IN MEMORIAM: Gene Lincourt, 80;

40-Year Lakewood Cemetery Caretaker

COOPERSTOWN – Eugene “Gene” L. Lincourt, who served for over 40 years as superintendent of Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown and who was equally well-known and respected for his skill as a stone mason, passed away late Sunday morning, Feb. 9, 2020, at Bassett Hospital following a brief illness. He was 80.

Born at home in Toddsville on May 22, 1939, Gene was one of four children of Leo G. and Hazel Mae (Buchanan) Lincourt. For many years, his father served as superintendent of Lakewood Cemetery, and at the age of 15, Gene followed in his father’s footsteps and became an employee there. Several years later Gene joined the National Guard of New York and served there and in the Army until he received his Honorable Discharge in 1963.

He returned home and that same year married Lucille A. Simonds from the Town of Exeter in a ceremony Feb.16 in Toddsville. When his father retired from Lakewood Cemetery, Gene became the new superintendent and moved with his family into the brick caretakers’ cottage at the entrance to the cemetery.

For more than four decades, Gene faithfully cared for the cemetery and oversaw the interment of many, many local people. In 1970, he opened a Gold Bond Memorials dealership, and for the next 35 years sold and serviced monuments in the greater Otsego County area. He always prided himself on the fact that families would return to him whenever the need arose for new sales or service.

A talented stonemason, Gene spent many nights and weekends restoring stonework throughout Lakewood as well as re-pointing retaining walls in some of the larger family plots. He also created stonewalls on several private properties throughout the Cooperstown area, and became well-respected for his excellent stonework. In his retirement, Gene settled into a home – quite fittingly – on Cemetery Road in Fly Creek, in full view of Fly Creek Valley Cemetery.

Gene is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Donald R. Lincourt and wife, Suzanne, of Schenevus; a beloved grandson, Jacob Lincourt, whose life and accomplishments were greatly revered by his grandfather; and several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Lucille A. Lincourt, who died Oct. 2, 1997, and his eldest son, Leo W. Lincourt, who died Aug. 6, 2017. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Luella Taylor, who died in 2000, and Mary Jane Mele, who died in 2008, and a brother, Robert L. Lincourt, who died in 2011.

Private graveside services and interment will be at the convenience of the family in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown.

In appreciation for their kind and professional services rendered the past few years, donations in memory of Gene may be directed to the Fly Creek Emergency Squad, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY  13337.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.