All Obituaries

Catherine Mary Hodgson (nee Ackerman and known to most as Caye) passed away peacefully in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 16, 2022 at the age of 97.  Catherine is survived by her three children: Tim Hodgson of Syracuse, New York; Mark Hodgson of Tempe, Arizona; and Wendy Hodgson, of Phoenix, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Hodgson and grandson, Benjamin Hodgson, as well as sisters Natalie, Audrey, and Pat; and brothers Don and Ken. Catherine was born on...

Ira D. James, of Cortland, passed away following a brief illness on Tuesday March 21, 2023 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester at the age of 74. He was born August 19, 1948, a son of the late Ira and Eloise Talley James. Ira faithfully served in the US Army from 1968 – 1970.  He was proud of his military service and spoke of it often. He was employed for many years as a truck driver for Cassens Transport, retiring in 2009. Ira was a true ‘muscle head’. He loved...

William J. Wright, Jr., 43, of Cortland, died unexpectedly on March 14, 2023. A lifelong area resident, Will was born September 23, 1979, the son of William Wright, Sr. and Karen A. Conklin Wright. He was currently employed as the shop foreman at Jax Service Center & Dealership in Cortland and had previously worked at several local area garages. Family was important to Will as were his love of music, his dogs, his motorcycle and Dodge trucks. Surviving is his wife, Tracy Adams...

Robert Gene “Bobby” Burns, passed away unexpectedly March 12, 2023 at his home. He was born January 4, 1957 in Cortland and was the son of the late Lloyd and Irene Burns of Spafford. Bobby graduated in 1976 from Skaneateles High School and worked for many years at farms in Scott, Spafford, and Borodino. He worked at the Cortland County Highway Department for 30 years, retiring in 2012. He was a volunteer fireman for the Spafford Fire Department for 40+ years and held various...

Charlotte M. Holl, of James St., Homer, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday March 5, 2023 at the age of 94. A resident of the Cortland and Homer area most of her life, she was born November 28, 1928 in Solon, a daughter of the late Clifford and Leola Rice Eaton. Charlotte was a longtime communicant of St. Margaret's Church, Homer, and a was a member of the Cortland Women of the Moose #72. She had bowled in the Cortland Leagues since 1962, where she was a member of the Cortland Bowling...

Kenneth J. Welsh, 86, of McGraw, died on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in University Hospital, Syracuse. Ken was a lifelong area resident. Following his graduation in 1955 from McGraw High School, he enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1956 – 1958. Ken was employed by Economy Paving for 42 years, retiring as superintendent. He enjoyed playing golf and sports in general. Ken could often be seen at most McGraw High sporting events, scouting out who was going to be the next star....

Eleanore J. Becker, 95, of Pleasantview Dr., Cortland, passed away on February 26, 2023 in the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center following a period of declining health. She was born April 30, 1927 in Buffalo, a daughter of late John and Christine Schnaeman Yerge. Eleanore dedicated her life to the needs of her family. She was a longtime and faithful communicant of St. Mary's Church in Cortland. Surviving is her son, Kevin J. Becker (David Edwards) of Cortland; four grandchildren,...

Virginia Porter Calale passed away peacefully on Thursday the 23rd of February at Cedar Run Nursing home. She now is at peace and reunited with her best friend and husband of 55 years, Richard J “Dick” Calale Sr. The moment of her passing marked the end of an era. Gini, as she was affectionately known, was a wonderful wife, mother and businesswoman. From a difficult childhood, Gini grew to be a trailblazer for modern women in Cortland County. Gini graduated from Homer Central...

Judith D. Neville, 77, of Cortland, passed away following a period of declining health on February 6, 2023 in the Elizabeth Brewster House, Homer. Judy was born June 10, 1945 in Cortland, a daughter of the late G. Boyd and Juanita Houser DeHart. She was employed for many years as the office manager for Dr. Patrick Hayes medical practice. Judy and her late husband, Joseph F. Neville moved to Florida in 1998. There, she worked as an office manager for Dr. Paul Jones in Brandon, FL. until she...

Rona Lee Knobel, 71, of Cortland, New York, passed away on February 4, 2023, at home, surrounded by family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Rona was born February 28, 1951, in Cortland, daughter of James Henry Knobel and Dorla Simmons Mercer, both of whom predeceased her.  Her grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Fay Simmons and Mr. And Mrs. Henry Knobel, all of Homer. Rona was also predeceased by Gardner Mercer, Rona’s stepfather, of Homer and by Betty Knobel also of...