HARTWICK - Ryan Donald Eldred, 40, a smiling face, has left us. He passed away June 15, 2024.

Born in Cooperstown on Dec. 2, 1983, Ryan was the son of Marjorie L. Eldred (Morse) and Donald A. Eldred.

Ryan was a graduate of Cooperstown High School and the BOCES program at Milford.

He was a hard worker and was always trying to help someone. He worked many summer jobs and after graduation was employed by the Meals on Wheels program for 11 years. Thereafter he went to work on a "farm-to-table" farm and most recently, and for the past seven years was employed at the Otsego Reuse Center, a project of ARC/Otsego. He enjoyed keeping busy and had built up a business on weekends helping people with their lawns, gardens and flowers. He also helped on the family farm for many years until it was sold.

He enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling, taking bus trips, listening to country music and simply being outdoors. He enjoyed his involvement in the Big Buddy Program and took his buddy on many adventures. He loved taking care of animals of all kinds. Most of all he enjoyed collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia. His lifelong dream to visit Disney World came true thanks to a very special friend, Melinda.

He always had a smile and was willing to help others. He, his smile and infectious laughter will be missed by the many people he grew to know, whether family, friends, co-workers or even strangers.

Ryan is survived by a special sister, Tammy, who he loved and thought so much of; his mom; aunt and uncle Chuck and Marilyn Atwell; many cousins; second cousins; and many other very special friends he got to know over the years.

He was predeceased by his dad; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

Friends are invited to visit from 10 a.m. until noon, Monday, June 24, at Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown. Graveside services and burial will follow the visitation at 1 p.m. in Hartwick Cemetery with Pastor Phil Livermore of the Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta officiating.

Those who desire are encouraged to make donations in Ryan's memory to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Road, Albany, NY 12205, or ARC/Otsego, 102 Browne St., Oneonta, NY 13820.