Oneonta – Hugh I. Henderson Sr. of Southside Oneonta, died peacefully at home after an extended illness on, Friday, April 14, 2017.

He was born March 18, 1937 at Parshall Hospital in Oneonta, the son of Robert L. Henderson, Sr. and Marie Elizabeth Henderson. As a child, he lived in Davenport and East Meredith. In 1946, his family moved to a dairy farm on Southside Drive and he graduated from Oneonta High School in 1954. Hugh and his brother Bob operated the family dairy farm on Southside for more than 50 years, until October 2000, when the brothers sold their cows, ending more than a half-century of this family-owned business.

Hugh married Betty Mae Rowe on November 2, 1958, raised four children, and celebrated 58 years of marriage last November.

Hugh was a life-long Presbyterian and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oneonta where he served as Elder and Trustee. He was also a Mason and member of the Elks Club.

Hugh was a life-long Republican and dedicated public servant. He was first elected Councilman for the Town of Oneonta in 1973 and served until 1983. In 1983, he was elected Representative to the Otsego County Board and served until 2007. From 1994 to 1999 and 2002 to 2003 he was Vice Chairman of the County Board. In 2013, he was honored with the Citizen of the Year award from The Otsego County Chamber.

Hugh's passions were his family, farming with his brother Bob, being a public servant, following politics and current events, taking Sunday drives, finding a good bargain, driving tractors and baling hay.


Hugh is survived by his wife, Betty, four children, 11 grandchildren and nieces and nephews. His oldest son Hugh Jr., wife Susan (Lynch) and grandchildren Julie, Emma and Matt. His second son David, wife Susan (Salisbury) and grandchildren Steven, Elizabeth and Margaret. His oldest daughter Jane, husband John Clark, and grandchildren Alex and Guthrie. His second daughter Susan, husband Todd Reed, and grandchildren Liam, Aidan and Maeve. Nephew James Henderson and nieces Deborah Raymond and Roberta Thomas.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 PM Thursday April 20th at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home , 51 Dietz Street Oneonta.

The memorial service will be at 11 AM Saturday, April 22nd at the First Presbyterian Church, 296 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Mark E. Montfort, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be a private ceremony at the Glenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network. www.friendsofbassett.org

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lewis Hurley and Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta. To send condolences, visit www.lhpfuneralhome.com