Christopher John Metritikas

Christopher John Metritikas

Being in a 5-year cancer battle at 64 years old has allowed me to read many obituaries and inspired me to write my own. After a 5 year fight the cancer has taken my life. Do not mourn for me, as I have lived a happy and fortunate life. Seeing it coming has allowed me to make amends and exchange feelings of love with many people. I’ve also been able to make Jesus a bigger part of my life and to pray for forgiveness as I am a sinner. I am the first son of a great man and father, Peter Metritikas. Survived also by my loving wife Maryfrances and two wonderful children, Stavros, and Eva. By my brothers, George and Paul, his kids, Peter and Jenna, and grandchildren, Levi and Maddox. I would like to thank everyone who donated to my benefit, and I ask that instead of any flowers, donate in my memory to St. Jude’s. The thought of a child or the child’s family going through this is completely heartbreaking to me. Please pray for my salvation and for a continued happy future for my family.
-John Metritikas

Funeral services will be held Thursday February 27th at 11:00 AM at the Greek Church of the Annunciation, 4121 Ohara Dr. Vestal, NY 13850. Entombment will follow at Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell, NY. The family will receive friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY 13760 on Wednesday February 26th from 5 to 7 PM.

Jacqueline Charis (Peploe) Schoonmaker

Jacqueline Charis (Peploe) Schoonmaker, 84, formerly of Dunedin, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 15, 2025 in Endicott, New York. She is survived by her six children and spouses.... Robin and Darryl Preble, Dawn and Joseph Backes, Julie Schoonmaker, Richard and Michele Schoonmaker, Kim Schoonmaker, and Becky Schoonmaker, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, sisters Donna and Bill Sczesny, Cindy and Wayne Cook. 

She is preceded in death by her husband James R. Schoonmaker, grandmother Augusta Gelz, mother Corrine Peploe Gelz, her father James Peploe, sister Cheri Peploe, niece Courtney Sczesny, great niece Maddy Shaw, grandson Justin Backes, and cousins Beverly and Richard Moriarty. 

She was an exceptional person, anyone that met her, loved her instantly. She loved making crafts, gardening, reading, and being with her family. She will be forever in our hearts and missed every day. 

In lieu of flowers, please make  donations to Alex's Lemonade Stand (Foundation for Childhood Cancer) 333 E. Lancaster Ave, #414, Wynnewood, PA 19096.

Barbara J. Maxian

Barbara J. Maxian, 88 of Endwell, NY, passed away Friday February 14, 2025, at Good Shepherd Village at Endwell. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Michael Maxian; two daughters, Pamela Jobin (Richard), Janet Maxian; five grandchildren, Thomas Kurz (Bethany Hunt), Matthew Kurz (Hannah), Ryan McManus (Brianne LaRue), Colin McManus (Allie Talarico), Shannon McManus (Roberto Vides); three great-grandchildren, Lily, Lucy and Indy.

Barbara was an interested and actively involved teacher of English at Maine Endwell High School.  She was a faculty advisor to a number of student groups. She was especially fond of a group called Z-Club because besides doing charity work it produced all the high school drama and musical performances.  

She was actively engaged in ELOCA, a local community charity group.  She served many roles including a stint as president. 

The family will receive friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY, on Saturday February 22nd from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at which time there will be a short memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to either ELOCA P.O. Box 8503 Endicott, NY 13760 or The Broome County Humane Society 167 Conklin Ave. Binghamton, NY 13903

Richard C. Rivanera

Richard C. Rivanera, 95, passed away on February 17, 2025, at his home following a brief illness. Richard was born in Hobart, NY and was the son of the late Attilio and Elizabeth Rivanera. Richard was predeceased by his sister Shirley Morrison and his loving wife Viola Rivanera. He is survived by his sister Doris Simonsen, son Richard (Cheryl) Rivanera, daughter Lisa (Charles) Poole. Four grandsons, Michael (Nicole) Rivanera, Anthony Rivanera and fiancé Mary Corbett, Tyler (Katie Bowers) Poole, Christopher Poole, and girlfriend Dr. Anne Claire Saint Georges. He also leaves behind four great grandchildren, Leah Rivanera, Nolan Rivanera, Noah Powers, Julian Powers and several nieces and nephews. Richard served in the Air Force during the Korean War and took part in the Berlin Airlift. After his military service, he was employed with Scintilla, which later became Bendix and Amphenol located in Sidney, NY. After retirement, Richard spent much quality time perfecting his golf game at the Afton Golf course. He also enjoyed dancing, music festivals, and watching the NY Giants. His sense of humor will be greatly missed. When asked how he was doing his response would always be "I'm alright, the world is wrong." At the request of the family, a private service will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad Inc., 8 South Ave B, Endwell, NY 13760 or Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, 705 W Main Street, Ste 4, Endicott NY 13760.

Patricia M Patterson (Patty) 43

Our little Bluebird earned her wings on Feb 12th 2025, she fought a long hard battle with A.C.C and went down swinging surrounded by her family and friends. 

Patty was a huge Miranda Lambert super fan, loved the music scene and was a favorite person to so many, she truly made this world a better place and now she can finally sing again! Make a difference in someone’s life and live like Patty P!

She is survived by her parents Michael Patterson of Windham PA and Andrea DeBetta of Afton NY

Her fur babies- Jack, Moria and Willy 

Her sister and brothers, Tammy Jayne, Big Bob- Bob Jayne and Little Bob- Bob Patterson ! 

She loved being an Aunt to all her nieces and nephews Zack, Andi, Jackie, Seth, George, Tristen and Bailey. 

Several Aunts, Uncles and cousins. And so many amazing friends who stood by her side always and on behalf of her family, thank you for that! 

In lieu of flowers Patty would like you to donate to muttnation.com 

Rest Easy Bluebird, we got it from here!

Carolina DeBenedittis Sanfilippo

Carolina DeBenedittis Sanfilippo, 88 of Endicott, NY, passed away on Tuesday January 28, 2025. Carolina was born on November 4, 1936 in Scranton, PA to Elizabeth and Anthony DeBenedittis. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Frank and her husband Peter. Surviving are nieces, nephews and cousins of the Tarricone, DeBenedittis clans as well as her spousal relatives. Carol’s childhood and early adult years were spent in Brooklyn, NY where she attended school and then graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology. After marriage to Peter Sanfilippo she found employment in Macy’s Department Store in Manhattan where she worked for 25 years. Upon her husband's retirement from Motorola, the DeBenedittis parents and Sanfilippo couple moved to Endicott, NY to be close to the Tarricone family roots and to spend retirement years in this area. Peter predeceased Carol in 2002. Later her mother who was 96 years old passed away. Carol joined and became active in St. Anthony of Padua Church in Endicott and participated in various social activities of making pepper cookies, working fish dinners and feast days. She depended on the personnel who provided healthcare directives at Endwell Family Physicians. Following periods of declining health and falls and physical instability she succumbed to serious health issues and passed in the attentive care of Doctors, Nurses and attendants at Lourdes Guthrie, UHS Wilson Hospital and Ideal Living Center.

Conrad (Connie) Bishop

Conrad (Connie) Bishop, 91 of Endicott, NY, passed away on Tuesday January 28, 2025, at his home. He was predeceased by his son, Dennis Bishop. He is survived by three children, Lynn Millard, Charles Bishop (Donna), James Bishop; 7 grandchildren. He was a veteran of the US Army serving from 1953-1955. He was a member of the Endicott Elks Lodge, the American Legion Post #1700 and the Son’s of Italy Lodge #443, Endicott. Connie played football and basketball in his younger days and was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He retired from Local #112 after 55 years of service.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday February 5th at 4:00 PM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 PM until time of service at 4:00 PM.

Floyd Spoor Jr.

It is of real sadness that our oldest brother Floyd Spoor 67, passed away on January 24 after a brief illness.Floyd was kind, sweet and quiet, and will be truly missed. He loved listening to the music of Elvis and the Beatles and enjoyed watching his favorite football team the Minnesota Vikings. He retired from Absolute Care after 20 years. The family would like to thank Guthrie Lordes and UHS hospital for the compassionate care.

He was predeceased by his Brother Gary Spoor, Sister Andrea Holcombe, Nephew  Brent Wheeler, Brother-In-Law Sean Lake, Brother-In-Law Randy Hoskins. He is survived by his brother, Richard (Debbie) Spoor, Sisters Sherry (Ray) Smith, Charlene Lake, Melissa Hoskins; his Nephews, Charles, Anthony, Scott, Brockton and Jacob and Nieces, Stefanie and Emily.There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity that gives you joy.

Joseph David Taylor

JOSEPH DAVID TAYLOR, 93, OF ENDICOTT PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY AT HIS HOME JANUARY 21, 2025. HE WAS BORN ON OCTOBER 4, 1931, IN HADDONFIELD, NJ TO THE LATE DOROTHY WEYAND AND BENJAMIN TAYLOR. HE IS PREDECEASED BY HIS WIFE ELIZABETH TAYLOR (BETZ), GRANDSON RYAN TAYLOR AND GRANDDAUGHTER REBECCA CRERAR. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS SON ROBERT TAYLOR (LENORA), DAUGHTERS COLLEEN DEBENEDITTIS AND JOY CRERAR. HIS GRANDCHILDREN JILLIAN GONZALEZ (CHRIS), ERIC DEBENEDITTIS (KELSEY), MATTHEW TAYLOR, KRISTINA KISSNER (JOHN), AND ANDREW CRERAR. HIS GREAT GRANDCHILDREN BELLA, CARTER, TRISTEN, JAXSON, KAYLINA AND ELLIANNA. HE IS ALSO SURVIVED BY HIS EXCEPTIONAL FRIENDS AND CAREGIVERS LIA AND KENYA. JOE GREW UP IN HADDONFIELD, NJ AND GRADUATED FROM CAMDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN 1949. AFTER GRADUATION HE ENLISTED IN THE UNITED STATE AIR FORCE. WHILE SERVING, HE MARRIED HIS HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART ELIZABETH JANE BETZ IN 1953. AFTER HIS ENLISTMENT WAS OVER, HE WAS HIRED BY IBM. HE WORKED AT IBM FOR OVER 30 YRS. IN THAT TIME, HE MOVED TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT STATES AND SPENT THE LAST OF HIS CAREER IN OWEGO, NY. HE WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 1700 AS A MEMBER OF THE HONOR GUARD AND MARCHED WITH THE CONTINENTAL FIFE AND DRUM CORPS, PERFORMING IN PARADES ALL OVER THE STATE. HE VOLUNTEERED AT LOURDES HOSPITAL, WORKED AT ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH DOING BINGO AND THE CHURCH BAZAARS. HE ENJOYED ROAD TRIPS WITH HIS FRIENDS BUTCH NABINGER AND VIC TENNANT. HE AND VIC VISITED FERNANDINA BEACH FOR YEARS. HE AND BUTCH TRAVELED TO NUMEROUS AMERICAN LEGIONS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHERN TIER. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS AT LEON PUCEDO FUNERAL HOME, INC. 1905 WATSON BLVD. ENDICOTT, NY ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 5-7PM. A FUNERAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH AT SAINT JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 207 HAYES AVE. ENDICOTT, NY AT 10:00 AM. BURIAL WILL BE AT CALVARY CEMETERY.

Judith (Judy) Bianco

Judith (Judy) Bianco, 86, of Endwell, NY passed away on January 20, 2025, at Mercy House (Endicott, NY.) She was predeceased by her husband John (Nick) Bianco, her sister Jeanne Payette, her nephew Art Payette, and her parents Arthur and Beatrice Bowen. She is survived by her children Michael (Kathy) Bianco, Patrick Bianco, John (Sonya) Bianco, Debbie Bianco Cartie, Carolyn (Bill) Bianco Snethen, Matthew Bianco, nine grandchildren Brittany (Tyler Fedoris), Haley (Dakarai Pecikonis), Jenny, Zachary, Sabrina (Maliek Howell), Brandon, Bridget, Ryan, and Regina, three great-grandchildren, Kaiya, Zayna, and DJ, three nieces Laura, Chrissy, and Alexis, and many dear, lifelong friends. Judy lived her life in service to others and to her family. She was a devoted member of the Church of the Holy Family and had an active presence in her church community. A proud graduate of St. Patrick’s High School (Binghamton, N.Y.) and Marywood University (Scranton, Pa.), she was a retired teacher from the Vestal and Union-Endicott school districts. Her characteristic warmth, wisdom, and patience shined brightly in the classroom, and continued with her family at home. Judy was the family matriarch, cheerleader, and caretaker; graciously supporting each member of her family, from the youngest grandchild to her beloved husband who passed away in 2017, they were married 55 years. She was a fan of sports, professional or otherwise, and could be found cheering on her team, her kids, and her grandkids at every game. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate with her loved ones, initiating an array of cherished traditions at each holiday, and making sure to have a greeting card at the ready for every occasion. She loved dining with her family, whether a night out at Nick’s, breakfast at one of her many favorite local diners or a "Spaghetti Monday” at home, she was just happy to be in the company of those she held most dear. Her nurturing, welcoming and hospitable charm made friends and strangers alike feel like they were family too. Judy was a vibrant storyteller; recalling memories and details about every person, place, object, and moment she ever encountered. She took great pride in her family lineage, Irish ancestry, and her husband Nick’s Italian heritage. Judy famously kept meticulous records of all of that. She found joy in music and dancing, always striving to master the “Irish jig”. She had simple rituals: brewing a fresh cup of coffee and pairing it with a crisp piece of toast and sharing the daily newspaper with her loving husband, applying a sweep of her signature Revlon lipstick, and joining her husband for lunch outings at their favorite spots. Amongst her joys were going bowling, bridge parties with her friends, family trips, endless games with her loved ones, and having lunch with her girlfriends. Family, faith, fun, and food were a staple in her life. Judy left a mark on the hearts of all who knew her. She made every event, milestone, and moment special. She was a strong, dependable figure to those she loved and a caring and compassionate example to all. 
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday January 30that 11:30 AM at the Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis St. Endwell, NY. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. The family will receive friends on Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mercy House 212 N. McKinley Ave. Endicott, NY 13760

John F. Belpulsi

John F. Belpulsi, 69, of Endicott, went to be with the Lord, Monday, January 13, 2025, after a battle with cancer. John was predeceased by his parents, John Belpulsi and Mary Matteo, and his brother-in-law, James Rossi, Sr. He is survived by his daughters, Tara Adee (William) and Nicole Beilstein (Matthew), his sisters Colleen Rossi and Donna Bolson, his granddaughters Alicia Adee, Alana Jimenez, and Hannah Jimenez, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was a proud owner of Housemasters, a home inspection business for many years. He was a big fan of football and baseball. His favorite teams were the New York Giants and New York Yankees. 

John particularly loved celebrating holiday traditions with his family and always made them memorable. His light-hearted good sense of humor in daily life will especially be missed. The family would like to thank the staff at Broome Oncology and the Palliative Care Unit at Binghamton General Hospital for the care given to John.

The family will receive friends at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, 1905 Watson Blvd., Endicott, on Wednesday, January 29th from 4:00 to 5:00, followed by a service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia Research Foundation, or Mercy House of Endicott.  

Michael Wesko

Michael Wesko, 91 of Endicott, NY passed away on Saturday, January 4th at Binghamton General Hospital surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna Wesko; his sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Joseph Loposky. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Ann (Dzupinka) Wesko; his 2 sons Michael (Carole) Wesko, Chuck Wesko (Jamie Koliander); and grandchildren Michael and Alex Wesko.

Mike graduated from Union-Endicott High School where he was an outstanding athlete. He attended Harper College and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany. He was a retired salesman from the shoe and clothing industry. Mike was an avid golfer and long time member of Enjoie Golf Club where in retirement he worked on the grounds crew for over 20 years. 

He was a member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church and served as president of the church board for over 30 years.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 9th at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home from 10:00 - 11:00am. A funeral service will follow. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to St. Mary's Church, 1907 Jenkins St. Endicott, NY 13760.

Mary Ann (Jahelka) Iandoli

Mary Ann (Jahelka) Iandoli, 86 of Endwell, NY, passed away on Thursday January 2, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary Jahelka; her brother, Joseph Jahelka. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Patrick Iandoli; her sister-in-law, Madeline Novicky; a dear friend and a sister that she never had, Sheila Alapeck; two special cousins, Judy Fain and Jim Davies. She was a graduate of Johnson City High School. She worked for Lange’s TV and later Burt’s Department Store. She was a member of the Church of the Holy Family, Endwell and the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Daughters of Columbus Lodge #1666, Endicott. Mary Ann was a great cook and baker who especially enjoyed family, friends and the holidays. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday January 10th at the Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis St. Endwell, NY, at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until time of Mass at 11:00 AM. The Daughters of Columbus Lodge will hold a departed members ceremony at the church on Friday at 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Daughters of Columbus, 126 Odell Ave. Endicott, NY 13760.

Marion B. Brogdale

Marion B. Brogdale, 95, of Apalachin, NY passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024 at UHS Binghamton General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years Maurice Alden Brogdale; parents Raymond and Helen (Bristol) Brewer; sisters, Eileen Sisson, Georgia Jenkins; and brothers, Norman and Merle Brewer. She is survived by her children Eugene Brogdale, Endicott, NY, Gary (Sue) Brogdale, Apalachin, NY, Kathy Wood, Endwell, NY, Ronald Brogdale, Apalachin, NY, and Keith Brogdale; Skaneateles, NY; grandchildren Justin Ariola, Laura (Seth) Williams, Christopher (Kirsten) Brogdale, Stacey (Ryan) Trivisonno, Ashley (Steve) Shlotzhauer, Jaime Wood and Gabe Duckworth; great grandchildren Sullivan Williams, Marlow Brogdale, Theo Trivisonno and several nieces and nephews. Niece Bonnie Stone was like another daughter to Marion. Marion was born April 28, 1929 in Elmira, N.Y. She grew up on a dairy farm in Mosherville, PA, graduating from Troy High School in 1947. After marrying Maurice, she moved to Virginia for several years before returning to Elmira. Ultimately, they settled down in Apalachin where they raised five children. She was a home maker, living in the same home for 70 years until her passing. Marion and Maurice spent many summers vacationing at Keuka Lake and took several nice cruises as well as bus trips to Florida, Missouri, and Tennessee. Being home was where mom found comfort and enjoyment. She liked the simple things in life such as family gatherings and shopping excursions. Seeing and talking to her family and friends was her number one love. She was a member for many years at the Park Terrace Methodist Church. A special thank you goes out to the caring staff at Endwell Family Physicians, Vestal Park Rehabilitation Center, UHS Wilson Hospital, and the Binghamton General Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

The family will receive friends at Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, 1905 Watson Blvd, Endicott, NY 13760 on Tuesday, January 7 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. A Memorial service will be held immediately following at 11:00 am. Burial will follow afterwards in Woodlawn Cemetery, 1200 Walnut St, Elmira, NY 14905.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760

Darlene Martone

Darlene Martone, 77, passed away on December 28, 2024, in Endicott, New York. Born on March 31, 1947, to Imogene and Charles Citrak, Darlene spent her life dedicated to her family and community, touching many lives with her kindness and compassion.

She graduated from Union Endicott High School and furthered her education at Broome Community College. Darlene’s career was marked by her unwavering commitment to helping others, having worked at the Broome Developmental Center and as a home health aide for Compassionate Care.

Darlene married her beloved husband, Albert Martone, and together they shared 54 years of marriage, raising their children, Tanja and Dino (Lauren), and delighting in the joys of their grandchildren, Hugh and Mackinley. She also leaves behind her siblings, Michele Citrak and Ninka Citrak, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Imogene and Charles Citrak.

A devout member of Saint Mary's Orthodox Christian Church, Darlene’s faith played a significant role in her life. Her hobbies included cheering for the New York Rangers, traveling to various casinos, and most importantly, spending cherished moments with her family, especially her grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at Saint Mary's Orthodox Christian Church, 1907 Jenkins Street, Endicott, NY 13760, on January 8th. Family and friends are invited to gather from 12-1 p.m., followed by the service from 1-2 p.m. A luncheon will follow the services, continuing the celebration of Darlene’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity meaningful to Darlene, honoring her legacy of compassion and care.

Grace Ann (Salamida) DeBenedittis

Grace Ann (Salamida) DeBenedittis, 100, of Endicott passed away at Willow Point Nursing Home December 29th, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband, Nick Sr. on their 70th wedding anniversary, an infant daughter Lisa Rose DeBenedittis, and her brother Joe Salamida. She is survived by two sons. Louis (Abbie) DeBenedittis, Nick Jr. (Maria), grandchildren Jillian (Chris) Gonzalez, and Eric (Kelsey) DeBenedittis. The joys of her life three great grandchildren, Bella, Carter and Ellianna. She is also survived by friend and caregiver, Isabella Martini, Colleen DeBenedittis. Grace was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Endicott, a member of the Independent Mutual Aid Society, and she was a former sales representative for Burts Department Store. Grace and Nick loved bus trips, her cats, Kitty and Cutie Pie.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends at the St. Anthony of Padua Church on Monday from 10:00 AM until Mass time at 11. Burial will be private at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Willow Point Nursing Home.

Grace Sarkisian Baradet

Grace Sarkisian Baradet, 96 of Endwell, NY, passed away peacefully Thursday December 26, 2024 at her home after a long illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Garabed and Anna Sarkisian; her husband, Richard Baradet; her son, Brian Baradet; her nephew, Lucas Sarkisian. She is survived by two sons, Kevin and Timothy Baradet; her nephew, Gregory Sarkisian; also several cousins, friends and extended family in both the USA and France. Special thanks to the caring angels that cared for Grace and allowed her to stay in her home until her death. She was a member of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Binghamton.
Funeral services will be held Saturday January 4, 2025 at St. Gregory’s Church 12 Corbett Ave. Binghamton, NY at 11:30 AM. Burial will be in Floral Park Cemetery in the Spring. The family will receive friends at St. Gregory’s on Saturday January 4th from 10:30 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to St. Gregory’s Church.

Renee (White) VanRiper

Renee (White) VanRiper, 67 of Owego, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday December 19, 2024 after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Raymond White and Doris White Dixon. She is survived by two daughters, Kyla VanRiper and Kimberly VanRiper; four grandchildren, Cali Manuel, Dyvim Jarvis, Breyawna Harvey, Aria VanRiper; one great-granddaughter, Maizie Manuel; two sisters, Regina Lifton, Rhonda Renelles (Dan); also several nephews and cousins. She was a graduate of The Owego Free Academy, class of 1976 and a retired employee of NCI of Endicott.
A Funeral service will be held Sunday December 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY 13760. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Sunday from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org

Sarah Tucker Owens

Sarah Tucker Owens, 73, passed away peacefully after a long illness in Endicott, New York on December 24, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents, Kathryn Libby Tucker and Frank Hammond Tucker. She will be greatly missed by her stepdaughters, Jennifer Parkes and Jessica Hennessey (Sean), and her grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Parkes and Atlas Hennessey. She will also be missed very much by her sisters, Elizabeth Tucker Gould and Margaret Tucker Mitchell (William), and her nieces and nephews, Susan Miller (Matt),
Andrew Mitchell, Brian Mitchell (Lindsey), and Peter Gould (Elizabeth), as well as her great-nieces and nephews-- Lilly and Tucker Miller, Jack, Grace, Haven, Bailey, and Nora Mitchell, and Daisy and Hailey Gould—and many dear friends, including Carol and Nazih Youssef, Mary Brandl, and Mary Novinger, and
her canine niece, Holly Gould, Sarah had a wonderful, adventurous spirit and loved to travel. After graduating from Palmer High School and Colorado College in Colorado Springs, she began her travels around the world. Among her favorite destinations were Hawaii, Australia, China, Greece, Russia, and Grand Cayman. Because she loved animals, she especially enjoyed visiting places where she could spend time with them. Swimming with a dolphin was one of her all-time favorite travel experiences. Sarah began her career as a reservationist for Continental Airlines and then held a number of positions at Frontier Airlines. Later, as a paralegal, she worked for the firm Stoel Rives LLP in Seattle. After her retirement she moved to upstate New York. Sarah’s family would like to thank the staff at Ideal Skilled Nursing, who took excellent care of her during the past four years. Their kindness made such a difference.

The Leon Pucedo Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements. Following Sarah’s preference, there will be no service. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider donating to the Broome County Humane Society, 167 Conklin Ave., Binghamton, NY, 13903 or Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O.
Box 15200, San Rafael, CA 94915-1200.

Ken Riek

Ken Riek, 68 of Endicott, NY, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday December 21, 2024. Ken was an easy-going guy who everyone liked and respected. He was a quiet man who listened and advised without judging. Because of his calm demeanor, he was known to many as “Big Easy”. He always had an answer for everything- “Yep!”, especially as a part time bartender at his second home, The Russian Club. That was his favorite place to socialize with his many friends and new acquaintances. Ken graduated from Newark Valley Central School in 1975. He moved to Endicott during that year and worked at Harris Food Lines as well. He had various jobs before settling at IBM and continued with EIT and I3 as a Solution Maintenance Technician. After retirement he drove delivery for Nanticoke Gardens. Ken loved NASCAR racing, and he actually drove stock cars on dirt tracks for years. He also loved The Yankees and The NY Giants. His greatest love was outdoors. He enjoyed cutting down trees and splitting firewood for campfires at his camper on Lake Timberline. He enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Canada with his nephew Dan Mead and buddy Dennis Leonard. Hunting with his nephew Dan was something he always looked forward to. His only real hobby was making moonshine and sharing it with his friends. It was awesome!
Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 31 years, Sue. He was her everything, her rock, her sounding board, and soul mate. Besides his wife, Ken will be sorely missed by his two stepchildren, Anthony Fendick (Tina and Cora), CO, and Jacqueline Fendick of Binghamton. Ken raised them as his own from when they were young children to adults. He is also survived by his sisters, Judith Mead, Florida, Joanne Woods (Bill), Owego, Paula Litzel, Newark Valley and Martha Walter, Endwell. He had many nephews that he loved dearly, especially Dan Mead, Florida and Keven Riek (Darcie), Owego, who were like brothers to him. Other nephews include Ben Walter, Luke Walter (Jessica), Brett Walter (Angela) and Ryan-Seth Walter (Ashley) all of Newark Valley. Many more nieces, nephews and cousins too many to mention. He loved them all. His nephews fondly nicknamed him “Deputy Denim” you can guess why!
Visitation will be at The Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc. 1905 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY on Saturday December 28th from 2 – 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in his name to replace the ones he chopped down in his lifetime.
A celebration of life will be held at his favorite place, The ACRC – Russian Club 1006 Watson Blvd. Endicott, NY 13760 on Saturday January 4th from 2 – 6 PM.