Patrick L. Neff

Patrick L. Neff, age 61, of Lansing, passed away on July 27, 2024 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca after a recent illness. Born September 17, 1962, in Cortland, NY, he was the son of Edgar L. Neff, Sr. and the late Phyllis (Courtney) Bouton. 

Patrick, better known as Pat, graduated from Moravia High School in 1979 and began helping his father cook at the family business, Mineral Springs Restaurant. A skilled mechanic, with a love of classic cars, Pat went on to assist at many of his father’s businesses through the years before becoming established as the owner of Phoenix Auto of Ithaca with his brother, Charlie. Through this, Pat formed many long-lasting friendships and loved doing things for the community, and was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Pat was very involved with the Ithaca Elks Club. In addition to the various administrative positions that Pat held over the years within the club, Pat could be found serving Friday night fish fry and hosting the Queen of Hearts drawings. At the time of his passing, Pat was serving his second term as the Exalted Ruler of the Ithaca Elks Club. He was also a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Ithaca. In his free time, he enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox, was an avid bowler, and was a diehard Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR) fan. He also enjoyed dirt track racing, and while he only raced for a brief time, could always be seen at Skyline rooting for his son, James, and brother, Pete. 

In 2016, Pat lost his wife and love of his life, Katrina Sue “Kitty” (Cooper) Neff. He was also predeceased by his mother, Phyllis Bouton (2005); brother, Laverne A. Hutt (2023); step-mother, Margaret H. Neff (1994); and step-father, Gerald E. Bouton (2006). 

Pat is survived by his son, James (Crystal) Neff of Lansing; grandchildren, Theresa and Elizabeth Neff; father, Edgar L. Neff, Sr. (Marlene Jewett) of Little Meadows, PA; siblings, Charles E. (Elizabeth) Neff of Groton, Edgar L. “Pete” (Paula) Neff, Jr. of Lexington, TN; Rebecca (William) Josselyn of Ithaca; Frederick L. (Debra) Neff of Trumansburg; Laverne’s lifelong companion, Virginia Knight of McGraw, and dear family friends, Virginia Kemp of Ithaca, Howard, Hollie, and Dustin Jones of Lansing, NY, and many, many dear friends and colleagues.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY. A brief memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a service led by the Elks. There will also be a Celebration of Pat’s Life, beginning at 2:30 p.m., at the Ithaca Elks Lodge, 124 Coddington Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

In lieu of flowers, contributions/donations in Pat’s memory may be directed to the Ithaca Elks Lodge at the address above.