Alumni Notes | April 2026

Donna S. Savacool, 78, Owego, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2026, following a decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born on January 20, 1948, in Oklahoma City, OK, Donna lived a life marked by quiet strength, devotion to others, and steadfast faith. She was the beloved wife of Stephen Savacool, whom she married on August 21, 1971, and with whom she shared more than five decades of love, partnership, and family life. Donna was known as a loving and faith-filled woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Donna was a graduate of Newark Valley High School, Class of 1966. She continued her education at Roberts Wesleyan College, where she studied nursing, and later earned her Master's degree in Education from Elmira College. Her commitment to learning and to caring for others guided her throughout her life and career. For many years, she was employed at Tioga General Hospital and Ideal Senior Living. In addition, she worked with Tioga County Public Health, where she made well-child visits and provided required immunizations in a clinic setting. Having a deep love for nursing, Donna also shared her knowledge and compassion as a teacher at the Robert Packer School of Nursing, and she taught CNA training at Ideal Senior Living. She was super sweet, never raised her voice, and was quiet, kind, and deeply respected as a much loved nurse.

Donna was proud to be a Newark Valley Cardinal, and she and Steve always looked forward to the monthly breakfast gatherings with her fellow classmates. Those connections remained important to her throughout her life, and she cherished the friendships and memories that came with them.

Family was the heart of Donna's world. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Savacool; her children, Kara and Dave Steele, Mark and Misty Savacool, and Aaron Savacool; her grandchildren, Jenna Steele, Ezra Steele and his fiancée Kristin, Kayla and Jake Moreen, Shelby Savacool, Elizabeth Savacool and her fiancé Jaxen; and her great-grandchildren, Oaklee and Colson. She is also survived by her siblings, Allen and Kathleen Ross and Carol Rothwell, as well as a ten nieces, nephews, and their families who will carry her memory forward with love. Donna was predeceased by her parents, Ansel "Lloyd" and Thelma (Bennett) Ross, and by her sister, Vickie Dawson, her nephews: David and Jonathan Rothwell. Though her passing leaves a deep emptiness, her family takes comfort in the enduring legacy of her kindness, her faith, and her unwavering love.

Donna found great comfort in simple pleasures and the beauty of the world around her. She loved spending time watching the birds, and their presence brought her peace and joy. She was also an excellent baker, and her family always looked forward to her homemade cinnamon rolls on holidays, and it was a treat to receive a strawberry pie on your birthday. Her cookies were especially loved, and her kitchen was often a place where memories were made as much as meals were shared. Donna also enjoyed gardening and home canning, and she took pride in the simple, faithful rhythms of a life well lived.

Her faith was central to her life, and she was a member of the Tioga Center Baptist Church and most recently the Owego Nazarene Church. Her devotion to God was evident in the way she lived, the way she loved, and the way she cared for others.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of Donna's life on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 am at the Owego Nazarene Church, 3732 Waverly Road, Owego, NY 13827. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Waterman Conservation and Education Center, 403 Hilton Rd., Apalachin, NY 13732. As the poet Maya Angelou wrote, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Donna made others feel loved, valued, and cared for, and that gift will remain with all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a beautiful example of grace, humility, and devotion, and she will be remembered with deep affection and lasting gratitude.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/donna-savacool-obituary?id=61290206

Kevin A. Saff, 60, passed away peacefully in his home on April 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Lisa Saff (Warholic), with whom he shared 38 beautiful years of marriage. He was a proud and loving father to Andrew (Sarah) Saff of Cornelius, NC; Kayla (Colton) Orbaker of Ashville, NY; Mike (Tami) Saff of Brewster, NY; and Katie (Cody) Toor of Gainesville, NY. He was the beloved son of Jon and Sally Saff of Falconer, New York, and a cherished brother to Scott (Cathryn) Saff of Clayton, NC. He was also a proud grandfather to Leah, Lucas, Colin, Eloise, and Riley, who brought him immense joy and brought out his inner child.

Kevin graduated from Falconer Central School in 1983 and went on to earn an associate degree from Jamestown Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. He later earned his Master of Strategic Leadership degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. He proudly served four years as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. He later retired from the Army Reserve as a Captain in 2001, where he developed the discipline and leadership that would define his life and career.

Kevin dedicated his professional life to serving others and strengthening his community. Early in his career he held various administrative leadership roles in long-term care and senior services, followed by roles as Director of Loyalton of Lakewood (1999-2000), President and CEO of Hospice Chautauqua County (2000-2003), and Executive Director of Jamestown Area Medical Associates (2003-2014). He served as Director of Senior Housing at Lutheran (2014–2025) in the final chapter of his career, where he touched many lives through his compassion and leadership.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kevin was deeply committed to his community. He served as a board member for several local organizations, including the Town of Ellicott Zoning Board, Falconer Public Library, the JCC Foundation, and Hospice Chautauqua County.

Kevin’s greatest pride and purpose in life was his family. He was a constant source of strength, guidance, and support, and he was always present for the moments that mattered most, both big and small. He found joy in cheering on the Buffalo Bills from his season ticket seats, sharing his passion for military history and model building, and spending time together at home or enjoying the role of Captain on family vacations. Through these moments, Kevin created lasting memories and meaningful traditions that his family will carry forward.

He led by example, instilling the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity in those closest to him, and his influence will continue to shape the lives of his children and grandchildren. More than anything, he made his family feel supported, encouraged, and deeply loved.

He will be remembered not only as a strong and selfless leader, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son who always put his family first. His legacy of love, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to those he cherished will live on in all who knew him.

https://www.falconerfuneralhome.net/obituaries/Kevin-A-Saff?obId=48116656

John (Doc) Norman Bray of Hermon, New York, passed away in his sleep on April 4, 2026. Born in Rahway, New Jersey on November 8, 1944 to Norman and Amy Sias Bray, John graduated from Rahway High School in 1962. While a self-proclaimed uncertain student in secondary school, he knew he wanted to go to college. He proceeded to earn his undergraduate degree in biology from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1966, where he was on both the soccer and track and field teams, participating in both shot put and discus. While at Roberts, John was called to follow Jesus Christ and his faith became the guiding compass in his life. He was a firm believer in Micah 6:8, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” After graduating from Roberts, John then went to Syracuse University to earn his Masters in microbiology. At Syracuse, he discovered he enjoyed teaching more than research, and took a job that he would stay in for over 30 years – high school science and biology teacher at Hermon Dekalb Central School. When taking the position at Hermon Dekalb, John also got his masters in Biology Education from Potsdam State. He would go on to earn his doctoral degree in the AEGIS program at Columbia University. As his wife Lynetta told him, “As long as you are learning, you are happy.”

At Hermon Dekalb, John received many awards for his teaching efforts, including: Clarkson University Teacher of the Year, Tandy Corporation Technological Scholar Award, USAToday Second Team All-American Teacher, WWNY-TV Teacher of the Week, and New York State Teacher of the Year Finalist. One his favorite experiences was receiving the Fulbright Memorial Fellowship to visit and share ideas on education in Japan. However, even after all those affirmations, he would still say “The greatest honors I received were the love and respect of my students” and would more readily talk of accolades his students had received than of his own. He felt strongly that not believing in yourself could become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and he wanted to spend his life helping people become the people they could become.

He was always active and believed in the value of sports and activity for both health and personal growth. At Hermon Dekalb, John would serve over time as coach or assistant coach of the boys and girls soccer teams, rifle team (earning the NRA’s Distinguished Expert Medal on his way to becoming a certified coach), and ultimately the wrestling team as well, proud of coaching thirty-one sectional champions and eight state place winners and producing the only small school at the time to ever win the Section X title, which they did three times in a row. John loved the outdoors, including sailing, picking blueberries, and especially hiking, and could be seen walking daily on the local roads wherever he was getting his morning exercise.

While teaching, John began a hobby he called his therapy but he excelled in as well – woodworking, from carving songbirds, owls, raptors, decoys and bears which turned to stone carving, welding sculptures, and turning bowls. He first entered a carving to the National Decoy Contest in the 1970s, and would go on to progress through the novice and intermediate levels to advanced and then the master classes, submitting regularly to competitions in both Maine and New Brunswick, Canada as well as at the Ward World Championships in Maryland, receiving many awards for his carvings. John remained a curious student and helpful teacher, both taking classes and actively seeking feedback and criticism to help him improve, while also becoming a board member for the New Brunswick Carving Association where he and fellow carvers would run classes for novices each year.

John was married to his wife, Lynetta Bray, in 1967, who survives him. John is also survived by his sons Daniel, and his wife Marisol, and Nathaniel, and his wife Melinda, as well as his three grandchildren and his sibling Marilyn. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Matthew 25: Ministries (https://m25m.org/), or the charity of your choice.

https://www.olearyfuneralservice.com/obituaries/john-doc-bray

Marylyn J. (Bannon) Ianiri, 81, of Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Marylyn was born and raised a 5th generation citizen of Auburn, NY where she graduated with the Mount Carmel Class of 1963 and attended Auburn Community College and Nazareth College. A lifelong learner with a deep and abiding faith, she eventually earned her Doctorate from the Ministry Program at Roberts Wesleyan University, an accomplishment that reflected her commitment to spiritual growth and service.

During her years in New York, she continuously supported and served church communities in Auburn and Sodus Point as sacristan, lector, Eucharistic minister and in a variety of other ways, remaining a generous private and often unknown benefactor to charities and individuals in need.

She excelled in organizational, administrative and creative roles and was valued for her skills and work ethic by a number of area small businesses and professional practices, including her own small business Sirach Advantage in Auburn. She was a proud participant in the Leadership Cayuga Class of 2000.

Throughout her life, Marylyn found joy in travel, especially her many trips to Cape Cod, which became her favorite destination. After retiring, she fulfilled her dream of moving there permanently. She became an active and cherished member of the Buzzard’s Bay, Wareham and Onset Beach communities, where she formed lasting friendships and continued to give generously of her time. She volunteered at Attic Treasures shop and St Margaret of Scotland’s Catholic parish, offering her warmth, kindness and steady presence to all who knew her.

Artistic by nature, Marylyn embraced an active and peaceful lifestyle focused on the beauty of the moment and the people around her. She practiced Tai Chi, was accomplished at needlepoint and other textile arts, was a passionate Yankees fan, and took great pleasure in her daily walks to Onset Beach, finding comfort and inspiration in the natural beauty of the shore.

She is survived by her loving daughter Jennifer (Ianiri) Smith and husband Cameron; her son Paul (Chip) Ianiri and wife Marti; her beloved grandchildren, Alayna, Landon and Morgan; her sisters Michele Clancy and husband Kevin, and Marcie Bannon and husband Bob Blaisdell; and extended family, neighbors and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Marylyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles “Chuck” Boyland; devoted husband Robert Spencer Anderson; her son, Christopher Ianiri; her parents, George and Margaret “Peg” Barry Bannon; her sister Maureen O’Hora and husband Mike; and her cherished cat of 18 years, Callie.

Marylyn will be remembered for her faith, compassion, love of community, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her legacy of cheerful kindness and devotion will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

https://www.whitechapelfh.com/obituary/Marylyn-Ianiri

John D. Nystrom, DDS, age 89, of Geneseo formerly of Houghton, NY, died Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Teresa House in Geneseo. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Davies Nystom.

He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Atkinson Nystrom, children, Bethany (Craig) Wadsworth of Geneseo, Nancy (Martin) Crawford of Wallingford, PA, Karl Nystrom of Beaver Falls, PA, grandchildren, Laura (Paul) Wlosinski, Emily (Megan) Wadsworth, John (Kylie) Wadsworth, Rebecca (Travis) Wamsley, Andrew (Vicki) Crawford, Hannah (James) Blaser, great grandchildren, Eloise Wlosinski, Wren Wadsworth, Abigail and Emilia Wamsley, several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Roberts Weslyan College (1958) and UB School of Medicine and Dentistry (1963), John enjoyed a long career in dentistry as Houghton NY's sole dental practice for over 40 years. He was an avid runner having completed many 5K and 10k runs and 3 marathons. He was added to the Roberts Wesleyan College Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and was named Alumnus of the Year in 1978.

John spent his entire life in service to his community. Along with contributing to various charities and serving in many ways alongside his wife, Martha, he served as Chair of the Ethics Committee in the Eighth District Dental Society, on the Board of Trustees of the Willard J. Houghton Foundation of Houghton College and Roberts Wesleyan College, serving multiple roles in his local Wesleyan church, president and secretary of his Rotary Club and a member of the Allegany County Board of Health. Over his 40 year professional career, John also led and participated in over 30 annual medical/dental mission trips to Haiti, a country and people he had deep affection for.

John was devoutly faithful in his Christian beliefs; doing his best to honor God in all that he did. He was a good-natured, gregarious conversationalist who loved his wife and family and enjoyed getting to know others. He was genuinely curious about people he met which enabled him to make a connection with nearly everyone he met. A genuinely good guy, who cared deeply. He loved animals, especially his grand-dogs. He is remembered fondly for his love of life, his constant smile, his good humor, and his adoration for the beloved Eeyore.

https://rector-hicksfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1441

Isaac S. Trush, 28, of Morrisville, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Born on April 8, 1997, in Hamilton, Isaac was the son of Glen A. and April (Scola) Trush. He was a graduate of New Life Christian School in Randallsville and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Distributions and Marketing Operations, from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. Isaac was employed as an application engineer with Knowles Capacitors in Cazenovia, where he was respected for his dedication and strong work ethic. He had a deep and abiding love for the outdoors, where he felt most at peace. Isaac found joy in hiking quiet trails, casting a line into still waters, and taking in the beauty of the Adirondacks, a place he truly cherished. Whether surrounded by mountains, woods, or open fields, he was happiest in nature. Isaac also enjoyed photography, often capturing the landscapes he loved, as well as working on cars, and spending time on the family farm helping with the cows. He carried an adventurous spirit and was always eager to explore. Isaac is survived by his parents; Glen and April Trush, his sister, Phoebe (Paul) Sierson; his aunt, Lisa (Cal) Nichols of Morrisville; uncles; Drew (Stephanie) Scola, of Linwood, NJ, Bob Fahy, of Galloway, NJ, Don (Kathy) Fahy, of Conway, SC, many cousins, his cherished Aunt Jo Barton, Seal Beach, CA, and many faithful friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Lily Glen Trush; his paternal grandparents, John Trush Jr. and Ramona "Pat" Trush; his maternal grandparents, Ethel and Andrew Scola; an aunt, Andrea Scola Colligan, uncles; Doug Trush, and Glenn F. Barton.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wktv/name/isaac-trush-obituary?id=61104755

Jon R. “Jack” Seibert, Class of 1965, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Merilyn Seibert ('67). Together, they shared a lifetime of partnership and faith, becoming the first couple to be married in the new Pearce Memorial sanctuary—an honor that remained a cherished part of their story.

Jack is also survived by his daughters, Tricia (Michael) and Kim (Allan), as well as five beloved grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy.

Throughout his life, Jack dedicated himself to serving others. He taught school and later worked in life insurance, touching many lives through his commitment to helping families plan for the future. His strong faith guided him, and over the years he held numerous offices in several churches, offering steady leadership and genuine care to each community he served.

During his time at RWC, Jack distinguished himself as an athlete, earning a place on the All New York State Soccer Team in 1963—an accomplishment he looked back on with fondness.

Jack will be remembered for his integrity, his steadfast love for his family, and his lifelong desire to serve. His legacy continues in the many lives he shaped and the family who loved him dearly.