Obituary of Francis "Fred" Ossit

Francis F. Ossit (Fred) was born on July 31, 1943, and passed away at his home on March 26, 2025, at the age of 81. Fred, a member of the Cortland High School Class of 1963, and a lifelong resident of Cortland, was the son of Harry and Vivian (Howard) Ossit. Fred was an Airman First Class in the US Air Force and proudly served from 1963-1967. He worked for Smith Corona for 28 years before his retirement. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Charles and sister-in-law Alice Ossit from Cortland, NY, infant nephews Christopher and J. John Ossit, and his Uncle George and Aunt Norva Ossit from McGraw, NY. To his family he was Good Ol' Uncle Fred, and is survived by his two nephews: Steven (Deborah) Ossit of Cortland and their children Christopher (Nadia Pedroza Ocampo), Mariah Ossit, Ryan Ossit, and Kevin (Sheila) Ossit of Cortland and their children Zachary Ossit, Nathaniel Ossit (who proudly shares a July 31st birthday with Uncle Fred), and Margaret (Maggie) Ossit. He also is survived by a great, great niece, Kendra Ossit. Fred has extended family from Marcellus, NY. He also leaves behind his dear friends Phil and Belinda Cinquanti, Tammy Honour, and his "chosen nephew", Michael (Betty) Bentley. Fred enjoyed "making his rounds" at the Eagles, the VFW, the Legion, and the DAV. He liked a cold PBR (or two!), was quick with a smile and loved spending time with his family and large circle of friends. Fred loved his country and was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE 2191), the Cortland VFW, the American Legion (Post #489), and the DAV (Cortland Memorial Chapter 153). In October of 2023, Uncle Fred (along with his great nephew, Zachary) was chosen and sponsored by Cortland's American Legion Auxiliary to take the Twin Tiers Honor Flight (Mission 16) to Washington DC. There, he visited the memorials and was honored for his service. The family wishes to thank the Auxiliary and Eileen Bentley for helping Uncle Fred and Zachary to make that trip possible. Uncle Fred often said it was the most meaningful thing he had ever done. Calling Hours will be held Saturday April 5, 2025 11 am-12 pm with services to begin 12 noon Chaplain Norm Stitzel presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something kind for a Veteran and consider making a donation to the Twin Tiers Honor Flight in Francis F. Ossit's memory. www.twintiershonorflight.org. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com