Obituaries from the 
Greenville Local
January 2009


Obituaries provided by Sylvia Hasenkopf. Transcribed  by Carol Golden


January 1, 2009

IMOGENE H. BARGER

Imogene H. Barger, 92, of Oak Hill, New York, passed away at the Teresian House of Albany, New York on December 23, 2008.  Born in Peekskill, New York, on June 28, 1916, daughter on the late Elbert and Florence (Travis) Smith.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Barger, in 1990, and two brothers, Walter and Leonard Smith.

Surviving are a daughter, Florence Jeune of Athens, New York; two sons, Jeffrey of Greenville, New York and Raymond of Altamont, New York; also five grandchildren, Michelle, Scott, Jason, Ryan and Kristin; plus three great-grandchildren, Scott, Kailey and Jacob.  Two brothers, Ralph and Arthur Smith of Virginia also survive.

A memorial service was held at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York, on Monday, December 29.  Friends called at the funeral home on Monday prior to the service.  Those who wish may donate in her memory to the Teresian Home.


January 1, 2009

DONALD CRAIG

Donald Craig, 73 years of Greenville, New York, passed away on December 16, 2008 in the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York.  He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 9, 1935, son of the late Louis and Dorothy (Franklin) Craig. 

Donald served his country in the US Marine Corp.

Donald was a design draftsman and worked for Residential Siding in Schenectady, New York until his retirement.  He had worked for several prefabricated home manufacturers over the years.  He also enjoyed model boats and airplanes as a hobby.

Surviving are his wife, Phyllis (Rivello) Craig of Greenville, New York; his stepchildren, Michael Rivello, Rose Gatto, Anne Marie Hayes, Michelle Lunetta, Andrew Lunetta; nine step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and a special cousin, Sandra Hemlick.

As to his wishes, Donald was cremated and there were no calling hours or service here.

There will be a service and burial in St. Louis, Missouri.  Local arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.


January 1, 2009

EDWARD L. KELLEY

Edward L. Kelley, 73 years of Greenville, New York, passed away suddenly on December 22, 2008 in the Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York.  He was born in Colrain, Massachusetts on February 7, 1935, son of the late Leslie and Charlotte (Novak) Kelley.

Ed was self-employed logger, the owner and operator of Edward L. Kelley Logging & Trucking.  He was a hard worker, running his logging and sawmill business.  He was also a former brakeman with the B & M Railroad.  He loved fishing in his spare time.

Surviving are his longtime companion, Vera Kraker of Greenville, New York; his children, Mark Kelley of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, Nancy Koch of Greenfield, Massachusetts, John Kelley of Agawam, Massachusetts, and Susan Everitt of Ballston Spa, New York; four grandchildren; and a sister, Sandra Cook of Winchester, New Hampshire.

As to Ed’s wishes he was cremated and there were no calling hours or service.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Rd., Hudson, NY 12534.

Arrangements were by Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.


January 1, 2009

PETER A. MERCIER

Peter A. Mercier, 90, formerly of Bonnie Brae Lane died peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by the love of his family in their New Baltimore home.  He was a longtime resident of West Shokan.

As a youth, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corp rebuilding dams. He always enjoyed fishing the Ashokan Reservoir.  He retired as a foreman from the New York City Department of Water Supply after more than 27 years.

He was a decorated charter member of the Shokan Post Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He was part of the 74th Engineer Light Pontoon Co, of the Army Corp of Engineers construction crew that built the Alaskan Highway.  He also was involved in the construction of the New York State Thruway.

He served in the United States Army in Central Europe and the Rhineland from 1941 to 1945.  He was awarded a Purple Heart, the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal.  He was honorably discharged as a Corporal.  He was an avid sports fan of the New York Mets, and the Giants.

He was born September 28, 1918 in Queens, son of the later Peter and Helen Barthel Mercier.

Surviving are his wife, Catherine Wilson Mercier of Rhinebeck; a daughter, Sharon Locke and her husband Ronald of New Baltimore; a son, Peter Joseph Mercier of Poughkeepsie; three grandsons: Brian Cange, Daniel, and Nathan Bradbury; a nephew Paul Mercier Jr. of Californ; a niece Helene Morales of Mexico; and great nieces Christy Walker of Kingston, and Collette Fiore of Mt. Vernon.  His sisters Alice Kennedy and Clementine Schleede, and brother a Paul Mercier all predeceased him.

His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday December 26, 2008 at the St. Augustine Chapel in West Shokan with Pastor George Hommel as celebrant.  Burial in the St. Francis de Sales Cemetery.

Special appreciation to the support care team of the Columbia/Greene Community Hospice, and to all who visited and offered their prayers and thoughts in Pete’s final days.  Pete was devoted to and cared deeply for his family.  He served his country with distinction.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the E.B. Gormley Funeral Home, 87 Main St., Phoencia.  To light a memorial candle, please visit www.gormleyfuneralhome.com


January 8, 2009

MABEL MATILDA ROBINSON

Mabel Matilda Robinson, 93, died January1, 2009 at Columbia-Greene Medical Center Hospice in Hudson, New York.  She was born to the late Valentine Biegel and Elizabeth Roth Biegel on April 9, 1915 in Brooklyn, New York.  The family moved to Ashland when Mrs. Robinson was a young woman, and she attended Windham-Ashland Jewett Central School.

She was predeceased by six brothers and sisters, William W. and Valentine Biegel, Elizabeth (Betty) Budrow, Matilda (Matty) VanRooyan, Margaret Apjorson and Rose Brennan.

Mabel and Edmund H. (Robin) Robinson were married on June 24, 1950.  Her beloved husband of 32 years predeceased her on October 11, 1982.

Surviving are two brothers, Richard R. Biegel of Ashland, New York, and Charles L. Biegel (Mabel) of Olean, New York; granddaughters, Judy(Michael) Bonney of Roanoke, Virginia and Kathy Snyder of Medusa, New York; great-grandchildren Shawn Snyder of Ballston Spa, New York and Krystal Snyder of Roanoke, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews

Mabel served from 1944 to 1946 in the Army during WWII as a Medical and Surgical Technician at Ford Crowder, Missouri, and received the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

She was named “1989 Woman of the Year” at Overgaard, Arizona, where she lived at the time.  Her primary contribution to the community was service to the needy and sick.  She also assisted in obtaining funds for energy assistance,  had worked with the Timber Lioness Club to obtain clothing and food for the needy, helped to establish the Blood Drive in Overgaard, as well as the “Feed My People” program there.  She was also instrumental in establishing the “AARP Program and the County Shot Program for the Overgaard area.   She has always worked for the betterment of the community she has lived in.

Calling hours were Monday, January 5, with the funeral service at Decker Funeral Home in Windham, New York.  A private cremation followed.


January 8, 2009

JOHN W. WHITBECK

John W. Whitbeck, 73, of Preston Hollow, New York, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at his residence.  John was born in Schoharie on January 7, 1935.

John began piano lessons at age 5, and by age 7 could accompany her mother in piano duets.  He taught himself to play accordion and learned guitar in the Army.  John’s fiddle interest began while recuperating from a broken ankle.  Out of boredom, he took a fiddle from the wall, and with his neighbor’s help, tuned it up and drove his family crazy for about a year, then began to “sweeten up.”

Hilton Kelly and Stephan Grapelli have provided inspiration for John.  John has played with several bands, including Peaceful Country, Big River Band, Country Kings, Mountain Rose Trio, and the Del-Se-Nango Fiddlers.  He was an accomplished banjo, mandolin, keyboard and bass player, but his favorite spot was playing harmony to other fiddlers.

John was an Army veteran and remained in the Reserves until 1962.  He was the proprietor of Whitbeck’s Service Station in Cooksburg, founded by his father in 1947. John served as President of the Board of Education of Middleburgh Central Schools during the 1970s.  He was a member of James M. Austin Lodge 557 Free and Accepted Masons and a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason.  John was a master model builder and built over 400 WWII model aircraft. He was a WWII historian and member of the Rensselaerville Historical Society.  John drove bus in the Greenville Schools for the last four years and was loved by all.  John will be remembered as a beloved husband and father.

John is survived by five children, John, Bill, Scott, Becky and Bridget; three grandchildren, Erin, Jayna  and Nicole; one great-grandson, Dylan; one brother Pete; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Catherine Sparrow Whitbeck in 1996.

Calling hours will be held at Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, New York, on Saturday, January 10 from 3 until 8 p.m. James M. Austin Lodge 557 will conduct a Masonic Ritual Service at 7:30 p.m.  As to his wishes John was cremated privately, and his ashes will be buried at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Memorial donations to Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 will be appreciated.


January 8, 2009

MARY V. LINDLAU

Mary V. Lindlau, 67, of Greenville, New York, passed away at her home on January 4, 2009.  She was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 24, 1941 daughter of August L. Kruzensk and the late Agnes (McGrath) Kruzensk.

Mary was a former clerk for the NYS Police, having worked at the State Campus facility.  A lover of nature, she enjoyed feeding her wild birds and tending her beautiful flower gardens.  She also enjoyed reading.  She will be remembered as a loving daughter,

beloved wife and a caring mother to her children and grandchildren.

Surviving besides her father is her husband Roy Lindlau; a daughter, Mary Koelmel; two sons, Roy Lindlau (Penny), Joseph Lindlau (Jennifer); and three grandchildren, Michelle and Wally Koelmel and Jeremy Lindlau.

Funeral service was Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. from the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, New York with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church.  Friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday.  Interment was in the Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, New York.


January 8, 2009

THOMAS M. “BUCKY” MILLER

Thomas M. “Bucky” Miller, 65 years, of Freehold, New York (formerly of Rensselaer, New York) passed away at his home on December 28, 2008.  He was born in Rensselaer, New York on July 15, 1943, son of the late Thomas and Ann (Bishop) Miller.  He was a truck driver with Ashland Chemical in Rensselaer, New York.

Surviving are his children, Pamela Corbett, Thomas, Jeffry and Brian Miller; and four grandchildren.  He is also survived by his good friend Wayne Nelson.

As to his wishes he was cremated and there were no funeral services or calling hours.  Arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.


January 8, 2009

ZOLA M. WHITWORTH

Zola M. Whitworth, 96 years, of Bates Hollow, New York (formerly of Brooklyn, New York) passed away on December 31, 2008 in the Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York.  She was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 28, 1912, daughter of the late Clarence and Lida (Shires) Whitworth.

Zola worked as building management supervisor for Bell Atlantic Telephone Company in Brooklyn, New York for over 50 years.  She was a member of the Potter Hollow Grange

No. 1555 (now dissolved) and a member of Hiawatha Grange No. 1480 in Dormansville, New York.

Surviving are her nieces and nephew, Lorraine Wachler of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gussy Hansen and Nancy Purdy, both of Massapequa Park, New York, and Michael Latini of Largo, Florida; seven great nieces and great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

There were no funeral service but friends were invited to call at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greeneville, on Monday, January 5, 2009.  Burial followed in the Potter Hollow Cemetery.


January 15, 2009

THOMAS E. DENTON

Thomas E. Denton, 40, of Greenville, New York, passed away suddenly on January 3, 2009.  He was born in Albany, New York on December 13, 1968, son of Mark and Barbara (Meyn) Denton, Sr.

Tom was an excellent cook and worked in Key West, Florida, Hawaii and had also worked in Albany at Maxie’s on Fuller Road.  A lover of nature and the outdoors he traveled all over the U.S. A fan of the “Grateful Dead” he would go to see them whenever he could.  He was also interested in geology.

A friend to all, he would help anyone in need and ask nothing in return.  He lived by his own rules “Live the life you love.”  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving besides his parents are his wife Cristina (Cerza) Denton; his daughters, Crystal and Brittney Denton; a brother, Mark Denton Jr. (Jill); and his nephews, Mark and William Denton.

Funeral service was Friday at the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, New York.  Friends called at the funeral home prior to the service. Spring interment will be in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery. 


January 15, 2009

DONALD W. DESO, JR.

Donald “Buddy” Deso, 66, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of upstate New York, longtime resident of New Baltimore, New York, died suddenly at his residence, Saturday, January 10, 2009.  Born in Albany, he was the son of Frances Humphrey, Naples, Florida and the late Donald W. Deso, Sr.

He was a US Army veteran.  He had retired from GE in Selkirk, New York; was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, and an Impala enthusiast.

Survivors include children, Jeffrey (Donna) Deso, Gregory (Michelle) Deso, and Mark Deso, all of New Baltimore; Jessica Deso, Schodack; and his seven grandchildren, Kristin, Jeffrey, Delaney, Gregory, Ryan, Mark, and Natalie; his sisters, Barbara (Thomas) Kantorick, Naples, Florida, Sandra (Donald) Leone, Lake Worth, Florida; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held privately, a memorial service to be announced at a later date. 


January 15, 2009

FRANKLIN D. HEMPSTEAD

Frank Hempstead, 63, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and Westerlo, New York, died on January 6, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Helen (Homeyer) Hempstead; also his father, Gerald of Arkansas.  And left to reminisce about his life stories are his sons, Frank (Charity) Hempstead, Stanley (Tina) Sisson, Steven (Michele) Sisson, and Bryan (Lisa) Sisson.  He will be greatly missed by his many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and his two brothers and sister.

Frank was retired from Callanan Industries.  He spent most of his retired life in Arkansas and summers back to his true home of Westerlo, He enjoyed trap shooting wherever he was and flying his remote controlled airplanes, but most of all Frank liked a good argument.

Calling hours were on Sunday, January 11 at the Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.  As to his wishes Frank was cremated.

Those who wish may contribute in Frank’s memory to the Westerlo Vol. Fire Co. or the Westerlo Rescue Squad, PO Box 12, Westerlo, NY 12193.


January 22, 2009

GAIL A. BOSE

Gail A. Bose, of Westerlo, New York (formerly of Jeffersonville) died suddenly on January 12, 2009 while camping in Florida.  She was born on February 7, 1940 in White Sulphur Springs to Richard and Hilda Husch Poley.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Steven Bose.  She was the loving and proud mother of Gaye (Willie) McCafferty of Westerlo, New York.

Gail worked as a cashier at the A&P and Eddie’s Market.  She also worked at the Villa Roma for several years.  In addition, she was a great support to Steven with Stewart Funeral Service.  Gail was an active volunteer with the Jeffersonville First Aid Squad for 20 years.  She was a communicant of St. George’s Roman Catholic Church in Jeffersonville.

She is survived by four sibling, Helen Schwartz of New Market, Virginia, Richard (Connie) Poley of Cody, Wyoming, Nancy Borden, Liberty, New York and Mark (Patti) Pole of Sevierville, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

Her kind and generous spirit will be remembered by all those with whom she interacted.  A celebration of her life will be held at the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church on Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m. A memorial service will occur in the spring in Jeffersonville and details will be announced in the future.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gail’s name to the town of Westerlo Volunteer Fire Police, Westerlo Rescue Squad or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville.


January 22, 2009

ELIZABETH   MC CARTY

Elizabeth (Gordian) McCarty, age 93 years of Hannacroix, died January 7, 2009.  She was born July 5, 1915 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and the daughter of the late John J. and Mary (Hudak) Gordian.

Other than her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years, Francis Charles McCarty Sr. in 1985; and her two sons, Douglas McCarty and Frank McCarty Jr.

Elizabeth loved many thing which included babies, knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, chickens and eggs. She was an area resident for over 50 years.  She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Coxsackie, and she and her husband owned and operated McCarty’s Farm in Hannacroix for many years.

Survivors include her son Eugene and his wife Ellen McCarty of Tappan, New York; her daughter Irene and her husband William Scott of Westerlo, New York; three sisters, Helen O’Donnell of Texas, Josephine Valleri and Margaret Vittorini, both of New Jersey.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends were invited to call on Thursday, January 15 at the W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie.

A Mass for Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Coxsackie, on Friday, January 16, with The Rev. Fr, John Moyna, Pastor, officiating.

Burial will take place in the spring at The St. Mary’s Cemetery, Coxsackie, New York.


January 22, 2009

NANCY MUDGE

Nancy Mudge, born December 23, 1941 in Tupper Lake, New York, the daughter of the late Desmond and Helen Lance of Long Lake, New York, died December 3, 2008, at home in Quemado, New Mexico.

Nancy was the beloved wife, for 36 years, of Maurice E. Mudge.  She worked alongside of him in the business they owned and operated, “Mudge’s Gun Shop in Hensonville, New York.

After retiring in 1999, Nancy and Maurice moved to Quemado, New Mexico, where they built a new home and enjoyed life until Nancy was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago.

Throughout her hospitalizations and treatments, Nancy continued to be upbeat and displayed a courageous attitude, whenever asked how she was doing her answer was always “oh, pretty good,” or “oh, not too bad.”

Nancy enjoyed visiting her many friends, both in New York and New Mexico, her paso fino horses and four wheeling.

Besides her husband, Nancy is survived by her brother, Arthur Lance of Florence, So, Carolina; her children, Samuel Keller and Wendy Krom of Hensonville, New York; stepsons, Donald and Robert Mudge of Hensonville, New York; seven grandchildren; sisters-in-law Gretta Knowles (Alfred), Hannacroix, New York, Linda Neice (Chet) Grove City, Florida, Roxie King(Jim) Joppatown, Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy was predeceased by her brother Edward Lance in April 2007, and her son Donald Keller Jr., in March 2008.

Nancy will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A simply service was held on December 12, 2008 in Eagar, Arizona, and a memorial service will be held in the spring of 2009 in Windham, New York.

Notice will be published when plans are completed in the spring.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes those who desire to send contributions to The New Mexico Cancer Center, 4901 Land, NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109.


January 22, 2009

DOROTHY M. NEWELL

Dorothy M. Newell, 85 years, of Westerlo, New York, passed away on January 13, 2009 in the Livingston Hills Nursing and Rehab Center in Livingston, New York.  She was born in Westerlo, New York on June 29, 1923, daughter of the late Jesse and Grace (Boomhower) Clickman.

Dorothy was a clerk in Bell’s Store in Medusa for many years.  She was a longtime Sunday school teacher at the Westerlo Reformed Church.  She also enjoyed working in her gardens and crafting.

Dorothy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.  Besides her parents, Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, John R. Newell, a great-great grandson; her brothers, Charles, Levi, and Donald Clickman; and her sisters, Ida Woodard and Louella Palmer.

Surviving are her two sons, John Newell of Medusa, New York, and Edward Newell (Elaine); and a daughter, Gloria Brown (Richard)  all of Greenville, New York; seven grandchildren; a brother, John Clickman; and her sisters, Ruth Trevail and Viola Lindenfelser.

As to her wished Dorothy was cremated and services will be at the convenience of the family.  She will be buried in the Westerlo Rural Cemetery in the Spring.


January 22, 2009

MARIE E. PIERINGER

Marie E, Kendall Pieringer, 89, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2009.  Marie was born in Coxsackie daughter of the late Arthur and Alva Moore Kendall.  She lived in New Baltimore most of her life.  Marie loved playing the piano and accordion for the seniors Young at Heart Club in New Baltimore.

Marie was predeceased by her husband Joseph B. Pieringer.  Survivors include her son Ronald J. (Jean) Pieringer of Fort Edward, granddaughters Jackie (Frank) Galea of Ravena and Eileen (Dale) Tong of Florida; step-grandson Wayne L. (Jane) Li and step-great-grandson Nathan Li all of Cambridge, Massachusetts; brothers, Gordon Kendall of Schenectady and Vernon Kendal of Texas; sisters, Jessie Bauer of Climax, Jean Rowley of Duanesburg, Ruth Secanic of Selkirk and Alice Fredricks of Schenectady.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 19 at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena.  Burial will take place in the spring. Contributions in memory of Marie may be made to the New Baltimore Reformed Church, PO Box 434, New Baltimore, NY 12124.


January 29, 2009

ETHELYN R. BATES

Ethelyn R. Bates, 93 years, of Medusa, New York, passed away on January 21, 2009 in The Pines of Catskill in Catskill, New York.  She was born in Medusa, New York on April 27, 1915, daughter of the late Hector and Eva Mae (Alger) Roney.

Ethelyn led a very active and community minded life, a life long resident of Medusa she was a member of the Medusa Vol. Fire Co. Auxiliary, a 60 year member of the Medusa United Church of Christ.  She was active in the Tri County Pony Club, the Post Carriage Assn. of America, the Pittsford Carriage Assn., the American Driving Society, the Columbia County Coaching Society and the Saratoga Driving Assn.

Ethelyn was also known for her rose garden and was a test person for Jackson & Perkins.

She was a homemaker, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Ethelyn was married 59 years, to her beloved husband Sumner Bates who passed away in 2001.

Besides her parents and beloved husband she was predeceased by her five brothers, Malcolm, Floyd, Vincent, Allan and Hubert Roney.

Surviving are her son, Albert Bates (Carole) of Medusa, New York; a grandson, Kevin Bates (De Ette) of Clifton Park, New York; nephews, Allan Roney (Brooke) and Brian Roney; a niece, Mary Pitt (David); a sister-in-law, Anne Roney; several great-nieces and great-nephews and a good friend, Gene Smith of Medusa.

As to her wishes there will be no calling hours.  There will be a graveside service in the spring under the direction of the Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, New York.

Those who wish may contribute in Ethelyn’s memory to the Medusa United Church of Christ, the Rensselaerville Ambulance or the Medusa Vol. Fire Co.


January 29, 2009

KENNETH S. JOY

Kenneth S. Joy, 91, passed away on October 5, 2008 in Auburn, New York.  A resident of Skaneateles, New York, Mr. Joy was born in Medusa, New York on August 31, 1917.

He graduated from Cornell University in 1937.  He was a transport pilot during World War II, reaching the rank of captain before his discharge in 1945.

He worked for GLF/Agway for 43 years retiring as vice president-director of personnel in1981.  Mr. Joy had been a director of Curtice-Burns, Inc. and a director of Junior Achievement of Onondaga County.  He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, and a member of the Skaneateles Country Club.

Mr. Joy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean Burr Joy; and four children, Kendra Joy Witter (Don) of Skaneateles, New York, Carol Joy Vecchi (Tom) of Phoenix, Arizona, Leonard Joy (Suzanne Sawada) of Evanston, Illinois, and Christine Joy (Allan Dunayer) of Bozeman, Montana.  He has 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Haker of Delmar, New York, and a sister-in-law, Beulah Joy.  Mr. Joy was predeceased by his brother Walter.

A memorial service was held November 1, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles, New York.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, NY 13512.


January 29, 2009

FRANCES B. WINNIE

Frances B. Winnie, 87, of Greenville, New York, passed away suddenly at her home on Wednesday, January 21, 2009.  She was born in New York City on November 24, 1921, daughter of the late Louis and Florence (Sjogren) Young.

Frances was a graduate of GCS.  She was a very family oriented person, her family being her main concern.  She and her husband operated The Wheel Inn Resort and when they closed in 1973 they converted it to apartments and is now known as Cooper Estates.

She was a member of the Greenville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 291 and a member for many years of the So. Westerlo C.C. Church.  She will be remembered as having been a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harry H. Winnie in 2001; a son, Gary Winnie; a brother, Louis “Bud” Young; and two nephews.

Surviving are her son, Kim Winnie (Maureen) of Greenville, New York; three grandchildren, Amie Winnie and fiancé Jared Roe, Bradley and Tyler Winnie; a niece and three nephews.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life on Saturday, January 31 at 11 a.m. at the So. Westerlo C.C.Church.  As to her wishes there will be no calling hours.  Interment will be in the spring in the Greenville Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Those who wish may contribute in Frances’s memory to the So. Westelo C.C.Church, (Parsonage Fund), 282 CR 405, So. Westerlo, NY 12803.

Arrangements by Cunningham Funeral Home, Greenville, New York.


January 29, 2009

JAMES R. SMITH (J.R.)

James R. Smith (J.R.), 62, of Medusa, New York, passed away on January 22, 2009 at his home after a long battle with cancer.  He graduated from Troy High School in 1963. 

Upon graduation in joined the Aviation Branch of the U.S. Navy, spending three tours of duty in the combat zone of Vietnam with Helicopter Squadron 8.  He was a decorated Navy man and proud that he served his country.

After leaving the Navy he went to work for the Watervliet Arsenal.  In 1967 he went to work for Penn Central Railroad, Conrail and CSX retiring as a sheet metal worker after 35 years in March of 2006.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, loving the outdoors.  He was an active member of the American Legion Post No. 1 and a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Assn. for 35 years.

He leaves behind his best friend and wife Nancy J. (Mastrosimone) Smith, also who he was very proud of, a daughter, Juli R. Smith, both of Medusa, New York; his boys, Brian P. Lawler (Kristen), Kevin S. Lawler (Amory); Poppy to Samuel D.,  Morgan K., Derik S. and Ethan P. Lawler; also surviving is a sister, Holly Jo Bearor of Schroon Lake, New York; nephews, Clifford and Theodore Bearor; a brother, Berton Smith, Jr. of Rensselaer, New York; and numerous other nephews and nieces.

Service by the Greenville American Legion Post No. 291 will be Monday evening 8 p.m. at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, New York.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. prior to the service.  Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the U.S.O. or to the Disabled American Vets.

The family would like to express appreciation to the Albany County Sheriff’s Dept. and the New York State Police for their professionalism at the family’s time of need.


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