Mr. Victor M. Baez

Mr. Victor M. Baez, 83, of Cortland, passed away on Saturday Sept. 28, 2024 at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. Born Aug 26, 1941 in Yauco, Puerto Rico, Victor was a son of Jose F. Báez Santiago and Petra Montalvo Rosado and a Cortland resident for many years. Victor began his career with the State of New York working in the Twin Towers in New York City, he then transferred within the state to Cornell University before finally accepting a position as a Custodian in the residence halls of S.U.N.Y. College at Cortland, a position he held for many years before retiring. After his retirement he began to help his friends working part time for Steve and Vicky Besler at Shaw & Boehler Florist and with Bryan Riccardi at Riccardi Funeral Home. Victor will also be remembered for his work as a Pastoral Associate at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church., a position he truly loved, in the church that he was so devoted to throughout his time here. Victor was truly a people person and he could strike up a conversation with anyone, his travels throughout the city had him striking up conversations with everyone from Bankers to Produce and Deli Clerks at his favorite grocery store, he was truly a loving and devoted friend to those who had the privilege of knowing him, he was loved by many. Victor also enjoyed the theater especially his trips to Cortland Repertory Theater with his friends. Survivors include; a brother; Manuel Baez Montalvo (spouse Maria Camacho Casiano) of Lajas, Puerto Rico and many nieces and nephews; his sister Lucia's children; Cesar, Victor, Jose, Albie, Lourdes and Mary., his brother Jose's Children; Joey, Brenda and Wandy., brother Manuel's children; Sandy, Yoly and Cindy and brother Angel's children; Eddie, Pastor Joey and Mikey and sister in law; Sarah Baez. Also surviving are his dear and devoted friends; Cindy Schlenker and Margaret Nicholas, his Godsons; David Schlenker, Eric Nicholas and Aaron Ellis. In addition to his parents, Victor was preceded in death by his lifelong friend; Sal DeStefano and his sister; Lucia Cruz (spouse Valentin Rivera) and brothers; Jose F ( spouse; Carmen Camacho Casiano) and Angel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. The Christian Rite of committal and burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7 p.m. in St. Anthony's Church, Pomeroy St., Cortland, N.Y. It was Victor's wish that those who choose to honor his memory would please do so in the form of a contribution to St. Anthony's Church 59 N. Main St. (Parish Center) Cortland, N.Y. 13045. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com

Mr. Victor M. Baez

August 26, 1941 - September 28, 2024