All Obituaries

Lori B. Funk, 58, of Evergreen St., Cortland passed away following a valiant battle with both pulmonary hypertension and pancreatic cancer on May 20, 2019 at University Hospital, Syracuse.  Born in Syracuse on July 28, 1960 a daughter of Marshall “Pete” Andrews and Ellen Parlour. Lori graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Master's of Education Degree. She was employed for more than 20 years with the Cortland City School District as a Special Ed. Teacher, retiring in...

Harold E. Benedict, of Academy St., McGraw, passed away on May 17, 2019 while under the care of Hospice and his loving family at the age of 76. Harold was born in Rockville Centre, NY, a son of the late Henry and Grace Pearson Benedict. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Hover Benedict in 2002. He faithfully served in the US Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. Mr. Benedict spent his career in the banking business, retiring from Alliance Bank in...

Michael S. Hoffmann, of Cayuga St., Homer, passed away following an extended illness on May 5, 2019 in the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center at the age of 67. Mike was born April 30, 1952 in Oneida, a son of the late John and Mary Eaton Hoffmann. For many years, he was employed by AGWAY as a distribution manager. Mike was an avid car enthusiast and later worked, from 2002-2008, as the shop manager at Grant Street Repair, Cortland. Mike was an active member since 1972, of the Homer Fire...

Virginia L. "Ginny" Woodward, 71, of Prospect St., Homer, passed away on May 1, 2019 at Winter Haven Hospital after battling a brief illness. Virginia was born October 4, 1947 in Cortland NY.  She graduated from Homer High School.  She worked for many years at Smith Corona and then at Builders Best.  She was a perfectionist at everything she did. She married the love of her life, Martin and they remained married for 53 years. Her other love was her...

Chester D. Gigliuto, 69, of Truxton Tully Rd., Tully, passed away following a brief illness on April 20, 2019. A lifelong area resident, he was born June 3, 1949, a son of the late Joseph Gigliuto, Jr. and Anna Hadley. Mr. Gigliuto faithfully served in the US Army from 1969-1971. For many years, he was a self-employed dairy farmer in Homer. Surviving is his children, Amanda M. Williams of Syracuse; William D. Gigliuto of Cortland; Joseph W. (Samantha) LaVancha of Norwich; Daniel M....

Ellis G. Withey, 93, of South West St., Homer, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 8, 2019 in the Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center. A lifelong area resident, he was born July 22, 1925 in Solon, he was the son of the late Clark and Myrtle Ellis Withey. To say Ellis was a car enthusiast, would be an under-statement. For many years, he owned and operated Withey’s Repair in Homer. He was a mechanic, body man, builder and a man who appreciated a finely built car. Ellis was a...

Howard R. Reed, Jr., of Homer, passed away on April 3, 2019 at his home with his children by his side following a battle with cancer at the age of 80. He was born December 29, 1938 to the late Howard R. Reed, Sr. and Mary Curtis Reed. Howard was a 1956 graduate of Cortland High School. He attended SUNY Morrisville where he earned his degree in Agriculture Services. Following his graduation, he started working with Eastern Breeders. Howard’s real passion was in dairy farming. He owned...

Rosario “Benda” Paro, 80, of Pine St., Homer, passed away on February 28, 2019 in University Hospital, Syracuse following a lengthy illness. A native of the Philippines, she was born September 26, 1938. Benda was a devoted Catholic, she enjoyed crocheting and cooking and was always ready for a trip to the casino. Surviving is her loving husband of 30 years, Keith R. Paro; five step-children, Keitha (Tom) Labouf of Cortland; Patsy (Roberto) Barajas of California; Peggy (Mike)...

Carl L. Hulbert, 82, of Cortland, passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2019. Carl was born December 14, 1936, a son of the late Ivan and Jane Vandermark Hulbert. An important time in Carl’s life was his service, from 1954-1958, in the U.S. Air Force. He was proud of his time spent as a mechanic in Germany. He enjoyed telling his “Germany” stories over the years to his family, friends or anyone who would listen. Carl was a hardworking man who enjoyed the simple things...

Dennis A. Musson, 67, passed away at home surrounded by family on February 21, 2019. Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Jean Musson and a daughter, Sarah Musson.   Dennis is survived by his wife, Jean; sons, Justin (Tai) and Dale (April); daughters, Tammy (Len), Becky (Mel), Tonya; brothers, Wayne, Ron, Raymond; sister, Diane and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Dennis is also survived by children of his previous marriage including Sabrina,...