ONEONTA—John Burgher passed away on December 24, 2022 at a Westchester County hospital. He was 65. John was born in Stamford, New York to parents Pearl and Ezra Burgher and attended Charlotte Valley Central School. He later worked at Rider farms, Gage’s Carpet, “The Daily Star” and Taylor’s gas station.
John was predeceased by his brother, Charles Burgher. He is survived by spouse, Lulu; eight children, Cheryl Rifenbark (Matthew), Kelly Nafalski (Mike Cooper) Harry Smith (Amanda), Jason Burgher (Amanda), April Jarvis (Patrick), Nikki Peace (Nicholas), Elizabeth Miller, and Pamela Judd; 20 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; brothers Donald Burgher and Lewis Phelps; sister Rebecca Barber; and brother-in-law Jay Gage.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnston and Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris, New York. No funeral or calling hours are planned at this time.
Charlotte Valley Central School, Town of Davenport
Editor’s Note: Two Charlotte Valley Central School parents provided this commentary on the reopening of the school.
By ELIZABETH HITT & SARA LOTTERMAN
Charlotte Valley Central School mascot
Over the last several months, it feels like we have watched the world fall apart. We have felt
scared for our country, for the world, for our families and friends, but most of all we feel scared for our children. Most recently we were shaken by the horrifying and far too-close-to-home COVID-19 outbreak at SUNY Oneonta.
COVID-19 has been standing at our doorstep and we have done our best as a community and parents to take the precautions to keep this disease out of our homes.
FRANKLIN – A 21 year old man was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats against Franklin Central School, just days after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. left 17 dead.
Aiden M. O’Day, Otego, was arrested by State Police Sunday, Feb. 18 after he allegedly made terroristic threats against Franklin Central School. Day was arrested without incident, and the investigation determined that there was no danger to the school or public. O’Day was arraigned in the Otego Town Court and remanded to the Otego County Jail.
“We cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation, and we are grateful to the New York State Police for the swift action in making the arrest,” wrote Superintendent Brad Zillox. “Please know that the district is taking any threat seriously and will not hesitate to take action as needed. We ask that everyone be extremely mindful and cautious regarding their comments and/or communications.”
