Central New York Obituaries

Richard “Skip” Townley Morrison Jr.

cfozmun — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:21:41 +0000

Richard “Skip” Townley Morrison Jr. went to be with his Lord, Saturday April 27, 2013. Skip, as he liked to be called was a native Ithacan, was born at the Quarry Street Hospital March 2, 1931. He was the only child of Agnes (McAuliffe) Morrison and Richard T. Morrison Sr. Predeceased by both. In addition he was predeceased in death by his long time love Gloria Lissick Ozmun in 2009.

He attended and graduated for the Immaculate Conception Grade School (1944), Ithaca High School (1948) and Ithaca College (1958). While at Ithaca College he played football and lacrosse.

In 1951 he enlisted in the US Navy only to end up assigned to the Marine Corps as a Hospital Corpsman. He served with the 1st Marine Division Charlie Company and Part of the “Dog” Medical Unit in Korea from fall of 1952 to July 1953. He saw combat action at the battle of the Hook in October 1952 which changed his life forever. He returned to San Francisco in July 1953 on the USS General Walker Troop ship along with the first group of prisoner of war returnees.

Returning to school on the GI Bill he graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He worked for Union oil Company and Burroughs Electra Data in Los Angeles, California. Skip attended Los Angeles State College for a Master Degree in Computer Programing for the IBM 650 Computer which was obsolete by the time he finished the program. Moving his family back to Ithaca, he worked from 1960 to 2005, for two local CPA firms, Maxfield and Company and Sciarabba Walker.

Always enjoying sports he played on the VFW and National Cash Baseball teams in the old Ithaca City League and with the JAY Cs softball team in the original slow pitch league. He was active in Boy Scouts and was the Scout Master for the South Hill Troop while his son was young. He loved to hunt and fish with his friends and was a member of the Newman Golf course for many years.

He is survived by his children Cynthia (David) Morales, Debra (Jack) Brewster, Michelle (William) VanDeMark , Agnes (William) Binger, Richard (Kelly) Morrison III and Maria (Tracy) Barr. His Grandchildren Josephine Morales, David Richard Morales, John “Nonni” Brewster, Kate Brewster, Maria Brewster, Christopher VanDeMark, Brennan Binger, Brooke Binger, Noah Harris, Ashley Harris , Madeline McAuliffe Morrison, Richard Townley Morrison IV, Brian Barr and Sean Barr. One great-grand son Jeremy Benjamin Clockedile. He is also survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children Maria Christina Morrison and his special family John, Debbie, Patti Ozmun and their spouses and Connor Greenwood.

Wanda Irene Holmes

cfozmun — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:54:15 +0000

Wanda Irene Holmes, age 93, formerly of Marathon and Ithaca, NY passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013 at the Groton Nursing facility after a period of declining health. Born February 28, 1920 in Lapeer, NY she was a daughter of the late Merle and Lucy Quail Ticknor. Years ago she worked at Crescent Corset and enjoyed bowling, gardening, bus trips, dancing and was a life Member of the Loyal Order of the Moose.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Theodore Holmes of Groton; her children, Sandra Castilano of Rochester, Andrew (Betty) Wing of Cortland and Patricia (Robert) Card of Marathon; several grand, great, great great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; her brothers, Kenneth (Verna) Ticknor of Hurley, NY, and Wilfred (Betty) Quail of Whitney Point, NY and a sister, Jean Jones of Orange, CT.

Beverly Bentley

cfozmun — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:48:46 +0000

Beverly Bentley, age 72, of Buffalo Road, Brooktondale, NY passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013 at home after a lengthy illness. “Bev” was born in Orange County, CA, a daughter of the late Paul and Gladys Brownmiller Rothenberger. An area resident since 1960, she was a friend to everyone she met.

Survivors include her partner of 35 years, James Cornell; her children, Richard Bentley, Rick Bentley, Daniel C. Bentley, Cynthia (Kenny) Cornell, Janet (David) Liddington, Patricia (Frederick) Hines and Terri Bentley; siblings, Ronald Rothenberger, Sharon (George) Charles, Doris and Shirley Stine; 45 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and several great great-grandchildren and ,and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her daughter, Hilda Bentley and her son, David Bentley; her brothers, Charles and Leroy Stine; a grandson, Richie Bentley; a great-grandson, Jordan Post.

Beverly Marie Cornelius

cfozmun — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:09:59 +0000

Beverly Marie Cornelius, age 85, of 1121 Ellis Hollow Road, Ithaca, NY passed away, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at her residence. Mrs. Cornelius was born March 19, 1928 in Cortland, NY a daughter of the late Fred and Kathlyn Cooper Bodman and lived for many years in Homer, NY. She was employed at Cornell University in Plant Research, retiring in 1970. He first husband, Charles Lennox, died in 1968 and her second husband, Donald Cornelius died in 1990. Beverly was an avid reader and enjoyed her family.

Survivors include her daughters, Sandra (Richard) Smith of Willseyville and Kathy Teeter of Mecklenburg; a step-daughter, Sharon Hixon in FL; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaugter; four step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren; two nieces and two nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Alice Fellers and Gloria Carter.

Robert D. Skinner

cfozmun — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:20:49 +0000

Robert D. Skinner, age 65, a long time McLean , NY resident died Friday, April 12, 2013 at his residence in Cortland, NY. “Bob” was born December 4, 1947 in Syracuse, NY a son of the late Orla Rood Skinner and Rev. Stanley Skinner, Sr. He was graduated from Dryden High School in 1966 and from TC3 with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Bob served honorably in the US Army 1967 to 1970. A 50 year member of the McLean Fire Department, Bob was also a member of the Mclean Community Church. He had been employed at various automobile dealerships as a salesman and was currently employed at The Shopper as an advertising representative. Bob was a McLean person through and through never wanting to move away and always ready to be of assistance to any person in need. He enjoyed music, NASCAR and all things of automobilia with a long time interest in VW’s.

Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Stanley E. (Pat) Skinner, Jr. of Middleburgh, NY; a nephew, Nathaniel Skinner of Ann Arbor, MI; a niece, Sarah Borden Skinner (Allen) Wagner of Hilo, HI; two God sons, James and Nicholas Totman; cousins and many friends including his former wife, Diane Skinner-Van Epps of Mclean.

Barbara J. Van Pelt

cfozmun — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:57:23 +0000

Barbara J. Van Pelt, age 77, of Dryden passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013 after a lengthy illness. “Barb” was born in Cortland, NY, a daughter of the late Harold and Hazel Scholes Terwilliger. She was graduated from Dryden High School in 1954 and has been a life area resident. Her first husband, Gerard W. Relyea, Sr., died in 1971. Barb enjoyed making cards, sewing, knitting and spending time with her family especially the grand and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. Her family wants to say thank you to the Cayuga Medical Center and Beechtree Care Center for the wonderful and compassionate care that they provided Barb.

Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Warren E. “Buck” Van Pelt of Dryden, her children, Gerard W. (Gerri) Relyea of Genoa, Robert (Joyce) Relyea and Jane (Randall) Park of Cortland; her siblings, Fred (Linda Woodin) Terwilliger of Dryden, June Shufelt of Genoa and Elsie (Gerry) Langdon; her grandchildren, Jared, Tyler, Levi, Gage, Mike and Josh Relyea and Amanda Park; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Elizabeth and Eli Relyea as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by siblings, John, Herbert, Elmer, Richard and Carl Terwilliger.

James Edward Hefner, Jr.

cfozmun — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:51:04 +0000

James Edward Hefner, Jr., age 67 of North Road, Freeville, NY passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013 after an extended illness. James was born in Cortland and was a son of the late Ruth Dye Hefner and James E. Hefner, Sr. He served in the US Navy from 1968 – 1974 and was a self employed truck driver. Years ago he was a foster parent to many children.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Lewis Hefner of Freeville; his mother-in-law, Janice Lewis of Freeville; his children, Martiann (Adam) Sandquist of McGraw, Frances Ezell of Rochester and Christopher Cross of Freeville, Michele Little of Cortland, Barbara (Andre) Alexander of Dryden, Clara Hefner of Freeville; sisters, Pat Jordan of Cortland and Sharon Partlow of Elgin, OR and a brother, Raymond (Ella) Jordan in PA; many grand, great and great great-grandchildren.

Raymond H. Robinson

cfozmun — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:45:42 +0000

Raymond H. Robinson, age 75, of Asbury Road, Freeville, NY passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013 at Cayuga Medical Center. Born September 14, 1937 in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was the son of the late Harry and Edith Robinson. A US Navy veteran, Ray was a retired firefighter with the Ithaca City Fire Dept. and he also owned and operated a trucking business and was known to many as “The Gravel Hauler.”

In addition to his wife, Brenda VanEtten Robinson at home, Ray is also survived by the mother of his children, Barbara Robinson; his two daughters, Mary Jo Robinson and Terry (Ken) VanAmBurg; grandchildren, Christopher Morusty, Cole and Conner VanAmBurg; stepchildren, Brian (Anna) Haner, Brandi Hammond and Brandon Hammond and their families; his mother in law, Betty Campbell of Ithaca, NY and sister in law, Evonne Sherman of Richford, NY and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his only sister, Edith Conley.

Julia P. “Judy” Allis

cfozmun — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:40:53 +0000

Julia P. “Judy” Allis, age 71, of Carpenter Hill Road, Dryden, NY passed away Friday, April 5, 2013 at home after a 1½ year illness. Julia was born June 16, 1941 in Sayre, PA the daughter of the late Wayne and Jane Yetter Place. Julia attended Towanda High School, graduating in 1959, and was married to her high school sweetheart, Richard F. Allis, on Sept. 1, 1962. They relocated to Dryden, NY in 1967. Julia and Richard enjoyed collecting antiques and traveling with several trips to the southern US; to Yellowstone National Park, to Maine and to the maritime coast.

Survivors in addition to her husband include her son, Lyndon W. Allis of Dryden a grandson, Hunter Allis and a granddaughter, Taylor Allis both of Dryden; a brother, Thomas (Roberta) Place of Athens, PA, nieces; nephews and cousins.

Elizabeth E. “Betty” Porteus

cfozmun — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:01:49 +0000

Elizabeth E. “Betty” Porteus, age 75, a long time resident of Dryden, NY passed away March 28, 2013 at the Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca. Betty was born March 21, 1938 in Greenport, NY the daughter of the late Richard W. and Bertha Stowitts Porteus. She was graduated from Dryden High School in 1955 and from CCBI in 1957 with a certificate in Medical Secretarial Studies. Betty was employed at Cornell Univ. for 44 years as a Research Librarian working in both Uris and Olin Libraries. She attended The First Presbyterian Church of Dryden and sang in the choir for many years.

Survivors include her three brothers, Richard Porteus of Hamilton, OH, Robert B. (Tudie) Porteus of Freeville and Donald (Connie Bulger) Porteus of Brooktondale, NY; a niece, Susan (Michael) Porteus Berding of Hamilton, OH, a nephew, Matthew (Natalie) Moulton of Mooresville, NC; a niece, Amy (Bud) Fahey of Alpharetta, GA and several additional special great nieces and nephews.