Obituaries

Wallace C. Avery, age 93, of Lansing, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2014.

Born March 30, 1921, in Sayre, PA, he was a son of the late Fred and Lydia (Bates) Avery.  After graduating from high school in Sayre in 1941, Wallace proudly served his country with the US Army from 1942 until being honorably discharged in 1946, at which point he settled in the Ithaca area.  Wallace married Helen Listar and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage until her death in 2005.  Wallace was employed as a meat cutter with the Co-op Market, and in the last few years prior to retirement, with TOPS Market.  A member of the Groton American Legion, Wallace also enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading.

Mildred D. Bernard, age 85, of Peruville Rd., Lansing, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of family on November 27, 2014.  

Born April 4, 1929, in New York City, Millie was the daughter of the late Simon and Dolores (Matheu) Cerezo.  At the age of seventeen Millie met her future husband, Victor Jose Bernard, Sr., and they enjoyed over fifty years of marriage until Victor’s death in 1997, at which point Millie moved to Lansing to be near her daughters.  Living upstate opened a whole new world to Millie and she thrived here, traveling about town in her red Volvo.  She took great pride in completing her GED at the age of 70. A lady of many talents, she loved sewing, crocheting, knitting and created many blankets, tablecloths and other items that will be treasured by family for years to come.  Millie liked the company of her dogs, especially Piccollo, Lady and Yuki.  She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and recently beat the entire family at her final scrabble game.  Always up for a trip to Finger Lakes or Turning Stone Casino, Millie also loved playing the Monday evening Bingo games here in Lansing.  Aside from all her activities, time spent with her grandchildren was most precious.

Pittsford, New York - Raymond Canwell Buckley, 86, a longtime resident of Lansing, New York, and a former resident of Leeds, Maine, went to join his loving wife Dorothy, Sunday, November 2, 2014. Both had resided at the Highlands Living Center in Pittsford, New York for the past year.

He was born third of three sons, to Gladys Mabel (Canwell) Buckley and Guy Gilbert Buckley on December 9, 1927, in Leeds, Maine. Brother Russell, passed away December 20, 1999 at the age of 81 and Ralph (Gib) passed away June 26, 2005 at the age of 82. Dorothy’s Chateauvert’s sister-in-law, Doris Ann, introduced Ray and Dot at a dance hall. They were married October 8, 1948 and had four children, Raema, Lorna (married to Gary), Shaun (married to Kathy) and Anissa. Raema has three children, Christopher, Cory and Kelly. Lorna has three children, Lindsay, Ashley and Justin. Shaun has a daughter Christina. There are several great-grand children: Joey and Sophie (Christopher), Haley and Jacob (Cory), Emma and Nathan (Kelly).

Lynn Martin Eastman III passed away as the result of an accident on September 27, 2014, at the age of 19. 

Born January 28, 1995 in Ithaca, Lynn was the son of Lynn M. and Rebecca Barber Eastman, Jr. He enjoyed his job, was eager to learn, and was beginning to excel as a welder with Innovative Metals in Locke, NY.  He loved to hunt and fish and was looking forward to the upcoming bow season.  Lynn was a kind person and enjoyed helping out family and friends.  He had a soft spot for animals, especially his cat, Jack, and dogs, Jake, Travis and Buddy.  A loving caring son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Lynn will be missed more than words can describe.

Ruth Bachelor Davis Hughes, formerly of Lansingville, passed away peacefully in the presence of family, August 22, 2014, at the Groton Nursing Facility, at the age of 101.

Born October 18, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Susie (Inman) Bachelor. Ruth was a resourceful and generous woman.  She could stretch a dollar far, made beautiful dresses for her daughters from feed bags, was a skilled upholsterer, canned hundreds of jars of peaches, tomatoes, corn and beef, and welcomed service men from Sampson Air Base to the family home for Thanksgiving dinners in the 40’s.  She was a wonderful cook, and always welcomed others to the table.  Ruth also did home health care for many people in the area.

William Neal Bement, 84, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2014, at his home in Myers.

Born August 5, 1930 in Syracuse, NY, Bill was a son of the late Edward Andrew and Margaret Childs Neal Bement.  Bill grew up in the Elmira area and graduated high school from Elmira Southside.  He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955.  Shortly after being honorably discharged he was married to Louise Pier, and began his studies at Cornell University, where he earned his degree from the School of Agriculture.  He and Louise settled in Myers in the late 60’s, raised their family, worked and enjoyed life.  Bill spent 30 years with Cornell University, retiring in 1992.  Aside from his family, Bill loved the lakes (Cayuga and Seneca), and spent many enjoyable hours boating and sailing.  He was also fond of hitting the open road in his RV.  Bill and Louise were fortunate to be able to spend time in their second home near Seneca Lake.

Sally A. Snyder, of North Wood Rd., Freeville, passed away August 14, 2014, at Beechtree Care Center in Ithaca at the age of 65.

Born April 7, 1949, Sally was a daughter of the late John “Jack” and Anne Burin Burns.  She spent 30 years employed by NCR in Ithaca, after which she was employed by Cayuga Medical Center and Cornell University.  Her family was the center of her life, with golf coming in a close second.  Sally also enjoyed traveling with friends and family.

Shirley J. Hatfield, 76, passed away in the presence of family at the Hospicare Residence on July 12, 2014.

Born at home in North Lansing on April 16, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence C. and Audrey V. (Teeter) Howser. Shirley was employed at Cornell University's Vet School, where she had over 28 years of dedicated service

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ivan L. Swayze and her sister, Christine Worsell.

John David Horn, age 71, of Lansing passed away May 29, 2014 at Cayuga Medical Center.

Born October 24, 1942 in Ithaca, John was the son of the late William Horn and Marjorie Sears.

He is survived by his children, Terry Horn of FL and Kimberly Lucero of CA; a brother, William Horn (Linda) of OH; aunts, Edith Nyenhuis of Trumansburg, Winnie Simpkins and Dorothy Sears both of Ithaca; uncle Glenn Roy Sears of AR; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and special cousin, Tom Lilly.

Jane Ann Phoenix Sheldon passed away comforted by her loving husband, children, and dog, Mac, in her home on May 27, 2014. She was born on December 20, 1929. Jane is survived by her husband and soul mate of 62 years, Donald Sheldon, Lansing, NY, her five children: Diane Sheldon-Wilson, Oklahoma City, OK, Donald Jr. (Kathleen), Arlington, TX, Linda Sheldon Petak, Lansing, NY, Mary Sheldon (Mark Randall), Lansing, NY, and Peter Sheldon, world traveler. She is also survived by four grandsons, Brian (Annette) Petak, Denton, TX, Zachary Sheldon and Alec Sheldon, Arlington, TX, and Jeremy Petak, Flagstaff, AZ, two great-grandchildren, Michaela and Bryson Petak, her brother, Gary (JanLee) Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ, and her beloved boxer, MacGuinness. Jane also left behind a multitude of well-loved nieces and nephews (of the regular, great and great-great variety) and many cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen, her mom, Virginia Little Phoenix (Syracuse), her uncle, Merrill Phoenix (Syracuse) and father, Robert Phoenix (Arizona).

Lawrence H. "Pat" Conlon, Jr. passed away Monday, April 21, 2014, at the age of 81.

Pat was born in Sayre, PA on February 7, 1933 to Dr. Lawrence H. Conlon, Sr. and Lucille Horton Conlon. He is survived by his wife, Constance Salm Conlon; his children, Martin A. (Sandra) Conlon, and Lauren E. Conlon (William Radzik). Grandchildren include Chad D. Worsell, Erin L. Worsell, Andrea R. Conlon, M. Ross Conlon, Amber L. Radzik (son Daiker); great granddaughter, Jordan E. Brinkley; sister, Katherine Conlon Payne; niece, Clare L. Holmes; and great niece, Jessica Holmes. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth Conlon Chambers.

Pat grew up in Waverly, NY and graduated from Waverly High School in 1951. He participated in high school sports, including football and basketball. During the last game of his senior year, he helped his basketball team win the state championship by sinking two free throws in overtime.

Fredella Jean (Kilts) Bordenet, 71, of Lansing, NY, passed away April 13, 2014 at the Hospicare Residence in Ithaca.

Born April 18, 1942 in the Town of Seward, NY, she was a daughter of the late F. John and Fredella (Smith) Kilts. After high school, Jean worked at the First National Bank of Ithaca and devoted most of her years to homemaking.  She was very artistic and had a great respect for wildlife.

Jean is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald L. Bordenet; son, Donald L. Bordenet, Jr.; daughter, Charmayne Jacintho (Todd) of Groton; grandchildren, Kimberly, Jennifer and Michelle Jayne; great grandchildren, Vanessa, Vincent and Anthony June of FL and Leah Rezek of Groton; a sister, Nancy Alfreds; and a brother, Randy Kilts.

Daryl E. Dunn, age 79, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2014.

Born August 5, 1934 in Ithaca, he was the son of the late Harrison and Gladys (Pratt) Dunn.

Daryl spent his career working at Cornell University as an electrician and was a member of the IBEW #241 in Ithaca.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

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.