Delker and Terry Funeral Home

02/18/2026

Matthew Hale Kusko, 56, of Oneonta, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 29, 2026.

Matt was a lifelong resident of the Oneonta area. He was the adopted son of Andy and Jean Kusko, who owned the Long River Inn in Unadilla.

Matt was a very kind and considerate man. Although largely thought of as a loner, Matt would be the first one to hold the door open for you. If he thought you needed help with something, he would always be ready and willing to assist.

Matt loved cars and had several of them over the course of his life. He loved to talk about them all the time. He had a soft voice but still liked to sing. Despite his love of cars, he was someone you would likely see walking the streets of Oneonta, as he was an avid walker, even talking about walking a lot! He preferred walking to other methods of transportation.

He loved collecting baseball caps, had several, and had his favorites, often interchanging them.

Although Matt had a tough life, he always managed to smile and laugh. He had a great sense of humor and was an extremely easy person to fall in love with.

Matt left this world too soon, but several years before he left us, he found the Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta who became his family. Many of its parishioners had earlier life connections to Matt, including many of their children having grown up with and played with him as children. Matt would often show up to church hours before the service began because he loved being there. Matt was very appreciative of the kindness and compassion he found at Elm Park and in life in general, always thankful for what he had.

Matt is and will continue to be sorely missed. He is finally in a place where he can know the peace he so greatly deserved during his time with us.

Graveside services will be held in the spring in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

02/18/2026

Joan Lewis Hickling, 87, of Burlington Flats, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 15, 2026 in Oneonta.

Joan was born on August 20, 1938 in Thurston, NY the daughter of the late Porter Jay and Mary E. (Manning) Lewis. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sons David and Nathan, a brother Wilber, and a sister Joyce.

Joan was educated in Delhi, NY, and was involved in many high school sports, graduating in 1956.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at the age of 17 by listening to Billy Graham on the radio.

She met the love of her life, Alton at a dance, and they were married on September 1, 1956. They enjoyed 69 years together on their farm in Burlington Flats. Joan loved farming and enjoyed milking the cows and cropping the hay. They operated the farm for 55 years until they sold, and retired.

Together, they raised six children, David, Calvin (Diana), Brian (Terry), Norman (Daryl), Karen (Dwayne), and Nathan (Tonye). In addition, she is also survived by ten grand and sixteen great grandchildren.

Joan’s hobbies were playing the piano and organ, ceramics, and singing or listening to the old style gospel hymns. In her retirement, she especially enjoyed painting.

She was a long time member of the Unadilla Forks Baptist Church.

Calling hours and a celebration of life will be at a day and time to be announced in the very near future.

Donations may be made to Helios Care 297 River Street Oneonta, NY 13820 or the Unadilla Forks Baptist Church in loving memory of Joan.

02/08/2026

Arthur E Geier Jr, 89, of New Berlin, passed away at his home on January 25, 2026.

He was born on March 11, 1936 in New Jersey the son of the late Arthur E. and Anna (Scrivner) Geier Sr. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Arlene A Geier in 2000, a daughter Mariann O’Shield, a son Mark Geier, a brother Bill, and sisters Anna, Edna, Edith, and Helen.

He is survived by his daughters Kathy Geier of New Berlin, and Sherri (Michael) Pandorf of PA, a sister Carol Geier of WA, many grand and great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Arthur was raised in New Jersey and joined the United States Marines after high school graduation. He was honorably discharged in 1961 at the rank of Sergeant.

He was an electrician by trade and operated his business in NJ until he relocated to New Berlin in the mid 1990’s. He continued his time as an electrician until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time in his “office” on the computer, and hosting Friday Night Pizza at home for his family and friends.

He loved his family, and always made sure Kathy was well cared for. He was a long-time member of the Kingdon Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Schuyler Lake.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 14th at 2:00PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 7396 NY Rt 28 in Schuyler Lake, NY. Interrment will be next to his wife in NJ at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Kingdon Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 7396 NY Rt 28 Schuyler Lake, NY 13457 in memory of Arthur.

02/01/2026

Musa Athena (Green) Hawes, 93, of New Berlin, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday January 30th.

Musa was born on July 2, 1932 at Tassel Hill in Waterville, NY the daughter of the late Leander Hall and Musa Ruth (Barton) Green. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Adrian Lee Hawes, her siblings Daniel Green, Benjamin H Green, Richard Irving Green, and Leander Hall Green Jr.

She is survived by her children Donna Marie Hawes, Diane (Fred) Wagner, Debra (Ed) Stevens, and Daryl (Jodi Wright) Hawes, her grandchildren William Wagner, Kevin Wagner, Michael (Sharon) Stevens, John (Susan Arnold) Hawes, Maryellen (Michael) Kelly, Patti Rose (Peter) Pierce, and Daryl Hawes Jr, her great grandchildren Ethan Wagner, Victoria Stevens, Peter Hawes, Alicia Stevens, Owen Wagner, Tyler Kelly, Finley Pierce, Aurora Hawes, Cascade Hawes, and twins Jessica and Trevor Kelly. Also surviving are her sister Joyce White, and many nieces and nephews.

Musa was educated in the Mott School, a one room schoolhouse, at Peck Corners from the age of 7 until she attended the Leonardsville Central School, and Edmeston Central School.

She married Adrian Lee Hawes on April 23, 1949, and they resided in Leonardsville, and West Edmeston for many years. She described herself as a “Farmerette” as she worked along side Adrian while raising their family.

She was an avid reader, and collected teapots, with a collection in the hundreds. She also crocheted, sewed quilts, and knitted many hats, scarves, and pairs of mittens over her life. Musa was also a talented musician, playing trombone in school, and piano and organ at several local churches over the years.

Calling hours will be from 1:00 to 2:00 on Sunday February 8th at Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Burlington Flats Cemetery in the Spring.

02/01/2026

Dennis J. Chamberlain 67 passed away in Cooperstown on January 19th 2026 after a long illness.

He was born in Oneonta NY on January 28, 1958, and was a proud “lower decker”. He was a fantastic artist, a gift he kept hidden. He traveled west and was a master carpenter for a large construction firm. He earned the nickname Ali, as he sure could “ float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” Well-traveled, he always found his way home,

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Gertrude (Hebbard) Chamberlain, his two brothers Donald Jr and Darry, and his three sisters Donna Chamberlain, Darlene Huestis, and Denise Grant.

He is survived by his former wife, Susan and his daughter Stacy Chamberlain, his son Brandon Chamberlain, his grandchildren Alexia, Carmen, Mya and Ilijah, his great granddaughter Leilani, and his two sisters Dawna Ross and Debbie Keller, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition, he is also survived by his three “ride or die” buddies: Mike Green, Francis Huestis and Art Shaw
At his request, services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

01/29/2026

Lieng Ferne Wells, 50 of Union Springs passed away on Sunday January 25, 2026 in Rochester, NY following an extended illness.
Lieng was born on November 20, 1975 in Ithaca, NY.

She was the granddaughter of the late Elmer George Wells and Emma Ferne Wells, and the daughter of Eugene Earl Wells and Kor Laird.

She is survived by her fiancé Hiram Franco, her brother Elmer Gerald Wells, and sister Amy Beth Donovan.

Lieng resided in Union Springs most of her life. After a short period of living in Auburn, she returned to Union Springs to live with her fiancé Hiram Franco. She was a graduate of Union Springs Central School, and Cayuga Community College where she earned her degree in Computer Science.

She was an employee of TRW in Union Springs until the plant’s closing. She then worked for Tessy Plastics in Elbridge, NY and achieved the title of Quality Control Analyst. She remained with Tessy Plastics until she was no longer able to work due to health difficulties.

Lieng loved the country life, and spending time with her “knight in shining armor” Hiram. For 18 years they loved life and their fur babies, a Shih Tzu named Snoopy and a Chihuahua named Nico. She was predeceased by a Shar Pei named Dakota and a Chihuahua named Chi-Chi.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

A pancake breakfast will be held on February 8, 2026 from 7:30A.M. to 11:00A.M. at the American Legion Dining Hall 8 Schobey St. Union Springs.

01/27/2026

I’ve seen a number of funeral homes in this area using a Facebook marketing company for advertising. We prefer our good service, pricing, and reputation to bring families to us.

We take care of people, in any county, anywhere in New York State.

Truth is:

Most people use the funeral home their family has always used. Often times, its not the same funeral directors that were there when your last family member died, let alone the same ownership. This leads to paying a lot more than you should because it’s what’s familiar. We strongly encourage people to compare prices between funeral homes.

Our funeral home has two NYS Licensed Funeral Directors: David Delker and Madison Reinert. We are available 24/7 365 days a year, and will provide professional services from the very moment we are contacted.

We provide above average service at below average prices. Cremations start at $2395.00 and full services are thousands less than nearby competitors. We work with social services from any county, take care of life insurance, deal with veteran services, and answer any questions you may have during this process.

Pre payment means buying services at today's price and never having to come up with one red cent, ever. Transfer your pre paid pre arranged service and we will make the uncomfortable call to the funeral home you previously used!

Talk to anyone that has used us. We are certain they’ll give you an honest take. We have nothing to hide. We will take care of your family member as if they are our family member. We are terrible negotiators when it comes to your family. Its our way 100% so that we can tell you in no uncertain terms we took care of your family member as we promised.

We got you....and won't hire a marketing company to trick you into using us..

01/22/2026

Violet B Winchell, 91, of Edmeston, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026 in Herkimer, NY.

Violet was born on July 22, 1934 in the Town of Exeter, the daughter of the late Percy and Viola (Morris) Brownrigg. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Charles “Chuck” Winchell on August 17, 2021, her sisters and brothers-in-law Mae Brownrigg, Maude (Mathew) Willems, Elnora (Donald) Armstrong, Richard Arnold, her brother and sisters-in-law Percy M. (Elizabeth) Brownrigg, and many nieces and nephews including Leanne Catlin, Heidi Plumb, and Davy Estep.

She is survived by a sister Marjorie (Wayne) Nellis, a brother-in-law Walter Winchell, a sister-in-law Charlene Winchell, nieces and nephews Cheryl (Jim) Murphy, Todd Armstrong, Becky (Jake) Rasbach, Rich (Rosie) Arnold, Joann (Steve) Pecora, Diane Wildey, Orianne Gibser, Scott (Julie) Brownrigg, Josh Winchell, Doreen Bellamy, Darleen Husson, and Charles Winchell, along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Violet was a graduate of Edmeston Central School, and married Charles on September 1, 1956 at the Burlington Flats Methodist Church. She was a long-time member of the Leonardsville United Methodist Church. She was a dear friend to many and will be remembered for her caring ways and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the Leonardsville United Methodist Church or a favorite charity in memory of Violet.

A graveside service will be held in Edmeston Union Cemetery in the spring.

01/20/2026

Mark E Donohoe, 63, of Edmeston, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his Pathfinder Village family on January 7, 2026 in Edmeston.

Mark was born on November 19, 1962 in Washington D.C., the son of the late Milburn J and Alyce (Lovatt) Donohoe Jr.

Mark moved to Pathfinder Village in 1989. He was employed by Golden Artist Colors through 2006 and later by the ARC Otsego Vocational Workshop until 2010. After retiring from paid employment, Mark remained actively engaged in his community. He participated in the Milford Men’s Group and volunteered at Bassett Hospital and the Department of Social Services.

Mark was an avid sports fan who loved keeping up with scores in the newspaper and on television. He enjoyed going out to eat, grabbing a beer after a round of golf, bowling, and participating in computer class. He was a member of the hand bell choir and proudly took part in Special Olympics Swimming and Track & Field. Raised Catholic, Mark served as an altar server at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church for many years. He was a sharp dresser, a kind soul, had an unforgettable smile, and a great friend to many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday January 28th at 11:00AM at St Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church, 24 North Main street New Berlin, NY. Interment will be in the spring in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

01/19/2026

01/15/2026

I get this question alot.

Here is the explanation to who's in charge when you pass.

01/08/2026

Inez P. “Paul” Lucero, 74, of Edmeston, passed away peacefully in Cooperstown, NY on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Paul was born in Denver, CO on October 6, 1951, the son of the late Gilbert J and Dolores (Florez) Lucero.

He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth “Betty” Lucero of Edmeston, his son Miguel (Stacey) Lucero of Marshall, MI, his daughter Alicia (Shea) Wilkerson of Pascagoula, MS, his brothers Danny (Delores) Lucero of Las Vegas, NV and David Lucero of Denver, CO, his sisters Tina (Deborah) Torres of Las Vegas, NV and Mona Lucero of Denver, CO, his grandchildren Kathleen Wilkerson, Samantha Wilkerson, Camryn Lucero and Caiden Lucero. Also surviving are his in-laws Eileen (Al) Truax, Albert Talbot, Mary Talbot, Dave (Joan) Talbot and Sylvia (Bill) Sweet along with many nieces and nephews.

Paul was born and raised in Denver, CO. He was a Vietnam Era US Army Veteran serving from 1971-1973. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Talbot on November 22, 1974, and in 1990 the family moved to Edmeston. He was employed with NYCM Insurance in Edmeston from 1990 until his retirement in 2016.

Paul was a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, enjoyed reading, playing cards, and coached soccer while living in Denver.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Edmeston Union Cemetery in the spring.

Donations may be made to the Edmeston Fire Department 27-29 East St. Edmeston, NY 13335 or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate.

Arrangements are with Delker and Terry Funeral Home and Cremation Service.