Obituaries

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.

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.

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.