Donald R Stoliker (1931 – 2015)
VALATIE—Donald R Stoliker, 83, a lifelong resident of Kinderhook, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2015 at his home in Valatie.
Born August 23, 1931 in Kinderhook, he was the son of the late Donald and Florence Mae(Coons) Stoliker.
In 1958 he married Virginia M. (Mann) Stoliker.
He served in the United States Air Force and fought in the Korean War. Before his retirement he was employed by New York State Taxation and Finance as a senior accountant.
Besides his wife, Virginia, he is also survived by: a daughter, Donna (Jerry) King of LaVergne, TN; two sons, Duane (Cecilia) Stoliker of Lincoln, DE, and Doug (Kim) Stoliker of Shelby NC; grandchildren, Dawn Richardson, Jeffrey Gaylord, Allysea Royce, Shannon Matz and Emmilea , Elliana, Abriella, Kristen and Amanda Stoliker. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 2 at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Burial followed at the Kinderhook Cemetery. Donations may be sent to the Valatie Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 242, Valatie 12184 or Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Marcia Coon (1934 – 2015)
HUDSON—On May 29, Marcia Ann Coon returned to the side of her husband, Lawrence (Sweeper) Coon, who predeceased her by three years to the day.
She was born in Ghent, December 3, 1934 at the Bartel Farms homestead to Conrad and Betty (Schermerhorn) Bartel.
Mrs. Coon was the woman behind the man, helping her husband run their successful barn building business, LD Coon & Son, Inc.
She is survived by: her sister, Marilyn Kipp; brother, Donald Bartel; aunt, Gladys Schermerhorn and her best friend; Sally Heimroth.
She was very proud of her children: Wesley (Patricia), Conrad (Donna), Richard, Laura (John Fedorowicz) and Paul, who survive her. Mrs. Coon loved her family well and leaves behind her grandchildren, Jacquelyn and Jay Coon Hutson, Michael and Andrea Kowalski Coon, Meghan and Will Calhoun, Dane Coon and Ashley Steuerwald, Lukas and Kara Coon, Tiffany Coon and John Saunders, Courtney Coon, Chelsea Mabey, Austin and Bonnie Coon, Kaytlin Coon, E.J. Lyons Coon, Kyle Mabey, Logan, David, Ryan and P.J. Coon, Dawn Fedorowicz and Amara Wright. At 80 years young, she felt very blessed to have her wonderful great-grand children as well: Zachary, Colton, and Lilah Hutson, Darrah and Lyle Coon, Levi and Caleb Coon, Fiona Calhoun and Riley and Matthew Munera. Besides her husband, Mrs. Coon was predeceased by her granddaughter, Raquel Coon and her grandson, Jordan Coon. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins including her goddaughter and name sake; Marcia Schermerhorn and Peggy (Schermerhorn) Myers, who was a second daughter to her. Her legacy is her family, which will continue to grow, as she watches over them.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 4, 11 a.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, with the Reverend Rudy Visser officiating. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made in her name to Columbia- Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534 or Boystown USA National Headquarters, 14100 Crawford Street, Boystown, NE 68010.
Frederick P. Bernockie (1918 – 2015)
HUDSON—Frederick “Fred” Bernockie passed away peacefully Saturday, May 30 at the home of Karen and Buzz Sheak, his loving caregivers.
Many of his family were at his bedside to join in the prayers spoken by Hospice Chaplain Stan Webster, giving him peace and wishing him a safe journey.
He was the son of Frederick Paul and Sarah Ann (Kellerhouse) Bernockie, born in Hudson, April 5, 1918. He lived his whole life in Hudson.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Anna Stickles, Katherine Bishop and Elizabeth Jeffers and his only brother, Arthur Bernockie.
Mr. Bernockie joined the Army in 1942 and served in Europe until his discharge in 1945. He told his family some interesting stories, which they will miss. He left for Scotland in December 1942 on the Queen Mary out of New York City, with the ship’s stabilizers dismantled for speed and detection by enemy subs. Destroyers couldn’t keep up with the Queen Mary because of the speed needed to get the men to their destination so the ship went unprotected. They ran into a terrible storm in the Atlantic off the coast of Scotland, according to the New York Times, the ship came five degrees from capsizing.
He is one of the few surviving members of the “Flying Dutchmen,” a club created in the 1930s by a group of young men living and growing up in the area around Allen and Union, between Second and Third Streets. They were a close group of young men, remaining friends throughout their adult lives.
Mr. Bernockie became a mail carrier in the 1950s, a post which he held until his retirement at the age of 65. At that time he began the second and maybe the most important career of his life, a volunteer at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. Through the years he gave of himself in a way that is almost unheard of in today’s society. The people he worked with throughout these years, he considered “family” and they felt the same about him. There was no job too difficult, too distasteful or tiring that he didn’t undertake. He loved to walk the dogs, clean their cages and generally give them love. As his health deteriorated he still visited the shelter to see his dogs and dispense treats. Animals can sense goodness and they found it in him.
He was always there for his family and friends, always giving, never asking for anything in return—very simple, very humble.
Another one of the joys in his life was his love of fishing. He was an expert at tying flies and his successes on the water tell us how great he was at his craft. Anything we needed to know about how to fish, when to fish, whatever—he knew.
He was a life member of the Hudson Fish and Game Club and H. W. Rogers Hose Company #2.
He is survived by: his dear sister, Lillian Alger; many close nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren and good friends.
“We lost a loving Brother, a loving Uncle, a wonderful Friend, God got another Angel.”
There will be no calling hours. There will be a private service for the family Wednesday, June 3 at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534 or Columbia Greene Hospice, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414.
Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.
Francis P. Cody (1950 – 2015)
KINDERHOOK—Francis P. Cody, 64, of Kinderhook died Thursday, May 28, 2015 at his home.
Born October 29, 1950 in Astoria, he was the son of the late John and Anna May (Gorman) Cody. Mr. Cody worked as a supervisor for Avis in Albany.
He is survived by: three children, Amy Cody of Stuyvesant, Matthew Cody of Pittstown and Sarah Cody of Albany; a brother, Michael Cody of Pennsylvania; a sister, Agnes Casella of Arizona and three grandchildren, Emma Cody, Claire and Owen Dwyer.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marianne (Marmora) Cody and his brother Jack Cody.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 6, 3 p.m. at the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie. Calling hours will be Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.
Mary Schneider (1930 – 2015)
ALBANY—Mary Elizabeth Theresa Bergau Schneider, age 84, of Valatie passed away Sunday, May 31.
A celebration of “Penny’s” impact on the lives of her family, friends and all who met her will be held at Birch Hill, 1 Celebration Way, Castleton-On-Hudson, Thursday, June the 4 from noon to 5 p.m.
Mrs. Schneider wished to be interred with her husband of 59 years, “Joey” at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
She was born in New York City and raised in Manhattan, where her father, Franz Bergau owned a candy store.
When she was 16 her parents moved to Coxsackie, where she attended high school and made many lifelong friends. Moving back to New York City, she met and married the love of her life Joseph Peter Schneider. Her first child Christopher Anthony was born there but grew up in the town of Mahopac, where her son Steven Joseph and daughter Susan Ann were born. Mrs. Schneider had many jobs throughout her live, last but not least at Readers Digest magazine in Chappaqua, where her many years produced unforgettable memories amongst her “Fuzzy Friends.”
Mrs. Schneider’s faith in her lord and savior Jesus Christ sustained her throughout many trials in her life especially through her mercifully short battle with cancer. All who met her were touched by her charm, grace and humor.
Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
Linda J. Best (1950 – 2015)
PHILMONT—Linda J. Best, daughter of Marion Saulpaugh Best and Clifford T. Best of Livingston, died at her home in Philmont, May 29, 2015.
Surviving are: her daughters, Christine Shelsky and Alison Williams; grandchildren, Kyra Shelsky, Dacota Williams and Preston Williams.
There are no calling hours
Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are with the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Germantown.
Oliver “Toby” Diehl (1940 – 2015)
POUGHKEEPSIE—Oliver Charles “Toby” Diehl, 75, of Germantown, departed this world May 29, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.
He was a lifelong resident of Germantown, former superintendent of highways for the Town of Germantown, retired from the Building and Grounds Department of Bard College, had worked at the Germantown Transfer Station and was a partner of the Diehl Brothers Farm of Germantown.
Mr. Diehl enjoyed working in the garden, hunting, mowing lawns, various projects and spending time with his family.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 52 years, Donna (Guilzon) Diehl; four daughters, Charlene Diehl, Darlene Weed, Tobyjean Marzahal, all of Germantown, and Vernea (Jim) Raznousky of Coxsackie; brothers, Richard Diehl and Lawrence Diehl and a sister, Adele Keyzer all of Germantown; grandchildren, Kalie Weed, Courtney Weed, Nicholas Weed and David Marzahal, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Richard L. Diehl, Sr., and Mary Magdalene (Carter) Diehl and his beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Marzahal.
Mr. Diehl touched the lives of everyone he met and was a familiar face around the town he loved and will be greatly missed.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 2 at the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Germantown. Interment followed in the Reformed Church Cemetery in Germantown.
In lieu of flowers donations to one’s local blood drive or blood bank would be appreciated.
Dr. Richard B. Dodge (1956 – 2015)
CHATHAM—On Wednesday, May 27, Dr. Richard B. Dodge of Chatham passed away surrounded by his family. After nearly two years of squeezing in chemotherapy appointments around his energetic schedule of outdoor adventures, family trips and building bikes from scratch, his body finally succumbed, but not his mind.
Born February 25, 1956 to Shirley and Paul Dodge, he was a bright light of loyalty, quick wit and drive. Compassionate, inquisitive, and always trying to work the problem, he had all the traits one could want in a doctor, and he truly did everything he could for his patients. Always a child at heart, his thirst for life and adventure brought him to all corners of the world, mountaintops of all shapes and sizes, and anywhere a bike, kayak or his own two feet could take him.
He is survived by: his mother, Shirley Dodge; his siblings, Dennis and Colleen Dodge, Jan and Steve Nieto and Carolyn and Dave Landry; many beloved nieces and nephews; by his children, Cara and Steve Coffin, Ethan Dodge and Amy Davison and Jenna Dodge and by his two grandchildren, JessieJean and Decker.
The family hosted open house calling hours at the Dodge household, 69 Center Street, Chatham, Monday, June 1 directly followed by a life celebration service.
Donations to the Dr. Richard B. Dodge Memorial Scholarship may be sent to: Attn: Treasurer, 50 Woodbridge Avenue, Chatham 12037
Arrangements are with the Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. For online condolences visit wenkfuneralhome.com
Virginia R. Johnston (1926 – 2015)
VALATIE—Virginia C. Rackliff Johnston died peacefully Monday, June 1, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was lovingly cared for at the Barnwell Nursing Home and the family expresses much appreciation.
She was born November 2, 1926, grew up and was schooled in Easton, ME. She later graduated from the University of Maine, and also Clark University in Worcester, MA, with studies in social work.
She moved back to Easton and married Henry S. “Tim” Johnston, who predeceased her in 1977.
They are survived by: their beloved children, Christina of St. Albans, VT, Peter of Auburn, ME, Joel of Richland and her favorite, Andrew of Valatie; her brother, William Rackliff of Farmington, ME, and five grandchildren.
In 1981, she became a fulltime evangelizer of Jehovah’s Witnesses, volunteering 70 to 90 hours a month to a work she loved. Those who knew her described her as always busy. In college, she played in an all women jazz band. She continued being a musician, poet composing many songs about her faith. Friends were always welcome to her home to enjoy music, laughter and a meal. She was constantly traveling to visit friends and family as far away as Saipan, in the Marshall Islands of the Pacific.
Family and friends are invited to memorial services Sunday, June 7, 2:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1169 Route 9, Castleton. Family friend, Brother Melvin Fletcher of Auburn, ME, will preside at the service.
Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie.
