Ilion Memorials 2025

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If you would like the obituary for an alumnus, family member, to be included on the alumni site, please send the information via the Submit News form. Please include the URL of the originating obituary if it is available, and the Class year of the alumnus.

David R. Pettengill, IHS Alumnus, affectionately known as "Big D," passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Wynn Hospital, following his beloved Cheeko, almost 1 year to the day. Big D was born on February 7, 1958, in Ilion, a son of the late Charles and Becky McDaniels Eaker. He attended Ilion Schools and remained a lifelong resident of the community he loved. On August 18, 2012, David married the love of his life, Geraldine "Cheeko" Marquissee. The two shared more than thirty-five years of love, laughter, and happiness together. They were truly inseparable, and their bond was the center of David's world. David was employed by the Ilion Department of Public Works for 31 years, where he took great pride in serving his community. He retired in 2017. He was also a dedicated supporter of many local organizations throughout the Mohawk Valley. He was an active member of numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including the St. Francis diPaola Society in Frankfort, the Ilion Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion, and the Marine Corps League, among others. David is survived by his step-daughter, Jody Polidoro and her husband James of New Jersey; his step-son, John Marquissee and his wife Megan of Maine; and his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Alexander, Lacey, and Ellie, who were the true joys of Big D and Cheeko's world. He is also survived by his sisters, Cathy Wheelock and Karen and her husband William "Homer" Hazlett, all of Ilion; two special nieces, Cathy and Tina LaFountain; and his beloved cat and best friend, Leo. David lived his life surrounded by many friends. Following the passing of his beloved Cheeko, his friends became an integral part of his life and helped carry him through his grief, providing companionship, laughter, and unwavering support. A graveside service will be held later in the spring, when Big D and Cheeko will be laid to rest together in Armory Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357. To leave condolences for Big D's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com. (January 25, 2026)

Terrance Rapenske, IHS 1973, passed away December 25, 2025. Terry was born on July 8, 1956 in Ilion. He was the son of John A. and Dorothy (Mead) Rapenske. Terry's father passed away in 1962. Terry became the step-son of Dr. Everett Vincent Mack who his mother later married. Terry attended the Ilion high school and was a member of the IHS Class of 1973. He also attended the Canterbury School. He studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Pratt Institute. He was the owner of Interior Designer at Trenton Falls Interiors. His siblings were Mary (Rapenske) Menzel IHS 1965, and three brothers, Michael IHS 1962, Patrick IHS 1964, and John Rapenske IHS 1960. Terry was also the step-son of Dr. Everett Vincent Mack of Ilion, NY. Terry lived in Trenton Falls, New York with his partner. (January 19, 2026)

Thomas A. Foster, Jr., IHS 1990, 54, passed away after a brief illness, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Wynn Hospital, in Utica. Born California, October 15, 1971, Thomas was a son of Dawn Phillips and the late Thomas A. Foster, Sr. Tom was raised and educated in Ilion, NY, where he graduated from Ilion High School and continued his education at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Forestry. On September 16, 2006, at the Masonic Temple in Utica, Tom married the former Michelle L. Richards. The couple shared in a union blessed with over eighteen years of marriage prior to Michelle's passing on January 31, 2025. Tom was currently working for Pratt & Whitney in Clayville, NY. He was an avid outdoors-man and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. His favorite times were spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was also a sports enthusiast who loved to watch the Jets. His memberships include the NRA. He is survived by two sons, Thomas A. Foster, III and his fiancée, Samantha Burchell both of Ilion, and Brody P. Foster of New York Mills; his mother, Dawn Deyle of Herkimer; grandchildren, Avery Foster, Riley Foster, and Savannah Ribbot; a brother, William Deyle of Ilion; and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Tony Jameson of CO. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Calling hours will be held on Friday afternoon, January 9, 2026, 5:00- 6:00, at the Wolanin Funeral Home, 266 Main St., New York Mills, NY. Tom's funeral will follow calling hours on Friday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home. To view Tom's online memorial please go to www.wolaninfuneralhome.com. (January 18, 2026)

If you would like to make a contribution, in memory of a deceased alumnus, please consider The Central Valley Central School District/Ilion School Foundation.