Obituaries

Melvin Eastman, 75, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at Cayuga Medical Center as a result of a head injury.  Born September 11, 1943, to the late John and Ethel (Crockford) Eastman, Mel graduated from Lansing High School in 1961.  Mel went on to work for Smith Corona, Cargill Salt Company, and he retired as a Rural Carrier with the United States Post Office.

A fan of many sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, Mel bowled and played slow-pitch softball for a number of years. 

Jackie Butler, 69, of Lansing, NY, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, October 28, 2018.  Born in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Josephine Campbell Stone. Jackie worked at Ithaco and later at BF Goodrich, from where she retired as a manager.

Jackie’s joy in life came from being grandma to her two grandsons, Tucker and Mason.  Her grandkids and their sports were her life.  She was also very close to and loved her sisters and the family dog, Jackson.  In her free time, she enjoyed golf, visiting the casinos, and playing games—especially poker, euchre and scrabble.

Lorin 'Lefty L. Hardy, 78, of Lansing, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, while surrounded by his loving family. Born in Torrington, CT, he was the son of the late Lorin G. and Dorothy Bramen Hardy. Following high school, Lorin enlisted in the US Army, where he proudly served his country from 1958 to 1962. After being honorably discharged, he married Marguerite Wightwood on October 26, 1963. Lorin was employed at Cargill in Lansing for several years before joining the Laborer's Union Local 785 in Ithaca, where he retired after 32 years.

The most important thing in life to Lorin was his family, and he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a passion for fishing, golfing, gardening, bowling, and playing horseshoes. He was a Dallas Cowboys football fan and NY Mets baseball fan. Lorin was also a member of the American Legion, and enjoyed reading their publications.

1926-2018

John N Johnson, 91, of Holly Hill, FL passed away on September 8, 2018 after a short illness.

John was born in Ludlowville, New York on November 16, 1926, the son of the late Carl and Alma (Randall) Johnson of Ludlowville, NY. John and his wife Dorothy lived in the Cayuga County and Lansing, NY area until they retired and moved to Florida in1987. John attended Ludlowville School then enlisted in the US Navy to serve in the Pacific region in World War II. Toward the end of his naval service, in 1946, he married his sweetheart Dorothy Inman. John and his wife operated Johnson’s Atlantic gas station and auto repair on Ridge Road across from the Lansing Schools. Later, John was a favorite bus driver for many students; and mechanic for the Lansing School District. John had a warm demeanor and a sense of humor, always making and telling jokes and keeping things lighthearted.

So many memories but not enough time. Karl William Czymmek, best known by family and friends as Will, passed away on August 28, 2018, just one day short of his eighteenth birthday.

He leaves behind a large grieving family. Two older sisters, Meredith and Madeline, and his parents, Karl and Anne Czymmek. His grandparents, Karl and Joyce Czymmek, his uncle Kirk and aunt Martha Czymmek, his aunt Maria and uncle Dana Paddock, his uncles Kent and Kyle Czymmek, his uncle Michael and aunt Kate Balcolm-Mattson, his uncle Mark and aunt Kim Mattson, his aunt Amber and uncle Peter Heimbucher, his aunt Amy Phelps, and many cousins.

James L. Barron, 70, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Cortland, NY, on July 7, 1948, he was the son of the late Harry and Marie Beckwith Barron. Jim was a 1966 graduate of Lansing High School and later attended BOCES, where he studied electrical engineering. Most recently, he was employed as an injector repairman at D&W Diesel, Inc., in Auburn, NY.

Jim had a passion for hunting and fishing, but more than anything, he loved spending time with his wife and family. He also was the best farmer around and worked on his dad’s farm for many years.

Francis G. Hancharik (83) of Lansing, NY, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY. Born in Barnesboro, PA, he was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Mehal) Hancharik. He moved to Ithaca and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1954. An accomplished athlete while at IHS, he was a stand-out starting pitcher and fullback for the Little Red. His exploits on the diamond and field, well documented in the Ithaca Journal.

Frank joined the US Army in 1958 and rose to the rank of SGT. His unit, the 2nd Armored Division out of Fort Hood, TX, was part of the peace keeping forces in West Germany. When asked, he would fondly reminisce tales of tank driver training, exploits with townsfolk at the local bier gartens, and how he never connected with Elvis even though they were stationed in the same area.

Laura Baty passed away on May 6, 2018 at Beechtree Nursing Home. She married Paul Baty in 1946. They had 4 children, Kathleen (Lyle) Wadell, Tim and Linda Baty, Carolyn Blake. Her youngest daughter (Janet)  passed away in 2016.

She made seashell jewelry, wedding cakes, Christmas fudge, and sold eggs for extra income.

She lived in Lansing since 2005. A family graveside service was held on May 8th in Vestal, N.Y.

Wendell J. (Windy) Thompson, 85, of Lansing, went home to the Lord on February 13, 2018, while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Odessa, NY to the late Stewart and Ruth (McKay) Thompson, Wendell spent most of his life in the Lansing, NY area.

As a young married man he started his work life at Rudy Krantz' Garage, and then worked at Rock Salt (Cargill). He worked for 35 years at the Lansing Schools, starting as a bus driver, and retiring as the Transportation Manager.

Daniel William Gee, 62, of Lansing, NY, lost his long courageous battle with kidney cancer on February 23, 2018. He was very brave and maintained his sense of humor until the end of his life.

Born May 21, 1955, on his paternal grandmother’s birthday, Dan loved life and lived it to the fullest.

After graduating Ithaca High School in 1973, he attended college in Florida for a year before enlisting in the US Navy, where he served for 4 ½ years on a submarine. Dan was a proud to be a Veteran. He then went on to work for the US Postal Service, retiring as Postmaster in Brooktondale at the age of 55. During his time with the Postal Service he completed his bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College.

Harold Withiam, 91, died Monday, January 22. A resident of Longview, Harold was born in Geneva, NY, and grew up on a farm in the town of Seneca. After graduation from Geneva High School in 1944, he joined the Army in 1946, where he learned to read Morse code. He was discharged from active duty in 1947 and continued in the reserve until 1950. When his father, George, died he lived with and cared for his mother, the former Allie Farr. In 1951, he married Norma, and the newlyweds continued to live in Allie’s house, which was eventually filled with four children, Glenn, Alan, Vicki, and Daniel.

Harold was a 35-year employee of the Seneca Army Depot, working first on the roads and grounds crew and later as a driver in the motor pool, a job he enjoyed. In 1954, he partnered with the late Charles Hartman to re-activate Troop One, which was one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the nation, continuing as a scout leader for over twenty years.

Carl E. Nedrow of Lansing passed away peacefully and quietly in the presence of family on January 13, 2018, at the age of 87.

Born April 20, 1930 in Ithaca, Carl was a son of the late David J. and Lina Rose Nedrow. After high school, Carl graduated from the Cornell School of Agriculture and proudly served his country for 2 years with the US Army. He was married to Nancy "Ann" Tierney Nedrow in February 1955. Carl retired from NYSEG after 30 plus years of dedicated service. He enjoyed boxing in his younger years, raised Appaloosa horses, was passionate about coon hunting, and was content just being busy around the farm, whether cutting firewood or puttering on a project. Carl was also an avid follower of the Lansing sports programs and the New York Giants. Most importantly, Carl was dedicated to and loved his family. He and Ann always had an open door and welcomed friends and family for a visit or an extended stay. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary M. Benson passed away peacefully at Walden Place in Cortland, NY with family at her side on December 22, 2017, at the age of 99.

A lifelong Groton/Lansing resident, Mary was born at home on July 24, 1918. She graduated from Groton High School in 1937 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics from Cornell University in 1941. In 1943, she married Clarence C. Benson and in 1946 they purchased Bensvue Farm on Lansingville Road. Over the course of the next 58 years their family and farm grew and prospered.

Mary (Molly) Elizabeth Regan Colt passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018 with her oldest son by her side and dedicated staff members from Old Hundred and Hospicare. Molly was born on December 9, 1927 to William and Celia Regan in Morristown, NJ. Anyone who ever had the privilege of knowing or interacting with her would agree that Molly was one of the most gentle, caring, loving, beautiful, and understanding woman to ever walk this earth. 

As a child, Molly lived in several different communities because of her father's professional career. She graduated from Morristown High School in 1945 and entered the College of St. Elizabeth, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History Education. Molly began her high school teaching career in Richfield Springs, NY. Later she relocated to Lansing, NY to teach History at Lansing High School where she met a fellow teaching colleague who would become her future husband. On August 22, 1953 Molly married James P. Colt in Wellsville, NY and they spent 63 years faithfully supporting each other.

Peter Leo Alano was born 11/23/54 in Rochester, N.Y. He died peacefully in his home on 10/11/17. He is predeceased by his father Ralph, and his sister Anita Alano. Pete is survived by his children Jack and Bridget Alano and his wife Peggy Conolly-Alano, his mother Isabel Alano, brother Louis Alano/wife Theresa Alano, and brother in law Merle Jantz

Pete and Peggy moved to the Finger Lakes twenty years ago when Pete courageously quit a good paying job to pursue a less lucrative, more rewarding career working with disabled adults. His consistent kindness, acceptance, and dedication to his clients was felt by all who worked with him.

Deborah J. McKane, 58 of Lansing, passed away peacefully at home on September 13, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Born September 20, 1958 in Ashland, NY, Debbie was a daughter of the late Earl C. Partridge and Marian Zifchock Partridge, who survives her. Debbie was very ambitious and began working in McDonalds during high school to buy her trusty old car. After graduation, she worked at Cornell University for many years while raising four children.

On May 1, 2017, Tatyana Duval, 67, of Ithaca, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her own home and on her own terms.

Tatyana was a special person; a beautiful, passionate, and unique woman with an extremely talented mind. She loved life and all things beautiful including flowers, plants, art, and animals.

Eleanore Hunter passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on March 25 with her faithful canine companion, Honey, by her side. Ellie grew up in Ithaca New York and was the daughter of William and Margaret Gredel who immigrated to New York City from Switzerland. Henry later became the president of the Ithaca Savings Bank and made their home on Ithaca Road. She loved Ithaca and enjoyed telling those she met of swimming across Cayuga Lake as a young girl.

It was on the day she arrived at Potsdam that a handsome Clarkson boy asked her to go for coffee. That night over a beer their story began. Ellie had a full life with her husband Malcolm. They built houses together for their business (Hunter Homes) and enjoyed many trips and adventures along the way that included flea markets, antiquing, motor home trips, and vacations to the Virgin Islands and Europe! After obtaining her teaching degree from Potsdam, Ellie enjoyed teaching second grade. She took time to raise their three children and later found a love of teaching special needs children at our local BOCES.

Benedetto Pasquale Muggeo, 82, of Lansing, NY died unexpectedly at Robert Packer Hospital on March 25, 2017. Born on November 28, 1934 in Endwell, NY to the late Pasquale and Rosa Muggeo, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maureen; their daughters Lisa (Tom) Feldman of Dunkirk, Maryland; Karen (Victor) Startsman of Rockville, Maryland; Diane (Charles) Mann of Endicott, New York; Carla (Kevin) Trolaro of Metuchen, New Jersey; six grandchildren, Sydney and Michael Feldman, Nathan and Benjamin Mann, and Nicole and Kylie Trolaro; sisters Lena Catalano and Delores Larque; and many nieces and nephews.

Ben attended the University of Miami and graduated from Broome Community College. While raising his four daughters he achieved his career goal of earning a Professional Engineering Certification. He worked as a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning professional engineer for General Electric, Cornell University, and several consulting engineering firms, including IBM and Dupont, until he retired in 2002.

Janet Irene Morse Dean of Lansing, NY, died peacefully on January 26, 2017, at the Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY, comforted by her four children and daughter-in-law, following a brief illness. She was 92 years old.

Born August 10, 1924, in Freeville, NY, Janet lived most of her life in Ithaca and never lost her love for the Finger Lakes. Adopted by Helen (Lincoln) and Carl Morse at the age of six months, she spent a joyful youth on South Hill. Helen and Carl subsequently adopted her younger brother George as well. Mary Gridley Allaben remained a life-long South Hill friend. Janet’s mom married Irving King following the death of her first husband. Janet regaled her children with stories of many happy family summers during her childhood on Owasco Lake, NY and Lake Massasecum, NH.