IN MEMORIAM: Manfred Brandofsky, 76;

German Native Operated Oaksville Florist

OAKSVILLE –  Manfred A. Brandofsky, 76, who operated Brandofsky’s Florist in Oaksville for many year, died Wednesday evening Nov. 11, 2015, at Bassett Hospital following a short illness.

Manfred was born July 26, 1939, in Brieg, Germany, the son of Max and Erna (Gensrich) Brandofsky.  He immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1960s. He married Alice Groesser of Cooperstown on Sept. 29, 1962.

An Oakeville resident, he operates the florist and, following his retirement, provided landscaping, gardening, lawn care and general property maintenance until his death. His easy nature, willingness to help others, and his honest and tireless work habits made him a success in every endeavor he undertook.

Manfred was a former member of the Richfield Springs Rotary Club and was this past year accepted as a member of the Cooperstown Native Sons based upon his 50-year residence in the area.  He loved to bowl and for a number of years sponsored his own team called Brandofsky’s Florist. He truly had an extraordinary knowledge of flowers and plants and an amazing “green thumb”.  He also loved to play cards, often visiting Turning Stone, and to analyze the stock market.

He is survived by his wife, Alice of Oaksville, his two daughters, Ava Schweikert and her husband Mark of Baltimore, and June Helmus and her husband Pete of New Milford, Conn.; his six grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Opa”, Erna and Deena Schweikert and Danielle, Michael, Alexandra and Tyler Helmus, and his brothers Erhard and Werner Brandofsky and their families in Germany and by numerous friends.

Calling hours are 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, Cooperstown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fly Creek Emergency Squad,  PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.