Obituaries

Louis Steve, 96, of Groton, NY and formerly of Trumansburg, NY, passed away on Monday April 23, 2007, at the Groton Nursing Facility where he had been residing. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Jeannette (Cook) Steve; his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Barbara Steve, Seal Beach, CA, his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and William Scott, Freeville, NY; his grandchildren, William and Amy Scott, Austin, TX, Laurie and Jerry Lawrence, Groton, NY, Michael and Amy Scott, Ithaca, NY; his great grandchildren, Matthew Bower, Mitchell Bower, Melissa Lawrence, Jeremy and Rachel Lawrence, Kristen Scott, Justin Scott, Michaela Scott, Vanessa Scott; and his great great grandson Trent Lawrence. Louis was born in Ithaca, NY on November 5, 1910, the son of the late Frank and Maria (Loretti) Steve.

He was a tool and die maker by trade and had a wide array of other interests. He could accomplish anything he tried, with perfection, always eager for the next new challenge. Louis had a gift of gardening which he shared through his beautiful flower gardens, tomato plants, and breathtaking roses. He was especially an avid New York Yankee fan. Throughout all of his life’s accomplishments, he always put his family first.

Gertrude M. Sherman, 92, formerly of Sayre, PA, passed away at Groton Nursing Facility, Groton, NY, where she had been residing. She was predeceased by her husband, George “Art” Sherman; and her brother, Paul Wolcott.

Gertrude is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Diane Kone, Lansing, NY; her grandchildren, Theresa Jedrysik, Toni Shea, Amy Phanhthalath, Jeremy Kone; eight great grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Bill Wall, Sheshequin, PA; sister-in-law, Mary Wolcott; and many nieces and nephews. Gertrude was born in Sayre, PA on May 6, 1914, the daughter of the late Earl and Grace (Morley) Wolcott. She was a lifelong resident of the Valley, working at Blue Swan Mills in Sayre, and later retiring from Robert Packer Hospital as switchboard operator.

Marjorie S. Judway, 96, passed away on February 21, 2007. Born April 24, 1910, in London, England, the only child of Cecil William and Maud Montague Southby. In 1911, the English economy was struggling and one day a gentleman walked by watching her father paint. As he left, he said “young man, would you like to come to America and work for me at Cornell University?” Stunned, thrilled, after discussing it with his wife, they started to pack and got passage on the “unsinkable” ship, the Titanic, for her maiden voyage on April 15, 1912.

When he told her mother, she told him “I can’t go, I just read in the Almanac there is to be a ‘disaster at sea’ in mid-April.” Those three words turned her father’s world upside-down, but he did contact the Cunard office, getting passage on the sister ship, the Olympic, sailing three weeks early, arriving April 1, 1912 in New York City and not going through Ellis Island.

ITHACA – Leroy Smiley Sr., age 64, of Ithaca, went home to glory and to united with loved-ones on February 23, 2007 unexpectedly. He was born August 6, 1941 in Daphne, AL, the son of the late Millie and Commie Smiley Sr. Prior to his illness, he retired from Seal Right Inc. of Fulton after 25 years of service.

Mr. Smiley leaves behind to mourn his passing two daughters, Theresa Watson and Samantha Grover; three sons, Leroy Smiley Jr., Vernell Smiley, and Charles Smiley; two brothers, Aaron Smiley and Commie C. Smiley Jr.; four sisters, Betty Barron, Odester Ellerbee, Leler Steward, and Millie Smiley; an uncle, George (Erma) Smiley; an aunt, Estelle Benson; five grandchildren. He is predeceased by two sisters, Roxie Smiley and Julia Collins; one brother, John Smiley, who went home to glory on January 19, 2007. He also leaves behind to mourn, five special friends, Mike and Patty, Frenchie, Johnnie, Muff and a very special friend, Wanda Watkins.

Marjorie (Southby) Judway, 96, of Ithaca, NY, passed away on Wednesday February 21, 2007, at her home.

A memorial graveside service will be announced at a later date, and held in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca

Marion McNally, of 1942 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY, passed away on Wednesday February 21, 2007, at Hospicare Residence, Ithaca.

In keeping with her wishes there will be no services. Those wishing are asked to kindly consider a memorial contribution to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 114850.

Carmella Ann Paolillo grew up in New York City, the place of her birth. As the oldest female child in a very large family, Carmella played an important role in the nurturing of her siblings. In 1932 she married Dominick J. Paolillo Sr. and together they raised three sons. In 1951 the family moved from NYC to a dairy farm on the Treadwell-Delhi Stage. Carmella’s husband died in1986 and Carmella continued to live among her friends in the Delhi area until 1998, when it was necessary for her to enter an assisted-living unit. In 1999 she moved to Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home in Ithaca where she received loving care until her death on Thursday, February 8, 2007.

ITHACA - Mr. Lester Feagin passed away January 30th 2007 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York. He was born in Andalusia, Alabama July 23, 1948 to the late Mr. Jeramiah Feagin and Mary Feagin.

He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Mrs. Elaine Feagin; a daughter, Mrs. Leslie (Arthur) Williams of Ithaca, New York; two grandchildren, Alyssea Williams and Thomas-Jerome Williams of Ithaca, New York; a mother, Mary Feagin of Andalusia, Alabama; three sisters, Mrs. Joanetta (Walter) LaCount of San Antonio, Texas; Mrs. Teresa (Atanasio) Serrato of Andalusia, Alabama; Mrs. Deatra (Calvin) Woods of Andalusia, Alabama; three brothers, Mr. Tony Feagin of Andalusia, Alabama; Mr. Gregory Feagin of Andalusia, Alabama; Mr. Michael Feagin of Andalusia, Alabama; three brother-in-laws, Mr. Willie Mitchell and Simon Mitchell, both of East Orange, New Jersey; Mr. Melvin (Marilou) Mitchell of Dryden, New York; two sister-in-laws, Mrs. Cecilia (Francis) Dunham of Trumansburg, New York; Anna Thomas of Ithaca, New York; four aunts, Mrs. Jocie Sconiers and Mrs. Alberta Jones, both of Andalusia, Alabama; Mrs. Corrine (Robert) Artis of Buffalo, New York; Mrs. Erie Nell of Bloomfield, Connecticut; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John D. Smiley, 54, went home to Glory and to be reunited with loved ones on January 26, 2007 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Daphne, Alabama on January 14, 1953 to Millie and Commie Smiley Sr. Prior to his illness, he was employed as a truck driver by Prime Paving and a driver for the Friendship Baptist Church. He was known to the community as “Smiley” and will be sorely missed.

He leaves behind to mourn his passing three daughters, Trenell (Patrick) Fisher, Mary Fisher, and Shaleigha Fisher; Brothers: Leroy, Aaron, and Commie Jr.; sisters: Bette Barron, Odester Ellerbee, Leler (Daniel) Steward, and Millie Smiley: Uncle George (Emma) Smiley, Aunt Estelle Benson, Mother-in-law Mae Alice Fisher, 6 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. He is pre-deceased by both parents, Commie and Millie Smiley; wife, Barbara Ann, two sisters, Roxie Smiley, Julia Collins and father-in-law, Dalton Fisher.

KING FERRY - Regina Costello Knapp, 52, devoted wife and mother, died at her home on Rabbit Run in King Ferry on December 28, 2006 with her family by her side.

Regina was a dynamic force in all aspects of her life. She loved God and had a powerful influence on those with whom she worshipped when she was an Assistant Youth Pastor. Those who worked with her will remember the indomitable force that she applied to tasks small and monumental. She clearly loved the staff and children she leaves at Ithaca Montessori School. Her heart's desires live on in her son, Colden. She awaits Christ's return.

Regina was born in the Bronx, New York on October 8, 1954, the daughter of Thomas and Anne Costello. She was a graduate of St. Helena High School in 1972 and held an AAS degree from Katharine Gibbs in New York City.

William J. Bishop, age 79, of 715 Lansing Station Road, Lansing, NY, slipped away peacefully, surrounded by family members, on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at his home. He was born in Buffalo, NY to the late William and Marion Ferguson Bishop of Newfield, formally from Ithaca, Ludlowville and Hamburg. He graduated from Hamburg High School. He came to Ithaca to work at Cayuga Motors as a parts man, and then bought a Snap-On dealership in 1952 covering Ithaca and Cortland areas until 1965. He then formed his own business of Finger Lakes Tools until he retired in 1999.

He was a charter member of the Finger Lakes Racing Assoc. and was the starter/flagman at the stockcar races at Chemung, Dryden, and Glen Aubrey race tracks from 1949 to 1956. He was an avid NASCAR fan and watched the races as well as pro football every Sunday on TV. He was instrumental in organizing the Ludlowville Almeda Ambulance Service when the fireman bought a 1937 Cadillac Ambulance. He was a member of the Lansing Methodist Church. He loved golf and for 15 years went to Myrtle Beach with his friends. He was also an avid deer hunter with his friends at the Todd farm in Lansing. For years he had and maintained a boat for water skiing with his children, grandchildren, and many friends, and thoroughly enjoyed fun ski trips with close friends and family.

GROTON, NY - Katherine L. Davis "Katie", 95, of Groton, NY passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at Groton Nursing Facility, where she had been residing. She was predeceased by her husband of 75 years, Jearold Davis; her brother, Charles; sisters, Mary, Anna, Agnes; and her brother-in-law, Abraham Norman. Katie is survived by her only child, Edith Volbrecht, and her husband, Calvin of Lansing, NY; her grandson and wife, Douglas and Debra Volbrecht, Freeville, NY; her granddaughter, Callean Hile, Groton; great-grandchildren, Jennifer and Matthew Hardy, Liverpool, NY, James Volbrecht, Groton; great-great-granddaughter, Ashley Hardy; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Norman, Dorothy and Larry Small, all of Lansing; sister-in-law, Marion Lucas; and several nieces and nephews.

Paul E. Graziano, 84, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Sunday December 3, 2006, at the Hospicare Residence, Ithaca, NY. He was predeceased by his wife, Georgia A. Graziano. Paul is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Karen Graziano, Lansing; his sisters, Eleanor Capista, Trumansburg, Terry DiMaggio, N. Syracuse, NY, Lena Lentine, Madeline Calamia, both of NJ; also his numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was born in Newark, NJ, on December 18, 1921. He was a Veteran of WWII, serving as Military Police with the US Army in several locations throughout Europe and was a lifetime auto mechanic, retiring from Key Motors in Ithaca after a long career. Paul took pride in dog breeding and training. He was a member of the Ithaca Dog Training Club and the Finger Lakes Kennel Club, and enjoyed raising German Short-Hair Pointers with the companionship of his wife and son.

In honoring his request, there will be no formal services. A private family Memorial service will be planned at a later date. Those wishing are asked to direct gifts of sympathy to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Arrangements are with Lansing Funeral Home.

Cecile Conklin Mapes of 23 Walnut Street, Moravia, New York (formally of Scipio Center, NY) died on Wednesday, November 29, 2006. Cecile was born October 1, 1922 in Cuba, New York, on a small dairy farm that fully deserved its “hard scrabble” description. She was the daughter of the late Monroe Conklin and Mabel (Nottingham) Conklin of Cuba, New York.

Survivors include son Alan (Charlene) of Delmar, New York; daughters Penney (William) Cook of Aurora, New York and Sheila (Leigh) Mapes-English of Chesterfield, Missouri; brother Gordon Conklin of Ithaca, New York; six grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Chester Mapes, a brother Howard Conklin of Ithaca, and a sister Doris Logan of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

LANSING - Gary M. Volbrecht, 53, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Friday December 1, 2006, at his home. He is survived by his parents, Marshall and Effie Volbrecht, Lansing; his sisters and brother-in-law, Kathy and Don Bryant, Nebraska, Rose Mary Volbrecht, Washington; his brother, Rodney Volbrecht and Cherie Morse, Ithaca, NY; his nieces and nephew, Nichoal Parkin-Volbrecht, Florida, Amber and Timothy Westfall, Groton, NY, Erin and David Piscitelli, Baldwinsville, NY, Andrew Bryant, Arizona; his great niece, Julie Piscitelli; his several aunts, uncles and cousins. Gary was born in Ithaca, NY on April 26, 1953, the son of Marshall and Effie (Poel) Volbrecht.

He was a graduate of Lansing High School and was a self employed woodsman, following in his fathers footsteps. Gary had a creative artistic ability that he expressed through his drawings, calligraphy, and woodworking. He was an exceptional friend whose generous spirit made him always willing to help others and especially care for his family. Gary loved nature, the outdoors, the forest, and living simply in his cabin by the creek.

Slaterville Springs – Linda Kay Lawrence, age 59 of Slaterville Springs, a retired employee after 34 years of service with the Book of the Month Club in Mechanicsburg, PA died Sunday evening at Cayuga Medical Center. Linda was born on February 5, 1947 in Carlisle, PA, a daughter of the late Edward Dewith and Betty Mae Giles.

Linda attended Carlisle area schools, a graduate of the Class of 1966. Her greatest hobbies were BINGO and card playing.

Wellington H. “Bill” Bachelor, 81, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Sunday November 19, 2006, at his home. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor (Burun) Bachelor; his four daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Bill Ortlieb, Herkimer, NY, Pat and Kevin Vincent, Veronica Horton, Cindy and Chuck Bower, all of Lansing, NY; his son and daughter-in-law, Willy and Michelle Bachelor, Lansing; his grandchildren, Loreen and Nate Hobart, Amy Ortlieb, Caleb and Catlain Vincent, Stephanie and Arnold Vasquez, Jonathan Horton and Misty, Chad and Anthony Bower, Kaysee, Tyeler, Jordan, Mackenzie Bachelor; his great grandchildren, Alexa, Victoria, Gavin.

ITHACA – Alice S. Kippola, age 93 of Ithaca, died Thursday afternoon (November 16, 2006) at her residence while under Hospice care. Ms. Kippola was born February 15, 1913, a daughter of the late Jacob and Lydia Kippola. Prior to her retirement, Alice worked for 32 years as a bio-laboratory technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture here in Ithaca.

Survivors include her three nieces, Judy (Lloyd) Glick, Shirley (Clarence) Nero, and Pat Steenburgh; Three nephews, Frederick (Ruth) Kippola, Mitchell Kippola, and Jeffrey (Suanne) Brewer; a brother-in-law Charles Brewer; a niece-in-law, Luba Kippola. She is predeceased by nephew Francis Kippola, who died in 1995, a sister, Marie L. Brewer, who died in 2001, and her two brothers, Frank and Wayne Kippola.

Winter Garden, FL – Lillian L. Casciotti, of Winter Garden, FL, a former resident of Ithaca, died Wednesday (November 1, 2006) afternoon at her residence in Florida. Mrs. Casciotti is the daughter of the late Bennett and Amelia Treadwell and step-daughter of the late Louie Smith. Her husband, Aldo J. Casciotti and Lillian recently celebrated 60 years of marriage on August 31, 2006.

Mrs. Casciotti was the proprietor of a pet grooming business while she resided in Ithaca and later she owned an antique shop in Jacksonville for several years prior to moving to Florida. One of Lillian’s passions was collecting antique dolls; in fact, many of her dolls are listed in “The Blue Book Dolls and Values” by Jan Folke.