http://www.delkerterryfunerals.com/

Delker and Terry Funeral Home, 30 South Street, Edmeston, NY (2026)

07/21/2026

Darlene Barlow, 59, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at Bassett Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with serious heart complications.

Darlene was born on September 2, 1966, at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, New York, to David Barlow Sr. and Hellen Barlow (Oliver).

Throughout her life, Darlene filled many roles with love and devotion. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She had a heart that never stopped giving, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, compassion, and selflessness touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her fiancé of 15 years, Charles Wayman of Oneonta; her brother, David (Ann) Barlow Jr.; her six children, Kimberly (Dustin) Clark and Nathanial Whitehead of Otego, Kenny Clark, Kyle Clark, Kyanne (Geni) Genuino-Clark, and Nicholas Whitehead (Caitlyn Feldman) of Oneonta. She also leaves behind the lights of her life, her beloved grandchildren, Nevaeh and Cooper, and an additional grandson arriving in December, whom she loved more than words could ever express. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who became family through the years.

For more than 20 years, Darlene devoted herself to serving her community through the Salvation Army. She faithfully volunteered countless hours and spent the past 23 Christmas seasons leading and working with the Angel Tree Program, helping provide Christmas gifts to thousands of children and families in need. She also lovingly operated the Salvation Army’s free table, ensuring that individuals and families experiencing hardship had access to food and basic necessities. Whether it was rain or shine, illness or good health, Darlene could always be found serving others with a smile. She continued this work right up until the week before she was hospitalized.

Darlene never met a stranger. She welcomed everyone with open arms, offered a listening ear without judgment, and gave whatever she had to help someone in need. Her greatest joy came from caring for others, especially her children and grandchildren. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, generosity, faith, and service to her community.

Although her passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love she shared and the lives she touched will continue to live on in everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life honoring Darlene will be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Salvation Army Church in Oneonta, New York on Thursday July 23rd. Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to celebrate the remarkable woman she was, share memories, and honor a life dedicated to serving others.

07/09/2026

Ralph E. Stoesser Jr., 69, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2026.

Born on December 15, 1956, in Kentucky, Ralph was the son of the late Ralph E. Stoesser Sr. and Dorothy M. Stoesser (Truesdell).

Ralph was a graduate of Stamford Central School. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and found great joy in hunting and tending his garden. Ralph was also an enthusiastic pool player who enjoyed competing in the local pool league, where he formed many friendships and shared countless memorable evenings. Whether in the woods, working the soil, or around the pool table, Ralph appreciated the simple pleasures of life and the company of family and friends.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Genie M. Stoesser, with whom he shared many years of marriage. He also leaves behind his five daughters: Tara (Robert) Slauson, Michelle Beattie, Rebecca Stoesser, Barbara Stoesser, and Beverly (Robert) Sanford.

His greatest joy was being "Papa" to his cherished grandchildren: Caroline Gorence, Katherine Gorence, Lennox Slauson, Michael Beattie, Matthew Beattie, Marcus Beattie, William Lawrence, Urijha Oakley, Nettle Sanford, and Juniper Sanford. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them and took great pride in watching them grow.

Ralph will be remembered for his quiet strength, love of family, and appreciation for the outdoors. His legacy lives on through his family, the memories he created, and the values he instilled in those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ralph's life at a time to be announced by the family.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

07/06/2026

Dale E. Convis, 78, of Edmeston, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 5, 2026 in New Berlin, NY.

Dale was born on July 15, 1947 in Utica, NY the son of the late Edward and Elzabeth (Gardner) Convis.

He is survived by a son Jonathan (Anne Marie) Convis of TX, a daughter Anne (Brandon) Zingaro of Mt Morris, a step-daughter Christina Grippen of Edmeston, a brother Carl (Terry) Convis of New Berlin, grandchildren, Ryan, Katelyn, Cameron, Lena, Kira, Martina, Anjalina, and Cinthia. Also surviving are nieces Sarah and Jennifer.

A lifetime resident of Edmeston, Dale graduated from Edmeston Central School Class of 1966. After graduation, he joined the US Army and proudly served his country. He was a graduate of the Utica School of Commerce, and enjoyed 35 year career with Bassett Hospital, retiring in 2016.

Dale was a devoted member of the Edmeston Fire Department and was active for 50 years. He enjoyed bowling at Lake Street Lanes in New Berlin, where he bowled a perfect 300 game. He was also a die hard New York Yankee fan, watching them as often as he could. Dale was a member of the American Legion Post 1311 in Edmeston, and was a Past Commander.

Calling hours will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday July 10th at Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston. Funeral services with Fire Department and military honors will immediately follow calling hours at the funeral home. Interment will be in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmeston Fire Department in memory of Dale.

06/21/2026

Gary Robert Koutnik was born July 19, 1950 in Berlin, Germany, on a US military base. He was adopted at 11 months by Frances and George Koutnik.

Growing up in Wantagh, Long Island, where he was in his first play as an elementary schooler, inspiring his life-long love of theater. In High School, he spent his summers working at Onteora where he was an Eagle Scout counselor and learned the many backroads of upstate NY, allowing him to attend Woodstock without getting stuck in traffic. It was here that he developed a drive to empower those under his tutelage, as well as his love for the Catskill mountains, a place he would return to throughout his life.

Gary’s passion for education permeated throughout his life, spending his life educating himself and others, and his career fighting to make sure every student got the education they deserved. He earned a Bachelor's degree (and most of a Master’s) in education & Special Education at Bucknell University, while participating in theater, radio, and protests in Washington. He pursued a PhD at the University of Texas, ultimately choosing instead to start his career as a School Psychologist in upstate NY, where he met his future wife, Abbey Steere.

As a school psychologist, Gary helped generations of students (and their families) better understand who they were and how to best access the educational resources available to them. When the opportunity arose, he taught at SUNY Oneonta as an adjunct lecturer, finally earning his Master’s Degree in School Administration in the process.

He was chosen as the next Director of Special Education for Oneonta, where he continued his work of ensuring equitable access to education for everyone for another six years before retiring for the first time. After retiring, he continued helping to cover for temporary gaps, helping local school districts when needed, and giving historical tours at Hyde Hall. He was known to do everything he could to help the students and families he served.

Gary was always looking for new ways to contribute to the community he settled in. While he was working tirelessly as a school psychologist, he also was an integral member of the First Presbyterian Church in Worcester, where he contributed to charity, outreach, ministry and music. While at the church, he led the development of their food bank and The Storehouse, a thrift store staffed with volunteers trained in helping people navigate bureaucracy to find the assistance they deserved.

In fact, after his first retirement, he went on to be a County Representative for Oneonta City, where he served on the County Board for 8 years and worked tirelessly to ensure that the decisions made benefitted the people in the county, regardless of political affiliation. He would often say that whenever he was interacting with someone, he would see Jesus in them. To those who knew him, this encapsulated his approach - engaging with him was refreshingly genuine. When he spoke to you, he was engaging with you.

With his beloved wife, Abbey Koutnik, he raised 2 children, Randall Koutnik and Whitsun Koutnik. He lived to see Randall marry Lily, and loved to spend time playing with their daughter, Gwen.

His childhood love of theater only grew, and was shared by his wife and children, all of whom performed in plays together. He performed, directed, and at times wrote stage plays and more. He worked with the Catskill Community Players, Bigger Dreams Productions, Glimmerglass Theater, Templeton Players and others. His latest performance was in 12 Angry Men in 2026, including the family’s traditional post-performance milkshakes.

He instilled in his family his boundless curiosity. He always searched to understand who the people around him truly were, and to keep learning and understanding the world around him. He has left his love of music, reading, baseball, stories, science fiction, and the joy of learning with his family and friends. His most fundamental belief was that by working together, we could make the world a better place.

Gary leaves behind a loving family, incredible friends, and uncountable lives touched by his dedication to service.

And of course, true to himself, his last wish was not to inconvenience anyone. His wishes expressly state that “no one should be forced to dress up or sit in uncomfortable pews for my sake,” so please, know that Gary served the community as it was, and not just when the people were wearing ties.

Oneonta Assembly of God will host a low-key, no-suits-required Celebration of Life on Monday, June 22, 2026. There will be a visiting hour at 3pm, followed by a sharing and celebration of life at 4pm and a communal meal at 5pm. It will be streamed on the Oneonta Assembly of God page. Oneonta Assembly of God is located at 1667 County Highway 48 in Oneonta, NY.

If you would like to honor Gary’s legacy, the family suggests a donation to the Future for Oneonta Foundation or the Hunger Coalition of Otsego County. Gary himself would say to get involved in supporting your community.

06/10/2026

Rosemary S Stephens, 85 of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 8, 2026.

Rosemary was born in New Berlin on July 23, 1940 the daughter of the late Donald and Eleanor Schworm. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Wesley on May 23, 2011.

She is survived by a son Jack Stephens, a daughter Sandra (Charles) Muhl, along with several grand and great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition, she is also survived by her sisters Susan (John) Wheeler and LuAnn Fuller.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday June 12th in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.Heart.org in memory of Rosemary.

06/09/2026

Charles Arthur Roketa passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2025 at his home in Otego.

He was the beloved son of the late Charles L Roketa and Bertha S (Couse) Roketa.

Charles was born on January 22, 1954 and was raised in Oneonta.
He was a proud graduate of the Oneonta High School Class of 1973.

Charles was employed in his earlier years with Bruno’s Food Market. Gladding Del Ray, and Medical Coaches. For the last three decades, he was a Motor Route Driver for the Daily Star.

He was an enthusiastic and very talented guitar player. He played in many bands, and his love of music was the “inspiration of his life.”
He was predeceased by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, his brother in law Elmer Eichler, his aunts, uncles, and several good friends.

He is survived by his sister Crystal S (Roketa) Gale, and brother in law Thomas R Gale of Goodyear Lake, and his half sister Marie Della (Thayer) Eichler of Weeki Wachee, FL. Also surviving are his nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Charles was an avid supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. In honoring Charlie’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Private interment will be in Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

The family wishes to express thanks to David Delker, and Lincourt Memorials.

06/06/2026

Arthur C. “Artie” Meyer Jr. of Auburn, NY, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday June 3, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Artie was predeceased by his parents Arthur C Meyer Sr and Edith Meyer, a brother Jerry Meyer, and a sister Linda Bellnier.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Meyer, his children Jeremy (Lauren) Meyer, Sarah (Allie) Remauro, Carl Stephan Meyer, his step-children David (Karen) Delker and James Delker, 12 grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private at Artie’s request. Interment will be in Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Port Byron next to his parents.

Donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org in memory of Artie.

06/04/2026

Anthony John Tophoven, 82, of West Edmeston, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 3, 2026 in Oneonta, NY.

Tony was born on November 8, 1943 in New Berlin, NY the son of the late Emile and Louise (Hankes) Tophoven. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son John LeGrand Tophoven and his brother Peter Tophoven.

He is survived by his wife Ida Mae Tophoven, his daughter Marjorie (Aaron) Norman, his brother in law William (Sylvia) Sweet, many nieces and nephews including a niece Nichole (Shannon) Carney and their children Nora and Paige Carney, and nephew Mark (Ashley) Sweet and their son Caleb Sweet, and niece Carrie Smith and family. Also surviving is Heather Hoffman, a close family friend and bonus daughter.

Tony was a lifetime resident of the area graduating from Edmeston Central School in 1961. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy. He served from 1961 to 1963 as a Machinist Mate. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Ida Mae Sweet on November 2, 1968. He then went on to a 30 year career with Suburban Propane and then spent the last 10 years of his career with NGL Supply.

Tony was active in his community. He once served as the Chief of the West Edmeston Fire Department, and coached the Little League West Ed Reds for many years dating back to the 1980’s. He was proud to coach his son John and many of his friends. He loved fishing with his brother in law William “Billy” Sweet and was a true “Chevy Man” owning many Chevys over the years. He was a faithful attendee of the Edmeston and Leonardsville Fire Department breakfasts. Tony was an avid NY Yankee fan, was a supporter of armed services veterans attending many events over the years and enjoyed an occasional trip to Turning Stone Casino. Tony also enjoyed woodworking and was proud of his many creations.

Calling hours will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday June 8th at Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston, NY. A graveside committal with military honors will immediately follow the calling hours in West Edmeston Cemetery. Donations may be made to the West Edmeston Fire Department in memory of Tony.

05/22/2026

This Monday we honor those that gave their lives to preserve freedom.

Enjoy the weekend, catch up family and friends, but remember why we celebrate Memorial Day.

Delker and Terry Funeral Home

07/21/2026

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