All Obituaries 

John David “Dave” Hammond, Jr.,  81, of Sennett, New York, passed away peacefully at Auburn Community Hospital on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Born in Auburn, New York, he was the son of the late Dr. John D. Hammond and Daphne (Bell) Hammond, Sr. Dave attended Auburn High School and Kimball Union Academy before continuing his education at Union College. He later graduated from Ithaca College, earning his Bachelors Degree in Business and Finance which prepared him for a ...

John A. Langham, 85, of Fleming, NY, passed away peacefully at Finger Lakes Center for Living on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Auburn, the only son of the late Ross Meredith and Barbara (Brayer) Langham. He was a graduate of East High School and enlisted in the Army Reserves, serving his country with resilience and pride. A dedicated third generation funeral director for more than 40 years, John gave his life’s work to serving families ...

R. Elizabeth Gregory, “Betty”, 102 years young and spirited, of Auburn, passed away February 20,2026 at Auburn Community Hospital. Elizabeth was so proud of her age and was just shy of her 103rd birthday, which would’ve been in March of this year.  Betty was born in Lititz, PA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Janet Zellar Herr and was a graduate of Lititz High School and Shippensburg University in Shippensburg PA where she earned a bachelor of science degree in ...

Florence C. Murphy, 80, passed away February 20, 2026 at Wayne County Nursing Home.  Born in the Bronx, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Evelyn Collins Murphy.  She is survived by two daughters, Evelyn Whitesel and Melissa Oquendo.  There are no calling hours or services at this time.  

Norman C. Burpee, 67, of Union Springs, NY, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026. Born in Auburn, NY, he was the son of the late Donald and Joyce Burpee. Norman was an attendee and graduate of Union Springs Academy. Seeking to further his education, he traveled out west to attend Pacific Union College in Northern California where he studied agriculture. Following college, he eventually settled down next to his parent’s property outside Union Springs, NY where he became an ...

Giuseppe Vitale, 91, of Rochester, NY, formerly of Throop Ave., Auburn, NY, passed away peacefully February 10, 2026 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.  Born in Cinisi, Sicily, he was the son of the late Antonino and Angela (Chirco) Vitale.  He was a proud veteran serving in the Italian Army.  Giuseppe retired from Chrysler, (New Process Gear) in Syracuse, NY where he was employed as an inspector.  Giuseppe was a man who found great joy in everyday pleasures, ...

Betty Jean Tucker, 79, died February 10, 2026 at Auburn Community Hospital.  Born in Auburn, NY she was the daughter of the late Willis Ray and Dorothy Louise (Titus) Tucker.  She was retired from The Commons on St. Anthony St. (formerly Mercy Rehab) as a nurse’s aid.  She previously worked at P & R Pasta Factory.  Vacationing in Maine held a special place in her heart, where she loved admiring the beautiful tall ships and lighthouses.  An avid reader, she ...

Henry J. Smith, Jr. “Hank”, of Marcellus, NY passed away peacefully at his home on February 8, 2026 surrounded by family. Born in Auburn, NY he was the son of the late Henry J. Smith, Sr. and Stella (Mierzwa) Smith. He was a graduate of Port Byron High School and a proud veteran of the National Guard, serving his country with honor and dedication. Following his service, he built a remarkable 45-year career as an offset printer and color specialist with Jacobs Press, where his ...

Ellen Mae Hickey Cioffa, born in Auburn,NY,  was the daughter of the late James and Mae (Hoerger) Hickey, passed away peacefully at Auburn Community Hospital on January 19, 2026, at age 88. In her early years, Ellen worked as a law secretary for Mayor Herb Anderson before running her family’s plumbing business, where she became known as the ultimate fixer. Loyal, strong, and proudly Irish, she carried her toughness with tenderness, remaining a devoted caregiver and the steady ...

Jean A. (Lull) Albring, 88, loving mother, wife and friend, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025.  Jean was the daughter of George S. and Florence (Gibbs) Lull of Niles, NY.  She spent most of her life just over the hill from her parents’ home on the farm of her loving husband of 59 years, Fred J. Albring.  She was a 1955 graduate of Moravia High School.  Jean loved to cook and bake, always trying new recipes.  She also enjoyed gardening, growing both ...