All Obituaries

Nancy Eyles Salak Nothing about my mom was average, typical, or traditional, so neither is this obituary. My mom was a gifted writer and poet, and in her final days, she hoped to write this herself but never got the chance. I wish I could channel her voice because... her voice, words, humor, and way of seeing the world reflected her utter uniqueness. But I know that somehow, somewhere, she's helping me tell this story. The sky was bleak and grey as my husband and I drove from the...

Robert (Bob) William Riker passed away on April 4, 2024, 2 days after his 77th birthday and 41st wedding anniversary. Bob was born on April 2nd , 1947, in Utica NY to Howard (Bud) Riker of Utica and Irene Snelgrove of Blackwood Wales. His parents predecease him. Bob was the oldest of 3 boys. His brothers Michael Patrick of Pahrump NV, passed in 2021 and David Charles (Robbin) of Sauquoit NY. survives him. Bob’s mother was a WWII bride. Bob was very proud of his Welsh heritage and...

Lillian “Lily” Bell Tuskey passed away April 13th, 2024 at the age of 92. Lily was born in Windsor, NY on September 2, 1931, to Harold Bell and Margaret Richards Bell. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Richard Tuskey and her brother Philip Bell. She is survived by her sister Roberta Hennessy and family, her children Terri Van Soest (John) and Robert Tuskey (Nancy), her grandchildren Conor Tuskey,...

Alfred Andrew Skibinski July 1, 1969 - April 11, 2024 Our beloved father, son, and brother left this life in the early hours of Wednesday April 11, 2024. He will be dearly missed. Andy and his family were blessed with the gift of time and love. Knowing that he would be heading home far too soon for any of us, his last six weeks with family and friends went unwasted. Andy made all end-of-life choices. Precious time was spent together. As his time neared, he was held and guarded. He did not...

Hattie Marie Lower, 93 passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Cayuga Medical Center.  She was born the daughter of the late Albert and Ellen Dickson Cooper.  Hattie was a graduate of Dryden High School.  She met her loving husband, Robert Lower at a square dance after he returned from the service. They married on July 8, of 1950 and they enjoyed 73 years of marriage. After raising her children she went to work for Morse Chain until retirement after 25 years. Hattie loved all...

Eleanor "Ellie" Marie Kraft Sanders, 83, passed away suddenly March 26, 2024. Born Eleanor Kraft on March 8, 1941, in New York City, New York, she was the daughter of Robert Kraft and Catherine Gerughty of New York, and the sister of Diane Patrone who pre-deceased her. Ellie is survived by her husband, Forrest "Skip" Sanders, two sons, two step-children, three grandchildren and several beloved family members which include: David Pearlman (Kimberly), and children, Airiel,...

Ronald was born on his family farm in Western Pennsylvania in 1936. He moved to Delaware for college and to be employed by Dupont. While in Delaware, Ronald met and married the love of his life, Terry.  They moved to Philadelphia, where Ronald attended University of Pennsylvania's College of Veterinary Medicine obtaining his VMD degree. While Ronald completed his postdoc at the University of Pennsylvania, he taught at University of Pennsylvania’s Medical School and Veterinary...

Heather Alayne Macdonell, 50, of Ithaca, NY died on March 5, 2024.  She was predeceased by her mother Carolyn and sister Kelly. She is survived by her father James Macdonell and sisters and brother Cathy Kabanek, Debbie Macdonell, Diane Macdonell, Patti Macdonell, Karen Cordi, Stefanie Blickensdorf, Mary McGlasson, Jerry Macdonell, and Shannon Phipps and families. She is also survived by her best friend Ethel Cratsley and her furry friend Cat.     Heather grew up in...

Jon Michael McGarrigle passed peacefully with his daughters March 28, 2024. Jon is survived by his mother, Mitzi McGarrigle, daughters Dawn Rockwell (Darrin), and Heather McGarrigle; grandchildren Dallas, Donovan, Dylan, Demi and Daisy, and siblings Sharon (Freeman), Richard (Barb), Dave (Claudia), Barb (Charlie), Jimmer, and Jason. He is predeceased by his father, Richard McGarrigle. Jon worked at Sam Peter Furniture for over 20 years, where he made many great friendships. He loved the...

ITHACA- Devin I. Van Brunt, 24, of Ithaca, NY died on March 25 in a terrible car accident near Harrisburg, PA.   Devin was born on September 5, 1999 in Gaithersburg, MD to Brandy Bell and Steve Crowley, and adopted by Rob Van Brunt and Deb Caraco, then of Bethesda, MD. Devin attended Ithaca City schools, and graduated from Hyde School in Bath, ME. He also attended Buffalo State College and Santa Barbara City College in Santa Barbara, CA. Devin loved nature and animals. Throughout his...