COOPERSTOWN – Sammy Dallas Bayes, a Tony Award nominee whose career as a director, choreographer and writer in musical theater, television and movies passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, May 12, 2022, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 82.
Born July 9, 1939, in Wasco, California, Sammy was the son of Sam Tony Bayes and Zana Marie Frost Bayes. Raised in Pueblo, Colorado, he attended Centennial High School where he was part of his first ever musical, playing Tommy Albright in “Brigadoon.” After graduating in 1957 he attended college locally, and then from 1958 to 1964, Sammy proudly served his country in the United States Army both as active duty and the reserves.
COOPERSTOWN – Arnold “Arnie” L McLean Jr, 61, died unexpectedly, at his home Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
He was born March 13, 1961 in New Berlin, NY to Arnold “Cork” and Dorothy “Dot” McLean.
He was a friend to all and will be missed for his exceptional sense of humor, as well as his willingness to help anyone in need. He lived life with a strong determination, overcoming many health obstacles to the amazement of his physicians.
A lifelong resident of Otsego County, he first worked with his Dad at Phillips Lumber Company in Hartwick, helped with the family logging business and worked with many area contractors before starting his own excavating business known as ARNIE’S MINI EXCAVATOR in 1999.
SHALLOTTE, N.C. – Veronica La Verne M. (Mike) Hawver, 80, went home to be with the Lord, on April 26, 2022. She passed away peacefully in her home following a brief illness.
Mike was born March 2, 1942 in Perth Amboy, NJ the daughter of Michael and Verne (Franko) Nemyo.
Mike married James L. Hawver, her husband of 54 years, in February, 1963 at the Air Force Chapel at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.
Mike was predeceased by her husband, Jim, and her parents, Michael and Verne (Franko) Nemyo.
Mike is survived by her two sons, James M. Hawver of Shallotte, NC and Scott F. and his wife Beverly (Braumuller) Hawver of Eva Beach, HI, two grandchildren Evan Scott Lee and Kyalimpa Faith, her brothers Ronald Nemyo and Joseph Nemyo of Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by her foster granddaughter Ronella Pasquale.
Wayne L. Roseboom, 83, of Oneonta passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Cooperstown Center. Wayne was born on August 28, 1938 in the Town of Butternuts; a son of the late Leon M. and Marion E. (Emerson) Roseboom.
Wayne was a well-liked custodian for many of Oneonta’s businesses and was last employed by the Black Oak Tavern.
Wayne’s family will have a service in the future at a date to be determined.
Memorial services for Lore Lieb-Leal will be at 11:30 a.m., May 14, in Hartwick Cemetery at 3664 NYS 205, Hartwick.
Lore passed away at her home in Plantation, Florida, Sept. 8, 2020.
Born in Stuttgart, Germany she came to New York, NY when she was 19 years old.
She lived in Hartwick, NY for over forty years and was a language teacher at Morris Central High School.
She was predeceased by her daughters, Eva and Linda Lieb; first husband, Heinz Lieb; second husband, Jack Leal; and is survived by her daughter, Heidi Lieb of Miami Beach; brother, Seigfried Stahl; and many cousins, nieces and nephews in Germany.
COOPERSTOWN – Gerald Douglas “Jerry” “Jiggs” Monroe, 76, of Cooperstown, passed away Sunday morning, May 8, 2022, at the Samuel S. Stratton V.A. Medical Center in Albany following a valiant battle with cancer.
Jerry, or Jiggs, as many people knew him, was born September 13, 1945, in Cooperstown, a son of Walter J. and Ernestine (Tabor) Monroe. He was raised in Hartwick and attended Hartwick High School.
On November 22, 1965, Jerry was inducted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as part of Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, and received a Purple Heart for injuries received in the line of duty. On November 12, 1967, he received his honorable discharge from the military.
Following his military service he was employed for 37 years as a gunsmith for Remington Arms in Ilion.
COOPERSTOWN – Mary June Dickinson, of Penn Yan and formerly Cooperstown, was a beloved great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, mother-in-law and wife during her incredible 99 (almost 100) years of life. She went to be with her Lord peacefully on May 3, 2022. She was affectionately known as “Mama” to her family and many friends.
Mary was born June 25, 1922 to Charles and Louise (Carey) Klein in New York City and was educated there. She met her husband, Pershing Dickinson, who was stationed with the United States Army Band at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and they were married June 27, 1943. She was always proud of her New York City roots, and a steadfast example of someone who lived during the “Greatest Generation”. She was patriotic and loved God and her country, her entire life.
After World War II ended, Mary and Pershing settled in the charming village of Cooperstown, NY where Pershing was a Music Teacher at Cooperstown Central School. Later, Mary worked as the Secretary to the Principal at Cooperstown Elementary School-a job she held and loved for 25 years. They both cherished their years living in the town known as “The Home of Baseball”, raising their two children.
Mary Ann Mazarak, age 90, passed away at Robinson Terrace in Stamford, NY on May 8, 2022.
She was born December 15, 1931 in Lancaster, Ohio to Henry and Freda Cook. They later moved to Steubenville, Ohio where she graduated from high school. She then attended Ohio State University where she obtained a BS degree in Music in 1954.
It was at Ohio State where she met a fellow music student, John Mazarak. They dated through college and were married after her graduation on June 18th, 1954. When John was hired at Oneonta State College, they moved to Oneonta in 1959. They had two children, Eric and Ann.
Mary Ann stayed very active throughout her life. She taught music in Mt. Vernon Ohio, as well as work as a librarian at Ohio State. Later in life she was Assistant Director of the Catskill Area School Study Council.
Music was a major part of Mary Ann’s life. She studied french horn in college until the cello became her instrument. She performed throughout her life, with the Oneonta/ Catskill Symphony from 1959 to 2008. She was a member of the original Glimmerglass Opera orchestra and performed with them until 1986. John and Mary Ann formed the Woodside String Quartet, performing for many events and weddings.
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Michael Andrew Elliott, 61, passed away on Nov. 29, 2021 at the Regional Hospice, Danbury, CT, after a short illness with his loving wife of 29 years at his side.
Michael A. Elliott was born in New Brunswick, N. J. on April 26, 1960 the second child of Harvey W. Elliott, Sr. and Barbara Lockburner Elliott from Sussex N. J.
Mike’s family moved to Richfield Springs where he grew up on the family farm. He learned a life long work ethic being an active member of 4-H with the “Raised Heifer Program”.
Michael graduated with a New York State Regents Diploma from Richfield Springs Central School in 1978 with high honors. He also received awards in Math and Science as well as a Clark Scholarship and New York Scholarship.
He was active in cross country sports. He assisted the R.S.C.S. Marching band. He was selected to attend the American Legion Boys State program sponsored by Post 616 of Richfield Springs.
Mike embraced personal challenges. He also loved downhill skiing with his family, being a master of moguls. He also rode a motorcycle, white water kayak and canoeing. He completed the 72 mile General Clinton Canoe Endurance Race from Cooperstown, NY to Bainbridge, NY on the Susquehanna River. Biking was a passion that led him to the top of Mt. Washington Peak, N. H. in 2003.
He gave 100% to all he did, whether it was school activities, sports or play.
Last week, the community lost an exceptional friend in Bob Schlather. Those who attended the Mass at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown on Saturday were graciously asked upon entry if they were with a particular organization, to be shown where others from their group were seated. This spoke volumes about Bob, who was involved in a dizzying array of groups and causes encompassing healthcare, human services, education, arts, historical associations, Rotary — basically, anything established for the betterment of the community. And it was with compassion, dedication, gentleness and a legendary and comforting sense of humor that Bob jumped into his volunteer roles as advisor, advocate, contributor and leader. In her homily during the Mass, the Rev. Betsy Jay referred to Bob as “invincible;” he was always there to get things done, and he did so with understated deliberation.
The Glimmerglass Festival was incredibly fortunate to be a keystone cause of Bob’s. He and his wife, Karen, first became involved as volunteers and supporters in 1979, when the Opera was still in its infancy. By 1984 he was elected to the Board and during his nearly 40 years as a Trustee, Bob served as: Treasurer for seven, Vice President of Personnel for four, Vice President of Legal Affairs, Chairman of the Audit Committee, an At-Large member
of the Executive Committee, and importantly, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for an impressive six years — in tandem with Peter Duchin as his President, with whom he then swapped the Presidency and Chairmanship positions for a year.
DE WITT – Louise “Lee” (Eaton) Potter passed away Monday, May 2, at her home in De Witt after an accidental fall. Lee was born on July 15, 1935 in Cooperstown, N.Y., to Edwin and Inez Eaton. She was 86 when she passed.
Lee graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1952. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1956.
Lee was tirelessly active in her church and community, from social justice activism, to refugee aid, to driving for Meals on Wheels as an octogenarian herself, to teaching Sunday school and serving community breakfasts. She truly dedicated her life to helping others and has touched the lives of countless students throughout her lengthy career as a middle school Social Studies teacher.
COOPERSTOWN – In the morning hours of Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Lionel “Andrew” Rauscher, M.D., beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away after a long battle with illness at his home with family by his side. He was 79.
A native of England, he was born February 14, 1943, in London, son of the late Hana and Peter Rauscher. Educated in the United Kingdom, he was a Medical Doctor practicing in both England and the United States.
On April 3, 1971, he married Jocelyn Alice Rauscher in a private ceremony in East Sheen, Surrey, UK.
Andrew graduated from the prestigious Dulwich College and then received his M.D. from University College Hospital, London.
Andrew came to the United States to complete his Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship, where he also co-founded the first Paramedic program. He co-authored several studies published in medical journals and was a Fellow of the Faculty of Anesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons. Upon joining the staff of the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, a teaching institution affiliated with Columbia University, Dr. Rauscher acted as Chief of Anesthesiology for several decades, until accepting the position as Medical Director. Throughout his career, he helped mentor students and medical residents, and was a trusted colleague and friend to hundreds of professional medical staff that he interacted with during his long illustrious career.
COOPERSTOWN – At Noon on April 29, 2022, Ann Lois Edwards passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, of natural causes, at home, with her husband at her side. She was in her eighty-first year.
Born February 22, 1942, in Little Falls, New York, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. Ashe and Elizabeth Dudik Ashe. Her paternal ancestry descended from Germans who had made the Great Swabian Trek down the Danube, and on her maternal side from Slovaks who made Little Falls “the second Myjava”. All her grandparents were immigrants.
Lois graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Little Falls in 1960 and the State University College at Oswego in1964 with a degree in Elementary Education. She received her Masters degree from Marywood College in Pennsylvania.
She met her future husband in kindergarten, tolerated him until well into high school when they became close friends and were married on June 25, 1966, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (now Holy Family Parish) in Little Falls.
Lois taught briefly in Dolgeville and Cooperstown before moving to Pennsylvania and spending the rest of her career with the Montoursville Area School District. She and her husband retired back to Cooperstown in the year 2000, building the home that she had envisioned in the Town of Middlefield.
BURLINGTON – Change is inevitable; it is a constant, a “sure thing”. We can try to ignore it, outrun it, or force its hand, but have no doubt: Change is but a moment away. We are given opportunities to steer its course, or if we wish, sit back and let chance decide the destination our lives will take. Such is the gift of Free Will. There is a caveat attached to this freedom, however, and it is one we must never forget or take lightly: We are given but One Life on this earth, and tomorrow is never promised. If there is only one message the short life of Joseph Santiago leaves in the minds of those lucky enough to have met him, it is this: You are loved. You are needed. You matter. Take the Wheel.
Joe is survived by his parents, Colleen (Mann) Bolton of Burlington, and Joseph (Christine) Santiago, Sr. of Norwich. No parent should ever have to suffer the heartbreak of losing a child. But sometimes even the strongest of shoulders aren’t enough to carry the weight of their children’s choices, even though loving arms were always flung open wide. Joseph leaves behind three beautiful children, Aalyiah, Layne and Liam Santiago, all of whom will always be reminded of the gift that was their father, who loved them so.
COOPERSTOWN – Robert Bernard Schlather, Esq., Cooperstown lawyer, CPA and philanthropist, died Wednesday afternoon, April 27, 2022, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown as a result of a brain tumor diagnosed in June 2020. He was 75.
Born May 3, 1946, in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Bob was the second eldest of thirteen children of Bernard Paul Schlather and Helen Virginia Bilskey. Raised in Elyria, Ohio, he graduated in 1964 from Elyria Catholic High School. He went on to attend and graduate magna cum laude with a BA in Accounting from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and earned his Juris Doctorate and graduated cum laude from University of Notre Dame Law School in South Bend, Indiana. In addition, he was awarded a Certificate in English and American Law from the University of London as part of the Notre Dame Law School curriculum. He successfully completed the New York State Bar and Certified Public Accountancy Exams in 1971 and commenced work in the tax department of Price Waterhouse & Co, in both New York City and London.
On July 14, 1973, Bob married his best friend, Karen Ruth Hammer in a ceremony at Saints Philip and James Roman Catholic Church in St. James, Long Island. They moved to Cooperstown in 1976.
