Obituaries

Gail E. Baker, age 62, of Lansing has earned her wings and joined the good Lord in heaven on December 14, 2012.

Angels awaiting her arrival are her late husband, Douglas A. Baker; her parents, Garfield and June Squires; sister, Cora Squires; daughter, Pamela Baker; grandson, Cameron Baker; and friend, Curtis Loomis.

Betty Stuart passed away on November 12, 2012 in Ithaca.

Born in Ithaca, she was the daughter of the late James and Clara (French) Quigley. Betty was a resident of Myers for many years and the Woodsedge community for the past three years. She was a parishioner at the All Saints Church. Her Family was foremost in her life and she will be dearly missed by those she has left behind.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Stuart, a son Jeffrey Stuart and her brother Jack Quigley.

Viola M. Crandall, of 460 Ridge Rd., Lansing, passed away October 25, 2012, at the Groton Nursing Home after a short illness.

She was the sixth of nine children, born on December 2, 1928, in Brookfield, NY, to the late Amos and Flora (Fretts) Ray.

On July 24, 1954, she married Lyle C. Crandall who predeceased her in 1994.

Ithaca: Richard James Hughes, age 67, died October 2, 2012 in Ithaca, NY from complications of a recent heart attack. Known to his friends as "Rick," he was a devoted loving husband and father who always had a smile on his face and assisted anyone who was in need of his time.

He was a resident of Ithaca for the past 27 years. Born on March 7, 1945 in Chicago, IL, Rick was raised in Rockford, IL and later in Baldwinsville, NY. He is predeceased by his parents, Reba Mae Stanton Hughes and Karl Edward Hughes, Sr. Rick was a graduate of CW Baker High School in Baldwinsville, NY. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education and Physics from the State University College at Oswego, NY where he was a member of the Sigma Tau Chi Fraternity.

Joseph John Bruno, age 61, of Lansing, New York died on Friday, September 14th as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Joe was a husband and a father and a musician. He is survived by his wife Janet, his son Ben, daughter-in-law Libby, daughter Katie, brother Tony and a large extended family. Joe's passion was his family and his music. Joe was devoted to the bass; he was a prominent bass player in the Ithaca area for the past 30 years and was most recently performing with Pete Panek and the Blue Cats. Joe was an avid sports fan, faithfully rooting for the Rangers, Giants, and Miami Hurricanes; he spear-headed the Friday night men's pick-up hockey sessions at The Rink which continue to this day.

Wanda Brink, a lifelong resident of Ludlowville, NY, was called home on Friday, August 31, 2012 after living a long and rich life. She graduated from Ludlowville High School in 1940.

Wanda worked as the Lansing Deputy Town Clerk and bookkeeper between 1956-1986. She was also a member of the following organizations: Charter Member of South Lansing Ladies Fire Auxiliary, Charter Member of the Alameda Ludlowville Fire Auxiliary, past member of North Lansing #236 Order of the Eastern Stars, past member of Ithaca Grotto Balbecs, Member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, and former Sunday school teacher in Ludlowville Church. She was also a trustee of the Lansing Historical Association and member of Ludlowville Community Association, secretary of the Lansing Quilters Group, notary republic for 38 years, a member of Lansing Senior Citizens, and a member of Tompkins County Senior Citizens. Wanda was also an airplane spotter for the Civil Defense during World War II.

Lorraine J. Hays Dickhaut, passed away suddenly on August 31, 2012, at the age of 70.

Born September 26, 1941, in Gouverneur, NY, she was one of seven children of the late James and Evelyn (Burns) Hays. A 1959 graduate of Gouverneur High School, Lorraine was married on June 17, 1961, to John R. "Jack" Dickhaut, who survives her. Lorraine retired from Smith Corona after 30 years of service, and then spent 11 years employed at Cornell University.

Paul E. (Pete) Barron, 70, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

A life long Lansing resident Pete was born on August 7, 1942, to the late Harry G. & Hilda Marie (Beckwith) Barron. After graduating from Lansing High School in 1960, where he met his wife Judy Howell, they married November 7, 1964. Together they bought his father's farm on Jerry Smith Rd. where they created a family out of farming. Pete loved everyone and treated them like family. When he wasn't farming he found great joy in hunting, fishing, square dancing, making maple syrup, gator rides with the grandkids, visiting with people where he handed out lots of "candy kisses", carpentry, creating out of his many resources and witnessing. He served on several boards and clubs including the Lansing Lions after he retired from farming in 1987.

David Hardie, 86, of Longview and North Lansing, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

Dave was the eldest child and only son of Joseph Johns and Edna Muller Hardie. He was raised on Long Island and was a graduate of South Side High School, Rockville Centre.

Immediately following his high school graduation, Dave enlisted in the Army’s Tenth Mountain Division, to serve his country in World War II. In 1945, Dave’s unit saw extensive combat in the Italian Alps.  Safely home and decorated with a Purple Heart, he followed his plan and enrolled in Cornell University. There he enjoyed the fellowship of his Sigma Nu brothers, cemented his future career in dairy farming, and met his future wife.

Joan Dickey Hardie, 84, passed away Monday, July 2, 2012.

A New Yorker all her life, she was the second child of Ernest & Viola Dickey. Joan was raised on Long Island and was a graduate of The Cathedral School of Saint Mary's. She studied nursing at Cornell University, where she became a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

Married to David Hardie of Rockville Centre in August of 1948, Joan was devoted to Dave and their three children. The success of Hardie Farms would not have been possible without her work, support and dedication to the project she and Dave shared for 60 years.

Lansing, NY - Georgia K. Baker became her family’s guardian angel unexpectedly on June 13, 2012.  She was born on August 20, 1955, to George and Terry Baker.  From day one, Georgia was full of spunk and fire, and she quickly earned the nickname “Punk”.  She spent most of her life working hard, but her favorite occupation was being a Great Aunt and second Nana to her three great nieces, Amaya, Ryan, and Kiri, and her great nephew, Benjamin.  Georgia gave endlessly of herself and was always there when her family needed her. 

Her selflessness and loving nature made it hard for her to turn anyone or anything away.  Because of this, she will be sorely missed by her four dogs and three cats that she shared her home and her love with.  Georgia would most want to be remembered for the person she was in the last four years of her life.  After her divorce, she moved to Lansing to be closer to her sister, Mitzy and her family.  In Georgia’s own words, which were written shortly after her move, “My life is starting to be a lot better.  I’m finally able to smile.  Life is good.  I have my family I always wanted.”  She was an example of determination, love and compassion, which her family will never forget.

Contributions in Georgia’s memory may be directed to SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Prayers of committal, officiated by Pastor Jane Sautter, will begin at 2pm, Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing, NY.

Angelo Franco Jr. passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 after a long trial with Parkinson’s.  He was the oldest son of Angelo and Emily Franco and husband to Carol (Lenaeus) Franco.  Angelo graduated from Syracuse University with a five year degree in Architecture and was drafted into the Army, where he served at Fort Belvoir.  In 1965 Angelo came to Ithaca where he worked for Tallman Inc., which later became Fred Thomas Associates, and in 1989 he moved to Egner Architectural Associates, retiring in 2003.  He met and married Carol shortly after his move to Ithaca, in 1966.

From his first experiences as a Boy Scout, Angelo had a deep love of the outdoors which he passed on to his two children; hiking, camping, and learning about nature were a big part of their childhood.  Travel was another passion and camping across the United States when the children were younger turned to more extensive trips – Angelo and Carol explored China, Korea, South America, England, Europe and Scandinavia together.

Kirk J. Hoag, "John", age 89, passed away on March 31, 2012 in the comfort of his Lansing home. Born February 10, 1923 in Norwich, NY, John was the youngest son of the late Kirk M. and Lula (Shorter) Hoag.

John spent his early days working on the family farm until he married his wife Clarice Baker Hoag in 1944. During WWII John and Clarice lived in Buffalo where John worked at Curtiss-Wright as a riveter on the P40, C46 and P47 aircrafts.

Dorothy May Emmick of 314 Buck Rd., Lansing, NY, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2012, at Cayuga Medical Center at the age of 86.

Born October 30, 1926, in Sherwood, NY, she was a daughter of the late Spencer W. and Daisy (Keim) Bright. After graduation from Ludlowville High School, she was married to Louis Emmick, who survives her. A hardworking, busy lady, Dorothy worked along with Lou in the family grocery store in Lake Ridge while raising a family. She was an excellent cook, and especially notorious for her salads and pies which were always in high demand. Dorothy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Anna Moravec, age 93 of Ithaca died Friday, March 23, 2012 at Beechtree Care Center in Ithaca, NY.

Born March 26, 1918 in West Dryden, NY she was a daughter of the late August and Emma Vesley Kozel and wife of the late James Moravec.  She was a graduate of Ludlowville High School, class of 1936 and had been employed with the NYS School for Girls in Lansing prior to her retirement.  She was a member of the Pythian Sisters, Northeast Home Demonstration Unit and St. John's Episcopal Church where she was very active in church activities.

Ethel B. Kennaugh, age 100 passed away on February 6, 2012 at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca, NY.  Ethel was born on August 23, 1911 in Queens, NY, the daughter of the late Edward A. and Rose End Blakelock.

In 1934, she married William F. Kennaugh in the Richmond Hill Methodist Church in Queens, NY.  He predeceased her in 1993.  After their marriage, they moved to Delhi, NY where Bill became associated with Delhi Tech (now SUNY Delhi) and Ethel worked as a stenographer in the County Social Services Department.  After raising a family and living in Delhi for 50 years, they moved to Ithaca, NY to be near their daughter.

Frances I. Gage, 86, of Lansing, New York, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York.

Frances was born October 7, 1925 to the late Robert A. Irvine and Alice Walrath Irvine in Jasper, New York. She graduated from Jasper Central School in 1943. She attended State University of New York at Geneseo, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education in 1946.

After graduation, Fran taught third grade in Greenwood, NY. She subsequently married and joined her husband in Troy, NY, where he was a student of Electrical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Over the years they have lived in Schenectady NY, Owensboro KY, Syracuse NY, Topsfield MA, Weston MA, and Chestnut Hill MA.

On December 25th, 2011, Amy Huei-Mei Lin, age 67, passed away after a 5-year battle with colon cancer. She was born May 19, 1944, in Tainan, Taiwan She is survived by her devoted husband Kenneth Lin; her loving daughters Anne and Susan Lin; her 2 sisters and 4 brothers in Taiwan; as well as the many wonderful family and friends with whom she kept in touch in the Ithaca community.

She worked as a nurse at Cayuga Medical Center and spent the past 30 years as the manager of Jung Ching Foods, selling Chinese food at the Ithaca Farmer's Market, local Ithaca events, and at Cornell University dining hall a la carte venues, where she developed many friendships and affected countless people. She was always proud of her daughters Anne and Susan for their academic and musical accomplishments.

Donald E. Cook, Sr., 66, of 97 Armstrong Rd., Lansing, NY, passed away on January 8, 2012, at the Hospicare residence after losing a ten month battle with cancer.

Born December 11, 1945 in Ithaca, he attended Newfield Central School before moving to Lansing, where he owned and operated an auto body repair garage and then Don's Inboard Outboard Boat Motor Shop until his retirement in 2011. Don was an avid fisherman and enjoyed time spent on his boat with friends on Cayuga Lake and fishing in tournaments throughout upstate New York. He also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and animals that frequented his backyard, the companionship of his pets, and traveling.

Ithaca - Dr. William J. Dress, professor of botany, emeritus, of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University died December 15, 2011 at his home at Kendal at Ithaca.  He was 93.

Dr. Dress was born in Buffalo and the son of the late David and Hazel Dress and the grandson of the late Benjamin and Harriet Bauchspies.  He graduated from South Park High School and later attended University of Buffalo where he received his A.B. degree in classical languages in 1931. From 1942 to 1945 he served in the U.S. Army Air Corp in an air service squadron, first in Louisiana and then in England, North Africa, and Italy.  He was honorably discharged at the rank of staff sergeant.