Obituaries

John P. Myskow "Bones", age 93, passed away peacefully at the home he built on Buck Rd. in the presence of his family on February 13, 2014.

Born November 4, 1920, in Nazareth, PA, John was a son of the late Michael and Anna (Braccio) Myskow. He proudly served our country with the U.S. Army during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Sergeant. During his military service John earned the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and took part in the invasion at Normandy.

Gregory Roger Small of Sharpsteen Rd., Locke, NY, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on January 21, 2014, at Cayuga Medical Center.

Born November, 26, 1953, in Ithaca, he was the son of the late Lawrence F. Small and Dorothy Lucas Small. Greg was a member of the Millwright’s L.U. #1163 in Syracuse, specializing in welding.  When not traveling for work, he enjoyed working on projects around the house, and was an avid gun enthusiast.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Small and a sister, Nancy Small.
He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Small of Locke; sister, Liz Chandler (Rich) of Moravia; aunt, Betty Norman of Lansing; uncle, Robert Small of Ithaca; and numerous cousins. 

Family and friends are welcome to attend an open house in remembrance of Greg at the Small residence, 16 Sharpsteen Rd., Locke, NY, from 2-4pm, Saturday, January 25, 2014.

Patricia A. Niemi, formerly of Lansing, passed away December 5, 2013 at Cayuga Ridge in Ithaca.

Born October 9, 1929 in Ludlowville, she was the daughter of the late Fredrick and Sylvia (Nichols) Brill. A graduate of Ludlowville High School, Patricia was married to Richard Niemi in 1947. She was employed for many years with Smith-Corona in Cortland. After retirement, she and Richard enjoyed several years in Florida before she returned to Lansing to be near family. Pat was an active member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, she enjoyed yard sales, her collection of teddy bears, and bingo.

Roderick M. Hatfield passed away peacefully at home in the presence of family on November 17, 2013, at the age of 81.

Born September 16, 1932 in Syracuse, NY, Rod was a son of the late George and Hilda (Hall) Hatfield. After graduating from McLean High School, Rod proudly served his country with the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, after which he worked the family farm until his retirement last year. He was a member of Faith Bible Fellowship Church in North Lansing and New Hope Baptist Church in Lakeland, FL, where he spent many winters. He was also active in The Gideons International.

William F. Burin of Lakeshore Rd., Lansing, NY, passed away November 2, 2013, at the age of 70.

Born in Ithaca, March 26, 1943, Bill was the youngest child of the late Paul and May (Kneebis) Burin. A graduate of Lansing High School, Bill went on to the Police Academy and spent 25 years as a Police Officer and Juvenille Detective, receiving many awards along the way for his dedication and service, with the Ithaca City Police Department. He also served 16 years as a judge with the Town of Lansing and served an interim period as a judge with the Ithaca City Court as well. A lifelong Lansing resident, Bill was a member of All Saints Church, a former small fry football coach, and a supporter of Lansing, Cornell and Ithaca College athletics. He enjoyed playing cards with the guys, going to the track and traveling, especially to Florida in the winter.

Ruth E. Kulpa passed away October 29, 2013, at the age of 78.

Born June 11, 1935, in Delphi Falls, NY, Ruth devoted her life to human rights activism. Her home and heart were open and welcome to all, especially on April 1st, when she enjoyed cooking breakfast for the many fishermen at Salmon Creek.

Josephine Houghtaling, formerly of Lansing, passed away October 19, 2013, at her daughter's home in Groton. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Houghtaling, in 1998. Family will be present to receive friends at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY, from 10am-12pm, Friday, October, 25th. A funeral service will begin at 12pm, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing.

Joseph P. Hradisky of Lansing passed away September 28, 2013, at the age of 79.

Born February 17, 1934, in Ithaca, Joe was the son of the late Vincent and Cecelia Hradisky. Joe attended school in Lansing after which he proudly served his country with the United States Army. He was married to Gertude Mapes Hradisky on March 25, 1959, and they embarked on a 54 year journey of working, raising their family and enjoying the many recreational opportunities that living near Myers Park provided. Joe was happiest when surrounded by family, whether it be sitting around a bonfire or working on a project around the house. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, horseshoes, trips to Sodus Bay, and tending his beautiful vegetable gardens. In 2008, Joe and Gertie renewed their wedding vows. Having spent the last three years at Cayuga Ridge in Ithaca, he was fortunate to have spent this past 4th of July at home, near the lake that he dearly loved.

Susan B. Wilson of Lansing passed away September 25, 2013, at the age of 43.

Born March 23, 1970, Susan was the daughter of Hillis L. Wilson and the late Judy Ann Wickham Wilson.  A graduate of Lansing High School and Elmira Business Institute, Susan was a member of Lansing United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed traveling, quilting, and was a very creative person who enjoyed a variety of crafts

Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Judy Ann Wickham Wilson, in 2009.

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Sara Mary Depew Woodruff Cooper of Lansing, formerly of Montour Falls, passed away September 22, 2013, at the age of 87.

Born September 6, 1926 in Montour Falls, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Frances (Pellam) Depew. Over the years Mary had been employed at NCR, Morse Chain and retired from Borg Warner, after which she spent over 20 years in Zephyrhills, FL, before returning to live near her daughter, Jean, in Lansing. While in FL, Mary was active with the Zephyrhills VFW, and was also a former member of the Moose Club and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #250. Aside from spending time with her family, Mary enjoyed playing cards, fishing, smelting, canning and freezing vegetables and working on the family farm.

Henry B. Cowan, Jr., of Kendal at Ithaca, passed away Friday, September 13, 2013, at the age of 88.

Born December 16, 1924, in Trenton, NJ, he was the son of the late Henry B. and Pauline (Gamble) Cowan, Sr. A graduate of Haverford Township High School, Haverford, PA, Henry proudly served with the U.S. Army from 1943-1945, after which he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania. He taught English and was Academic Dean at Blairstown Academy, Blairstown, NJ, from 1949-1987, and was an adjunct instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College from 1987-1992.

Jeannette L. Steve, age 98, of Groton, formerly of Ithaca and Trumansburg, passed away on September 14, 2013, at the Groton Nursing Facility where she had been residing for the past several years.

She was born in Ithaca, NY, on January 26, 1915, one of five daughters, to the late Wirt and Catherine (Cochrane) Cook. She, along with her husband, built and operated the J&L Motor Court in Jacksonville. Her love and attention were devoted to that of her family, unselfishly giving of her time and talents.

Eileen M. Cundy, age 85, of Lansing, passed away Friday, September 6, 2013, at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA.

Born May 5, 1928, in Elmira, NY, Eileen was a daughter of the late Clifford and Alice (Warner) Rodabaugh. She was a 1946 graduate of Odessa High School. Eileen spent her early married years raising her family in Hickstown, NY. When her children were older, Eileen returned to work and spent many years employed at Cornell University and later as a chef at McAnn's in VanEtten. It was in 1982 that she and her husband moved to Lansing and became the first residents at Woodsedge. She is a former president of the Woodsedge Resident's Assoc., the Lansing Senior Citizens, and in 1996 established a local group that sewed over 3000 bonnets for patients receiving cancer treatments. Sewing, painting, and crafts were on of Eileen's favorite pastimes. Her faith was also extremely important to her, and she was a very active member of the Lansing United Methodist Church.

Richard Pitre, a loving father of two, age 62, passed away in his home on Asbury Rd., Lansing, NY, on August 29, 2013. Born November 4, 1950, in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Maximo and Alice (Lopez) Pitre.

Richard enjoyed his time spent with family. He also loved fishing, puzzles, reading the Bible, movies, and was a major Yankee fan. If you were blessed to have met him, then he left an imprint in your life as well.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Richardson of Lansing; son, Richard Pitre, Jr. of Bronx, NY; son in law, Scott Richardson of Lansing;

Sandra J. Kane, 69, passed unexpectedly at home Saturday, August 3, 2013 with her family beside her.

Born January 12, 1944, Sandy grew up in Lansing, NY where she graduated from high school in 1961. She met and married her soul mate and best friend, Bill, on May 25, 1963 after which they spent 50 wonderful years raising their beloved children. Sandy worked at Cayuga Medical Center's Billing Office for 34 years. She loved to travel all over the world, especially with her Q Country friends, to places like the Dominican Republic, Cancun, and the Bahamas.

Sandy is lovingly survived by her husband of 50 years, Charles "Bill" Kane; her son Jeffrey Kane (Leslee) of Groton; her daughters Lisa Kane Kanellis (Peter) and Tracy Kane Smith (Douglas) both of Lansing; four wonderful grandchildren, Justin Kanellis (Jennifer) of New Jersey; Katie Kanellis Kramarsyck (Adam) of Boston; Cassandra of Virgil; and Travis Smith of Lansing; as well as her wonderful kitty, Sunshine, who she loved so much.

Douglas W. Lehr of Peruville Rd., Lansing, NY, graduated to heaven peacefully at home on Friday, July 26, 2013, at the age of 46. Doug had always been a healthy and hard working individual and the Lord has now called him to his Heavenly abode. He can now finally claim a trophy of his own.

Born April 25, 1967, in Urbana IL, Doug was a son of Frank and Mary (Falkenberry) Lehr. Outside of working at the Boxcar Restaurant & Ramada Inn, Doug was most passionate about his family. He was a beloved son, brother, and a wonderful uncle whose presence will be greatly missed. Doug enjoyed trains, kite flying, movies, bowling, NASCAR & helping others.

Nancy Ann Nedrow, "Ann", of Holden Rd., Lansing, passed away July 8, 2013, at the age of 76.
Born July 10, 1936 in Slaterville, Ann was the daughter of the late John Joseph and Rose May (Ramsey) Tierney. After graduating from Ithaca High School, Ann was married to Carl E. Nedrow. They settled into life in Lansing and began raising their family.

Ann was an active parishioner at All Saints Church in Lansing and also sang in the choir there. She was also involved with the Tompkins County 4-H, Singing Sweethearts, the Lansing Historical Society and Lansing Senior Citizens. Ann's primary focus in life was her family which she welcomed many to be a part of. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, cooking, working word puzzles and traveling.

Cora Mae Losey, daughter of Bronwyn Losey and Jeff Turney and sister of Muriel Losey, was born into her mama's arms on June 5, 2013 and passed on July 4, 2013 under the setting sun and surrounded by her family.

She was a strong spirited little one whose attitude was bigger than her lungs, which failed to fully form. It was truly a miracle that our impossible girl stayed with us as long as she did, and for that we are forever grateful.

Thank you for your visit our love, it was way too short. We saw you with our eyes for twenty nine days, but we've loved you forever and always will.

Florence Marino passed away at Beechtree Care Center in Ithaca on June 24, 2013, at the age of 103.

Born February 10, 1910, in Alderbrook, NY, Florence was the daughter of the late David and Emma (Roberts) Fadden. A resident of Lansing since 1958, she was retired from the Lansing Central School District where she served as a school nurse/teacher from 1958-1972. Florence enjoyed her family and was very fond of tending her flower gardens. She was a member of the Covered Bridge Society and also volunteered many hours with RSVP and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.

Frank Trinkl, 83, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on May 20, 2013. He was born in Portland Point, son of the late Ignatz and Josephine Kukitz Trinkl and was a lifelong Lansing resident. Frank was president of the last class to graduate from Ludlowville High School before centralization and following graduation married Elizabeth Wickins, his one true love. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in August 2012.

Frank spent his career working in the salt industry and retired from Cargill Inc. as traffic manager. He was a member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for many years; was a 62 year member of Lansing Lodge 774 Free & Accepted Masons; and served in the United States Army. Frank was a master craftsman, designing and building wood furniture for his family. He was a kind, ethical and moral man who believed in doing the right thing, and loved his family above all else.