Obituaries

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.

Roy Howard Cochran Sr. (Roy) passed away Sunday, January 17, surrounded by family near his winter home in Ocala, FL, at age 73. Born and raised in Lansing, NY, Roy was well known and loved by many in both Lansing and Ocala. He retired from Tompkins County Community Hospital and loved spoiling his grandchildren in his free time. He was always tinkering and creating and never hesitated to help a friend (or stranger). Anything you needed, whether it be advice or a part for a project, you could find in Roy's garage.

Roy is survived by Gloria, the love of his life and wife of over 54 years, children Laurie (Karl), Roy Jr., Ron, and Lisa (Pete), brother Allen (Betty), sister Carolyn (Addy), uncle Dana (Helen) and numerous grandchildren. Roy was also like a second father to many and will be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lorena, brother Bob Drake, "adopted" son Tim Tierney, infant grandson David, good friend Nick George, and fiercely loyal dog Goldie.

Gertrude M. Hradisky passed away at home on September 12, 2015, at the age of 73.

Born January 30, 1942 in Corning, she was a daughter of the late Hugh Mapes and Ila Elliott Mapes Quick.  Gertie was married to Joseph P. Hradisky on March 15, 1959, and together, raised their family of four children at their home near Myers Park in Lansing.  Gertie was a devoted wife and mother, she loved to knit and watch the abundance of wildlife that surrounded her home near the lake.  She enjoyed the music in the park during the summer months, and always looked forward to any holiday or event that brought her family together.  

In addition to her parents, Gertie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Joseph P. Hradisky and her sister, Diane Quick.

Colleen M. Homan – February 1, 1953 – August 2, 2015.  Colleen passed suddenly at home with her loyal dog, Reba, at her side.  Having made Tompkins County her home, she was well-known by many of its residents for her wit, wisdom, and the frank manner that she would "call a spade a spade".  As an adult she became very well respected for her work ethic and the meticulous manner she performed her job, leading to the position of Office Coordinator at the Johnson Parker Center for Investment Research working under Lakshmi and Sanjeev Bhojraj.  Colleen joined the Parker Center in 2004, after six years in other areas of Johnson.

Previously, she worked with the school's Entrepreneurship faculty and BR Ventures (the student-managed venture capital fund) and as the school's graduate field assistant for doctoral candidates. She came to Johnson with prior experience in the Cornell University Controller's office and in the Human Resources department of a private firm in Ithaca.  In addition to her employment at Cornell University, Colleen also worked for the New York State Parks Office.

Grey Theodore Larison was born on May 30, 1925, in Elmira Heights, NY, the first born son of Ted and Louise Larison.  He died on April 10, 2015, at  Hospicare in Ithaca, New York.

He was named after his maternal grandfather, Grey LeValley, thus beginning the habit of naming the oldest boy child in each family or generation with the same first name. Grey's middle name is taken from his father's.  The next in line was Grey Richard, born to Grey T. and Virginia November 1946.   Next was Grey William, born to Grey Richard and Jan in  1975.  The most recent was Grey Michael, born 2011, to Grey William and Amie.  One of the most successful photo shoots ever was one in which Grey was on the other side of the lens.  "The Four Greys" gathered in Detroit in August, 2013, and posed for cameras operated by wives.

His earliest memories, from about the time he was learning to walk and talk, were of his maternal grandmother, Ethel LeValley, introducing him to the natural world around Elmira. She and his Grandfather Grey LeValley continued tutoring him throughout their lives.

Mary Ellen Carollo (nee McMahon), 59, a Village of Lansing resident in the Lansing Trails neighborhood for the past 10 years, passed away on Tuesday, May 26 at Hospicare of Tompkins County in Ithaca, NY, following a valiant struggle against an inoperable brain tumor over the last two years.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank Carollo, of Ithaca; her son from a previous marriage, Matthew Vendryes of Davis CA; and a large family including her mother, eight siblings and their families, her father-in-law, and two sisters-in-law and their families. Her beloved father William McMahon predeceased her in February 2008.

Jerid Michael Lovejoy, age 29, lost his battle with addiction at home on April 17, 2015, where he had been living with his loving parents, James “Jeff” and Debbie Blake Lovejoy.  He was surrounded and loved by a large, supportive family including his brothers, James “JJ” (Nichole), Joseph and Jason (Erin), all of Lansing; nieces, Kaleigh, Kiara and Ava; nephews, Korbin and Eli; a large extended family and many friends.  Jerid loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and always looked up to his older brothers as role models.

A 2004 graduate of Lansing High School, Jerid was most recently employed at Heritage Builders/Perfect Painters. He had been an athlete since he was a young boy, excelling in wrestling and football.  He loved the one on one competitiveness of wrestling. Jerid also had a passion for the outdoors, especially gardening, planting a seedling and caring for it as it matured into a beautiful flower or plant. Most importantly, Jerid had a big loving heart and would be the first to help a friend.  He will be dearly missed by so many.

Dorothy E. Braid, of Lansing, went to be with her Lord on March 21, 2015, at the age of 93. 

Born October 1, 1921, in Scranton, PA, Dorothy was a daughter of the late Alden and Verna Shaffer Cobb.  

A graduate of Practical Bible College, Dorothy supported her husband in ministry for over 60 years during his pastorships in Port Crane, Corning and Cayuta, NY.  She served an active role in church, especially with the choir and as church organist.  She was employed for a time at First Bank and Trust in Corning.  A devoted, wife, mother and grandmother, Dorothy’s love will remain with those she leaves behind. 

Marjorie N. Sharpsteen, born January 23, 1935, passed away peacefully March 1, 2015 after a long illness.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald R. Sharpsteen, of Lansing, NY; four children, Julie (John) McGuire of Roanoke, TX, Fay Sharpsteen (Marlene Berich) of Mt. Vernon NY, Jaime Sharpsteen of Abilene, TX,  James Sharpsteen (Ianthe Warner) of Cortland, NY; five grandchildren, Brian, Amy, Michael, Alexander, and Jesse; two brothers, Bill and John Nedrow of Lansing, NY; and one sister Nancy McKane, of King Ferry, NY.  She is predeceased by her sister, Ruth Swearingen.

Marjorie worked at The Statler Hotel and Lansing Middle School.  She was a loving woman who cared for many foster children.  She will be greatly missed by many people.  A memorial service is planned for the spring and will be announced at that time.

Raymond J. Farkas passed away unexpectedly after a sudden illness on February 12, 2015.


Born February 24, 1948 in Ithaca, Ray was a son of the late John M. Farkas and Blanche H. Farkas.  Ray proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was formerly employed with Cayuga Crushed Stone Inc. and Lansing Central School District, Ray was most recently enjoying his 'retirement job' at Carquest in Lansing.

Constance “Connie” Corning Salm Conlon passed away Monday, February 9, 2015 at the age of 80.  Connie was born in Rome, NY on March 22, 1934 to Roy M. Salm and Marion Howe Salm.  She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Lawrence “Pat” H. Conlon, Jr.  She is survived by her two sisters, Royann (Hollis) Blodgett and Nancy Bisenius, sister-in-law Katharine Conlon Payne and several nieces and nephews.  In addition, she is also survived by her two children Martin A. Conlon (Sandra), 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) and great granddaughter, Jordan E. Brinkley. Connie grew up in Town of Rome and graduated as an honor student and member of the first graduating class of Vernon – Verona - Sherrill Central School in 1951.  Connie attended the School of Human Ecology at Cornell University, majoring in Home Economics Education, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in May 1955.  While at Cornell, Connie was a sister of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and enjoyed serving on the Alumnae Advisory Committee at the Pi Phi house on Triphammer Road following her years at Cornell.  It was while at Cornell that Connie met her future husband, Pat, at an impromptu candlelight “party.”  An event triggered by Hurricane Hazel which knocked out power to the entire Ithaca area.  The party took place across the street from the AGR frat house at her sorority, Pi Beta Phi.  The results were immediate as 48 hours later, Connie called to invite Pat to attend her spring formal in two weeks – that’s where it all began, thanks to Hazel! Connie and Pat were married on May 5, 1956 in Verona, NY.  Shortly thereafter, as a newly married bride, Connie accompanied Pat to Japan for the remainder of his Army tour of duty.  After returning to Lansing, Connie and Pat started their family while living in the Conlon’s ancestral home on North Triphammer Road before settling in their homestead on Conlon Road.

Robert C. Boda, 88 of Lansing passed away February 5 after a long battle with cancer.  He was born September 6, 1926 and lived in Danby most of his life. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1944, played football and was a wrestling champion.  Robert was a proud marine and served his country from 1944 to 1946, fighting on Okinawa and serving in China for 2 years.  September 10, 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Ina Tyler and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.

He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Boda Sr. and Nora Sabin Boda; brother, Raymond Boda Jr., his wife Lillian;  youngest sister, Roberta Beach and brother-in-law Earl Andrews.

Anna M. Ayers, age 97, of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Ithaca, NY, passed away in Punta Gorda on January 23, 2015.

Born December 10, 1917 in Ithaca, Anna was a daughter of the late Bela Horvath and Julie Vari Horvath.

Sharon A. Marshall passed away February 10th, 2015, at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA at the age of 67.

Born December 13, 1947 in New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Beverly Swaim Garcia.  

Sharon had recently retired as the office manager at Mandel Therapy.  Active in her community, she was a former Girl Scout leader, an election worker with the Town of Genoa, and was a member of the King Ferry Fire Department Auxiliary.

Ruth E. Finniss, of LaFayette, NY, formerly of Ithaca, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse at the age of 83.

Born July 1, 1931 in Salem, MA, Ruth was the daughter of the late Walter and Minnie (Ruhmpohl) Annable.  She was retired from Cornell University’s Gannett Health Center, where she had been employed as a secretary.  She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, knitting, and playing games, especially scrabble and boggle.  Ruth’s greatest pleasure came from spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Robert Finniss, who passed away in 1999.

Shirley R. Sullivan of Lansing passed away February 9, 2015, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 19, 1927 in Masten, PA, she was a daughter of the late Jasper and Almira (Walker) Robbins.  

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brothers, Bernard, Emmett, Merrill and Theron Robbins, all of Canton, PA; her sisters, Laura Koernig of Philadelphia, PA, Marjorie Cott of Williamsport, PA, and Mary Jane Saxe of Dayton OH; and granddaughter in-law, Kimberly Mikula of Buffalo, NY.

Edward M. Wilcox, age 66 of Lansing, New York passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, January 23, 2015 at home.

Born June 15, 1948 in Ithaca, New York he was the son of the late Orman and Stephanie Jaworski Wilcox. Ed was retired from Cornell University after 36 years and has been employed at Worsell Farms, Genoa Sand & Gravel and currently at Binns Excavation & Gravel.

Ed was the happiest when he was working. Whether repairing large equipment, cooking ten turkey’s for Thanksgiving, or working the North Lansing Election Day Dinners and pancake breakfasts.

Wilma J. Gilmore of Ludlowville passed away January 17, 2015 at Cayuga Medical Center at the age of 81.

Wilma, known to many as Willie, was a unique person of remarkable skills, interests, achievements and contributions.  She loved life.  Willie was tireless and able in any undertaking.  Her constant energy was unmatched. Most of all she was a best friend, companion and sweetheart to Bill, her husband of more than sixty years.

Born March 14, 1933, in Saarbrucken, Germany, she was the only child of the late Octavian and Wilhelmina Wagner Maximilian.  She met her future husband, William H. Gilmore, at Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh where both were students.  They were inseparable, married in 1952, and both graduated from Carnegie in 1953.  They relocated to the Lansing area in 1969.

Sherman H. “Tobe” Tobey, 81, of Lansing, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at the Hospicare Residence with his loving family by his side.  Born April 30, 1933 in Lodi, he was the son of the late Sherman G. and Rose M. Tobey and husband of Barbara Tobey.

He married Barbara Davis on May 16, 1953, and nine days later left for a two year stint in the U.S. Army. Sherman was employed as a welder at Cornell University for 43 years.  After retiring from Cornell University he worked for the Lansing Parks and Recreation for several years.  He was a charter member of the Lansingville Fire Department.  He was also a longtime member of the Skamper Camper Club.  He also belonged to Car Pride, a classic car club in which his pride and joy was his 1957 Green and White Oldsmobile which he won several trophies with over the years.  He also belonged to the “Bored to Death” club which met twice a month to visit different businesses and then would enjoy lunch afterwards.  He also built a few old trucks, painted cars, and built two dune buggies.  He and Barbara traveled all over the country hitting all but six states of the U.S. including Mexico and Nova Scotia.  They also made many cruises with Car Pride to interesting places throughout the Northeastern U.S. over the past several years.