Obituaries - William Cobey, Hellen Ahern

William (Bill) Lawrence Cobey, Sr., 77, of Alva, Florida and West Winfield, New York, lost his courageous battle to cancer and passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2017 at his home. 

Bill was born July 23, 1940 in Milton, New York to William and Estelle (Secor) Cobey. He graduated from Cornwall High School and went to work for the Cornwall Press. Bill was employed as a computer programmer and manager for International Business Machines (IBM) for 29 years. After retiring from IBM, Bill wanted to work outdoors and became the groundskeeper for Storm King Arts Center, one of the world's leading sculpture parks, in Mountainville, New York. 

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening and watching sports; especially, his beloved New York Giants and New York Yankees. He was a great cook! Bill helped host spaghetti nights at his park. He was always leaving people wanting more of his spaghetti sauce, pasta fagioli and linguine and white clam sauce. Spending time with his family and friends gave him much pleasure. 

Bill is survived by partner Christina Baldino, his three children, William L Cobey, Jr. (Tracey) of West Hurley, NY, Rhonda Hoag (Jeffrey) of Monkton, VT and Danielle Wall of Wellington, FL.; seven grandchildren, Brenden and Kerri Hoag, Kaitlynn, Anthony and Alexander Cobey, Andersen and Domenic Wall; his brother James (Patricia) Cobey, his sister Judith Prena, his sister-in-law Joanne Cobey as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bruce Cobey and Gary Cobey and his sister Diane Cobey.

Hellen Hasley Ahern, 91, passed away December 28, 2017 at her home in Alva, Florida. She was born December 23, 1926 to John Hasley and Margaret Fichter Hasley. Hellen's family has lived on the same property in Alva since the 1800s. 

She married Bernard E. Ahern November 22, 1950. She began teaching in Moore Haven, FL in 1950. She taught in Moore Haven until she and Bernie moved back to their property in Alva in 1967. She continued teaching in Lee County until her retirement in 1977. They made their home on the family homestead property until Bernie's death in 2015.

Hellen graduated Valedictorian from Alva High School in 1944. She moved to Tallahassee where she attended Florida State College for Women, now Florida State University, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She went on to receive her Master's Degree from Colorado State University. She taught 30 years in the Glades and Lee County School Districts.

Hellen was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Bernie Ahern, brother Peter Hasley, sisters Margaret Hasley Griffin and Kitty Hasley Phillips.

She is survived by her brother Walter (Chub) Hasley and wife Ann Hasley, son Robert (Martha) Ahern, granddaughter Christy Ahern-Liscum, grandson Robbie (Kell) Ahern, granddaughter Elaine (Beau) Langley, nine great-grandchildren Katie (Joey) Gottleib, Erin Cable, Leah Cable, Caralynn Liscum, Kelsey (Ethan) Warren, Chloe' Ahern, Collin Ahern, Logan Langley and Jillian Langley and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of Hellen's life will be Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Alva United Methodist Church (21440 Pearl Street, Alva, FL 33920) with family visitation one hour prior to service.