Obituaries 2026
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Patricia Starr
October 31, 1956 May 25, 2026 
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Canajoharie – Patricia Starr, most recently of Canajoharie, New York and previously a longtime resident of Wakefield, MA, passed away on Monday May 25, 2026, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She was 69.
Born in Melrose, MA on October 31, 1956, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Good) Starr. Following high school, Patricia earned an associate degree in retail merchandising from Northern Essex Community College in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. She later opened Starr’s Gift Shop in Wakefield Center, Massachusetts, a business she built with great pride. The shop quickly became successful, and she continued to own and operate it until illness led to her retirement in 2001. Patricia was a longtime member of Most Blessed Sacrament in Wakefield and later attended St. Thomas the Apostle in Cherry Valley, New York. She will also be remembered for her love of animals and her kindness toward those in need. Patricia is survived by her brother and best friend, John Starr of Canajoharie and formerly of Wakefield, Massachusetts; her sisters, Donna Fratto ( Bob) of North Carolina and Carol Willett (Greg) of Wakefield, MA; her nephew and caregiver, Patrick Sullivan (Jennifer) of Rocks Village, Massachusetts, and Sharon Springs, New York; and eight other nieces and nephews: Genessa Devine, Cara Stephenson, Lisa Boyles, Katherine and Sean Willett, and Joseph, Michael, and John Starr. She was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and Joseph. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 6, at Most Blessed Sacrament in Wakefield, MA Memorial contributions may be directed to MSPCA-ANGELL, kindness and care for animals, online at https://www.mspca.org/ Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs, New York. |
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George Slater
June 30, 1940 April 12, 2026 
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Sharon Springs: George Slater, a lifelong resident of Sharon Springs, died on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his residence. He was 85.
Born on June 30, 1940, in the town of Sharon, he was the son of the late Peter and Emmaline (Nethaway) Slater. George attended Sharon Springs Central School and would later earn a GED. He married his wife, Geraldine Colvin, on March 22, 1959. She passed on August 22, 1992. George earned the affectionate nickname the “Suspender Man” because he wore suspenders daily for most of his life. He dedicated over forty years as Superintendent of Public Works for the Village of Sharon Springs. Known as a jack-of -all trades type person, George’s diverse skill set was invaluable to the village, as he would keep everything working around the clock. Among the plows, his favorite was the old Oshkosh—it could clear the side streets in just one pass. Survivors include two daughters; Paula Slater-Hurd of Sloansville, and Carla Walker of Schoharie; two sisters; Rose Mary Butler of Independence, Missouri, and Roxanna Eckerson of Mayfield; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Donna L. Walker in 2002, a great granddaughter, Sara Rose Walker in 2004, and five siblings; Harry, Howard, Thomas, Harriet, and Lula. A service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling will be from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service. Interment will follow in Slate Hill Cemetery. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Joyce, JoAnn, and Cindy for their care, kindness, and support. Contributions may be directed to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Fire Department, POB 336, Sharon Springs NY 13459. |
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Joan Jozifek
May 3, 1930 March 13, 2026 
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Sharon Springs: Joan Jozifek, nee Romulus, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1978 and previously of Massapequa, died on Friday March 13, 2026, at Palatine Nursing Home. She was 95.
Born on May 3, 1930, in Kingston (Ulster County) she was the daughter of the late John and Mildred (Kolts) Romulus. She graduated from Malone Central School (Franklin County) and would later earn a bachelor’s degree in English from the former NYS Teacher’s College (now SUNY Albany). She taught English and Latin at several school districts, directed Christian Education at St. David’s Lutheran in Massapequa and locally served as Sharon Springs Village clerk and treasurer for twenty years, including six as trustee. She was a trustee of the Sharon Springs Free Library for twenty-eight years, serving as treasurer for twenty. Notably, she was a force behind integrating the library budget into the town tax bill. In addition to her key roles at the library, she served on the steering committee which oversaw the transition of the closed Sharon Lanes Bowling Alley into the municipal building for the town. She was also a member the 20th Century Club, the former St. Matthew’s Lutheran Chapel, and the County Rural Preservation Corp. She married her husband, Walter Jozifek, on March 2, 1957. He passed in 2012. Survivors include two sons, Tom Jozifek (Lynn) of Sharon Springs, and John Jozifek of Fairbanks, AK; a daughter, Debbie Norton (Chris) of Houston, TX; three grandchildren; Matthew Jozifek, Erin Gates, and Nick Norton; and two great grandchildren, Benji and Lucie Gates. A service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 23, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling will be from 5:00 to 6:00 prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date in Sharon Cemetery. Contributions may be directed to the Sharon Springs Free Library, POB 29, Sharon Springs NY 13459. |
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Lula Chase
December 28, 1934 March 7, 2026 
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Sharon Springs: Lula Chase, a longtime resident of Sharon Springs and previously of New Smyrna Beach, FL, died on Saturday March 7, 2026, at her residence. She was 91.
Born in the town of Sharon on December 28, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Emmaline (Nethaway) Slater. Lula attended Sharon Springs Central School. Much later, she earned her GED and then would continue her studies for a brief period at SUNY Cobleskill. During her years in the local community, she was employed at the Yardstick and Vijaya’s Clothing Boutique, both in Cobleskill. Following her move to Florida around 1991, she worked as a housekeeper and an airport transportation services provider. Lula was an active member of the Dorloo Methodist Church and Zion Lutheran Church in Seward. In Florida, she joined Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Seward Historical Society. Lula enjoyed crafts, especially sewing and ceramics, yard sales, reading books, and solving crossword puzzles. Lula not only participated in local bowling leagues at the former Sharon Lanes in Sharon Springs and Cobleskill Bowling Center, but she also taught newcomers as well. She married her husband, Robert J. Chase, on August 9, 1952. He passed in 1990. Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Larry) Salisbury of Seward, Martha Young of Richmondville; two sisters, Rose Mary Butler of Independence, Missouri, and Roxanna (Arnold) Eckerson of Mayfield; a brother, George Slater of Sharon Springs; three grandchildren, Rodney, Kimberly, and Ryan; four great grandchildren, Shane, Justin, Cortney, and Raegan; three great-great grandchildren, Carter, Lucas, and Henry; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be scheduled in Seward Valley Cemetery for a date to be determined in the Summer of 2026. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs, NY 13459 Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Edwina Candidus
April 28, 1949 January 31, 2026 |
Palatine: Edwina Candidus, a resident of the town of Palatine since 2001, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Albany Medical Center Hospital. She was 76.
Born in Staten Island on April 28, 1949, she was the daughter of the late John and Jewell (Edwards) Schattie. She owned and managed EDMAR Farms, a horse and hay operation located on H Gray Road in Palatine for several years. Previously, she was employed as an analyst at AT&T Systems in Boston and subsequently performed her duties remotely from home. Survivors include a longtime partner, Martin Glaviano of Nelliston; a son, Michael Schattie of Lake Worth, FL; a stepson, Martin Glaviano of Nelliston; a sister, Glenda Schattie of Port St. Lucie, FL; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, John Schattie. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a date to be determined in the Spring of 2026. Details to follow on Martin’s Facebook page. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Montgomery County SPCA, 1232 State Highway 5S, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Glenn Larkin
June 6, 1961 February 9, 2026 
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Schenectady — Glenn Larkin, a longtime resident of Sharon Springs and most recently of Colonie, died on February 9, 2026, at the Schenectady Nursing Center in the city. He was 64.
Born in Cooperstown on June 6, 1961, he was the son of the late Edwin and Virginia (Haner) Larkin. Glenn was raised on his family's dairy farm, performing daily chores before and after school until graduating from Sharon Springs Central School in 1979. He subsequently served in the Army from 1983 to 1989. Following his military service, Glenn worked locally as a milk truck driver for Charles Eaves and Rydell Trucking, later advancing his career with positions at Shaw Industries and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in Glenmont. He remained employed with Air Products until he retired in 2023 due to illness. Glenn enjoyed playing ping pong, basketball, and bowling for recreation and league play at the former Sharon Lanes. He was also an avid sports fan, following both the Yankees and the New England Patriots. Survivors include his daughter Breanne of Culpepper, VA; two sons, Tyler of Sharon Springs and Matthew of Marriottsville, MD; a brother Shane of Mechanicville; two sisters, Valerie Becker of Cobleskill, and Melanie Ray of Richfield Springs; and six grandchildren. Burial will be held at a later date in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org or by mail to National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue., Dallas, TX 75231. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Melanie K. Wilday
August 10, 1965 February 2, 2026 
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Sharon Springs: Melanie K. Wilday, a longtime resident of Sharon Springs and previously from Ames, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Cobleskill Regional Hospital. She was 60.
Born in Cobleskill on August 10, 1965, she’s the daughter of Kay Wilday and the late Richard Wilday. She graduated from Canajoharie High School in 1983 and went on to attend Wells College in Aurora, NY. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wells in 1987, followed by a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1990. She worked at Haviland, Ferguson & Papa law firm in Gloversville and later opened a law office in their home. She also served as a bookkeeper for Sharon Hill Garage. She authored essays and short novels as a personal pursuit and maintained a strong interest in literature. She enjoyed taking walks with her dogs alongside her partner, John. She is survived by her partner of thirty-three years, John Rodden Jr of Sharon Springs; her mother, Kay Wilday of Ames; two sisters, Stephanie Leavitt (John) of Carlisle and Amy Booth (Scott) of Sprakers; a brother, Rick Wilday (Tammy) of Colonie; several nieces and nephews; and a great niece. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 12 noon to 2:00 PM at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Memorial contributions can be directed to Spina Bifida of Scotia, NY either online at sbanys.org or by mail to 133 Saratoga Road, Professional Building #4, Scotia, NY 12302. These donations are made in honor of her great niece, Addilyn Brown, and in memory of Melanie Wilday. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Logan Pomella
April 20, 1936 January 17, 2026 
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Sharon Springs: Logan Pomella (89), a life-long resident of Sharon Springs, NY passed away January 17, 2026, at Albany Medical Center. Logan was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and SUNY Cobleskill. Best known as a local business figure and pilot, Logan owned and ran Sharon Airpark Inc, an airstrip located in Sharon Center. He began his passion for aviation at the age of fifteen and took his first solo flight at sixteen. Over the course of his life, Logan had a passion for both photography and aviation. Logan served as photographer for the Air National Guard Reserves for over thirty years. He worked full-time for and retired from the State of New York Economic Development, working on the “I Love New York” campaign as a photographer and radio spot voiceover. In addition, he had his own private photography business. Logan retired at the age of fifty-five to solely manage Sharon Airpark for his remaining years. In his spare time Logan was an active member of the local & county bowling leagues. He was a yearly donator and supporter of the local rescue squads and fire departments.
Logan Pomella was the son of Floyd and Beatrice Pomella of Sharon Springs NY. He is survived by his brother Bruce Pomella and by his sister Gwen Gillings-Smith as well as four nieces and nephews, plus five grand nieces and nephews. Logan will be buried alongside his mother and father in the Fort Plain Cemetery later this Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 336, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, or to the Ames Fire Department, or to a local rescue squad. Ames Fire Department: 595 Latimer Hill Road, Canajoharie, NY 13317 Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
