Thomas “Tom” Vartanian, age 68, of Cortland, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 2, 2026, at Francis House in Syracuse, NY, after a courageous battle with illness. Tom was born on October 13, 1957. He graduated from Afton High School in 1975 and later earned his degree from Herkimer College in 1977.
Tom dedicated 20 years to the sports section of the Cortland Standard, where he proudly served the community until his retirement in 2020. Known for his work ethic, and ensuring local athletes were highlighted and recognized in the way they deserved. Following his retirement, Tom continued to share his love of sports and radio through his podcasts, TV on the Net and Trojans’ Football Talk, allowing him to stay closely connected to the teams, athletes, and community he cared so deeply about. Tom was also an active and devoted member of Christian Assembly of God in Cortland, where his faith continued to be an important part of his life.
He always enjoyed having a conversation with people rather he knew them or not and in the time of his illness every prayer and kind word reached him. He knew he was loved.
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Afton schoolmate
Tom was a neighbor and always a good friend. He was my first boyfriend!! We went steady for a day🤣🤣. We kept in touch a lot the last few years and I will miss our conversations. So glad I got to see him for our 50th alumni this past July. I’ll treasure the memories. Rest in peace Tom and watch over us in this crazy world.
Class of 1975
Tom was one of the nicest classmates I remember. He always had a big smile! I was grateful to have spent some time with him at a couple of our reunions and even got to see his mom and meet Katie one of the times I was back in Afton. Thank you Katie for your loving care for him.
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