Mr. Eric J. Bowerman, 45, of MacPhail Road, Canajoharie, New York died Thursday, March 7, 2013 unexpectedly at his home. Born on November 8, 1967 in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of Spike Bowerman and Marie Romegialli Bowerman. He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, class of 1986 and attended Utica College. He spent most of his life in the local area. Mr. Bowerman was serving his second term as Highway Supervisor for the Town of Canajoharie. Prior to working for the Town he had worked in construction. He was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Fort Plain. Eric enjoyed spending time with his family. He motivated and inspired so many community children while coaching both softball and football. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery and golf. Eric was the current Assistant Chief and 1st responder of the Ames Fire Department; previously he had been Chief for several years. He was a member of the Sprout Brook Rod & Gun Club. On August 21, 2004 Eric was married to Kathleen Toomey. He was a loving husband and wonderful father to Morgan and Madison Koelbl. He was predeceased by his mother, Marie Bowerman. Eric is survived by his wife, Kathleen B. Bowerman of Canajoharie, NY; parents, Spike and Pam Bowerman of Canajoharie, NY; daughters, Morgan and Madison Koelbl of Canajoharie, NY; grandmother, Geraldine Enright of Canajoharie, NY; three brothers, Shawn and Brenda Bowerman of Canajoharie, NY, Corey and Ellen Bowerman of Fairfax, VA, Chad and Sherry Bowerman of Canajoharie, NY; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A prayer service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 10:15am at Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc. followed by the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY with Father Dennis Murphy officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, March 10, 2013 from 3:00-7:00pm at Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place in Ames Cemetery in the spring. Contributions in memory of Mr. Eric J. Bowerman may be made to the Ames Volunteer Fire Department, 595 Latimer Hill Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.
Mr. Eric J. Bowerman
Keith E. McCann
Keith E. McCann, 4, of Ray Mowers Road, Canajoharie, New York passed away Friday, March 8, 2013 unexpectedly at his farm. Born on November 6, 2008 in Cooperstown, NY, he was the son of Christopher T. McCann and Tara A. Smith McCann. He attended Pre-K at Sharon Springs Central School. Keith was baptized at the Ames-Sprout Brook United Methodist Church in July 2009. He loved the outdoors, camping, swimming and spending time with his family on their farm. Keith always had a smile on his face and loved life. He also loved all animals. He is predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Harry Smith, Sr. and uncle, Harry Smith, Jr. Keith is survived by his parents, Christopher and Tara McCann of Canajoharie, NY; brother, Kale McCann of Canajoharie, NY; sister, Kelsey Smith of Canajoharie, NY; maternal grandmother, Leona Smith of Nelliston, NY; paternal grandparents, Richard and Carol Chapman, Jr. of Canajoharie, NY; great-grandfather, Richard Chapman, Sr. of Cheshire, CT; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held in the spring at Ames-Sprout Brook United Methodist Church with burial following the service at Ames Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Keith E. McCann may be made to the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 28, Canajoharie, NY 13317 or to Sharon Springs FFA, PO Box 218, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Mr. Richard Ellis Humphrey
Mr. Richard E. Humphrey, 71, of Frontage Street, Gloversville, New York died Friday, March 8, 2013 at Albany Medical Center following a brief illness. Born on January 11, 1942 in Schenectady, NY, he was the son of Clarence William Humphrey and Ada Dutcher Humphrey. He spent a good part of his life in Fonda/Fultonville, most recently residing in Gloversville. Richard worked at many area leather mills. He was most recently employed with Summerset Co. in Gloversville. Mr. Humphrey enjoyed watching Stock Car races at Fonda Speedway as well as on TV. He was predeceased by his half-brother, Stewart Davis. Mr. Humphrey is survived by his sister, Charlotte Bargstedt of Fonda, NY; brother, Charles Humphrey of Broadalbin, NY; niece, Lisa Freeman; nephew, Charles Kubly, Jr. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 2:00pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Nancy Pullen officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 1:00-2:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda, NY. Contributions in memory of Mr. Richard E. Humphrey may be made to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program-F, 501 St. Jude Place, TN 12110.
Mrs. Ada M. Casler
Mrs. Ada M. Casler, 91, formerly of Casler Road, Fort Plain, New York died Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Little Falls Hospital. Born on May 25, 1921 in the Town of Palatine, NY, she was the daughter of Harrison Shults and Dorothy Saltsman Shults. She was educated at New Turnpike School in Stone Arabia and was a lifelong area resident. Mrs. Casler recently spent some time in Palatine Nursing Home, previously residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Craig Stevens for 4 ½ years. Mrs. Casler was the co-owner of the Otsquago View Farm, which has been known as the Casler Homestead since 1790, for over 50 years, retiring in the Spring of 1993. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Plain, where she was also a member of the Church Council for 6 years. Mrs. Casler was a member of the Department of Cooperative Extension of Montgomery County, member of the Farm Bureau and Otsquago Grange. On October 19, 1941 in Stone Arabia, NY, Ada was married to Gerald C. Casler. He preceded her in death on April 17, 1992. She was also predeceased by her son, Bruce Casler and sisters, Anita Steciak, Norma Sitterly, Evelyn Eckler and Lelah Mae Brown. Mrs. Casler is survived by 3 daughters, Yvonne (Victor) Nestle, Linda (Craig) Stevens, Gail (Robert) Burkhart, all of Fort Plain, NY; 2 sons, Laverne (Veronica) Casler and Varnum H. (Kelly) Casler all of Canajoharie, NY; daughter-in-law, Earlene Casler of Mohawk, NY; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granchild. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Plain with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, April 1, 2013 from 4:00-7:00pm at Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery at a later date. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Ada M. Casler may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 36 Lydius Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339 or to the Charity of One’s Choice.
Mr. Jeffery L. Bruschetti
Jeffery Bruschetti, 55, of Fort Plain, NY passed away from a hemorrhagic stroke on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Albany Medical Center. His mother, Audrey, sister and best friend, Debbie, girlfriend, Rise, and brother-in-law Vince were by his side. He was born in Cooperstown, NY on September 28, 1957 to Remo and Audrey Bruschetti. He was pre-deceased by his father on May 17, 2011. He is also survived by his son, Christopher Bruschetti. Jeff is a graduate of Fort Plain High School Class of 1975. Jeff had been a long time employee of Kasson & Keller, Inc. , having been with the company for 36 years. Jeff loved a good party and telling stories about the “good ol’ days”. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and snowmobiling, as well as his Sunday night coffee nights, which were a 23 year tradition. He will be missed.
Mrs. Laura M. Flynn
Mrs. Laura M. Flynn, 66, of Center Street, Fort Plain, New York died Thursday, April 04, 2013 at her home. Born on January 13, 1947 in Queens, NY, she was the daughter of Stanley Wolaniuk and Lillian McElmon Wolaniuk Nellis. Laura spent most of her life in the Fort Plain area. She was a graduate of Fort Plain, class of 1964 and a graduate of SUNY Albany with a Master’s degree MLS. Mrs. Flynn was a devoted Director of the Fort Plain Free Library for over 30 years. She enjoyed sight-seeing and loved reading. On August 23, 1969 in Fort Plain, NY, Laura was married to James E. Flynn. Mrs. Flynn is survived by her husband of 43 years, James E. Flynn of Fort Plain, NY; 3 sons, Aaron J. and Jennifer Flynn of Gloversville, NY, Justin Flynn of Fort Plain, NY, Devin Flynn of Fort Plain, NY; sister, Ellen Quinn of Annapolis, MD; brother, Stanley Wolaniuk of Boulder, CO; step-mother, Kathleen Wolaniuk of Fort Plain, NY; 2 grandchildren, Jack and Laura; as well as many other relatives in the local area. The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation at Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 6:00-8:00pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flower donations in memory of Mrs. Laura M. Flynn may be made to the Fort Plain Free Library, Willett Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.
Mrs. Alice M. Biancucci
Mrs. Alice M. Biancucci, 84, Gloversville, New York died Friday, April 05, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare of Amsterdam. Born on July 22, 1928 in Freysbush, NY, she was the daughter of Jay Moyer and Wanda Tompkins Moyer. She was a graduate of Fort Plain High School and had been a resident of Gloversville since 1948. Mrs. Biancucci was a mother and homemaker. She was of Protestant faith. Mrs. Biancucci was an avid baker and cookie maker. She enjoyed her flower gardens, plants and growing vegetables. Alice also enjoyed crocheting and sewing, making several wedding gowns for her nieces. In July 1948 Alice was married to Alfonso William Biancucci. He preceded her in death in 1992. She was also predeceased by 3 sons, Joseph Biancucci in 1992, Christopher Biancucci in 2010 and Jay Biancucci in 2011. Mrs. Biancucci is survived by her 2 daughters, Celestina Biancucci of Gloversville, NY, Victoria and Rick Erwin of Gloversville, NY; son, William D. and Sharon Biancucci of Gloversville and Scotia, NY; sister, Cornelia Stowe of Elmira, NY; daughter-in-law, Tammy Biancucci of Carlisle, NY; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 10:00am at The Chapel of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339 with Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mrs. Alice M. Biancucci may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Upstate NY/Vermont Chapter, 5 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
Mrs. Rachel Mae Stockwell
Mr. Paul S. Bouck
Mr. Paul S. Bouck, 97, of Otsquago Club Road, Fort Plain, New York died Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Palatine Nursing Home. Born on October 13, 1915 in Breakabeen, NY, he was the son of Tilden Bouck and Mae Mattice Bouck. He was a graduate of Middleburgh High School, where he also did post graduate work. He was a lifetime area resident. Mr. Bouck was Head Pressman for Arkell & Smith Bag Factory until they closed. He then became an Automobile Repair Technician for Chevrolet. Mr. Bouck was employed with Failing Ford in St. Johnsville then Hubbard’s Garage in St. Johnsville until his retirement. He was of Lutheran faith. Mr. Bouck was an avid bowler until his 80’s. In his younger years, Paul enjoyed hunting and playing baseball on the local team. He was a former member of the Loyal Order of the Moose #853 in Canajoharie. On May 10, 1975 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Plain Paul was married to Marian Darrow. Together they celebrated 38 years of marriage. Mr. Bouck is predeceased by 2 sons, Leland E. Bouck, Ronald T. Bouck; 2 daughters, Pauline Mary Bouck Wagner, Doris Bouck; sister, Irene Hagabone and brother, Edward Bouck. He is survived by his wife, Marian Yager Bouck of Fort Plain, NY; 2 sons, David & Shirley Bouck of Fort Plain, NY, Russel Bouck of Rotterdam, NY; son-in-law, Vernon Wagner of Palatine Bridge, NY; 3 step-sons, Fred Yager & Jane of Canajoharie, NY, Mark & Chong Yager of Canajoharie, NY, John & Kathy Yager of Fort Plain, NY; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7:00pm at The Chapel of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339 with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Paul S. Bouck may be made to the Charity of one’s choice.
Mrs. Josephine C. Rouse
Mrs. Josephine C. Rouse, 85, formerly of Fisk Hill Road, Fort Plain, New York died Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center following a long term illness. Born on January 14, 1928 in Canajoharie, NY, she was the daughter of Joseph Charles Ott and Alberta Keck Ott Button. She was a graduate of Canajoharie High School and a lifetime area resident. Mrs. Rouse was a dedicated mother and homemaker. She was of Protestant faith. On October 2, 1949 in Little Falls, NY, Josephine was married to Milton W. “Rawhide” Rouse. He preceded her in death on February 16, 1998. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Susan L. Fuhs; sisters, Gloria Lathers, Beverly Ott and Millicent Ott. Mrs. Rouse is survived by 6 sons, Daniel (Debbie) Rouse of St. Johnsville, NY, Dennis (Kathy) Rouse of Palatine Bridge, NY, James (Lori) Rouse of Ames, NY, William (Bonnie) Rouse, Todd Rouse of Fort Plain, NY, Kevin Rouse of Fort Plain, NY; 2 daughters, Linda Rouse of Fort Plain, NY, Janet (James) Childs of Penn-Yan, NY; step-son, Douglas L. Rouse of California; step-daughter, Diane L. Rouse of Kentucky; 27 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10:00am at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, April 12, 2013 from 5:00-8:00pm. Burial will take place in Ephratah Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mrs. Josephine C. Rouse may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.
Mr. Richard Becker Sr.
Mr. Richard “Rick” Becker, Sr., 61, of Dillenbeck Road, Palatine Bridge, New York died Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare of Amsterdam. Born on September 12, 1951 in Herkimer, NY, he was the son of Delbert Becker and Elizabeth “Betty” Krutz Becker. He attended Canajoharie High School and was a lifetime resident of Palatine Bridge. Mr. Becker was Partner in Becker’s Auto Salvage, Inc. Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson. He also enjoyed playing cards and watching racing. Mr. Becker is survived by his parents, Del and Betty Becker; son, Ricky and Sherry Becker, Jr.; grandson, Bryson Becker, who was his pride and joy; brother; Skip and Brenda Becker and nephew, DJ Becker all of Palatine Bridge, NY. A memorial service will be announced by the family at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Contributions in memory of Mr. Richard Becker, Sr. may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.
Mrs. Pauline Brown
Mrs. Pauline Brown, 71, of State Route 168, Fort Plain, New York passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20, 2013 at home with her family by her side, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 24, 1941 in Fonda, NY, she was the daughter of James Rockwell and Tressa Darrow Rockwell. She attended Fort Plain High School and was a lifelong area resident. Most recently Mrs. Brown worked as a Server for the Route 80 Bowl in Van Hornesville. She also worked for Lake & Pines in Cooperstown, NY, St. Johnsville Felt Shoe Co., Fort Plain Bowl, P & K Dress Factory and Palatine Dye until its closing. She also worked on the Hensel Farm with her husband. Mrs. Brown attended the Van Hornesville Methodist Church. She enjoyed bowling, going to Turning Stone, Bingo at the American Legion and VFW in St. Johnsville. Mrs. Brown always looked forward to spending time with her family. She was friendly to everyone she met. On May 6, 1961 at the St. Johnsville United Methodist Church, Pauline was married to Gary E. Brown. She was a loving wife and together they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Mrs. Brown is survived by her husband, Gary E. Brown of Starkville, NY; 2 daughters, Paula “Teenie” Brown of Fort Plain, NY, Cheri “Dumpy” Brown and James of Van Hornesville, NY; son, John “Spike” Brown and Kris of Starkville, NY; grandchildren, Carri Blair and her fiancé, Jordan Clements, Sarena Brown; great-grandchildren, Landon Broat, Autumn Clements; dogs, Polly and Peepe as well as a large extended family. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 10:00am at West St. Johnsville Cemetery with Rev. Wayne Clemons officiating. Arrangements are under the directon of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339. The family wishes to thank the entire Staff at Bassett Healthcare of Cooperstown and especially the Staff of the Cancer Center, and a special thank you to Dr. Richmeier for going above and beyond his duties. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Pauline Brown may be made to her family to help offset the expenses due to cancer treatments.
Mr. David Lee Wilday
Mr. David Lee Wilday, 71, of New Turnpike Road, died Sunday, April 21, 2013 at his home. Born on January 19, 1942 in Middleburgh, NY, he was the son of Gary M. Warner and Marion Baker Warner. He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, class of 1960. He was a lifelong area resident spending many years on Cliff Street in Canajoharie until recently moving to New Turnpike Road. Mr. Wilday was the Chief of Police in the Village of Canajoharie, retiring in the early 1990’s. Following his retirement, Mr. Wilday went to work at Fisher Auto Parts making deliveries. David was an Army Reservist for a short time. Mr. Wilday was a car enthusiast that enjoyed working on cars. He also enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Chief of Police Association. He is predeceased by his sister, Rose Anna Melick. Mr. Wilday is survived by his son, Michael G. and Jean Wilday of Canajoharie, NY; daughter, Bonnie and George Demers of Delanson, NY; brother, Harold Wilday, Jr. of Fort Plain, NY; 6 grandchildren, Nicole Douglass, Kelly Douglass, David A. Wilday, Victoria Wilday, Jeffrey Wilday, Amanda Demers; 2 great-grandchildren, Emma Ahrens, Brody Comitini; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 2:00pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Pastor David Prahst officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 1:00-2:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Ames Cemetery.
Mr. Tommy R. Rachon
Miss Dorothy Van Schaick
Dorothy Van Schaick, 88, of Palatine Bridge, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013 after a long illness. The eldest child of Jay W. and Louisa Soden Van Schaick, Dorothy was born January 18, 1925 on the family farm, located on Carlisle Road in the Town of Root. She was predeceased by her sister Norma Jean, and her brother Francis. She is survived by her brothers, George (Barbara) of Rotterdam, NY, and Leonard (Lois) of Ballston Spa, NY; four nieces and two nephews; several grand-nieces and nephews; and many friends. After graduating from Canajoharie High School in 1942, Dorothy was employed by the Beech-Nut Packing Company – first as a mail clerk, later advancing to the position of Librarian. While employed with Beech-Nut, Dorothy’s enjoyment of food preparation and catering small parties, led to a career in food service management. Among other places, she was employed by St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam; Pittsfield Hospital; St. Catherine’s Home for Children in Albany; and Warwick Conference Center (Reformed Church in America), Warwick, NY. Dorothy returned to Canajoharie following her formal retirement, and took a position with the Montgomery County Meals on Wheels program at Arkell Center. During her lifetime, Dorothy received many certifications from the Dietary Management Association and the Hospital, Institution and Education Food Service Society. She was a member of Mapletown Grange #613, Montgomery County Pomona Grange, and was a Flora Degree member of the NYS Grange; was a past-president of the Mohawk Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club; and was a lifetime member of the Currytown Reformed Church, where she held the office of deacon and worked on many committees. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling to Greece, Kenya, Turkey, The Netherlands, and touring the US. Friends are invited Thursday May 2 at 10 a.m. to share a time of remembrance and prayer at the Currytown Reformed Church, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service officiated by Rev. William Faulkner. Interment will be at the Charleston Four Corners Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 199 Water St, 23rd Floor, NY, NY 10038 or the Currytown Reformed Church, 665 State Hwy 162, Sprakers, NY 12166. Dorothy’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Palatine Nursing Home who cared so lovingly for her. Online remembrances may be made at www.houghtalingandsmith.com