News

News of the Club

March 30
Dr. Charles Johnson passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Midlothian, Va. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lynda May Johnson (nee Fain); his parents, Kathryn and Carl Johnson; and his brother, William Johnson. Chuck was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., and attended Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

He met Lynda on a blind date and they were married on August 8, 1953. Chuck completed his studies at SU, earning a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, before taking a position with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, Pa., working on the early version of nuclear power submarine propulsion. Starting in 1961, he worked for Carrier Corporation in Syracuse, N.Y., and moved the family to Cazenovia, where they raised three daughters. In 1977, Charles took the position as technical director for the National Solid Waste Management Association in Washington, DC, until he retired. Mbr>
Chuck and Lynda moved to Lake Monticello, Palmyra, Va., in 1996, where he was very active with Habitat for Humanity, AARP Tax Preparation, and Meals-on-Wheels. For many years, Chuck and Lynda were active in the H.H. Franklin Club, which is dedicated to the preservation of the manufacturing history of air-cooled Franklin cars, and they regularly attended club events, including participating in a London to Brighton car race. He was also an avid golfer and together, they had a very active social life. During their golden years, Chuck and Lynda traveled extensively through Europe and made many lasting relationships. They later moved to Brandermill Woods independent living community. Chuck was often tending his rose garden and was known to bring the ladies a rose now and then.

Roy Charles Bernick, age 95, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully from this life into God’s loving embrace on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House.

Roy was born September 14, 1929, and was a lifelong resident of the St. Cloud/Waite Park area. He lived a very full life and was known for his friendliness and great sense of humor. He grew up in the family beverage business and worked there until his retirement. He was a founding member of the Minnesota Pepsi Collector’s Club.

His true passion was collecting and restoring antique cars. He bought his first car when he was 25, and the rest is history. He was a founding member of the Pan Town Car Club, and a member of the Franklin Car Club, Curved Dash Oldsmobile Club, Minnesota Horseless Carriage, Antique Auto Club, and the Brush Auto Club. His highlights include flying his 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile to London, England, in 1996, and competing in the London to Brighton Car Run. This car run was replicated in Minnesota. He was very involved in the New London to New Brighton Car Run. In 1985 he drove his 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile from California to New York, which took 36 days. He was also invited to visit Jay Leno and got a tour of all of his cars.

Roy served in the Merchant Marines and later in the Army’s Airborne Division. He was a paratrooper and completed 18 jumps. He served in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Roy was united in marriage to Rena Kuklok on November 9, 1957. They had four children-- Dean, Joy, Todd, and Lisa. They later divorced. He married Colleen Rawlings on June 14, 2000.

A celebration of life will be held on May 17th, from 1:00-5:00 in Roy's Car Building.

March 1

Donald R. Chapman, at 97 years, passed away early February 22, while a resident of the Cottages at Garden Grove-Cicero, New York. Don was the son of Vera and Russell Chapman.

With a technical background, Don worked at General Electric/ Lockheed Martin for over fifty years. Don focused and admired all antique and classic cars and fire trucks. Don was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Classic Car Club of America, H.H.Franklin Car Club, the Pierce Arrow Society and the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus of America and owned numerous vehicles during his driving life. Don enjoyed learning the history of vehicles built in Syracuse (Franklin, Brennen), Rochester (Cunningham), Buffalo (Pierce Arrow, Thomas) and Elmira (American LaFrance).

Don was an active meet and trek participant for over seventy years. Don, and good friend Hank, drove Don’s 1936 Pierce Arrow 1601 sedan to the first AACA fall meet (1954), but the 18 year old car was not admitted on the show field.

Don owned an early 1925 11A Franklin Touring and smiled whenever he drove it. Two of Don’s cars are on display at the Northeast Auto Museum in Norwich, New York: a 1938 Bantam roadster and a 1938 Pierce Arrow 1803 Town Car.

We will miss his enthusiasm, joy in sharing, extraordinary memory of auto details and his friendship.

Don’s life will be celebrated in May 2025.

February 24

Michael P. Reeve, 83, of Cazenovia, NY, passed away on February 1, 2025, surrounded by his family, joining his beloved wife Mary Therese (Bunnell) Reeve, who preceded him in death nine months earlier. Born April 4, 1941, in Chillicothe, Ohio to John Harvey and Loretta Anne (Ropella) Reeve, Mike spent his formative years in Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin.

A lifelong learner and dedicated engineer, Mike pursued his education while working in his uncle J. Donald Reeve's machine shop. He earned his engineering degree from Marquette University through night school, demonstrating the perseverance that would characterize his entire career. His technical expertise led him to General Motors' Ternstedt Division in Syracuse, NY, where he completed a Tool and Die apprenticeship and worked on gyroscope parts for the Apollo space missions.

In partnership with his brother Joe and his father, J. Harvey, Mike established Reeve Garage Builders in Phoenix, NY, where the company became known for efficient garage construction. In the 1980s, he transitioned to education, earning his B.S. from Empire State College and M.S. in Vocational Technical Education from SUNY Oswego. As a professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology at SUNY Morrisville, Mike shared his extensive practical knowledge with the next generation of engineers until his retirement.

Mike's passion for engineering and problem-solving continued in his collaboration with his son Patrick and grandson Michael at Reeve Enterprises, where they specialize in race engine machining and providing repairs for local agriculture. He was an enthusiast of vintage automobiles, restoring classic cars, including a Stanley Steamer, and was a regular participant in the Franklin Trek in Cazenovia. He also loved helping the grandkids optimize engines for microd racing at the State Fair.

Above all, Mike was devoted to his wife of over 55 years, Mary Therese, providing devoted care during her final years. He is survived by his children: Mary Pat (Mark) Daly and their children Emma, Simon, Callum, and Joy; Patrick Joseph Reeve and his children Matthew, Theresa, and Michael; and Maggie Ann Tompkins and her children Gwendolyn and Madeline.

A Mass celebrating Michael's life will be held on Friday, March 7th at 10:30am at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St, Fayetteville, NY. A reception will follow in the church hall.

February 20

Gordon H. Howard, 88, of Vernon, passed away on February 14, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life. He drew great enjoyment from his family, antique Franklin automobiles, model trains, UConn women’s basketball, and the birds that flocked to his backyard feeders.

Gordon was born on April 5, 1936, in Providence, R.I., to Robert McLaren Howard and Helen Huey Hyde Howard. He graduated from James T. Lockwood High School in Warwick, R.I., in 1954 and received a bachelor’s degree in textile engineering from Rhode Island School of Design in 1958. He was drafted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation, and being discharged he went to work at Cheney Brothers in Manchester, Conn. There he met Carol Cordner, who he married in 1964 at South United Methodist Church in Manchester. Soon after the wedding they bought a home in Andover, where they raised three boys. All three played basketball at RHAM and he never missed a game. He owned two Franklins—“Bertha,” from 1927, and another from 1930—and attended every annual “Trek” of the HH Franklin Club for more than 50 years consecutively. He was also passionate about his Scottish ancestry and traveled with some of his family to his clan’s homeland in 1997.

Gordon worked numerous jobs in textile engineering, most prominently JH Fenner & Co. Ltd. in Middletown, where he was employed from 1970 to 1986. He retired when much of the industry relocated overseas, allowing him to enjoy the arrival of eight grandchildren, pick blackberries in his backyard garden, read two newspapers a day, and meet longtime friends for breakfast at Rein’s every Thursday morning.

He was a diehard fan of UConn women’s basketball and followed many of the players as they joined the WNBA or played overseas. He unofficially adopted Dorka Juhásh as a sixth granddaughter.

He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Murray; his children, Robert and his wife, Sylvia; David and his fiancee, Kerin Smollen; and Steven and his wife, Lana; grandchildren Lina, Jenna, Alyssa, Vaughn, Hannah, Jack, Hollyn, and Landon. He was preceded in death by his wife, the Rev. Carol Cordner Howard, in 2000.

All are welcome to join the family at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Rt-83) in Vernon on Sunday, February 23, 2025, for a time of visitation from 2-4 pm with a memorial service to begin at 3:30 pm. At the request of the family, the burial will be private in East Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the HH Franklin Club or the Audubon Society. To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com

January 20

Roy Franklin Powers, 92, passed away on January 14, 2025. Roy was born to Irene and Llew Powers of DeRuyter, NY on July 23,1932. He graduated from South Otselic High in 1951, then attended Morrisville State in the Auto Technology program.1953 was a banner year: he graduated from college, married E. Mae Martin from Norwich, NY, and then was drafted into the US Army, serving until 1957, including in the Missile/Radar battalion. Returning to CNY, working at Jones and Allen Chevrolet in Whitney Point, and then at his uncle's farm in DeRuyter. By 1962, Roy and Mae and 3 young sons moved to Fabius. Roy ran an Ashland service station in town for some time and went to night school to obtain a teaching certificate as the family had grown by 2 daughters. In the1966 school year he worked as a teaching assistant to Robert Ossont at Fabius Central School. He taught Auto Mechanics and later Auto Body courses for Cortland-Madison BOCES until taking a position with Fabius Pompey Central School teaching Auto Mechanics and Welding until his retirement. Roy and Mae were involved in many antique car clubs which formed lifelong friendships and fun trips during their life together. They led an active church life in the United Methodist and later Fabius Christian Churches. He also served in many capacities on the Fabius Volunteer Fire Dept over many years. Roy taught many young people to build skills in important trades that we all need in life. No matter where he traveled, he always knew someone, and had the most extraordinary memory and gift of gab ! Roy was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Mae, his brother, Duane Powers, and grandsons Wesley Harridge and Andrew Gosden. He is survived by his brother, Dale (Lorna) Powers of Bradenton, Fla. Children: Steven (Rosie) Powers, Fabius, NY. Donald (Susan) Powers, Loveland, CO. David (Laurie Harridge) Powers, Lafayette, NY. Mary (Joe) Chovan, Cazenovia, NY. Gwen Powers, Syracuse, NY. Grands: Craig (Megan) Powers, Fabius, NY. Melissa (Mark) Wheatley, Lafayette, NY. Jordan (Tara) Conklin, Syracuse, NY. Jonathan (Paige) Powers, DE. Trevor Gosden, Floral Park, NY. Mercury McGraw, Syracuse, NY. Collin McGraw, Syracuse, NY. Shannon McGraw, Weedsport, NY Great Grands: Clint Wheatley, Levi (His birthday buddy!) Wheatley, Christopher Powers, Madison Powers, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in springtime in Fabius.