Richard Lacy caught COVID-19 at Iroquois Nursing Home while recovering from 3/2018 severe spinal cord injury. Late afternoon before his death, Dick’s wife, Martha, visited and reminisced about marriage (62 years) with times spent with family and friends. Joys were told of dating at Cornell, meeting in every Mediterranean port while Dick served a five-month U.S. Naval tour, attending 14 years of The USS Rankin reunions, taking Elderhostel trips, and traveling to all 50 states. He passed away on Dec. 30, 2020.
A faithful member at Jamesville Community Church, Dick sang in choir and accepted all responsibilities. He volunteered for CNY Folksmarch, Jamesville Chamber of Commerce, LaFayette Seniors, Oasis, Pairs ’N Squares, Voter Polls and spent 20 years delivering for Eastern Onondaga County Meals on Wheels. He also engraved albums for scrapbookers.
At Ithaca High School Dick earned Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He was drum major for The Big Red Marching Band at Cornell University, and after completing ROTC, Dick served the US Navy, promoting to LTJG. His civilian careers began as a District Scout Executive, followed by Year round Christian Camps and Conferences Director at Vanderkamp and Wesley Woods. His love of horses and camping led to co-ownership and director of Flying W Ranch. He worked 10 years in AV Services at Syracuse University until his 1997 retirement.
In addition to his wife, Martha Ballard Lacy, Dick is survived by children Sue (Bill) Orecki, Jim (Sue) Lacy, Karen (Todd) Kinross of Maineville, Ohio; grandchildren Laura (Andrew) Lin, Joelle Orecki, Dan Lacy, Allison/Scott/Derrick/Halle Kinross; brothers Hugh (Ruth) Lacy, Garden City and Norm (Cathy) Lacy, Great Valley, nine nieces and nephews, and six cousins.
A service to celebrate Dick’s life will be planned. Memorial gifts to Jamesville Community Church, or MOWEOC.com/donate are appreciated.
