All Obituaries

Chuck Yaekel, 75, of Homer NY, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026 surrounded by family in the comfort of home. Born on March 24, 1950 in Albany, to Charles and Patricia Yaekel. Chuck grew up in Margaretville, NY, with a passion for the outdoors. After graduating from college, he went on to become an Environmental Conservation Officer for NYSDEC, retiring as Lieutenant. Known for his quick wit, sportsman skills, and stubborn determination, Chuck spent much of his life enjoying the ...

Robert W. Auchmoody, 45, of Lake Como, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Rob was born May 10, 1980 in Dade City, FL; a son of Warren Auchmoody and Cheryl Leet. He was a 20+ year employee at Tallmadge Tire in Cortland, working in many capacities over the years. His customers were loyal to Rob over the years and he made many lasting friendships from his time at Tallmadge. Rob is survived by his wife of 15 years, Kate Griswold Auchmoody; his children, Jade (Robert) ...

Dennis M. Hollenbeck, 80 of Clinton St. Homer passed away while under the care of Hospice and his loving family on Saturday, February 7, 2026. A lifelong area resident, he was born April 21, 1945, a son of the late Howard and Pauline Hamilton Hollenbeck. Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 and served until his honorable discharge in 1967. Denny was employed for 50 years at Ottenschott Construction, primarily as a heavy equipment operator. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and ...

Duane Arthur Milton, known to many as Sluggo, and to a lucky few as Dad and Uncle Sluggo, was the kind of man who could walk into a room, raise one eyebrow, make a face, and instantly make everything feel lighter. He left this world on February 5, 2026, in Homer, New York, but not before leaving laughter, lessons, and love absolutely everywhere he went. Duane was married to the love of his life, Carol Milton (McMahon), for 47 years. His family was his greatest ...

Russell D. Barber, 90, of Groton, passed away on January 30, 2026 in the Groton Nursing Facility. He was born November 23, 1935, a son of the late H. Dale and Beatrice Powers Barber. Russ was raised on a generational family dairy farm where he learned the value of a hard day’s work which he carried throughout his life.  At the age of 19, Russ started work at Durkee Bakery as a delivery driver. He worked at Barber and Deline Well Drilling for several years and in 1968 founded ...

Laura Cook Johnson, born September 15, 1934 departed from this life to live with her Savior, Jesus Christ on January 28, 2026. Born Laura Joan Cook to William and Ethel Hemmings Cook. Laura lived most of her life in Homer, New York. When she was a young woman she loved to travel overseas. Laura spent a short time teaching in Germany, where she met Darwin Johnson and then later married. She was a Homer Elementary school teacher for over 25 years and was much loved by her students and ...

Henry R. Recor, Sr., 83, of Homer, passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2026. He was born February 12, 1942, in Watertown, NY; the youngest of nine children born to the late Howard and Florence O’Donnell Recor. He was a 1960 graduate of Clayton Central School. Hank was an exceptional athlete. He won the New York State wrestling championship in both 1959 and 1960, he was an avid golfer and bowler and pitched for many years in the local fast pitch softball leagues. With the ...

Lillian Cooper, 95, passed away following a period of declining health on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Lillian was born October 26, 1930 in Boston, MA, a daughter of the late John and Mary Kurtyka Zurkan. Following her graduation from Woburn Senior High School, she worked in Boston at John Hancock Insurance. She married Richard Cooper on April 23, 1955 and together they moved to Homer where they raised their family. They later moved to Daytona Beach, FL, where they had many happy years. They ...

Erika W. Wendel, of East Homer-Baltimore Road, Homer, passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 87. Erika was born February 21, 1938 in Czechoslovakia, lived with her family for several years in Germany and emigrated in 1960, coming to the United States, with her late husband, Gerhard Wendel, to fulfill a dream of owning and operating a farm. She was employed for more than 30 years at Smith Corona and had also worked for brief period at the JM Murray Center. Surviving is her four ...

Charles Stuart Duncan, Jr., a man of quiet strength, dedicated service, and deep family roots, passed away January 21, 2026, at the age of 80. A resident of Cortland and formerly of Solon, Charles lived a life defined by commitment to his country, his work, and most importantly, his family. Born in Cambridge, NY, on January 17, 1946, Charles was the son of the late Dr. Charles S. Duncan, Sr. and Evalyn Chapin Duncan. After completing his education and earning an associate’s degree in ...