Obituaries
Local Obituaries for Ithaca, NY
Callista "Cookie" Fauls Paolangeli
Sep 6, 2026
“If it’s not an ass, it’s an elbow” might seem a rather odd way to start an obituary, especially for a woman whose deep and profound Catholic faith was one of the core tenets of her life. But Cookie Paolangeli would have laughed and approved, it being one of her favorite sayings when anyone told her about an ache, an...
Dorothy Jane Burke
Sep 2, 2026
Dorothy Jane Burke passed away on September 2nd, 2026 in Ithaca, NY. The daughter of the late Richard and Susan Read Parr in Ithaca on February 16th, 1936. As an Ithaca local she decided to raise her own children in her hometown. She was a homemaker to her husband, of 70 years, Carl Burke. Where they raised three children, and...
Guy Smith
Aug 31, 2026
In Loving Memory of Guy Edward Smith
It is with the heaviest of hearts, yet with profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Guy Edward Smith, 75, on August 31, 2026. Guy was a man of genuine warmth, deep intellect, and boundless kindness who left an indelible mark on everyone he loved.
Born in Chicago Heights,...
John "Gutie" Gutenberger
Aug 29, 2026
What do you say about a man who was truly an incredible human being?
Everyone says that about the people they love. But in Gutie’s case, it wasn’t just family saying it. Anyone who encountered John “Gutie” Gutenberger knew almost immediately that they were in the presence of a kind, considerate, wise and generous soul. He had a way of making...
George "Chuck" Reniff
Aug 21, 2026
George "Chuck" Reniff , 77 passed away August 21, 2026 after an extended illness. A celebration of George's life will be private at the discretion of the family.
Locksley G.E. Edmondson
Aug 18, 2026
Locksley Edmondson, an influential Jamaican scholar of International Relations whose career spanned over five decades across several countries, died on August 18 in Ithaca NY. He was 92.
He leaves behind wife, Elizabeth, children Georgette (“Nona”) (Nate), Belinda, Magnus, Alisha; grandchildren Ali (Emma), Amanda, Ravi and Dorian; great granddaughter Eloise; sisters, Hermione, Patricia, Charmaine and Lisa; and brothers Winston (Louise), Michael,...
Armand Padula
Aug 12, 2026
Armand Padula, 96, of Nokomis, Florida died August 12th, 2026. Formerly of Ithaca, NY of parents Norman and Mary Padula. He attended Ithaca Public Schools and served in the U.S. Maritime Service and the U.S. Navy Reserve. Early employment was a Deputy Sheriff and local industries, but he then decided to pursue academics. He worked as Entomology Experimentalist at Cornell...
Gerald Schrader
Aug 11, 2026
Gerald Schrader, born on June 14th, 1944, in Sayre, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2026, in Ithaca, New York. His passing marks the loss of a cherished father, sibling, and friend whose warmth and quiet strength left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Gerald’s life began in the gentle hills of Sayre, PA, where he was raised...
Paul Kominos
Aug 9, 2026
Paul Kominos passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his father and his beloved sister.
Paul leaves behind his daughter, Jaime, and her husband, Alex; his cherished grandchildren, Oscar and Ramona; his son, Alex; his mother, Judith; and his siblings, Jimmy, Peter, and Jeanie. He also leaves behind an extended family of friends, fellow musicians,...
Karen L Beck
Aug 4, 2026
Karen Beck, a dedicated and respected member of the Ithaca community, passed away on August 4, 2026, in Ithaca, NY. Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 27, 1945, Karen led a life marked by integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to those she loved.
Karen’s journey began in Chicago, where she was born to Paul and Ethel Beck. She grew up surrounded...
Franklin D. Ratkoski
Aug 3, 2026
Frank Ratkoski passed away on August 3rd. He was pre-deceased by his parents Ed & Alice Ratkoski and his brother Michael Ratkoski.
Frank brought warmth, humor, and connection everywhere he went. He never forgot a face, and loved making people laugh. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, whether through a phone call, a joke, or simply his excitement...
Michael James Brady
Aug 3, 2026
Michael J. Brady, 45 of Freeville NY, passed away unexpectedly at home August 3, 2026. He is survived by his sister, Aimee (William) McNeill, step siblings Joshua Thornton, Danielle (Zach) Turner, his long-time girlfriend Veronica Rutty and was a great step dad to her children, Dove, Kearsten (Benjamin) and Trystan Dewey. He was also a loving father to Bella Jones....
Mary Elizabeth Classen Thompson
Aug 2, 2026
Mary Elizabeth Classen Thompson, beloved daughter of Dick and Jane Classen, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of her family, her most-cherished people.
Born and raised in Ithaca, New York, Mary later moved to Texas with her brother Tom, where she lived in Corpus Christi and the Dallas area from 1977 until 2001. During...
Robert, "Rip," J. Haley
Jul 28, 2026
Robert “Rip,” J. Haley, 97, of Ithaca, NY passed away July 28th, 2026 at Bridges Cornell. He was born on May 24th, 1929 in Uniontown, PA, the son of the late John and Hannah Haley. He was a 1947 graduate of South Union High School, in Uniontown, PA, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete and a 1951 alumnus of...
Mary Jane Parker
Jul 26, 2026
Mary Jane Francis Parker, age 95, died peacefully on the morning of July 26, 2026, at the Hospicare Residence in Ithaca, New York, where she was lovingly cared for during her final months.
Born on September 30, 1930, in Albion, New York to Gertrude B. Jablonski Francis and John Gilbert Francis, Sr., Mary Jane lived a long, fruitful, fiercely independent life,...
Robert C. Spencer
Jul 24, 2026
Robert C. Spencer, fondly known to many as "Bob," passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, in Elmira at the age of 68. Born on May 8, 1958, in Ithaca, Bob was a dedicated member of his community whose life and legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.
Bob’s enduring commitment to public service was demonstrated through a distinguished...
Maxine J. Lelik
Jul 21, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maxine Ward Lelik, who peacefully departed this life on July 21, 2026, at the age of 66.Born on March 26, 1960, Maxine was a lifelong resident of Newfield, New York, a community she cherished and proudly called home throughout her entire life. She dedicated many years of faithful service...
Lois G. Patton
Jul 16, 2026
Lois G. Patton, 81, died peacefully on July 16, 2026, after a brief illness. She is survived by Jeffner Allen, her life partner; sister Barbara G. Smith and her family; brother Donald Grinstead and his family; cousin Nonie G. Branciforte and her family; friend of many years, Kim Bosley; countless friends who shared her love for music, nature, and meditation;...
Janet S. Purdy
Jul 12, 2026
Janet S. Purdy, 97, of Ithaca, New York, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on July 12, 2026. She passed peacefully sitting in her favorite chair. She was born August 7, 1928 to Louis H. Strasser and Bessie B. Strasser.
After graduating High School in Norwich, New York, Janet attended SUNY Morrisville to study horticulture. Her career...
Pauline Carpenter Dear
Jul 10, 2026
Pauline Carpenter Dear of Ithaca, New York, passed away in her home on July 10, 2026, at the age of 68.
Pauline was born on February 17, 1958, in Bethesda, Maryland, to Frank Carpenter and Angela Briefs Carpenter. At the age of five, her family relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she spent her childhood and formative years. She attended Mount...
Subscribe
Subscribe to get alerts on new obituaries
SUPPORT AFTER A LOSS
Circle of Friends+ provides you with resources on grief support and settling affairs, sent to you via text and email.
About
Bangs Funeral Home is a collection of obituaries for Ithaca, NY. With services throughout New York that are updated regularly. Find local Ithaca, New York obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.
