Obituaries

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.

Alice Virginia "Ginny" Lobdell King died peacefully on September 22, 2016 in Tempe, AZ at the age of 79 after a long battle with osteoporosis.

Born March 9, 1937 in Ithaca, NY to Warren and Alice Lobdell, Ginny graduated from Ithaca High School. She married William "Bill" King in 1956. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in March. After raising her 2 daughters, Ginny worked at the Cornell Noyes Center Mailroom for over 10 years.

March 16, 1982 – November 11, 2016 Moravia, NY

Kevin Thomas Dunn, 34, died at home Friday, November 11, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Amara R. (Camp) Dunn, and the beloved son of John and Wanda Dunn of Seville, OH.

For the past 17 years, Kevin worked and served in various positions at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center, most recently as Assistant Director. He also worked and served at the Lansing United Methodist Church from 2006 through 2011 as the Youth Ministries Coordinator. Kevin loved people, especially youth, and always sought to use his skills and resources to help others reach their full potential.

James P. Colt, of Lansing, NY, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2016 at the age of 90. Jim, son of the late Leo and Lillian Colt, was born on July 20, 1926 in Olean, NY.

Jim graduated from Olean High School and proudly served his country in the US Navy. Upon being honorably discharged, he entered NYS Teachers College at Buffalo and received a degree in education. He was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Epsilon PI TAU, Inc., and Sigma Tau Gamma. Jim continued his advanced degree at Cornell University and Syracuse University. He taught Industrial Arts at Lansing High School and later became the High School Guidance Counselor for the District, retiring in 1983. He helped hundreds of students choose their career paths.

Adam Robert Heck, 42, passed away on August 27, 2016.

He was born on June 10, 1974, to Richard Charles Heck and Nancy Jean Heck (Crowe) in Norwich, New York. Adam was a graduate of Hamilton High School, and Ithaca College. Adam was entering his 21st year as head coach for the Varsity Boys Soccer Team at Lansing Central School District, and became the Athletic Director and Dean of Students. Adam was highly involved in the school and community, and had a love of teaching and engaging kids at all levels. Adam had a great love for walking miles on the wide open stream and finding that perfect fish on the end of his pole. He created and shared many fond memories with his family, friends and daughters on the streams, some of which will never be forgotten and always live on.

Reg "Porkie" Andrews, 58, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, two weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Porkie graduated from Lansing Central School in 1976.  His joy in life was fishing, hunting and hanging with his buddies.

Reg is survived by his parents Paul and Clara Andrews, siblings Stephanie, Jeff, Tom, Bryan and Paula, and their families.  He is also survived by his long-time companion Susan Bard and her children Jeremy, Adam and granddaughter Anna. Porkie has left his infectious smile, laugh and his love for the outdoors with many; he will be deeply missed.

Katharine C. "Kate" Payne, 87 of Lansing, passed away August 10, 2016. Born in Towanda, PA on October 11, 1928, Kate was the daughter of the late Lawrence H. and Victoria (Jonas) Conlon, Sr.  A graduate of Waverly High School, Kate attended Keystone College where she earned her Associates degree in Medical Secretarial Science and met her future husband, Thomas G. Payne.  She then went on to earn her Bachelors of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1951.

In 1950 Kate and Tom were married and spent their summer in Ithaca, NY, which ultimately led them to the decision of settling in this area.  Kate valued her career as an elementary teacher with the Groton School District where she retired from in 1984. An active member of the Lansing United Methodist Church, Kate also enjoyed the role of church historian for many years, she was a member of the Haiti Committee and played in the Ithaca Concert Band.

Dorothea Josephine Hautaniemi, 93, of Lansing, New York passed away at home surrounded by family members on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Dorothea was born in Boston, MA on December 13, 1922, daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (O’Brien) Quinn. She is predeceased by her parents and her husband B. Wendell; siblings Mary Josephine, Thomas, Nancy, Joseph, Irene, Jack; in-laws Katherine, Henry, Norma, Walter, Katherine; and her grandson Peter.

Dorothea is survived by her sister Celia Tolan, her children Wendell (Shirley), Wendla (Paul) Windt, Jeanne Rossi, Richard, Claudia Gail Hunter, Brian (Cindy), Susan (James) Leonard, Ann Marie; her grandchildren Emily, Kristina, Matthew, Robert, Michelle, Danielle, Conor, Max, Rhiannon, Maureen, Dennis, Jill, Amanda, Tyler; her great-grandchildren James, Spencer, Tara, Morgan, Amelia, Miles, Teija, and Calvin; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Marion M. Bickal of Lansing entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 15th surrounded by her family after a long battle with alzheimers.

Marion was predeceased by her husband, George. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Palmer; her sons, David (Cathy), Charles (Christine); six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and her best friend, Betty Cook.

David E. McDougal, age 72 of Lansing, passed away from leukemia on May 20, 2016.

Born January 28, 1944 in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Clarence and Lillian (Barnett) McDougal. David was a graduate of Lansing High School and prior to retirement, had been employed as a machinist with Therm Inc. in Ithaca.

Mary Quick Flinn, of Ridge Road, Lansing, passed away Monday (May 2, 2016) surrounded by her family.

Born April 24, 1938 in White Plains, NY to Almon D. and Mary Pabor Quick, she was a local horse breeder for many years with Clydesdales as her passion on her farm, Starlane Farms, and later with Shetland ponies as a breeder for Personal Ponies, Ltd. She also enjoyed many creative activities like quilting and weaving, had beautiful flower gardens around her home, was devoted to her cats, and was a world traveler with a special love of the British Isles.

Eleanor R. Ruzicka, 85 passed away with family and her faithful dog Annie by her side at her home in Lansing on March 14, 2016. Born November 5, 1930 in Lansing. She was the daughter of the late Dana and Ruth (Townley) Ludlow.  Eleanor was married to Leland J. Ruzicka in 1951, and she and Lee enjoyed over 60 years of marriage before he passed away in 2011.

In addition to her parents and husband, Eleanor was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Countryman in 2012.

Eleanor lived a full life next to her family working, maintaining and enjoying the property. "Still waters run Deep", and this was Mom. She passed on her love of family, music, dance, nature, animals, and a strong work ethic to us. Nascar (88), soaking in the sun, boating, Harley's, shopping for and restoring antiques and day trips with family were some of Eleanor's favorite things.  She will never know how beautiful and strong she was inside and out.  And if you told her, she would say, "Yeah Right"!  This never became more apparent than when her husband Lee was seriously hurt on the job and she kept the family unit and property going while still working at Cornell University where she finished her 25 year career.

Mark Oliver Holden passed away after a short illness on January 31, 2016, with family at his side.

Mark held a special place in his family and brought much love, laughter and joy. He loved animals, bowling, dancing at the Haunt, traveling to new places, and was excited to be a volunteer at the SPCA. Mark loved being part of any practical joke and could never keep any secret. Anyone he met became one of his buddies, and if you were ever lucky enough to meet him, you knew he never met a stranger, but made new friends everywhere he went.