Greg Mccartney

Greg McCartney, 66, of Cortland, NY passed away on January 12, 2023 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Greg was born on December 20, 1956 and was predeceased by his mother, Elva McCartney.

Greg’s professional background includes having spent 25 years as a skilled fitter and turner in Australia. Following this he was co-owner of two popular pubs in Adelaide: The Metropolitan Hotel and the Lord Melbourne Hotel. In 2003 his life took a radical turn when he emigrated to the United States to marry his fiancée, Elizabeth. Shortly thereafter Greg began to work at SUNY Cortland where he remained employed until his retirement in October, 2022.

Greg was well known and well loved in Cortland. He could be seen in any part of the city, day or night, walking his beloved Sheltie, Bogie, who was always at his side. People loved Greg not only for his Australian accent but also for his easy-going good nature, quick and hilarious comebacks and his willingness to help anyone, anytime at the drop of a dime.

Family was Greg’s #1 priority. Later in life Greg also grew to love travel, too, and most loved the trips he, his wife and family took to Italy and Las Vegas. New York City was also one of Greg’s favorite destinations; every visit was like the first to him.

Greg was a child at heart and loved to splash everyone poolside with his epic cannonballs off the diving board. And it was with this same childish glee that he would challenge any takers with racing him underwater to the end of the pool and back. He was a rascal at parties with an infectious laugh, especially when there were fireworks on the schedule.

Greg’s idea of a great night would be an evening of Texas Hold ‘Em with his mates in “Greg’s Bar” on the second floor of his “shed.” He also loved the thrill of Moto GP which he followed via television and live streaming. Whether zipping down I-81 or winding along the country roads of Cortland County he became truly free riding his motorcycle. But it was his beloved Australian Port Adelaide Football Club that held Greg’s passion and complete loyalty. He remained a member after moving to the U.S. and never missed a game thanks to the miracle of live streaming in the middle of the night. Last, we would be remiss in not mentioning Greg’s other family in Cortland: the staff at Coffee Mania who wowed Greg daily, often multiple times, by always serving him with a smile and brightening his day. Not a day went by without Greg’s commenting on how their cheerfulness was the reason he started each day with them.

Greg will be sorely missed by friends and family not only in Australia but also in the Cortland Community. He was truly one of a kind in the best way imaginable.

Greg is survived by his loving wife of almost 20 years, Elizabeth; his siblings, Graham Boulter (Ardie) and Elaine (Terry) Mitchell; stepchildren Melanie (Simon) Southworth, Adrienne Nadge (Jason), Don (Julie) Kopp, Joe Kopp and Kate Guido (John); step-grandchildren Porsha, Isaiah, Eli, Justice, Amanda, Jacob, Chloe, Anthony, Bella, Anthony, Brandon, Don, Kylie, Joshua and Brandon; and many nieces, nephews and step-greatgrandchildren.