All Obituaries

Michael John Brendan Dominic Meads Linsdell, aka “Mick”, was born the middle child of Mona & Charles Meads 6 children in Ramsgate, County Kent, in Great Britain. Mick was always very proud of his English heritage, often jokingly acclaiming that the Americans can’t speak English. He had a very difficult time renouncing the Queen when he became an American Citizen in 2002. Upon the death of Charles, the family accepted an invitation from relatives and moved to Brisbane,...

Diane Kari Sweet, 69 of Ithaca passed away Tuesday at Cayuga Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born on November 27, 1954 the daughter of the late Donald and Irene Robinson Smith.  Diane was a lifelong resident of Ithaca, working for the City of Ithaca for 13 years.  She was a past president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Elks Lodge 636.  Diane was a devoted wife, mother, and sister. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Predeceased by her parents...

Richard E. Hughes, Jr., age 77, died on April 27, 2024 at the Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Ithaca. “Dick” (or “Rick” or “Ted” as he was variously known) was born in Albany, NY on April 2, 1947. He was the son of Richard E. Hughes and Hazel Wetmore Hughes, late of Ithaca. Dick is survived by his cousins, Thomas Stratton of Constableville, New York, Patricia Martin of Beverly, Massachusetts, and Douglas Albern, of McLean, New York. Dick...

Janice Newman Esman was born December 26,1919 in New York City. Her father, Otto Newman an immigrant from Prague and mother Carrie nee Bernhart lived on East 87 th street, part of a large Jewish family and members of Central Synagogue. Her father Otto was a successful businessman but was adversely impacted by the depression. She attended New York University. After several short-term jobs in NYC, she moved to Washington DC and worked at the Civil Service Commission where she met Milton...

Kathleen Louise Shealy, nee McMullen, Dies at 64 Years Old   Kathy died on April 21 st , 2024 near dawn at Tompkins County Hospicare & Palliative Care Residential Facility in the Town of Ithaca, NY. Her adult children James Blanton Shealy and Amber M. Shealy survive her. Kathy was born on August 10 th , 1959 in Oneonta, NY to James G. McMullen and Lilia A. Morelli. Her brother Arne T. McMullen and sister Patti A. Wojtowecz survive her; her brother James G. McMullen Jr....

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...