Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home

02/19/2026

Joyce C. Bushey

Joyce C. Bushey, 79, of Hillside Road, Pattersonville, New York died Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam.

Born on December 28, 1946, in Queens, NY, she was the daughter of Jacob Bortscheller and Mary Corrigan Bortscheller.

Joyce received her Master's degree from SUNY Albany.

She was a Special Education Teacher for Cohoes School District, retiring in 2017.

She was of Catholic faith.

Joyce was a member of the Duanesburg Historical Society. She was a crafter, and quilter. She enjoyed sewing and completing diamond dots.

On February 26, 1971, at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church Joyce was married to Lewis C. Bushey.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Lewis C. Bushey; sons, Michael Bushey, Matthew and Alba Bushey; granddaughter, Chloe Bushey; grandson, Xavier Bushey; siblings, Jacob Bortscheller, Jr., Maryjean Delpha, Lorraine (Laura) Hoyt, Kathy Bortscheller, Karl Bortscheller, Tom Bortscheller.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY. A memorial service will follow at 7:00pm at the funeral home.

View Joyce C. Bushey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

Where can I get a death certificate for someone?”

Death certificates are obtained from the registrar/clerk in the municipality where the death occurred.

If you know the location where the person passed away, then contact the village, town, or city clerk and apply for a certified copy of the death certificate. The application is typically available online on the website linked to the clerk.

If the person died over 10 years ago, in New York State, Albany Vital Statistics is where you can make an application for a death certificate. They hold all records of New York deaths that are older than 10 years.

You can also ask the funeral home that provided services. They can usually let you know which registrar/clerk to make the application to.

02/18/2026

John F. Murray, Sr.

John Frederick Murray Sr. of Watervliet, NY (formerly of Cobleskill, NY) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, with his loving family at his side. He was a resident of Schoharie County for 90 years.

John was born on September 16, 1930, to the late Lena (Linster) and Miles Murray of Mineral Springs, NY. John was also predeceased by his brother, Thomas Murray Sr.

John was a graduate of Cobleskill Central School, Class of 1948, where he was captain of the basketball and soccer teams. During his high school years, he began a 32-year association with Howe Caverns, Inc. where he began as a tour guide, then the ticket office and later a member and Vice President of the Board of Directors. John considered his time at Howe Caverns as one of the greatest experiences of his life.

John earned a B.S. in education at Cortland State Teachers College in 1952. He began his distinguished 35-year career as an educator as a 6th and 7th grade teacher at Schoharie Central School. At SCS he coached JV basketball, Varsity soccer and Varsity track. John went on to earn a M.S. degree in Business Administration from SUNY Albany and later became the Assistant Principal for Business Affairs and Clerk of the Board of Education at SCS. John went on to become School Business Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Education for his alma mater, Cobleskill Central School. He then became Superintendent of Cobleskill Central School where he served 12 years before his retirement in 1987. John also served as an Interim Superintendent at Middleburgh and Sharon Springs Central Schools after his formal retirement.

During John's 35 years as an area educator, he had many professional affiliations and service experiences. He was a member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, Adirondack Educators "Think Tank", President: Schoharie Central School Teachers Association, President: Schoharie County Teachers Association, President and Executive Board Member of the Capital District School Development Association, Member: NYS School Business Officials, Member: Capital District Chapter School Business Officials, Member: NYS Commissioner of Education's Advisory Committee for School Transportation, Member: Superintendent of Schools to NYS Commissioner's Advisory Committee for School Business Administration, President of Tri Valley Interscholastic Athletic League, Chairperson of the Schoharie County Administrators Organization, and Member: BOCES District Superintendent's Cabinet.

John loved Schoharie County and was a firm believer in giving back to his community. He served as member, president and director of Kiwanis Club of Schoharie and Rotary Club of Cobleskill, Chairman of Schoharie County Red Cross, president and director of the Schoharie County Community Hospital, director of Cobleskill Cemetery Association, director of the Old Stone Fort, director and life member of the Cobleskill Agriculture Society, grandstand announcer at the Cobleskill Sunshine Fair, original member of the Cobleskill Junior Chamber of Commerce, member of the board of directors of Howe Caverns, Inc., member of the Regional Board of Directors of Key Bank, member, secretary and board of directors of the Mineral Springs United Methodist Church, a 60 plus year member and board of directors of the Cobleskill Golf and Country Club where he spent many enjoyable hours on the links playing with lifelong friends. In 2024 he was honored as the Silver Bulldog of the year by the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School Education Foundation.

Throughout John's many commitments, he and his wife, Mary, were faithfully present at every family gathering. They showed up with warmth, pride, and steady love to every graduation, sports game, celebration, and milestone. John and Mary delighted in vacationing with their children and their families whenever possible. Christmas Eve was especially treasured, with their home in Cobleskill filled with children, grandchildren, laughter, and the joyful noise of a growing family gathered together.

John was predeceased by his cherished wife of 71 years, Mary (Murray) Murray in December 2025. He is survived by his four devoted children: Denise (Phil) Tracy, John F. (Kelly) Murray Jr., Marilyn (Gary) Mittleman, and Paul (Kelley) Murray. He was the proud "Papa" to twelve grandchildren; Daniel Tracy, Mark (Kriss) Tracy, Andrew (Allie) Tracy, Jack (Lauren) Murray, Michael (LeeAnn) Murray, MaryKate (Ryan) Geary, Caitlin O'Haire, Caroline Mittleman, Matthew Mittleman, Erin Murray, Ryan Murray and Kiersten Murray and three great-grandchildren: John M. Murray, Brendan Murray and Mac Murray.

A special thank you to John's caregivers, Colleen, Jodi and Debra and the nurses at Community Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to honor John's memory can be made to the Cobleskill-Richmondville Education Foundation, Attn: Gayle Westervelt, 155 Washington Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

A private service will be held for the family at their convenience. Funeral services are entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, Cobleskill, NY. Burial will take place at Cobleskill Rural Cemetery in the spring.

View John F. Murray, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

Larry Jason Bever

Larry Jason Bever, 58, of Altamont, formerly of Schoharie County, died suddenly at Albany Medical Center. Born in Cobleskill on September 16, 1967, Larry was the son of Robert and Kathleen (Mickle) Bever. He had been a resident of Schoharie County from birth to 1993, when he then moved to Albany County.

Larry graduated from Cobleskill High School, Class of 1986. He went to boot camp and was in the Army Reserves from 1986 to 1990. He then went on to work for many farms in the Schoharie County area, Agway, and Gable Chevrolet.

He loved to work on his Ford trucks.

Larry is survived by his parents, Robert and Kathleen Bever; his brother, Howard (Mary) Bever; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

No services are scheduled at this time. The family will announce a service in the future.

In lieu of flowers, Larry's memory may be honored with a donation to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, 304 Howe Cave Rd. Howes Cave, NY 12092.

View Larry Jason Bever's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

Please join us this coming Monday, February 23rd by wearing red to show your support for Women’s Heart Health. Heart Disease and Stroke are the leading causes of death in women. Wear red with us to be seen, heard, and to make an impact!

02/12/2026

Here’s an original Valentine’s Day poem written with tenderness for someone who is grieving, offering comfort while honoring love that endures beyond loss.
________________________________________
Love Beyond the Veil
The world paints hearts in crimson hue,
Yet mine beats softer, missing you.
The roses bloom, the candles glow,
But only I feel the undertow.
Your laughter lingers in the air,
A gentle ghost that meets me there.
Though time has placed us worlds apart,
You still live here—inside my heart.
No card, no gift, no sweet refrain,
Can bridge the space, can ease the pain.
Yet love like ours will never fade,
It’s in the stars our hands have made.
So on this day, I’ll close my eyes,
And meet you where the memory lies.
For even death can’t take away,
The love I hold this Valentine’s Day.

02/09/2026

Dorothy Marie Winkler

Dorothy Marie Winkler, 92 formerly of Cobleskill, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8th after a brief illness. Born in Middleburgh on March 10, 1933, Dorothy was the daughter of William and Martha (Wierstead) Pape.

Dorothy grew up on a farm in Schoharie County with animals that she loved. After graduating from Middleburgh High School, she moved to Schenectady to attend the Bellevue Beautician School. While working at General Electric, Dorothy met her former husband Fred and they raised their sons in Schenectady. Always a farm girl at heart, she ultimately settled back in Cobleskill where her sister Martha was her next-door neighbor for many years. Dorothy spent her final years in Virginia near her youngest son John.

Throughout her life, Dorothy found great comfort in her faith. The congregations at Zion Lutheran in Schenectady and St. Paul's in Richmondville were second homes to her. Dorothy was warm and kind, and quick to make friends wherever she went. She loved traveling and, together with her partner Harold, visited Germany, Austria, Israel and many places over the years.

Dorothy is survived by her sons Frederick (Rick) H. Winkler, Jr. (Patti) of Scotia, William (Bill) Winkler of Glenville and John (Tina) Winkler of Goochland, Virginia; granddaughters Erika Winkler, Jessica (Alex) Riccio, Courtney Honeywell and Stephanie Winkler; great-grandchildren Ava and Luca Riccio and Grace and Leona Honeywell; and several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her sisters Martha and Margaret.

Dorothy's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Brenda Martin and the staffs at Hospice and Vitality Living in Richmond, VA who so lovingly cared for her.

Services celebrating Dorothy's life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy's memory may be honored with a donation in her memory to the Cavalier Rescue Coalition at www.cavalierrescuecoalition.org

View Dorothy Marie Winkler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/05/2026

February is a month of resilience and persistence. Shoveling all that snow and trying to stay warm can often make us forget there is still fun to be had out there. Here are some events in the local area to break those winter blues. We’d love to hear of other fun events to do in and around our local community.

Wednesday Night Line Dancing at Chieftans- Feb. 11th, 18th, 25th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chieftans Restaurant and Bar
593 E Main St. Cobleskill, NY
Looking for a great Wednesday night activity. Stop by Chieftans anytime between 7:00 and 9:00 pm and dance the night away. Instructors Kathlyn and Shantel will guide participants through popular line dances from beginner to advanced levels. Good food, drinks, and the opportunity to learn something new. Cost is $5 at the door.

Valentine’s Dance Class- Thursday, Feb. 12th, 6:00 pm
Valley Knights Physical Therapy
Middleburgh Winery, 2642 Route 145, Middleburgh, NY
Looking to sweep your Valentine right off their feet. Doctor Nicole Camporese from Valley Knights Physical Therapy is hosting Valentine’s dance lessons. Learn how to serenade and make a memory unlike any other.

Pancake Breakfast- Saturday, Feb. 14th, 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Christian Community Church of Faith
Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Hall, Route 165 Mesick Ave. Seward, NY
Please join the Christian Community Church of Faith at their Pancake Breakfast in Seward. There will be plenty of food and company to start your Saturday off the right way.

Ames Pancake Breakfast- Sunday, Feb. 15th, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ames Volunteer Fire Department
Ames Firehouse, 595 Latimer Hill Rd, Ames, NY
The Ames Volunteer Fire Department is doing it again! Please join them in their annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Supporting local and eating great food is the best way to spend a Sunday morning.

02/04/2026

David Charles Almas

David Charles Almas, 57, of Richmondville, New York died Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

He was born on July 7, 1968 in Queens, NY. Prior to moving to Richmondville, David lived in Georgia.

He is survived by his friend, George Lacitignola.

No services are scheduled at this time.

View David Charles Almas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Charlotte Rose Murray

Charlotte Rose Murray, 80, of Richmondville, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. Born on October 21, 1945, and raised in Astoria, New York, she moved to Richmondville in 1981.

Charlotte worked for the Cobleskill-Richmondville School district from 1984 until her retirement in 2008, which she took great pride in. Charlotte worked at Radez Elementary, Aker and retired from the Golding Middle school, where she made a lasting impression on students and staff members.

Charlotte loved to travel, especially when visiting with family downstate and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an avid New York Yankee's fan and loved to celebrate and decorate for the holidays. She also loved spending time with her circle of friends.

Charlotte is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Brian) Miller and sons, Daniel Murray and Christopher Murray. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Samantha (Matthew) Karker, Shannon Miller, Erin (Christopher) Ward, Shelby Murray, Saleen Murray, and Ireland Murray as well as great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Brian, Emma, Ida, Lilly, and Harper. She also leaves behind brothers, Steven (Patricia) Savarino, Billy (Linda) Savarino, Jimmy Savarino, and Robert Savarino, Frank (Donna) Ryan and a sister, Mary (Frank) Demmerle . Too numerous to name are the nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and those who she loved as her own who will forever cherish her memory.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her father, William Savarino and mother, Mary Lenahan Savarino; husband, Robert Paul Murray, and son, Robert Micheal Murray.

Though we grieve her passing, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to have her. Her love will continue to guide us, her lessons will live on through generations, and her spirit will remain forever in our hearts.

A memorial service celebrating Charlotte's life will be held on May 16th at 1:00 p.m. at the Richmondville Fire House.

Contributions in memory of Charlotte Rose Murray may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820 or The Animal Shelter of Schohahrie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.

View Charlotte Rose Murray's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Where are our Presidents Buried?
For this segment of our Thursday Thoughts, we’d like to share a historical burial site of President- Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States of America

President Millard Fillmore is buried at the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, NY. He was a member of the Whig party and the last non-democratic or republican president.

For more information, please visit- https://forest-lawn.com/famous-residents/

01/22/2026

Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Goodyear

We are having our Funeral Director, Isaiah Cechnicki, participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge, which supports local kids in need. It’s an honor and a challenge. If you would like to help sponsor Isaiah as a jumper, please contact our funeral home.