Norman H. Lacy, Beloved Community Member and Farmer, Passes Away at 85
Known for his kindness, humor, and deep roots in the agricultural community, Norm Lacy leaves behind a legacy of friendship, service, and lasting impact across Cattaraugus County.
ELLICOTTVILLE - The world lost a great man on Saturday, March 14, 2026, when Norman H. Lacy passed away at the age of 85 at Cuba Memorial Hospital, following a hard-fought illness.
Born March 16, 1940 in Ithaca, NY, Norm spent a lifetime sowing seeds of friendship. His natural ease in building relationships was a rare and beautiful gift that defined both his personality and his time on this earth.
He was the son of the late James and Ruth Barrett Lacy, and was married in 1985 in Henrietta, NY to the former Catherine Jackson, who survives. They were married for 41 years on March 2nd.
A graduate of Ithaca High School, Class of 1958, Norm earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Cornell University in 1962. His love of farming and the agricultural community remained a constant in his life.
He began his career as a factory representative for Ford Tractors before owning and operating his own farm equipment dealership in Hinsdale, NY. He also owned a farm in Humphrey, NY, where he lived for over fifty years.
During his years in Cattaraugus County, Norm held a variety of roles, including car salesman, snowcat operator, dump truck driver, Humphrey Fire Commissioner, and Town Supervisor. He often said his favorite job was driving a dump truck for Little Valley Sand and Gravel. He took great pride in his work and treasured the people he met along the way.
“Stormin’ Norman” loved spending time on his farm, raising Belgian horses, and making maple syrup, a treat highly coveted by family and friends. He had a genuine love for antique tractors and cars, a passion he shared enthusiastically with those around him. He also served on the session of the United Church of Ellicottville, where he and Cathy first met.
Norm leaves a far-reaching legacy. Those who crossed his path remember a steady and genuine man, who treated everyone with equal respect and kindness. He loved visiting with people and always had a good joke to share. He was watchful, caring, down-to-earth, witty, and sharp as a tack - qualities that live on in those he so lovingly influenced. He remains present in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the memories that will be cherished forever.
Norm is survived by his wife, Cathy; four sons, David (Shari) Lacy of Franklin, TN, Mark (Dawn) Lacy of Stafford, VA, Eric Feldbauer of Great Valley, and Kevin (Kelly) Lacy of Long Beach, CA; his brother, Hugh (Ruth) Lacy of Garden City, NY; sisters-in-law, Martha Lacy and Cindy (Tom) Snyder; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He cherished time with his grandchildren: Stewart, Sam, Grace, Clara, Hayden, and Ella (Lacy), Sydney and Kelsey (Feldbauer), Harlen, Wells, Windsor, Eleanor, and Wilhelmina (Fuller), along with “special grandsons” Bill Berglund and Zach Logel.
In addition to his parents, Norm was predeceased by his brother, Dick Lacy.
There will be no visitation. The family will host a Celebration of Life on August 1, 2026 at the Lacy Farm.
Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family and announced at a later date. Burial will be in Green at Willoughby Cemetery, Great Valley, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Norm’s memory may be made to the Humphrey Fire Company or EARS Animal Rescue.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY. E-condolences may be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or shared at facebook.com/onofh.