In loving memory of

Dr. Stewart Anderson VerNooy, Jr.
July 22, 1932 - February 20, 2017

Stewart A. VerNooy Jr., a third-generation Cortland County physician, passed away peacefully at his Venice, Florida home on Monday February 20th 2017. He was 84 yrs of age.
Dr. VerNooy was a graduate of Northfield Mount Herman¬ Prep school (1950) & then Amherst College (1954). As an Air Force ROTC scholar at Amherst College where he lettered in lacrosse, he hosted a weekly poker game to supplement his income. After graduating from Amherst, Dr. VerNooy matriculated at Jefferson Medical College where he graduated with honors in 1958. During this time at Jefferson, Dr. VerNooy developed lifelong passions for medicine, emergency care and opera. Driving an ambulance on weekend nights and serving as an usher at the Philadelphia Philharmonic inculcated these deep devotions to medicine & music.
Dr. VerNooy did his residency at Tripler Grant Army Hospital in Pearl Harbor, Oahu. In short order, he was promoted to chief Internist at Tripler because he demonstrated an avid dedication to emergency medicine. His ROTC obligations would later place him as a triage surgeon for Vietnam Medical evacuations.
Dr. VerNooy resigned his officers commission 1966. He then moved his young family to Cortland, NY., where he started a private practice. In every story about this move, he loved speaking about the importance of being close to family and the natural beauty of the area. His love of family and the Finger Lakes region is one of the most cherished gifts he passed on to his children and their families.
Dr. VerNooy was an innovator in the field of medicine. His advocacy of midlevel practitioners as first providers led to a paradigm shift in delivery of medicine. This was especially important in rural Central NY. He was the founder and director of Cortland Rural Health Services. He also served as the Medical Director of then named, Cortland Memorial Hospital.
Dr. VerNooy was a patron of the arts and was 1 of the 23 charter members Of Cortland Reparatory Theater which opened its doors in July of 1972. He was a sailor, surfer, singer, tennis player, golfer, and a jack of all trades although he would add, "a master of none". Some of his projects included rebuilding his lake cottage with his children, culling trees & splitting for firewood, deck & dock building, roof repairs & many electrical installations.
Dr. VerNooy is predeceased by his parents, Stewart A. VerNooy & Mary Otts-VerNooy, also a sister, Mary Carroll Mahoney.
He is survived by his wife of 19yrs, Ursula Neff-VerNooy; his sister, Gretchen Abbott; His son, Stewart VerNooy III; his daughters & sons in law, Jennifer VerNooy Pedro Franco, Rebecca VerNooy Ledger Free, Emily VerNooy Jeff Murtha; his stepsons & daughters in law, Michael & Kjirsten Neff, Brian & Jennifer Neff and all of his beloved grandchildren, Samantha, Olivia, Emile, Henry, Grace, Charles, and Ledger.
Please make donations in Stewart's name to the Disabled American Veterans, St. Petersburg, Florida, VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 1437, St. Petersburg ,FL 3373.1

Tributes

Fred Preston wrote on Jul 7, 2017:

"The VerNooy name was deeply revered in our family. Said to read of young Dr. VerNooy's death."

Rita Harvey wrote on Mar 3, 2017:

"Thank you for your service to our country ?? We express our deepest sympathies to the Vernoy family. Lt. Col. Gil & Rita Harvey NGB/SG"

Laurie Radtke wrote on Mar 3, 2017:

"What an amazing man, a wonderful Commander and mentor, and a very dear friend. I am so very sorry for your loss. With my deepest condolences to the family...Laurie Radtke, 174 Medical Squadron"

Lisa Rigge wrote on Feb 25, 2017:

"So very sorry to hear of Dr. Vernoory's passing. Lisa Rigge "

Peter Dobbins wrote on Feb 24, 2017:

"Very saddened upon hearing of Stu's passing. Played golf with him in the same group a couple days a week and always enjoyed his companionship. A true gentleman. May God Bless his soul."

Ken,Sue, Betsy, Casey Jones wrote on Feb 23, 2017:

"Farewell to a great friend from a magic time and place. Stu was a kind and generous man, a fine of wit and wisdom who loved life and lived it well. For all who knew him, the world is a little dimmer today. Rest well, old friend. You earned it. Sincere condolences to all of the VerNooy clan."

Teri K Mauler wrote on Feb 21, 2017:

"To a wonderful man, and a wonderful family. Stu - your friendship to Sue and George was invaluable. And you treated their kids like your kids. Hopefully you will be taking Mom on the dance floor now, because, by now, George must need rest. God bless. Warmest wishes, and deepest love, Teri Mauler and the Mauler Family."

Kay Waites wrote on Feb 21, 2017:

"Deepest condolences to the VerNooy family and friends from Kay Waites and staff at Sound Choice Cremation & Burials."