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Leonardo Marino

Leonardo A. Marino, 86, of Norwich, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born May 15, 1925, in Norwich, Leo was the son of Antonio and Bartola (Raffaele) Marino.  He was a life-long resident of Norwich and graduated from Norwich High School with the class of 1943.  After 29 years of employment with the former Norwich Wire Works, Leo joined the work force at Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals where he worked for 17 years as an expeditor in their distribution center.  He retired in April of 1989.

Leo was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church where he was an usher for many years.  During his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening and wood-working.

On May 7, 1955, in St. Bartholomew’s Church with Rev. Vincent Mirabito officiating, Leo married Julia M. Famolaro, who survives.  He is also survived by four daughters, Rita (John) Martin, of Kirkwood, NY, Regina Silverman, of Manlius, NY, Barbara (Walter) Gardner, of Long Branch, NJ, and Elizabeth (Robert) Adams, of Norwich; four sons, Anthony (Sharon) Marino, of Bridgewater, NY, Robert Marino, of Norwich, Martin Marino, of Alabaster, AL, and Richard (Penny) Marino, of Blasdell, NY; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  Leo was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by 11 brothers and sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Leo will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 1, 2011, at St. Bartholomew’s Church.  Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.  Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 – 7 pm.

Contributions in memory of Leo may be made to either the American Heart Association or to the Memorial Fund of St. Bartholomew’s Church.

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2011 08 28 Obituaries Comments (8) Permalink

Mary Paino

Mary Elizabeth (Beckwith) Paino, 68, of Norwich, passed into eternal life peacefully on August 19, 2011, at her home with her loving family by her side.  She was a strong woman and a true fighter, who had fought a courageous battle with cancer for years.  She was born on March 8, 1943 in Greene, NY, the daughter of the late Raymond Beckwith & Catherine (Jeanette) Hodge.  She graduated from Greene Central Schools in 1961.  She was of strong Catholic faith, and was a member, as well as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich.

Mary was the beautiful and deeply beloved wife of 48 years to Richard (Dick) Paino, who survives. Dick often said, ”I fell in love with her at first sight.”

Mary is also survived by three daughters and their spouses:  Connie & Gene Duffey of Greencastle, PA, Cynthia & James White of Waynesboro, PA, and Christin & Greg Hanley of Canastota, NY; four grandchildren:  Samantha Schroer, S. “Alex” Schroer, Victoria French, and Christopher Hanley; her sister, Sylvia Bates of Norwich, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Mary was predeceased by her mother, father and brother, Mernie (Daniel) Beckwith.

Many will remember Mary and her late sister-in-law Mary (Paino) Drake who, for many years, ran “Marys’ Fried Dough” at the local Chenango County Fair.  She worked for Norwich City Schools, most happily in the Athletic Department, with her favorite mentor and boss, Jack Jones.  Mary recently retired after 27 years of employment this past May.  A “go-getter” and business-minded woman, she and her husband physically built and operated “John’s Hotdog Stand” in honor of her late father-in-law, John Paino, which was located on the corner of Birdsall & Hale Streets in Norwich.

Mary loved music and sports.  She played in the marching band, as well as field hockey, volleyball, and softball.  She organized and played on many women’s softball teams.  Mary was an avid gardener and bird watcher.  She was an active representative and Sales Manager for Beeline Fashions for many years, earning many prestigious national awards and trips.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial will immediately follow at Warn-Ten Broeck Cemetery in Oxford, NY.  Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 23, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Norwich Fire Department.

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Frederick Keith

Frederick H. Keith, of Sherburne, passed away Monday, August 8, 2011, at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY.  Frederick was 82 years old.  At the request of the family, there will be no funeral services.

2011 08 08 Obituaries Comments (1) Permalink

Oscar Hannan

Oscar Hannan, 87, of Norwich, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at Chenango Memorial Hospital.  Oscar is survived by his wife of 49 years Bridget Hannan, his son Aiden and daughter-in-law Leigh, son Brendan, daughter Mary and granddaughter Molly.  He is also survived by his brother Paddy and sister-in-law Theresa, his brother Bill (Bunny) and sister-in-law, Anne, his brother Michael and sister Anne, along with many, many nieces and nephews.

Born February 26th, 1924, in Ballymac, County Limerick, Ireland, Oscar was born and raised by Tim and Aileen (O’Sullivan) Hannan.  Prior to emigrating to the United States in 1957, Oscar worked construction and surveying jobs in Ireland and England. From 1952 to 1955 he was a Locust Control Officer in Kenya.  Oscar married Bridget Savage in 1962 in Ireland and they moved to the United States where he began his career as a Civil Engineer after graduating from the Laguardia Aeronautical Institute.  Oscar had a hand in building or fixing many of the roads we travel every day, including Route 17, Route 88 near Sidney and the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey.  He retired in 1991 but continued working part time for the DOT around Norwich.

Oscar’s whole life revolved around his work and caring for his family.  He always had a ready smile and hearty laugh for family, friends and strangers alike.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Oscar will be held at 11 am on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at St. Paul’s Church.  Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.  Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 24th from 5-8 pm.

His faith was strong right to the end – for those who would like to, donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Norwich.

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2011 08 08 Obituaries Comments (11) Permalink

Douglas Palmer

Douglas Palmer, of Guiford, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City.  He was 59 years old. Douglas is survived by his wife of 39 years, Veronica (Decker) Palmer.  At Douglas’ request, there will no funeral services.

2011 08 01 Obituaries Comments (0) Permalink

Joseph Benenati

Joseph J. Benenati, Jr., 97, formerly of Chenango Lake and Park Street, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, July 28, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born in Norwich, NY on January 17, 1914, Joe was one of twelve children of Giuseppe and Maria (Testa) Benenati.  He is survived by his sister, Mary Coe, of Norwich and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his parents and six brothers, Guiseppe, Frank, Thomas, Anthony, Michael, and John Benenati as well as four sisters, Catherine Kennedy, Anna Houpis, Teresa Benenati, and Louise Loscavio.

Joe was a graduate of Norwich High School with the Class of 1932 where he played basketball, baseball and golf.  Joe enlisted and served 38 months with the United States Marine Corps, 28 months of which was overseas during World War II.  Having been appointed to the New York State Troopers in 1936, Joe rejoined the Troopers in 1945.  Transferred to the NYS Bureau of Investigation in 1946, he attained the rank of Sergeant and retired in 1960.  In August of 1960, Joe was appointed Sheriff of Chenango County by NY Governor Nelson Rockefeller.  He served Chenango County for over 21 years, retiring in 1981.

Sheriff Joe’s military service was meritorious including battles fought in Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima.  He was awarded four bronze stars for service in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, the Navy Unit Citation with two bronze stars for Bougainville and Guam and the Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star for Iwo Jima.  He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Bronze “V” for individual valor.

During November of 1957, Joe led troopers in a raid of gangland member, Joe Barbara’s farm in Appalachin, NY.  Also in 1957, Camp Pharsalia was constructed and in 2003, Joe was recognized by the Camp for his 46 years of service to the inmates, which included amendments to NY law allowing the implementation of work-release programs in New York.

Sheriff Joe received many, many tributes.  Among them was recognition for his part in forming a rehabilitation program for youth that led to the Sheriff’s Camp, which is still active today.  May 4, 1982, was proclaimed “Joe Benenati Recognition Day” in the City of Norwich.  He was made a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International in 1989, and was inducted into the Police Hall of Fame, Miami, Florida, in 1998. In 1968, Joe was selected for one of three “Top Law Officer” awards presented by NY Secretary of State, John P. Lomenzo.

Sheriff Joe served as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board of the Southern Tier.  He was a member of the Board of Visitors of the NYS Veteran’s Home, chairman of the Advisory Committee of Camp Pharsalia and Advisory Committee and Counselor of the H-Bar-D Ranch program for disadvantaged children.  He also served as president of the Advisory and Christmas Program Committee at Camp Pharsalia.

Sheriff Joe was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church, a member of the American Legion Post 189, the VFW Post 2782, and the Bullthistle Marine Corps League Detachment 604.  He was also a member of the Norwich Rotary Club.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sheriff Joe will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at St. Bartholomew’s Church.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.  Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 9, from 1-7 pm.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department, 279 Co. Rd. 46, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Sheriff’s Day Camp at that address, the VFW Post 2782 or to the American Legion Post 189, both in Norwich.

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2011 07 28 Obituaries Comments (12) Permalink

John Turner

John Bennett Turner, Jr., died peacefully on July 25, 2011 at the age of 81 at home surrounded by his family.  John is cherished by his wife of 59 years Carol (Lewis) and by his family and friends.  He was a proud patriot and generous philanthropist who toiled to make his world a better place.

John was born November 22, 1929, to John Bennett Turner and Katharine (Verplanck) Kent.  Summers were spent at Camp Dudley (#6236) and at Chenango Lake in the cottage built by his grandfather that the Turners still enjoy.  He graduated from Phillips Andover Academy (’48) and, in June of 1952, graduated from the University of Rochester, married Carol, and was commissioned into the Navy.  He served three years of active duty, including as a cryptography officer on the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, and 12 years in the Navy Reserves, retiring in 1967 as a Lieutenant.

John joined his father’s Norwich business in 1955, Bennett-Ireland, Inc., a leading manufacturer of fireplace andirons, grates, and the Flexscreen that John senior invented.  As a teenager, John was a draftsman in the engineering department.  He later served as foundry manager and Executive Vice President responsible for purchasing, production and industrial sales.  He co-coached Norwich’s first YMCA swim team with George Echentile and built the team’s first starting blocks.  For many years he organized and won sailfish races on Chenango Lake.  John joined the Norwich Rotary club in 1955, transferring to the Penfield, NY, club when he moved his family there in 1969 to open his first store selling products from his family’s fireplace legacy Cricket on the Hearth.  He designed and built Cliffside Common, the site of the current Penfield store.

John’s “retirement” was to be COO of Water for Sudan, helping “Lost Boy” SalvaDut and the organization gain the backing of Rotary International.  That allowed them to obtain broad visibility and aid for their work to bring clean drinking water to the recently established country of South Sudan.  At the age of 80, John represented Water for Sudan at the World Water Conference in Istanbul Turkey, and traveled to Africa with Salva to buy equipment and establish a Rotary club to facilitate their operations.  To date over 100 wells have been drilled providing clean drinking water to many thousands of people.

John was the last President of the Norwich Club, twice ran the Norwich Community Chest campaign, and served on the board of the YMCA.  He was a long time member of the Board of the Chenango Lake Association and strove to preserve water quality and access around the lake.  He recently helped establish a small museum in Norwich’s Classic Car Museum housing Bennett-Ireland memorabilia and products.  John was also a member of the Warren Eaton American Legion Post, the Hearth Products Business Association, and an original member of Hearth Masters.  In Penfield he was on the Board of the Penfield Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, past Trustee and Moderator of the Penfield Baptist Church.

Surviving are his daughters Anne Turner Bohrs (Harry) of Brookline, MA, and Jennifer Deuel (Jeff) of Pittsford, and sons Joshua Turner (Cheryl) of Skillman, NJ, and Charles Turner (Marcia) of Pittsford.  Beloved grandchildren are Katharine and Nathaniel Bohrs, Benjamin and Megan Deuel, Bennett and Chandler Turner, and Grant and Amanda Turner.  He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Ives of Sarasota, FL and Mary Cattan of Stamford, CT, brother Kent Turner of Binghamton, NY, uncle James Kent of Henrietta, NY, brother and sister-in-law S. Charles and Gloria Lewis (Irondequoit), cousin Laurie Turner Dewey of Lincoln, MA and several other nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 8, 2011, at 2:00 at the United Church of Christ First Congregational in Norwich followed by a reception at the Canasawacta Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to the Greater Norwich Foundation c/o NBT Bank, Norwich or Water for Sudan (www.waterforsudan.org), or P.O. Box 25551. Rochester, NY 14625.

2011 07 27 Obituaries Comments (4) Permalink

Agnes Rowe

Agnes Rowe, 84, long-time resident of Norwich passed away July 23, 2011, at home with her family by her side.  Agnes was born in Freda, North Dakota, December 15, 1926, the daughter of John F. and Grietje (Wessels) Meyer.  At the age of eight, her family moved to the Oxford, NY, area.  Agnes met her husband, Gerald, through the local 4-H club.  On November 21, 1948, she married Gerald Rowe.

Agnes helped Gerald run Roweview Dairy Farm on Polkville Hill.  For many years she had an egg route in Norwich.  She was an active member of Dairylea, Home Bureau, and the Grange.  As a 4-H leader Agnes taught many 4-H members to sew and bake.  She made many of her daughters’ clothes and wedding cakes for family and friends.  Agnes had a green thumb; her African Violets were always blossoming.  She was very proud of the family garden and every summer she canned and froze fruits and vegetables for the year.  As a member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church she was well known at church suppers for her gravy.  Her cinnamon rolls were very popular at their bazaars and bake sales.  Agnes enjoyed playing cards with friends.  Her favorite pastime was being with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Gerald, Agnes is survived by her children, Grace (Bohdan) Krawczuk of Buffalo, Katheryn (Philip) Inglis of Clinton, Charles (Doreen) Rowe of Norwich, Mary (Darryl) Traver of Deland, Florida, Robert (Sheryl) Rowe of Norwich, Barbara (David) Jenne of Sherburne, her sisters Louise (Carle) Pike of Norwich, Lois (Lewis) Crandall of Florida, Arlene Carkhuff of Norwich, her brothers Harold (Shirley) Meyer of Florida and John Meyer of London, Ontario, Canada, and sister-in-laws Betty (Clifford) Wade of Bainbridge and Beverly Laughlin of Florida,  13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.  Agnes was predeceased by her brother, Albert Meyer.

Friends and family may call at the Wilson Funeral Home Friday, July 29, 2011, from 7 – 9 pm.  Funeral services for Agnes will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 30, at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich, NY.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, White Store, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to Hospice of Chenango County (21 Hayes Street, Norwich NY 13815), Evergreen Cemetery Association (c/o Mrs. Barbara Vanderbunt, 121 County Road 3A, Greene, NY  13778), or The Broad Street United Methodist Church (74 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815).

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2011 07 23 Obituaries Comments (9) Permalink

Maria Korver

Maria Martha van Blokland Korver, 89, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.  Born January 10, 1922, in Utrecht, The Netherlands, Maria was the daughter of Wilhelmina Bakker van Blokland and Marinus van Blokland.  Maria and Reinerus (Rens) Korver were married on July 3, 1945, in Amsterdam, Holland.

Alongside her husband, Maria helped run a successful engraving firm in Amsterdam where she kept the books and managed sales accounts for the business, an unusual position for women in postwar Holland.  In 1957, the family moved to New York City where Rens accepted a position at the Amsterdam Steel and Die Company.  Maria worked at many jobs after arriving in America, ending up as the senior bank teller in a bank in Huntington, N.Y.  Upon retirement in 1983, Maria and Rens moved to Norwich in Upstate New York.

Maria loved to knit and bake and took great pride in her six grandchildren.  She made more sweaters than anyone could ever wear and baked more cookies and cakes than anyone could ever consume.  However, more than anything, she loved her family and especially enjoyed the annual family beach trip to the North Carolina Coast where she spent hours playing cards with her grandchildren and savored the time spent together as a family.  Maria loved to play practical jokes and could make anyone smile with her irrepressible sense of humor.  She was the matriarch and will be missed by her entire family.

Maria was predeceased by her husband, Rens Korver, and her sister, Marta van Blokland of Waalre, The Netherlands. Maria is survived by her son, Rennie Korver, and his, wife Barbara Korver, of South New Berlin, NY; her daughter, Wilhelmina Korver Rotella, of Durham, NC; her grandchildren, Jennifer Rotella, of Durham, NC;  Danielle Rotella Adams and her husband, Brian Adams, of Jamestown, NC; Sonja Korver O’Connell and her husband, Brandon O’Connell, of Hoboken, NJ; Erik Korver and his wife, Amy Korver, of New Berlin, NY; Lukas Korver, of Los Angeles, CA; and Kaitlin Korver, of South New Berlin, NY.  Maria is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Finley Adams of Jamestown, NC, and Kellen O’Connell of Hoboken, NJ, as well as numerous nephews and nieces in The Netherlands.

A memorial service in honor of Maria Korver’s life will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2011, at St. Bartholomew’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Norwich YMCA, where Maria spent countless hours swimming and socializing.

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Mary Vinal

Mary E. Vinal, 58, of Division Street, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2011 at Chenango Memorial Hospital after a courageous fight against cancer.

Born September 12, 1952 in Oxford, Mary was the daughter of Harry Myers, Sr. and Margaret (Cassin) Myers.  She was a 1970 graduate of Norwich High School.  She first worked at Norwich Mills and then Champion Products before working at Opportunities for Chenango Children’s Center, Gee Wilikers, Burrell’s Dry Cleaning, where she was a seamstress, and finally the Norwich City Schools where she was a teacher’s aide.

Mary was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and of the Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 189.  During her leisure time, she enjoyed painting and watching her grandsons, Jordan and J.T., play sports.

On June 3, 1972, at the First Baptist Church, Mary married John M. R. Vinal, of Norwich, who survives.  She is also survived by daughter Christine Vinal and fiancé, Andrew Dunklee, of Norwich; son John Vinal, Jr. and his wife, Tracie, of Norwich; daughter Tracy Simpson and her companion, John Hubbley, of Little Falls, NY; eight grandchildren, Cassandra, Devin, Kayla, Jordan, J. T., Cabrarrah, Andrew, and Brenden; four great grandchildren, Elaina, Lauren, Shane, and Gracie; sister Harriet Bates, of Norwich; and brothers Harry and Ronald Myers, both of Norwich.

A Memorial Mass of Resurrection for Mary will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2011 at St. Bartholomew’s Church.  Committal will take place immediately following the service.  Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Children’s Activity Fund, Perry Browne Intermediate School, 89 Midland Drive, Norwich, NY 13815, or to the charity of your choice.

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