George Berner

George L. Berner, 91, of Cobleskill died Thursday February 14, 2013 at the St. Johnsville Nursing Home. Born on September 21, 1921 in Cobleskill, he was the son of Willard J. Berner and Mabel Danforth Berner. During his childhood he lived on several farms with his family in Cobleskill before moving to Portlandville in 1932. In 1937 he moved to Jefferson, NY. He played baseball and basketball, performed in plays, was sports editor for the school newspaper, and was a class officer at Jefferson Central School where he graduated as valedictorian in 1940. After graduation he worked on the family farm on Enid Rd. where they operated a dairy, chicken, and maple syrup business. He also collected milk from a number of farms around Jefferson and delivered it to a creamery in Cobleskill.

He married Joan E. Smith in Clockville, NY on August 17, 1946. He completed a bachelor's degree in Rural Education from Cornell University in 1951. While at Cornell he was a member of Kappa Phi Kappa Honorary Society. George's student teaching was done at Truxton Central School. He did graduate work at Albany State College for Teachers and Cornell where he earned his M.Ed. degree.

George was hired by Worcester Central School as a vocational agriculture teacher during the summer of 1951. He was the advisor to the FFA, a 4-H leader, the chairman of the Otsego County Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, and advisor for the Otsego County FFA.

In 1956 he was hired by the Cobleskill Institute (now SUNY Cobleskill). There he taught math, chemistry, physical science, and animal husbandry until 1960 and was advisor to the cheerleaders. He became the Director of Admissions in 1960 and served in this role until his retirement in 1985. At that time he was the longest serving Director of Admissions in the SUNY system. He was the chairperson of Congressmen Donald Mitchell and Sherwood Boehlert's Military Academy Selection Committee, a member of the American Association of University Administrators, New York State Association of College Admissions Counselors, State University of New York College Admissions Professionals, Middle States Association of College Registrars and Officers of Admissions, and SUNYCAP Awards Committee. George would regularly visit 100 high schools every year. He was named an Honorary Alumnus by the SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Association in 1985.

After retirement, he and Joan traveled around the country and frequently entertained friends in their carriage house barn. They were active participants in the "Coby Walkers" group, walking many days on the SUNY track or in the field house. He was also a member of the Monday Night Club and served on the Administrative Board for the United Methodist Church in Cobleskill.

George is survived by his wife, Joan; sons Keith (Joan) Berner of Hendersonville, North Carolina and Kevin (Nancy Niles) of Richmondville, NY; and grandchildren Sarah Berner McGinnis of Yulee, Florida, and Alex Berner of Richmondville, NY. He was predeceased by siblings Georgianna, Gerald, and Geraldine.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Mereness Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill. A funeral service will be at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 107 Chapel St., Cobleskill with Rev. Pam Mikel Hayes officiating at 11 AM on Monday, February 18, 2013. Spring interment will be at Cobleskill Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to SUNY Cobleskill, State Route 7, Cobleskill, NY 12043 or the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 107 Chapel St., Suite 1, Cobleskill, NY 12043.