Steven E. Cuddeback

1958 - 2023

Steven E. Cuddeback

May 11, 1958 – Nov. 14, 2023

Steven E. Cuddeback, 65, passed away on Tuesday, November 14 at Upstate University Hospital, surrounded by family, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Steve was born on May 11,1958 to Helen and Howard Cuddeback. He was a 1976 graduate of Moravia Central School and shortly after enlisted in the US Marines where he proudly served from 1976 until 1982.

Following in his father's footsteps, Steve owned and operated Cuddeback Farms in Skaneateles, continuing the family farming tradition that began in 1794. When he was not working 18-hour days on the farm he worked in law enforcement, briefly as a Correction Officer at the Cayuga County Jail, and proudly served as Village of Moravia Police Officer for over 30 years. Steve was very proud of his law enforcement family.

Steve was also very involved in county and municipal government. Much like his farming roots, he followed his father and father-in-law into politics, representing Moravia, Sempronius, Summerhill and Niles as Legislator from 2002–2013. During his time as Legislator he served as Chair of Public Works, and Judicial and Public Safety Committees. In 2012 he served as Chair of the Cayuga County Leglislature.

From 2018 until his passing he served as Deputy Town Supervisor for the Town of Niles. He was also a past member of the New Hope Fire Department.

Steve loved the land he tilled and the community he lived in. He was a member of the Old Time Farmers' Organization, enjoyed attending numerous tractor events, and spoke daily to his close farming friends.

Steve leaves behind Teri (Coulson) his high school sweetheart and wife of 43 years; two sons: Jason and wife, Kelly and Jamie; four siblings: Richard (Mary Hunt), Jean (Robert) Conklin, Rose (Larry) Roser, and Mary Anne (Skip) Ryerson; three grandsons: Cole, Caden and Carter Cuddeback; mother-in-law, Ardith Coulson; sister-in-law, Tracie Coulson; many nieces and nephews; and many friends in the farm and law enforcement communities. Steve also leaves behind his fur-babies: Baxter, Daisy and Ava, along with the many barn kitties that would greet him every morning.

Steve is predeceased by his parents Helen and Howard Cuddeback, father-in-law, John "Jack" Coulson and sister-in-law, Ursula Cuddeback.

Services will take place Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at West Niles Firehouse, 3956 Valentine Road, Moravia, with visitation and reception immediately following 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Future Farmers of America.