Obituary of Mr. Jack Eugene Carr

Jack Eugene Carr, 73, passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2026.

Jack was born in Lyons, New York, on September 6, 1952, and grew up in Spencer, New York, with his parents, Dorothy Wise Carr and John Eugene Carr, and his brother, Jerry. He graduated from Spencer-Van Etten High School and went on to earn his degree from SUNY Oswego.

Education was an important part of Jack’s life, and his career as a teacher spanned many years and many classrooms. He taught at Candor Elementary School, Candor Junior-Senior High School, Cortland Junior-Senior High School, Cazenovia College and, most recently, SUNY Cortland. Jack cared deeply about his students and was loved and admired by the many young people he taught throughout his career.

Jack’s greatest passion was theater. Whether directing, acting or simply lending a hand wherever one was needed, he found great joy in being part of a production and the community that surrounded it. He directed productions at Candor and Cortland high schools and served for many years as director of the Cortland Youth Bureau’s summer drama program. He remained active in theater throughout his life, acting
and directing with numerous community theater groups across Central New York.

Jack is survived by his brother, Jerry (Patricia); his daughters, Sarah (Canaan) and Susannah; his grandchildren, Aiden and Zoe; his nieces, Jennifer and Jordan (Dan); his nephew, Justin (Jessica); and
numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Jack’s life will be held on Sunday, August 30, at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Homer Center for the Arts. Following the service, the family will greet guests in the
Community Room, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Center for the Arts, St. Mary’s School or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com