Obituaries
Local Obituaries for Ithaca, NY
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...
Nancy Jane Munro
Jul 10, 2026
Nancy Jane Munro, born Nancy Jane Johanson in Ithaca, NY on February 22, 1941 to Hilma and Willard Johanson, succumbed to various health issues on Friday, July 10, 2026. Nancy is survived by her siblings, Harold and Jeannie, and her children, Judith and Stan.
Nancy spent the majority of her later years in evangelism and ministry to those less fortunate, usually...
Joseph Iacovelli
Jul 3, 2026
Joseph W. Iacovelli, born on December 2, 1948, in Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully at home in Cortland NY on July 3, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 77 years old.
Above all, Joe cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Jutta Iacovelli, whose love and partnership were the foundation of their life together....
Helen Porter
Jun 28, 2026
Helen Porter, age 91, passed away in Bristol, Tennessee, near her family, where she had made her home for the past several years. Born and raised in Ithaca, New York, Helen spent 89 years in the community she loved. She spent much of her life on the Porter Family Farm on Snyder Hill Road and was a dedicated manager at...
Ernetta Skipper
Jun 27, 2026
“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.”
With profound sorrow and heartfelt love, we celebrate the life of Ernetta Skipper, who peacefully entered eternal rest in her sleep at the age of 40.
Ernetta was a beautiful soul whose life reflected strength, resilience, love, and unwavering faith. Although she...
David Benson
Jun 25, 2026
David C. Benson, 77 of Ithaca passed away on June 25th, 2026. David was born in Ithaca on July 10, 1948, the son of the late Charles and Mary Benson.
David is survived by his son Jeffrey, daughter Michelle Benson (Brian Kreowski) and grand-children Lilly, and Kenzie Benson and Anna, and Jocob Kreowski.
There will be no services for David at this...
Kimberlee Drumheller
Jun 24, 2026
Kimberlee Michelle Drumheller, born on January 6, 1977, in Ithaca, passed away on June 24, 2026, in her hometown. Kimberlee’s life was marked by her enduring love for her family and a quiet strength that touched those around her.
She was the daughter of David Drumheller, Sr. and Jeannie Swayze, and the cherished sister of David Drumheller, II . Kimberlee’s legacy...
Doug Fain
Jun 24, 2026
Stephen Douglas Fain, 79, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Patricia Fain, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.
Doug was born on September 1, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, to Coy and Virginia (Ludwikowski) Fain. He graduated from Liverpool High School in 1964 and later worked at the Carrier plant.
Doug and Patricia...
June Nafis
Jun 23, 2026
June C. Nafis, 98, resident of Kendal at Ithaca, formerly of Greenlawn, NY, died June 23, 2026. She was born in Huntington, NY, daughter of Charles William Christiansen and Irene Langermann and sister of Robert Christiansen, all deceased. She graduated from South Huntington High School on Long Island in 1945 and SUNY Oneonta Teachers College in 1949. She taught first...
Robert Lewis Klee
Jun 22, 2026
Robert (Bob) Lewis Klee passed away on June 22, 2026 at the age of 73.
Bob was born on June 30, 1952 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan to parents Marie and Howard Klee. He received his B.A. from Oakland University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Bob taught philosophy at several universities before arriving at...
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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.
