All Obituaries

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,...

David John Niles, 79, of McGraw, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at the NYS Veterans Home, Batavia, NY. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at McGraw United Methodist Church, 20 E. Main St. McGraw. Rev. Steven Taylor, nephew of the deceased, of Panama United Methodist Church will be officiating. Visitation will be held directly preceding the funeral services from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday,...

Barbara Gower Puzo, formerly of Bartlett Ave., Homer, passed away peacefully, comforted by her loving family, on Saturday, February 2, 2019 in the Cortland Regional Nursing Facility. A lifelong area resident, Barb was born July 28, 1935, a daughter of the late Edward and Maude Minney Rogers. She had been employed Smith Corona, Crescent Corset and Cortland Corset before retiring, in 1997 from Cortland Line. Barbara was a member of the Burns – McCauliffe Post 465 American Legion...

Erwin H. Boyden, 82, of East Homer-Baltimore Rd., Homer, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 28, 2019 in the Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center. A lifelong area resident, he was born May 7, 1936 in Cuyler, a son of the late Fred and Mary Hollenbeck Boyden. Erwin spent most of his life on the family farm as a third-generation dairy farmer. He later worked as a custodian for 13 years at the Homer High School. He was a longtime and active member of the First United Methodist...

Frances (Murray) Dafoe, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away surrounded by her children and grandchildren on January 19, 2019, at the age of 89. Frances was born on September 14, 1929 to Mary and Martin Murray and grew up in Gooseville Corners. She married Robert Dafoe and they moved to Cortland, New York before settling in their home of many years in Little York. They had eleven children. Frances was preceded in death by her husband Robert (73) in December...

Paul C. Burhans, 81, formerly of West Scott Road, Homer, passed away on January 10, 2019. A lifelong area resident, Paul was born June 13, 1937 a son of the late Paul and Laura Bell Burhans. He was a 1955 graduate of Homer Central School and a graduate of Cobleskill College. He was employed for many years as a salesman at Agway. In 1979, Paul and his wife, Joyce, founded Country Acres Pet Services, which is now operated by their granddaughter.  He was also the dog control officer for...

Aletha L. Crosley, 95, of Carroway Hill Road, Homer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 21, 2018 in the Cortland Regional Medical Center. Born Aletha Mary Long, July 17, 1923, a daughter of the late Lester and Helen Burns Long. She was a 1941 graduate of St. Mary’s School. Aletha married her husband, Charles R. Crosley on June 17, 1944 in St. Leo’s Church, Tully. She worked for several years as a crossing guard at the Homer Intermediate and Jr. High...

Cynthia L. McMahon, 79, of Port Crane, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by the comfort of her loving family on December 12, 2018. Cynthia was born November 12, 1939 in Cortland, a daughter of the late Mark and Melba Holzkamp Hyde. She lived in the Port Crane area since 1965. She worked at several restaurants as a waitress, hostess, and bartender. She retired as a security guard at Securitas in Binghamton. Surviving are her four children, William (Shani) McMahon of...