The Little Tags Foundation would like to pay tribute to those who've supported our mission with this special tribute page.

Marlin "Rudy" White
1934 - 2025

Marlin "Rudy" White, 91, of Marathon, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Rudy was born in Marathon, NY, on February 12, 1934, the son of the late Marlin J. and Susanne Parker White. For over 30 years, Rudy served as a conservation officer for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). His dedication to protecting the environment and wildlife exemplified his strong sense of responsibility to the community and nature. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field, Rudy was honored with his name inscribed on the Montana Game Warden Star Badge.

Rudy proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, a chapter of his life that underscored his unwavering commitment to his country. He was also an active member of the Osco-Robinson American Legion Post #617 in Marathon and the Marathon Lodge F&AM, reflecting his belief in community service and brotherhood.

In his younger days, Rudy embraced the outdoors with great enthusiasm, being an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman. These hobbies not only brought him joy but also fostered a profound respect for the natural world—a lesson he passed down to his family.

Rudy is survived by his loving children, Marlin "Curtis" (Amy) White of Marathon, Marlene (Brian) Schwingel of Horseheads, and Jefferson (Kathleen) White of Newark Valley. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and cherished two great-grandsons, who adored him dearly. His siblings, Harold (Lolita), Connie, Martha (Sam), Margery (Jeff), and Susie (Robert), along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins, also mourn his passing.

Rudy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan Corwin White, who passed on January 29, 2022, as well as his sisters, Marilyn Liddington and Nina Jean White.

Michael R. Perkins
1957 - 2025

The family of Michael R. Perkins sadly announces his passing on October 22nd, 2025. Mike was born in Cortland, New York on November 24, 1957. He was the first born son of Paula Natoli Perkins and James E. Perkins.

Mike was a proud lifelong resident of Groton, New York and shared countless fond memories of his time at Groton High School. He was a proud member of the ‘Half a Ton Ain’t No Fun’ crew of the 1975 varsity football team, and was referred to as "Pine Top" for his grand slam baseball abilities. Following his graduation, Mike worked a series of odd jobs, enjoying his true passions as a hunter, fisherman, and trapper. One of Mike’s most important odd jobs was at the Groton Hotel, where he met his beautiful red headed bride, Andrea. Before Mike and Andrea even started dating, Paula (God-Mom) would proudly announce to other Hotel patrons that Andrea would be her daughter-in-law and would have all of her friends sit at her daughter-in-law’s tables.

Mike and Andrea married in 1986; shortly following their wedding, they moved to their homestead in West Groton. Mike, the Mayor of West Groton, gained many friendships on the hill and was able to live out his passions. Most notably, he was the father of his four beloved children. Mike instilled a great sense of family and community among his children, family and friends. Mike was a very proud beef farmer, and had many White Faced Herefords. He truly loved caring for his animals, particularly his cows.

Mike worked for many years at the Village of Moravia as the Superintendent of Public Works, where he was a dedicated public servant. In particular, he enjoyed checking water quality, and plowing early mornings. Following his time at Moravia, Mike worked until his retirement as the Town of Groton Highway Superintendent. He was honored to serve his community, and truly treasured his time.

One of Mike’s greatest loves was being an outdoorsman, particularly spreading America’s Greatest Pastime onto children. Mike was a proud member of the Groton Rod and Gun Club, and the TriCounty Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). Mike was widely known for his marksmanship in both Trap and Skeet throughout the surrounding counties. He proudly shot on two perfect squads, his most recent with his son Mike and dear friends.

Mike’s greatest joy was his family, particularly his five grandsons who will undoubtably carry on his passion as an outdoorsman. He was proudly called "Poppa", and loved every second he got with his little guys.

In 2021, Mike was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a disorder which causes abnormal protein deposits and leads to multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. Despite the projections, and in true Mike fashion, Mike showed cancer where to shove it. He persevered well beyond what many of us expected, and gave us so many Mike Certified Memories. Mike was supported so thoughtfully and compassionately by the staff at Cayuga Hematology and Oncology and St. Joesph’s Dialysis Center in Cortland. We are eternally grateful for the care they provided him throughout his years of treatments.

Mike is survived by his wife of 39 years, Andrea (Derenberger) Perkins; his brother James ‘Jamie’ Perkins, of Lansing; daughter Mikayla (Scott) Dexter; son Michael (Michaela) Perkins; daughter Mackenzie Perkins; daughter Madalyn (Lucas Darling) Perkins; and grandsons: William, Beau, Colt, and Clay Dexter, and Michael J. Perkins.

Mike is predeceased by both of his parents, Paula and Jim, as well as his sister Candy, who similarly left before we were truly ready.

Andrew Van Donsel
1989 - 2025

Andrew "Drew" Van Donsel, 36, passed away November 28, 2025, in Cortland, NY. Born in Cortland February 28, 1989, Andrew was the firstborn son of Scott Van Donsel of Homer and MaryEllen Reddick of Cortland.

Once he learned to ride his bike, he was unstoppable, leaving a trail of dust and joy wherever he went. He was known for his easygoing nature and ability to make friends effortlessly. Everyone fortunate enough to have known Andrew cherished his company and admired his positive attitude.

Andrew graduated from Cortland JuniorSenior High School in 2007. After high school, he worked at Tops Friendly Markets then NAPA West Road. At NAPA, Andrew honed his customer service skills through his likeable personality, warm smile, and constant offer of assistance. He formed many lasting friendships with both customers and colleagues at NAPA.

Andrew worked briefly as a mechanic and bus driver for Cortland City Schools before transitioning to the Public Works Department at the Village of Dryden. Among his responsibilities at the Village of Dryden, Andrew was certified in testing their public water supply system and facilities. This interest in water supply led him to his current position at W2O Pump & System Services in Cortland where he specialized in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as collection and distribution systems.

Andrew loved being with his family and friends, whether at camp, a local establishment, or the Elks Lodge. A life member of Homer Elks Lodge #2506, Andrew was a Past Exalted Ruler, and former Trustee. His distinctive footsteps echoed across the Lodge floor whenever he entered; you never had to look up to see who it was when you heard them.

Andrew is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Leah (Dutcher) Van Donsel of Cortland; his parents, Scott Van Donsel (Alicia Zupancic) and MaryEllen (Harry "Junior") Reddick; by his brother Michael (Mandy) Van Donsel of Dryden and their children, Cooper and Daniel Van Donsel; grandmother Marietta Aldrich of Scottsdale, AZ, many aunts, uncles, cousins, a multitude of friends, and his wing man, Walt Nichols, Jr.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Elks National Foundation In Memory of Andrew Van Donsel, c/o Homer Elks Lodge #2506, 82 Cortland Street, Homer, NY 13077 or Little Tags Foundation, In Memory of Andrew Van Donsel, 5231 Foster Road, Cortland, NY 13045.

Great Grandpa, Al Thayer Jr.

Anthony J. "Tony" Welch
1974 - 2022

Anthony "Tony" Welch, 47, of Owego passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Tony was predeceased by his father, Albert "Al" Welch. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lisa Welch; their children, Caleb and Allison; his mother, Debra Welch; sister and brother-in-law, Melissa and Ed Economides; brother and sister-in-law, Chad and Natalee Welch; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Tony graduated from Owego Free Academy Class of 1992 and went on to play football at West Mansfield College. He was a HVAC Specialist with P & J Mechanical Contractors.

Richard McCall 1954 - 2025

Columbia, KY and Formerly of McGraw, NY
Richard “Rick” McCall, 70, of Columbia KY and formerly of McGraw NY, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, February 28, 2025, at The Medical Center in Bowling Green, after a brief illness.

Rick was born August 7, 1954 and was the son of Thomas and Darlene McCall. Rick was an avid hunter who was able to share memorable experiences of hunting trips to Vermont, Ohio, Colorado, and Canada with friends and family. Rick also had many hunts all over NY and some in KY. He also enjoyed farming and spending time with family and friends in nature and sharing stories around the coffee pot. Some even said he was so spoiled, his feet didn’t touch the ground.

Rick is survived by his mother Darlene, his wife of 49 years, Carla Davis McCall, his two sons, Tom (Tammy) McCall and Brian (Anita) McCall, two sisters, Sue (Kory) Minshall and Janet McCall, one brother, David (Molly) McCall, four grandchildren, Hailey McCall, Carlee McCall, Lexi McCall, and Jacob McCall, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Rick was predeceased by his father, Tom, and several close friends and family, who welcomed him through the pearly gates into eternal peace.