUS - Brian T. Ritton, 52, passed away Jan. 11, 2026 at his home.
He was born Nov. 24, 1973 in Cooperstown, the son of Ralph J. and Teresa A. (Gillette) Ritton.
Brian graduated from Schenevus Central School. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force serving for six years.
He worked at Mallinckrodt and...

NORTH FRANKLIN - Maurice E. Judd, 87, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family Jan. 7, 2026.
He was born May 14, 1938 to Maurice and Edith (Osterhout) Judd in North Franklin.
As a graduate of Franklin Central School, He was active in the FFA, Junior and Senior plays, football and baseball. He also...

BAINBRIDGE - Robert B. Hacker, 67 of Bainbridge died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at his home.
He was predeceased by mother, Margaret Jones and step-father, John Jones, sister, Cheryl Hacker, brother, Christopher Hacker, grandparents, Marguerite and Benjamin Ratzlaff, grandfather, Walter Warren,...

ONEONTA - Jean Derkje Kohler, 81, formerly of Oneonta and Sidney, passed away peacefully on Jan. 3, 2025 in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
Jean is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey Kohler of Cambridge, New York, married to Kelsey, and their sons Jensen(18) and Aksel(15); and Mark Kohler of East Hampton, Connecticut,...

FLY CREEK - Sheila M. Ross, a life-long area resident, long active in Republican politics, peacefully entered into eternal life early Saturday morning, Jan. 3, 2026 at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. She was 79.
Born Sheila Marie Skubitz May 2, 1946, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown,...

TUCSON, Ariz. - Armand Shelby La Potin was born July 13, 1940, in New York City to Nathan and Rose (Metz) La Potin. From his father, an international attorney, and his mother, committed to children and home, Armand acquired a Jewish sensibility embracing compassion. His big sister Barbara, a future elementary...

ONEONTA - Francine S. Bailey, a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025, at A.O. Fox Hospital, at the age of 79. She will be dearly missed.
She was born Nov. 29, 1946, in Oneonta, the daughter of John and Janet (Chapman) Stevens. Francine graduated from Milford...

Carol L. Fessenden, 81, went home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2025.
She was born August 22, 1944 in Oneonta, the daughter of Robert and Barbara (Neighbors) Sargent.
Carol graduated from Laurens Central School, Class of 1963. She married Howard L. Fessenden on May 25, 1965 at the Bible Baptist Church in Mt....

CHERRY VALLEY - Taylor Liam Woodworth left us on Dec. 19, 2025, but he will live on as long as we carry him in our hearts. When he passed, he was caring for his beautiful boy Jude in the home of his Francesca, and he was positive, peaceful, grateful for all he had, and eagerly looking forward to all that lay ahead....

OTEGO - Jean (Wilson) Seroka of Otego, passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at home.
Jean was born in Nyack, Oct. 5, 1942, the only child of the late Edgar and Marion (Beasley) Wilson. In her words, she had an idyllic childhood in Nyack, along the Hudson River, describing herself as a "tomboy." She began piano...

Darla Sperry Joslyn, 85, formerly of Oneonta, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Crouse Community Center, Morrisville.
She was born in Johnson City Nov. 5, 1940, daughter of the late John and Jeanette Basker, and graduated from Union Endicott High School class of 1958.
She worked for many years at...

ONEONTA - Louis Arthur Berrios, beloved son, brother and uncle, passed away unexpectedly, Dec. 12, 2025 at Albany Medical Center. Louie suffered from chronic kidney disease, which led to his untimely passing. By the Lord's Holy Mercy he no longer suffers as God has called him home to heaven. He was 31.
Louie was...

MOUNT VISION - Edward Vincent Dawyot, Jr., 75, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was born on Oct. 13, 1950, in Queens, New York, the son of the late Edward Vincent, Sr. and Lottie (Ropell) Dawyot.
Edward dedicated his career to his work as an electrician with...

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Eric J. Brown, 70, passed away suddenly at home, Nov. 26, 2025.
He was born Dec. 28, 1954, to Julian and Mabel (Cook) Brown of West Oneonta.
Eric always had a love for music and after graduating high school, he played guitar and later was a sound man for local bands in the Upstate New York...

WORCESTER, Mass. - Daniel Joseph Ryan, 79, of Worcester, Massachusetts went home to dance with his bride, Cheryl (Van Tassel) Ryan, Nov. 25, 2025.
Dan was a beloved father to his daughters, Cheryl Chan and her husband Alex, of Hubbardston, Massachusetts; Patricia Ryan, of Binghamton; Bridget Snell and her husband...

QUEENSBURY - Mary Ann (Pangman) Smith, 86, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, after a long series of brief illnesses.
Born Feb. 18, 1939, in Margaretville, she was the daughter of Everett A. and Sarah Esther (Rider) Pangman.
Mary Ann graduated from Milford Central School in 1957. She worked for the Glens Falls...

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Carol J. Lundin on Nov. 20, 2025 in The Villages, Florida. Born in 1928 Carol was a cherished member of our community, a beloved family member, and a dear friend to many.
Carol grew up in Spencertown and graduated from Chatham High School. She married George A. Lundin...

ROCK ROYAL - Helen Agnes Schriver Zandt went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. She was 86 years old.
Born Oct. 22, 1939, in Cannonsville, to William and Phoebe Schriver, Helen remained in the area all her life.
On April 18, 1959, she married the love of her life, Hans Henry Zandt, at the Rock Royal...

COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA - Michael Paul Karn, 48, of Cottonwood, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Nov. 13, 2025, with his wife and son by his side.
Born on July 22, 1977, in Bangor, Maine, to Doreen Lane Buxton, Michael was lovingly raised by his adoptive parents, Bruce and Pricilla "Pat" Karn. Mike was a...

MORRIS - Lynn B. Barton, 71, passed away Nov. 7, 2025. Born Oct. 20, 1954, he was the son of the late Bernard C. Barton and Joan Marie Fiedler.
Lynn was a passionate and hardworking man who dedicated much of his life to beekeeping and agriculture. He was an active member of the Empire State Honey Producers...

SOUTH NEW BERLIN - Ruth Mable Wilson, 85, of South New Berlin, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at A.O. Fox Hospital, Oneonta.
Friends are invited to greet the family 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m.,...

ONEONTA - Carl Phillip "Phil" Young, 78, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Cooperstown, with family by his side and in the continuing presence of the Creator. He was born May 18, 1947, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, on the Creek Nation, the son of Earnest B. Young and Ruth M. Conner.
Phil graduated from...

SARANAC LAKE - It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing, on Nov. 13, 2025, of Jonathan Richard Fust (Jon) in Ray Brook at the age of 79.
Jon was born April 22, 1946 in Sidney, the son of Paul and Marian (Kocich) Fust. He graduated from Sidney High school. After graduation he went to work...

RESTON, Virginia - Irmgard Margareta Hovey, 96, of Reston, Virginia, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Douglas M. Hovey, in 2001.
Irmgard was born May 20, 1929 to Peter and Elisabeth (Gartner) Jakob in Lorsch, a town in the Rhine River Valley in southern...

NORWICH - Matthew W. Mitchell, 36, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Born Dec. 18, 1988, he was the beloved son of Kevin and Billie (Smith) Mitchell.
Matthew was the best daddy and husband — devoted, kind, and full of love. His family was his world, and everything he did...

HARPERSFIELD - James Michael Varco, 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 28, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on Nov. 12, 1952, in White Plains, Jim was the beloved son of Louis Peter and Carolyn Lucille (Gentile) Varco. Jim grew up in Silver Lake and graduated from White Plains...

ONEONTA - Betty F. Burr, 92, of Oneonta, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at Bassett Hospital following a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Betty was born Dec. 20, 1932 in Oneonta, to C. Aaron and Bernice (McRorie) Foster.
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William; eldest son, W. Dale;...

ONEONTA - James Alfonsos Broe, 97, passed away Oct. 20, 2025.
Jim was born Sept. 26, 1928 in Oneonta, the son of Christopher and Rose (Mangan) Broe.
Jim married Joyce Marie McLaud on April 14, 1951.
Jim and Joyce owned and operated The Broe Dairy Farm in Colliersville from 1947-1993. They were honored in continuing...

MORRIS - Virginia "Ginnie" M. Pierce White, 98, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at Cooperstown Center.
Born June 23, 1927, in Morris, she was the daughter of late Clarence and Mabel (Colburn) Pierce. Virginia was a lifelong resident of Otsego County and a devoted member of First Baptist Church in...

ONEONTA - Randolph "Randy" James Morley, 68, of Oneonta and Surprise, Arizona, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2025, with his family by his side.
Born Dec. 10, 1956, in Oneonta, he was the son of Ralph J. and Beulah "Bea" (Favreau) Morley. Randy was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, serving from...

BAINBRIDGE - Irving G. Palmer, 96, passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born Feb. 21, 1929 to Niles Palmer and Doris (Camp) Palmer of Rockdale, New York.
When he wasn't at school, working at the family sawmill or helping out a neighbor he could be found hunting or fishing. He had a great...

ONEONTA - It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Caroline Bettencourt Guenther, who left this world peacefully on Oct. 9, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Benson P. Guenther, who passed away in 2008. They shared a lifelong love and devotion that inspired everyone who knew...

COOPERSTOWN - John Dunlap, a local contractor known for his passionate concerns for truth and social justice, peacefully entered into eternal life Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1, 2025, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford with his family attending him in his last days. He was 85.
Born Aug. 12, 1940, in New...

EAST MEREDITH - Jacquelyn I. "Jaci" Moore, 67, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Oct. 2, 2025 after a courageous battle against leukemia.
She was born on Dec. 26, 1957 in Sidney, the daughter of Herman and Florence (Beams) Wiedeman.
Jaci graduated from Charlotte Valley Central School...

ALBANY - John Joseph Rosher, Oneonta born and raised, athlete, coach, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and hospice volunteer passed away on Aug. 25, 2025, at Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Albany, at the age of 94.
John had a smile almost too large for his face, that he used either to make you...

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Florence (Flossie) Barber Aldrich was born at Chase Hospital in New Berlin to William L. Barber and Alice Daniels Barber in 1943. She died Sept. 15, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. She was the youngest of four children. All of her siblings, Albert Barber, Dora Carr and Howard Barber, predeceased...

Dr. Theodore D. Peters
1948-2025

COOPERSTOWN - Dr. Theodore D. Peters is love and loved. He is Sweetheart to his wife, Patrice. He is Dad to his daughters, Julie and Laura. He is Dr. Peters to his students. He is Ted to his family, friends and colleagues.

Ted's baby photos and his handsome adult face show the...

ONEONTA - H. Laverne Thomas, 97, pillar of Oneonta community life, retired professor of mathematics at State University of New York at Oneonta, musician, and community leader, passed away peacefully at home Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, surrounded by his children, caregivers and Hospice staff.
Born in 1928 in Syracuse,...

ANDES - Douglas S. Woodin passed away peacefully in his home Sept. 16, 2025.
He was born Sept. 6, 1947 in Margaretville, to Floyd and Helen Woodin.
Doug was raised on the family farm on Wolf Hollow in Andes, and graduated from Andes Central School in 1965. He attended the Ranger School at Wanakena, a division of...

Leslie Guy Youngs (known fondly as "Bones") died Aug. 4 in Sacramento, California. He was 80 years old.

A proud native of Unadilla, Les was born on Nov. 7, 1944, the first child of P. Leslie Youngs and Anna Mae Tyrrell. He was a member of the National Honor Society and varsity basketball team at Unadilla High...

ONEONTA - "You get one ride through life, so dare to dance the rapids."
It is with sadness that the family of Ted LaMonica announces his passing Sept 5, 2025 of natural causes. This quote was one of Ted's favorites - it spoke to his steady, good-natured approach to life, navigating its challenges with a sense of...

Alberta A. Fitch, 92, formerly of Edmeston, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 8, 2025. She was the daughter of Rolland R. and Merab E. (Harrington) Hickling.
She married Gordon Lee Fitch, spending 61 devoted years together. In 1958, they moved to Florida and ran a dairy and poultry farm. A 1950 graduate...

Thomas F. Brennan
MILFORD - Thomas "Tom" Francis Xavier Brennan, beloved son, husband, father, and brother who was an attorney for the State of New York, entered into eternal life Friday night, September 5, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home in Milford following a seven-year battle with Multiple System...

SCHENECTADY - Daniel R. Bibeau age, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 at Ellis Hospital.
Born in Oneonta, he was the son of the late Daniel and Lise (Gauthier) Bibeau.
Daniel is survived by his daughter, Nicolle Bibeau; and nephew Shayne (Tara) Ferris, as well as many family members and close...

MORRIS - Robert W. Jones, 88, of Morris, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford.
Born on Feb. 10, 1937, in Albany, Robert was the son of the late Harold and Mabel (Hedman) Jones. He was a dedicated worker at TACO in Sherburne and the town of Morris. Known for his dependable...

ONEONTA - Lillian E. Hall, 91, of Oneonta passed away on Aug. 28, 2025 at home.
She was born on Dec. 10, 1933 in Unadilla, daughter of the late LeRoy and Eunice Williams.
Lillian married Fredrick Hall, Sr. on Dec. 16, 1949. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great...

MEREDITH - John Thomas Mudge, 63, passed away on Aug.15, 2025 in Meredith. Beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandpa, coworker, and friend.
John held many jobs over the years, including most recently with the maintenance department at A.O. Fox Hospital, but he would want to be remembered for his...