Oland W. Guernsey

Oland W. Guernsey, 92, of Cortland, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at the Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY.

Born in Oswego, NY, on May 13, 1930, Oland was the son of the late Jay and Grace Short Guernsey.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953.  A longtime resident of the area, he retired from the Cortland City School District in 1995 after 20 plus years of service.  He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was a big collector of anything and everything.  He was also a very proud owner of a 1951 Willy’s Jeep.  In his younger years, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rita VanDee Guernsey, of Cortland; and his sons, Oland D. (Karen Westcott) Guernsey of Cortland and Kevin (Lonnell) Guernsey of Cincinnatus.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Oland Michael Guernsey, Wendy (Jeffrey) Wilson, Amanda Elizabeth, Kevin R. (Amy) Guernsey, Jamie (Tim) Hall, and Leslee (Clint) Hill; 12 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins, including a special nephew, Dana Guernsey.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by seven siblings.