Obituary of Anthony Joseph Julian

Anthony Joseph Julian, 89, of Cortland passed away on Feb 28, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born July 10, 1936 in Cortland, Tony was the son of Frank and Carmela Masterpaul Julian and was a lifelong resident of Cortland.

Tony was a 1954 graduate of Cortland High School and went on to faithfully serve his country in the United States Coast Guard. Tony was employed by United Parcel Service for 30 years before his retirement. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. Tony also was a founding member of the Cortland Civic Band and then the Old Timers Band which he belonged to for decades. In 2003 he also helped found the Cortland County Relay for Life. He loved to garden and was well known for his garlic which he shared with many friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed sharing stories with friends and family, especially about the history of Cortland.

Tony is survived by his wife of 66 years; Lois at home and two daughters; Sharon (Andrew) Palmer of Cape Cod and Kathleen (Peter) Rumsey of Rhode Island; two sons; Thomas (Sandy) Julian of N. Carolina and Robert Julian of Homer, as well as his “almost daughter” Julie Terwilliger of Homer. Tony is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; a sister; Patricia Galloway of Colorado and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tony’s family would also like to recognize and extend a special thanks to everyone at Hospicare, especially Annette, Katelyn, Anna and Rebecca.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. The Christian Rite of Committal and Burial with full military honor will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, for immediate family only, please. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from
9 a.m.-10:45 a.m. in St. Anthony’s Church prior to the funeral mass. Contributions in Tony’s memory in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospicare of Cortland 11 Kennedy Parkway Cortland, NY 13045 or St. Anthony’s Church 59 N. Main St. Cortland, NY 13045 (mailing address) Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com