Patricia Rudik, 61 of Maine, NY, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, August 15, 2020, at her home. She was predeceased by her father, Michael Rudik; her nephew, Matthew Algas. She is survived by her mother, Jean (Elnicky) Rudik; four siblings, Debra Rudik, Melanie (Mel) Algas, John and Steve Rudik; one niece, Carlie Algas; three nephews, Ivan, Samuel and Nathan Rudik. She loved gardening, baking and taking her beloved dog, “Sam” for car rides and walks. There will be no formal funeral services.
Arthur Krasowski
Arthur Krasowski, 85, of Endwell, NY, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Joan; sister Patricia Tracy of Tamaqua, PA; five children: Janet (HyJay) Potter, Michael (Sharon) Krasowski, Kathy (David) Testa, Scott (Kathleen) Krasowski, and Kim Nostrom; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Arthur was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Korean War. He was also a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott. Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Services provided by Pucedo Funeral Home.
Thomas W. Hager
It is with great sadness that we announce that the Southside has lost a legend and founding father of fun.
Thomas W. Hager, 84, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2020, at Willow Point Nursing Home. He is predeceased by his loving wife Margaret (Peg), his parents John and Dorothy Hager, sister Judi Monahan, father and mother in law Joseph and Evie Colangelo, brothers in law Leo Colangelo and Ferd Morsch. He is survived by his children Thomas J (Kathleen), Brent, Joseph, and Kirsten Hager, his grandchildren Maura and Erin Hager, his siblings Nancy Morsch, Jack (Barbara) Hager, and Debbie (Wayne) Micholychak, his sister-in-law, Joanne Coangelo, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dad was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. He served in the U.S. Army, was a butcher/meat cutter for over 30 years, and rounded out his working career as a tavern owner, where he was his own best customer. He was also a world-class “Olympic” athlete. Just to name a few of his athletic accomplishments, Dad specialized in beer bottle handstand gymnastics, telephone spike bending (Dad was as strong as an ox!), and one on five basketball. When you inbounded the ball to him no teammate ever saw it again! Not to mention his downhill skiing antics!
Dad was a larger than life personality. He lit up the room when he walked in. He genuinely loved people and they loved him right back. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back and help out anyone who needed it. He fiercely loved his family and friends, the memories made from trips taken with them throughout the years are priceless and the stories are timeless. Dad always said “Remember the road home is never long”. You are home now Dad, Heaven is much livelier with you in it!
The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Point Nursing Home for taking such good care of Dad over the years and especially for the care and comfort you gave him in his final days. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 AM, Monday, August 17th at the Parish of Ss. John and Andrew Catholic Church 1263 Vestal Ave. Binghamton, NY. Burial will follow in St. Augustine’s Cemetery, Silver Lake, PA. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Tom’s name to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.
Mary Matulewicz
Mary Matulewicz, 98 of West Corners, passed away Saturday July 25, 2020 at Ideal Senior Living Center. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Julia Matulewicz, five sisters and five brothers. Mary never married and is survived by many loving nieces and nephews whom she treated like they were her own children. Special thanks to the staff of Daisy Court at Ideal Senior Living Center who treated her so well. They will surely miss her singing. She was a member of St. Casimir’s Church, Endicott and its choir until its closing. She was a kind, sweet and generous person who will be dearly missed. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, August 10th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church 701 W. Main St. Endicott, NY. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Duryea, PA. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
Adelina (Addie) Walsh
A funeral mass for Adelina (Addie) Walsh will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, located at 300 Odell Ave. Endicott, NY. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at St. Anthony’s Church on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until the time of mass at 6:00 PM.
Mary Ann Hickey
Mary Ann Hickey, 80 of Binghamton, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Hickey, Jr.; her son, Joseph Hickey; her daughter, Kelly Hickey; her parents, Frank and Anna Kushner; her brothers, Michael and Robert Kushner. She is survived by her son, Mark Hickey; her granddaughter, Ashley Hickey; her sister, Anita Kaschak; her sister-in-law, Rita Kushner; and also several nieces and nephews.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and its choir. The family wishes to thank Elona Tordonato for the loving care and compassion shown to Mary Ann. There will be no funeral services. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church 1907 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY 13760.
Joseph Anthony Maerkl
Joseph Anthony Maerkl, age 94, of Endwell passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary, as well as two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by a brother, Daniel Maerkl (Alice), and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his son, Glenn Maerkl (Rose), Ocala FL, and daughter, Lorraine Hall, Oneonta NY, as well as grandchildren, Carolyn Smith (Greg) Tampa FL, Jonathan Maerkl (Serena), Jacksonville FL, great-grandchildren, Brayden, Spencer, and Lillian Maerkl, and Evan Smith.
Joseph went into the Navy after graduating from North High School in Binghamton and served in the Pacific during World War II. He worked at Vail Ballou Press for fifteen years before being hired by IBM, where he retired after 25 years of service. Joe was known as a kind and gentle family man with strong convictions, who also had a great sense of humor. He loved golf, coffee and was a fan of Tiger Woods and Dunkin’ Donuts. Even with declining health Joe never gave up. He will be sorely missed by many who loved him.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church 1907 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY
Vincent Albert Conti
Vincent Albert Conti, born May 10, 1991 and left us way too soon on July 15, 2020. Vincent is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Albert Conti, his maternal grandfather, George Allard, and maternal grandmother, Eleanor Hall-Allard. He leaves behind his grandmother Angelina Conti, his parents Brenda and Paul Conti, his brother Jessie and sister-in-law Stephanie, plus nieces Madison and Kilie, his brothers Cody, Nicholas and David as well as his sister Austyn and brother-in-law Colton Buck, in addition to a close circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Vinnie touched many lives and generously helped countless friends, family, and strangers. He paid incredible attention to detail, whether it was listening to his own heart, to someone else’s story, or cleaning a car interior. Vincent’s family will deeply miss his attentive love, compassion, reflections on life, and mischievous spirit. Although the loss of Vinnie is beyond heartbreaking, we are grateful for the hope he continues to give; Vincent is continuing life for others through his organ donations. He will be remembered annually for his love of fishing (and competition) by the Tioga County Anglers at the Vincent Conti Triple Threat Fishing Tournament. Funeral services will be held, Friday 6:00 PM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 PM until time of service at 6:00 PM. Donations honoring his life may be made to either the Audience of One Foundation www.ao1foundation.org or the Tioga County Boys and Girls Club 201 Erie St. Owego, NY 13827.
Robert “Bob” Kushner
Robert “Bob” Kushner, 92, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Rita, their children Kathy Buick, Kristine (Tim) Hovancik, grandchildren Kira (Wais), Bradly (Blair), Alyson (Josh) and their families, his sisters Anita and MaryAnn and several nieces, nephews and their families.
Bob was an outstanding athlete and avid golfer for 65+ years. He retired from Endicott Johnson after a lifelong career of 43 years. He was a devout Orthodox Christian and a member of Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott. He volunteered many hours pinching pierogi and making kolachki for the church fundraisers. Bob and Rita could always be found attending services during the week, at Saturday vespers, and for Sunday divine liturgy. The family would like to sincerely thank his primary care physician Dr. Gasparis, his UHS Home Care Team, especially his nurses Bridgette and Beth, his aides and therapists for their compassionate care and concern for him and Rita.
In memory of Bob, donations can be made to Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 200 Hill Ave, Endicott NY 13760. We will always love and miss you and hope you are enjoying a round of golf.
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Ottawa – Athanasios Fotiou
Ottawa – Athanasios Fotiou, 85, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children on Monday, July 13, 2020, after a seven-year battle with prostate cancer, one month shy of his 86thbirthday. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Lilian (Herciga) and his children Alexandra (Steven), Andrew, and Michael (Jessica), also by his beloved grandchildren Benjamin and Sophia who loved their Greek “Papou” so very much.
Born in Marathousa Greece, August 11, 1934, to Sophia and Spiridon Fotiou. He is the last of his three younger siblings. He endured much during and after WWII and during the Greek Civil War. He was an honored University Professor of Classics at Carleton University for over thirty years, receiving his Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati in 1967. He graduated from his beloved Anatolia College in Salonika Greece in 1954. His love of ancient Greek and Roman history was his forte. His stories of his life in Greece were legendary and inspired many students to see this wonderful place he so loved. He published numerous academic articles and a book, a historical rendering of the Nazi terror machine in Northern Greece during the time of his childhood. He went on a book tour in Athens in 2011 to celebrate this deeply personal accomplishment. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. He was an intelligent, literary gentleman. May his memory be eternal. “Sagapo” my dear husband.
A private family funeral service will take place Saturday, July 18th, 2020 at the Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Endicott, NY followed by interment at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Cemetery, where his wife’s family has a plot. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Prostate Cancer Canada or the Prostate Cancer Foundation (US) to help more men escape this dreadful disease.
Olga E. Krupanic
Olga E. Krupanic, 98 of Endicott, passed away Friday, July 10, 2020 at Ideal Nursing Center. She was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Anna Krupanic; her sister, Irene (Michael) Hiovich. She is survived by many loving cousins and friends. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Endicott. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of Ideal Nursing Center for their compassionate care during this difficult time.
Private funeral services were held and burial was in the parish cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church c/o Holy Spirit Church 360 Clinton St. Binghamton, NY 13905.
Paula Baron
Paula Baron, 69 of Binghamton, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020. She was predeceased by her parents, William & Olga (Dwornik) Baron, numerous Aunts & Uncles, and one special Aunt, Mary Ann Burgher. She is survived by her brother, Bill (Lynn) Baron and their children, Yule (Allison) & Katie, Cleveland, OH; her Achieve & Helen Street IRA family; her Aunt, Mary Dahulich; several cousins and one with whom she was closest and shared many memories, Sheila Jackson, who was also Paula’s “Guardian Angel” being Paula’s greatest Advocate.
Paula loved the Wizard of Oz, Elvis Presley, and The Sound of Music. She loved dogs, especially her childhood dog, Laddie, whom she never forgot. Paula brought great joy to those around her with her singing of several favorite songs and in reciting the Our Father. Paula was the essence of innocence, always so sweet, but on rare occasions could swear like a truck driver when she didn’t like something! It is with heartfelt gratitude that Paula’s family would like to thank the Achieve & Helen St. staff for the loving & compassionate care they provided to Paula, especially during the time of pandemic when Paula’s health had significantly declined. Special thanks & gratitude to Pastor Bob Gaska for faithfully visiting Paula twice a week to sing and pray with her and provide spiritual support. “The sky is a little brighter with its newest shining star.”
Graveside services will be held, Wednesday, July 8th, at 1:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Cemetery, Endwell. There will be no calling hours. For those wishing, donations in Paula’s memory can be made to ACHIEVE, 125 Cutler Pond Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905
Nicholas T. Rotondi
Nicholas T. Rotondi, 63, of Vestal, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, June 27, 2020, at his home. He was predeceased by his father, Michael D. Rotondi. He is survived by his mother, Concetta (Muscatello) Rotondi; his siblings, Bernadette (David) Brinsko, Michael (Heidi) Rotondi, Elisa (Jeff) Eaton; his nieces and nephews, Nicole Schrader, Kellie Musa, Tyler Eaton and Karleigh Eaton; his close friends, Fred Bomysoad, Todd Peters and Bob Larnerd, Sr.; also several aunts, uncles, great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.
For the last several years, Nick was the heart and soul of the Vestal Beverage and Redemption Center. Whether he was holding court, telling jokes, or just being Nick, he always made people laugh. He was an avid golfer and the life of every party. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. with Deacon Frank Longo, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m. PLEASE WEAR A MASK AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE ATTENDING.
Francis W. Callahan
Francis W. Callahan, 52 of Binghamton, died peacefully in his sleep, Saturday, June 27, 2020, at his home after struggling many years with Muscular Dystrophy. He was predeceased by his father, George Martinos; his grandparents, Anna and Andrew Ripic; his aunt, Shirley Miller; his uncle, David Ripic; his nephew, George Dunn. He is survived by his mother, Ann Marie Martinos; his step-sister, Michelle (Andy) Erecitano and their children, Sierra (Joe) Ackley, Paige Dunn (Sanel); his aunts and uncles, Andy and Bernie Ripic, Paul and Barbara Ripic, Ed and Judy Ripic, Dale Ripic, Sandy Ripic, Eileen Durish, Walter Callahan, John Callahan; his very special cousins, Debbie Cosner, Ann Carpenter, Mark Carpenter, Rene Contrera; his very special friend, Paul Dunn; also many other cousins.
He was a former employee of the IT Department at Rockwell Collins of Binghamton. Fran was a very caring, gentle, and loving person who would do anything for you. He will be very much missed by all who knew him. He touched many people with his kindness. His illness never changed him or his spirit. “I love you son”. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 7:00 PM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. Entombment will be in Riverhurst Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5:00 PM until the time of service at 7:00 PM. PLEASE WEAR A MASK AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE ATTENDING. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association 613 Fly Rd, #102 East Syracuse, NY, 13057.
Edward Adrian
Edward “Butch” Adrian, 82, of Johnson City, NY, and Endwell, NY passed away peacefully at Elizabeth Church Manor on June 25, 2020.
Born on October 14, 1937, to the late Edward and Stella Adrian in Scranton, PA, Butch was predeceased by his daughter, Maura. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan; his son Daniel and daughter- in- law Michelle; grandsons Cory (Mark) and Casey; and brother Dennis and sister- in- law Agnes. He graduated from the University of Scranton, served in the US Navy, and retired from the Federal Government after 33 years.
Butch was a man of faith, was kind and gentle, and spent a beloved and happy life. He was blessed with a wonderful family and many friends. He loved his winters spent down south and rooting for his favorite teams the New York Giants and the Red Sox. A special thank you for all the memories, prayers, cards, and phone calls from his college friends, his neighborhood golf buddies, and his “what’s trump” card club.
Although a piece of our hearts went with him, so too, will a piece of his be with us.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy House. Arrangements have been entrusted to Leon Pucedo Funeral Home.
Adelina (Addie) Alimonti Walsh
Adelina (Addie) Alimonti Walsh, 80, born and raised in, and a long-time resident of Endicott, New York, passed away on March 5th, 2020. Addie graduated from Union Endicott High School. She met her husband Joseph Francis Walsh while working at Endicott Johnson Corporation.
She loved her work in the healthcare industry; first for Dr. DiBella and then for the United Health Services Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Her later work, as an aide, in the Endicott Schools, kept her busy until her retirement to Florida and then California, where she lived with her daughters. Joe and Addie were very involved in sports throughout their years together. They were active in the Union Aquatic Club while their daughters swam in Amateur Athletic Union and Union Endicott High School Swim Teams. Their volunteer work continued in the Union Endicott Booster Club when their children graduated.
Weekly family meals and events at home were very often attended by their five girls, and Addie’s two brothers, three sisters and their spouses and her nephews. These traditions continued throughout Addie’s life. The large gatherings moved to their favorite local restaurants and the Sons of Italy. As grandchildren arrived, the attendees, the meals, and buffets grew. And, family activities kept them busy attending musical events, football, wrestling, hockey, baseball and traveling. Addie’s heart was always big enough to keep her friends and family around her and was always there to be a sister, mother, aunt, spouse, friend, seamstress, cook and baker. No celebration was complete without Addie’s additions to the buffet and her famous cheesecake, though this author’s favorite were her ricotta donuts which rival beignets.
Even in retirement her restaurant celebrations continued at her daughter’s East Coast Alice Restaurant where her cheesecake became infamous with locals and regulars. Asa, Los Gatos, was a favorite center of holiday celebrations for Addie, her friends and family. Her water aerobics classmates and friends enjoyed outings to local restaurants and distant casinos.
Addie passed on her latest jaunt to her favorite casino in Santa Rosa, CA, laughing and celebrating with her friends. She is dearly missed by all that survive her, and her cheesecake recipe is held in secret. Addie was predeceased by her son, Thomas Joseph Walsh, her husband, Joseph Francis Walsh, her parents Angelo Alimonti and Frances Errigo Alimonti and her brother, Joseph Alimonti.
She is survived by her daughters and their significant others Frances and Olvy Johnson, Patricia and Steve Daglio, Alice Walsh, Angela and John Schappert, Kathleen Walsh and Don McCarty. Her surviving grandchildren are Robert and Anthony Daglio; Carmen and Elena Johnson, Matthew, Patrick, Christina and Zachary Schappert. Addie is also survived by her siblings, their significant others: Rosalie and Joseph Decillis, Anthony Alimonti, Francine Alimonti Raffa, Angela Alimonti and Douglas Rutter, and Addie’s nephews Angelo Alimonti and Bernie Alimonti also survive her. Addie is survived by nieces and nephews in Massachusetts and Maryland: Pricilla Walsh Picardi-Haswell, John Paul Walsh, Mary Cotton, Alice Ostman, Thomas Dean, Alice E. and Robert T. O’Keefe.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 15th at 6:00 PM at St. Anthony of Padua Church 300 Odell Ave. Endicott, NY. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at St. Anthony’s Church on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until the time of Mass at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to Mercy House 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.
Ruth I. Breakwell Sebesta
Ruth I. Breakwell Sebesta of Endicott died on June 14th. Ruth enjoyed 94 years of fabulousness. She was predeceased by her adoring husband Victor J. Sebesta, her parents Franklin and Rachel Breakwell, brother Robert, and sisters Doris McGrath, Phyllis Crea, and Maryjane Roe. She is survived by her daughter Vicki (Joe), and son John Eric (Bill), her grandchildren Alexia (Jason), Jordan (Colleen), and Joel (Bri), and her great-grandchildren Reagan, Reilly, Samuel, Jameson Miller, and Ava Jo and Ella Patch.
Ruth was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Endicott, NY. She retired from the New York Telephone Company after 25 years of service and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Bambi, as her grandchildren called her, never missed their activities…. sports, dance, music… always cheering them on. She loved to travel, but most of all, she loved the ringing of a winning slot machine. Casinos were her passion. Her family would like to thank Pamela Drum for her years of loving care for Ruth, and Marsha Antalek, her neighbor and longtime dear friend. We will all miss her wit and sassy spirit.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, 10:00 AM, at St. Joseph’s Church 207 Hayes Ave. Endicott, NY. Entombment will follow in Riverhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. Joseph’s Church on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 10:00 AM. Please note that social distancing protocols and MASKS will be required. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to create a “quiet place” in her honor at her grandson’s Animal Adventure Park. Send to: Animal Adventure Park Attn. Ruth’s Place 1250 Front Street, # 219 Binghamton, NY 13901 OR - St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105-9959
Eileen Cocci
Eileen Cocci of Endicott passed away June 11, 2020, following a brief illness. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. Services will be held privately at a later date and she will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery, Candor, NY, at the convenience of the family
Mary Leskow
Mary Leskow, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 9, 2020, after a long illness. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 72 years, John Leskow. Together they had four beautiful children, Donna (Luigi) Fata, Gary (Susan), Mary Kay (Tom), Thomas (Amy). She was a loving grandma to six grandchildren, Travis (Kristen) Fata, Nicholas (Jenna) Fata, Kristen (Casey) Coons, Justin (Ali) Leskow, Aaron Leskow, Hannah Leskow. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Maximus, Lillian, Nico and Nina Fata, Henry John Coons. Mary is also survived by her younger sisters, Helen Hlopko and Anne Beach, who she loved dearly; her sister-in-law, Julia Hall; daughter-in-law, Diane Leskow; nieces and nephews, Dave (Anne) Leskow, Jim Hall, Lori (Bill) Baynes, Sharon (John) Castelli, Marci Beach, Jerry (Jane) Hlopko, James Hlopko, Vickie (John) Griffen, Michael (Heather) Vanca; also a special cousin, Vera (John) Mancini; special friend and traveling companion, Melinda Smith; as well as several great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Mary Vanca; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Beach, Gerald Hlopko, George (Mildred) Vanca, George (Nellie) Leskow, Warren Hall; nephews, Brian and Jeff Hall.
Mary was a 25-year employee at the Town of Union, where she was jokingly known to her co-workers as “Mary of the sewers”. Mary was born in Czechoslovakia and moved to this country as a little girl. Growing up, she was an active member of St. Michael’s Church, Binghamton, and, more recently, was an active member of The Church of the Holy Family, Endwell. She first met her husband, John, at the tender age of thirteen, where John professed that he would “marry her someday.” Their “courtship” lasted several years and she became John’s loving wife on July 24, 1948. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who loved her family unconditionally. She was a loving example of her faith and hard work. She loved to cook and made the best pierogies, holupki, and kolaczki you could ever have!! She was always there for her family. She was tireless when it came to doing things for her family and friends. She loved driving her kids anywhere they needed to go, whether it be to school, sporting events, or other occasions. She lived a “rich” life that was always full of family, friends, picnics, and parties. Her “popcorn bowl” was always full as well as her “big white purse” that she proudly carried with her where ever she would go. She loved to shop, loved her high heels, and kept up with the latest fashions. She loved flowers and gardening. She was an avid bowler. Throughout the years, she enjoyed going to casinos with her husband, John, and close family members and friends. Friends often joked that she walked out with more money than she went in with! She was a lucky lady indeed, but luckier yet was anyone that got to know Mary. She was a beautiful soul with a beautiful spirit. She left an amazing legacy. She will be deeply missed and loved forever.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the loving and compassionate staff of Willow Point Nursing Home, who went above and beyond for Mary, also to Dr. Mark Corey and his entire staff at the Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, PA. Thank you to our friends and family, who kept Mary close in their thoughts and prayers. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, 11:00 AM, at The Church of the Holy Family 3600 Phyllis St. Endwell. Entombment will follow in Riverhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Please wear a mask and practice Social Distancing. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Leskow may be made to Catholic Charities of Broome County or The Church of the Holy Family. “Fly High, Mom. You are now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord!”.
Jack Augustine Cook
In the early morning of the Strawberry Eclipse on June 5, 2020, Jack Augustine Cook, writer, prisoner, pipe-smoker, anarchist, Propagandist for Peace, theater director, husband, father, brother, uncle, son, grandfather, in-law, and loyal friend, removed his boots at age 80. Jack was born in Brooklyn to Helen Mulligan and William Cook. He also lived in Buffalo, NY, Bloomfield, NJ, and Palmerton, PA before attending King’s College. In the sixties, he taught at Hobart William-Smith College, where he counseled students about being conscientious objectors. When he received his own induction card, rather than use a teacher’s deferment, he quit and joined the Catholic Worker in New York City.
At the Catholic Worker he collaborated closely with Dorothy Day, wrote for and edited the newspaper, served soup, organized the donation closet, and was active in the Peace Movement. He and his first wife were married by Daniel Berrigan in the CW soup kitchen, where Jack was later arrested. He served two years in prison for refusing induction, where he also spent time in solitary for leading protests and hunger strikes. While still incarcerated, his son Shannon was born in 1969. A toast to his birth is in Jack’s prison memoirs, Rags of Time: A Season in Prison. After prison, Jack started over at a lumber mill in Spencer, New York. In 1980, he met his wife of 40 years, Ellen Conti, who gave birth to his daughter and “the revolution of his forties”, Cynthia, in 1981. They lived together above Conti Jewelers in downtown Owego for 30 years. Jack finished his graduate studies at Cornell, raised Cynthia, and gave her a political education that influenced her legal career dedicated to anti-racism and fighting state violence. Jack also worked at Conti Jewelers, expertly engraving many loving messages onto bracelets and baby cups. From his final resting place in Endwell, he wrote over 20 books about politics, state violence, his experience in prison, and the wildlife outside his window. His papers will be archived at Marquette University.
His last 17 days were spent at home cared for by Ellen, Cynthia, his son-in-law, Jesse Martin, along with his son, Shannon, his grandson, Zeno, his granddaughter Charis, his nephew, Gavin, his nephew’s son Jack, his nephew Nick, as well as many visits (live and virtual) with his brothers Bill and Donny, his nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law Angie, and his lifelong friends from Owego, the Catholic Worker, and prison. In his last days, he drank, smoked, enjoyed the company of guests, listened to family reading Moby Dick, watched Waiting for Godot, listened to folk music and Gregorian chants, ravaged a lemon meringue pie, and rejoiced in the rage of anti-racism protesters. Jack was cremated and his ashes will be stored in his tobacco tins until his family and friends can gather to usher him into the unbound realm by way of Cayuga Lake. To honor Jack’s memory, donations may be made to Ti-Ahwaga Players, the Tioga County Rural Ministries, or the Catholic Worker.