Kathryn Friery of The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, Cooperstown, NY, St. James Manor, Oneonta, NY, East Lake Rd., Cooperstown, NY and Jupiter, FL passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2015.

She is survived by her sons, James M. Friery, Jr. and Mark S. Friery, daughter-in-law, Kelly McKinley Friery; grandchildren, Katherine Crozer, Kara Balliet, James B. Friery, Jonathan M. Friery and great-granddaughter, Griffin Crozer. She was predeceased by her parents, Benjamin Francis and Marie DeLaney Griffin; husband, James M.; beloved daughter, Patricia S. and daughter-in-law, Paula Friery.

Kathryn was born in Camillus, NY July 28, 1924. She graduated from Camillus High School at the age of 16 and matriculated at SUNY Oneonta in 1941. She graduated from there in 1945 with a Bachelors' in Education. While at SUCO Kathryn met her future husband James and began her long term residence in Oneonta. She and James were married September 2, 1946 in St. Mary's Catholic Church.

After her marriage Kay began her long career of involvement in education, she started as an elementary teacher in Bainbridge and occasional substitute in the Oneonta system. Between 1978 and 1988 Kathryn served as Chair of the College Council at her Alma Mater. Kay was appointed to that position by Governor Hugh Carey. She served well and helped oversee a number of significant projects undertaken during her tenure. In 2006 SUNY Oneonta honored her as a distinguished alumni.

For many years Kathryn and her husband James were involved in founding and operating a significant international manufacturing business that put Oneonta on the world map. Their business, Lyncoach and Truck Company, was the principal supplier, manufacturer and designer of mobile medical clinics for the U.S. Government, State governments, the United Nations and private NGOS throughout the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's and into the 1970's. From its beginnings in the 1930's and Kathryn's involvement after 1947, the company developed the concept of self propelled or tractor trailer based medical clinics which brought modern medicine to the remote and poverty stricken parts of the world. Additionally, their company was a significant player in the aluminum truck body market, modern fully equipped ambulances, Airvan delivery trucks and customized control units and trailers for the Department of Defense and NASA. At its peak Lyncoach employed more than 1400 people in its manufacturing facilities in Oneonta, Troy, Alabama and Santa Alta, California. Many local businesses owe their beginnings and initial success to the opportunities that Lyncoach brought to Oneonta.

In 1970 James and Kathryn opened Twin Star travel agency and the Hobbit House Restaurant in order to indulge their interests in travel and fine dining. Kay was among the first Americans to visit China and tour the Great Wall after Nixon established relations with the Maoist in 1972. Additionally, she managed to visit all of the continents except Antarctica.

Kathryn's friends and family will remember her as a major positive influence in their lives. Kay was always willing to give of her time, advice or help when needed. She will be long remembered as a devotee of playing bridge with her close friends. Her love of animals, children and family and especially her generosity will remain as an example to those who survive her.

Expressions of sympathy may made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

A memorial service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Scott VanDerveer, Parochial Vicar at St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820