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Donald Harding
July 11, 1933 October 15, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Donald Harding, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1973, and previously of Long Island, passed away on October 15, 2025, at his residence. He was 92.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 11, 1933, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Mildred A. (Tweeddale) Harding. Don served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, then attended Hofstra University, earning a bachelor's degree in political science. He met Dorothy Hollely there, and they married soon after graduation on August 16, 1958. Don built his own business on Long Island in the 1960’s to early 70’s, South Shore Home Delivery, distributing area newspapers in Suffolk County. After moving to Sharon Springs, he again built a business, establishing a used car shop with a partner in Sloansville. He later served as principal for two area Christian schools, the first being Open Bible Christian Academy in Mineral Springs, followed by that at Schoharie Valley Gospel Church in Sloansville. He was subsequently employed at Sharon Springs Central School, working in the distance learning lab and as an assistant librarian, eventually retiring from the district in 2014, at the age of 81. Don valued his relationships and interactions with his spiritual family and his students throughout his career. Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Dorothy Harding; two daughters, Barbara Andersen (Steven) of Sharon Springs, and Alyson Wallace of Waterbury, CT; a sister, Ethel Harding of Oregon; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother; Alfred Harding, and a son-in-law, Walter Wallace. Calling hours will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Private inurnment will follow in Sharon Cemetery Association. Memorial contributions may be made to The Joshua Project, PO Box 413, Middleburgh, NY 12122. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Roger Winnie
November 22, 1958 August 24, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Roger Winnie, a lifelong resident of Sharon Springs, died on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He was 66.
Born in Cooperstown on November 22, 1958, he was the son of the late Virgil and Marion (Jackson) Winnie. Roger was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central School. While growing up, Roger worked on the family dairy farm and V. Winnie and Sons, a chainsaw sales and service business. Both were located on Engleville Road. After high school, he would continue working for the family businesses, but eventually he would work thirty years as a union laborer for Jersen Construction Group in Schenectady, retiring around 2022. Roger retired from V. Winnie and Sons last month due to illness. His pastimes included attending regional woodsman chainsaw competitions and following Nascar, the Yankees, and the Giants. Survivors include a daughter, Erika Oksa; three brothers, Michael, Christopher, and Chuck; a sister, Terry; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Sandy, in 2021. A service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, State Route 10, Ames. Calling will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Ames Cemetery. A reception will follow the interment back at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Stephen Schilde
January 14, 1956 August 6, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Stephen Schilde, a lifelong resident of Sharon Springs, passed away on August 6, 2025, at his residence. He was 69.
Born in Albany on January 14, 1956, he was the son of the late Milton O. and Jennie (Spruit) Schilde After earning a degree in agriculture from Cornell University, Steve purchased Sharon Orchards, which he owned from 1978 until its closure in the fall of 2024. Throughout the years, his wife Donna Hamm was an integral part of the business, working alongside Stephen at the orchard from 1981 until her passing in December 2018. Steve and Donna first crossed paths in 1981 while both worked at the former Scotch Valley ski resort in Stamford, NY—Steve as a ski instructor and Donna in the base lodge. Their shared commitment and partnership led them to marry on July 13, 1985. In addition to his work at the orchard, Steve spent many winters as a ski instructor at Sugarbush resort in Warren, VT. His pastimes were vacationing on Cape Cod, boating, skiing, and fishing. Survivors include a son, Mark Schilde-Mayorga of Los Angeles; a sister, Evelyn Schilde Ambrose of Ventura, CA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son; Ethan Samuel Schilde in June 2023; and four siblings, Milton, Betty, Lois, and Tommy. Inurnment will be at a later date in Sharon Cemetery Association. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church, POB 252, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Robert Ihrig
August 21, 1945 August 17, 2025 
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Cobleskill– Robert ‘Poncho’ Ihrig, a resident of Cobleskill since 1967, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday August 17, 2025, at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He was 79.
Born in Oceanside Long Island on August 21, 1945, he was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Glickston) Ihrig. During his youth on Long Island, he enjoyed vacationing with his family at Lake Rescue, VT, walking the beach with his dad and his pet dog, Skipper, and working summers parking cars at Jones Beach, where he saw his first concert, the Beach Boys. Bob was a 1963 graduate of Oceanside High School and continued his education in Massachusetts at Springfield College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education in 1967. While at Springfield, he was a member of the lacrosse team, and a brief member of the baseball team, where the coach, in the first season, suggested that maybe he should try wrestling. He always thanked that coach for being the one that helped him discover his passion for wrestling. Hence ‘Poncho’ was born. Bob would move to Cobleskill in 1967, joining roommates Charlie Cobb and John Jarvis. He started teaching physical education at Cobleskill Central School district, then known as the Red Devils. He would also coach soccer, track and cross country, softball, and his beloved wrestling. During his coaching career, he received numerous awards, had a youth wrestling tournament named after him, and left people in stitches with his famous “scandal sheets.” He retired in 2004 but remained as a wrestling coach for the CRCS Bulldogs until 2015. He remained a dedicated wrestling fan until 2024, where he would frequent matches with close friend and coach, Kenny Bono. His pastimes included; riding his beloved Harley, vacationing at the beach, camping, and spending summers painting with a ‘motley crew’ of teachers. He was also active with local dog rescue organizations. Survivors include his wife, Heidi (Ihrig) Brinkman of Cobleskill, a daughter, Nichole Cordon of Holliston, MA; a stepson, David Brinkman (Shayna) of Cobleskill; a brother, Richard Ihrig of Newburgh, NY; two grandchildren, Kyle and Kaitlyn Cordon, also of Holliston; and his numerous wrestling ‘sons.’ Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Bob’s cremains will be scattered off Jones Beach. A celebration of life will be held at the Cobleskill Country Club on Sunday, September 7th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Catskills Humane Society, POB 88, Delhi, NY 13753 or to the Montgomery County SPCA, 1232 NY-5S, Amsterdam, NY12010. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Carlisle – Carl Ilowiecki, who was loved and respected by all who knew him, peacefully passed away after a short illness at Albany Medical Center on Saturday July 12, 2025. He was 89.
Born in Cobleskill on October 14, 1935, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Usyk) Ilowiecki. Carl worked on a dredge in Florida, an occupation that suited his love for adventure. He then served in the US ARMY in Hawaii from 1958 to 1960. He received an Honorable Discharge. Carl returned to upstate New York where he became a self-employed logger and dairy farmer with a special talent in mechanics and carpentry. Carl held a deep respect and love for wildlife, domestic animals and Gods natural world. He retired from farming in 2018, but he never retired from cherishing every moment he was granted. He continued his love for growing things by tending vegetable and flower gardens. He married Lillian Piccolo on June 27, 1981. She passed on September 11, 2024. Survivors include a son, Richard Iloweicki of IN; a daughter, Annette Iloweicki of VA; six sisters, Jean Contois of FL, Wanda Ilowiecki of NY, Maryann Ilowiecki of NH, Betty Barlow of VA, Katherine Ilowiecki of MA, and Anna Collins of TN; six nieces; and seven nephews. Carl was grateful to the family members, friends, and everyone who provided him with extra care and assistance during the last year of his life. Family and friends will be invited to a celebration of life at a date TBD this fall. Memorial contributions may be made to Susquehanna SPCA PO Box 267, Cooperstown NY13326 (https://www.sqspca.org/support/#donate-to-sqspca) or a charity that aligns with Carl’s love for preserving nature and wildlife. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, 113 Park Street, Sharon Springs, NY. |
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Philip E. Snyder
March 1. 1952 July 2, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Philip E. Snyder, a longtime resident of Sharon Springs, passed away of a short illness on Wednesday July 2, 2025, at his residence. He was 73.
Born in Queens on March 1, 1952, he was the son of the late Philip F. and Gloria (Gress) Snyder. Phil was a union carpenter primarily working for McGrain Woodworking in the New York City area. He was a member of the Sharon Historical Society. Philip was married on July 2, 1994, to Sharon McInerney. She passed on March 14, 2016. Survivors include two daughters; Anne (Jim) Hogan of Worcester, and Trista Snyder of Sharon Springs; a son, Jesse Snyder of Albany; a former wife, Gloria Power of Sharon Springs; a son-in-law, Brett Richardson; and five grandsons, Conor, Owen, Aidan, and Brian Hogan, and Jack Richardson. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday July 19, 2025, at Lappeus Funeral Home, 113 Park Street, Sharon Springs. Calling hours will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service. A reception will follow the service at the residence on Mill Pond Road, town of Sharon. Memorial contributions may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820. |
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Peter Cozzolino
October 14, 1934 - May 20, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Peter Cozzolino, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1986 and previously of New York City and Englewood, New Jersey, died at his residence on Tuesday May 20, 2025. He was 90.
Born in Harrison (Westchester County) on October 14, 1934, he was the son of the late Vincent P. and Theresa Marie (Scarangello) Cozzolino. Peter graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s in Commercial Illustration and trained as a medical illustrator. After college, he served in the US Army and then toured Italy on his own for a year to study that country’s art and architecture. Subsequently, he moved to Manhattan, where he worked as an artist and interacted with people in the visual and performing arts. His figurative bronze sculptures, most with classical themes, were represented in many private collections. He also sculpted and painted highly accurate original miniatures, including circus animals and carousel figures, that were sold in limited editions. Later, he moved to New Jersey and, always community minded, he co-founded the Old Church Cultural Center and School of Art in Demarest in 1974 (now The Art School at Old Church.) In 1986, he created a sculpture that became the Griffin Award from the John Harms Center for the Arts (now BergenPac) in Englewood. In 1984, his work pivoted to painting interior murals in public and private spaces, including the homes of celebrities in East Hampton, Manhattan, and Los Angeles. One of his last murals, depicting life in a 19th century Erie Canal village, was painted on an exterior wall in Fort Plains, New York. In 1986, he became a part-time resident of Sharon Springs and eventually moved there full time and opened Chartwell Studios in the village with his life partner of 45 years, the late Marguerite MacFarlane (July 26, 2013). Chartwell focused on fine and decorative arts, including teaching. Peter studied piano for eight years during his youth, collected old pianos in his older years, and was an inveterate punster. He served on the local zoning board and was a member of both the Sharon Historical Society and the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include many nieces and nephews, as well as several close friends in the village and beyond. He was predeceased by his four brothers: Robert and Vincent Sollitto and Anthony and Stanley Cozzolino. A Celebration of Life will be held locally at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, P.O. Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Jonathan M. Winnie
May 2, 1992 - May 15, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Jonathan M. Winnie, a longtime resident of Sharon Springs and most recently of Schenectady, died unexpectedly in the city on Thursday May 15, 2025. He was 33.
Born in Cobleskill on May 2, 1992, he was the son of Christopher Winnie and Sheila Edwards, both parents survive. Johnathan was a 2010 graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and had lettered in the varsity soccer program. His work history included Barber’s Farm in West Fulton, Weitsman Upstate Shredding and Recycling in Albany, and as a part owner of the former Greenwich Bottle Redemption Center. His pastimes were soccer and listening to rap music. Survivors include his parents, Christopher Winnie, and stepmother, Luz, both of Nassau (Rensselaer County), and Sheila Edwards of Watertown; a brother, Skylar Winnie of Nassau; five adopted siblings, Macus, Taylor, Kalajae, Elijah, and Alexandria; and seven aunts and uncles; Corrine, Terry, Roger, Michael, Chuck, Wesley, and Allen. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 23 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 7274 State Route 10, Ames, NY. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Susan B. Eichler
April 24, 1957 April 30, 2025 
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Charlotteville – Susan Eichler, nee Stilson, passed away of a short illness on Wednesday, April 30, at Mary Imogene Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. She was 68.
Born in Sidney (Otsego County) on April 24, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Dolores (Curry) Stilson. Susan had been a resident of Charlotteville since 1993 and was previously a resident of Worcester, NY. She married her husband, William Eichler Jr., on March 3, 1988. He passed on December 20, 1992. Survivors include her partner of twenty-two years, Johnny Chase of Charlotteville; four sons, Danny Harrington of Sharon Springs, Ronald Harrington III of Missouri, Andrew Chase of Charlotteville, and John Michael Chase of Missouri; a daughter, Sue Barneycastle of Pittsburgh, PA; two brothers, David and Bruce Stilson; a sister, Becky Palmeter; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by three siblings: Raymond Jr., Gina, and Connie. Calling hours will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 AM on Saturday May 10, 2025, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. A reception will follow the calling at the Charlotteville Fire Department, 634 Charlotte Valley Road, Charlotteville, NY. |
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John Danaher III
September 10, 1947 April 7, 2025 
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Seward – John Danaher III, a resident of Seward since 2007 and previously of Schuylerville, passed away at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady on Monday, April 7, 2025. He was 77.
Born in Troy on September 10, 1947, he was the son of the late James and Marion (Foley) Danaher Sr. John worked at General Electric in Schenectady for forty years, starting as a welder and later as a machinist, retiring in 2009. After GE, he worked for the Town of Seward Highway Department. John was a veteran of the US Army. He served as a motor pool mechanic during the Vietnam War, repairing tanks. In retirement, he rode his motorcycle on road trips, touring the local countryside and attending events such as Americade in Lake George and visiting the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. Survivors include his longtime partner, Deb of Seward, four daughters; Ruthann Danaher, Amber Danaher, Jennifer Danaher, and Tiffany (Chris) Smith; a sister, Mickie Danaher; eleven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two siblings: James Danaher Jr., and Maureen Danaher. A service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday April 12, 2025, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling hours will be from 1:00 to 3:00 prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date in Cobleskill Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187, or to the American Legion Post 1269, POB 273, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. |
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Vernon Kennedy Sr.
October 15, 1951 February 24, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Vernon Kennedy Sr., a longtime resident of Sharon Springs, passed away at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown on Monday February 24, 2025. He was 73.
Born in Schenectady on October 15, 1951, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Christina (Effner) Kennedy. His wife of fifty-four years (October 18, 1969), nee Dayle Chase, passed away on December 21, 2023. Vern worked for the Blenheim-Gilboa NYPA, Mohawk Farms in Canajoharie, and approximately twenty-five years as a carpenter for Harvest Homes in Delanson, retiring in 2013. In retirement, he enjoyed time with his family, hunting, fishing, bird watching, auctions, county fairs, and enjoying the company of his beloved dog, Emma. Survivors include three children, Lisa Brykailo (Rob), Adam Kennedy, and Vernon Kennedy Jr. (Kim), all of Sharon Springs; a brother, Mitchell Kennedy of Montana; four grandchildren, Vernon Kennedy III, Jacob Kennedy, Kendra Jasewicz, and Robert J. Brykailo; and four great grandchildren, Maxwell, Kolton, Kaleb, and Mason. He was predeceased by two siblings, Kim Sawyer, and Kevin Kennedy. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday February 28, 2025, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Inurnment will be at a later date in Ames Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 154, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. |
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Harold Hall
February 7, 1936 Friday February 14, 2025 
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Sharon Springs – Harold Hall, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1966 and previously of Franklin, NY (Delaware County), passed away peacefully at home on Friday February 14, 2025. He was 89.
Born in Franklin on February 7, 1936, he was the son of the late Stewart and Olive (McClintock) Hall. While growing up in Franklin, Harold worked on the family run dairy farm for many years. In 1966, he would purchase a dairy farm in Sharon Springs on Staleyville Road. Later, he sold the Staleyville Road farm and worked briefly for Hayner Bros. Inc. in Cherry Valley. He missed farming and he decided to buy another dairy farm on Gilberts Corners Road. After retiring from the farm, he kept busy working for his children at John’s goat farm, at Shirley’s Restaurant, and at the Stonehouse Farm Sap House. Harold co-founded the Sharon Springs Central School Booster Club and was a dedicated sports fan, regularly attending school events, especially those involving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife of sixty-five years (August 4, 1956), nee Barbara Herklotz, passed away on April 22, 2021. Survivors include four daughters; Shirley Hall-Garner of Richmondville, Jean Yaro, Patti (Tim) Everett, and Linda (Daryl) Bartlett, all of Sharon Springs, a son, John Hall of Sharon Springs; five grandchildren, Jason, Randi, Amy, Zachary, and Jacob; and eleven great grandchildren, Thomas, Devin, Maya, Kaden, Mason, Bella, Raelyn, Wyatt, Samuel, Rhett, and Emma. He was predeceased by three brothers, Everett, Floyd, and Alton. A service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday February 22, 2025, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 4:00 prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date in Slate Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 154, or to the Sharon Springs Booster Club, PO Box 218, both Sharon Springs, NY 13459. |
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Lori Nolfo
January 7, 1943 February 2, 2025 |
Sharon Springs – Lori Nolfo, nee Volk, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1989 and previously of Fort Salonga NY (Suffolk County), died on February 2, 2025, at her residence. She was 82.
Born in the Bronx on January 7, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Helen (Keppie) Volk. Lori graduated from Wilson Tech in Huntington, NY with a nursing degree and would work at Huntington Hospital for many years. She was a longtime communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Cherry Valley. Her local memberships included the Red Hat Society, 20th Century Club and Sharon Historical Society. Her husband of forty years, Ron Nolfo, died on October 5, 2011. Survivors include a daughter, Helen Bekert of Sharon Springs, a son, Robert Fusaro of Cape Coral, Fl; and a granddaughter, Erin Bekert of Canajoharie. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Sharon Cemetery, 346 Highway Route 20, town of Sharon. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105; or online at stjude.org Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
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Carl Walther Jr.
March 4, 1941 January 19, 2025 
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Carl Walther Jr., a longtime resident of Sharon Springs, died at Albany Medical Center Hospital on Sunday, January 19, 2025. He was 83.
Born in Long Branch, New Jersey on March 4, 1941, he was the son of the late Carl and Adrienne (Capdeville) Walther Sr. Carl was a 1960 graduate of Greenwich Central School and a veteran of the United States Air Force. While in Schoharie County, he worked in the audio/visual department at SUNY Cobleskill for twenty years, retiring from the college in 2004. He also worked at the town of Sharon transfer station for about thirty years and a longtime for SCHOPEG. While at SCHOPEG, he would record town, village, and county meetings to be broadcast locally, as well as maintain a list of upcoming events for the Access Channel. Carl was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in Central Bridge for fifty years. His pastimes were taking music lessons, playing the church organ, and enjoying the companionship of his dog, ‘Kinzie’. Survivors include his wife, Louise (Barratt) Walther; three sons, Joshua Walther, Carl Walther III, and Dennis Faulkner; two daughters, Julie Walther and Angela Schmith; sixteen grandchildren, Oakley, Isabella, Marina, Marissa, Gabriel, Alexander, Jedidiah, Michael, Marc, Kimberley, Amanda, Brittney, Kelsey, Jessica, Chris, and Ashley; and nineteen great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two siblings; Peter Walther and Carolyn McVicker. Calling hours will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 24, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Burial will be at a later date in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Central School music department, POB 218, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. |
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Patrick J. Cummings
April 26, 1960 – January 8, 2025 
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Patrick Cummings, a resident of Sharon Springs for fifty-nine years and most recently of Cherry Valley, died at his residence on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. He was 64.
Pat was born in Cobleskill on April 26, 1960, the son of the late Robert and Mabel (Judd) Cummings. He was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and began to work as an agricultural mechanic his whole life. His first job was with Hayner Bros., Inc., an International Harvester dealer in Cherry Valley. Later, he would work locally for Sharon Springs Garage for about thirty-three years, a few years at Jack Miller in Schoharie, and lastly, Townline Equipment before retiring in 2023. During retirement, Pat and Cindy enjoyed spending time fishing, boating and relaxing at their cabin along the Indian river in Theresa, NY. (Jefferson County). They recently completed an addition to the cabin, and had it winterized so they could move there permanently. Survivors include his partner, Cindy Wagner of Cherry Valley; a son, Patrick Cummings; a daughter; Sabrina Pursley; and three siblings; Lori, Dean, and Robert; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Dennis and Timmy. A Celebration of Life and reception will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 25th at Park Street Place, 115 Park Street, Sharon Springs, NY (Adjacent to Lappeus Funeral Home). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate, or by mail, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. |
