IN MEMORIAM: Douglas C. Saxton, 84;

Retired Math Teacher Wintered In Florida

WEST ONEONTA – Douglas C. Saxton, 84, of West Oneonta and Turtle Lake Development in Naples, Fla., a retired math teacher, died Sept. 9, 2017, at Bassett Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 25, 1932, in Cooperstown, the son of Harold J. and Iva (McRorie) Saxton of Cooperstown.

Douglas graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1950 and received a B.Sc. degree from State University Teachers College at Oneonta in 1954.  He later did graduate work at Central Connecticut State University.

He married Edna Perrine Wright “Perrie” in 1975 in West Oneonta, where they have made their home for 42 years.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving from Jan. 1, 1955, through Jan. 1, 1957.

Douglas taught math at Cobleskill Central School for 37 years, retiring in 1995.  For the last 20 years, he and Perrie wintered in Naples, where he served as a substitute teacher in the Collier County School System.

He played baseball high school and college, and remained a lifelong fan, and worked summers at the Baseball Hall of Fame for a number of years.

Douglas was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Oneonta; the Oneonta Lodge No. 1312 B.P.O.E.; and was active in The Executive Service Corp (ESC) of Otsego/Delaware Counties.  He also served as treasurer of the New York State Math Teachers Association.

He enjoyed golf, playing in a league in Oneonta for many years, as wells as in Naples.  He looked forward to the winter months in Florida, and travelled to new and different places in and out of the United States.

He thoroughly enjoyed telling stories, especially when spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Perrie, he is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Weagley of Binghamton, and Connie Gross and her husband, Ed, of Wells Bridge; three sons, Richard S. Wright and his wife, Robin, of Wilmington, Mass., Mark Wright of Binghamton, and David Wright and his wife, Gerri Wright, of Charlton, Mass., grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous cousin and close friends.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Teressa Sivers, officiating.  The family will receive friends starting at 1:30 p.m. prior to service.  A reception will follow the service. The interment will be in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are with the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY.