MOHAWK - Arthur O. Burgess, 96, of Devendorf Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, with his loving family at his side. Born on Sept. 12, 1905, in Ilion, he was the son of the late Jesse Maine and Alys Osgood Burgess. Raised and educated in Ilion, he graduated from Ilion High School in 1923. Art continued his education, receiving a bachelor's degree from Colgate University in 1928 and his master's of education from Columbia Teachers College in 1934. On Aug. 23, 1930, he married Vera Hurlburt in Springfield, Mass. They shared a loving and devoted union of 68 years until her passing on June 6, 1999. From 1930 through 1945, he and his wife resided in Ludlow, Mass., where he taught high school history and English, was a guidance counselor, and the school newspaper advisor. Art was an energetic man who enjoyed helping the youth. In 1945, he took the position of YMCA youth work director in Norristown, Pa. He continued his career for more than 45 years, organizing Hi-Y Clubs throughout the areas in Ludlow and Amherst, Mass., Norristown, and Corry, Pa., where he was instrumental in building a YMCA. In the fall of 1957, he and his family returned to Mohawk. He then joined the staff of New York State YMCA as director of the Central District of New York. While director of the Central NY YMCA, he organized Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y clubs; a Y's Men's Club and Industrial Management Club throughout Herkimer County. Upon his retirement from the YMCA in 1970, Art was happiest when he was helping others. He recognized the need for activities for the senior citizens population throughout the county. He was instrumental in organizing the AARP Chapter 1410 and in 1971 served as its first president. Art later became an assistant state director for AARP and eventually state director, helping to organize new chapters in Utica, Rome, Oneida and Oneonta. He was the managing editor of the monthly Chapter News, an instructor in the 55 Alive Programs, organized a men's cooking class in cooperation with the Cooperative Extension. In 1989, after more than 20 years of active work with AARP he received an Emeritus Recognition. His community activities also included his assistance in organizing the combined United Way of Mohawk Valley. He previously served on the Red Cross Board of Directors, the United Fund, RSVP and Office for the Aging and had served as treasurer for the historic Fort Herkimer Church Memorial Fund. He had a strong belief in God and lived a devoted Christian life. He was a member of the Mohawk Reformed Church, where he served on the Consistory, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and was the first editor of the church newsletter, "The Way." He had managed a local campaign for funds for the Reformed Church Camp in the Adirondacks. Surviving are his son, John W. and his wife Catherine Burgess of Lutherville, Md.; his daughter, Carolyn "Lynn" and her husband James Drury of Mohawk; four grandchildren and their families, Alyson Drury, Katherine Alys Drury-Dayton and her husband Jason, all of Mohawk, Vera Burgess-Ramsey and her husband Michael of Winston Salem, N.C., Elizabeth Anne Sales and her husband Tom of Lutherville, Md.; four great-grandchildren, Alesis Drury, Leo Burgess-Ramsey, Madyson Drury-Lennon and Isobel Ramsey; a niece, Frances Bonnie Hurlburt; a nephew, Dr. Ward Hurlburt; and a very special friend and caregiver, Marilyn Stone. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Mohawk Reformed Church. The Rev. Donald Pangburn will officiate. Interment will follow in Mohawk Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. Memorial donations may be made to the Mohawk Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.