Westford, NY

Dr. Elmer C. Mathews, 93, of Westford, NY, died on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Bassett Medical Center after a short illness.

Elmer was born in Potsdam, NY on January 6, 1917, the son of George Bonney and Daisy Oneal Mathews.

He married Janet Busacker on September 20, 1942 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Schenevus, NY.

Elmer graduated from Potsdam High School, Potsdam Normal School, and State University at Albany and received his MA and Ed D from Columbia University.

During WWII he served in Europe with the 999th Treadway Bridge Company from 1944-1946. After being discharged from the Army, he served in the Army Reserve until 1977, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

Elmer spent 35 years at the State University of Albany and retired as Dean for Administration and Associate Professor, Emeritus in 1982. He was a member of the Schenectady Pipe Band, Past President of the Albany St. Andrews Society, Council member of the Clan Macneil Assoc. of America, VFW, Chapter Chair of the Otsego Co. Red Cross, Westford Fire Dept., Planning Board, Cemetery Assoc. and Historical Society. He was a long time volunteer at Bassett Hospital and an Ombudsman for the Otsego Co. Office of the Aging.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janet; his daughters, Ann Mathews of Ithaca, NY, Catherine (Amnon) Ezra, of Udim, Israel and Susan (Harold) Bluestein of Vancouver, WA; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 13, 2010 at St. Timothy's Church, Main St., Westford with Rev. Roy VanDermark, officiating.

Burial will take place at the Westford Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Timothy's Church, PO Box 74, Westford, NY 13488 or the charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hellerfuneralhome.com.

The Heller Funeral Home in Schenevus is serving the family.