Obituaries

Danby – Robert O. Sundquist, age 69, of Danby, died Sunday morning at Hospicare after a courageous battle with cancer. His recent battle, like his life, exemplified courage and determination, as in the Finnish concept of SISU. Bob was born in Ithaca, the son of the late Mildred (Ollie) and Onnie Sundquist. Bob graduated from Cascadilla School and was a well self-educated individual.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a gifted landscape artist.

With his gentle, kind, and quite spoken demeanor, Bob was a beloved son, brother, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his siblings, Joseph, Marian, and Helen. As “Uncle Bobby” he was a steadfast man who was a fatherly figure to many of his nieces and nephews.  He will be greatly missed especially by the current youngest ‘lights of his life,’ Anthony Neal Imani Solomon Sundquist and Richard (“Little Ricky”)William Sundquist  III.

FREEVILLE - Jack Brookhouse, 87, formerly of Freeville, NY passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Loretta Clark Brookhouse; his daughters, Sandra and George Ketola of Locke, NY, Sharon and George Suess of Halcottsville, NY, Donna and Stephen Carpenter of Dryden, NY and Peggy and Richard Case, Jr. of Groton, NY; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his brothers, Everett and Martha Brookhouse, LeRoy and Geneva Brookhouse and his sister, Doris and Tom Weller all of Michigan.

Barbara Partridge Dyer, loving wife, mother and grandmother, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2009.  Barbara was born in Somerville, MA on February 7, 1920.  She was the daughter of Ashley W. and Jennie Maud Partridge.

Barbara grew up in Lexington, MA, where she enjoyed visiting her father’s ice cream stand and playing the violin in the high school orchestra.  In her childhood she spent time in Blue Hill with family, sailing on the Vagabond, and enjoying relaxing times on the beach and rocks.  She married Vernelle “Cappy” Dyer on October 17, 1950.  Together they raised a family in an old farmhouse in Yarmouth.

ITHACA - Michele Caporiccio, age 76, of Ithaca, died Sunday morning at Hospicare. Mr. Caporiccio was born in Fondi, Italy, the son of the late Andrea and Gemma Caporiccio. He was a retired groundskeeper at Cornell University after 25 years of service. Michele will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and spending time with them at family events.

Survivors included his wife of 51 years, Lelia Caporiccio; four sons, Andrea (Debra) Caporiccio, Armando Franco (Judy) Caporiccio, Giovanni (Tina) Caporiccio, Antonio Maurizio (Deborah) Caporiccio; three sisters, Concettina, Fortunata, Armandina; six grandsons, Michael, Joseph, Matthew, Adam, Kevin, and Justin Caporiccio; two granddaughters, Marissa and Alexia Caporiccio; several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his two brothers, Giovanni and Armando Caporiccio; a sister, Assunta.

 

Freeville - David Frederick Aiken, age 67 of Freeville, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, evening at Cayuga Medical Center. Mr. Aiken was born in Bainbridge, the son of the late Levi and Marion Aiken. David was a member of the Class of 1959 at Greene Central High School and he would have celebrated his 50th Class Reunion in September. Prior to his retirement, David was a salt miner for 35 years at Cargill Inc., in Lansing.

He enjoyed cars, fishing and hunting, watching his grandchildren play sports and performing in concerts; he was a person who enjoyed being in the outdoors and spending time with friends and family. David will be missed by all.

 

ITHACA - Ross Bradford Sinn, age 85 of the Village of Lansing, died Thursday morning at Hospicare in Ithaca. Mr. Sinn was born in Ithaca, a son of the late Bradford and Ruth Sinn. He enjoyed doing yard work, camping with the 39r's, fishing, taking care of his birds and commiserating with the neighbors. After 41 years of service, he retired from Cornell University as a senior experimentalist in the Department of Entomology in the insectary garage.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Edith C. Sinn; a daughter, Sharon Sinn; a brother, Eugene Sinn; step brother, John (Marguerite) Emery; a step-sister, Dorothy (Bob Fleet) Harris; several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Julia Beach, and a step-brother, B.F. Emery.

 

Marian A. Wilson, age 101, formerly of Hart St., Elmira, NY and Woodsedge Apts., Lansing, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at the Groton Community Health Care Facility, Groton, NY. Marian was born on July 1, 1907 in Hornell, NY, daughter of the late Edwin and Grace (Acker) Jones.

Survivors include her son, Hillis (Judy) Wilson and granddaughter, Susan Wilson; of Rt 1, Groton, NY. Nieces, Inga Wilson of Horseheads, NY and Shirley Soper of Huber Heights, OH; Also survived by Eddie (Sylvia) Derry, Mike (Nancy) Cleary, Chris (Janice) Soper, Wess (Joyce) Soper, Jeff (Ella) Soper, Robert (Laurie) Granger, Tim Granger, Dean Granger, Adrian (Martin) Poole, Jeannette Wilson, and Louise 
(Ronald) Furstoss. Marian was predeceased by her husband, Hillis Wilson in 1978. She was also predeceased by her brothers and sisters , Helen Soper, Burr Jones, Walton Jones, and Radah Derry.

Francis John Ruane, age 88 of Ithaca, died Wednesday morning at Lakeside Nursing Home. Frank was born in Ithaca, a son of the late Thomas P. and Bina Ruane.

Prior to his retirement, he was a Physical Education teacher for 26 years at LeRoy Central School and other schools throughout Upstate New York. During his employment he coached football, basketball, and baseball. He traveled extenstively and made many trips to South Bend, IN for the Fighting Irish game at Notre Dame. As an avid golfer, he played every golf course in the British Open rotation. He was a loyal Buffalo Bills fan.

 

Newfield - Larry W. Brown, age 56, of Newfield, died unexpectedly at Cayuga Medical Center. Larry is the son of the late Gene and Hazel Hosier. Prior to his death, he was employed at Simmons Rockwell in Big Flats as a car salesman.

Larry was an outdoorsman where he enjoyed camping, canoeing, and being with his family, especially his grandsons. He served in the US Marine Corp. from 1970-1974 where he was a Maintenance Control NCO for a sixteen plane fighter. During his service he received two meritorious promotions.

 

Max G. Hagin, Jr., passed away on January 6, 2009 at the age of 73.

Born November 12, 1935 in Ithaca, Max was the son of the late Max and Alma (Coney) Hagin, Sr. He owned and operated a service station, convenience store and fuel delivery business in Lansing for many years. After selling the business, Max worked for several years with Andree Petroleum in Ithaca.

He was a passionate outdoorsman, never passing up a chance to go hunting, fishing or trapshooting. He was also an avid car and truck enthusiast, eventually forgiving his children if they drove something other than a Ford. Max was a founding member, and lifetime honorary member of the Lansing Rod & Gun Club and was proud of his membership in the Lansing Masonic Lodge #774.

William B. Earl, Sr., passed away at home with his family by his side, on December 25, 2008, after a year long illness.

Born in Ithaca in 1934, Bill was a son of the late Charles and Jennie (Hammond) Earl. After graduating from Dryden High School, he joined the U.S. Marines where he proudly served his country and was the recipient of the National Defense Service, the United Nations Service and the Korean Service Medals. Upon his honorable discharge and his return to the Ithaca area he married his loving wife, Mildred "Milly" (Carlisle) Earl, who survives him. Bill and Milly started their family in the Ithaca area and relocated to Lansing where they have resided for nearly 50 years. He retired after 32 years of service with NY Telephone Co., where he served as a Union Steward for many years. Bill was a past member of Lansing Lions Club, a former Little League coach, and spent many years progressing through the ranks as a leader of Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts with his sons. He and Milly enjoyed many memorable trips throughout the US in their RV. Bill was also a gifted artisan. He loved carving, woodworking, furniture making, oil painting, and typically always had a project of some sort in the works. His children and grandchildren are grateful to him for passing his artistic legacy to them.

LANSING - Diana Joan Georgia Wagner, age 77, of 452 Ridge Rd., Lansing, NY passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at her home following a lengthy illness.

Born January 3, 1931 in Elmira, NY, she was a daughter of the late Ralph Rayburn and Tressa M. Georgia. On August 7, 1953 she was married to Edward Phillip Wagner, Jr. at the Ludlowville Methodist Church. He died February 23, 1999. Diana's life was about love and devotion to family and work. At a young age growing up in Myers, with no mother at home and her father becoming chronically ill, Diana learned one of life's greatest gifts was that of a caring community. She in turn carried on that gift throughout her life, caring for family and neighbors alike. Diana's illness brought her full circle, once again being supported by her caring community. She started her professional career at G.L.F. in 1948. In 1954 she went to Cornell University and in 1993 she retired, to care for her ill husband. Following his death, she worked at the E.C. Wagner Funeral Home of Ithaca. Her family, friends and career meant everything to her.

 

Charles Frederick Howell, 87, a lifelong well-known resident of Lansing, died Tuesday, December 9, 2008. He was born at home on Lansingville Road, April 23, 1921, the eldest son of the late C. Ward Howell and Matilda Meyers Howell.
 

Much of his youth was spent growing up in Ludlowville and on the family dairy farm in Lansing. This was followed with work at the International Salt Company in Myers, N. Y. before enlisting in the US Army in September 1942. Charlie, as he was known to his friends, jumped as a paratrooper (Platoon Sergeant) in action two different times in Europe (D-Day in Normandy and during the Market Garden campaign in Nijmegen, Netherlands). He fought in numerous infantry combat missions, the last being in Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded three times in these major campaigns. He was scheduled to receive a Battlefield Commission but suffered his last major injury during the German surprise attack in the French Ardennes (Jan. 1945) resulting in his return to the United States. He received many medals and awards including a Purple Heart decoration with three Oak Leaf Clusters. His own comment on his military experiences was, "I wouldn't trade a million dollars for those experiences, and I wouldn't give a dime to do it again."

 

Elizabeth P. Neigh, formerly of Lansing, passed away December 9, 2008 at the age of 91.
 

Born January 2, 1917 in Keene, New Hampshire, she was a daughter of the late Fred T. and Elizabeth Jane (Murray) Pallam. A 1935 graduate of Northfield School for Girls in Northfield, MA, Elizabeth also attended Stenographic School in Brattleboro, VT. In 1939 she was married to the late James L. Neigh. After spending many years in Northfield, MA, Elizabeth and James returned to the Ithaca area. She spent many years working, and ultimately retiring from, her secretarial position at Cornell University.

 

Dale S. Bovay, age 45, of 8 third Street, Dryden passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at home. Dale was born Nov. 16, 1963 at Potsdam, NY a son of Sandra Peck Schaffer of Dryden and the late Floyd Bovay.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Petito Bovay; his mother, Sandra (Frank) Schaffer; his daughters, Felicia Brame and Tiffany Bailey; his grandchildren, Anthony Brame and Alexis Bailey all of Dryden. Several brothers; sisters; nieces; nephews and cousins also survive.

 

Linda Ann Grover, 54, of 2229 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2008 at Cayuga Medical Center while under the care of Hospice.

Born in Waverly, NY and a 1972 graduate of Spencer-VanEtten High School, Linda was a daughter of Edna Elberston of Horseheads, NY and the late Samuel Grover. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her twin sister, Lynn (Fred) Maki of Van Etten, NY; sister, Brenda Grover of Lockwood, NY; brother, Douglas (Brenda Barry) Grover of Lockwood, NY; as well as a large extended family at the Triphammer and Lincoln St. I.R.A.

 

Bonnie Lee Teeter, age 56, of 13848 NYS Rt. 38, Richford and formerly of Lansing, NY died unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 16th, 2008 at her residence. Bonnie was born August 13, 1952 in Ithaca, a daughter of the late John and Hazel Lobdell Smith. She had lived on Farrell Road for many years and was married to Richard D. Teeter who passed away January 9, 1992. Bonnie had a kind heart and was willing to help anyone at anytime. She enjoyed horses, dogs and cats; her family and especially her granddaughter.

Clarence J. Smith, 89, passed away peacefully Monday, November 3, 2008, after a short stay at Wayne County Nursing Home. "CJ" was born August 7, 1919 in Geneva, NY, and lived most of his early life in Ithaca. He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn F. Smith. Having lived in Greene, NY for many years, he and Marilyn returned to the Ithaca area following his retirement from Verizon (NYTEL/AT&T) where he worked for 32 years. He and Marilyn spent a wonderful retirement traveling the country and splitting their time between a home in Phoenix, AZ and Aurora, NY. They had been married a wonderful 61 years when she passed on in 2006.

As a member of the "Greatest Generation", "CJ" was called upon to serve his country during WWII. During the war he served with distinction as a Noncommissioned Office in the United States Army Air Corps. He participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, Central Europe and the European Air Offensive campaigns. He was the recipient of numerous citations for merit and valor including Silver and Bronze Star service medals, the Belgian Fourragere, the Presidential Unit Citation and the World War II Victory Medal. In June 2001 the State of New York awarded him the Conspicuous Service Medal and the Medal for Merit. He was Mason, a member of the Pioneers of America and of course a proud Veteran. He was an avid golfer and spent many happy hours on the course.

Doris Eva Madison passed away at her home on Sunday, October 19, 2008. She was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of the late Elma (Klein) Janes and Ira Janes, Jr. She graduated from North High School in Syracuse in June, 1938. She was married to Gordon Main Madison on February 13, 1939 in Syracuse, and they had celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary before he died on July 22, 1999. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Lois Janes and Virginia Langford.

Doris is survived by two daughters, Sandra (Bob) Saturn of Tucker, Georgia, and Lynda Albanese of Lansing, New York, with whom she resided. Additional survivors include two granddaughters, Wendy (Larry) Batchelor of Roswell, Georgia, and Karen Saturn of Lilburn, Georgia; four grandsons, Lance and Mike Albanese of Fort Collins, Colorado, Chad Albanese of Charleston, South Carolina and Scott Albanese of Los Angeles, California; one great-grandson, Camden Batchelor of Roswell, Georgia; and a niece and two nephews. Doris also leaves her dog, Becky, who was her constant companion and a great source of pleasure since her husband's death.

Ruth Drew Wells joined her Mother, June Drew, in their Heavenly Father's home on October 12, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Ruth was a former resident of Ithaca and had resided in Corpus Christi, TX for many years.

She leaves behind her husband, Glen Wells; children, Cory, Kyle, Christopher, Jessica and Amy; her father, Otis Drew of Ithaca; her siblings, David Drew of Annapolis, MD, Elisabeth Tate of Star Tannery, VA, Arthur Drew of Suwanee, GA, Steve Drew of Highlands Ranch, TX, and Janet O'Connor of Canyon Lake, TX; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.